JPH09119705A - Apparatus for automatically filling hot water in bath - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for automatically filling hot water in a bath having an automatic hot water supply function for filling hot water at a predetermined temperature to a predetermined level in a bath, wherein even though the timing when the bath is ready varies depending on the amount of residual water, the timing is indicated as soon as possible before it comes. SOLUTION: This apparatus for automatically filling hot water in a bath comprises a judging means (steps 51 and 53) for determining whether a current water level reaches a predetermined water level HS before hot water of an amount equal to a difference Qt(=Qs-ΔQ0 ) between a predetermined amount Qs of water determined according to the predetermined Hs and the size of the bath and a predetermined value ΔQ0 is supplied, and a first indicating means (steps 54, 55 and 56) for indicating that the bath is ready where the judging means determines that the current water level has not reached the predetermined water level Hs even if hot water of an amount equal to the difference Qt was supplied.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses hot water having a preset desired temperature (hereinafter referred to as preset temperature) Ts to obtain a preset desired water level (hereinafter referred to as preset water level) Hs or
The present invention relates to an automatic bath device having an automatic water filling function for filling a desired water amount (hereinafter, referred to as a set water amount) Qs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A specific operation sequence of a conventional automatic bath apparatus having an automatic hot water filling function of this type will be described with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG.

If the set temperature Ts and the set water level Hs are determined in advance, pouring of hot water at the set temperature Ts is started (step 1), and if the set water level Hs is poured (step 2). ), Pouring is stopped (step 3).

Subsequently, reheating is started (step 4), and when the hot water temperature in the bathtub reaches the set temperature Ts (step 5), reheating is stopped (step 6).

As a result, hot water of the set temperature Ts has been filled in the bathtub up to the set water level Hs, and the buzzer or the like notifies that the bath is ready for bathing.
(Step 7). Hereinafter, this is referred to as "bathing notice".

[0006]

By the way, in the automatic bath apparatus having such an automatic filling function, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), when there is residual water up to a water level Ha higher than the water level sensor detection minimum water level Hd above the bath circulation port, the water level sensor D can detect the residual water.

If there is a large amount of residual water that exceeds the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor, regardless of the four seasons, even if hot water of the set temperature Ts is poured up to the set water level Hs, the total hot water temperature Is much lower than the set temperature Ts,
As in the sequence shown in FIG. 8, it can be said that it is practical and appropriate to give a "bath notification" when pouring to the set water level Hs and then reheating and reaching the set temperature Ts. .

However, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), when there is no residual water in the bathtub, hot water of the set temperature Ts is poured until the set water level Hs is reached. Except for this, the temperature drop due to heat radiation or the like is slight, and therefore, when the water is poured up to the set water level Hs, the bath can be sufficiently bathed. In addition, considering that it takes time to take a bath before actually taking a bath after receiving a "bath notification" from the buzzer, etc., in step 7 after stopping reheating in Fig. 8, the "bath notification" It can be said that it is more appropriate to carry out the reheating after giving the "bath notification" at the time when the water has been poured up to the set water level Hs in step 3 rather than performing ".

Therefore, as can be seen from the above description, it is a preferable coping method that the timing of "bath notification" is changed according to the presence or absence of residual water.

In order to determine the presence or absence of residual water, for example, whether or not the residual water is detected by the water level sensor D is used as a standard. After determining that there is water, pouring water to the set water level Hs, and then reheating it and reaching the set temperature Ts, "Bathing notification"
If the residual water is not detected by the water level sensor D,
It is conceivable that the sequence is such that it is judged that there is no residual water, and a "bath notification" is given when the water is poured to the set water level Hs before the start of reheating.

However, if the presence / absence of residual water is judged simply based on the detection output of the water level sensor D, the following problems occur.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9 (c),
When there is residual water up to a water level Hc slightly lower than the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor, the residual water cannot be detected by the water level sensor D, so in reality, although the residual water amount is relatively large, It is judged that there is no residual water.

Therefore, if the "bath notification" is performed immediately after pouring the water to the set water level Hs, the set water level Hs
Even if it is poured up to, the total temperature of the hot water is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts, so it takes time to reheat it to the set temperature Ts. Therefore, even if the bath is actually bathed,
The inconvenience occurs that the set temperature Ts has not been reached yet.

Since the water level sensor D is arranged in the middle of the reheating circulation path between the bath kettle and the bathtub, there is naturally a limit to lowering the minimum water level detected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when the bathing time becomes different depending on the remaining water amount, when the bathing state becomes possible, the bathing time is as early as possible. The challenge is to have a "bath announcement" given at this point.

[0016]

The present invention employs the following structure to solve the above-mentioned problems.

That is, in the invention according to claim 1,
In an automatic bath device having an automatic hot water filling function for hot water of a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs or a preset water amount Qs in a bathtub, When there is little residual water, the set water level H
There is provided a first notifying means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing at the time of pouring near to s or near the set water amount Qs, or when pouring is completed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the hot water having a preset temperature Ts is supplied to the bath with a preset water level Hs,
Alternatively, in an automatic bath device equipped with an automatic water filling function for filling up to a preset water amount Qs, a preset predetermined value ΔQ ₀ is subtracted from the set water amount Qs determined according to the set water level Hs and the size of the bathtub. Difference water volume Qt (= Qs
-ΔQ ₀ ) determining means for determining whether or not the set water level Hs is reached by the time the hot water is poured, and even if the difference amount Qt of hot water is poured by this determining means, the set water level Hs is still reached. If it is determined that the bath is not available, the first notification means is provided to notify that the bath is ready for bathing.

In the invention according to claim 3, in an automatic bath device having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in the bathtub, First determination means for determining whether or not the pouring hot water has reached the set water level Hs, and if the first determined means determines that the set water level Hs has been reached, the set water level Hs and the bathtub The residual water amount ΔQr (= Qs-Q) before pouring is calculated by subtracting the actual pouring amount Q until the set water level Hs is reached from the set water amount Qs determined according to the size of the water, and the residual water amount ΔQr is predetermined. a second determination means for determining whether or not exceeds a predetermined value Delta] Q _0, if the residual water content ΔQr is determined to less than the predetermined value Delta] Q ₀ by the second judging means becomes bathing state The first to let you know
And notification means.

In the invention according to claim 4, in an automatic bath device having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in the bath, The difference in water level Ht (= Hs-ΔH) from which the pouring water is poured is lower than the set water level Hs by a predetermined value ΔH _1.
1 ) determining means for determining whether or not ₁ ) has been reached;
When the determination means determines that the difference water level Ht has been reached, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected, and the detected hot water temperature T is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT _{0, the} allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Ts− Δ
(T ₀ ), and a second determination means for determining whether or not it exceeds the allowable hot water temperature Tt.
When it is determined that the temperature is higher than the above, the first notification means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing is provided.

In the invention according to claim 5, in an automatic bath device having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water amount Qs in the bathtub, The amount of hot water to be poured is lower than the set water amount Qs by a predetermined value ΔQ _{1 which is a} difference water amount Qt ₁ (= Qs−Δ
Q ₁ ), first determining means for determining whether or not the temperature has reached Q ₁ ), and when the first determining means determines that the differential water amount Qt ₁ has been reached, the hot water temperature of the bathtub is detected and the detection is performed. Allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Ts−Δ) where hot water temperature T is lower than set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT ₀
(T ₀ ), and a second determination means for determining whether or not it exceeds the allowable hot water temperature Tt.
When it is determined that the temperature is higher than the above, the first notification means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing is provided.

In the invention according to claim 6, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when there is a large amount of residual water in the bathtub before filling with water, the set water level Hs or the set water quantity Qs A second notifying unit is provided to inform that the bath is ready for bathing when the temperature is almost heated to the set temperature Ts after pouring.

[0023]

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic bath apparatus according to the present invention.

The automatic bath apparatus 1 of this example is provided with a reheating circulation path 4 whose both ends are connected to the bathtub 2, and in the middle of this reheating circulation path 4, a heat exchanger 6 for reheating and a forced circulation. A circulation pump 8 for water is provided, and a water level sensor 10 for detecting the water level of the bath 2 is provided upstream of the circulation pump 8 at a position midway to the heat exchanger 6 downstream of the circulation pump 8. A flow water switch 11 that closes when hot water stored in the bathtub 2 flows when the vehicle is operated, and a temperature sensor 12 that detects the temperature T of the hot water stored in the bathtub 2 are arranged, A gas burner 14 for heating the heat exchanger 6 is provided.

A hot water supply passage 16 is provided at an intermediate position on the upstream side of the circulation pump 8 of the additional heating circulation passage 4 to reach the water level sensor 10.
A check valve 18, a flow rate sensor 19, an opening / closing valve 20, and a water heater 22 are sequentially connected to the hot water supply passage 16 toward the upstream side.

Furthermore, the automatic bath apparatus 1 of this embodiment is
The remote controller 24 and the controller 26 are provided.

The remote controller 24 is adapted to input data such as the set temperature Ts and the set water level Hs to the controller 26.

The controller 26 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and has a control unit 30 and an arithmetic unit 3.
2, a memory 34, etc., and is provided with the set temperature Ts, the set water level Hs, and each sensor 1 input from the remote controller 24.
Based on the detection output from 0, 12, and 19, the combustion control of the gas burner 14 and the water heater 18 for additional heating is performed,
The movable parts 8, 20, ... Are controlled.

Each unit of claims 1 to 6 in the claims is constituted by the controller 22 and its control program.

Next, the sequence of automatic filling of the automatic bath apparatus 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

Sequence 1 This sequence 1 will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. 2A and the flow chart shown in FIG.

The sequence 1 for automatic filling is based on the assumption that the automatic bath device 1 is provided with the water level sensor 10 in the bathtub 2.

Now, when the automatic filling mode is set,
The controller 26 uses the following formula to set the water amount Qs, the allowable temperature Tt, and the difference water amount Qt based on the set water level Hs and the set temperature Ts which are predetermined by the remote controller 24.
(Step 10).

Qs = kHs (1) Tt = Ts−ΔT ₀ (2) Qt = Qs−ΔQ ₀ (3) where k is a conversion factor from the water level to the water amount, and depends on the size of the bathtub 2. Different values. The set water volume Qs is
It is also possible to learn the amount of water corresponding to the set water level Hs by trial operation or the like, and use this, regardless of the formula (1). Also, Δ
T ₀ is a temperature decrease that does not significantly affect the feeling of bathing as compared with when bathing in hot water of the set temperature Ts, and is, for example, 1 ° C. ΔQ ₀ is a predetermined value serving as a reference for the residual water amount, and this predetermined value ΔQ ₀ is assumed to be a state in which the residual water in the bathtub 2 and the hot water dropped in the bathtub 2 are mixed and reach the set water level Hs. At this time, it is determined on the basis of the residual water amount (the amount of water corresponding to the water level indicated by the symbol ΔH ₀ in FIG. 2A) which is considered to not impair the feeling of bathing because the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts is small. Therefore, the predetermined value ΔQ ₀ can be a variable determined by the set water level Hs (or the set water amount Qs), the outside temperature, etc., but here is uniformly set to 10 liters.

Further, in step 10, a flag F for determining whether or not "bathing notification" is given is set to 0.

When the set water amount Qs, the allowable temperature Tt, and the differential water amount Qt are obtained by the above equations (1) to (3), the controller 26 stores these data in the memory 34 and then the predetermined amount. The pouring of water (for example, 10 liters) is started (step 15).

In this pouring operation, the controller 2
6 opens the on-off valve 20, controls the combustion of the water heater 22, drops the hot water of the set temperature Ts into the bathtub 2 via the hot water supply channel 16 and the additional heating circulation channel 4 while measuring the flow rate sensor 19.

When the pouring of a predetermined amount is completed, the circulation pump 8
Is driven to determine whether or not the flow water switch 11 is closed, that is, whether or not there is residual water so that the current water level H reaches the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor above the bath circulation port ( Step 30).

If it is detected in this step 30 that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is large, so the set temperature T
Even if the hot water of s is poured to the set water level Hs, it is obvious that the whole hot water temperature is significantly lower than the set temperature Ts.

Therefore, in this case, the current water level H
After pouring the water until the water level reaches the set water level Hs (until H ≧ Hs) (steps 31 and 32), the pouring is stopped (step 69). do not do.

On the other hand, in step 30, even if the residual water is not detected after pouring a predetermined amount (here, 10 liters) at the beginning of pouring, as a result of pouring the predetermined amount, the current water level H is the water level. When the water level Hc slightly lower than the sensor-detected lowest water level Hd is reached, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is as shown in FIG.
Is larger than the amount of water indicated by ΔQ ₀ (water level of ΔH ₀ ). Therefore, even if hot water having the set temperature Ts is poured to the set water level Hs, the entire hot water temperature in the bathtub 2 is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts. , Actually unsuitable for bathing.

Therefore, in this example, when the residual water is not detected in step 30, the controller 26 starts pouring the water (step 33), and the water level H detected by the water level sensor 10 is set to the set water level. Determine if it exceeds Hs
(Step 51).

Of course, the set water level Hs is sufficiently larger than the minimum water level Hd detected by the water level sensor (Hs> Hd), so that the current water level H does not exceed the set water level Hs immediately after the start of pouring in step 33. , It takes some time.

Therefore, in step 51, first, H <Hs
Then, the controller 26 determines whether or not the pouring amount Q up to the present after the start of pouring exceeds the differential water amount Qt obtained based on the equation (3) (step 53).

Here, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is a predetermined value Δ.
If it is larger than Q ₀ (higher than the water level indicated by the symbol ΔH ₀ in FIG. 2 (a)), the set water level Hs will be reached before pouring the differential water amount Qt, but the residual water amount will be the predetermined value. If it is less than ΔQ ₀ (lower than the water level indicated by the reference ΔH ₀ in FIG. 2A), the set water level Hs will not be reached even if the differential water amount Qt is poured.

Therefore, even if the residual water cannot be detected in step 30, if the pouring amount Q up to the present reaches the differential water amount Qt until the set water level Hs is reached by continuing the pouring, the initial residual water amount is extremely high. It is considered that the temperature decrease from the set temperature Ts is small even if it is mixed with the hot water dropped into the bathtub 2, and the heating time is short.

Therefore, if the pouring amount Q up to now reaches the differential water amount Qt without reaching the set water level Hs, it is judged by the flag F whether or not the "bath notification" has already been made (step 54). If you have not given the "Bathing Notice", immediately give the "Bathing Notice" (Step 5)
5). Then, after the flag F is set to 1 to indicate that the "bath notification" has been given (step 56), when the set water level Hs is reached by continuing pouring, the process moves from step 51 to step 69 and pouring is performed. To stop.

On the other hand, if the current pouring amount Q reaches the set water level Hs before the current pouring amount Q reaches the differential water amount Qt due to the continuous pouring, the initial residual water amount is so large that it cannot be ignored, and the bathtub 2 is kept in the bathtub 2. Set temperature T when mixed with hot water
It is considered that the temperature decrease from s is relatively large and the time required for reheating is long. Therefore, in this case, the "bath notification" is not performed, and when the set water level Hs is reached in step 51, the process proceeds to step 69 and the pouring is stopped.

Therefore, the above steps 51 and 53 correspond to the determining means of claim 2, and the steps 55 and 56 correspond to the first notifying means of claim 2.

Subsequently, the controller 26 immediately activates the circulation pump 8 of the reheating circulation path 4 after stopping pouring, ignites the gas burner 14 for reheating, and starts reheating.
(Step 70).

When this reheating is started, the controller 26 first determines whether or not the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 detected by the temperature sensor 12 exceeds the allowable temperature Tt obtained based on the equation (2). It is determined (step 71).

When the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 exceeds the allowable temperature Tt due to continued reheating, it is determined whether or not the "bath notification" has already been made by checking whether the flag F is 1 or not.
(Step 72) If the "bath notification" has not been given yet, a "bath notification" is given (step 73). Therefore, steps 71 to 73 correspond to the second notification means of claim 6.

When the hot water temperature T of the bathtub 2 reaches the set temperature Ts due to continued reheating (step 74),
The reheating is stopped (step 75), and the automatic filling is completed.

Sequence 2 This sequence 2 will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. 2A and the flowchart shown in FIG.

The sequence 2 of this automatic filling is the same as the sequence 1 in that the difference water amount Qt is used as a measure of the initial residual water amount, but even if the automatic bath apparatus 1 is not provided with the water level sensor 10. The automatic water filling can be performed up to the set water level Qs including the residual water based on the detection output of the water amount sensor 19.

Therefore, in the sequence 2, steps 10, 15, 30, steps 53 to 56, and steps 69 to 75 are the same as those in the sequence 1, but the steps can be taken even when the water level sensor 10 is not provided. In order to do so, there is a part of processing that is slightly different from that of the case of sequence 1, so here, the part different from the case of sequence 1 will be mainly described.

In this sequence 2, whether or not the bath water switch 11 is turned on after pouring a predetermined amount (10 liters in this case) of pouring is completed in step 15, that is, the current water level H
Determines whether or not the water level has reached the water level Hd above the bath circulation port (step 30).

In this step 30, the water level in the bathtub 2 is the water level H.
When it is detected that the temperature reaches d, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is large, and at that time, the gas burner 14 is ignited for a certain period of time and the amount of change in the hot water temperature based on the detection output of the temperature sensor 12 is increased. The residual water amount ΔQr is calculated by calorific value calculation based on ΔT and the combustion heat amount of the gas burner 14 (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-31055) (step 4).
1).

After the remaining water amount ΔQr is calculated, the pouring amount Q is the set water amount Qs minus the remaining water amount ΔQr.
After pouring until the temperature reaches (= Qs−ΔQr) (until Q ≧ Qs−ΔQr) (steps 41, 42, 43), the pouring is stopped (step 69), but the pouring amount Q is Q ≧ Qs. -Do not give a "bath notification" even if ΔQr is reached.

On the other hand, in step 30, if the residual water is not detected even after pouring a predetermined amount (here, 10 liters) at the beginning of pouring, a further predetermined amount (here, 20 liters) is set. Pouring water (step 44), bath water switch 1
It is determined whether 1 is turned on (step 45).

When it is detected in this step 45 that the water level in the bathtub 2 has reached the water level Hd, the initial residual water amount in the bathtub 2 is indicated by ΔQ ₀ (water level of ΔH ₀ ) in FIG. Since it can be estimated that the amount of water is larger than the amount of water, the above steps 41 to 4
After performing the process of 3, the pouring is stopped (step 69).

On the other hand, in step 45, if the residual water is not detected even after pouring a predetermined amount (for example, 20 liters), it can be considered that the bathtub 2 had only the residual water amount of ΔQ ₀ or less from the beginning. The controller 26 starts pouring (step 46) and determines whether or not the pouring amount Q from step 15 to the present time exceeds the set water amount Qs (step 52), and the pouring amount Q becomes the set water amount Qs. If the difference water amount Qt is reached without reaching it, immediately give a "bath notification"
(Steps 53-56). Then stop pouring (step 6)
After 9), it is the same as the case of the sequence 1.

In this sequence 2, the bath water may be notified when the set water amount Qs is reached in step 52 without setting the differential water amount Qt.

Here, steps 52 and 53 correspond to the determining means of claim 2, and steps 55 and 56 correspond to the first notifying means of claim 2.

Sequence 3 This Sequence 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

This sequence 3 of automatic filling is premised on that the automatic bath apparatus 1 is provided with the water level sensor 10. In the above Sequences 1 and 2, the difference Qt is used as a measure of the initial residual water amount so that the timing of the "bath notification" is appropriate. However, in Sequence 3, the set water level Hs is set. The residual water amount ΔQr is directly calculated from the actual pouring amount Q that has been poured until reaching, and the timing of the “bathing notice” is set to be appropriate depending on the remaining water amount ΔQr.

That is, in the sequence 3, the controller 26 obtains the set water amount Qs and the allowable temperature Tt by the above-mentioned equations (1) and (2), and sets the "bathing notice" flag F to 0. After that (step 11), pouring is started (step 14).

Then, based on the detection output of the water level sensor 10, it is judged whether or not the water level H of the bathtub 2 which has been poured until now has reached the set water level Hs (step 18). Therefore, this step 18 corresponds to the first determination means of claim 3.

When the water level H in the bathtub 2 reaches the set water level Hs by continuing the pouring, the pouring is stopped (step 2
1).

Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the set water amount Q
s and the actual pouring amount Q until reaching the set water level Hs, the residual water amount Δ stored in the bathtub 2 at the beginning of pouring
Qr is directly calculated by the following equation (step 22).

ΔQr = Qs−Q (4) Next, this residual water amount ΔQr is a predetermined value ΔQ ₀
It is determined whether or not it exceeds (step 23).

This predetermined value ΔQ ₀ is the residual water amount which is considered to have little effect on the decrease in the set temperature, similarly to the one used for obtaining Qt in the above-mentioned formula (3), and here is uniformly 10 liters. And Therefore, step 22,
Reference numeral 23 corresponds to the second determination means of claim 3.

When it is determined in step 23 that the residual water amount ΔQr in the bathtub 2 is smaller than the predetermined value ΔQ ₀ , the temperature drop from the set temperature Ts in the state where the water is poured to the set water level Hs is small. Since you can take a sufficient bath, immediately give a "bath notification" (step 24). Then, the flag F is set to 1 so that it can be seen that "bathing notice" has been completed (step 25). Therefore, steps 24 and 25 correspond to the first notification means of claim 3.

On the other hand, in step 23, the residual water amount ΔQ in the bathtub 2
When r is larger than the predetermined value ΔQ ₀ , it is considered that when the set water level Hs is reached, the temperature decrease from the set temperature Ts is relatively large and the time required for reheating is long. Therefore, in this case, the "bath notification" is not performed, and the process proceeds to step 70 to start reheating.

Since the subsequent operation is the same as that of the sequences 1 and 2, detailed description will be omitted.

Sequence 4 This sequence 4 will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. 2B and the flow chart shown in FIG.

The sequence 4 for automatic filling is based on the assumption that the automatic bath apparatus 1 is provided with the water level sensor 10. Also, in each of the above sequences 1, 2, 3
The timing of "bathing notification" is determined mainly based on the amount of water in the bathtub 2. In Sequence 4, the timing of "bathing notification" is mainly based on the hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12. I judge it.

That is, in this sequence 4, when the automatic filling mode is set, the controller 26 obtains the differential water level Ht by the following equation based on the set water level Hs predetermined by the remote controller 24 (step 1
2).

Ht = Hs−ΔH ₁ (5) Here, ΔH ₁ is the set water level by the time of actually bathing even if “Bathing notification” is given after pouring as shown in FIG. 2 (b). It is a water level difference that is considered to be around Hs, for example, 5c
m.

Further, in step 12, the allowable temperature Tt is obtained by the above equation (2), and the flag F for determining whether or not the "bath notification" is given is set to zero.

Thus, the differential water level Ht and the allowable temperature Tt
When the data is obtained, the controller 26 stores these data in the memory 34 and then starts pouring (step 1
4).

When the pouring is started, the controller 26 first determines whether or not there is residual water up to a water level higher than the water level sensor minimum detected water level Hd based on the detection output of the water level sensor 10 ( Step 28).

When residual water is detected by the water level sensor 10, since the initial residual water amount is large, even if pouring hot water of the set temperature Ts to the set water level Hs, the total hot water temperature is lower than the set temperature Ts. Since it is significantly low, in this case, when the set water level Hs is reached (step 66), the pouring is stopped (step 69) without giving a "bath notification".

On the other hand, in step 28, even if the residual water is not detected by the water level sensor 10, as shown in FIG. 9C, the residual water level Hc is slightly lower than the height Hd at which the water level sensor 10 is located. When there is water, even if the hot water of the set temperature Ts is poured to the set water level Hs, the temperature of the whole hot water in the bathtub 2 is considerably lower than the set temperature Ts, and is actually unsuitable for bathing. Note that step 28 is the same as step 14
You may go before.

Therefore, when the water level sensor 10 detects no residual water in step 28, the controller 26
While continuing the pouring, it is determined whether or not the current water level H exceeds the differential water level Ht (step 36). Therefore, step 36 corresponds to the first determining means of claim 4.

When the current water level H exceeds the differential water level Ht, subsequently, the circulation pump 8 is activated to stir the hot water in the bathtub 2, while the temperature sensor 12 detects the hot water temperature T (step 61), it is determined whether the hot water temperature T exceeds the allowable temperature Tt (step 62). Therefore, steps 61 and 62
Corresponds to the second determination means of claim 4.

If the current hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12 exceeds the permissible temperature Tt, it is possible to take a sufficient bath, so a "bath notification" is given immediately (step 63). Then, the flag F is set to 1 so that it can be seen that "bathing notice" has been completed (step 64). Therefore, steps 63 and 64 are the first of claim 4.
Corresponds to notification means.

On the other hand, in step 62, the hot water temperature T is the allowable temperature T
If it does not exceed t, no bathing notification will be given. If the set water level Hs is reached due to continuous pouring (step 6)
6) Stop pouring (step 69).

Since the subsequent operation is the same as that in sequences 1 to 3, its explanation is omitted.

When step 28 is omitted and the water level H reaches the differential water level Ht, it is determined whether or not the hot water temperature T exceeds the allowable temperature Tt, regardless of the amount of remaining water. You may Further, the determination of the differential water level Ht in step 36 is omitted, and when the current water level H exceeds the set water level Hs (H ≧ Hs), the pouring is stopped to detect the temperature T,
If T ≧ Tt, it is possible to notify the bath immediately.

Sequence 5 This sequence 5 will be described with reference to the explanatory view shown in FIG. 2B and the flow chart shown in FIG.

In order to cope with the case where the water level sensor 10 is not provided in the automatic bath apparatus 1, the sequence 5 of this automatic water filling is based on the detection output of the water amount sensor 19 and includes the set water level Qs. Up to the automatic filling of water. Further, in this sequence 5, as in the case of sequence 4, the timing of the "bath notification" is determined mainly based on the hot water temperature T detected by the temperature sensor 12.

Therefore, in this sequence 5, the steps 30, 41 to 46 for determining the remaining water amount are the same as those in the sequence 2, and the steps 61 to 64 and 69 to determine the timing of bathing notification. Since the part of 75 is the same as that of sequence 4, here, the part different from the case of sequences 2 and 4 will be mainly described.

In Sequence 5, the controller 26 is predetermined by the remote controller 24 in place of Step 12 in Sequence 4, because it is necessary to cope with the case where the automatic bath apparatus 1 is not equipped with the water level sensor 10. The set water quantity Qs is calculated from the set water level Hs by the equation (1), and the differential water quantity Qt ₁ is obtained by the following equation (step 13). In addition, even if the set water amount Qs itself is determined in advance by the remote controller 24, the calculation according to the equation (1) is not necessary.

Qt ₁ = Qs−ΔQ ₁ (6) Here, ΔQ ₁ is near the set water level Hs by the time of actually bathing, even if “Bathing notification” is given, as shown in FIG. 2B. It is the amount of water corresponding to the water level difference that is considered to be.

Further, in step 13, the allowable temperature Tt is obtained by the above equation (2), and the flag F for determining whether or not the "bath notification" is set to 0.

Further, in this sequence 5, instead of step 36 in sequence 4, it is judged whether or not the current pouring amount Q exceeds the differential water amount Qt ₁ (step 60), and further, in step 66 in sequence 4. Instead, it is determined whether or not the current pouring amount Q exceeds the set water amount Qs (step 65).

Here, step 60 corresponds to the first judging means of claim 5, steps 61 and 62 correspond to the second judging means of claim 5, and steps 63 and 64 correspond to the first notifying means of claim 5, respectively.

In each of the above sequences 1 to 5, from the viewpoint of giving a "bath notification" as soon as possible when a bathable state is obtained, the "bath notification" time after the start of reheating is set. In each case, the time is the time when the temperature reaches the allowable temperature Tt in step 71, but when the temperature reaches the set temperature Ts in step 74, it is possible to give a "bath notification".

In addition to the "bath notification" for informing the bathing possible state of the first and second informing means, "automatic water filling completion notification" for informing the completion of the automatic water filling operation is reached when the set temperature Ts is reached. In addition, you may make it notify, and when "Automatic filling of water completion notification" is also performed, this notification method uses a pattern different from "Bathing notification", that is, high / low / long / short light if it sounds like buzzer. If so, it is desirable to use different colors and different flashing speeds.

[0101]

In any of the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the bathing time differs depending on the amount of remaining water, but in any case, when bathing is possible, it is as early as possible. At the time of, "Bathing notice" will be held.

Therefore, as in the conventional case, although the bath is ready for bathing, the "bathing notice" is delayed, or the temperature of the hot water is still low, which is not suitable for bathing. There are no inconveniences such as being said, and "bathing notice" is always given at an appropriate time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic bath device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram provided for explaining a pouring state of the automatic bath device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 1 of the automatic bath device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 2 of the automatic bath device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 3 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 4 of the automatic bath apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a sequence 5 of the automatic bath device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining one sequence of a conventional automatic bath device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of residual water and the pouring state of a conventional automatic bath device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic bath device, 2 ... Bathtub, 4 ... Additional heating circuit, 6 ... Heat exchanger, 8 ... Circulation pump, 10 ... Water level sensor, 11 ... Bath water switch, 12 ... Temperature sensor, 14 ... Gas burner,
19 ... Water amount sensor, 22 ... Water heater, 24 ... Remote control device, 26 ... Controller, 30 ... Control unit, 32 ... Calculation unit, 34 ... Memory.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Eiichi Tsuji 93, Edocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo Pref.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An automatic bath apparatus having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs or a preset water amount Qs in a bathtub. When the amount of remaining water in the previous bathtub is small, there is provided a first notifying means for informing that the bath is ready for bathing when pouring to near the set water level Hs or near the set water amount Qs, or when pouring is completed. An automatic bath device characterized by this. 2. An automatic bath apparatus having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs or a preset water amount Qs in a bathtub, wherein the setting is performed. The set water level Hs reaches the set water level Hs before the pouring of the difference water amount Qt (= Qs-ΔQ ₀ ) by subtracting the predetermined value ΔQ ₀ from the set water amount Qs determined according to the water level Hs and the size of the bathtub. If it is determined that the set water level Hs has not yet been reached even if the differential water amount Qt of hot water has been poured by the determination means, it is determined that the bath is ready for bathing. An automatic bath device, comprising: a first informing unit for informing. 3. An automatic bath device having an automatic water filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in a bathtub, the hot water poured into the bathtub is set. First determining means for determining whether or not the water level Hs has been reached, and when the first determining means determines that the set water level Hs has been reached, it is determined according to the set water level Hs and the size of the bathtub. Residual water amount before pouring ΔQr (= Qs−, which is the actual pouring amount Q until the set water level Hs is reached from the set water amount Qs
Q), and the residual water amount ΔQr is a predetermined value Δ
Second determining means for determining whether or not Q ₀ is exceeded, and the residual water amount ΔQr is determined by the second determining means.
An automatic bath apparatus comprising: a first notification means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing when it is determined to be less than Q ₀ . 4. An automatic bath device having an automatic filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water level Hs in a bathtub, the hot water poured into the bathtub is set. First determining means for determining whether or not a differential water level Ht (= Hs-ΔH ₁ ) lower than the water level Hs by a predetermined value ΔH ₁ is reached, and the differential water level Ht is reached by the first determining means. When it is determined that the allowable hot water temperature Tt (= Ts) is detected, the detected hot water temperature T is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT _0.
-ΔT ₀ ) and a second determining means for determining whether or not the detected hot water temperature T is the allowable hot water temperature T by the second determining means.
An automatic bath apparatus, comprising: a first notification means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing when it is determined to be higher than t. 5. An automatic bath device having an automatic filling function for filling hot water having a preset temperature Ts to a preset water amount Qs in a bathtub, the hot water to be poured into the bathtub is set. a first determining means for determining whether or not reached water Qs predetermined prescribed value Delta] Q ₁ only low differential water from _{Qt 1 (= Qs-ΔQ 1} ), the differential water Qt ₁ in the first judging means When it is determined that the temperature has reached the allowable temperature Tt (= Ts), the hot water temperature in the bathtub is detected and the detected hot water temperature T is lower than the set temperature Ts by a predetermined value ΔT _0.
-ΔT ₀ ) and a second determining means for determining whether or not the detected hot water temperature T is the allowable hot water temperature T by the second determining means.
An automatic bath apparatus, comprising: a first notification means for notifying that the bath is ready for bathing when it is determined to be higher than t. 6. When there is a large amount of residual water in the bathtub before filling with water, after pouring the water to the set water level Hs or the set water amount Qs, the bath is ready to be heated when it is reheated to almost the set temperature Ts. The automatic bath apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second notifying unit for notifying the user.