JPH10227520A - Bath device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent adhesion of fouling on the inner surface of a bathtub at the draft line being a set water level by a method wherein, based on the sensor output of a water level sensor, operation of inject hot water in a bathtub and operation to drain bathtub water are controlled, and after filling with hot water up to a set water level is effected, a bathtub water level is fluctuated. SOLUTION: When operation to raise a bathtub water level is effected, a hot water injection control valve 22 is opened and hot water generated by a hot water supply heat-exchanger is injected in the bathtub. A bathtub water level fluctuation control valve 38 compares a bathtub hot water level detected by a water level sensor 16 and when a bathtub water level attains an upper limit water level, the hot water injection control valve 22 is closed to complete injection of hot water in the bathtub, and the rise of the bathtub water level is stopped. When operation to lower a bathtub water level is effected, a drain valve 11 is opened and drainage of bathtub water is started, and the bathtub water level is lowered. A bathtub water level fluctuation control part 38 compared a bathtub water level detected by a water level sensor 16 with a lower limit water level. When the bathtub water level is lowered to a lower limit water level, the drain valve 11 is opened, drainage of bathtub water is completed, and lowering of the bathtub water level is stopped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bath apparatus capable of automatically pouring hot water generated by a heat source into a bathtub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 shows a bath apparatus (apparatus) with a pouring function.
The model example of the system configuration of FIG. As shown in the figure, this bath apparatus has a hot water supply heat exchanger 1 and a bath heat exchanger 26, which are heat source devices.
And a bath burner (not shown) for burning and heating the bath heat exchanger 26, respectively.

[0003] A water supply passage 3 is provided on the inlet side of the hot water supply heat exchanger 1.
The hot water supply passage 4 is connected to the outlet side of the hot water supply heat exchanger 1, and the hot water supply passage 4 is connected to a hot water tap 19 such as a kitchen or a shower.

A line 2 is provided at one end of the bath heat exchanger 26.
9 is connected, and the other end of the pipe 29 is connected to the bathtub 2.
4 is connected. One end of a pipe 31 is connected to the other end of the bath heat exchanger 26, and the other end of the pipe 31 is connected to a discharge port of a circulation pump 28.
8 is connected to one end of a conduit 32,
The other end of 2 is connected to bathtub 24. Pipe 29
The bath heat exchanger 26, the pipe 31, the circulation pump 28 and the pipe 32 constitute a reheating circuit 27 for reheating while circulating the water in the bathtub 24.

A drain passage 10 communicates with the bathtub 24. The drain passage 10 is provided with a drain valve 11 for opening and closing the passage.

A hot water supply passage 30 is provided for connecting the hot water supply passage 4 and the additional heating circulation passage 27, and a hot water supply control valve 22 for opening and closing the hot water supply passage 30 is provided in the hot water supply passage 30. . A pouring passage is constituted by the hot water supply passage 4, the hot water filling passage 30, and the additional heating circulation passage 27, and the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 is opened by opening the pouring control valve 22.
Can be poured into the bathtub 24 through the hot water supply passage 4, the hot water filling passage 30, and the additional heating circulation passage 27 in this order.

Reference numeral 7 in the figure denotes a flow control valve for variably controlling the flow rate of water according to the valve opening amount. Reference numeral 12 denotes a water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of incoming water guided from the water supply source through the water supply passage 3. Represents, 13 represents an incoming water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of incoming water in the water supply passage 3, 14 represents an outgoing water temperature sensor that detects the outgoing hot water temperature, 15 represents a bath temperature sensor that detects the temperature of hot and cold water in the bath, Reference numeral 16 denotes a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub.

A control device 20 is provided in the bath apparatus, and a remote controller 18 is connected to the control device 20. The remote controller 18 is provided with hot water supply temperature setting means for setting hot water temperature of hot water supply, bath temperature setting means for setting hot water temperature of bath, bathtub water level setting means 34 for setting bathtub water level, and the like. ing. The bathtub water level setting means 34 is configured so that a user of the appliance can freely select a plurality of bathtub water levels predetermined in advance and set the bathtub water level.

The control device 20 includes a hot water supply function, a pouring function, a reheating function, a heat retaining function including a water retaining function,
Various appliance operation sequence programs such as a drainage function are provided in advance, and the control device 20 performs appliance operation according to the above-described sequence program. For example, hot water tap 19
Is opened and when the water flow sensor 12 detects the flow of water in the water supply passage 3, the combustion of the hot water supply burner is started, and the water of the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 is heated by the combustion flame of the hot water supply burner to set the hot water temperature. Hot water is produced such that hot water flows out, and the produced hot water is supplied to a desired hot water supply location through the hot water supply passage 4. Then, the hot water tap 19 is closed and the water flow sensor 1 is closed.
When the stoppage of water supply in the water supply passage 3 is detected by the sensor output of 2, the combustion of the hot water supply burner is stopped and the hot water supply operation is terminated.

When pouring water into the bathtub, for example, the pouring control valve 22 is opened, and the hot water produced by the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 in the same manner as described above is followed by the hot water supply passage 4 and the hot water filling passage 30. The hot water is poured into the bathtub 24 through the firing circulation passage 27. Then, for example, when the bathtub water level detected based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 reaches the set water level set in the bathtub water level setting means 34, the pouring control valve 22 is closed to set the bath. The water at the water level can be automatically filled.

When reheating is performed, for example, the circulation pump 28 is driven to recycle the bath water in the recirculation passage 27.
And circulates the water, and burns the bath burner to heat the circulating water in the bath heat exchanger 26 by the combustion heating of the bath burner. Then, when the temperature of the bath detected based on the sensor output of the bath temperature sensor 15 reaches the set bath temperature, the drive of the circulation pump 28 is stopped, and the combustion of the bath burner is stopped to terminate reheating. .

When performing the heat retaining function, the circulating pump 28 is driven at predetermined time intervals (for example, 30 minute intervals) to circulate bath water through the recirculating passage 27, and the bath temperature sensor 15 A bathtub temperature (bath temperature) is detected based on the sensor output, and when the detected bath temperature is lower than a set bath temperature by exceeding a predetermined allowable temperature, reheating is performed as described above to perform the bathtub hot water temperature. To the set bath temperature and keep the bath temperature at the set temperature.

When performing the water retention function, for example, after the bath is filled with the set water level by the bathing, the bathtub water level is detected based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16,
When the detected bathtub water level is lower than the set water level set in the bathtub water level setting means 34, the bathtub 24 is poured in the same manner as described above to raise the bathtub water level to the set water level and set the bathtub water level. Keep at water level.

When draining the bath water, the drain valve 11
Is opened to drain the hot water from the bathtub 24 through the drain passage 10 and automatically drain the bathtub water.

[0015]

By the way, the heat retention function including the above water retention function is always operated to keep the hot water in the bathtub at the set hot water temperature and the set water level for 24 hours, and to take a bath immediately when desired. There is a 24-hour bath device that can be used. In the case of such a 24-hour bath apparatus, as described above, in order to maintain the bathtub water level at the set water level, the position of the water line (line of the bathtub water surface) on the inner surface of the bathtub is determined at the set water level, and the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion at the set water level is set. There is a problem that dirt and the like floating on the water surface of the bathtub hot water adhere to and fix the inside of the bathtub at the waterline. The dirt on the waterline tends to stick to the inner surface of the bathtub, and there is a problem that it takes a lot of time to clean the dirt on the bathtub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bath apparatus which can prevent dirt from adhering and fixing to a bathtub inner surface of a waterline portion at a set water level. It is in.

[0017]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object, the present invention has the following structure to solve the above problems. That is, the first invention has a bathtub water level setting means for setting the water level of the bathtub, and a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the bathtub, and pours the hot water created by the heat source into the bathtub through the pouring passage. In a bath apparatus provided with a pouring function for pouring hot water to the set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means and a drainage function for automatically draining bathtub water, the bath water level is set higher than the set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means. An upper limit water level that is higher by a predetermined rise amount and a lower limit water level that is lower by a predetermined decrease amount than the above-mentioned set water level are given, and hot water created by a heat source device after filling hot water of a substantially set water level in a bathtub. A bathtub water level raising operation of pouring a bathtub to raise the bathtub water level to the upper limit water level and a bathtub water level lowering operation of draining the bathtub water to the lower limit water level to lower the bathtub water level are alternately and repeatedly performed. With a structure in which a tub level variation control unit for varying is a means to solve the problem.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bathtub water level setting means for setting a water level in the bathtub, and a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub. The hot water produced by the heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage. In a bath apparatus provided with a pouring function of pouring hot water to a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means and a drainage function of automatically draining bathtub water, the bathtub is filled with hot water at a substantially set water level beforehand. The bathtub water level raising operation for pouring water into the bathtub for a predetermined pouring time and raising the bathtub water level, and the bathtub water level lowering operation for draining hot water from the bathtub for a predetermined drainage time and lowering the bathtub water level are alternately repeated. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a configuration in which a bathtub water level change control unit for changing the bathtub water level is provided.

The third invention has a bathtub water level setting means for setting the water level in the bathtub, and a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub. The hot water produced by the heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage. In a bath apparatus having a function of pouring hot water to a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means, a bathtub and a separate water storage container; a communication passage communicating the water storage container with the bathtub; and a communication passage from the bathtub. Bathtub water outflow means for allowing bathtub water to flow out into the water reservoir via a water bath; hot water inflow means for flowing hot water from the water storage vessel into the bathtub via a communication passage; predetermined water level set by the bath water level setting means A data storage unit for storing an upper limit water level that is higher by a given rise and a lower limit water level that is lower by a predetermined decrease than the above-mentioned set water level; Means for lowering the bathtub water level to the lower limit water level by causing the bathtub water to flow out to the water storage container through the communication passage, and the hot water in the water storage container flowing into the bathtub through the communication passage by the hot water inflow means. And a bathtub water level change control unit for changing the bathtub water level by alternately and repeatedly performing a bathtub water level raising operation for raising the bathtub water level to the upper limit water level.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or third aspect, a limit water level variable updating section for variably and automatically updating one or both of an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level at a predetermined timing. The means for solving the above-described problem is provided by a configuration provided with the above.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bathtub water level setting means for setting a bathtub water level, and a water level sensor for detecting a bathtub water level, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage. In a bath apparatus having a function of pouring hot water to a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means, a bathtub and a separate water storage container; a communication passage communicating the water storage container with the bathtub; and a communication passage from the bathtub. Bathtub water outflow means for flowing bathtub water into a water reservoir via a water bath; water bath inflow means for flowing hot water from a water storage vessel into a bathtub through a communication passage; Means for lowering the bathtub water level by causing hot water to flow out of the bathtub into the water reservoir for a predetermined drainage time by means, and flowing the hot water in the water reservoir into the bathtub by the hot water inflow means for a predetermined pouring time. And a means for solving the problem with a structure provided with: a tub level rise operation to increase the bath water level alternately repeated and tub level variation control unit for varying the bath water level.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second or fifth aspect, an allowable upper limit water level higher by a predetermined rise than a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means, and An allowable lower limit water level which is lower than the water level by a predetermined amount is given.The bathtub water level is detected at a predetermined timing, and when the detected bathtub water level is lower than the allowable lower limit water level, the bath is poured into the bathtub. Perform hot water to raise the bathtub water level within the permissible water level range from the permissible lower water level to the permissible upper water level, and when the detected bathtub water level is higher than the permissible upper water level, drain the bathtub water to the bathwater level within the permissible water level range. The configuration in which the water level holding unit is provided is a unit for solving the above problem.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bathtub water level variation control unit which constitutes one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention is configured such that the bathtub water level variation control unit is provided only during a predetermined period or at a predetermined timing. The means for solving the above-mentioned problem is a means for performing a variable operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of one of the first to seventh aspects, a bathtub water level fluctuation in which a bathtub water level raising operation and a bathtub water level lowering operation are alternately repeated. A means for solving the above-mentioned problem is provided with a configuration in which a bathtub water level rise control unit for overflowing the bathtub water at a predetermined cycle is provided.

According to a ninth aspect, in addition to the configuration of one of the first to eighth aspects, the set water level of the bathtub is variably set continuously or stepwise at a predetermined timing. A configuration in which the set water level variable control means is provided as means for solving the above-mentioned problem.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bathtub water level setting means for setting a water level in a bathtub, and a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the bathtub, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage. In a bath apparatus provided with a pouring function for pouring hot water to a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means and a water retaining function for maintaining the bathtub water level substantially at the set water level, the set water level of the bathtub is continuously or predetermined. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a configuration in which a set water level variable control means for variably setting the water level stepwise at the set timing is provided.

In the invention having the above-mentioned structure, for example, after hot water of a set water level is filled in the bathtub, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit raises the water level of the bathtub by pouring water into the bathtub from a heat source device or a water storage container. The bath tub water level is changed by alternately repeating a water level raising operation and a bath tub water level lowering operation of draining the bath tub water to the outside or draining the bath tub water from the bath tub to the water reservoir to lower the bath tub water level.

As described above, by changing the bathtub water level after filling the hot water at the set water level, the waterline of the bathtub is not fixed and fluctuates, so that dirt floating on the bathtub water surface adheres to the bathtub. Is prevented.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the control block configuration characteristic of the first embodiment by solid lines. In addition,
The bath apparatus of this embodiment has a system configuration shown in FIG. 7 and is intended for a 24-hour type.
Since the description of the system configuration has been described above, the overlapping description will be omitted.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, the control device 20 characteristic of the bath apparatus of the first embodiment includes a combustion control unit 36, a data storage unit 37, and a bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38.
And an upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39. The combustion control unit 36 is provided with a sequence program for hot water supply, pouring, reheating, warming, draining, and the like as described above. The combustion control unit 36 outputs various sensor outputs such as the water level sensor 16 and the remote controller 18. And the appliance operation is controlled according to the sequence program based on the information.

The data storage unit 37 is a storage device. The data storage unit 37 has a predetermined addition coefficient α (where α is a number larger than 0 (for example, 2 cm)) and a subtraction coefficient β.
(However, β is a number larger than 0 (for example, 2 cm))
Is stored. The upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 captures the operation information of the combustion control unit 36 and determines a predetermined timing based on the captured information (for example, a timing when the bathtub water level setting unit 34 detects that the bathtub water level is set or changed). ), The set water level Hs set in the bathtub water level setting means 34 is taken.

Then, the upper / lower limit water level setting section 39 reads the addition coefficient α and the subtraction coefficient β from the data storage section 37, and adds the above addition coefficient α to the fetched set water level Hs to obtain an upper limit water level Ho. Further, the lower limit water Hu is obtained by subtracting the subtraction coefficient β from the set water level Hs, and the calculated upper and lower water levels Ho and Hu are stored in the data storage unit 3.
7 is overwritten and stored in the storage positions of the predetermined upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu.

The bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 fetches the operation information of the combustion control unit 36 and, based on this information, the bathtub 2
Immediately after it is detected that hot water of the set water level Hs is filled in the bathtub 24 and the bath is heated up, the bathtub water level is raised by pouring, and the following bathtub water level raising operation and bathtub drainage are performed. The bathtub level changing operation for changing the bathtub level by alternately repeating the water level lowering operation is started.

When performing the bathtub water level raising operation, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 first issues a command to start the pouring of water to the combustion control unit 36 to start pouring the bathtub 24. In other words, the pouring control valve 22 is opened and the hot water produced by the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 is poured into the bathtub 24 to start raising the bathtub water level.

Further, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 has a built-in timer (not shown) for setting the sampling time, and issues a pouring start command and captures the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 as described above. Is started, and the upper limit water level Ho is read from the data storage unit 37. Then, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 compares the bathtub water level detected based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 captured every moment with the upper limit water level Ho, and determines that the bathtub water level has reached the upper limit water level Ho. Then, a command to stop the pouring is issued to the combustion control unit 36, the pouring control valve 22 is closed, the pouring into the bathtub 24 is finished, and the rise of the bathtub water level is stopped.

When the bathtub water level lowering operation is performed, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a drain start command to the combustion control unit 36 to start bathtub water drainage. That is, the drain valve 11 is opened to start draining the bathtub water to lower the bathtub water level.

Further, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a drain start command, reads the lower limit water level Hu from the data storage unit 37, and starts taking in the sensor output of the water level sensor 16. And the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 3
8 compares the bathtub water level detected based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 captured every moment with the lower limit water level Hu, and when it is determined that the bathtub water level has dropped to the lower limit water level Hu, the drainage to the combustion control unit 36 is performed. Issue a stop command and drain valve 1
1 is closed to stop draining the bathtub water and stop the bathtub water level drop.

As described above, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38
The bathtub water level is varied by alternately and repeatedly performing a bathtub water level raising operation for raising the bathtub water level by pouring water and a bathtub water level lowering operation for lowering the bathtub water level by draining the bathtub water.

According to this embodiment, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 is provided, and after the hot water is filled to the set water level, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 changes the bathtub water level up and down. The waterline is not fixed at a certain position, and fluctuates. This makes it possible to prevent dirt and the like of a person floating on the surface of the bathtub water from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub. In addition, as described above, it is possible to prevent the scale and the like from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub, so that the labor for cleaning the bathtub can be greatly reduced.

In the first embodiment, the upper limit
Although the lower limit water level setting unit 39 calculates the upper limit water level Ho by adding the predetermined addition coefficient α to the set water level Hs, for example, a predetermined coefficient αa (where αa is a number larger than 1 (for example, 1 .1)) is multiplied by the set water level Hs to obtain the upper limit water level Ho.
Or the upper limit water level Ho by a method other than the calculation.
May be required. Further, the upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 obtains the lower limit water level Hu by subtracting a predetermined subtraction coefficient β from the set water level Hs.
(However, βb is a number smaller than 1 (for example, 0.
9)) may be multiplied by the set water level Hs to obtain the lower water level Hu, or the lower water level Hu may be obtained by a method other than the calculation.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment will be described. What is characteristic in this embodiment is that the upper / lower water level setting unit 39 shown in the first embodiment functions as a limit water level variable update unit, and the upper / lower water level setting unit 39 sets the upper and lower water levels Ho and Ho. That is, the lower limit water level Hu is variably set at a predetermined timing. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will not be repeated.

The data storage section 37 stores addition coefficient variable data indicating the relationship between the addition coefficient α and time T as shown in FIG. 2A, and the subtraction coefficient β and time as shown in FIG. T
Is predetermined and stored. The addition coefficient variable data and the subtraction coefficient variable data shown in FIG.
The subtraction coefficient β varies periodically.

A timer (not shown) is built in the upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39, and the upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 performs a predetermined timing (for example, a predetermined sampling time interval (for example, 30 minute interval)). Bathtub water level setting means 3)
4, the set water level Hs is taken in, and the timer time is compared with the addition coefficient variable data and the subtraction coefficient variable data in the data storage unit 37 to determine an addition coefficient α and a subtraction coefficient β corresponding to the timer time.

The upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 calculates the upper limit water level Ho by adding the addition coefficient α obtained as described above to the above set water level Hs, and also calculates the above-mentioned subtraction coefficient β as the set water level. Subtract from Hs to calculate the lower water level Hu,
The calculated upper limit water level Ho and lower limit water level Hu are automatically updated by overwriting the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu of the data storage unit 37.

As described in the first embodiment, the bathtub water level fluctuation control section 38 performs a bathtub water level raising operation for causing the pouring to be performed and raising the bathtub water level to the upper limit water level Ho of the data storage section 37. A bathtub water level change operation is performed in which the bathtub water level is changed to a bathtub water level lowering operation of draining the bathtub water to lower the bathtub water level to the lower limit water level Hu of the data storage unit 37.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 functions as a variable limit water level update unit, and the upper / lower limit water level is changed. The setting unit 39 changes and updates the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu at a predetermined timing, so that the position of the waterline when the bathtub water level is the upper limit water level Ho and the waterline when the bathtub water level is the lower limit water level Hu. It is possible to prevent the position from fluctuating, and to prevent dirt and the like floating on the bathtub water surface from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion of the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu. Can be more reliably prevented.

In the second embodiment, the upper limit
The lower limit water level setting unit 39 sets the upper limit water level H at predetermined time intervals.
Although o and the lower limit water level Hu were variably set and automatically updated, for example, the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu each time a person enters the bathtub.
, The upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu may be automatically updated at a predetermined timing other than the time.

Whether or not a person is taking a bath in the bathtub 24 can be detected by the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 as follows, for example. For example, water level sensor 1
6, the amount of change per unit time of the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 is determined, and the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 changes in the direction in which the bathtub water level rises. When the amount is larger than a predetermined reference value, it can be determined that a person has taken a bath in the bathtub 24, and the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 changes in the direction in which the bathtub stops, and the water level sensor per unit time When the change amount of the sensor output of No. 16 is smaller than a predetermined reference value, it can be determined that a person has left the bathtub 24.

This is because the bathtub water level when a person enters or leaves the bathtub 24 changes rapidly, and the bathtub water level change due to bathing is much more intense than the bathtub water level fluctuation due to pouring or drainage. This is because it is possible to easily determine whether the bathtub water level changes due to pouring / draining or the bathtub water level changes due to the entry and exit of people.

In the second embodiment, the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu are variably set at the same time. However, the timing for variably setting the upper limit water level Ho and the timing for variably setting the lower limit water level Hu are shifted. Is also good.

Further, in the second embodiment, the addition coefficient variable data and the reduction coefficient variable data are given in the form of graph data. However, they may be stored in other data formats such as table data and arithmetic expression data. Good. Further, the second
In the embodiment, the upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39 calculates the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu by calculation. However, the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu may be calculated by a method other than the calculation.

Further, in the second embodiment, both the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu are variably set, but only one of the upper limit water level Ho and the lower limit water level Hu is variably set. You may.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described. What is characteristic in this embodiment is that the bathtub water level fluctuation is controlled by time instead of controlling the bathtub water level fluctuation based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 after filling the hot water of the set water level. It is. The other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiments, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 3 shows a control block configuration of a control device 20 characteristic of the bath apparatus of the third embodiment by solid lines, and the control device 20 is configured as shown by the solid lines in FIG. , A combustion control unit 36, a data storage unit 37, a bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38, and a time measurement unit 40. Note that the configuration of the combustion control unit 36 is the same as the configuration of the combustion control unit 36 described in each of the above embodiments, and thus redundant description will be omitted.

The data storage section 37 is a storage device, and the data storage section 37 stores a pouring time Tt and a drainage time Th. The pouring time Tt is a time required for raising the bathtub water level by a predetermined water level (for example, 2 cm) after opening the pouring control valve 22 and starting pouring into the bathtub 24 (for example, for example). , One minute), and the pouring time Tt is obtained in advance by experiments, calculations, and the like, and stored in the data storage unit 37.

The drainage time Th is the time required for the bathtub water level to drop by a predetermined water level (for example, 2 cm) after the drain valve 11 is opened to start draining the bathtub water (for example, for example). 1 minute), and the drainage time Th is obtained in advance by experiments, calculations, and the like, and stored in the data storage unit 37.

The bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 includes a combustion control unit 36.
Immediately after it is detected that hot water of the set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means 34 has been applied to the bathtub 24 based on the captured information and the bath has been heated,
A bathtub level change operation in which a bathtub level rise operation and a bathtub level decrease operation as described below are alternately started.

When performing the bathtub water level raising operation, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a command to start the pouring to the combustion control unit 36 to open the pouring control valve 22 to start pouring the bathtub 24. . Simultaneously with the start of the pouring, that is, in synchronization with the opening timing of the pouring control valve 22, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 informs the time measuring unit 40 of the elapsed time since the pouring control valve 22 was opened. And the pouring time Tt is read from the data storage unit 37.

Then, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 captures the measurement time of the time measurement unit 40 every moment, compares the captured measurement time with the pouring time Tt, and
When it is determined that the measured time has reached the pouring time Tt, a command to stop pouring is issued to the combustion control unit 36 to stop pouring into the bathtub 24.

When performing the bathtub water level lowering operation, the bathtub water level fluctuation controller 38 issues a drain start command to the combustion controller 36 to open the drain valve 11 to start draining the bathtub water to lower the bathtub water level. Simultaneously with the opening of the drain valve 11, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 causes the time measuring unit 40 to start measuring the elapsed time since the opening of the drain valve 11, and stores the drain time Th from the data storage unit 37. Is read.

Then, the bathtub water level fluctuation control section 38 captures the measurement time of the time measurement section 40 every moment, compares the captured measurement time with the drainage time Th, and
When it is determined that the measurement time has reached the drainage time Th,
A drain stop command is issued to the combustion control unit 36 to close the drain valve 11 and stop draining the bathtub water.

The bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 controls the pouring of water by time to raise the bathtub water level as described above, and controls the drainage of bathtub water by time to lower the bathtub water level. The bathtub water level lowering operation is alternately repeated to change the bathtub water level.

When the bathtub water level fluctuation controller 38 starts the bathtub water level fluctuation operation from the bathtub water level raising operation after the hot water is filled to the set water level, only when the first bathtub water level raising operation is performed. The pouring is stopped when half of the pouring time Tt has elapsed since the pouring was started, and after the hot water was filled to the set water level, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 3
8 starts the bathtub water level fluctuation operation from the bathtub water level lowering operation, only during the first bathtub water level lowering operation, when the half of the drainage time Th has elapsed since the start of drainage. Drainage may be stopped.
In such a case, the bathtub water level can be changed up and down around the set water level Hs.

According to this embodiment, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 is provided, and the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 controls the pouring into the bathtub 24 and the drainage of the bathtub water depending on the time to change the bathtub water level. With the configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiments, the bathtub water level fluctuates after the hot water of the set water level is almost filled, and the waterline of the bathtub fluctuates without being fixed. And the like can be prevented from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion. As a result, the labor for cleaning the bathtub can be significantly reduced.

In the third embodiment, the pouring time Tt and the drainage time Th are fixed to predetermined values. Timing predetermined by the time variable setting unit (for example,
One or both of the pouring time Tt and the drainage time Th are variably set at every hour) and the pouring time T in the data storage unit 37 is set.
t and the drainage time Th may be automatically updated.

Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment will be described. What is characteristic in this embodiment is that, in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment, a water level holding means 42 is provided as shown by a dotted line in FIG. The other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment, and the description of the common parts will not be repeated.

By the way, there is a possibility that the amount of pouring per pouring time Tt and the amount of drainage per draining time Th fluctuate such that the amount of pouring per pouring time Tt fluctuates due to fluctuations in the water pressure of the water supply source and the like. Therefore, as shown in the third embodiment, when the bathtub water level change control unit 38 controls the pouring operation to the bathtub 24 and the drainage operation of the bathtub water according to time to perform the bathtub water level fluctuation control, The bathtub water level may greatly deviate from the set water level due to fluctuations in the pouring amount and drainage amount. Therefore, in this embodiment, the water level holding means 42 is provided to prevent the bathtub water level from largely deviating from the set water level.

The water level holding means 42 has a timer (not shown)
Is built in, and the water level holding means 42 is provided at a predetermined timing (for example, a sampling time interval (for example,
At 30 minute intervals)), the bathtub water level is detected based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 and the set water level Hs set in the bathtub water level setting means 34 is taken in from the bathtub water level setting means 34. When detecting the bathtub water level, the water level holding unit 42 interrupts the bathtub water level change operation of the bathtub water level change control unit 38.

The water level holding means 42 is provided in the data storage 3
7. The upper allowable amount Ko (for example, 3 cm) and the lower allowable amount Ku (for example, 3 cm) stored in advance in 7 are read out, and the upper allowable amount Ko is added to the fetched set water level Hs to allow an upper limit water level. Hko is calculated, and the lower limit Ku is subtracted from the set water level Hs to obtain an allowable lower limit water level Hku.

The water level holding means 42 compares the allowable upper limit water level Hko and the allowable lower limit water level Hku with the detected bathtub water level, and determines that the bathtub water level is above the allowable upper limit water level Hko. It is determined that the bathtub water level is greatly deviated upward from the set water level, and a drain start command is issued to the combustion control unit 36 to open the drain valve 11 to start draining the bathtub water.

During the drainage of the bathtub water, the water level holding means 42
Detects the bathtub water level momentarily based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16, and detects the detected bathtub water level and the allowable upper limit water level H.
When ko is compared, when it is determined that the bathtub water level has dropped below the allowable upper limit water level Hko, that is, when it is determined that the bathtub water level has dropped to almost the set water level Hs, the combustion control unit 36 is instructed to stop draining water. Then, the drain valve 11 is closed to stop the drainage of the bathtub water, and the bathtub water level is maintained within the allowable water level range from the allowable lower limit water level Hku to the allowable upper limit water level Hko.

When the water level holding means 42 determines that the detected bath water level is lower than the allowable lower water level Hku by comparing the allowable lower water level Hku with the detection bath water level, the water level holding means 42 sets the bath water level to the set water level Hs. Is determined to be largely shifted downward, and a command to start pouring is issued to the combustion control unit 36 to open the pouring control valve 22 to start pouring into the bathtub 24 and raise the bathtub water level.

During this pouring, the water level holding means 42 detects the bathtub water level every moment based on the sensor output of the water level sensor 16 and compares the detected bathtub water level with the allowable lower limit water level Hku. When it is determined that the water level has risen above the permissible lower limit water level Hku, that is, when it is determined that the bathtub water level has risen to within the permissible water level range, a command to stop pouring water is issued to the combustion control unit 36 and the pouring control valve 22 is issued. To close the bathtub 2
Stop pouring into 4 and keep the bathtub water level within the allowable water level range.

Further, the water level holding means 42 determines that the detected bathtub water level is equal to or higher than the allowable lower limit water level Hku and equal to or lower than the allowable upper limit water level Hko by comparing the allowable upper limit water level Hko and the allowable lower limit water level Hku with the detection bath level. When you decide,
The bathtub water level is within the allowable water level range, that is, since it is almost the set water level Hs, it is determined that there is no need to perform a bathtub draining operation or a pouring operation to make the bathtub water level almost the set water level Hs.
The bathtub water level change control unit 38 restarts the bathtub water level change operation.

According to this embodiment, since the water level holding means 42 is provided in addition to the structure of the third embodiment, the bathtub water level is changed from the set water level Hs by the bathtub water level holding operation by the water level holding means 42. Large deviation can be prevented. From this, it is possible to prevent a problem that the bathtub water level greatly deviates from the set water level due to the bathtub water level fluctuation operation and the hot water overflows from the bathtub, or the bathtub water level drops so low that it gives a bather discomfort. Can be.

Of course, also in this embodiment, since the bathtub water level fluctuation is performed by the bathtub water level fluctuation operation of the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38, the waterline fluctuates without being fixed as in the above-described embodiments. Thus, it is possible to avoid a problem that dirt or the like floating on the bathtub water surface adheres and is fixed to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion.

Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment will be described. The feature of this embodiment is that a bathtub water level excessive rise control unit 44 shown by a chain line in FIGS. 1 and 3 is provided in addition to the configuration of each of the above embodiments. The other configuration is the same as that of each of the above embodiments, and the overlapping description of the common parts will be omitted.

The bathtub water level rise control section 44 has a built-in timer (not shown), and the bathtub water level fluctuation control section 38
A predetermined period (for example,
The bathtub water overflows every 24 hours, or every time the total number of people who bathe in the bathtub 24 reaches a predetermined number.

For example, the bathtub excessive rise controller 44 issues a command to start the pouring to the combustion controller 36 at the above-mentioned predetermined cycle to start pouring the water into the bathtub 24. When pouring is finished (for example, when pouring of a predetermined pouring volume (a pouring volume sufficient to overflow hot water from the bathtub) is finished, or at a predetermined pouring time (hot water overflows from the bathtub) When sufficient pouring time elapses), a pouring stop command is issued to stop the pouring operation. In this way, the bathtub water level excessive rise control unit 44 overflows the bathtub water at a predetermined cycle.

According to this embodiment, the bathtub water level is changed in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments. Therefore, like the above embodiments, the scale of the bathtub water surface adheres and is fixed to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline. Can be avoided. In addition, in addition to the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments, a bathtub water level excessive rise control unit 44 is provided to allow bathtub water to overflow at a predetermined cycle, so that dirt and hair floating on the bathtub water surface are removed. Bacteria and the like can be discharged out of the bathtub. As described above, since the scale and the like on the bathtub water surface are removed, it is possible to reliably prevent dirt due to the scale and the like from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion.

Usually, a 24-hour type bath apparatus is provided with a filter or the like for removing dirt, hair, various germs, etc. in the reheating circulation passage 27 and the like, and a bathtub circulating in the reheating circulation passage 27. Although it has a cleaning function to remove dirt, hair, various germs, etc. in the water with the filter, Legionella bacteria grow in the amoebae floating on the surface of the water, so they float on the water, and these bacteria such as Legionella bacteria float on the water. Cannot be taken into the bathtub water and introduced into the reheating circulation passage 27, and the bacteria provided in the water such as the Legionella bacteria cannot be removed from the bathwater by the filter provided in the reheating circulation passage 27.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the bathtub water overflows at a predetermined cycle, various bacteria such as Legionella bacteria floating on the bathtub water surface can be reliably removed from the bathtub, and the bathtub water can be cleaned. The degree can be greatly improved,
An epoch-making effect of being able to avoid serious problems such as the onset by various bacteria such as the Legionella bacterium can be achieved.

Hereinafter, a sixth embodiment will be described. What is characteristic in this embodiment is that, in addition to the configuration of each of the above embodiments, FIG. 1 and FIG.
Is provided, and the appliance is operated based on the set water level set by the set water level variable control means 45. The other configuration is the same as that of each of the above embodiments, and the overlapping description of the common parts will be omitted.

The data storage section 37 stores change value data as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The change value data is data indicating a relationship between the change value γ and the time T, and is predetermined and stored in the data storage unit 37 in a data format such as graph data, table data, or arithmetic expression data as shown in FIG. Is stored. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the change value γ of the change value data varies continuously or stepwise periodically with time.

The set water level variable control means 45 has a built-in timer (not shown), and intermittently or continuously at predetermined timing (for example, at predetermined time intervals). Is read, and a variation value γ corresponding to the time is read out by comparing the time of the timer with the variation value data. Then, the set water level variable control means 45 adds the change value γ to the fetched set water level Hs (when the change value γ is a negative value, the change value γ is subtracted from the set water level Hs).
An operation is performed, and the value calculated by this operation is determined and set as the set water level. Thus, the set water level variable control means 4
5 variably sets the set water level continuously or stepwise at a predetermined timing.

The combustion control unit 36, bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38, upper / lower limit water level setting unit 39, water level holding unit 42, and bathtub water level excessive rise control unit 44 are provided with the set water level set by the set water level variable control unit 45. The operation of the appliance is performed based on.

According to this embodiment, the set water level is variably set in addition to the structure of each of the above embodiments, so that after the bath is filled with the set water level, the combustion control unit 36 The bathtub water level fluctuation will fluctuate more complicatedly, that is, the fluctuation of the waterline of the bathtub will become more complicated, and the dirt floating on the water surface of the bathtub will more reliably adhere and fix to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline part. Can be avoided.

In this embodiment, the set water level variable control means 45 variably sets the set water level by calculation. However, the set water level may be variably set by a method other than calculation. Further, the set water level variable control means 45 variably sets the set water level at a timing determined by time.
The set water level may be variably set at a timing other than the time, for example, when a bathing of a person is detected.

Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment will be described. The feature of this embodiment is that, in addition to the configuration of each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a surge tank 46 which is a water storage container communicating with the bathtub 24 is provided, and the bathtub water is drained to the outside. Instead of lowering the bathtub water level, the bathtub water is drained from the bathtub 24 to the surge tank 46 to lower the bathtub water level, and the hot water produced by the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 is poured into the bathtub 24. Instead of raising the bathtub water level, hot water in the surge tank 46 is poured into the bathtub 24 to raise the bathtub water level so as to vary the bathtub water level. The other configuration is the same as that of each of the above embodiments, and the overlapping description of the common parts will be omitted.

A circulation pump 28 is provided in the surge tank 46.
A pipe 48 communicating with the reheating circulation path 27 on the discharge port side of the circulating pump 27 via a three-way valve 47, and a pipe 51 communicating with the reheating circulation path 27 on the suction port side of the circulation pump 28 via the three-way valve 50. Are connected to each other, and the additional heating circulation passage 27, the three-way valves 47 and 50, and the pipes 48 and 51 form a communication passage that connects the bath tub 24 and the surge tank 46.

The three-way valve 47 is switched so that hot water flows from the circulating pump 28 toward the pipeline 48, and the three-way valve 50 is switched so that hot water flows from the bathtub 24 toward the circulating pump 28. When the pump 28 is driven, the bathtub water introduced into the additional heating circulation passage 27 flows into the surge tank 46 via the three-way valve 50, the circulation pump 28, the three-way valve 47, and the pipe 48 in this order, and the bathtub water level decreases.

The three-way valve 47 is switched so that hot water flows from the circulation pump 28 toward the bath heat exchanger 26, and the three-way valve 50 is switched so that hot water flows from the pipeline 51 toward the circulation pump 28. Circulation pump 2
When the tank 8 is driven, the hot water of the surge tank 46 flows into the bathtub 24 via the pipeline 51, the three-way valve 50, the circulation pump 28, the three-way valve 47 and the bath heat exchanger 26 in this order, and the bathtub water level rises.

Further, the three-way valve 47 is switched so that hot and cold water flows in the direction from the circulation pump 28 to the bath heat exchanger 26, and the three-way valve 50 is switched from the bathtub 24 to the circulation pump 28.
By driving the circulation pump 28 in the reference state in which the hot water flows in the direction toward the tub, the bathtub water circulates in the reheating circulation path 27 to perform reheating. Furthermore, the three-way valves 47, 50
Is switched and the pouring control valve 22 is opened, so that the hot water produced by the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 can be poured into the bathtub 24 through the hot water filling passage 30 and the additional heating circulation passage 27.

The surge tank 46 and the three-way valves 47, 50
When the pipes 48 and 51 are provided, the controller 20 is provided with the hot and cold water inlet / outlet controller 52 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The hot water in / out control unit 52 controls the three-way valve 47 as described above so that when the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a command to start draining the bathtub water, the bathtub water flows out from the bathtub 24 to the surge tank 46. , 50 and the circulation pump 28
Of the bath is started to lower the bathtub water level. When the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a command to stop the drainage of the bathtub water, the drive of the circulation pump 28 is stopped, and
The three-way valves 47 and 50 are switched to the reference state.

[0096] When the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a command to start pouring, the hot water in / out control unit 52 operates the three-way valve 4 so that the hot water in the surge tank 46 flows into the bathtub 24.
At the same time, the circulating pump 28 is driven and the hot water of the surge tank 46 is caused to flow into the bathtub 24 to raise the bathtub water level. And the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38
Issues a command to stop pouring, stops the operation of the circulation pump 28, and switches the three-way valves 47 and 50 to the reference state.

The circulation pump 28, the three-way valves 47 and 50, and the hot water in / out controller 52, as described above, provide bathtub water outflow means for flowing bathtub water from the bathtub 24 to the surge tank 46, and supply hot water from the surge tank 46. The configuration is such that it also serves as hot water inflow means that flows into the bathtub 24.

According to this embodiment, the surge tank 4
6 is provided to lower the bathtub water level by flowing hot water from the bathtub 24 to the surge tank 46 and to raise the bathtub water level by flowing hot water from the surge tank 46 into the bathtub 24. As shown in the embodiment, waste of water such as draining the bathtub water every time the bathtub water level lowering operation is performed can be eliminated.

In addition, since the hot water in the bathtub 24 is stored in the surge tank 46, the temperature of the hot water in the surge tank 46 is almost equal to the set hot water temperature of the bath, so that the surge tank 46 is poured into the bathtub 24. In this case, it is not necessary to heat the hot water in the surge tank 46, and energy saving is achieved as compared with the case where the hot water supply burner is burned every time the bath water level rise operation is performed as shown in the above-described embodiments to produce hot water. be able to. In addition, when the heat retention function is provided, as described above, even if the hot water temperature decreases due to the exchange of hot water between the bath tub 24 and the surge tank 46, the hot water temperature of the bath tub 24 is set by the heat retention function. Can be held.

Further, the surge tank 46 is additionally connected to the bath tub 24 and communicates through the circulation passage 27, and the circulation pump 28 is used as a power for flowing hot and cold water between the bath tub 24 and the surge tank 46. Surge tank 4
There is no need to provide a separate pump for hot and cold water between the 6 and the circulation pump 28, and it is not necessary to provide a pump other than the circulation pump 28.

Of course, in this embodiment, the bathtub water level also fluctuates, so that it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the side surface of the bathtub as in each of the above embodiments.

In the seventh embodiment, when the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38 issues a command to stop draining water and stop pouring water to stop the bathtub water level raising operation and the bathtub water level raising operation, the bath water level control is performed. The unit 52 stops the driving of the circulation pump 28 and switches the three-way valves 47 and 50 to the reference state. However, when the bathtub water level lowering operation is performed following the bathtub water level raising operation, or when the bathtub water level lowering operation is performed. When performing the water level raising operation, the hot and cold water control unit 52 may continue to drive the circulation pump 28 and switch to the next water level fluctuation operation state without returning the three-way valves 47 and 50 to the reference state.

In the seventh embodiment, the surge tank 46 communicates with the bathtub 24 via the reheating circulation passage 27. However, the surge tank 46 communicates with the bathtub 24 without using the reheating circulation passage 27. The communication may be performed through a passage. In this case, of course, a bathtub water outflow means for flowing bathwater from the bathtub 24 to the surge tank 46 and a hot water inflow means for flowing hot water from the surge tank 46 to the bathtub 24 are provided.

The following is a description of an eighth embodiment. The bath apparatus of this embodiment has the system configuration shown in FIG. 7, and the characteristic control configuration in this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the combustion control unit 3 shown in each of the above-described embodiments.
6 and a data storage unit 37, and further includes the set water level variable control means 45 shown in the sixth embodiment. Since the description of the system configuration in FIG. 7 has been described above, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

The combustion control unit 36 is provided with various operation sequence programs such as hot water supply, hot water filling, reheating, heat retention, water retention, and drainage, as in the above embodiments. 36 captures various sensor outputs such as the water level sensor 16 and information of the remote controller 18 and performs appliance operation according to the sequence program based on the captured information.

The set water level variable control means 45 variably sets the set water level continuously or stepwise at a predetermined timing in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment. Since the combustion control unit 36 is provided with the water retention function as described above, every time the set water level is variably set by the set water level variable control means 45, the water retention operation is performed so that the bathtub water level becomes the set water level. Do.

According to this embodiment, the set water level variable control means 45 is provided, and the set water level is variably set by the set water level variable control means 45. Therefore, the water holding function is operated according to the fluctuation of the set water level, and the bathtub is operated. The water level fluctuates. Due to the bathtub water level fluctuation, it is possible to avoid the problem that dirt and the like floating on the bathtub water surface adhere to the side surface of the bathtub as in the above-described embodiments.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can adopt various embodiments. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 38
The bathtub water level raising operation and the bathtub water level lowering operation are continuously and alternately repeated. For example, for a predetermined period (for example, 8 minutes) after the bathtub water level raising operation is completed.
After the elapse of, the bathtub water level lowering operation is started, and a predetermined period (for example,
The bathtub water level raising operation and the bathtub water level lowering operation may be intermittently and alternately repeated such that the bathtub water level raising operation is started after eight minutes have elapsed.

In each of the above embodiments, the bathtub water level change operation is performed continuously when the bath is filled with hot water. For example, when the bathing of a person is detected, the bathtub water level change operation is performed. The bathtub level may be interrupted to prevent the bather from feeling uncomfortable due to the fluctuation of the bathtub level, and the bathtub level change operation may be resumed after detecting that a person has left the bathtub. As described above, when detecting bathing of a person and suspending the bathtub water level fluctuation, the bathtub water level may be set to the set water level and then the bathtub water level fluctuation may be stopped.

Further, for example, after the bath is filled with hot water of the set water level, the bathtub water level is changed for a predetermined bathtub water level fluctuation period (for example, one hour), and the bathtub water level fluctuation is stopped beforehand. After a predetermined interruption period (for example, 5 hours) is completed, the bathtub water level fluctuation is performed again in the bathtub water level fluctuation period during the bathtub water level fluctuation period. It may be performed only for a predetermined period.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the bath apparatus having the system configuration shown in FIG. 7 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also applied to a bath apparatus having a system configuration other than the bath apparatus shown in FIG. is there. For example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, a bath heat exchanger 26, a reheating circulating passage 27, and a bath device in which a bath burner is omitted as shown in FIG.
A one-can-two-channel type in which the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 and the bath heat exchanger 26 are integrated, and a burner (not shown) for burning and heating the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 and the bath heat exchanger 26 in common is provided. The present invention can be applied to a bath apparatus and the like.

Further, in the bath apparatus of FIG. 7, the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 and the hot water supply burner are provided as heat sources for producing hot water to be poured into the bathtub 24, but instead of the hot water supply heat exchanger 1 and the hot water supply burner. An electric water heater may be used. Further, the bath apparatus shown in each of the above embodiments is a 24-hour type bath apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to any bath apparatus having a function of automatically pouring and draining water. Can be. For example, a bath is filled with water and the bath is heated for a predetermined period of time (eg, 4 hours)
The present invention can also be applied to a bath apparatus that performs a heat retaining function including a water retaining function only until the time elapses. In this case, the bathtub water level change operation may be performed only while the above-mentioned heat retention function is being performed.

[0113]

According to the present invention, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit is provided, and after the bathtub is filled with hot water having a substantially set water level, the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit supplies the bathtub with water based on the sensor output of the water level sensor. Controlling the pouring operation and the draining operation of the bathtub water, or controlling the pouring operation to the bathtub and the draining operation of the bathtub water based on the time, continuously or only during a predetermined period or a predetermined period When the bathtub water level is changed at the timing, since the bathtub water level fluctuates after filling the set water level, the waterline of the bathtub fluctuates without being set at the set water level, thereby causing the dust floating on the bathtub water surface. And the like can be attached and fixed to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion at the set water level, thereby preventing the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion from being soiled. in this way,
Since dirt can be prevented from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub in the waterline portion at the set water level, the labor for cleaning the bathtub can be greatly reduced.

A water storage container communicating with the bathtub is provided, bathtub water level lowering operation for lowering the bathtub water level by draining (draining) bathwater from the bathtub to the water storage container, and flowing hot water from the water storage container into the bathtub (pouring). In a configuration in which the bathtub water level is changed by alternately repeating the bathtub water level raising operation to raise the bathtub water level, the hot water taken from the bathtub into the water storage container is returned to the bathtub again, so every time the bathtub water level lowering operation is performed. Compared to draining the bathtub water to the outside,
Water can be saved.

In addition, since the hot water in the water storage container is taken from the bathtub, the hot water in the water storage container is almost at the set hot water temperature of the bath. No need to heat. For this reason, compared to the case where hot water produced by the heat source device is poured into the bathtub when the bathtub water level rises, energy saving is achieved because it is not necessary to heat the hot water when pouring the water from the water storage container into the bathtub. Can be.

The bathtub water level fluctuation control unit raises the bathtub water level by pouring the bathtub water level to the upper limit water level and raises the bathtub water level, and the bathtub water level lowering operation lowers the bathtub water level to the lower limit water level by draining the bathtub water. In addition to the configuration in which the bathtub water level is changed alternately and repeatedly, a limit water level variable update unit is provided, and the limit water level variable update unit variably sets one or both of the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level at a predetermined timing. In the case of automatic renewal, one or both of the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level fluctuate, so that dirt floating on the bathtub water surface adheres to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline part of the upper limit water level or lower limit water level Can be avoided,
Dirt can be more reliably prevented from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion.

The bathtub water level variation control unit controls the bathtub water level variation by controlling the pouring of water into the bathtub and the drainage of the bathtub water depending on the time. In addition, a water level holding means is provided. When the water level is held within a predetermined allowable water level range, the bathtub water level is detected at a predetermined timing and the bathtub water level holding operation is performed based on the detected bathtub water level. Can be prevented from greatly deviating from the set water level.

Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent the bath water from overflowing from the bath tub due to the bath tub water level fluctuation operation and the bath tub water level dropping significantly from the set water level and giving a bather discomfort.

In the invention provided with the bathtub water level excessive rise control unit for overflowing the bathtub water at a predetermined cycle while the bathtub water level fluctuates, the hot water overflows from the bathtub at a predetermined cycle.
The dirt, hair, various germs, etc. floating on the bathtub surface together with the overflowing hot water can be removed from the bathtub at a predetermined cycle. In particular, some germs such as Legionella bacteria float on the water, and thus, as described above, by overflowing the hot water, the germs such as the Legionella bacteria floating on the bathtub surface can be completely removed from the bathtub water. It is possible to achieve an epoch-making effect that it is possible to avoid a serious situation such as illness caused by the germs.

In the present invention, in addition to the bathtub water level fluctuation control unit, the set water level variable control unit for continuously or stepwise setting the water level set in the bathtub variably at a predetermined timing is provided. Since the set water level is variable by the variable control unit, the draft line of the set water level fluctuates without being fixed,
In addition, as described above, the bathtub water level change control unit changes the bathtub water level, so that the waterline is largely changed, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the scale of the bathtub water surface from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub.

The bath apparatus having a pouring function and a water holding function is provided with a set water level variable control section, and the bath water level is variably set stepwise or stepwise at a predetermined timing by the set water level variable control section. In such a case, the set water level is variably set, so that the water holding function is activated with the fluctuation of the set water level, and the bathtub water level fluctuates. The waterline is not fixed due to the fluctuation of the bathtub water level, and as described above, it is possible to prevent dirt and the like floating on the water surface of the bathtub from adhering and fixing to the inner surface of the bathtub at the waterline portion at the set water level. Can be greatly reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration for controlling a bathtub water level fluctuation based on a sensor output of a water level sensor.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of variable addition coefficient data and variable subtraction coefficient data.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration for controlling bathtub water level fluctuations with time.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of change value data.

FIG. 5 is a model diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a bath apparatus provided with a surge tank.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration for variably setting a set water level.

FIG. 7 is a model diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a bath apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a model diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the bath apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a model diagram showing another example of the system configuration of the bath apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 4 hot water supply passage 16 water level sensor 20 control device 24 bathtub 27 reheating circulation passage 28 circulation pump 30 bath filling passage 34 bathtub water level setting means 38 bathtub water level fluctuation control unit 39 upper / lower limit water level setting unit 42 water level holding means 44 bathtub water level rise Control unit 45 Set water level variable control means 46 Surge tank 47, 50 Three-way valve

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A bathtub water level setting means for setting a water level in a bathtub, and a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the bathtub, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage to set the bathtub water level. In a bath apparatus provided with a pouring function for pouring hot water to a set water level set by the means and a drainage function for automatically draining bathtub water, a predetermined water level set by the bathtub water level setting means is predetermined. The upper limit water level that is higher by the rise and the lower limit water level that is lower than the set water level by a predetermined amount are given, and hot water created by the heat source device is poured into the bathtub after filling the bathtub with almost the set water level. The bathtub water level raising operation for raising the bathtub water level to the upper limit water level and the bathtub water level lowering operation for draining the bathtub water to the lower limit water level to lower the bathtub water level are alternately repeated to change the bathtub water level. A bath apparatus provided with a bathtub water level fluctuation control unit. 2. A bathtub water level setting means for setting a bathtub water level, and a water level sensor for detecting a bathtub water level, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage to set the bathtub water level. In a bath apparatus having a pouring function for pouring hot water to a set water level set by the means and a draining function for automatically draining bath water, a predetermined pouring after pouring hot water at a substantially set water level in the bathtub. The bathtub water level fluctuates by alternately repeating a bathtub water level raising operation that raises the bathtub water level by pouring water into the bathtub for only a predetermined time and a bathtub water level lowering operation that drains hot water from the bathtub for a predetermined drainage time and lowers the bathtub water level. A bath apparatus provided with a bathtub water level fluctuation control unit for causing the bathtub to change. 3. A bathtub water level setting means for setting a bathtub water level, and a water level sensor for detecting a bathtub water level, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage to set the bathtub water level. In a bath apparatus having a pouring function of pouring hot water to a set water level set by the means, a bathtub and a separate water storage container; a communication passage communicating the water storage container with the bathtub; and a water storage container from the bathtub through the communication passage. A bathtub water outflow means for flowing out bathtub water; a hot water inflow means for flowing hot water into the bathtub through a communication passage from a water storage container; and a predetermined rise from a set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means. A data storage unit for storing an upper limit water level that is only higher than the set water level and a lower limit water level that is lower by a predetermined amount than the set water level; A bathtub water level lowering operation for causing the tank water to flow out to the water storage container through the communication passage and lowering the bathtub water level to the lower limit water level, and the hot water in the water storage container flowing into the bathtub through the communication passage by the hot water inflow means and the bathtub. A bathtub water level change control unit for changing the bathtub water level by alternately and repeatedly performing a bathtub water level raising operation for raising the water level to the upper limit water level. 4. A bath according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising a limit water level variable updating section for variably and automatically updating one or both of an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level at a predetermined timing. apparatus. 5. A bathtub water level setting means for setting a bathtub water level, and a water level sensor for detecting a bathtub water level, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage to set the bathtub water level. In a bath apparatus having a pouring function of pouring hot water to a set water level set by the means, a bathtub and a separate water storage container; a communication passage communicating the water storage container with the bathtub; and a water storage container from the bathtub through the communication passage. Bathtub water outflow means for allowing bathwater to flow out of the bathtub; hot water inflow means for flowing hot water into the bathtub from the water storage vessel through the communication passage; A tub water level lowering operation in which hot water flows out of the tub for a predetermined drainage time to lower the tub water level, and the hot water inflows into the tub by the hot water inflow means for a predetermined pouring time to raise the tub water level. A bathtub water level change control unit for changing the bathtub water level by alternately and repeatedly performing a bathtub water level raising operation. 6. An allowable upper limit water level which is higher by a predetermined rise than the set water level set by the bathtub water level setting means, and an allowable lower limit water which is lower by a predetermined decrease than the above set water level are given. The bathtub water level is detected at a predetermined timing, and when the detected bathtub water level is lower than the permissible lower limit water level, the bath is poured and the bathtub is poured into the permissible water level range from the permissible lower limit water level to the permissible upper limit water level. Water level maintaining means for increasing the bathtub water level and draining the bathtub water to a bathtub water level within the allowable water level range when the detected bathtub water level is higher than an allowable upper limit water level. Item 6. The bath apparatus according to Item 5. 7. The bathtub water level change operation unit performs the bathtub water level change operation only during a predetermined period or at a predetermined timing. Bath equipment. 8. A bathtub water level excessive rise control unit for overflowing the bathtub water at a predetermined cycle during a bathtub water level fluctuation in which a bathtub water level raising operation and a bathtub water level lowering operation are alternately repeated. A bath apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. A set water level variable control means for variably setting a set water level of a bathtub continuously or stepwise at a predetermined timing is provided. The bath device according to one. 10. A bathtub level setting means for setting a bathtub water level, and a water level sensor for detecting a bathtub water level, wherein hot water produced by a heat source is poured into the bathtub through a pouring passage to set the bathtub water level. In a bath apparatus having a pouring function for pouring hot water to a set water level set by the means and a water retaining function for maintaining the bathtub water level substantially at the set water level, the set water level of the bathtub is continuously or at predetermined timing. A bath apparatus comprising a set water level variable control means for variably setting the water level.