JPH11294845A - Automatic oil filler - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately measure the water level within a bathtub, by monitoring the output signal of a water level sensor after closing a second valve each at hot water filling operation at heat insulation operation, and at hot water supplementing operation, and inferring the level of the hot water within a bathtub after the output signal change of this water level sensor becomes stable. SOLUTION: A water level measurer 27 monitors the output signal of a water level sensor 19 after closing an electromotive two-way valve 18 each at hot water filling operation at heat insulation operation and at hot water supplementing operation, and measures the level of the hot water within a bathtub 11 after the output signal change of this water level sensor 19 becomes stable. Moreover, the water level measure 27 judges the installation environment of the bathtub 11, based on the output signal of the water level sensor 19 and the passage of time at start of the first water filling operation, and sets the data for judging the abnormality of water filling operation, for example, the set water level of the bathtub 11 or the abnormality judging time according to this installation environment. An installation environment judger 30 judges the difference in level between the water level sensor 19 and the circulation port 11a of the bathtub 11, and judges, for example, what floor the bathtub 11 is installed on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic hot water filling apparatus having a function of accurately measuring a water level in a bath tub when, for example, hot water from a water heater is supplied to the bath tub to perform automatic hot water filling.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of an automatic filling system. A heater 2 is provided at the bottom of the hot water tank 1, and the temperature sensors 3a for determining the amount of remaining hot water are provided on the outer surface.
To 3d are attached. These temperature sensors 3a-
3d is, for example, a temperature sensor 3a for 20 liters, a temperature sensor 3b for 50 liters from above the hot water tank 1,
A temperature sensor 3c for 120 liters and a temperature sensor 3d for 180 liters are provided. For example, if the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature sensor 3c for 120 liters is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature for hot water, and if the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature sensor 3d for 180 liters is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature for hot water, hot water Since the temperature of the hot water above the mounting position of the temperature sensor 3c in the tank 1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature for hot water, the remaining hot water amount is 120 liters.

A hot water supply pipe 4 is provided above the hot water tank 1.
The electric mixing valve 5 is connected via the. The electric mixing valve 5 mixes hot water and water supplied from the tank 1 through a pipe separated from the upstream side of a water supply pipe 6 on the water source side connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 1 to adjust the temperature to a set temperature. It is meant to be hot water. The water supply pipe 6 is connected to an emergency drain cock 7 from which hot water stored in the tank 1 is taken out in an emergency and a pressure reducing valve 8 for water supply.

A hot and cold water supply pipe 1 is connected to the flowing water side of the electric mixing valve 5 through an atmosphere release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9.
0 is connected, and the hot and cold water supply pipe 10 is connected to the bathtub 11. The hot water supply pipe 10 is provided with a heater 12 of a heat exchanger for keeping heat in the middle of the pipe, and a thermistor 13 and a limiter 14 attached thereto.

[0005] A return pipe 15 is juxtaposed from the bathtub 11 to the hot water supply pipe 10 on the side of the electric mixing valve 5. The return pipe 15 is provided with circulating pumps 16 and 17 and an electric two-way valve 18 and a water level sensor 1.
9 is attached. In addition, each circulation pump 16, 1
One of 7 is used at the time of air bubble. The water level sensor 19 is
In practice, a pressure sensor is used and outputs a signal indicating the bathtub water level corresponding to the pressure applied in the return pipe 15.

[0006] The outline of the automatic hot water filling operation in such a device will be described. The operation of the electric mixing valve 5 allows the hot water from the hot water tank 1 and the water supplied from the water supply pipe to be mixed at a predetermined hot water temperature. Hot water is air release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9
The water is supplied to a bathtub 11 through a hot water supply pipe 10.
When hot water is supplied to the bathtub 11 as described above and the level of hot water in the bathtub 11 rises and the water level sensor 19 detects that the water level has reached a predetermined level, the electric mixing valve 5
And the air release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9 are controlled to open and close so that the bathtub 11
Automatic hot water filling is done inside.

[0007] For example, in the heat retention operation after automatic hot water filling,
When the electric two-way valve 18 is opened and the circulation pump 16 operates, and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 11 falls below a predetermined temperature, the heat retention heater 12 is energized, and the hot water in the bathtub 11 is returned from the return pipe 15. The water flows into the hot and cold water supply pipe 10, is kept warm and heated by the warming heater 10, and returns to the bathtub 11.

When the water level sensor 19 detects that the level of hot water in the bathtub 11 has dropped below a predetermined level, the operation of the electric mixing valve 5 causes the hot water tank 1 to operate.
Hot water of a predetermined hot water mixed with hot water and water is supplied from the air release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9 to the hot tub 1 through the hot water supply pipe 10.
1 and the hot water operation is performed.

[0009]

As described above, in addition to the automatic hot water filling operation, even in the case of the warming operation, the preparation for the hot water operation is performed.
Each of the water levels in the bathtub 11 is measured. In this water level measurement, a certain time T after closing the electric two-way valve 18 as shown in FIG. 15, that is, a time when the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is sufficiently stabilized is estimated for the purpose of reducing a pressure fluctuation error at the time of hot water supply. After a predetermined time T, the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is read.

However, when the bathtub 11 is installed on the second floor, for example, rather than on the first floor, the amount of water flowing into the bathtub 11 decreases, so that it takes a long time for the water surface in the bathtub 11 to stabilize. Even when the water surface is wavy, it takes a long time for the water surface in the bathtub 11 to stabilize,
In some cases, accurate water levels cannot be measured. So, bathtub 1
If a sufficient waiting time is required for the water surface within 1 to stabilize, a long time is always wasted.

The installation position of the bathtub 11 is, for example, the first floor and the second floor.
On the floor, the amount of water supplied to the bathtub on the second floor is smaller than the amount of water supplied to the bathtub on the first floor due to the routing of piping,
The time until the end of automatic hot water filling is different. However, the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is read with the same waiting time for both the first and second floor bathtubs, despite the difference in the amount of water supplied to the first and second floor bathtubs. Water level cannot be measured.

Further, if the initial reference water level cannot be obtained even after a certain period of time from the start of the filling, or if the filling is not completed, it is determined that the plug of the bathtub 11 is unplugged. The time required for the determination of the plug opening abnormality is determined by the bathtub 11.
Since the amount of supply water differs depending on whether the water is installed on the first floor or the second floor, a longer time is set so that no problem occurs at any installation position. For this reason, even if hot water filling is started in the bathtub 11 on the first floor with the plug removed, the time until the determination of the plug removal abnormality is long, so that the hot water flows out of the bathtub 11 and a large amount of waste is caused. turn into.

On the other hand, in order to cope with a temporal change of the water level sensor 19, a reference pressure value at the time of filling (that is, a pressure corresponding to a water level for supplying a predetermined amount of hot water at the time of filling) is, for example, 1000 times. It is renewed once every tension operation and updated. However, if the wrong reference pressure value is set for the first time, the water is filled with the wrong water level for about 1000 days. Further, even if the water level accumulated when filling the water gradually increases, for example, a little over a year due to the temporal change of the water level sensor 19, the reference pressure value is not updated until about 1000 days have passed. Becomes unstable. Further, when the reference pressure value is re-established, for example, if a person enters the bathtub 11, there is a possibility that an incorrect reference pressure value is re-established, but there is a problem that the value is used for a long time.

Further, the circulating pump 16 is used for keeping warm operation.
At the time of driving, a flow switch is provided in front of the circulation pump 16 in order to check whether hot or cold water is flowing through the return pipe 15, and the flow switch is monitored for a certain period of time after the operation of the circulation pump 16 is started. If the flow switch is not operating (if it is OFF), it is determined that the return pipe 15 is clogged or the circulation pump 16 is abnormal, and the drive is stopped. However, the flow switch is ON or O
Since one of the FFs is output as a detection result, the detection accuracy is low, and if air is mixed in the circulation path furnace, the cause of the clogging of the return pipe 15 or the abnormality of the circulation pump 16 is identified. Hateful. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic hot water filling apparatus capable of accurately measuring a water level in a bathtub.

[0015]

According to the present invention, hot water from a water heater is supplied from a first valve to a bathtub through a hot water supply pipe until the water reaches a predetermined water level. Automatic hot water having a warm-up operation in which the second valve is opened and the circulation pump is driven to reheat the water from the return pipe through the hot water supply pipe to circulate the hot water in the bathtub, and a hot water operation in which the first valve is opened to add hot water to the bathtub. In the filling device, a water level sensor provided in the return pipe, and a second valve is closed during the filling operation, the warming operation and the hot water operation, respectively, and then the output signal of the water level sensor is monitored. And a water level measuring means for measuring the level of the hot water in the bathtub after the signal change is stabilized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic filling apparatus according to the first aspect, the water level measuring means determines an installation environment of the bathtub based on an output signal of the water level sensor at the time of starting the water filling operation. It has a function to change the setting of time-dependent data for judging abnormality of hot water filling operation according to the environment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the first aspect, the output signal of the water level sensor is taken in during operation of the circulation pump during the warming operation, and the water pressure in the return pipe is equal to or lower than a predetermined water pressure. And abnormal operation determining means for determining that the operation is abnormal when the operation is continued for a predetermined period.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic hot water filling apparatus according to the first aspect, the water flow sensor provided in the hot water supply pipe and the circulating pump are driven prior to measuring the water level in the bath tub. Monitoring the output signal, and air bleed means for judging air bleeding in the hot water supply pipe and the return pipe when detecting that there is a water flow continuously for a predetermined period or more,
With.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG.
1 is a configuration diagram of an automatic hot water filling device for a bathtub.

The hot water supply pipe 10 is provided with a flow switch 20 as a water flow sensor. The flow switch 20 outputs an ON signal when hot water flows through the hot water supply pipe 10, and outputs an OFF signal when no hot water flows.

On the other hand, the control device 21 has a function of controlling the operation of automatic filling of the bathtub 11 with an input / output unit 23, a memory 24 and a main control unit 22 comprising a CPU.
And the setting unit 25 are connected, and the automatic filling unit 26, the water level measuring unit 27,
It has a function of operating the abnormal operation determination unit 28, the air release unit 29, and the installation environment determination unit 30.

From the input / output unit 23, for example, an energization control signal for the heater 2 generated in the control unit 21, the electric mixing valve 5, the atmosphere release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9, the circulation pumps 16 and 17, and the electric two-way valve 18 And the like, and the energization control signals (s ₁ , s ₂ ,
.., S _n ), and for example, each temperature sensor 3
A～3d, thermistor 13, a water level sensor 19, the output signal of the flow switch _{20 (o 1, o 2,} ..., o m) has a function of capturing.

The setting unit 25 includes, for example, turning on / off the operation,
It has a function of setting hot water supply temperature, setting the start time of automatic hot water filling, and the like. The automatic filling section 26 operates the electric mixing valve 5 and the air release valve / water supply solenoid valve 9 to adjust the hot water in the hot water tank 1 to a predetermined temperature and supply the hot water to the bathtub 11 until the water level reaches a predetermined level. Has a function.

The water level measuring unit 27 monitors the output signal of the water level sensor 19 after closing the electric two-way valve 18 during the filling operation, the warm-up operation, and the hot water operation, and changes the output signal of the water level sensor 19. Has a function of measuring the level of hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 after it has stabilized.

The water level measuring section 27 determines the installation environment of the bathtub 11 based on the output signal of the water level sensor 19 and the lapse of time at the start of the first filling operation such as after installation, and according to the installation environment. It has a function of setting data for determining an abnormality of the hot water filling operation, for example, a set water level of the bathtub 11 and an abnormality determination time.

The abnormal operation judging section 28 measures the filling time, determines the above-mentioned filling error, and takes in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 during the operation of the circulation pump 16 during the warming operation. Has a function of determining that the operation is abnormal when a state in which the hydraulic pressure becomes negative pressure and is equal to or lower than a predetermined hydraulic pressure, for example, a state in which the hydraulic pressure is lower than the hydraulic pressure during normal operation of the circulation pump 16 continues for a predetermined period. .

The air bleeding unit 29 drives the circulation pump 16 and monitors the output signal of the water level sensor 19 prior to filling with water for measuring the water level in the bathtub 11, and confirms that there is continuous water flow for a predetermined period or more. When it is detected, it has a function of judging air bleeding in the hot and cold water supply pipe 10 and the return pipe 15.

The installation environment judging section 30 is provided with the hot and cold water supply pipe 10.
Hot water is supplied through the two return pipes 15 until the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the circulation port 11a, and a water level sensor 19 when the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the circulation port 11a.
Is read, and the height difference between the water level sensor 19 and the circulation port 11a of the bathtub 11 is determined based on the pressure value. Based on the height difference, the installation position of the bathtub 11, for example, the bathtub 11 is located on the first floor or the second floor. It has a function to determine whether it is installed on the floor.

It should be noted that the main control unit 22 determines whether or not the bathing time is abnormal and the level of the hot water in the bathtub 11 indicates the circulation port 1 of the bathtub 11.
Various counter functions such as a water level timer for measuring the time required to reach 1a and a timer for judging an abnormal filling time and a filling counter for counting the number of filling operations are provided.

Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of the automatic hot water filling shown in FIGS. First, the main control unit 22 issues a command to the automatic filling unit 26, reads the count value of the filling counter in step # 1 shown in FIG. 2 and determines whether it is the first filling, and If not, step # 2
Then, it is determined from the count value of the hot water filling counter whether the number of hot water fillings is within a predetermined number of times, for example, within 30 times of hot water filling.
Here, if the number of hot water fillings is 30 or more, a setting is made to take in and correct the water level reference data to cope with a change in the sensor output corresponding to the aging of the water level sensor 19.

Next, the automatic filling section 26 is operated in step # 4.
It is determined whether or not there is, for example, data on the installation position of the bathtub 11, reference water level data corresponding to the water level data, and the filling time determination time, and if there is such water level data, the process proceeds to step # 5 and the filling level is determined. Start the time discrimination timer.

However, as a result of the determination at step # 4, if there is no water level data,
In step # 7, the water filling counter is reset, and in the next step # 7, a water level timer is started to time until the water level reaches the circulation port 11a of the bathtub 11.

Next, in step # 8 shown in FIG. 3, the automatic filling section 26 sets the temperature sensors 3a to 3
d, each output signal is taken, and it is determined whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is a predetermined amount, for example, 60 l or more.
If there is the remaining amount of hot water, the flow proceeds to step # 9 to open the electric two-way valve 18, to open the water supply solenoid valve 9 in the next step # 10, and to open the electric mixing valve 5 in the next step # 11.
To check the hot water temperature from the hot water tank 1, and set the hot water supply temperature to, for example, 55 ° C. on the high temperature side.

As a result of the determination in step # 8,
If the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 12, displays an error indicating that the hot water filling condition is not satisfied, and cancels the automatic hot water filling operation.

Next, the automatic hot water filling section 26 executes step # 1.
In step 3, the output signal of the thermistor 13 is fetched and it is determined whether or not the filling temperature is, for example, 45 ° C. or more. If the filling temperature is 45 ° C. or more, the current setting temperature of the electric mixing valve 5 is set to, for example, 0.6 ° C. is added as a heat radiation loss of piping and the like, and this is added to the electric mixing valve 5.
The setting is changed as the new set temperature.

Next, the automatic filling section 26 is operated in step # 1.
In 5, it is determined whether or not, for example, two minutes has elapsed as the priming set time. If the priming set time has elapsed and the hot water is filled in the hot and cold water supply pipe 10, the process proceeds to the next step # 16 to supply water. The solenoid valve 9 is closed.

Until the priming time elapses, the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 17 to fetch each output signal of each of the temperature sensors 3a to 3d so that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is determined. It is determined whether or not the quantity is, for example, 60 l or more.
Returning to step 5, if it is 60 l or less, the process proceeds to step # 18, where an error is displayed as running out of hot water and the automatic hot water filling operation is canceled.

Also, as a result of the determination in step # 13,
If the filling temperature is 45 ° C. or less, the automatic filling section 26
Moves to step # 19, determines whether the set time for priming has elapsed, and if the set time for priming has elapsed, moves to step # 16, closes the water supply solenoid valve 9, and if not, Moving to step # 20, it is determined whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, for example, 60 l. As a result of this determination, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 returns to step # 13 again if the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is 60 l or more, and moves to step # 12 if there is the remaining hot water amount of 60 l or less. An error is displayed assuming that the filling condition is not satisfied, and the automatic filling operation is canceled.

Next, when the water supply electromagnetic valve 9 is closed in step # 16, the automatic filling section 26 moves to step # 21 shown in FIG. 4 to drive the circulation pump 16, and the flow proceeds to step # 22. The output signal of the switch 20 is taken in, and it is determined whether or not the flow switch 20 is continuously turned off to determine whether or not there is remaining hot water in the bathtub 11.
That is, the fact that the flow switch 20 is turned off means that hot water is not stored in the bathtub 11 because the hot water does not circulate from the bathtub 11 to the hot water supply pipe 10 by the drive of the circulation pump 16.

The method of determining the presence or absence of remaining hot water in the bathtub 11 will be described. The determination of whether or not there is remaining hot water in the bathtub 11 is performed by setting the flow switch 20 to, for example, 1 after 2 minutes from the start of driving of the circulation pump 16. The flow switch 2 does not turn on for more than a minute or
The determination is made, for example, when it is detected that the flow switch 20 has been turned off for 8 seconds or more after turning on 0.

The determination of the presence of the remaining amount of hot water in the bathtub 11 can be made, for example, by turning on the flow switch 20 for, for example, one second or more within two minutes from the start of driving of the circulation pump 16 and then for, for example, two minutes thereafter. Flow switch 2 for more than 8 seconds
The determination is made when 0 off is not detected.

Accordingly, if the flow switch 20 is continuously turned off, there is no hot water in the bathtub 11 and the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 23 to stop the circulating pump 16, and the automatic hot water filling section 26 shown in FIG. In the next step # 24, the water supply electromagnetic valve 9 is opened, and at the same time, the time until the two hot water supply pipes 10 and the return pipe 15 are supplied with hot water while the electric two-way valve 18 is open is measured, for example, 4 minutes. Start the two-tube hot water timer.

However, if the flow switch 20 is not continuously turned off, the automatic filling section 26 performs step #
After the flow proceeds from step 22 to step # 25, it is determined that the flow switch confirmation time has been cleared. Then, the flow proceeds to step # 26, where it is determined whether or not the operation is the first filling operation. Since there is no hot water, the flow switch 20 is turned on, so that the process proceeds to step # 27, an error is displayed, and the hot water filling operation is automatically canceled.
If the result of the determination in step # 26 is not the first filling operation, the automatic filling unit 26 executes step #
Then, the process proceeds to step 28 to determine whether or not the hot water in the bathtub 11 is in a state of performing a warming operation. If the temperature of the hot water is a temperature at which the warming operation must be performed, the process proceeds to a warming operation described later, and the warming operation must be performed. For example, the process proceeds to step # 29, where an error message is displayed indicating that there is remaining hot water and the heat retaining operation is not to be performed, and the automatic hot water filling operation is canceled.

Next, at step # 24, the water supply solenoid valve 9
During the supply of hot water to the two pipes of the hot water supply pipe 10 and the return pipe 15 by opening the hot water supply pipe, the automatic hot water filling section 26 determines in step # 30 whether or not the time of the two pipe hot water supply timer has expired. If the time is not up, the process proceeds to step # 31 to determine whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or more than the predetermined amount of 60 l. Take in and judge.
If the result of this determination is that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the automatic filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 32 and determines whether the filling temperature is, for example, 45 ° C. or more. It is determined whether or not the process has been completed. In this case, since the process has been completed in step # 13, the process returns to step # 30 again to determine whether the two-tube hot water supply timer has expired.

However, if it is not yet determined whether or not the filling temperature is equal to or higher than 45 ° C., the automatic filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 33 to fetch the output signal of the thermistor 13 and fill the filling signal. It is determined whether the temperature is, for example, 45 ° C. or more. If the filling temperature is 45 ° C. or more, in step # 34, for example, 0.6 ° C. is added to the set temperature of the electric mixing valve 5, and this is added. The setting is changed as the set temperature of the electric mixing valve 5, and the process returns to step # 30 again to determine whether the time of the two-tube hot water supply timer has expired.

If the result of the determination in step # 33 is that the filling temperature is, for example, 45 ° C. or less, the automatic filling section 2
Step 6 moves to step # 35 to judge whether or not the time of the two-tube hot water supply timer has expired, and when the time has expired, moves to step # 35 to display an error, for example, as a failure of the electric mixing valve 5, and Release tension operation. If the result of the determination in step # 31 is that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the automatic hot filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 37 and displays an error indicating that there is no remaining hot water, Cancel driving.

Next, as a result of the determination in step # 30, when the two-tube hot water supply timer times out and hot water is supplied to the two hot water supply pipes 10 and the return pipe 15,
The automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 38, closes the electric two-way valve 18, supplies hot water to the bathtub 11 through the water supply pipe 10, and in step # 39 takes in the output signal of the water level sensor 19, and It is determined whether or not the water level in 11 has reached the circulation port 11a.

At this time, the water level measuring unit 27 monitors the output signal of the water level sensor 19 after closing the electric two-way valve 18,
As shown in FIG. 12, the level of the hot water in the bathtub 11 is measured after the output signal of the water level sensor 19 has stabilized for a fixed period of time Ta. By taking in the water level in the bathtub 11 after the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is stabilized in this way, the time required for the output signal of the water level sensor 19 to be stabilized becomes longer or shorter. Although there is a fluctuation, the water level data in the bathtub 11 can always be stably and accurately taken.

As described above, the water level in the bathtub 11 is measured, and if the water level has not reached the circulation port 11a, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds from step # 39 to step # 40, where the water level is It is determined whether or not the permissible time required to reach the section 11a, that is, the circulation port hot water filling abnormal time, has been cleared, and if the clearing has been completed, the hot water remains in the bath tub 11 even if the hot tub is supplied to the bath tub 11. Instead, for example, it is determined that the plug has come off or the water level sensor 19 is abnormal, and the process proceeds to step # 41 to cancel the automatic filling operation.

If the circulating port filling time has not been cleared, the automatic filling unit 26 determines in step # 42 whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of 60 l in the same manner as described above. Temperature sensors 3a to 3 for determining the amount of hot water
The determination is made by taking in each output signal of d. If the result of this determination is that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 returns to step # 39 again and returns to the bathtub 1
It is determined whether or not the water level in 1 has reached the circulation port portion 11a. If the remaining hot water amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the hot water is depleted and the process proceeds to step # 43 to cancel the automatic hot water filling operation.

Then, the water level in the bathtub 11 is changed to the circulation port 1
1a, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 44 shown in FIG. 6 to determine whether or not it is the first filling, and if it is the first filling, steps # 45 to # 48.
Then, the water filling abnormality determination data is corrected, that is, in step # 45, the time of the water level timer for measuring the time until the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the circulation port 11a is read, and read in the next step # 46. It is determined whether the time of the water level timer is standard.

If the result of this determination is that the time of the water level timer is normal, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 47 and sets the filling completion time and the filling abnormality determination time to the circulation port 11a as standard. Save as is.

If the time of the water level timer is not standard, the automatic filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 48 and saves the filling completion time and the filling abnormality determination time up to the circulation port 11a as the longest time. Set.

When the setting of the abnormality determination data is completed in this way, the automatic filling section 26 issues a command to the air vent section 29 and closes the water supply electromagnetic valve 9 in step # 49 to perform the air vent. In step # 50, the electric two-way valve 18 is opened, and in the following step # 51, the circulation pump 16 is intermittently driven to circulate hot water in the bathtub 11 from the return pipe 15 to the hot water supply pipe 10, 15 and the hot and cold water supply pipe 10 are evacuated.

Then, when the circulation pump 16 has been driven for a predetermined time, the air bleeding unit 29 moves from step # 52 to step # 53 and stops the circulation pump 16. From 54, the process proceeds to step # 55, where the circulation pump 16 is driven again.

As described above, during the air bleeding operation, the automatic filling section 26 determines whether or not the maximum allowable time for air bleeding of the return pipe 15 and the hot water supply pipe 10 has been cleared in step # 56 shown in FIG. It is determined in step # 57 whether or not the flow switch 20 is turned on before this time is cleared. Here, flow switch 2
If the maximum allowable time for air bleeding is cleared before 0 is turned on, the automatic hot-water filling unit 26 determines that there is no hot or cold water in the bathtub 11 and, for example, stops the circulation pump 16 or plugs the bathtub 11 in step # 58. Judgment is made, such as missing, an error is displayed and the automatic filling operation is canceled.

Next, when the flow switch 20 is turned on before the maximum allowable time is cleared, the automatic filling section 26
The process proceeds from step # 57 to step # 59 to start a stability determination allowable timer. In the next step # 60, it is determined whether or not the allowable ON time for the flow switch 20 has been cleared. Then, a command is issued to the water level measuring unit 27, the circulating pump 16 is stopped to capture the water level data in the bathtub 11, the air bleeding ends, and the electric two-way valve 18 is closed in the next step # 62. .

If the ON time of the flow switch 20 has not been cleared in step # 60, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 63 and the flow switch 20 remains ON. It is determined whether or not the flow switch 20 has been turned on, and the flow returns to step # 60 to determine whether or not the ON time of the flow switch 20 has been cleared. If not, the flow returns to step # 56. It is determined whether the maximum allowable time for air bleeding has been cleared.

Next, as described above, the circulating pump 16 is stopped to take in the water level in the bathtub 11 and the electric two-way valve 18 is closed, and then the water level measuring section 27 outputs the output of the water level sensor 19 in step # 64. It is determined whether or not there is a timing to take in the signal, and in the next step # 65, FIG.
It is determined whether or not the change in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 has been stabilized for a certain period Ta as shown in FIG. Then, when the change of the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is stabilized, the water level measurement unit 27 takes in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 in step # 66. By taking in the water level in the bathtub 11 after the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is stabilized in this way, the time required for the output signal of the water level sensor 19 to be stabilized becomes longer or shorter. Although there is a fluctuation, the water level in the bathtub 11 can always be stably and accurately taken.

Next, the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 6.
In step 7, it is determined again whether or not it is the first filling, and if it is the first filling, the process proceeds to step # 68 to save and set the water level reference data without correction. If it is not the first time, the automatic filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 69 to correct and store the water level reference data.

Here, the processing of the water level reference data will be described. The correction of the water level reference data is performed, for example, by taking in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 every 30 automatic fillings as in the above step # 2.

In the processing of the water level reference data, the set water level reference data is compared with the currently taken water level data, and if the difference is within 1 for example, no correction is made to the water level reference data. For example, if the water level reference data is 12
If the water level data acquired this time at 124 (h) is 124 (h), the difference is −1, so the water level reference data is 1
23 (h).

Further, the set water level reference data is compared with the water level data taken in this time, and the difference is, for example, 2 to 2.
If it is 3, the water level data taken in this time is determined as water level reference data. For example, if the water level reference data is 123
If the water level data captured this time in (h) is 120 (h), the difference is 3, so the water level reference data is 120 (h).
(H) is determined.

Further, the set water level reference data is compared with the currently taken water level data, and if the difference is, for example, 4 or more, the water level reference data is set closer to the currently taken water level data. For example ± 3
Make corrections. For example, the water level reference data is 123 (h)
If the water level data captured this time is 128 (h),
Since the difference is −5, the water level reference data is 123
(H) +3 (h) is determined as 126 (h).

When the reference water level data is taken in for the first time after resetting, it is not decided by one filling operation, but several fillings are performed, and the average value of the water level data measured by these fillings is calculated. If the reference water level data is used, accurate reference water level data can be acquired. Further, if the average value is calculated by omitting the maximum value and the minimum value from each of the water level data measured in several fillings, more accurate reference water level data can be acquired.

Next, the automatic hot water filling section 26 opens the water supply solenoid valve 9 in step # 70 shown in FIG. 8, supplies hot water to the bathtub 11 through the hot water supply pipe 10, and supplies water to the bathtub 11 in full scale. enter.

In the state where hot water is being supplied to the bathtub 11 as described above, the automatic filling unit 26 takes in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 in step # 71, and checks whether the water level in the bathtub 11 has reached the set water level. Monitor whether it is.

In this case, since the circulation pump 16 is stopped and the one-pipe hot water supply with the electric two-way valve 18 closed is monitored, the water level sensor 19 is monitored as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the change of the output signal of the water level sensor 19 has been stabilized for a certain period of time. The state when the change of the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is stabilized is captured, and the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is captured.

If the water level has not reached the set water level as a result of monitoring the water level, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 72.
Then, it is determined whether or not the timer for judging hot water filling has expired. If the timer has not expired, the process proceeds to step # 7.
The process proceeds to 3 to determine whether the remaining hot water amount is equal to or more than a predetermined amount.
As a result of these determinations, if the hot water filling abnormality determination timer times out, since the set water level is not reached even when hot water is supplied to the bathtub 11, it is determined that, for example, the bathtub 11 has been unplugged, and the flow proceeds to step # 74. An error is displayed and the automatic hot water filling operation is canceled. If the remaining hot water amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, it is determined that there is no remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 and step #
At 75, an error is displayed and the automatic filling operation is canceled.

When the hot water supply to the bathtub 11 proceeds and the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the set water level, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 closes the water supply electromagnetic valve 9 in step # 76, and proceeds to the next step #
At 77, the hot water counter is incremented and the actual hot water filling is completed, but the electric two-way valve 18 is opened at the next step # 78, and the circulation pump 16 is driven at the next step # 79. Next step # 8 shown in 9
At 0, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed to actually measure the hot water temperature after the completion of hot water filling.

If the predetermined time has not elapsed after the completion of the filling, the automatic filling section 26 takes in the output signal of the thermistor 13 while the circulation pump 16 is being driven, and proceeds to step #.
At 81, the hot water temperature in the bathtub 11 is measured, and the next step # 82
Then, it is determined whether or not the measured hot water temperature is within an allowable range. If the result of this determination is that the measured hot water temperature is within the allowable range, the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 83 and does not correct the hot water setting temperature, but performs the next hot water operation under the same hot water temperature condition. Try to drive in tension. If the measured hot water temperature is out of the allowable range, the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 8.
The process proceeds to step 4 to correct the filling temperature and prepare for the next filling operation.

At the same time, after measuring the hot water temperature in the bathtub 11, the automatic hot filling unit 26 takes in the output signal of the flow switch 20 in step # 85, and checks whether the flow switch 20 is on while the circulation pump 16 is operating. It is determined whether or not it is ON.
It is determined that hot and cold water is circulating through
Proceeding to 86, it is determined whether the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. As a result of these determinations, if the flow switch 20 is turned off or the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the automatic hot filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 87, and the failure of the circulation pump 16 or the flow switch 20 Judgment is made as a failure, an error is displayed, and the automatic filling operation is canceled.
If the remaining hot water amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the automatic hot water filling section 26
Determines that there is no remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 and displays an error in step # 88 to cancel the automatic hot water filling operation.

Next, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the filling, the automatic filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 89, stops the circulation pump 16, and closes the electric two-way valve 18 in the next step # 90. .

Next, the automatic hot water filling section 26 determines in step # 91 shown in FIG. 10 whether or not the timer has timed out by the operation of the water level and the heat retention interval timer. # 9
In step 2, it is determined whether the decrease in the water level in the bathtub 11 after the filling is within an allowable range.

Here, the water level in the bathtub 11 is measured by the water level measurement unit 27 in the same manner as described above to determine whether or not the change in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 has been stabilized for a certain period of time. When the change of the signal is stabilized, the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is taken in and measured.

As a result of the water level measurement, if the decrease in the water level in the bathtub 11 is not within the allowable range, the automatic filling section 26
In order to add hot water to the bathtub 11, the process proceeds to step # 93 to determine whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. Then, the process proceeds to step # 94, where an error is displayed and the automatic filling operation is canceled.

If the remaining hot water amount is equal to or more than the predetermined amount, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 95 to open the water supply solenoid valve 9 to supply hot water to the bathtub 11, and to add hot water to the bathtub 11. . In the next step # 96, the automatic filling section 26 sets the bathtub 1
It is determined whether the water level in 1 has reached the set water level. In the measurement of the water level in the bathtub 11 as well, the water level measurement unit 27 determines whether or not the change in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 has been stabilized for a certain period of time Ta. The output signal of the sensor 19 is taken in and measured. Then, when the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the set water level, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 proceeds to Step # 97, closes the water supply electromagnetic valve 9, and proceeds to Step # 98.

However, the time required for the water level in the bathtub 11 to reach the set water level is measured by an abnormality monitoring timer, and if the water level in the bathtub 11 does not reach the set water level even if the abnormality monitoring timer expires, an automatic operation is performed. The filling section 26 proceeds from step # 99 to step # 100, determines that the bathtub 11 has been removed, displays an error, and cancels the automatic filling operation. If the abnormality monitoring timer has not expired, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 101 to determine whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. If the amount of hot water is equal to or more than the predetermined amount, the flow returns to step # 96 to determine whether the water level in the bathtub 11 has reached the set water level. If the amount of remaining hot water is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank 1 is reduced. It is determined that there is not, and step # 102
Then, the water supply solenoid valve 9 is closed, and the flow proceeds to step # 94 to display an error and cancel the automatic filling operation.

Next, when the water level and the heat retention interval timer have timed out in step # 91, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 98 to open the electric two-way valve 18 in order to proceed to the heat retention operation. In step # 103, the circulation pump 16 is driven, and the next step # 1 shown in FIG.
At 04, it is determined whether or not the time of the hot water temperature monitoring timer (for example, 5 minutes) has expired.

If the hot water temperature monitoring timer has not expired, the automatic hot water filling section 26 proceeds to step # 105 to take in the output signal of the flow switch 20 and determine whether or not the flow switch 20 is on. If the result of this determination is that the flow switch 20 has been turned on, the flow proceeds to the next step # 106 to determine whether or not heat retention is necessary.
If the flow switch 20 has been turned off, the automatic filling section 26 proceeds to step # 107 and proceeds to step # 107.
Is judged to be a failure, an error is displayed and the automatic filling operation is canceled.

Next, as a result of the determination in step # 106, if the setting unit 25 has set the heat retention, the automatic hot water filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 108 to energize the heat retaining heater 12 for the heat retaining operation. I do. Thereby, the hot and cold water circulating from the return pipe 15 to the hot and cold water supply pipe 10 by the driving of the circulation pump 16 is heated by the heat retaining heater 12 and returns to the bathtub 11.

During this warming operation, the automatic hot water filling section 26
In step # 109, the output signal of the thermistor 13 is fetched, and it is determined whether the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 11 has reached the set temperature. At this time, the automatic hot filling unit 26 checks whether the flow switch 20 is turned on in step # 110. Then, when the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 11 reaches the set temperature, the automatic hot-water filling unit 26 stops the power supply to the heat retaining heater 12 in step # 111, returns to step # 89 again, and repeats the heat retaining operation. Become.

During this warm-up operation, the abnormal operation determination unit 2
8 captures the output signal of the water level sensor 19 when the circulation pump 16 operates, and monitors the water pressure in the return pipe 15. When water pressure of the return pipe 15 is the water pressure P ₁ which is a negative pressure relative to the pressure P _o during operation of a conventional circulation pump 16 as shown in FIG. 13, abnormal operation judgment unit 28 starts counting When detecting that the state continues for a predetermined time period T _g, for example it is determined that the return pipe 15 is for example closed by a towel to stop the operation of the circulation pump 16.

Next, when the hot water temperature monitoring timer times out in step # 104, the automatic hot filling section 26 proceeds to step # 112 and sets the maximum time (for example, 4 to 6 hours) for the automatic hot water running operation. It is determined whether or not the fully automatic longest monitoring timer has timed out. If the time has expired, the flow proceeds to step # 113 to end the automatic filling operation.
If the full-automatic longest monitoring timer has not expired, the automatic hot-water filling unit 26 proceeds to step # 114 to determine whether or not the automatic hot-watering operation has been released, for example, into the setting unit 25. Step # 1 if the tensioning operation is released
Then, the process goes to step 13 to terminate the automatic hot water filling operation. If the automatic hot water filling operation is not canceled, the flow returns to step # 89.

As described above, in one embodiment,
During the automatic filling operation, the warming operation, and the hot water operation, the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is monitored after the electric two-way valve 18 is closed, and the change in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is stabilized. Since the water level of the hot water is measured, the time required for the output signal of the water level sensor 19 to stabilize becomes longer or shorter. During the hot water operation, accurate and accurate water level data in the bathtub 11 can always be acquired. For example, pipe length,
Accurate water level data can always be measured under various conditions such as the diameter, the arrangement position of the bathtub 11, and the waving of the bath surface in the bathtub 11.

Further, the correction timing of the water level reference data is performed, for example, by taking in the output signal of the water level sensor 19 every 30 times of automatic filling, even if the water level sensor 19 cannot gradually measure the accurate water level due to the change over time. The measuring water level can be corrected between the two, and the automatic filling operation can always be performed at the stable measuring water level.

Further, hot water is supplied through the two pipes of the hot water supply pipe 10 and the return pipe 15 until the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the circulation port 11a, and the water level in the bathtub 11 is changed to the circulation port 11a.
Signal (pressure) of the water level sensor 19 when the pressure reaches
Is read, the height difference between the water level sensor 19 and the circulation port 11a of the bathtub 11 can be determined, and it can be determined from the height difference whether the bathtub 11 is installed on the first floor or the second floor, for example.

Therefore, according to the difference in the amount of supplied water due to the installation of the bathtub 11 on either the first floor or the second floor, the set water level for completion of the hot water filling and the hot water filling abnormality discrimination time can be appropriately set. Even when setting the wrong bathing abnormality determination time that does not correspond to the installation position of the bathtub, the installation position of the bathtub 11 is determined to lengthen or shorten the bathing abnormality determination time.
It is possible to eliminate waste of hot water supply to the bathtub 11 such as hot water flowing out of the bathtub 11 due to a plug removal abnormality or the like. For example,
If the bathtub 11 is installed on the second floor, by setting a bathing abnormality determination time for the second floor, for example, so that it does not become abnormal at the last minute, the bathtub 11 is installed on the second floor and the water supply flow rate of the day changes. No abnormalities occur.

When the bathtub 11 is installed on the second floor, if the time of hot water supply through the two pipes of the hot water supply pipe 10 and the return pipe 15 is lengthened, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 11 increases, and Time to completion can be reduced.

When the circulating pump 16 is operated during the heat retention operation, the output signal of the water level sensor 19 is taken in, and the return pipe 15
The operation is determined to be abnormal when the water pressure in the inside of the pump is lower than the predetermined water pressure for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, for example, it is determined that a towel or the like has entered the return pipe 15 and the circulation pump 1 has been closed.
6 can be stopped immediately for safety.

By combining the abnormality detection due to the OFF state of the flow switch 20 and the abnormality detection due to the water pressure detected by the water level sensor 19, it is possible to prevent a failure or the like caused by, for example, the suction of hair into the hot water supply pipe 10 and the return pipe 15. It is possible to detect with high accuracy and to quickly deal with it.

[0092]

As described above, according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic hot water filling apparatus capable of accurately measuring the water level in a bathtub. Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic hot water filling apparatus capable of appropriately setting an appropriate hot water filling abnormality determination time according to an installation environment of a bathtub.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the return pipe for circulating hot water during the warm-up operation is blocked, and the circulating pump is immediately stopped to ensure safety. A tensioning device can be provided. Claim 4 of the present invention
According to this, it is possible to provide an automatic hot water filling apparatus capable of accurately measuring the water level by bleeding air in the pipe when measuring the water level.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an automatic hot water filling device for a bathtub according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of automatic hot water filling in the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the timing of taking in water level data in a bathtub.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation of detecting a blockage of a towel or the like in a return pipe.

FIG. 14 is an overall configuration diagram of a conventional automatic hot water filling apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a measurement timing of a water level in a conventional bathtub.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Hot water tank, 2: Heater, 5: Electric mixing valve, 9: Atmospheric release valve / water supply solenoid valve, 10: Hot water supply piping, 11: Bathtub, 12: Heated heater, 16, 17: Circulation pump, 18: Electric motor Two-way valve, 19: water level sensor, 20: flow switch, 21: control device, 22: main control unit, 23: input / output unit, 24: memory, 25: setting unit, 26: automatic filling unit, 27: water level Measurement section, 28: Abnormal operation determination section, 29: Air release section, 30: Installation environment determination section.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A hot water supply operation in which hot water from a water heater is supplied from a first valve to a bathtub through a hot water supply pipe until a predetermined water level is reached, or a circulation valve is driven by opening hot water in the bathtub by opening a second valve. The heat retention operation of reheating from the return pipe through the hot and cold water supply pipe and circulating through the bathtub,
An automatic water filling apparatus having a hot water operation for adding hot water to the bathtub by opening a valve of the above, wherein a water level sensor provided on the return pipe; a hot water operation, the warming operation, and the hot water operation. Water level measuring means for monitoring the output signal of the water level sensor after closing the second valve each time, and measuring the level of the hot water in the bathtub after the output signal change of the water level sensor is stabilized. An automatic filling system characterized by the following. 2. The water level measuring means determines an installation environment of the bathtub based on an output signal of the water level sensor at the start of the water filling operation, and determines an abnormality of the water filling operation according to the installation environment. The automatic filling system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of changing setting of time-lapse data for performing the setting. 3. An output signal of the water level sensor is taken in during operation of the circulation pump during the heat keeping operation, and when the water pressure in the return pipe is lower than a predetermined water pressure and continues for a predetermined period, it is determined that the operation is abnormal. 2. The automatic hot water filling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an abnormal operation determining means. 4. A water flow sensor provided in the hot and cold water supply pipe, and the circulation pump is driven prior to measuring a water level in the bathtub to monitor an output signal of the water flow sensor, and continuously for a predetermined period or more. 2. The automatic hot water filling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an air bleeding unit that determines air bleeding in the hot water supply pipe and the return pipe when detecting that there is a water flow.