JPH043848A - Water level sensing device for bath tub - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform an accurate sensing of a water level even under a case in which a remained hot water is present at a higher position than that of a connection part of a sensing pipe passage by a method wherein a water level sensing means may detect a water level of hot water in a bath tub with a pressure sensor in reference to a measuring reference value stored in a reference memory means. CONSTITUTION:When a supplying of hot water to a vacant bath tub 10 is started, at first, a water level reference sensing means 2 detects a pressure with a pressure sensor 54 while hot water filled in a sensing pipe passage 21a is not flowed. A control means 4 stores the pressure value in the reference value memory means 3 as a measuring reference value and then the water level sensing means 1 may detect a water level of the hot water surface 12 in reference to this reference value. When its subsequent hot water feeding is carried out, the control means 4 may detect a water level of the hot water surface 12 in reference to a measuring reference value while hot water is being flowed in a sensing pipe passage 21a. Accordingly, even in the event that the operation is restarted while the remained hot water is left up to a position higher than that of the connection part of the sensing pipe passage 12a, the measured reference value is not disturbed and the water level of the hot water surface 12 can be detected correctly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a water level detection device for a bathtub that detects the water level of hot water or water (hereinafter simply referred to as hot water) supplied into a bathtub using a pressure sensor, and in particular to a water level detection device for a bathtub that detects the water level of hot water or water (hereinafter simply referred to as hot water) supplied into a bathtub. The present invention relates to a water level detection device for a bathtub that automatically sets measurement reference values and eliminates the need to adjust the water level detection device during installation.

(Prior art) As this type of bath equipment, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-262
There is one shown in Publication No. 110. In this technology,
A pressure sensor is installed in a pipe (detection pipe) connected via a bath adapter installed below the full surface during use, and the detected value of the pressure sensor is measured before the hot water level reaches the bath adapter. As a reference value, the water level in the bathtub is detected by a pressure sensor. According to this, the water level in the scene can be detected based on the position of the bus adapter,
There is no need to adjust the water level detection device at the time of crotch.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in such conventional technology, the measurement base that serves as the standard for detecting the water level on the hot water surface! ! ! Since the flow of hot water through the detection pipe must be stopped each time hot water is supplied, there is a problem in that it takes a long time to supply hot water. In addition, if the operation is restarted and hot water is supplied after the operation is temporarily stopped and the remaining hot water is higher than the connection point of the detection pipe, the measurement reference value is detected at a point slightly higher than the level of the remaining hot water. There is a problem in that the water level is not properly inspected.

The present invention detects nine IJ! The purpose of the J-specified standard value is to solve the above-mentioned problems by assuming that the standard value does not change after the bathtub is installed.

(Means for Solving the Problems) For this purpose, the water level detection device for a bathtub according to the present invention has a first
As shown in the figure, a supply pipe 21b that supplies hot water or water to the bathtub 10, a detection pipe 21a connected to the bathtub 10 below the hot water level 12 during normal use, and a detection pipe 21a connected to the bathtub 10 below the hot water level 12 during normal use. In a bathtub water level detection device comprising a water level detection means 1 for detecting the water level of the hot water surface 12 in the bathtub 10 using a pressure sensor 54 provided, the detection pipe 21a is filled with hot water or water at the beginning of hot water supply. When water is not flowing, the water level of the hot water surface 12 is determined by the pressure sensor 54 to the bathtub 1.
The water level reference detection means 2 detects the corresponding pressure when the water level is near the connection part of the return path 21a with respect to 0, the reference value storage means 3 stores the measurement reference value, and the measurement reference value is stored in this reference value storage means. If not, use the pressure value detected by the water level reference detection means 2 as the measurement base! The S value is stored in the reference value storage means 3, and if the measurement reference value is already stored, the detection tube J12 is stored at the beginning of hot water supply.
While flowing hot water or water through 1a, the water level reference detection means 2
control means 4 for stopping the operation of the reference value storage means and maintaining the measurement reference value stored in the reference value storage means 3; The pressure sensor 54 causes the bathtub 10 to
It is characterized by detecting the water level of the hot water inside.

Note that it is desirable that the measurement reference values stored in the reference value storage means 3 can be deleted.

(Function) Immediately after installing the bathtub 10 or erasing the measurement reference value, the measurement reference value is not stored in the reference value storage means 3. If the supply of hot water to the empty bathtub 10 is started in this state, First, the water level reference detection means 2 detects the pressure corresponding to when the water level of the hot water level 12 is near the connection part of the return path 21a with respect to the bathtub 1° by the pressure sensor 54 when the hot water filled in the detection pipe 21a is not flowing. The control means 4 stores this detected pressure value as a measurement reference value in the reference value storage means 3, and the water level detection means 1 detects the hot water level 12 in the bathtub 10 based on the stored measurement reference value. Detect the water level. Furthermore, when hot water is supplied next time, since the measurement reference value has already been stored in the reference value storage means 3, the control means 4 stores it in the reference value storage means 3 while keeping the hot water flowing through the detection pipe 21a. The water level detection hand Fi1 maintains the measurement standard value as it is, and uses this measurement standard value as a reference to detect the hot water level 1 in the bathtub 10.
Detect the water level of 2. Therefore, from the next time onwards, even if the operation is restarted and hot water is supplied with hot water remaining above the connection point of the detection pipe 21a, the measurement reference value will not be deviated, and the water level on the hot water surface 12 will be Detected correctly.

In addition, if for some reason there is a discrepancy between the measurement reference value stored in the reference value storage means 3 and the connection position of the detection pipe 21a with respect to the bathtub 1o, the measurement reference value stored in the reference value storage means 3 The measurement reference value may be deleted and the pressure value detected by the water level reference detection means 2 may be stored in the reference value storage means 3 as the measurement reference value.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily keep hot water flowing through the initial hot water detection pipe when starting hot water supply, except immediately after installing the bathtub or erasing the hot water measurement reference value. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for hot water supply.

In addition, it is possible to correctly detect the water level higher than the connection part of the detection pipe (remaining hot water power up to the λ position; hot water level even if the operation is restarted in a certain state to supply hot water).

(Example) The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in Figure 2, bath! 10 is connected to both ends of a circulation pipe 21 via a bus adapter 11 provided at the lower part of the negative side thereof. , the circulation line 21 (separated into a return line (detection line) 21a and an outgoing line (supply line) 21b by a spiral pump 22 installed midway, and from the return line 21a side to the outward line 21
Hot water is sent toward the b side, and a heat exchanger 26 for the bath pot 25 is provided in the middle of the return path 21a. As shown in FIG. 2, the W-ring pipe 21, the pump 22, the bath pot 25, and the return line 21a are connected to a central processing unit (CPU) 51. Dedicated memory (ROM) 52 and writable memory (RA)
M) This is an electronic control device whose main component is 53.

The CPU 51 has a bath remote control device rL60 that sets the water level, hot water supply temperature, boiling temperature, etc. and also commands the operation.
are connected to each solenoid valve 23. based on the detected values from each sensor 54-59. 29. 34. 39.
41 and pump 22 are operated according to a predetermined $ control program.

The RAM 53 includes a storage value yiM that stores a measurement reference value Pe, which will be described later. This measurement standard JaP11 is stored in the storage area M even if the operation of the bath device is stopped by the switch of the bath remote controller W60, but if the reset switch (not shown) is operated or the main IC [switch is turned off, etc. will be deleted.

Further, in the ROM 52, first, the hot water supply device 30 is put into operation, the hot water supply solenoid valve 41 and the vI ring solenoid valve 23 are opened, and then the stored value in the storage area M is checked, and the stored value is controlled by the circulation solenoid valve 23 provided with the memory. Forced circulation heating device that heats hot water! 20 is configured and 0.

A pressure sensor 54 is installed on the return path 21a near the circulation solenoid valve 23.
and a bath temperature sensor 55 are provided. This pressure sensor 54 detects the water level of the hot water surface 12 in the bathtub 10, and in this embodiment, the water level H is detected based on the upper door of the connection part of the return path 21a to the bathtub 10. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the hot water supply system W30 includes an instantaneous water heater 35 that is controlled to supply hot water at a constant temperature, and a mixing device that mixes this hot water with cold water from a communication pipe 33 to reach a predetermined hot water temperature. The faucet 34 is the main component, and the pipe line 40
And fresh hot water is supplied to the bathtub 10 via the circulation pipe 21.

The water supply pipe 31 of the instantaneous water heater 35 is equipped with a water supply temperature sensor 56 and a water flow sensor 57, and the hot water supply pipe 32 is equipped with a hot water temperature sensor 58.
Further, in addition to the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 41, two check valves 42 and a vacuum breaker 45 are provided in the conduit 40.

If the measurement reference value Ps is not stored in the area M (M=
If O), water is passed through the return path 21a for a predetermined short period of time, then the water flow is stopped, the measurement reference value P@ is detected, and this is stored in the storage area M.
If the measurement reference value pH is stored in the storage area M, the pressure P is immediately detected by the pressure sensor 54 at predetermined intervals, and this pressure p is used as the measurement reference value P@ and the set water level. Ig includes a program that closes the magnetic valve 41 and stops the hot water supply device 30 when the sum of the pressure values PH corresponding to H (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is reached.
Your program is memorized.

Furthermore, if the automatic switch provided in the bath remote control device [60] is turned on while hot water is being supplied to a predetermined set water level in the bathtub 10, the control device 50 will open the circulation solenoid valve 23 and turn on the pump 22 at predetermined intervals. Activate and return trip 21a
The bath temperature sensor 55 provided in the bathtub 10 detects the temperature of the water in the bathtub 10. If the boiling temperature is not lower than the set boiling temperature, the operation of the pump 22 and the 'a-ring solenoid valve 23 is stopped, and if the boiling temperature is lower than the set boiling temperature, the control device 50 stops the operation of the pump 22 and the circulation solenoid valve 23. While continuing the operation, the gas valve 29 provided in the gas pipe 28 is opened, gas is supplied to the gas burner 27 to heat the hot water passing through the heat exchanger 26, and the hot water temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 55 is set. When the boiling temperature is reached, the gas valve 29 is closed to stop the operation of the bathtub 25, as well as the operation of the pump 22 and circulation solenoid valve 23. Thereby, the S temperature in the bathtub 10 is maintained near the set boiling temperature.

Next, when supplying hot water from the hot water supply device 3o to the bathtub 10, the operation of supplying hot water to a set water level and heating it to the boiling temperature will be explained using a control program shown in a flowchart No. 311i1.

The hot water temperature and bathtub 10 can be set in advance by the bath remote control device 60.
Hot water water level H based on the upper edge of the connection part of the return path 21a to
(See FIG. 11 and FIG. 2) and then press the automatic operation button, the CPU 51 starts executing the control program shown in FIG. 3. The CPU 51 first performs steps 100 and 1.
01, the hot water supply device 30 is put into operation, and the hot water supply solenoid valve 4 is activated.
1 and the circulation solenoid valve 23 is opened, and then in step 102 it is checked whether the stored content of the storage area M is O. Immediately after installing the bath equipment or erasing the memory contents of Memory i Castle M using the reset switch, etc.
Since M=O, the CPU 51 performs the control operation in step 11.
Proceed to 0, and from next time onwards, M=Pa, so step 11
Steps 0 to 115 are skipped and the control operation proceeds to step 120.

Immediately after the bath equipment is installed, hot water is supplied to the empty bathtub 10, but the CPU 51 first passes water through the return path 21a for a short period of time Tl (for example, 1 minute) in steps 110 to 112 to expel air, and then in step 113. At step 114, the pressure sensor 54 detects the measurement reference value PII and stores it in the storage area M.

In step 115, the 'a-ring solenoid valve 23 is opened, and then the control operation proceeds to step 120. In this embodiment, the measurement reference value PlI is detected in step 113 by reading the pressure p detected by the pressure sensor 54 after a certain short period of time (for example, 30 seconds), and by reading the latest value n times. If the difference is larger than a predetermined value A when compared with the previous pressure value, the nth previous pressure value is set as the measurement reference value Ps. Thereby, the detected pressure p when the water level of the hot water surface 12 reaches the upper edge of the opening of the return path 21a to the bathtub 1o becomes the measurement reference value Ps. In this embodiment, the water level of the hot water surface 12 is prevented from reaching the vicinity of the bath adapter 11 during the time T1. Note that the measurement reference value P8 may be the average value of the detected pressure before the hot water level 12 reaches the opening of the return path 21a.

The CPU 51 executes steps 120 and 121 for a predetermined period of time T.
2 (for example, 2 minutes), hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1o via both the return route 21a and the outward route 21b. and step 122
In steps 123 to 126, the circulation solenoid valve 23 is closed, and in steps 123 to 126, hot water is supplied to the bathtub 1o only from the outward path 21b for a predetermined period of time (for example, 15 seconds), and the flow in the backward direction 21a is stopped. At this time, the CPU 51 detects the pressure P using the pressure sensor 54, and compares this pressure P with the sum of the measurement reference value Pi1 and the pressure value h+ corresponding to the set water level H. Since p > Pa + PH does not hold until the hot water level 12 reaches the set water level H, the CPU 51 advances the control operation to step 126. In steps 115 to 126, the CPU 51 stops the flow in the return path 21a for a time T3 every time T2, and during that time, the pressure sensor 54 detects the pressure p and checks whether the hot water level 12 has reached the set water level H. . When the hot water level 12 reaches the set water level H, P > pH + PH, so C
The PU51 performs control operations from step 125 to step 13.
0,131, close the hot water supply solenoid valve 41, and close the hot water supply device 30.
stops the operation and ends the hot water supply control. Following this, the CPU 51 performs steps 132 to 135 to store the bath ff1o.
After reheating is performed so that the water temperature t within the boiling water reaches the set boiling temperature T, the control operation proceeds to step 136 to maintain the water temperature around this boiling temperature.

In this way, according to the above embodiment, immediately after installing the bath device or immediately after erasing the memory contents of the storage area M using a reset switch or the like, the circulation solenoid valve 2 is activated at the beginning of hot water supply.
3 is closed, the measurement standard value Ps is automatically detected by the pressure sensor 54 and stored in the storage area M, and the water level of the hot water surface 12 in the bathtub 1o is detected and set based on this measurement standard value PL+. When the water level is reached, the hot water supply solenoid valve 41 is closed to stop the hot water supply. Also, the next time you use hot water, the storage area M
Since the measurement standard value P11 is stored in , at the beginning of hot water supply! The ring solenoid valve 23 is kept open and the water level of the hot water surface 12 is detected based on the measurement standard (IPs) stored in the storage area M. Therefore, when hot water is supplied from next time onwards, hot water is also supplied from the return path 21a at the beginning of the hot water supply. As a result, the time required for hot water supply can be shortened by that much, and the measurement standard (+I!P
Since the detection of e is not carried out, even if hot water supply is started from a state where there is hot water remaining at a position higher than the connection part of the return path 21a, the hot water level 12 cannot be detected correctly and hot water can be supplied to the set water level. can. If for some reason there is a discrepancy between the measurement reference value stored in the storage area M and the connection position of the detection tube 11.21a with respect to the bathtub 1o, the measurement reference value pH can be reset using a reset switch or the like. If erased, the correct measurement reference value P8 will be automatically set the next time hot water is supplied.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water level detection device for a bathtub according to the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is an overall configuration diagram of the bath device used, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control program. 1 ・ ・ ・ Stage, 3 ・ 10 ・ 812 outlet pipe 54 ・ Explanation of code Water level detection means, 2... Water level reference checker... Reference value storage means, 4... tI! Ote Nage means bathtub, 12...
・Hot water surface, 21a ・ ・(repeat #), 21b ・,
Supply pipe (outward route) ° ° Pressure sensor

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A supply pipe that supplies hot water or water to the bathtub, a detection pipe that is connected to the bathtub below the hot water level during normal use, and a pressure sensor installed in this detection pipe that allows the inside of the bathtub to be In the water level detection device for a bathtub, which is equipped with water level detection means for detecting the water level at the hot water surface, the pressure sensor detects the hot water level at the beginning of hot water supply when the detection pipe is filled with hot water or when water is not flowing. A water level reference detection means for detecting a corresponding pressure when the water level is near the connecting portion of the return path to the bathtub; a reference value storage means for storing a measurement reference value; and a measurement reference value is stored in the reference value storage means. If not, the pressure value detected by the water level reference detection means is stored as a measurement reference value in the reference value storage means, and if the measurement reference value is already stored, the detection pipe is stored at the beginning of hot water supply. control means for causing hot water or water to flow through the water and stopping the operation of the water level reference detection means to maintain the measurement reference value stored in the reference value storage means;
A water level detection device for a bathtub, wherein the water level detection means detects the water level of the hot water surface in the bathtub using the pressure sensor based on a constant reference value stored in the reference value storage means. (2) The water level detection device for a bathtub according to claim 1, wherein the measurement reference value stored in the reference value storage means can be deleted.