Bath water heater

Abstract

To provide a bath water heater capable of executing reheating operation with appropriate heating capability while estimating a season.SOLUTION: There is provided a bath water heater 1 equipped with supply water temperature detection means 13 for detecting a supply water temperature, a heat source machine for heating hot water, and a control part 38 for controlling the heat source machine and executing reheating operation for heating bathtub water in a bathtub 18. The control part 38 estimates a season by the supply water temperature detected by the supply water temperature detection means 13, executes the reheating operation with heating capability of the heat source machine being made large when the season is estimated to be winter, and executes the reheating operation with the heating capability of the heat source machine being made small when the season is estimated to be summer so that, in winter, the temperature of bathtub water is raised to a set temperature quickly by executing the reheating operation with the heating capability being made large, and a bathing person does not feel the bathtub water is lukewarm when he or she gets in the bathtub 18, and in summer, high temperature bathtub water is circulated in the bathtub 18 by executing the reheating operation slowly with the heating capability being made small, and the bathing person does not feel hot when he or she gets in the bathtub 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath water heater. [Background technology]

[0002] Previously, this type of device would perform a reheating operation when it detected that someone was in the bathroom, and would set the heat source unit to high capacity when the reheating operation started, set the heat source unit to medium capacity when the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub rose to a specified temperature, and set the heat source unit to low capacity when the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub rose further to the next specified temperature, shortening the time it took for the bath water to rise to the set temperature and preventing the user from feeling that the bath water was lukewarm when they got in (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4462381 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, this conventional system does not take the seasons into consideration, and therefore if the capacity of the heat source machine or the specified temperature for switching the capacity of the heat source machine is set so that users do not feel the bathtub water is lukewarm in winter, then in summer when a user gets into the bathtub, the hot water coming out of the circulation port in the bathtub will feel hot and uncomfortable, and conversely, if the capacity of the heat source machine or the specified temperature for switching the capacity of the heat source machine is set so that users do not feel the hot water coming out of the circulation port in the bathtub is hot in summer, then in winter when a user gets into the bathtub, the hot water will feel lukewarm. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, claim 1 of the present invention provides: a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on a change in the pressure of the water in the bathtub;A water supply temperature detection means for detecting the water supply temperature, a heat source device for heating hot and cold water, and a device for controlling the heat source device to heat the water in the bathtub. usually In a bath water heater having a control unit that performs a reheating operation, the control unit: When the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to a predetermined value or more, it is determined that someone has entered the bathtub and automatic reheating operation is performed. When the automatic reheating operation is performed, The season is estimated based on the feed water temperature detected by the feed water temperature detection means, and when the season is estimated to be winter, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is increased to perform the automatic reheating operation, and when the season is estimated to be other than winter, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is reduced to medium or lower to perform the automatic reheating operation. When the rise in water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that no one is in the bathtub, and the normal reheating operation is performed at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season. It is something 。

[0006] Also, claims 2 The present invention relates to a bathtub water heater that includes a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on changes in the water pressure in the bathtub, a water supply temperature detection means for detecting the water supply temperature, a heat source device for heating the water, and a device for controlling the heat source device to heat the water in the bathtub. usually In a bath water heater equipped with a control unit that performs a reheating operation, when the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to a predetermined value or more, the control unit determines that someone has entered the bathtub and performs an automatic reheating operation, and when performing the automatic reheating operation, estimates the season based on the water supply temperature detected by the water supply temperature detection means, and when the season is estimated to be winter, increases the heating capacity of the heat source machine and performs the automatic reheating operation, and when the season is estimated to be summer, decreases the heating capacity of the heat source machine and performs the automatic reheating operation. When the rise in water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that no one is in the bathtub, and the normal reheating operation is performed at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season. It is something. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to claim 1 of this invention, In a bath water heater including a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on a change in the pressure of the water in the bathtub, a water supply temperature detection means for detecting the water supply temperature, a heat source unit for heating hot and cold water, and a control unit for controlling the heat source unit to perform a normal reheating operation for heating the water in the bathtub, the control unit determines that someone has entered the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to or exceeds a predetermined value, and performs an automatic reheating operation, The season is estimated based on the feed water temperature detected by the feed water temperature detection means. When the season is estimated to be winter, The above Increase the heating capacity of the heat source unit The automatic When reheating is performed and the season is estimated to be other than winter, The above Set the heating capacity of the heating source to medium or lower. The automatic Reheating operation When the rise in the water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that no one is in the bathtub and the normal reheating operation is performed at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season, so that unnecessary reheating operation when no one is in the bathtub can be prevented, and when someone is in the bathtub,In winter, when the bath water cools down easily, the heating capacity of the heater is increased and the bath water is heated to a higher temperature for reheating. This allows the bath water to reach the set temperature quickly so that people do not feel that the water is lukewarm when they get in the bath, and the bath water does not cool down easily. Except winter So what is the heating capacity of the heat source unit? medium or below By slowly heating the bath water and reheating it, it is possible to prevent the bather from feeling hot when they enter the bathtub by circulating hot water in the bathtub.

[0008] Also, claims 2 According to A bath water heater includes a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on a change in the pressure of the bathwater in the bathtub, a water supply temperature detection means for detecting the water supply temperature, a heat source device for heating the hot and cold water, and a control unit for controlling the heat source device to perform a normal reheating operation for heating the bathwater in the bathtub, the control unit being configured to: When the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to a predetermined value or more, it is determined that someone has entered the bathtub and automatic reheating operation is performed. When the automatic reheating operation is performed, the season is estimated based on the water supply temperature detected by the water supply temperature detection means. If the season is estimated to be winter, The above When the heating capacity of the heat source unit is increased and the automatic reheating operation is performed, and the season is estimated to be summer, The above Reduce the heating capacity of the heat source unit and perform the automatic reheating operation. When the rise in the water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that no one is in the bathtub, and the normal reheating operation is performed at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season. It is possible to prevent unnecessary reheating operation when no one is in the bathtub, and when someone is in the bathtub, in winter, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is increased to heat the bathtub water to a high temperature and reheat it to quickly raise the bathtub water to the set temperature, so that the bather does not feel the water is lukewarm, and in summer, when the bathtub water does not cool down easily, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is decreased to slowly heat the bathtub water and reheat it, so that the high-temperature bathtub water is circulated in the bathtub and the bather does not feel it is too hot. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] The same block diagram. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the automatic reheating operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Reference numeral 1 denotes a bath water heater, which is provided with a heat exchanger 4 consisting of a hot water heat exchanger 2 and a bath heat exchanger 3.

[0011] The hot water heat exchanger 2 is provided with a heat exchanger thermistor 5 at a position within the heat exchanger 4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water heat exchanger 2, and a heat exchanger outlet thermistor 6 is provided at the outlet side of the hot water heat exchanger 2 for detecting the temperature of the hot water heated by heat exchange. Reference numeral 57 denotes a combustion section provided below the heat exchanger 4, which blows combustion air to a petroleum vaporization burner (not shown) using a blower (not shown) and supplies fuel oil using a fuel pump (not shown) to perform combustion, thereby forming a heat source unit that heats hot water.

[0012] Reference numeral 8 denotes a hot water supply circuit that runs from a water supply inlet 9 through a hot water heat exchanger 2 to a hot water supply inlet 10. Tap water supplied from the water supply inlet 9, which is directly connected to a water pipe 11, is detected by a hot water flow sensor 12 to prevent the water from running dry. The temperature is detected by a water supply thermistor 13, which serves as a water supply temperature detection means. After heat exchange in the hot water heat exchanger 2, a portion of the tap water supplied from the water supply inlet 9 is mixed by a mixing valve 14 to reach the set temperature. The temperature of the hot water being discharged is detected by a hot water thermistor 15. Hot water is then discharged from the hot water supply inlet 10 to a faucet (not shown) connected to the hot water supply inlet 10. Furthermore, a water proportion valve 16 is provided downstream of the mixing valve 14 to prevent uneven water temperature when hot water is supplied intermittently.

[0013] Reference numeral 17 denotes a bath circuit that runs from the bathtub 18 through an outflow pipe 19, via the bath heat exchanger 3, and through a return pipe 20 back to the bathtub 18. It is equipped with a bath thermistor 21 that detects the temperature of the bath water flowing from the bathtub 18 through the outflow pipe 19 into the bath heat exchanger 3, a circulation pump 22 located between the outflow pipe 19 and the bath heat exchanger 3 to circulate the bath water within the bath circuit 17, a water flow switch 23 located between the bath heat exchanger 3 and the return pipe 20 to detect the flow of bath water to prevent the bath from running dry, and a water level sensor 24 located upstream of the circulation pump 22 that detects pressure changes to detect the water level of the bath water in the bathtub 18.

[0014] 25 is a hot water filling circuit having one end connected to the hot water circuit 8 between the hot water supply outlet 10 and the hot water thermistor 15, and the other end connected to the supply pipe 19 between the circulation pump 22 and the bath heat exchanger 3 via a three-way valve 26. The hot water supply circuit 8 and the filling circuit 25 are opened and closed by opening and closing a water solenoid valve 27, and the bath circuit 17 and the filling circuit 25 are opened and closed by the operation of the three-way valve 26. The flow of hot water supplied from the hot water supply circuit 8 is detected by a filling flow sensor 28, and a check valve 29 prevents bath water in the bath circuit 17 from flowing into the hot water supply circuit 8.

[0015] Reference numeral 30 denotes an external input device which is equipped with a display unit 31 and an operating unit 32. The operating unit 32 is equipped with a hot water supply operation switch 33 which maintains the evaporator (not shown) of the combustion unit 7 at a predetermined temperature so that combustion can begin immediately when the water tap is opened and a hot water supply request is made, a hot water supply temperature setting switch 34 which sets the hot water supply temperature, a bath temperature setting switch 35 which sets the bath water temperature in the bathtub 18, a water filling operation switch 36 which keeps the bath water at the temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 after filling the bathtub 18 with hot water, and a reheating operation switch 37 which heats the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub 18 to the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35.

[0016] Reference numeral 38 denotes a control section, which is mainly composed of a microcomputer and controls the combustion operation in the combustion section 7, the hot water supply operation, the bath filling operation, the heat retention operation, and the reheating operation.

[0017] Reference numeral 39 denotes a timer which starts timing in response to a timing start signal input from the control unit 38, and stops timing in response to a timing stop signal input from the control unit 38. When the timer starts timing and a predetermined time has been reached, it outputs a timing signal to the control unit 38, and resets the timing time when a reset signal is input from the control unit 38 or when the timer starts timing and a predetermined time has been reached.

[0018] Next, the control of the bath water heater during the warming operation after the water filling operation will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. First, when the filling operation switch 36 of the external input device 30 is turned on, the control unit 38 performs the filling operation of the bathtub 18, and when the water level sensor 24 detects that the bathtub water level has reached a preset water level, the control unit 38 ends the filling operation. (S1)

[0019] Next, the control unit 38 starts a warming operation to keep the temperature of the bath water after the bath water has been filled at the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 (S2). The control unit 38 starts the time measurement of the timer 39 (S3), determines whether the time measurement of the timer 39 reaches a preset interval time (S4), and when the time measurement of the timer 39 reaches the preset interval time, stops and resets the timer 39 (S5).

[0020] Next, the control unit 38 compares the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 with the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 (S6), and if the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 is equal to or higher than the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35, the process returns to (S3), and if the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 is lower than the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35, the process starts normal reheating operation with medium heating capacity (S7).

[0021] Next, the control unit 38 compares the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 with the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 (S8), and when the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 becomes equal to or higher than the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35, the control unit 38 terminates the normal reheating operation (S9) and returns to (S3).

[0022] Furthermore, when the timer 39 has not yet reached the preset interval time in (S4), it is determined whether the bathtub water level has risen above a preset bathtub bathing determination value (S10), and if the water level sensor 24 detects that the bathtub water level has risen above the preset bathtub bathing determination value, the control unit 38 determines that someone has entered the bathtub 18 (S11).

[0023] Then, the control unit 38 stops and resets the timer 39 (S12), and starts the automatic reheating operation (S13). Next, the control unit 38 sets the heating capacity of the heat source unit in the automatic reheating operation (S14). Then, in order to set the heating capacity of the heat source machine in automatic reheating operation, the control unit 38 first determines whether the tap water temperature detected by the water supply thermistor 13 is 10°C or lower (S15), and if the detected tap water temperature is 10°C or lower, it determines that the season is winter (S16) and sets the heating capacity of the heat source machine to a high heating capacity higher than that during normal reheating operation (S17). The tap water temperature detected by the water supply thermistor 13 for setting the heating capacity in the automatic reheating operation may be the tap water temperature detected during the hot water supply operation.

[0024] Furthermore, when the tap water temperature detected by the water supply thermistor 13 in (S15) is higher than 10°C, the control unit 38 next determines whether the tap water temperature detected by the water supply thermistor 13 is 20°C or higher (S18), and if the detected tap water temperature is 20°C or higher, determines that the season is summer (S19), and sets the heating capacity of the heat source unit to a low heating capacity lower than that during normal reheating operation (S20).

[0025] Also, if the tap water temperature detected by the water supply thermistor 13 in (S18) is higher than 10°C and lower than 20°C, the control unit 38 determines that the season is spring or autumn (S21) and sets the heating capacity of the heat source unit to the medium heating capacity for normal reheating operation (S22).

[0026] Then, the control unit 38 starts reheating at the set heating capacity (S23), compares the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 with the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 (S24), and ends the automatic reheating operation when the bath water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 becomes equal to or higher than the bath water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 (S25).

[0027] Next, the control unit 38 starts the timer 39 (S26) and determines whether the bath water level has dropped below a preset bathtub exit threshold (S27). Then, when the water level sensor 24 detects in (S27) that the bathtub water level has dropped below a preset bathtub exit judgment value, the control unit 38 determines that someone has left the bathtub 18, stops and resets the timer 39 (S28), and returns to (S3).

[0028] If the bathtub water level has not fallen below the preset bathtub exit judgment value in (S27), it is determined that someone is still in the bathtub 18, and then it is determined whether the timer 39 has counted down to the preset interval (S29). If the timer 39 has not counted down to the preset interval, the process returns to (S27); if the timer 39 has counted down to the preset interval, the timer 39 is stopped and reset (S30).

[0029] Next, the control unit 38 compares the bath water temperature detected by bath thermistor 21 with the bath water temperature set by bath temperature setting switch 35 (S31), and if the bath water temperature detected by bath thermistor 21 is equal to or higher than the bath water temperature set by bath temperature setting switch 35, the process returns to (S27), and if the bath water temperature detected by bath thermistor 21 is lower than the bath water temperature set by bath temperature setting switch 35, the process returns to (S13) and restarts the automatic reheating operation.

[0030] In this way, when the automatic reheating operation is performed, the season is judged from the water supply temperature, and if the season is estimated to be summer, the automatic reheating operation is performed, so that when a person enters the bathtub 18, high-temperature bathtub water is circulated into the bathtub 18, preventing the person from feeling hot. In addition, when the season is estimated to be winter from the water supply temperature, the heating capacity of the reheating operation is increased to perform automatic reheating operation. In winter, when the bathtub water is prone to cooling, the heating capacity is increased and the bathtub water is heated to a high temperature for reheating, so that the bathtub water can be quickly raised to the set temperature so that a person does not feel that the water is lukewarm when they enter the bathtub 18.

[0031] In addition, when no one is in the bathtub 18, the bathtub water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 is compared with the bathtub water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35 at preset intervals, and normal reheating operation is performed when the bathtub water temperature detected by the bath thermistor 21 is equal to or lower than the bathtub water temperature set by the bath temperature setting switch 35. Therefore, when no one is in the bathtub 18, the bathtub water can be kept warm without consuming fuel by frequent reheating operation. From the time a person enters the bathtub 18 until the time they leave, automatic reheating operation is performed with heating capacity according to the season. In winter, when the bathtub water cools down easily, the heating capacity is increased to quickly heat the bathtub water to a higher temperature for reheating, so that the bathtub water can be quickly raised to the set temperature so that the person does not feel that the bathtub 18 is lukewarm. In summer, when the bathtub water does not cool down easily, the heating capacity is decreased to slowly heat the bathtub water for reheating, so that when a person enters the bathtub 18, the high-temperature bathtub water is circulated into the bathtub 18 so that the bather does not feel that it is hot. This allows a comfortable bath in the bathtub 18 all year round.

[0032] When the water level detected by the water level detection means rises above a predetermined value, it is determined that someone has entered the bathtub 18 and automatic reheating operation is performed, so that the interval time of normal reheating operation for heat retention can be lengthened and the number of times normal reheating operation for heat retention when no one is in the bathtub can be reduced, thereby saving fuel.

[0033] As a result, in winter, when the bath water cools down easily, the bath water can be raised to the set temperature quickly, shortening the time the bath water temperature remains low so that people do not feel that the bath water is lukewarm when they enter the bathtub 18; in summer, when the bath water does not cool down easily, the bath water can be heated slowly and reheated, thereby saving fuel in the reheating operation for keeping the bath water warm, and at the same time, when a person enters the bathtub 18, hot bath water is circulated to the bathtub 18 so that the bather does not feel that the water is hot.

[0034] Furthermore, when it is determined that a person has entered the bathtub 18 during the period between the end of normal re-heating operation and the next normal re-heating operation, the automatic re-heating operation is performed, so that even if the interval time between the end of normal re-heating operation and the next normal re-heating operation is lengthened, the temperature of the bathtub water starts to rise immediately after a person enters the bathtub 18, allowing a comfortable bath without feeling that the water is lukewarm for a long time, thereby reducing the number of normal re-heating operations and saving fuel.

[0035] In this embodiment, when automatic re-heating operation is performed, the season is determined from the water supply temperature, and if the season is estimated to be summer, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is reduced and automatic re-heating operation is performed, and if the season is estimated to be winter from the water supply temperature, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is increased and automatic re-heating operation is performed. However, this is not limited to this, and even in normal re-heating operation for insulation, if the season is determined from the water supply temperature and the season is estimated to be summer, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is reduced and re-heating operation is performed, and if the season is estimated to be winter from the water supply temperature, the heating capacity of the heat source machine is increased and re-heating operation is performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 Bath water heater 13. Water supply temperature detection means (water supply thermistor) 18 Bathtub 38 Control Unit

Claims

1. A bath hot water heater equipped with a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on changes in the pressure of the bathtub water in the bathtub, a water supply temperature detection means for detecting the water supply temperature, a heat source unit for heating hot and cold water, and a control unit for controlling the heat source unit to perform normal re-heating operation to heat the bath water in the bathtub, wherein the control unit determines that someone has entered the bathtub when the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to or above a predetermined value, and performs automatic re-heating operation, and when performing the automatic re-heating operation, estimates the season based on the water supply temperature detected by the water supply temperature detection means, and when it estimates that the season is winter, it increases the heating capacity of the heat source unit to perform the automatic re-heating operation, and when it estimates that the season is other than winter, it reduces the heating capacity of the heat source unit to medium or lower to perform the automatic re-heating operation, and when the rise in water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, it determines that no one has entered the bathtub, and performs the normal re-heating operation at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season.

2. a control unit that performs normal re-heating operation by controlling the heat source unit to heat the bath water in the bathtub, and when the water level detected by the water level detection means rises to a predetermined value or more, the control unit determines that someone has entered the bathtub and performs automatic re-heating operation; when performing the automatic re-heating operation, the control unit estimates the season based on the water supply temperature detected by the water supply temperature detection means, and when the season is estimated to be winter, the control unit increases the heating capacity of the heat source unit and performs the automatic re-heating operation, and when the season is estimated to be summer, the control unit reduces the heating capacity of the heat source unit and performs the automatic re-heating operation; and when the rise in water level detected by the water level detection means is less than the predetermined value, the control unit determines that no one has entered the bathtub and performs the normal re-heating operation at a constant heating capacity regardless of the season.

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