JP2008161294A - Bathtub apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathtub apparatus capable of detecting the water level of a bathtub without being affected by the operation state of an apparatus added to the bathtub or the position of a water discharge port for filling hot water and sharing water level information between respective apparatuses even without providing a water level detecting function in each of the respective apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: The bathtub apparatus comprises: the bathtub; a water level detection port provided facing the inside of the bathtub; a water level sensor connected with the water level detection port; a specified apparatus control part provided with a water level detection part for receiving the output signals of the water level sensor and detecting the water level information of hot water inside the bathtub, for controlling a specified apparatus on the basis of the water level information; and an other apparatus control part connected with the specified apparatus control part so as to receive the water level information from the specified apparatus control part, for controlling the other apparatuses different from the specified apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathtub apparatus including a plurality of devices that provide various additional functions that enhance convenience and comfort when using a bathtub.

  Conventionally, bathtub devices equipped with an automatic hot water filling function have been widely used. This is because even if there is remaining hot water in the bathtub, the amount of hot water filling up to the set water level is calculated at the start of the hot water filling. Hot water filling is possible. In recent years, convenience and comfort are required for bathing, and a function of generating bubbles and water flow is provided. For example, Patent Document 1 automatically detects a bather's bathing from a rise in water level accompanying bathing by the bather. It is disclosed to actuate a massaging device.

  Although the automatic hot water filling device requires the water level information in the bathtub, the added value can be further increased by performing the operation based on the water level information in the bubble generating device and the jet flow generating device. For example, in the bubble generating device, it is detected that the water level has been lost and the blower is automatically operated to discharge the remaining water remaining in the air pipe. In order to prevent seizure, the circulating pump can be stopped when there is no water level. However, each device that requires water level information has a water level detection function because the number of parts, the water level detection circuit, and the water level detection process are duplicated, resulting in an increase in cost.

  According to Patent Document 1, a water level sensor that detects a water level in a bathtub by detecting a water pressure in the pipeline is provided in a return pipeline for reheating in a water heater, and the detection output of the water level sensor is a massage. It is disclosed that the operation of the massage apparatus is controlled by being sent to the control unit of the apparatus and determining whether or not the bather has taken a bath based on the water level information.

  However, in the configuration in which the water level sensor is provided in the return pipe of the hot water heater, the water level of the bathtub cannot be detected when the circulation pump is operated at the time of reheating. Therefore, the bath water level cannot be detected even when the hot water is filled.

In addition, for example, when a hot water outlet is provided in the bathtub rim in order to realize a waterfall-like water discharge excellent in design, if there is a water level sensor in the water flow path leading to the hot water outlet, these water outlets The bath water level cannot be detected because it is not submerged.
JP 2006-25993 A

  The present invention can detect the water level of the bathtub without being influenced by the operating state of the equipment added to the bathtub and the hot water outlet position, and between each equipment without having a water level detection function for each equipment. A bathtub apparatus capable of sharing water level information is provided.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a bathtub, a water level detection port provided facing the inside of the bathtub, a water level sensor connected to the water level detection port, and an output signal of the water level sensor are received in the bathtub. A specific device control unit that controls a specific device based on the water level information, and the specific device control unit that can receive the water level information from the specific device control unit There is provided a bathtub apparatus characterized in that it is provided with an other device control unit that controls other devices different from the specific device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the water level of a bathtub can be detected without being influenced by the operation state of the apparatus added to the bathtub or the hot water outlet position, and each apparatus can be provided without having a water level detection function for each apparatus. Provided is a bathtub apparatus that can share water level information between them.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The bathtub device according to the present embodiment includes a bathtub 1, various devices that give various additional functions when the bathtub 1 is used, and a control system for these devices.

  The bathtub 1 is installed in a bathroom, and a pair of long side rims 1a and a pair of short side rims 1b are provided on the upper edge of the bathtub 1 so as to project outward.

  A hot water spout 3 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of one long side rim 1a of the pair of long side rims 1a. The hot water spout 3 is formed as a slit-shaped opening along the longitudinal direction of the long rim 1a, and hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 60 is discharged from the hot water spout 3 into the bathtub 1 in a waterfall shape. The

  Each of the pair of short side rims 1b is provided with a slit-shaped shoulder hot water spout 7 similar to the hot water spout 3.

  A suction port 9 is provided at the lower part of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 1 so as to face the inside of the bathtub 1. The suction port 9 is provided at a height of, for example, 10 (cm) from the bottom surface of the bathtub 1. The suction port 9 is connected to a suction port of a circulation pump 13 provided outside the bathtub 1 via a pipe 11. The discharge port of the circulation pump 13 is connected to the shoulder water spouting port 7 through the pipe 15. Thereby, the circulation path which circulates the hot water in the bathtub 1 is formed among the suction inlet 9, the circulation pump 13, and the shoulder hot-water spout 7. The circulation pump 13 is, for example, a direct current pump that can smoothly control the rotation speed of the motor by controlling the voltage.

  When the bather leans against the inner wall surface of the bathtub 1 on the short side rim 1b side, the circulating pump 13 is driven, so that a waterfall water can be bathed on the neck and shoulders of the bather from the shoulder bath spout 7. . Moreover, the short side rim 1b is provided with a headrest (not shown) that receives the bather's head, and the bather can enjoy the shoulder bath while slowly bathing with the head resting on the headrest.

  A plurality of bubble nozzles 17 for generating bubbles are provided on the bottom of the bathtub 1. Each bubble nozzle 17 is connected to the blower 19 via a pipe 21, and the air sent via the pipe 21 is ejected from the bubble nozzle 17 into the bathtub 1 by the operation of the blower 19.

  An underwater illumination 29 including a plurality of LEDs that emit single colors of red, green, blue, and white, for example, is provided at the lower portion of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 1. The underwater illumination 29 is provided from the bottom surface of the bathtub 1 at, for example, a height of 15 (cm). By combining the light emission colors of the LEDs, various colors of light can be applied to the hot water stretched in the bathtub 1.

  In the lower part of the inner wall surface of the bathtub 1, a water level detection port 23 is provided below the suction port 9. The water level detection port 23 is formed as an opening facing the inside of the bathtub 1. When the water level detection port 23 is submerged, the hot water in the bathtub 1 reaches the water level sensor 27 provided outside the bathtub 1 through the water level detection port 23 and the water level detection dedicated pipe 25 connected thereto. The water level detection dedicated pipe 25 is not connected to the hot water supply pipe 60 for filling the hot water, the shoulder water circulation pipes 11 and 15, and other pipes, and only between the water level detection port 23 and the water level sensor 27. Connecting.

  The water level sensor 27 is a water pressure sensor, and detects the hydrostatic pressure of hot water taken in through the water level detection port 23 and the water level detection dedicated pipe 25. Since the hydrostatic pressure varies depending on the hot water level in the bathtub 1, the hot water level information in the bathtub 1 can be obtained from the detection signal of the water level sensor 27.

  Since the water level detection dedicated pipeline 25 has a downward slope from the water level sensor 27 side toward the water level detection port 23, the water level detection port 23 is not submerged due to drainage of hot water in the bathtub 1. The remaining water in the water level detection dedicated pipe 25 is discharged from the water level detection port 23 into the bathtub 1. As a result, the remaining water remains in the water level detection dedicated pipe 25, and a water film is formed in the pipe 25, so that it is possible to prevent the problem that the atmospheric pressure and the accurate water level cannot be detected.

  In addition, although not shown, a drain plug is provided on the bottom surface of the bathtub 1, and an overflow port is provided on the upper inner wall surface of the bathtub 1.

  In the bathroom, a remote control 31 is provided at a place near the bathtub 1 where it can be easily operated. The remote controller 31 is a touch panel type remote controller using, for example, a dot liquid crystal screen, and can display the status of switches and devices on the liquid crystal screen.

  The operation on / off screen can be switched by operating the operation switch provided in the remote controller 31. When the operation is on, these functions can be activated / deactivated with switches for hot water filling, bubble generation, shoulder water discharge, and underwater lighting. In addition, using the remote control 31, various settings such as hot water set temperature, hot water set water level, feed water, tap water, bubble strength, bubble pattern, shoulder bath strength, underwater lighting lighting color, underwater lighting lighting pattern, etc. Is possible. Further, for example, three favorite switches that can set a desired operation state are prepared. With this preference switch, the user does not have to operate a large number of switches each time to obtain a desired operation state, and can enjoy bathing with desired setting conditions by operating the preference switch once. .

  When the operation switch of the remote control 31 is turned off, all the switches are turned off and the screen is switched to the off screen. When the operation is turned off, the user can set the language displayed for the characters displayed on the remote controller 31 and the sound of the sound generated from the speaker, turn the sound on / off, adjust the volume, display contrast, etc. A purge switch for draining the remaining water remaining in the operation of the blower 19 is displayed. Further, when a predetermined time elapses without any operation, the screen is turned off to save power.

For example, a functional unit 5 is provided on a building wall outside the bathroom.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the functional unit 5.

  The function unit 5 is roughly divided into a control unit 40 and a hot water filling device (water passage unit) 50.

  The hot water filling device 50 includes a water thermistor 53, a hot water thermistor 54, a hot and cold water mixing valve 56, a mixed thermistor 55, a water amount proportional valve 57, a water amount sensor 58, and an electromagnetic valve 59. The water thermistor 53 detects the temperature of the water supplied to the hot and cold mixing valve 56 via the water supply pipe 51. The hot water thermistor 54 detects the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water mixing valve 56 through the hot water supply pipe 52. The water supply pipe 51 is connected to a water pipe, and the hot water supply pipe 52 is connected to a water heater (not shown).

  A mixing thermistor 55, a water quantity proportional valve 57, a water quantity sensor 58, and an electromagnetic valve 59 are connected between the hot water mixing valve 56 and the hot water supply pipe 60 in this order from the hot water mixing valve 56 side.

  The mixing thermistor 55 detects the temperature (hot water filling temperature) of hot water mixed with the hot water / water mixing valve 56. The control unit 40 drives and controls the motor 56a of the hot and cold water mixing valve 56 so that the detected temperature of the hot water mixing thermistor 55 matches the hot water filling temperature set by the remote controller 31.

  The controller 40 controls the motor 57a of the water volume proportional valve 57 to adjust the hot water discharge flow rate from the hot water discharge port 3. The detection output of the water amount sensor 58 is input to the control unit 40 and used to calculate the hot water discharge flow rate from the hot water discharge port 3 and its integrated amount. The solenoid valve 59 turns on / off the supply of hot water to the hot water spout 3.

  The control unit 40 is connected to the above-described underwater illumination 29, blower 19, water level sensor 27, and circulation pump 13 via signal lines in addition to the devices constituting the hot water filling device 50, and drives and stops them, and the water level. The acquisition of a signal from the sensor 27 is processed under predesigned conditions. The control unit 40 is also connected to the remote controller 31 via a signal line, and receives a command when the user operates the remote controller 31 or transmits the state of each device (switch on / off, etc.) to the remote controller 31. be able to.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of the control unit 40 and the remote controller 31.

  The control unit 40 is roughly divided into a specific device control unit 41 and another device control unit 61. The specific device control unit 41 and the other device control unit 61 share the communication control unit 46 and are connected to be communicable via the communication control unit 46.

  The specific device control unit 41 includes a hot water filling control unit 44, a water level detection unit 45, a storage unit 43, and a central control unit 42 that controls them.

  The water level detection unit 45 receives the output signal of the water level sensor 27 and detects the water level information of the hot water in the bathtub 1. The water level information is stored in the storage unit 43 or transmitted to the hot water control unit 44 via the central control unit 42.

  The hot water filling control unit 44 includes each device (a water thermistor 53, a hot water thermistor 54, a hot water mixing valve 56, a mixing thermistor 55, a water proportional valve 57) that constitutes the hot water filling device 50 defined as a specific device in the present embodiment. The water level sensor 58 and the electromagnetic valve 59) are connected to each other via a signal line, and the operation of these devices is controlled or signals are taken in based on the water level information detected by the water level detector 45.

  The other device control unit 61 includes a blower control unit 64, a circulation pump control unit 65, an underwater illumination control unit 66, a storage unit 63, and a central control unit 62 that controls them.

  Each of the blower control unit 64, the circulation pump control unit 65, and the underwater illumination control unit 66 is connected to each device of the blower 19, the circulation pump 13, and the underwater illumination 29, which are defined as other devices in the present embodiment, via signal lines. Control the operation of these devices and capture signals.

  The water level information detected by the water level detection unit 45 can be transmitted to the blower control unit 64, the circulation pump control unit 65, and the underwater illumination control unit 66 via the communication control unit 46.

  The remote control 31 includes a touch panel 38, an operation detection unit 34 that detects an operation of the touch panel 38, a display control unit 35 that controls display on the touch panel 38, a speaker 37, and an audio output unit 36 that outputs audio to the speaker 37. , A storage unit 39, a communication control unit 32, and a central control unit 33 for controlling them. The communication control unit 32 of the remote controller 31 can receive the water level information from the communication control unit 46 of the control unit 40.

  The specific device control unit 41 holds the water level information of the bathtub 1 detected by the water level detection unit 45 provided therein, and this water level information is transmitted to the blower control unit 64, the circulation pump via the communication control units 46 and 32. Since it is also sent to the control unit 65, the underwater lighting control unit 66, and the remote control 31, the water level of the bathtub 1 is between the hot water filling control unit 44, the blower control unit 64, the circulation pump control unit 65, the underwater lighting control unit 66, and the remote control 31. Information can be shared. Therefore, only one water level sensor, water level detection circuit, and water level detection process are required, and the increase in cost can be suppressed.

  Information that the water level detection port 23 has no water level when it is open to the atmosphere and that there is a water level when it is submerged may be the water level information, or the water level calculated based on the hydrostatic pressure detected by the water level sensor 27 is X ( The water level information may be information indicating that the water level is in cm) and that there is no water level in Y (cm), or the water level itself.

  The hot water filling control unit 44 determines the amount of hot water filling with reference to the water level information at the start of hot water filling. If there is no remaining water in the bathtub 1, the hot water control unit 44 sets the predetermined hot water amount to the water level set by the remote controller 31. If there is residual water in the bathtub 1, the hot water filling control unit 44 calculates the remaining hot water filling amount from the water level and starts the hot water filling. Alternatively, the hot water filling control may be performed until the set water level is reached while constantly referring to the water level information during the hot water filling operation.

  If the “water level” does not occur even after a predetermined amount of hot water filling, the hot water filling control unit 44 displays “forgetting the drain plug” on the remote controller 31 and stops the hot water filling operation. If the water level does not change or rise even when a predetermined amount of hot water is filled, the hot water control unit 44 may determine that the water level has overflowed. During the hot water operation to increase the bath water temperature by adding hot water, the hot water control unit 44 stops the hot water when detecting the absence of the water level by opening the drain plug, etc.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the water level detection port 23 was submerged, or when the water level such as the water level calculated from the hydrostatic pressure detected by the water level sensor 27 is detected, the water level at which the suction port 9 is submerged is detected. 31 issues a command to start the shoulder bath preliminary operation to the other device control unit 61, and the circulation pump control unit 65 drives the circulation pump 13. The reason why the shoulder water spout is started before the set water level is reached is to prevent the hot water cooled in the pipe 15 from being discharged from the shoulder water spout 7 and being bathed by the bather when the shoulder water switch is operated. is there. Moreover, since hot water spouts into the bathtub 1 like a waterfall from all of the hot water spout 3 and the shoulder hot water spout 7, the bather can feel the joy of appearance. At this time, if the blower 19 is operated to generate bubbles from the bubble nozzle 17 or the underwater illumination 29 is turned on, the appearance is further improved, and the time until hot water is accumulated in the bathtub 1 can be enjoyed. Note that the shoulder bath preliminary operation also cools the bath water, so the presence / absence of the shoulder bath preliminary operation can be arbitrarily set by the user setting. When the blower 19 is operated when the inside of the bathtub 1 is empty, only air is ejected from the bubble nozzle 17, and when there is little bathtub water in the bathtub 1, it is difficult to generate beautifully generated bubbles. Therefore, it is desirable that the operation of the blower 19 is not permitted unless the bathtub water reaches a predetermined water level based on the “water level information”.

  The underwater illumination control unit 66 determines whether the underwater illumination 29 has been submerged based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the water level detection port 23 was submerged or based on water level information such as the water level calculated from the hydrostatic pressure detected by the water level sensor 27. If it is determined whether or not lighting is permitted only during “submersion”, it is possible to prevent the bather from directly irradiating the irradiation light of the underwater illumination 29 and giving excessive stimulation to the eyes while the underwater illumination 29 is not submerged.

  When the bath water is reduced by opening the drain plug and the water level is lowered from the suction port 9 during the operation of the shoulder bath, the circulation pump control unit 65 receives the “no water level information” or determines that there is no water level based on the water level information. The driving of the circulation pump 13 is stopped to stop the shoulder water discharge. Thereby, the burn-in by the idle driving | operation of the circulation pump 13 can be prevented.

  In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the “water level is absent”, the blower control unit 64 determines that the hot water in the bathtub 1 has been emptied, and operates the blower 19 to cause residual water in the air pipe 21 to bubble. It discharges from the nozzle 17. Thereby, when the next bathing is performed, the previous residual water is not ejected from the bubble nozzle 17, and scales and the like are not easily accumulated in the air pipe 21, so that the bathing can be performed hygienically and comfortably.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the “water level is absent”, the circulation pump 13 is also operated, and when the circulation pump control unit 65 detects the idle operation of the circulation pump 13, the specific device control unit via the communication control unit 46. 41 is notified. When the specific device control unit 41 receives the notification, the specific device control unit 41 recognizes that the current detection value of the water level sensor 27 is an open air value, and stores the value as a reference value. By updating the reference value in this way, an accurate water level can be detected even if the output value of the water level sensor 27 shifts with aging. Further, since the output value of the water level sensor 27 may shift due to a change in the ambient temperature, if the detected value of the water level sensor 27 is in the range of the open air value plus or minus a predetermined value, that value is used as a reference every predetermined time. Update as a value.

  The water level information is also sent to the remote controller 31 via the communication control units 46 and 32. The central control unit 33 of the remote controller 31 can perform the following control based on the received water level information.

  When there is no water level, it is impossible to circulate shoulder water. Therefore, the operation of the shoulder water switch and the operation of the favorite switch for which shoulder water is discharged are prohibited. When there is no water level, the hot water in the bathtub becomes hot, so the operation of the tap water switch is prohibited. When those switches are pressed in a state where there is no water level, a message such as “please store hot water in the bathtub” and an audio output from the speaker 37 are performed. When the switch for which the operation is prohibited is displayed by changing the display color with the switch that can be operated, it is possible for the user to know whether the operation is possible or not, so that the operability can be improved. Also, since there is no water level, bathing is not possible, so when there is no water level, only the hot water switch is displayed and the other switches are not displayed.When the water level is present, the bubble, shoulder bath, and underwater lighting switches are displayed. You may do it.

  According to the present embodiment, each device (automatic hot water filling) that provides various additional functions when a bather uses the bathtub 1 by only one water level sensor 27, a water level detection unit (water level detection circuit) 45, and a water level detection process. The water level information of the bathtub 1 can be shared among the apparatus 50, the blower 19, the circulation pump 13, the underwater illumination 29, the remote controller 31, and the like. A water level sensor, a water level detection unit, and a water level detection process are not required for each device, and costs can be reduced.

  Each device is controlled as described above based on the water level information, and the convenience and comfort during bathing can be enhanced.

  In Patent Document 1, since the water level sensor is provided in the water flow path for supplying hot water for refilling and recirculation, and the water pressure in the water flow path is detected, the bathtub water level is detected. Accurate detection of the bath water level cannot be performed when tensioning or chasing (circulation pump drive). In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a hot water outlet is provided in the bathtub rim to achieve waterfall-like water discharge with excellent design as in this embodiment, the water level of the bathtub is not submerged, so that the bathtub water level can be detected. Absent.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the water level detection port 23 and the water level sensor 27 are connected by a water level detection dedicated line 25 that exclusively connects only between them. Since the water level sensor 27 detects the hydrostatic pressure, it is possible to reliably detect the bathtub water level without being affected by hot water filling, chasing, the operating state of other devices, and the positions of the water discharge ports 3 and 7. it can.

  If the water level detection port 23 is not submerged, the water level sensor 27 cannot detect the water level based on the hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, it is better that the height range where the water level detection port 23 is not submerged is small. From this viewpoint, the water level detection port 23 is desirably provided near the bottom of the inner wall surface of the bathtub.

  If the water level detection port 23 is provided below the suction port 9 for circulating the shoulder bath and the underwater illumination 29, the water level detection port 23 is first submerged before the suction port 9 and the underwater illumination 29 are submerged. Since the water level information is always obtained from the water pressure, the water level at which the suction port 9 and the underwater illumination 29 are submerged can be reliably detected.

  Alternatively, if the suction port 9 and the underwater illumination 29 are provided at a lower height than the water level detection port 23, whether the water level detection port 23 is submerged, whether the suction port 9 and the underwater illumination 29 are submerged. Will be shown. However, in this case, the mounting position of the suction port 9 and the underwater illumination 29 is restricted by the height of the water level detection port 23, which is disadvantageous in terms of design freedom.

  In addition to those mentioned in the above embodiment, the device that gives various additional functions when the bather uses the bathtub includes, for example, a water jetting device, a massage device mechanically driven without using air or water flow, and an ultrasonic wave. Examples include generators.

It is a schematic block diagram of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the function part in the bathtub apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram of the control system in the bathtub apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Bathtub, 3 ... Hot water spout, 5 ... Function part, 7 ... Shoulder hot water spout, 9 ... Suction port, 13 ... Circulation pump, 17 ... Bubble nozzle, 19 ... Blower, 23 ... Water level detection port, 27 ... Water level sensor 29 ... Underwater illumination 31 ... Remote control 41 ... Specific device control unit 44 ... Water filling control unit 45 ... Water level detection unit 46 ... Communication control unit 50 ... Water filling device 61 ... Other device control unit

Claims (4)

A bathtub,
A water level detection port provided facing the inside of the bathtub;
A water level sensor connected to the water level detection port;
A water level detection unit that receives an output signal of the water level sensor and detects water level information of the hot water in the bathtub, and a specific device control unit that controls a specific device based on the water level information;
Other device control unit that is connected to the specific device control unit so as to be able to receive the water level information from the specific device control unit, and controls another device different from the specific device,
The bathtub apparatus characterized by comprising.   The bathtub device according to claim 1, wherein the specific device accumulates hot water in the bathtub up to a set water level based on the water level information.   The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water level detection port is provided on an inner wall surface near the bottom of the bathtub.   The water level detection port is connected to a pipe for supplying hot water into the bathtub and a pipe for detecting water level not connected to a pipe for circulating hot water in the bathtub, and a hydrostatic pressure in the pipe for exclusive use of the water level detection The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water level sensor detects the water.

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