JP2013096683A - Hot water storage type water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water storage type water heater which starts a heat insulation operation for bathtub water after determining entry to a bathroom by its sound.SOLUTION: When a hot water filling operation to supply a preset amount of hot water into a bathtub 17 is completed, a heat insulation time starts. After that, a sound collection operation is performed to detect surrounding sounds via a microphone 40 of a bath remote controller 35 disposed in a bathroom 36. Sounds collected prior to a predetermined time at which a water level change of the bathtub 17 is detected by a water level sensor 22 are analyzed and studied for comparison with sounds studied during a predetermined period. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the sound of entry to the bathroom 36 to start the heat insulation operation. Therefore, it is possible to perform the heat insulation operation by accurately detecting the entry to the bathroom 36 and perform the heat insulation operation regardless of an area of the bathroom 36 or an installation location of the bath remote controller 35.

Description

この発明は、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯水を加熱して給湯や風呂に使用する貯湯式給湯装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus for heating hot water stored in a hot water storage tank and using it for hot water supply or a bath.

従来、この種のものにおいて、浴室に設置された風呂リモコンに浴室内の人の存在を検知する人感センサを備え、人感センサによって浴室内に人が存在することを検知したら、浴槽内に貯められた浴槽水を設定温度となるまで加熱して保温する保温動作を開始するものがあった。（例えば、特許文献１）   Conventionally, in this type of equipment, the remote controller installed in the bathroom is equipped with a human sensor that detects the presence of a person in the bathroom, and if the human sensor detects the presence of a person in the bathroom, There was one that started a heat-retaining operation in which the stored bathtub water was heated to a preset temperature and kept warm. (For example, Patent Document 1)

特開２０１０−２１０１３６号公報JP 2010-210136 A

しかし、この従来のものでは、浴室の広さや構造から人感センサを設置する場所は制限されるため、人感センサの設置場所によっては人の検知感度が弱まり、浴室への入室を正確に検知できず浴槽水の保温動作が開始されない可能性があり、また、人感センサを新規の部品として設置する必要があったのでコストアップする問題があった。   However, in this conventional type, the location where the human sensor is installed is limited due to the size and size of the bathroom, so depending on the location of the human sensor, the human detection sensitivity will be weak, and the entrance to the bathroom will be detected accurately. There is a possibility that the warming operation of the bathtub water may not be started, and there is a problem that the cost increases because it is necessary to install the human sensor as a new part.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明の請求項１では湯水を貯える貯湯タンクと、該貯湯タンク内の湯水を加熱する加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の高温水と熱交換することで浴槽内に貯められた浴槽水を加熱する風呂熱交換器と、前記浴槽と前記風呂熱交換器とを配管で接続する風呂循環回路と、該風呂循環回路に設置され前記浴槽内の浴槽水を前記風呂熱交換器へ流入させる風呂循環ポンプと、該風呂循環ポンプを駆動させ前記浴槽内の浴槽水を加熱する保温動作を開始させる制御部とを備えた貯湯式給湯装置において、浴室で発生した音を検知する音検知手段を設置し、前記制御部は、前記音検知手段で浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を検知したら保温動作を行うものである。   In order to solve the above problems, in claim 1 of the present invention, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and heat exchange with hot water in the hot water storage tank for heat exchange in the bathtub. A bath heat exchanger that heats the bathtub water stored in the bath, a bath circulation circuit that connects the bathtub and the bath heat exchanger by piping, and bath water that is installed in the bath circulation circuit and that is in the bathtub. In a hot water storage hot water supply apparatus comprising a bath circulation pump that flows into a heat exchanger and a controller that starts the heat retaining operation for driving the bath circulation pump to heat the bath water in the bathtub, the sound generated in the bathroom is A sound detecting means for detecting is installed, and the controller performs a heat retaining operation when the sound generated when the sound detecting means enters the bathroom is detected.

また、請求項２では前記浴槽の水位を検知する水位センサを設置し、前記制御部は、前記水位センサで検知された水位の変化と前記音検知手段で検知された音とを関連させて学習し、学習された音と比較して浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を判断するものである。   Moreover, in Claim 2, the water level sensor which detects the water level of the said bathtub is installed, and the said control part learns by correlating the change of the water level detected by the said water level sensor, and the sound detected by the said sound detection means. The sound generated when entering the bathroom is compared with the learned sound.

また、請求項３では前記音検知手段は浴室内に設置された風呂リモコンのマイクであるものである。   According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sound detecting means is a microphone of a bath remote controller installed in the bathroom.

この発明の請求項１によれば、浴室で発生した音を検知する音検知手段を設置し、音検知手段で浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を検知したら保温動作を行うので、浴室の広さや構造に関わらず浴室への入室を正確に判断して保温動作を開始することができる。   According to the first aspect of the present invention, the sound detecting means for detecting the sound generated in the bathroom is installed, and when the sound detected when the sound detecting means detects the sound generated when entering the bathroom, the heat retaining operation is performed. Regardless of the structure, the warming operation can be started by accurately determining the entrance to the bathroom.

また、請求項２によれば、水位センサで検知した浴槽の水位変化と音検知手段で検知した音とを関連させて学習し、学習された音と比較して浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を判断するので、浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を正確に判別して保温動作を開始することができる。   Moreover, according to claim 2, it occurred when the water level change of the bathtub detected by the water level sensor and the sound detected by the sound detecting means were related to each other and entered into the bathroom in comparison with the learned sound. Since the sound is determined, it is possible to accurately determine the sound generated when entering the bathroom and start the heat retaining operation.

また、請求項３によれば、風呂リモコンに設置されたマイクを音検知手段としているので、浴室への入室を判断するために新たな機器を設置する必要がなくコストアップを防止することができる。   According to the third aspect, since the microphone installed in the bath remote control is used as the sound detection means, it is not necessary to install a new device to determine the entrance into the bathroom, and the cost can be prevented. .

この発明の一実施形態を示す概略構成図Schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention 同発明の制御ブロック図Control block diagram of the invention 同発明の風呂自動運転を説明するフローチャートFlow chart explaining bath automatic operation of the same invention 同発明の保温動作を説明するフローチャートFlow chart for explaining the heat retaining operation of the invention 同発明の音学習期間における保温動作の説明図Explanatory drawing of the heat retention operation during the sound learning period of the same invention 同発明の音学習期間後における保温動作の説明図Explanatory drawing of the heat retention operation after the sound learning period of the invention

次に、この発明を適用した一実施形態を図に基づいて説明する。
１は内部に貯湯タンク２を収納した貯湯タンクユニット、３は貯湯タンク２上部の高温水を出湯する出湯管、４は貯湯タンク２に市水を供給する給水管、５は加熱手段としてのヒートポンプユニットである。 Next, an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a hot water storage tank unit in which a hot water storage tank 2 is housed, 3 denotes a hot water outlet pipe for discharging hot water at the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2, 4 denotes a water supply pipe for supplying city water to the hot water storage tank 2, and 5 denotes a heat pump as a heating means. Is a unit.

６は貯湯タンク２下部とヒートポンプユニット５とを配管で接続するヒーポン往き管、７はヒートポンプユニット５と貯湯タンク２上部とを配管で接続するヒーポン戻り管、８はヒーポン往き管６とヒーポン戻り管７から成るヒーポン循環回路である。   Reference numeral 6 denotes a heat pump forward pipe connecting the lower part of the hot water storage tank 2 and the heat pump unit 5 by piping, 7 denotes a heat pump return pipe connecting the heat pump unit 5 and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2 by pipes, and 8 denotes a heat pump forward pipe 6 and the heat pump return pipe. 7 is a heat-pump circuit composed of seven.

９は給水管４から分岐した給水バイパス管、１０は出湯管３と給水バイパス管９内を流動する湯水を所定の比率で混合して設定された給湯温度に調節する給湯混合弁、１１は出湯管３と給水バイパス管９内を流動する湯水を所定の比率で混合して設定された風呂温度に調節する風呂混合弁である。   9 is a water supply bypass pipe branched from the water supply pipe 4, 10 is a hot water supply mixing valve that adjusts the hot water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 3 and the hot water flowing through the water supply bypass pipe 9 at a predetermined ratio to adjust the hot water supply temperature, and 11 is a hot water supply valve The bath mixing valve adjusts the bath temperature to a set bath temperature by mixing hot water flowing in the pipe 3 and the water supply bypass pipe 9 at a predetermined ratio.

１２は給湯混合弁１０で所定の比率で混合された湯水が流動する給湯管、１３は洗面所等に設置され給湯混合弁１０で給湯温度に調節された湯水を開栓することで出湯可能な給湯栓、１４は給湯管１２内を流動する湯水の流量を検知する給湯流量センサ、１５は給湯管１２内を流動する湯水の温度を検知する給湯温度センサである。   Reference numeral 12 denotes a hot water supply pipe through which hot water mixed at a predetermined ratio by the hot water supply mixing valve 10 flows. Reference numeral 13 denotes a hot water supply installed at a washroom or the like by opening the hot water adjusted to the hot water supply temperature by the hot water supply mixing valve 10. A hot-water tap, 14 is a hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing in the hot water pipe 12, and 15 is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing in the hot water pipe 12.

１６は貯湯タンク２内の高温水と熱交換して浴槽１７内に貯められた浴槽水を加熱する風呂熱交換器、１８は浴槽水を風呂熱交換器１６に送る風呂戻り管、１９は風呂熱交換器１６で加熱された浴槽水を浴槽１７内に戻す風呂往き管、２０は風呂往き管１９と風呂熱交換器１６と風呂戻り管１８とで形成された風呂循環回路、２１は風呂循環回路２０内の浴槽水を流動させる風呂循環ポンプである。   16 is a bath heat exchanger that heats the bath water stored in the bathtub 17 by exchanging heat with hot water in the hot water storage tank 2, 18 is a bath return pipe that sends the bath water to the bath heat exchanger 16, and 19 is a bath. A bath-out pipe for returning bath water heated by the heat exchanger 16 into the bathtub 17, 20 is a bath circulation circuit formed by the bath-out pipe 19, the bath heat exchanger 16 and the bath return pipe 18, and 21 is a bath circulation. It is a bath circulation pump that causes the bathtub water in the circuit 20 to flow.

２２は浴槽１７内にある浴槽水の水位を検知する水位センサ、２３は風呂熱交換器１６で加熱された浴槽水の温度を検知する風呂温度センサであり、風呂戻り管１８途中にそれぞれ設置されている。   22 is a water level sensor that detects the water level of the bathtub water in the bathtub 17, and 23 is a bath temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the bath water heated by the bath heat exchanger 16. ing.

２４は風呂混合弁１１で混合された湯水を風呂戻り管１８に搬送する湯張り管であり、配管途中には、風呂混合弁１１で混合された湯水の温度を検知する湯張り温度センサ２５と、電動弁を開閉して浴槽１７への湯張り開始及び停止を行う湯張り電磁弁２６と、配管内を流動する湯水の流量から浴槽１７への湯張り量を検知する湯張り流量センサ２７と、浴槽１７の湯水が逆流するのを防止する逆止弁２８とが設置されている。   Reference numeral 24 denotes a hot water pipe that conveys hot water mixed by the bath mixing valve 11 to the bath return pipe 18, and a hot water temperature sensor 25 that detects the temperature of the hot water mixed by the bath mixing valve 11 in the middle of the pipe; A hot water solenoid valve 26 which opens and closes the electric valve to start and stop hot water filling in the bathtub 17, and a hot water flow rate sensor 27 which detects the amount of hot water flowing into the bathtub 17 from the flow rate of hot water flowing in the pipe. A check valve 28 for preventing the hot water in the bathtub 17 from flowing backward is installed.

２９は貯湯タンク２の上下方向に複数配置された貯湯温度センサで、この実施形態では貯湯温度センサ２９ａ、２９ｂ、２９ｃ、２９ｄ、２９ｅの５つが設置されており、この貯湯温度センサ２９が検知する温度情報によって貯湯タンク２内の残熱量と、貯湯タンク２内の上下方向の温度分布が確認できる。   A plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 29 are arranged in the vertical direction of the hot water storage tank 2. In this embodiment, five hot water storage temperature sensors 29 a, 29 b, 29 c, 29 d, and 29 e are installed and detected by the hot water storage temperature sensor 29. The amount of residual heat in the hot water storage tank 2 and the vertical temperature distribution in the hot water storage tank 2 can be confirmed from the temperature information.

３０は貯湯タンク２上部に連通した逃し弁、３１は給水管４途中に備えられ管内を流動する給水の温度を検知する給水温度センサ、３２は給水管４に備えられ水道からの圧力を減圧する減圧弁、３３は栓を開栓することで給水管４へ水道水を流入させる給水栓、３４は貯湯タンク２の底部に接続され湯水を外部に排水する排水弁である。   30 is a relief valve communicating with the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2, 31 is a water supply temperature sensor that is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 4 to detect the temperature of the water supply flowing in the pipe, and 32 is provided in the water supply pipe 4 to reduce the pressure from the water supply. A pressure reducing valve 33 is a water supply tap that allows tap water to flow into the water supply pipe 4 by opening the plug, and 34 is a drain valve that is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 2 and drains hot water outside.

３５は浴室３６内に設置され使用者が操作することで各種設定が可能な操作部を有した風呂リモコンであり、浴槽１７内に図示しない湯張り量設定スイッチで設定された湯張り量の湯水を流入し設定温度で所定時間保温する風呂自動スイッチ３７と、浴槽水の設定温度を変更する温度変更スイッチ３８と、浴槽１７へ流入する湯水の設定温度等を音声で報知するスピーカ３９と、浴室３６内で発生した音を検知する集音動作が可能な音検知手段としてのマイク４０とが設けられ、更に、ドットマトリクス型の蛍光表示管よりなる表示部４１が設けられていることで使用者が設定状況を目視可能としている。   Reference numeral 35 denotes a bath remote controller that is installed in the bathroom 36 and has an operation unit that can be set by a user to perform various settings. The bath 17 has a hot water amount of hot water set by a hot water amount setting switch (not shown). A bath automatic switch 37 that keeps a predetermined temperature at a set temperature, a temperature change switch 38 that changes the set temperature of the bath water, a speaker 39 that informs the set temperature of hot water flowing into the bathtub 17 by voice, and the bathroom A microphone 40 is provided as a sound detection means capable of collecting sound to detect sound generated in 36, and a display unit 41 formed of a dot matrix type fluorescent display tube is further provided. However, the setting status can be visually confirmed.

４２はマイコン等からなる制御部であり、使用者が設定した湯張り量の湯水を温度変更スイッチ３８での設定温度で浴槽１７に流入する湯張り動作を行う湯張り開始手段４３と、水位センサ２２で検知された浴槽１７の水位の変化や所定時間等で保温動作の開始条件を満たしたか判断し、保温動作の開始条件を満たしていれば風呂循環ポンプ２１を駆動させ風呂熱交換器１６で浴槽水を設定温度まで加熱する保温手段４４と、湯張り動作完了後の保温時間中にマイク４０による集音動作を開始し、水位センサ２２で水位の変化が検知された際の音を分析して学習する音学習手段４５と、該音学習手段４５で学習した浴室３６への入室音と比較し浴室３６への入室を検知する入室音比較手段４６とが設けられている。   42 is a control unit composed of a microcomputer or the like, a hot water filling start means 43 for performing hot water filling operation for flowing hot water of the hot water amount set by the user into the bathtub 17 at a temperature set by the temperature change switch 38, and a water level sensor. 22, it is determined whether or not the start condition of the heat insulation operation is satisfied at a change in the water level of the bathtub 17 detected at 22 or a predetermined time. If the start condition of the heat insulation operation is satisfied, the bath circulation pump 21 is driven and the bath heat exchanger 16 The heat retaining means 44 for heating the bath water to the set temperature and the sound collecting operation by the microphone 40 are started during the heat retaining time after the hot water filling operation is completed, and the sound when the water level change is detected by the water level sensor 22 is analyzed. The sound learning means 45 for learning and the entrance sound comparison means 46 for detecting the entrance to the bathroom 36 compared with the entrance sound to the bathroom 36 learned by the sound learning means 45 are provided.

次に、浴室３６への入室音学習時における風呂自動運転の実施例について図３のフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
まず、使用者が風呂リモコン３５の風呂自動スイッチ３７を操作したら、湯張り開始手段４３が湯張り電磁弁２６を開状態にし、湯張り温度センサ２５で検知された温度に基づいて風呂混合弁１１の弁開度を調節して浴槽水の設定温度となるようにして、湯張り流量センサ２７で検知された湯水の流量に基づいて設定された湯張り量の湯水を浴槽１７に流入する（Ｓ１０１）。 Next, an example of bath automatic operation at the time of learning sound of entering the bathroom 36 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the user operates the bath automatic switch 37 of the bath remote controller 35, the hot water filling start means 43 opens the hot water solenoid valve 26, and the bath mixing valve 11 is based on the temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor 25. The amount of hot water set based on the flow rate of hot water detected by the hot water flow rate sensor 27 flows into the bathtub 17 (S101). ).

Ｓ１０１で湯張り流量センサ２７での検知結果に基づいて設定された湯張り量の湯水が浴槽１７に流入して湯張り動作が完了したら（Ｓ１０２）、湯張り電磁弁２６を閉止して浴槽水を設定温度に保温する保温時間に入り、音学習手段４５は、風呂リモコン３５に設置されたマイク４０による集音動作を開始する（Ｓ１０３）。   When the amount of hot water set based on the detection result of the hot water flow rate sensor 27 in S101 flows into the bathtub 17 and the hot water filling operation is completed (S102), the hot water solenoid valve 26 is closed to close the bathtub water. The sound learning means 45 starts a sound collecting operation by the microphone 40 installed in the bath remote controller 35 (S103).

Ｓ１０３で集音動作を開始したら、制御部４２は、水位センサ２２で浴槽１７の水位変化が検知されたか判断し（Ｓ１０４）、水位変化が検知されたら、音学習手段４５は、水位変化を検知する前にマイク４０で集音した音の音圧値をメモリに記憶する（Ｓ１０５）。   When the sound collecting operation is started in S103, the control unit 42 determines whether the water level change of the bathtub 17 is detected by the water level sensor 22 (S104). If the water level change is detected, the sound learning unit 45 detects the water level change. The sound pressure value of the sound collected by the microphone 40 before storing is stored in the memory (S105).

Ｓ１０４で浴槽１７の水位変化が検知されなかったら、保温手段４４は、湯張り動作が完了してから４０分経過したか判断し（Ｓ１０６）、４０分経過していなければ再度Ｓ１０４で浴槽１７の水位変化を確認し、４０分経過してれば、風呂循環ポンプ２１を駆動させ浴槽水を風呂熱交換器１６に流入して設定温度に到達するまで加熱する保温動作を開始する（Ｓ１０７）。   If no change in the water level of the bathtub 17 is detected in S104, the heat retaining means 44 determines whether 40 minutes have elapsed since the completion of the hot water filling operation (S106). If the change in the water level is confirmed and 40 minutes have passed, the bath circulation pump 21 is driven to start the heat retaining operation for heating the bath water into the bath heat exchanger 16 until it reaches the set temperature (S107).

Ｓ１０７で保温動作を開始したら、保温手段４４は、風呂温度センサ２３で検知された温度が設定温度に到達したか判断し（Ｓ１０８）、設定温度に到達していれば、風呂循環ポンプ２１を停止して保温動作を終了する（Ｓ１０９）。   When the heat insulation operation is started in S107, the heat insulation means 44 determines whether the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 23 has reached the set temperature (S108). If the temperature has reached the set temperature, the bath circulation pump 21 is stopped. Then, the heat retaining operation is finished (S109).

Ｓ１０５もしくはＳ１０９の動作が終了したら、保温手段４４は、保温時間の継続時間である２時間が経過したか判断し（Ｓ１１０）、２時間経過していればマイク４０での集音動作を終了させ（Ｓ１１１）風呂自動運転を終了し、２時間経過していなければ再度Ｓ１０４で浴槽１７の水位を確認する。   When the operation of S105 or S109 ends, the heat retaining means 44 determines whether 2 hours, which is the duration of the heat retaining time, has elapsed (S110), and ends the sound collection operation with the microphone 40 if 2 hours have elapsed. (S111) The bath automatic operation is terminated, and if two hours have not elapsed, the water level of the bathtub 17 is confirmed again in S104.

次に、浴室３６への入室音学習後における浴槽水の保温動作について図４のフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
浴槽１７への湯張り動作が完了したら保温時間を開始し、マイク４０による集音動作を開始して（Ｓ２０１）、入室音比較手段４６は、制御部４２のメモリに記憶した音から浴室３６への入室音と類似する範囲の音圧値と比較して浴室３６への入室音が検知されたか判断する（Ｓ２０２）。 Next, the bath water heat retaining operation after learning the sound of entering the bathroom 36 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
When the hot water filling operation to the bathtub 17 is completed, the heat retention time is started, and the sound collecting operation by the microphone 40 is started (S201), and the entrance sound comparison means 46 transfers the sound stored in the memory of the control unit 42 to the bathroom 36. It is determined whether the sound of entering the bathroom 36 is detected or not in comparison with the sound pressure value in a range similar to the sound of entering the room (S202).

Ｓ２０２で入室音比較手段４６によって浴室３６への入室音と類似する範囲の音圧値が検知されたと判断したら、保温手段４４は、浴槽水の保温動作を開始し（Ｓ２０３）、入室音と類似する範囲の音圧値が検知されていなければ、湯張り動作もしくは保温動作から４０分経過したか判断し（Ｓ２０４）、４０分経過していればＳ２０３で保温動作を開始する。   If it is determined in S202 that the sound pressure value in the range similar to the sound of entering the bathroom 36 is detected by the room sound comparing means 46, the heat retaining means 44 starts the operation of keeping the bath water warm (S203) and is similar to the sound of entering the room. If the sound pressure value in the range to be detected is not detected, it is determined whether 40 minutes have passed since the hot water filling operation or the heat retaining operation (S204), and if 40 minutes have elapsed, the heat retaining operation is started in S203.

Ｓ２０３で保温動作を開始したら、保温手段４４は、風呂温度センサ２３で検知された温度が設定温度に到達したか判断し（Ｓ２０５）、設定温度に到達していれば、風呂循環ポンプ２１を停止させ保温動作を終了する（Ｓ２０６）   When the heat retaining operation is started in S203, the heat retaining means 44 determines whether the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 23 has reached the set temperature (S205), and if it has reached the set temperature, stops the bath circulation pump 21. The heat retention operation is terminated (S206).

Ｓ２０４もしくはＳ２０６の動作が終了したら、保温手段４４は、所定の継続時間である２時間が経過したか判断し（Ｓ２０７）、２時間経過していればマイク４０での集音動作を終了させて（Ｓ２０８）、２時間経過していなければ再度Ｓ２０２で入室音比較手段４６で浴室３６への入室音の検知を判断する。   When the operation of S204 or S206 is completed, the heat retaining means 44 determines whether or not 2 hours, which is a predetermined duration, has elapsed (S207), and if 2 hours have elapsed, terminates the sound collection operation with the microphone 40. (S208) If two hours have not elapsed, the entry sound comparison means 46 determines whether the entry sound to the bathroom 36 is detected again in S202.

ここで、湯張り動作完了後に行う集音動作について詳述する。
図５で示すように、浴槽１７の湯張り動作が完了したら、マイク４０によってリモコン３５の周囲で発生した音の音圧値の検知を開始し、入浴者が浴槽１７に入り水位が上昇したことを水位センサ２２が検知したら、水位の上昇が検知されるまでにマイク４０で検知された音圧値の時間変化を制御部４２のメモリに記憶する。 Here, the sound collecting operation performed after the hot water filling operation is completed will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the filling operation of the bathtub 17 is completed, detection of the sound pressure value of the sound generated around the remote control 35 by the microphone 40 is started, and the bather enters the bathtub 17 and the water level rises. Is detected by the water level sensor 22, the time change of the sound pressure value detected by the microphone 40 until the rise of the water level is detected is stored in the memory of the control unit 42.

前記マイク４０での音圧値の時間変化を所定の学習期間（例えば一週間）継続して検知し、音学習手段４５は、制御部４２のメモリに記憶した一週間における音圧値の時間変化を分析して、浴室３６へ入室の際に発生した入室音と類似する範囲の音圧値である学習音圧範囲を決める。そして、学習期間である一週間が経過したら図６で示すように、保温時間の開始後にマイク４０で音圧値の検知を開始し、入室音比較手段４６は、学習音圧範囲の音圧値を所定時間検知したら、風呂循環ポンプ２１を駆動させ浴槽水の保温動作を開始する。   The time change of the sound pressure value at the microphone 40 is continuously detected for a predetermined learning period (for example, one week), and the sound learning means 45 performs the time change of the sound pressure value for one week stored in the memory of the control unit 42. And a learning sound pressure range that is a sound pressure value in a range similar to the sound of entering the bathroom 36 when entering the bathroom 36 is determined. Then, when one week which is the learning period has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 6, the sound pressure value detection is started by the microphone 40 after the start of the heat retention time, and the entrance sound comparison means 46 determines the sound pressure value within the learning sound pressure range. Is detected for a predetermined time, the bath circulation pump 21 is driven to start the bath water heat retaining operation.

なお、マイク４０による集音動作は保温時間のみに行うものであり、保温時間ではない時に学習音圧範囲となる音が発生しても保温動作は開始しないので誤作動を防止できる。   Note that the sound collection operation by the microphone 40 is performed only during the heat retention time, and even if a sound that falls within the learning sound pressure range is generated when it is not the heat retention time, the heat retention operation is not started, so that malfunction can be prevented.

また、マイク４０で検知して学習する音の要素は音圧値に限らず、例えば音の周波数分布や音の高低、あるいはこれらの時間変化であってもよく、更には、音圧を含めてこれらの要素のいずれかを組み合わて検知した結果から保温動作を開始する制御であってもよいものであり、浴槽１７の水位が上昇するまでに検知された周波数分布や音の高低の変化を所定期間学習して、浴室３６への入室音と類似する周波数分布や音の高低の範囲を決めて、浴室３６への入室音を判断して保温動作を開始することが可能である。   In addition, the sound element that is detected and learned by the microphone 40 is not limited to the sound pressure value, and may be, for example, the frequency distribution of the sound, the level of the sound, or the time change thereof, and further includes the sound pressure. It may be a control that starts a heat retaining operation based on a result of detecting a combination of any of these elements, and a predetermined frequency distribution or a change in sound level is detected before the water level of the bathtub 17 rises. It is possible to start the heat retaining operation by learning the period, determining the frequency distribution similar to the sound of entering the bathroom 36 and the range of the sound level, judging the sound of entering the bathroom 36.

以上のように、保温時間の際に浴室３６に設置された風呂リモコン３５のマイク４０で集音動作を行い、浴槽１７の水位変化が検知される前に集音された音を分析し、所定期間中に分析して学習した音と比較することで浴室３６への入室音を判断して保温動作を行うため、浴室３６の広さや風呂リモコン３５の設置場所に関わらず、正確に浴室３６への入室を検知して保温動作をおこなうことができる。   As described above, the sound collecting operation is performed by the microphone 40 of the bath remote control 35 installed in the bathroom 36 during the heat insulation time, and the collected sound is analyzed before the water level change in the bathtub 17 is detected. Compared with the sounds analyzed and learned during the period, the sound of entering the bathroom 36 is judged and the warming operation is performed. Therefore, regardless of the size of the bathroom 36 and the location of the bath remote controller 35, the bathroom 36 can be accurately moved. The warming operation can be performed by detecting the entrance of the room.

また、本発明では浴室３６へ入室した際に保温動作を開始する制御となっているため、例えば、外気温が低い時における保温動作開始時において風呂循環回路２０の配管内にある低温水が浴槽１７に流入し、入浴者にこの低温水が接触することで不快感を与えることがあったが、浴槽１７へ入浴する前に保温動作を開始するので使用者が低温水に接触することがなく快適に入浴可能となる。   Further, in the present invention, since the heat insulation operation is started when entering the bathroom 36, the low temperature water in the pipe of the bath circulation circuit 20 at the start of the heat insulation operation when the outside air temperature is low, for example, However, the user may not feel contact with the low-temperature water because the warming operation is started before bathing in the bathtub 17. You can bathe comfortably.

また、音検知手段を風呂リモコン３５に設置されたマイク４０とする内容だが、使用者が浴室３６に入室したことを音で検知可能な構成であればよいものであり、例えば、浴室３６内の風呂リモコン３５とは別位置に音検知手段を設置したものや、浴室３６に隣接する脱衣所等の部屋に音検知手段を設置したものであってもよい。   Further, the sound detection means is a microphone 40 installed in the bath remote controller 35, but any configuration that can detect by sound that the user has entered the bathroom 36 may be used. The sound detection means may be installed at a position different from the bath remote control 35, or the sound detection means may be installed in a room such as a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom 36.

また、本発明では加熱手段をヒートポンプユニット５としているが、これに限らず、貯湯タンク２内に電熱ヒータを備えた電気温水器や、セミ貯湯式の石油給湯機、ガスバーナまたは石油バーナを加熱源とした瞬間式給湯機等でもよい。   In the present invention, the heating means is the heat pump unit 5. However, the heating means is not limited to this. An electric water heater provided with an electric heater in the hot water storage tank 2, a semi-hot water type oil hot water supply, a gas burner or an oil burner is used as a heating source. An instant water heater or the like may be used.

１ 貯湯タンクユニット
２ 貯湯タンク
５ ヒートポンプユニット
１６ 風呂熱交換器
１７ 浴槽
２０ 風呂循環回路
２１ 風呂循環ポンプ
２２ 水位センサ
３５ リモコン
３６ 浴室
４０ マイク
４２ 制御部
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water storage tank unit 2 Hot water storage tank 5 Heat pump unit 16 Bath heat exchanger 17 Bathtub 20 Bath circulation circuit 21 Bath circulation pump 22 Water level sensor 35 Remote control 36 Bathroom 40 Microphone 42 Control part

Claims (3)

湯水を貯える貯湯タンクと、該貯湯タンク内の湯水を加熱する加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の高温水と熱交換することで浴槽内に貯められた浴槽水を加熱する風呂熱交換器と、前記浴槽と前記風呂熱交換器とを配管で接続する風呂循環回路と、該風呂循環回路に設置され前記浴槽内の浴槽水を前記風呂熱交換器へ流入させる風呂循環ポンプと、該風呂循環ポンプを駆動させ前記浴槽内の浴槽水を加熱する保温動作を開始させる制御部とを備えた貯湯式給湯装置において、浴室で発生した音を検知する音検知手段を設置し、前記制御部は、前記音検知手段で浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を検知したら前記保温動作を行うことを特徴とする貯湯式給湯装置。   A hot water storage tank for storing hot water, heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, a bath heat exchanger for heating the bath water stored in the bathtub by exchanging heat with the high temperature water in the hot water storage tank, A bath circulation circuit that connects the bathtub and the bath heat exchanger with piping, a bath circulation pump that is installed in the bath circulation circuit and allows the bath water in the bathtub to flow into the bath heat exchanger, and the bath circulation pump In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus provided with a control unit that starts a heat retaining operation that heats the bathtub water in the bathtub, the sound detection means for detecting the sound generated in the bathroom is installed, the control unit, A hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus characterized in that the heat retaining operation is performed when a sound generated upon entering a bathroom is detected by a sound detection means. 前記浴槽の水位を検知する水位センサを設置し、前記制御部は、前記水位センサで検知された水位の変化と前記音検知手段で検知された音とを関連させて学習し、学習された音と比較して浴室へ入室した際に発生した音を判断することを特徴とする請求項１記載の貯湯式給湯装置。   A water level sensor that detects the water level of the bathtub is installed, and the control unit learns by relating the change in the water level detected by the water level sensor and the sound detected by the sound detection means, and the learned sound. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sound generated when entering the bathroom is determined in comparison with the first embodiment. 前記音検知手段は浴室内に設置された風呂リモコンのマイクであることを特徴とする請求項１、２のいずれか１項に記載の貯湯式給湯装置。   The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the sound detection means is a microphone of a bath remote controller installed in a bathroom.

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