JP2000329403A - Hot/cold water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To image convenience of use by tapping only hot/cold water or discharging hot/cold water mixed with air. SOLUTION: A device comprises a heater 52 for heating water, a power supply device 42 for reducing voltage low, a power supply switch 45 for conducting on/off control of the low voltage slepped down by the power supply device 42, a temperature setting portion 48 for setting temperature of hot water to be heated by the heater 52, a current application amount controller 50 for controlling current application amount to the heater 52 according to the set temperature, and an air pump 44 incorporated with a DC motor which functions with low voltage. Thus hot/cold water temperature discharged from a hot/cold water discharging portion is controlled by the temperature setting portion 48 and the current application rate controller 50, and further, air which is supplied from the air pump 44 can be mixed into the hot/cold water in the hot/cold water discharging portion.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water supply device used for a hot water shower or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electric instantaneous water heater will be described as an example of a conventional hot and cold water supply apparatus with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 5 shows the appearance, 1 is a water inlet pipe, 2
Is a flow rate control knob, 3 is a hot water switch, 4 is a hot water temperature control volume with an operation switch, 5 is a shower hose, 6 is a shower head, and water is passed through the water inlet pipe 1 into the main body, and is showered through the shower hose 5. The hot water is supplied from the head 6.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an electric instantaneous water heater, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart. A description will be given with reference to FIGS.

[0004] 7 is a hot water switch (hot water switch 3 in FIG. 6)
, 8 is an overheat protection device, 9 is an operation switch (FIG. 6)
1) Same as hot water temperature control volume 4 with operation switch
0 is a lamp control unit, 11 is an operation lamp, 12 is a temperature setting unit, 13 is a hot water temperature adjustment volume (the same as the hot water temperature adjustment volume 4 with an operation switch in FIG. 6), 14 is a power control unit, and 15 is a heater control. Means 16 indicates a heater.

The hot water switch 7 also has a water stopping function. First, when the user turns on the hot water switch 7 in order to take a shower bath (process 17 in FIG. 7), the shower via the water inlet pipe 1 is performed. Water is discharged from the head 6 (process 1 in FIG. 7).
8). Next, if the overheat protection device 8 is not activated (process 19 in FIG. 7), the operation switch 9 is turned on (process 20 in FIG. 7), and the operation of the operation lamp 1 is performed by the lamp control unit 10.
1 is turned on (process 21 in FIG. 7), and the user is notified that energization of the heater 16 is started (process 24 in FIG. 7). The amount of electricity supplied to the heater 16 is determined by the temperature setting unit 1 according to the temperature control volume 13 adjusted according to the user's preference.
2 is set by setting the tapping temperature (process 22 in FIG. 7), and the energization amount control unit 14 controls the heater control means 15 (process 23 in FIG. 7).

When the shower bathing is completed, when the tapping switch 7 is turned off (step 17 in FIG. 7), the water stopping function is activated, and the water discharge is stopped (step 25 in FIG. 7). The operation lamp 11 is turned off (processing 2 in FIG. 7).
6) At the same time, the power supply to the heater 16 is cut off (process 27 in FIG. 7). Further, when some trouble occurs during use and the overheat protection device 8 is activated (processing 1 in FIG. 7).
Also in 9), the power supply to the heater 16 is cut off, the operation lamp 11 is turned off by the lamp control means 10, and the user is notified that an abnormality has occurred.

[0007] With the above operation and configuration, it is possible to use a shower with hot water, and by turning off the operation switch 9, it is possible to use it as a water shower.

That is, in a general electric instantaneous water heater, hot water is not supplied by mixing air, but only hot water is supplied.

[0009]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional electric instantaneous water heater having no means for mixing air, a sufficient washing effect can be obtained in a shower bath when the amount of water supplied from a water inlet pipe is small. You need to take a long shower. In addition, since the jet pressure from the shower head is low, it is inferior in that a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

Further, when water is taken in another place, the temperature of the hot water fluctuates due to the fluctuation of the amount of shower water, and it is difficult to enjoy a comfortable shower feeling.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and provides a sufficient washing effect in a short time, and a massage effect for promoting blood circulation by increasing a jet pressure from a hot water discharge section such as a shower head by air pressure. It is possible to select a water discharge in which an air pump is mounted and water is mixed with hot and cold water, or a water discharge only of hot water, thereby improving usability. In addition, by detecting the hot water temperature by the temperature detection unit and performing feedback control on the amount of electricity supplied to the heater, a stable hot water temperature can be maintained even when a change in the amount of shower water occurs, so that a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed. It is intended to provide a hot water supply device.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is provided with an air pump, wherein the air pump is configured to be able to operate independently irrespective of the operation of switch means, and supplied from the air pump. The air is mixed with the hot water of the hot water discharge section.

[0013] According to the above invention, the mode of tapping from the hot water discharge section can be easily and arbitrarily selected by operating the switch.
In the case of spouting the mixed hot and cold water mixed with air, the water saving effect that a sufficient washing effect can be obtained even with a small amount of hot water and the air pressure is added even at a low hot water pressure, raise the hot water pressure, In addition to enjoying a comfortable shower sensation, a massage effect can be expected.

Further, since the air pump is configured to operate independently irrespective of the operation of the switch means, only hot water, only water, mixed hot water mixed with hot air, or hot water is supplied from the hot water discharge section. Various types of hot water can be selected, such as mixed water mixed with water, and can be used properly depending on the application, thereby greatly improving usability.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A heater for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water to be heated by the heater, an energization amount control unit for controlling an energization amount to the heater according to the set temperature, and an air pump,
The temperature setting unit and the power supply control unit operate based on the operation of the switch means to adjust the temperature of the hot water from the hot water discharge unit, and the air pump can operate independently irrespective of the operation of the switch means. The air supplied from the air pump is mixed with the hot water of the hot water discharge section.

The mode of tapping water from the tapping section can be easily and arbitrarily selected by operating a switch. In the case of discharging mixed hot water mixed with air, a sufficient washing effect can be obtained even with a small tapping amount. By increasing the tapping pressure by increasing the tapping pressure by adding the air pressure even at a low tapping pressure, it is possible to enjoy a comfortable shower sensation and a massage effect.

Further, since the air pump is configured to be operable independently of the operation of the switch means, only the hot water, only the water, the mixed hot water in which the air is mixed in the hot water, or the air in the water can be supplied from the hot water discharge section. Various types of hot water can be selected, such as mixed water mixed with water, and can be used properly depending on the application, and the usability can be greatly improved.

Further, in the hot water supply apparatus according to the second aspect, the heater is built in a small-capacity can body, and heat is instantaneously exchanged with hot water flowing through the can body to enable continuous hot water supply. It is provided with an exchanger and a shower hose that guides the heat-exchanged hot and cold water to the hot and cold water discharge section, and is housed together with an air pump in one housing to form an electric instantaneous water heater.

An electric instantaneous hot water heater which can discharge water in various forms such as hot water only, water only, mixed hot water mixed with air, or mixed water mixed with air from the discharge section. A water-saving effect that provides a sufficient cleaning effect even with a small amount of hot water, and an air pressure is added even at a low hot water pressure to increase the hot water pressure and enjoy a comfortable shower feeling and massage An effect can also be expected, and further, it is possible to use properly according to the application, and the usability can be greatly improved.

The hot water supply device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a power supply device for generating a predetermined low voltage in response to operation of a tapping switch, and a switch means for controlling on / off of the low voltage stepped down by the power supply device. The air pump is controlled by a pump control means provided in a power supply circuit different from a power supply circuit whose low voltage is turned on / off by a switch means.

[0021] The operation of the air pump can be controlled independently of the operation of the heater control circuit.
Hot water can be discharged from the discharge section in four types: hot water only, water only, mixed hot water mixed with air, or mixed water mixed with air in water. It is possible to discharge only water or mixed water obtained by mixing air with water even when the heater control circuit fails, and also to discharge only hot water or only water when the pump control means fails. Is possible, and the usability can be greatly improved.

Further, since a low-voltage DC motor can be used for the air pump, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the water pump, and to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the hot and cold water supply device body.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the hot water mixing apparatus, a power supply device for generating a predetermined low voltage in response to an operation of a tapping switch, and a switch means for controlling on / off of the low voltage stepped down by the power supply device. And the pump control means is constituted by a pump switch provided in a power supply circuit different from the switch means at a stage subsequent to the hot water switch, a display means and a switching element for displaying in synchronization with the operation of the pump switch. .

The display can be displayed in synchronization with the operation of the pump switch for instructing the operation of the air pump, so that the user can be clearly notified of the mode of tapping, and the mode of use can be easily selected. it can.

Further, since a low-voltage DC motor can be used for the air pump, it is possible to reduce the size, weight and cost of the air pump, and to reduce the size, weight and cost of the hot and cold water supply device body.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply apparatus, the heater performs feedback control to change the amount of energization based on a difference between the hot water temperature and the set temperature to control the heater at a predetermined temperature, and to control the heater within a set temperature range. The energization control is performed in stages.

Since the amount of power supplied to the heater is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the hot and cold water temperatures and the set temperature, even if the amount of shower water fluctuates, the stable hot water temperature can be maintained and the stepless flow can be maintained. Since the temperature can be set at a desired temperature, a desired tapping temperature can be secured, and a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

The hot and cold water supply device according to the present invention further comprises a flow rate detecting means for detecting that hot and cold water is being discharged from the hot and cold water discharging portion, and shuts off the power supply to the heater when the hot and cold water is not being discharged. I am trying to do it.

When the flow rate detecting means detects that the hot and cold water has not been discharged, the power supply to the power supply control unit is cut off and the power supply to the heater by the heater control means is cut off. Therefore, if any trouble occurs during use and the tapping switch is on and the water stop function is not working, but the discharge of hot water stops, the overheat protection device installed for final safety will be activated. Prior to this, the power supply to the heater can be safely shut off, and the spread of the problem can be suppressed. In addition, since the power supply to the pump control unit is also cut off, the air pump can be stopped, and the life of the motor and the pump can be extended.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an electric instantaneous water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 30 is a water inlet pipe, 31 is a flow control knob, 32 is a tap switch, and 33 is a tap switch.
Denotes a hot water temperature control volume with an operation switch, 34 denotes a pump switch, 35 denotes a shower hose, 36 denotes a shower head, and 37 denotes an air hose. Water flows through the water inlet pipe 30 into the main body, and flows out of the shower head 36 via the shower hose 35. Further, the air 38 supplied from the air pump 44 is mixed with the hot water 39 discharged from the shower head 36 via the air hose 37.

FIG. 2 is a detailed circuit diagram, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric instantaneous water heater. A detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a hot water switch (same as the hot water switch 32 in FIG. 1), 41 denotes an overheat protection device, 42 denotes a power supply device, 43 denotes a pump control unit, and a pump switch 54, display means 43a, and switching elements (shown in FIG. 1). Z). 44 is an air pump, 45 is an operation switch as a switch means (the same as the hot water temperature control volume 33 with the operation switch in FIG. 1), 46 is a lamp control unit, 47 is an operation lamp, 48 is a temperature setting unit, and 49 is a hot water temperature. Adjustment volume (same as hot water temperature adjustment volume 33 with operation switch in FIG. 1), 50 is a power supply control section, 51 is heater control means, 5
2 heater, 53 is a temperature detector, 54 is a pump switch,
55 is a thermistor, 56 is a feedback control unit, 57
Denotes a flow rate detecting means. Further, the pump control unit 43 is configured by a power supply circuit different from the operation switch 45, and is configured to be able to operate independently irrespective of the operation of the operation switch 45.

In this electric instantaneous water heater, a heater 52 is incorporated in a small-capacity can body, and heat can be instantaneously exchanged with hot and cold water flowing through the can body to continuously discharge water. Is housed together with the air pump 44 in a housing.

In the above configuration, the tap switch 40 is
First, the user turns on the tap switch 40 in order to take a shower (see Process 6 in FIG. 3).
0), water is discharged from the shower head 36 via the water inlet pipe 30 (process 61 in FIG. 3). At this time, if the overheat protection device 41 is not operating (process 62 in FIG. 3), the voltage is reduced by the power supply device 42 from the high AC voltage to the low DC voltage (process 63 in FIG. 3). And the operation switch 45
Is turned on (process 68 in FIG. 3), the lamp control unit 46
As a result, the operation lamp 47 is turned on (process 69 in FIG. 3),
Power supply to the heater 52 is started for the user (process 72 in FIG. 3).
Notify you that it will be done. The amount of electricity supplied to the heater 52 is controlled by a temperature control volume 49 adjusted by the user's preference.
The temperature setting unit 48 sets the tapping temperature (process 70 in FIG. 3) in accordance with the equation (2), and the energization amount control unit 50 controls the heater control means 51 (process 71 in FIG. 3).

When the shower bathing is completed, when the tap switch 40 is turned off (process 60 in FIG. 3), the water stopping function is activated, and the water discharge is stopped (process 75 in FIG. 3). The operation lamp 47 is turned off (processing 7 in FIG. 3).
6) At the same time, the power supply to the heater 52 is cut off (process 77 in FIG. 3). Further, when some trouble occurs during use and the overheat protection device 41 is activated (process 6 in FIG. 3).
Also in 2), the power supply to the heater 52 is cut off, the operation lamp 47 is turned off by the lamp control means 46, and the user is notified that an abnormality has occurred. With the above operation and configuration, a shower using warm water can be used, and by turning off the operation switch 45, the shower can be used as a water shower.

When the user operates the pump switch 54 while taking a shower (step 65 in FIG. 3),
An air pump 47 having a built-in DC motor that operates at a low voltage performs an on / off operation (steps 66 and 67 in FIG. 3) under the operation of the pump control unit 43. At the same time, the operating state of the air pump 47 is displayed on the display means 43a in synchronization with the operation of the pump switch 54. Then, air is supplied to the air hose 3 by the air pump 47.
7 and mixed into the hot and cold water spouted from the shower head 36 to form a mixed hot and cold water. With the above operation and configuration, it is possible to use a shower made of warm water mixed with air, and to turn off the operation switch 45 to use the shower as a water shower mixed with air.

The temperature detector 53 detects the temperature of the hot water heated by the heater 52 by the thermistor 55 (FIG. 3).
(Step 73), and the feedback control section 56 performs feedback control (step 74 in FIG. 3) on the energization amount control section 50 so that the difference from the set temperature of the temperature setting section 48 is eliminated. Thereby, the power supply to the heater 52 is performed in a stepless control with respect to the temperature adjusted according to the user's preference, and even when the shower water amount fluctuates, a stable tapping temperature can be maintained. It is possible to enjoy a comfortable shower feeling.

Further, there is provided a flow rate detecting means 57 for detecting that the hot and cold water has not been discharged, so that some trouble occurs during use and the water stop function is not working when the hot water switch 40 is on. In addition, when the discharge of hot and cold water stops, the operation to cut off the power supply to the heater 52 (FIG. 3)
Is performed 64). That is, the power supply to the temperature setting unit 48 and the power supply amount control unit 50 is cut off, and the heater control unit 51
To the heater 52 is interrupted. Then, the operation lamp 47 is also turned off by the lamp control unit 46 to notify the user that an abnormality has occurred. Thereby, it becomes possible to enjoy shower bathing more safely. Further, since the power supply to the pump control unit 43 is also cut off, the air pump 44 can be stopped,
It is possible to extend the life of the motor and the pump.

The air pump 44 having a built-in DC motor operated by a low DC voltage allows the user to operate the pump switch 54 without being affected by ON / OFF of the operation switch (step 65 in FIG. 3). In response, the operation of the pump control unit 43 is performed, and the on / off operation is performed (process 6 in FIG. 3).
6. Process 67) is performed. Therefore, the air pump 44
The supply and stop of the air can be selected independently, and when the water discharged from the shower head 36 is hot water or water, it is possible to select only hot water or mixed hot water mixed with air.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an electric instantaneous water heater according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Parts that are the same as in the first embodiment are given the same numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the second embodiment, the flow of electricity to the heater 52 is to be interrupted by the flow rate detecting means 57 for detecting that hot and cold water has not been discharged. In FIG. 4, if the discharge of hot water is stopped while the tapping switch 40 is on and the water stopping function is not working, the flow rate detecting means 57 is provided on the power supply side of the heater 52. The configuration is such that energization is also cut off.

Thus, when a failure occurs in the water stopping function for some reason and the shower cannot be taken, the power supply to the heater 52 can be stopped directly. That is, energization to the temperature setting unit 48 and the energization amount control unit 50 is interrupted, and the heater 5
The power supply to the heater 52 can be more reliably cut off than the power supply to the power supply 2 is cut off, and the shower bath can be enjoyed more safely and safely.

[0045]

As described above, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect, the mode of hot water from the hot water discharge section can be easily and arbitrarily selected by operating the switch, and the mixed hot and cold water mixed with air can be selected. In the case of water spouting, a sufficient water-saving effect can be obtained even with a small amount of hot water, and the air pressure is added even at a low hot water pressure. While you can
A massage effect can also be expected.

Further, since the air pump is configured to operate independently irrespective of the operation of the switch means, only the hot water, only the water, the mixed hot water in which the air is mixed with the hot water, or the air in the water is supplied from the hot water discharge section. Various types of hot water can be selected, such as mixed water mixed with water, and can be used properly depending on the application, and the usability can be greatly improved.

Further, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the second aspect, various types of water such as only hot water, only water, mixed hot water mixed with air, or mixed water mixed with water from the discharge unit are provided. Provides an electric instantaneous water heater that allows tapping in the form of tapping water, increasing the tapping pressure by providing a water-saving effect that provides a sufficient cleaning effect even with a small tapping volume and by adding air pressure even at a low tapping pressure. Letting you enjoy a comfortable shower sensation, you can also expect a massage effect,
Furthermore, it is possible to use them properly depending on the application, and the usability can be greatly improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the operation of the air pump independently of the operation of the heater control circuit. And mixed water in which air is mixed in hot water, or mixed water in which air is mixed in water can be set to four types, and the range of use according to the application can be expanded. Even in the case of failure, it is possible to tap only water or mixed water obtained by mixing air with water, and even in the case of failure of the pump control means, tapping of only hot water or only water is possible. be able to.

Further, since the air pump can use a low-voltage DC motor, it is possible to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the water pump, and to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the hot and cold water supply device body. .

According to the hot and cold water mixing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the display can be performed in synchronization with the operation of the pump switch for instructing the operation of the air pump, so that the user can be clearly notified of the mode of hot water supply. It is possible to easily select a use mode.

According to the hot water supply device of the fifth aspect, the amount of electricity supplied to the heater is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the hot water temperature and the set temperature. However, since the stable tapping temperature can be maintained and the temperature can be set steplessly,
The desired tapping temperature can be secured, and a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the flow rate detecting means detects that the hot water is not discharged, the power supply to the power supply control unit is cut off and the heater control means supplies power to the heater. Cut off. Therefore, when some trouble occurs during use and the water supply switch is turned on and the water stop function is not working, but the discharge of hot water stops, the heating protection device attached for final safety is activated. Prior to this, the power supply to the heater can be safely shut off, and the spread of the problem can be suppressed. In addition, since the power supply to the pump control unit is also cut off, the air pump can be stopped, and the life of the motor and the pump can be extended.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a hot water supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a hot water supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an external view of a conventional hot water supply device.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the hot and cold water supply device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the hot water supply device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 36 Hot and cold water discharge part (shower head) 42 Power supply device 43 Pump control means (Pump control part) 44 Air pump 45 Switch means (Operation switch) 48 Temperature setting part 50 Electricity control part 52 Heater 53 Temperature detection part 54 Pump control means ( Pump switch) 56 feedback controller 57 flow rate detector 53 temperature detector

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masahito Uemura 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 3L034 BA12

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A heater for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water to be heated by the heater, an energization amount control unit for controlling an energization amount to the heater according to a set temperature, and an air pump. The temperature setting unit and the power supply control unit operate based on the operation of the switch means to adjust the temperature of hot water from the hot water discharge unit, and the air pump operates independently irrespective of the operation of the switch means. A hot and cold water supply device which has a possible configuration and mixes air supplied from an air pump with hot and cold water of the hot and cold water discharge section. 2. A heat exchanger in which a heater is built in a small-capacity can body and instantaneously exchanges heat with hot and cold water flowing through the can body to enable continuous hot water supply. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a shower hose leading to the hot and cold water discharge portion, and housed together with an air pump in one housing to form an electric instantaneous water heater. 3. A power supply device for generating a predetermined low voltage in response to an operation of a tapping switch, and a switch means for controlling on / off of the low voltage stepped down by the power supply apparatus, and the air pump is controlled by the switch means. 3. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply device is controlled by pump control means provided in a power supply circuit separate from a power supply circuit for turning on / off the low voltage. 4. A power supply device for generating a predetermined low voltage in response to operation of a hot water switch, and a switch means for controlling on / off of the low voltage stepped down by the power supply device, wherein the pump control means includes a hot water switch. 4. The hot and cold water according to claim 1, further comprising a pump switch provided in a power supply circuit different from the switch means, a display means for displaying in synchronization with the operation of the pump switch, and a switching element. Feeding device. 5. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the heater performs feedback control for changing the amount of energization based on a difference between the hot and cold water temperatures and the set temperature to control the heater to a predetermined temperature, and performs stepless energization control within the set temperature range. Item 3. The liquid supply device according to item 1 or 2. 6. A heater according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate detecting means for detecting that the hot water is being discharged from the hot water discharging portion, wherein the power supply to the heater is interrupted when the hot water is not being discharged.
Or the hot and cold water supply device according to 2.