CN106032856A - Float and hot water supply device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a float and a warm water supply device using the same which are usable even in use environment which is constant high temperature condition and where additional temperature changes between high temperature and low temperature. A float (20) is used in a float switch (10) for detecting a water level of hot water (9) stored in a hot water tank (1) and is elevated in linkage with water level fluctuation of the hot water (9). In the float (20), a plurality of spaces (21b) are provided formed by barriers (21a). Even when a crack, hole and the like are generated in the float (20), a buoyant force larger than a certain level which is required as the float (20) used in the float switch (10) is maintained by partly preventing the hot water (9) from entering inside of the float (20).

Description

Float and warm water supply device using it

technical field

The present invention relates to a float that moves up and down in conjunction with changes in the water level of stored hot water, and a hot water supply device using the same, which is suitable for cup drink vending machines, drink dispensers, tea dispensers, and the like.

Background technique

There are known beverage supply devices such as cup-packed beverage vending machines, beverage dispensers, and tea dispensers that supply beverages prepared from powdered raw materials such as tea leaves with hot water to beverage containers such as cups. Such a beverage server includes a tank for storing high-temperature hot water and appropriately supplying the stored high-temperature hot water.

For example, a hot water tank for appropriately supplying stored high-temperature hot water includes a box-shaped tank main body with an open upper surface and an upper cover that covers the upper surface opening. In addition, a heater having a heat generating portion for heating the stored hot water is provided inside the tank main body. In addition, a hot water supply valve is provided on the side plate of the tank main body. That is, the inside of the tank main body is configured to store the drinking water supplied from the water supply port as high-temperature hot water after being heated by a heater, and the beverage preparation mechanism (mixing bowl, coffee brewer, etc.) Supply high temperature hot water. Furthermore, since the hot water tank always needs to store a predetermined amount of high-temperature hot water, the water level of the stored hot water is detected, water is supplied from the water supply port when it is detected as the lower limit water level, and water supply from the water supply port is stopped when it is detected as the upper limit water level. .

Then, for example, in Patent Document 1, a float switch is disclosed, which is constituted by providing a float (a hemispherical metal hemisphere) on the upper surface of the upper cover that is swingably supported on a float that moves up and down in conjunction with changes in the water level of the stored hot water. A hollow float made of welded plates) is provided with a support shaft at one end of the support rod, and on both sides of the support shaft are provided linkages for swinging the support rod (lifting and descending of the float linked to changes in the water level of the stored hot water). Action upper limit water level switch and lower limit water level switch. Moreover, when the upper limit water level switch floats in the hot water tank that is in a full water state, it is pushed and operated by the other end side of the support rod provided at one end of the float. When the water level floats in the hot water tank, it is also pushed by the other end side of the support rod to move. That is, it has the following functions: the upper limit water level switch detects the upper limit water level of the full water level, and the lower limit water level switch detects the lower limit water level that requires water supply.

In addition, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a float that is formed in an annular shape by combining two float divisions, and moves up and down in conjunction with fluctuations in the water level in the water tank. The float segment is a hollow molded body made of resin, and is formed by hollow molding (blow molding) or the like from a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, or polyethylene. In addition, the float divisions have recesses corresponding to each other, and are connected to each other by being combined to form a substantially ring-shaped float. In addition, there are also hollow floats in which two resin molded products are integrated by ultrasonic welding, heat welding, bonding, DSI molding, or the like.

prior art literature

patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-162199 (FIG. 3)

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-240935 (FIG. 2)

Contents of the invention

In this way, in beverage containers such as cups that supply beverages prepared by powdered raw materials such as tea leaves with hot water to beverage containers such as cups, beverage dispensers such as beverage dispensers and beverage supply devices such as tea supply machines, including storage of high-temperature heat Water and the hot water tank that supplies the stored high-temperature hot water appropriately. In this hot water tank, it is always necessary to store a predetermined amount of high-temperature hot water. Therefore, a float that moves up and down in conjunction with fluctuations in the water level of the stored hot water is used to swingably support a support rod provided at one end of the float. , and a float switch composed of an upper limit water level switch and a lower limit water level switch that operate in conjunction with the shaking of the support rod supported by the support portion (the up and down of the float linked to the water level change of the stored hot water) to detect the stored hot water When the water level is detected as the lower limit water level, water is supplied from the water supply port, and when the water level is detected as the upper limit water level, water supply from the water supply port is stopped.

The float is formed in a closed hollow shape in order to float on the water surface, and a metal material or a resin material is used as a material for forming the float. A float formed of a metal material is heavy, expensive, and likely to corrode, whereas a float formed of a resin material has the advantage of being light, inexpensive, and free from corrosion.

However, since high-temperature hot water heated by a heater is always stored in the hot water tank, the float is placed in an environment under high-temperature conditions, thereby deteriorating the resin.

Furthermore, when hot water is supplied from the hot water supply valve to the beverage brewing mechanism as needed, the water level in the hot water tank decreases, and when the water level drops to the lower limit water level, low-temperature drinking water is supplied to the hot water tank, so the temperature of the hot water decreases. . When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank drops, the heater is used to heat the hot water again, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank always changes between high and low temperatures in this way. The temperature is always in the use environment that changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In this way, in the use environment where the applied temperature changes between high temperature and low temperature, the following pressure changes inside the float are repeated: when a high temperature is applied to the float, the air inside the float expands to increase the pressure, and when a low temperature is applied The pressure changes inside the float such that the contraction reduces the pressure.

In this way, there is a possibility that the float formed of the resin material may be cracked or damaged due to the deterioration of the resin and the repetition of the internal pressure change caused by the temperature change in the environment of high temperature conditions. Moreover, when a crack or hole is damaged, hot water enters the inside of the float, and the normal buoyancy is lost, so that the function as a float can no longer be realized. Therefore, it is not appropriate to use a float formed of a resin material in such a use environment where high temperature is always high and the applied temperature varies between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, in the case of a hollow float in which two resin molded products are integrated by ultrasonic welding or bonding, the physical properties of the welded part or the bonded part are generally inferior to those of other parts. Therefore, there is an increased possibility of cracks, holes, and the like occurring in the bonded portion of the welded portion or the bonded portion, making it difficult to maintain reliability.

Furthermore, it is impossible to know whether the float is currently in a normal state or in an abnormal state such as cracks or holes, etc., until the product is disassembled and confirmed. Therefore, the float may continue to be used without noticing the cracks or holes, and over time, the float may crack as a whole and lose necessary buoyancy, leading to failure.

The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a float and a warm water supply device using the float which can be used even in a use environment where the temperature is always high and the applied temperature varies between high and low temperatures.

Technical solutions for solving problems

In order to achieve the above object, the float of the technical solution 1 of the present invention is characterized in that:

Used as a float switch for detecting the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank, it moves up and down in conjunction with the change in the water level,

In the float, a plurality of spaces formed by partition walls are provided.

In addition, the float of the technical solution 2 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned technical solution 1, is characterized in that:

The float is formed by joining the upper cover on the float body,

The joint part joining the float main body and the upper cover part is at the upper part of the draft surface of the water.

In addition, the float of the technical solution 3 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned technical solution 2, is characterized in that:

An elastic body is provided inside a junction part that joins the float body and the upper cover, and the inside of the float is sealed by the elastic body.

In addition, the float according to claim 4 of the present invention is characterized in that in claim 3 above, the elastic body is an O-ring.

In addition, the warm water supply device according to technical solution 5 of the present invention, which uses the float described in technical solution 1, is characterized in that it includes:

a hot water tank for storing water; a drinking water supply mechanism for supplying drinking water to the hot water tank; a flow detection mechanism for detecting the flow rate of the drinking water circulating in the drinking water supply mechanism; a float switch, which detects the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank; a hot water supply valve which supplies the water stored in the hot water tank; a notification mechanism; and a control mechanism which controls them,

The control mechanism judges and notifies the state of water entering the float based on the flow detection result of the drinking water detected by the flow detection mechanism.

In addition, the hot water supply device according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that in claim 5 above, the control means is characterized in that when the flow rate of the drinking water detected by the flow rate detection means is larger than a predetermined flow rate, , judging that water has entered the float, and notifying that water has entered the float.

The effect of the invention

According to the invention of claim 1, in the float that is used in the float switch for detecting the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank and that moves up and down in conjunction with the change in the water level of the water, the float is provided with a partition formed by the partition wall. Therefore, even if there are cracks or holes in the float, it is possible to partially prevent water from entering the inside of the float, thereby maintaining a certain or higher buoyancy required for a float used in a float switch. , so it is possible to provide a float that can be used even in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, according to the invention of claim 2, the float is formed by joining the upper cover to the float main body, and the joining portion for joining the float main body and the upper cover is located above the draft surface of the water, thereby achieving Since the hydrolytic deterioration of the joint portion joining the float main body and the upper cover portion is alleviated, it is possible to provide a float that can be used even in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high and low temperatures.

In addition, according to the invention of claim 3, an elastic body is provided inside the joining portion joining the float main body and the upper cover, and the inside of the float is sealed by the elastic body, so that even when the float main body and the upper cover are joined, the inside of the float is sealed. The elastic body prevents water from entering the inside of the float even when hydrolytic degradation occurs at the junction, so it is possible to provide a float that can be used in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high and low temperatures.

In addition, according to the invention of claim 4, the above-mentioned elastic body is an O-ring, so even if hydrolytic deterioration occurs in the joint portion joining the float main body and the upper cover, water can be blocked by the O-ring at low cost. Since it enters the inside of the float, it is possible to provide a float that can be used even in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, according to the invention of claim 5, the warm water supply device using the float according to claim 1 includes: a hot water tank for storing water, a drinking water supply mechanism for supplying drinking water to the hot water tank, and detecting A flow detection mechanism for the flow rate of the above-mentioned drinking water flowing through the drinking water supply mechanism, a float switch for detecting the water level of the water stored in the above-mentioned hot water tank, a water supply valve for supplying the water stored in the above-mentioned hot water tank, a notification mechanism and a response They control the control mechanism. The above control mechanism judges and notifies the situation of water entering the above-mentioned float based on the flow detection result of the above-mentioned drinking water detected by the above-mentioned flow detection mechanism, thereby eliminating the fact that cracks are not noticed. If you continue to use the float such as holes or holes, the float will crack for a long time, lose the necessary buoyancy, and cause the possibility of failure. The warm water supply device that can use the float.

Furthermore, according to the invention of claim 6, the control means determines that water has entered the float when the flow rate of the drinking water detected by the flow rate detection means is greater than a predetermined flow rate, and notifies that water has entered the float, This eliminates the possibility that the float will continue to be used without noticing cracks or holes, and the float will crack in the long run and lose the necessary buoyancy, leading to failure. This is a hot water supply device for floats that can be used in environments where the temperature varies between high and low temperatures.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a hot water tank provided with a float according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of the float shown in Fig. 1 as viewed obliquely from above.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the float shown in Fig. 1 is viewed obliquely from below.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a float according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the float shown in Fig. 4 is viewed obliquely from below.

6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a float according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

7 is a plan view illustrating a schematic structure of a float according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a control block diagram of the hot water supply device shown in Fig. 8 .

Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the hot water tank shown in Fig. 8 .

Symbol Description

1 hot water tank

5 Hot water supply valve (water supply valve)

7 temperature sensor

9 hot water (water)

10 float switch

20 floats

21 Float body

21a Partition wall

21b space

23 Upper cover

30 floats

31 Float body

31b joint

33 Upper cover

34 O-ring (Elastomer)

60 warm water supply device

61 Water supply pipeline (drinking water supply mechanism)

62 flow sensor (flow detection mechanism)

63 drinking water valve

90 Control Department (Control Mechanism)

97 Notified Body

detailed description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the float of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

The float of this embodiment relates to a float that moves up and down in conjunction with a change in the water level of hot water stored in a hot water tank included in a cup drink vending machine, a drink dispenser, or a tea dispenser.

(Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a hot water tank provided with a float according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The hot water tank 1 is provided with: a tank main body 2 with an opening on the upper surface, forming a tank shape, and storing hot water 9; a water supply port 4, which is installed on the upper cover 3 covering the upper surface opening of the tank main body 2, and opened for drinking A water valve (not shown) supplies drinking water supplied from a water supply pipe to the inside of the tank main body 2; and a hot water supply valve 5, which is installed on the side plate 2a of the tank main body 2, discharges stored high-temperature water when the valve is opened. The hot water 9 is supplied to a beverage preparation mechanism (a mixing bowl or a coffee brewer, etc.) via a hot water pipeline (not shown).

In addition, the heater 6 (such as a protective sheath heater) installed on the upper cover 3 covering the opening of the upper surface of the box main body 2 and immersing the heat generating part in the hot water 9 stored in the box main body 2, when energized The heating unit generates heat to heat hot water. Further, on the side plate 2a near the water level where the hot water supply valve 5 is installed, a temperature sensor 7 for detecting the temperature of the hot water 9 and controlling heater energization for energizing the heater 6 is provided.

In addition, a float switch 10 is provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 3, and a support bar 22 is swingably supported on one end of a float 20 (float main body 21) that is raised and lowered in conjunction with fluctuations in the water level of the stored hot water 9. (Refer to FIG. 2 ) The support shaft portion 11 is provided on both sides of the support shaft portion 11 with an upper limit water level that operates in conjunction with the swing of the support rod 22 (lifting and lowering of the float 20 linked to the water level change of the stored hot water 9). Switch 12 and lower limit water level switch 13. Moreover, when the float 20 floats in the hot water tank 1 in a full water state, the upper limit water level switch 12 is pushed by the other end side of the support rod 22 provided at one end of the float 20 (float body 21) to operate. The lower limit water level switch 13 is similarly pushed by the other end side of the support rod 22 to operate when the float 20 is floating in the hot water tank 1 at the water level required for water supply. That is, it functions in such a way that the upper limit water level switch 12 detects the upper limit water level of the full water level, and the lower limit water level switch 13 detects the lower limit water level that requires water supply.

Next, it will describe in detail using the conceptual diagram explaining the schematic structure of the float of FIG.2, FIG.3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the float body 21, a support rod 22, and an upper cover portion 23 of the float 20 are viewed from obliquely above, and FIG. .

As shown in the figure, the float 20 includes a float main body 21 provided with a support rod 22 at one end and an upper cover portion 23 . The inside of the float main body 21 is partitioned by the partition wall 21a, and several spaces 21b (for example, 8 spaces) are formed. Furthermore, the joint portion 21c of the float body 21 and the joint portion (not shown) of the upper cover portion 23 are joined by ultrasonic welding, heat welding, bonding, DSI molding, etc., thereby completing the float 20, and the plurality of spaces 21b (such as 8 spaces) become independent hollow structures.

However, the volumes of the spaces of the respective independent hollow structures need to be such that the required buoyancy of the float 20 can be secured even if the hot water 9 is allowed to infiltrate into at least one of the spaces. For example, in the case of a float that has a buoyancy of 1.5 times the required buoyancy under normal conditions, it needs to be divided into 3 or more spaces (in the case of only 2 spaces, when the hot water 9 enters 1 space, the buoyancy becomes the required buoyancy 0.75 times, will sink).

Further, the float main body 21 and the upper cover part 23 provided with the support rod 22 at one end are formed by injection molding of a resin material such as polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), or syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS). The joint portion (welded portion) of the float 20 formed in this way floats above the draft surface of the hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1 (see FIG. 1 ). Thereby, since the hot water 9 does not directly contact the junction part (weld part), hydrolytic deterioration of a junction part (weld part), etc. can be alleviated.

In this way, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, even if cracks or holes are formed in the float 20, it is possible to partially prevent the hot water 9 from entering the inside of the float 20, thereby maintaining the function as the float switch 10. The buoyancy required for the float 20 is above a certain level. In addition, it is possible to alleviate the hydrolytic deterioration of the joint portion joining the float main body 21 and the upper cover portion 23 , so it is possible to provide the float 20 that can be used even in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high and low temperatures. .

(Embodiment 2)

4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a schematic configuration of a float according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 4 is a side view of the float 30, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the float body 31, the support rod 32, the upper cover portion 33, and the O-ring (elastic body) 34 of the float 30 are viewed obliquely from below.

As shown in the figure, the float 30 includes a float body 31 provided with a support rod 32 at one end, an upper cover portion 33 and an O-ring 34 . The interior of the float body 31 is partitioned by a partition wall (not shown) to provide a plurality of spaces. Furthermore, the joint portion 31a of the float body 31 and the joint portion 33a of the upper cover portion 33 are joined by ultrasonic welding, heat welding, bonding, or DSI molding, thereby completing the float 30, and the plurality of spaces become independent spaces. In addition, by providing an O-ring 34 inside the joint part 31b that joins the joint part 31a of the float main body 31 and the joint part 33a of the upper cover part 33, the airtightness inside the float 30 is further maintained by the O-ring 34, Thereby, even if hydrolysis deterioration etc. occur in the joint part 31b, the O-ring 34 can prevent the hot water 9 from entering the hollow space inside the float 30 . In addition, the joint portion (fused portion) 31 b of the float 30 floats at a position above the draft surface of the hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1 . As a result, the hot water 9 does not directly contact the joint portion 31b, so that hydrolytic degradation of the joint portion 31b can be alleviated, and degradation of the O-ring 34 when the joint portion 31b is hydrolytically deteriorated can be alleviated.

In this way, according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, even if hydrolytic degradation or the like occurs in the joint portion 31 b joining the float body 31 and the upper cover portion 33 , the O-ring 34 can prevent the hot water 9 from entering the float 30 at low cost. Inside, it is thus possible to provide a float 30 usable also in use environments where the applied temperature always varies between high and low temperatures.

(Embodiment 3)

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a float 40 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the float 40 adopts a hollow structure and is fixed with a support rod 45. The above hollow structure is that two parts, the outer body 41 of the float body and the inner body 43 of the float body formed by injection molding of resin materials, are ultrasonically welded. , heat welding, bonding, or DSI forming, etc., thereby forming the inner float body joint 44 inside the outer float body joint 42 . Here, although the cross-sectional view of the float 40 having two layers of the hollow structure has been described, by making the hollow structure three layers, it is possible to further ensure the required buoyancy of the float 40 .

(Embodiment 4)

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a schematic structure of a float 50 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and the state before joining the float body 51 is shown in the description.

As shown in the drawing, first, the float body 51 is produced by forming the float body inside 51b via the rib 51c inside the float body outside 51a by injection molding of a resin material using an oblique slide mold. Then, the joint parts 51d of the two parts of the float main body 51 are joined by ultrasonic welding, heat welding, bonding or DSI molding, etc., so as to form a hollow structure in which the float main body joint 52 is formed, and the supporting rod 53 is fixed. Float 50. Here, although the plan view of the float 50 having two layers of the hollow structure has been described, it is possible to further ensure the required buoyancy of the float 50 by making the hollow structure three layers.

(Embodiment 5)

8 , 9 , and 10 are diagrams illustrating a warm water supply device using a float that can be used in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high and low temperatures according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply device, FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the hot water supply device, and FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a hot water tank.

As shown in Figure 8, the warm water supply device 60 is provided with: a hot water tank 1 for storing high-temperature hot water 9; a water supply pipeline (drinking water supply mechanism) 61 for supplying drinking water to the hot water tank 1; a flow sensor ( flow detection mechanism) 62, which is arranged in the middle of the water supply pipeline 61, detects the flow of drinking water circulating in the water supply pipeline 61 and outputs a flow signal to the control part (control mechanism) 90 (refer to FIG. 9); and according to the control The drinking water valve 63 of the opening and closing valve of the signal outputted by the part 90. In addition, the hot water tank 1 is equipped with a hot water supply valve (water supply valve) 5 for supplying high-temperature hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1, and the hot water supply valve 5 is connected to the mixing bowl ( Beverage preparation mechanism) 65 connections. Furthermore, the hot water tank 1 is provided with a float switch 10 for detecting the water level of the hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1 (see FIG. 10 ).

9 shows a control block diagram of the warm water supply device, the control section ( Control mechanism) 90 comprises: as the CPU91 of central processing unit, the ROM (read-only memory) 92 of the control program of storing CPU91, the RAM (random access memory: such as storage heat) of various programs and data required for the control of CPU91 at any time. valve opening time and flow limit value of the water supply valve 5) 93, a timer 94 for counting various times by counting a clock generated in a reference clock generator (not shown), and a timer 94 for each of the hot water supply device 60. The energizing part 95 of the power circuit for energizing the machine.

In addition, a remote controller 96 for inputting various setting data of the hot water supply device 60 (such as valve opening time and flow limit value of the hot water supply valve 5 ), temperature sensor 7 , flow sensor 62 , etc. are connected to the control unit 90 . Furthermore, the control unit 90 is connected to the hot water supply valve 5, the drinking water valve 63, the mixing bowl 65, the notification mechanism 97, etc., and controls the energization of them.

Moreover, when the float 20 (float 30, 40, 50) has cracks or holes and the hot water 9 enters, the total weight of the float 20 increases by an amount corresponding to the weight of the entered hot water 9, and therefore Corresponding to the weight increase, the water level in the hot water tank 1 rises compared with the normal state, and the water head pressure rises (refer to FIG. 10 ). Therefore, in a hot water supply device that controls the supply amount (flow rate) of hot water only by the valve opening time of the hot water supply valve 5 on the premise that the water head pressure is constant at normal times, the supply amount (hot water discharge flow rate) of hot water increases. , but by controlling by the control unit 90 as described below, it is possible to provide and continue to use the float 20 that does not notice cracks or holes, etc. The warm water supply device 60 of the possibility of failure.

For example, when the supply flow rate of the hot water 9 is adjusted to 153ml±5ml/3.5s (predetermined flow rate) by installing the warm water supply device 60, the upper limit of the flow rate (better than the specified flow rate) is set in the control unit 90 in advance. More flow, such as 165ml/3.5s), the flow exceeding the flow upper limit is used in a beverage sale (beverage preparation), and the flow sensor 62 detects that the drinking water of the flow exceeding the flow upper limit circulates in the water supply pipeline 61 Afterwards, when the upper limit flow signal is output to the control unit 90, the control unit 90 judges that abnormalities such as hot water 9 entering the float 20 may occur, and notifies with the notification mechanism 97.

In addition, when the supply flow rate of hot water is adjusted when the warm water supply device 60 is installed, the flow sensor 62 detects that the flow rate of drinking water differs by a predetermined amount (for example, 165ml/3.5s or more, 145ml/3.5s or less, or 10% or more, etc.) and output a detection signal to the control unit 90, the control unit 90 judges that there may be abnormalities such as hot water 9 soaking into the float 20, and notifies with the notification mechanism 97 .

Wherein, based on the flow rate signal output by the flow sensor 62 provided in the middle of the water supply pipeline 61 to detect the flow rate of drinking water circulating in the water supply pipeline 61, the control unit 90 judges whether hot water 9 may intrude into the float 20 or not. etc. are abnormal and notified by the notification mechanism 97, but also a flow sensor can be set in the middle of the hot water pipeline 64, based on the flow signal that the flow sensor detects the flow of the hot water 9 circulating in the hot water pipeline 64, it can be controlled by the control system. The part 90 judges whether abnormalities such as hot water 9 immersing in the float 20 may occur and notifies by the notification mechanism 97 .

In addition, a water level sensor can be installed in the hot water tank 1 to detect the water level, and a pressure sensor can be installed at the bottom of the tank to detect the water head pressure, thereby providing the float 20 without noticing cracks or holes, etc., and continuing to use it. If the whole float 20 cracks for a long time, the necessary buoyancy will be lost, which may cause the hot water supply device 60 to malfunction.

In this way, according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, it is possible to provide the warm water supply device 60 that eliminates the possibility of continuing to use the float 20 without noticing cracks or holes, etc., but the float 20 as a whole develops cracks over a long period of time and loses necessary buoyancy. , causing the possibility of failure, and using the float 20 that can be used also in the use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the float 20 that is used for the float switch 10 that detects the water level of the hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1 and that moves up and down in conjunction with the fluctuation of the water level of the hot water 9 , in the float 20 By providing a plurality of spaces 21b formed by the partition wall 21a, even if a crack or a hole occurs in the float 20, the hot water 9 can be partially prevented from entering the inside of the float 20, thereby maintaining the function of the float switch. The buoyancy required for the float 20 used in 10 is above a certain level, so it is possible to provide the float 20 that can be used even in the use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, the float 20 is formed by joining the upper cover part 23 on the float main body 21, and the joint part of the float main body 21 and the upper cover part 23 is formed on the upper part of the draft surface of the hot water 9, so that the float main body can be realized. 21 can alleviate the hydrolytic degradation of the joint portion joined to the upper cover portion 23 , so it is possible to provide the float 20 that can be used even in the use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, the elastic body 34 is provided inside the joint part 31b that joins the float main body 31 and the upper cover part 33, and the inside of the float 30 is sealed by the elastic body 34, so that even if the joint part 31b that joins the float main body 31 and the upper cover part 33 The elastic body 34 prevents the hot water 9 from entering the inside of the float 30 even in the case of hydrolytic deterioration, so that the float 30 can be provided even in a use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high and low temperatures.

In addition, since the elastic body is an O-ring 34 , even if hydrolytic degradation occurs in the joint portion 31 b joining the float body 31 and the upper cover portion 33 , the O-ring 34 can prevent hot water 9 from entering the float at low cost. 30, it is therefore possible to provide a float 30 that can also be used in a use environment where the applied temperature always varies between high and low temperatures.

In addition, the hot water supply device 60 using the float 20 includes: a hot water tank 1 storing hot water 9; a water supply line (drinking water supply mechanism) 61 for supplying drinking water to the hot water tank 1; A flow sensor (flow detection mechanism) 62 for the flow rate of drinking water circulating in 61, a float switch 10 for detecting the water level of hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1, hot water for supplying the hot water 9 stored in the hot water tank 1 The supply valve (water supply valve) 5, the notification mechanism 97, and the control part (control mechanism) 90 controlling them, the control part 90 is based on the flow detection result of the drinking water detected by the flow sensor 62, and the state of the water entering the float 20 By judging and notifying, it is possible to provide the warm water supply device 60, which eliminates the problem that the float 20 continues to be used without noticing cracks or holes, etc., and the float 20 as a whole develops cracks for a long time, loses necessary buoyancy, and causes failure. possibility, and use the float 20 that can be used also in the use environment where the applied temperature always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

In addition, when the flow rate of drinking water detected by the flow sensor 62 is larger than the predetermined flow rate, the control unit 90 determines that the hot water 9 has entered the float 20, and notifies that the hot water 9 has entered the float 20, so that warm water can be supplied. The device 60, which eliminates the possibility that the float 20 continues to be used without noticing cracks or holes, etc., that the float 20 as a whole will crack in the long run, lose necessary buoyancy, and cause failure, and is used at the applied temperature The float 20 can be used even in a use environment that always changes between high temperature and low temperature.

Claims (6)

1. A float, characterized in that: It is used as a float switch for detecting the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank, and it moves up and down in conjunction with the fluctuation of the water level A plurality of spaces formed by partition walls are provided in the float. 2. The float according to claim 1, characterized in that: The float is formed by joining the upper cover on the float body, The joint part joining the float main body and the upper cover part is at the upper part of the draft surface of the water. 3. A float as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: An elastic body is provided inside a junction part that joins the float body and the upper cover, and the inside of the float is sealed by the elastic body. 4. A float as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The elastomer is an O-ring. 5. A hot water supply device, which uses the float according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a hot water tank, which stores water; a drinking water supply mechanism, which supplies drinking water to the hot water tank; a flow detection mechanism that detects the flow rate of the drinking water circulating in the drinking water supply mechanism; a float switch for detecting the water level of the water stored in the hot water tank; a hot water supply valve that supplies water stored in the hot water tank; Notified Body; and the control agencies that control them, The control mechanism judges and notifies the state of water entering the float based on the flow detection result of the drinking water detected by the flow detection mechanism. 6. The hot water supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control means determines that water has entered the float when the flow rate of the drinking water detected by the flow rate detection means is greater than a predetermined flow rate, and notifies that water has entered the float.