JPH01203842A - Automatic hot water supplier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible to supply hot water to a faucet or to a shower even during hot water filling and to improve convenience for use by switching one flow passage to the other flow passage to automatically supply hot water during the hot water supply to a bathtub flow passage, automatically switching to the bathtub flow passage with the termination of the hot water supply, and making it possible to resume the hot water supply under the initial bathtub hot water supply condition. CONSTITUTION:When hot water is desired to be supplied to a faucet flow passage 17 during filling a bathtub 23 with hot water, a faucet hot water supply button 52 is pushed to instruct hot water supply to the faucet. A set hot water quantity (instantaneous/integrated), a set hot water temperature, present integrated and instantaneous hot water supply quantities, and a present supply hot water temperature, are stored in a memory 27c in a controller, and a flow rate adjustment-water stoppage changeover valve C is switched to the faucet side. Hot water supply to the faucet 24 is started through a faucet flow path 17, and the hot water supply is continued while performing a suitable temperature control. When the hot water supplying operation is terminated, a faucet hot water supply button 52 is again pushed to stop the hot water supply to the faucet. Within a time set by a timer, the flow rate adjustment-stoppage of water changeover valve C is switched to the bathtub flow path 16, and the stored hot water supply condition is read out and hot water supply to the bathtub 23 is carried out.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (a) Industrial application field The present invention makes it possible to eliminate the need to reset the hot water supply conditions when hot water is re-discharged into the bathtub even if hot water is interruptedly dispensed during automatic hot water supply to the bathtub. Regarding automatic hot water supply equipment.

(B) Conventional technology Conventionally, as a form of automatic hot water supply system, a flow rate adjustment/water stop/switching valve is provided downstream of a temperature control valve connected to a water supply source and a hot water supply source, and mixed hot water from the temperature control valve is provided. There is a structure in which hot water can be selectively dispensed into a bathtub flow path, a flush flow path, or a shower flow path.

The temperature control valve, flow rate control, water stop, and switching valves are operated by operating a controller installed in the kitchen or bathroom and sending a drive signal to the control device. A predetermined amount of mixed hot water at a predetermined temperature can be selectively dispensed automatically.

(c) Problems to be solved by the invention However, in such conventional automatic hot water supply devices, when hot water is automatically dispensed to fill the bathtub, it is necessary to switch from the bathtub flow path to the flush flow path or the shower flow path. has become impossible, making it inconvenient to use.

This is because in the case of automatic hot water dispensing, the amount of hot water filled is set in advance using a controller, etc., but if the above flow path switching is allowed, the amount of hot water filled must be set again, making the hot water filling work complicated. .

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water heater that can solve the above problems.

(d) Means for solving the problem The present invention connects the downstream side of the hot water supply flow path to the bathtub flow path, shower flow path, or flush flow path via a flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve to control the flow. In an automatic water heater that is capable of adjusting the flow rate, the flow M adjustment/water stop/switching valve is driven by the drive signal from the device, and the flow path to each of the above flow paths is selected and the water is stopped. If a flow path switching signal is input according to the valve drive sequence program and hot water discharging conditions stored in Along with letting
An automatic hot water supply device characterized in that it is configured to automatically switch to the bathtub flow path when dispensing hot water through another flow path ends, and resume hot water dispensing to the bathtub flow path under the bathtub hot water dispensing conditions before the first switching operation. It is something.

(e) Action and effect With the above configuration, the present invention has the following effects.

That is, in the present invention, even when hot water is being dispensed into the bathtub channel, the channel is switched to another channel to automatically dispense hot water preferentially, and when hot water is finished dispensing through the other channel, the bathtub f, channel The system is configured so that hot water can be automatically switched to the bathtub flow path and restarted under the bathtub hot water supply conditions before the first switching operation, so even if hot water is being filled, the operation can be temporarily interrupted and hot water can be turned on or the shower can be resumed. Hot water can be tapped, and the usability of the automatic hot water supply device can be significantly improved.

In addition, hot water is automatically returned to the bathtub after the hot water tap or shower is finished, and hot water is dispensed based on the hot water dispensing conditions before switching, so hot water at the set temperature can be dispensed without having to set the hot water dispensing conditions again. You can fill the set amount of hot water.

(f) Examples The present invention will be specifically described below based on examples shown in the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the conceptual overall configuration of an automatic water heater A according to the present invention. In the figure, 10.11 is a hot water side flow path and a water side flow path. , are each provided with a flow rate regulating valve 12,13. And both channels 10.
A valve driving device 14 such as a motor is interposed between 11 and 11. The valve driving device 14 drives, opens and closes flow rate regulating valves 12 and 13, and controls the mixed hot water flow path (hot water supply flow) located on the upstream side. Mixed hot water and cold water can be flowed through channel 15, and the temperature can be adjusted by changing the mixing ratio of hot water and water by changing the opening/closing degree of the valve.

In addition, in the above-mentioned structure, the temperature control valve B is formed by the flow rate control valves 12 and 13 and the valve driving device 14.

Further, the downstream side of the mixed hot water flow path 15 is branched into a bathtub flow path 16, a flush flow path 17, and a shower flow path 18, respectively, and switching valves 19, 20, and 21 are provided at the branch portions. It is being

These switching valves 19, 20, and 21 are driven by a valve driving device 22 such as a motor, and the mixed hot water bathtub 2
3. It is possible to select a flow path to the column 24 or the shower 25, adjust the flow rate in each flow path, and further shut off water by cutting off communication to all flow paths.

Note that the flow rate adjustment/water stop/switching valve C is formed by the switching valves 19, 20, and 21 and the valve driving device 22.

Furthermore, in FIG. 1, 26 is a mixed hot water temperature sensor provided in the mixed hot water flow path 15, which detects the mixed hot water detection temperature value Tm of the mixed hot water flowing in the mixed hot water water flow path 15, The control device 27 performs PID control based on the temperature deviation value between the value Tm and the set temperature value Ts of the mixed hot water, generates an appropriate drive output and drives the warm skin regulating pulp B, and by this drive, the temperature of the mixed hot water is adjusted. Adjustments can be made.

Further, 28 is a mixed hot water flow rate sensor provided in the mixed hot water flow path 15, which detects the mixed hot water detection temperature value Qm of the mixed hot water flowing in the mixed hot water water flow path 15, and combines the mixed hot water detection temperature value Qm with the mixed hot water water detection temperature value Qm. In addition to the temperature adjustment control based on the temperature deviation value described above, based on the temperature deviation value from the set hot water amount Qs,
A suitable drive output is generated in the control device 27 to drive the flow rate adjustment/water stop/switching valve C, and by the same drive,
Flow rate adjustment, etc. can be performed.

Further, the control device 27 includes a microprocessor MPU, an input/output interface 27a, as shown in FIG.
27b, and a memory 27c consisting of ROM and RAM, and the memory 27c stores output signals from the various sensors 26 and 28 described above and drive signals from various controllers 29 and 30.31, which will be described later. based on,
A pulp drive order program for driving the temperature control valve B and the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve C is stored, and as will be described later, the hot water tapping conditions at the time of flow path switching etc. can be stored. .

Further, in FIG. 1, 29 is a main controller that is installed in the kitchen, etc., and instructs the conditions for dispensing hot water to the bathtub 23, and 30 is a main controller that is installed in the washing area of the bathroom, and instructs the conditions for dispensing hot water to the sink 24 and the shower 25. sub-controller, 3
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sub-controller provided near the bathtub 23 for instructing simple hot water conditions for the bathtub 23 when taking a bath.

By operating these controllers 29, 30, 31, a predetermined drive signal or control signal is sent to the control device 27, and based on the drive signal, the temperature control valve B and flow rate adjustment, water shutoff, and switching are performed. Valve C can be driven.

The specific configuration of the main controller 29 and sub-controllers 30, 31 according to FIGS. 2 to 4 is shown.

In this embodiment, the main controller 29 includes a power button 40 and an automatic hot water supply button 41, as shown in FIG.
, a hot water amount setting button 42 , and a hot water temperature setting button 43 .

When the power button 40 is turned on, all the controllers 29, 30, 31, the control device 27, and the pulp B
, C1, various sensors, etc. can be supplied with power.

Further, 40a is a power indicator lamp that lights up when the power button 40 is turned on.

When the automatic hot water supply button 41 is turned on, it sends a drive signal to the control device 27, which drives both valves B and C.
It is possible to create mixed hot water at an appropriate temperature through ID control, and to supply an appropriate amount of mixed hot water to the bathtub 23 through the bathtub channel 16.

Further, 41a is an automatic hot water supply display lamp that lights up when the automatic hot water supply button 40 is turned on, and 41b is a bathing OK lamp that lights up when hot water filling work is completed.
41C is the bathing OK buzzer.

Prior to this display indicating that bathing is OK, the hot water must be filled at 9, for example.
When 5% of bathing is completed, a visual and audible notification that bathing is OK can be made, allowing the bather to smoothly prepare for bathing, such as undressing, and improve usability.

By turning on the hot water amount setting button 42, the bathtub 2
3 is used to set the cumulative flow rate for filling hot water.

Further, 42a to 42g are set hot water amount display lamps that light up corresponding to the set amount of hot water amount setting button 42. As the amount of hot water inside changes, the amount of hot water that changes from moment to moment can be displayed in real time by lighting or blinking other indicator lamps.

When the hot water temperature setting button 43 is turned on, the bathtub 23
This is to set the temperature of the mixed hot water that is dispensed.

In addition, 43a to 43g are set hot water temperature display lamps that light up corresponding to the hot water temperature set by the hot water temperature setting button 43, and the lighting of the display lamps may be such that only the lamp corresponding to the set hot water temperature is turned on. (As the outlet temperature changes, the outlet temperature, which changes moment by moment, can be displayed in real time by lighting or blinking other display lamps.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-controller 30 includes a shower hot water button 50. Cycle shower hot water button 51.
Karan hot water button 52. Fixed amount hot water button 53° Temperature increase button 54. Temperature reduction button 55. Digital display meter 5
6. Flow rate adjustment dial 57. A cycle shower temperature width setting dial 58 and a cycle shower cycle setting dial 59 are provided.

By turning on the shower hot water button 50 or the quick hot water tap button 52, the drive signal is sent to the control device 27.
At the same time, a suitable amount of mixed hot water is sent to the bathtub flow path 16 by driving both valves B and C and performing PID control to create a mixed hot water at an appropriate temperature.
You can take a bath at 4pm.

The digital display hand 56 displays the set temperature, hot water temperature, set hot water amount, hot water amount, cycle shower temperature range, and cycle. For example, when setting the flow rate, pull the flow rate adjustment dial 57 toward you and turn it. For example, digital display meter 5
The set amount of hot water is displayed at 6, and by pushing the dial 57, the setting to that set value is completed.

After that, when the tap button 52 is pressed, hot water is dispensed from the tap at that flow rate.

Note that this flow rate setting method may be such that by turning the flow rate adjustment dial 57 to the right, the instantaneous flow rate can be added and set, and by turning the flow rate adjustment dial 57 to the left, the cumulative flow rate can be added and set.

Alternatively, some 10 keys may be provided and input settings may be made by operating the 10 keys.

Further, the temperature of the hot water may be displayed using a temperature indicator whose color changes depending on the temperature.

By providing appropriate unevenness on these buttons,
When shampooing or the like, buttons can be easily identified even when the eyes are closed.

Note that operability and safety can be improved by providing a voice response in response to button operations.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-controller 31 has a bath hot water stop button 60. Appropriate temperature setting button 61. High temperature setting button 62. A low temperature setting button 63 is provided. Also,
Each button 61, 62, 63 has an indicator lamp 61a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62a, 62b,
63a is provided.

Then, by pressing the bath hot water stop button 60,
In the event of an emergency, the drive signal from the main controller 29 can be canceled to emergency stop the hot water supply to the bathtub 23.

Also, during normal operation, the appropriate temperature setting button 61 is turned on by a drive signal from the main controller 29;
If you want to pour hot water, turn on the high temperature setting button 62, fully open the temperature control valve B to the hot water side, and pour hot water into the bathtub 2.
The hot springs will be available within 3 hours. On the other hand, if it is desired to make the bathtub lukewarm, the temperature control pulp B is fully opened on the water side and water is discharged into the bathtub 23.

Next, the hot water supply operation by the automatic hot water supply apparatus A having the above configuration will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 shows the main routine, which is the sequence of operations when filling the bathtub 23 with hot water.

Pressed the power button 40 of the main controller 29 (1
00), set the amount of hot water to fill the bathtub 23 by pressing the water amount setting button 4.
Press 2 to set (101). As a result, the lamp corresponding to the set hot water amount among the set hot water amount display lamps 42a to 42g lights up (102).

In addition, each time you press the hot water amount setting button 42, an electronic sound will sound.
The hot water amount display lamps 42a to 42g can also be made to move.

Next, the temperature of the mixed hot water discharged into the bathtub 23 is set by pressing the hot water temperature setting button 43 (103).

As a result, among the set hot water temperature display lamps 43a to 43g,
A lamp corresponding to the set water temperature is lit (104).

In this case as well, an electronic sound may be sounded each time the hot water temperature setting button 43 is pressed, and the set hot water temperature display lamps 43a to 43g may be moved.

After confirming the above operation, press the automatic hot water supply button 41 to drive the temperature control valve B to create mixed hot water at the appropriate temperature, and also drive the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching pulp C to change the flow path to the bath water flow path 16. Switch (106).

The amount of hot water dispensed is counted and integrated by the payment counter (107), and the temperature control valve B is controlled to an appropriate temperature by PID control or the like (108).

In such appropriate temperature control (108), the automatic hot water supply display lamp 41a, the set hot water amount display lamps 42a to 42g, and the set hot water temperature display lamps 43a to 43g are turned on (109).

In addition, the real-time hot water amount and hot water temperature are also displayed using the same lamp 42.
It can be displayed using a to 42g and 43a to 43g. In this case, either subtraction display or addition display can be used.

When the cumulative amount of hot water counted by the counter reaches the set amount of hot water, it is assumed that hot water filling is completed (I
IOY), stops the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve C, and sounds the bathing OK lamp 41b and bathing OK buzzer 41c to inform the user that bathing is possible (110).

On the other hand, if the cumulative amount of hot water counted by the counter does not reach the set if (IION), steps (107) to (110) are repeated until it reaches the set if.

If it is desired to dispense hot water into the flush channel 17 in the middle of this main routine, the subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is inserted in the middle of the main routine, as shown in FIG. 5, and the operation proceeds based on the subroutine. It will be done.

That is, in FIG. 6, the hot water dispensing conditions, that is, the set temperature and the set amount of hot water, are set using the flow N adjustment dial 57 and the temperature increase button 54 on the number controller 30 shown in FIG. The temperature is set by operating the temperature lowering button 55 etc. (120).

Thereafter, the user presses the tap button 52 to instruct hot water to be turned on (121).

Based on the instruction signal, the timer built in the control device 27 operates (122), and at the same time, the control device 27
It is determined whether or not hot water is currently being dispensed into channels 16 and 18 other than the flow channel 17 (123).

If hot water is not being discharged to the flow path 16.18 other than the flow path 17 (123N), the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve C is switched to the flow direction (125).

However, if hot water is being discharged to a flow path other than the Callan flow path 17 (in this embodiment, hot water is being discharged to the bathtub flow path 16), the conditions for hot water to be discharged to the bathtub flow path 16, i.e.,
Set temperature! (accumulated between Ij1), the set hot water temperature, the current accumulated hot water amount, the instant hot water amount, and the current hot water temperature are stored in the memory 27c of the control device 27 (124), and then the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve C is turned on. Switch to side (125
).

Next, hot water begins to be discharged to the flush channel 24 through the flush channel 17 (126), and hot water continues to be discharged while performing appropriate temperature control (PID control) (127).

When the hot water dispensing work is completed, the hot water dispensing operation is stopped by pressing the dispensing hot water button 52 again (128).

If such a stop is within the set time set by the timer in step (122) (129
N), Furthermore, it is necessary to determine whether hot water was being dispensed in another channel before switching to the Callan channel 17 (130), if hot water was being dispensed (in the case of this embodiment, the bathtub channel 16). ) is (103Y), switches the flow rate adjustment/water stop/switching valve C to the bathtub flow path 16, and steps 1 and (12
The hot water supply conditions stored in step 4) are read out, and hot water is discharged into the bathtub 23 according to the hot water supply conditions (131).

However, in step (129) above, step (
If the set time set by the timer in 122) has elapsed (129N), it is determined that an abnormal situation has occurred and the flow rate adjustment/water stop/switch valve C is activated to return the water to the water stop position (132), the hot water is urgently turned off. Stop at.

Similarly, in step (130), the Callan channel 17
Before switching to 16.18, check whether hot water was being supplied to the other channels (130), and if not (130).
103N), return the flow rate adjustment/water stop/switch valve C to the water stop position 132), and stop the hot water supply.

As explained above, in this embodiment, the bathtub flow path 16
Even when hot water is being dispensed into the bathtub, the same channel is switched to another channel 17, 18 to automatically dispense hot water preferentially, and when the other channel finishes dispensing hot water, it is automatically switched to the bathtub channel 16,
Since the configuration is such that hot water can be resumed to the bathtub flow path 16 under the bathtub hot water supply conditions before the first switching operation, even when hot water is being filled,
This operation can be temporarily interrupted to perform hot water dispensing or shower dispensing, and the usability of the automatic hot water supply device A can be significantly improved.

In addition, hot water is automatically returned to the bathtub after the hot water tap or shower is finished, and hot water is dispensed based on the hot water dispensing conditions before switching, so hot water at the set temperature can be dispensed without having to set the hot water dispensing conditions again. You can fill the set amount of hot water.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a conceptual configuration explanatory diagram of the automatic water supply device according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the main controller, Figs. 3 and 4 are plan views of the sub-controller, and Fig. 5 is a plan view of the automatic water supply device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the order of operation of the main routine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the order of operation of the subroutine. In the figure, A: Automatic hot water supply device B: Temperature control pulp C: Flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve 16; Bath 1 flow path 172 Callan flow path 18: Shower flow path 27: Control device 27c: Memory

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate adjustment/water stop/switch valve (
C) is connected to the bathtub flow path (16), the shower flow path (17), or the shower flow path (18) through the control device (27).
) drives the flow rate adjustment/stopping/switching valve (C), selects the flow path to each of the above flow paths, shuts off the water, and adjusts the flow rate in an automatic water heater. If a flow path switching signal is input according to the valve drive order program and hot water dispensing conditions stored in the memory (27c) of (27), the flow path can be switched even when hot water is being tapped into the bathtub flow path (16). Switching to other flow paths (17) (18) and discharging hot water preferentially, the same flow paths (17) (
Automatic hot water supply characterized by being configured to automatically switch to the bathtub channel (16) upon completion of hot water dispensing according to step 18), and resume hot water dispensing to the bathtub channel (16) under the bathtub dispensing conditions before the first switching operation. Device.