JP2000329404A - Hot/cold water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience of use by tapping only hot/cold water or discharging hot/cold water mixed with air and conducting cooling down control or cycle control of hot/cold water temperature. SOLUTION: A device comprises a heater 69 for heating water, a current application rate controller 64 of controlling current application to the heater 69 and an air pump 55 incorporated with a DC motor which is operated with low voltage. Air supplied from the air pump 55 is mixed to hot/cold water in a hot/cold water discharging portion, while the air pump 55 is controlled by a beat shower controller 52. Further, the current application amount controller 64 controls current application amount to the heater 69 so that hot/cold water temperature is varied, as time elapses, by a cooling down controller 62 and a cycle controller 63.

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 liquid 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 operation switch (same as the hot water temperature control knob 4 with the operation switch in FIG. 6), 9 is a lamp control unit,
0 is an operation lamp, 11 is a temperature setting unit, 12 is a hot water temperature adjustment volume (the same as the hot water temperature adjustment volume 4 with an operation switch in FIG. 6), 13 is a power control unit, 14 is a heater control unit, and 15 is a heater. Show.

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 (step 20 in FIG. 7), the shower Water is discharged from the head 6 (process 2 in FIG. 7).
1). Next, the operation switch 8 is turned on (processing 2 in FIG. 7).
2), the operation lamp 10 is turned on by the lamp control unit 9 (process 23 in FIG. 7), and the user is notified that energization of the heater 15 is started (process 26 in FIG. 7). this,
The amount of electricity supplied to the heater 15 is set by the temperature setting unit 11 in accordance with the temperature adjustment volume 12 adjusted by the user's preference (step 24 in FIG. 7), and the amount of electricity supplied to the heater 15 is controlled by the heater control means 14. Is controlled (process 25 in FIG. 7). When the shower bathing is completed, when the hot water switch 7 is turned off (process 20 in FIG. 7), the water stopping function is activated, and the water discharge is stopped (process 27 in FIG. 7). Is turned off (Process 2 in FIG. 7)
8) At the same time, the power supply to the heater 15 is cut off (process 29 in FIG. 7). With the above operation and configuration, the shower with hot water can be used.
By turning off the switch, it can be used 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. The tapping temperature was controlled only by the tapping temperature set by the tapping temperature control volume 12.

[0007]

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. Furthermore, when the shower bathing is completed and the body to be heated is to be cooled, the tapping temperature is only the temperature that has been adjusted in advance. The only option was to gradually lower the hot water temperature using the hot water temperature control volume. In this case, when the operation switch is turned off and the operation is switched to the water shower, the burden on the user's body is large due to a rapid temperature change of the tapping temperature. However, there is a possibility that the user may feel troublesome and may cause a sudden change in the tapping temperature. Furthermore, since the tapping temperature during showering is only a preset temperature, the stimulus due to the temperature change applied to the user's skin is constant, which is inferior in that a more comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed. Was something.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and provides a sufficient cleaning effect in a short time, and a massage effect in which a jet pressure from a hot water discharge section such as a shower head is increased by air pressure to promote blood circulation. To perform beat shower control. It is another object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply device that can perform a cool-down control and a cycle control, and enjoy a comfortable shower sensation due to a change in tapping temperature.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention comprises an air pump and a beat shower control unit, and mixes air supplied from the air pump with hot water from a hot water discharging unit. In addition, the pump is configured to perform a beat shower operation in which ON / OFF changes continuously and periodically.

[0010] Further, a cool-down control for continuously changing the tapping temperature from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature with the lapse of time, and a continuous setting between the set temperature from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature with the lapse of time. It is configured to perform a cycle control that changes periodically and periodically.

According to the above invention, when the mixed hot and cold water mixed with air is discharged, a sufficient cleaning effect can be obtained in a short time, and the pressure of the jet from the hot and cold water discharging portion such as a shower head is increased by the air pressure. And it is possible to obtain a massage effect that promotes blood circulation, equipped with an air pump and water mixed with air in hot and cold water,
By making it possible to select water discharge only for hot water, usability can be improved. Further, by changing the on / off of the air pump continuously and periodically, the stimulation given to the skin can be more effectively performed, and a more comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

Further, in the case of performing a cool-down control for continuously changing the tapping temperature from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature with the passage of time, when the bathing in the shower is completed and the illuminated body is to be cooled, the tapping temperature is not controlled. Abrupt temperature changes can be prevented, eliminating the burden on the user's body,
The shower bath can be finished comfortably.

[0013] When performing cycle control for continuously and periodically changing the tapping temperature between the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature with the passage of time, the temperature of the skin of the user during bathing in the shower is increased. Give the stimulus of change,
You can enjoy a more comfortable shower sensation.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A heat source of a heater for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water heated by the heat source, a heat source control unit for controlling the heat source according to a set temperature, an air pump, and an on-time / off time of the air pump A beat shower control unit that controls the time to change continuously and periodically, and mixes the air supplied from the air pump with the hot and cold water of the hot and cold water discharge unit, and controls the air pump by the beat shower control unit. Are turned on / off alternately.

In the case where air supplied from an air pump having a built-in DC motor operated by a low voltage is mixed with hot and cold water in a hot and cold water discharge section, a sufficient cleaning effect can be obtained even with a small amount of hot water. The water saving effect and the fact that the air pressure is added even at a low tapping pressure increase the tapping pressure so that a comfortable shower sensation can be enjoyed and a massage effect can be expected. In addition, by changing the on / off of the air pump continuously and periodically, the stimulus given to the skin is more effectively given, and a more comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

The hot and cold water supply device according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with a beat shower control unit that can adjust the on / off time of the air pump according to the user's preference.

When the on-time / off-time can be adjusted according to the user's preference, the stimulus which is considered to be optimal for the user can be freely selected and individually comfortable even when used by family members. You can enjoy the shower sensation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the on / off time of the air pump can be independently adjusted.

When the user can adjust the on-time / off-time independently to the user's preference, he / she can freely select a stimulus which is considered to be more optimal, and enjoy a comfortable shower feeling. Is what you can do.

The hot and cold water supply device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a cool-down control unit that sets an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature of the hot water heated by the heat source. The control of the current supply amount control unit is performed so as to continuously change from the temperature to the lower limit temperature.

In the case where the cool-down control is performed so as to continuously change the tapping temperature with time, when the shower bathing is completed and the body which is illuminated is to be cooled, a sudden change in the tapping temperature is taken into consideration. This prevents the burden on the user's body and prevents the shower bath from being completed comfortably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the cool-down control unit performs the cool-down temperature adjustment so that the lower limit of the hot-water temperature can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

When the lower limit temperature of the cool-down control can be adjusted, it is possible to select whether to lower the lower limit temperature to the incoming water temperature. Thereby, the bodily sensation after bathing in the shower can be adjusted, and a cool-down bath can be comfortably performed according to the environmental temperature after bathing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply device, the cool down control section adjusts the cool down time so that the changing speed of the hot water temperature to the lower limit temperature can be adjusted according to the user's preference. I have.

When the rate of change to the lower limit temperature of the cool-down control can be adjusted, the temperature change can be adjusted in accordance with the user's individual feeling, so that the bath can be cooled down more comfortably.

[0026] The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 7 further includes a cycle control section for setting an upper limit temperature and a lower limit temperature of the hot water heated by the heater, and the cycle control section increases the tapping temperature from the upper limit temperature with time. The energization amount control unit is controlled so as to continuously and periodically change between the two set temperatures up to the lower limit temperature.

In the case of cycle control in which the tapping temperature is changed continuously and periodically with the passage of time,
By giving a stimulus to a user's skin during a shower bath by a change in temperature, a more comfortable shower sensation can be enjoyed.

[0028] In the hot water supply apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the cycle control section performs cycle temperature adjustment such that the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature of the hot water temperature during the cycle operation can be adjusted according to the user's preference. I have to.

When the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature of the cycle control can be adjusted, the stimulus due to the temperature change can be adjusted according to the personal preference of the user, so that the bathing of the cycle can be performed more comfortably.

In the hot water supply apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the cycle control section performs cycle time adjustment such that the cycle cycle of the hot water temperature during the cycle operation can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

When the cycle period of the cycle control can be adjusted, the stimulus due to the temperature change can be adjusted more comfortably according to the user's preference, so that a comfortable cycle bathing can be performed.

[0032]

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 of the present invention, in which 40 is a water inlet pipe, 41 is a flow control knob, 42 is a hot water switch, and 43 is a hot water temperature with an operation switch. An adjustment volume, 44 is a pump switch, 45 is a shower hose, 46 is a shower head, and 47 is an air hose. Water flows through the water inlet pipe 40 into the main body, and flows out of the shower head 46 via the shower hose 45. The air 48 supplied from the air pump
Is mixed with hot and cold water 49 discharged from a shower head 46 via an air hose 47.

FIG. 2 is a detailed circuit diagram, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric instantaneous water heater, and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b)
(C) is an operation diagram illustrating operations of beat shower control, cool-down control, and cycle control. This figure 2,
A detailed description will be given with reference to FIGS.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a hot water switch (same as the hot water switch 42 in FIG. 1), 51 denotes a power supply device, 52 denotes a beat shower control unit, 53 denotes a pump control unit, 54 denotes a pump switch,
55 is an air pump, 56 is an operation switch (same as the hot water temperature control knob 43 with the operation switch in FIG. 1), 57 is a lamp control unit, 58 is an operation lamp, 59 is a temperature setting unit,
Reference numeral 60 denotes a hot water temperature control volume (same as the hot water temperature control volume 43 with an operation switch in FIG. 1), 61 denotes a temperature control control setting unit, 62 denotes a cool down control unit, 63 denotes a cycle control unit, and 64 denotes a heat source control unit (hereinafter referred to as a heat source control unit). (Referred to as an energization amount controller),
5 is a heat source control means (hereinafter referred to as heater control means), 66
Denotes a temperature detecting unit, 67 denotes a thermistor, 68 denotes a feedback control unit, and 69 denotes a heater as a heat source.

In the above configuration, the tap switch 50 is
First, the user turns on the tap switch 50 in order to take a shower (step 7 in FIG. 3).
5) Then, water is discharged from the shower head 46 via the water inlet pipe 40 (process 76 in FIG. 3). And the power supply 51
As a result, the voltage is lowered from the high AC voltage to the low DC voltage (process 77 in FIG. 3). Next, when the operation switch 56 is turned on (process 81 in FIG. 3), the operation lamp 58 is turned on by the lamp control unit 57 (process 82 in FIG. 3), and the user starts energizing the heater 69 (FIG. 3). The processing 89 of step 3) is notified. The amount of electricity supplied to the heater 69 is set by the temperature setting unit 59 in accordance with the temperature control volume 60 adjusted by the user's preference (step 83 in FIG. 3).
It is determined by the power supply amount control section 64 controlling the heater control means 65 (step 88 in FIG. 3).

When the shower bathing is completed, when the hot water switch 50 is turned off (process 75 in FIG. 3), the water stopping function is activated, and the water discharge is stopped (process 92 in FIG. 3). The operation lamp 58 is turned off (process 9 in FIG. 3).
3) At the same time, the power supply to the heater 69 is cut off (step 94 in FIG. 3). With the above operation and configuration, the shower with hot water can be used, and the operation switch 4
By turning off 5, a configuration that can also be used as a water shower is provided.

When the user operates the pump switch 54 while taking a shower (step 78 in FIG. 3),
The air pump 55 having a built-in DC motor that operates at a low voltage operates (FIG. 4A). At this time, if the user selects the beat shower in the beat shower control unit 52, the air pump 55 starts the beat shower operation. When the beat shower operation is canceled, the normal continuous operation is performed. When the pump switch 54 is turned off, the operation stops.

Here, the beat shower controller 52 is configured so that the user can change the pump-on time T1 and the pump-off time T2 to be longer or shorter.
The pump-on time T1 and the pump-off time T2 can be individually extended and shortened.

With the above operation and configuration, the ON / OFF of the air pump 55 can be changed continuously and periodically, and a beat shower using warm water mixed with air can be used. And the operation switch 56
Can be used as a beat shower by a water shower mixed with air.

After the hot water temperature is set by the temperature setting section 59, the cool-down control is performed by the temperature control control setting section 61 (process 84 in FIG. 3) or the cycle control is performed (FIG. 3). Process 86), it is possible to select whether to perform tapping at the set tapping temperature constant.

When the cool-down control is selected (step 85 in FIG. 3), the tapping temperature set by the temperature setting section 59 is set as the upper limit temperature b1 as shown in FIG.
Control is performed so as to continuously change the tapping temperature with time up to 2. That is, the cool-down control unit 62 calculates the tap water temperature, and based on the calculation result, the power supply amount control unit
Controls the heater control means 65 to determine the amount of current supplied to the heater 69 to perform the cool-down control. At this time, the lower limit temperature b2 can be adjusted according to the user's preference up to the water inlet temperature from the water inlet pipe 40, and the required time T3 required for the temperature change W1 of the tapping temperature to the lower limit temperature b2 can also be adjusted according to the user's preference. Things.

On the other hand, when the cycle control is selected (step 87 in FIG. 3), the tapping is continuously and periodically performed with time between the upper limit temperature c1 and the lower limit temperature c2 as shown in FIG. 4C. Control is performed to change the temperature. That is,
The cycle control unit 63 calculates the tapping temperature, and based on the calculation result, the energization amount control unit 64 controls the heater control means 65 to determine the energization amount to the heater 69, thereby performing cycle control. At this time, the upper limit temperature c1 and the lower limit temperature c2
Can be adjusted according to the user's preference, and the lower limit temperature c2 can be adjusted up to the water inlet temperature from the water inlet pipe 40. The cycle period T4 required for the temperature change W2 of the tapping temperature.
Can also be adjusted as desired by the user.

The temperature detector 66 detects the temperature of the hot water heated by the heater 69 by the thermistor 67 (FIG. 3).
(Step 90), and the feedback control section 68 feeds back the current setting section 48 or the cool-down control section 62 and the energization amount control section 64 such that the difference from the hot water temperature set by the cycle control section 63 is eliminated. Control (Process 9 in FIG. 3)
Perform 1). Thereby, the power supply to the heater 69 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, etc.
The stable tap water temperature can be maintained, and the cool down control and the cycle control can be enjoyed comfortably.

In the above embodiment, since the air pump is driven by a low-voltage DC motor, the size, weight, and cost can be reduced, and the size and weight of the hot and cold water supply device can be reduced. is there.

[0046]

As described above, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect, the air supplied from the air pump is mixed with the hot water of the hot water discharge section. A water-saving effect that provides a cleaning effect, and even when the tapping pressure is low, the tapping pressure is increased by adding air pressure, so that a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed and a massage effect can be expected. In addition, by changing the on / off of the air pump continuously and periodically, the stimulation given to the skin is more effectively given,
Further, a comfortable shower feeling can be enjoyed.

Further, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the second aspect, since the on-time / off-time can be adjusted according to the user's preference, the stimulus which is considered to be optimal for the user can be freely selected. Even when used by a family, it is possible to enjoy a comfortable shower sensation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the user can adjust the on-time / off-time independently and according to the user's preference, the user can freely select the most suitable stimulus. You can do it.

According to the hot water supply device of the fourth aspect, the tapping temperature is changed continuously with time.
The cool-down control prevents sudden changes in tapping temperature when the shower bathing is finished and the body that is lit up is going to cool down, eliminating the burden on the user's body and allowing for a comfortable shower bathing. Can be finished.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the lower limit temperature of the cool down control can be adjusted, it is possible to select whether to lower the lower limit temperature to the incoming water temperature. Thereby, the bodily sensation after bathing in the shower can be adjusted, and a cool-down bath can be comfortably performed according to the environmental temperature.

According to the hot water supply apparatus of the sixth aspect, the rate of change to the lower limit temperature of the cool-down control can be adjusted, so that the temperature change can be adjusted according to the physical feeling of the user, so that it is more comfortable. You can take a cool down bath.

According to the hot water supply device of the present invention, the stimulus due to the temperature change is applied to the skin of the user during the shower bath due to the cycle control for continuously and periodically changing the tapping temperature with the passage of time. Give and enjoy a more comfortable shower sensation.

Further, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the eighth aspect, the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature of the cycle control can be adjusted, so that the stimulus due to the temperature change can be adjusted according to the personal preference of the user, so that it is more comfortable. Cycle bathing can be performed.

According to the hot water supply apparatus of the ninth aspect, the cycle period of the cycle control can be adjusted, so that the stimulus due to the temperature change can be adjusted more comfortably according to the user's preference. A comfortable cycle bath can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a hot water supply device according to an 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.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are operation diagrams showing respective control operations of the device.

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

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 46 Hot and cold water discharge part (shower head) 51 Power supply device 52 Beat shower control part 55 Air pump 56 Power cutoff means (operation switch) 59 Temperature setting part 62 Cool down control part 63 Cycle control part 64 Power supply control part (Heat source control part) 69 heater (heat source)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masahito Uemura 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2D032 FA11 3L034 BA12 4C100 AC05 AC09

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A heat source for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water to be heated by the heat source, a heat source control unit for controlling the heat source according to the set temperature, an air pump, and an on / off operation of the air pump. A beat shower control unit for controlling the time / off time to change continuously and periodically; mixing the air supplied from the air pump with hot water of a hot water discharge unit; A hot and cold water supply device that turns on and off the air pump alternately. 2. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a beat shower control unit capable of adjusting an on / off time of the air pump according to a user's preference. 3. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 2, wherein the on-time / off-time of the air pump can be independently adjusted. 4. A heat source for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water to be heated by the heat source, a heat source control unit for controlling the heat source according to a set temperature, and an upper limit temperature of the hot water heated by the heat source. And a cool-down control unit that sets a lower limit temperature. The cool-down control unit controls the heat source control unit so that the tapping temperature is continuously changed from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature with time. Hot water supply device. 5. A cool-down control unit wherein the lower limit temperature of the hot and cold water temperature can be adjusted according to the user's preference.
5. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the cool-down temperature is adjusted. 6. The hot water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the cool down control section adjusts the cool down time so that the rate of change of the hot water temperature to the lower limit temperature can be adjusted according to the user's preference. 7. A heat source for heating water, a temperature setting unit for setting a temperature of hot water to be heated by the heat source, a heat source control unit for controlling the heat source according to the set temperature, and an upper limit of the hot water heated by the heat source. Temperature, and a cycle control unit for setting a lower limit temperature, by the cycle control unit, between the set temperature from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature of the tapping temperature with time,
A hot and cold water supply device that controls the power supply amount control unit so as to continuously and periodically change. 8. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 7, wherein the cycle control section adjusts the cycle temperature so that the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature of the hot water temperature during the cycle operation can be adjusted according to the user's preference. 9. The hot and cold water supply device according to claim 7, wherein the cycle control unit adjusts a cycle time of the hot and cold water temperature during the cycle operation so as to be able to adjust according to a user's preference. 10. The hot water supply device according to claim 4, further comprising an air pump, wherein the air supplied from the air pump is mixed with the hot water of the hot water discharge section.