JP2004187764A - Electric kettle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a hot water discharge operation in a state where a commercial power source is disconnected highly safe, discharging only hot water at a high temperature without various germs. <P>SOLUTION: An electric kettle includes a kettle container 2 for boiling and warming the hot water, a heating means 3 for heating the kettle container 2, a water supply container 14 for housing water, a water supply means 15 for supplying the water in the water supply container 14 to the kettle container 2, a backup power source for performing the hot water discharge operation in the state where the commercial power source is disconnected, and a hot water discharge operation judging means 7 for judging whether or not to inhibit the hot water discharge operation depending on an operation before the commercial power source is disconnected. In the hot water discharge operation in the state that the commercial power source is disconnected, the hot water can not be discharged in the case that the hot water discharge operation judging means 7 is in a hot water discharge inhibition state. By the constitution, since hot water discharge is inhibited by operation, safe hot water can be discharged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-tank electric kettle provided with a kettle container and a water supply container, and particularly to a tapping operation in a state where commercial power is cut off.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of electric water heater, a so-called one-tank type electric water heater provided with one container for storing water has been mainly used. When the electric water heater is connected to a commercial power supply, when the water is discharged during boiling, the boiling water may be scattered and the user may be burned, or may malfunction and remain in a state of low-temperature water. Or could be derived. For this reason, there has been proposed an electric water heater that can supply only hot water kept at a constant high temperature. According to this electric water heater, a tapping motor and a tapping switch in series therewith are connected in parallel to a temperature controller for controlling the opening and closing of the heater. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In recent years, so-called two-tank type electric kettles equipped with a kettle container and a water supply container for automatically supplying water to the kettle container have been provided in order to make it difficult for the hot water to run out even when the amount of hot water consumed is large. It has been proposed.
[0004]
According to this electric water heater, when the amount of hot water in the water heater container is reduced, water is supplied from the water supply container, and water is supplied to full water so as not to run out of water, and the water is heated.
[0005]
Further, with respect to the tapping operation, an electric water heater that is capable of tapping even when the commercial power supply is disconnected in a two-tank type has been proposed. According to this electric water heater, when the commercial power supply is cut off, it is possible to use the backup power supply at any time with hot water, so that the electric water heater can be moved to a place required by the user and used, so that convenience is good. Was something.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-064049
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the two-tank type electric water heater capable of tapping even when the conventional commercial electric power source is disconnected, like the conventional one-tank electric water heater, only hot water is used when connected to the commercial power supply. Hot water could not be supplied, but hot water could be supplied at any time by pressing the hot water switch with the commercial power supply disconnected. Therefore, for example, water that has been left in a water supply container for several days and germs have propagated is automatically supplied to the water heater container, and hot water can be supplied even when the commercial power supply is disconnected during the water heater, so that various bacteria are present. There is a risk that the hot water may be discharged, and it is not possible to provide safe hot water.
[0008]
In addition, in the case described above, there is a problem that low-temperature hot water flows out even if no germs are present, so that low-temperature hot water is used for cooking that requires hot water and cooking is spoiled.
[0009]
The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a highly safe electric water heater that can supply only hot water at high temperature and free of various bacteria in a tapping operation in a state where commercial power is disconnected. Aim.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the electric water heater of the present invention performs a tapping operation after disconnection from the commercial power supply depending on an operation state such as heating the electric water heater immediately before disconnection from the commercial power supply or supplying water. A tapping operation judging means for judging whether or not to prohibit the tapping operation is provided, and the tapping operation in a state where the commercial power supply is disconnected is not allowed when the tapping operation judging means is in the tapping prohibition state.
[0011]
With this configuration, when the hot water is disconnected from the commercial power source in a state where the temperature of the hot water is low, such as during heating or water supply, it is possible to prohibit hot water supply.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, an electric water heater of the present invention includes a water heater that heats water by heating water, a heating unit that heats the water heater container, and water. A water supply container, water supply means for supplying water from the water supply container to the water heater container, a backup power supply for performing a hot water supply operation with the commercial power supply disconnected, and a tapping operation by an operation immediately before the commercial power supply is disconnected. Control means having a tapping operation judging means for judging whether or not to prohibit the tapping operation so that the tapping operation is not performed when the tapping operation judging means is in a tapping-prohibited state while the commercial power supply is disconnected. Control.
[0013]
With this configuration, when the hot water is disconnected from the commercial power source in a state where the temperature of the hot water is low, such as during heating or water supply, it is possible to prohibit hot water supply. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to supply hot water whose temperature has dropped or water in which various bacteria have propagated, and safe hot water can be supplied. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which low-temperature hot water is poured and cooking is spoiled.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in particular, the tapping operation determining means according to the first aspect is configured to disable tapping when the operation immediately before the commercial power supply is disconnected is being heated by the heating means. It is possible to avoid using hot water that may be contaminated by low temperature or germs. Therefore, only the safe boiling water can be supplied.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 3 is particularly configured such that the tapping operation determining means according to claim 1 is configured to disable tapping when the operation immediately before the commercial power supply is disconnected is a water supply operation by the water supply means. In the case of low-temperature hot water, hot water cannot be supplied, and discomfort caused by supplying low-temperature hot water can be eliminated. In addition, since hot water cannot be supplied unless the supplied water is re-boiled, only safe re-boiled hot water can be supplied.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the apparatus further includes a display unit, and the tapping operation determination unit is configured to prohibit tapping in a state where commercial power is disconnected. In the case of the state, the fact that the hot water is prohibited is displayed on the display means, so that the user can immediately confirm whether or not the hot water can be taken out, and the convenience can be improved.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, there is provided a notifying unit which is used when the commercial power supply is disconnected and the hot water supply is prohibited. When the user presses a tapping switch operated to perform a tapping operation, the notification unit informs the user of invalidity, so that it is possible to confirm that the user is in the tapping-inhibited state, thereby improving convenience.
[0018]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the apparatus further includes a temperature detecting unit configured to detect a temperature of the water in the water heater container, and the commercial power supply is disconnected. In this state, even when the tapping is possible, the tapping operation is prohibited when the temperature detecting means falls below a predetermined temperature. Yes.
[0019]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the apparatus further includes a time measuring means, and in a state where the commercial power supply is cut off and the tapping is possible. Since the tapping operation is prohibited when a predetermined time elapses after the commercial power supply is cut off by the timing unit, it is not necessary to use water that has a possibility of propagation of various bacteria when left for a long time.
[0020]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the apparatus further includes a release switch in a hot-water prohibition state, and when the release switch is pressed, the hot-water discharge operation determination unit sets the hot-water prohibition. By adopting a configuration in which the hot water can be discharged even in the state, the water can be discarded by simply pressing the release switch when the water in the kettle is to be discarded.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 9 is a water heater that heats the water heater by heating water, a heating means that heats the water heater container, a water supply container that contains water, and a water supply that supplies water from the water supply container to the water heater container. Means, a backup power supply for performing a tapping operation in a state where the commercial power supply is disconnected, and control means, wherein the control means sounds when the commercial power supply is disconnected during heating, water supply, or low temperature. It is configured to be left by the notification means such as. With this configuration, when the user disconnects the body from the power supply, the user knows that the water is not sufficiently heated, and can continue heating and complete the heating. Can be taken out of the bath.
[0022]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the configuration of the ninth aspect, the display means is provided to display the waiting time until the completion of the heating, so that the user can determine how much the heating is completed. Knowing this makes it possible to deal with it, which improves convenience.
[0023]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric water heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The configuration and functions of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
1 is a main body constituting an outer shell, 2 is a water heater container provided inside the main body 1 for boiling water and keeping the temperature, 3 is a heating means for contacting the water heater container 2 and heating water in the water heater container 4, Is a temperature detecting means which is in contact with the water heater vessel 2 and detects the temperature of water in the water heater vessel 2; and 5 is a control means comprising a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer), and a signal from the temperature detecting means 4 is boiling. When the temperature is detected below the boundary temperature, for example, below about 90 ° C., the heating means 3 is driven to heat and re-boil. The control means has a boiling detecting means 6 and a tapping operation judging means 7. The boiling detecting means 6 detects the boiling of water in the water heater vessel 2 when the temperature rising gradient obtained from the temperature detecting means 4 becomes gentler than a predetermined temperature rising gradient, for example, 30 seconds / 0.5 ° C. It is configured to detect and stop the heating means 3. The tapping operation judging means 7 which is a feature of the present embodiment judges whether or not the tapping operation is prohibited by an operation before the commercial power supply is disconnected.
[0026]
Reference numeral 8 denotes reheating means for forcibly reheating the water being kept warm, and is activated by operating a switch provided on the upper part of the body. The control means 5 drives the heating means 2 in response to a signal from the reheating means 8 to heat the water. Thereafter, when boiling is detected by the boiling detecting means 6, the heating means 3 is stopped. Thereby, when high-temperature hot water close to the boiling state is required, high-temperature hot water can be easily obtained, and convenience is improved.
[0027]
Reference numeral 9 denotes a tapping switch for instructing tapping by a user, and reference numeral 10 denotes tapping means including a pump and the like, and taps hot water of the water heater 2 from a tap 12 through a water level pipe 11. Numeral 13 denotes a water amount detecting means, which is composed of a water level tube 11 and an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted opposite to the water level tube 11. Then, by detecting the liquid level of the water level tube 11 at which the liquid level becomes the same as that of the water heater container 2, the water level of the water heater container is detected. Numeral 13a denotes a full water detection installed at the full water position, and 13b denotes a water supply detection installed at a position where the heating means is stopped in order to prevent the water heater 2 from being empty.
[0028]
Reference numeral 14 denotes a water supply container for storing water for supplying water to the water heater container 2, and reference numeral 15 denotes a water supply means for supplying the water of the water supply container 14 to the water heater container 2 through a water supply pipe 16, and is constituted by a water supply motor or the like. In addition, the water supply to the water supply container is such that only the water supply container is removed so that water can be supplied at the tap of the water supply.
[0029]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a notifying means for displaying and notifying operations such as during water heating and during heat retention. Reference numeral 18 denotes a display means for displaying a tapping operation state such as an LCD or an LED, which indicates that the tapping operation is prohibited when the tapping operation judging means 7 of the control means 5 is in a state where the commercial power supply is disconnected. indicate. A release switch 19 for dispensing hot water is provided. When the release switch 19 is pressed, hot water can be supplied even when the tapping operation determining means 17 is in the hot water prohibition state. Thereby, when it is desired to discard the hot water, it can be easily discarded simply by pressing the release switch.
[0030]
Next, the circuit configuration of the present embodiment will be described.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the electric water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a commercial power supply, and 21 denotes a DC power supply. Reference numeral 22 denotes a backup power supply for performing a tapping operation with the commercial power supply 20 disconnected. The heating means 3 includes a first heating element 3a for heating water in the kettle and a second heating element 3b which has a smaller heating power than the first heating element 3a and is mainly used as a heating means for keeping the temperature. The relay contacts 3c and 3d are connected in series with the commercial power supply 20, and the relay coils 3e and 3f control the relay contacts 3c and 3d. A current flows through the relay coil to close the relay contacts. Like that.
[0032]
The temperature detecting means 4 inputs a temperature-sensitive element 4a for converting a temperature into a resistance value, and a divided voltage value using the temperature-sensitive element 4a and the resistor 4b to an AD converter 4c for converting the voltage value into a binary code. I do. The A / D converter 4c outputs a signal to the control means 5 every time the unit temperature rises in a unit temperature range of, for example, about 0.5 ° C. in the range of about 30 to 120 ° C.
[0033]
The reheating means 8 is an input for forcibly reheating the water being kept warm and comprises a switch 8a and resistors 8b and 8c.
[0034]
The notification means 17 notifies the end of boiling by the buzzer 17a, the LED 17b displays while the water is being heated, and the LED 17c displays while the temperature is being kept.
[0035]
The tapping means 10 includes a motor 10a for driving an electric pump for sending water in the water heater 2 to the outside, a transistor 10b, and a lock release switch 10c for outputting a signal for turning on the transistor 10b. The tapping is performed when the tapping switch 9 is turned on in the unlocked state where the lock release switch 10c is turned on and the transistor 10b is turned on.
[0036]
Therefore, in the locked state where the lock release switch 10c is turned off and the transistor 10b is turned off, hot water cannot be discharged even if the tapping switch 9 is turned on. Further, if the next tapping is not performed within a certain period of time, for example, 10 seconds, from the end of tapping, the transistor 10b is turned off again so that tapping the tap switch 9 prevents tapping.
[0037]
The water amount detecting means 13 is composed of an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving element. When full water is detected, the water level detection 13a is turned on and water supply is stopped, and when water supply is detected, the water level detection 13b is turned on and water supply is started.
[0038]
The water supply means 15 includes a water supply motor 15a and a transistor 15b. When the water in the water supply container 14 is boiled and supplied to the container 2, the transistor 15b is turned on to drive the water supply motor 15a.
[0039]
The release switch 19 is an input for forcibly releasing the hot water prohibition state, and includes a switch 19a and resistors 19b and 19c.
[0040]
Reference numeral 5 denotes a control unit including a microcomputer.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the water heating operation of the electric water heater according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the water heating operation of the program stored in the microcomputer 5. Hereinafter, an operation in the case where the operation before disconnection of the commercial power supply is water heater, that is, an operation in the case where the commercial power supply is disconnected from the commercial power supply 20 during heating will be described.
[0042]
First, when the water heating operation is started, the tapping operation judging means 7 is set to the tapping-prohibiting state in S100, and in S101, if the detected water amount of the water amount detecting means 13 is less than the water supply detection 13a, the water supply motor 15a is turned on to detect the full water in S102. Water is supplied until it reaches 13a. Then, in step S103, the heating means 3 is turned on to start heating. When the boiling is detected in S104, the heating means 3 is turned off in S105. Then, in S106, the tapping operation determining means 7 is set to a tapping-enabled state. Thereafter, the heat retaining operation is performed.
[0043]
Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the tapping operation of the electric water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and shows the tapping operation in a state where the commercial power supply is disconnected. Hereinafter, this operation will be described.
[0044]
First, when the commercial power supply 20 is disconnected, the operation is performed by the backup power supply 22. If the tapping operation judging means 7 is in the tapping-prohibited state in S200, the tapping operation display means 18 is displayed in S201 to indicate that the tapping is prohibited. When the lock release switch 10c is turned on (S202), the buzzer 14a is notified of invalidity in S203. That is, when the commercial power supply is disconnected during heating by the heating means 2, that is, during the hot-water supply prohibition state, even if the lock release switch 10c is turned on, the lock is not accepted or hot water cannot be discharged.
[0045]
Next, if the tapping operation judging means 7 is in the tappable state in S200, the lock release switch 10c is turned on (S204), and the buzzer 14a is notified in S205 in S205. Then, when hot water switch 9 is turned on, hot water is discharged.
[0046]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to always use hot water that may be contaminated with various bacteria, and it is possible to achieve a high safety.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the hot-water supply prohibition state of the hot-water supply operation judging means 7 is a case where the operation before the commercial power supply is cut off is during the heating by the heating means 3. . In this case, even if the water is supplied to the water supply container and left for several days, even if there is a possibility that germs may have propagated, it cannot be used unless the supplied water is boiled surely, so safety can be improved. it can.
[0048]
Further, even when the tapping is prohibited and the commercial power supply is disconnected, the tapping operation may be enabled by turning on the release switch 19. Thereby, when it is desired to discard the low-temperature hot water or water in the water heater container, the hot water can be easily discharged and discarded, so that the convenience can be improved.
[0049]
It should be noted that, even when the commercial power supply is disconnected and the tapping is possible, the tapping operation may be prohibited when the temperature detecting means 4 reaches a predetermined temperature, for example, about 50 ° C. or lower. This makes it possible to supply safer hot water.
[0050]
Further, even in a state where tapping is possible with the commercial power supply disconnected, the tapping operation may be prohibited after a predetermined time, for example, 6 hours, has elapsed since the commercial power supply was disconnected by the timer. Thereby, convenience can be improved and safe hot water can be discharged.
[0051]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the tapping operation in the state where the commercial power is disconnected, the tapping operation is prohibited by the operation immediately before the disconnection of the commercial power, thereby making it safe and easy to use. .
[0052]
(Example 2)
Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different points from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[0053]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first embodiment has a tapping operation judging unit for judging whether or not the tapping operation is prohibited by an operation immediately before the commercial power is cut off, and the state in which the commercial power is cut off. When the tapping operation judging means is in the tapping-prohibited state, that is, when the tapping operation is disconnected from the commercial power supply during heating or water supply while being connected to the commercial power supply, the tapping operation is not performed. On the other hand, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that no tapping operation judging means is used, and this is notified by a sound or the like when disconnected from the commercial power supply during heating or water supply or at low temperature.
[0054]
That is, a water heater that heats water by boiling water, heating means for heating the water heater container, a water supply container for containing water, water supply means for supplying water from the water supply container to the water heater container, and a commercial power supply are disconnected. A backup power supply and a control means for performing a tapping operation in a state where the commercial power supply is disconnected during heating or water supply or at a low temperature, by a notification means such as a sound. It is characterized by having.
[0055]
It is difficult to identify the state of heating or water supply or low temperature from outside, but it is notified by sound or other notification means, so the user can recognize the above state when the body is disconnected from the commercial power supply, so You can easily know that it cannot be used as hot water. This allows the user to consciously select whether to reconnect and heat on the spot or to reheat and use after moving. As a result, the user can disconnect the body from the power source and make it possible to always supply hot water. Further, in this case, since heating and boiling are performed consciously, various germs can be completely eliminated.
[0056]
In addition, as the notification means, there are a method such as a sound such as a warning sound, a light such as a blink or a display, and the like, and a sound or a light or a combination of these is excellent to evoke an unconscious operation.
[0057]
In addition, if the amount of heating is completed after disconnection from the commercial power supply during heating or water supply or at a low temperature, it is calculated from the water volume, water temperature or heating output and displayed on the display means, how long is the waiting time? The user can know if there is, and the convenience is improved.
[0058]
It is needless to say that the function of this embodiment may be added to the first embodiment.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, in a tapping operation in a state in which the commercial power supply is disconnected, a high safety that can tap only hot water free of various bacteria at a high temperature is provided. can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the electric water heater. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a water heating operation of the electric water heater. FIG. Flow chart shown [Explanation of reference numerals]
2 kettle 3 heating means 4 temperature detection means 5 microcomputer (control means)
7 Hot water operation determination means 9 Hot water switch 14 Water supply container 15 Water supply means 17 Notification means 18 Display means 19 Release switch 22 Backup power supply

Claims (10)

A water heater for boiling water and keeping the water warm, a heating means for heating the water heater container, a water supply container for containing water, a water supply means for supplying water from the water supply container to the water heater container, and a commercial power supply were disconnected. A backup power supply for performing the tapping operation in the state, and control means having tapping operation determination means for determining whether or not the tapping operation is prohibited by an operation immediately before the commercial power supply is disconnected, wherein the control means includes a commercial power supply. An electric water heater having a configuration in which, when the tapping operation judging means is in a tapping-prohibited state in a disconnected state, the tapping operation is controlled not to tap the tap. 2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the tapping operation judging means sets a tapping-prohibited state when the operation immediately before the commercial power supply is cut off is heating by the heating means. 2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the tapping operation judging means sets a tapping-prohibited state when the operation immediately before the commercial power supply is disconnected is a water supply operation by the water supply means. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein when the commercial power supply is disconnected and the tapping operation determination unit is in the tapping-prohibited state, the display unit displays the tapping-inhibited state on the display unit. An electric kettle according to any one of the preceding claims. 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit, wherein when the commercial power supply is disconnected and the tapping operation is disabled in a state where the tapping operation is performed by the user to perform the tapping operation, the notification unit notifies the invalidation. An electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of water in a water heater container, and even when the commercial power supply is disconnected and the hot water is available, the tapping operation is prohibited when the temperature detecting means falls below a predetermined temperature. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Claims have a timing means, and even when the tap is ready for hot water supply with the commercial power supply disconnected, the tapping operation is prohibited when a predetermined time elapses after the commercial power supply is disconnected by the timing means. Item 7. An electric water heater according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a release switch for releasing the hot water supply prohibition state, wherein when the release switch is pressed, the hot water dispensing operation determining means can discharge the hot water even when the hot water supply prohibition state is set. A water heater for boiling water and keeping the water warm, a heating means for heating the water heater container, a water supply container for containing water, a water supply means for supplying water from the water supply container to the water heater container, and a commercial power supply were disconnected. A backup power supply for performing a tapping operation in a state, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to leave the commercial power supply disconnected during heating or water supply or at low temperature by a notification unit such as a sound. Electric water heater. The electric water heater according to claim 9, further comprising a display means for displaying a waiting time until the heating is completed.

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