JP2004205074A

JP2004205074A - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP2004205074A
Application number: JP2002372242A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hironobu Tanaka; 裕展田中; Takayumi Fukuda; 高弓福田; Toshikatsu Maeda; 敏克前田
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-12-24
Filing date: 2002-12-24
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-24
Also published as: JP3838197B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater, allowing the restoration of a water supply valve from a troubled condition by detecting both troubles in closing and opening the water supply valve. <P>SOLUTION: The water heater comprises water supply valve trouble detecting means 8, 21a for detecting the trouble in opening/closing the water supply valve 7 and a water supply valve restoring means 21b for quickly repeating opening/closing the water supply valve 7 several times when the water supply valve trouble detecting means detects the trouble in opening/closing the water supply valve 7, to urge the restoration of the water supply valve 7 from the troubled condition. The trouble in opening/closing the water supply valve 7 is improved and the restoration of the water supply valve is allowed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、一般家庭におけるキッチンシステムへ組み込んで使用するビルトインタイプの給湯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、給湯装置ではないが、給水弁制御装置における異常検知手段は知られている。これは、給水弁が閉鎖すべき時に閉鎖していない閉鎖不良を検知して給水弁異常と判断し、電源を遮断することで給水弁を閉鎖している（例えば、許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−３１３７８９号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来のような方法は、一旦閉鎖不良と判断すると、異常状態の改善なしで、即、電源を遮断するものであるため、一時的に錆等の異物を噛み込んだような場合には、給水弁が完全に閉鎖できないままの状態が継続されてしまうものであった。また、給水弁の閉鎖不良のみを検知しているため、例えば給水弁の可動部に錆が付着し、開放すべき時に開放しない開放不良が生じても対処できないという課題も有していた。
【０００５】
本発明は、前記従来の課題を解決するもので、給水弁の閉鎖、および開放不良の両方の異常を検知して、素早く給水弁の異常状態からの復帰を図る給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために、本発明の給湯装置は、給水を制御する給水弁の開閉異常を検知する給水弁異常検知手段と、給水弁異常検知手段が給水弁の開閉異常を検知すると、給水弁の開閉を素早く複数回繰り返して給水弁の異常状態からの復帰を促す給水弁復帰手段とを有するものである。
【０００７】
これにより、給水弁の異物噛み込み等による閉鎖異常、または錆付着等による開放異常のどちらかの給水弁異常を検知すると、給水弁の開閉を短時間に繰り返すことにより、噛み込んだ異物を弾き飛ばし、または給水弁に付着した錆を剥がし、給水弁の開放異常または閉鎖異常を改善するものである。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
請求項１に記載の発明は、液体を加熱する加熱容器と、水道管から前記加熱容器への給水経路に設けられた給水を制御する給水弁と、給水弁の開閉異常を検知する給水弁異常検知手段と、給水弁異常検知手段が給水弁の開閉異常を検知すると給水弁の開閉を所定の回数繰り返して給水弁の異常状態からの復帰を促す給水弁復帰手段とを有する給湯装置とすることにより、給水弁の異物噛み込み等による閉鎖異常、または錆付着等による開放異常のどちらかの給水弁異常を検知すると、給水弁の開閉を短時間に繰り返すことにより、噛み込んだ異物を弾き飛ばし、または給水弁に付着した錆を剥がし、給水弁の開放異常または閉鎖異常を改善するものである。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の発明は、給水弁異常検知手段による異常検知は、浄水手段への給水量を検知する給水量検知手段で行う請求項１に記載の給湯装置とすることにより、浄水手段の交換時期を知らせるための給水量検知手段を用いて給水弁の異常が検知できるので、新たな部品の追加が必要なくコスト的に有利である。
【００１０】
請求項３に記載の発明は、給水弁復帰手段は、給水弁異常検知手段が給水弁を開く制御状態で、給水弁が閉じている異常と判断すると給水弁を所定時間閉じる制御後、所定時間開く制御を所定回数繰り返す請求項１または２に記載の給湯装置とすることにより、給水弁に錆等が付着し開放できない開放異常を検知すると、給水弁をすぐ閉じる制御を行い、その後、すぐ給水弁を開く制御を行って給水弁が正常に開いたか確認を行い、それでも開放異常のままならば再び給水弁を閉じて開く制御を所定回数行い、給水弁を閉じて開くことによって生じる衝撃で付着した錆を除去する。したがって、素早く給水弁の開放異常の改善とその確認を図ることができる。
【００１１】
請求項４に記載の発明は、給水弁復帰手段は、給水弁異常検知手段が給水弁を閉じる制御状態で、給水弁が開いている異常と判断すると給水弁を所定時間開く制御後、所定時間閉じる制御を所定回数繰り返す請求項１または２に記載の給湯装置とすることにより、給水弁が異物を噛み込み閉じることができない閉鎖異常を検知すると、給水弁をすぐ開く制御を行いその後、すぐ給水弁を閉じる制御を行って、給水弁が正常に閉じたか確認を行い、それでも閉鎖異常のままならば再び給水弁を開いて閉じる制御を所定回数行い、給水弁を開いて閉じることによって生じる衝撃で噛み込んだ異物を弾き飛ばす。したがって、素早く給水弁の閉鎖異常の改善とその確認を図ることができる。
【００１２】
請求項５に記載の発明は、給水経路を通過した液体を出水する出水口と、給水経路を通過した液体を加熱容器または出水口のいずれかに導く切替弁とを備え、給水弁復帰手段の動作中は切替弁を加熱容器側に切り替える請求項１〜４のいずれか１項に記載の給湯装置とすることにより、給水弁復帰手段が給水弁の開閉を繰り返している間、給水弁を水が通過してもその水は加熱容器側に注がれるため、使用者には給水弁復帰手段が動作中であることが視認できず、余計な不安を与えることがない。
【００１３】
請求項６に記載の発明は、給水弁復帰手段が動作終了後、給水弁の異常状態からの復帰が確認されないと、給水弁の開放異常または閉鎖異常を報知する給水弁異常報知手段を設けてなる請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の給湯装置とすることにより、給水弁に異常が生じると給水弁が開放異常なのか閉鎖異常なのかが給水弁異常報知手段の報知でわかり、修理を行う際にも便利である。
【００１４】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図１〜図６を参照しながら説明する。
【００１５】
図１において、１は家庭内に設置されたキッチンユニットを示し、その内部空間に浄水加熱ユニット２を設置している。３は給水管である水道管であり、キッチンユニット１のキッチンシンク１４に臨んだ水道口４と、水道水中の不純物を除去する中空糸膜や活性炭からなる浄水手段５とに接続している。水道管３と浄水手段５との給水経路には、浄水手段５への給水を制御する給水弁７と、給水弁７によって給水された給水量を、水が流れることにより内蔵された水車が回り生じたパルスをカウントして計測する、給水量検知手段であるところの流量計８とを設けている。浄水手段５を通過した水道水は、水を加熱するヒーター９を有する加熱容器１０へ給水経路１１を介して注がれる。また加熱容器１０には加熱容器１０内の水温を検知する温度検知手段であるサーミスタ１２と、加熱容器１０内の水位を、電極間の電位が水の有無によって変わることから検知する水位検知手段１３を設けている。
【００１６】
給水経路１１上には、浄水手段５を通過した水をキッチンシンク１４に吐出する浄水パイプ１５か、給水経路１１のどちらかに導く切替弁１６が設けてある。１７は加熱容器１０から生じた蒸気をキッチンシンク１４に逃がす蒸気パイプである。１８は加熱容器１０内の湯を出湯パイプ１９に吐出するポンプである。上記した浄水パイプ１５、蒸気パイプ１７、および出湯パイプ１９は、水道口４と同様、キッチンシンク１４に臨んで配置されている。２０は出湯や浄水の吐出及び各種状態を知らせる操作表示部で、キッチンユニット１の上部の操作部１ａに設けてある。
【００１７】
２１は給湯装置の制御手段であるマイクロコンピュータであり、このマイクロコンピュータ２１には給水弁７と流量計８、ヒーター９、サーミスタ１２、水位検知手段１３、切替弁１６、ポンプ１８、操作表示部２０を接続しており、流量計８、サーミスタ１２、水位検知手段１３、操作表示部２０からの入力に応じて、給水弁７、ヒーター９、切替弁１６、ポンプ１８を出力制御する。そして、マイクロコンピュータ２１内には、マイクロコンピュータ２１が給水弁７を開く制御信号を出力して給水中であるにも拘わらず、流量計８によって給水量が検知できない時は給水弁７の開放異常と判断し、反対に給水弁７を閉じる制御信号を出力しているのに流量計８が給水を検知した時は給水弁７の閉鎖異常と判断する給水弁異常判断手段２１ａと、給水弁異常判断手段２１ａが判断した給水弁７の開放異常または閉鎖異常に応じて、給水弁７を開閉制御して給水弁７の異常状態からの復帰を促す給水弁復帰手段２１ｂとを設けている。
【００１８】
図２は本実施例における操作表示部２０の詳細を示しており、２０ａはＯＮになると接続されたマイクロコンピュータ２１が切替弁１６を浄水パイプ１５側に切り換えると共に、給水弁７を開いて浄水した水を吐出する浄水スイッチ、２０ｂはＯＮになると接続されたマイクロコンピュータ２１がポンプ１８を駆動して加熱容器１０内の湯を出湯する出湯スイッチ、２０ｃはＯＮになると出湯スイッチ２０ｂの操作を可能とするロック解除スイッチ、２０ｄはロック解除スイッチ２０ｃがＯＮになると点灯してロック解除スイッチ２０ｄの状態を表すロック解除ＬＥＤ、２０ｅは水位検知手段１３が検知した水位を表示する水位表示ＬＥＤ、２０ｆはマイクロコンピュータ２１により流量計８が計測した給水量が１０００リットルに達すると、浄水手段５の浄水能力に達したとして、点灯し浄水手段５の交換を促すカートリッジ交換ＬＥＤ、２０ｇは給水弁７の開放異常または閉鎖異常を点灯して知らせる給水弁異常報知手段であるところの給水弁異常ＬＥＤである。
【００１９】
以上のように構成された給湯装置についてその動作を説明する。例えば、出湯スイッチ２０ｂをＯＮして加熱容器１０内の湯を出湯して満水から水位が下がると、水位検知手段１３が加熱容器１０内の湯量が少ないことを検知してその信号をマイクロコンピュータ２１に送る。マイクロコンピュータ２１は水位が少ない信号を受け取ると、切替弁１６を加熱容器１０側に切替るとともに、給水弁７を開いて加熱容器１０内に給水する給水状態にする。そして水位検知手段１３が水位の満水状態を検知してその信号をマイクロコンピュータ２１に送ると、マイクロコンピュータ２１は給水弁７を閉じて給水を止め、サーミスタ１２によって検知した水温に応じてヒーター９を制御して高温の湯を保つ保温状態とする。このように加熱容器１０内には、常に高温の湯が満水状態にあり、いつでも出湯できる状態に保たれる。
【００２０】
次に給水弁異常判断手段２１ａの動きについて、図３を用いて説明する。給水弁異常判断手段２１ａは、ステップ１でマイクロコンピュータ２１が給水弁７を開いて給水中かどうかを判断する。給水中ならＹＥＳとなりステップ２に移行する。ステップ２では流量計８によって、給水が本当に行われているのか判断する。流量計８が計測する１秒あたりのパルス数が３回以上なら、流量計８を水が通過してパルスがカウントできているので、給水弁７を開いた状態で給水が確認できたことから給水弁７は正常となり、ＹＥＳでステップ１に戻って給水弁７の確認を繰り返す。反対にステップ２で流量計８が計測する１秒あたりのパルス数が３回未満なら、給水弁７を開く制御中なのに流量計８が水の通過を確認できなかったので、給水弁７が正常に開いていないとして、ＮＯとなり給水弁７が開放できない異常であると給水弁復帰手段２１ｂに信号を出力する。
【００２１】
また、ステップ１でマイクロコンピュータ２１が給水弁７を閉じて給水を行っていないならＮＯとなりステップ３に移行する。ステップ３では流量計８によって、給水弁７が本当に閉じているのかを判断する。流量計８が計測する１秒あたりのパルス数が３回未満なら、流量計８を水が通過しておらず、給水弁７を閉じる制御で給水が確認できなかったので給水弁７は正常となり、ＹＥＳでステップ１に戻って給水弁７の確認を繰り返す。反対にステップ３で流量計８が計測する１秒あたりのパルス数が３回以上なら、給水弁７を閉じる制御中なのに流量計８が水の通過を確認したので、給水弁７が実際には閉じていないとして、ＮＯとなり給水弁７が閉鎖できない異常であると給水弁復帰手段２１ｂに信号を出力する。
【００２２】
次に給水弁復帰手段２１ｂの動きについて、図４を用いて説明する。給水弁復帰手段２１ｂはステップ４で給水弁異常判断手段２１ａから給水弁異常の信号を受け取ると、切替弁１６を加熱容器１０側に切り替えステップ５に移行する。ステップ５では受け取った給水弁異常信号が給水弁７を開く制御を行っているのに給水が確認できない給水弁開放異常かどうか判断する。給水弁開放異常の信号ならばＹＥＳとなり、ステップ６では給水弁７を開く制御中に給水弁開放異常を検知したので給水弁７に閉じる信号を出力し、ステップ７で給水弁７を閉じる制御のまま１秒経過するのを待つ。１秒経過するとＹＥＳとなりステップ８に移行し、給水弁復帰手段２１ｂは給水弁７に開く信号を出力し、ステップ９で給水弁７を開く制御のまま１秒経過するのを待つとともに、その間、流量計８によりパルスをカウントする。１秒経過するとＹＥＳとなりステップ１０で、流量計８が計測したパルス数が３回／秒以上かどうかを判断する。３回／秒以上ならステップ８、ステップ９で給水弁７を１秒開いている間に流量計８が水の通過を検知できたので、給水が復帰したとしてＹＥＳとなり給水弁復帰手段２１ｂの動作を終了し、給水弁異常判断手段２１ａが給水弁開放異常を検知する以前の動作を継続する。
【００２３】
反対に、ステップ１０で流量計８が計測したパルス数が３回／秒未満ならばＮＯとなりステップ１１に移行する。ステップ１１ではステップ６からステップ１０までの動作、つまり給水弁７を１秒間閉じた後、１秒間開く制御動作を８回繰り返したか判断する。まだ８回行っていなければＮＯとなりステップ６に戻って動作を繰り返す。反対に８回繰り返すとＹＥＳとなりステップ１２に移行して、ステップ１２では、給水弁７を１秒ごとに閉開を８回繰り替えしても給水弁７の開放異常からの復帰が確認できなかったとして、給水弁７を閉じた後、給水弁復帰手段２１ｂは給水弁異常ＬＥＤ２０ｇで給水弁７の開放異常を報知する。
【００２４】
図５は給水弁７の開放異常を報知している操作表示部２０の詳細図であり、給水弁７を開く制御中に給水弁異常になったことを点灯して表示する。
【００２５】
また、ステップ５で給水弁異常判断手段２１ａから受け取った給水弁異常の信号が、給水弁７を閉じる制御を行っているのに給水が確認された給水弁閉鎖異常ならばＮＯとなってステップ１３に移行する。ステップ１３では、給水弁７を閉じる制御中に給水弁閉鎖異常を検知したので給水弁７に開く信号を出力し、ステップ１４で給水弁７を開く制御のまま１秒経過するのを待つ。１秒経過するとＹＥＳとなりステップ１５に移行し、給水弁復帰手段２１ｂは給水弁７に閉じる信号を出力し、ステップ１６で給水弁７を閉じる制御のまま１秒経過するのを待つとともに、その間、流量計８によりパルスをカウントする。１秒経過するとＹＥＳとなりステップ１７で、流量計８が計測したパルス数が３回／秒未満か判断する。３回／秒未満ならステップ１５、ステップ１６で給水弁７を１秒閉じている間に流量計８が水の通過を検知しなかった、つまり給水弁７の制御に応じた結果となったとしてＹＥＳとなり給水弁復帰手段２１ｂの動作を終了し、給水弁異常判断手段２１ａが給水弁閉鎖異常を検知する以前の動作を継続する。
【００２６】
反対に、ステップ１７で流量計８が計測したパルス数が３回／秒以上ならばＮＯとなりステップ１８に移行する。ステップ１８ではステップ１３からステップ１７までの動作、つまり給水弁７を１秒間開いた後、１秒間閉じる制御動作を８回繰り返したか判断する。まだ８回行っていなければＮＯとなりステップ１３に戻って動作を繰り返す。反対に８回繰り返すとＹＥＳとなり、給水弁復帰手段２１ｂは給水弁７を１秒ごとに開閉を８回繰り替えしても給水弁７の閉鎖異常からの復帰が確認できなかったとして、給水弁異常ＬＥＤ２０ｇで給水弁７の閉鎖異常を報知する。
【００２７】
図６は給水弁７の閉鎖異常を報知している操作表示部２０の詳細図であり、給水弁７を閉じる制御中に給水弁異常になったことを点灯して表示する。
【００２８】
以上のように、本実施例によれば、マイクロコンピュータ２１が給水弁７を開く制御信号を出力して給水中、流量計８によって給水量が検知できない時は給水弁７の開放異常と、反対に給水弁７を閉じる制御信号を出力しているのに流量計８が給水を検知した時は給水弁７の閉鎖異常と判断する給水弁異常判断手段２１ａと、給水弁異常判断手段２１ａが給水弁異常と判断すると切替弁１６を加熱容器１０側に切り替えるとともに、給水弁７の開放異常または閉鎖異常に応じて、給水弁７を１秒毎に開閉制御して給水弁７の異常状態からの復帰を促し、それでも復帰ができなければ給水弁異常ＬＥＤ２０ｇを用いて、給水弁７の開放異常または閉鎖異常のどちらの異常が生じたかを知らせる給水弁復帰手段２１ｂを設けることにより、浄水手段５の交換時期を知らせるために設けた給水量検知手段であるところの流量計８を用い、給水弁７の異物噛み込み等による閉鎖異常、または錆付着等による開放異常の両方の弁異常が検知できるのでコスト的にも優れ、また給水弁７の開放異常または閉鎖異常を検知したときには、それぞれ給水弁７を反対方向に駆動して、短時間に給水弁７を開閉させることで生じる衝撃により、速やかに噛み込んだ異物や付着した錆等の除去を図ることができる。また給水弁７の異常状態が改善できなければ、その異常状態を表示して知らせることができるので、修理を行う際に使い勝手がよい。
【００２９】
なお、本実施例においては、給水弁７の開閉異常を検知する給水弁異常検知手段として、給水弁異常判断手段２１ａと給水量検知手段としての流量計８を用いたが、これに限らず、流量計８に代えて水道水の圧力を検知する圧力計等、その他の給水量検知手段を用いても何ら問題ない。
【００３０】
また、本実施例において、給水弁復帰手段２１ｂは給水弁７の復帰を図るのに、給水弁７を開く時間を１秒、閉じる時間を１秒、繰り返す回数を８回としたが、使用する給水弁の特性や設置場所の水圧に応じて時間及び回数をそれぞれ任意に変更しても問題はない。また、特に同じ時間で開閉する必要もない。
【００３１】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の給湯装置によれば、給水弁の錆付着による開放異常、異物噛み込みによる閉鎖異常両方の異常を検知でき、さらに給水弁の開閉を素早く複数回繰り返して生じる衝撃により、噛み込んだ異物を弾き飛ばし、または給水弁に付着した錆を剥がし、給水弁の開放異常または閉鎖異常の改善を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例における給湯装置の全体を示す断面図
【図２】同給湯装置における操作表示部の詳細を示す平面図
【図３】同給湯装置における給水弁異常判断手段のフローチャート
【図４】同給湯装置における給水弁復帰手段のフローチャート
【図５】同給湯装置における給水弁の開放異常を報知している操作表示部の平面図
【図６】同給湯装置における給水弁の閉鎖異常を報知している操作表示部の平面図
【符号の説明】
５浄水手段
７給水弁
８流量計（給水量検知手段）
１０加熱容器
１１給水経路
１６切替弁
２０ｇ給水弁異常ＬＥＤ（給水弁異常報知手段）
２１ａ給水弁異常判断手段
２１ｂ給水弁復帰手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a built-in type hot water supply device that is used by being incorporated into a kitchen system in a general household.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, although not a hot water supply device, an abnormality detecting means in a water supply valve control device is known. In this method, when a water supply valve is not closed when it should be closed, a poor closing is detected, the water supply valve is determined to be abnormal, and the power supply is shut off to close the water supply valve (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-313789
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional method, once it is determined that the closure is defective, the power supply is immediately shut off without improving the abnormal state. However, the situation where the water supply valve could not be completely closed continued. In addition, since only the closing failure of the water supply valve is detected, there is also a problem that, for example, rust adheres to the movable portion of the water supply valve, so that it is not possible to cope with an opening failure that does not open when it should be opened.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and to provide a hot water supply device that detects an abnormality of both a closing and an opening failure of a water supply valve and quickly recovers from an abnormal state of the water supply valve. And
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a hot water supply device of the present invention includes a water supply valve abnormality detection unit that detects an open / close abnormality of a water supply valve that controls water supply; and a water supply valve abnormality detection unit that detects a water supply valve open / close abnormality. A water supply valve return means for promptly repeating opening and closing of the valve a plurality of times to promote recovery from an abnormal state of the water supply valve.
[0007]
When a water supply valve abnormality is detected, which is either a closing abnormality due to foreign matter biting in the water supply valve or an opening abnormality due to rust adhesion, etc., the trapped foreign substance is repelled by repeatedly opening and closing the water supply valve. The purpose of the present invention is to improve the abnormal opening or closing of the water supply valve by skipping or removing the rust attached to the water supply valve.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 is a heating container that heats a liquid, a water supply valve that controls water supply provided in a water supply path from a water pipe to the heating container, and a water supply valve abnormality that detects opening / closing abnormality of the water supply valve. A hot water supply device comprising a detecting means and a water supply valve returning means for prompting a return from an abnormal state of the water supply valve by repeating opening and closing of the water supply valve a predetermined number of times when the water supply valve abnormality detecting means detects an open / close abnormality of the water supply valve. When a water supply valve abnormality is detected, either a closing abnormality due to foreign matter biting in the water supply valve or an opening abnormality due to rust adhesion, etc., the foreign matter that has been caught is repelled by repeatedly opening and closing the water supply valve. Or, the rust adhering to the water supply valve is peeled off, and the opening abnormality or the closing abnormality of the water supply valve is improved.
[0009]
In the invention according to claim 2, the abnormality detection by the water supply valve abnormality detection means is performed by the water supply amount detection means for detecting the amount of water supplied to the water purification means. Since the abnormality of the water supply valve can be detected by using the water supply amount detecting means for notifying the replacement time, it is advantageous in terms of cost without adding new parts.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the water supply valve return means, when the water supply valve abnormality detecting means determines that the water supply valve is closed in a control state of opening the water supply valve, the water supply valve is controlled to close for a predetermined time, and thereafter the water supply valve is reset for a predetermined time. The hot water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening control is repeated a predetermined number of times. When an opening abnormality that cannot be opened due to rust or the like adhering to the water supply valve is detected, control for immediately closing the water supply valve is performed. Control the opening of the valve and check whether the water supply valve is opened normally.If the opening is still abnormal, perform the control to close and open the water supply valve a predetermined number of times, and apply the impact caused by closing and opening the water supply valve. Remove rust. Therefore, it is possible to quickly improve and confirm the abnormality in opening the water supply valve.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the water supply valve returning means determines that the water supply valve is open in the control state in which the water supply valve abnormality detection means closes the water supply valve, the water supply valve return means controls the water supply valve to open for a predetermined time, and then controls the water supply valve for a predetermined time. The hot water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times. When the water supply valve detects a closing abnormality in which the water supply valve is caught by a foreign substance and cannot be closed, the water supply valve is opened immediately, and then the water supply is immediately performed. The valve is controlled to close, and it is checked whether the water supply valve is normally closed.If the water supply valve is still abnormally closed, the water supply valve is opened and closed again a predetermined number of times. Flicks off foreign objects that have been bitten. Therefore, it is possible to quickly improve and confirm the abnormality in closing the water supply valve.
[0012]
The invention according to claim 5 includes a water outlet for discharging the liquid that has passed through the water supply path, and a switching valve that guides the liquid that has passed through the water supply path to one of the heating container and the water outlet. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switching valve is switched to the heating vessel side during operation, so that the water supply valve returns to water while the water supply valve return means repeatedly opens and closes the water supply valve. Even if the water passes through, the water is poured into the heating container side, so that the user cannot visually recognize that the water supply valve return means is operating, and does not give extra uneasiness.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 6 is provided with a water supply valve abnormality notifying means for notifying that the water supply valve is open or closed when the return from the abnormal state of the water supply valve is not confirmed after the operation of the water supply valve return means. By providing the hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when an abnormality occurs in the water supply valve, the water supply valve can be opened or closed by the notification of the water supply valve abnormality notification means, It is also convenient when performing repairs.
[0014]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a kitchen unit installed in a home, and a purified water heating unit 2 is installed in the interior space. Reference numeral 3 denotes a water supply pipe serving as a water supply pipe, which is connected to a water supply port 4 facing the kitchen sink 14 of the kitchen unit 1 and a water purification means 5 made of a hollow fiber membrane or activated carbon for removing impurities in tap water. In a water supply path between the water pipe 3 and the water purification means 5, a water supply valve 7 for controlling water supply to the water purification means 5 and a water wheel built in by flowing water to supply water supplied by the water supply valve 7 are turned. There is provided a flow meter 8 which is a water supply amount detecting means for counting and measuring generated pulses. The tap water having passed through the water purification means 5 is poured via a water supply path 11 into a heating vessel 10 having a heater 9 for heating the water. The heating vessel 10 has a thermistor 12 which is a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water in the heating vessel 10, and a water level detecting means 13 which detects the water level in the heating vessel 10 because the potential between the electrodes changes depending on the presence or absence of water. Is provided.
[0016]
On the water supply path 11, there is provided a switching valve 16 that guides the water that has passed through the water purification means 5 to either the water purification pipe 15 that discharges the water to the kitchen sink 14 or the water supply path 11. Reference numeral 17 denotes a steam pipe for releasing steam generated from the heating vessel 10 to the kitchen sink 14. Reference numeral 18 denotes a pump for discharging hot water in the heating vessel 10 to a hot water pipe 19. The water purification pipe 15, the steam pipe 17, and the hot water pipe 19 described above are arranged facing the kitchen sink 14, similarly to the water tap 4. Reference numeral 20 denotes an operation display unit for notifying the discharge of hot water and purified water and various states, which is provided on the operation unit 1a at the top of the kitchen unit 1.
[0017]
Reference numeral 21 denotes a microcomputer which is a control means of the hot water supply apparatus. The microcomputer 21 includes a water supply valve 7 and a flow meter 8, a heater 9, a thermistor 12, a water level detecting means 13, a switching valve 16, a pump 18, an operation display unit 20, and the like. And controls the output of the water supply valve 7, the heater 9, the switching valve 16, and the pump 18 according to inputs from the flow meter 8, thermistor 12, water level detection means 13, and operation display unit 20. In the microcomputer 21, when the microcomputer 21 outputs a control signal to open the water supply valve 7 and the water supply amount cannot be detected by the flow meter 8 in spite of the fact that the water supply is being performed, the opening of the water supply valve 7 is abnormal. Conversely, when the flow meter 8 detects water supply while outputting a control signal for closing the water supply valve 7, the water supply valve abnormality determination means 21a determines that the water supply valve 7 is abnormally closed, and the water supply valve abnormality A water supply valve return means 21b is provided to control the opening and closing of the water supply valve 7 in response to the opening abnormality or the closing abnormality of the water supply valve 7 determined by the determination means 21a to urge the water supply valve 7 to return from the abnormal state.
[0018]
FIG. 2 shows details of the operation display unit 20 in the present embodiment. When the operation display unit 20a is turned ON, the connected microcomputer 21 switches the switching valve 16 to the water purification pipe 15 side and opens the water supply valve 7 to purify water. A water purification switch for discharging water, a microcomputer 21 connected when the switch 20b is turned on drives the pump 18 to discharge hot water in the heating vessel 10, and a switch 20b is enabled when the switch 20b is turned on. The lock release switch 20d is illuminated when the lock release switch 20c is turned on to indicate the state of the lock release switch 20d, the lock release LED 20e displays the water level detected by the water level detection means 13 and the microfloor 20f is When the water supply amount measured by the flow meter 8 by the computer 21 reaches 1000 liters When the water purification capacity of the water purification means 5 has been reached, a cartridge replacement LED that lights up and prompts replacement of the water purification means 5, and water supply 20 g is water supply valve abnormality notification means that illuminates and notifies an abnormality in opening or closing the water supply valve 7. This is a valve abnormality LED.
[0019]
The operation of the hot water supply apparatus configured as described above will be described. For example, when the hot water switch 20b is turned on to discharge hot water in the heating vessel 10 and the water level falls from full water, the water level detecting means 13 detects that the amount of hot water in the heating vessel 10 is small, and sends a signal to the microcomputer 21. Send to When the microcomputer 21 receives the signal indicating that the water level is low, the microcomputer 21 switches the switching valve 16 to the heating vessel 10 side, and opens the water supply valve 7 to enter a water supply state in which water is supplied into the heating vessel 10. Then, when the water level detecting means 13 detects that the water level is full and sends a signal to the microcomputer 21, the microcomputer 21 closes the water supply valve 7 to stop water supply, and turns on the heater 9 according to the water temperature detected by the thermistor 12. Controlled to keep the hot water hot. As described above, the high temperature hot water is always in a full state in the heating container 10, and is kept in a state where hot water can be discharged at any time.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the water supply valve abnormality determining means 21a will be described with reference to FIG. The water supply valve abnormality determining means 21a determines in step 1 whether the microcomputer 21 opens the water supply valve 7 to supply water. If water is supplied, the determination becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S2. In step 2, the flow meter 8 determines whether or not the water supply is actually being performed. If the number of pulses per second measured by the flow meter 8 is 3 or more, the water can pass through the flow meter 8 and the pulses can be counted, so the water supply was confirmed with the water supply valve 7 opened. The water supply valve 7 becomes normal, and returns to step 1 with YES to repeat the check of the water supply valve 7. Conversely, if the number of pulses per second measured by the flow meter 8 in step 2 is less than 3, the flow meter 8 could not confirm the passage of water even though the water supply valve 7 was being controlled, and the water supply valve 7 was normal. Is not open, the signal is output to the water supply valve return means 21b if the result is NO and the water supply valve 7 cannot be opened.
[0021]
If the microcomputer 21 does not supply water by closing the water supply valve 7 in step 1, the determination is NO and the process proceeds to step 3. In step 3, the flow meter 8 determines whether the water supply valve 7 is really closed. If the number of pulses per second measured by the flow meter 8 is less than 3 times, water has not passed through the flow meter 8 and water supply could not be confirmed by the control of closing the water supply valve 7, so the water supply valve 7 becomes normal. If the answer is YES, the process returns to step 1 and the check of the water supply valve 7 is repeated. Conversely, if the number of pulses per second measured by the flow meter 8 in step 3 is 3 or more, the flow meter 8 confirms the passage of water while the water supply valve 7 is being controlled to be closed. If it is not closed, the result is NO and if the water supply valve 7 cannot be closed, a signal is output to the water supply valve return means 21b.
[0022]
Next, the operation of the water supply valve return means 21b will be described with reference to FIG. When receiving the water supply valve abnormality signal from the water supply valve abnormality determination means 21a in step 4, the water supply valve return means 21b switches the switching valve 16 to the heating vessel 10 side and shifts to step 5. In step 5, it is determined whether or not the received water supply valve abnormality signal indicates that the water supply valve cannot be confirmed even though the water supply valve 7 is controlled to open the water supply valve 7. If the signal is a water supply valve opening abnormality signal, the result is YES. In step 6, a signal to close the water supply valve 7 is output since the water supply valve opening abnormality is detected during the control for opening the water supply valve 7, and the control for closing the water supply valve 7 is performed in step 7. Wait for one second to pass. When one second has elapsed, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step 8. The water supply valve return means 21b outputs a signal to open the water supply valve 7, and in step 9, waits for one second while the water supply valve 7 is being controlled to be open. The pulses are counted by the flow meter 8. If one second has elapsed, the determination becomes YES, and in step 10, it is determined whether or not the number of pulses measured by the flow meter 8 is 3 times / second or more. If it is 3 times / second or more, the flow meter 8 can detect the passage of water while the water supply valve 7 is opened for 1 second in steps 8 and 9, so it is determined that the water supply has been restored, and the result is YES, and the operation of the water supply valve return means 21b is performed. Is completed, and the operation before the water supply valve abnormality determination means 21a detects the water supply valve opening abnormality is continued.
[0023]
Conversely, if the number of pulses measured by the flow meter 8 in step 10 is less than 3 times / sec, the determination is NO and the process proceeds to step 11. In step 11, it is determined whether the operation from step 6 to step 10, that is, the control operation in which the water supply valve 7 is closed for one second and then opened for one second is repeated eight times. If the operation has not been performed eight times, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step 6 to repeat the operation. On the other hand, if the operation is repeated eight times, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to step 12. In step 12, even if the water supply valve 7 is repeatedly closed and opened every eight seconds, the return from the abnormal opening of the water supply valve 7 cannot be confirmed. After closing the water supply valve 7, the water supply valve return means 21b notifies the water supply valve abnormality LED 20g of the opening abnormality of the water supply valve 7.
[0024]
FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the operation display unit 20 that reports the opening abnormality of the water supply valve 7, and lights and displays that the water supply valve has become abnormal during the control of opening the water supply valve 7.
[0025]
If the signal of the water supply valve abnormality received from the water supply valve abnormality determination means 21a in step 5 indicates that the water supply valve has been confirmed to have been supplied while the control of closing the water supply valve 7 is being performed, the determination in step 13 is NO. Move to In step 13, since a water supply valve closing abnormality is detected during the control of closing the water supply valve 7, a signal to open the water supply valve 7 is output. In step 14, the control waits for one second to elapse while the water supply valve 7 is kept open. When one second has elapsed, the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step 15, and the water supply valve return means 21b outputs a signal to close the water supply valve 7, and in step 16, the control waits for one second to elapse with the water supply valve 7 closed. The pulses are counted by the flow meter 8. If one second has elapsed, the determination becomes YES, and in step 17, it is determined whether the number of pulses measured by the flow meter 8 is less than 3 times / second. If it is less than 3 times / sec, the flow meter 8 does not detect the passage of water while the water supply valve 7 is closed for one second in steps 15 and 16, that is, the result is in accordance with the control of the water supply valve 7. If YES, the operation of the water supply valve return means 21b is terminated, and the operation before the water supply valve abnormality determination means 21a detects the water supply valve closing abnormality is continued.
[0026]
Conversely, if the number of pulses measured by the flow meter 8 in step 17 is 3 times / sec or more, the determination is NO and the process proceeds to step 18. In step 18, it is determined whether the operation from step 13 to step 17, that is, the control operation of opening the water supply valve 7 for one second and then closing it for one second has been repeated eight times. If the operation has not been performed eight times, the determination is NO, and the process returns to step 13 to repeat the operation. On the other hand, if the operation is repeated eight times, the result is YES, and the water supply valve returning means 21b determines that the water supply valve 7 has not been restored from the closed abnormality even if the water supply valve 7 is repeatedly opened and closed eight times every one second. An abnormality of the closing of the water supply valve 7 is notified by the LED 20g.
[0027]
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the operation display unit 20 which notifies the abnormality of the closing of the water supply valve 7, and lights and displays that the water supply valve has become abnormal during the control of closing the water supply valve 7.
[0028]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the microcomputer 21 outputs the control signal for opening the water supply valve 7 and the water supply amount cannot be detected by the flow meter 8 during the water supply, the opening abnormality of the water supply valve 7 is opposite. The water supply valve abnormality judging means 21a judges that the water supply valve 7 is abnormally closed when the flow meter 8 detects water supply even though the control signal for closing the water supply valve 7 is output, and the water supply valve abnormality judgment means 21a supplies water. When it is determined that the valve is abnormal, the switching valve 16 is switched to the heating vessel 10 side, and the water supply valve 7 is controlled to open and close every second in response to the opening abnormality or the closing abnormality of the water supply valve 7, and the water supply valve 7 is changed from the abnormal state. A water supply valve returning means 21b is provided for prompting the return and, if the recovery is still not possible, using the water supply valve abnormality LED 20g to indicate whether the water supply valve 7 has opened or closed. Using a flow meter 8, which is a water supply amount detecting means provided to notify the replacement time of the valve 5, detects both a valve abnormality such as a closing abnormality due to a foreign matter biting in the water supply valve 7 or an opening abnormality due to rust adhesion or the like. It is also excellent in cost because it is possible, and when an abnormality of opening or closing of the water supply valve 7 is detected, the water supply valve 7 is driven in the opposite direction to cause the impact by opening and closing the water supply valve 7 in a short time, It is possible to promptly remove the foreign matter caught, the rust, and the like that have been stuck. Further, if the abnormal state of the water supply valve 7 cannot be improved, the abnormal state can be displayed and notified, so that it is easy to use when performing repair.
[0029]
In this embodiment, the water supply valve abnormality detection means 21a and the flow meter 8 as the water supply amount detection means are used as the water supply valve abnormality detection means for detecting the open / close abnormality of the water supply valve 7, but are not limited thereto. There is no problem in using other water supply amount detecting means such as a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure of tap water instead of the flow meter 8.
[0030]
Further, in the present embodiment, the water supply valve returning means 21b sets the time for opening the water supply valve 7 for 1 second, the time for closing it for 1 second, and the number of times of repetition 8 times in order to return the water supply valve 7, but it is used. There is no problem even if the time and the number of times are arbitrarily changed according to the characteristics of the water supply valve and the water pressure at the installation location. In addition, there is no need to open and close in the same time.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the hot water supply device of the present invention, it is possible to detect both an abnormality of opening of the water supply valve due to rust adhesion and an abnormality of closing of the water supply valve due to being caught by a foreign substance. In addition, the foreign matter that has been bitten can be flipped off or the rust attached to the water supply valve can be peeled off, thereby improving the opening abnormality or closing abnormality of the water supply valve.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the entire hot water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing details of an operation display unit in the hot water supply apparatus; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a water supply valve return means in the water heater. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an operation display unit for notifying an abnormal opening of the water supply valve in the water heater. Plan view of the operation display unit that reports an abnormality [Description of reference numerals]
5 Water purification means 7 Water supply valve 8 Flow meter (water supply amount detection means)
10 Heating vessel 11 Water supply path 16 Switching valve 20g Water supply valve abnormality LED (water supply valve abnormality notification means)
21a Water supply valve abnormality determination means 21b Water supply valve return means

Claims

A heating vessel for heating the liquid, a water supply valve for controlling water supply provided in a water supply path from the water pipe to the heating vessel, a water supply valve abnormality detecting means for detecting an open / close abnormality of the water supply valve, and a water supply valve abnormality detection means A hot water supply device having a water supply valve return means for repeating opening and closing of the water supply valve a predetermined number of times when the water supply valve detects an open / close abnormality of the water supply valve, thereby prompting a return from the abnormal state of the water supply valve.

The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality detection by the water supply valve abnormality detection unit is performed by a water supply amount detection unit that detects a water supply amount to the water purification unit.

The water supply valve return means repeats a control for closing the water supply valve for a predetermined time and a control for opening the water supply valve for a predetermined number of times when the water supply valve abnormality detection means determines that the water supply valve is closed in a control state of opening the water supply valve a predetermined number of times. Or the hot water supply apparatus according to 2.

The water supply valve return means controls the water supply valve to be opened for a predetermined time and repeats the control to close the water supply valve for a predetermined number of times when the water supply valve abnormality detection means determines that the water supply valve is open in a control state of closing the water supply valve a predetermined number of times. Or the hot water supply apparatus according to 2.

A water outlet for discharging the liquid that has passed through the water supply path, and a switching valve that guides the liquid that has passed through the water supply path to either the heating container or the water outlet, and the switching valve is connected to the heating container during operation of the water supply valve return means. The hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hot water supply apparatus is switched to:

The water supply valve abnormality notifying means for notifying the water supply valve of the opening abnormality or the closing abnormality of the water supply valve after the operation of the water supply valve is completed and the return from the abnormal state of the water supply valve is not confirmed, is provided. The hot water supply device according to claim 1.