JP2004230097A - Electric kettle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric kettle which has an improved usability by diminishing user's unpleasantness even if commercial power supply is no longer provided during its mode for abnormality. <P>SOLUTION: This electric kettle has a back-up power supply 21. When commercial power supply is cut off during a mode for abnormality, the kettle constitution maintains its abnormality display on a display means 19 until a predetermined time passes. Therefore, flickering happening when commercial power supply is no longer provided can be prevented. Accordingly, unpleasantness is not given to its user and its usability can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric water heater that displays an abnormality when a commercial power supply is cut off during an abnormality mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an electric water heater that performs an abnormality display when an abnormality occurs in an electric pump or the like when commercial power is supplied (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H5-154044
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, although an abnormal display is performed, there is no mention of a case where the commercial power supply is stopped during the abnormal display, and the conventional apparatus does not consider usability.
[0005]
The present invention solves the above-described conventional problem, and prevents the user from feeling flickering when the commercial power supply is stopped during the abnormal mode, by immediately switching the display content from the abnormal display to another. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric water heater that eliminates a sense of incongruity and improves usability.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the electric water heater of the present invention is provided with an abnormality display when the supply of the commercial power is terminated until a predetermined time elapses, if the commercial power is not supplied while the abnormal state in the abnormal mode is displayed. Is maintained.
[0007]
As a result, it is possible to prevent a sense of flicker occurring when commercial power is no longer supplied, eliminate a sense of discomfort given to the user, and improve usability.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 is an electric water heater having a configuration in which a backup power supply is provided, and when the commercial power supply is cut off during the abnormal mode, the abnormality display is maintained until a predetermined time elapses. It is possible to prevent the flickering that occurs when the supply is stopped, to eliminate the discomfort, and to improve the usability.
Can be
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the electric water heater according to the first aspect displays the elapsed time together with the abnormality display, so that it is possible to know the elapsed time since the supply of commercial power is stopped. Convenience and functionality can be improved.
[0010]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the electric water heater according to the second aspect is configured to blink only the abnormality display, so that even if the commercial power is not supplied, the commercial power is supplied. It is possible to emphasize the fact that something was wrong, and to improve usability.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electric water heater according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the display is not performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Power consumption can be reduced.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the electric water heater according to the second or third aspect of the present invention is configured to display only the elapsed time after the predetermined time has elapsed, so that the elapsed time since the supply of commercial power is stopped. Can be known, and the convenience of display can be improved.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the electric water heater according to any one of the first to third aspects has a configuration in which the display is turned on and off after a lapse of a predetermined time. The power consumption after the power supply is stopped can be reduced, and the elapsed time and the fact that the power supply is abnormal during the commercial power supply can be notified, thereby improving the usability.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the electric power heater according to any one of the first to third aspects has a configuration in which after a predetermined time has elapsed, the abnormality display is terminated and the temperature is displayed. It is possible to know the temperature of the liquid in the water heater container after a lapse of a predetermined time after the supply is stopped, so that the convenience of the display means can be improved.
[0015]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the electric water heater according to the seventh aspect displays the elapsed time together with the temperature display, so that the elapsed time since the commercial power supply is stopped can be known. And the convenience and functionality of the display means can be improved.
[0016]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the electric water heater according to the eighth aspect has a configuration in which the display is blinked, so that power consumption after the supply of the commercial power is stopped can be reduced.
[0017]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electric water heater according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, wherein the abnormality display is terminated and the temperature is displayed when the condition for returning from the abnormal mode is satisfied. If the abnormal condition is canceled even after the supply of commercial power is stopped, it is possible to know the temperature of the liquid in the water heater container even if the predetermined time has not elapsed, thereby improving the functionality of the display means. Can be.
[0018]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 shows an electric water heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0020]
In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a water heater that heats and holds the water contained therein, 2 denotes a heating means including a 925 W main heater for heating the water heater 1 and a 75 W heat retaining heater, and 3 denotes a tapping motor that drives a pump 4. It is. The tapping motor 3 and the pump 4 are magnetically coupled to each other, thereby forming tapping means for discharging tap water from the tapping vessel 1 through the tap 6 through the water pipe 5. Numeral 7 is a water amount detecting means which comprises an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted opposite to the water pipe 5, and comprises detecting means 7a, 7b and 7c for detecting three levels of water amount. The detecting means 7a is installed at a full water level, the detecting means 7b is installed at an intermediate water level, and the detecting means 7c is installed at a position where the heating means 2 is stopped in order to prevent the water heater 1 from being empty. Water supply detection is performed.
[0021]
Numeral 8 denotes a water supply container containing water for supplying water to the water heater container 1, which is integrated with the pump 9 and the water supply pipe 11 so as to be detachable from the equipment body 16. Reference numeral 10 denotes a water supply motor magnetically coupled to the pump 9. By driving the water supply motor 10, the water in the water supply container 8 is supplied to the water heater 1 via the water supply pipe 11. The pump 9 and the water supply motor 10 constitute a water supply means for boiling the water in the water supply container 8 and supplying the water to the container 1. Reference numeral 12 denotes a tapping switch operated by a user to instruct the tapping, a lock release switch 13 to permit acceptance of the tapping switch 12, a temperature detecting means 14 for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the water heater container 1, and 15 Is an attachment / detachment sensor for detecting attachment / detachment of the water supply container 8.
[0022]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a power supply plug for supplying commercial power, and reference numeral 18 denotes the influence of light such as a fluorescent lamp or sunlight, or the refractive index of hot water, although the amount of hot water has detected the detecting means 7a or more. Abnormal mode transition control means 19 for controlling the mode to transition to the abnormal mode (water level sensor abnormal mode in the present embodiment) when it is detected as being equal to or more than the detecting means 7 and less than the detecting means 7c due to a failure of 7c, etc. A display means (LCD in this embodiment) for displaying an abnormal state while the mode is the abnormal mode by the abnormal mode transition control means 18, a display control means 20 for controlling the display means 19, and 21 when the commercial power is not supplied. , A backup power supply composed of a primary battery that supplies power to the display control means 20, and 22 measures the elapsed time from the start of power supply by the backup power supply 21 Is that measurement means.
[0023]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The operation starts when the commercial power supply is turned on by inserting the power plug 17 into the outlet, and if the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 14 is lower than 85 ° C., the water heating operation is performed. First, when the amount of water in the kettle 1 is smaller than the amount of the detecting means 7c, the heating of the heating means 2 is stopped. The water supply means 9 and 10 automatically start water supply when the amount of water in the water heater container 1 is smaller than that of the detection means 7a and the attachment / detachment sensor 15 detects that the water supply container 8 is attached. When it is, stop water supply. The heating means 2 starts heating when the amount of water exceeds the water supply detecting means 7c, and thereafter, heating by the main heater of the heating means 2 until the boiling is detected by the temperature detecting means 14. After the boiling detection, the heating means 2 is kept warm. The temperature is kept at 98 ° C. by a heater.
[0024]
Here, when the tapping means 3 and 4 are operated, the hot water passes through the water pipe 5 and the tap hole 6, so that the water amount detected by the water amount detecting means 7 always detects that there is a water amount up to the full water detecting means 7a. For this reason, the configuration is such that the detection of the amount of hot water in the water heater 1 by the water amount detecting means 7 is prohibited during tapping.
[0025]
During the operation of keeping the temperature at 98 ° C., when the hot water is repeatedly supplied from the time of full water, the amount of hot water in the water heater container 1 decreases. When the water supply is performed, the water supply by the water supply means 9 and 10 is not performed. Then, the amount of hot water is detected to be less than the detection means 7b, and the attachment / detachment sensor 15 detects that the water supply container 8 is attached, and the water supply operation by the water supply means 9, 10 is started three minutes after the detection. .
[0026]
Thereafter, when the water supply means 9 and 10 are detected, the water supply means 9 and 10 are stopped. During the water supply or after the water supply is completed, the water temperature drops as a result of the water supply. When this is detected, heating by the heating means 2 is started.
[0027]
The display control means 20 controls the display means 19 and displays the temperature of the hot water in the kettle 1 detected by the temperature detecting means 14. However, when the mode is shifted to the water level sensor abnormal mode by the abnormal mode shift control means 18, the display control means 20 controls the display means 19, and the display of the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature detecting means 14 is stopped. The display switches to the display of the water level sensor abnormality mode determined based on the results detected in 7a, 7b, and 7c. At this time, even if the commercial power is not supplied due to the removal of the power plug 17 or the like, the operation can be continued by the backup power supply 21, the power is supplied, and the display control means 20 displays the water level sensor on the display means 19. Continue to display the error display.
[0028]
Further details will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the first embodiment.
[0029]
When the measuring unit 22 detects that the commercial power supply has been turned off in step 1, the measuring unit 22 starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the power supply by the backup power supply 21. Until the detection of the lapse of a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) in step 2, the display of the water level sensor abnormality at the time when the supply of the commercial power supply ends in step 3 is maintained. After detecting the progress, the display by the display means 19 can be updated in step 4.
[0030]
In this embodiment, the heat retention temperature is 98 ° C., but may be 85 ° C., 60 ° C., or another temperature such as lower than this, and this temperature varies depending on the configuration of the equipment. In addition, although the heat retention temperature is set to a single value of 98 ° C., a plurality of temperatures such as 98 ° C., 85 ° C., and 60 ° C. may be provided so that the user can select the temperature.
[0031]
In this embodiment, the water level sensor abnormality mode is determined only by the combination of the water amount detection means 7a and 7c as the abnormality mode. However, the water level of the water heater 1 is less than the detection means 7c, and the water supply container 8 is The water supply mode may be set to shift to when the water supply container 8 is empty, even when it is detected that the water supply container 8 is not mounted or when it is detected that the water supply container 8 is mounted. Alternatively, the water supply abnormality mode may be set to occur due to a step-out or failure of the water supply means 9, 10. Alternatively, an abnormal high temperature mode may be set when the temperature of the liquid detected by the temperature detecting means 14 becomes 121 ° C. or higher.
[0032]
With the above-described configuration, for 30 seconds after the power supply is started to be supplied from the backup power supply 21, the abnormality display at the time when the supply of the commercial power supply is finished is maintained, and the display unit 19 immediately disconnects the power plug 17. It is possible to prevent flickering caused by switching of display contents, to eliminate uncomfortable feeling, and to improve usability.
[0033]
(Example 2)
Second Embodiment An electric water heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the second embodiment.
[0034]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the display control means 20 displays both the time measured by the measurement means 22 in steps 3 and 5 and the water level sensor abnormality display on the display means 19. It is.
[0035]
With the above-described configuration, the user can know, for 30 seconds after the commercial power is not supplied, the abnormal time when the commercial power is supplied and the elapsed time after the commercial power is turned off. Thus, it is possible to easily imagine the state of the hot water in the water heater container 1, and it is possible to improve the convenience and functionality of the display.
[0036]
(Example 3)
Third Embodiment An electric water heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the third embodiment.
[0037]
This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the display means 22 blinks only the water level sensor abnormality every 0.5 seconds in step 6. In this embodiment, the blinking is performed every 0.5 seconds. However, the blinking period may be 0.2 seconds or 1.0 seconds.
[0038]
With the above configuration, even when the commercial power is not supplied, the user can be informed that the hot water in the kettle 1 was in an abnormal state of the water level sensor when the commercial power was supplied. Can be used, and the usability is improved.
[0039]
(Example 4)
Fourth Embodiment An electric water heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the fourth embodiment.
[0040]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the display by the display unit 22 is not performed in step 7 after the time measured by the measurement unit 22 in step 2 has passed 30 seconds.
[0041]
With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the power consumption after the commercial power supply is stopped and extend the time during which the device can operate with the backup power supply 21.
[0042]
(Example 5)
Embodiment 5 An electric water heater according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the fifth embodiment.
[0043]
The difference between the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that after the time measured by the measuring means 22 in step 2 has passed 30 seconds, the display by the display means 22 in step 8 is only the elapsed time measured by the measuring means 22. That is to do.
[0044]
With the above configuration, the elapsed time since the commercial power supply was turned off can be known as long as the backup power supply 21 has a service life, and the convenience of display can be improved.
[0045]
(Example 6)
Sixth Embodiment An electric water heater according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the display by the display unit 22 blinks after the time measured by the measurement unit 22 has elapsed for 30 seconds.
[0046]
With the above configuration, when the elapsed time measured by the measuring means 22 and the commercial power supply are supplied, it is possible to notify that the water level sensor is in an abnormal state. It is also possible to reduce the power consumption after the operation is stopped, thereby improving the usability.
[0047]
(Example 7)
Seventh Embodiment An electric water heater according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the seventh embodiment.
[0048]
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that after 30 seconds have elapsed from the time measured by the measuring means 22 in step 2, the display means 22 stops displaying the abnormality in step 9, and the temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means 14. That is, the temperature display is performed.
[0049]
With the above configuration, 30 seconds after the supply of the commercial power is stopped, the temperature of the hot water in the kettle 1 is known so that, for example, even if the state of the hot water in the container 1 is not abnormal when the commercial power is supplied. Regardless, even if the power plug 17 is turned off, for example, when the water level sensor abnormality mode is entered due to erroneous detection or failure of the water amount detection means 7, it is possible to automatically switch to the temperature display after 30 seconds. Convenience and functionality can be improved.
[0050]
(Example 8)
An electric water heater according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the electric water heater in the eighth embodiment.
[0051]
The present embodiment is different from the seventh embodiment in that after 30 seconds have elapsed in the time measured by the measuring means 22 in step 2, the display control means 20 determines in step 10 the time measured by the measuring means 22 and the temperature. The display means 19 displays both of the temperature indications detected by the detection means 14.
[0052]
With the above configuration, 30 seconds after the commercial power supply is stopped, by knowing both the elapsed time since the commercial power supply was not supplied and the liquid temperature, for example, after the commercial power supply was stopped. Even when a long time such as one hour has elapsed, the user can easily imagine the state of the hot water in the container 1, and the convenience of display can be improved.
[0053]
(Example 9)
Embodiment 9 An electric water heater according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the eighth embodiment in that the display by the display means 19 is performed by blinking.
[0054]
With the above configuration, the lighting time of the display unit 19 can be reduced, the power consumption of the backup power supply 21 can be reduced, and the life of the primary battery constituting the backup power supply 21 can be extended.
[0055]
(Example 10)
Embodiment 10 An electric water heater according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the electric water heater in the tenth embodiment.
[0056]
The difference between the present embodiment and the eighth embodiment is that even when the commercial power is not supplied, the detection by the water amount detecting means 7a, 7b and 7c is performed, and if the result is normal in the step 11, it is displayed in the step 12. Means 19 terminates the abnormal display and displays the temperature of the hot water in the water heater container 1 detected by the temperature detecting means 14.
[0057]
With the above configuration, if the abnormal state is released even after the commercial power supply is stopped, it is possible to know the temperature of the hot water in the water heater container 1 even if 30 seconds have not elapsed, and the display is convenient. Can be improved.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the electric water heater of the present invention maintains the abnormal display when the supply of the commercial power is terminated for a predetermined time after the commercial power is stopped during the abnormal display in the abnormal mode. The flickering caused by the content being switched from the abnormal display to another immediately can be prevented, the discomfort given to the user can be eliminated, and the usability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electric water heater in Embodiments 1 to 10 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 7 [FIG. 8] Flowchart of an electric water heater in Embodiment 8 of the present invention [FIG. 9] Flowchart of electric water heater in Embodiment 10 of the present invention [Description of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water container 2 Heating means 3 Hot water motor (hot water means)
4 pumps (water supply means)
7 Water amount detection means 8 Water supply container 9 Pump (water supply means)
10 Water supply motor (water supply means)
14 Temperature detection means 18 Abnormal mode transition control means 19 Display means 20 Display control means 21 Backup power supply 22 Measurement means

Claims (10)

An electric water heater having a backup power supply and configured to maintain an abnormal display until a predetermined time elapses when commercial power is cut off during the abnormal mode. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the elapsed time is displayed together with the abnormality display. 3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein only the abnormality display is blinked. The electric kettle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display is not performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. 4. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein after the predetermined time has elapsed, only the elapsed time is displayed. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display is blinked after a predetermined time has elapsed. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein after a predetermined time has elapsed, the abnormality display is terminated and the temperature is displayed. The electric water heater according to claim 7, wherein after the predetermined time has elapsed, the elapsed time is displayed together with the temperature display. 9. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein the display is blinked. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein when the condition for returning from the abnormal mode is satisfied, the abnormal display is terminated and the temperature is displayed.

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