JP2004245159A - Automatic water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic water supply device responding to filling having various capacities for housing or business use, and simplifying operation by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic water supply device comprises: an electric open/close valve electrically opening/closing water supply; a first operation part instructing the electric open/close valve to open/close and thereby to start/stop the water supply; a second operation part setting a timer time; a control part having a timer function for instructing electric open/close valve to make water automatically stop when the timer time set by the second operation part has elapsed; and a time display part displaying the timer time. When the water is automatically stopped when the timer time set by the second operation part has elapsed, or when the water is stopped by operating the first operating part in the middle of the timer time before the set timer time has elapsed, setting of the timer time is returned to a time set by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic water supply apparatus that is used in a watering space such as a bathroom, a washroom, and a kitchen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there are many automatic water supply devices that have a valve that is electrically opened and closed in the water channel of the water supply device, and that controls the opening and closing of the valve by operation of a sensor, a switch, or the like. Furthermore, various forms of automatic water supply devices have been considered by adding various devices to the control device for controlling the valve.
[0003]
For example, the water supply time can be adjusted, it has a timer function with a display unit that displays the water supply time, a switch that sets the water supply time, a switch that starts operation, etc., and discharges water for the time set by the user An automatic water supply apparatus has been considered that can stop water supply arbitrarily with a reset switch that makes the display unit zero. (For example, Patent Document 1)
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-16168
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, these methods have the following problems.
About the water supply apparatus which has a timer function, when storing water especially in the bathtub of a bathroom, it is effective. Bathtubs vary from small residential tubs to large public bath tubs, and the time required for water varies considerably. Therefore, it is necessary to considerably expand the setting range of the timer time. In the above-described prior art, a display unit for displaying the water supply time is provided, and if the display unit can display for a long time, it is possible to cope with it.
[0006]
However, since it can be set for a long time when used in a small bathtub, if the user mistakenly sets for a long time, more water will flow than expected, which is the worst In the case of overflow from the bathtub.
[0007]
Moreover, when there are an unspecified number of users, a long time is set by mischief, and it is conceivable that the user overflows from the bathtub as described above.
[0008]
In addition, the time display unit is always zero when the time display unit is set to zero via the reset switch and the water supply is stopped and arbitrarily opened or closed. The water supply time must be set before starting the water supply. In the case of water for the bathtub, the amount of water to be drowned is almost constant with almost no change, and setting the time for each time is troublesome and may cause a user to make a setting error.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to set a water supply time corresponding to water for bathtubs of various capacities such as residential use and business use. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic water supply apparatus that is easy to operate and includes means for preventing tampering by an unspecified number of users.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the water supply apparatus of the first invention, an electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes water supply, a first operation unit that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close and starts and stops water supply, A second operation unit for setting a timer time, a control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when the timer time set by the second operation unit has elapsed, and display the timer time A time display unit, and when the automatic water stop occurs after the timer time set in the second operation unit has elapsed, or the first operation unit is operated in the middle without the timer time setting When the water is stopped, the timer time is set back to the time set by the user.
[0011]
By adopting such a configuration, even if the user stops the water automatically when water is used, or even if the user stops the water on the way, the time setting returns to the originally set time after the water stop, The user does not need to set the time each time it is used, and it is possible only by the operation of the first operation unit, which is simple. Also, since there is no need to set the time every time it is used, the user's time setting is not mistaken.
[0012]
In the water supply apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, an electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation unit that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close to start and stop water supply, and a timer time are set. A second operation unit, a control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the second operation unit has elapsed, a time display unit for displaying the timer time, When the control unit provides at least one set stop time between the shortest set time and the longest set time of the timer time, and performs a setting operation of the timer time that is longer than the set stop time to a longer time Or a control means for requesting a special operation different from a normal timer time setting operation when performing a timer time setting operation that is shorter than the set stop time. It is characterized in that there.
[0013]
With this configuration, if you are using a small bathtub for home use, etc., it will not be set longer than the set stop time in normal operation. There is no worry. It is desirable to set the set stop time in consideration of residential use. This makes it possible to use a large bathtub such as a public bath and a small bathtub for a house with a water supply apparatus having the same specifications.
[0014]
In the water supply apparatus of the third invention, the second operation unit has a switch for increasing and decreasing the set time of the timer time, and the special operation is a state in which the set stop time is set, and at least those It is characterized in that it is an operation of pressing any one of the switches for a predetermined time or more.
[0015]
By adopting such a configuration, the second operation unit need only be configured with a switch for increasing and decreasing the set time of the timer time, and it is not necessary to provide a separate switch for a special operation, and there is no increase in cost. In addition, since there are only switches necessary for normal operation on the appearance, there is no worry that the user's operation will be confused.
[0016]
In the water supply apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, an electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation unit that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close to start and stop water supply, and a timer time are set. A second operation unit, a control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the second operation unit has elapsed, a time display unit for displaying the timer time, The control unit is characterized in that a setting for rejecting acceptance of the second operation unit for changing the set time of the timer time is made possible.
[0017]
By adopting such a configuration, the user can only start and stop the water supply, and there is no fear of overflowing from the bathtub due to water being discharged for a different time than expected due to misuse or mischief of the user. Since the time for the water to the bathtub is almost unchanged and constant, it is effective in a place where an unspecified number of users are supposed to be misused.
[0018]
In the water supply apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the setting for refusing acceptance of the second operation part is performed by continuously pressing the first operation part for a certain period of time, and when the first operation part is pressed, the electric on-off valve is opened. It is characterized by having a control means for changing the water discharge state by closing the electric on-off valve when the water supply state is set and the setting of the first operation unit is continued by pressing.
[0019]
By adopting such a configuration, a switch for setting acceptance refusal can be shared with the first operation unit, and it is not necessary to newly provide a switch, so that there is no cost increase. In addition, since there are no special switches, there are no switches that are necessary for normal operation on the appearance, so there is no fear that the operation of the user will be confused. Furthermore, when the setting is completed, it is possible to visually notify that the setting is completed by closing the electric on-off valve and stopping water discharge.
[0020]
Embodiment
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the water supply apparatus of the present invention. Hot water and water supplied from a hot water supply joint 1 and a water supply joint 2 connected to a water supply device main body (not shown) are mixed by a thermostat valve (not shown) in the water supply device main body and provided in the water supply device main body. Water is discharged from a water outlet provided at the tip of the currant 3 through an electric on-off valve (not shown). The user can adjust the desired temperature by turning the temperature adjustment handle 4 provided in the thermostat valve portion. The exterior of the water supply device body is covered with an upper cover 5 and a lower cover 6 that are divided by a through hole of the temperature control handle 4 part, and the electric on-off valve is installed inside the cover. The electric on-off valve is controlled by a controller 7 provided on the upper cover 5, and water discharge / water stop can be performed by pressing a take-off switch 7 a that is a first operation unit provided on the controller 7. The controller 7 is supplied with power from a dry battery in a dry battery case (not shown) housed in the cover.
[0021]
On the controller 7, a time display unit 7b for displaying the remaining time of water discharge and an increase switch 7c and a decrease switch 7d as second operation units for changing the water discharge time are provided. The user can display the time display unit 7b. If the time is set in advance using the increase switch 7c and the decrease switch 7d, the water can be discharged for a certain period of time and automatically stopped by simply pressing the stop switch 7a. At this time, the time display unit 7b returns to a preset time display. Further, when the user stops the water discharge by pushing the stop switch 7a during the water discharge, the display returns to the preset time display. Thus, once the user sets the water discharge time, the user can simply use the stop switch 7a for the next use, and the operation is simple.
[0022]
Further, an on-off valve (not shown) is disposed on the opposite side of the temperature control handle 4 in a flow path different from the currant 3, and the water supply device is operated by operating the on-off handle 8 provided in the on-off valve portion. Water is discharged from a shower (not shown) connected to a water outlet provided at another position of the main body.
[0023]
The time display portion 7b is composed of a portion for displaying a two-digit number and a portion representing a unit, and “minute” is usually displayed for the unit. Further, “second” units can also be displayed, and can be switched by simultaneously pressing a set time increase switch 7c and a decrease switch 7d for a predetermined time. As a result, the setting time can be from 1 second, which is the shortest, to 99 minutes, which is the longest, so that it can be used for various purposes. In addition, the display part may be a two-digit part and the unit of “minute” or “second”, and when the area of the display part is limited, the size of the character can be increased as much as possible. Can also be improved.
[0024]
Further, when the set stop time is set to 30 minutes, the set time increase switch 7c is pushed to increase the number, and when “30 minutes” is displayed, the number does not increase any more. At this point, one end of the increase switch 7c is released and the increase switch 7c is pressed again for a predetermined time or more, so that the setting of “30 minutes” or more can be made. The setting of “30 minutes” is a maximum setting value when used in a bathtub for a house at a low water pressure, and is a value that is appropriately set according to the type and usage of the faucet fitting. As a result, when it is used for residential purposes, it is normally used only for up to 30 minutes, and even if a setting error occurs, there is no worry of overflowing from the bathtub and damaging household items. In addition, in the case of a large bathtub such as a public bath, it is only necessary to set it for “30 minutes” or more, and the same faucet fitting for ordinary houses can be used without making a special specification product.
[0025]
Further, when the stop switch 7a is continuously pressed for a certain period of time, specifically for 3 seconds in a state where water supply is stopped, water supply starts once, and then water supply is stopped. As a result, the setting time increase switch 7c and the decrease switch 7d cannot be operated, and the setting time cannot be changed. It is possible to change the set time by performing the same operation during the still water from this state. In a state where the setting time cannot be changed, only the user who knows how to use can change the setting time.For example, in a place where a large number of unspecified users are expected, incorrect settings are made due to mischief or misoperation, and overflow from the bathtub There is no worry to do.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the water supply apparatus of the present invention. It should be noted that the stop switch 7a, the time display portion 7b, the increase switch 7c, and the decrease switch 7d are simply indicated as “water discharge switch”, “display portion”, “+ switch”, and “−switch” in the drawing. . When the power is turned on, check whether the display is in "minutes" or "seconds". The display in units of “seconds” will be described later. When the “minute” unit is confirmed, an initial value is displayed on the time display portion 7b. What is necessary is just to set an initial value suitably according to a use application (for example, 10 minutes). Subsequently, the setting time increase switch 7c and decrease switch 7d are accepted. As for the increase switch 7c, it is confirmed whether or not the display unit is “30 minutes” as shown in the flow surrounded by the dotted-line square portion 9. If it is not “30 minutes”, it is increased. If so, it is confirmed whether there is an operation of releasing one hand and pressing again for 5 seconds. If there is the above operation, an increase from “30 minutes” is accepted. The time of 5 seconds is a time that is appropriately set according to the intended use. As for the decrease switch 7d, the amount of water is reduced by the operation, and it does not overflow from the bathtub due to the difference in operation.
[0027]
Further, as shown in the flow surrounded by the dotted square 10, it is confirmed whether or not the increase switch 7 c and the decrease switch 7 d are pressed at the same time. If the switch is pressed continuously for 5 seconds, the flow is switched to “second” unit. The time of 5 seconds is a time that is appropriately set according to the intended use. The flow in “seconds” will be described later.
[0028]
When the time setting is completed, the stop switch 7a is accepted. When the input of the stop switch 7a is received, first, an open output to the electric on-off valve is performed and water discharge starts. Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not the stop switch 7a is released. As shown in the flow surrounded by the dotted square 11, it is confirmed whether the stop switch 7 a is continuously pressed for 3 seconds, and if it is pressed, the closed output to the electric on-off valve is performed and the water discharge is terminated, and the display 7 b The time set by the user is prohibited from accepting the increase switch 7c and the decrease switch 7d. Further, if the stop switch 7a is continuously pressed for 3 seconds in a state where the reception is prohibited, the reception can be changed to be permitted.
[0029]
If the stop switch 7a is released after the start of water discharge, the water discharge time is counted and the display on the display unit 7b is subtracted every minute. And when the time of a display part becomes zero, a closed output is performed to an electric on-off valve, water discharge is complete | finished, the time display part 7b is returned to the display at the time of water discharge start, and a series of operation | movement is completed. Further, when the time display unit 7b presses the stop switch 7a in the middle of subtraction, a closed output is performed to the electric on-off valve, the time display unit 7b is returned to the display at the start of water discharge, and the series of operations is completed.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply device of the present invention in units of “seconds”. This is applied when setting is made in the flow of the dotted-line square portion 13 in FIG. The basic operation is the same except that the unit is changed from “minutes” to “seconds”. However, the flow surrounded by the dotted line square portion 9 in FIG. Has been. The flow surrounded by the dotted square portion 10a and the dotted square portion 11a is the same as the operation in the “minute” unit. When the flow operation surrounded by the dotted square portion 10a is accepted, the operation is performed in the “minute” unit. The operation in the flow shown in FIG. 2 is applied.
[0031]
Further, not only the above-described embodiment, but also a water supply device that dispenses water only from the currant 5 by omitting the opening / closing valve of the opening / closing handle 8 part. Further, instead of a thermostatic mixing plug, a mixing mixing plug or a two-handle mixing plug may be used. Moreover, various deformation | transformation are possible, and water supply apparatuses, such as a toilet, a washroom, and a kitchen other than the water supply apparatus for bathrooms, may be sufficient.
[0032]
Note that, as the best embodiment, the first operation unit is the stop switch 7a and the second operation unit is the increase switch 7c and the decrease switch 7d. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention. For example, a single switch is not provided, and a switch for discharging water and a switch for stopping water may be provided. .
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention provides an electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes water supply, a first operation unit that instructs opening and closing of the electric on-off valve to start and stop water supply, and a timer time setting. A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the second operation unit has elapsed, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time, If the automatic water stop after the timer time set in the second operation unit has elapsed, or when the first operation unit is operated halfway without passing the timer time set in the time, Since the timer time is set back to the time set by the user, the time setting will not be changed after the water stops even if the user stops the water automatically. To return to the original set time, use Who has no need to set time every time use is simple only possible by operating the first operating portion. Also, since there is no need to set the time, the user's time setting error does not occur.
[0034]
An electrically operated on / off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation unit that instructs the electric on / off valve to open and close to start / stop water supply, a second operation unit that sets a timer time, 2 A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the operation unit has elapsed, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time, When at least one set stop time is provided between the shortest set time and the longest set time of the timer time and the timer time is set to be longer than the set stop time or longer than the set stop time, or the set stop time is exceeded. When performing a timer time setting operation from a long time to a short time, it has a control means that requires a special operation different from the normal timer time setting operation. If you are using a small tub of, in normal operation as well as to set stop time or more of the setting, there is no worry about, such as overflow from the bath by a long period of time set by mistake. It is desirable to set the set stop time in consideration of residential use. This makes it possible to use a large bathtub such as a public bath and a small bathtub for a house with a water supply apparatus having the same specifications.
[0035]
Further, the second operation unit has a switch for increasing and decreasing the set time of the timer time, and the special operation means that at least one of the switches is fixed in a state where the set stop time is set. Since the operation is continued for more than the time, the second operation unit only needs to be configured with a switch for increasing and decreasing the set time of the timer time, and it is not necessary to provide a separate switch for a special operation and the cost needs to be increased. Absent. In addition, since there are only switches necessary for normal operation on the appearance, there is no worry that the user's operation will be confused.
[0036]
An electrically operated on / off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation unit that instructs the electric on / off valve to open and close to start / stop water supply, a second operation unit that sets a timer time, A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by two operation units has elapsed, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time, the control unit Has made it possible to set to reject the acceptance of the second operation part that changes the set time of the timer time, so that the user can only start and stop the water supply, due to misuse or mischief by the user There is no worry that water will be discharged for a different time than expected and overflow from the bathtub. Since the time for the water to the bathtub is almost unchanged and constant, it is effective in a place where an unspecified number of users are supposed to be misused.
[0037]
Further, the setting for refusing acceptance of the second operation unit is performed by continuously pressing the first operation unit for a certain period of time, and when the first operation unit is pressed, the electric on-off valve is opened and the water supply state is set. When the setting is completed by continuing to press the part, it has a control means that closes the electric on-off valve and changes the water discharge state, so the switch to set acceptance refusal can be shared with the first operation part, There is no need to provide a new one and there is no need to increase the cost. In addition, since there are no special switches, there are no switches that are necessary for normal operation on the appearance, so there is no fear that the operation of the user will be confused. Furthermore, when the setting is completed, it is possible to clearly notify that the setting has been completed visually by closing the electric on-off valve and stopping water discharge.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a water supply apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the water supply apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation in units of “seconds” of the water supply apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Hot water supply joint 2: Water supply joint 3: Curran 4: Temperature control handle 5: Upper cover 6: Lower cover 7: Controller 7a: Stop switch 7b: Time display section 7c: Increase switch 7d: Decrease switch 8: Open / close handle 9 : Dotted line square part 10 for explaining the flowchart of FIG. 2: dotted line square part 10a for explaining the flowchart of FIG. 2: dotted line square part 11 for explaining the flowchart of FIG. 3: dotted line square part 11a for explaining the flowchart of FIG. 2: explaining the flowchart of FIG. Dotted square

Claims (5)

An electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation part that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close, starts and stops water supply, a second operation part that sets a timer time, and a second operation A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the unit elapses, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time,
If the automatic water stop occurs after the timer time set in the second operation unit has elapsed, or if the first operation unit is operated and the water is stopped before the set timer time has elapsed, An automatic water supply device characterized in that the setting is returned to the time set by the user. An electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation part that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close, starts and stops water supply, a second operation part that sets a timer time, and a second operation A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the unit elapses, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time,
The control unit provides at least one set stop time between the shortest set time and the longest set time of the timer time,
When setting a timer time that is longer than the set stop time to a longer time, or when setting a timer time that is longer than the set stop time to a shorter time, set the normal timer time. An automatic water supply apparatus having a control means for requiring a special operation different from the operation. The second operation unit includes a switch for increasing and decreasing a set time of a timer time, and the special operation is a state in which a set stop time is set and at least one of those switches is set for a predetermined time. The automatic water supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the automatic water supply apparatus is an operation of continuously pressing. An electric on-off valve that electrically opens and closes the water supply, a first operation part that instructs the electric on-off valve to open and close, starts and stops water supply, a second operation part that sets a timer time, and a second operation A control unit having a timer function for instructing the electric on-off valve to automatically stop water when a timer time set by the unit elapses, and a time display unit for displaying the timer time,
The said control part enabled the setting which refuses acceptance of the 2nd operation part which changes the setting time of the said timer time, The automatic water supply apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The setting for refusing acceptance of the second operation unit is performed by pressing the first operation unit for a certain period of time, and when the first operation unit is pressed, the electric on-off valve is opened and the water supply state is set. 5. The automatic water supply apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a control unit that closes the electric on-off valve and changes the water discharge state when the setting is completed by pressing the switch.

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