JP2010172557A - Electric water boiler - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively recover electric energy used for the steam discharged by heat exchanging the high-temperature steam that is generated at the time of boiling motion and returning it to water. <P>SOLUTION: An electric water boiler is provided with a body 1, a container for boiling water 2 contained inside the body, a cover 4 which covers the upper opening of the container in an openable/closable manner, an electric heating source 5 which heats the container, and a tank 6 in which water for recovering steam generated during the heating motion of the heating source 5 from inside the container 2 in a closed state by the cover 4 by condensation action can be accumulated and which such water can be removed. The tank is removable from the body 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric water heater suitable for use in a general home or office, and more particularly to a novel electric water heater having a function of cooling and condensing steam generated in the water heater.

  Conventional general household electric water heaters have a vacuum insulation structure between the double wall consisting of a cylindrical outer case and an inner case, or an insulating material is interposed between the outer case and the inner case. Forming a cylindrical shape main body, provided inside the main body with a bottomed boiling water container with a top opening, and a flat-shaped electric heating source such as a sheathed heater for heating the bottom wall of the container from the outside, It had a basic structure in which one end of a lid that closes the upper surface opening of the container so as to be freely opened and closed is held on the upper end of the main body via a pivot. In some cases, the inner case is omitted, the water heater is surrounded by a heat insulating structure, the bottom wall of the water heater is eliminated, and the top portion of the electric heating source is heated to form the bottom wall of the container ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

The container is initially filled with a quantity of water (about 1 to 2 liters) specified by the user, and the container is heated by the heating source to become hot water. This hot water is sucked into the bottom of the container. The water is sucked by an electrically driven water supply device (small centrifugal pump) whose opening is opened, and hot water from this water pump penetrates the outer space of the container up and down inside the main body, and the terminal opening faces downward. It is supplied into the water channel and is able to exit from the terminal opening of the water channel. Further, the lid is formed with a steam vent for releasing a large amount of water vapor generated in the container to the indoor space as it is heated.

In addition, a manual bellows pump is provided on the lid body in place of or in combination with the electrically driven water supply device (small centrifugal pump or the like), and the bellows pump is compressed by the pressing operation of the user. Thus, a water heater has also been proposed in which the air pressure in the container sealed with the lid rises, and the surface of the hot water is pushed down so that the hot water can be taken out manually (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In any of such conventional electric water heaters, the electric power source is continuously supplied with the maximum electric power (for example, 1 kW) until the water boiling process is brought to a boiling state. For example, the boiling state continues for several minutes for the purpose of blowing off the scent of chlorine contained in the water, and control is then performed to shift to the heat retention mode. For this reason, steam begins to be generated as the water temperature rises, reaches the maximum amount in the subsequent boiling stage, and when the user wants hot water even after shifting to the above-described heat retention mode, the boiling mode is selected again. When the water is in a boiling state and the hot water is reduced and water is added, the temperature of the hot water decreases, so the heating source is controlled so that it is in the boiling state again. The amount of steam released is considerable, and there is a problem that valuable electric energy used for the released steam is wasted.

Japanese Patent No. 3888340 JP 2008-61795 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that the electric energy of water vapor is wasted due to atmospheric discharge when boiling.

  An electric water heater according to the present invention includes a main body, a water heater container accommodated in the main body, a lid body for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the container, an electric heating source for heating the container, a lid A tank in which water for collecting steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the container closed by a body is collected by condensing action, and the water can be taken out. It can be removed from.

  According to the electric water heater of the present invention, the steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the water heating container can be recovered into the tank by the condensing action to make hot water. Moreover, since the tank can be removed from the main body, the hot water generated by the steam collected in the tank can be used effectively.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an electric water heater according to the present invention (Embodiment 1). 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1). FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1). FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the electric water heater of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1). FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 and an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of an essential part thereof (Embodiment 1). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tank is removed when the electric water heater of FIG. 1 is used (Embodiment 1). FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the upper surface of the main body of the electric water heater of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1). FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the control means of the electric water heater of FIG. 1 (Embodiment 1). FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the entire configuration of another electric water heater according to the present invention (Embodiment 2). FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view (Embodiment 3) showing the overall configuration of still another electric water heater according to the present invention.

  In the following description, “energization conditions” of an electric heating source refer to electrical and physical conditions for heating, such as energization time, energization amount, heating temperature, energization pattern (continuous energization, intermittent energization, etc.), etc. Is a generic term.

Indications also refer to the user's operating conditions, energizing conditions, and related information that can be used as a reference for hot water heating due to changes in characters, symbols, illustrations, colors, presence or absence of light emission, light emission brightness, etc. (Including those for the purpose of informing the occurrence).
Unless otherwise specified, the display means includes a liquid crystal (LCD), various light emitting elements (LED (light emitting diode), LD (laser diode), etc. as an example of a semiconductor light emitting element), an organic electroluminescence element, and the like. )including. For this reason, the meaning of the display means includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal screen or an EL screen.
The notification refers to an operation for notifying the user of various operating conditions and related information such as water heating and heat insulation issued from the control means by display or electrical sound (referred to electrically generated or synthesized sound).

Unless otherwise specified, the notification means includes notification means using audible sounds such as a buzzer and a speaker, and notification means using characters, symbols, illustrations, or visible light.

Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the electric water heater according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 will be described. As shown in these drawings, the electric water heater according to the first embodiment includes a main body 1, a hot water container 2 housed in the main body, and a lid that closes the upper surface opening 3 of the container so as to be freely opened and closed. 4, an electric heating source 5 for heating the container 2, and water for collecting steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the container 2 closed by a lid by condensing action And a tank 6 from which the water can be taken out. The tank is removable from the main body 1.

  A hook-like overhanging portion 7 is formed in front of the upper portion of the main body 1, and operation buttons of various operation switches (described later) and a water heater / warming operation are provided on an inclined surface that descends toward the front of the overhanging portion. An operation unit 8 including a liquid crystal screen for display is disposed.

The lid 4 has a rear end portion supported by a hinge mechanism 9, and conversely, a front end portion is configured to be engageable with the overhang portion 7 by a lock mechanism 10. The mechanism 9 can be opened and closed freely. The lock mechanism 10 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 1, a support base 11 is formed on the right side of the main body 1 so as to extend horizontally from the bottom of the right side surface of the main body 1, and the tank 6 is detachably mounted on the support base. Has been. 11A is a guide convex portion continuously formed on the outermost peripheral edge of the upper surface of the support base, and is provided so that the bottom portion can be smoothly guided when the tank 6 is placed. The tank 6 is placed at a correct position. In such a state, the tank 6 is in contact with or close to the outer peripheral surface of the bottom portion of the tank 6, and unnecessary movement of the tank 6 from front to back and from side to side is suppressed.

The tank 6 includes a tank body 6A integrally formed into a rectangular tube with a bottom made of a transparent plastic material, and a lid 6B integrally formed of a translucent plastic material for closing the upper surface opening 6D of the tank body. It consists of and. Although not shown, a sealing member made of a material having high heat resistance and elasticity such as silicon rubber is fixed to the lower surface of the lid 6B. For this reason, the lid 6B covers the upper opening of the tank body 6A. In this case, the inside and outside of the tank 6 can be partitioned in an airtight state (however, the lid 6B is assumed to have an increased water volume due to the condensing action, and the diameter for maintaining the inside of the tank 6 at atmospheric pressure. About 1 to 2 mm air holes are formed (not shown).

6C is a water level confirmation window formed vertically and vertically on the front wall of the tank main body 6A, and is formed by processing this window portion transparently or by providing a through-hole and fitting a transparent plate in a watertight state there. . A mark indicating the lower limit water level HL and a mark indicating the upper limit water level HL are displayed directly next to the water level confirmation window 6C on the front surface of the tank 6, and before starting the boiling operation, the mark is between the lower limit water level LL and the upper limit water level HL. Is described in the tank 6 so that the amount of water is prepared in the tank 6. This alerting may be displayed on the operation unit 8 to be described later using liquid crystal characters or the like before the boiling operation is started. Or you may display on the liquid crystal screen 41 mentioned later. Since the water can be taken out from the opening 6D if the lid 6B is removed, this opening may be referred to as a “removal port”. However, a valve that can be operated by the user to eliminate the need to remove the lid 6B. You may provide the taking-out pipe provided with (cock). If it does so, it will become easy to take out the water or hot water in the tank 6 from the taking-out pipe by operating a valve.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a lower connection pipe (also referred to as a “lower communication pipe”) formed integrally and vertically from the lower surface of the lid 6B. The lowermost opening 12A is stored in the tank 6 by a predetermined amount. The water W2 is immersed in a predetermined depth. Thus, the reason why the lower end opening 12A of the lower connecting pipe 12 is positioned at a certain depth in the water of the tank 6 is that if the submergence depth is not set appropriately and is shallower than the required depth, the lower end opening 12A This is because the water vapor released from the water cannot be sufficiently brought into contact with the water in the tank 6, resulting in poor steam treatment. Therefore, the depth immersed in water is set so that all the water vapor supplied from the container 2 to the tank 6 can be condensed, and specifically, the speed at which the steam bubbles blow up and the steam cools. Determined from the speed of returning to water.
Reference numeral 13 denotes a sealed room formed so as to spread laterally between the upper end portion of the lower connection pipe 12 and the lower surface of the lid, and reference numeral 14 denotes a connection port formed in the ceiling portion of this room.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an upper connecting pipe having an L-shape (sometimes referred to as an “upper communication pipe”), one end opening of which is connected to the connecting port 14, and the other end opening of the lid 4. It communicates with the internal space 16. The upper connecting pipe 15 is formed of heat-resistant plastic or metal so that the whole has a certain rigidity, but in the case of metal, the entire surface of the upper connecting pipe 15 is covered with a heat insulating material so that the heat of water vapor is not easily transmitted to the surface. is doing. This is to lower the surface temperature assuming that the user touches it.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a metal partition plate 17 covering the entire lower surface of the lid 4, and the upper portion of the partition plate is the internal space 16. 17A is a through-hole having a small diameter formed in a certain range in the right side portion of the partition plate 17, that is, the portion near the end of the upper connecting pipe 15. The lower connection pipe 12 and the upper connection pipe 15 may be collectively referred to as “steam conduit” or “communication pipe”. Further, when the hot water in the container 2 is sucked into the upper connecting pipe 15, the room 13, or the internal space 16 of the lid 4 by the hot water supply pump 27 described later when the boiling mode is finished, the internal space 16 is negatively pressurized. For example, a check valve that opens when the negative pressure is applied to the upper connecting pipe 15 or a shape memory alloy that automatically closes only when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature has been devised. A configuration is employed in which the valve body or the lid body 4 is provided with an air valve (such as one that is closed by the air pressure in the internal space 16 or one that is closed by electromagnetic drive during the boiling operation).

The upper communication pipe 15 is supported by the lid body 4 so that the entire upper communication pipe 15 can be rotated 90 degrees or more around the upper end as shown by the arrow in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotation support structure is such that the outer peripheral surface is held by a sealing material 18 in a fitting hole formed in the right wall surface of the lid body 4. The upper connecting pipe 15 is made of heat-resistant plastic or metal. However, if the upper connecting pipe 15 is made of metal, the entire surface is assumed to be touched by the user, and the entire surface is made of heat-resistant and heat-insulating material such as plastic. It is safe even if the user grips it directly.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 19 denotes an electromagnetic solenoid, which is housed in a metal case 20 fixed to the lower surface of the partition plate 17. Reference numeral 19A denotes a plunger shaft (hereinafter referred to as a "lock rod") that moves downward by a predetermined dimension by the force of the electromagnetic coil built into the solenoid when the solenoid is operated, and the biasing force of the built-in coil spring or the like when the solenoid 19 is operated. 5 protrudes to the position shown in FIG. 5 and enters the hole 15A provided in the upper communication pipe 15. Therefore, when the solenoid 19 is operated, the upper communication pipe 15 is locked so as not to rotate as shown in FIG. 4 by the engagement between the lock rod 19A of the solenoid 19 and the hole 15A. When the solenoid 19 is not operated (non-energized), the lock rod 19 is retracted downward from the position shown in FIG. 5 by the urging force of the coil spring or the like and comes out of the hole 15 </ b> A provided in the upper communication pipe 15. For this reason, when the solenoid 19 is not in operation, the upper communication pipe 15 can be rotated as shown in FIG. A mechanism centering on the electromagnetic solenoid 19 that prevents the upper connecting pipe 15 from rotating is referred to as a “pipe locking means 21”.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a tank sensor (hereinafter referred to as “tank detection means”) provided on the support base 11. When the tank 6 is placed as specified, it is pushed on the bottom surface of the tank 6 and “there is a tank 6”. A detection signal is issued. The principle of detecting the presence or absence of the tank 6 is based on, for example, using an element that converts pressure into voltage in order to detect the weight of the tank 6 or embedding magnetic identification information on the bottom surface of the tank 6. There are various elements such as providing an element for magnetically reading information, but since it is not the main object of the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, when the method of detecting the weight of the tank 6 is adopted, it becomes a “water amount sensor” that can detect the amount of water contained in the tank 6.

23H is a water amount sensor installed on the side of the outer case of the main body 1 facing the tank 6, and when the tank 6 is normally placed, is the amount of water contained in the tank 6 more than a specified amount? Detect if. One example is a method of providing a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element that receives light from this element, and detecting the presence or absence of water from a light receiving state that changes depending on the presence or absence of water. As shown in FIG. 2, the water amount sensor detects the presence or absence of water with light at a predetermined height HL of the tank 6. A water amount sensor 23L is also provided at a predetermined height LL of the tank 6 so as to detect the presence or absence of water with light. In the following description, 23H is referred to as an “upper limit water level sensor”, 23L is referred to as a “lower limit water level sensor”, and both may be collectively referred to as “water level detection means 23”.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a water temperature sensor installed on the side of the outer case of the main body 1 facing the tank 6, an infrared radiation sensor for detecting the temperature of the side wall surface of the tank 6 in a non-contact manner, and a temperature sensing part contacting the side wall surface of the tank 6. A contact type sensor (such as a thermistor) that directly detects the temperature is used. The water temperature sensor may be installed in the vicinity of the tank sensor 22 provided on the support base 11. When the temperature of T ° C. or higher is detected, for example, when the temperature is equal to or higher than T ° C., the temperature of the tank 6 is T ° C. at the same time that the tank 6 is present. It is also possible to make a guess (based on the data confirmed in step 1). The water temperature sensor 24 is referred to as “second temperature detecting means” in the following description.

A water level confirmation window 25 is formed on the front side of the outer case of the main body 1 and is formed of a transparent acrylic resin or the like and has an optically convex lens shape. Reference numeral 26 denotes a water discharge pipe having an end on the outlet side of hot water penetrating the protruding portion and opening downward, and an end portion on the inlet side of hot water is exposed on the lower surface of the lid 4. Although not shown in the structure, a small centrifugal hot water supply pump 27 (see FIG. 8) as an electrically driven water supply device is built in the space below the container 2 in the main body 1. The hot water sucked in 27 is sent to the inlet of the outlet pipe 26 through a hot water pipe connected to the outlet of the hot water pump 27. In addition, with the opening and closing of the lid body 4, the final end opening of the hot water supply pipe and the inlet side end opening of the outlet pipe 26 are separated or connected in a watertight manner. Further, since the hot water supply pipe is formed of a transparent plastic material at least corresponding to the back of the water level confirmation window 25, when the hot water supply pump 27 is stopped, the amount (level) of hot water in the container 2 is reduced. The level of hot water in the hot water supply pipe can be easily confirmed from the outside of the main body 1.

2 and 5, reference numeral 30 denotes a temperature sensor installed so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the bottom wall of the container 2, and will be referred to as “first temperature detection means” in the following description.
The heating source 5 includes a boiling heater 5A having a rated power of about 1 KW formed from a flat spiral sheathed heater, and a low-power insulation heater 5B having the ability to keep the tank 6 at about several tens of degrees centigrade (see FIG. 8), and this boiling heater is installed in close contact with the outer surface of the bottom wall of the container 2 so as to surround the first temperature detecting means. The boiling heater 5A may not be a radiant heater such as a sheathed heater, but may be, for example, an electromagnetic induction heating type (INDUCTION HEATING). A heat insulating heater having a rated power of about several tens of watts is used. When the electromagnetic induction heating type is adopted for the heat retaining heater 5B, it is necessary to configure all or part of the wall surface of the tank 6 with a metal material that is electromagnetically heated.

The lock mechanism 10 for the lid 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a release lever whose rear end side is lifted by the user as shown by an arrow in FIG. 3 around a pivot 32 fixed to the upper surface wall of the lid body 4, and 33 denotes a lower end portion of the release lever as a compression coil spring. A latch which is always pressed at 34, and its tip engages with an engaging step portion of an inclined wall 35 formed continuously from the rear portion of the overhang portion 7 to the rear. When the operation of lifting the rear end portion of the release lever 31 is performed, the latch 33 is retracted against the urging force of the coil spring 34 and the engagement relationship with the engagement step portion is released. The release lever 31 can be lifted up with its hand away from the overhanging portion 7. Reference numeral 36 denotes a recess formed by recessing the upper surface of the lid body 4 so as to facilitate a hand-operating operation when the rear end of the release lever 31 is lifted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 37 denotes an electromagnetic solenoid, which is installed in a space below the inclined wall 35 of the projecting portion 7 immediately below the latch 33. Reference numeral 38 denotes a plunger shaft (hereinafter referred to as a “lock pin”) that moves forward by a predetermined dimension by the force of the electromagnetic coil built into the solenoid when the solenoid is operated, and the biasing force of the built-in coil spring or the like when the solenoid 37 is operated. 3 protrudes to the position shown in FIG. 3, penetrates the hole provided in the inclined wall 35, and enters the through hole 39 formed in the recess 39. When the solenoid 37 is not in operation, the lock pin 38 of the solenoid 37 is retracted by the biasing force of the coil spring or the like, and the engagement with the through hole 39 is released, and the front end of the lid 4 is mechanically moved to the main body 1 side. The locked state can be released. This solenoid is intended to prevent the lid 4 from being inadvertently opened by the user during the boiling operation, and the operation timing will be described in detail later. The above-described locking mechanism 10 (hereinafter also referred to as lid locking means) of the lid body 4 includes such a solenoid 37, a latch 33, a coil spring 34, and the like.

40 is a protective sheet (see FIG. 3) that covers the entire surface of the operation unit 8, and 41 is a liquid crystal screen disposed on the operation unit. The display unit 42 and the tank 6 display the hot water temperature in the container 2 by numbers. It has a display unit 43 that displays the temperature of the water or hot water inside. A liquid crystal substrate for driving the liquid crystal screen is disposed on the back side (lower side) of the ceiling wall surface of the overhang portion 7.

44 is an operation button of a hot water supply switch (not shown) for instructing operation of the hot water supply pump 27, 45 is an operation button of a reboiling switch (not shown) for instructing energization to the boiling heater 5A, and 46 is energized to the heat retaining heater 5B. An operation button of a heat retention switch (not shown) for instructing the operation, 47 is an operation of a lock operation switch (not shown) for instructing the energization and de-energization of the solenoid 37 of the lid lock means 10 and the solenoid 19 of the pipe lock means 21. When the button is pressed once, the lock is released (both solenoids 19 and 37 are deactivated), and when pressed again, the lock is released (both solenoids 19 and 37 are activated). Thereafter, this operation is repeated each time the button is pressed.

Next, the control device will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a control means, which includes a power supply unit 51 to which power of a predetermined low voltage is supplied from a commercial power supply, and a processing unit 52 mainly composed of a microcomputer that operates with the power of the power supply unit. The processing unit includes a storage unit made up of a nonvolatile memory, an input unit, and an output unit. The storage unit stores a control program that determines various operations of the water heater, and control data that is read and used by the program during the operation process.

An input means 53 is operated by a user and an input command signal is read into the processing unit 52. This input means is composed of the operation button 44 of the hot water switch, the operation button 45 of the reboiling switch, the operation button 46 of the heat retention switch, the operation button 47 of the lock operation switch, etc.
Reference numeral 54 denotes a first temperature display means composed of the temperature sensor 30 and the display section 42, and 55 denotes a second temperature display means composed of the water temperature sensor 24 and the display section 43.

Command signals from the input means 53 and detection output signals from the first temperature detection means 30, the second temperature detection means 24, and the water level detection means 23 are supplied to an input section (not shown) of the processing section 52. The first temperature display means 54, the second temperature display means 55, the boiling heater 5A, the heat retaining heater 5B, the hot water supply pump 27, the lid lock means 10, the pipe lock means 21 and the like are output from the output section (not shown) of the processing section 52. Is supplied with a predetermined command signal.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
In the water heater according to the present embodiment, first, desired water is put into the container 2. When the maximum boiling water volume of the container 2 is 2 liters, it is desirable that an amount of water (2 liters or less) initially defined by the user is filled. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the water level is W1.

On the other hand, a predetermined amount of water is also put in the tank 6 first. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the lower limit water level LL is 300 cc and the upper limit water level HL is set to 500 CC, the capacity scale displayed on the side of the water level confirmation window 6C is viewed between the lower limit and the upper limit. Fill with water. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the water level is W2.

By the control program of the processing unit 52,
(1) When the detected temperature of the first temperature detecting means 30 is low, it is determined that the water is water.
(2) When the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means 24 is low, it is determined that the water is water.
(3) When the tank 6 is placed at a normal position, the tank sensor 22 outputs a signal indicating that the tank 6 is present, and determines that the tank 6 is present.

When the above conditions are met, the control program of the processing unit 52 is
(4) A signal for operating the lid locking means 10 is issued, and the lid 4 is closed.
(5) A signal for operating the pipe lock means 21 is issued to place the upper connecting pipe 16 in a predetermined position. This predetermined position is a position connected to the tank 6.

After giving the operation command as described above, the control program of the processing unit 52 is
(6) A signal for operating the boiling heater 5A is issued, and continuous energization with a rated maximum power (for example, 1 kW) is started.
(7) The first temperature display means 54 is instructed to display the temperature detected by the first temperature detection means 30.
(8) The second temperature detection unit 24 is instructed to display the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit 24.

By the operation command as described above, the boiling mode of the water in the container 2 is started, and the water at the water level W1 is rapidly raised in temperature to become hot water and eventually becomes a boiling state.
In the first temperature display means 54, the temperature of hot water inside the container 2 is detected by the first temperature detection means 30 as needed, and the temperature is displayed in real time.

  When the hot water heating mode is executed, the upper opening 3 of the container 2 is closed by a partition plate 17 that is also called an inner lid inside the lid body 4, and water vapor generated from the inside of the container 2 by heating is The gas is intensively discharged from the through-holes 17 </ b> A of the partition plate 17 and guided to the tank 6 through the upper connecting pipe 15.

The tank 6 is previously stored with water above a certain water level (lower limit water level LL) and lower than the upper limit water level HL (for example, 350 CC), and is a lower part formed vertically integrally with the lower surface of the lid 6B. Since the lowermost end opening 12A of the connecting pipe 12 is submerged to a predetermined depth in the water in the tank 6, the steam guided to the tank 6 through the upper connecting pipe 15 As soon as it exits from the lowermost end opening 12A, it contacts the cooling water in the tank 6 and the temperature is instantaneously lowered, and almost all of the water is condensed before it rises to the water surface W2, so that it becomes water from the steam. The steam that has become water is stored in the tank 6 as recovered water. Depending on how many minutes the amount of boiling water and boiling time of 100 ° C. or more are continued, the amount of steam generated by one water heating mode is recovered as 100 CC or less. Accordingly, when boiling water is used, the amount of water in the tank 6 increases.

On the other hand, since the high-temperature steam as described above is continuously supplied to the tank 6 for a predetermined time, the steam receives heat energy in the process of condensing, and the temperature of the water accumulated from the beginning gradually increases. This rise in water temperature in the tank 6 is detected at any time by the second temperature detection means 24 and the temperature is displayed on the second temperature display means 55 in real time.

Since the boiling state as described above is detected when the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting means 30 is 100 ° C. or higher, the processing unit 52 controls the processing unit 52 based on the boiling start time. The elapsed time is counted by the built-in timer. When the boiling state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes), the processing unit 52 then
(9) A command signal for stopping energization of the maximum heating power of the boiling heater 5A is issued, and the energization conditions are changed to cause the boiling heater 5A to perform a heat retaining operation. For example, the energization condition is changed to the energization condition of continuously energizing at about several tens of watts or intermittently applying about several hundred watts (10) A command signal for starting the operation of the heat retaining heater 5B is issued.
As a result, the boiling mode by the boiling heater 5A is stopped and the mode is changed to the heat retaining mode, while the heat retaining heater 5B of the tank 6 is energized and another heat retaining mode is started.

  On the other hand, since the tank 6 is configured to be detachable, when the tank 6 is removed, when the operation button 47 of the lock operation switch in the operation unit 8 of the main body 1 is pressed, the lock is released (both the solenoids 19 and 37 are connected). Therefore, the upper connection pipe 15 can be rotated as shown in FIG. 6 to release the connection state with the tank 6, and the tank 6 can be carried to another place. When the lock is released, the operation program of the processing unit 52 is configured so that the energization of the heat retaining heater 5B is temporarily interrupted using a signal from the operation button 47 of the operation switch of the lock mechanism. . In other words, if the tank 6 is connected and locked, the heat insulation is resumed. In this case, the tank sensor 22 detects that the tank 6 has been returned and sends a signal to the processing unit 52.

Before the tank 6 is removed, the temperature detected by the second temperature detection means 24 is displayed in real time on the second temperature display means 55, so that the temperature of the water in the tank 6 becomes hot water. It can be confirmed visually by the user.

  The processing unit 52 counts the elapsed time from the start of energization of the heat retaining heater by its built-in timer. When the heat insulation state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes), the processing unit 52 then issues a command signal for stopping the heat insulation heater 5B. This is because the water temperature (hot water temperature) in the tank 6 decreases due to heat radiation from the tank when the power is supplied for a long time. However, if the surroundings of the tank 6 are made of a heat insulating structure (covering with a heat insulating material, making the surrounding walls double, and further making the space between the double walls a vacuum, etc.), the heat retaining performance of the tank 6 is also improved. Therefore, it is possible to set the heat retention time longer.

The water heater according to the present embodiment starts the water heater operation only when the tank 6 is initially filled with water not less than the predetermined lower limit water amount and not more than the upper limit water amount. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 2, since 350 CC is inserted, the upper limit water level sensor 23H of the water level detection means 23 sends a detection signal “OK below regulation” to the processing unit 52, and the lower limit water level sensor 23L Since the detection signal “OK” is sent to the processing unit 52, the control program of the processing unit 52 commands the boiling mode only when these two water level detection conditions exist simultaneously. In other words, when there is an amount of water exceeding the upper limit water level defined by the upper limit water level sensor 23H, or when the amount of water is less than the lower limit water level defined by the lower limit water level sensor 23, the boiling operation is not started.

In the unlikely event that the water level is exceeded by the upper limit water level sensor 23H after the boiling operation is started, there is a concern that water or hot water may overflow from the tank 6 if the condensing is continued. In this case, the processing unit 52 issues a command to reduce the supplied thermal power by limiting an emergency stop or energizing amount during the boiling mode.

In addition, after the boiling operation is started, if it is detected that the water level is abnormally lowered by the lower limit water level sensor 23L, there is a possibility that the tank 6 is cracked or perforated. Then, since there is a concern that water or hot water may leak, the processing unit 52 issues an instruction to make an emergency stop in the middle of the boiling mode. In this case, energization to the heat retaining heater 5B is not started.

Even if the operation mode 47 of the lock operation switch is pushed and the lock is not released (both solenoids 19 and 37 are inactive) after the boiling mode is finished and the mode is changed to the heat insulation mode, the tank 6 is similarly turned on. Even when an abnormal drop in the water level is detected, the energization of the heat retaining heater 5B is urgently stopped.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of the electric water heater according to the present invention.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the structure of the tank 6 is a double wall structure and the heat insulation is improved and the heat retaining performance is improved. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 60 denotes a heat insulating wall formed by winding or adhering a heat insulating material around the entire outside of the plastic wall constituting the tank 6. According to this, when the water in the tank 6 is converted into hot water by the condensing action at the stage of the boiling process, the state can be maintained for a long time (even if it is not heated by a heat retaining heater or the like). There is.

In the second embodiment, the water amount sensor (upper limit water level sensor) 23H, the water amount sensor (lower limit water level sensor) 23L, the water temperature sensor (second temperature detection means) 24 of the tank sensor 22 and the water level detection means 23 in the first embodiment. Although these are not shown, they are provided and perform the same operation as the boiling operation in the first embodiment. In addition, since the heat insulation is improved and the heat retaining performance is improved, in the second embodiment, the processing unit 52 outputs a signal for energizing the heat retaining heater 5B until the elapsed time from the start of energization of the heat retaining heater, for example, 4 hours elapses. To keep warming up.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing Embodiment 3 of the electric water heater according to the present invention.
The second embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that a heat retaining heater 5B is provided on the upper surface of the support base 11 on which the tank 6 is placed. As the heat retaining heater here, for example, a planar heater whose entire surface is coated with an electrically insulating material is used. According to the third embodiment, after the water in the tank 6 is converted into hot water, the state is directly heated from the bottom portion of the tank 6 by the heat retaining heater 5B, so that the heat retaining operation can be efficiently performed. it can. It should be noted that at least the entire upper surface of the heat insulating heater is covered with an electrically insulating material so that it is safe even if the user directly touches the heat insulating heater 5B or drops water, and the temperature of the surface of the covering material is 60 degrees. It is controlled to be as follows.

  Although not shown as other embodiments, the connection between the upper connection pipe (lower communication pipe) 15 constituting the communication pipe and the tank 6 is closed, and the lid 4 of the main body 1 closes the upper surface opening of the container 2. It may be maintained in both the opened state and the opened state. For example, the front end opening (steam inlet) of the upper connecting pipe 15 is located between the lower surface of the lid 4 and the upper surface opening 3 of the main body 1 (in the space between the two), or the lid at the rear portion where the hinge mechanism 9 is located. The upper connecting pipe 15 may be pulled out from the inside of the wall 4 so as to penetrate the side wall surface, or the upper connecting pipe 15 may be configured to be a tube having high flexibility and elasticity. According to this, it is not necessary to rotate the upper connecting pipe 15 or to release the connection with the tank 6 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 4) when the lid 4 is opened.

Further, in order to suppress the propagation of miscellaneous bacteria of water and hot water in the tank 6, it is conceivable that at least the entire inner surface of the tank 6 is subjected to antibacterial treatment or an antibacterial material is placed inside the tank 6. Alternatively, a photocatalytic layer film is formed on the inner wall surface of the tank, a light emitting source, for example, a light emitting diode that emits light in a special wavelength range is provided outside the tank 6, and light is emitted from the light emitting diode to the photocatalytic film. A method may be used in which sterilization is performed and sterilization is performed by the oxidation-reduction reaction. In short, as long as it is tasteless, odorless and harmless to the human body, there are no restrictions on its antibacterial treatment or sterilization method. When light is used for the water amount sensors 23L and 23H, such a light source may be used for antibacterial and sterilizing functions.

As described above, the following effects can be expected corresponding to the specific configurations of the first to third embodiments.
First, the lower connection pipe (lower communication pipe) 12 constituting the communication pipe is configured to be immersed in the water at a predetermined water level inside the tank 6, so that the lateral width and depth dimension of the tank 6 are not increased. The high-temperature steam from the container 2 side that is continuously released can be converted into water by heat exchange.

Further, by providing the upper connecting pipe 15 so as to penetrate through the inside of the lid body 4, it is possible to prevent a part of hot water boiled in the container 2 from coming out from the upper connecting pipe 15 to the tank 6 side. Can do. That is, only water vapor can be covered and recovered in the tank 6.

Further, the upper connection pipe (upper communication pipe) 15 communicates the inside of the lid body 4 and the internal space of the tank 6 in both the state where the lid body 4 closes and opens the upper surface opening of the container 2. By being connected, the connection between the tank 6 and the internal space of the container 2 can be maintained at all times, and the connection between the main body 1 side and the tank 6 side can be released or connected when the lid 4 is opened or closed. Can be made unnecessary.

Further, the lower connecting pipe 12 constituting the communication pipe is installed vertically inside the tank 6, and a lower end opening 12 </ b> A that is a terminal opening portion from which steam is discharged is provided in water stored in the tank 6. Since it was immersed at the above depth, the high temperature steam from the container 2 side continuously discharged | emitted can be heat-exchanged and can be converted into water. If the depth is not sufficient (including the case where the lower connecting pipe 12 is inserted obliquely into the water and the end opening from which the vapor is discharged is at a shallow position in the water), the discharged water vapor is water. It comes out of the water surface while it is not in full contact with the water, resulting in poor condensate treatment. Therefore, the speed at which the bubbles of the water vapor rise and the speed at which the water vapor is cooled by contact with water and returned to the water are confirmed by experiments and the like so that the end opening of the lower connecting pipe 12 is located at a predetermined depth or more. It is. Thereby, the condensing action can be performed efficiently without increasing the width and depth of the tank 6.

  Further, when the tank 6 is removed from the main body 1, the connection between the tank 6 and the upper connection pipe 15 which is a part of the communication pipe can be released, and in this state, the connection pipe 15 is held on the lid 4 side. Therefore, it is unnecessary for the user to keep holding the upper connecting pipe 15 when removing the tank 6.

When the tank 6 is removed from the main body 1, the connection between the tank 6 and the upper connecting pipe 15 can be released. In this state, the connecting pipe 15 is held on the lid 4 side and a part of the heating source. During the boiling operation by the boiling heater 5A, a lid locking mechanism (lid locking means) 10 for restricting the connection between the tank 6 and the upper connecting pipe 15 so as not to be released, and a processing unit 52 for controlling the lid are provided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tank 6 from being removed in a state where a large amount of water vapor is generated in a boiling state, thereby improving safety.

Further, a solenoid 19 serving as a first lock mechanism for preventing separation between the tank 6 and the lid 4 or the main body 1 is provided, and the main body 1 includes a first solenoid for preventing the lid 4 from being opened. The solenoid 19 of the first lock mechanism is released while the solenoid 37 of the second lock mechanism is released (by the processing unit 52). Therefore, when the lid 4 is locked in the closed state in the main body 1 in a state where a large amount of water vapor is generated in the boiling state, the tank 6 is also prevented from being removed at the same time. This prevents the user from inadvertently opening the lid 4 or removing the tank 6, and prevents the user from touching the water vapor during boiling, thereby improving safety.

  When the tank 6 is heated for a predetermined time by the heating source until the maximum allowable amount of water (for example, 2 liters) contained in the container 2 is brought to a boiling state, the tank 6 is increased by condensing water vapor generated in the boiling process. Therefore, even if the maximum allowable amount of water is put in the container 2 and boiled, the water increased by the condensing action does not overflow from the tank 6.

  Since the tank 6 has a water amount confirmation window (water level confirmation window) 6C for visually confirming the amount of water contained in at least a part of its outer peripheral wall surface, the tank 6 is started before the operation of boiling hot water is started. The user can visually check whether the amount of water 6 is an appropriate amount of water.

  Further, the tank 6 is provided with a lower limit water level sensor (minimum water amount sensor) 23L for detecting the amount of water accommodated therein, and when the sensor detects that there is no predetermined amount of water, the heating source 5 Since the processing unit 52 for issuing a command for prohibiting the boiling operation is provided, the processing unit 52 serves as an energization prohibiting unit for prohibiting the boiling operation in a state where there is no predetermined amount of water in the tank 6. It is possible to prevent the water heating operation in a state where there is not enough water. As a result, during the boiling process, the water in the tank 6 is heated by a large amount of steam supplied from the main body 1, and the water in the tank 6 also becomes hot water, and the steam is cooled to condensate. The situation where it becomes impossible to perform an action can be avoided. If the water in the tank 6 exceeds a predetermined temperature, there is a concern that the tank may be deformed or damaged if the tank is made of plastic, or the user may feel uneasy. It is important to control the energization of the boiling heater 5A only in the heated state.

  Further, the tank 6 is provided with an upper limit water level sensor (maximum water amount sensor) 23H for detecting the amount of water contained in the tank 6, and by the condensing action during the boiling operation by the heating source 5 by the sensor, When it is detected that the amount of water exceeds a predetermined amount, a processing unit 52 is provided that performs an energization control operation for stopping the boiling operation of the heating source or reducing the heating capacity. Since the boiling operation is prohibited when the tank 6 has a predetermined amount or more of water, the water level in the tank 6 rises abnormally due to a large amount of steam supplied from the main body 1 during the boiling process. The situation where the water overflows can be avoided.

The tank 6 is provided with a water temperature sensor 24 for detecting the temperature change of the water contained therein, and when it is detected by the output of the sensor that the water temperature in the tank 6 exceeds a predetermined value, the boiling heater 5A Therefore, the tank is not deformed due to a high temperature and does not cause the user to feel uneasy.

Furthermore, since the upper part of the main body 1 or the lid 4 is provided with an operation display unit such as a liquid crystal screen 41 for displaying the temperature of water stored in the tank 2 and the temperature of the hot water container 2 respectively. The container 4, the hot water temperature, and the water temperature or the hot water temperature of the tank 6 can be confirmed in advance, and the lid 4 can be opened or the tank 6 can be removed.

Further, a support base 11 on which the tank 6 is detachably mounted is provided, and a tank sensor 22 for detecting whether the tank 6 is set in a predetermined state is provided on the support base 11, and the sensor 22 puts the tank 6 in a predetermined state. Since the processing unit 52 that outputs a predetermined output in the set state and receives the output and enables the boiling water operation by the boiling heater 5A is provided, the tank 6 is tilted or the tank 6 is installed. Since the water heater operation in the abnormal use state is prevented, a highly safe electric water heater can be obtained.

  The electric water heater according to the present invention can recover steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the water heater container into a tank by condensing action, and remove the tank from the main body. Since it is possible, the hot water produced | generated with the vapor | steam collect | recovered in the tank can also be used effectively, and it can apply not only for home use but for the use for hot water supply in an office.

1: Main body 2: Container for boiling water 3: Upper surface opening 4: Lid body 5: Electric heating source 5A: Boiling heater 5B: Thermal insulation heater 6: Tank 6A: Tank main body 6B: Lid 6C: Water level confirmation window 6D: Upper surface opening (take out) mouth)
7: Overhang part 8: Operation part 9: Hinge mechanism 10: Lock mechanism (lid lock means)
11: Support base 11A: Guide convex part 12: Lower communication pipe (lower communication pipe)
12A: Lower end opening 13: Room 14: Connection port 15: Upper connection pipe (upper communication pipe)
15A: Hole 16: Internal space 17: Partition plate 17A: Through hole 18: Sealing material 19: Solenoid 19A: Lock rod (plunger shaft)
20: Metal case 21: Pipe lock means 22: Tank sensor (tank presence / absence, water amount sensor)
23: Water level detection means 23H: Water amount sensor (upper limit water level sensor)
23L: Water volume sensor (lower limit water level sensor)
24: Water temperature sensor (second temperature detection means)
25: Water level confirmation window 26: Drain pipe 27: Hot water supply pump 30: Temperature sensor (first temperature detection means)
31: Release lever 32: Pivot 33: Latch 34: Coil spring 35: Inclined wall 36: Recessed portion 37: Solenoid 38: Plunger shaft (lock pin)
39: Through-hole 40: Protection sheet 41: Liquid crystal screen 42: Display unit 43: Display unit 44: Hot water switch operation button 45: Re-boiling switch operation button 46: Insulation switch operation button 47: Lock operation switch operation button 50: Control unit 51: Power supply unit 52: Processing unit 53: Input unit 54: First temperature display unit 55: Second temperature display unit

Claims (27)

The body,
A water heater container housed inside the main body and having an open top surface;
A lid for freely opening and closing the top opening of the water heater;
An electric heating source for heating the kettle,
Water for collecting steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the container closed by the lid by a condensing function, and a tank having a take-out port for taking out the water;
With
The electric water heater is characterized in that the tank is configured to be removable from the main body 1. Between the tank and the main body, a communication pipe having a shape in which the end opening is connected to the container and the other end opening is immersed in water of a predetermined water level stored in the tank is disposed. The electric water heater according to claim 1.
Electric water heater.   3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein the communication pipe is provided so as to penetrate through the inside of the lid.   The communication pipe is provided so as to penetrate through the inside of the lid body, and the lid body and the tank are connected by the communication pipe in both the closed state and the open state of the upper surface of the container. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein the two are connected to each other.   The said communicating pipe is installed perpendicularly | vertically inside the said tank, The terminal opening part from which vapor | steam is discharge | released immerses in the water stored in the said tank. Electric water heater.   3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein when the tank is removed from the main body, the connection between the tank and the communication pipe can be released, and in this state, the communication pipe is held on the lid side. When removing the tank from the main body, it is possible to release the connection between the tank and the communication pipe, and in this state, the communication pipe is held on the lid side,
The electric water heater according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that regulates the connection between the tank and the communication pipe so that the connection between the tank and the communication pipe cannot be released during the water heating operation by the heating source. Between the tank and the lid or the main body, provided with a first lock mechanism that prevents separation of both,
The main body includes a second locking mechanism that prevents the lid from being opened,
The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the first lock mechanism can be released in a state where the second lock mechanism is being released.   The tank has a capacity for storing the amount of water that is increased by condensing steam generated in the boiling process when the maximum allowable amount of water stored in the container is heated by the heating source until boiling. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the electric water heater is provided.   The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a water amount confirmation window on at least a part of an outer peripheral wall surface thereof for visually confirming the amount of water contained.   The tank is provided with a minimum water amount sensor that detects the amount of water contained therein, and has a current-carrying prohibition unit that prohibits the boiling operation by the heating source when the sensor detects a state where there is no predetermined amount of water. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein:   The tank is provided with an upper limit water amount sensor for detecting the amount of water contained therein, and the amount of water in the tank exceeds a predetermined amount due to the condensing action during the boiling operation by the heating source. 2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, further comprising an energization control unit configured to stop a water heating operation of the heating source or reduce a heating capacity when detecting the heat. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the outlet has a lid that can be opened and closed so that the user can open and close the electric outlet. 2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the outlet has a valve that allows a user to open and close the outlet.   The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein a support base on which the tank is detachably mounted is provided on the main body.   The main body is provided with a support base for detachably mounting the tank, and a sensor for detecting whether or not the tank is set in a predetermined state is provided on the support base, and the sensor sets the tank in a predetermined state. The electric water heater according to claim 1, further comprising an energization control unit that outputs a predetermined output in a state where the heating source is in operation and enables the water heating operation by the heating source in response to the output.   2. The electricity according to claim 1, wherein the main body is provided with a support base on which the tank is detachably mounted, and the support base has a heat-retaining electric heater for keeping the water inside the tank warm. Water heater. The main body is provided with a support base for detachably mounting the tank, and the support base has a heat-retaining electric heater for keeping the water inside the tank warm,
2. An electric water heater according to claim 1, further comprising timer means for limiting a current-carrying time of the heat-retaining electric heater within a predetermined time from the time when the water in the tank is boiled.   The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein a gap for heat insulation or vacuum insulation is provided between the main body and the outer peripheral surface of the tank.   The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein an operation display unit is provided on the upper part or the lid of the main body to display the temperature of water stored in the tank and the temperature of the hot water in the container. . The main body is provided with a hot water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature change of the hot water contained in the container,
2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the water heater by the heating source is controlled by the output of the sensor. The tank is provided with a water temperature sensor that detects the temperature change of the water contained therein,
2. The power supply control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: an energization control unit configured to stop a water heating operation of the heating source or reduce a heating capacity when detecting that the water temperature in the tank exceeds a predetermined value by the output of the sensor. Electric water heater. The body,
A water heater container with an open upper surface housed inside the main body;
A lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the container;
An electrical heating source for heating the container;
Water for collecting steam generated during the heating operation of the heating source from the inside of the container closed with a lid by a condensing function, and a tank having an outlet for taking out the water;
An energization control device for controlling energization of the electric heating source;
With
The tank is configured to be freely connected to and detached from the main body 1,
The energization control device includes:
A switch for issuing an energization start command by a user operation,
When an energization start command is issued by the switch, a temperature switch that starts energization of the electric heating source, starts a boiling mode, and outputs a predetermined output when a boiling state is detected;
When an output is output from this temperature switch, a processing unit storing an energization control program for reducing the heating power of energization of the electric heating source and switching the boiling mode to a heat retention mode;
An operation display section provided on the main body or the lid;
Have
The electric water heater is characterized in that the processing unit displays the boiling mode and the heat retaining mode on the operation display unit so that they can be distinguished from each other by means of visually recognizable characters or light. 24. The electric water heater according to claim 23, wherein the main body is provided with a hot water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature change of the hot water contained in the container, and a boiling temperature of the heating source is controlled by an output of the sensor. . The tank is provided with a water temperature limit sensor that detects the temperature change of the water contained in the tank,
The power supply control unit according to claim 23, further comprising: an energization control unit configured to stop a water heating operation of the heating source or reduce a heating capacity when detecting that the water temperature in the tank exceeds a predetermined value by the output of the sensor. Electric water heater. The main body is provided with a minimum water amount sensor for detecting the amount of water stored in the tank, and the tank has a water amount confirmation window for visually confirming the amount of water stored in at least a part of the outer peripheral wall surface. The processing unit enables the boiling mode of the heating source to be executed in a state where a water amount exceeding a specified water level mark indicated in the confirmation window is accommodated in the tank. The electric water heater described. 24. The electric water heater according to claim 23, wherein the processing unit performs a regulating operation so that the tank cannot be removed from the main body during the boiling mode operation by the heating source.

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