JP2011021328A - Hot water/water mixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water/water mixing device having a configuration for performing feedback control of temperature of discharge water under the predetermined conditions about temperature of supply hot water and reducing deviation of temperature of discharge water from the target temperature and detecting temperature of supply hot water accurately to perform the feedback control securely. <P>SOLUTION: This hot water/water mixing device starts the feedback control when a controller 50 determines that amount of change of the temperature of hot water to be detected by a thermistor 21 for supplying hot water per hour is below the fixed value and the temperature of hot water detected by the thermistor 21 for supplying hot water is above the set temperature. A hot water supply pipe 11 being a hot water supply path has a check valve 17 for regulating flow of hot water from the downstream side to the upstream side in the flow of hot water for a mixing valve device 30, and the thermistor 21 for supplying hot water is provided upstream of the check valve 17 in the hot water supply pipe 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot and cold water mixing apparatus for obtaining hot water having an adjusted temperature by mixing hot water and water supplied via a predetermined path.

  In general, for example, a wash basin or the like is provided with a hot and cold water mixing device for obtaining hot and cold water having an adjusted temperature. According to such a hot and cold water mixing device, hot water and water supplied through a predetermined path are mixed, and hot water with adjusted temperature is supplied to a faucet body provided in a washstand or the like. That is, with respect to the hot water discharged from the water outlet of the faucet body, the temperature and flow rate are adjusted and the hot water (outflow / stop of hot water) is switched by the hot water / water mixing device. Here, the adjustment of the temperature and flow rate of hot water discharged from the water outlet of the faucet body and the switching of the water spouting are performed by operating the operation unit provided in the hot water mixer and in the vicinity of the faucet body. Done.

  Such a hot and cold water mixing device is provided with a mixing valve device for mixing hot water and water to be supplied for controlling the temperature of the hot water. The mixing valve device is involved in temperature adjustment of hot water by operating a valve body for adjusting the opening degree of the inlet of each of hot water and water. Therefore, in the mixing valve device, a pipe to which hot water is supplied and a pipe to which water is supplied are connected, and hot water and water are merged through the valve body. For this reason, the joining part of hot water and water in the mixing valve device is a part where pipes of hot water and water communicate with each other. The valve body provided in the mixing valve device is operated by an electric drive source such as a motor.

  And in the hot water mixing apparatus provided with the mixing valve device in this way, feedback control is performed on the water discharge temperature (temperature of hot water mixed by the mixing valve device) (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Specifically, in the feedback control for the water discharge temperature, the water discharge temperature is detected by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor. And the detected water discharge temperature is compared with target temperature (temperature set by the operation part), and a mixing valve apparatus is controlled based on the difference. In other words, in the mixing valve device, a gap between the detected water discharge temperature and the target temperature is controlled by controlling a drive source such as a motor in accordance with the magnitude of the difference between the detected water discharge temperature and the target temperature. The valve body is moved so as to be buried. Thereby, the water discharge temperature is corrected at any time with the target temperature as a target.

  Thus, in the hot and cold water mixing apparatus in which feedback control is performed on the water discharge temperature, there is a possibility that the water discharge temperature becomes higher than the target temperature due to a sudden change in the environment (pressure, flow rate, etc.) of the hot water and water supplied. is there. That is, when the environment for hot water and water to be supplied changes abruptly, feedback control cannot cope with the change in the environment, and water discharge at a temperature higher than the target temperature may be performed.

  Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which a temperature sensor is arranged in a hot water supply pipe (pipe to which hot water is supplied) and feedback control is performed while constantly monitoring the hot water supply temperature (temperature of supplied hot water). Specifically, for example, the feedback control for the water discharge temperature is performed only under conditions where the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Thereby, the phenomenon in which the water discharge of the temperature more than the target temperature as mentioned above is performed can be prevented beforehand. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a hot water supply temperature detected by a temperature sensor provided in a hot water supply pipe is used for feedback control with respect to a water discharge temperature.

  However, in the configuration in which feedback control is performed only under a predetermined condition for the hot water supply temperature, there are the following problems due to the structure of the mixing valve device. That is, in the mixing valve device, as described above, there is a portion where hot water and water pipes communicate with each other as a portion where hot water and water merge. For this reason, the water supplied to the joining part of hot water and water may flow around to the hot water supply pipe side and flow in depending on fluctuations in the pressure conditions of the hot water and water supplied, the position of the valve body, and the like. Such a phenomenon is likely to occur when the pressure and amount of water supplied to the mixing valve device are relatively large relative to the pressure and amount of hot water supplied to the mixing valve device.

  In this way, the water supplied to the confluence portion in the mixing valve device flows into the hot water supply pipe and flows in, so that the hot water supply temperature detected by the temperature sensor provided in the hot water supply pipe does not correspond to the actual hot water supply temperature. Cases arise. That is, since the hot water temperature is measured based on monitoring data of a temperature sensor provided in the hot water supply pipe, the measured hot water temperature has an error from the actual hot water temperature when water flows into the hot water supply pipe. Such an error regarding the hot water supply temperature becomes a cause of hindering the adjustment of the water discharge temperature by feedback control performed only under a predetermined condition for the hot water supply temperature.

JP-A-3-45831 JP 63-304841 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the problem to be solved is a target temperature in a configuration in which feedback control for water discharge temperature is performed under predetermined conditions for hot water supply temperature. An object of the present invention is to provide a hot and cold water mixing device that can reduce the difference in water discharge temperature with respect to water and can accurately detect the hot water supply temperature and perform reliable feedback control.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  That is, in claim 1, hot water and water supply pipes supplied through a predetermined path are communicated with each other, and are movably provided, and the opening degree of each inlet of the hot water and water is adjusted according to the position. And a set valve that is a target value for the temperature of the mixed water, and a mixing valve that discharges the mixed water that is hot water obtained by mixing the hot water and water flowing in from the inlet A temperature setting operation unit for setting the temperature, a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the mixed water flowing out from the mixing valve, and a temperature for detecting the temperature of the hot water supplied to the mixing valve Based on a detection signal from the second temperature sensor and the first temperature sensor, a control signal for moving the valve member with respect to the mixing valve is output, so that the set temperature is set as the mixed water. Hot water And a controller that performs feedback control for controlling the mixing valve so that the temperature of the hot water detected by the second sensor is constant. When the hot water temperature detected by the second sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the feedback control is started, and the hot water supply pipe is A check valve that regulates the flow of the hot water from the downstream side to the upstream side in the flow of hot water with respect to the mixing valve, and the second temperature sensor is configured to check the check in the supply pipe of the hot water. It is provided on the upstream side of the valve.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the mixing valve has a temperature-sensitive member that drives the valve member by applying an urging force that changes with a temperature change of the mixed water to the valve member.

  In claim 1, in the configuration in which the feedback control is performed on the water discharge temperature under a predetermined condition with respect to the hot water supply temperature, the deviation of the water discharge temperature with respect to the target temperature can be reduced, and the hot water supply temperature is accurately detected. And reliable feedback control can be performed.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, even when hot water is suddenly supplied to the hot water supply pipe in a state where the feedback control is not performed, the valve member is changed by the change in the urging force of the temperature sensitive member. By the movement, the temperature of the mixed water is controlled near the set temperature. This greatly reduces the possibility of overshoot for the temperature of the mixed water.

The perspective view which shows the structure of a wash basin provided with the hot water mixing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the hot water mixing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The partial cross section figure which shows the structure of the mixing valve apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the graph showing an example of the time change of hot water supply temperature. The figure which shows the graph showing an example of the time change of the hot water supply temperature detected. The figure which shows the graph showing an example of the time change of the variation | change_quantity per hour of the hot-water supply temperature detected.

  According to the present invention, in a configuration in which feedback control is performed on the water discharge temperature under a predetermined condition with respect to the hot water supply temperature, by devising a position to provide a temperature sensor for detecting the hot water supply temperature, It is intended to prevent temperature detection errors caused by water flowing in and flowing into the supply path. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hot and cold water mixing apparatus of the present embodiment is provided in a wash basin 2 having a wash bowl 3. In the wash basin 2, the wash bowl 3 is provided on the wash counter 4. In the wash basin 2, a faucet body 5 that constitutes a spout for discharging hot water to the wash bowl 3 is provided. The faucet body 5 has a hot water outlet 5 a and is provided such that hot water from the water outlet 5 a is discharged into the wash bowl 3.

  Further, the wash basin 2 is provided with an operation unit 6 for performing operations on hot water discharged from the water outlet 5 a of the faucet body 5. In this embodiment, the operation part 6 is provided in the state arrange | positioned at the collar part (outer peripheral part) of the wash bowl 3. FIG. By the operation of the operation unit 6, the temperature and flow rate of hot water discharged from the water outlet 5 a of the faucet body 5 are adjusted, and the stop water (outflow / stop of hot water) is switched.

  Specifically, the operation unit 6 is configured as a handle-like portion that can be pushed (see arrow A1 in FIG. 1) and rotated (see arrow A2 in the figure). Then, switching of discharge water and adjustment of the flow rate of hot water are performed by pushing the operation unit 6, and the temperature of hot water is adjusted by rotating the operation unit 6. Moreover, in the washstand 2, the function part 10 which comprises the hot and cold water mixing apparatus of this embodiment is provided below the wash counter 4. The functional unit 10 is provided in a state where it is accommodated in a predetermined case below the wash counter 4.

  Thus, the hot and cold water mixing apparatus of the present embodiment includes the faucet body 5, the operation unit 6, and the functional unit 10 that constitute the wash basin 2. And according to the hot water mixing apparatus of this embodiment, the hot water obtained by the function part 10 under the operation by the operation part 6 is supplied to the faucet main body 5 via a predetermined | prescribed path | route, and from the spout 5a Discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the hot and cold mixing device 1 of the present embodiment is for obtaining hot and cold water at an adjusted temperature by mixing hot water and water supplied via a predetermined path. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the hot water / water mixing apparatus 1 includes a hot water supply pipe 11 that is a hot water supply pipe supplied via a predetermined path and water supplied via a predetermined path in the functional unit 10. And a water supply pipe 12 which is a supply pipe. Hot water obtained by a hot water heater (not shown) or the like is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 11 through a predetermined path (see arrow H). The water supply pipe 12 is supplied with water guided from tap water or the like via a predetermined path (see arrow C). That is, in the hot water / water mixing device 1, a hot water supply path is configured by the hot water supply pipe 11, and a water supply path is configured by the water supply pipe 12.

  In the functional unit 10, hot water or water, or hot water obtained by mixing them, from the upstream side (lower side in FIG. 2, hereinafter simply referred to as “upstream side”) to the downstream side (upper side in FIG. (Hereinafter referred to simply as “downstream side”), a temperature adjustment function part 13 that is a part that adjusts the temperature of hot water, and a flow adjustment function part 14 that is a part that performs switching of discharge water and adjusting the flow rate of hot water. Is configured. That is, the hot water and water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 are mixed in the temperature control function unit 13 to become hot water having the adjusted temperature, and then the faucet body through the flow control function unit 14. 5 is supplied.

  The temperature control function unit 13 includes a mixing valve device 30. Accordingly, the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 are each connected to the mixing valve device 30. The hot water supplied by the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supplied by the water supply pipe 12 are mixed by the mixing valve device 30 and then guided to the flow control function unit 14. The mixing valve device 30 includes a thermo valve 31 and a motor 32 that functions as a drive source for the thermo valve 31. The thermo valve 31 is configured as a mechanical thermo unit having a temperature sensing unit that drives a valve member of the thermo valve 31 by applying a changing urging force.

  The hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 are each provided with a stop cock 15, a filter 16, and a check valve 17 in order from the upstream side. The water stop cock 15 is used for parts replacement and maintenance of the functional unit 10. The filter 16 removes impurities present in hot water or water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 11 or the water supply pipe 12. The check valve 17 regulates the flow from the downstream side to the upstream side for hot water or water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 11 or the water supply pipe 12.

  The flow control function unit 14 constitutes a water discharge pipe 18 serving as a hot water passage between the mixing valve device 30 and the faucet body 5. The water discharge pipe 18 has a first branch pipe 18a and a second branch pipe 18b that are branched from each other. That is, the water discharge pipe 18 has an upstream end connected to the mixing valve device 30, and a downstream end connected to the faucet body 5, and merges downstream in the intermediate portion. It has the 1st branch pipe 18a and the 2nd branch pipe 18b.

  The first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b are respectively provided with an electromagnetic valve 19 and a constant flow valve 20 in order from the upstream side. The electromagnetic valve 19 functions as an on-off valve. That is, in the first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b, the communication state and the non-communication state are switched by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 19. The constant flow valve 20 limits the flow rate of hot water in each of the first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b to a constant amount.

  In the flow control function unit 14 having such a configuration, the discharge water is switched and the flow rate of hot water is adjusted as follows. In the present embodiment, the flow rate of hot water by the flow control function unit 14 is adjusted in two stages. Specifically, the first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b are configured such that the flow rate of hot water to be circulated differs depending on the size of the pipe diameter, the flow rate restricted by the constant flow valve 20, and the like. In the present embodiment, the first branch pipe 18a circulates hot water with a larger flow rate than the second branch pipe 18b.

  And in adjustment of the flow volume of the hot water by the flow control function part 14, the state where both the 1st branch pipe 18a and the 2nd branch pipe 18b connected (the electromagnetic valve 19 opened), and the 2nd branch pipe 18b Two states are used: a state in which the first branch pipe 18a is in communication with the first branch pipe 18a not in communication (the electromagnetic valve 19 is closed). That is, according to the flow control function unit 14, the flow rate of hot water supplied from the mixing valve device 30 to the faucet body 5 is the sum of the flow rate of the flow rate of the first branch pipe 18a and the flow rate of the second branch pipe 18b (multiple flow rate). Flow rate) and a flow rate only by the first branch pipe 18a (small flow rate).

  Therefore, the switching of the discharge water in the flow control function unit 14 is performed by opening and closing the electromagnetic valves 19 of both the first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b in the case of a high flow rate state. Further, since the electromagnetic valve 19 on the second branch pipe 18b side is closed in the small flow rate state, the discharge water is switched by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve 19 of the first branch pipe 18a.

  The switching of the discharge water and the adjustment of the flow rate of the hot water by the flow control function unit 14 as described above are performed by pushing the operation unit 6. The configuration of the flow adjustment function unit 14 is not limited to the present embodiment. That is, the configuration of the hot water path (for example, the number of branched pipes, etc.) in the flow control function unit 14 and the number of stages of the flow rate adjusted stepwise are appropriately set depending on the use of the hot water mixing apparatus 1 and the like. .

  Further, in the function unit 10, a hot water supply thermistor 21 for detecting the temperature of hot water supplied by the hot water supply pipe 11 and a temperature of hot water supplied from the mixing valve device 30 to the faucet body 5 are detected. A hot water thermistor 22 is provided. In the present embodiment, the hot water supply thermistor 21 is provided at a position upstream of the water stop cock 15 in the hot water supply pipe 11. The hot water thermistor 22 is provided at an arbitrary position in the water discharge pipe 18. In the present embodiment, the hot water thermistor 22 is provided at the position of the upstream end of the water discharge pipe 18.

  In the function part 10, the controller 50 for controlling each part in the hot water mixing apparatus 1 is provided. The controller 50 operates (opening / closing operation) of the electromagnetic valve 19 provided in each of the first branch pipe 18a and the second branch pipe 18b based on the temperature detected by the operation in the operation unit 6, the hot water thermistor 22 or the like. In addition, the operation of the mixing valve device 30 is controlled. That is, an operation signal from the operation unit 6, a detection signal from the hot water supply thermistor 21, and a detection signal from the hot water thermistor 22 are input to the controller 50. The controller 50 outputs a control signal for each electromagnetic valve 19 and a control signal for the mixing valve device 30 (the motor 32 thereof).

  The controller 50 has an input interface for receiving input signals from the operation unit 6, the hot water supply thermistor 21, and the hot water thermistor 22, and an output interface for outputting control signals to the electromagnetic valves 19 and the mixing valve device 30. Have. Further, the controller 50 includes a part for storing a control program, the flow rate / temperature of hot water set by the operation unit 6, a part for performing a predetermined calculation according to the control program, and the like. The controller 50 receives power supply via an AC adapter (not shown).

  Moreover, in the functional part 10 of this embodiment, the bypass pipe 24 which has the on-off valve 23 which can be operated manually is provided. The bypass pipe 24 supplies the water supplied to the water supply pipe 12 to the faucet body 5 bypassing the mixing valve device 30 and the electromagnetic valve 19. Therefore, in this embodiment, the bypass pipe 24 branches from the downstream part of the check valve 17 in the water supply pipe 12, and the downstream end is the constant flow valve 20 in the water discharge pipe 18 (first branch pipe 18a). Connected to the downstream side. The bypass pipe 24 is used for supplying water to the faucet body 5 in an emergency such as a power failure under the manual operation of the on-off valve 23.

  Then, the structure of the mixing valve apparatus 30 is demonstrated using FIG. The mixing valve device 30 includes the thermo valve 31 and the motor 32 as described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the thermo valve 31 includes a valve body 34 that is a cylindrical member inside a substantially cylindrical casing 33. The valve body 34 has an outer shape (outer diameter dimension) along the inner peripheral surface of the casing 33 that forms the inner space of the casing 33, and in the casing 33, the cylinder axis direction (longitudinal direction, left and right in FIG. 3) of the casing 33. Direction). Hereinafter, the reciprocating sliding direction (see arrow B) of the valve body 34 inside the casing 33 is referred to as a “valve moving direction”.

  Hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 11 and water supplied from the water supply pipe 12 flow into the casing 33 and mix. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the casing 33 includes a hot water supply port 33 a that is a hot water inlet in the mixing valve device 30 and a water supply port 33 b that is also a water inlet. The hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b communicate the internal space of the casing 33 to the outside. Therefore, for the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 connected to the mixing valve device 30 as described above, the hot water supply pipe 11 is connected to the hot water supply port 33a of the casing 33, and the water supply pipe 12 is connected to the water supply port 33b of the casing 33. Connected.

  The valve body 34 flows into the inside of the casing 33 from the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b by closing at least a part of the opening of the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b with respect to the inside of the casing 33 by the outer peripheral surfaces thereof. Limit the flow of hot water and water. That is, the valve body 34 is provided inside the casing 33 so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the valve movement direction, and changes the area for closing the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b depending on the position in the valve movement direction. Therefore, the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b have an opening degree (open ratio of the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b) with respect to the internal space of the casing 33 due to the movement of the valve body 34 in the valve moving direction. Provided to be adjusted.

  In the thermo valve 31, the change in the opening degree of the hot water supply port 33 a and the water supply port 33 b due to the movement of the valve body 34 in the valve moving direction is mixed in the casing 33 (supplied into the casing 33). This corresponds to the change in the ratio of hot water to water. That is, by adjusting the position of the valve body 34 in the valve movement direction in the thermo valve 31, mixed water (hot water obtained by mixing hot water and water flowing in from the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b) Hereinafter, the temperature of “mixed water” is adjusted.

  In such a configuration, hot water flowing from the hot water supply port 33a (see arrow C1) and water flowing from the water supply port 33b (see arrow C2) become mixed water inside the casing 33 via the valve body 34. Then, it flows out from an outlet 33c provided at a predetermined portion in the casing 33 (see arrow C3). In this embodiment, the outflow port 33c is provided in the wall part 33d formed in the longitudinal direction one side (right side in FIG. 3) edge part of the casing 33. As shown in FIG. Moreover, in the valve body 34 which is a cylindrical member, both sides in the cylinder axis direction are open, and the valve body 34 allows hot water to pass through the space formed by the inner peripheral surface 34a.

  Thus, in the hot and cold water mixing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the valve body 34 provided in the mixing valve apparatus 30 is movably provided and adjusts the opening degree of the hot water supply port 33a and the water supply port 33b according to the position. Function as a valve member.

  The valve body 34 is supported in a state of being urged from both sides in the valve movement direction in the casing 33. For one side in the valve movement direction (side on which the outflow port 33c is provided), the valve body 34 is biased by the temperature-sensitive spring 35, and on the other side in the valve movement direction (on the side opposite to the side on which the outflow port 33c is provided). The valve body 34 is biased by a bias spring 36 as a biasing member. These springs are provided in such a posture that the urging force is applied to the valve body 34 in the casing 33 to drive the valve body 34 along the valve movement direction, and the valve body 34 is pressed and urged. That is, the biasing force (pressing force) acting on the valve element 34 by the temperature-sensitive spring 35 and the bias spring 36 is opposed to each other, and the valve is positioned at a position where the biasing force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35 and the biasing force of the bias spring 36 are balanced. The body 34 moves. Hereinafter, in the valve movement direction (longitudinal direction of the casing 33), the side (right side in FIG. 3) where the temperature-sensitive spring 35 is located with respect to the valve body 34 is referred to as “outflow side”, and the opposite side (bias spring 36 is The side on the left side in FIG.

  The temperature-sensitive spring 35 is a coil spring made of a shape memory alloy (SMA), and drives the valve body 34 by changing an urging force applied to the valve body 34 due to a change in temperature. That is, the temperature-sensitive spring 35 constitutes a temperature-sensing unit that drives the valve member of the thermo-valve 31 by applying an urging force that varies depending on the temperature of the hot water in the thermo-valve 31. In the present embodiment, the urging force of the temperature sensitive spring 35 against the valve body 34 increases as the temperature increases, and decreases as the temperature decreases. The temperature-sensitive spring 35 is provided in a state of being sandwiched between the wall 33 d where the outlet 33 c is provided in the casing 33 and the valve body 34.

  The bias spring 36 is pressed by a spring press 37 provided in the casing 33, and is provided in a state of being sandwiched between the spring press 37 and the valve body 34. The spring retainer 37 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is provided so as to be movable in the valve moving direction.

  The bias spring 36 is positioned in the moving direction by a spindle 38 provided in the casing 33. Specifically, a female screw portion 37 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the spring retainer 37. The male screw portion 38 a of the spindle 38 is screwed into the female screw portion 37 a of the spring retainer 37. The spindle 38 is provided in the casing 33 so as to be rotatably supported at a predetermined position in the valve movement direction.

  Therefore, when the spindle 38 rotates in the forward / reverse direction, the spring retainer 37 moves to both sides in the valve movement direction. That is, the urging force that acts on the valve body 34 from the bias spring 36 increases as the spring retainer 37 moves to the outflow side (closer to the valve body 34 side) as the spindle 38 rotates, and the spring retainer 37 Decreases by moving to the anti-outflow side (away from the valve body 34).

  The spindle 38 rotates using a motor 32 provided in the mixing valve device 30 as a drive source. That is, the spindle 38 is connected to the output shaft 32 a of the motor 32 and rotates as the motor 32 rotates. A connecting portion between the output shaft 32 a of the motor 32 and the spindle 38 passes through the wall portion 33 e on the counterflow side of the casing 33. Therefore, the motor 32 is disposed on the anti-outflow side with respect to the casing 33, and transmits rotation to the spindle 38 from the anti-outflow side of the casing 33. The position of the spring retainer 37, that is, the magnitude of the biasing force from the bias spring 36 to the valve body 34 is adjusted by the rotation direction and rotation amount (rotation angle) of the motor 32.

  In such a configuration, when the temperature of the mixed water in the casing 33 rises, the urging force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35 exceeds the urging force of the bias spring 36, so that the valve body 34 becomes the urging force of the bias spring 36. It moves against the outflow side and comes to a position where the urging force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35 and the urging force of the bias spring 36 are balanced. The movement of the valve body 34 to the non-outflow side corresponds to the movement in the direction of closing the hot water supply port 33a (narrowing the opening portion) and opening the water supply port 33b (widening the opening portion). Due to the movement of the valve body 34, the amount of hot water supplied into the casing 33 decreases and the amount of water increases, so the temperature of the mixed water decreases.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of the mixed water in the casing 33 decreases, the urging force of the temperature sensing spring 35 falls below the urging force of the bias spring 36, so that the valve body 34 resists the urging force of the temperature sensing spring 35. It moves to the outflow side and comes to a position where the biasing force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35 and the biasing force of the bias spring 36 are balanced. The movement of the valve body 34 toward the outflow side corresponds to the movement in the direction in which the hot water supply port 33a is opened and the water supply port 33b is closed. The movement of the valve body 34 increases the amount of hot water supplied into the casing 33 and decreases the amount of water, so that the temperature of the mixed water rises.

  The temperature of the mixed water is also adjusted by the operation of the valve body 34 by driving the motor 32. That is, as described above, the biasing force of the bias spring 36, which is adjusted via the spindle 38 and the spring retainer 37 by the rotation of the motor 32, exceeds the biasing force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35. It moves to the outflow side against the urging force of the temperature sensitive spring 35. On the other hand, the biasing force of the bias spring 36 against the valve element 34 via the spindle 38 and the spring retainer 37 is less than the biasing force of the temperature-sensitive spring 35 due to the rotation of the motor 32, so that the valve element 34 becomes the biasing force of the bias spring 36. Move against the anti-spill side.

  As described above, in the mixing valve device 30, the hot water supply port 33 a and the water are supplied by the operation of the valve body 34 due to the change in the urging force accompanying the temperature change of the temperature sensing spring 35 and the operation of the valve body 34 due to the drive of the motor 32. The opening degree of the supply port 33b changes and the temperature of mixed water is adjusted. Then, the temperature of the mixed water is adjusted by the mixing valve device 30 constituting the temperature control function unit 13 by the rotation operation of the operation unit 6.

  As described above, in the hot water / water mixing device 1 of the present embodiment, the temperature sensing spring 35 provided in the mixing valve device 30 causes the urging force that changes with the temperature change of the mixed water to act on the valve body 34. It functions as a temperature-sensitive member that drives the valve body 34 (reciprocates in the valve movement direction). That is, in the hot and cold water mixing device 1 of the present embodiment, the mixing valve device 30 is a mixing valve that allows the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 to communicate with each other, includes the valve body 34 and the temperature sensing spring 35, and allows mixed water to flow out. Function.

  Further, in the hot and cold water mixing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the operating unit 6 (see FIG. 2) is a temperature for setting a set temperature (hereinafter referred to as “set temperature”) that is a target value for the temperature of the mixed water. Functions as a setting operation unit. The hot water thermistor 22 functions as a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the mixed water flowing out of the mixing valve device 30, and the hot water supply thermistor 21 is the temperature of the hot water supplied to the mixing valve device 30. It functions as a second temperature sensor for detecting.

  And in the hot water mixing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the controller 50 outputs the control signal for moving the valve body 34 with respect to the mixing valve apparatus 30, and the hot water of preset temperature is obtained as mixed water. Thus, feedback control for controlling the mixing valve device 30 is performed. Here, the control signal for moving the valve body 34 that is output from the controller 50 to the mixing valve device 30 is a control signal for the motor 32.

  In the hot water / water mixing device 1 having the above-described configuration, feedback control of the water discharge temperature (mixed water temperature) is performed by the controller 50 based on the operation signal from the operation unit 6 and the detection signal from the hot water thermistor 22. The mixing valve device 30 (the motor 32 thereof) is controlled. Hereinafter, a control signal output from the controller 50 to the mixing valve device 30 (the motor 32 thereof) is referred to as a “valve control signal”. In other words, the valve control signal is a signal for rotating the spindle 38 that rotates to move the valve element 34 in the valve movement direction (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the valve control signal is a signal regarding the rotation angle of the spindle 38 (hereinafter referred to as “spindle angle”) and the rotation direction.

  In the feedback control, the water discharge temperature (hereinafter referred to as “detected temperature”) detected by the hot water thermistor 22 is compared with a target temperature (set temperature set by the operation unit 6), and based on the difference, The thermo valve 31 is controlled. That is, in the thermo valve 31, the motor 32 is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the difference between the detected temperature and the set temperature, so that the spindle 38 and the spring retainer 37 are filled so that the gap between the detected temperature and the set temperature is filled. The valve body 34 is moved via Thereby, the water discharge temperature is corrected at any time with the set temperature as a target.

  Specifically, in the feedback control, the controller 50 compares the detected temperature with the set temperature based on the operation signal from the operation unit 6 and the detection signal from the hot water thermistor 22, and based on the calculation result, Generate a valve control signal. If the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature as a result of the comparison calculation, the controller 50 generates a valve control signal for increasing the water discharge temperature. On the other hand, when the detected temperature is higher than the set temperature as a result of the comparison calculation, the controller 50 generates a valve control signal for decreasing the discharge temperature.

  Here, the valve control signal generated in the controller 50 is calculated according to the magnitude of the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the set temperature. The calculation of the valve control signal by the controller 50 is performed based on the relationship between the set temperature and the spindle angle that are preset and stored in the controller 50, for example.

  In the hot water / water mixing device 1 of the present embodiment, the feedback control as described above is performed under predetermined conditions for the temperature of hot water supplied through the hot water supply pipe 11 (hereinafter referred to as “hot water supply temperature”). Specifically, the feedback control is performed when the amount of change per hour in the hot water supply temperature is not more than a certain value and not less than the set temperature. Therefore, controller 50 starts feedback control when it is determined that the amount of change in hot water temperature detected by hot water supply thermistor per time is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the hot water temperature is equal to or higher than a set temperature. .

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a temporal change in the hot water supply temperature after the start of water discharge. In the graph shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal axis is the time from the start of water discharge, and the vertical axis is the hot water supply temperature. As shown in FIG. 4, since the hot water supply temperature is generally affected by piping from a hot water heater or the like that supplies hot water to the hot water supply pipe 11 or stagnant water in the hot water heater, water discharge is started. It takes some time to reach a stable temperature (see time t10).

  Therefore, in the hot and cold water mixing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the feedback control start timing is when the hot water supply temperature is stable and the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature (see temperature L0 in FIG. 4). That is, the feedback control start timing is when the controller 50 determines that the hot water supply temperature is stable and the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature. Here, as to the degree of stability of the hot water supply temperature, whether or not the amount of change in hot water temperature per hour (hereinafter referred to as “hot water temperature change amount”) is a certain value or less is used as an index.

  Thus, feedback control is performed on hot water supply temperature under a predetermined condition, so that feedback control is performed in a stable state where the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature. Thereby, the mixed water of the set temperature stabilized more in a short time is obtained.

  The feedback control performed under such predetermined conditions for the hot water supply temperature is performed when water discharge is started, including the time of re-water discharge, according to the set temperature. In other words, the controller 50 stabilizes the hot water supply temperature and sets the hot water supply temperature according to the set temperature at the time of starting water discharge, such as when water discharge is started again after a lapse of a certain time from the water stop state. When it is determined that the temperature is higher than the temperature, feedback control is started.

  The feedback control started under a predetermined condition for the hot water supply temperature will be specifically described. FIG. 5 shows an example of a temporal change in the hot water temperature detected by the hot water supply thermistor 21. As shown in FIG. 5, at the time of water discharge start (time t0), the hot water supply temperature is lower than the set temperature L1 and rises with a predetermined slope (time t0) due to the influence of accumulated water in the water heater. -Time t1). When the influence of the accumulated water in the water heater begins to disappear, the actual hot water temperature starts to be detected, and the hot water temperature eventually exceeds the set temperature (time t2 to time t3).

  The controller 50 calculates the hot water supply temperature change amount when water discharge is started. FIG. 6 shows an example of a change over time in the hot water supply temperature change amount. The graph shown in FIG. 6 is obtained by differentiating the result represented by the graph of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, from time t0 to time t1 when the hot water temperature rises with a predetermined slope, the amount of change in hot water temperature is substantially constant at a predetermined value α. The hot water temperature change amount α is larger than a constant value of hot water temperature change amount (hereinafter referred to as “reference change amount”) M1, which is a reference for the hot water temperature change amount included in the condition for starting the feedback control. large.

  Thereafter, until the time t2, the hot water temperature changes with a slope smaller than the slope up to the time t1 with respect to the change in the hot water temperature. Therefore, from the time t1 to the time t2, the value β of the hot water temperature change amount is a reference value. It is smaller than the change amount M1. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the value of the reference change amount M1 is set between the value α and the value β of the hot water supply temperature change amount, but as shown in FIG. Until the time t2, the hot water supply temperature is lower than the temperature L1, which is the set temperature. For this reason, feedback control is not started.

  As shown in FIG. 5, after time t <b> 2, the influence of stagnant water or the like in the water heater starts to disappear, so that the hot water temperature rapidly rises to a certain level (time t <b> 2 to time t <b> 4). In this time range, with respect to the hot water supply temperature, since the temperature change is steep from immediately before reaching the set temperature until it exceeds the set temperature, the value of the hot water supply temperature change amount is larger than the reference change amount M1.

  Then, after time t3, the hot water supply temperature exceeds the set temperature (see FIG. 5), and after time t4 when the gradient of the hot water supply temperature changes gradually after the hot water supply temperature changes with a steep slope, the hot water supply temperature changes. The value of the amount gradually decreases and eventually changes so as to be smaller than the reference change amount M1 (see FIG. 6).

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the hot water supply temperature is stable at time t5, which is the time after time t4 (the hot water supply temperature change amount is below the reference change amount M1), and the hot water supply This corresponds to the time when the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature L1 that is the set temperature. Therefore, in this example, the controller 50 starts the feedback control from the time t5.

  Thus, the hot water supply temperature and the hot water supply temperature change amount are used as parameters, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for these parameters, feedback control is started. As a result, when the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature and when the water supply temperature is stabilized, the feedback control for the water discharge temperature is immediately started, so that mixed water having a stable set temperature can be obtained in a shorter time.

  For example, when relatively low temperature water remains in the hot water supply pipe 11 in winter or the like, when water discharge is started, the low temperature water flows out through the mixing valve device 30 and temperature detection by the hot water thermistor 22 is performed. It becomes a target. In this case, when feedback control is performed, the mixing valve device 30 is controlled so as to raise the discharged water temperature to the maximum (so that the hot water supply port 33a side is opened to the maximum). However, since hot water with a relatively high temperature supplied from a water heater or the like flows into the hot water supply pipe 11, the hot water with the high temperature is supplied to the mixing valve device 30 immediately after the low temperature water flows out. That is, a situation occurs in which hot water having a high temperature is supplied to the mixing valve device 30 with the hot water supply port 33a opened to the maximum. For this reason, mixed water having a temperature significantly exceeding the set temperature may be discharged from the water outlet 5 a of the faucet body 5. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the feedback control is started when the hot water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature and the phenomenon that the mixed water having a temperature greatly exceeding the set temperature is discharged is prevented. .

  By the way, in the hot water mixing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, in the mixing valve apparatus 30, the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 are communicated as a merging portion of hot water supplied by the hot water supply pipe 11 and water supplied by the water supply pipe 12. There is a part to do. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, in the mixing valve device 30, the internal space of the casing 33 in which the hot water supply port 33 a to which the hot water supply pipe 11 is connected and the water supply port 33 b to which the water supply pipe 12 is connected opens. However, it becomes the confluence of hot water and water.

  Thus, in the configuration in which the hot water and water merge portions exist in the mixing valve device 30, the hot water and water merge from the water supply pipe 12 depending on fluctuations in the pressure conditions of the hot water and water supplied, the position of the valve body 34, and the like. In some cases, the water supplied to the portion flows into the hot water supply pipe 11 side. Such a phenomenon is likely to occur when the pressure / amount of water supplied to the mixing valve device 30 is relatively large relative to the pressure / amount of hot water supplied to the mixing valve device 30. Further, in the configuration in which the check valve 17 for restricting the flow of hot water from the downstream side to the upstream side is provided in the hot water supply pipe 11 as in the present embodiment, the downstream side of the check valve 17 in the hot water supply pipe 11 is provided. The water that flows in from the water supply pipe 12 side to the hot water supply pipe 11 side may stay.

  Thus, the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply thermistor 21 provided in the hot water supply pipe 11 when the water supplied to the hot water and water confluence portion in the mixing valve device 30 circulates and flows into the hot water supply pipe 11 side. However, there are cases where it does not correspond to the actual hot water supply temperature. That is, since the hot water temperature is measured based on the monitoring data of the hot water supply thermistor 21 provided in the hot water supply pipe 11, when the water flows into the hot water supply pipe 11, the measured hot water temperature is compared with the actual hot water temperature. Has an error. Such an error regarding the hot water supply temperature becomes a cause of hindering the adjustment of the discharged water temperature by feedback control performed under predetermined conditions for the hot water supply temperature as described above.

  For example, as described above, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 12 to the joining portion of the hot water and the water flows into the hot water supply pipe 11 and flows into the hot water supply pipe 11, thereby supplying water to the downstream portion of the check valve 17. When the water flowing in from the pipe 12 side to the hot water supply pipe 11 side stays, a phenomenon that the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply thermistor 21 provided in the hot water supply pipe 11 does not easily rise to the set temperature may occur. is there. When such a phenomenon occurs, the feedback control is not started unless the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply thermistor 21 is equal to or higher than the set temperature.

  Therefore, the hot and cold water mixing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration. That is, the hot water supply pipe 11 that communicates with the joining portion of hot water and water in the mixing valve device 30 has a check valve 17 that restricts the flow of hot water from the downstream side to the upstream side with respect to the mixing valve device 30. A hot water supply thermistor 21 is provided upstream of the check valve 17 in the hot water supply pipe 11.

  Specifically, in the configuration in which the water stop cock 15, the filter 16, and the check valve 17 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the hot water supply pipe 11, the hot water supply thermistor 21 is disposed on the upstream side of the water stop cock 15. . Accordingly, the hot water supply temperature of the hot water in the portion of the hot water supply pipe 11 on the upstream side of the stop cock 15 is detected by the hot water supply thermistor 21.

  As described above, the hot water supply thermistor 21 for detecting the hot water supply temperature that defines the condition for starting the feedback control is provided on the upstream side of the check valve 17 in the hot water supply pipe 11. In the configuration where the feedback control is performed on the water discharge temperature below, the deviation of the water discharge temperature with respect to the target temperature (set temperature) can be reduced, the hot water supply temperature can be detected accurately, and reliable feedback control is performed. It can be carried out.

  That is, in the portion of the hot water supply pipe 11 upstream of the check valve 17, the flow is restricted by the check valve 17, so that the hot water in the pipe is affected by the water flowing from the water supply pipe 12 side to the hot water supply pipe 11 side. I do not receive it. Therefore, even if water flows from the hot water supply pipe 12 side to the hot water supply pipe 11 side, the hot water supply thermistor 21 detects the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water supply pipe 11 from a hot water heater or the like. For this reason, the start timing of feedback control comes based on the exact hot water supply temperature. For example, even when the water from the water supply pipe 12 is in a state where the water is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 11, the temperature of the water from the water supply pipe 12 is detected by the hot water thermistor 22 after the feedback control is started. Thus, the valve body 34 moves in the direction of increasing the opening degree of the hot water supply port 33a by feedback control. Thereby, the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 11 flows into the joining portion of the hot water and the water in the mixing valve device 30, and as a result, the mixed water having a stable set temperature can be obtained in a shorter time.

  The hot water supply thermistor 21 may be provided upstream of the check valve 17 in the hot water supply pipe 11. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the hot water supply thermistor 21 may be provided in the hot water supply pipe 11 between the stop cock 15 and the filter 16 or between the filter 16 and the check valve 17.

  Moreover, the structure of the mixing valve apparatus 30 with which the hot water supply pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 12 are connected is not specifically limited to this embodiment. However, since the mixing valve device 30 includes the thermo valve 31 including the temperature sensitive spring 35 as in the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, even when hot water is suddenly supplied to the hot water supply pipe 11 in a state where feedback control is not performed, due to the movement of the valve body 34 due to the change in the biasing force of the temperature sensitive spring 35, It is controlled where the temperature of the mixed water is close to the set temperature. This greatly reduces the possibility of overshoot for the temperature of the mixed water.

  Specifically, for example, when hot water having a temperature higher than that at the time of the previous water stop is supplied into the casing 33 from the hot water supply pipe 11 through the hot water supply port 33a, the temperature sensitive spring 35 causes the temperature of the mixed water to increase. And the urging force is changed according to the sensed temperature to increase the urging force on the valve body 34. Thereby, the valve body 34 moves to the anti-outflow side (left side in FIG. 3), and restricts that hot water having a temperature higher than that at the previous water stop flows into the casing 33 from the hot water supply port 33a. That is, the temperature-sensitive spring 35 changes the urging force with respect to the valve body 34 according to the temperature change, thereby displacing the valve body 34 to the non-outflow side and restricts rapid inflow of hot water into the casing 33. As a result, the mixing valve device 30 is controlled near the set temperature, and the possibility of overshoot is reduced. Thus, by using the structure having the temperature sensing spring 35 as the temperature sensing member as the mixing valve device 30, the mixing of the stable temperature close to the set temperature as soon as possible by the start of the feedback control. You can get water.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to each embodiment mentioned above, In the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim, various deformation | transformation are carried out.・ Change is possible. Therefore, the present invention, for example, uses a single operating lever (single lever) that is pivotable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as a temperature setting operation unit, and operates the hot water by mechanical movement associated with the displacement. The present invention is also applicable to a configuration having a so-called single lever faucet in which the flow rate is adjusted by rotating the lever in the vertical direction and the temperature is adjusted by rotating the operating lever in the horizontal direction.

1 Hot and cold water mixing device 6 Operation section (temperature setting operation section)
11 Hot water supply pipe (hot water supply pipe)
12 Water supply pipe (water supply pipe)
17 Check valve 21 Thermistor for hot water supply (first temperature sensor)
22 Thermistor for hot water (second temperature sensor)
30 Mixing valve device (mixing valve)
33a Hot water supply port (hot water inlet)
33b Water supply port (water inlet)
34 Valve body (valve member)
35 Temperature Sensitive Spring (Temperature Sensitive Member)
50 controller

Claims (2)

Supply pipes for hot water and water supplied through a predetermined path are communicated, and are provided so as to be movable, and have valve members for adjusting the opening degree of the respective inlets of the hot water and water according to their positions, A mixing valve that causes the mixed water, which is hot water obtained by mixing the hot water and water flowing in from the inlet, to flow out;
A temperature setting operation unit for setting a set temperature which is a target value for the temperature of the mixed water;
A first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the mixed water flowing out of the mixing valve;
A second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water supplied to the mixing valve;
Based on the detection signal from the first temperature sensor, by outputting a control signal for moving the valve member to the mixing valve, the hot water at the set temperature is obtained as the mixed water. In a hot water mixing apparatus comprising a controller that performs feedback control for controlling the mixing valve,
The controller is
The amount of change per hour in the temperature of the hot water detected by the second sensor is less than a certain value, and it is determined that the temperature of the hot water detected by the second sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature. The feedback control is started when
The supply pipe of the hot water is
A check valve that regulates the flow of the hot water from the downstream side to the upstream side in the hot water flow with respect to the mixing valve;
The second temperature sensor is
Provided on the upstream side of the check valve in the supply pipe of the hot water,
A hot and cold water mixing device. The mixing valve is
A temperature-sensitive member that drives the valve member by applying an urging force that changes with a temperature change of the mixed water to the valve member;
The hot / cold water mixing apparatus according to claim 1.

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