JP3596541B2 - Electric water heater - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric water heater that supplies power with a backup power supply when commercial power is not input.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Heretofore, there has been proposed an electric water heater of this type which performs a hot water discharge operation, a timing operation, and the like by a backup power supply when commercial power is not input.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional technology, the supply voltage is directly supplied to the device without boosting the backup power supply, so that the operating voltage range of the backup power supply is narrow, or the backup power supply is constantly boosted and the power is supplied to the device. However, there was a problem in the effective use of the backup power supply.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric water heater in which the use efficiency of a backup power supply is significantly improved.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a container for storing a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the device when commercial power is not input, and a timer for measuring time. And a control means for controlling the operations of the tapping means and the timekeeping means. When power is supplied from the backup power supply, the residual energy of the backup power supply is lower than a first predetermined level. If it is larger, power is supplied to the control means without boosting the backup power supply, and if it is equal to or lower than a first predetermined level, the boosting means operates to boost the backup power supply and supply power to the control means. It was made.
[0006]
When the residual energy level of the backup power supply is high, power is supplied without boosting, and when the residual energy level becomes a level just before the minimum operating voltage of the control means falls below the minimum operating voltage of the supply without boosting, power is supplied by boosting. Thus, the use efficiency of the backup power supply can be improved.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, and a timing unit for timing time. A boosting means for boosting the backup power supply, and a control means for controlling the operations of the tapping means and the time keeping means. When the remaining power of the backup power supply is larger than the first predetermined level when the power is supplied from the backup power supply, The backup power supply is supplied to the control means without boosting, and if the backup power supply is not higher than the first predetermined level, the boosting means operates to boost the backup power supply and supply power to the control means, thereby increasing the efficiency of use of the backup power supply. Can be improved.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a liquid, a tapping unit for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, and a timing unit for counting time. A boosting means for boosting the backup power supply, and a control means for controlling the operations of the tapping means and the time keeping means. When the remaining power of the backup power supply is larger than the first predetermined level when the power is supplied from the backup power supply, The backup power supply is supplied to the control means without boosting, and if the backup power supply is not higher than the first predetermined level, the boosting means operates to boost the backup power supply at predetermined time intervals and supply power to the control means, thereby using the backup power supply. Efficiency can be improved.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a liquid, a tapping unit for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, and a timing unit for counting time. A boosting means for boosting the backup power supply, and a control means for controlling operations of the tapping means and the timer means. When power is supplied from the backup power supply, and when the liquid is discharged by the tapping means, the boosting means is connected to the backup means. The power supply is boosted to a first predetermined voltage to supply power to the tapping means and the control means. If no liquid is discharged by the tapping means and the remaining energy of the backup power supply is larger than the first predetermined level, the backup power supply is not boosted. Power is supplied to the control means, and if there is no discharge of liquid by the tapping means and the remaining energy of the backup power supply is equal to or lower than the first predetermined level, Means that is the power supply to the control means to boost the backup power lower than the first predetermined voltage a second predetermined voltage, it is possible to improve the use efficiency of the backup power supply.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the remaining energy of the backup power supply is equal to or lower than a second predetermined level lower than the first predetermined level, the discharge of the liquid by the tapping means is prohibited. By doing so, the use efficiency of the backup power supply can be improved, and a highly reliable configuration in which the booster is not overloaded.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the boosting operation is performed when the remaining energy of the backup power supply becomes equal to or lower than a third predetermined level lower than the first predetermined level or the second predetermined level. By stopping the power supply, the use efficiency of the backup power supply can be improved, and a highly reliable configuration in which the booster is not overloaded can be provided.
[0012]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, by detecting the residual energy of the backup power supply according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention at predetermined time intervals, power consumption required for the detection operation can be reduced. Use efficiency can be improved.
[0013]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing a liquid, a tapping unit for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, and a timing unit for counting time. A boosting means for boosting the backup power supply, and a control means for controlling the operation of the tapping means and the time measuring means. When power is supplied from the backup power supply, and when the liquid is discharged by the tapping means, the boosting means is connected to the backup power supply. Is raised to a first predetermined voltage to supply power to the tapping means and the control means, and when the tapping means does not discharge liquid, the boosting means raises the backup power supply to a second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage. Then, by supplying power to the control means, it is possible to improve the use efficiency of the backup power supply.
[0014]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, when the remaining energy of the backup power supply falls below the second predetermined level, the discharge of the liquid by the tapping means is prohibited, thereby improving the use efficiency of the backup power supply. And a highly reliable configuration in which the booster is not overloaded.
[0015]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh or eighth aspect, the boosting operation is stopped when the remaining energy of the backup power supply becomes equal to or lower than a third predetermined level lower than the second predetermined level. It is possible to improve the use efficiency and to obtain a highly reliable configuration in which the booster is not overloaded.
[0016]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the power consumption required for the detection operation can be reduced by detecting the remaining energy of the backup power supply at predetermined time intervals according to the invention of the eighth or ninth aspect, and the use efficiency of the backup power supply can be further reduced. Can be improved.
[0017]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the power required for the boosting operation is obtained by performing the boosting operation to the first boosted voltage or the second boosted voltage according to any one of the third to tenth aspects at predetermined time intervals. Loss can be reduced, and the efficiency of using the backup power supply can be improved.
[0018]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram in the present embodiment.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, there is a container 2 for accommodating water having an upper surface opening in a main body 1, and a lid 3 for covering an upper portion of the container is arranged. A heating means 4 for heating the water in the container 2; a temperature detecting means 5 for detecting the temperature of the water in the container 2; an electric pump 7 for guiding the hot water in the container 2 from the discharge port 20 to the outside; The motor 6 serving as a hot water supply means serving as a drive source of the electric pump 7 is used at a lower side. When a commercial power is not supplied, a backup power supply 14 for supplying power to the apparatus and a power outlet 19 for inputting the commercial power are used laterally. An operation unit 8 that can be easily operated by a user is disposed above. Here, the operation unit 8 includes a tapping switch 9 for tapping hot water, a tapping lock release switch 10 for permitting operation of tapping operation, and a reboiler switch 11 for boiling hot water in a heat-retaining state again. 1, a heat retention temperature setting selection switch 12 for setting the heat retention temperature, and a display element 13 for displaying the hot water temperature and the heat retention temperature setting (FIG. Indicates a set heat retention temperature)), and the heating means 4 has a large output for boiling water in the container 2, for example, a main heater of 1000 W, and a heater in the container 2. It has a relatively small output that keeps water warm, for example, an auxiliary heater of 75 W.
[0021]
Next, reference numeral 15 denotes a booster which receives a signal from the backup power supply 14 and the control means 16 and outputs a signal to the control means 16 and the motor 6. Reference numeral 17 denotes a timing means for inputting and outputting signals to and from the control means. Reference numeral 18 denotes storage means for inputting and outputting signals to and from the control means. Reference numeral 16 denotes a storage means from the temperature detection means 5, the backup power supply 14, the boosting means 15, the operation unit 8, the time measuring means 17, and the storage means 18. This is a control unit that receives a signal and outputs a signal to the heating unit 4, the motor 6, the operation unit 8, the step-up unit 15, the timer unit 17, and the storage unit 18.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a control circuit diagram of the present embodiment having the configuration of FIG. 1, and the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0023]
In FIG. 2, a commercial power supply 21 supplies power to a control circuit via a power outlet 19, and a main heater 4a serving as a heating unit is connected via a main heater driving relay 22, and an auxiliary heater 4b is used for driving an auxiliary heater. It is connected via a relay 24.
[0024]
The commercial power supply 21 includes a rectifier circuit 26, a transformer circuit 27, a backflow preventing diode 29, and a regulator 30 (here, when the input voltage is 5 V or more, the output is 5 V, and when the input is less than 5 V, the input voltage is 0.1 V from the input voltage. The power is supplied to the microcomputer 33 (hereinafter referred to as VDD power supply) through a reduced output regulator (hereinafter referred to as a VDD power supply), and the output of the diode 29 (hereinafter referred to as VU2 power supply) is supplied through the tap switch 9 and the motor driving transistor 35 to the motor 6. The output of the transformer circuit 27 (hereinafter referred to as VU1 power supply, here 8 V) is connected to the backup power supply 14 through the charging circuit 37 and the backflow prevention diode 38.
[0025]
Further, the backup power supply 14 supplies power to the VU2 power supply via the booster circuit 15. The VU2 power supply is configured to be able to supply power from both the commercial power supply 21 and the backup power supply 14, but the output voltage from the transformer circuit 18 is set to be higher than the output voltage from the booster circuit 15, and When both power supplies 14 are connected, power is supplied from the commercial power supply 21.
[0026]
The booster circuit 15 has a built-in Schottky barrier diode for preventing backflow, and has a configuration in which no current flows from the VU2 power supply to the backup power supply 14. When the boosting off signal is output to the circuit 15, the output of the boosting circuit 15 is changed from the input, that is, the voltage of the backup power supply 14 (hereinafter referred to as VBK power supply) to the voltage of the above-mentioned Schottky barrier diode (here 0.3 V constant). ) Is subtracted.
[0027]
Reference numerals 28, 30, and 32 denote smoothing capacitors for the VU1, VU2, and VDD power sources, respectively.
[0028]
When the commercial power supply 21 is supplied from the power outlet 19, the central control device 16 as the control means detects the temperature (hereinafter referred to as θ) obtained from the divided voltage of the temperature sensor 5 as the temperature detection means and the resistor 34. On / off control of the main heater 4a and the auxiliary heater 4b is performed via the relay driving circuits 23 and 25, the main heater driving relay 22, and the auxiliary heater driving relay 24 based on the above. If the detected temperature θ is lower than the predetermined temperature θ1 (for example, about 90 ° C.), the main heater 4a and the auxiliary heater 4b are turned on, and the temperature is displayed on the LCD 13 as a display element. Thereafter, the temperature detection and the temperature display are repeated, and when the temperature rise (hereinafter referred to as Δθ) becomes smaller than a preset temperature rise value (Δθ), it is determined that the hot water in the container has boiled and the main heater 4a and the auxiliary heater 4b Turn off.
[0029]
After that, the temperature detection and the temperature display are repeated again, and the central control device 16 controls the auxiliary heater 4b on and off based on the detected temperature so as to maintain a predetermined temperature θ2 (for example, about 98 ° C.). A state in which the main heater 4a and the auxiliary heater 4b are turned on to raise the temperature of hot water will be described as a boiling mode, and a state in which the auxiliary heater 4b is turned on and off so as to maintain the predetermined temperature θ2 will be described as a heat retention mode.
[0030]
Temperature detection is repeated regardless of whether the device is in the boiling mode or the heat retention mode. When water or the like is added during the heat retention mode and the detected temperature θ becomes lower than θ1, the device again enters the boiling mode. When the reboil switch 11 is pressed during the warming mode and a signal is input to the central control unit 16, the apparatus shifts to the boiling mode.
[0031]
When the heat retaining temperature setting selection switch 12 is pressed and a signal is input to the central controller 16, the central controller 16 switches the values of the predetermined temperatures θ1 and θ2 (θ1 is, for example, about 85 ° C., θ2 is, for example, about 80 ° C.), and The setting change is displayed on the LCD 13. In the warming mode, when the warming temperature setting selection switch 12 is pressed, the operation is to maintain about 85 ° C.
[0032]
When the commercial power supply 21 is supplied, the central control device 16 charges the backup power supply 14 from the VU1 power supply via the charging circuit 37 and the backflow prevention diode 38. The amount of charge of the backup power supply 14 is input to the central control device 16 as a divided voltage of the resistor 39 and the resistor 40, and when the voltage reaches a preset voltage value (here, 4V), the central control device 16 supplies the backup power. 14 is stopped. After reaching 4V, if the voltage drops to a predetermined voltage (for example, 3.8V) due to self-discharge or the like, the charging operation to 4V is performed again. As described above, the charge of the VBK power supply is controlled to be 3.8 V to 4 V over time.
[0033]
On the other hand, the VU1 power generated from the commercial power supply 21 is 8 V, and the VU2 power is supplied from the VU1 power supply even if the voltage drop (0.7 V in this case) of the backflow prevention diode 29 is considered. .3V. When the commercial power supply 21 is supplied, the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15 is off, and a reverse current from the VU2 power supply to the VBK power supply is prevented by the Schottky barrier diode built in the booster circuit 15.
[0034]
Further, when the commercial power supply 21 is supplied, the central control device 16 drives the motor driving transistor 35 via the resistor 36 in response to a signal input from the tapping lock release switch 10. Reference numeral 9 denotes a tapping switch which can be easily operated by the user. When the tapping switch 9 is turned on with the transistor 35 turned on, the motor 6 is driven and the hot water in the container can be discharged by a pump directly connected to the motor.
[0035]
Here, the RAM 18 as a storage means is a memory for storing an operation state of the equipment, for example, a heat retention temperature setting, an operation mode, the presence or absence of a tapping operation, and the like, in which writing and reading are performed under the control of the central controller 16, and The timer 17, which is a means, generates basic times such as temperature detection timing, writing to the RAM 18, and reading timing under the control of the central controller 16.
[0036]
Next, when the VBK power supply is charged to 4 V and the commercial power supply is turned off, the VU2 power supply is supplied from the VBK power supply, and the remaining energy of the backup power supply 14 detected as a divided voltage of the resistor 39 and the resistor 40 is detected. Is higher than the first predetermined level (here, VBK is 2.5 V), the power supply from the VBK power supply to the VU2 power supply is performed by turning off the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15, and the remaining energy is reduced by the elapse of time. When the voltage becomes equal to or lower than 1 predetermined level (here, VBK is 2.5 V), the power supply from the VBK power supply to the VU2 power supply turns on the boosting operation of the boosting circuit 15, and the output of the boosting circuit, that is, the VU2 power supply is switched to the second The boost voltage (here, 3V) is set.
[0037]
When the remaining energy becomes equal to or lower than the third predetermined level (here, VBK is 0.5 V), the boosting operation is stopped. While the remaining energy is between the maximum charge level (energy corresponding to VBK of 4 V) and a third predetermined level, an effective power source is supplied to the microcomputer 33 (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) including the central control device 16 as control means. Then, temperature detection, LCD display, RAM 17 operation and data holding, and timer operation become possible.
[0038]
FIG. 3 shows power supply voltage characteristics when power is supplied from the backup power supply 14. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Assuming that the timing of turning off the commercial power supply is time 0, if the VBK power supply is not a tapping operation and attenuates from 4 V through the first predetermined level 2.5 V and the third predetermined level 0.5 V as shown in the figure, immediately after the commercial power supply is turned off Since the boosting operation of the VU2 power supply is off under the control of the central controller 16, the voltage drops from the VBK power supply by the voltage loss of the Schottky barrier diode in the booster circuit 15 (here, 0.3V). At 0.7 V, the VDD power becomes 3.6 V, which is 0.1 V less than the VU2 power supply due to the characteristics of the regulator 31 described above.
[0039]
Thereafter, the central controller 16 continuously monitors the remaining energy of the backup power supply 14 in the form of a divided voltage of the resistors 39 and 40, and at the point where the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, The central controller 16 controls the booster circuit 15 to boost the VBK power and supply the power to the VU2 power supply and the VDD power supply. Immediately before the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, the boosting operation is off as in the case immediately after the commercial power supply is turned off. Therefore, the VU2 power supply is reduced to 0.3 V from the VBK power supply to 2.2 V, and the VDD power supply to VU2. It becomes 2.1V which is 0.1V less than the power supply. Here, for example, when the minimum operating voltage of the microcomputer 33 is 2.0 V, the voltage of the VDD power supply is increased after 2.1 V, so that the microcomputer can be continuously operated.
[0040]
When the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, the VU2 power supply is boosted by the booster circuit 15 to the second boosted voltage (here, 3.0 V). At this time, the VDD power supply is 2.9 V, which is 0.1 V less than the VU2 power supply. The step-up operation of the VU2 power supply to 3.0 V and the VDD power supply to 2.9 V is continued until the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level 0.5 V lower than the first predetermined level, and when the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level 0.5 V. Then, the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15 is stopped.
[0041]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the backup power supply is not boosted until the remaining energy of the backup power supply reaches a level immediately above the level at which power can be supplied to the microcomputer including the control means, the timing means, and the storage means without being boosted, that is, the first predetermined level. When the power is supplied to the microcomputer and the voltage falls below the first predetermined level, the backup power is boosted and the power is supplied to the microcomputer, so that the timekeeping operation, the temperature detection operation, the temperature display operation, etc. can be performed even when there is no commercial power supply. In addition, the backup power supply can be used with high efficiency.
[0042]
For example, as compared to the case where the backup power supply is constantly boosted to obtain the VU2 power supply, the power supply voltage control of FIG. Compared with the case where the VU2 power supply is obtained, the working voltage range of the backup power supply is large and can be used effectively.
[0043]
Further, the third predetermined level 0.5 V in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 3 is a limit level at which the booster circuit becomes overloaded when obtaining the boosted output 3 V, and the boosting operation is stopped at the third predetermined level. This can ensure the reliability of the booster circuit.
[0044]
In the power supply voltage control of FIG. 3, the first predetermined level is described as 2.5 V (2.1 V with the VDD power supply) and the second boosted voltage is set at 3.0 V (2.9 V with the VDD power supply). The same effect can be obtained as long as the level or the voltage can supply the minimum operating voltage or more to the microcomputer including the central control device as the control means.
[0045]
Also, depending on the microcomputer, the minimum operating voltage of the AD conversion operation for performing temperature detection may be higher than the minimum operating voltage for performing the timekeeping operation or the data holding operation of the storage unit. Assuming that the minimum operation voltage of the data holding operation is 2.0 V and the minimum operation voltage of the AD conversion operation is 2.9 V, when the VBK power supply in FIG. By setting VU2 to 3.0 V and VDD to 2.9 V only when the detection is performed, both the temperature detection operation and the efficient use of the backup power supply can be achieved.
[0046]
In addition, in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 3, the VBK power supply attenuates to the first predetermined level and always performs the boosting operation until the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level. However, this boosting operation is performed every predetermined time. During the boosting off period during the intermittent boosting operation, the capacitor 30 connected to the VU2 power supply or the capacitor 33 connected to the VDD power supply suppresses the VDD power supply from falling below the minimum operating voltage of the microcomputer, thereby further increasing the backup power supply. Efficient use is possible.
[0047]
In the power supply voltage control shown in FIG. 3, the residual energy of the backup power supply is always detected. However, if this is performed at predetermined time intervals that does not hinder the attenuation characteristic of the VBK power supply, the backup power supply can be further controlled. Highly efficient use is possible. For example, assuming that VBK drops by 0.1 V in 5 minutes, the first predetermined level is set to start boosting when a VDD power supply of 2.1 V, which is 0.1 V higher than the microcomputer minimum operating voltage of 2.0 V, is started. If the third predetermined level of the boost stop is set to 0.6 V, which is 0.1 V higher than the overload limit of 0.5 V of the boost circuit, there is no problem even if the remaining energy is detected every 5 minutes.
[0048]
FIG. 4 shows power supply voltage characteristics when power is supplied from the backup power supply 14 and a tapping operation is performed. FIG. 4 is the same as that described in the description of FIG. 3 for the portion where the tapping operation is not performed.
[0049]
Immediately after the commercial power supply is turned off, the boosting operation of the VU2 power supply is off under the control of the central control unit 16, so that the voltage drops (0.3 V) from the VBK power supply by the voltage loss of the Schottky barrier diode in the booster circuit 15. At 0.7 V, the VDD power becomes 3.6 V, which is 0.1 V less than the VU2 power supply due to the characteristics of the regulator 31 described above. The remaining energy of the backup power supply 14 is continuously monitored by the central control device in the form of the divided voltage of the resistor 39 and the resistor 40, as described with reference to FIG.
[0050]
Thereafter, before the VBK power supply is attenuated to the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, when the tapping lock release switch 10 is pressed and a signal is input to the central control device 16, the central control device 16 turns on the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15. Then, the backup power supply 14 is boosted to the first boosted voltage (here, 6.0 V) to supply the VU2 power supply. At this time, the VDD power becomes 5.0 V due to the characteristics of the regulator 31 described above. When the tapping lock release switch 10 is pressed, the central control device 16 also turns on the tapping drive transistor 35 via the resistor 36. In this state, when the tapping switch 9 is pressed, the VU2 power supply 6.0V is supplied to the motor 6. Is applied, and the liquid in the container can be discharged. When the hot water switch 9 is turned off and a predetermined time has elapsed, the hot water is locked, the boosting operation is turned off again, and the backup power supply 14 is not boosted until the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level (2.5 V). Supply power to the power supply. (Similar to the description of FIG. 3, immediately before the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level (2.5 V), VU2 becomes 2.2V power supply and VDD power supply becomes 2.1V).
When the VBK power supply reaches the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, the VU2 power supply is boosted by the booster circuit 15 to a second boosted voltage (here, 3.0 V) lower than the first boosted voltage of 6.0 V. . At this time, the VDD power supply is 2.9 V, which is 0.1 V less than the VU2 power supply.
[0051]
Then, when the tapping lock release switch 10 is pressed and the signal is input to the central control device 16 before the VBK power supply attenuates to the second predetermined level 1.5 V, the central control device 16 turns on the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15. Then, the backup power supply 14 is boosted to the first boosted voltage (here, 6.0 V) to supply the VU2 power supply. At this time, the VDD power becomes 5.0 V due to the characteristics of the regulator 31 described above. When the tapping lock release switch 10 is pressed, the central control device 16 also turns on the tapping drive transistor 35 via the resistor 36. In this state, when the tapping switch 9 is pressed, the VU2 power supply 6.0V is supplied to the motor 6. Is applied, and the liquid in the container can be discharged. When a predetermined time elapses after the tapping switch 9 is turned off, the tapping lock state is established, and the VU2 power supply returns to the second boosted voltage of 3.0 V and the VDD power supply returns to the state of being boosted to 2.9 V.
[0052]
When the VBK power supply falls to or below the second predetermined level 1.5V, the tapping lock release switch 10 does not accept, the boosting operation to the first boosted voltage is not performed, and until the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level 0.5V. The VU2 power supply is maintained at a second boosted voltage of 3.0V, and the VDD power supply is maintained at a voltage of 2.9V.
[0053]
Then, when the voltage of the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level of 0.5 V over time, the boosting operation of the booster circuit 15 is stopped.
[0054]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, at the time of tapping lock and tapping operation, the backup power supply is boosted to the first boosted voltage to supply power to the motor and the microcomputer, and there is no tapping operation including tapping unlocking operation. At this time, until the residual energy of the backup power supply reaches a level immediately above a level at which the microcomputer including the control means, the timekeeping means, and the storage means can be supplied with power without being boosted, that is, a first predetermined level, the backup power supply supplies power to the microcomputer without being boosted. When the voltage falls below a predetermined level, the backup power supply is boosted to a second boosted voltage lower than the first boosted voltage and is supplied to the microcomputer, so that the clocking operation, the temperature detection operation, the temperature display operation, etc. can be performed even when there is no commercial power supply. And a stable tapping operation can be performed, and the backup power supply can be used with high efficiency.
[0055]
For example, as compared with the power supply voltage control of the power supply voltage control in FIG. 4, when compared with the case where the backup power supply is constantly boosted to obtain the VU2 power supply, the power conversion efficiency of the booster circuit has the lowest minimum energy loss and the backup power supply is boosted. As compared with the case where the VU2 power supply is obtained without performing the above, the operating voltage range of the backup power supply is large and can be effectively used.
[0056]
Further, the boosted voltage when the tapping operation is performed from the backup power supply is set to a voltage (6.0 V in the present embodiment) having a high motor efficiency different from the boosted voltage when the tapping operation is not performed. The backup power supply can be used with high efficiency.
[0057]
Further, the second predetermined level 1.5V in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 4 is a limit level at which the booster circuit is overloaded when obtaining the first boosted voltage 6V, and the third predetermined level 0.5V is This is the limit level at which the booster circuit overloads when obtaining the second boosted voltage 3V. When the second predetermined level is 1.5V or less, the tapping lock release is not accepted, that is, the boosting operation to the first boosted voltage is stopped. By stopping the boosting operation at the third predetermined level, the reliability of the boosting circuit can be ensured, and the backup power supply is switched by switching between the operation range of the timekeeping operation, the temperature detection operation, the temperature display operation, and the like and the operation range of the tapping operation. Can be used effectively.
[0058]
In the power supply voltage control of FIG. 4, the first predetermined level is described as 2.5V (2.1V with VDD power supply) and the second boosted voltage is set at 3.0V (2.9V with VDD power supply). The same effect can be obtained as long as the level or the voltage can supply the minimum operating voltage or more to the microcomputer including the central control device as the control means.
[0059]
Also, depending on the microcomputer, the minimum operating voltage of the AD conversion operation for performing temperature detection may be higher than the minimum operating voltage for performing the timekeeping operation or the data holding operation of the storage unit. Assuming that the minimum operation voltage of the data holding operation is 2.0 V and the minimum operation voltage of the AD conversion operation is 2.9 V, when the VBK power supply in FIG. By setting VU2 to 3.0 V and VDD to 2.9 V only when the detection is performed, both the temperature detection operation and the efficient use of the backup power supply can be achieved.
[0060]
Further, in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 4, it is assumed that if the VGC power supply is not higher than the first predetermined level 2.5 V and there is no tapping operation, the voltage is not boosted. For example, even if the backup voltage is boosted to the second boosted voltage, the use efficiency of the backup power supply is the same when the VGC power supply is equal to or lower than the first predetermined level of 2.5 V, and the control operation can be simplified and the configuration is inexpensive.
[0061]
In addition, in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 4, although there is no tapping operation and the VBK power supply attenuates to the first predetermined level and continuously performs the boosting operation until the VBK power supply reaches the third predetermined level, the boosting operation is performed at a predetermined level. During the step-up off period during the intermittent step-up operation, the capacitor 30 connected to the VU2 power supply or the capacitor 33 connected to the VDD power supply suppresses the VDD power supply from falling below the minimum operating voltage of the microcomputer. Thus, the backup power supply can be used more efficiently.
[0062]
In addition, in the power supply voltage control of FIG. 4, the residual energy of the backup power supply is always detected. However, if this is performed at predetermined time intervals that does not hinder the attenuation characteristic of the VBK power supply, the backup power supply can be further controlled. Highly efficient use is possible. For example, assuming that VBK drops by 0.1 V in 5 minutes, the first predetermined level is set to start boosting when a VDD power supply of 2.1 V, which is 0.1 V higher than the microcomputer minimum operating voltage of 2.0 V, is started. If the third predetermined level of the boost stop is set to 0.6 V, which is 0.1 V higher than the overload limit of 0.5 V of the boost circuit, there is no problem even if the remaining energy is detected every 5 minutes.
[0063]
In this embodiment, a specific example of the backup power supply is not particularly described, but the same effect can be obtained regardless of whether it is an electric double layer capacitor or a secondary battery. In the case where a primary battery is used as the backup power source, the equivalent circuit can be obtained by removing the charging circuit 37 and the diode 38 of this embodiment and replacing the voltage of 3.8 to 4 V at the completion of charging with the initial voltage of the primary battery. The effect is obtained.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the residual energy level of the backup power supply is large, the power is supplied without boosting, and the residual energy level is set to the level immediately before the voltage drops below the minimum operating voltage of the control means by the supply without boosting. In this case, the efficiency of the backup power supply can be improved by boosting the power supply.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a power supply voltage characteristic diagram at the time of backup according to the embodiment of the present invention (when there is no tapping operation).
FIG. 4 is a power supply voltage characteristic diagram at the time of backup according to the embodiment of the present invention (when there is a tapping operation).
[Explanation of symbols]
2 containers
14 Backup power supply
15 Boost means
16 control means
17 Timekeeping means

Claims (11)

A container for accommodating a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, a timer for measuring time, and a booster for boosting the backup power supply Means for controlling the operation of the tapping means and the time keeping means. When the power is supplied from the backup power supply, if the remaining energy of the backup power supply is greater than a first predetermined level, the backup power supply is boosted. An electric water heater, wherein the power is supplied to the control means without performing the operation, and if the power supply is equal to or lower than a first predetermined level, the boosting means operates to boost the backup power supply and supply the power to the control means. A container for accommodating a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, a timer for measuring time, and a booster for boosting the backup power supply Means for controlling the operation of the tapping means and the time keeping means. When the power is supplied from the backup power supply, if the remaining energy of the backup power supply is greater than a first predetermined level, the backup power supply is boosted. The power is supplied to the control unit without performing the operation, and if the power supply is equal to or lower than a first predetermined level, the boosting unit operates to boost the backup power supply at predetermined time intervals and supply the power to the control unit. Water heater. A container for accommodating a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, a timer for measuring time, and a booster for boosting the backup power supply Means for controlling the operation of the tapping means and the timing means. When the power is supplied from the backup power supply, and when the liquid is discharged by the tapping means, the boosting means switches the backup power supply to the first position. The voltage is raised to a predetermined voltage and power is supplied to the tapping means and the control means. If no liquid is discharged by the tapping means and the residual energy of the backup power supply is higher than a first predetermined level, the backup power supply is not boosted and Power is supplied to the control means, and no liquid is discharged by the hot water supply means, and the remaining energy of the backup power supply is equal to or lower than the first predetermined level. If, electric kettle, characterized in that said boosting means is supplying power to said control means to boost the backup power lower than the first predetermined voltage a second predetermined voltage. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge of the liquid by the tapping means is prohibited when the remaining energy of the backup power supply falls below a second predetermined level lower than the first predetermined level. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the boosting operation is stopped when the remaining energy of the backup power supply falls below a third predetermined level lower than the first predetermined level or the second predetermined level. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection of the remaining energy of the backup power supply is performed at predetermined time intervals. A container for accommodating a liquid, a tapping means for discharging the liquid in the container, a backup power supply for supplying power to the apparatus when commercial power is not input, a timer for measuring time, and a booster for boosting the backup power supply Means, and control means for controlling the operation of the tapping means and the timing means. When power is supplied from the backup power supply, and when the liquid is discharged by the tapping means, the boosting means switches the backup power supply to the (1) A power source is supplied to the tapping means and the control means after being boosted to a predetermined voltage, and when no liquid is discharged by the tapping means, the boosting means boosts the backup power supply to a second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage. And supplying electric power to the control means. 8. The electric water heater according to claim 7, wherein the discharge of the liquid by the tapping means is prohibited when the remaining energy of the backup power supply falls below the second predetermined level. 9. The electric water heater according to claim 8, wherein the boosting operation is stopped when the remaining energy of the backup power supply falls below a third predetermined level lower than the second predetermined level. The electric water heater according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the detection of the remaining energy of the backup power supply is performed at predetermined time intervals. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein a boosting operation to the first boosted voltage or the second boosted voltage is performed every predetermined time.

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