JP5398221B2 - Shower equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a shower apparatus that automatically supplies hot water and cold water heated by heat exchange, and in particular, executes a hot / cold water mode in which hot water and cold water are alternately supplied to notify the user of the supply state of hot water or cold water. It relates to a shower device.

  There is a hot water shower in the water heater application. Conventionally, it is known that if a hot water temperature of a hot water shower is changed in a predetermined pattern, a massage effect can be obtained by the shower.

Regarding the hot water shower that obtains such a massage effect, Patent Document 1 discloses that the hot water temperature of the shower head is changed by changing the combustion amount of the burner of the water heater, causing fluctuations in the set temperature, In the fluctuation mode, it is disclosed that a hot water upper limit temperature is set, a target temperature is changed according to the upper temperature limit, and a lower limit temperature limiter is provided for limiting the target temperature.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-302943 (summary, FIG. 1 etc.)

  By the way, in a water heater having a plurality of remote controllers (Patent Document 1), when a fluctuation operation display for supplying hot water and cold water by a shower is displayed, even on a remote controller that is not provided with a fluctuation instruction switch for instructing the fluctuation operation. Although it is disclosed that a function capable of confirming the fluctuation operation is disclosed, it is necessary to visually confirm the execution state of the fluctuation operation while using the shower, and the above remote control display indicates whether or not the fluctuation operation is being performed. There is a problem that can only be confirmed.

  With respect to such a problem, Patent Document 1 does not disclose or suggest the problem, and does not disclose or suggest a configuration for solving the problem.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention relates to a shower apparatus that supplies a hot / cold water shower, and is to facilitate confirmation of switching of an operation state, an operation mode, and the like, and improve convenience for a shower user.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a shower apparatus that alternately supplies cold water and hot water, and switches the type of sound between hot water timing and cold water timing for the execution state of the hot / cold water mode and the set temperature. This can improve the convenience of the shower user and achieve the above object.

Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a shower device that alternately supplies hot water and cold water, and heat exchange means for heating water by heat exchange with a heated heat medium, A mixing means for mixing the water and unheated water; a timer for measuring the elapsed time of supply of hot water and cold water; a temperature of hot water and cold water mixed by the mixing means; and a set temperature for the timer. by switching isosamples according to counted time, and a control unit for outputting notification information corresponding to the set temperature of the hot or cold water supply after該切sort, it receives the broadcast information from the control unit, the setting of the control unit It is a structure provided with the alerting | reporting means to alert | report by changing a notification sound according to switching of temperature . With such a configuration, the shower user can recognize the supply state of the hot water or the cold water, and can achieve the above object.

In order to achieve the above object, the shower device preferably includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water and cold water mixed by the mixing means, and the control unit switches the set temperature after switching the set temperature. When it is detected whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is rising or falling, the notification information is output to the notification means, and the notification means receives the notification information from the control unit, and the detected temperature increases. is configured to notify made different depending on whether descending in the alarm sound. Such a configuration can also achieve the above object.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm the operation state of the hot / cold water shower without visually confirming the display screen of the remote control device during use of the shower, and the convenience can be improved.

(2) Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize a change in the tapping temperature by changing the notification sound in accordance with a change in the set temperature of hot water or cold water.

[First Embodiment]

  For the first embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the shower device according to the first embodiment. The shower apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  This hot / cold water shower apparatus 2 is an example of a hot water supply apparatus using a so-called liquid-liquid heat exchanger that performs hot water heating with the amount of heat of a heated heat medium as a heating means. As shown in FIG. 4 and a hot water supply device 6 and a hot / cold water mode in which hot water and cold water are alternately discharged at a predetermined timing in a predetermined time.

  The heating device 4 is a heating unit that heats the heat medium 8 circulated to the hot water supply device 6, and includes, for example, a heat exchanger that exchanges the combustion heat of the burner with the heat medium 8. As the heat medium 8, for example, a heat medium for heating used in a heating apparatus using liquid-liquid heat exchange may be used.

  The hot water supply device 6 is a hot water heating means for heating the feed water using the heat of the heat medium 8, and includes, for example, a plate heat exchanger 10 as a heat exchange means for exchanging the heat of the heat medium 8 to the clean water W. ing. In the plate heat exchanger 10, the heating medium 4 is circulated from the heating device 4 through the heating medium pipe line 12, and the upper water W is circulated from the water supply port 14 to the upper water pipe 16. A water supply amount sensor 18 and a water control valve 20 are installed in the upper water pipe 16 upstream of the plate heat exchanger 10. The water supply amount sensor 18 is a means for detecting the flow rate of water supplied and hot water supplied through the water supply pipe 16 and a means for detecting whether or not hot water is being supplied. The water control valve 20 is provided for water supply flowing through the water supply pipe 16. It is a means for controlling the flow rate of W.

  A bypass line 22 is branched upstream of the plate heat exchanger 10 in the water supply line 16, and a mixing valve 24 is installed at the junction of the downstream side of the bypass line 22 and the water supply line 16. Has been. The bypass line 22 is means for joining the clean water Wb before passing through the plate heat exchanger 10, that is, the high-temperature water HWa heat-exchanged by the plate heat exchanger 10, and the mixing valve 24 is It is a means for adjusting the mixing ratio of the clean water Wb and the high temperature water HWa.

  On the upper water pipe 16, an incoming water temperature sensor 26 that is a temperature detection means for the upper water W, a tapping water temperature sensor 28 that is a temperature detection means for the high-temperature water HW heat-exchanged by the plate heat exchanger 10, and a mixing valve 24. A mixed temperature sensor 30 serving as a temperature detection unit for the hot water HWb obtained by mixing the clean water Wb and the high temperature water HWa is installed on the downstream side. The incoming water temperature sensor 26, the hot water temperature sensor 28, and the mixed temperature sensor 30 are water temperature detection means, and for example, a thermistor thermometer can be used.

  The hot water supply apparatus 6 is provided with a control board 32 as a control means, and the control board 32 is configured with a control unit 48 (FIG. 2). The controller 48 is connected to a bathroom remote control device 34 that is an example of a remote control device. This bathroom remote control device 34 can be remotely operated such as temperature control of hot water supply and display of a set state.

  The downstream side of the water supply pipe 16 is branched into a shower pipe 36 and a hot water supply pipe 38. The shower pipe 36 is provided with a shower head 40 as a hot water outlet and a hot water tap 42 as a hot water supply amount adjusting means. Yes. Further, a hot water tap 44 is provided on the hot water supply pipe line 38 side.

  Next, FIG. 2 is referred about the control apparatus of the hot / cold water shower apparatus 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device of the hot / cold water shower device. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited to this. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure same as FIG.

  The control device 46 is a configuration example of the control board 32 and includes a control unit 48 configured by a microcomputer or the like.

  The control unit 48 receives detection signals such as a detection temperature and a detection flow rate from the water supply amount sensor 18, the incoming water temperature sensor 26, the hot water temperature sensor 28, the mixed temperature sensor 30, and the other sensors 50. Then, the control unit 48 transmits a control instruction to the water control valve 20, the mixing valve 24, and other functional components 52 in order to control the set amount of tapping water and temperature based on these detection signals. Moreover, in the hot / cold water mode, which will be described later, an indication of the supply temperature of hot water or cold water or notification information indicating the supply state of hot water or cold water is output as a hot water temperature control or setting state display.

  The control device 46 also includes a timer 54 for measuring the hot water supply time in the hot / cold water mode to be described later or the elapsed time from the setting of the cold water supply time or the hot / cold water mode, and the supply of hot water and cold water during the hot / cold water shower operation. A cycle counter 56 is configured as an example of a counting unit that counts the number of cycles of the cycle. In the hot / cold water shower operation process, the time count or count signal of the timer 54 or the cycle counter 56 is taken into the control unit 48.

  As a remote control device connected to the control unit 48, for example, a bathroom remote control device 34 installed in a bathroom is configured. The bathroom remote control device 34 includes a control unit 60, an operation unit 62 including a key switch, and a display unit. 64, a sound notification unit 66 is configured. The control unit 60 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, receives a temperature setting instruction or an operation mode setting instruction signal from the operation unit 62 by the operation of the user of the hot / cold water shower device 2, and transmits the signal to the control device 46 side. In addition, the current setting state, operation information, and the like are received from the control device 46 side and notified by the display unit 64 and the sound notification unit 66. The display unit 64 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) element or the like. The sound notification unit 66 is an example of a notification unit, and includes, for example, a speaker. As described above, the sound notification unit 66 receives the notification information output from the control unit 48 of the control device 46, and in the hot / cold water mode described later. It is notified by voice, melody, etc. that it has shifted to the hot / cold water mode and the supply state of hot water or cold water. In this notification, for example, the notification sound is changed and notified so that the time of hot water supply and the time of cold water supply can be distinguished.

  Next, the operation of supplying hot / cold water will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a temperature change of hot / cold water, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting mode table. The set temperature, the temperature change, the set mode value, and the like shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the hot / cold water mode, when the hot-water tap 42 is opened, a hot / cold water shower is provided in which hot water HWb and cold water (low temperature water) Wb are alternately supplied from the shower head 40. Among these, as shown in FIG. 3, the time for supplying the hot water HWb is set as the loosening time, and the time for supplying the cold water Wb is set as the tightening time. The temperature of the supplied hot water HWb is defined as the unraveling temperature, and the unraveling temperature is, for example, an upper limit temperature (Tr + 5) [° C] that is higher than the set temperature Tr [° C] as the unraveling reference temperature by a predetermined temperature, for example Is set. The temperature of the hot water HWb supplied during the loosening time is, for example, in an inclined state from a set temperature Tr [° C.] to an upper limit temperature (Tr + 5) [° C.].

  In FIG. 3, Tw is the squeezing temperature in the hot / cold water mode, and is the lower limit temperature of the hot / cold water. The relationship between the tightening temperature Tw and the set temperature Tr can be expressed by Tw = Tr−ΔT. Further, the temperature of the cold water Wb is set as an example of the tightening temperature Tw. In this case, the set temperature Tr [° C.] and the predetermined temperature range ΔT may be a low temperature having a temperature range of, for example, 10 [° C.] or more.

  In the hot / cold water mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the hot water supply temperature is gradually increased from the set temperature (hot water supply temperature) Tr [° C.] of the bathroom remote control device 34 in the first loosening time, and the upper limit temperature of the increased temperature is, for example, (Set temperature Tr [° C.] + 5 [° C.]). In this case, when the set temperature Tr is set as a predetermined temperature, for example, 42 [° C.] or higher, the upper limit temperature reaches 42 [° C.] + 5 [° C.] = 47 [° C.] or higher. Therefore, the upper limit of the set temperature Tr is set to 42 [° C.] during the hot / cold water mode, for example. Then, when the unwinding time elapses due to the timing of the timer 54, the tightening time is reached, and the set temperature is shifted to the tightening temperature. The tightening temperature can be set, for example, in two levels of strength as the degree of tightening. For example, “strong” can be set to 20 ° C., and “weak” can be set to 25 ° C., for example.

  In the hot / cold water mode, one unwinding time + one tightening time is set as one cycle, and this cycle is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 10 times. When these 10 cycles are completed, the hot / cold water mode is terminated and the process proceeds to continuous hot water supply at the set temperature.

  As the cycle time of the unwinding time and the tightening time, for example, three stages in the setting mode table 70 can be set as shown in FIG.

  In the “carefully” mode, for example, a loosening time: 40 [seconds] and a tightening time: 20 [seconds] are set.

  In the “normal” mode, for example, a loosening time: 30 [seconds] and a tightening time: 15 [seconds] are set.

  In the “karuku” mode, for example, a loosening time: 20 [seconds] and a tightening time: 10 [seconds] are set.

  Next, FIG. 5 is referred to regarding hot water supply control including hot / cold water supply. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a hot water supply control process of the hot / cold water shower apparatus. FIG. 5 shows an example of the hot water supply control process, and is not limited to this configuration.

  When the power is turned on, the control device 46 executes initialization processing such as reading of the model setting, initialization of output, and initial test (step S11). As a process to be performed at all times, hot / cold water mode management (step S12) is executed, and switching of the hot / cold water mode is determined. In the hot water supply operation control (step S13), control related to hot water supply is performed. This control includes hot / cold water supply.

  Further, as other control, control such as freeze prevention is executed (step S14), and the process returns to step S12.

  In this processing procedure, each control does not mean that the necessary control is performed while repeating the processing loop, and that the processing proceeds to the next step after the processing of each step is completed.

  Next, FIG. 6 is referred to regarding hot water supply processing and notification processing in the hot / cold water mode. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation process in the hot / cold water mode. Note that the processing contents, procedures, and the like illustrated in FIG. 6 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  In this hot / cold water operation process, when the hot / cold water mode is set, for example, an audio notification is given when hot water or cold water is supplied. Moreover, in this hot water supply notification, the notification sound is changed between hot water supply and cold water supply to let the shower user recognize whether hot water or cold water is supplied.

  For example, when the hot / cold water shower device 2 is used, if the hot / cold water mode is set for the operation unit 62 of the bathroom remote control device 34 (step S21), the fact that the hot / cold water mode is started is indicated. Displayed on the display unit 64 or notified by sound from the sound notification unit 66, and various operation settings for executing the hot / cold water operation are performed (step S22). As the setting operation, for example, a set temperature Tr [° C.], a tightening temperature Tw [° C.], a unwinding time, and a tightening time, which are unwinding reference temperatures in the hot / cold water mode, are set.

  Further, the cycle counter 56 and the timer 54 are reset (step S23), and the preparation for the hot / cold water mode is completed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not hot water is being supplied (step S24). In this determination, for example, the flow rate is detected by the water supply amount sensor 18.

  When hot water supply is being performed with the hot water tap 42 of the shower open (YES in step S24), the timer 54 starts timing and measures the elapsed time of supply of hot and cold water (step S25). It is determined whether the elapsed time is within the loosening time (step S26). Within the unraveling time, that is, during the unraveling time (YES in step S26), the target temperature is raised from the set temperature Tr [° C] to the upper limit temperature (Tr + 5) [° C] according to the elapsed time (step S27). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the hot water supply temperature is raised from the set temperature Tr [° C.] to the upper limit temperature (Tr + 5) [° C.] during the loosening time.

  As an example of the calculation method of the target temperature, for example, a ratio is taken between the unraveling time and the elapsed time, and a temperature that is +5 [° C] when the unraveling time elapses is calculated. The temperature and the set temperature Tr [° C] And add.

  In this case, the control device 46 notifies the bathroom remote control device 34 that the hot water supply is being performed during the loosening time. Based on the notification, the bathroom remote control device 34 notifies that it is during the loosening time and hot water is being supplied at the loosening temperature (step S28).

  During this time, for example, in the supply of hot water, the calculated target temperature is set for the mixed temperature sensor 30, and the opening degree of the mixing valve 24 is adjusted so as to discharge the hot water at the target temperature (step S29).

  Based on the elapsed time measured by the timer 54, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or greater than (unwinding time + squeezing time) (step S30). In the above case, since only the unraveling process is performed, the elapsed time is less than (unraveling time + squeezing time) (NO in step S30), and the process returns to step S24.

  And similarly, the process of step S24 and step S25 is performed, and when the elapsed time exceeds the unraveling time (NO in step S26), the process proceeds to the squeezing time with cold water. During the tightening time, the set tightening temperature Tw is set as the target temperature (step S31). During this tightening time, the bathroom remote control device 34 notifies that hot water is supplied at the tightening temperature Tw (step S32).

  In the notification process by the bathroom remote control device 34 in step S28 and step S32, the sound is different depending on whether the hot water supply is performed at the loosening temperature or the hot water supply at the tightening temperature. For example, during the unwinding time, a rhythm sound is emitted, and during the tightening time, a beeping sound is produced, and the length of the sound is different, the sound level is changed, and the type of sound is varied. A notification is given so that the user can determine whether it is a loosening time or a tightening time without visually checking the bathroom remote controller 34.

  In step S30, if (unwinding time + crimping time) has elapsed (YES in step S30), it is determined that one cycle has been completed, and the cycle counter 56 increments the cycle count by +1, and at the same time the next cycle Is started, the timer 54 is reset (step S33). Next, the process proceeds to confirmation of the cycle counter 56, and it is determined whether, for example, 10 cycles have been reached as the set cycle (step S34). If 10 cycles have not been reached (NO in step S34), the process returns to step S24 to continue the hot / cold water mode, and if 10 cycles have been reached (YES in step S34), the hot / cold water mode is canceled. (Step S35), and the process proceeds to a normal hot water supply operation (Step S13: FIG. 5).

  If the hot / cold water mode is set but no hot water is supplied (NO in step S24), if the timer 54 has already started to count the elapsed time, the timer 54 is stopped and the elapsed time Is stopped (step S36). Then, after the hot / cold water mode is selected, the hot / cold water mode is canceled if no hot water is supplied for a predetermined time or more (YES in step S37) or if the hot water is interrupted for a predetermined time (YES in step S38). Then (step S35), the process shifts to the normal hot water supply mode (step S13: FIG. 5).

  In this case, for example, when hot water supply is not performed for a predetermined time or longer (step S37), or when hot water supply is interrupted for a predetermined time or longer (step S38), the hot water supply is prompted to start. Or you may make it alert | report by displaying on the alerting | reporting part 66 or the display part 64 that the hot / cold water mode is complete | finished.

  With such a configuration, notification by voice or the like during the execution of the hot / cold water mode makes it possible to check the operation state of the hot / cold water shower without visually checking the display screen of the remote control device during use of the shower. Moreover, the change of the tapping temperature can be easily recognized by changing the sound to be notified respectively at the unwinding time and the tightening time. In addition, since the shower user can grasp the driving state by hearing by notifying by voice or the like, for example, when the warm / cold water mode is being executed for the user intended for a normal warm water shower, the display unit 64 Thus, it is possible to intuitively recognize that the hot / cold water mode is being executed without checking the hot water supply set temperature, the operation mode, or the like.

[Other Embodiments]

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the notification sound is changed according to the unwinding time or the tightening time according to the timing of the timer 54 with respect to the notification timing of hot water or cold water. The notification sound may be changed based on whether the hot water supply temperature is rising or falling by detecting the hot water supply temperature change based on the measured temperature result obtained by the above. That is, since the hot water supply temperature is controlled to be (Tr + 5) [° C.] when the loosening time has elapsed with respect to the set temperature Tr, the hot water supply temperature is raised during the loosening time. During the tightening time, the hot water supply temperature is lowered from (Tr + 5) [° C.] to the cold water temperature Tw [° C.]. Even with such a configuration, the user of the hot / cold water shower can recognize whether it is during the loosening time or during the tightening time without checking the display unit 64.

(2) In the above embodiment, the bathroom remote control device 34 is shown as a remote control device that performs voice notification. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation status display and sound notification can be displayed simultaneously on the kitchen remote control device or the like. You may make it alert | report. Such a configuration can also achieve the above object.

  Next, FIG. 7 is referred about the Example at the time of supplying hot water in warm / cold water mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of temperature change of hot and cold water. In addition, the temperature change etc. of hot / cold water shown in FIG. 7 are examples, and are not limited to this.

  In this embodiment, a case where the set temperature Tr is changed during the execution of the hot / cold water mode will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, as the execution state of the hot / cold water mode, for example, one cycle is set to T = 60 [seconds], and the set temperature of the cold water is set to Tw = 25 [° C.]. Then, the set temperature Tr of the hot water is changed as time passes, for example, Tr1 = 40 [° C.], Tr2 = 38 [° C.], Tr3 = 37 [° C.].

  Even when the set temperature on the hot water side is changed during the execution of the hot / cold water mode, the temperature of the hot water to be supplied is, as shown in the above embodiment, for each set temperature Tr1, Tr2, Tr3 [° C.]. Control is performed so that the temperature becomes +5 [° C.] during the loosening time. Then, a warm / cold water mode for supplying warm water and cold water is executed by alternately repeating the unwinding temperature and the crimping temperature.

  Even when the set temperature Tr is changed in this way, as in the above-described embodiment, the notification of the hot water supply state is performed with different sounds during the loosening time or the tightening time.

  As for the change instruction of the set temperature Tr, for example, even when the user issues a change instruction before the end of one cycle, the temperature control may be performed for each cycle. In order to prevent the measured temperature from exceeding the upper limit temperature after the change by changing the set temperature Tr even during one cycle, for example, if the elapsed time in one cycle is within a predetermined time, It may be possible to change the temperature Tr.

  Further, the case where the user arbitrarily changed the set temperatures Tr1, Tr2, Tr3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the control of the hot / cold water mode, the set temperature Tr is automatically set every predetermined cycle. You may control so that it may change.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment and the like of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and is described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. It goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the above gist, and such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a shower device that executes a hot / cold water mode in which hot water and cold water are alternately supplied, and notifies a user of the hot water or cold water supply state, and a loosening time for supplying hot water and a tightening time for supplying cold water. Accordingly, it is useful that the driving state can be confirmed by hearing without visually confirming the setting of the remote controller or the like while using the hot / cold water shower.

It is a figure which shows the hot / cold water shower apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control apparatus of a hot / cold water shower apparatus. It is a figure which shows the temperature change of warm / cold water. It is a figure which shows a setting mode table. It is a flowchart which shows the hot water supply control processing of a hot / cold water shower apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process in warm / cold water mode. It is a figure which shows the Example of the temperature change of warm / cold water.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Hot / cold water shower apparatus 4 Heating apparatus 6 Hot water supply apparatus 8 Heat medium 10 Plate heat exchanger 12 Heat medium pipe 16 Water supply pipe 18 Water supply sensor 20 Water control valve 22 Bypass pipe 24 Mixing valve 26 Incoming water temperature sensor 28 Hot water supply Temperature sensor 30 Mixed temperature sensor 34 Bathroom remote control device 46 Control device 54 Timer 56 Cycle counter 62 Operation unit 64 Display unit 66 Sound notification unit 70 Setting mode table

Claims (2)

A shower device that alternately supplies hot water and cold water,
Heat exchange means for heating water by heat exchange with a heated heat medium;
Mixing means for mixing the heated water and non-heated water;
A timer for measuring the elapsed time of hot and cold water supply;
Set the temperature of the hot and cold water mixing at the mixing means, the switching Rukoto the set temperature in accordance with the counted time of the timer, the broadcast information corresponding to the set temperature of the hot or cold water supply after該切replacement A control unit for outputting;
Informing means for receiving the notification information from the control unit and informing the notification unit with different notification sounds according to switching of the set temperature of the control unit;
A shower apparatus characterized by comprising: The shower device of claim 1,
A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water and cold water mixed by the mixing means;
When the control unit detects whether the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is increasing or decreasing after switching the set temperature, the control unit outputs the notification information to the notification unit,
The notification device receives the notification information from the control unit, and notifies the notification sound that varies depending on whether the detected temperature is rising or falling.

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