JP5773204B2 - Original water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a primary electric water heater that discharges water by heating water supplied from a water supply.

  As a non-stop type electric water heater that heats and discharges water supplied from a water supply, one described in Patent Document 1 below has been proposed. The former stop type electric water heater described in Patent Literature 1 has a structure in which water supplied from a water supply is heated in a tank having an electric heater inside, and discharged from a faucet connected to a water discharge unit. Yes. An open / close valve is provided in the middle of the flow path through which water is supplied from the water supply to the tank. The operation of the open / close valve switches the supply of water to the tank and the stop thereof. In other words, the start and stop of water discharge from the main electric water heater are switched by the on-off valve provided on the upstream side of the tank.

  In the main-stop electric water heater having such a configuration, water is always stored in the tank. Since the water in the tank is controlled to be maintained at a predetermined temperature by the electric heater, hot water can be discharged as soon as the on-off valve is opened.

JP 2003-130469 A JP 2000-065374 A

  In the non-stop type electric water heater as described in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the water stored in the tank immediately after the on-off valve is changed from the open state to the closed state, that is, immediately after the water discharge is stopped. Is in a degraded state. For this reason, the temperature of the water is controlled to increase by the electric heater, but the water stored in the tank is thermally expanded as the temperature increases.

  In the stop-type electric water heater, there is no on-off valve or the like in the middle of the flow path from the tank to the faucet. For this reason, when the water stored in the tank is thermally expanded, the water whose volume has increased gradually overflows from the faucet. Such a phenomenon is not desirable because it gives the user an impression of poor water stoppage.

  In order to prevent this, the non-stop type electric water heater described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a cheese joint in the middle of the pipe connecting the tank and the faucet, and the pipe branched from the cheese joint is used as a drain pipe. Connected. By setting it as such a structure, since the water increased by thermal expansion flows into a drain pipe from a cheese joint, it does not overflow from a faucet.

  However, the above configuration has a problem that the structure becomes complicated because it is necessary to newly provide a pipe for connecting the cheese joint and the drain pipe. In addition, depending on the location where the main-stop electric water heater is installed, it may not be possible to secure a space for newly providing such piping.

  In addition, in order to prevent the phenomenon in which thermally expanded water overflows from the faucet, the above-mentioned Patent Document 2 discloses a non-retention type in which an expanded water tank is provided in the middle of a water supply pipe for supplying tap water to the tank. Electric water heaters have been proposed. In the non-stop type electric water heater described in Patent Document 2, the expansion water tank temporarily stores expansion water by changing its volume, and prevents the phenomenon that water overflows from the faucet. .

  However, the above configuration increases the volume of the expansion water tank by the water pressure when the water is thermally expanded and the water pressure is increased. That is, it does not actively draw water into the thermal expansion water tank. For this reason, it is necessary to design so that the force required to expand the volume of the thermal expansion water tank is sufficiently weakened. However, when the frictional force of the movable part of the thermal expansion tank becomes large, the volume of the thermal expansion tank is not expanded by the water pressure, and a sufficient amount of water cannot be stored in the thermal expansion tank. For this reason, the phenomenon that water overflows from the faucet cannot be reliably prevented.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the object thereof is not to provide a pipe for discharging water overflowing from the tank due to thermal expansion, and the faucet is provided regardless of whether the on-off valve is closed. An object of the present invention is to provide a non-stop type electric water heater that can reliably prevent the phenomenon of water overflowing from the water.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a main-stop electric water heater according to the present invention is a main-stop electric water heater that heats and discharges water supplied from a water supply. And a tank that is provided downstream of the water supply unit and that stores water supplied via the water supply unit, and is provided in the water supply unit to open and close to switch between supply and stop of water to the tank A valve, heating means disposed inside the tank and heating the water stored in the tank, a water discharger for supplying the water stored in the tank to the outside, and a water level of the water stored in the tank A water level adjusting means that adjusts the volume of the tank side space according to a tank side space communicating with the tank and a water pressure upstream of the on-off valve in the water supply unit. Volume adjustment to change And the volume adjusting means expands the volume of the tank side space when the on-off valve is closed and the supply of water to the tank is stopped. A part of the stored water is drawn into the tank side space.

  According to the present invention, when the on-off valve is closed and the supply of water to the tank is stopped, the volume of the tank-side space of the water level adjusting means is adjusted according to the water pressure upstream of the on-off valve. Enlarged by means. Since the tank side space communicates with the tank, when the volume of the tank side space is increased, a part of the water stored in the tank is drawn into the tank side space. As a result, the level of water stored in the tank is lowered, and a space in which water does not exist at least partially is formed in the flow path from the faucet connected to the water discharge portion to the tank. For this reason, even if the water in the tank is heated and thermally expanded from this state, it is reliably prevented that the water overflows from the faucet connected to the water discharger.

  Further, in the main-stop electric water heater according to the present invention, the volume adjusting means reduces the volume of the tank-side space while the on-off valve is open and supplying water to the tank. Is also preferable.

  In this preferred embodiment, while the on-off valve is open and supplying water to the tank, the volume adjusting means reduces the volume of the tank side space and discharges the water drawn into the tank side space to the tank. To do. For this reason, when the on-off valve is closed and the supply of water to the tank is stopped, the volume of the tank-side space that has been reduced can be expanded again, and a part of the water stored in the tank can be removed. It is possible to reliably draw into the tank side space.

  In the main-stop type electric water heater according to the present invention, the volume adjusting means has a water supply side space communicating with the upstream side of the opening / closing valve in the water supply portion, and is upstream of the opening / closing valve. It is also preferable that the volume of the water supply side space is changed by the force received from the water pressure in the tank, and the volume of the tank side space is changed in conjunction with the volume change.

  In this preferred embodiment, the volume adjusting means changes the volume of the water supply side space by the force received from the water pressure upstream of the on-off valve, and changes the volume of the tank side space in conjunction with this volume change. With this configuration, the water pressure upstream of the on-off valve acts directly so as to change the volume of the tank side space, so there is no need to perform control using, for example, a pressure sensor or actuator, and volume adjustment The means can be configured more simply.

In the main-stop electric water heater according to the present invention, the volume adjusting means defines at least a part of the tank side space and is elastically deformable, and defines at least a part of the water supply side space. An elastically deformable water supply side diaphragm, and first interlocking means for mutually transmitting the deformation of the tank side diaphragm and the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm;
When the first interlocking means transmits the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm accompanying the volume change of the water supply side space to the tank side diaphragm, the tank side diaphragm is deformed to change the volume of the tank side space. It is also preferable.

  In this preferred embodiment, the volume adjusting means includes at least a part of the tank side space and elastically deformable tank side diaphragm, and at least a part of the water supply side space and elastically deformable water supply side diaphragm. doing. Both the tank side space and the water supply side space whose volume needs to be changed can be easily configured using a diaphragm. Furthermore, it has a first interlocking means for transmitting the deformation of the tank side diaphragm and the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm to each other, and the first interlocking means detects the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm accompanying the volume change of the water supply side space. By transmitting to the side diaphragm, the tank side diaphragm is deformed to change the volume of the tank side space. Thereby, the volume of the tank side space can be reliably changed in conjunction with the volume of the water supply side space.

  In the main-stop electric water heater according to the present invention, the volume adjusting means defines at least a part of the tank side space and is elastically deformable, and defines at least a part of the water supply side space. A water supply side piston portion configured as a movable rigid portion, and second interlocking means for transmitting the deformation of the tank side diaphragm and the movement of the water supply side piston portion to each other, It is also preferred that the movement of the water supply side piston accompanying the volume change is transmitted to the tank side diaphragm by the second interlocking means, whereby the tank side diaphragm is deformed to change the volume of the tank side space.

  In this preferred aspect, the volume adjusting means is configured as a tank-side diaphragm that defines and elastically deforms at least a part of the tank-side space, and a rigid part that defines and moves at least a part of the water-supply-side space. A water supply side piston portion. A tank-side space whose volume needs to be changed can be easily configured using a diaphragm. Moreover, since the diaphragm used for the water level adjusting means is one, the deformation amount of the diaphragm can be increased. Thereby, when the on-off valve is closed and the supply of water to the tank is stopped, more water can be drawn from the tank into the tank side space.

  Furthermore, it has the 2nd interlocking means which mutually transmits the deformation | transformation of a tank side diaphragm and the movement of a water supply side piston part, and a 2nd interlocking means carries out the movement of the water supply side piston accompanying the volume change of a water supply side space. By transmitting to the tank side diaphragm, the tank side diaphragm is deformed to change the volume of the tank side space. Thereby, the volume of the tank side space can be reliably changed in conjunction with the volume of the water supply side space.

  Further, in the main-stop electric water heater according to the present invention, the volume adjusting means includes a tank-side piston portion configured as a rigid portion that defines and can move at least a part of the tank-side space, and the water-supply-side space. A water supply-side piston portion that is defined as a movable rigid portion that defines at least a portion, and third interlocking means that transmits the movement of the tank-side piston portion and the movement of the water-supply-side piston portion to each other It is also preferable.

  In this preferable aspect, the volume adjusting means includes a tank-side piston portion configured as a movable rigid portion that defines and moves at least a part of the tank-side space, and a movable rigid portion that defines and moves at least a portion of the water supply-side space. The water supply side piston part comprised as follows. Since the tank side space where the volume needs to be changed is constituted by the piston, the volume of the tank side space can be changed in a wider range compared to the case where it is constituted by the diaphragm, and more water is consumed. It becomes possible to draw into the tank side space from the tank.

  Furthermore, since it has the third interlocking means that transmits the movement of the tank side piston part and the movement of the water supply side piston part to each other, the volume of the tank side space is reliably linked with the volume of the water supply side space. Can be changed.

  Further, in the main-stop type electric water heater according to the present invention, the water supply unit has a constant flow valve for making the flow rate of water supplied to the tank constant on the upstream side of the on-off valve, It is also preferable that the water supply side space communicates with the downstream side of the constant flow valve in the water supply unit.

  Depending on the location where the main water heater is installed, the water pressure of the water supply is low and the volume adjusting means may not operate sufficiently. That is, when the water pressure in the water supply is low, the amount of change in the water pressure due to the operation of the on-off valve is small, so the volume of the water supply side space may not change sufficiently due to the water pressure.

  In this preferred embodiment, the water supply unit and the water supply side space communicate with each other upstream of the on-off valve and downstream of the constant flow valve. When the constant flow valve is disposed, the amount of change in water pressure when the on-off valve is changed from the open state to the closed state is increased on the downstream side. Therefore, the volume of the water supply side space can be reliably changed in conjunction with the change in the water pressure.

  According to the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a pipe for discharging water overflowing from the tank due to thermal expansion, and it is possible to reliably prevent the phenomenon that water overflows from the water discharge portion even when the on-off valve is closed. It is possible to provide an electric water heater that can be stopped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the state which the former stop type electric water heater which is 1st embodiment of this invention is connected to the water tap. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the non-stop type electric water heater which is 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the non-stop type electric water heater which is 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the former stop | fastening type electric water heater which is 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the former stop | fastening type electric water heater which is 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the former stop-type electric water heater which is 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed notionally a part of internal structure of the former stop-type electric water heater which is 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is the graph which showed the relationship between the tap water supply pressure and the pressure in the upstream of an on-off valve.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  A stop-type electric water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a state in which a main-stop electric water heater 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a faucet 200. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a part of the internal structure of the main-stop electric water heater 1. The non-stop type electric water heater 1 is a device installed between the water tap 100 and the faucet 200, and the water supplied from the water tap 100 is heated by an electric heater to make hot water. This is a device for supplying water to and discharging water from the faucet 200.

  The main stop type electric water heater 1 includes a water supply pipe 2, a casing 10, and a water discharge pipe 5. Inside the casing 10, a flow rate adjusting valve 3, a solenoid valve 4, a tank 7, and a water level adjusting device 6 are arranged.

  The water supply pipe 2 is a pipe that is connected to the water supply 100 and receives the supply of water. In the middle of the water supply pipe 2, a flow rate adjustment valve 3 and an electromagnetic valve 4 are provided in order from the upstream side, and a tank 7 is provided at the downstream end of the water supply pipe. Below, the part from the water supply 100 to the flow regulating valve 3 in the water supply pipe 2 is represented as 2a, the part from the flow regulating valve 3 to the electromagnetic valve 4 is represented as 2b, and the part from the electromagnetic valve 4 to the tank 7 is represented as 2c. To do.

  The flow rate adjusting valve 3 is a device for keeping the instantaneous flow rate of the water flowing downstream thereof constant regardless of the pressure received on the upstream side. That is, the water supply pressure of the water supply 100 (the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 2a) varies depending on the installation location, time zone, etc. of the main-stop electric water heater 1, but depending on the fluctuation of the water supply pressure due to the flow rate adjustment valve 3. The instantaneous flow rate of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 2b can be set to a constant predetermined flow rate.

  The electromagnetic valve 4 is a valve for switching between supply and stop of water from the water supply pipe 2 to the tank 7 by opening and closing operation thereof. As will be described later, when water is supplied to the tank 7, hot water is discharged from the faucet 200 via the water discharge pipe 5. That is, the hot water discharge from the faucet 200 and its stop are controlled by the opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 4. The opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve 4 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the faucet 200 is provided with a human body detection sensor (not shown). When the human body detection sensor detects that the user's hand is present under the faucet 200, a detection signal is transmitted to the control device through the signal line 80. When receiving the detection signal, the control device opens the electromagnetic valve 4 and starts discharging hot water from the faucet 200.

  Further, when the human body detection sensor detects that the user's hand is no longer present under the faucet 200, a non-detection signal is transmitted to the control device through the signal line 80. When receiving the non-detection signal, the control device closes the electromagnetic valve 4 and stops discharging hot water from the faucet 200.

  The tank 7 is provided between the water discharge pipe 5 connected to the faucet 200 and the water supply pipe 2c, and is for storing a predetermined amount of hot water. An electric heater 8 is provided inside the tank 7, and water stored in the tank 7 is heated by the electric heater 8. The control device controls the output of the electric heater 8, and the water temperature inside the tank 7 is kept constant by such control. That is, the tank 7 is always in a state where hot water of a predetermined temperature is stored.

  The water discharge pipe 5 is a pipe located on the most downstream side of the flow path of the water flowing through the primary water heater 1 and functions as a water discharge section. The downstream end of the water discharge pipe 5 is connected to the faucet 200. When the solenoid valve 4 is in the open state, water flows from the water supply 100 into the tank 7 via the water supply pipe 2, and hot water already stored in the tank 7 is discharged from the faucet 200 via the water discharge pipe 5. The Thus, by providing the tank 7 for storing hot water, it is possible to discharge hot water at a predetermined temperature immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened.

  If the open state of the solenoid valve 4 continues, cold water continues to be supplied from the water supply 100 to the tank 7. However, such cold water is heated by the electric heater 8 while passing through the tank 7 and becomes hot water before reaching the faucet 200. That is, since the main stop electric water heater 1 functions like an instantaneous water heater, it is possible to continuously discharge hot water in an amount exceeding the capacity of the tank 7.

  At the time when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lower than that immediately before the start of water discharge. This is due to the effect of continued supply of cold water from the water supply 100. In order to restore the temperature of the warm water, the control device increases the output of the electric heater 8 for a while and raises the temperature of the warm water stored in the tank 7.

  At this time, the hot water stored in the tank 7 is thermally expanded as the temperature rises, and the volume increases. If the water level adjusting device 6 described below does not exist, the tank 7, the water discharge pipe 5, and the faucet 200 are all filled with water when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed. Yes. For this reason, when the volume of water increases inside the tank 7, water corresponding to the increased amount is pushed out from the faucet 200. Since this phenomenon continues until the rise in the water temperature of the tank 7 is completed, it will overflow little by little from the faucet 200 over a long period of time.

  Such a phenomenon is prevented by providing the water level adjusting device 6 in the primary electric water heater 1 according to the present embodiment. The water level adjusting device 6 is connected to a first pipe 11 branched from the water supply pipe 2 c and a second pipe 12 branched from the water supply pipe 2 b, and is stored in the tank 7 as the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened and closed. It is a device that operates to adjust the water level of water.

  First, the structure of the water level adjusting device 6 will be described. The water level adjusting device 6 has a structure in which a tank side space 62 and a water supply side space 63 are formed inside a cylindrical housing 61, and the tank side space 62 and the water supply side space 63 are separated by a partition wall 64. ing. The tank side space 62 and the water supply side space 63 are both filled with water.

  The housing 61 is formed with a tank side port 65 and a water supply side port 66 which are two openings. The tank side port 65 is an opening communicating with the tank side space 62 and is connected to the first pipe 11. The water supply side port 66 is an opening communicating with the water supply side space 63 and is connected to the second pipe 12.

  A tank side diaphragm 67 and a water supply side diaphragm 68 are disposed inside the housing 61. Each of the tank side diaphragm 67 and the water supply side diaphragm 68 is a thin rubber plate having a circular shape, and the outer peripheral portions (671, 681) thereof are fixed to the inner wall of the housing 61. Further, the tank side diaphragm 67 and the water supply side diaphragm 68 can be deformed so that the respective central portions (672, 682) can move in the left-right direction in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a case where the central portion (672, 682) is present at the right end in the movable range.

  The tank side diaphragm 67 is a part of the wall surface that defines the tank side space 62. For this reason, when the tank side diaphragm 67 deform | transforms and the center part 672 moves to right and left, the volume of the tank side space 62 will change. That is, when the center portion 672 moves to the right side, the volume of the tank side space 62 increases, and when the center portion 672 moves to the left side, the volume of the tank side space 62 decreases.

  Similarly, the water supply side diaphragm 68 is a part of the wall surface that defines the water supply side space 63. For this reason, if the water supply side diaphragm 68 deform | transforms and the center part 682 moves to right and left, the volume of the water supply side space 63 will change. That is, when the central part 682 moves to the right side, the volume of the water supply side space 63 increases, and when the central part 682 moves to the left side, the volume of the water supply side space 63 decreases.

  Between the tank side diaphragm 67 and the water supply side diaphragm 68, a shaft 69 is disposed through the partition wall 64. The shaft 69 is disposed so as to be slidable left and right via an O-ring 602 disposed on the inner wall of the partition wall 64, one end of which is fixed to the central portion of the tank-side diaphragm 67, and the other end is the water supply side. The diaphragm 68 is fixed to the center portion. The O-ring 602 is mounted in an O-ring groove 604 provided on the side surface of the shaft 69 and prevents water in the water supply side space 63 from leaking to the left side of the partition wall 64.

  The deformation of the tank side diaphragm 67 and the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm 68 are transmitted to each other by the shaft 69. That is, when the water supply side diaphragm 68 is deformed and the center portion 682 is moved to the left side, the tank side diaphragm 67 is also deformed and the center portion 672 is moved to the left side. Similarly, when the water supply side diaphragm 68 is deformed and the central portion 682 is moved to the right side, the tank side diaphragm 67 is also deformed and the central portion 672 is moved to the right side.

  A spring 601 is disposed between the tank side diaphragm 67 and the partition wall 64, and the spring 601 faces the central portion 672 of the tank side diaphragm 67 toward the left side (in the direction in which the volume of the tank side space 62 is reduced). ) Energized.

  Next, operation | movement of the water level adjustment apparatus 6 is demonstrated, referring FIG.2 and FIG.3. FIG. 2 shows a state where the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, that is, a state where water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped. In this state, since the water flowing through the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b is stationary, the water pressure inside the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water supply side space 63 of the water level adjusting device 6 communicates with the water supply pipe 2 b through the second pipe 12, the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63 also matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  Due to the spring 601, the central portion 682 of the water supply side diaphragm 68 always receives a force in a direction to move to the left side. However, because the water supply side diaphragm 68 receives a force stronger than the spring 601 toward the right side due to the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63, the center portion 682 is deformed and moved to the right side.

  FIG. 3 shows the state when the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened from this state and water discharge from the faucet 200 is started. In FIG. 3, water flows in the water supply pipe 2 b at a predetermined instantaneous flow rate, and the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 2 b is lower than the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the water supply pressure of the water supply 100 and the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b. As is apparent from FIG. 8, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2 b matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is in the open state, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b is lower than the water supply pressure of the water supply 100, and is substantially constant regardless of the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  This is because the flow path downstream of the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened to the atmosphere at the faucet 200 and the resistance of the flow path is relatively small. Further, a flow rate adjusting valve 3 is disposed upstream of the electromagnetic valve 4, and the flow path is restricted by the flow rate adjusting valve 3. For this reason, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is in the open state, the amount of decrease in the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b is further increased compared to the case where the flow rate adjustment valve 3 is not provided.

  When the solenoid valve 4 is in the open state, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b is reduced, so that the water pressure in the water supply side space 63 communicating therewith is also reduced. For this reason, the force which the center part 682 of the water supply side diaphragm 68 receives from the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63 toward the right side is smaller than the force received from the spring 601 toward the left side. Accordingly, the water supply side diaphragm 68 is deformed and the central portion 682 moves to the left side. The tank-side diaphragm 67 is also deformed in conjunction with the shaft 69, and the central portion 672 moves to the left side.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened, the volume of the water supply side space 63 is reduced by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62 is reduced in conjunction with this. At this time, a part of the water existing in the tank side space 62 in the state of FIG. 2 is pushed out toward the tank 7 via the first pipe 11. While the electromagnetic valve 4 is in the open state, the water level adjusting device 6 is continuously in the state shown in FIG.

  When the solenoid valve 4 is closed again and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the water level adjusting device 6 returns to the state shown in FIG. That is, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b increases and matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water pressure in the water supply side space 63 communicating with the water supply pipe 2b is also the water supply pressure of the water supply 100, the water supply side diaphragm 68 receives a force stronger than the spring 601 toward the right side, and is deformed so that the central portion 682 is deformed. Move to the right. The tank side diaphragm 67 is also deformed in conjunction with this, and the central portion 672 moves to the right side.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, the volume of the water supply side space 63 is expanded by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62 is expanded in conjunction with this. Since the tank-side space 62 communicates with the tank 7 through the first pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 2c, the volume of the tank-side space 62 increases, so that one of the water stored in the tank 7 and the water discharge pipe 5 is increased. The part is drawn into the tank side space 62.

  Comparing FIG. 2 with FIG. 3, in FIG. 3 in which the solenoid valve 4 is in an open state, the tank 7, the water discharge pipe 5, and the faucet 200 are all filled with water. On the other hand, in FIG. 2, the space 13 is formed in the upper part of the tank 7, and the flow path from the upper part of the tank 7 to the faucet 200 is not filled with water. This is because the air sucked from the faucet 200 reached the tank 7 when a part of the water stored in the tank 7 was drawn into the tank side space 62 immediately after the solenoid valve 4 was closed. It is.

  As described above, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lower than that immediately before the start of water discharge. It is in a state. In order to return the temperature of the warm water to the original value, the control device increases the output of the electric heater 8 for a while and raises the temperature of the warm water stored in the tank 7. Along with this, the hot water stored in the tank 7 thermally expands and its volume increases.

  In the present embodiment, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, the water level adjusting device 6 operates to lower the level of hot water stored in the tank 7. The volume of water drawn into the tank side space 62 (corresponding to the volume of air sucked from the faucet 200) is designed to be sufficiently larger than the amount by which the volume of water increases due to thermal expansion. Therefore, even if the level of the warm water stored in the tank 7 increases due to thermal expansion, the water does not overflow from the faucet 200.

  As described above, the main-stop electric water heater 1 according to this embodiment includes the water level adjusting device 6, and the water level adjusting device 6 has the tank side space 62 that communicates with the tank 7. Further, the water level adjusting device 6 has a tank side diaphragm 67, a water supply side diaphragm 68, a shaft 69, a spring 601, and a water supply side space 63, which function as volume adjusting means. That is, it functions to change the volume of the tank-side space 62 in accordance with the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b that is upstream of the solenoid valve 4.

  When the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed and the supply of water to the tank 7 is stopped, the volume adjusting means expands the volume of the tank-side space 62 so that a part of the water stored in the tank 7 is obtained. Is drawn into the tank side space 62 and its water level is lowered. Therefore, even if the water in the tank 7 is heated and thermally expanded from this state, it is reliably prevented that the water overflows from the faucet 200 connected to the water discharge pipe 5.

Then, the main stop type electric water heater 1a which is 2nd embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG.4 and FIG.5. The main retaining electric water heater 1a has a structure in which the water level adjusting device 6 of the main retaining electric water heater 1 is replaced with a water level adjusting device 6a, and the other structure is the same as the main retaining electric water heater 1. .
The structure of the water level adjusting device 6a will be described. The water level adjusting device 6a has a structure in which a tank side space 62a and a water supply side space 63a are formed inside a cylindrical housing 61a, and the tank side space 62a and the water supply side space 63a move up and down in the housing 61a. Are separated by a piston 90 which is movably arranged on the surface. The tank side space 62a and the water supply side space 63a are both filled with water.

  A tank side port 65a and a water supply side port 66a, which are two openings, are formed in the housing 61a. The tank side port 65a is an opening communicating with the tank side space 62a, and the first pipe 11 is connected to the tank side port 65a. Further, the water supply side port 66a is an opening communicating with the water supply side space 63a, and the second pipe 12 is connected thereto.

  A tank side diaphragm 67a is disposed inside the housing 61a. The tank side diaphragm 67a is a thin rubber plate having a circular shape, and an outer peripheral portion 671a thereof is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 61a. Further, the tank-side diaphragm 67a can be deformed so that the central portion 672a can move in the vertical direction of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a case where the central portion 672a exists at the upper end of the movable range.

  The tank side diaphragm 67a is a part of the wall surface that defines the tank side space 62a. For this reason, when the tank-side diaphragm 67a is deformed and the central portion 672a moves up and down, the volume of the tank-side space 62a changes. That is, when the central portion 672a moves upward, the volume of the tank side space 62a increases, and when the central portion 672a moves downward, the volume of the tank side space 62a decreases.

The upper end surface 901 of the piston 90 that separates the tank side space 62a and the water supply side space 63a is fixed to the central portion 672a of the tank side diaphragm 67a. Further, the lower end surface 902 of the piston 90 is a part of the wall surface that defines the water supply side space 63a. The piston 90 is formed as a rigid portion whose position moves up and down with almost no deformation.
For this reason, when the piston 90 moves up and down, the volume of the water supply side space 63a changes. That is, when the piston 90 moves upward, the volume of the water supply side space 63a increases, and when the piston 90 moves downward, the volume of the water supply side space 63a decreases.

  An O-ring 602 a is disposed between the side wall 631 a that defines the water supply side space 63 a and the piston 90. The O-ring 602a is mounted in an O-ring groove 604a provided on the side surface of the piston 90, and prevents water in the water supply side space 63a from leaking into the tank side space 62a.

  Since the upper end surface 901 of the piston 90 is fixed to the central portion 672a of the tank side diaphragm 67a, the movement of the piston 90 and the deformation of the tank side diaphragm 67a are transmitted to each other. That is, when the piston 90 moves upward, the tank side diaphragm 67a is deformed and the central portion 672a moves upward. Similarly, when the piston 90 moves downward, the tank side diaphragm 67a is deformed and the central portion 672a moves downward.

  A spring 601a is disposed between the inner wall of the housing 61a and the tank-side diaphragm 67a, and the spring 601a faces the center portion 672a of the tank-side diaphragm 67a downward (in the direction in which the volume of the tank-side space 62a is reduced). (Toward).

  Next, the operation of the water level adjusting device 6a will be described. FIG. 4 shows a state where the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, that is, a state where water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped. In this state, since the water flowing through the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b is stationary, the water pressure inside the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water supply side space 63a of the water level adjusting device 6a communicates with the water supply pipe 2b through the second pipe 12, the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63a also matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  By the spring 601a, the piston 90 always receives a force in the direction of moving downward. However, since the piston 90 receives a force stronger than the spring 601a upward due to the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63a, the piston 90 is moved upward.

  FIG. 5 shows a state when the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened from this state and water discharge from the faucet 200 is started. In FIG. 5, water flows in the water supply pipe 2 b at a predetermined instantaneous flow rate, and the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 2 b is lower than the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  When the solenoid valve 4 is in the open state, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b is lowered, so that the water pressure in the water supply side space 63a communicating therewith is also lowered at the same time. For this reason, the force that the piston 90 receives from the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63a upward is smaller than the force that it receives downward from the spring 601a. Accordingly, the piston 90 moves downward. The tank side diaphragm 67a is also deformed in conjunction with this, and the central portion 672a moves downward.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened, the volume of the water supply side space 63a is reduced by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62a is reduced in conjunction with this. At this time, a part of the water existing in the tank side space 62 a in the state of FIG. 4 is pushed out toward the tank 7 through the first pipe 11. While the electromagnetic valve 4 is in the open state, the water level adjusting device 6a is continuously in the state shown in FIG.

  When the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed again and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the water level adjusting device 6a returns to the state shown in FIG. That is, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b increases and matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water pressure in the water supply side space 63a communicating with the water supply pipe 2b is also the water supply pressure of the water supply 100, the piston 90 receives a force stronger than the spring 601a upward and moves upward. The tank side diaphragm 67a is also deformed in conjunction with this, and the central portion 672a moves upward.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, the volume of the water supply side space 63a is expanded by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62a is expanded in conjunction with this. Since the tank-side space 62a communicates with the tank 7 through the first pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 2c, the volume of the tank-side space 62a is increased so that the water stored in the tank 7 and the water discharge pipe 5 can be reduced. The part is drawn into the tank side space 62a.

  4 and 5 are compared, in FIG. 5 in which the solenoid valve 4 is open, the tank 7, the water discharge pipe 5, and the faucet 200 are all filled with water. On the other hand, in FIG. 4, a space 13 is formed in the upper part of the tank 7, and the flow path from the upper part of the tank 7 to the faucet 200 is not filled with water. This is because the air sucked from the faucet 200 reaches the tank 7 when a part of the water stored in the tank 7 is drawn into the tank side space 62a immediately after the solenoid valve 4 is closed. It is.

  As described above, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lower than that immediately before the start of water discharge. It is in a state. In order to return the temperature of the warm water to the original value, the control device increases the output of the electric heater 8 for a while and raises the temperature of the warm water stored in the tank 7. Along with this, the hot water stored in the tank 7 thermally expands and its volume increases.

  In the present embodiment, the water level adjusting device 6a operates immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, so that the water level of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lowered. The volume of water drawn into the tank side space 62a (corresponding to the volume of air sucked from the faucet 200) is designed to be sufficiently larger than the amount by which the volume of water increases due to thermal expansion. Therefore, even if the level of the warm water stored in the tank 7 increases due to thermal expansion, the water does not overflow from the faucet 200.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the diaphragm used for the water level adjustment apparatus 6a is one, the deformation amount of a diaphragm can be taken large. Thereby, when the solenoid valve 4 is closed and the supply of water to the tank 7 is stopped, more water can be drawn from the tank 7 into the tank side space 62a.

Subsequently, a non-stop electric water heater 1b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The main retaining electric water heater 1b has a structure in which the water level adjusting device 6 of the main retaining electric water heater 1 is replaced with a water level adjusting device 6b, and the other structure is the same as the main retaining electric water heater 1. .
The structure of the water level adjusting device 6b will be described. The water level adjusting device 6b has a structure in which a tank side space 62b and a water supply side space 63b are formed inside a cylindrical housing 61b, and the tank side space 62b and the water supply side space 63b move up and down in the housing 61b. Are separated by a composite piston 90b arranged to be movable. The tank side space 62b and the water supply side space 63b are both filled with water.

  A tank side port 65b and a water supply side port 66b, which are two openings, are formed in the housing 61b. The tank side port 65b is an opening communicating with the tank side space 62b, and the first pipe 11 is connected to the tank side port 65b. The water supply side port 66b is an opening communicating with the water supply side space 63b, and is connected to the second pipe 12.

  A composite piston 90b is disposed inside the housing 61b. The composite piston 90b is formed by integrally forming a large-diameter piston portion 91b and a small-diameter piston portion 92b. The large-diameter piston portion 91b has substantially the same outer shape as the inner diameter of the side wall 621b that defines the tank side space 62b, and the lower surface 911b is a part of the wall surface that defines the tank side space 62b. The small-diameter piston portion 92b has substantially the same outer shape as the inner diameter of the side wall 631b that defines the water supply side space 63b, and the lower surface 921b is a part of the wall surface that defines the water supply side space 63b. The composite piston 90b is formed as a rigid portion whose position moves up and down with almost no deformation.

  Since the compound piston 90b is formed by integrally forming the large-diameter piston portion 91b and the small-diameter piston portion 92b, the movement of the large-diameter piston portion 91b and the movement of the small-diameter piston portion 92b are transmitted to each other. Will be. As a result, when the composite piston 90b moves up and down, the volumes of the tank side space 62b and the water supply side space 63b change. That is, when the composite piston 90b moves upward, the volumes of the tank side space 62b and the water supply side space 63b both expand, and when the composite piston 90b moves downward, the volumes of the tank side space 62b and the water supply side space 63b both to shrink.

  An O-ring 602b is disposed between the side wall 621b that defines the tank side space 62b and the large-diameter piston portion 91b. The O-ring 602b is mounted in an O-ring groove 604b provided on the side surface of the large-diameter piston portion 91b, and the water in the tank-side space 62b leaks upward from the large-diameter piston portion 91b. Is preventing.

  An O-ring 603b is disposed between the side wall 631b that defines the water supply side space 63b and the small-diameter piston portion 92b. The O-ring 603b is mounted in an O-ring groove 605b provided on the side surface of the small-diameter piston portion 92b, and prevents water in the water supply side space 63b from leaking into the tank side space 62b.

  A spring 601b is disposed between the inner wall of the housing 61b and the composite piston 90b, and the spring 601b biases the composite piston 90b downward (in a direction in which the volume of the tank side space 62b is reduced). doing.

  Next, the operation of the water level adjusting device 6b will be described. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, that is, a state where water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped. In this state, since the water flowing through the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b is stationary, the water pressure inside the water supply pipes 2 a and 2 b matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water supply side space 63b of the water level adjusting device 6b communicates with the water supply pipe 2b through the second pipe 12, the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63b also matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  By the spring 601b, the small-diameter piston portion 92b always receives a force in the direction of moving downward. However, due to the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63b, the small-diameter piston portion 92b receives a force stronger than the spring 601b toward the upper side, and thus has moved upward.

  FIG. 7 shows a state when the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened from this state and water discharge from the faucet 200 is started. In FIG. 7, water flows in the water supply pipe 2 b at a predetermined instantaneous flow rate, and the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 2 b is lower than the water supply pressure of the water supply 100.

  When the solenoid valve 4 is in the open state, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b is reduced, so that the water pressure in the water supply side space 63b communicating therewith is also reduced at the same time. For this reason, the force that the small-diameter piston portion 92b receives from the water pressure inside the water supply side space 63b upward is smaller than the force that it receives downward from the spring 601b. Accordingly, the small-diameter piston portion 92b moves downward. The large-diameter piston portion 91b also moves downward in conjunction with this.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is opened, the volume of the water supply side space 63b is reduced by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62b is reduced in conjunction with this. At this time, a part of the water existing in the tank side space 62 b in the state of FIG. 6 is pushed out toward the tank 7 through the first pipe 11. While the electromagnetic valve 4 is in the open state, the water level adjusting device 6b is continuously in the state shown in FIG.

  When the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed again and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the water level adjusting device 6b returns to the state shown in FIG. That is, the water pressure in the water supply pipe 2b increases and matches the water supply pressure of the water supply 100. Since the water pressure in the water supply side space 63b communicating with the water supply pipe 2b is also the water supply pressure of the water supply 100, the small-diameter piston portion 92b receives a force stronger than the spring 601b upward and moves upward. The large-diameter piston portion 91b also moves upward in conjunction with this.

  In other words, immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, the volume of the water supply side space 63b is expanded by the water pressure of the water supply pipe 2b, and the volume of the tank side space 62b is expanded in conjunction with this. Since the tank-side space 62b communicates with the tank 7 through the first pipe 11 and the water supply pipe 2c, the volume of the tank-side space 62b is increased so that the water stored in the tank 7 and the water discharge pipe 5 can be reduced. The part is drawn into the tank side space 62b.

  6 and 7 are compared, in FIG. 7 in which the solenoid valve 4 is open, the tank 7, the water discharge pipe 5, and the faucet 200 are all filled with water. On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the space 13 is formed in the upper part of the tank 7, and the flow path from the upper part of the tank 7 to the faucet 200 is not filled with water. This is because the air sucked from the faucet 200 reached the tank 7 when a part of the water stored in the tank 7 was drawn into the tank-side space 62b immediately after the solenoid valve 4 was closed. It is.

  As described above, when the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed and water discharge from the faucet 200 is stopped, the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lower than that immediately before the start of water discharge. It is in a state. In order to return the temperature of the warm water to the original value, the control device increases the output of the electric heater 8 for a while and raises the temperature of the warm water stored in the tank 7. Along with this, the hot water stored in the tank 7 thermally expands and its volume increases.

  In the present embodiment, the water level adjusting device 6b operates immediately after the electromagnetic valve 4 is closed, so that the water level of the hot water stored in the tank 7 is lowered. The volume of water drawn into the tank side space 62b (corresponding to the volume of air sucked from the faucet 200) is designed to be sufficiently larger than the amount by which the volume of water increases due to thermal expansion. Therefore, even if the level of the warm water stored in the tank 7 increases due to thermal expansion, the water does not overflow from the faucet 200.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the tank side space 62b which needs to change the volume is comprised with the piston. For this reason, compared with the case where it comprises with a diaphragm, the volume of the tank side space 62b can be changed in a wider range, and it becomes possible to draw more water from the tank 7 into the tank side space 62b. Yes.

  In the embodiment illustrated above, the first pipe 11 communicating with the tank side spaces 62, 62a, 62b of the water level adjusting devices 6, 6a, 6b is connected to the water supply pipe 2c, whereby the tank 7 and the water discharge pipe 5 are connected. Water is drawn into the tank-side spaces 62, 62a, 62b. However, the embodiment of the present invention need not be limited to such a configuration. For example, by connecting the first pipe 11 directly to the tank 7 or to the water discharge pipe 5, water is supplied to the tank side space. A configuration of pulling in 62, 62a, 62b is also possible.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

100: water supply 200: faucet 2, 2a, 2b, 2c: water supply pipe 3: flow rate adjusting valve 4: electromagnetic valve 5: water discharge pipe 6: water level adjusting devices 601, 601a, 601b: springs 61, 61a, 61b: housing 62 62a, 62b: tank side spaces 621b, 631a, 631b: side walls 63, 63a, 63b: water supply side spaces 65, 65a, 65b: tank side ports 66, 66a, 66b: water supply side ports 67, 67a: tank side diaphragm 671 , 671a, 681: Outer peripheral part 672, 672a, 682: Center part 68: Water supply side diaphragm 69: Shaft 602, 602a, 602b, 603b: O-ring 604, 604a, 604b, 605b: O-ring groove 7: Tank 8: Electric Heater 10: Casing 11: First piping 12: Second piping 13: Space 80: Signal line 90: Stone 901: upper surface 902: lower end surface 911b, 921b: lower surface 90b: Composite piston 91b: large diameter piston portion 92b: small diameter piston portion

Claims (7)

In the non-stop type electric water heater that heats and discharges water supplied from the water supply,
A water supply unit connected to the water supply and receiving water supply;
A tank that is provided on the downstream side of the water supply unit, and stores water supplied via the water supply unit;
An on-off valve provided in the water supply section, for switching between supply and stop of water to the tank;
A heating means arranged inside the tank and heating water stored in the tank;
A water discharger for supplying the water stored in the tank to the outside;
Water level adjusting means for adjusting the water level stored in the tank;
With
The water level adjusting means is
A tank side space communicating with the tank;
Volume adjustment means for changing the volume of the tank-side space according to the water pressure upstream of the on-off valve in the water supply unit,
When the on-off valve is closed and the supply of water to the tank is stopped, the volume adjusting means expands the volume of the tank-side space, thereby reducing a part of the water stored in the tank. A non-retention type electric water heater that is drawn into the tank side space.   2. The primary stop according to claim 1, wherein the volume adjusting unit reduces the volume of the tank-side space while the on-off valve is open and water is supplied to the tank. Electric water heater.   The volume adjusting means has a water supply side space communicating with the upstream side of the on-off valve in the water supply unit, and the volume of the water supply side space is adjusted by a force received from water pressure on the upstream side of the on-off valve. The main-stop electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein the volume of the tank side space is changed in conjunction with the change in volume. The volume adjusting means includes at least a part of the tank side space and elastically deformable tank side diaphragm, at least a part of the water supply side space and elastically deformable water supply side diaphragm, and the tank side diaphragm And a first interlocking means for mutually transmitting the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm and the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm,
When the first interlocking means transmits the deformation of the water supply side diaphragm accompanying the volume change of the water supply side space to the tank side diaphragm, the tank side diaphragm is deformed to change the volume of the tank side space. The former stop type electric water heater according to claim 3 characterized by things. The volume adjusting means includes at least a part of the tank side space and elastically deformable tank side diaphragm, and a water supply side piston part which defines at least a part of the water supply side space and is movable. And second interlocking means for transmitting the deformation of the tank side diaphragm and the movement of the water supply side piston part to each other,
The movement of the water supply side piston accompanying the volume change of the water supply side space is transmitted to the tank side diaphragm by the second interlocking means, thereby deforming the tank side diaphragm and changing the volume of the tank side space. The stop-type electric water heater according to claim 3, wherein   The volume adjusting means is configured as a tank-side piston section configured as a movable rigid section that defines and moves at least a part of the tank-side space, and as a movable rigid section defined as a movable section that defines at least a part of the water supply-side space. 4. The element according to claim 3, further comprising: a water supply-side piston portion to be operated; and third interlocking means for transmitting the movement of the tank-side piston portion and the movement of the water-supply-side piston portion to each other. Stop-type electric water heater.   The water supply unit has a constant flow valve for making the flow rate of water supplied to the tank constant on the upstream side of the on-off valve, and the water supply side space has the constant flow rate in the water supply unit. The main-stop electric water heater according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the electric water heater communicates with a downstream side of the valve.

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