JP6466666B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a water heater and a water discharge system using the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a water heater is known in which water passing through a heating unit is heated by a heater during water discharge, and water in the heating unit is kept warm by a heater during stop water. (Patent Document 1).

JP 11-193960 A

  In the water heater as described in Patent Document 1, when the water heater has not been used for a long time, the water that has passed through the heating unit cools down. Can not. Therefore, the user waits until warm water is discharged. In addition, the cold water discharged before warm water is discharged becomes waste water.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, The objective is to provide the water heater which can reduce waste water, and a water discharging system using the same.

  In order to solve the above problems, a water heater according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first heating unit and a second heating unit provided between the first heating unit and the water outlet. The first heating unit heats the water to be discharged from the water outlet during the water discharge, and the second heating unit causes the temperature of the water in the second heating unit to be within a predetermined temperature range during the water stop. Insulate and heat.

  According to this aspect, the water that has passed through the first heating unit is kept warm by the second heating unit. In this case, since warm water is discharged from the beginning, it can be used without being discarded. In other words, waste water can be eliminated.

  The second heating unit may stop the heat-retaining heating when the water level in the second heating unit becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined water level. In this case, it is possible to prevent the second heating unit from being blown with a relatively simple configuration.

  The second heating unit may stop the heat insulation heating when a predetermined time has elapsed since the heat insulation heating was started. In this case, it is possible to prevent the second heating unit from being blown with a relatively simple configuration.

  A 2nd heating part does not implement heat insulation heating, when the temperature of the water supplied to a 1st heating part is more than 1st temperature. In this case, the water in the second heating unit can be used comfortably even if it is cooled. That is, it is not necessary to carry out heat insulation heating. Therefore, power is saved by not performing unnecessary heat insulation heating.

  A 2nd heating part may stop heat retention heating, when the temperature of the water in a 2nd heating part is more than 2nd temperature. In this case, it can prevent that the temperature of the water in a 2nd heating part becomes higher than expected.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a water discharge system. This water discharge system includes a water faucet that discharges water, a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a human body, and a water heater that supplies water to the water tap according to the output of the detection unit. The water heater includes a first heating unit and a second heating unit provided between the first heating unit and the water outlet. The first heating unit heats water to be supplied to the faucet during spitting, and the second heating unit causes the temperature of the water in the second heating unit to be within a predetermined temperature range during the water stoppage. Insulate and heat.

  According to this aspect, the water that has passed through the first heating unit is kept warm by the second heating unit. In this case, since warm water is discharged from the beginning, it can be used without being discarded. In other words, waste water can be eliminated.

  Note that any combination of the above-described constituent elements, and those obtained by replacing the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention with each other among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc. are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the water heater which can reduce waste water and a water discharging system using the same can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the water discharging system which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the water heater of FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the function and configuration of the control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of water discharging of a water discharging system. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in the water stop of a water discharging system.

  Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components and members shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are appropriately enlarged or reduced for easy understanding. Also, in the drawings, some of the members that are not important for describing the embodiment are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a water discharge system 100 according to an embodiment. The water discharge system 100 is installed in a bathroom, a toilet, etc., and is used for hand-washing. The water discharge system 100 includes a water heater 10, a faucet 12, a wash basin 14, and a human body detection sensor 16. The human body detection sensor 16 is attached to the faucet 12. The human body detection sensor 16 may be attached to the washbasin 14 or other places. The human body detection sensor 16 detects the user's hand that is presented to the area below the water outlet 12a of the faucet 12 in a non-contact manner. While detecting the hand, the human body detection sensor 16 sends a signal to the water heater 10 via the cable 18.

  The water heater 10 is attached to a wall. The water heater 10 supplies water to the faucet 12 through the hose 20 while the human body detection sensor 16 detects the hand. In particular, the water heater 10 warms water supplied from a water supply pipe (not shown) via a water stop cock (not shown) attached to the wall and then supplies the water to the water tap 12. The faucet 12 discharges water warmed in the water heater 10 from the water outlet 12a. The basin 14 is attached to the wall. The basin 14 receives water discharged from the faucet 12 and drains it to a drain pipe (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the water heater 10. The water heater 10 includes a water inlet pipe 30, an electromagnetic valve 32, a flow rate adjustment unit 34, a feed water temperature sensor 36, a flow rate sensor 38, a first heating unit 40, a second heating unit 46, and a second heating unit. The temperature sensor 48, the 2nd heating part water level sensor 50, the atmospheric temperature sensor 52, the drain pipe 54, the operation part 56, and the control part 58 are provided.

  The water supplied from the water stopcock passes through the water supply port 30a, the water inlet pipe 30, the first heating unit 40, the second heating unit 46, the water discharge pipe 54, and the water outlet 54a, and the water tap 12 To be supplied. Therefore, these constitute the water channel 60 in the water heater 10.

  The electromagnetic valve 32 is provided in the water inlet pipe 30. The control unit 58 receives a signal from the human body detection sensor 16 and sends a valve opening instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32. The electromagnetic valve 32 opens upon receiving this valve opening instruction. When the control unit 58 stops receiving the signal from the human body detection sensor 16, it sends a valve closing instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32. The electromagnetic valve 32 is closed when this valve closing instruction is received. When the electromagnetic valve 32 is opened, water flows through the water channel 60, water is supplied to the faucet 12, and water is discharged from the water outlet 12 a of the faucet 12. When the electromagnetic valve 32 is closed, the flow of water in the water channel 60 stops, water is no longer supplied to the faucet 12, and water discharge from the water outlet 12a of the faucet 12 stops. That is, the electromagnetic valve 32 opens and closes the water channel 60.

  The flow rate adjusting unit 34 is provided in the water intake pipe 30. The flow rate adjusting unit 34 is, for example, a pressure reducing valve. The flow rate adjusting unit 34 adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through the water channel 60. Thereby, the flow volume of the water discharged from the water outlet 12a of the faucet 12 is adjusted.

  The feed water temperature sensor 36 is provided in the water intake pipe 30. The feed water temperature sensor 36 measures the temperature of the water supplied from the stop cock and flowing through the inlet pipe 30, that is, the temperature of the water before being heated by the first heating unit 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as “feed water temperature”). . The feed water temperature measured by the feed water temperature sensor 36 is sent to the control unit 58 via the cable 62.

  The flow sensor 38 is provided in the water intake pipe 30. The flow sensor 38 measures the flow rate of water flowing through the water channel 60 (hereinafter simply referred to as “flow rate”). The flow rate measured by the flow sensor 38 is sent to the control unit 58 via the cable 64.

  The first heating unit 40 is a so-called instantaneous heater. The first heating unit 40 includes an electric first heater 40a therein. The first heater 40a may be a gas heater. The control unit 58 receives a signal from the human body detection sensor 16 and sends a heating instruction to the first heating unit 40. When receiving the heating instruction, the first heating unit 40 starts heating by the first heater 40a. The water that has flowed into the first heating unit 40 from the water inlet pipe 30 is heated by the first heater 40 a while flowing through the first heating part 40, and is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 degrees). to go out. In addition, when the control unit 58 stops receiving a signal from the human body detection sensor 16, it sends a stop instruction to the first heating unit 40. Upon receiving this stop instruction, the first heating unit 40 stops heating by the first heater 40a.

  The second heating unit 46 is provided between the first heating unit 40 and the water outlet 54 a of the water heater 10. In addition, the 2nd heating part 46 may be provided near the water outlet 54a rather than the 1st heating part 40, especially the vicinity of the water outlet 54a. The second heating unit 46 has a space (for example, a space in which 100 ml of water is stored) in which water to be kept warm is stored, and an electric second heater 46a is disposed there. The second heater 46a may be a gas heater. When the second heating unit 46 receives a heat retaining instruction from the control unit 58, the second heating unit 46 starts the heat retaining heating by the second heater 46a. In particular, the second heating unit 46 performs heat insulation heating so that the water in the second heating unit 46 is within a predetermined temperature range (for example, a range of 28 degrees to 30 degrees). Moreover, the 2nd heating part 46 will stop the heat retention heating by the 2nd heater 46a, if the heat retention stop instruction | indication is received from the control part 58. FIG.

  The second heating unit temperature sensor 48 measures the water temperature in the second heating unit 46. The temperature measured by the second heating unit temperature sensor 48 is sent to the control unit 58 via the cable 70. The second heating unit water level sensor 50 measures the water level in the second heating unit 46. The water level measured by the second heating unit water level sensor 50 is sent to the control unit 58 via the cable 72.

  The ambient temperature sensor 52 measures the ambient temperature around the water heater 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “ambient temperature”). The ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor 52 is sent to the control unit 58 via the cable 74.

  The operation part 56 is provided in the front side of the water heater 10 (refer FIG. 1). The operation unit 56 includes a touch panel type display unit. Various operation screens are displayed on the display unit, and the user inputs information via the operation screens. Various kinds of information are displayed on the display unit.

  The control unit 58 controls the opening and closing of the water channel 60 by the electromagnetic valve 32, the heating by the first heating unit 40, and the heat retaining heating by the second heating unit 46.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the function and configuration of the control unit 58. Each of these blocks can be realized in terms of hardware by an element and a machine device including a CPU and a memory of a computer, and in terms of software, it can be realized by a computer program or the like. Draw functional blocks. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware and software.

  The control unit 58 includes a display control unit 80, an input receiving unit 82, an open / close control unit 84, a first heating control unit 86, a second heating control unit 88, and a storage unit 90.

  The display control unit 80 displays a predetermined screen on the display unit of the operation unit 56. The input receiving unit 82 receives information input via a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 56. For example, the input receiving unit 82 is configured to display the “first power saving mode” in which heat insulation heating is not performed when the feed water temperature is high, or heat insulation when the ambient temperature is high, via a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 56. Selection of “second power saving mode” in which heating is not performed is accepted. The storage unit 90 stores various setting data prepared in advance and data received by the input receiving unit 82.

  The opening / closing control unit 84 controls opening / closing of the electromagnetic valve 32. When receiving the signal from the human body detection sensor 16, the open / close control unit 84 sends a valve opening instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32 and causes the electromagnetic valve 32 to start a valve opening operation. Further, when the open / close control unit 84 stops receiving a signal from the human body detection sensor 16, it sends a valve closing start instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32 and causes the electromagnetic valve 32 to start a valve closing operation.

  The first heating control unit 86 controls heating by the first heating unit 40. When the first heating control unit 86 receives a signal from the human body detection sensor 16, the first heating control unit 86 sends a heating instruction to the first heating unit 40 substantially simultaneously with the opening / closing control unit 84 sending a valve opening instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32. 1 Heating by the heating unit 40 is started. In addition, when the first heating control unit 86 does not receive a signal from the human body detection sensor 16, the first heating control unit 86 sends a stop instruction to the first heating unit 40 and stops the heating by the first heating unit 40.

  The second heating control unit 88 controls heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46. The second heating control unit 88 sends a heat insulation heating instruction to the second heating unit 46 when the water stops (that is, when the flow rate is substantially zero) or the flow rate is below a certain value, and the heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46 is performed. To start. However, the second heating control unit 88 does not send a heat retaining heating instruction to the second heating unit 46 in any of the following (1) to (3). That is, heat insulation heating is not started.

(1) When the water level measured by the second heating unit water level sensor 50 is equal to or lower than the “first water level” Here, the “first water level” means, for example, that the entire second heater 46 a is in the second heating unit 46. The water level is soaked in water. In this case, it is possible to prevent the second heating unit 46 from idling.

(2) When the first power saving mode is selected, when the feed water temperature is equal to or higher than the “first feed water temperature” (for example, 28 degrees) When the feed water temperature is high, the ambient temperature is usually high. In this case, it is considered that the water in the second heating unit 46 can be used comfortably even if it is cooled. That is, it is considered unnecessary to keep warm by the second heating unit 46. Therefore, power saving is achieved without performing heat insulation heating.

(3) When the second power saving mode is selected, when the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the “first ambient temperature” (for example, 35 degrees) When the ambient temperature is high, the water in the second heating unit 46 is cooled. It can be used comfortably. That is, it is considered unnecessary to keep warm by the second heating unit 46. Therefore, power saving is achieved without performing heat insulation heating.

  Moreover, the 2nd heating control part 88 sends the heat retention stop instruction | indication to the 2nd heating part 46 in either of the following (4)-(7), and stops the heat insulation heating by the 2nd heating part 46.

(4) When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heat insulation heating The time during which the water level in the second heating unit 46 that was at the full water level becomes the “first water level” by evaporation due to heat insulation heating is measured by experiment. This may be set as a predetermined time. In this case, it is possible to prevent the second heating unit 46 from idling.

(5) When the water level measured by the second heating unit water level sensor 50 is equal to or lower than the “first water level” In this case, the second heating unit 46 can be prevented from flying.

(6) When the temperature measured by the second heating unit temperature sensor 48 is equal to or higher than the “second temperature” (for example, 45 degrees), the “second temperature” may be uncomfortable because the user is too hot, for example. Set the temperature you feel. When the temperature of the water in the second heating unit 46 becomes high for some reason, the second heating control unit 88 sends a heat retention stop instruction to the second heating unit 46 and stops the heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46. . Note that the second heating control unit 88 may stop the heat retaining heating by the second heating unit 46 by cutting off the power supplied to the second heater 46a. Thereby, the safety | security of the water heater 10 increases more. In this case, the display control unit 80 displays on the display unit of the operation unit 56 information indicating that the heat retaining heating has been stopped because the temperature of the water in the second heating unit 46 has become higher than the “second temperature”. May be. Further, instead of or together with the display, a notification sound may be sounded indicating that the heat retaining heating has been stopped because the temperature of the water in the second heating unit 46 has become higher than the “second temperature”.

(7) When water discharge is started Since water warmed by the first heating unit 40 is supplied when water discharge is started, the second heating unit 46 needs to keep the water in the second heating unit 46 warm. Disappears. Therefore, the heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46 is stopped.

Operation | movement of the water discharging system 100 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water discharge system 100 during “water discharge”. When the user puts his hand in the area below the water outlet 12a of the faucet 12, the human body detection sensor 16 detects this (S10). The opening / closing control unit 84 sends a valve opening instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32 (S12), and the electromagnetic valve 32 is opened (S14). The first heating control unit 86 sends a heating instruction to the first heating unit 40 (S16), and the first heating unit 40 starts heating the water passing through the first heating unit 40 (S18). Then, the water heated by the first heating unit 40 and warmed is sent from the water heater 10 to the faucet 12 and discharged.

  When the user retracts his / her hand from the area below the spout 12a of the faucet 12, the human body detection sensor 16 does not detect the user's hand (S20). The opening / closing control unit 84 sends a valve closing instruction to the electromagnetic valve 32 (S22), and the electromagnetic valve 32 is closed (S24). The first heating control unit 86 sends a stop instruction to the first heating unit 40 (S26), and the first heating unit 40 stops heating (S28). Then, water discharge from the faucet 12 stops.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the “stop water” operation of the water discharge system 100. When the water level measured by the second heating unit water level sensor 50 is equal to or lower than the “first water level” (Y in S30), the water supply temperature is equal to or higher than the “first water supply temperature” when the first power saving mode is selected. In the case of (Y of S32), or when the second power saving mode is selected and the ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the “first ambient temperature” (Y of S34), the second heating control unit 88 performs the second heating. The part 46 is not allowed to start the heat insulation and heating. On the other hand, when it does not correspond to these (N of S30, N of S32, and N of S34), the 2nd heating control part 88 sends a thermal insulation heating instruction to the 2nd heating part 46 (S36). The 2nd heating part 46 heat-retains so that the water in the 2nd heating part 46 may become the temperature of a predetermined range (S38).

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the second heating control unit 88 has started the heat insulation heating (Y in S40), the water level measured by the second heating unit water level sensor 50 is equal to or lower than the “first water level”. When the temperature measured by the second heating unit temperature sensor 48 is equal to or higher than the “second temperature” (Y of S44), or when water discharge is started (Y of S46) ), A heat retention stop instruction is sent to the second heating unit 46 (S48). On the other hand, when it does not correspond to these (N of S40, N of S42, N of S44, and N of S46), the 2nd heating control part 88 continues the heat insulation heating by the 2nd heating part 46.

  According to the water discharge system 100 according to the embodiment, the water that has passed through the first heating unit 40 is kept warm by the second heating unit 46. Therefore, since warm water is discharged from the beginning, it can be used without being discarded. In other words, waste water can be eliminated. Moreover, since the user does not need to wait until warm water is discharged, the user does not feel unpleasant. Also, there will be no discomfort caused by touching cold water.

  Moreover, according to the water discharging system 100 which concerns on embodiment, the 2nd heating part 46 is provided between the 1st heating part 40 and the water discharge port 54a. The second heating unit 46 has a space in which water to be kept warm is stored. This space also functions as a puddle of water heated by the first heating unit 40 during water discharge. The water heated by the first heating unit 40 is mixed with the water accumulated in the second heating unit 46 and discharged. Therefore, the fluctuation of the temperature of the discharged water is relatively small. Thereby, the discomfort felt by the user can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to the water discharge system 100 which concerns on embodiment, when the water level in the 2nd heating part 46 is below a 1st water level, the heat retention heating by the 2nd heating part 46 is not started. For example, when there is little water in the 2nd heating part 46, since it heats rapidly by the heating of the 2nd heater 46a, temperature control is difficult and it may become a user's unpleasant temperature. Such a situation can be avoided by not starting the heat-retaining heating when the water level is low. Further, for example, it is possible to prevent the second heating unit 46 from being blown before passing water, such as immediately after construction.

  Moreover, according to the water discharging system 100 which concerns on embodiment, since it is thought that the water in the 2nd heating part 46 can be comfortably used even when it cools, when the water supply temperature is high or the atmospheric temperature is high, it is 2nd. Thermal insulation heating by the heating unit 46 is not started. In other words, power is saved by not heating unnecessarily.

  Moreover, according to the water discharging system 100 which concerns on embodiment, when the water level in the 2nd heating part 46 becomes below a 1st water level, the heat retention heating by the 2nd heating part 46 is stopped. Thereby, the emptying by the 2nd heating part 46 when the water in the 2nd heating part 46 evaporates by heat retention heating, for example can be prevented.

  Further, according to the water discharge system 100 according to the embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the heat insulation heating, the heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46 is stopped. For example, by setting the time during which the water level in the second heating unit 46, which has been full due to evaporation by heat insulation heating, to the “first water level” is set to a predetermined time, it is possible to suppress the air heating by the second heating unit 46.

  Moreover, according to the water discharging system 100 which concerns on embodiment, when the temperature of the water in the 2nd heating part 46 becomes more than the temperature of 2nd water, the heat retention heating by the 2nd heating part 46 is stopped. That is, when the temperature of the water in the second heating unit 46 becomes high for some reason, the heat insulation heating by the second heating unit 46 is stopped. Thereby, the safety | security of the water heater 10 increases more.

  The water discharge system according to the embodiment has been described above. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective components, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

(Modification 1)
Although not specifically mentioned in the embodiment, similarly to the second heating unit 46, the first heating unit 40 may heat the water in the first heating unit 40 while keeping the water still. In this case, the water heater 10 further includes a first heating unit temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the water in the first heating unit 40, and a first heating unit water level sensor that measures the water level in the first heating unit 40. You may prepare. The first heating part temperature sensor and the first heating part water level sensor correspond to the second heating part temperature sensor 48 and the second heating part water level sensor 50, respectively.

  The first heating control unit 86 controls heat retention heating by the first heating unit 40 in addition to heating by the first heating unit 40. Control of heat insulation heating by the first heating control unit 86 corresponds to control of heat insulation heating by the second heating control unit 88.

(Modification 2)
In the embodiment, the case where the electromagnetic valve 32 and the flow rate adjusting unit 34 are provided in the water inlet pipe 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the electromagnetic valve 32 and the flow rate adjusting unit 34 may be provided in the water discharge pipe 54.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water heater, 12 Water faucet, 14 Basin, 16 Human body detection sensor, 22 Solenoid valve, 40 1st heating part, 46 2nd heating part, 58 control part, 84 Opening / closing control part, 86 1st heating control part, 88 A second heating control unit, 100 water discharge system.

Claims (5)

A first heating unit;
A second heating unit provided between the first heating unit and the water outlet,
The first heating unit heats water to be discharged from the water outlet in the water discharge,
The second heating unit performs heat insulation heating so that the temperature of the water in the second heating unit is within a predetermined temperature range in the still water, and stops the heat insulation heating when water discharge is started. Water heater. The second heating section, if the level of the water in the inner second heating portion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined water level, water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that to stop the heat insulation heating. The second heating unit, water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that stopping kept heated when time from the start of the heat retention heat of the predetermined has elapsed. The hot water according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the second heating unit does not perform heat insulation heating when the temperature of water supplied to the first heating unit is equal to or higher than the first temperature. vessel. The second heating unit, when the temperature of the water in said second heating section is equal to or higher than the second temperature, water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that to stop the heat insulation heating 4.

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