JPH03286050A - Feed water device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent feed water from an unnecessary stoppage at the time of operating a change-over switch by providing the change-over switch in a barrel part of a shower head and a detecting part for opening and closing a feed water piping in a part other than the barrel part. CONSTITUTION:A feed water pipe 2 equipped with a shower head 23 at an outlet of a discharge pipe 22 is provided. A change-over switch 24 to change discharge water flow into a shower-form or a straight-form is provided in a barrel part 23a of the shower head 23. A detecting part 41 is also provided in a part 23b other than the barrel part of the shower head 23. The feed water pipe 2 is then opened and closed by operating an opening and closing means through a control means, when the detecting means 41 detects a user's hand and the like. In this operation, the detecting means 41 can be made not to detect, the user's hand and the like at the time of change over operation of the change-over switch 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a water supply device such as a water heater, water heater or instantaneous water heater.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, a water heater A as a water supply device is equipped with a shower head equipped with an on/off switch for switching between starting and stopping hot water supply at the hot water inlet of a flexible discharge pipe. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6266055). This water heater has good operability because the user can control the start and stop of hot water supply by operating the on/off switch at hand, so there is no need to move the hand to the main body of the device.

In addition, in water heater B, there is a switch on the body of the shower head that the user grasps with the palm of his hand to switch the discharge flow discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe between a shower-like discharge flow and a straight-like discharge flow. A switch is provided (as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application No. 60-100469, etc.).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] When water heater A and water heater B are combined, when starting and stopping hot water supply and switching the discharge flow, the appliance body and the shower head can be connected to each other, unlike conventional devices. Since there is no need for large movements such as moving the hand back and forth between the two, operability is further improved.

However, when the on/off switch is operated to start hot water supply and hot water continues to be supplied, the changeover switch changes the discharge flow from the outlet of the discharge pipe from a straight discharge flow to a shower-like discharge flow. may be switched to. In this case, since both the selector switch and the on/off switch are provided on the shower head, there is a possibility that the on/off switch may be accidentally operated. For this reason, there was a problem in that the hot water supply was stopped unnecessarily during hot water supply, making it inconvenient to use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device that can prevent water supply from being stopped unnecessarily when a changeover switch is operated during water supply.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A water supply device of the present invention includes a discharge pipe having a discharge port for discharging water, and a discharge pipe disposed at the discharge port to discharge a discharge flow discharged from the discharge port in a shower-like manner. A water supply pipe equipped with a shower head having a changeover switch for switching between a straight flow and a straight discharge flow, an opening/closing means for opening and closing the water supply pipe, and a detection means disposed on the shower head for detecting an object to be detected. and a control means for controlling the opening/closing means when the object to be detected is detected by the detection means, and the shower head has the changeover switch disposed on a body portion held by a user, and A technical means was adopted in which the detection means was placed in a part other than the body.

[Function] When an object to be detected such as the user's hand is detected by the detection means disposed in a part of the shower head other than the body part gripped by the user, the control means controls the opening/closing means to open the water supply pipe. It is opened and water is discharged from the discharge port of the discharge pipe.

When the user operates the changeover switch located on the body of the shower head while water is being supplied, the detection means is not installed in the body, so the hand operating the changeover switch is exposed to the detected object. Not detected as . Therefore, the water supply will not be stopped unnecessarily during water supply.

[Effect of the invention] Since the detecting means does not detect an object to be detected such as the user's hand when switching the changeover switch during water supply, it is possible to prevent the water supply from being stopped unnecessarily during water supply. .

[Example] The water supply device of the present invention will be explained based on an example shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the invention. 1st
The figure shows a gas water heater.

The gas water heater 1 is a water supply device of the present invention, and supplies hot water to the kitchen. This gas water heater 1 includes a gas burner (not shown), a water supply pipe 2, a water solenoid valve 3, and a microcomputer 4.

The gas burner is housed in the housing 10 and burns fuel gas and air supplied from the gas pipe 11. The gas piping 11 includes a gas solenoid valve 12 (
〉 shown in Fig. 4 is provided.

This gas solenoid valve 12 opens a gas passage when energized,
When electricity is stopped, the gas passage is closed.

The water supply pipe 2 includes a heat exchanger (not shown), a water supply pipe 21, a hot water outlet pipe 22, and a shower head 23.

The heat exchanger is made of metal and is housed in the housing 10,
The inflow water is heated by the flame generated by the gas burner and the heat held by the combustion gas.

The water supply pipe 21 has a bottom made of a metal material and supplies water from a water source to the heat exchanger.

The hot water outlet pipe 22 is a discharge pipe of the present invention, has a bottom made of a metal material, exhibits a bendable bellows shape, and supplies hot water heated by a heat exchanger to the kitchen. The hot water outlet pipe 22 can be bent into an arbitrary shape by the user so that hot water is discharged from the discharge port at the tip (hidden and not visible in the figure) toward the dishes to be washed.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shower head 23 has a cylindrical shape made of resin, is fitted around the outer periphery of the outlet of the hot water outlet pipe 22, and discharges hot water in the discharge direction. A changeover switch 2 is attached to the body portion 23a, which the user grasps when moving the shower head 23 or when operating the changeover switch 24 to change the discharge flow.
4 are arranged.

Note that the changeover switch 24 is used to switch the discharge flow discharged from the discharge port of the hot water outlet pipe 22 between a shower-like discharge flow and a straight-like discharge flow, as described above. The structure of this changeover switch 24 is, for example, disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application No. 60-100469.
This is a well-known structure as described in the above publication.

The water electromagnetic valve 3 is an opening/closing means of the present invention, and is
It opens and closes the water supply pipe 2. This water solenoid valve 3
opens the water supply pipe 2 when energized, and closes the water supply pipe 2 when the energization is stopped.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control device for the gas water heater 1. As shown in FIG.

The microcomputer 4 is a control means of the present invention, and controls energization of the water solenoid valve 3, the gas solenoid valve 12, the sparker 42, etc. in accordance with the signal from the direct reflection photoelectric switch 41. Further, the microcomputer 4 holds the water solenoid valve 3 and the gas solenoid valve 12 open by the first detection signal from the photoelectric switch 41, and the water solenoid valve 3 and the gas solenoid valve 12 by the second detection signal from the photoelectric switch 41. A hold circuit is provided for releasing the open state of the gas solenoid valve 12 (keeping the valve closed). Note that the gas solenoid valve 12 may be opened and closed by being driven by a hydraulic response means that detects when the water solenoid valve 3 opens and water flows through the water supply pipe 2 .

The photoelectric switch 41 is a detection means of the present invention, and is disposed in a portion 23b of the shower head 23 other than the body portion 23a, that is, in a thin portion 23b above the changeover switch 24. The photoelectric switch 41 includes a light emitter and a light receiver, and detects the object by receiving the light emitted from the light emitter and reflected by the object to be detected. Then, the photoelectric switch 41 converts the amount of the received light into an electrical signal (for example, a voltage value) and sends it to the microcomputer 4. For example, if the voltage (voltage value) rises above a predetermined level, it is determined that the object to be detected has entered the detection range located on the side of the shower head 23.

The sparker 42 is disposed near the gas burner, and ignites when energized.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the microcomputer 4.

It is determined whether the electrical signal input from the photoelectric switch 41 is higher than a predetermined level (step S1). Returns when the electrical signal is not above a predetermined level (No).

In step S1, if the electrical signal is above a predetermined level (Yes1, it is determined whether the flag is on or not (step S2).The flag is not on (no).
), the water solenoid valve 3 is energized (step S3), the gas solenoid valve 12 is energized (step S4), and the sparker 42 is energized (step S5). Then, it is determined whether a set time has elapsed (step S6). If the set time has not elapsed (NO), control in step S6 is performed.

In step S6, the set time has elapsed (Yes
At 1 o'clock, the power supply to the sparker 42 is stopped (step S'7).
). Then, it is determined whether the electrical signal input from the photoelectric switch 41 is higher than a predetermined level (step S
8). When the electric signal is at a predetermined level or higher (Yes), control in step S8 is performed.

In step S8, if the electrical signal is not higher than the predetermined level (NO), a flag is set (step S9).
, then return.

In step S2, the flag is set (Yes).
), step 510 to stop energizing the gas solenoid valve 12.
), the water solenoid valve 3 is de-energized (step 511).

Then, it is determined whether the electrical signal input from the photoelectric switch 41 is higher than a predetermined level (step S12).
〉. When the electrical signal is above a predetermined level (Yes), control in step S12 is performed.

In step S12, when the electric signal is not higher than the predetermined level (No), the flag is set down (step 513).
). Then return.

The operation of the gas water heater 1 of this embodiment will be explained based on FIGS. 1 to 4.

The microcomputer 4 constantly monitors whether the level of the electrical signal input from the photoelectric switch 41 is above a predetermined level.

For example, a user grasps the body part 23a of the shower head 23 so as to wrap it around the body part 23a, moves the position of the shower head 23 so that the dishes are in the hot water discharge direction, and changes the rotational position of the hot water outlet pipe 22. Then, when the user moves his finger from the position of the body part 23a to the front of the photoelectric switch 41 in order to dispense hot water, the light emitted from the floodlight of the photoelectric switch 41 is reflected on the user's finger, and the reflected light The user's finger is detected by the light receiver receiving the light. Therefore, the level of the electrical signal sent from the photoelectric switch 41 to the microcomputer 4 becomes a predetermined level or higher.

In this way, when the level of the electrical signal exceeds a predetermined level, that is, when an object to be detected such as a user's finger is detected within the detection range, the microcomputer 4 controls the water solenoid valve 3, the gas Solenoid valve 12 and sparker 42 are energized. Therefore, hot water is discharged from the tip of the shower head 23 toward the dishes, and hot water supply is started.

At this time, if the user desires that the discharge flow discharged from the discharge port be a shower-like discharge flow, the user can remove the finger from the detection range of the photoelectric switch 41 to wash the dishes, and the micro- computer 4
The level of the electrical signal sent to falls below a predetermined level.

Further, when it is desired to switch the discharge flow discharged from the discharge port between a shower-like discharge flow and a straight-like discharge flow, the photoelectric switch 41 is disposed above the changeover switch 24. Body part 23 of head 23
Since it is disposed in the part other than a (thin part) 23b, the finger operating the changeover switch 24 does not enter the detection range of the photoelectric switch 41. For this reason, the photoelectric switch 41
The level of the electrical signal sent from the microcomputer 4 to the microcomputer 4 never rises above a predetermined level.

Therefore, unless the user moves his/her finger in front of the photoelectric switch 41 disposed from the body part 23a of the shower head 23 to the part 23b other than this body part 23a, unnecessary stoppage of hot water supply is prevented during hot water supply. be able to. The gas water heater 1 is very easy to use because the user can switch the discharge flow, start and stop the hot water supply by simply moving the fingers while wrapping the body part 23a of the shower head 23 in the palm of the hand. can be provided.

6 and 7 show a shower head adopted in a second embodiment of the present invention.

As in this embodiment, a push-button switch 43 as a detection means may be disposed in a portion 23b other than the upper body portion 23a of the change-over switch 24, and by turning on and off the push-button switch 43, electrical wiring is detected. (not shown), the opening and closing of the water solenoid valve 3 is controlled. In the case of this embodiment as well, since the push button switch 43 is disposed on the portion 23b other than the body portion 23a, when operating the changeover switch 24, the shower head 23 is pressed by placing your finger on the opposite side of the changeover switch 24. When holding the push button switch 43, if the push button switch 43 is disposed on the body part 23a, there is a possibility that force will be applied to the push button switch 43 and the push button switch 43 will be operated. There is no need to worry. Body portion 23a of shower head 23
Therefore, unless the user moves his/her finger to the push button switch 43, which is the part 23b other than the body part 23a, the hot water supply will not be stopped unnecessarily during hot water supply.

FIG. 8 shows a shower head adopted in a third embodiment of the present invention.

The photoelectric switch 41 of this embodiment is disposed on the opposite side of the changeover switch 24 in a portion 23b other than the body portion 23a. In this embodiment, the shower head 2
While the user grasps the body part 23a of No. 3 with the palm of his/her hand, the user starts hot water supply by placing, for example, his/her index finger in front of the photoelectric switch 41, and then continuously operates the selector switch 24 with, for example, his or her thumb. can do.

In the case of this embodiment as well, when operating the changeover switch 24 during hot water supply, even if you hold the shower head 23 by placing your finger on the opposite side of the changeover switch 24, the shower head 23
From the body part 23a of No. 3 to the part 23 other than this body part 23a
As long as the user does not move his/her index finger in front of the photoelectric switch 41 (b), hot water supply will not be stopped unnecessarily during hot water supply.

(Modification) In this embodiment, the present invention was used in a gas water heater, but the present invention may be used in other water heaters, instantaneous water heaters, or water heaters.

In this embodiment, a gas burner that performs combustion using fuel gas is used as the heat source, but a burner that performs combustion using liquid fuel may be used as the heat source, or an electric heater may be used as the heat source.

In this example, a direct reflection optical switch was used as the non-contact detection means, but other non-contact detection means such as a photoelectric switch, a proximity switch, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor may also be used. good. Alternatively, a detection means combining a photoelectric switch and an optical fiber may be used.

In this example, a push-button switch was used as the contact-type detection means, but a contact-type detection means such as a touch switch that detects the user's touch by changing electrical resistance or capacitance is also used. You may do so.

The detection means may be installed anywhere other than the body of the shower head, but considering mutual operation with the changeover switch, it may be placed on the same side as the changeover switch or on the opposite side as in this embodiment. Parts other than the upper or lower torso are desired.

Furthermore, a through-type changeover switch that can penetrate the shower head and be operated from both sides may be used as the changeover switch.

In this embodiment, a bendable bellows pipe is used as the hot water tap, but the bendable bellows pipe may not be used.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the invention. 1st
Figure 2 is a front view of the gas water heater, Figure 2 is a front view of the shower head, Figure 3 is a side view of the shower head, Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control device for the gas water heater, and Figure 5 is the micro It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a computer. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the invention. 6th
The figure is a front view of the shower head, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the shower head. FIG. 8 is a side view of a shower head adopted in a third embodiment of the present invention. In the diagram 1... Gas water heater (water supply device) 2... Water supply piping 3.
... Water solenoid valve (opening/closing means) 4 ... Microcomputer (control means) 22 ... Hot water tap (discharge pipe) 23
...Shower head 23a...Body part 23b...
・Parts other than the body 24...Switch switch 41・
... Photoelectric switch (detection means) 43 ... Push button switch (detection means) 1 ... Gas water heater (water supply device) 2 ... Water supply piping 22 ... Hot water pipe (discharge pipe) 23 ... Shower Head 24...Selector switch 41...Photoelectric switch (detection means) 23a...Side body part 23b...Parts other than the body part Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 3b 3a Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 43 ...Push button switch (detection means) No. 8rIA

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A discharge pipe having a discharge port for discharging water, and a discharge pipe disposed at the discharge port, the discharge flow being discharged from the discharge port being divided into a shower-like discharge flow and a straight-like discharge flow. A water supply pipe equipped with a shower head having a changeover switch for switching the water supply pipe, an opening/closing means for opening and closing the water supply pipe, and a detection means disposed on the shower head for detecting an object to be detected. and a control means for controlling the opening/closing means when an object to be detected is detected, and the shower head has the changeover switch disposed in a body portion held by a user, and the detection object is disposed in a portion other than the body portion. A water supply device characterized in that a means is provided.