JPH0838358A - Electric water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the high-reliability measurement of integral heating operation time at the electric water heater. CONSTITUTION:Under the control of a data communication control means 14, data are communicated from a measuring means 8 to a backup storage means 9 at the time of power source ON and data are communicated from the backup storage means 9 to the measuring means 8 at the time of power source OFF. Besides, under the control of the data communication control means 14, data are communicated from the measuring means 8 to the backup storage means 9 at the time of boiling detection, and data are communicated from the backup storage means 9 to the measuring means 8 at the time of power source OFF.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric water heater which heats water contained in a container by boiling and keeping it warm.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric water heater of this type has a structure as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a container 2 having an upper surface opening is provided in the electric water heater main body container 1, and a lid 3 for covering the opening is arranged on the upper part of the container 2. Again container 2
The heating source 4 for boiling and keeping the water inside the container 2 warm, the temperature sensor 5 for measuring the temperature of the water inside the container 2, and the circulation motor 15 for circulating the water inside the container 2 are located below the circulation motor 15. A filtration filter 16 for purifying the circulating water by operation is arranged above.

The boiling system setting means 10 is a means for setting two or more modes during boiling heating, such as heating the liquid by the heating source 4 until boiling or maintaining the heating for several minutes after boiling. The heat retention temperature setting means 11 is a means that can set two or more heat retention temperatures of water, and the backup storage means 9 is a non-volatile memory element that keeps data even when the power supply of the main body container is stopped, for example.

The operation will be described below with reference to FIG. The signal obtained by the temperature sensor 5 is input to the temperature detecting means 6 to detect the water temperature, and the operation mode control means 7 sets the water temperature and the boiling system setting obtained from the water temperature and the heat retention temperature setting means 11 obtained above. The heating source 4 and the operation state display means 13 are controlled based on the boiling method obtained from the means 10.

The operating mode control means 7 controls the heating source 4 while the measuring means 8 calculates the operating time data, and the operating time data is sequentially output to the backup storage means 9 to calculate the integrated heating source operation time. It is held in the backup storage means 9. When the operation of the heating source is once stopped and the operation of the heating source is restarted, the contents of the backup storage means 9 when the operation of the heating source is stopped are input to the measuring means when the operation of the heating source is restarted, and this is initialized. Since the operation mode control means 7 operates the measuring means as a value, the value of the backup storage means 9 is not initialized even if the operation of the heating source is temporarily stopped, and the backup storage means 9 stores the heating source operation accumulated time. Continue to be held.

When a long power failure (2 to 3 seconds) or a complete stop of the power supply, the operation mode control means 7 stops the heating of the heating source 4 and initializes the heat retention temperature setting and the boiling mode. At this time, the backup storage means 9 continues to retain the stored contents even if a power failure is detected. After the power is restored and the power is turned on again, the value of the backup storage means 9 is measured by the operation mode control means 7 when the heating source is operating.
Is taken in as an initial value and the time measurement is continued using this as an initial value. Therefore, even if there is a power failure or the power supply is stopped, the backup storage means 9 continues to hold the heating source operation accumulated time.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, the number of times of data communication between the measuring means and the storage means becomes enormous, the probability of communication error increases, and the communication frequency limit of the backup storage means is exceeded. This may cause the arrival time to be shortened. Also, if the number of times of communication is large, it is easy to be affected by external noise.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a first object of the present invention is to perform a heating and reading operation of a backup storage device only once per power-on / off of the power supply, and to reduce the heating source operation cumulative time. It is to provide an electric water heater that can be calculated.

A second object is to provide an electric water heater capable of calculating the boiling heating operation cumulative time only once for reading the backup storage device once per power-on, and only once for writing the boiling detection. That is.

[0010]

The first means for achieving the first object of the present invention is to provide a container for containing a liquid, and a heating source for heating the liquid in the container to boil and keep warm.
A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the container, a liquid circulating means for circulating the liquid in the container, a filtering means for purifying the circulating liquid by the function of the liquid circulating means, and a filtering means for the filtering means. Notification means for notifying deterioration of the purification function, power failure detection means for detecting a power failure when a significant decrease in power supply or power failure continues for a certain period of time, and detecting recovery from a power failure that continued for a certain period of time or more, and the heating A measuring means for measuring the time when the power source is operating, a backup storing means for storing the contents of the measuring means at the time of detecting the power failure and continuing to store after the power failure, and a backup storing means from the measuring means for detecting the power failure. Data communication control means for controlling communication from the backup storage means to the measuring means when the power recovery is detected, the measuring means, the temperature detecting means and the front It has a configuration which includes an operation mode setting control means for controlling said heat source and said notification means on the basis of the output signal of the power recovery power failure detecting means.

The second means for achieving the second object is to detect the temperature of the liquid in the container, a container for containing the liquid, a heating source for heating the liquid in the container by boiling and keeping it warm. Temperature detecting means, liquid circulating means for circulating the liquid in the container, filtering means for purifying the circulating liquid by the function of the liquid circulating means, and notifying means for notifying the purifying function deterioration of the filtering means Measures the time during which the heating source is operating and the power failure detection means that detects a power outage when the power supply is significantly reduced or a power outage continues for a certain period of time, and also detects the recovery from the power outage that continued for a certain period of time or more Measuring means, a backup storage means for storing the content of the measuring means when it is detected that the liquid in the container has boiled and for storing even after a power failure, and the measuring means when the liquid has been boiled Data communication control means for controlling communication from the backup storage means to the measuring means at the time of the restoration detection, and communication to the backup storage means, the measuring means, the temperature detecting means, and the power failure detecting means. It has a configuration including operation mode setting control means for controlling the heating source and the notification means based on the output signal.

[0012]

[Function] By the first means, one power ON
One read-out of backup storage device, one power-off
The heating source operation integrated time can be calculated only by writing the backup storage device once per F.

The second means allows the power source O to be supplied once.
The boiling heating operation integrated time can be calculated only by reading the backup storage device once for N and writing the backup storage device once for each boiling detection.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the first means of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, the same parts as those in FIG. 6 described above are designated by the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and the following description will be focused on the different points. In FIG. 1, 8 is a measuring means for counting the time during which the heating source 4 is operating, and 9 is a non-volatile memory capable of holding data for 10 years or more, for example, a backup for holding the data of the measuring means 8 when the power is turned off. Reference numeral 12 denotes a storage means, and 12 is a power recovery power failure detection means for detecting a significant decrease in the power source or a power failure for a certain period of time, and detecting the fact when the power source is restored or the power is turned on again. Is the measuring means 8
Data communication control means between the backup storage means 9 and the backup storage means 9, and 17 is an informing means for informing that the purifying function of the filtering means 16 has deteriorated.

While the heating source 4 is operating by the operation mode control means 7, the measuring means 8 counts the heating source operating time. When the operation of the heating source 4 is temporarily stopped due to the occurrence of an abnormal event such as a transition to the air-baking mode, the operation mode control means 7 inputs a count stop signal to the measuring means 8, and the measuring means 8 outputs the count stop signal before that. Stops counting while holding operating time data. When the heating source changes from the operation stopped state to the operation state again, the operation mode control means 7 restarts the counting operation with the data held in the measurement means 8 as the initial value. Thus, as is clear from the above, even if the operation of the heating source is stopped once, the measuring means 8 continues to hold the heating source operation accumulated time.

During a long power outage (2 to 3 seconds) or main power supply stoppage, the power recovery power failure detection means 12 detects a power failure, and the input signal causes the data communication control means 14 via the operation mode control means 7 to Data communication is performed from the measuring means 8 to the backup storage means 9, and the power is completely turned off after the data is held in the backup storage means 9. When the power is restored, the power failure detection means 12 detects the power recovery, and the input signal causes the data communication control means 14 via the operation mode control means 7 to reverse the time of the power failure from the backup storage means 9 to the measuring means 8. Data communication is performed, and with this value as the initial value, measurement is restarted when the heating source is operating. in this way,
Even if the main power supply is repeatedly turned on and off, the cumulative time of heating source operation is measured by repeating data communication.

Further, according to this configuration, the power source is turned ON / OFF once for data communication, and the heating source operating time can be integrated and measured by each one communication. The small number of times of communication is useful because it reduces the probability of communication error and has the effects of improving the reliability of the heating source operation time measuring function, simplifying the control means, and improving the resistance to external noise. Further, by utilizing the correlation phenomenon that the deterioration of the filtration filter 16 progresses as the heating source operation accumulated time increases, when the heating source operation accumulated time exceeds the predetermined value preset by the operation mode control means 7, The water purification function deterioration notifying means 17 is configured to notify that the water purification function of the filtration filter 16 has deteriorated and that the filtration filter 16 needs to be replaced.

A circuit configuration diagram of the same embodiment and its operation will be described with reference to FIGS. The central controller 7d in the microcomputer 19 controls the relay coil 7b and the triac 7c to determine the operating time of the heating heater 4a and the heat retaining heater 4b. When the water is normally boiled, the central controller 7d operates the relay contact 7a with the relay coil 7b to operate the heater 4a, and at the same time operates the counter 8. When the water is kept warm after boiling, the central controller 7d activates the triac 7c to activate the heat retaining heater 4b and simultaneously activates the counter 8.

A resistor 12a and resistors 12b and 12c connected to one end of the commercial power supply 18 are connected to the microcomputer 19 (zero volt detection input, hereinafter referred to as SNS input). Since the SNS input and the Vdd and Gnd are clamped by a diode in the microcomputer 19, the waveform of the SNS input becomes a square wave as shown by point A in FIG. The central controller 7d detects the "H" level at the voltage between V0 and V1 of the square wave, and detects the "L" level at other voltages (microcomputer detection waveform in FIG. 3).

When the commercial power source 18 is energized, the microcomputer detection waveform is a pulse waveform of about several hundred μs. When a power failure occurs, the resistors 12a, 12b, 12c are set so that the SNS input becomes 1 / 2.Vdd, which is the voltage value between V0 and V1, so that the central control unit 7d becomes "H".
Continue to detect as a level. When the detection of the "H" level continues for several ms, the central controller 7d determines that a power failure has occurred. When the central control unit 7d detects a power failure, the central control unit 7d operates the data communication controller 14 to perform data communication from the counter 8 to the non-volatile memory 9.

When the power is restored and turned on again, data communication from the non-volatile memory 9 to the counter 8 is performed by the function of the data communication controller 14 contrary to the power failure. The non-volatile memory 9 is, for example, a storage element capable of holding data for 10 years or more, and keeps the contents of the counter 8 even when the power is turned off. Therefore, even if the power is turned off or a power failure occurs on the way, boiling heating and heat retention heating can be performed. The operating time is continuously counted.

As described above, when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off, the heating source operating time can be continuously counted by performing only one communication each. The water purification function deterioration display element 17 is turned on when the value of the counter 8 becomes larger than the value preset by the central controller 7d, and this lighting operation causes the filter filter 16 to be operated by the heating source operation. It informs that the filter 16 has deteriorated and needs to be replaced.

The resistance value of the temperature sensor 5 mounted in pressure contact with the container 2 changes according to the temperature change of the water in the container 2. Then, the resistance value ratio between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a connected in series changes and is input to the A / D converter 6b as a voltage change, and after being converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 6b, the central controller It is input to 7d as temperature information.
The voltage determined by the resistors 6c and 6d is also input to the A / D converter 6b, and determines the temperature (about 95 ° C.) at the time of high temperature insulation.

The voltage determined by the resistors 6g and 6f is 8
5 The temperature (about 85 ° C) during heat retention is determined. Further, the boiling switch 10 as the boiling method setting means and the heat retention switch 11 as the heat retention temperature setting means are the microcomputer 1
As inputs of 9, boiling mode display elements 13a and 13c and heat retention mode display elements 13b and 13d are connected to the output of the microcomputer 19.

When the commercial power supply 18 is energized, the central control unit 7d compares the A / D converted value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a with the A / D converted value between the resistors 6c and 6d, When the A / D converted value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a is smaller than the A / D converted value between the resistors 6c and 6d, the boiling mode is set, and the normal boiling mode display element 13a is displayed and boiling heating is performed.

Thereafter, the central control unit 7d continues to read the A / D conversion value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a at regular time intervals, and the amount of change in the conversion value is preset by the central control unit 7d. When the temperature exceeds the boiling detection threshold value, boiling is detected and the mode is changed to the heat retention mode.
When the value becomes equal to or less than the preset baking threshold in d, it is determined that the liquid in the container is empty, and the mode is shifted to the baking mode.

When the boiling switch 10 is input during the boiling mode, after the boiling is detected, it is heated for a predetermined period of time and then the heat retention mode is entered. Then, the strong boiling mode display element 13c is displayed and the normal boiling mode display element is displayed. Thirteen
a is turned off. In the heat retention mode, the A / D conversion value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a is the A / D value between the resistors 6c and 6d.
When it is larger than the converted value or after boiling is detected, the high temperature display element 13b is displayed. The transition from the heat retention mode to the boiling mode is performed by inputting the boiling switch 10 or by adding water so that the A / D converted value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a is more than the A / D converted value between the resistors 6c and 6d. Occurs when it gets smaller. When the heat retention switch 11 is input during the high temperature retention mode, the 85 temperature retention display element 13d is turned on, the high temperature retention display element 13b is turned off, and the temperature retention threshold value becomes a voltage between the resistance values 6f-6g.

Next, a more detailed description will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. At 100, it is checked whether the SNS input is at "H" level. If it is not "H" level, wait until it becomes "H" level. When it goes to "H" level, the data communication controller 14 causes the integrated heating source operation time held in the non-volatile memory 9 in 101 to be taken into the microcomputer 19 as the initial value of the counter 8.

After the heat retention switch flag and the boiling switch flag are initialized to "L" level at 102, at 103, the A / D conversion value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a and the resistor 6c.
If the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is large, the mode is shifted to the heat retention mode, and if the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is small, the mode is shifted to the boiling mode. The heat retention switch flag and the boiling switch flag are input to the heat retention switch 11 and the boiling switch 10, respectively. If the state immediately before the flag is the "L" level, the "H" level is set, and if the "H" level is set, the "L" level is set. Change.

When the heat retention mode is entered according to the comparison result of 103, at 104 the heat retention switch flag is "H" level?
It is determined whether it is at the "L" level, and if it is at the "L" level, the high temperature insulation mode display 13b is turned on at 105 and the counter 8 is returned at 106
Of the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a, and the resistor 6c-
Comparison with the A / D converted value between 6d is performed.

If the heat retention switch flag is at the "H" level at 104, the heat retention mode display 13d is turned on at 108, the counter 8 starts counting up and the heat retention is heated at 109, and 110 is applied between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a. The A / D converted value of 1 is compared with the A / D converted value between the resistors 6e and 6f. Comparing 107 and 110, if the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is large, the process returns to 104, and the same operation is continuously repeated. If the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is small, the mode shifts to the boiling mode.

Further, when the heat retention switch 11 is pressed during the processing of 104 to 110, only the heat retention switch flag is reversed to continue the operation, and when the boiling switch 10 is pressed, unconditionally shifts to the boiling mode 111. To do. When the mode is changed to the boiling mode, the boiling switch flag is set to the "L" level at 111, and then it is judged at 112 whether the boiling switch flag is at the "H" level or the "L" level.
At 13, the normal boiling mode display 13a is turned on, and at "H" level, the strong boiling mode display 13c is turned on at 114.

Thereafter, at 115, boiling heating and counting up of the counter 8 are started, and at 116, the temperature sensor 5-
The rate of change in A / D conversion value between the resistors 6a and the rate of change in temperature during baking are compared, and if the rate of change of the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is small, go to 117, and the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a. If the rate of change is large, it is judged that the water in the container is empty, and the mode is shifted to the air-baking mode, and at 120, alternating blinking of 13a and 13b, boiling heating stop, and counter operation stop are performed. The return from the baking mode can be performed by pressing the boiling switch.
Return to 1.

At 117, the rate of change of the A / D converted value between the temperature sensor 5 and the resistor 6a is compared with a predetermined threshold value (boiling detection point). As a result of the comparison, if the rate of change of the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is large, the same operation is repeated from 112,
If the rate of change of the temperature sensor 5-resistor 6a is small, it is considered to have boiled and the routine proceeds to 118.

At 118, the boiling switch flag is again "H".
Judge whether it is the level or the "L" level, and if it is the "L" level,
Immediately go to heat retention mode, if "H" level, perform boiling heating and counter operation for a predetermined time, then shift to heat retention mode,
The process is repeated from 104. In any of boiling, warming, and baking modes, when the SNS input goes to "L" level (main power OFF), interrupt processing is performed and the mode display, heating source operation, and counting operation are stopped at 121, and counter at 122. The heating source operation integrated time data is communicated from 8 to the backup storage element 9, and then the process returns to 100,
Continue to monitor SNS input.

When the counter value exceeds the predetermined value set by the central controller during the processing of 101 to 119, the water purification function deterioration display element 17 is turned on and the heating source operation causes the filtering means to reach its limit. Notify that it has deteriorated.

As described above, according to the present invention, the time when the filter is left in the high temperature atmosphere due to the operation of the heating source is accurately measured, and when the accumulated time reaches the use limit time of the filter, Can be notified.

Next, one embodiment of the second means of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The partial cross-sectional configuration diagram and circuit configuration diagram of this embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, but FIG.
4 is different from the control timing of the data communication control means 14 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the electric water heater according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as in FIG.

In FIG. 1, according to the present embodiment, the communication between the measuring means 8 and the backup storage means 9 is performed by the measuring means 8
To the backup storage means 9 once when boiling is detected, and once from the backup storage means 9 to the measuring means 8 when the power is turned on, the integrated boiling heating time can be measured.

In FIG. 6, according to this embodiment, 117
After the boiling detection judgment of No. 1 and the boiling switch flag judgment of 118, data communication is performed from the measuring unit 8 to the backup storage unit 9 at 200, and 105, 2 after the warming mode shift.
In 01, 108, and 202, only the heat retention display and the heat retention heating are performed, and the measurement operation is not performed. Then, when the water temperature in the inner container is lowered due to the input of the boiling switch or the addition of water, the measuring mode is restarted at 115 when the mode is changed to the boiling mode again.

When the SNS input becomes "L" level due to power off or power failure, the mode is displayed at 121,
Only the heating source operation and the counting operation are stopped, and the communication between the measuring means 8 and the backup storage means 9 is not performed. Further, when the counter value exceeds the predetermined value set by the central controller during the processing of 101 to 119 and 200 to 202, the water purification function deterioration display element 17 is turned on, and the filtering means is limited by the boiling heating operation. Informs that it has deteriorated.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately measure the time when a large amount of heat is applied to the filtration filter by the boiling heating operation, and to measure it when the accumulated time reaches the use limit time of the filtration filter. Can be notified.

In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, a non-volatile memory is used as a storage element, but a method in which the storage element backs up the microcomputer with a capacitor, a temporary battery, a secondary battery or the like is also the present invention. Needless to say, the same effect is obtained.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, highly reliable heating operation integrated time measurement is achieved by minimizing the number of times of data communication between the heating operation time measuring means and the backup storage means. Can be done. Further, by utilizing the correlation phenomenon that the deterioration of the filtering means progresses as the heating operation accumulated time increases, the measured heating operation accumulated time and the preset limit value are sequentially compared to obtain the liquid in the container. It is possible to provide an easy-to-use electric water heater which can detect the use limit of the filtering means for purification and notify the replacement time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional configuration diagram of an electric water heater according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the electric water heater.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing a waveform of a zero-volt detection terminal in the circuit configuration diagram of the electric water heater.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric water heater according to the embodiment of the first means of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric water heater of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional configuration diagram of a conventional electric water heater.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Main Container 2 Inner Container 3 Lid 4 Heating Source 5 Temperature Sensor 15 Circulation Motor 16 Filtration Filter

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A container for containing a liquid, a heating source for boiling and retaining the liquid in the container, a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the liquid in the container, and a liquid in the container for circulation. Liquid circulation means, filtration means for purifying the liquid circulating by the operation of the liquid circulation means, notification means for notifying deterioration of the purification function of the filtration means, and when a significant decrease in power source or a blackout continues for a certain period of time A power failure detection unit that detects a power failure and that detects recovery from a power failure that continues for a certain period of time or more, a measuring unit that measures the time during which the heating source is operating, and a measuring unit of the measuring unit when the power failure is detected. Backup storage means that stores the contents and continues to store even after a power failure, and communication from the measuring means to the backup storage means at the time of the power failure detection is performed from the backup storage means at the time of the power recovery detection. Data communication control means for controlling communication to the measuring means, and operation mode setting control for controlling the heating source and the notifying means based on output signals of the measuring means, the temperature detecting means, and the power failure detecting means. Electric water heater with means. 2. A container for containing a liquid, a heating source for boiling and retaining the liquid in the container, a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the liquid in the container, and a liquid in the container for circulation. Liquid circulation means, filtration means for purifying the liquid circulating by the operation of the liquid circulation means, notification means for notifying deterioration of the purification function of the filtration means, and when a significant decrease in power source or a blackout continues for a certain period of time A power recovery power failure detection unit that detects a power failure and that detects a recovery from a power failure that has continued for a certain period of time, a measurement unit that measures the operating time of the heating source, and the contents of the measurement unit are stored. In addition, the backup storage means that keeps storing even after a power failure and the communication from the measuring means to the backup storage means when it is detected that the liquid has boiled, and the backup storage means when the power recovery is detected Data communication control means for controlling communication to the measuring means, and operation mode setting control for controlling the heating source and the notifying means based on output signals of the measuring means, the temperature detecting means, and the power failure detecting means. Electric water heater with means.