JPH09154731A - Electric hot water storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely report that water supply is required at an extremely low cost. SOLUTION: This hot water storage container is provided with a container main body provided with an inner container for storing fluid, a heating means for heating the bottom part of the inner container and a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water inside the inner container. In this case, a water supply sensor 9 for detecting the temperature near an allowable lowest water level at the outer peripheral part of the inner container, a comparison means 191 for comparing the detected temperature of the water supply sensor 9 with a set temperature set beforehand, a water supply command output means 192 for outputting a water supply requisition command in the case of being the detected temperature <= the set temperature and a water supply reporting means 55 for reporting the water supply by the command from the water supply command output means 192 are installed and the water supply is surely reported without inviting the rise of the cost.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric hot water storage container, and more particularly to an electric hot water storage container equipped with a water supply notification function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an electric hot water storage container, water stored in an inner container is heated and boiled by an electric heater and then stored in a warm state.

By the way, in the electric hot water storage container having the above structure, when the amount of hot water in the inner container becomes small, the inner container becomes overheated or the hot water is poured out (for example, by an air pump or an electric pump). Can not be.

As a method of detecting whether or not the water level needs to be supplied, a method of visually confirming the water level in the liquid volume display section for displaying the water level in the inner container, or a method of detecting the water level by an optical sensor, etc. Is conventionally known.

[0005]

However, in the case of the method of visually confirming the liquid amount display portion, it is troublesome because it requires confirmation one by one before starting the pouring operation. Therefore, some users do not need to perform confirmation. There is a problem in that the user often notices that the amount of hot water is low for the first time when hot water cannot be obtained even if the pouring operation is performed.

On the other hand, the method of detecting the water supply by the optical sensor has a problem that the cost is increased because the optical sensor is expensive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to reliably notify the required water supply at an extremely low cost.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems In the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a container body provided with an inner container for containing a liquid, a heating means for heating a bottom portion of the inner container, and the above contents. In an electric hot water storage container having a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature in the vessel, a water supply sensor for detecting a temperature near the allowable minimum water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container,
Comparing means for comparing the detected temperature of the water supply sensor with a preset temperature, water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command required when the detected temperature ≦ set temperature, and water supply command output means A water supply notification means for making a water supply notification according to a command is additionally provided, or a water supply sensor for detecting a temperature near an allowable minimum water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container, and a detected temperature of the water supply sensor and a hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor. A temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference between the temperature difference and a comparing means for comparing the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculating means with a set value,
A water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command when the temperature difference becomes equal to or more than a set value, and a water supply notification means for performing water supply notification according to a command from the water supply command output means, or an outer peripheral portion of the inner container In the water supply sensor for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the minimum allowable water level, the temperature drop degree calculating means for calculating the degree of decrease in the temperature detected by the water supply sensor, and the temperature drop degree and the set value obtained by the temperature drop degree calculating means. And a water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command when the temperature drop degree is equal to or greater than a set value, and a water supply notification means for performing water supply notification according to a command from the water supply command output means. The temperature of the water supply sensor is used to reliably notify the water supply.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 5 show an electric hot water storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this electric hot water storage container is provided with a shoulder 3 made of synthetic resin on an upper part of a metal outer case 2 and an inner container 4 made of stainless steel in the outer case 2. A container body 1 accommodating the container body 1, a lid 5 for covering the upper part of the container body 1, and an air pump 6 provided in the lid body 5,
And a series of liquid pouring passages 7. The inner peripheral surface of the inner container 4 is coated with a fluororesin.

The inner container 4 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the flange portion 4a formed at the upper end thereof has the shoulder body 3 formed therein.
Is supported in the outer case 2 by being suspended on the inner peripheral edge 3a of the outer case 2. A bottom member 8 made of synthetic resin is in contact with the lower end of the outer case 2, and the bottom member 8 and the inner container 4 are connected to each other via a connecting fitting (not shown). As a result, the outer case 2 and the inner container 4
And the bottom member 8 is to be integrated with each other.

The lower opening 8a of the bottom member 8 is closed by a bottom lid 10, and a rotary seat body 11 is rotatably supported on the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the bottom lid 10. Thus, when the container main body 1 is fixed, the container main body 1 is lightly rotated on the rotating seat body 11.

An electric heater 12 acting as a heating means is in contact with the bottom surface of the bottom of the inner container 4, and below the electric heater 12, a heat shield plate 13 is attached to the bottom of the inner container 4. It is installed in a fixed state. The electric heater 12 is held in a state of being pressed against the bottom portion of the inner container 4 by a spring plate 14 provided between the electric heater 12 and the heat shield plate 13.

A through hole 15 is formed in the center of the electric heater 12.
In the through hole 15, a hot water temperature sensor 16 for detecting the hot water temperature T ₁ in the inner container 4 is arranged by being isolated by a heat shield wall 17. The temperature sensing portion of the hot water temperature sensor 16 is a thermistor.

Further, a thermistor 9 which acts as a water supply sensor for detecting a temperature near an allowable minimum water level (hereinafter referred to as a water supply line) L is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the inner container 4. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, the thermistor 9 is accommodated in a recess 51 formed in the outer peripheral wall of the inner container 4 in a state in which it is attached by an aluminum foil tape 52. With this configuration, the temperature detection area of the thermistor 9 is increased, and the temperature sensitivity is improved. Reference numeral 53 is a lead wire.

In the bottom member 8, a circuit housing box 18 is integrally formed with a downward opening, and a circuit board 19 is housed in the circuit housing box 18. The lower end opening of the circuit housing box 18 is covered with a cover 20. This makes it possible to provide waterproofing against water leakage from above or water from below.

The circuit board 19 contains various elements constituting a microcomputer.
In response to the output signal from the operation panel 21 provided on the upper surface of the beak portion 3b projecting forward, and various detection signals from the thermistor 9, the hot water temperature sensor 16 and the like, the operation of water supply notification and boiling / heat retaining operation is controlled. At the same time, the operation display and display control by timer setting are to be performed.

The lid 5 is connected to a hinge pin 23 with a partially open bearing 22 integrally formed at the rear of the shoulder 3.
, And are pivotally supported so as to be freely opened and closed and detachable. That is, the lid 5 is opened and closed with the hinge pin 23 as a fulcrum, and is detachable by detaching the hinge pin 23 from the bearing 22 at a predetermined opening angle. On the other hand, a lock device 24 for holding the closed state of the lid 5 is provided on the free end side of the lid 5.

The liquid discharge passage 7 passes from the bottom of the inner container 4 to the front of the inner container 4 and passes through the beak 3 of the shoulder 3.
Guide 25 for pipe cover 25 covering the lower part of b
It is formed as a series of passages facing a, and the tip pouring port 26 is exposed in the pouring guide 25a with an opening gap to the atmosphere. As a result, the liquid to be poured out is once released to the atmosphere, and then the pouring guide 25a.
So that it can be gently injected.

In the middle of the liquid discharge passage 7 (that is, immediately before the outlet pipe 7a), a falling water stop valve 27 is provided to receive the own weight or the outflow pressure of the outflow liquid when the hot water storage container is overturned. The water stop valve 27 is closed to prevent the liquid from flowing out through the liquid discharge passage 7 to the outside.

In the middle of the liquid pouring passage 7 (that is,
The portion located in front of the inner container 4) is a transparent tube 28, from which the liquid level of the liquid flowing into the transparent tube 28 is supplied from outside through a liquid amount display window 29 provided on the front surface of the outer case 2. It is visible.

The air pump 6 has an annular bellows 32 interposed between a bellows lower plate 30 also serving as a bottom plate of the lid 5 and a bellows upper plate 31. Compressed air is generated in the bellows 32 which expands and contracts by the pressing operation of the pump pressing plate 33 exposed to the upper surface of the lid 5. Reference numeral 34 denotes a return spring for extending and returning the bellows 32.

On the lower surface of the bellows lower plate 30, a metal inner lid 35 for covering the upper opening 4 b of the inner container 4 when the lid 5 is closed is fitted from below and attached by screws 36. . A seal packing 37 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the inner lid 35 to abut on the flange portion 4a of the inner container 4 when the lid 5 is closed to maintain an airtight state.

Between the bellows lower plate 30 and the inner lid 35, steam generated in the inner container 4 is provided by a passage forming member 38 fixedly fastened to the bellows lower plate 30 by the screw 36. A steam discharge passage 39 is formed so as not to pass through the air pump 6 but to the outside. The vapor discharge passage 39 communicates with the inside of the inner container 4 through an inlet opening 40 formed in the inner lid 35, and communicates with the outside through an outlet opening 41 formed on the rear side upper surface of the lid body 5. Has been done. Reference numeral 42 is a fall stop valve that closes the steam discharge passage 39 by its own weight and the flow pressure of the outflowing liquid when the hot water storage container falls.

At the center of the lower surface of the bellows upper plate 31,
A holding cylinder 43 having a vertical slit 43a is vertically provided integrally with the holding cylinder 43, and a valve body 44 made of a hollow tubular body whose upper and lower sides are opened is vertically slidably fitted in the holding cylinder 43. Has been done. The valve element 44 is held by the urging force of the spring 45 with the downward movement or upward movement of the bellows upper plate 31 with the hook 44a formed at the upper end thereof being engaged with the slit 43a of the holding cylinder 43. It is supposed to slide up and down in the cylinder 43.

The valve element 44 is vertically slidably fitted in the central portion of the bellows lower plate 30, and has an opening 46 formed at the lower end thereof in the middle of the vapor discharge passage 39. A seal member 47 is attached to close the shaft when moving downward. Reference numeral 48 is an intake valve of the air pump 6.

Further, at the position on the lid 5 opposite to the outlet opening 41 of the steam discharge passage 39 with respect to the pump push plate 33, the operation of the air pump 6 (in other words, the push of the pump push plate 33 is pushed). A lock mechanism 49 for restricting (operation) is provided. With this configuration, there is no risk that the steam discharged from the steam discharge passage 39 will come into contact with the hand when the lock mechanism 49 is operated, and safety is improved. Reference numeral 50 is a handle for carrying the hot water storage container.

Next, the electrical elements of this electric hot water storage container will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

For the circuit board 19 acting as a microcomputer, the electric heater 12, the thermal fuse 54,
The thermistor 9, the hot water temperature sensor 16, the buzzer 55 acting as a water supply notification means, and the commercial AC power supply 56 are connected as shown in FIG.

Then, the microcomputer 19
Is the temperature T detected by the thermistor 9 as shown in FIG.
₂ and a preset temperature Ts (for example, 85 ° C.) comparing means 191 and when T ₂ ≦ Ts, a water supply command is required (that is, water supply to the buzzer 55 serving as water supply informing means). Water supply command output means 19 for outputting a notification command)
2 is provided. Here, the set temperature Ts, which is a reference for whether to output the water supply notification command, is the inner container 4
When the amount of hot water in the inner container 4 drops below the water supply line L, the thermistor 9 detects the temperature of the air in the inner container 4, and the detected temperature T ₂ drops significantly (for example, about 10 ° C. lower). Therefore, the set heat retention temperature Ts' (normally 95
It is desirable to set the temperature about 10 ° C. lower than (° C. ± 3 ° C.). It is also possible to estimate the lower-limit temperature of heat retention and use this as the set temperature Ts.

Next, the water supply notification control in the electric hot water storage container according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0033] During thermal insulation in Step S ₁ is whether the determination is made, if the determination is affirmative, it is detected temperature T ₂ from the thermistor 9 is input in step S _2, the detection temperature T ₂ in step S ₃ The comparison means 191 makes a comparison with the lower temperature limit Ts. Where T ≦ Ts
When it is determined that (= 85 ° C.), the buzzer 55, which is the water supply informing means, is sounded by the output from the water supply command output means 192 in step S ₄ , and the water supply is informed to the user.

[0034] Incidentally, if a negative determination is made in step S _1, the process proceeds to the boiling mode in step S _5, and then returns to step S _1.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
The temperature is detected by the low price thermistor 9 and the detected temperature T ₂ is compared with the set temperature Ts.
It is detected that the amount of hot water in the water is equal to or less than the water supply line L, and the user can be notified of the water supply based on the detection, and the reliable water supply notification can be performed without increasing the cost.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 shows the contents of a circuit board (that is, a microcomputer) 19 in an electric hot water container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the microcomputer 19
A temperature difference calculating means 193 for calculating a temperature difference ΔT ₁ = T ₁ −T ₂ between a temperature T ₂ detected by the thermistor 9 which is a water supply sensor and a temperature T ₁ detected by the water temperature sensor 16, and the temperature difference calculating means 193.
The comparison means 194 for comparing the temperature difference ΔT ₁ obtained by the above with the set value α, and the water supply command required when ΔT ₁ ≧ α (that is, the water supply notification command to the buzzer 55, which is the water supply notification means). And a water supply command output means 195 for outputting. Here, whether or not to output the water supply notification command is determined by the temperature T ₁ detected by the hot water temperature sensor 16 and the thermistor 9
The temperature difference ΔT _{1 from} the detected temperature T ₂ of the thermistor 9 is compared with the set value α so that when the water level is lower than the water supply line L where the thermistor 9 is installed, the thermistor 9 is lower than the hot water temperature. Air temperature will be detected, and ΔT ₁ ≧ α
By showing that the water level has reached the required level. The set value α is preferably about 10 ° C. ± 3 ° C. because it is about 10 ° C. which is the temperature difference between the hot water temperature T ₁ and the air temperature. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Next, the water supply notification control in the electric hot water container according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S ₁ , it is judged whether or not the temperature is kept warm, and if an affirmative judgment is made, the detected temperature T ₁ from the hot water temperature sensor 16 and the detected temperature T ₂ from the thermistor 9 are input in step S ₂ . is, calculation of the differential temperature [Delta] T ₁ of both the detected temperature T _1, T ₂ in step S ₃ is performed by the calculation means 193, comparison is compared with the [Delta] T ₁ and the set value in step S ₄ alpha (e.g., 10 ° C.) By means 194. Here, if it is determined that ΔT ₁ ≧ α (= 10 ° C.), the water supply command output means 195 is supplied in step S ₅ .
The buzzer 55, which is a water supply notifying means, is struck by the output from the device and the water supply is notified to the user.

When a negative determination is made in step S ₁ , the mode is changed to the boiling mode in step S ₆ , and then the process returns to step S ₁ .

As described above, in the present embodiment,
The temperature is detected by the low price thermistor 9 and the hot water temperature sensor 16, and the difference in temperature ΔT ₁ between the detected temperatures T ₁ and T ₂ is simply compared with the set value α. It is detected that the amount is L or less, and the user can be notified of the water supply based on the detection, and the reliable water supply notification can be performed without increasing the cost.

Third Embodiment FIG. 9 shows the contents of a circuit board (that is, a microcomputer) 19 in an electric hot water container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the microcomputer 19
Temperature drop degree calculating means 196 for calculating a temperature drop degree ΔT ₂ at a predetermined time t (for example, 5 seconds) of the detected temperature T ₂ of the thermistor 9 which is a water supply sensor, and a drop obtained by the temperature drop degree calculating means 196. Degree ΔT ₂ and set value β
And a comparison means 197 for comparing with a water supply command when ΔT ₂ ≧ β (that is, a buzzer 55 as a water supply notification means).
Water supply command output means 1 for outputting a water supply notification command)
And 98. Here, whether or not to output the water supply notification command is determined by the temperature T ₁ detected by the hot water temperature sensor 16.
The temperature drop ΔT _{2 at} a predetermined time t is compared with the set value β so that when the water level falls below the water supply line L where the thermistor 9 is installed, the thermistor 9 is cooled to a temperature lower than the hot water temperature. This is because the temperature is detected and the detected temperature is drastically lowered, and ΔT ₂ ≧ β indicates that the water level is the required water level. Note that the set value β is 10 ° C. for the reason described above.
An appropriate value within the range of ± 3 ° C is adopted. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Next, the water supply notification control in the electric hot water storage container according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0045] During thermal insulation in Step S ₁ is whether the determination is made, if the determination is affirmative, it is detected temperature T ₂ from the thermistor 9 is input in step S _2, the predetermined time in step S ₃ t (e.g. After waiting 5 seconds), the detected temperature T ₂ ′ from the thermistor 9 is input again in step S _{4 and} T ₂ − in step S ₅ .
The calculation means 196 calculates T ₂ ′ = ΔT ₂ , and ΔT ₂ and the set value β (for example, 10 ° C.) in step S ₆ .
Is compared by the comparison means 197. Where Δ
When it is determined that T ₂ ≧ β (= 10 ° C.), the buzzer 55, which is the water supply informing means, is buzzed by the output from the water supply command output means 198 in step S ₇ , and the water supply is informed to the user.

[0046] Incidentally, if a negative determination is made in step S _1, the process proceeds to the boiling mode in step S _8, and then returns to step S _1.

As described above, in the present embodiment,
It is detected that the amount of hot water in the inner container 4 is equal to or lower than the water supply line L by only detecting the temperature by the low price thermistor 9 and comparing the degree of decrease ΔT _{2 of the} detected temperature with the set value β. The user can be notified of water supply based on the detection, and reliable water supply notification can be performed without increasing the cost.

In each of the above embodiments, the electric hot water storage container of the type in which the liquid is discharged by the air pump has been described as an example, but the present invention is the electric hot water storage container of the type in which the liquid is discharged by the electric pump. Of course, it is also applicable to.

[0049]

According to the present invention, the detected temperature detected by the water supply sensor for detecting the temperature around the allowable minimum water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container is compared with the preset temperature, or the water supply is performed. Only by comparing the temperature difference detected by the sensor and the hot water temperature sensor with the set value, or by comparing the degree of decrease of the detected temperature detected by the water supply sensor with the set value, the inner container Since the water supply notification is made by detecting that the amount of hot water inside the water supply line is below the water supply line, there is an excellent effect that the reliable water supply notification can be performed without increasing the cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an upper portion of an electric hot water storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom vertical sectional view of the electric hot water container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a water supply sensor mounting portion in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric element in the electric hot water container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the contents of a microcomputer in the electric hot water container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining water supply notification control in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing contents of a microcomputer in an electric hot water container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining water supply notification control in the electric hot water storage container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the contents of a microcomputer in the electric hot water container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining water supply notification control in the electric hot water storage container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a container body, 4 is an inner container, 9 is a water supply sensor (thermistor), 12 is heating means (electric heater), 16 is a hot water temperature sensor (thermistor), 19 is a circuit board (microcomputer), and 55 is water supply notifying means. (Buzzer), 191 is comparison means, 192 is water supply command output means, 193 is differential temperature calculation means, 194 is comparison means, 195 is water supply command output means,
196 is a temperature drop calculating means, 197 is a comparing means, 19
8 is a water supply command output means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electric hot water storage container comprising: a container body having an inner container for containing liquid; heating means for heating the bottom of the inner container; and a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature in the inner container. The water supply sensor for detecting the temperature near the allowable minimum water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container, a comparison means for comparing the temperature detected by the water supply sensor with a preset temperature, and a detection temperature ≤ set temperature An electric hot water storage container is further provided with a water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command in case of, and a water supply notification means for performing water supply notification according to a command from the water supply command output means. 2. An electric hot water storage container comprising a container body having an inner container for containing liquid, heating means for heating a bottom portion of the inner container, and a hot water temperature sensor for detecting a hot water temperature in the inner container. And a water supply sensor for detecting a temperature near an allowable minimum water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container, and a temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference between the temperature detected by the water supply sensor and the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor. And a comparing means for comparing the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculating means with a set value, a water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command when the temperature difference is equal to or more than the set value, and the water supply command output An electric hot water storage container provided with a water supply notifying means for notifying water supply according to a command from the means. 3. An electric hot water storage container comprising a container body having an inner container for containing liquid, a heating means for heating the bottom of the inner container, and a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature in the inner container. The water supply sensor for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the minimum permissible water level in the outer peripheral portion of the inner container, the temperature drop degree calculation means for calculating the degree of decrease in the temperature detected by the water supply sensor, and the temperature drop degree calculation means Comparing means for comparing the calculated temperature drop and the set value, water supply command output means for outputting a water supply command when the temperature drop ≧ set value, and water supply by the command from the water supply command output means An electric hot water storage container characterized by being provided with a water supply notifying means for giving notification.