JP3095006B2 - Electric hot water storage container - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric hot water storage container, and more particularly to a circulation control in an electric hot water storage container configured to circulate hot water in an inner container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A well-known electric hot water storage container includes a container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid for opening and closing the container body, and a heating means for heating the inner container. There is an electric heater provided with an electric heater, a discharge passage for discharging the hot water in the inner container to the outside, and a pump device for discharging the hot water through the discharge passage.

[0003] In the electric hot water storage container having the above-described structure, the inner container is kept at regular intervals during the heat retention in order to prevent the temperature of the hot water staying in the liquid flow pipe provided in the middle of the pouring passage from lowering. A system in which hot water is circulated has been proposed (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2629930).

[0004]

In the case of the above-mentioned known example, since the hot water in the inner container is circulated at regular intervals during the heat retention, regardless of the amount of hot water in the inner container, etc. The pump device is driven even when unnecessary. Therefore, electric power for driving the pump device is wasted, and this goes against energy saving.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by circulating hot water for a minimum necessary time,
It aims at activating hot water and contributing to energy saving.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a container body having an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, and the inner container are provided. Heating means for heating, a pouring passage for pouring hot water in the inner container to the outside, a pump device for feeding hot water through the pouring passage, and the inner container branched from the pouring passage a return passage communicating with the inside, the electric hot water storage vessel and a selectively switched switching valve the flow of the discharge side of said reduction flow path or the pouring path, reflux through the switching valve after heat keeping control start attaching a to that control means executes a reflux operation every predetermined time for the drive of the switching operation and the pump device to the roadside
And the circulation execution time of the control means is
They are shortened accordingly .

[0007] With the above-described structure, after the start of the heat retention control, the switching valve is switched to the recirculation passage at predetermined time intervals, and the circulation operation of driving the pump device is performed. Therefore, after the heat retention control is started, the hot water in the inner container returns to the inner container at predetermined time intervals via the return passage. As a result, the circulation of the hot water is performed only during the heat retention control (in other words, the pump device is driven), so that unnecessary power consumption is eliminated and the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste. I do. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply. In addition, since the circulation execution time is shortened in accordance with the number of circulation executions, the circulation execution is performed only for the minimum necessary circulation execution time (that is, the pump device is driven), and wasteful power is consumed. No more consumption.

In the invention of claim 2 , as means for solving the above problems, a container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, a heating means for heating the inner container, A pouring passage for pouring out the hot water in the inner container to the outside, and a pump device for feeding the hot water through the pouring passage,
An electric hot water storage container including a return passage branching from the outlet passage and communicating with the inner container, and a switching valve for selectively switching flow of the return passage or the outlet passage to a discharge side; attaching a circulation operation and switching means for urging, to run the circulation operation upon operation of said changeover switching means at predetermined time control means for performing the drive of the switching operation and the pump device to the return passage side of the switching valve And the actual circulation by the control means.
The line time is shortened according to the number of cycles .

With the above-described structure, the circulating operation in which the switching valve is switched to the recirculation passage and the pump device is driven is executed at predetermined time intervals only when the switching means is operated. Therefore, only when the switching means is operated, the hot water in the inner container returns to the inner container at predetermined time intervals through the discharge passage and the return passage. As a result, the circulation of hot water is performed only when the user needs it (in other words, the pump device is driven), so that wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the hot water is activated by the circulation of hot water. Taste is improved. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply. In addition, since the circulation execution time is shortened in accordance with the number of circulation executions, the circulation execution is performed only for the minimum necessary circulation execution time (that is, the pump device is driven), and wasteful power is consumed. No more consumption.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above problems, a container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, a heating means for heating the inner container, A pouring passage for pouring out the hot water in the inner container to the outside, and a pump device for feeding the hot water through the pouring passage,
An electric hot water storage container including a return passage branching from the outlet passage and communicating with the inner container, and a switching valve for selectively switching flow of the return passage or the outlet passage to a discharge side; It is attached and to that control means executes the circulation operation to perform the driving of the switching operation and the pump device to the return passage side of the switching valve for a predetermined time after the hot water supply completion.

With the above configuration, the switching valve is switched to the circulation passage for a predetermined time after the hot water supply is completed. Therefore, the circulation of the hot water is performed only for the predetermined time only after the hot water supply ends (in other words, the pump device is driven).
As a result, wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply.

As in the invention of claim 4 , claim 1
4. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 3 , further comprising: a hot water supply mode setting unit that sets a hot water supply mode for discharging hot water from the inner container; and a hot water supply lock that prohibits operation of the hot water supply mode setting unit. 5. A lock release means for releasing, and a circulation operation for switching the switching valve to the recirculation passage side and driving the pump device when the hot water supply lock is released by the lock release means, for a predetermined period of time. , when the switching valve is attached and a switching Ru control means to the discharge side of the pouring passage, immediately after the hot water supply unlocked (i.e., immediately after the circulation of hot water) by performing hot water supply, the hot water from the hot water supply initial obtained .

As in the invention of claim 5 , claim 1
4. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 3 , wherein a cleaning mode setting unit for setting a mode for cleaning the inside of the inner container using a cleaning agent such as citric acid, and a cleaning mode by the cleaning mode setting unit. 5. Is set,
If annexed and to that control means executes the circulation operation to perform the driving of only switching operation and the pump device to the return passage side of the switching valve during a predetermined cleaning time has elapsed, the washing of the inner vessel It can be done quickly and reliably.

[0014]

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

First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an electric hot water storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The electric hot water storage container comprises a container body 1 having an inner container 3 for storing hot water, and a lid 2 for opening and closing the container body 1.
And a heater 4 acting as a heating means for heating the inner container 3, a pouring passage 5 for pouring hot water in the inner container 3 to the outside, and sending out hot water through the pouring passage 5. And a pump device 6. Reference numeral 7 denotes an inner container 3
This is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the device.

The discharge passage 5 includes an inlet connecting pipe 5a connected to the bottom of the inner container 3, a pump device 6, a lower connecting pipe 5b connected to a discharge port of the pump device 6, and a lower connecting pipe 5b. A transparent liquid pipe 5c connected to the connection pipe 5b and extending upward outside the inner container 3, an upper connection pipe 5d connected to the upper end of the liquid pipe 5c, and connected to the upper connection pipe 5d. And a pouring pipe 5e extending toward the inside of the beak 1a of the container body 1. At the lower end of the liquid amount pipe 5c, an optical sensor 32 is provided which acts as a lower limit water level detecting means for detecting that the hot water in the inner container 3 has reached a lower limit water level (that is, a water level requiring water supply). Have been. A detection signal from the optical sensor 32 is input to a microcomputer 25 described later.

In the discharge passage 5, the upper connection pipe 5d is provided.
A return passage 8 branching from the upper part of the inner container 3 and communicating with the inner container 3, and a flow through the return passage 8 or the discharge side of the discharge passage 5 (in other words, the discharge pipe 5e side). And a switching valve 9 for switching between the two.

As shown in FIG. 2, the switching valve 9 is connected to the upper end of the liquid amount pipe 5c, and is made of a synthetic resin branch pipe 34 having a downward slope toward the inner container 3, and the branch pipe 34. A magnetic stainless steel pipe 35 connected to the discharge pipe 5e side of the magnetic pipe 34, a magnetic stainless steel ball 36 rotatably housed in the branch pipe 34, and an outer periphery of the stainless steel pipe 35 When the coil 37 is energized, the stainless steel pipe 35 is in an excited state, and the stainless steel ball 36 is drawn toward the inlet 35a of the stainless steel pipe 35 to close the inlet 35a so that the liquid volume is reduced. The pipe 5c communicates with the return passage 8, and when the power supply to the coil 37 is stopped, the stainless steel pipe 35 is de-energized, and the stainless steel ball 36 To close the inlet 8a of rolling circulation path 8 by gravity liquid amount pipe 5c and stainless steel pipe 35
And communicate.

The outlet side of the return passage 8 is exposed above the inner container 3, and the outlet is included in the hot water W returned to the inner container 3 through the return passage 8. A water purification means (for example, activated carbon or the like) 10 for removing lime, trihalomethane, and the like is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, an operation panel 11 is provided on the upper surface of the beak 1a of the container body 1. The operation panel 11 has a hot water supply key 12 acting as a hot water supply mode setting means. An unlock key 13 acting as an unlocking means for unlocking a hot water supply lock for inhibiting operation of the hot water supply key 12, a boiling key 14 for designating boiling or descaling, and a warming key 15 for designating warming.
And a cleaning key 16 acting as a cleaning mode setting means for setting a mode for cleaning the inside of the inner container 3 using a cleaning agent such as citric acid. The boiling key 14
The boil mode and the high-temperature keeping mode (for example, keeping at 95 ° C.) are selected by one pressing operation, and the descaling mode and the low-temperature keeping mode (for example, 75 ° C.) are made by two pressing operations. Is to be selected). Reference numeral 17 denotes a lock indicator light for indicating that the hot water supply key 12 is in a locked state, 18 denotes a boiling indicator light for displaying a boiling mode, 19 denotes a descaling indicator light for displaying a descaling mode, and 20 denotes a high temperature heat retaining mode. A high-temperature warming indicator light 21; a low-temperature warming indicator light 21 for displaying a low-temperature warming mode; 22, a washing indicator light for displaying a washing mode; 33, a water supply indicator light that is turned on by a detection signal from an optical sensor 32; .

The electric elements of the electric hot water container having the above-described structure (ie, the pump device 6, the switching valve 9, the heating means 4, the temperature sensor 7, the hot water supply key 12, the unlock key 13, the boiling key 14, the heat retention key 15, The cleaning key 16 and the optical sensor 32) are connected as shown in FIG. FIG.
In the figure, reference numeral 24 is a control board, 25 is a microcomputer unit (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer), 26 is a pump drive circuit, 27 is a switching valve drive circuit, and 28 is a heater drive circuit.

The circulation control of the hot water in the electric hot water container configured as described above will be described in detail below with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.

(I) Basic circulation control (refer to the flowchart in FIG. 5) If it is determined in step S1 that the heat retention has been started, the power supply to the heater 4 is stopped in step S2 (that is, the hot water in the inner container 3 is turned off). (The temperature has exceeded the set temperature)
Is determined. Here, if a positive determination is made,
In step S3, the switching valve 9 is turned on (that is, switched to the reflux passage 8 side), and in step S4, the pump device 6 is driven (that is, the circulation of hot water is started).

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the pump device 6 is stopped in step S6, and in step S7. Switching valve 9
Is turned off (that is, the operation of switching the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped). This state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) in step S8.
Minutes) is determined to have elapsed, and if it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the process returns to step S2. That is, in the present embodiment, the circulation of the hot water is performed for 5 minutes every 30 minutes.

If a negative determination is made in step S5, energization of the heater 4 is started in step S9 (ie, whether the temperature of the hot water in the inner container 3 has become lower than the set temperature). Is determined. here,
If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S3, and the switching of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 (ie, circulation of hot water) are continued. In step S10, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped, and in step S11, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, the switching operation of the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped). Then, the process returns to step S2.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when power supply to the heater 4 is stopped, the hot water in the inner container 3 is circulated for a predetermined time (5 minutes) every predetermined time (30 minutes) ( In other words, the pump device 6 is driven), so that wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage 5 to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container 3, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply.

(II) Hot water supply circulation control (see flowchart in FIG. 6) In step S1, it is determined that lock release key 13 has been operated, and in step S2 hot water supply key 12 is turned on.
If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the switching valve 9 is turned on (that is, switched to the recirculation passage 8) in step S3, and the pump device 6 is driven in step S4 (that is, the circulation of hot water is started). ).

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed.
Here, while the negative determination is made, the switching of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 (that is, the circulation of the hot water) are continued.
At this time, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, switched to the pouring pipe 5e side of the pouring passage 5), and hot water supply is started.

Thereafter, in step S7, hot water supply key 1
When it is determined that 2 has been turned OFF, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped in step S8, and the hot water supply ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the hot water supply key 12 is turned on, the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 (ie, circulation of the hot water) are performed. This is performed only for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and thereafter, the switching valve 9 is switched to the outlet pipe 5E side of the outlet passage 5, and the hot water supply is started immediately after the circulation of the hot water. Hot water is obtained.

(III) Continuous circulation control at the time of washing (refer to the flowchart of FIG. 7) Washing of the inner container 3 is performed by charging a cleaning agent such as citric acid into the inner container 3 and keeping the hot water temperature at the heat retaining temperature. Done in

In step S1, the cleaning key 16 is turned on.
When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the switching valve 9 is turned on (ie, the switching operation to the recirculation passage 8 side) in step S2, and the pump device 6 is driven (ie, circulation of hot water is started) in step S3. ).

Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined cleaning time (for example, 6 hours) has elapsed. Here, while a negative determination is made, the switching valve 9 is connected to the recirculation passage 8 side. The switching and the driving of the pump device 6 (that is, the circulation of hot water) are continued, but if an affirmative determination is made, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, the discharge passage 5) in step S5.
The operation of the pump device 6 is stopped (ie, the circulation of hot water is stopped) in step S6.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the hot water is continuously circulated when the inside of the inner container 3 is washed, quick and reliable washing can be performed.

(IV) Intermittent circulation control during washing (refer to the flowchart in FIG. 8) Washing of the inner container 3 is performed by charging a cleaning agent such as citric acid into the inner container 3 and keeping the hot water temperature at the heat retaining temperature. However, in addition to the above-described continuous circulation control, an intermittent circulation control described below may be used.

In step S1, the cleaning key 16 is turned on.
When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the switching valve 9 is turned on (ie, the switching operation to the recirculation passage 8 side) in step S2, and the pump device 6 is driven (ie, circulation of hot water is started) in step S3. ).

Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed.
Here, while the negative determination is made, the switching of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 (that is, the circulation of the hot water) are continued.
In step S6, driving of the pump device 6 is stopped.
At this time, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, switched to the outlet pipe 5e side of the outlet passage 5) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

Thereafter, in step S7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed.
Here, while the negative determination is made, the switching of the switching valve 9 from the discharging passage 5 to the discharging pipe 5e side and the stop of the drive of the pump device 6 (that is, the stop of circulation of the hot water) are continued, but the result is affirmative. If determined, it is determined in step S8 whether a predetermined cleaning time (for example, 6 hours) has elapsed, and the process returns to step S2 until an affirmative determination is made.
The above-mentioned intermittent circulation of hot water is repeated.

As described above, in this case, since the hot water is intermittently circulated (in other words, the pump device 6 is intermittently driven) during the cleaning, the power consumption is maintained while the cleaning effect is maintained. Can be saved.

(V) Circulation control during heat retention control (refer to the flowchart of FIG. 9) In step S1, the heat retention is started, it is determined in step S2 that the boiling key 14 has not been turned ON, and in step S3 the lower limit from the optical sensor 32 is determined. If it is determined that the water level detection signal has not been input, the switching valve 9 is turned on (ie, the return passage 8 is turned on) in step S4.
Side, and the pump device 6 is driven in step S5 (that is, circulation of hot water is started). Further, in step S6, the number of circulation executions N is integrated. If an affirmative determination is made in steps S2 and S3, the hot water is not circulated, and the control ends.

Then, it is determined in step S7 whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the pump device 6 is stopped in step S8, and in step S9. Switching valve 9
Is turned off (that is, the operation of switching the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S10 that a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, and when it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the circulation is performed in step S11. It is determined whether or not the number of executions N has reached a set value Ns (for example, five times). If a negative determination is made here (that is, N <Ns is determined), the process returns to step S4 to interrupt the hot water. Although the circulation is continued, when it is determined that N = Ns, the process proceeds to step S12, and it is determined whether or not there is water supply into the inner container 3. Here, if an affirmative determination is made, the number of circulations N is reset in step S13, and the process returns to step S1 to repeat the above-described control.

During the circulation control, the hot water supply key 12
When the N operation is performed, circulation of the hot water is forcibly stopped.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the circulation of hot water in the inner container 3 is performed for a predetermined time (5 minutes) every predetermined time (30 minutes) during the heat retention control (in other words, , The pump device 6 is driven) and the circulation operation is not performed in a predetermined number of times (for example, four times), so that wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the hot water is activated by the circulation of the hot water. Taste is improved. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage 5 to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container 3, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply. Further, when the boiling key 14 is turned on and when the amount of hot water in the inner container 3 is reduced to the lower limit water level, the circulation operation is not performed, so that abnormal occurrence of steam is prevented, and safety is improved. improves.

Second Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of the circulation control at the time of heat retention control in an electric hot water storage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, control is performed such that the circulation time is shortened in accordance with the number of executions N of the circulation operation.

If the heat retention is started in step S1, it is determined in step S2 that the boiling key 14 has not been turned ON, and if it is determined in step S3 that the lower limit water level detection signal from the optical sensor 32 has not been input, the process proceeds to step S2. In S4, the switching valve 9 is turned on (ie,
The operation is switched to the reflux passage 8), and the pump device 6 is driven in step S5 (that is, circulation of hot water is started). Further, in step S6, the number of circulation executions N is integrated. If an affirmative determination is made in steps S2 and S3, the hot water is not circulated, and the control ends.

Next, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the number of circulation executions N = 1, and if an affirmative determination is made here, a predetermined time A (for example,
The circulation of hot water is continued until it is determined that 7 minutes have elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time A (for example, 7 minutes) has elapsed, the driving of the pump device 6 is stopped in step S9, and the switching valve 9 is turned off in step S10.
The F operation (that is, the switching operation of the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) is performed (that is, the circulation of the hot water is stopped).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S11 that a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the flow returns to step S4. Then, circulation of hot water is executed again.

If a negative determination is made in step S7, the process proceeds to step S12, where it is determined whether or not the number of circulations N = 2. If an affirmative determination is made here, a predetermined time B (for example, , 5 minutes), the circulation of hot water is continued. And
If it is determined that the predetermined time B (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S9, where the driving of the pump device 6 is stopped, and the switching valve 9 is turned off in step S10.
Actuation (ie, switching operation of the ejection passage 5 to the ejection pipe 5e side)
(Ie, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S11 that a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the flow returns to step S4. Then, circulation of hot water is executed again.

If a negative determination is made in step S12, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether or not the number of circulations N = 3. If an affirmative determination is made here, a predetermined time C (for example, , The circulation of hot water is continued until it is determined that 3 minutes have elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time C (for example, three minutes) has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S9, where the driving of the pump device 6 is stopped, and the switching valve 9 is turned off in step S10.
The F operation (that is, the switching operation of the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) is performed (that is, the circulation of the hot water is stopped).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S11 that a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the flow returns to step S4. Then, circulation of hot water is executed again.

If a negative determination is made in step S14, the process proceeds to step S16, in which the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped, and the switching valve 9 is turned off in step S17 (that is, the discharge pipe 5e of the discharge passage 5). Side switching operation) (that is, circulation of hot water is stopped). That is, circulation of hot water is performed only four times.

Next, in step S18, the inner container 3
It is determined whether or not there is water supply to the inside. If the determination is affirmative, the number of circulations N is reset in step S19, and the process returns to step S1 to repeat the above-described control.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the circulation time of the hot water is shortened in accordance with the number of circulations of the hot water since the content of calcium and the like in the hot water is reduced by the circulation of the hot water.
Thereby, the driving time of the pump device 6 is reduced as much as possible, thereby saving energy.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 11 to 13 show an operation panel and an electric configuration of an electric hot water storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the operation panel 11 includes the switching valve 9
Manual operation for prompting the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 and for urging the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the discharging tube 6e side of the discharging passage 6 and the driving stop of the pump device 6. A switching key 29 is provided which acts as a circulation start / stop means. The switching key 29 promotes the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the recirculation passage 8 side and the driving of the pump device 6 at the time of pressing operation, and the discharge pipe 5e of the discharge passage 6 of the switching valve 9 at the time of non-pressing operation.
The switching operation to the side and the stop of the driving of the pump device 6 are urged. Reference numeral 30 denotes a circulation indicator light that is turned on when the switching key 29 is pressed.

With the above configuration, when the switching key 29 is turned on (that is, when the switching key 29 is pressed), the switching valve 9 is turned on.
Is switched to the reflux passage 8 side and the pump device 6
Is driven, and when the switching key 29 is turned off (that is, at the time of non-pressing operation), the switching valve 9 is switched to the pouring pipe 5e side of the pouring passage 5 and the driving of the pump device 6 is stopped. Therefore, the hot water in the inner container 3 is returned to the inner container 3 through the pouring passage 5 and the return passage 9 only during the ON / OFF operation of the switching key 29. As a result, the circulation of the hot water is performed only when the user needs it (in other words, the pump device 6 is driven), so that unnecessary power consumption is eliminated and the hot water is activated by the circulation of the hot water. Taste is improved. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of hot water supply.

By the way, when a manual three-way valve is used as the switching valve 9 and hot water is circulated, the three-way valve is switched so as to communicate with the recirculation passage 8 before the switching key 29 is turned on. You may.

The other structure, operation, and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the basic circulation control of hot water in an electric hot water storage container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, when the switching key 29 is turned on in the third embodiment, the following control is executed.

If it is determined in step S1 that the heat retention has been started, and if it is determined in step S2 that the switching key 29 has been turned ON, it is determined in step S3 whether a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed. Done. Here, if an affirmative determination is made, the switching valve 9 is turned on in step S4 (that is, the switching valve 9 is switched to the recirculation passage 8 side).
Then, in step S5, the pump device 6 is driven (that is, circulation of hot water is started).

Then, in step S6, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the pump device 6 is stopped in step S7, and in step S8. Switching valve 9
Is turned off (that is, the operation of switching the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of the hot water is stopped), and thereafter, the process returns to step S3. That is, in the present embodiment, when the switching key 29 is turned on, 5
The circulation of hot water is performed only for a minute.

As described above, in this embodiment, only when the switching key 29 is turned on, the switching valve 9 is switched to the recirculation passage 8 for 5 minutes every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). At the same time, the pump device 6 is driven, and the hot water in the inner container 3 is returned to the inner container 3 through the discharge passage 5 and the return passage 8. As a result, circulation of hot water is performed only when the user needs it (in other words,
The pump device 6 is driven), so that wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste. Further, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage 5 to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container 3, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of the hot water supply.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of hot water circulation control in an electric hot water storage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the control described below is executed when the lock release key 13 is turned on.

In step S1, the lock release key 13
Is determined to have been turned on, the switching valve 9 is turned on in step S2 (that is, the switching operation is performed to the recirculation passage 8 side), and the pump device 6 is driven in step S3 (that is, circulation of hot water is started). Is done).

Next, at step S4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative, the pump device 6 is stopped at step S5, and at step S6. Switching valve 9
Is turned off (that is, the operation of switching the pouring passage 5 to the pouring pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped). When hot water supply key 29 is turned on in this state, hot water supply is started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lock release key 13 is turned on, the switching valve 9 is switched to the recirculation passage 8 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) and the pump device 6 is turned on. Is driven, and the hot water in the inner container 3 is returned to the inner container 3 via the discharge passage 5 and the return passage 8. Therefore, if hot water is supplied immediately after the hot water supply lock is released (that is, immediately after circulation of hot water), hot water can be obtained from the initial stage of hot water supply.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a basic circulation control of hot water in an electric hot water storage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, after the hot water supply ends, the control described below is executed.

In step S1, the lock release key 13
Is determined to have been turned ON, and if it is determined in step S2 that the hot water supply key 12 has been turned ON, the switching valve 9 is turned OFF (that is, the discharge passage 5) in step S3.
The pump device 6 is driven in step S4 (that is, hot water supply is started).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S5 that hot water supply key 12 has been turned off. However, if it is determined that hot water supply key 12 has been turned off,
Proceeding to step S6, the switching valve 9 is turned on (that is, switched to the recirculation passage 8 side) (that is, circulation of hot water is started).

Next, in step S7, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed.
Here, the circulation of the hot water is continued until the affirmative determination is made, but if the affirmative determination is made, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped in step S8, and the switching valve 9 is turned off (ie, dispensing) in step S9. The passage 5 is switched to the discharge pipe 5e side) (that is, the circulation of the hot water is stopped).

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the hot water supply is completed, the switching valve 9 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes).
Is switched to the side of the circulation passage 8 and the hot water is circulated (in other words, the pump device 6 is driven). Accordingly, wasteful power consumption is eliminated, the hot water is activated by the circulation of the hot water, the taste is improved, and the hot water is less likely to rot. In addition, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage 5 to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container 3,
Relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of hot water supply.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Seventh Embodiment FIGS. 16 and 17 show a flow chart of an electric configuration and a basic circulation control of hot water in an electric hot water storage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, a lid open switch 31 acting as a lid open / close detecting means for detecting the opening / closing operation of the lid 2 is provided, and when the lid 2 is detected by the lid open switch 31 as follows: Is executed.

If it is determined in step S1 that the lid open switch 31 has been turned ON, the switching valve 9 is turned ON in step S2 (that is, the switching valve 9 is switched to the recirculation passage 8 side).
Then, in step S3, the pump device 6 is driven (that is, hot water supply is started).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S4 that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, step S5 is performed. In step S6, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped, and in step S6, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, switched to the pouring pipe 5e8 side of the pouring passage 5) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the lid 2 is opened and closed (in other words, when water is newly added), the switching valve 9 is moved to the circulation passage 8 side. For a predetermined time (for example, 1).
0 minutes), and the circulation of hot water is performed (in other words, the pump device 6 is driven), so that unnecessary power consumption is eliminated and the boiling water can be quickly heated. In addition, the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a basic circulation control of hot water in an electric hot water storage container according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, when the water is supplied to the inner container 3, the temperature T of the hot water detected by the temperature sensor 7 is changed to the set value ΔTs
The control described below is to be executed when the power level has decreased further.

In step S1, the detected temperature T from the temperature sensor 7 is input, and in step S2, the temperature drop ΔT of the hot water is compared with a set value ΔTs (for example, 20 ° C.), and it is determined that ΔT> ΔTs. Is performed (that is, when it is determined that there is water supply), the switching valve 9 is turned on (that is, switched to the recirculation passage 8 side) in step S3, and the pump device 6 is driven in step S4 (that is, the pump device 6 is driven). , Hot water supply is started).

This state is continued until it is determined in step S5 that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, step S6 is performed. In step S7, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped, and in step S7, the switching valve 9 is turned off (that is, switched to the outlet pipe 5e8 side of the outlet passage 5) (that is, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

As described above, in this embodiment, when water is newly added, the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the circulation passage 8 and the driving of the pump device 6 are performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). Minutes), and circulation of hot water is performed (in other words, the pump device 6 is driven), so that wasteful power consumption is eliminated and boiling water can be quickly heated. In addition, the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste.

The other configuration, operation, and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Ninth Embodiment FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of the basic circulation control of hot water in an electric hot water storage container according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the hot water temperature T after the start of boiling is set to the set value Ts.
The control described below is executed during the period from when the temperature reaches to the end of boiling.

When the heater 4 is energized in step S1, the detected temperature T from the temperature sensor 7 is input in step S2, and in step S3, the hot water temperature T is compared with a set value Ts (for example, 30 ° C.). , Where T
If it is determined that ≧ Ts, in step S4, the switching valve 9
Is turned on (that is, switched to the recirculation passage 8 side), and the pump device 6 is driven in step S5 (that is,
Hot water supply is started).

In this state, the hot water temperature T is determined in step S6.
Is continued until the boiling temperature Tb is reached, but if it is determined that T ≧ Tb, the drive of the pump device 6 is stopped in step S7, and the switching valve 9 is turned off in step S8.
Operation (ie, switching operation to the discharge pipe 5e8 side of the discharge passage 5)
(Ie, the circulation of hot water is stopped).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the switching operation of the switching valve 9 to the circulation passage 8 side from the time when the temperature T of the hot water reaches the set value Ts after the start of boiling until the time when the boiling ends. The pump device 6 is driven, and the hot water is circulated (in other words, the pump device 6 is driven), so that unnecessary power consumption is eliminated and the boiling water can be quickly heated. In addition, the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste.

The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Tenth Embodiment FIG. 20 shows an electric hot water storage container according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the return passage 8 branches off from the pouring passage 5, penetrates the upper part of the inner container 3 and faces the inside. Further, the water purification means 10 is connected to the inlet connection pipe 5 of the pouring passage 5.
a. Other configurations and effects are
The description is omitted because it is the same as in the first embodiment.

Eleventh Embodiment FIG. 21 shows an electric hot water storage container according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the return passage 8 is configured so as to pass through the upper portion of the inner container 3 from the bottom of the inner container 3 separately from the pouring passage 5 to face the inside. A pump device 38 is provided. In addition, water purification means 10
Is provided at the outlet of the return passage 8. In this case, since a switching valve is not necessary, when circulating hot water in the inner container 3, it is only necessary to drive the recirculation pump device 38 by the control means. Therefore, control by the control means can be simplified. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, the electric hot water container employing the inner container made of a metal container is described. However, the present invention is also applied to the electric hot water container using the inner container having a vacuum double structure. Of course, you can.

[0106]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a container body having an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, a heating means for heating the inner container, and hot water in the inner container are provided. A discharge passage for discharging water to the outside, a pump device for feeding hot water through the discharge passage, a return passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, the return passage or An electric hot water storage container including a switching valve for selectively switching the flow of the discharge passage to the discharge side , wherein after the heat retention control is started, the switching operation of the switching valve to the reflux passage side and the driving of the pump device are performed. reflux operation annexed to be that control means executed at predetermined time and said control means by circulating execution time circulating execution times of performing
So as to shorten in accordance with the number, after heat retention control start, the switching valve at predetermined time intervals pump device with the switching operation is driven to the return passage side, the circulation of hot water is performed (in other words, the pump The device is driven) and the circulation execution time is circulating
Since the length is shortened according to the number of times of execution , wasteful power consumption is eliminated, and there is an effect that the hot water is activated by circulation of the hot water to improve the taste. In addition, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of hot water supply.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid body of the container body, a heating means for heating the inner container, and hot water in the inner container are externally provided. A discharge passage for discharging the hot water through the discharge passage, a reflux passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, and the return passage or the injection passage. In an electric hot water storage container provided with a switching valve for selectively switching the flow of the outlet passage to the discharge side, a switch for promoting a circulation operation of switching the switching valve to the reflux passage side and driving the pump device. means and, additionally provided a control means for performing the circulation operation upon operation of said changeover switching means at predetermined time intervals and control the hand
The cycle execution time by the stage is shortened according to the cycle execution count.
In this way, only when the switching means is operated, the switching valve is switched to the recirculation passage side at predetermined time intervals, the pump device is driven, and the hot water is circulated (in other words, the pump device is driven). ) And the cycle execution time is
Since the length is shortened , wasteful power consumption is eliminated and the circulation of the hot water activates the hot water to improve the taste. In addition, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of hot water supply.

As described in the third aspect of the present invention, a container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid body of the container body, a heating means for heating the inner container, and externally supplying hot water in the inner container. A discharge passage for discharging the hot water through the discharge passage, a reflux passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, and the return passage or the injection passage. In the electric hot water storage container having a switching valve for selectively switching the flow of the outlet passage to the discharge side, the switching operation of the switching valve to the reflux passage side and the driving of the pump device for a predetermined time after the end of hot water supply. and attaching a to run control means circulating operation performed, after the hot water ends, the switching valve is switched to the circulation passage side for a predetermined time, the circulation of hot water is performed (in other words, the pump device is driven) Eliminates unnecessary power consumption Both the effect that water is improved activated by taste by the circulation of hot water. In addition, the circulation of the hot water causes the temperature of the hot water in the discharge passage to approach the temperature of the hot water in the inner container, so that relatively hot water can be obtained from the beginning of hot water supply.

As in the invention of claim 4 , claim 1
4. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 3 , further comprising: a hot water supply mode setting unit that sets a hot water supply mode for discharging hot water from the inner container; and a hot water supply lock that prohibits operation of the hot water supply mode setting unit. 5. A lock release means for releasing, and a circulation operation for switching the switching valve to the recirculation passage side and driving the pump device when the hot water supply lock is released by the lock release means, for a predetermined period of time. , when the switching valve is attached and a switching Ru control means to the discharge side of the pouring passage, immediately after the hot water supply unlocked (i.e., immediately after the circulation of hot water) by performing hot water supply, the hot water from the hot water supply initial obtained .

As in the invention of claim 5 , claim 1
4. The electric hot water storage container according to claim 3 , wherein a cleaning mode setting unit for setting a mode for cleaning the inside of the inner container using a cleaning agent such as citric acid, and a cleaning mode by the cleaning mode setting unit. 5. Is set,
If annexed and to that control means executes the circulation operation to perform the driving of only switching operation and the pump device to the return passage side of the switching valve during a predetermined cleaning time has elapsed, the washing of the inner vessel It can be done quickly and reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric hot water storage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing a structure of a switching valve in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of hot water supply circulation control in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of continuous circulation control during cleaning in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of intermittent circulation control during cleaning in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of circulation control at the time of heat retention control in the electric hot water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of circulation control at the time of heat retention control in the electric hot water storage container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an operation panel in the electric hot water storage container according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electric hot water storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in the electric hot water storage container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of hot water supply circulation control in an electric hot water storage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in an electric hot water storage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electric hot water storage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in the electric hot water storage container according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in an electric hot water storage container according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of basic circulation control in an electric hot water storage container according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric hot water storage container according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric hot water storage container according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a container body, 2 is a lid, 3 is an inner container, 4 is a heating means (heater), 5 is an injection passage, 5e is an injection pipe, 6 is a pump device, 7 is a temperature sensor, 8 is a reflux passage, 9 is a switching valve,
12 is a hot water supply mode setting means (hot water supply key), 13 is a lock release means (lock release key), 16 is a cleaning mode setting means (cleaning key), 25 is a microcomputer unit (microcomputer), 29 is a switching means or circulation start / stop Means (switch key), 31 is a water supply detecting means (lid open switch),
32 is a lower limit water level detecting means (optical sensor).

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-309039 (JP, A) JP-A-8-336462 (JP, A) JP-A-10-179399 (JP, A) JP-A-5-154049 (JP) JP-A-5-253061 (JP, A) JP-A-4-317612 (JP, A) JP-A-8-299188 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB A47J 27/21 101 A47J 27/00 109

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, heating means for heating the inner container,
A pouring passage for pouring out the hot water in the inner container to the outside,
One of a pump device for feeding hot water through the discharge passage, a return passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, and a flow of the return passage or the discharge passage to the discharge side. An electric hot water storage container provided with a switching valve for selectively switching , wherein after a heat retention control is started, a switching operation of the switching valve to the reflux passage side and a reflux operation of driving the pump device are performed at predetermined intervals. to attached to and control means that control means
Cycle execution time according to the number of cycles
Electric hot water storage vessel, characterized in that the. 2. A container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, and heating means for heating the inner container,
A pouring passage for pouring out the hot water in the inner container to the outside,
One of a pump device for feeding hot water through the discharge passage, a return passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, and a flow of the return passage or the discharge passage to the discharge side. An electric hot water storage container having a switching valve for selectively switching, the switching means for promoting a circulating operation of switching the switching valve to the reflux passage side and driving the pump device, and when operating the switching means. Executing the circulation operation every predetermined time
Circulation execution time by the attached to and control means that control means
Is shortened in accordance with the number of times of circulation . 3. A container body provided with an inner container for storing hot water, a lid of the container body, heating means for heating the inner container,
A pouring passage for pouring out the hot water in the inner container to the outside,
One of a pump device for feeding hot water through the discharge passage, a return passage branched from the discharge passage and communicating with the inner container, and a flow of the return passage or the discharge passage to the discharge side. an electrical hot water storage vessel and a switching valve for switching a manner, system that perform circulation operation to perform the driving of the switching operation between the pumping apparatus to a predetermined time after the hot water supply completion by the return passage side of the switching valve control An electric hot water storage container provided with means. 4. A hot water supply mode setting means for setting a hot water supply mode for discharging hot water from the inner container, a lock release means for releasing a hot water supply lock for inhibiting operation of the hot water supply mode setting means, and the lock release means. When the hot water supply lock is released, the switching operation of the switching valve to the recirculation passage side and the circulation operation of driving the pump device are performed for a predetermined time, and then the switching valve is moved to the discharge side of the discharge passage. claim 1 to an electric hot water storage container of any one of claims 3, characterized in that annexed a switching Ru control means to. 5. A cleaning mode setting means for setting a mode for cleaning the inside of the inner container using a cleaning agent such as citric acid,
When the washing mode is set by the washing mode setting means, a circulating operation of switching the switching valve to the reflux passage side and driving the pump device is performed only during a predetermined elapse of the washing time. claim 1 to an electric hot water storage container of any one of claims 3, characterized in that annexed and that control means.