JPH0826560B2 - Water supply device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water supply device for discharging hot water or water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a water supply device, particularly an instantaneous water heater, one infrared sensor is attached to an arbitrary portion of a water heater body or a hot water outlet pipe, and when the infrared sensor detects a user, the water is supplied. Open the electromagnetic water stop valve provided in the pipe, and detect that water has flowed into the hot water supply pipe by the water flow switch, then activate the heat source to heat the water flowing in the hot water supply pipe and discharge the hot water. There is known a device (conventional technology) in which hot water is discharged from the bath.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, when the instantaneous water heater is not used, for example, a creature such as a cockroach or a mouse crosses the infrared sensor, or the infrared ray sensor is swung to swing the infrared sensor. When the location where the is attached is directed toward an object such as a wall, the infrared sensor may detect the living thing or object and open the electromagnetic stop valve. As described above, since the instantaneous water heater operates by mistake, there is a problem that water or hot water is continuously discharged from the hot water outlet pipe of the instantaneous water heater.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water supply device in which water is not discharged from the water supply pipe even when the detection means detects an object such as a living thing or an object other than the user.

[0005]

According to the present invention, a water supply pipe having a discharge port for discharging water, an opening / closing valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe, and an object to be detected within a short detection distance are detected. And a second detection unit that is provided separately from the first detection unit and that detects an object to be detected that is within a detection distance longer than the detection distance of the first detection unit. Both the means and the second detection means are provided with a control means for opening the on-off valve only when detecting an object to be detected, and the water supply pipeline is a water heater installed at a position distant from the discharge port. The hot water outlet pipe rotatably supported by the water heater main body in a state of protruding from the water heater main body , and fitted to the tip of the hot water outlet pipe.
And the shower head installed near the discharge port.
Has a de, the first detecting means is provided on the outer periphery of the shower head, the second detecting means, adopting the technical means provided on the front of the water heater body.

[0006]

According to the present invention , the first detecting means and the second detecting means
Since the open / close valve is opened only when both of the first and second detection devices detect the object to be detected, the first detection means or the second detection hand.
Water is not discharged from the water supply line only when one of the detection means of one of the stages detects the detected object. Also, hot water
If the user is within the detection distance of the second detection means in front of the main body of the heater,
The second detecting means detects the user by standing and
The user can detect the first detection means on the outer periphery of the shower head.
When the hand is brought within the distance, the first detection means detects the hand of the user.
By knowing, the on-off valve will open and the tip of the tap pipe will
Water is discharged from the shower head.

[0007]

According to the present invention, the position near the discharge port of the water supply line is provided.
Detection provided on the outer periphery of the shower head installed in
It is farther than the first detection means, which is near, and the discharge port of the water supply line.
Detection provided on the front of the water heater body installed in the position
As long as one of the second detecting means having a long distance detects a detected object such as a living thing or an object other than the user, the other detecting means does not detect the detected object.
Therefore, no water is discharged from the discharge port of the tap pipe. Shi
Therefore, for example, from the detection means near the discharge port and the discharge port
If both of the detection distances of the far detection means are long, a problem occurs that the opening / closing valve is opened only by a person passing in front of the water heater body. However, in the present invention, the detection distances of the first and second detection means are different, and when a person passes in front of the water heater main body, a person enters within the detection distance of the second detection means and detects it. However, since it is possible to prevent the first detection means, which has a shorter detection distance than the second detection means, from detecting the person, unnecessary opening / closing operation of the opening / closing valve is not performed.
Further, when the detection distances of the detection means close to the discharge port and the detection means far from the discharge port are both short, the user's hand is brought close to both of the two detection means when the opening / closing valve is opened. Therefore, there is a problem that the opening operation of the on-off valve is troublesome. However, in the present invention, since the detection distance of the second detection means is longer than the detection distance of the first detection means, the second detection means detects only by the user standing in front of the water heater body, and the shower head. Put your hand near the outer circumference of
Then , the opening / closing valve can be opened by the detection by the first detection means , and the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing valve is easy. Further
In addition, a detection means with a short detection distance and a detection means with a long detection distance
Both are on the outer periphery of the shower head or the water heater body
When installed in front of, the detection distance of living things other than the user is short.
Detecting a long detection distance when detecting in front of the detection means
Since it will also detect through the detection distance of the means
There is a problem that the valve closing operation is performed.
It However, in the present invention, the first detection with a short detection distance is performed.
A shower installed near the discharge port of the water supply line
-The second detection means, which is installed on the outer circumference of the head and has a long detection distance
Set in front of the water heater body disposed farther from the discharge port position
Therefore, the creatures other than the user can pass through and
That the stage detects and the opening / closing operation of the open / close valve is performed.
There is no. In addition, a detection means with a short detection distance should be installed on the water heater body.
If it is installed on the front side, it will bring the user's hand closer to the detection means.
Also, on the front side of the water heater body farther from the discharge port of the water supply line,
It is necessary to intentionally bring the user's hand close, and the opening / closing valve is opened.
There is a problem that the operation is troublesome. However, this
In the invention described above, the first detection means having a short detection distance is provided in the water supply line.
On the outer circumference of the shower head installed near the discharge port
The second detection means, which has a long detection distance, is provided farther from the discharge port.
Since it is installed on the front of the water heater installed in the
The second detection means can be detected only by the user standing in front of the water heater body.
Know, and bring your hands close to the perimeter of the showerhead.
1 The opening / closing valve is opened by the detection means.
The open / close valve can be easily opened.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A water supply device of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control device of an instantaneous water heater, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a schematic structure of the instantaneous water heater.

The instant water heater 1 is the water supply device of the present invention, and is a gas pipe for supplying fuel gas to a water supply pipe line 2 for discharging hot water or water and a gas burner 31 provided in the water heater body 3. A path 4 and a control device 5 for the instantaneous water heater 1 are provided.

The water supply pipe line 2 is composed of a water supply pipe 21, a heat absorption pipe 22 and a hot water discharge pipe 23. In the water supply pipe 21,
An electromagnetic water shutoff valve 24, a water governor valve 25, and a water amount adjusting valve 26 are provided. The water stop valve 24 is an opening / closing valve of the present invention, and opens when energized (ON) and closes when energized (OFF) to open / close the water supply pipe 21. The water governor valve 25 keeps the amount of water constant. The water amount adjusting valve 26 changes the amount of water by controlling the opening degree of the water supply pipe 21 by rotating the temperature adjusting knob (see FIG. 3) 61, particularly in a high temperature range.

The endothermic tube 22 is arranged above the gas burner 31 and heats the water by exchanging heat between the water flowing inside and the combustion heat generated in the gas burner 31. The hot water outlet pipe 23 is formed of a flexible pipe and discharges hot water or water from the discharge port. A shower head 27 is fitted to the tip of the tap pipe 23. The shower head 27 switches a discharge flow discharged from the shower head 27 between a shower-shaped discharge flow and a straight-shaped discharge flow by switching a changeover switch (not visible in FIG. 2).

An electromagnetic safety valve 41, a water pressure responsive valve 42, a gas governor valve 43, and a gas amount adjusting valve 4 are provided in the gas pipeline 4.
4 are provided. The safety valve 41 opens when turned on and closes when turned off. Water pressure responsive valve 42
Is formed integrally with the water governor valve 25 and opens in conjunction with detection of a water flow. The gas governor valve 43 keeps the gas pressure on the secondary side constant. The gas amount adjusting valve 44 is connected to the temperature adjusting knob 61, and controls the opening degree of the gas pipeline 4 by rotating the temperature adjusting knob 61, particularly in a low temperature range, to change the gas amount. .

The control device 5 is the control means of the present invention and is provided in the water heater body 3. This controller 5
As shown in FIG. 1, includes a combustion control circuit 6, a water shutoff valve control circuit 7, a power supply circuit 51, a hot and cold water switch 52, and a water flow switch 53. The power supply circuit 51 is composed of a dry battery or the like, and supplies electric power to the combustion control circuit 6 and the water shutoff valve control circuit 7.

The hot water switching switch 52 is a switch for switching between the hot water mode and the water mode, and is connected in series between the combustion control circuit 6 and the water shutoff valve control circuit 7. The hot / cold water changeover switch 52 is closed when the user selects the hot water mode, and is opened when the water mode is selected.

The water flow switch 53 is connected in series between the combustion control circuit 6 and the hot and cold water changeover switch 52. The water flow switch 53 is a switch that is closed when the water pressure responsive valve 42 detects a water flow and opens the valve, and opens when the valve is closed. The hot water switch 52 and the water flow switch 53 are the power supply circuit 51 and the combustion control circuit 6 respectively.
And may be connected in series.

The combustion control circuit 6 contains a temperature control knob (see FIG. 3) 61, a sparker 62, a frame rod 63 and a thermocouple 64. The temperature control knob 61 has a variable resistor 65 whose electric resistance value is variable according to the rotation angle of the temperature control knob 61, and the water amount control valve 26 and the gas amount control valve are controlled according to the output of the variable resistor 65. The opening degree of 44 is controlled.

The sparker 62 ignites a mixture of the fuel gas flowing out from the gas burner 31 and the combustion air.

The frame rod 63 is for detecting the presence or absence of combustion flame of the gas burner 31. The thermocouple 64 detects whether or not abnormal combustion such as extinction or oxygen deficiency occurs, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after ignition, detection by the flame rod 63 is switched to detection by the thermocouple 64. .

The water shutoff valve control circuit 7 has first and second infrared sensors 71 and 72 which are reflection type photoelectric switches, an output holding circuit 73 which holds the outputs of the infrared sensors 71 and 72, and this output. A water shutoff valve drive circuit 74 that opens and closes the water shutoff valve 24 in accordance with the output of the holding circuit 73 is incorporated.

The first infrared sensor 71 is the first detecting means of the present invention, and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shower head 27 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and comprises a light emitting element 75 and a light receiving element 76. Has been done. Light emitting element 75
Is, for example, an infrared light emitting diode, and emits infrared light to the front. The light receiving element 76 is composed of, for example, a phototransistor or the like, and has a distance from the second infrared sensor 72.
Very close detection distance (for example, 3 cm to 5 in front of the light receiving element 76)
Detects infrared rays reflected by an object such as the user's hand that has entered within the cm range .

The second infrared sensor 72 is the second detecting means of the present invention, and is attached to the front surface of the water heater body 3 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and includes a light emitting element 77 and a light receiving element 78. It is configured. The light emitting element 77 is composed of, for example, an infrared light emitting diode or the like, and emits infrared light to the front. The light receiving element 78 is composed of, for example, a phototransistor or the like, and is a detector longer than the detection distance of the first infrared sensor 71.
Known distance (for example, 50 cm to 100 cm in front of the light receiving element 78)
The infrared rays reflected by the object to be detected, such as the user, which is within the range) are detected.

The output holding circuit 73 includes light receiving elements 76 and 78.
When both detect infrared rays, the output becomes high level (H level), and when both the light receiving elements 76 and 78 detect infrared rays again, the output becomes low level (L level). The water stop valve drive circuit 74 opens the water stop valve 24 when the input is at the H level, and closes the water stop valve 24 when the input is at the L level.

4 to 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the control device 5. This flow chart starts its operation when the power switch (not shown) is turned on. First, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the light receiving element 76 of the first infrared sensor 71 is detecting infrared rays (step S1). When infrared rays are not detected (N),
The control of step S1 is performed.

In step S1, when infrared rays are detected (Y), it is judged whether or not the infrared rays are detected by the light receiving element 78 of the second infrared sensor 72 (step S).
2). When infrared rays are not detected (N), step S1
Control.

In step S2, when the infrared ray is detected (Y), the water shutoff valve 24 is turned on (step S2).
3). And whether the water flow switch 53 is on, that is,
It is determined whether or not the water pressure responsive valve 42 is open (step S4). Water pressure responsive valve 42 is not open (N)
At this time, the control of step S4 is performed.

In step S4, when the water pressure responsive valve 42 is open (Y), it is determined whether the hot water switch 52 is on, that is, whether the hot water mode is selected by the hot water switch 52 (step S4). S5). When the hot water mode is not selected (N), the control of step S5 is performed.

In step S5, when the hot water mode is selected (Y), the sparkler 62 is turned on (step S5).
6) The safety valve 41 is turned on (step S7). Then, it is determined whether or not ignition is detected by the frame rod 63 (step S8). When ignition is not detected (N), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S9). The predetermined time has not passed (N)
When the predetermined time has elapsed (Y), the safety valve 41 is turned off (step S1).
0).

Then, as shown in FIG.
Is turned off (step S11), and it is determined whether or not the light receiving element 76 of the first infrared sensor 71 is detecting infrared rays (step S12). Infrared is not detected (N)
At this time, the control of step S12 is performed.

In step S12, when infrared rays are detected (Y), the light receiving element 78 of the second infrared sensor 72 is detected.
It is determined whether or not infrared rays are detected by (step S
13). When infrared rays are detected (Y), the water shutoff valve 24 is turned off (step S14), and when infrared rays are not detected (N), control of step S12 is performed.

In step S8 shown in FIG. 4, when ignition is detected (Y), as shown in FIG. 6, the sparker 62 is turned off (step S15), and the first infrared sensor 7 is activated.
It is determined whether or not the first light receiving element 76 detects infrared rays (step S16).

In step S16, when infrared rays are detected ( Y ), the light receiving element 78 of the second infrared sensor 72 is detected.
It is determined whether or not infrared rays are detected by (step S
17). When infrared rays are detected (Y), the water shutoff valve 24 is turned off (step S18), and it is determined whether the water flow switch 53 is off, that is, whether the water pressure responsive valve 42 is closed (step S19). . When the water pressure responsive valve 42 is not closed (N), the control of step S19 is performed, and when the water pressure responsive valve 42 is closed (Y), the safety valve 41 is turned off (step S20) and the process returns.

In steps S16 and S17, when infrared rays are not detected (N), it is judged whether or not abnormal combustion is detected by the thermocouple 64 (step S).
21). When abnormal combustion is detected (Y), the safety valve 41
Is turned off (step S22), and the control of step S12 is performed.

In step S21, when the abnormal combustion is not detected (N), whether the hot and cold water changeover switch 52 is on,
That is, it is determined whether the hot water mode is selected by the hot water switch 52 (step S23). When the hot water mode is selected (Y), the control of step S16 is performed,
When the hot water mode is not selected (N), step S22
Control.

The operation of the instant water heater 1 used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. For example, when a creature such as a cockroach or a mouse crosses in front of the first infrared sensor 71, or when the shower head 27 to which the first infrared sensor 71 is attached is aimed at an object such as a wall, or when a child holds the shower head 27. In case of mischief, the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 75 of the first infrared sensor 71 is reflected by the detected objects and is received by the light receiving element 76.

However, since the light receiving element 78 of the second infrared sensor 72 does not receive the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 77, the output of the output holding circuit 73 remains L level. For this reason, the state in which the water shutoff valve 24 is closed and maintained is continued, and the use standby state of the instant water heater 1 is continued.
Therefore, since hot water or water is not continuously discharged from the shower head 27, the safety and economy of the instant water heater 1 can be significantly improved.

When using the instant water heater 1,
When the user stands in front of the water heater body 3, the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 77 of the second infrared sensor 72 is reflected by the user's body and is received by the light receiving element 78. The infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 75 is reflected by the user's hand when the hand approaches the front of the first infrared sensor 71 and is received by the light receiving element 76. Therefore, 2
Since the two light receiving elements 76 and 78 are both turned on, the output of the output holding circuit 73 becomes high level, and the water shutoff valve 24 is turned on by the water shutoff valve drive circuit 74 to turn on the showerhead 27.
Water is discharged from.

Therefore, since a water flow is generated in the water supply pipe line 2, the water pressure responsive valve 42 and the water flow switch 53 are operated. When the hot water switching switch 52 is switched to the hot water mode, the combustion control circuit 6 causes the gas burner 31 to operate.
Is ignited, and hot water is discharged from the shower head 27 of the hot water discharge pipe 23. Then, the first and second infrared sensors 71, 7
If the detection distances of 2 are both long, the front of the water heater body 3
The opening operation of the water shutoff valve 24 is performed only by the passage of a person.
There is a problem called. However, in this embodiment,
1, the detection distance of the second infrared sensor 71, 72 is different
The front of the water heater body 3, that is, the second infrared sensor
The second infrared sensor even if a person passes within the detection distance of the service 72.
The first infrared sensor 71 that is closer than the detection distance of 72 is
Unnecessary water shutoff valve 2 as it can avoid detecting people
The valve opening operation of 4 is not performed. In addition, the first and second infrared rays
If both sensors 71 and 72 have a short detection distance,
2 Need to bring your hands close to both infrared sensors 71 and 72
There is a problem that opening operation of the water shutoff valve 24 is troublesome.
is there. However, in this embodiment, the second infrared sensor 7
The detection distance of 2 is greater than the detection distance of the first infrared sensor 71.
Since it is far away, the user only needs to stand in front of the water heater body 3
The second infrared sensor 72 performs detection, and the first infrared sensor
Of the water shutoff valve 24 by moving your hand near the front of the sensor 71.
The valve opening operation can be performed. Therefore, the first and second
Even if you do not put your hands near both infrared sensors 71 and 72,
It is possible to perform the opening operation of the water shutoff valve 24,
Easy to open the valve.

(Modification) In this embodiment, the gas burner 31 was used as the heat source, but a burner for burning liquid fuel may be used as the heat source, or an electric heater made of a PTC heater or a metal resistor may be used. good.

As the detecting means, in addition to this embodiment, a non-contact type sensor such as a transmission type photoelectric switch, a proximity switch or an ultrasonic sensor, and a contact type sensor such as a touch switch may be used. Moreover, you may use the optical fiber type photoelectric switch which combined the photoelectric switch and the optical fiber.

In this embodiment, the two first and second infrared sensors 71 and 72 are used, but three or more detecting means are provided and the opening / closing valve is provided when at least two detecting means detect the object to be detected. May be opened.

In this embodiment, the open / close valve is closed when both the first and second infrared sensors 71 and 72 detect the object to be detected again, but either one of them, for example, the first
The opening / closing valve may be closed when the infrared ray 71 detects the object to be detected again.

[0042]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control device for an instantaneous water heater.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the overall structure of an instantaneous water heater.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an instantaneous water heater.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device for the instantaneous water heater.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device for the instantaneous water heater.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device for the instantaneous water heater.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Instantaneous Water Heater (Water Supply Device) 2 Water Supply Pipeline 5 Control Device (Control Means) 24 Water Stop Valve (Open / Close Valve) 71 First Infrared Sensor ( First Detection Means) 72 Second Infrared Sensor ( Second Detection Means)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A water supply pipe having a discharge port for discharging water; (b) an on-off valve for opening and closing the water supply pipe; and (c) an object to be detected within a short detection distance. First to detect
Detection means, (d) second detection means which is provided separately from the first detection means, and which detects an object to be detected within a detection distance longer than the detection distance of the first detection means, and (e) The first detection means and the second detection means both include a control means for opening the opening / closing valve only when detecting an object to be detected, and the water supply conduit is installed at a position farther from the discharge port. A hot water outlet pipe that is rotatably supported by the water heater main body in a state of protruding from the water heater main body , and is fitted to the tip of the hot water heater pipe.
Combined shower installed near the discharge port
A head, and the first detection means is provided on the outer periphery of the shower head.
It is, the second detecting means, provided on the front of the water heater body
A water supply device characterized by that.