Soup supply device

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply device capable of preventing excessively high temperature water from being discharged even when failure, etc. occurs.SOLUTION: A hot water supply device 2 includes: a water supply passage 10 connected to a water supply source; a water side solenoid valve 14 controlling water supply from the water supply source to the water supply passage; a hot water supply passage 20 connected to a hot water supply source; a hot water side solenoid valve 24 controlling hot water supply from the hot water supply source to the hot water supply passage; a hot water mixing device 6 mixing the water supplied from the water supply passage and the hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage and supplying them to the downstream side as mixed water; a mixed water temperature sensor 32 detecting a temperature of the mixed water on the downstream side of the hot water mixing device; and a control section 40 for opening / closing the water side solenoid valve and the hot water side solenoid valve. When determining that a temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is a first threshold value or larger, the control section 40 opens the water side solenoid valve 14 and closes the hot water side solenoid valve 24 as high temperature hot water delivery prevention control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water supply device, and more particularly to a hot water supply device that can prevent excessively high-temperature hot water from being discharged even in the event of a malfunction or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In a hot water supply device that supplies hot water to a bathtub or the like, it is widely known that an electrically operated valve (solenoid valve) is provided midway along each supply path to allow or stop the flow of water through the supply path. For example, the flow control valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an example of such a solenoid valve, and the valve opens or closes when a motor is electrically driven.

[0003] It is also widely known that a hot and cold water supply device that supplies hot and cold water to a bathtub or the like is provided with a hot and cold water mixer that mixes hot and cold water and supplies the mixed water downstream. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-201200 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the solenoid valves installed in each hot and cold water supply line may unexpectedly malfunction or become contaminated with dirt or dust, causing excessively hot water to be discharged unintentionally.

[0006] Alternatively, if the hot and cold water mixing device falls into an unexpected malfunction state or becomes inoperable due to the intrusion of dirt or dust, excessively hot water may be discharged unintentionally.

[0007] In either case, there is a risk that the user may come into contact with hot water.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water dispenser that can prevent excessively high-temperature hot water from being discharged even in the event of a malfunction or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a hot water supply device comprising a water supply passage connected to a water supply source, a water side solenoid valve that controls the water supply from the water supply source to the water supply passage, a hot water supply passage connected to a hot water source, a hot water side solenoid valve that controls the hot water supply from the hot water source to the hot water supply passage, a hot water mixing device that mixes water supplied from the water supply passage with hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage and supplies the mixed water downstream, a temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the hot water mixing device, and a control unit that opens and closes the water side solenoid valve and the hot water side solenoid valve, wherein when the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, the control unit opens the water side solenoid valve and closes the hot water side solenoid valve as high temperature hot water discharge prevention control.

[0010] In the present invention configured in this manner, even if, for example, the hot water side solenoid valve malfunctions or the amount of hot water passing through it becomes excessive, or the water side solenoid valve malfunctions or the amount of water passing through the water side solenoid valve becomes too small, or the hot water and cold water mixing device malfunctions or the temperature control function no longer functions properly, if it is determined that a temperature above the first threshold has been detected, the water side solenoid valve is opened and the hot water side solenoid valve is closed as a high temperature hot water discharge prevention control, so that if the hot water side solenoid valve is in an operable state, it is closed, and if the water side solenoid valve is in an operable state, it is kept open, preventing excessively high temperature mixed water from being continuously discharged from the hot water and cold water supply device.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to close the water-side solenoid valve when, during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, it determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value.

[0012] According to the present invention configured in this manner, when it is determined that the mixed water has reached a temperature below the second threshold (for example, a safe temperature for heating), the water side solenoid valve is closed, thereby preventing more water than necessary from being discharged.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit opens the water-side solenoid valve when it determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value while the water-side solenoid valve is closed during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. After that, it is more preferable that the water-side solenoid valve continue to be open until the control unit receives a reset signal.

[0014] According to the present invention configured in this way, if a temperature equal to or higher than a third threshold (lower than the first threshold) is detected while the water-side solenoid valve is closed during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the water-side solenoid valve is reopened. This more effectively (and more quickly) prevents excessively hot water from being discharged if a malfunction or other problem persists. Furthermore, if the hot water-side solenoid valve is malfunctioning and only a small amount of hot water is leaking, opening the water-side solenoid valve may result in a large amount of cold water and a small amount of hot water mixing, lowering the detected temperature. Closing the water-side solenoid valve may allow only a small amount of hot water to flow, gradually increasing the detected temperature. If a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold is detected after the water-side solenoid valve is closed, it is considered a small amount of hot water leakage, and it is preferable for safety reasons to keep the water-side solenoid valve open.

[0015] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit opens the water-side solenoid valve if it determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value, within a first predetermined time period after the water-side solenoid valve is closed during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. After that, it is more preferable that the water-side solenoid valve remain open until the control unit receives a reset signal.

[0016] According to the present invention configured in this way, if it is determined that a temperature equal to or higher than a third threshold value (which is lower than the first threshold value) is detected within a first predetermined time period after the water-side solenoid valve closes during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the water-side solenoid valve is opened again, which makes it possible to more effectively (sooner) prevent excessively high-temperature hot water from being discharged if a malfunction or the like continues.If a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold value (which is lower than the first threshold value) is not detected within a first predetermined time period after the water-side solenoid valve closes during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, for example, the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is terminated.

[0017] In addition, in the present invention, the hot water and cold water mixing device preferably includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the ratio of the flow rate from the hot water supply channel to the flow rate from the water supply channel, and the control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so that the flow rate from the hot water supply channel is smaller than the flow rate from the water supply channel during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control.

[0018] According to the present invention configured in this manner, if the hot water / water mixing device is in an operable state during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the temperature adjustment mechanism of the hot water / water mixing device controls the flow rate from the hot water supply path to be smaller than the flow rate from the water supply path, thereby more effectively preventing excessively high-temperature mixed water from being supplied.

[0019] In the present invention, preferably, the hot water / water mixing device is provided with a flow rate adjustment mechanism that adjusts the flow rate from the hot water supply path and the water supply path, and the control unit is configured to control the flow rate adjustment mechanism so that the total flow rate from the hot water supply path and the water supply path is less than the maximum during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control.

[0020] According to the present invention configured in this manner, if the hot and cold water mixing device is in an operable state during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the flow rate adjustment mechanism of the hot and cold water mixing device controls the total flow rate from the hot water supply path and the cold water supply path to be less than the maximum, thereby more effectively preventing the supply of more water and / or hot water than necessary.

[0021] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that an alarm means for issuing a warning is provided, and the control unit causes the alarm means to issue a first alarm when high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is initiated, and if it is not determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is below a temperature less than the first threshold value by the time a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first alarm, causes the alarm means to issue a second alarm.

[0022] According to the present invention configured as described above, by executing two stages of notification, ie, the first notification and the second notification, it is possible to make the user more accurately aware of a state in which a malfunction or the like is occurring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, even if, for example, the hot water side solenoid valve fails or the amount of hot water passing through it becomes excessive, or the water side solenoid valve fails or the amount of water passing through it becomes too small, or the hot water mixing device fails or the temperature control function no longer functions properly, if it is determined that a temperature above the first threshold has been detected, the water side solenoid valve is opened and the hot water side solenoid valve is closed as a high temperature hot water discharge prevention control, so that if the hot water side solenoid valve is in an operable state, it is closed, and if the water side solenoid valve is in an operable state, it is kept open, preventing excessively high temperature mixed water from being continuously discharged from the hot water supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case in which a hot water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a bathtub system. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hot water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control of the hot water supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the change over time in temperature of mixed water corresponding to the control content of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the control for preventing high-temperature hot water from being discharged in the hot water supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the control for preventing high-temperature hot water from being discharged in the hot water supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a third modified example of the control for preventing high-temperature hot water from flowing out of the hot water supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the hot water dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] A hot and cold water dispenser 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] (Overall composition) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hot and cold water dispenser 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention applied to a bathtub system, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the hot and cold water dispenser 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a hot water supply device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a bathtub 54 via a wall 50 for a fire-resistant compartment and a wall 52 for a unit bath.

[0028] The hot water supply device 2 is provided with a water supply passage 10 on its upstream side that connects to a water supply source (not shown) such as a water pipe, so that water flows in from the water supply source through the water supply passage 10. The hot water supply device 2 is also provided with a hot water supply passage 20 on its upstream side that connects to a hot water supply source (not shown) such as a boiler, so that hot water flows in from the hot water supply source through the hot water supply passage 20. The hot water supply device 2 is provided with a mixed water supply passage 30 on its downstream side that connects to the bathtub 54, so that mixed water flows out through the mixed water supply passage 30.

[0029] The hot water dispenser 2 is connected to a commercial power source 56 and is operated by electricity supplied from the power source 56. The hot water dispenser 2 is also connected to a remote control 58 and is operated in response to the user's operation of the remote control 58. The temperature and flow rate of the mixed water are set by operating the remote control 58.

[0030] The hot water supply device 2 is connected to the bathtub 54 and is equipped with a water level detection sensor pipe 60 for detecting the level of the mixed water accumulated in the bathtub 54. When it is determined that the water level in the bathtub 54 detected by the water level detection sensor pipe 60 has reached a predetermined level, the supply of mixed water to the bathtub 54 is stopped.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, a hot water supply device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes, within a case 4, a hot water / water mixer 6 that adjusts the temperature and flow rate of mixed water, a water supply path 10 and a hot water supply path 20 upstream of the hot water / water mixer 6, a mixed water supply path 30 downstream of the hot water / water mixer 6, and a control unit 40 that operates the hot water supply device 2.

[0032] The water supply passage 10 is provided with a water-side stop valve 12, a water-side solenoid valve 14, and a water temperature sensor 16. The hot water supply passage 20 is provided with a hot water-side stop valve 22, a hot water-side solenoid valve 24, and a hot water temperature sensor 26. The mixed water supply passage 30 is provided with a mixed water temperature sensor 32 and a monitoring temperature sensor 34.

[0033] The hot water / water mixing device 6 is equipped with a temperature adjustment mechanism 6a that adjusts the temperature of the mixed water by adjusting the ratio between the flow rate from the hot water supply path 20 and the flow rate from the water supply path 10, and a flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b that adjusts the total flow rate from the hot water supply path 20 and the water supply path 10.

[0034] Although not shown in detail, the hot and cold water mixer 6 comprises a hollow cylindrical cylinder, a water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a hot and cold water outlet provided on the outer wall of the cylinder, and a housing that accommodates the cylinder so that it can move axially and rotate. The housing also has a water supply channel 10, a hot water supply channel 20, and a mixed water supply channel 30 that communicate with the interior space of the housing.

[0035] The temperature adjustment mechanism 6a rotates a cylinder provided with a water inlet and a hot water inlet within the housing, thereby changing the amount of communication between the water supply passage 10 and the hot water supply passage 20 provided in the housing and the water inlet and hot water inlet. This changes the mixing ratio of the water supplied from the water supply passage 10 and the hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage 20, thereby adjusting the temperature of the mixed water. The temperature adjustment mechanism 6a automatically rotates the cylinder based on the temperature set by operating the remote control 58.

[0036] Flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b changes the amount of communication between water supply passage 10 and hot water supply passage 20 provided in the housing and the water inlet and hot water inlet holes by moving a cylinder provided with a water inlet and hot water inlet holes axially within the housing. This changes the total flow rate of the water from water supply passage 10 and the hot water from hot water supply passage 20, thereby adjusting the flow rate of mixed water. Flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b automatically moves the cylinder axially based on the flow rate set by operating remote control 58.

[0037] The water supply passage 10 is a hollow cylindrical pipe extending vertically within the case 4, with its upstream end connected to the water supply source and its downstream end connected to the hot and cold water mixer 6. Water at a temperature of about 1 to 40°C flows through the pipe of the water supply passage 10.

[0038] The water-side stop valve 12 is disposed on the upstream side of the water supply passage 10 outside the case 4, and can be opened or closed using a commercially available tool or the like.

[0039] Water-side solenoid valve 14 includes a valve element that allows or stops the water flowing through water supply passage 10, and a motor that electrically drives the valve element based on a signal from control unit 40. Water-side solenoid valve 14 is provided in water supply passage 10 inside case 4, downstream of water-side stop valve 12. Water-side solenoid valve 14 is provided with a filter (not shown) that collects debris and dust contained in the water.

[0040] Water temperature sensor 16 is provided in water supply passage 10 inside case 4 downstream of water-side solenoid valve 14. Water temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature of the water in water supply passage 10 and transmits the temperature to control unit 40.

[0041] The hot water supply path 20 is a hollow cylindrical pipe extending vertically within the case 4, with its upstream end connected to the hot water source and its downstream end connected to the hot water mixer 6. Hot water at a high temperature of about 55 to 65°C flows through the pipe of the hot water supply path 20.

[0042] The hot water stop valve 22 is disposed on the upstream side of the hot water supply passage 20 outside the case 4, and can be opened or closed using a commercially available tool or the like.

[0043] The hot water side solenoid valve 24 is equipped with a valve element that turns on or off the hot water flowing through the hot water supply path 20, and a motor that electrically drives the valve element based on a signal from the control unit 40. The hot water side solenoid valve 24 is provided in the hot water supply path 20 inside the case 4, downstream of the cold water side stop valve 12. The hot water side solenoid valve 24 is equipped with a filter (not shown) that collects dirt and dust contained in the hot water.

[0044] The hot water temperature sensor 26 is provided in the hot water supply path 20 in the case 4 downstream of the hot water side solenoid valve 24. The hot water temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature of the hot water in the hot water supply path 20 and transmits the detected temperature to the control unit 40.

[0045] Mixed water supply path 30 is a cylindrical pipe extending vertically within case 4, with its upstream end connected to hot and cold water mixer 6 and its downstream end connected to bathtub 54. Mixed water at a temperature set by operating remote control 58 flows through the pipe of mixed water supply path 30. A check valve 36 is provided in mixed water supply path 30 to prevent the mixed water from flowing back.

[0046] The mixed water temperature sensor 32 (temperature detection means) is disposed adjacent to the hot and cold water mixer 6 and is provided in the mixed water supply passage 30 inside the case 4. The mixed water temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the mixed water in the mixed water supply passage 30 at predetermined time intervals and transmits the detected temperature to the control unit 40.

[0047] The monitoring temperature sensor 34 is provided in the mixed water supply passage 30 in the case 4 downstream of the mixed water temperature sensor 32. The mixed water temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the mixed water in the mixed water supply passage 30 at predetermined time intervals and transmits the detected temperature to the control unit 40 in order to monitor whether the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is operating normally.

[0048] The control unit 40 is connected to the cold water side solenoid valve 14, the water temperature sensor 16, the hot water side solenoid valve 24, the hot water temperature sensor 26, the hot water / cold water mixer 6, the mixed water temperature sensor 32, the monitoring temperature sensor 34, the remote control 58, and the power source 56. The control unit 40 sends a valve open signal or a valve close signal to the cold water side solenoid valve 14 and the hot water side solenoid valve 24 based on the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32, thereby opening and closing the cold water side solenoid valve 14 and the hot water side solenoid valve 24. The control unit 40 sends a signal to the hot water / cold water mixer 6 to adjust the temperature of the mixed water based on the temperature set by operating the remote control 58 and the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32, thereby activating the hot water / cold water mixer 6 (temperature adjustment mechanism 6a, flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b).

[0049] (Characteristic configuration of this embodiment) As described above, the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment comprises a water supply passage 10 connected to a water supply source, a water side solenoid valve 14 that controls the water supply from the water supply source to the water supply passage 10, a hot water supply passage 20 connected to a hot water source, a hot water side solenoid valve 24 that controls the hot water supply from the hot water source to the hot water supply passage 20, a hot water mixing device 6 that mixes water supplied from the water supply passage 10 with hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage 20 and supplies the mixed water downstream, a mixed water temperature sensor 32 (temperature detection means) that detects the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the hot water mixing device 6, and a control unit 40 that opens and closes the water side solenoid valve 14 and the hot water side solenoid valve 24.

[0050] A feature of the hot water dispenser 2 of this embodiment is that when the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than a first threshold, it performs high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control by opening the cold water side solenoid valve 14 and closing the hot water side solenoid valve 24. The first threshold is a temperature value preferably set within a range of 50 to 60°C, for example, 55°C.

[0051] Furthermore, when the control unit 40 of the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, it closes the water-side solenoid valve 14. The second threshold value is a temperature lower than the first threshold value, and is preferably set within a range of 40 to 50°C, for example, 45°C.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the hot water dispenser 2 of this embodiment is configured to open the water-side solenoid valve 14 if it determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value, within a first predetermined time period after the water-side solenoid valve 14 is closed during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. The first predetermined time period is preferably set within a range of 5 to 30 minutes, for example, 10 minutes. The third threshold value is a temperature that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value, and is preferably set within a range of 45 to 55°C, for example, 50°C.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 6a during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control so that the flow rate from the hot water supply channel is smaller than the flow rate from the cold water supply channel.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control so that the total flow rate from the hot water supply channel and the cold water supply channel becomes less than the maximum.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment is configured to issue a first notification via a speaker (not shown) when high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is initiated, and to issue a second notification via the speaker (not shown) if it is not determined that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value within a second predetermined time period from the start of the first notification. The second predetermined time period is preferably set within a range of 1 to 20 seconds, for example, 10 seconds.

[0056] In addition, the control unit 40 of the hot water supply device 2 of this embodiment compares the temperatures detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 and the monitoring temperature sensor 34 at predetermined intervals to monitor whether the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is normal or not.

[0057] The speaker (notification means) is provided in, for example, the remote control 58 (not shown), and is capable of generating or stopping two or more sounds with different volumes and types based on a signal from the control unit 40.

[0058] (Example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the hot water supply device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control of the hot water supply device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, "S" indicates each step.

[0059] 3, when a user operates remote control 58 to discharge water, an operation signal is sent from remote control 58, and mixed water is discharged from outlet 30a into bathtub 54 as normal water discharge (S1). In more detail, control unit 40 receives the operation signal from remote control 58 as normal water discharge operation, opens hot water side solenoid valve 24 and cold water side solenoid valve 14, and at the same time operates temperature adjustment mechanism 6a and flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b of hot and cold water mixing device 6 so that the predetermined temperature and amount of mixed water set on remote control 58 are achieved.

[0060] Thereafter, while the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is lower than the first threshold value (S2: No), the normal water discharge state continues (S1).

[0061] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value due to a malfunction of the cold water side solenoid valve 14, the hot water side solenoid valve 24, or the hot and cold water mixer 6 during water discharge (S2: Yes), the control unit 40 stops controlling the temperature adjustment of the hot and cold water mixer 6 based on the operation signal from the remote control 58 (S3) and executes high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S4). In this case, as high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the control unit 40 opens the cold water side solenoid valve 14 and simultaneously closes the hot water side solenoid valve 24. As a result, if the hot water side solenoid valve 24 is operable, it is closed, and if the cold water side solenoid valve 14 is operable, it is kept open, preventing the hot water supply device 2 from continuously discharging excessively high-temperature mixed water.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the hot and cold water mixer 6 is in an operable state during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 6a of the hot and cold water mixer 6 (S5). Specifically, the temperature adjustment mechanism 6a is controlled so as to reduce the amount of communication between the hot water supply channel 20 and the hot water inlet, and to increase the amount of communication between the water supply channel 10 and the water inlet. As a result, during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the flow rate from the hot water supply channel 20 is made smaller than the flow rate from the water supply channel 10, making it possible to more effectively prevent high-temperature mixed water from being continuously discharged from the hot water supply device 2.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the hot and cold water mixing device 6 is in an operable state during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the control unit 40 controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b of the hot and cold water mixing device 6 (S6). Specifically, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b is controlled so that the total flow rate of the flow rate from the water supply path 10 and the flow rate from the hot water supply path 20 is less than the maximum. This reduces the flow rate of the mixed water during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, making it possible to more effectively prevent more cold and / or hot water from being supplied than necessary.

[0064] At the same time as the start of the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, a first notification is executed to warn the user that excessively high-temperature hot water is being discharged (S7). The control unit 40 generates a sound from a speaker (not shown) as the first notification.

[0065] Thereafter, if the temperature of the mixed water does not fall below the second threshold temperature and the control unit 40 determines that a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S8: Yes), a second notification is executed to warn the user that excessively high-temperature hot water is continuing to be discharged (S9). The control unit 40 generates, for example, a sound different from the first notification from a speaker (not shown) as the second notification, and prevents, for example, the execution of the water filling operation even if the user operates the remote control.

[0066] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or lower than the second threshold value (S10: Yes) before the second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S8: No), the control unit 40 closes the water-side solenoid valve 14 (S11). This closes the water-side solenoid valve 14, stopping the discharge of mixed water and establishing a water-stop state (S12).

[0067] Here, even if a close signal is sent to the hot water side solenoid valve 24 by the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, if there is a malfunction in the hot water side solenoid valve 24, for example, the hot water side solenoid valve 24 will not close completely and will remain open, so when the cold water side solenoid valve 14 closes in S11, only hot water will flow from the hot water side solenoid valve 24 and the temperature of the mixed water will rise again.

[0068] Therefore, if the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (S14: Yes) before the first predetermined time has elapsed since water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S13: No), the control unit 40 opens water-side solenoid valve 14 and keeps water-side solenoid valve 14 open thereafter (S15). This keeps water-side solenoid valve 14 open, preventing excessively high-temperature mixed water from being discharged from outlet 30a.

[0069] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed since the water side solenoid valve 14 was closed without the mixed water reaching a temperature above the third threshold (S13: Yes), the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is terminated (S16).

[0070] Next, an example of the change in temperature of mixed water over time in the hot water dispenser 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the change in temperature of mixed water over time corresponding to the control content of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. "T" indicates each time.

[0071] First, at T0, when the user operates the water dispenser, the temperature of the mixed water rises to the temperature set by operating the remote control 58. However, if, for example, the hot and cold water mixing device 6 is broken, the temperature of the mixed water will rise sharply beyond the set temperature.

[0072] Next, at T1, when the temperature of the mixed water becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value (S2: Yes), the control unit 40 executes high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, closing the hot water side solenoid valve 24 and keeping the cold water side solenoid valve 14 open (S4). The control unit 40 also controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 6a and the flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b (S5, S6). As a result, the temperature of the mixed water begins to decrease, although with a slight time delay.

[0073] At T2, when the temperature of the mixed water becomes equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value (S10: Yes), the control unit 40 closes the water-side solenoid valve 14 (S11).

[0074] Thereafter, if, for example, the hot water side solenoid valve 24 fails and does not close completely but remains open, the temperature of the mixed water will start to rise again.

[0075] At T3, when the temperature of the mixed water reaches a third threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value and greater than the second threshold value (S14), the control unit 40 opens the water-side solenoid valve 14 again and keeps the water-side solenoid valve 14 open thereafter (S15). As a result, the temperature of the mixed water begins to decrease again.

[0076] (Summary of effects) As described above, according to the hot water supply device 2 of one embodiment of the present invention, even if, for example, the hot water side solenoid valve 24 malfunctions or the like causing an excessive amount of hot water to pass through it, or the water side solenoid valve 14 malfunctions or the like causing an insufficient amount of water to pass through it, or the hot water mixing device 6 malfunctions or the like causing the temperature control function to no longer function properly, if it is determined that a temperature above the first threshold value has been detected (S2: Yes), the water side solenoid valve 14 is opened and the hot water side solenoid valve 24 is closed (S4) as a high temperature hot water discharge prevention control, so that if the hot water side solenoid valve 24 is in an operable state, it is closed, and if the water side solenoid valve 14 is in an operable state, it is kept open, thereby preventing excessively high temperature mixed water from being continuously discharged from the hot water supply device 2.

[0077] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the hot water supply device 2 of the present invention, when it is determined that the mixed water has reached a temperature below the second threshold (for example, a safe temperature for heating) (S10: Yes), the water side solenoid valve 14 is closed (S11), thereby preventing more water than necessary from being discharged.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the hot water dispenser 2, if a temperature equal to or greater than a third threshold (lower than the first threshold) is detected while the water-side solenoid valve 14 is closed during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S13), the water-side solenoid valve 14 is reopened (S15). This prevents excessively hot water from being discharged more effectively (sooner) if a malfunction persists. Furthermore, if the hot water-side solenoid valve 24 malfunctions, causing only a small amount of hot water to leak, opening the water-side solenoid valve 14 may result in a large amount of cold water and a small amount of hot water mixing, lowering the detected temperature. Closing the water-side solenoid valve 14 may allow only a small amount of hot water to flow, gradually increasing the detected temperature. If a temperature equal to or greater than the third threshold is detected after the water-side solenoid valve 14 is closed, it is considered a small amount of hot water leakage, and it is preferable for safety reasons to keep the water-side solenoid valve 14 open.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the hot water dispenser 2 of one embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a temperature equal to or higher than a third threshold value lower than the first threshold value has been detected (S14: Yes) during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control after the water-side solenoid valve 14 is closed and before the first predetermined time has elapsed (S13: No), the water-side solenoid valve 14 is reopened (S15), which more effectively (sooner) prevents excessively high-temperature hot water from being discharged if a malfunction or the like persists.If a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold value lower than the first threshold value has not been detected during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control after the water-side solenoid valve 14 is closed and before the first predetermined time has elapsed (S14: No, S13: Yes), for example, the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is terminated (S16).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the hot water supply device 2 of the present invention, during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, if the hot water mixing device 6 is in an operable state, the temperature adjustment mechanism 6a of the hot water mixing device 6 controls the flow rate from the hot water supply path 20 to be smaller than the flow rate from the water supply path 10, thereby more effectively preventing excessively high-temperature mixed water from being supplied.

[0081] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the hot water supply device 2 of the present invention, if the hot water mixing device 6 is in an operable state during high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 6b of the hot water mixing device 6 controls the total flow rate from the hot water supply path 20 and the water supply path 10 to be less than the maximum, thereby more effectively preventing the supply of more water and / or hot water than necessary.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the hot water supply device 2 of the present invention, by executing two stages of notification, the first notification (S7) and the second notification (S9), the user can be made more accurately aware of a state in which a malfunction or the like has occurred.

[0083] Next, modified examples of the control of the control unit 40 of the hot water dispenser 2 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a first modified example, Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a second modified example, and Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a third modified example.

[0084] 5, in the first modified example, regardless of the time that has elapsed since water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S11), if control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (S14: Yes), control unit 40 opens water-side solenoid valve 14, and water-side solenoid valve 14 remains open thereafter (S15). On the other hand, if a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold value is not detected (S14: No), the water stop state continues (S12).

[0085] 6, in the second modification, if the control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (S14: Yes) before the first predetermined time has elapsed since the water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S11) (S13: No), the control unit 40 again repeats the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S4) and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold value is not detected before the first predetermined time has elapsed since the water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S11) and the control unit 40 determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed since the water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S13: Yes), the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is terminated (S16).

[0086] 7, in the third modification, regardless of the time elapsed since water-side solenoid valve 14 was closed (S11), if control unit 40 determines that the temperature detected by mixed water temperature sensor 32 is equal to or higher than the third threshold (S14: Yes), control unit 40 again repeats the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control (S4) and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if a temperature equal to or higher than the third threshold is not detected (S14: No), the water stop state continues (S12).

[0087] Next, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the hot water dispenser 2 according to the present embodiment.

[0088] 8, the hot and cold water dispenser 2 according to the fourth modification has two hot and cold water supply systems. Specifically, it has two hot and cold water mixers 6, 7, two water supply channels 10, 11 and hot water supply channels 20, 21 upstream of the hot and cold water mixers, and two mixed water supply channels 30, 31 downstream of the hot and cold water mixers 6, 7.

[0089] 8, water supply passages 10 and 11 are each provided with a filter 13 for collecting dirt and dust from upstream, water-side solenoid valves 14 and 15, and water temperature sensors 16 and 17. Hot water supply passages 20 and 21 are each provided with a filter 23 for collecting dirt and dust from upstream, hot water-side solenoid valves 24 and 25, and hot water temperature sensors 26 and 27. Mixed water supply passages 30 and 31 are each provided with mixed water temperature sensors 32 and 33 and monitoring temperature sensors 34 and 35 from upstream.

[0090] Hot water supply channels 20 and 21 join upstream, and in this joined hot water supply channel 28, from upstream, there are provided hot water stop valve 22 and two filters 29 for collecting debris and dust. Similarly, water supply channels 10 and 11 join upstream, and in this joined water supply channel 18, there are provided water stop valve 12 and two filters 19 for collecting debris and dust. Mixed water supply channels 30 and 31 join downstream, and in this joined mixed water supply channel 38, there is provided a check valve 36.

[0091] The hot and cold water supply device 2 according to the fourth modification is provided with two hot and cold water supply systems, so that mixed water can be stored in the bathtub more quickly than when only one hot and cold water supply system is provided.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 40 in the embodiment described above is configured to open the water side solenoid valve and close the hot water side solenoid valve as a high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, but if the water side solenoid valve has failed and is inoperable, there is no point in sending an open valve signal to the water side solenoid valve, and similarly, if the hot water side solenoid valve has failed and is inoperable, there is no point in sending a close valve signal to the hot water side solenoid valve.

[0093] Therefore, for example, if it is recognized that the cold water side solenoid valve has failed and is inoperable in some way, the function of sending a valve open signal to the cold water side solenoid valve can be omitted as part of the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. In other words, at least at the time of filing this application, an embodiment in which the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control requires only "closing the hot water side solenoid valve" instead of "opening the cold water side solenoid valve and closing the hot water side solenoid valve" is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] Similarly, for example, if it is recognized that the hot water side solenoid valve has failed and is inoperable in some way, the function of sending a valve close signal to the hot water side solenoid valve can be omitted as part of the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. In other words, at least at the time of filing this application, an embodiment in which the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control requires only that the water side solenoid valve be opened, instead of that that the water side solenoid valve be opened and the hot water side solenoid valve be closed, is also within the scope of the present invention.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the present invention was applied to a hot water supply device installed in a bathtub, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a hot water supply device for a bathroom that discharges water from a shower or faucet, or a hot water supply device installed in a kitchen, hand basin, or vanity. In the case of a hot water supply device installed in a kitchen or bathroom, it may be desired to intentionally discharge high-temperature water, so even when the present invention is applied, it is preferable to have a high-temperature hot water discharge mode that can temporarily disable the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 2 Hot water supply device 6 Hot water mixing device 6a Temperature adjustment mechanism 6b Flow rate adjustment mechanism 10 Water supply channel 14 Water side solenoid valve 16 Water temperature sensor 20 Hot water supply path 24 Hot water side solenoid valve 26 Water temperature sensor 30 Mixed water supply channel 32 Mixed water temperature sensor 40 Control Unit

Claims

1. a water supply line connected to a water supply source; a water-side solenoid valve for controlling the supply of water from the water supply source to the water supply passage; a hot water supply passage connected to a hot water source; a hot water side solenoid valve for controlling hot water supply from the hot water supply source to the hot water supply path; a hot water mixing device that mixes water supplied from the water supply channel and hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel and supplies the mixed water downstream; A temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the hot water / cold water mixing device; a control unit that opens and closes the cold water side solenoid valve and the hot water side solenoid valve; Equipped with When the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, the control unit opens the water side solenoid valve and closes the hot water side solenoid valve as high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, Furthermore, when the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value during the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, the control unit closes the water-side solenoid valve. A hot water supply device characterized by:

2. The control unit opens the water-side solenoid valve when it determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a third threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value while the water-side solenoid valve is closed during the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control.

2. The hot water supply device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit opens the water-side solenoid valve when it determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a third threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value before a first predetermined time has elapsed since the water-side solenoid valve was closed during the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control.

3. The hot water supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The hot water mixing device includes a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts the ratio of the flow rate from the hot water supply channel to the flow rate from the water supply channel, The control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so that the flow rate from the hot water supply channel is smaller than the flow rate from the cold water supply channel during the high-temperature hot water outlet prevention control.

4. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply device is a water supply device for supplying hot water to a water source.

5. A water supply line connected to a water supply source; a water-side solenoid valve for controlling the supply of water from the water supply source to the water supply passage; a hot water supply passage connected to a hot water source; a hot water side solenoid valve for controlling hot water supply from the hot water supply source to the hot water supply path; a hot water mixing device that mixes water supplied from the water supply channel and hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel and supplies the mixed water downstream; A temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the hot water / cold water mixing device; a control unit that opens and closes the cold water side solenoid valve and the hot water side solenoid valve; Equipped with When the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, the control unit opens the water side solenoid valve and closes the hot water side solenoid valve as high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, Furthermore, the hot water mixing device includes a flow rate adjusting mechanism for adjusting the flow rate from the hot water supply channel and the water supply channel, The control unit controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism during the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control so that the total flow rate from the hot water supply channel and the water supply channel is less than the maximum. A hot water supply device characterized by:

6. A water supply line connected to a water supply source; a water-side solenoid valve for controlling the supply of water from the water supply source to the water supply passage; a hot water supply passage connected to a hot water source; a hot water side solenoid valve for controlling hot water supply from the hot water supply source to the hot water supply path; a hot water mixing device that mixes water supplied from the water supply channel and hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel and supplies the mixed water downstream; A temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the hot water / cold water mixing device; a control unit that opens and closes the cold water side solenoid valve and the hot water side solenoid valve; Equipped with When the control unit determines that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, the control unit opens the water side solenoid valve and closes the hot water side solenoid valve as high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control, Further, a notification means for issuing a warning is provided, The control unit causes the notification unit to issue a first notification when the high-temperature hot water discharge prevention control is started, and causes the notification unit to issue a second notification if it is not determined that the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than a temperature lower than a first threshold value until a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first notification. A hot water supply device characterized by:

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