Water discharge device

Abstract

To provide a water discharge device capable of suitably suppressing the drop of water from a water discharge port.SOLUTION: A water discharge device 1 includes a hot water storage part 10, an opening / closing part 20, a water discharge part 30, a water passage part 40, and an air introduction part 50. The hot water storage part 10 stores water supplied from a water supply source and heats it. The opening / closing part 20 opens / closes a supply path 2 for water between the water supply source and the hot water storage part 10. The water discharge part 30 discharges the water stored in the hot water storage part 10. The water passage part 40 forms a flow path to distribute water from the hot water storage part 10 to the water discharge part 30. The air introduction part 50 introduces air into the water passage part 40 to push out the water stored in the flow path in the water passage part 40 to the water discharge part 30 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a water discharging device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional water discharging device. This water discharging device can discharge the water boiled in a hot water storage tank from a spout portion. This water discharging device is a so-called stop type, and the water discharge and stop at the spout portion are executed by opening and closing a water stop portion provided on the upstream side of the hot water storage tank. In this type of water discharging device, when the water is heated in the hot water storage tank, volume expansion occurs, and the expanded water drips from the water discharge port. In the case of Patent Document 1, as a countermeasure against the dripping of this expanded water, air is supplied into the hot water storage tank when the hot water is discharged. The air supplied into the hot water storage tank gathers at the upper part of the hot water storage tank after the discharge of the hot water is completed and is replaced with the hot water in the secondary side pipe. Thereby, Patent Document 1 can absorb the volume expansion of the water in the secondary side pipe and suppress the dripping from the water discharge port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of Patent Document 1, since air is supplied to the primary side pipe, when it enters the hot water storage tank, there is a possibility that it may stay in the hot water storage tank as it is and may not reach the secondary side pipe.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above conventional situation, and an object thereof is to provide a water discharging device that can preferably suppress the dripping of water from the water discharge port.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A water discharge device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a hot water storage section for storing and heating water supplied from a water source; an opening / closing section for opening and closing a water supply path between the water source and the hot water storage section; a water discharge section for discharging the water stored in the hot water storage section; a water passage section for forming a flow path for water to flow from the hot water storage section to the water discharge section; and an air introduction section for introducing air into the water passage section to push water stagnant in the flow path within the water passage section toward the water discharge section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a water discharge device according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Embodiment> The water dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment is installed in washbasins and the like in public places such as toilets in public facilities. The water dispensing device 1 is an automatic faucet with an electric water heater and is capable of dispensing heated water in winter, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the water dispensing device 1 comprises a hot water storage unit 10, an opening / closing unit 20, a water dispensing unit 30, a water passage unit 40, an air introduction unit 50, and a control unit 60.

[0009] The hot water storage section 10 is a sealed tank. The hot water storage section 10 stores and heats water supplied from a water source (not shown). As shown in Figure 1, the hot water storage section 10 has an inlet 11, an outlet 12, and a heater 13. The inlet 11 allows water from the water source to flow into the hot water storage section 10. The inlet 11 is formed at the lower end of the hot water storage section 10. The downstream end of the supply passage 2 is connected to the inlet 11. The supply passage 2 is connected to the water source and supplies water to the hot water storage section 10. The outlet 12 allows water from the hot water storage section 10 to flow out. The outlet 12 is formed at the upper end of the hot water storage section 10. The downstream end of the water passage section 40, which is connected to the water discharge section 30, is connected to the outlet 12.

[0010] The heater 13 heats the water in the hot water storage section 10. The heater 13 is a so-called sheath heater, and is constructed by placing a heating element, such as a nichrome wire, which generates heat when an electric current is passed through it, inside a metal cylinder made of stainless steel or other material with excellent heat resistance and corrosion resistance. The heater 13 has a bimetallic automatic temperature control function. As a result, the water in the hot water storage section 10 is maintained at a temperature of approximately 80°C to 85°C.

[0011] The opening / closing section 20 opens and closes the supply passage 2. As shown in Figure 1, the supply passage 2 is the water flow path between a water source (not shown) and a hot water storage section 10. In the water discharge device 1, the opening / closing section 20 is located in the flow path upstream of the hot water storage section 10. That is, the water discharge device 1 is a shut-off type. The opening / closing section 20 has a solenoid valve. In the opening / closing section 20, the solenoid valve is driven and controlled by the control unit 60. When the supply passage 2 is opened by the opening / closing section 20, water flows from the water source to the hot water storage section 10. When the supply passage 2 is closed by the opening / closing section 20, the supply of water from the water source to the hot water storage section 10 is cut off. A branch section 2A is provided in the supply passage 2. The branch section 2A is connected to one end of the branch passage 3. The other end of the branch passage 3 is connected to the first junction section 41, which will be described later, in the water passage section 40.

[0012] The water discharge unit 30 discharges water stored in the hot water storage unit 10. The water discharge unit 30 can discharge water in two ways: automatic and manual. As shown in Figure 1, the water discharge unit 30 has a water outlet 31, a sensor 32, and a push switch 33. The water outlet 31 is in communication with the flow path in the water passage unit 40. The water discharge unit 31 discharges water that has flowed out of the hot water storage unit 10 and through the water passage unit 40.

[0013] Sensor 32 is used for automatic water discharge at the water outlet 30. Sensor 32 is a photoelectric sensor that utilizes infrared light, and its detection range is set to include the area in front of the water discharge direction at the water outlet 31. When sensor 32 detects an object to be detected, such as a human hand, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 60. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control unit 60 controls the opening / closing unit 20, opening the supply path 2, and automatically discharging water from the water outlet 31.

[0014] The push switch 33 is used for manual water discharge at the water discharge unit 30. The push switch 33 can be switched between continuous water discharge and shut-off by pressing it. When the push switch 33 is pressed, it transmits a signal to the control unit 60. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 60 executes control of the opening / closing unit 20. When the control unit 60 receives a signal from the push switch 33 and the supply path 2 is in an open state, it controls the opening / closing unit 20 to switch the supply path 2 to an open state.

[0015] The water passage section 40 forms a flow path through which water stored in the hot water storage section 10 flows. As described above, the water passage section 40 is connected to the outlet 12 of the hot water storage section 10 at its upstream end. The downstream end of the water passage section 40 is connected to the water discharge section 30. As shown in Figure 1, the water passage section 40 has a first confluence section 41 and a second confluence section 42. The first confluence section 41 and the second confluence section 42 are each located in the intermediate section between the upstream and downstream ends of the water passage section 40. A branching flow path 3 is connected to the first confluence section 41. The branching flow path 3 is a flow path that introduces water from the water source into the water passage section 40 without passing through the hot water storage section 10. The branching flow path 3 is connected to the first confluence section 41 at its downstream end and to a branching section 2A in the supply path 2 at its upstream end. The branching section 2A is located in the supply path 2 between the opening / closing section 20 and the hot water storage section 10.

[0016] A mixing valve 43 is provided at the first junction 41. The mixing valve 43 mixes the water flowing through the water passage 40 with the water flowing through the branch passage 3. That is, the mixing valve 43 mixes unheated water with the water heated in the hot water storage section 10. As a result, water adjusted to an appropriate temperature, for example, 35°C to 39°C, flows through the water passage 40 downstream of the mixing valve 43. The second junction 42 is provided downstream of the first junction 41 in the water passage 40. The downstream end of the air passage 4 is connected to the second junction 42.

[0017] The air inlet 50 introduces air into the water passage 40. The air inlet 50 is equipped with an air pump. The air inlet 50 is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to pump air. The control unit 60 drives the air pump in the air inlet 50 for a predetermined time, for example, 3 to 5 seconds, and then stops it. Air pumped from the air inlet 50 flows through the air passage 4. The air inlet 50 is connected to the upstream end of the air passage 4. The air that has flowed through the air passage 4 is introduced into the water passage 40 from the second confluence 42. As a result, water accumulating in the passage within the water passage 40 is pushed towards the water discharge 30 and discharged from the water discharge port 31. A backflow prevention valve 4A is provided in the middle of the air passage 4 to prevent water from flowing into the air pump.

[0018] In this embodiment, the air introduction unit 50 introduces air into the water passage unit 40 when the opening / closing unit 20 closes the supply passage 2. Specifically, the air introduction unit 50 is driven and controlled by the control unit 60 to start introducing air into the water passage unit 40 when the opening / closing unit 20 switches from an open state to a closed state of the supply passage 2, and to stop introducing air into the water passage unit 40 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0019] The operation of the water discharge device 1 with the above configuration will now be explained. When the water discharge device 1 is in a shut-off state, if the sensor 32 detects an object to be detected, such as the user's hand, or if the push switch 33 is operated in a shut-off state, water will be discharged from the spout 31 of the water discharge section 30. Specifically, the water discharge device 1 drives the opening / closing section 20 based on the detection by the sensor 32, etc., and opens the supply passage 2. As a result, water flows into the hot water storage section 10 from the inlet 11 via the opened supply passage 2. At the same time, the stored and heated water flows out from the outlet 12 of the hot water storage section 10 into the flow path in the water passage section 40. The water that flows out of the hot water storage section 10 flows through the water passage section 40 and is discharged from the spout 31.

[0020] When the water spraying device 1 detects no object by the sensor 32 in the water spraying state or the pressure switch 33 is operated in the water spraying state, the opening / closing part 20 is driven to block the supply path 2. As a result, the water spraying device 1 stops the water spraying from the water spraying port 31. At this time, water remains in the flow path in the water passing part 40. In this state, the water spraying device 1 drives the air introduction part 50 to introduce air into the water passing part 40. The air introduced from the air introduction part 50 enters the flow path in the water passing part 40 on the water spraying part 30 side from the second confluence part 42. As a result, the water remaining in the water passing part 40 is pushed out from the water spraying port 31.

[0021] Once the water spraying device 1 sprays water, new unheated water is supplied from the water supply source to the hot water storage part 10. As a result, the water temperature in the hot water storage part 10 after water spraying decreases. In the case of this embodiment, the hot water storage part 10 has a bimetal type temperature adjustment function, and when the internal water temperature decreases, the heating by the heater 13 is automatically started. The water in the hot water storage part 10 expands as the temperature rises, and the increased volume flows out to the water passing part 40 side. At this time, if the flow path in the water passing part 40 was in a state of being filled with water, the water corresponding to the volume expansion due to the temperature rise is discharged from the water spraying port 31 in a so-called "pot dropping" state. However, after the water spraying device 1 finishes water spraying, the air introduction part 50 is driven for a predetermined time to introduce air into the water passing part 40, so that the volume increase of water due to heating is absorbed by the air. Therefore, the water spraying device 1 prevents the dripping of water from the water spraying port 31 due to the volume expansion of water.

[0022] As described above, the water spraying device 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a hot water storage part 10, an opening / closing part 20, a water spraying part 30, a water passing part 40, and an air introduction part 50. The hot water storage part 10 stores and heats the water supplied from the water supply source. The opening / closing part 20 opens and closes the water supply path 2 between the water supply source and the hot water storage part 10. The water spraying part 30 discharges the water stored in the hot water storage part 10. The water passing part 40 forms a flow path for allowing water to flow from the hot water storage part 10 to the water spraying part 30. The air introduction part 50 introduces air into the water passing part 40 to push out the water remaining in the flow path in the water passing part 40 to the water spraying part 30 side.

[0023] Thus, in the water discharging device 1, air is directly introduced into the water passage portion 40 by the air introduction portion 50. Therefore, the water discharging device 1 can suitably extrude the water staying in the water passage portion 40. Accordingly, the water discharging device 1 can suitably suppress the dripping of water from the water discharging port 31 due to the volume expansion of water.

[0024] In the water discharging device 1, the air introduction portion 50 introduces air into the water passage portion 40 in a state where the opening and closing portion 20 closes the supply passage 2. Therefore, the water discharging device 1 can suitably introduce air to the water discharging portion 30 side in the water passage portion 40.

[0025] <Other Embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described by the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] The configuration of the hot water storage portion according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The hot water storage portion may have, for example, means for measuring the temperature of water such as a thermistor, and the water temperature may be adjusted based on the measurement result.

[0027] The configuration, shape, size, etc. of the water discharging portion according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments. The shape, arrangement, etc. of each component in the water discharging portion are not particularly limited.

[0028] In the water discharging device according to the present disclosure, it is not essential that the water discharging portion includes both a sensor and a pressing switch. That is, the water discharging device may have only one of the functions of automatic water discharging and manual water discharging. When the water discharging portion includes a sensor, the type thereof is not limited to the above embodiments. Examples of the sensor provided in the water discharging portion include non-contact sensors such as a distance measuring sensor and a capacitance type sensor.

[0029] The opening and closing portion according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration having the solenoid valve exemplified in the above embodiments. The opening and closing portion can be configured to have, for example, other types of valves that are electrically operated, such as an electric cylinder valve and an electric ball valve.

[0030] In the water discharge device relating to this disclosure, it is not essential that a mixing valve be provided in the water passage section. An example of a configuration in which the water passage section does not have a mixing valve is a configuration in which water is preheated to an appropriate temperature in a hot water storage tank.

[0031] The configuration of the air intake unit according to this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The air intake unit may, for example, not directly include an air pump, but instead introduce air from an externally located air pump or compressed air generated by an external compressor.

[0032] In the water discharge device according to this disclosure, the method of introducing air by the air introduction unit is not limited to the above embodiment. The air introduction unit may, for example, start introducing air when the heating of water in the hot water storage unit begins. Specifically, for example, the water discharge device according to this disclosure may have a detection unit that detects the operating status of the water heating means in the hot water storage unit, such as whether or not power is supplied to the heater, and the air introduction unit may adopt a configuration in which it introduces air based on the detection result of this detection unit.

[0033] As described above, when the air intake unit starts introducing air when the water in the hot water storage unit starts heating, the air intake unit can take the following forms. In this case, the air intake unit can selectively introduce air when heating starts, depending on whether the supply path has been opened or closed by the opening / closing unit since the last time air was introduced. Specifically, the air intake unit may be controlled by the control unit to introduce air when heating starts if the supply path has been opened or closed by the opening / closing unit since the last time air was introduced. The air intake unit may be controlled by the control unit not to introduce air even when heating starts if the supply path has not been opened or closed by the opening / closing unit since the last time air was introduced. This is because if water has not been discharged since the last time air was introduced, there is no water stagnation in the water passage, and therefore air introduction is unnecessary.

[0034] In the water discharge device according to this disclosure, the mode in which the introduction of air by the air introduction unit is terminated is not limited to the above embodiment. The air introduction unit may, for example, terminate the introduction of air after introducing a predetermined amount of air. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1...Water discharge device, 2...Supply path, 10...Hot water storage section, 20...Opening / closing section, 30...Water discharge section, 40...Water passage section, 50...Air inlet section

Claims

[Claim 1] A hot water storage section having a tank and heater for storing and heating water supplied from a water source, An opening / closing unit for opening and closing the water supply path between the water source and the hot water storage unit, A water discharge section for discharging water stored in the hot water storage section, A water passage section that forms a flow path for water to be circulated from the hot water storage section to the water discharge section, An air introduction unit is provided in the water passage that introduces air into the water passage to push the water remaining in the flow path within the water passage toward the water discharge unit, Equipped with, The air introduction unit has an air pump, and after water is discharged from the water discharge unit, with the opening / closing unit closed on the supply passage, it introduces air before the water in the hot water storage unit expands. A water discharge device that uses air to absorb the increase in volume of water in the hot water storage section that expands due to heating by the heater and flows out to the water passage side.

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