JP3865231B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

Translated fromJapanese

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電気温水器に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を保温する給湯装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、電気温水器の湯を利用して浴槽に給湯する追い焚き機能付の給湯装置では、浴槽に循環路を接続し、この循環路に、浴槽の湯水を循環路に循環させる循環ポンプ、循環路を循環する浴槽の湯水を加熱する電気式のヒータ、浴槽の水位を検知する水位センサ、および浴槽の湯温を検知するサーミスタなどを設け、さらに、ミキシングバルブによって設定湯温に調整した湯を給湯する給湯路を接続している。
【０００３】
そして、浴槽への湯張り時には、給湯路から設定温度の湯を循環路を通じて浴槽に給湯し、設定水位に湯張りする。また、浴槽に湯張りした後、定期的に循環ポンプを駆動して浴槽の湯水を循環路に循環させ、この循環路のサーミスタで湯温を監視し、湯温が設定温度より低下しているときには、ヒータに通電して循環路を循環する浴槽の湯水を加熱し、浴槽の湯温を設定温度に保温している。しかし、電気式のヒータでは能力不足のために保温に時間がかかる問題がある。
【０００４】
また、例えば、特開平１１−８３１５６号公報に記載されているように、電気式のヒータに代えて、循環路を循環する浴槽の湯水を電気温水器に貯湯された湯と熱交換させる熱交換器を設け、電気温水器に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を短時間で保温できる給湯装置が知られている。
【０００５】
また、自動足し湯の機能を有する給湯装置では、水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視し、その水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視しつつ、給湯路からの湯を循環路を通じて浴槽に給湯し、設定水位まで足し湯している。
【０００６】
このような自動足し湯の機能を、電気温水器に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を保温する給湯装置が備えた場合、給湯路からの設定温度の湯を循環路を通じて浴槽に給湯する途中で熱交換器を通過することになる。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述のように、電気温水器に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を保温する給湯装置において、自動足し湯の機能を備えた場合、給湯路からの設定温度の湯が熱交換器を通過するため、設定温度より高い温度の湯が浴槽に給湯され、浴槽の湯温が設定温度より上昇してしまう問題がある。
【０００８】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、電気温水器に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を保温する給湯装置において、足し湯時などに設定温度の湯を浴槽に給湯できる給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の給湯装置は、湯を貯湯する電気温水器と、この電気温水器の湯を使用して浴槽に給湯する給湯路と、前記浴槽に接続される循環配管、浴槽の湯水を循環配管に循環させる循環ポンプ、循環配管を循環する浴槽の湯水を前記電気温水器の湯と熱交換させる熱交換器、循環配管の循環ポンプおよび熱交換器より循環方向上流側に設けられ前記給湯路から循環配管への給湯経路と循環配管内の循環経路とを切り換える切換弁を備えた循環路と、前記循環配管の循環ポンプおよび熱交換器の循環方向上流側と下流側との間を接続するバイパス回路と、このバイパス回路に設けられ、循環方向上流側から下流側に対応した方向にのみ湯の流通を可能とする逆止弁とを具備した給湯装置において、前記循環配管の切換弁より循環方向上流側と浴槽との間に設けられ、浴槽の水位を検知する水位センサと、この水位センサで浴槽の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、前記切換弁で循環配管の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路から循環配管の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えた状態で、前記水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視しつつ給湯路からバイパス回路を通じて浴槽に足し湯させる足し湯制御部とを備えているものである。
【００１０】
そして、この構成では、湯張り時や足し湯時などにおいて、給湯路からの湯を循環路を通じて浴槽に給湯する場合、熱交換器側に流れようとする湯をバイパス回路を通じて浴槽側に流し、設定温度の湯を浴槽に給湯する。また、循環ポンプを駆動して浴槽の湯水を循環路に循環する場合、バイパス回路に設けた逆止弁で浴槽の湯水がバイパス回路を逆流するのを阻止し、浴槽の湯水を正常に循環させる。さらに、水位センサで浴槽の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、切換弁で循環配管の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路から循環配管の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えた状態で、水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視しつつ給湯路からバイパス回路を通じて浴槽に給湯し、設定温度の湯を浴槽に足し湯する。
【００１１】
請求項２記載の給湯装置は、請求項１記載の給湯装置において、給湯路から給湯する湯温を調整する湯温調整手段と、循環配管のバイパス回路より循環方向下流側に設けられた温度検知手段と、この温度検知手段で湯温を監視しながら湯温調整手段を制御する湯温制御部とを備えているものである。
【００１２】
そして、この構成では、循環配管のバイパス回路より循環方向下流側に設けた温度検知手段で湯温を監視しながら、湯温調整手段で給湯路から給湯する湯温を調整し、設定温度の湯を浴槽に給湯する。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１４】
図１に、給湯装置の本実施の形態を示す。
【００１５】
屋内の浴室に浴槽11が配設され、この浴槽11に対して給湯する給湯装置12の本体ユニット13が屋外に設置されている。
【００１６】
本体ユニット13には電気温水器14が配設され、この電気温水器14は、先止押上式の給水給湯方式を採用したもので、貯湯タンク15を有し、この貯湯タンク15内の底部側に貯湯タンク15内の湯水を沸き上げるヒータとして下部ヒータ16が配設され、貯湯タンク15内の上部側に貯湯タンク15内の湯水を沸き上げるヒータとして上部ヒータ17が配設され、貯湯タンク15の下部に減圧弁18および逆止弁19を介して水道管などの給水源に配管される給水管20が接続され、貯湯タンク15の上部に給湯管21が接続されている。
【００１７】
貯湯タンク15の側面には、貯湯タンク15内での例えば６０Ｌ、１２０Ｌおよび１８０Ｌなどの各残湯量に対応した高さ位置に貯湯タンク15内の湯水温度を検知する残湯サーミスタ22が配設されているとともに、貯湯タンク15の底部側に全体沸上時の湯水温度を検知するとともに貯湯タンク15内に給水される給水温度を検知する水温湯温サーミスタ23が配設されている。
【００１８】
そして、先止押上式の電気温水器14では、下部ヒータ16で貯湯タンク15内の湯水を設定温度に沸き上げ、各給湯場所からの出湯時に貯湯タンク15の下部に給水される水圧で湯水を押し上げて給湯管21を通じて給湯する。貯湯タンク15内の上部の湯層と下部の水層とは湯水混合層を介して分離しており、湯の使用に伴って湯水混合層が上昇することになる。
【００１９】
また、給水管20の減圧弁18の下流側と給湯管21とは、給湯用のミキシングバルブ24および浴槽給湯用の湯温調整手段としてのミキシングバルブ25に接続されている。これらミキシングバルブ24，25により、給水管20を通じて給水される水と電気温水器14から給湯管21を通じて給湯される湯とを混合するとともに、水と湯との混合割合により吐出側に出湯する湯温を設定温度に調整する。
【００２０】
給湯用のミキシングバルブ24の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、浴槽のシャワー、台所や洗面所などの給湯場所に接続される配管26が接続され、この配管26に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ27および湯温を検知する給湯サーミスタ28が配設されている。そして、これら流量センサ27および給湯サーミスタ28の検知に基づいて、ミキシングバルブ24が制御される。
【００２１】
浴槽給湯用のミキシングバルブ25の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、配管29が接続され、この配管29の途中に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ30、断水などで給水圧力が低下した場合にミキシングバルブ25側と浴槽11側とを分離する機能を有するホッパ31が接続されている。そして、給湯管21および配管29などを含んで電気温水器14の湯を使用して浴槽11に給湯するための給湯路32が形成されている。なお、ホッパ31には、このホッパ31に引き込まれる配管29の管路入口を開閉する図示しない給湯電磁弁が設けられている。
【００２２】
また、浴槽11には循環路33の循環配管34が接続されている。この循環配管34は、浴槽11に設置される循環金具35に接続された往き配管36および戻り配管37を有し、循環配管34の途中に配設される循環ポンプ38の駆動によって浴槽11の湯水を戻り配管37から吸い込むとともに往き配管36から浴槽11に吐出する循環方向に循環させる。
【００２３】
循環配管34には、循環方向上流側から順に、戻り配管37での湯温を検知する戻りサーミスタ39、浴槽11内の水位を検知する圧力センサである水位センサ40、給湯路32から循環配管34への給湯経路と循環配管34内の循環経路とを切り換える切換弁としての三方弁41、循環ポンプ38、循環配管34内の湯水の流れを検知するフロースイッチ42、貯湯タンク15内の上部側に設置されて循環配管34を循環する湯水を貯湯タンク15内に沸き上げられている高温の湯と熱交換させる熱交換器43、および往き配管36での湯温を検知する温度検知手段としての往きサーミスタ44が配設されている。なお、熱交換器43では、循環配管34の配管中を流通する湯の流路抵抗に比べて大きい流路抵抗を有し、熱交換器43内を流通する湯水の流速を抑えて貯湯タンク15内の湯と確実に熱交換できるようにしている。また、三方弁41を基準として、この三方弁41の循環方向上流側を戻り配管37、循環方向下流側を往き配管36としている。
【００２４】
循環配管34の循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43の循環方向上流側と下流側との間、つまり三方弁41および循環ポンプ38の間と熱交換器43および往きサーミスタ44との間にバイパス回路45が接続され、このバイパス回路45に循環方向上流側から下流側に対応した方向にのみ湯の流通を可能とする逆止弁46が配設されている。
【００２５】
また、給湯装置12は、給湯装置12を制御する制御装置51を有し、この制御装置51には、図示していないが、台所などに配設されるメインリモコン、および浴室内に配設される浴室リモコンなどが接続されている。
【００２６】
制御装置51は、水位センサ40で浴槽11の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換え、水位センサ40で浴槽11の水位を監視しつつ給湯路32からバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11に足し湯させる足し湯制御部52の機能、往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視しながらミキシングバルブ25を制御する湯温制御部53の機能などを有している。
【００２７】
次に、本実施の形態の作用を説明する。
【００２８】
電気温水器14では、深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯において、下部ヒータ16および上部ヒータ17を必要に応じて使い分けて通電し、貯湯タンク15に給水されている水および残湯として使われなかった湯水を設定温度に沸き上げる。
【００２９】
そして、制御装置51の制御によって浴槽11に自動湯張りする場合、初回湯張り時には、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて往き配管36を通じて１管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路32のミキシングバルブ25で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁41の循環方向下流側へ流す。三方弁41の循環方向下流側には熱交換器43が位置するが、この熱交換器43の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁41の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11に流れる。すなわち、初回湯張り時には、給湯路32からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器43を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ25で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯でき、さらに、往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ25からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。初回湯張り中は、流量センサ30で検知される給湯量と水位センサ40で検知される浴槽11の水位とを監視し、給湯量と水位との関係を制御装置51に記憶する。浴槽11に設定水位まで給湯したら、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００３０】
初回湯張り時以降の次回湯張り時には、三方弁41で給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向上流側および下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて循環配管34の往き配管36および戻り配管37を通じて２管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路32のミキシングバルブ25で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁41の循環方向上流側および下流側へ流す。三方弁41の循環方向下流側には熱交換器43が位置するが、この熱交換器43の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁41の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11に流れる。すなわち、次回湯張り時には、給湯路32から循環方向上流側に流れる湯がａ→ｅの順に流れるとともに、給湯路32から循環方向下流側に給湯路32からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器43を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ25で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯でき、さらに、戻りサーミスタ39および往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ25からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。次回湯張り中は、流量センサ30で検知される給湯量を監視し、初回湯張り時に求めた給湯量と水位との関係に基づいて設定水位に対応する給湯量分を給湯したら、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００３１】
また、自動湯張りを終了したら、一定時間毎に自動保温運転を実行する。まず、三方弁41で循環配管34内の循環経路に切り換え、循環ポンプ38を駆動し、浴槽11内の湯水を戻り配管37に引き込むとともに往き配管36から浴槽11に戻すように、浴槽11と循環配管34との間で浴槽11内の湯水を強制的に循環させる。この循環はフロースイッチ42のオンで検知できる。
【００３２】
循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43と並列にバイパス回路45が接続されているが、このバイパス回路45の入口側が循環ポンプ38の吸い込み側に接続されているため、循環ポンプ38の吸込力によって三方弁41側からバイパス回路45へは湯水が流れず、また、バイパス回路45の逆止弁46により往き配管36側からバイパス回路45を通じて循環ポンプ38側に逆流するのを阻止する。
【００３３】
そのため、循環時には、循環ポンプ38で吸い込む湯水がｆ→ｇ→ｈ→ｉ→ｊ→ｄ→ｋ→ｌ→ｆの順に流れて循環配管34と浴槽11との間で循環する。
【００３４】
戻りサーミスタ39で浴槽11の湯水の湯温を検知し、設定温度に対して所定温度以上の低下がないか監視する。所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認されなければ、循環ポンプ38を停止する。
【００３５】
所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認された場合には、設定温度に達するまで循環ポンプ38の駆動を継続する。循環される湯水は熱交換器43に送られ、貯湯タンク15に貯湯されている高温の湯との熱交換によって加熱され、この加熱された湯水が浴槽11に戻され、浴槽11内の湯水の温度が上昇する。そして、設定温度に達したら、循環ポンプ38を停止し、自動保温動作を終了する。
【００３６】
また、湯張り後の自動保温運転をしていないときには、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止して、浴槽11の湯水の圧力が戻り配管37の水位センサ40にかかるようにし、水位センサ40で浴槽11の水位を検知し、設定水位に対して所定水位以上の低下がないか監視する。
【００３７】
所定水位以上の水位の低下が確認された場合には、浴槽11に設定温度の湯を足し湯する自動足し湯運転を実行する。この自動足し湯運転では、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて往き配管36を通じて１管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路32のミキシングバルブ25で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁41の循環方向下流側へ流す。三方弁41の循環方向下流側には熱交換器43が位置するが、この熱交換器43の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁41の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11に流れる。すなわち、自動足し湯運転時には、給湯路32からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器43を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ25で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯でき、さらに、往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ25からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。
【００３８】
そして、浴槽11の水位が設定水位に達したら、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、自動足し湯運転を終了する。
【００３９】
このように、湯張り時や足し湯時などにおいて、給湯路32からの湯を循環路33を通じて浴槽11に給湯する場合、熱交換器43側に流れようとする湯をバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11側に流すことができ、設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯でき、また、循環ポンプ38を駆動して浴槽11の湯水を循環路33に循環する場合、バイパス回路45に設けた逆止弁46で浴槽11の湯水がバイパス回路45を逆流するのを阻止するため、浴槽11の湯水を正常に循環させることができる。
【００４０】
特に、足し湯時においては、水位センサ40で浴槽11の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えた状態で、水位センサ40で浴槽11の水位を監視しつつ給湯路32からバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽11に給湯できるため、設定温度の湯を浴槽11に足し湯できる。
【００４１】
しかも、電気温水器14に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽11の湯水を保温する給湯装置12において、バイパス回路45および逆止弁46を設けるだけの簡単な構成で、電磁弁などの電気部品を使用せずに、設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯でき、コストを低減できる。
【００４２】
また、循環配管34のバイパス回路45より循環方向下流側に設けた往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視しながら、ミキシングバルブ25で給湯路32から給湯する湯温を調整するため、確実に設定温度の湯を浴槽11に給湯できる。
【００４３】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の給湯装置によれば、湯張り時や足し湯時などにおいて、給湯路からの湯を循環路を通じて浴槽に給湯する場合、熱交換器側に流れようとする湯をバイパス回路を通じて浴槽側に流すことができ、設定温度の湯を浴槽に給湯でき、また、循環ポンプを駆動して浴槽の湯水を循環路に循環する場合、バイパス回路に設けた逆止弁で浴槽の湯水がバイパス回路を逆流するのを阻止するため、浴槽の湯水を正常に循環させることができるうえに、さらに、水位センサで浴槽の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、切換弁で循環配管の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路から循環配管の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えた状態で、水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視しつつ給湯路からバイパス回路を通じて浴槽に給湯するため、設定温度の湯を浴槽に足し湯できる。
【００４４】
請求項２記載の給湯装置によれば、請求項１記載の給湯装置の効果に加えて、循環配管のバイパス回路より循環方向下流側に設けた温度検知手段で湯温を監視しながら、湯温調整手段で給湯路から給湯する湯温を調整するため、確実に設定温度の湯を浴槽に給湯できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の本実施の形態を示す給湯装置の構成図である。
【符号の説明】
11 浴槽
12 給湯装置
14 電気温水器
25 湯温調整手段としてのミキシングバルブ
32 給湯路
33 循環路
34 循環配管
38 循環ポンプ
40 水位センサ
41 切換弁としての三方弁
43 熱交換器
44 温度検知手段としての往きサーミスタ
45 パイパス回路
46 逆止弁
52 足し湯制御部
53 湯温制御部
63 足し湯制御部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus that keeps hot water in a bathtub using the heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a hot water supply device with a reheating function that uses hot water from an electric water heater to supply water to a bathtub, a circulation path is connected to the bathtub, and a circulation pump that circulates hot water from the bathtub to the circulation path is connected to the circulation path. An electric heater that heats the hot water in the bathtub that circulates in the path, a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub, and a thermistor that detects the hot water temperature in the bathtub are provided. A hot water supply path to supply hot water is connected.
[0003]
And at the time of hot water filling to a bathtub, hot water of set temperature is supplied to a bathtub through a circulation path from a hot water supply path, and hot water is filled to a set water level. Also, after filling the bathtub, the circulation pump is driven periodically to circulate the hot water in the bathtub to the circulation path, and the hot water temperature is monitored by the thermistor in this circulation path, and the hot water temperature is lower than the set temperature. Sometimes, the heater is energized to heat the hot water in the bathtub circulating in the circulation path, and the hot water temperature in the bathtub is kept at the set temperature. However, the electric heater has a problem that it takes time to keep warm because of insufficient capacity.
[0004]
Further, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-83156, in place of an electric heater, heat exchange is performed in which hot water in a bathtub circulating in the circulation path is exchanged with hot water stored in an electric water heater. There has been known a hot water supply apparatus that can provide hot water in a bathtub in a short time by using a hot water stored in an electric water heater.
[0005]
In addition, in a hot water supply device having a function of automatic addition hot water, the water level sensor monitors the water level of the bathtub, and when it detects that the water level has dropped below the set water level, the water level sensor monitors the water level of the bathtub, Hot water from the water is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path and added to the set water level.
[0006]
When a hot water supply device that retains the hot water in the bathtub using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater is equipped with such a function of automatic addition hot water, hot water at a set temperature from the hot water supply path is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path. It passes through the heat exchanger in the middle of hot water supply.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As mentioned above, in the hot water supply device that keeps the hot water in the bathtub using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater, the hot water of the set temperature from the hot water supply path is heat exchanged when it has the function of automatic addition hot water Therefore, there is a problem that hot water having a temperature higher than the set temperature is supplied to the bathtub, and the hot water temperature in the bathtub rises above the set temperature.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in a hot water supply apparatus that keeps hot water in a bathtub using the heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater, An object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply apparatus that can supply hot water.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Water heater請 Motomeko1 described,an electric water heater to the hot water storage hot water, and hot water supply passage for hot water supply to the tub using the hot water of the electric water heater, circulation pipes connected to the tub, the hot water of the bathtub A circulating pump for circulating through the circulation pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging the hot water in the bathtub circulating through the circulation pipe with the hot water of the electric water heater, the circulation pump of the circulation pipe, and the hot water supply provided upstream in the circulation direction from the heat exchanger Connecting a circulation path with a switching valve for switching between a hot water supply path from the path to the circulation pipe and a circulation path in the circulation pipe, and the circulation pump of the circulation pipe and the upstream side and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the heat exchanger And a check valve provided in the bypass circuit and capable of circulating hot water only in a direction corresponding to the downstream side from the upstream side of the circulation direction. Upstream direction Is provided between the tub and closed with a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the tub when the water level of the tub is detected that falls below the set water level inthe water level sensor, a circulating direction upstream side of the circulation pipe in the switching valve And an additional hot water control unit for adding hot water to the bathtub through the bypass circuit from the hot water supply path while monitoring the water level of the bathtub with the water level sensor in a state where the hot water supply path is switched from the hot water supply path to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe. It is what it has.
[0010]
And, in this configuration, whenhot water from the hot water supply path is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path, for example, when filling with hot water or adding hot water, the hot water that flows to the heat exchanger side is caused to flow to the bathtub side through the bypass circuit, Supply hot water at the set temperature to the bathtub. In addition, when the hot water in the bathtub is circulated in the circulation path by driving the circulation pump, the check valve provided in the bypass circuit prevents the hot water in the bathtub from flowing back through the bypass circuit and circulates the hot water in the bathtub normally. . Furthermore , when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the bathtub has dropped below the set water level, the switching valve closes the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe and switches from the hot water supply path to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe. In this state, while monitoring the water level of the bathtub with the water level sensor, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply path to the bathtub through the bypass circuit, and hot water at the set temperature is added to the bathtub.
[0011]
Temperature water heater of claim2, wherein the hot water apparatus according to claim1 Symbol placement, which the hot water temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of hot water for hot water from the hot water supply passage, provided in the bypass circuit from the circulating direction downstream side of the circulation pipe It comprises a detecting means and a hot water temperature control unit for controlling the hot water temperature adjusting means while monitoring the hot water temperature with this temperature detecting means.
[0012]
In this configuration, while the hot water temperature is monitored by the temperature detection means provided downstream of the circulation pipe bypass circuit in the circulation direction, the hot water temperature adjustment means adjusts the hot water temperature supplied from the hot water supply passage, and the hot water at the set temperature. Hot water in the bathtub.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 showsthis embodiment of the hot water supply apparatus.
[0015]
A bathtub 11 is disposed in an indoor bathroom, and amain body unit 13 of a hot water supply apparatus 12 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 11 is installed outdoors.
[0016]
Themain body unit 13 is provided with an electric water heater 14, which employs a first-stop push-up type hot water supply hot water system, and has a hotwater storage tank 15, on the bottom side in the hotwater storage tank 15. Alower heater 16 is provided as a heater for boiling hot water in the hotwater storage tank 15, and an upper heater 17 is provided as a heater for boiling hot water in the hotwater storage tank 15 on the upper side of the hotwater storage tank 15. Awater supply pipe 20 is connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe via apressure reducing valve 18 and acheck valve 19, and a hotwater supply pipe 21 is connected to an upper part of the hotwater storage tank 15.
[0017]
On the side surface of the hotwater storage tank 15, a remaininghot water thermistor 22 for detecting the hot water temperature in the hotwater storage tank 15 is disposed at a height corresponding to the amount of remaining hot water such as 60L, 120L and 180L in the hotwater storage tank 15, for example. In addition, a hotwater temperature thermistor 23 for detecting the temperature of the hot water at the time of total boiling and detecting the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hotwater storage tank 15 is disposed on the bottom side of the hotwater storage tank 15.
[0018]
In the first-stop push-up type electric water heater 14, the hot water in the hotwater storage tank 15 is boiled to a set temperature by thelower heater 16, and hot water is supplied by the water pressure supplied to the lower part of the hotwater storage tank 15 when the hot water is discharged from each hot water supply place. The hot water is pushed up and hot water is supplied through the hotwater supply pipe 21. The upper hot water layer and the lower hot water layer in the hotwater storage tank 15 are separated via the hot water mixed layer, and the hot water mixed layer rises as hot water is used.
[0019]
Further, the downstream side of thepressure reducing valve 18 of thewater supply pipe 20 and the hotwater supply pipe 21 are connected to amixing valve 24 for hot water supply and amixing valve 25 as hot water temperature adjusting means for bath hot water supply. Themixing valves 24 and 25 mix the water supplied through thewater supply pipe 20 with the hot water supplied from the electric water heater 14 through the hotwater supply pipe 21 and hot water discharged to the discharge side by the mixing ratio of water and hot water. Adjust the temperature to the set temperature.
[0020]
Apipe 26 connected to a hot water supply place such as a bathtub shower, kitchen or washroom is connected to the discharge side of the hot water at the set temperature of themixing valve 24 for hot water supply, and the flow rate of hot water is detected in this pipe 26 Aflow rate sensor 27 and a hotwater supply thermistor 28 for detecting hot water temperature are disposed. The mixingvalve 24 is controlled based on the detection of theflow rate sensor 27 and the hotwater supply thermistor 28.
[0021]
Thepipe 29 is connected to the discharge side that discharges hot water at the set temperature of the mixingvalve 25 for bath hot water supply. Theflow rate sensor 30 detects the hot water flow rate in the middle of thepipe 29, and the water supply pressure has dropped due to water shutoff. In this case, a hopper 31 having a function of separating the mixingvalve 25 side and the bathtub 11 side is connected. A hotwater supply path 32 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 11 using the hot water of the electric water heater 14 is formed including the hotwater supply pipe 21 and thepipe 29. The hopper 31 is provided with a hot water supply solenoid valve (not shown) that opens and closes the pipe inlet of thepipe 29 drawn into the hopper 31.
[0022]
In addition, a circulation pipe 34 of a circulation path 33 is connected to the bathtub 11. This circulation pipe 34 has a forward pipe 36 and a return pipe 37 connected to a circulation fitting 35 installed in the bathtub 11, and the hot water of the bathtub 11 is driven by the circulation pump 38 disposed in the middle of the circulation pipe 34. Is sucked from the return pipe 37 and circulated in the circulation direction to be discharged from the forward pipe 36 to the bathtub 11.
[0023]
The circulation pipe 34 includes, in order from the upstream side in the circulation direction, areturn thermistor 39 that detects the hot water temperature in the return pipe 37, a water level sensor 40 that is a pressure sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub 11, and the circulation pipe 34 from the hotwater supply path 32. A three-way valve 41 as a switching valve for switching between a hot water supply path to the circulation path and a circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, a circulation pump 38, aflow switch 42 for detecting the flow of hot water in the circulation pipe 34, and an upper side in the hotwater storage tank 15 Heat exchanger 43 for exchanging heat with hot water boiling in the hotwater storage tank 15 and hot water circulating in the circulation pipe 34 and the temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the outward pipe 36 A thermistor 44 is provided. It should be noted that the heat exchanger 43 has a flow resistance greater than that of the hot water flowing through the piping of the circulation pipe 34, and suppresses the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the heat exchanger 43 so that the hotwater storage tank 15 Heat exchange with the hot water inside is ensured. Further, with the three-way valve 41 as a reference, the upstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41 is a return pipe 37 and the downstream side in the circulation direction is an outgoing pipe 36.
[0024]
Bypass circuit 45 between the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43 in the circulation pipe 34 between the upstream and downstream sides in the circulation direction, that is, between the three-way valve 41 and the circulation pump 38 and between the heat exchanger 43 and the forward thermistor 44. Is connected to the bypass circuit 45, and a check valve 46 is provided that allows hot water to flow only in the direction corresponding to the upstream side to the downstream side in the circulation direction.
[0025]
The hot water supply device 12 has acontrol device 51 for controlling the hot water supply device 12, and thiscontrol device 51 is provided in a main remote control provided in a kitchen or the like and in a bathroom (not shown). A bathroom remote control is connected.
[0026]
When the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level in the bathtub 11 has dropped below the set water level, thecontrol device 51 closes the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 with the three-way valve 41 and circulates the circulation pipe 34 from the hotwater supply path 32. The function of thehot water controller 52 for adding hot water to the bathtub 11 through the bypass circuit 45 from the hotwater supply path 32 while monitoring the water level of the bathtub 11 with the water level sensor 40 and the hot water temperature with the forward thermistor 44 The hot watertemperature control unit 53 functions to control the mixingvalve 25 while monitoring.
[0027]
Next, the operation of thepresent embodiment will be described.
[0028]
In the electric water heater 14, thelower heater 16 and the upper heater 17 are energized separately as necessary in a specific time zone such as late-night power hours, and are not used as water supplied to the hotwater storage tank 15 or remaining hot water. Boil the hot water to the set temperature.
[0029]
When automatically filling the bathtub 11 under the control of thecontrol device 51, at the time of the first filling, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 from the hotwater supply path 32. The hot water supply solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is opened and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixingvalve 25 of the hotwater supply passage 32 is switched to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41. To flow. Although the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flowing downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction is bypass circuit 45. Flows into the bathtub 11 through. That is, at the time of the first hot water filling, most of the hot water from the hotwater supply path 32 flows in the order of a → b → c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water is heated after passing through the heat exchanger 43, hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixingvalve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and further, the hot water temperature is monitored by the forward thermistor 44 and mixed. By controlling the temperature of the hot water from thevalve 25, hot water having an accurate set temperature can be supplied. During the first hot water filling, the amount of hot water detected by theflow sensor 30 and the water level of the bathtub 11 detected by the water level sensor 40 are monitored, and the relationship between the hot water amount and the water level is stored in thecontrol device 51. When hot water is supplied to the bathtub 11 to the set water level, the hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop hot water supply, and the hot water filling is completed.
[0030]
At the next hot water filling after the first hot water filling, the three-way valve 41 switches the hotwater supply path 32 from the hotwater supply path 32 to the upstream and downstream in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34, and 2 through the return pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation pipe 34. The hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixingvalve 25 of the hotwater supply passage 32 flows to the upstream side and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41. Although the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flowing downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction is bypass circuit 45. Flows into the bathtub 11 through. That is, at the next hot water filling, hot water flowing from the hotwater supply path 32 to the upstream side in the circulation direction flows in the order of a → e, and most of the hot water from the hotwater supply path 32 flows from the hotwater supply path 32 to the downstream side in the circulation direction. It flows in the order of c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water is heated after passing through the heat exchanger 43, hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixingvalve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and the hot water temperature can be adjusted by thereturn thermistor 39 and the forward thermistor 44. By monitoring and controlling the temperature of the hot water discharged from the mixingvalve 25, hot water having an accurate set temperature can be supplied. During the next hot water filling, the amount of hot water detected by theflow sensor 30 is monitored, and when the hot water amount corresponding to the set water level is supplied based on the relationship between the hot water amount obtained at the first hot water filling and the water level, the hopper 31 Close the hot water solenoid valve to stop the hot water supply and complete the filling.
[0031]
In addition, when the automatic hot water filling is finished, an automatic heat insulation operation is executed at regular time intervals. First, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, draws hot water in the bathtub 11 into the return pipe 37, and returns to the bathtub 11 from the forward pipe 36. Hot water in the bathtub 11 is forcibly circulated between the pipes 34. This circulation can be detected when theflow switch 42 is turned on.
[0032]
A bypass circuit 45 is connected in parallel with the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43. Since the inlet side of the bypass circuit 45 is connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 38, the three-way valve is driven by the suction force of the circulation pump 38. Hot water does not flow from the 41 side to the bypass circuit 45, and the check valve 46 of the bypass circuit 45 prevents the reverse flow from the forward piping 36 side to the circulation pump 38 side through the bypass circuit 45 side.
[0033]
Therefore, at the time of circulation, the hot water sucked by the circulation pump 38 flows in the order of f → g → h → i → j → d → k → l → f and circulates between the circulation pipe 34 and the bathtub 11.
[0034]
Thereturn thermistor 39 detects the hot water temperature of the bathtub 11 and monitors whether there is a decrease in the set temperature or more from the predetermined temperature. If a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is not confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0035]
When a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is continuously driven until the set temperature is reached. The circulated hot water is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and heated by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the hotwater storage tank 15, and the heated hot water is returned to the tub 11, and the hot water in the tub 11 is heated. The temperature rises. When the set temperature is reached, the circulation pump 38 is stopped and the automatic heat retaining operation is terminated.
[0036]
In addition, when the automatic heat insulation operation is not performed after filling with water, the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 is closed by the three-way valve 41 so that the hot water pressure in the bathtub 11 is applied to the water level sensor 40 in the return pipe 37. The water level sensor 40 detects the water level of the bathtub 11 and monitors whether the water level is lower than a predetermined level with respect to the set water level.
[0037]
When a drop in the water level above a predetermined water level is confirmed, an automatic addition hot water operation is performed in which hot water having a set temperature is added to the bathtub 11. In this automatic addition hot water operation, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 and switches to the hot water supply path from the hotwater supply path 32 to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 to supply one pipe hot water through the forward pipe 36. The hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixingvalve 25 of the hotwater supply path 32 is caused to flow downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. Although the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flowing downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction is bypass circuit 45. Flows into the bathtub 11 through. That is, during the automatic addition hot water operation, most of the hot water from the hotwater supply path 32 flows in the order of a → b → c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water is heated after passing through the heat exchanger 43, hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixingvalve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and further, the hot water temperature is monitored by the forward thermistor 44 and mixed. By controlling the temperature of the hot water from thevalve 25, hot water having an accurate set temperature can be supplied.
[0038]
When the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the set water level, the hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop the hot water supply, and the automatic addition hot water operation is terminated.
[0039]
As described above, when hot water from the hotwater supply path 32 is supplied to the bathtub 11 through the circulation path 33 at the time of hot water filling or addition hot water, the hot water which is about to flow to the heat exchanger 43 side is passed through the bypass circuit 45 to the bathtub 11. When the hot water of the set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 11 and the circulating pump 38 is driven to circulate the hot water of the bathtub 11 to the circulation path 33, the check valve 46 provided in the bypass circuit 45 Since the hot water in the bathtub 11 is prevented from flowing back through the bypass circuit 45, the hot water in the bathtub 11 can be normally circulated.
[0040]
In particular, when adding hot water, when the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level in the bathtub 11 has dropped below the set water level, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 and the circulation pipe from the hotwater supply path 32. Since the water level sensor 40 monitors the water level of the bathtub 11 with the water level sensor 40 while switching to the hot water supply path downstream of the circulation direction 34, hot water of the set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 11 through the bypass circuit 45. You can add hot water.
[0041]
Moreover, in the hot water supply device 12 that keeps the hot water in the bathtub 11 using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater 14, it has a simple configuration in which only the bypass circuit 45 and the check valve 46 are provided. Without using electric parts, hot water at a set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 11 and the cost can be reduced.
[0042]
Also, while monitoring the hot water temperature with the forward thermistor 44 provided downstream of the bypass circuit 45 in the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction, the hot water temperature supplied from the hotwater supply path 32 is adjusted with the mixingvalve 25, so that the set temperature Hot water can be supplied to bathtub 11.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
According to the hot water supply device according to claim 1, when hot water from the hot water supply path is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path when hot water is filled or added hot water, the hot water that flows to the heat exchanger side is passed through the bypass circuit. When the hot water of the set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub, and when the circulating pump is driven to circulate the hot water of the bathtub to the circulation path, the hot water of the bathtub is supplied by a check valve provided in the bypass circuit. In order to prevent reverse flow in the bypass circuit, hot water in the bathtub can be circulated normally, and when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the bathtub has dropped below the set water level, the switching valve is used to circulate piping. In the state where the upstream side in the circulation direction is closed and the hot water supply path is switched from the hot water supply path to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation piping, the water level of the bathtub is monitored by the water level sensor and supplied to the bathtub through the bypass circuit. In order to, can be hot water plus the hot water of the set temperature in the bathtub.
[0044]
According to the hot water supply device according to claim2, in addition to the effect of the water heater according to claim1 Symbol placement, while monitoring the hot water temperature at a temperature detecting means provided the bypass circuit of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction downstream side, the hot water Since the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply path is adjusted by the temperature adjusting means, hot water at the set temperature can be reliably supplied to the bathtub.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus according to thepresent embodiment of the presentinvention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Bathtub
12 Water heater
14 Electric water heater
25 water mixingvalves as temperature adjusting means
32 Hot water supply path
33 Circuit
34 Circulation piping
38 Circulation pump
40 Water level sensor
41 Three-way valve as switching valve
43 heat exchanger
44 Outward thermistor as temperature detection means
45 Bypass circuit
46 Check valve
52 Addition hot water control unit
53 Hot water temperature controlunit
63 Addition hot water controlunit

Claims (2)

Translated fromJapanese

湯を貯湯する電気温水器と、
この電気温水器の湯を使用して浴槽に給湯する給湯路と、
前記浴槽に接続される循環配管、浴槽の湯水を循環配管に循環させる循環ポンプ、循環配管を循環する浴槽の湯水を前記電気温水器の湯と熱交換させる熱交換器、循環配管の循環ポンプおよび熱交換器より循環方向上流側に設けられ前記給湯路から循環配管への給湯経路と循環配管内の循環経路とを切り換える切換弁を備えた循環路と、
前記循環配管の循環ポンプおよび熱交換器の循環方向上流側と下流側との間を接続するバイパス回路と、
このバイパス回路に設けられ、循環方向上流側から下流側に対応した方向にのみ湯の流通を可能とする逆止弁と
を具備した給湯装置において、
前記循環配管の切換弁より循環方向上流側と浴槽との間に設けられ、浴槽の水位を検知する水位センサと、
この水位センサで浴槽の水位が設定水位より低下したことを検知したとき、前記切換弁で循環配管の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路から循環配管の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えた状態で、前記水位センサで浴槽の水位を監視しつつ給湯路からバイパス回路を通じて浴槽に足し湯させる足し湯制御部とを備えている
ことを特徴とする給湯装置。An electric water heater that stores hot water,
A hot water supply passage that supplies hot water to the bathtub using hot water of this electric water heater,
A circulation pipe connected to the bathtub, a circulation pump for circulating the hot water in the bathtub to the circulation pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat from the hot water in the bathtub circulating through the circulation pipe with the hot water in the electric water heater, a circulation pump for the circulation pipe, and A circulation path provided with a switching valve that is provided on the upstream side in the circulation direction from the heat exchanger and switches between a hot water supply path from the hot water supply path to the circulation pipe and a circulation path in the circulation pipe;
A bypass circuit for connecting the circulation pump of the circulation pipe and the circulation direction upstream side and downstream side of the heat exchanger;
A check valve provided in the bypass circuit, which allows hot water to flow only in a direction corresponding to the downstream side from the upstream side in the circulation direction;
In the hot water supply apparatus comprising
Provided betweensaid circulation pipe circulating the upstream side and the tub from the switching valve, and a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the bathtub,
When this water level sensor detects that the water level in the bathtub has dropped below the set water level, the switching valve closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and switches from the hot water supply path to the downstream of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction. in state, hot watersupply device characterized by comprising a sum hot water controller is hot water added to the bath through the water level sensor in the bypass circuit from the hot-water supply path while monitoring the water level of the tub. 給湯路から給湯する湯温を調整する湯温調整手段と、
循環配管のバイパス回路より循環方向下流側に設けられた温度検知手段と、
この温度検知手段で湯温を監視しながら湯温調整手段を制御する湯温制御部とを備えている
ことを特徴とする請求項１記載の給湯装置。Hot water temperature adjusting means for adjusting the hot water temperature supplied from the hot water supply path;
Temperature detection means provided downstream in the circulation direction from the bypass circuit of the circulation piping;
The temperature detecting means according to claim1 Symbol mounting of the water heater, characterized in that it comprises a hot water temperature control unit for controlling the water temperature adjusting means while monitoring the hot water temperature at.

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