JP3696309B2

JP3696309B2 - Abnormality detection method for water volume sensor in hot water supply system

Info

Publication number: JP3696309B2
Application number: JP32418795A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 功本多
Original assignee: Rinnai Corp
Current assignee: Rinnai Corp
Priority date: 1995-12-13
Filing date: 1995-12-13
Publication date: 2005-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2015-12-13
Also published as: JPH09159266A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、給湯装置に備えた水量センサの異常検出方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
給湯装置にあっては、例えば特開平５−１１３２４６号公報に本願出願人が開示しているように、台所等の給湯栓に接続された主給湯路と、その主給湯路に設けられた第１水量センサと、主給湯路を流れる水を熱交換器を介して加熱する加熱手段と、該加熱手段及び第１水量センサの下流側で主給湯路から分流され、被給湯物である浴槽に接続された副給湯路と、該副給湯路に設けられた第２水量センサと、該副給湯路を開閉する電磁弁とを備え、マイクロコンピュータ等を具備した制御装置により、主給湯路の通水の有無を第１水量センサの出力に基づき把握して、その通水が行われたとき該第１水量センサの出力により把握される主給湯路の通水量に応じて前記加熱手段を作動せしめると共に、リモコン等により使用者が与える浴槽への給湯指示により前記電磁弁を開弁して浴槽への給湯を開始し、さらにその浴槽への給湯に際して第２水量センサの出力に基づき副給湯路の通水量を監視しつつ該浴槽への給湯量を制御して、該浴槽に所定量の給湯（湯はり）を行うようにしたものが知られている。
【０００３】
この種の給湯装置においては、例えば第１水量センサがなんらかの原因で故障すると、制御装置が主給湯路の通水の有無を正しく把握することができなくなると共に、該主給湯路の通水量も正しく把握することができなくなる。そして、このような状態では、主給湯路の通水が実際には行われていないのに加熱手段が作動して所謂残火が生じたり、あるいは、主給湯路の通水が行われていても、その実際の通水量の対応した加熱手段の作動が正しく行われず、その通水が過剰に加熱される等の不都合を生じる。また、第２水量センサが故障した場合には、第１水量センサが正常である限り、加熱手段の作動は正常に行われるものの、浴槽への給湯が正しく行われず、その給湯量が過剰あるいは過少となる等の不都合を生じる。
【０００４】
このため、これらの第１及び第２水量センサが異常となっているか否かをなんらかの手段により適宜検出することが望まれる。
【０００５】
ところで、各水量センサの異常を検出するためには、例えば前記主給湯路や副給湯路の通水が行われていない状態で、各水量センサについて、その出力を観測し、その出力により把握される通水量が“０”でない場合に、該水量センサの異常であると判断することが考えられる。
【０００６】
しかるに、このような異常検出手法では、特に前記第１水量センサの異常を検出する場合に次のような不都合を生じる。
【０００７】
すなわち、上記のような手法で各水量センサの異常検出を行うためには、その前提として、主給湯路や副給湯路の通水が行われている状態であるか否かを検知する必要がある。
【０００８】
この場合、副給湯路にあっては、制御装置は、浴槽への給湯指示により前記電磁弁を開弁して該副給湯路の通水を開始するので、それにより副給湯路の通水の有無を認識することができる。
【０００９】
ところが、主給湯路にあっては、その通水は、前記給湯栓を使用者が随意に開栓することによって行われると共に、制御装置は、第１水量センサの出力によって、主給湯路の通水の有無を検知するので、該第１水量センサの異常が生じている場合には、主給湯路の通水の有無を検知することができない。従って、例えば第１水量センサが故障して、その出力により把握される通水量が主給湯路の実際の通水を停止しても“０”とならないような場合には、制御装置は、主給湯路の通水が継続したままであると認識して、該第１水量センサの異常の有無の判断がいつまでたっても行われないこととなる。そして、この場合には、加熱手段の作動も行われるため、前述の残火等の不都合が生じる。また、第１水量センサが故障して、その出力により把握される通水量が主給湯路の実際の通水を行っても“０”となるような場合には、上記のような異常検出を行っても、制御装置は常に第１水量センサが正常であると誤判断をしてしまうこととなる。
【００１０】
このような不都合を解消するためには、例えば第１水量センサとは別に、主給湯路に水流スイッチを設け、その水流スイッチの出力により主給湯路の通水の有無を検知するようにすることが考えられるが、この場合には、該水流スイッチが新たに必要となって、部品点数が増大すると共にコスト的にも不利なものとなる。
【００１１】
尚、制御装置の電源の投入時（停電後の復帰時を含む）においては、一般に主給湯路や湯はり給湯路の通水は行われていないと考えられるので、その電源投入時に上記のような異常検出手法で各水量センサの異常検出を行うようにしたものは従来から知られている。しかしながら、このようなものでは、電源投入時に主給湯路の通水が行われていた場合（例えば主給湯路に接続された給湯栓が開かれている場合）には、第１水量センサの異常検出を正しく行うことはできない。また、電源の投入後においては、前述の理由により各水量センサの異常検出は行われておらず、従って、給湯装置の稼働時（待機時も含む）に第１水量センサ等の異常が生じた場合には、前述の残火等の不都合が生じる。
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明はかかる背景に鑑み、給湯装置の主給湯路に設けた第１水量センサと、その下流側で主給湯路から分流された副給湯路に設けた第２水量センサとの異常検出を新たな部品を追加することなく、簡単な手法で頻繁に行うことができ、それに応じた的確な異常処理を行うことができる給湯装置における水量センサの異常検出方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明はかかる目的を達成するために、給湯栓に接続された主給湯路と、該主給湯路に設けられた第１水量センサと、前記主給湯路を流れる水を加熱する加熱手段と、該加熱手段及び第１水量センサの下流側で主給湯路から分流され、被給湯物に接続された副給湯路と、該副給湯路に設けられた第２水量センサと、該副給湯路を開閉する開閉弁とを備えると共に、該副給湯路は、前記被給湯物への給湯の際の該副給湯路の通水量が、常に前記主給湯路の通水量以下の通水量となるように前記主給湯路から分流されており、前記主給湯路の通水の有無を前記第１水量センサの出力に基づき把握して、その通水が行われたとき該第１水量センサの出力により把握される前記主給湯路の通水量に応じて前記加熱手段を作動せしめると共に、前記被給湯物への所定の給湯指示により前記開閉弁を開弁して前記被給湯物への給湯を開始し、さらに該被給湯物への給湯に際して前記第２水量センサの出力に基づき前記副給湯路の通水量を監視しつつ該被給湯物への給湯量を制御する給湯装置において、前記両水量センサの異常を検出する方法であって、前記被給湯物への給湯の際に、前記第１水量センサの出力により把握される前記主給湯路の通水量が、前記第２水量センサの出力により把握される前記副給湯路の通水量よりも小さいとき、両水量センサのいずれか一方が異常であると判断することを特徴とするものである。
【００１４】
かかる本発明において、前記副給湯路は、前記主給湯路から分流されたものであるため、前記被給湯物への給湯の際には、主給湯路の通水量は常に副給湯路の通水量以上の通水量となる。そこで、前記被給湯物への給湯の際に、前記第１水量センサの出力により把握される前記主給湯路の通水量が、前記第２水量センサの出力により把握される前記副給湯路の通水量よりも小さいときには、両水量センサのいずれかが異常を生じていると判断する。
【００１５】
これにより、前記被給湯物への給湯の際には、随時、両水量センサのいずれかの異常の有無を監視することができることとなり、その異常検出を新たな部品を追加することなく、簡単な手法で頻繁に行うことができる。
【００１６】
かかる本発明において、両水量センサのいずれかが異常を生じていると判断したときには、前記加熱手段の作動を停止することが好ましい。これによれば、例えば前記第１水量センサに異常が生じて、主給湯路の通水量を正しく検知することができず、加熱手段を適正に作動させることができない状態で、被給湯物等に不適正な温度の給湯が行われるような事態を回避することができる。
【００１７】
さらに、本発明は、前記被給湯物への給湯の際に、前記両水量センサのいずれか一方が異常であると判断したとき、前記開閉弁を閉弁し、その閉弁状態で、前記第２水量センサの出力により把握される通水量が“０”であるとき、前記第１水量センサの異常であると判断し、且つ、該通水量が“０”でないとき、前記第２水量センサの異常であると判断することを特徴とするものである。
【００１８】
すなわち、前記両水量センサのいずれかに異常が生じた状態で、前記副給湯路の開閉弁を閉弁することで、該副給湯路の通水が停止する（被給湯物への給湯が停止する）。そして、この状態では、前記第２水量センサの出力により把握される通水量が“０”であるときは、該第２水量センサは正常であるので、前記第１水量センサが異常であると判断できる。また、第２水量センサの出力により把握される通水量が“０”でないときは、該第２水量センサが異常であると判断できる。従って、両水量センサのいずれが異常であるかを判断することができる。
【００１９】
この場合、さらに、前記第１水量センサが異常であると判断したときには、その後に該第１水量センサの出力により把握される前記主給湯路の通水の有無にかかわらず、前記加熱手段の作動を禁止することが好ましい。これによれば、第１水量センサに異常が生じて、主給湯路の通水の有無を正しく検知することができない状態で、該主給湯路の通水が行われていないにもかかわらず、加熱手段が作動して、所謂残火が生じるような事態を回避することができる。
【００２０】
また、かかる本発明においては、前記被給湯物への非給湯時において、前記第２水量センサの出力により把握される通水量が“０”でないとき、該第２水量センサの異常であると判断することを特徴とするものである。これによれば、被給湯物への給湯時には、前述のように各水量センサの異常検出が行われる一方、被給湯物への非給湯時においては、第２水量センサの異常検出が行われるので、該第２水量センサの異常検出を、被給湯物への給湯時及び非給湯時のいずれの状態でも随時行うことができる。
【００２１】
さらに、本発明において、被給湯物への給湯時あるいは被給湯時に前記第２水量センサが異常であると判断したときには、その後の前記所定の給湯指示にかかわらず、前記開閉弁の開弁を禁止することが好ましい。これによれば、該第２水量センサに異常が生じて、被給湯物への給湯量（副給湯路の通水量）を正しく検出することができない状態で、被給湯物に過剰あるいは過少な給湯が行われる事態を回避することができる。
【００２２】
このように本発明によれば、各水量センサの異常検出を新たな部品を追加することなく、簡単な手法で頻繁に行うことができ、それに応じた的確な異常処理を行うことができる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の一実施形態を図１及び図２を参照して説明する。図１は本実施形態の水量センサの異常検出方法を適用した給湯装置のシステム構成図、図２は図１の給湯装置の要部の作動を説明するためのフローチャートである。
【００２４】
図１を参照して、１は主給湯路、２は被給湯物である浴槽Ａに湯はりを行うための副給湯路である。
【００２５】
主給湯路１は、その上流側が図示しない上水道管に接続され、下流端部は、台所や洗面所等の給湯栓３に接続されている。この主給湯路１の途中箇所には、給湯用熱交換器４を具備した加熱装置５（加熱手段）が設けられており、該加熱装置５の作動により、主給湯路１を流れる水が給湯用熱交換器４を介して加熱されるようになっている。この場合、加熱装置５は、例えば図示しないガスバーナにより給湯用熱交換器４を加熱する。
【００２６】
また、主給湯路１の給湯用熱交換器４の上流側には、主給湯路１を流れる水の通水量（単位時間当たりの流量）及びその通水の有無を検出するための第１水量センサ６と給湯用熱交換器４に流入する水の温度を検出する入水温センサ７とが設けられ、給湯用熱交換器４の下流側には、給湯量を調整するための湯量サーボ８と給湯用熱交換器４から流出した湯の温度を検出する出湯温センサ９とが設けられている。尚、１０は主給湯路１の給湯用熱交換器４の上流側部分と給湯用熱交換器４の下流側部分とを接続するバイパス路１１に設けられたバイパス電磁弁である。
【００２７】
副給湯路２は、出湯温センサ９の箇所で主給湯路１から分流され、開閉弁である電磁弁１２、副給湯路２を流れる水の通水量（単位時間当たりの流量）を検出するための第２水量センサ１３、ホッパー１４、逆止弁１５、三方弁１６、及び浴槽Ａ内の湯を循環させるための循環路１７を順に介して浴槽Ａに接続されている。
【００２８】
循環路１７は、三方弁１６からそれぞれ導出された往路１７ａ及び復路１７ｂにより構成され、それらの往路１７ａ及び復路１７ｂは、浴槽Ａの下部の側壁部に形成された給湯口１８に循環金具１９を介して接続されている。そして、往路１７ａには、循環ポンプ２０と、循環路１７の通水の有無を検出する水流スイッチ２１と、浴槽Ａの湯温を検出する浴槽用湯温サーミスタ２２とが設けられ、さらに、浴槽用湯温センサ２２と浴槽Ａの間の箇所には、浴槽用熱交換器２３を具備した加熱装置２４が設けられている。また、復路１７ｂには、浴槽Ａ内の水位を検出するための水位センサ２５が設けられている。
【００２９】
尚、加熱装置２４は、前記加熱装置５と同様に図示しないガスバーナにより浴槽用熱交換器２３を加熱するようにしており、例えば浴槽Ａ内の湯の沸き上げを行う際に、循環ポンプ２０により循環路１７を介して循環する浴槽Ａ内の湯を浴槽用熱交換器２３を介して加熱する。また、前記水位センサ２５は、浴槽Ａ内の水位をその水位に応じた静水圧として検出する圧力センサにより構成されるものである。
【００３０】
また、図１において、２６は給湯装置の作動制御を行う制御装置、２７は各種運転メニュー等を使用者が制御装置２６に対して設定指示するための操作器、２８は主給湯路１における設定出湯温やエラー情報等、給湯装置の各種運転情報を使用者に報知するための表示器である。
【００３１】
制御装置２６は、ＣＰＵ２９、ＲＡＭ３０、ＲＯＭ３１を含むマイクロコンピュータを用いて構成されたものであり、前記第１水量センサ６、入水温センサ７、出湯温センサ９、第２水量センサ１３、水流スイッチ２１、浴槽用湯温センサ２２及び水位センサ２５の出力、並びに操作器２７による設定指示データ等を入力データとして、ＲＯＭ３１に格納されたプログラム等に従って、加熱装置５、湯量サーボ８、バイパス電磁弁１０、電磁弁１２、循環ポンプ２０、加熱装置２４、表示器２８等の作動を制御すると共に、各種演算処理や後述する水量センサ６，１３の異常検出判断等を行う。
【００３２】
また操作器２７においては、それに設けた図示しないスイッチを操作することで、“自動湯はり運転”、“自動足し湯運転”、“自動沸き上げ運転”等、給湯装置の各種運転メニューを制御装置２６に対して設定指示可能とすると共に、主給湯路１における設定出湯温や、浴槽Ａの設定水位、浴槽Ａの設定湯温等を制御装置２６に入力可能としている。
【００３３】
また、表示器２８においては、制御装置２６の制御により、主給湯路１における設定出湯温や浴槽Ａの設定水位、浴槽Ａの設定湯温、あるいは各種エラー情報を表示可能としている。
【００３４】
次に、本実施形態の給湯装置の作動を説明する。
【００３５】
まず、この給湯装置の基本的な作動を説明する。
【００３６】
例えば使用者が主給湯路１が接続された給湯栓３を開栓し、主給湯路１における通水を開始すると、その通水が行われた旨が、第１水量センサ６の出力に基づき制御装置２６により認識される。
【００３７】
この時、制御装置２６は、加熱装置５を始動して、主給湯路１を給湯栓３に向かって流れる水を加熱する。そして、この加熱に際しては、制御装置２６は、第１水量センサ６、入水温センサ７、出湯温センサ９からそれぞれ得られる主給湯路１の通水量、入水温、出湯温の検出データに基づき、出湯温が操作器２７により設定された設定出湯温に一致するように加熱装置５の加熱量を制御する。これにより給湯栓３に設定出湯温での給湯がなされる。
【００３８】
また、例えば使用者が操作器２７により、“自動湯はり運転”を設定指示すると、制御装置２６は、その設定指示に基づき、副給湯路２の電磁弁１２を開弁せしめて、主給湯路１から副給湯路８への通水を開始し、さらに、給湯栓３への給湯の場合と同様に加熱装置５を作動させ、主給湯路１から副給湯路８に流れる水を主給湯路２において前記設定出湯温となるように該加熱装置５により加熱せしめる。この時、加熱装置５により加熱されて副給湯路８を流れる湯は、前記循環路１７の往路１７ａ及び復路１７ｂの両者を介して（所謂、両搬送で）浴槽Ａに給湯される。この場合、制御装置２６は、基本的には、電磁弁１２を適宜閉弁して、水位センサ２５の出力により浴槽Ａ内の水位を監視しつつ、その水位を操作器２７により設定された設定水位とするために必要な湯量を段階的に算出する。そして、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される浴槽Ａへの給湯量の積算量が求めた必要湯量となるように電磁弁１２を適宜開閉して、浴槽Ａへの給湯を行わしめ、これにより浴槽Ａに設定水位までの湯はりが行われる。尚、このような湯はりの詳細は、特開平５−１１３２４５号公報や特開平５−１１３２４６号公報に本願出願人が開示しているので、ここでは詳細な説明を省略する。また、上記のような浴槽Ａへの給湯は、浴槽Ａへの足し湯を行う場合も同様に行われる。
【００３９】
また、例えば使用者が操作器２７により“自動沸き上げ運転”を設定指示すると、制御装置２６は、その設定指示に基づき、電磁弁１３を閉弁した状態で、循環ポンプ２０を作動させると共に、加熱装置２４を作動させ、浴槽Ａ内の湯を循環路１７で循環させつつ加熱装置２４により加熱せしめる。この場合、制御装置２６は、浴槽用湯温センサ２２により得られる浴槽Ａ内の湯温が、操作器２７により設定された設定湯温となるように加熱装置２４の加熱量を制御する。
【００４０】
一方、制御装置２６は、上記のような給湯装置の作動時、あるいは、給湯栓３や浴槽Ａへの給湯が行われていない待機状態において、図２に示すように、水量センサ６，１３の異常検出処理等を行う。
【００４１】
すなわち、まず、ＳＴＥＰ１において、浴槽Ａへの湯はり（給湯）が行われているか否かを判断し、浴槽Ａへの湯はりを行なっていない状態（制御装置２６が電磁弁１２が閉弁せしめている状態。例えば待機状態、給湯栓３のみへの給湯時、自動沸き上げ運転時等）では、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される副給湯路２の通水量が“０”であるか否かを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ２）。このとき、副給湯路２の通水は行われていないので、該第２水量センサ１３が正常であれば、その出力により把握される通水量は“０”となり、この場合には（ＳＴＥＰ２でＹＥＳ）、制御装置２６は特別な処理を行うことなくＳＴＥＰ１に戻る。
【００４２】
一方、ＳＴＥＰ２において、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される通水量が“０”でない場合には、制御装置２６は、第２水量センサ１３の異常が生じていると判断する（ＳＴＥＰ３）。そして、この場合には、制御装置２６が、表示器２８を制御して、第２水量センサ１３の異常が生じている旨のエラー表示（報知）を行わしめると共に、以後の電磁弁１２の開弁を禁止する（ＳＴＥＰ４）。
【００４３】
これにより、水量センサ１３に異常が生じて、湯はり用給湯途２の通水量が正しく検出することができない状態となると、以後は例えば使用者が操作器２７により“自動湯はり運転”を設定指示しても、浴槽Ａへの給湯は行われず、浴槽Ａに過剰あるいは過少な給湯が行われるような事態を排除することができる。そして、このとき、使用者等は、表示器２８のエラー表示により、水量センサ１３の異常が生じている旨を認識することができるので、修理の依頼や水量センサ１３の交換等適切な処置を施すことができる。
【００４４】
次に、前記ＳＴＥＰ１において、浴槽Ａへの湯はりが行われている場合（例えば自動湯はり運転時に電磁弁１２を開弁している場合）には、制御装置２６は、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される副給湯路２の通水量が、第１水量センサ６の出力により把握される主給湯路１の通水量以下であるか否かを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ５）。この場合、副給湯路２は、主給湯路１から分流したものであるので、副給湯路２の実際の通水量は、常に主給湯路１の実際の通水量以下となっており、従って、両水量センサ６，１３が共に正常であれば、ＳＴＥＰ５の判断条件が成立する（ＳＴＥＰ５でＹＥＳ）。そして、この場合には制御装置２６は特別な処理を行うことなくＳＴＥＰ１に戻る。
【００４５】
一方、ＳＴＥＰ５において、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される副給湯路２の通水量が、第１水量センサ６の出力により把握される主給湯路１の通水量よりも大きい場合には、制御装置２６は、水量ンサ６，１３のいずれかの異常が生じていると判断し（ＳＴＥＰ６）、さらに、電磁弁１２を閉弁して浴槽Ａへの給湯を停止せしめると共に、加熱装置５の作動を停止せしめる（ＳＴＥＰ７）。これにより、第２水量センサ１３の異常が生じて浴槽Ａに適正量の給湯を行うことができない状態、あるいは第１水量センサ６に異常が生じて主給湯路１の実際の通水量に応じた適正な水の加熱を行うことができない状態で、浴槽Ａへの給湯が継続してしまうような事態を直ちに排除することができる。
【００４６】
次いで、制御装置２６は、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される副給湯路２の通水量が“０”であるか否かを判断する（ＳＴＥＰ８）。この場合、ＳＴＥＰ７において電磁弁１２は閉弁されているので、副給湯路２の通水は行われておらず、このため、第２水量センサ１３が正常であれば、ＳＴＥＰ８の判断条件が成立する（ＳＴＥＰ８においてＹＥＳ）。そして、この場合には、水量センサ６，１３のうち、水量センサ１３が正常であるので、制御装置２６は、水量センサ６が異常であると判断し（ＳＴＥＰ９）、さらに、以後の加熱装置５の作動や、電磁弁１２の開弁を禁止すると共に、水量センサ６の異常が生じている旨のエラー表示を表示器２８に行わしめる（ＳＴＥＰ１０）。
【００４７】
これにより、第１水量センサ６の異常が生じて、給湯栓３の開閉による主給湯路１の通水の有無や、主給湯路１の通水量を正しく検出することができない状態で、主給湯路１の実際の通水がないにもかかわらず制御装置２６が加熱装置５を作動させて主給湯路１の水を加熱し、残火が生じてしまうような事態や、あるいは、主給湯路１の実際の通水があっても、加熱装置５による適正な加熱が行われずに異常温度の水や湯が給湯栓３や浴槽Ａに供給されてしまうような事態を排除することができる。また、使用者等は、表示器２８のエラー表示により、水量センサ６の異常が生じている旨を認識することができるので、修理の依頼や水量センサ１３の交換等適切な処置を施すことができる。
【００４８】
また、ＳＴＥＰ８において、第２水量センサ１３の出力により把握される副給湯路２の通水量が“０”でない場合には、制御装置２６は、第２水量センサ１３の異常が生じていると判断し（ＳＴＥＰ１１）、さらに、前記ＳＴＥＰ４と同様に第２水量センサ１３の異常が生じている旨のエラー表示を表示器２８に行わしめると共に、以後の電磁弁１２の開弁を禁止する（ＳＴＥＰ１２）。
【００４９】
これにより、水量センサ１３に異常が生じて、湯はり用給湯途２の通水量が正しく検出することができない状態となると、以後は使用者が操作器２７により“自動湯はり運転”等を設定指示しても、浴槽Ａへの給湯は行われず、浴槽Ａに過剰あるいは過少な給湯が行われるような事態を排除することができる。そして、このとき、使用者等は、表示器２８のエラー表示により、水量センサ１３の異常が生じている旨を認識することができるので、修理の依頼や水量センサ１３の交換等適切な処置を施すことができる。
【００５０】
このように、本実施形態の給湯装置によれば、浴槽Ａへの湯はりの際には、水量センサ６，１３の両者の異常検出を逐次行うことができると共に、湯はりを行っていないときでも、第２水量センサ１３については、その異常検出を逐次行われ、それらの水量センサ６，１３の異常が生じた場合には、迅速に適切な処理を施して給湯栓３や浴槽Ａに不適正な給湯が行われたり、加熱装置５における残火が生じるような事態を的確に回避することができる。また、水量センサ６，１３の異常検出のために新たな部品を追加することなく、給湯装置の所定の作動状態での水量センサ６，１３の出力のみによりそれらの水量センサ６，１３の異常検出を簡単に行うことができる。
【００５１】
尚、例えば第２水量センサ１３のみの異常が検出された場合に、第１水量センサ６の異常の場合と同様に、加熱装置５の作動及び電磁弁１２の開弁を禁止するようにしてもよいが、電磁弁１２の開弁のみを禁止するようにし、給湯栓３の開栓による主給湯路１の通水が行われた場合には（これは、第１水量センサ６により正しく検知される）、加熱装置５の通常的な作動を行って、給湯栓３への給湯を行うようにしてもよい。
【００５２】
また、いずれかの水量センサ６，１３の異常が検出された場合に、給湯装置の全体の作動を禁止するようにしてもよいが、例えば“自動沸き上げ運転”が設定指示された場合には、循環ポンプ２０や加熱装置２４を作動させて、浴槽Ａ内の湯の沸き上げを行うようにしてもよい。
【００５３】
また、本実施形態では、浴槽Ａに湯はりを行うものについて説明したが、浴槽Ａに限らず、適宜の被給湯物に給湯を行う場合にも本発明を適用することができることはもちろんである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態を適用した給湯装置のシステム構成図。
【図２】図１の給湯装置の要部の作動を説明するためのフローチャート。
【符号の説明】
１…主給湯路、２…副給湯路、３…給湯栓、５…加熱装置（加熱手段）、６…第１水量センサ、１２…電磁弁（開閉弁）、１３…第２水量センサ。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an abnormality detection method for a water amount sensor provided in a hot water supply apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the hot water supply apparatus, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-113246, the applicant of the present application discloses a main hot water path connected to a hot water tap such as a kitchen, and a first provided in the main hot water path. 1 water quantity sensor, heating means for heating the water flowing through the main hot water supply path via a heat exchanger, and a tub that is diverted from the main hot water supply path on the downstream side of the heating means and the first water quantity sensor. The controller is equipped with a connected sub-hot water supply path, a second water amount sensor provided in the sub-hot water supply path, and an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the sub-hot water supply path. The presence or absence of water is ascertained based on the output of the first water amount sensor, and when the water is passed, the heating means is operated according to the amount of water flow through the main hot water supply passage as grasped by the output of the first water amount sensor. Along with the remote control, etc. The solenoid valve is opened in response to a hot water instruction to start hot water supply to the bathtub. Further, when hot water is supplied to the bathtub, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub is monitored based on the output of the second water quantity sensor based on the output of the second water quantity sensor. Is known, and a predetermined amount of hot water (hot water) is supplied to the bathtub.
[0003]
In this type of hot water supply device, for example, if the first water flow sensor fails for some reason, the control device cannot correctly grasp the presence or absence of water flow through the main hot water supply passage, and the water flow through the main hot water supply passage is also correct. It becomes impossible to grasp. And in such a state, although the main hot water supply passage is not actually conducted, the heating means is operated to cause a so-called after-fire, or the main hot water passage is conducted. However, the operation of the heating means corresponding to the actual water flow rate is not performed correctly, and there is a disadvantage that the water flow is excessively heated. Also, if the second water amount sensor fails, as long as the first water amount sensor is normal, the heating means operates normally, but the hot water supply to the bathtub is not performed correctly, and the amount of hot water supply is excessive or insufficient. This causes inconveniences such as
[0004]
For this reason, it is desirable to detect appropriately by some means whether these first and second water quantity sensors are abnormal.
[0005]
By the way, in order to detect an abnormality of each water amount sensor, for example, the output of each water amount sensor is observed in a state where water is not passed through the main hot water supply passage and the auxiliary hot water supply passage, and is grasped by the output. If the water flow rate is not “0”, it may be determined that the water flow sensor is abnormal.
[0006]
However, such an abnormality detection method causes the following inconvenience particularly when an abnormality of the first water amount sensor is detected.
[0007]
That is, in order to detect the abnormality of each water amount sensor by the above-described method, it is necessary to detect whether or not water is flowing through the main hot water supply passage and the auxiliary hot water supply passage. is there.
[0008]
In this case, in the auxiliary hot water supply passage, the control device opens the electromagnetic valve in response to a hot water supply instruction to the bathtub and starts water flow through the auxiliary hot water supply passage. The presence or absence can be recognized.
[0009]
However, in the main hot water supply passage, the water is passed by the user opening the hot water tap arbitrarily, and the control device passes the main hot water supply passage according to the output of the first water amount sensor. Since the presence / absence of water is detected, the presence / absence of water passing through the main hot water supply path cannot be detected when the abnormality of the first water amount sensor occurs. Therefore, for example, when the first water amount sensor fails and the water flow amount grasped by the output does not become “0” even when the actual water flow of the main hot water supply passage is stopped, the control device Recognizing that the water flow through the hot water supply passage continues, the determination of the presence or absence of abnormality of the first water amount sensor is not performed any time. In this case, since the heating means is also operated, inconvenience such as the above-mentioned after-fire occurs. In addition, if the first water volume sensor fails and the water flow rate grasped by the output is “0” even if the actual water flow in the main hot water supply channel is performed, the abnormality detection as described above is performed. Even if it goes, the control device will always make a false determination that the first water amount sensor is normal.
[0010]
In order to eliminate such inconvenience, for example, a water flow switch is provided in the main hot water supply path separately from the first water amount sensor, and the presence or absence of water flow in the main hot water supply path is detected by the output of the water flow switch. However, in this case, the water flow switch is newly required, which increases the number of parts and is disadvantageous in terms of cost.
[0011]
It should be noted that when the power supply of the control device is turned on (including when the power supply is restored after a power failure), it is generally considered that the main hot water supply passage or hot water supply hot water supply passage is not conducted. Conventionally, an abnormality detection method for detecting an abnormality of each water amount sensor has been known. However, in such a case, when the main hot water supply passage is conducted when the power is turned on (for example, when a hot water tap connected to the main hot water supply passage is opened), the first water amount sensor is abnormal. It cannot be detected correctly. In addition, after the power is turned on, the abnormality detection of each water amount sensor has not been performed for the above-described reason, and accordingly, the abnormality of the first water amount sensor or the like has occurred during the operation of the hot water supply device (including the standby time). In such a case, inconvenience such as the above-mentioned after-fire occurs.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of such a background, the present invention newly detects abnormality of the first water amount sensor provided in the main hot water supply passage of the hot water supply device and the second water amount sensor provided in the sub hot water supply passage diverted from the main hot water supply passage on the downstream side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting an abnormality of a water amount sensor in a hot water supply apparatus that can be frequently performed by a simple method without adding additional parts and can perform an accurate abnormality process accordingly.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main hot water supply path connected to a hot water tap, a first water amount sensor provided in the main hot water supply path, and heating means for heating water flowing through the main hot water supply path, A sub-hot water supply path that is diverted from the main hot water supply path downstream of the heating means and the first water quantity sensor and connected to the hot water supply, a second water quantity sensor provided in the sub-hot water supply path, and the sub-hot water supply path With an open / close valve In addition, the auxiliary hot water supply channel is diverted from the main hot water supply channel so that the flow rate of the auxiliary hot water supply channel when supplying hot water to the hot water supply is always equal to or smaller than the flow rate of the main hot water supply channel. Has been Based on the output of the first water flow sensor, the presence or absence of water flow in the main hot water supply passage is grasped, and the water flow amount of the main hot water supply passage grasped by the output of the first water flow sensor when the water flow is performed. In response to the operation of the heating means, the on-off valve is opened in accordance with a predetermined hot water supply instruction to the hot water supply to start the hot water supply to the hot water supply, and the hot water supply to the hot water supply In a hot water supply apparatus that controls the amount of hot water supplied to the hot water supply while monitoring the amount of water flowing through the sub-hot water supply path based on the output of a second water amount sensor, When hot water is supplied to the hot water supply, the amount of water flowing through the main hot water supply channel ascertained from the output of the first water amount sensor is smaller than the amount of water flowing through the sub-hot water supply channel as determined from the output of the second water amount sensor. When either water sensor is different Is characterized in that it is determined that the.
[0014]
In the present invention, since the sub-hot water supply channel is diverted from the main hot-water supply channel, when the hot water is supplied to the hot water supply, the water flow rate of the main hot water supply channel is always the water flow rate of the sub-hot water supply channel. It becomes the above amount of water flow. Therefore, when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply, the amount of water flow through the main hot water supply channel ascertained from the output of the first water amount sensor is the passage of the sub water supply channel as determined from the output of the second water amount sensor. When it is smaller than the water volume, it is determined that either of the water volume sensors is abnormal.
[0015]
As a result, when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply, it is possible to monitor the presence or absence of any abnormality of both water quantity sensors at any time, and it is easy to detect the abnormality without adding new parts. Can be done frequently with techniques.
[0016]
In the present invention, it is preferable to stop the operation of the heating means when it is determined that either of the water quantity sensors is abnormal. According to this, for example, an abnormality occurs in the first water amount sensor, the amount of water flowing through the main hot water supply passage cannot be detected correctly, and the heating means cannot be operated properly. A situation in which hot water supply at an inappropriate temperature is performed can be avoided.
[0017]
Furthermore, the present invention closes the on-off valve when it is determined that either one of the water quantity sensors is abnormal during hot water supply to the hot water supply, and in the closed state, 2 When the water flow amount grasped by the output of the water flow sensor is “0”, it is determined that the first water flow sensor is abnormal, and when the water flow amount is not “0”, the second water flow sensor It is characterized by judging that it is abnormal.
[0018]
That is, when an abnormality has occurred in either of the water quantity sensors, the on / off valve of the auxiliary hot water supply passage is closed to stop water flow through the auxiliary hot water supply passage (hot water supply to the hot water supply is stopped). To do). In this state, when the water flow amount grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor is “0”, it is determined that the first water amount sensor is abnormal because the second water amount sensor is normal. it can. Further, when the water flow rate grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor is not “0”, it can be determined that the second water amount sensor is abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to determine which of the water quantity sensors is abnormal.
[0019]
In this case, when it is determined that the first water amount sensor is abnormal, the operation of the heating means is performed regardless of whether or not water flows through the main hot water supply passage, which is subsequently grasped by the output of the first water amount sensor. Is preferably prohibited. According to this, in the state where abnormality has occurred in the first water volume sensor and the presence or absence of water flow in the main hot water supply path cannot be detected correctly, the water flow in the main water supply path is not performed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the heating means is activated and so-called afterfire is generated.
[0020]
Further, in the present invention, when the amount of water flow grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor is not “0” during non-hot water supply to the hot water supply object, it is determined that the second water amount sensor is abnormal. It is characterized by doing. According to this, when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply, abnormality detection of each water amount sensor is performed as described above, and when no hot water supply to the hot water supply is performed, abnormality detection of the second water amount sensor is performed. In addition, the abnormality detection of the second water amount sensor can be performed at any time in both hot water supply and non-hot water supply states to the hot water supply object.
[0021]
Further, in the present invention, when it is determined that the second water amount sensor is abnormal when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply or during hot water supply, the opening / closing valve is prohibited from opening regardless of the predetermined hot water supply instruction thereafter. It is preferable to do. According to this, an abnormality occurs in the second water amount sensor, and the amount of hot water supplied to the hot water supply (the amount of water passing through the sub-hot water supply passage) cannot be detected correctly. Can be avoided.
[0022]
As described above, according to the present invention, the abnormality detection of each water amount sensor can be frequently performed by a simple method without adding a new part, and accurate abnormality processing can be performed accordingly.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus to which the water amount sensor abnormality detection method of the present embodiment is applied, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the main part of the hot water supply apparatus of FIG.
[0024]
With reference to FIG. 1, 1 is a main hot water supply path, 2 is a sub hot water supply path for performing hot water feeding to the bathtub A which is a hot water supply thing.
[0025]
The main hot water supply path 1 is connected to a water pipe (not shown) on the upstream side, and the downstream end is connected to a hot water tap 3 such as a kitchen or a washroom. A heating device 5 (heating means) provided with a heat exchanger 4 for hot water supply is provided in the middle of the main hot water supply passage 1, and the water flowing through the main hot water supply passage 1 is heated by the operation of the heating device 5. It is heated via the heat exchanger 4 for use. In this case, the heating device 5 heats the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 with, for example, a gas burner (not shown).
[0026]
In addition, on the upstream side of the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 in the main hot water supply channel 1, a first water amount for detecting the amount of water flowing through the main hot water supply channel 1 (flow rate per unit time) and the presence or absence of the water flow. A sensor 6 and an incoming water temperature sensor 7 for detecting the temperature of water flowing into the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 are provided, and a hot water amount servo 8 for adjusting the amount of hot water supply is provided downstream of the hot water supply heat exchanger 4. A hot water temperature sensor 9 for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing out of the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 is provided. Reference numeral 10 denotes a bypass solenoid valve provided in a bypass passage 11 that connects an upstream portion of the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 of the main hot water supply passage 1 and a downstream portion of the hot water supply heat exchanger 4.
[0027]
The auxiliary hot water supply path 2 is diverted from the main hot water supply path 1 at the location of the hot water temperature sensor 9 and detects the water flow rate (flow rate per unit time) flowing through the solenoid valve 12 and the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 that are on-off valves. The second water amount sensor 13, the hopper 14, the check valve 15, the three-way valve 16, and the circulation path 17 for circulating hot water in the bathtub A are connected to the bathtub A in this order.
[0028]
The circulation path 17 is constituted by an outward path 17a and a return path 17b respectively led out from the three-way valve 16, and the forward path 17a and the return path 17b are provided with a circulation fitting 19 at a hot water supply port 18 formed in a lower side wall portion of the bathtub A. Connected through. The forward path 17a is provided with a circulation pump 20, a water flow switch 21 for detecting the presence / absence of water flow in the circulation path 17, and a bathtub hot water temperature thermistor 22 for detecting the hot water temperature of the bathtub A. A heating device 24 including a bathtub heat exchanger 23 is provided between the hot water temperature sensor 22 and the bathtub A. Moreover, the water level sensor 25 for detecting the water level in the bathtub A is provided in the return path 17b.
[0029]
The heating device 24 heats the bathtub heat exchanger 23 with a gas burner (not shown) in the same manner as the heating device 5. For example, when the hot water in the bathtub A is boiled, the circulating pump 20 Hot water in the bathtub A circulating through the circulation path 17 is heated via the bathtub heat exchanger 23. Moreover, the said water level sensor 25 is comprised by the pressure sensor which detects the water level in the bathtub A as a hydrostatic pressure according to the water level.
[0030]
In FIG. 1, 26 is a control device that controls the operation of the hot water supply device, 27 is an operating device for the user to set various operation menus and the like to the control device 26, and 28 is a setting in the main hot water supply channel 1. This is a display for notifying the user of various operating information of the hot water supply device such as the hot water temperature and error information.
[0031]
The control device 26 is configured using a microcomputer including a CPU 29, a RAM 30, and a ROM 31, and includes the first water amount sensor 6, the incoming water temperature sensor 7, the outgoing hot water temperature sensor 9, the second water amount sensor 13, and the water flow switch 21. The heater 5, the hot water amount servo 8, the bypass solenoid valve 10, the outputs of the bathtub hot water temperature sensor 22 and the water level sensor 25, and the setting instruction data by the operation unit 27 as input data according to a program stored in the ROM 31. Controls the operation of the solenoid valve 12, the circulation pump 20, the heating device 24, the indicator 28, and the like, and performs various arithmetic processes, abnormality detection determination of water volume sensors 6 and 13, which will be described later, and the like.
[0032]
Further, in the operation device 27, by operating a switch (not shown) provided on the operation device 27, various operation menus of the hot water supply device such as “automatic hot water operation”, “automatic hot water operation”, “automatic boiling operation” and the like are controlled. It is possible to input a setting instruction to the main hot water supply passage 1, a set water level of the bathtub A, a set hot water temperature of the bathtub A, and the like to the control device 26.
[0033]
Further, the display device 28 can display the set hot water temperature, the set water level of the bathtub A, the set hot water temperature of the bathtub A, or various error information under the control of the control device 26.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the hot water supply apparatus of this embodiment will be described.
[0035]
First, the basic operation of this hot water supply apparatus will be described.
[0036]
For example, when the user opens the hot water tap 3 to which the main hot water supply path 1 is connected and starts water flow in the main hot water supply path 1, the fact that the water flow has been performed is based on the output of the first water amount sensor 6. Recognized by the control device 26.
[0037]
At this time, the control device 26 starts the heating device 5 to heat the water flowing through the main hot water supply path 1 toward the hot water tap 3. In this heating, the control device 26 is based on detection data of the water flow rate, the incoming water temperature, and the outgoing water temperature of the main hot water supply passage 1 obtained from the first water amount sensor 6, the incoming water temperature sensor 7, and the outgoing water temperature sensor 9, respectively. The heating amount of the heating device 5 is controlled so that the tapping temperature matches the set tapping temperature set by the operation device 27. As a result, hot water is supplied to the hot-water tap 3 at the set hot water temperature.
[0038]
Further, for example, when the user instructs to set “automatic hot water operation” with the operation device 27, the control device 26 opens the electromagnetic valve 12 of the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 based on the setting instruction, and the main hot water supply path. 1 starts water flow from the hot water supply passage 8 to the auxiliary hot water supply passage 8 and operates the heating device 5 in the same manner as in the case of hot water supply to the hot water tap 3. 2, the heating device 5 is used to heat up the set hot water temperature. At this time, the hot water heated by the heating device 5 and flowing through the auxiliary hot water supply path 8 is supplied to the bathtub A through both the forward path 17a and the return path 17b of the circulation path 17 (so-called both transports). In this case, the control device 26 basically closes the electromagnetic valve 12 appropriately, monitors the water level in the bathtub A based on the output of the water level sensor 25, and sets the water level by the operation unit 27. The amount of hot water required to reach the water level is calculated in stages. Then, the solenoid valve 12 is appropriately opened and closed to supply hot water to the bathtub A so that the accumulated amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub A obtained from the output of the second water amount sensor 13 becomes the required amount of hot water. Thus, hot water filling up to the set water level is performed on the bathtub A. The details of such a hot water beam are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-113245 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-113246, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here. Moreover, the hot water supply to the bathtub A as described above is performed in the same manner when adding hot water to the bathtub A.
[0039]
Further, for example, when the user instructs to set “automatic boiling operation” with the operating device 27, the control device 26 operates the circulation pump 20 with the solenoid valve 13 closed based on the setting instruction, The heating device 24 is operated, and the hot water in the bathtub A is heated by the heating device 24 while being circulated through the circulation path 17. In this case, the control device 26 controls the heating amount of the heating device 24 so that the hot water temperature in the bathtub A obtained by the hot water temperature sensor 22 for the bathtub becomes the set hot water temperature set by the operation device 27.
[0040]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the control device 26 operates the water amount sensors 6 and 13 when the hot water supply device as described above is in operation or in a standby state in which hot water supply to the hot water tap 3 and the bathtub A is not performed. Anomaly detection processing is performed.
[0041]
That is, first, in STEP 1, it is determined whether or not hot water (hot water supply) is applied to the bathtub A, and the hot water is not supplied to the bathtub A (the control device 26 closes the solenoid valve 12). In the standby state, for example, when supplying hot water only to the hot-water tap 3 or during automatic boiling operation), the amount of water passing through the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor 13 is “0”. (STEP 2). At this time, since the water flow through the auxiliary hot water supply passage 2 is not performed, if the second water amount sensor 13 is normal, the amount of water grasped by the output is “0”. In this case (in STEP 2) YES), the control device 26 returns to STEP 1 without performing any special processing.
[0042]
On the other hand, when the water flow amount grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor 13 is not “0” in STEP 2, the control device 26 determines that an abnormality of the second water amount sensor 13 has occurred (STEP 3). In this case, the control device 26 controls the indicator 28 to display an error indication (notification) that the abnormality of the second water amount sensor 13 has occurred, and to open the solenoid valve 12 thereafter. The valve is prohibited (STEP 4).
[0043]
As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the water amount sensor 13 and the amount of water passing through the hot water supply passage 2 cannot be detected correctly, the user subsequently sets “automatic hot water operation” using the operation device 27, for example. Even if the instruction is given, the hot water supply to the bathtub A is not performed, and an excessive or insufficient hot water supply to the bathtub A can be eliminated. At this time, the user or the like can recognize from the error display on the display device 28 that the abnormality of the water amount sensor 13 has occurred, and therefore take appropriate measures such as requesting repairs or replacing the water amount sensor 13. Can be applied.
[0044]
Next, in step 1, when the hot water is poured into the bathtub A (for example, when the electromagnetic valve 12 is opened during the automatic hot water operation), the control device 26 controls the second water amount sensor 13. It is determined whether or not the amount of water flow in the auxiliary hot water supply channel 2 ascertained from the output of is less than or equal to the amount of water flow in the main hot water supply channel 1 as determined from the output of the first water amount sensor 6 (STEP 5). In this case, since the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 is diverted from the main hot water supply path 1, the actual water flow rate of the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 is always less than or equal to the actual water flow rate of the main hot water supply path 1. If both the water quantity sensors 6 and 13 are normal, the determination condition of STEP5 is satisfied (YES in STEP5). In this case, the control device 26 returns to STEP 1 without performing any special processing.
[0045]
On the other hand, in STEP5, when the water flow rate of the auxiliary hot water supply channel 2 grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor 13 is larger than the water flow amount of the main hot water supply channel 1 grasped by the output of the first water amount sensor 6, The control device 26 determines that any abnormality of the water volume sensors 6 and 13 has occurred (STEP 6), and further closes the electromagnetic valve 12 to stop the hot water supply to the bathtub A and the heating device 5 The operation is stopped (STEP 7). Thereby, abnormality of the 2nd water quantity sensor 13 arises, the state which cannot supply an appropriate amount of hot water to the bathtub A, or abnormality arises in the 1st water quantity sensor 6, and it responded to the actual amount of water flow of the main hot water supply channel 1 A situation in which hot water supply to the bathtub A is continued in a state where proper water cannot be heated can be immediately eliminated.
[0046]
Next, the control device 26 determines whether or not the water flow rate of the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor 13 is “0” (STEP 8). In this case, since the solenoid valve 12 is closed in STEP 7, the auxiliary hot water supply passage 2 is not water-flowed. Therefore, if the second water amount sensor 13 is normal, the determination condition of STEP 8 is satisfied. (YES in STEP 8) In this case, since the water amount sensor 13 is normal among the water amount sensors 6 and 13, the control device 26 determines that the water amount sensor 6 is abnormal (STEP 9), and further the subsequent heating device 5. And the opening of the electromagnetic valve 12 are prohibited, and an error display indicating that an abnormality of the water amount sensor 6 has occurred is displayed on the display 28 (STEP 10).
[0047]
Thereby, abnormality of the 1st water quantity sensor 6 arises, and the main hot water supply in the state which cannot detect correctly the presence or absence of the water flow of the main hot water supply path 1 by the opening and closing of the hot-water tap 3 and the water flow quantity of the main hot water supply path 1 are detected. Although there is no actual water flow through the path 1, the control device 26 operates the heating device 5 to heat the water in the main hot water supply path 1, and a situation where an afterfire occurs or the main hot water supply path Even if there is an actual water flow of 1, it is possible to eliminate a situation where water or hot water of abnormal temperature is supplied to the hot-water tap 3 or the bathtub A without proper heating by the heating device 5. Further, the user or the like can recognize from the error display on the display device 28 that the water amount sensor 6 has an abnormality, and therefore can take appropriate measures such as requesting repair or replacing the water amount sensor 13. it can.
[0048]
Further, in STEP 8, when the water flow rate of the auxiliary hot water supply path 2 grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor 13 is not “0”, the control device 26 determines that the abnormality of the second water amount sensor 13 has occurred. (STEP 11) Further, in the same manner as in STEP 4, an error display indicating that the abnormality of the second water amount sensor 13 has occurred is displayed on the display 28, and the subsequent opening of the solenoid valve 12 is prohibited (STEP 12). .
[0049]
As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the water amount sensor 13 and the amount of water passing through the hot water supply passage 2 cannot be detected correctly, the user thereafter sets “automatic hot water operation” or the like with the operation device 27. Even if the instruction is given, the hot water supply to the bathtub A is not performed, and an excessive or insufficient hot water supply to the bathtub A can be eliminated. At this time, the user or the like can recognize from the error display on the display device 28 that the abnormality of the water amount sensor 13 has occurred, and therefore take appropriate measures such as requesting repairs or replacing the water amount sensor 13. Can be applied.
[0050]
As described above, according to the hot water supply apparatus of the present embodiment, when hot water is poured into the bathtub A, both of the water amount sensors 6 and 13 can be sequentially detected and when hot water is not carried out. However, the abnormality detection of the second water amount sensor 13 is sequentially performed, and when the abnormality of the water amount sensors 6 and 13 occurs, an appropriate process is quickly performed so that the hot water tap 3 or the bathtub A is not used. It is possible to accurately avoid a situation in which proper hot water supply is performed or afterfire in the heating device 5 occurs. Further, without adding new parts for detecting an abnormality of the water amount sensors 6 and 13, the abnormality detection of the water amount sensors 6 and 13 is detected only by the output of the water amount sensors 6 and 13 in a predetermined operating state of the hot water supply device. Can be done easily.
[0051]
For example, when an abnormality of only the second water amount sensor 13 is detected, the operation of the heating device 5 and the opening of the electromagnetic valve 12 are prohibited as in the case of the abnormality of the first water amount sensor 6. However, when only the solenoid valve 12 is prohibited from being opened and water is passed through the main hot water supply path 1 by opening the hot water tap 3 (this is correctly detected by the first water amount sensor 6). In addition, the heater 5 may be operated normally to supply hot water to the hot-water tap 3.
[0052]
In addition, when an abnormality is detected in any of the water quantity sensors 6 and 13, the entire operation of the hot water supply apparatus may be prohibited. For example, when “automatic boiling operation” is instructed to set, Alternatively, the circulating pump 20 or the heating device 24 may be operated to boil the hot water in the bathtub A.
[0053]
Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated what hot water is applied to the bathtub A, it is needless to say that this invention can be applied not only to the bathtub A but also to supplying hot water to an appropriate hot water supply. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a main part of the hot water supply apparatus of FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main hot water supply path, 2 ... Sub hot water supply path, 3 ... Hot water tap, 5 ... Heating device (heating means), 6 ... 1st water quantity sensor, 12 ... Solenoid valve (open / close valve), 13 ... 2nd water quantity sensor.

Claims

A main hot water path connected to the hot water tap, a first water amount sensor provided in the main hot water path, a heating means for heating water flowing through the main hot water path, and a downstream side of the heating means and the first water amount sensor in is diverted from the main hot water supply passage, Rutotomoni includes a sub hot water passage connected to the hot water supply was a second amount of water sensors provided in the sub hot water passage, the opening and closing valve for opening and closing the sub hot water passage, the The auxiliary hot water supply channel is diverted from the main hot water supply channel so that the amount of water passing through the auxiliary hot water supply channel when supplying hot water to the hot water supply is always equal to or less than the amount of water supplied through the main hot water supply channel. Based on the output of the first water flow sensor, the presence or absence of water flow in the main hot water supply passage is grasped, and the water flow amount of the main hot water supply passage grasped by the output of the first water flow sensor when the water flow is performed. In response, the heating means is operated, and the opening and closing is performed by a predetermined hot water supply instruction to the hot water supply object. Is opened to start hot water supply to the hot water supply, and further to the hot water supply while monitoring the amount of water passing through the auxiliary hot water supply path based on the output of the second water amount sensor when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply. In the hot water supply apparatus for controlling the hot water supply amount, a method of detecting an abnormality in both water quantity sensors, wherein the main hot water supply path is grasped by the output of the first water quantity sensor when hot water is supplied to the hot water supply object. In the hot water supply apparatus, it is determined that either one of the two water amount sensors is abnormal when the amount of water passing is smaller than the amount of water passing through the auxiliary hot water supply path grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor. Abnormality detection method for water volume sensor.

The method for detecting an abnormality of a water amount sensor in a hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when one of the water amount sensors is determined to be abnormal, at least the operation of the heating means is stopped.

When it is determined that either one of the water volume sensors is abnormal, the on-off valve is closed, and the water flow rate grasped by the output of the second water volume sensor is “0” in the closed state. 3. It is determined that the first water amount sensor is abnormal, and when the water flow amount is not “0”, it is determined that the second water amount sensor is abnormal. For detecting an abnormality of a water amount sensor in a hot water supply apparatus.

When it is determined that the first water amount sensor is abnormal, the operation of the heating unit is prohibited regardless of whether or not water flows through the main hot water supply passage, which is subsequently grasped by the output of the first water amount sensor. The method for detecting an abnormality of a water amount sensor in a hot water supply apparatus according to claim 3.

The non-hot water supply to the hot water supply object is characterized by determining that the second water amount sensor is abnormal when the water flow amount grasped by the output of the second water amount sensor is not "0". An abnormality detection method for a water amount sensor in the hot water supply apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4.

6. The valve opening / closing valve according to claim 3, wherein when the second water amount sensor is determined to be abnormal, the opening / closing valve is prohibited regardless of the predetermined hot water supply instruction thereafter. An abnormality detection method for a water amount sensor in a hot water supply apparatus.