JP2004011929A - Water heater and valve unit used for water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater less reducing the amount of hot water to be fed and having a hot water circuit of a simple constitution and to provide a valve unit used for the water heater. <P>SOLUTION: This water heater is provided with a hot water storage tank 13 storing the hot water heated and raised in its temperature, a pressure reducing valve 1 setting the pressure of the water to be fed to the hot water storage tank 13 to a desired pressure, hot/cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 mixing the water to be fed via the pressure reducing valve 1 with the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13, and a relief valve 7 connected to the hot storage tank 13 and discharging the hot water expanding its volume when heated and raised in its temperature. This water heater is so constituted that the respective valves and pipes connecting between the respective valves are integrated into a valve unit 10, and the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot/cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 are closely disposed to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water heater for supplying hot water to a bathtub or a faucet, and a valve unit used for the water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a piping system of a conventional water heater disclosed in, for example, JP-A-11-212220. In FIG. 6, 1 is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of water supplied from a water source, 2 is a hot-water mixing valve for mixing hot water supplied to the bath 18 at a proper temperature, and 3 is hot water supplied to a general faucet. A hot water supply mixing valve for mixing hot water at a proper temperature, a hot water supply solenoid valve 6 for opening and closing a hot water supply circuit to the bathtub 18, and a discharge of water in the hot water storage tank expanded in volume by heating to the outside of the hot water supply circuit. A relief valve, 11A is a bath tub hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot tub mixing valve 2, 11B is a faucet hot water temperature sensor for correcting the faucet hot water mixing valve 3, and 12A is a bath tub 18. A hot water supply flow rate sensor (or a flow switch) for detecting the opening and closing of a general faucet, a hot water storage tank 13 for storing water or hot water, and a hot water tank 14 for boiling water in the hot water storage tank 13. increase A heating element, 15 is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water in the hot water storage tank 13, 16 is a kitchen remote control, 17 is a bathroom remote control, 18 is a bathtub, 19 is a general faucet such as a kitchen, a washbasin and a bathroom curan and shower, Reference numeral 20 denotes a control unit.
[0003]
Next, the operation will be described.
First, the water supplied from the water source is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve 1 and flows into the hot water storage tank 13. The water in the hot water storage tank 13 is always full, and is heated to a predetermined temperature using a heat source such as midnight power. The hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank 13 is preset from the outside by a remote controller. When the hot water temperature sensor 15 detects the set hot water temperature, the power supply to the heating element 14 is stopped. While the water in the hot water storage tank 13 expands in volume due to the temperature rise during heating, the water overflowing from the hot water storage tank 13 due to the expansion is discharged out of the hot water storage tank 13 by the relief valve 7.
[0004]
The temperature of hot water from the faucet 19 in the kitchen or the sink is set in advance by the remote controller 16. For example, when the faucet 19 in the kitchen is opened, the control unit 20 sets the hot water mixing valve 3 so that the set hot water temperature is reached. To mix the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 and the water from the water source at an appropriate temperature, and correct the hot water mixing valve 3 based on the input value of the hot water temperature sensor 11B. An upper limit value is set for the hot water temperature of the faucet at the maximum set hot water temperature, so that instantaneous burns are prevented.
[0005]
The temperature of hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 is set by a remote controller 17 provided in the bathroom. The operation of supplying hot water to the bathtub 18 is as follows. When the hot water switch is pressed with the bathroom remote control 17, a hot water command signal is output, and the control unit 20 sets the detection temperature of the bath hot water supply temperature sensor 11A to the hot water temperature set by the bathroom remote control 17. The hot water mixing valve 2 is controlled and the electromagnetic valve 6 is opened to start hot water supply to the bathtub 18. After the filling of the bathtub 18 is started, the integrated flow rate is calculated by the bathtub hot water supply flow rate sensor 12A, and the filling is continued until the bathtub hot water amount reaches a preset level. When the accumulated flow reaches the set bath water level, the solenoid valve 6 is closed to complete the filling of the bathtub.
[0006]
By providing a water mixing valve for a general faucet such as a kitchen or a washbasin and a water mixing valve for supplying a bathtub in independent hot water supply circuits, for example, 60 ° C. hot water is supplied to the bathtub 18. Even when the faucet set to the hot water temperature of 40 ° C. is opened, the control unit 20 continues to supply the hot water at a hot water temperature of 60 ° C. to the bathtub 18 while the faucet hot water set at the set faucet is supplied to the faucet. By controlling the faucet hot water mixing valve 3 so that the hot water temperature is reached, it becomes possible to supply hot water set to a hot water temperature of 40 ° C.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional water heater is configured as described above, and the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit are connected to each other by piping. However, in the conventional water heater, the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 are separately installed at separate positions, and each of the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 is provided with a water source for reducing the pressure in the hot water storage tank to a predetermined pressure. From the pressure reducing valve 1 for reducing the pressure of the water supplied to the hot water storage tank 13 from the water, the pressure loss generated between the pressure reducing valve 1 and each of the hot and cold water mixing valves 2, 3 causes each faucet 19 or There has been a problem that the flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 is reduced, the time required for hot water filling is long, or the flow rate from each faucet cannot be sufficiently secured.
[0008]
In addition, the above-described conventional water heater requires piping components for connecting valves such as the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3, the pressure reducing valve 1, the solenoid valve 6, and the relief valve 7, and further requires piping connection. However, there are many parts for this, and there has been a problem that the assembling workability is deteriorated and the cost is increased. In addition, since the hot water supply circuit is complicated, there is a problem that workability at the time of assembling is poor and the cost increases.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater in which the flow rate of hot water supplied to each faucet or bathtub is small. It is another object of the present invention to provide a water heater that can reduce the number of piping and connecting parts constituting the water heater and has good assembling workability.
Moreover, it aims at providing the valve unit used for such a water heater.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The water heater of the present invention is supplied via a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated and heated by the heating means, a pressure reducing valve for setting the pressure of water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure, and the pressure reducing valve. A hot-water mixing valve that mixes water and hot water in the hot water tank to obtain hot water at a predetermined temperature, and a relief valve that is connected to the hot water tank and that discharges hot water that has expanded in volume at the time of heating and heating by the heating means. In the water heater provided, the hot water supply circuit of the water heater has a valve unit in which at least each of the valves and a pipe connecting between the valves are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water constituting the valve unit are provided. The mixing valve is disposed close to the mixing valve.
[0011]
In the water heater of the present invention, the valve unit has a plurality of hot water mixing valves, and at least one hot water mixing valve supplies hot water obtained by the hot water mixing valve to a bathtub by opening and closing a flow path. It is connected to a solenoid valve.
[0012]
Further, in the water heater according to the present invention, the valve unit has a check valve for preventing a backflow of hot water and water flowing into the hot / water mixing valve.
[0013]
Further, in the valve unit of the present invention, at least the pressure reducing valve, the hot and cold water mixing valve, the relief valve, and the pipe connecting the respective valves are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water mixing valve are disposed in close proximity. Is what is being done.
[0014]
Further, in the valve unit of the present invention, each valve constituting the valve unit and a pipe connecting between the valves are formed of a resin molded product.
[0015]
In the valve unit of the present invention, the valves constituting the valve unit, the valves, the valves and the pipes, or the pipes and the pipes are connected by integral molding of resin.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a valve unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific component layout of the valve unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a water heater configured using the valve unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of water supplied from a water source, 2 is a hot water mixing valve for mixing hot water supplied to the bath 18 to a proper temperature, and 3 is hot water supplied to a general faucet. Mixing valve for faucet hot water supply for mixing at an appropriate temperature, 4 is a branch flow path for distributing water from pressure reducing valve 1 to mixing valves 2 and 3, and 5 is mixing valve 2 and 3 for mixing hot water from hot water storage tank 13. A hot water supply solenoid valve for opening and closing a hot water supply circuit to the bathtub 18; a relief valve 7 for discharging water in the hot water storage tank expanded in volume by heating to the outside of the hot water supply circuit; A check valve 9 for preventing backflow of water flowing into the hot / water mixing valves 2 and 3, and a check valve 9 for preventing backflow of hot water flowing into the hot / water mixing valves 2 and 3. Although the check valves 8 and 9 are not shown in FIG. 2, they are actually disposed in a pipe between the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 and the branch flow path 4 or 5. Reference numeral 10 denotes a valve unit in which the above-mentioned valves constituting the hot-water supply circuit of the water heater and a pipe connecting between the valves are integrated. 11A is a bath tub hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot tub hot water mixing valve 2, 11B is a faucet hot water temperature sensor for correcting the faucet hot water mixing valve 3, and 12A is the hot water supply amount to the bath tub 18. , Hot water supply flow rate sensor (or flow switch) for detecting the opening and closing of a general faucet, 13 a hot water storage tank for storing water or hot water, and 14 a heating element for boiling water in the hot water storage tank 13 (Heating means), 15 is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of water in the hot water storage tank 13, 16 is a kitchen remote control, 17 is a bathroom remote control, 18 is a bathtub, 19 is a kitchen, a washbasin and a bathroom such as a callan / shower. The faucet 20 indicates a control unit.
[0017]
The operation is almost the same as the conventional one.
First, the water supplied from the water source is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 1 in the valve unit 10 and flows into the hot water storage tank 13. The water in the hot water storage tank 13 is always full, and is heated to a predetermined temperature using a heat source such as midnight power. The hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank 13 is preset from the outside by a remote controller. When the hot water temperature sensor 15 detects the set hot water temperature, the power supply to the heating element 14 is stopped. During the heating, the volume of the water in the hot water storage tank 13 expands due to the temperature rise, but the water overflowing from the hot water storage tank 13 due to the expansion is discharged out of the hot water storage tank 13 by the relief valve 7.
[0018]
The temperature of hot water from the faucet 19 in the kitchen or the sink is set in advance by the remote controller 16. For example, when the faucet 19 in the kitchen is opened, the control unit 20 sets the hot water mixing valve 3 so that the set hot water temperature is reached. Is controlled to mix the hot water in the storage tank 13 and the water from the water source at an appropriate temperature, and correct the hot water mixing valve 3 based on the input value of the hot water temperature sensor 11B. It should be noted that the hot water temperature of the faucet is set to have an upper limit value for the maximum set hot water temperature to prevent instantaneous burns.
[0019]
The temperature of hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 is set by a remote controller 17 provided in the bathroom. The operation of supplying hot water to the bathtub 18 is as follows. When the hot water switch is pressed with the bathroom remote control 17, a hot water command signal is output, and the control unit 20 sets the detection temperature of the bath hot water supply temperature sensor 11A to the hot water temperature set by the bathroom remote control 17. The hot water mixing valve 2 is controlled and the electromagnetic valve 6 is opened to start hot water supply to the bathtub 18. After the filling of the bathtub 18 is started, the integrated flow rate is calculated by the bathtub hot water supply flow rate sensor 12A, and the filling is continued until the bathtub hot water amount reaches a preset level. When the accumulated flow reaches the set bath water level, the solenoid valve 6 is closed to complete the filling of the bathtub.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit of the water heater are not arranged at scattered positions as in a conventional water heater and these are connected by piping parts, but as shown in FIG. The unit 10 is configured to be integrated. By doing so, the length of the pipe between the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit of the water heater can be reduced. In particular, since the distance between the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 can be reduced, the piping in the hot water supply circuit, particularly, the pipe between the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot and cold water mixing valves 2 and 3 can be used. The pressure loss generated in the inside can be reduced, and a larger flow rate can be flowed. As a result, it is possible to provide a water heater in which the flow rate of the hot water supplied to each faucet or bathtub is small.
[0021]
FIG. 4 shows the connection distance between the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water mixing valve (the distance in the vertical direction, that is, the height of the installation position of each valve) based on the hot water supply flow rate obtained when the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve are directly connected. (Difference) is shown on the horizontal axis. From FIG. 4, a lower limit of 10% reduction of the flow rate (reference flow rate) when the connection distance between the pressure reducing valve and the mixing valve is set to 0 (when the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve are directly connected by an integrated structure or the like). If the flow rate is used, a connection distance of up to 1 m can be allowed.
[0022]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the valves that constitute the hot water supply circuit of the water heater and the pipes that connect the valves are integrated to form a valve unit. Circuit configuration. Furthermore, assembling workability is improved and maintainability is improved, so that a cheaper water heater can be provided.
Further, since the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water mixing valve can be arranged close to each other by using the valve unit, the vertical distance between the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water mixing valve can be easily set to 1 m or less. It is possible to provide a water heater with less decrease.
[0023]
Embodiment 2 FIG.
In the second embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 1, the hot / cold water mixing valve 2 for the bathtub, the hot / cold water mixing valve 3 for the faucet water supply, the branch channels 4 and 5, the hot water supply, which constitute the valve unit 10 for the water heater shown in the first embodiment. The main components such as the solenoid valve 6, the relief valve 7, and the check valves 8, 9 are made of a resin molded product. As a resin to be used, for example, the following materials can be applied, including polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene; polyvinyl chloride resins; aliphatic polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; aromatic polyamide resins such as polyphthalamide; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. Resin, polyoxymethylene resin, polyetheretherketone resin, crystalline resin such as fluororesin, polystyrene resin, polycarbonate resin, polysulfone resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyallerite Resins, polyamideimide resins, polyetherimide resins, acrylonitrile-styrene resins, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene resins and other amorphous resins, aromatic polyester resins and aromatic resins. Liquid crystal polymers such as family polyesteramide based resin can be enumerated. Further, a resin containing a filler such as an alloy or a glass fiber may be used. In addition, since each of the above-mentioned valves constituting the valve unit needs to have strength against water pressure, for the above-mentioned material, a material reinforced with glass fiber (a glass fiber content of about 10 to 40%) is used. It is desirable.
[0024]
As described above, by resinifying the valves constituting the valve unit and the piping parts connecting the respective valves, the weight of the parts can be reduced, and the productivity is greatly improved by the production by injection molding. Thus, it is possible to provide a cheaper water heater.
[0025]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, a valve and a valve, or a valve and a pipe, or a pipe and a pipe constituting the valve unit shown in the second embodiment are connected by integral molding of resin. In a conventional hot water supply circuit, a valve and a valve, or a valve and a pipe, or a pipe and a pipe are joined using auxiliary parts such as an O-ring in order to maintain watertightness. The connecting portions are formed integrally with these connecting portions without using auxiliary parts such as O-rings. As means for integral molding, for example, ultrasonic welding or vibration welding is used. However, joining by welding has problems that the joint shape to be joined is limited and that joining strength is not excellent. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of primary molded articles 21 (a valve and a valve made of the first resin, or a valve and a pipe made of the first resin, or made of the first resin) Pipes and pipes) are inserted into a joining mold 23, a second resin 22 having excellent joining strength is injected into the joining mold 23, and the interface of the joined portion is again formed by injection molding with the first resin. A method in which heating is performed to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point and secondary bonding is performed is also effective.
[0026]
In the valve unit configured as described above, the valves and valves, or the valves and piping, or the piping and piping, which constitute the valve unit, are connected by injection molding. A water heater can be provided.
Further, in general, a resin molded product is unavoidable of dimensional change over time. Therefore, even if an O-ring or the like is used to connect parts to maintain watertightness, there is a possibility that water leakage may occur in a long-term use. . However, in the third embodiment, the connection points of the components constituting the valve unit are joined by the above-described method, and the connection points where the O-rings and the like are used are reduced. There is an effect that a unit can be obtained.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated and heated by a heating unit, a pressure reducing valve for setting the pressure of water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure, and a pressure reducing valve A hot-water mixing valve that mixes the supplied water with the hot water in the hot-water storage tank to obtain hot water at a predetermined temperature, and is connected to the hot-water storage tank to discharge hot water that has expanded in volume at the time of heating and heating by the heating means. In the water heater provided with a relief valve, the hot water supply circuit of the water heater has a valve unit in which at least each valve and a pipe connecting each valve are integrated, and the decompression constituting the valve unit is performed. Since the valve and the hot / cold mixing valve are arranged close to each other, there is an effect that a water heater with a small decrease in hot water flow can be obtained. Further, the number of piping parts is reduced, and a simple circuit configuration can be achieved. Furthermore, assembling workability is improved and maintainability is improved, so that a cheaper water heater can be provided.
[0028]
Further, in the above water heater, the valve unit has a plurality of hot water mixing valves, and at least one hot water mixing valve is a hot water supply solenoid valve that supplies hot water obtained by the hot water mixing valve to a bathtub by opening and closing a flow path. If it is configured to be connected, it is possible to realize a water heater having a hot water supply circuit dedicated to a bath tub capable of filling a set bath water quantity, and for such a water heater, a simple hot water supply circuit configuration, and There is an effect that a water heater with a small decrease in the flow rate of hot water is obtained.
[0029]
Also, in the valve unit of the water heater, if a check valve for preventing a back flow of hot water and water flowing into the hot water mixing valve is provided, a water heater having a simple hot water supply circuit configuration and a small decrease in the flow rate of hot water can be obtained. And a highly reliable water heater can be obtained.
[0030]
Further, in the valve unit of the present invention, at least the pressure reducing valve, the hot and cold water mixing valve, the relief valve, and the pipe connecting between the valves are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve and the hot and cold water mixing valve are disposed in close proximity. Therefore, when used in the hot water supply circuit of the water heater, there is an effect that a water heater with a small decrease in the flow rate of hot water can be obtained.
[0031]
In addition, if the valves constituting the valve unit and the piping connecting the valves are made of a resin molded product, the weight of the valve unit can be reduced, the productivity can be greatly improved, and an inexpensive water heater can be provided. The effect is obtained.
[0032]
In addition, connecting the valves constituting the valve unit, the valves, the valves and the pipes, or the pipes and the pipes by integral molding of resin has an effect of obtaining a valve unit having high reliability against water leakage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a valve unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a component layout of the valve unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a water heater configured using the valve unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a connection distance between a pressure reducing valve and a hot water mixing valve and a flow rate ratio.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method of joining a valve unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hot water supply circuit of a conventional water heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 pressure reducing valve, 2 hot and cold water mixing valve for hot tub, 3 hot and cold water mixing valve for hot water supply, 4, 5 branch flow path, 6 hot water supply solenoid valve, 7 relief valve, 8, 9 check valve, 10 valve unit, 11A hot tub hot water supply Hot water temperature sensor, 11B faucet hot water temperature sensor, 12A bathtub hot water flow sensor, 12B faucet hot water flow sensor, 13 hot water tank, 14 heating element, 15 hot water temperature sensor, 16 kitchen remote control, 17 bathroom remote control, 18 bathtub, 19 general faucet , 20 control part, 21 primary molded product, 22 second resin, 23 joining mold.

Claims (6)

A hot water tank for storing hot water heated and heated by the heating means, a pressure reducing valve for setting a pressure of water supplied to the hot water tank to a desired pressure, water supplied via the pressure reducing valve, and hot water for the hot water tank A hot / water mixing valve that mixes and obtains hot water of a predetermined temperature, and a water heater that is connected to the hot water storage tank and that has a relief valve for discharging hot water that has expanded in volume at the time of heating and heating by the heating means. The hot water supply circuit of the water heater has a valve unit in which at least each valve and a pipe connecting each valve are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve and the hot / water mixing valve constituting the valve unit are disposed in close proximity to each other. A water heater characterized by being. The valve unit has a plurality of hot-water mixing valves, and at least one hot-water mixing valve is connected to a hot-water supply electromagnetic valve that supplies hot water obtained by the hot-water mixing valve to a bathtub by opening and closing a flow path. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit has a check valve for preventing a backflow of hot water and water flowing into the hot water mixing valve. At least, a pressure reducing valve for setting the pressure of water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure, and mixing the water supplied via the pressure reducing valve with the hot water in the hot water storage tank to mix hot water at a predetermined temperature. And a relief valve connected to the hot water storage tank for discharging hot water in the hot water storage tank that has expanded in volume, and a pipe connecting between the valves are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve And the hot and cold water mixing valve are disposed in close proximity to each other. The valve unit according to claim 4, wherein each valve constituting the valve unit and a pipe connecting between the valves are formed of a resin molded product. The valve unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the valves constituting the valve unit are connected by integral molding of a resin.

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