JP2004044992A - Hot-water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To supply the hot-water of a set temperature to a bathtub 11 in additional hot-water supply in a hot-water supply device 12 which keeps the water in the bathtub 11 warm by utilizing the heat of the hot-water stored in an electric water heater 14. <P>SOLUTION: The water in the bathtub 11 is circulated in circulating piping 34 by driving a circulation pump 38, and the water exchanges the heat with the hot-water in an electric water heater 14 by a heat exchanger 43 of the circulating piping 34 to keep the water in the bathtub 11 warm. When a water level sensor 40 detects the lowering of a water level of the bathtub 11, an upstream side in the circulating direction is closed by a three-way valve 41 to allow the hot-water to flow from a hot-water passage 32 to a downstream side in the circulating direction. The hot-water from the hot-water passage 32 flows to the bathtub 11 through a bypass circuit 45, as the heat exchanger 43 mounted at the downstream side in the circulating direction of the three-way valve 41 has high channel resistance. The hot-water from the hot-water supply passage 32 is additionally supplied from the bypass circuit 45 to the bathtub 1, while monitoring the water level of the bathtub 11 by the water level sensor 40. In a case when the water in the bathtub 11 is circulated to the circulating piping 34 by driving the circulation pump 38, the flowing back of the water in the bathtub 11 to the bypass circuit 45 is prevented by a check valve 46 mounted on the bypass circuit 45. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply device that keeps hot water in a bathtub using heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a hot water supply device having a reheating function for supplying hot water to a bath tub using hot water from an electric water heater, a circulation path is connected to the bath tub, and a circulation pump that circulates hot water in the bath tub to the circulation path is connected to the circulation path. An electric heater that heats the hot and cold water in the bathtub, a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub, a thermistor that detects the hot water temperature in the bathtub, and the like are provided.The hot water adjusted to the set hot water temperature by the mixing valve is also provided. The hot water supply path for hot water is connected.
[0003]
Then, at the time of filling the bathtub, hot water at a set temperature is supplied from the hot water supply passage to the bathtub through the circulation path to fill the bathtub with the set water level. Also, after filling the bathtub, the circulation pump is periodically driven to circulate the water in the bathtub through the circulation path, and the temperature of the water is monitored by the thermistor of the circulation path, and the temperature of the water is lower than the set temperature. At times, the heater is energized to heat the hot water in the bathtub circulating in the circulation path, thereby keeping the hot water temperature in the bathtub at a set temperature. However, the electric heater has a problem in that it takes a long time to keep the temperature due to insufficient capacity.
[0004]
In addition, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-83156, heat exchange in which hot water in a bathtub circulating in a circulation path is exchanged with hot water stored in an electric water heater instead of an electric heater. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a hot water supply device which is provided with a water heater and can keep hot water in a bathtub in a short time by using heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater.
[0005]
Further, in a hot water supply device having an automatic adding hot water function, a water level sensor monitors the water level in the bathtub, and when it detects that the water level has dropped below a set water level, the water level sensor monitors the water level in the bathtub, while monitoring the water level in the bathtub. Hot water is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path and added to the set water level.
[0006]
If such a function of the automatic hot water supply is provided with a hot water supply device that keeps the hot water in the bath tub using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater, the hot tub of the set temperature from the hot water supply path is circulated through the circulation path. In the middle of hot water supply.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in a hot water supply device that uses the heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater to maintain hot water in a bath tub, when an automatic hot water supply function is provided, hot water at a set temperature from a hot water supply path exchanges heat. Since the water passes through the vessel, hot water having a temperature higher than the set temperature is supplied to the bathtub, and there is a problem that the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub rises above the set temperature.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and in a hot water supply device that uses the heat of hot water stored in an electric water heater to keep hot water in a bathtub, the hot water at a set temperature is supplied to the bathtub when hot water is added. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply device that can supply hot water to a hot spring.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hot water supply device according to claim 1 is an electric water heater for storing hot water, a hot water supply path for supplying hot water to the bathtub using the hot water of the electric water heater, a circulation pipe connected to the bathtub, and circulating hot water for the bathtub. A circulating pump for circulating the pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging hot water in a bathtub for circulating the circulating pipe with hot water of the electric water heater, a circulating pump for the circulating pipe, and the hot water supply path provided upstream of the heat exchanger in a circulating direction. A circulation path provided with a switching valve for switching between a hot water supply path to a circulation pipe and a circulation path in the circulation pipe, and a connection between a circulation pump upstream of the circulation pipe and a heat exchanger in the circulation pipe and a heat exchanger. It has a bypass circuit and a check valve provided in the bypass circuit and enabling the hot water to flow only in a direction corresponding to the downstream side from the upstream side in the circulation direction.
[0010]
And, in this configuration, when hot water is supplied from the hot water supply path to the bathtub through the circulation path, such as at the time of filling or adding hot water, the hot water that is going to flow to the heat exchanger side flows to the bathtub side through the bypass circuit, Hot water at the set temperature is supplied to the bathtub. Also, when the circulation pump is driven to circulate the hot water in the bathtub to the circulation path, 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. .
[0011]
A water heater according to a second aspect of the present invention is the water heater according to the first aspect, wherein the water level sensor is provided between the circulation pipe upstream of the switching valve of the circulation pipe and the bathtub, and detects a water level in the bathtub, and the water level sensor. When it is detected 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 the hot water supply path to the hot water supply path to the downstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction. A hot water control unit for monitoring the water level in the bath tub with the water level sensor and adding hot water to the bath tub from the hot water supply path through a bypass circuit.
[0012]
In this configuration, when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the bathtub has fallen below the set water level, the switching valve closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe from the hot water supply path. In the state switched to the hot water supply path, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply path to the bath tub through the bypass circuit while monitoring the water level of the bath tub with the water level sensor, and hot water at the set temperature is added to the bath tub.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the hot water temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply path, and the hot water supply apparatus are provided downstream of the bypass circuit of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction. The apparatus includes a temperature detecting unit and a hot water temperature control unit that controls the hot water temperature adjusting unit while monitoring the hot water temperature with the temperature detecting unit.
[0014]
In this configuration, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply path is adjusted by the hot water temperature adjusting means while monitoring the hot water temperature by the temperature detecting means provided on the downstream side in the circulation direction from the bypass circuit of the circulation pipe. To the bathtub.
[0015]
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 4 is an electric water heater for storing hot water, a hot water supply path for supplying hot water to the bathtub using the hot water of the electric water heater, a circulation pipe connected to the bathtub, and circulating hot water in the bathtub. A circulating pump for circulating the pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging hot water in a bathtub for circulating the circulating pipe with hot water of the electric water heater, a circulating pump for the circulating pipe, and the hot water supply path provided upstream of the heat exchanger in a circulating direction. A circulation valve having a switching valve for switching between a hot water supply path from the hot water supply line to the circulation pipe and a circulation path in the circulation pipe; a flow sensor for detecting an amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply path; and a circulation valve upstream of the circulation pipe switching valve. A water level sensor provided between the side and the bathtub, for detecting the water level of the bathtub, a storage unit for storing a relationship between the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply path and the water level of the bathtub, and the water level sensor setting the water level of the bathtub. Check that the water level has dropped Then, while the downstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction is closed by the switching valve and the hot water supply path is switched to the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe from the hot water supply path, the storage amount is monitored while monitoring the amount of hot water supply by the flow rate sensor. A hot water supply unit for adding a hot water supply amount to the bathtub to set the water level of the bathtub to the set water level based on the relationship between the hot water supply amount from the hot water supply path stored in the unit and the water level of the bathtub. is there.
[0016]
In this configuration, when the water level sensor detects that the water level in the bathtub has fallen below the set water level, the switching valve closes the downstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and moves the water supply path from the hot water supply path to the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe. While switching to the hot water supply path, while monitoring the hot water supply amount by the flow rate sensor, the water supply amount for setting the water level of the bathtub to the set water level based on the relationship between the water supply amount from the hot water supply path and the water level of the bathtub stored in the storage unit. By adding hot water to the bathtub, hot water added to the bathtub does not pass through the heat exchanger, and hot water at a set temperature is added to the bathtub.
[0017]
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 5 is the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at the time of the first hot water filling, the water level is monitored while monitoring the water level of the bathtub with a water level sensor, and the relationship between the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel and the water level of the bathtub is determined. It is provided with a hot water filling control unit to be stored in the storage unit.
[0018]
Then, in this configuration, at the time of the first hot water filling, the hot water is supplied while monitoring the water level of the bathtub with the water level sensor, and the relationship between the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel and the water level of the bathtub is stored in the storage unit, and the relationship is determined according to the shape of the bathtub. Set the bath level accurately.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a hot water supply apparatus.
[0021]
A bathtub 11 is provided in an indoor bathroom, and a main unit 13 of a water heater 12 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 11 is installed outdoors.
[0022]
An electric water heater 14 is provided in the main unit 13. The electric water heater 14 employs a water-supply hot-water supply system of a push-up type and has a hot water storage tank 15, and a bottom side in the hot water storage tank 15. A lower heater 16 is provided as a heater for boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15, and an upper heater 17 is provided on the upper side of the hot water storage tank 15 as a heater for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15. A water supply pipe 20 connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe via a pressure reducing valve 18 and a check valve 19 is connected to a lower part of the tank, and a hot water supply pipe 21 is connected to an upper part of the hot water storage tank 15.
[0023]
On the side surface of the hot water storage tank 15, a remaining hot water thermistor 22 for detecting the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is disposed at a height position corresponding to each remaining hot water amount, for example, 60L, 120L, and 180L in the hot water storage tank 15. A hot water temperature thermistor 23 is provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 15 for detecting the temperature of the hot water when the whole water is heated and for detecting the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water storage tank 15.
[0024]
In the water heater 14 of the push-up type, the water in the hot water storage tank 15 is heated to the set temperature by the lower heater 16 and the hot water is supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 when hot water is supplied from each hot water supply place. The water is pushed up and supplied through the hot water supply pipe 21. The upper hot water layer and the lower water layer in the hot water storage tank 15 are separated via the hot / water mixed layer, and the hot / water mixed layer rises with the use of hot water.
[0025]
The downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 18 of the water supply pipe 20 and the hot water supply pipe 21 are connected to a mixing valve 24 for hot water supply and a mixing valve 25 as hot water temperature adjusting means for hot water supply in a bathtub. The mixing valves 24 and 25 mix the water supplied through the water supply pipe 20 with the hot water supplied from the electric water heater 14 through the hot water supply pipe 21 and supply hot water to the discharge side according to a mixing ratio of the water and the hot water. Adjust the temperature to the set temperature.
[0026]
A pipe 26 connected to a hot water supply place such as a shower in a bathtub, a kitchen or a washroom is connected to a discharge side of the mixing valve 24 for hot water supply for discharging hot water at a set temperature, and the flow rate of the hot water is detected by the pipe 26. A hot water supply thermistor 28 for detecting a hot water temperature is provided. The mixing valve 24 is controlled based on the detection of the flow rate sensor 27 and the hot water supply thermistor 28.
[0027]
A pipe 29 is connected to a discharge side of the mixing valve 25 for hot water supply for discharging hot water at a set temperature, and a flow rate sensor 30 for detecting a flow rate of the hot water in the middle of the pipe 29, and a water supply pressure is reduced due to water cutoff or the like. In this case, a hopper 31 having a function of separating the mixing valve 25 side and the bathtub 11 side is connected. Further, a hot water supply path 32 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 11 using hot water of the electric water heater 14 including the hot water supply pipe 21 and the pipe 29 is formed. The hopper 31 is provided with a hot water supply solenoid valve (not shown) that opens and closes a pipe inlet of a pipe 29 drawn into the hopper 31.
[0028]
Further, a circulation pipe 34 of a circulation path 33 is connected to the bathtub 11. The circulation pipe 34 has an outgoing pipe 36 and a return pipe 37 connected to a circulation fitting 35 installed in the bathtub 11, and the hot water in the bathtub 11 is driven by a circulation pump 38 arranged in the middle of the circulation pipe 34. Is sucked from the return pipe 37 and circulated in the circulating direction of discharging from the going pipe 36 to the bathtub 11.
[0029]
A return thermistor 39 for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the return pipe 37, a water level sensor 40 which is a pressure sensor for detecting a water level in the bathtub 11, and a hot water supply path 32 are provided in the circulation pipe 34 in order from the upstream side in the circulation direction. A three-way valve 41 as a switching valve for switching between a hot water supply path to the hot water supply line and a circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, a circulation pump 38, a flow switch 42 for detecting a flow of hot water in the circulation pipe 34, and an upper side in the hot water storage tank 15. A heat exchanger 43 for exchanging hot water that is installed and circulating in the circulation pipe 34 with high-temperature hot water boiled in the hot water storage tank 15, and a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the hot water in the flow pipe 36. A thermistor 44 is provided. The heat exchanger 43 has a flow path resistance larger than the flow path resistance of the hot water flowing in the circulation pipe 34, and suppresses the flow rate of the hot water flowing in the heat exchanger 43 to reduce the flow rate of the hot water storage tank 15. The heat exchange with the hot water inside is ensured. With reference to the three-way valve 41, the upstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41 is defined as a return pipe 37, and the downstream side in the circulation direction is defined as a going pipe 36.
[0030]
A bypass circuit 45 is provided between the upstream side and the downstream side of the circulation pump 38 of the circulation pipe 34 and the heat exchanger 43 in the circulation direction, that is, between the three-way valve 41 and the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43 and the outgoing thermistor 44. The bypass circuit 45 is provided with a check valve 46 that allows hot water to flow only in a direction corresponding to the upstream side to the downstream side in the circulation direction.
[0031]
The hot water supply device 12 has a control device 51 for controlling the hot water supply device 12. The control device 51 includes a main remote controller (not shown) disposed in a kitchen or the like, and a control device 51 disposed in a bathroom. Bathroom remote control is connected.
[0032]
When the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level in the bathtub 11 has dropped below the set water level, the control device 51 closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction with the three-way valve 41 and circulates the circulation pipe 34 from the hot water supply path 32. The hot water supply path is switched to the downstream side in the direction, and while the water level sensor 40 monitors the water level of the bathtub 11, the function of the hot water control section 52 for adding hot water to the bathtub 11 through the bypass circuit 45 from the hot water supply path 32, and the hot water thermistor 44 Of the hot water temperature control unit 53 for controlling the mixing valve 25 while monitoring the temperature.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
[0034]
In the electric water heater 14, the lower heater 16 and the upper heater 17 are selectively used as necessary and supplied with electricity during a specific time zone such as a midnight power time zone, and are not used as the water supplied to the hot water storage tank 15 and the remaining hot water. Bring hot water to the set temperature.
[0035]
When the bathtub 11 is automatically filled with water under the control of the control device 51, at the time of initial filling, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction and the downstream side of the hot water supply passage 32 in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34. The hot water supply solenoid valve is switched to the hot water supply path, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply path 32 is circulated downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. Flow to The heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. However, 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 supplied to the bypass circuit 45. Through the tub 11. That is, at the time of the first hot water filling, most of the hot water from the hot water supply passage 32 flows in the order of a → b → c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water passes through the heat exchanger 43 and is heated, so that hot water at the set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and furthermore, the outgoing thermistor 44 monitors the hot water temperature for mixing. Hot water at an accurate set temperature can be supplied by controlling the hot water temperature from the valve 25. During the first hot water filling, the hot water supply amount detected by the flow rate 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 supply amount and the water level is stored in the control device 51. When hot water is supplied to the bathtub 11 to the set water level, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop hot water supply, and the filling is completed.
[0036]
At the time of the next filling after the first filling, the three-way valve 41 switches the hot water supply path from the hot water supply path 32 to the upstream and downstream hot water supply paths in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34, and passes through the outgoing pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation pipe 34. The hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply passage 32 flows to the upstream and downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. The heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. However, 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 supplied to the bypass circuit 45. Through the tub 11. That is, at the next hot water filling, the hot water flowing from the hot water supply passage 32 to the upstream in the circulation direction flows in the order of a → e, and the majority of the hot water from the hot water supply passage 32 to the downstream in the circulation direction from the hot water supply passage 32 is a → b → It flows in the order of c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water passes through the heat exchanger 43 and is heated, so that hot water at the set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and further, the hot thermistor 39 and the outgoing thermistor 44 reduce the hot water temperature. By monitoring and controlling the temperature of the hot water from the mixing valve 25, hot water at an accurate set temperature can be supplied. During the next hot water filling, the hot water supply amount detected by the flow rate sensor 30 is monitored, and the hot water supply amount corresponding to the set water level is supplied based on the relationship between the hot water supply amount obtained at the first hot filling and the water level. The hot water supply electromagnetic valve is closed to stop the hot water supply, and the filling is completed.
[0037]
When the automatic hot water filling is completed, the automatic warming operation is executed at regular intervals. First, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, and draws hot water in the bathtub 11 into the return pipe 37 and circulates with the bathtub 11 so as to return to the bathtub 11 from the going pipe 36. The hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is forcibly circulated with the pipe 34. This circulation can be detected by turning on the flow switch 42.
[0038]
Although a bypass circuit 45 is connected in parallel with the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43, the inlet side of the bypass circuit 45 is connected to the suction side 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 backflow from the outgoing pipe 36 side to the circulation pump 38 side through the bypass circuit 45.
[0039]
Therefore, at the time of circulation, the hot and cold 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.
[0040]
The return thermistor 39 detects the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 and monitors whether the set temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature. If a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is not confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0041]
When the temperature is reduced by a predetermined temperature or more, the driving of the circulation pump 38 is continued until the temperature reaches the set temperature. The circulated hot water is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and is heated by heat exchange with the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 15, and the heated hot water is returned to the bathtub 11, and the hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is returned. The temperature rises. Then, when the temperature reaches the set temperature, the circulating pump 38 is stopped, and the automatic warming operation ends.
[0042]
Further, when the automatic warming operation is not performed after filling the hot water, the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction is closed by the three-way valve 41 so that the pressure of the hot water in the bathtub 11 is applied to the water level sensor 40 of the return pipe 37. Then, the water level sensor 40 detects the water level in the bathtub 11 and monitors whether or not the set water level is lower than a predetermined water level.
[0043]
When a drop in the water level that is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level is confirmed, an automatic adding hot-water operation for adding hot water at the set temperature to the bathtub 11 is performed. In the automatic hot water supply operation, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction, and switches from the hot water supply path 32 to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 to supply one pipe of hot water through the going pipe 36. In this state, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply passage 32 flows downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. The heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. However, 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 supplied to the bypass circuit 45. Through the tub 11. That is, during the automatic hot water operation, most of the hot water from the hot water supply passage 32 flows in the order of a → b → c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water passes through the heat exchanger 43 and is heated, so that hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11, and further, the hot water thermistor 44 monitors the hot water temperature to mix the hot water. Hot water at an accurate set temperature can be supplied by controlling the hot water temperature from the valve 25.
[0044]
Then, when the water level in the bathtub 11 reaches the set water level, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop hot water supply, and the automatic hot water operation is terminated.
[0045]
As described above, when hot water from the hot water supply path 32 is supplied to the bathtub 11 through the circulation path 33 at the time of filling or adding hot water, hot water that is going to flow toward the heat exchanger 43 is supplied to the bathtub 11 through the bypass circuit 45. When the circulating pump 38 is driven to circulate the hot water in the bathtub 11 to the circulation path 33, a check valve 46 provided in the bypass circuit 45 is provided. Thus, the hot water in the bathtub 11 is prevented from flowing back through the bypass circuit 45, so that the hot water in the bathtub 11 can be normally circulated.
[0046]
Particularly, at the time of adding hot water, when the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level of the bathtub 11 has dropped below the set water level, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction, and the hot water supply path 32 closes the circulation pipe. In the state in which the hot water supply path is switched to the downstream side in the circulation direction of 34, the hot water at the set temperature can be supplied to the bath tub 11 from the hot water supply path 32 through the bypass circuit 45 while monitoring the water level of the bath tub 11 with the water level sensor 40. You can add hot water.
[0047]
Moreover, in the hot water supply device 12 that keeps the hot water in the bathtub 11 by using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater 14, the simple configuration in which only the bypass circuit 45 and the check valve 46 are provided, and the electromagnetic valve and the like are provided. Hot water at a set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 11 without using electric parts, and costs can be reduced.
[0048]
Further, while monitoring the temperature of the hot water by the outgoing thermistor 44 provided on the downstream side in the circulation direction from the bypass circuit 45 of the circulation pipe 34, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water supply path 32 by the mixing valve 25 is adjusted. Hot water can be supplied to the bathtub 11.
[0049]
Next, FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the hot water supply apparatus.
[0050]
Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The piping configuration corresponds to a structure in which the bypass circuit 45 and the check valve 46 of the first embodiment are not provided.
[0051]
The control device 61 has a storage unit 62 that stores the relationship between the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage 32 and the water level of the bathtub 11.
[0052]
Further, when the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level in the bathtub has fallen below the set water level, the control device 61 closes the downstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction with the three-way valve 41 and, at the same time, closes the circulation pipe 34 from the hot water supply path 32. In the state where the hot water supply path is switched to the upstream in the circulation direction, while monitoring the hot water supply amount by the flow rate sensor 30, the bathtub is set based on the relationship between the hot water supply amount from the hot water supply path 32 stored in the storage unit 62 and the water level of the bathtub 11. The function of the hot water control unit 63 for adding the hot water supply amount to the bathtub 11 to bring the water level of the water bath 11 to the set water level, at the time of the first hot water filling, the hot water is supplied from the hot water supply passage 32 while monitoring the water level of the bathtub 11 with the water level sensor 40 Has a function of a hot water filling control unit 64 for causing the storage unit 62 to store the relationship between the hot water supply amount and the water level of the bathtub 11.
[0053]
Note that the detection value of the water level sensor 40 is A / D converted and input to the control device 61, and the control device 61 uses the detection value of the water level sensor 40 corresponding to a certain level difference in water level to change the water level, that is, the pressure change by one unit. , Ie, +1 point or -1 point.
[0054]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
[0055]
In the electric water heater 14, the lower heater 16 and the upper heater 17 are selectively used as necessary and supplied with electricity during a specific time zone such as a midnight power time zone, and are not used as the water supplied to the hot water storage tank 15 and the remaining hot water. Bring hot water to the set temperature.
[0056]
Then, when the bathtub 11 is to be automatically filled with water by the control of the control device 51, an automatic filling operation is performed according to whether it is the first filling or the next filling.
[0057]
At the time of the first hot water filling operation, first, a process of filling the outgoing pipe 36 of the circulation path 33 with hot water and making the circulation pump 38 prime is started. That is, the three-way valve 41 switches to the flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the outgoing pipe 36, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 flows out of the hot water supply path 32 into the outgoing pipe 36. Hot water is supplied to one pipe and used as priming water for the circulation pump 38.
[0058]
The amount of hot water supplied is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when it reaches a predetermined amount, for example, 1 liter, the three-way valve 41 switches to the flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the return pipe 37, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25. Is supplied from the hot water supply path 32 through one pipe of the return pipe 37.
[0059]
The hot water supply amount is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when the predetermined amount reaches, for example, 4 liters, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed.
[0060]
Subsequently, a process for confirming the presence or absence of remaining hot water in the bathtub 11 is started. That is, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation flow path connecting the outgoing pipe 36 and the return pipe 37, drives the circulation pump 38, circulates the hot water in the circulation path 33, and turns the bathtub 11 on and off according to the on / off state of the flow switch 42. Check if there is any remaining hot water.
[0061]
Subsequently, after confirming that there is no remaining hot water in the bathtub 11 and stopping the circulation pump 38, a process of supplying hot water for the first hot water supply amount is started. The initial hot water supply amount is set in advance and can be changed and set according to the size of the bathtub 11 or the like.
[0062]
The three-way valve 41 switches to the flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the outgoing pipe 36, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 passes through one pipe of the outgoing pipe 36 from the hot water supply path 32. Water.
[0063]
The amount of hot water supplied is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when it reaches a predetermined amount, for example, 13 liters, the three-way valve 41 switches to a flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the return pipe 37. Thereby, the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 is supplied from the hot water supply passage 32 through one return pipe 37.
[0064]
The hot water supply amount is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when the predetermined amount reaches, for example, 160 liters, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed.
[0065]
Subsequently, the three-way valve 41 switches to a circulation flow path connecting the going pipe 36 and the return pipe 37, and drives the circulation pump 38. It is checked for the first time whether or not the level of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 11 is above the circulation fitting 35 and circulates.
[0066]
Subsequently, the three-way valve 41 switches to a flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the return pipe 37, opens the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31, and supplies the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 from the hot water supply path 32 to the return pipe. Hot water is supplied to the bathtub 11 through one tube 37.
[0067]
The hot water supply amount is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when the first hot water supply amount is supplied, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed.
[0068]
Subsequently, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation flow path connecting the going pipe 36 and the return pipe 37, drives the circulation pump 38, and circulates the water level of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 11 above the circulation fitting 35. Confirm the second time whether to do.
[0069]
Subsequently, when two confirmations as to whether or not circulation are obtained, the water level detected by the water level sensor 40, that is, the pressure, is set as the reference water level P0, and the other plurality of set water levels are equally distributed based on the reference water level P0. . For example, assuming that the set water level is from level 1 to level 7, the intermediate level 3 is set as the reference level P0, and the target pressure of each level, level 2 is P0-4A / D, level 1 is P0-8A / D, Level 4 is set as P0 + 4 A / D, level 5 is set as P0 + 8 A / D, level 6 is set as P0 + 12 A / D, level 7 is set as P0 + 16 A / D, and so on. Note that ± 1 A / D of the target pressure is set according to the minimum unit or design in which the water level change of the water level sensor 40, that is, the pressure change can be detected.
[0070]
Then, the reference water level P0 as the level 3 of the set water level, the hot water supply amount L0 as the initial filling level required to achieve the reference water level P0, and the respective levels of the set water level distributed based on the reference water level P0 Is stored in the storage unit 62.
[0071]
Thereafter, hot water is supplied to level 4 which is one level higher than level 3 of the set water level which is the reference water level P0. That is, the three-way valve 41 switches to the flow path connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the outgoing pipe 36, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and the water level sensor 40 in the return pipe 37 monitors a water level change, that is, a pressure change, in the bathtub 11. Meanwhile, the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 flows from the hot water supply path 32 and is supplied to the bathtub 11 through one pipe of the piping 36.
[0072]
When the pressure detected by the water level sensor 40 reaches P0 + 4A / D which is the target pressure of the set water level at level 4, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed.
[0073]
The hot water supply amount for 1 A / D is obtained from the hot water supply amount required to achieve the set water level 4 at this time, and is stored in the storage unit 62.
[0074]
In addition, at the time of the next filling, first, as in the first filling, the outgoing pipe 36 of the circulation path 33 is filled with hot water to make the circulation pump 38 prime, and the return pipe 37 of the circulation path 33 is filled with hot water. Then, a process of confirming the presence or absence of remaining hot water in the bathtub 11 is sequentially executed.
[0075]
Subsequently, the three-way valve 41 switches to a flow path for simultaneously connecting the hot water supply path 32 and the two pipes, the outgoing pipe 36 and the return pipe 37, opens the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31, and adjusts the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25. Is supplied from the hot water supply path 32 to the bathtub 11 through two pipes, a going pipe 36 and a return pipe 37. At this time, the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction. However, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flows into the bathtub 11 through the return pipe 37. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water passes through the heat exchanger 43 and is heated, and hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11.
[0076]
During the next hot filling, the flow rate sensor 30 monitors the hot water supply amount, and based on the relationship between the hot water supply amount obtained at the first hot filling and stored in the storage unit 62 and the water level, the hot water supply amount corresponding to the set water level is supplied. Then, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop the hot water supply, and the next hot water filling is completed.
[0077]
When the automatic hot water filling is completed, the automatic warming operation is executed at regular intervals. First, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, and draws hot water in the bathtub 11 into the return pipe 37 and circulates with the bathtub 11 so as to return to the bathtub 11 from the going pipe 36. The hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is forcibly circulated with the pipe 34. This circulation can be detected by turning on the flow switch 42.
[0078]
The return thermistor 39 detects the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 and monitors whether the set temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature. If a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is not confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0079]
When the temperature is reduced by a predetermined temperature or more, the driving of the circulation pump 38 is continued until the temperature reaches the set temperature. The circulated hot water is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and is heated by heat exchange with the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 15, and the heated hot water is returned to the bathtub 11, and the hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is returned. The temperature rises. Then, when the temperature reaches the set temperature, the circulating pump 38 is stopped, and the automatic warming operation ends.
[0080]
Further, when the automatic warming operation is not performed after filling the hot water, the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction is closed by the three-way valve 41 so that the pressure of the hot water in the bathtub 11 is applied to the water level sensor 40 of the return pipe 37. Then, the water level sensor 40 detects the water level in the bathtub 11 and monitors whether or not the set water level is lower than a predetermined water level.
[0081]
When a drop in the water level equal to or higher than the predetermined water level is confirmed, for example, when a drop in the water level by 6 A / D is confirmed, the amount of hot water to be added to the bathtub 11 is stored in the storage unit 62 at 1 A / Based on the amount of hot water of D, the amount of hot water of 1 A / D × 6 is calculated, and an automatic adding hot water operation for adding hot water of the set temperature to the bathtub 11 is executed. In this automatic hot water supply operation, the three-way valve 41 closes the downstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction, switches the hot water supply path 32 to the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34, and supplies one pipe of hot water through the return pipe 37. In this state, the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply path 32 flows upstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, and is supplied to the bathtub 11 through the return pipe 37. At this time, hot water at an accurate set temperature can be supplied by monitoring the hot water temperature with the return thermistor 39 and controlling the hot water temperature from the mixing valve 25.
[0082]
The hot water supply amount is monitored by the flow rate sensor 30, and when the hot water supply for the hot water supply amount is detected, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve of the hopper 31 is closed, and the automatic hot water supply operation ends.
[0083]
As described above, when the water level sensor 40 detects that the water level in the bathtub 11 has fallen below the set water level, the three-way valve 41 closes the downstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction and the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34 from the hot water supply path 32. In the state where the hot water supply path is switched to the upstream side, while monitoring the hot water supply amount by the flow rate sensor 30, the bathtub 11 is based on the relationship between the hot water supply amount from the hot water supply passage 32 stored in the storage unit 62 and the water level of the bathtub 11. The hot water added to the bathtub 11 does not pass through the heat exchanger 43, and hot water at the set temperature can be added to the bathtub.
[0084]
In addition, at the time of the first hot water filling, the water level is monitored while monitoring the water level of the bathtub 11 with the water level sensor 40, and the relationship between the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply passage 32 and the water level of the bathtub 11 is stored in the storage unit 62. The water level of the bathtub 11 according to the conditions can be set accurately.
[0085]
Further, in the hot water supply device 12 that keeps hot water in the bathtub 11 by using the heat of the hot water stored in the electric water heater 14, the electric power of the electromagnetic valve and the like is simply configured by changing the software of the control device 61. Hot water at the set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 11 without using parts, and the cost can be reduced.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
According to the hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect, when hot water from the hot water supply path is supplied to the bathtub through the circulation path at the time of filling or adding hot water, the hot water that is going to flow to the heat exchanger side is passed through the bypass circuit. The hot water at the set temperature can be supplied to the bathtub, and when the circulation pump is driven to circulate the hot water in the bathtub to the circulation path, the hot water in the bathtub is checked by the check valve provided in the bypass circuit. Since the backflow of the bypass circuit is prevented, the hot water in the bathtub can be normally circulated.
[0087]
According to the hot water supply device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the hot water supply device of the first aspect, when the water level sensor detects that the water level of the bathtub has fallen below the set water level, the switching valve causes the circulation direction of the circulation pipe to flow. With the upstream side closed and the hot water supply path switched from the hot water supply path to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe, while monitoring the water level of the bath tub with a water level sensor, the hot water supply path supplies hot water to the bath tub through the bypass circuit. You can add hot water to the bathtub.
[0088]
According to the hot water supply device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the hot water supply device of the first or second aspect, the temperature of the hot water is monitored by the temperature detection means provided on the downstream side in the circulation direction from the bypass circuit of the circulation pipe. Since the temperature of hot water supplied from the hot water supply path is adjusted by the hot water temperature adjusting means, hot water at the set temperature can be reliably supplied to the bathtub.
[0089]
According to the fourth aspect, 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 downstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and circulates the circulation pipe from the hot water supply passage. In the state of switching to the hot water supply path to the upstream side in the direction, while monitoring the hot water supply amount with the flow rate sensor, the water level of the bathtub is set based on the relationship between the water supply amount from the hot water supply path stored in the storage unit and the water level of the bathtub. Since the amount of hot water to be added to the water level is added to the bathtub, the hot water added to the bathtub does not pass through the heat exchanger, and hot water at a set temperature can be added to the bathtub.
[0090]
According to the hot water supply device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the hot water supply device of the fourth aspect, at the time of the first hot water filling, the hot water is supplied while monitoring the water level of the bathtub with the water level sensor, and the amount of hot water from the hot water supply channel and the bathtub. Since the relationship with the water level of the bathtub is stored in the storage unit, the water level of the bathtub according to the shape of the bathtub can be accurately set.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Bathtub
12 Water heater
14 Electric water heater
25 Mixing valve as means for adjusting hot water temperature
30 Flow sensor
32 Hot water supply channel
33 Circuit
34 Circulation piping
38 Circulation pump
40 Water level sensor
41 Three-way valve as switching valve
43 heat exchanger
44 Outgoing thermistor as temperature detecting means
45 Bypass Circuit
46 Check valve
52 Addition hot water controller
53 Hot water temperature controller
62 Memory
63 Addition hot water controller
64 Hot water control unit

Claims (5)

An electric water heater that stores hot water,
A hot water supply channel that supplies hot water to the bathtub using hot water from this electric water heater,
A circulation pipe connected to the bathtub, a circulation pump for circulating hot water of the bathtub to the circulation pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging hot water of the bathtub for circulating the circulation pipe with hot water of the electric water heater, a circulation pump for the circulation pipe, and A circulation path provided with a switching valve that is provided upstream of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction and that 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 that connects between the circulation pump and the heat exchanger in the circulation direction upstream and downstream in the circulation pipe,
A hot-water supply device comprising: a check valve provided in the bypass circuit and configured to allow hot water to flow only in a direction corresponding to a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the circulation direction. A water level sensor that is provided between the circulation pipe upstream of the switching valve of the circulation pipe and the bathtub and detects the water level of the bathtub;
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 of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and switches the hot water supply path from the hot water supply path to the downstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a hot water control unit configured to add water to the bath tub from a hot water supply path through a bypass circuit while monitoring the water level of the bath tub with the water level sensor in a state where the water level is high. Hot water temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of hot water supplied from the hot water supply channel;
Temperature detection means provided on the downstream side in the circulation direction from the bypass circuit of the circulation pipe,
The hot water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a hot water temperature control unit that controls the hot water temperature adjusting means while monitoring the hot water temperature with the temperature detecting means. An electric water heater that stores hot water,
A hot water supply channel that supplies hot water to the bathtub using hot water from this electric water heater,
A circulation pipe connected to the bathtub, a circulation pump for circulating hot water of the bathtub to the circulation pipe, a heat exchanger for exchanging hot water of the bathtub for circulating the circulation pipe with hot water of the electric water heater, a circulation pump for the circulation pipe, and A circulation path provided with a switching valve that is provided upstream of the heat exchanger in the circulation direction and that 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 flow rate sensor for detecting an amount of hot water from the hot water supply path,
A water level sensor that is provided between the circulation pipe upstream of the switching valve of the circulation pipe and the bathtub and detects the water level of the bathtub;
A storage unit that stores a relationship between the amount of hot water from the hot water supply path and the water level of the bathtub,
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 downstream side of the circulation pipe in the circulation direction and switches the hot water supply path from the hot water supply path to the upstream side in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe. In this state, while monitoring the amount of hot water with the flow rate sensor, the amount of hot water for setting the water level of the bath tub to the set water level based on the relationship between the amount of hot water from the hot water supply path and the water level of the bath tub stored in the storage unit. A hot water supply device, comprising: a hot water control unit for adding hot water to the hot water. At the time of the first hot water filling, the water level sensor monitors the water level of the bath tub and supplies a hot water, and the hot water control section stores the relationship between the amount of hot water from the hot water supply path and the water level of the bath tub in the storage section. The hot water supply device according to claim 4.

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