JP2004116803A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater for always obtaining hot water of a prescribed temperature, superior in easiness-to-use, and having a safe and compact structure. <P>SOLUTION: This water heater has a hot water storage tank 5 having a heater 7 for heating water, a water supply passage 6 for supplying the water to the hot water storage tank 5 from a tape water pipe 1, a hot water discharge passage 12 for transporting hot water to a hot water delivery port 4 from the hot water storage tank 5, a recirculating passage 14 to the hot water storage tank 5 branching off from the middle of the hot water discharge passage 12, a valve element 15 arranged in a branch part 13 of the recirculating passage 14 from the hot water appearing passage 12 and opening either of the hot water delivery port side or the recirculating passage 14 of the hot water discharge passage 12 and a pump 11 for sending out the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 to the hot water discharge passage 12. The valve element 15 is constituted so as to be switched to the hot water delivery port side of the hot water discharge passage 12 from the recirculating passage 14 by interlocking with hot water discharge operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to, for example, a hot water supply device with a built-in kitchen unit used for home or business use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the conventional hot water supply device with a built-in kitchen unit, if the hot water supply device is interrupted for a while, the temperature of the hot water remaining in the hot water supply path decreases, and the hot water having the desired temperature at the beginning of the next hot water supply is not supplied. There was a problem that it could not be obtained.
[0003]
To solve this problem, a hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. 5 has been proposed. In other words, the hot water supply apparatus of FIG. 5 includes a water pipe 50 through which tap water is transported, a hot water path 52 branched from the water pipe 50 and transporting hot water to a hot water discharge port 51, and a water pipe arranged in the hot water path 52. A heater 53 for heating the water from the heater 50 into hot water; and a heater 53 connected between the front of the heater 53 and the vicinity of the hot water discharge port 51 in the hot water path 52 to circulate the water in the hot water path 52. A circulation path 54, a circulation pump 55 disposed in the circulation path 54, and a temperature sensor 56 for detecting the temperature of the tap water 52 or the water in the circulation path 54. The temperature of the water in the hot water supply path 52 can be maintained as constant as possible. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2995322 (page 3-4, FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional configuration, hot water is transported via the hot water supply path 52 by the tap water pressure of the water pipe 50 and is discharged to the outside, and the hot water in the circulation path 54 is circulated by the circulation pump 55. Therefore, a check valve 58 is arranged to prevent the hot water in the circulation path 54 from flowing back to the water pipe 50, and there has been a problem that the configuration is complicated and the cost is high.
[0006]
Further, since the operation of the circulation pump 55 is controlled only by the temperature sensor 56 for detecting the temperature of the water in the circulation path 54 or manually, there is a problem that a control means 57 having a complicated criterion is required.
[0007]
The present invention is to solve such a conventional problem and is to provide a hot water supply apparatus capable of maintaining hot water in a hot water path at a constant temperature as much as possible and safely and easily obtaining hot water at a predetermined temperature at the time of hot water supply. The aim is to provide an easy-to-use water heater that can be simplified and produced at low cost.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a hot water storage tank having a heater for heating water, a water supply path for supplying water from a water pipe to the hot water storage tank, and transporting hot water from the hot water storage tank to a hot water discharge port. A hot water supply path, a return path to a hot water storage tank that branches off from the middle of the hot water supply path, and a branch portion from the hot water supply path to the return path, which is either a hot water discharge port side of the hot water supply path or the return path. And a pump for feeding hot water in the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply path, so that the valve element is switched from the return path to the hot water discharge port of the hot water supply path in conjunction with the hot water supply operation. With this configuration, a recirculation path is formed at the time of non-hot water supply operation, and since hot water of a predetermined temperature is stored, hot water of a predetermined temperature can always be obtained, and safety of operation is improved and the configuration is simplified. Can be planned.
[0009]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a hot water storage tank having a heater for heating water, a water supply path for supplying water from a water pipe to the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply path for transporting hot water from the hot water storage tank to a hot water discharge port, and the hot water supply path. A return path to a hot water storage tank that branches off from the middle, and a valve body that is provided at a branch portion from the tapping path to the return path and opens either the hot water discharge port side of the tapping path or the return path, A pump for feeding hot water in the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply path, wherein the valve element is switched from the return path to the hot water discharge port side of the hot water supply path in conjunction with a hot water supply operation, Hot water having a high temperature in the hot water storage tank can be easily obtained.
[0010]
Further, a lock means for electrically or mechanically locking the tapping operation is provided, and the lock means and the valve element are linked so that the valve element opens the return path side when the lock element is in an operating state. Thereby, the temperature of the hot water can be maintained at the predetermined temperature. Even if the pump operates, hot water is not discharged outside.
[0011]
Further, the pump is operated every predetermined time during the non-hot water supply operation, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank is circulated through the return path, so that the hot water can always be maintained at the predetermined temperature.
[0012]
A hot water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the hot water supply path; and when the hot water temperature in the hot water supply path is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the pump is operated, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank is returned via the return path. By circulating the hot water, the hot water in the hot water supply path can be maintained at a predetermined temperature even during the non-hot water supply operation.
[0013]
Further, the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank by the return path is supplied below the hot water outlet to the hot water supply path at the bottom of the hot water storage tank, so that the cooled hot water in the hot water supply path is lower than the hot water outlet. Therefore, hot water of a predetermined temperature can always be obtained from the hot water discharge port.
[0014]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0015]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 shows an example in which the water supply pipe is incorporated in a kitchen unit, 1 is a water pipe, is included in the kitchen unit 2, and a discharge unit 3 in which a hot water discharge port 4 is arranged at an upper portion of the kitchen unit 2 is provided. ing.
[0016]
Reference numeral 5 denotes a hot water storage tank for storing water transported from the water pipe 1 via the water supply path 6, and a heater 7 for heating water in the hot water storage tank 5 on the bottom side surface, and detecting a hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 5. A hot water temperature sensor 8 for performing the operation. The control circuit 9 takes in the information from the hot water temperature sensor 8 and controls the operation of the heater 7 so as to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 and keep the hot water at a predetermined temperature.
[0017]
A water supply valve 10 supplies water to the hot water storage tank 5, and supplies water to the hot water storage tank 5 via a water supply path 6. Reference numeral 11 denotes a pump provided in the hot water supply path 12 for pumping hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 to the hot water discharge port 4 and for circulating the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5. Hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 heated by the heater 7 is discharged from the hot water discharge port 4 via the hot water supply path 12.
[0018]
A branch 13 is formed in the middle of the hot water supply path 12, and a return path 14 connecting the hot water tank 5 and the branch 13 is provided. The branch 13 is provided with a valve element 15, and the opening of the branch section 13 is switched by the operation of the valve element 15 to selectively open the hot water discharge port side of the hot water path 12 or the return path 14. can do.
[0019]
The position of the valve body 15 in FIG. 2 is such that the hot water supply path 12 is opened and the pump 11 is operated by operating the hot water supply switch 16 provided in the discharge unit 3 in this state, whereby the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 is Is discharged from the hot water discharge port 4 and can be used for drinking or cooking.
[0020]
In FIG. 3, the valve element 15 opens a reflux path 14 for returning the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 to the hot water storage tank 5, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 circulates by operating the pump 11 in this state. .
[0021]
With such a configuration, even if the non-hot state continues for a long time and the hot water in the hot water path 12 cools down, the hot water in the hot water path 12 is operated by operating the pump 11 for a certain period of time with the reflux path 14 formed. By completely replacing the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 and then operating the pump 11 by operating the hot water supply switch 16, hot water at a predetermined temperature can be obtained immediately.
[0022]
Further, the discharge unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a lock means 17 for electrically or mechanically locking the operation of the hot water switch 16. Hot water is obtained.
[0023]
Here, the valve body 15 provided in the branch portion 13 is operated in conjunction with the locking means 17 to open the recirculation path 14 connecting the branch portion 13 and the hot water storage tank 5, and the pump 11 is operated for a predetermined time. By replacing the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 with the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5, a small amount of hot water is used because the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 is almost always equal to the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 5 at the next hot water supply. Even in this case, hot water at a predetermined temperature can be obtained.
[0024]
Further, the valve element 15 is set so as to open the recirculation path 14 during a non-hot water supply operation, that is, in a state where the locking means 17 is operated or immediately after the lock is released, and the valve element 15 is operated when the hot water switch 16 is operated. By opening the hot water discharge port side of the hot water supply path 12, even if the pump 11 malfunctions during the non-hot water supply operation, hot water is transported into the hot water storage tank 5 and is discharged from the hot water discharge port 4. Safe without any.
[0025]
Further, in a state where the valve body 15 opens the recirculation path 14 during the non-hot water supply operation, the pump 11 is operated at predetermined time intervals to circulate the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 so that the hot water supply operation can be performed during the non-hot water supply operation. The hot water in the hot water supply path 12 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature.
[0026]
Further, with such a configuration, it is not necessary to circulate the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 at the time of unlocking the hot water, and hot water of a predetermined temperature can be obtained immediately after the hot water supply operation, thereby improving the usability.
[0027]
Reference numeral 18 denotes a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5, and has a plurality of electrode rods including a common electrode rod 19 made of a conductive material. The control circuit 9 determines the presence / absence of contact between the common electrode bar 19 and water due to the rise and fall of the water surface in the hot water storage tank 5, that is, the change in the current flowing between the common electrode bar 19 and each electrode bar.
[0028]
Reference numeral 20 denotes a water supply storage section for temporarily storing tap water and gradually charging the water into the hot water storage tank 5. A water outlet 21, which is an opening from the water supply path 6 disposed at the lower end of the water supply storage unit 20 to the hot water tank 5, is located lower than a water outlet 22 to the hot water path 12 located in the hot water tank 5. . Therefore, the low-temperature water charged into the hot water storage tank 5 from the water outlet 21 has a higher specific gravity than hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 stored in advance, so that a low-temperature layer is formed at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 5. .
[0029]
Since this water layer is configured to be located below the tap hole 22 provided in the tapping path 12, the hot water is not mixed from the tap port 22 by the tapping operation, and the hot water is not mixed. Can be pumped, and since there is almost no pumping of cold water that has just been supplied, it is possible to boil while using hot water.
[0030]
Further, an opening 23 from the reflux path 14 to the hot water storage tank 5 is located at a bottom portion in the hot water storage tank 5, and is located below a hot water outlet 22 provided in the hot water supply path 12 located in the hot water storage tank 5. . For this reason, since the cooled hot water in the hot water supply path 12 introduced from the opening 23 is stored below the hot water outlet 22, the hot water having a high temperature in the hot water storage tank 5 is not mixed by the hot water discharging operation. Obtainable.
(Example 2)
FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 24 denotes a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature in the hot water supply path 12. The operation of the pump 11 is controlled by taking in information from the hot water temperature sensor 24 by the control circuit 9, and when the hot water temperature in the hot water outlet path 12 becomes lower than a predetermined temperature, the pump 11 is operated and hot water in the hot water outlet path 12 is turned on. Is replaced with hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 via the reflux path 14, so that the hot water in the hot water supply path 12 is always kept substantially equal to the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 5. Thereby, hot water having a stable temperature at the time of tapping can be obtained.
[0031]
The effects of the above embodiments are summarized as follows.
1. Since the pump performs both functions of circulation and hot water supply, it can reliably supply hot water even at a place where the hot water discharge port is distant or at a high place, and the circulation operation is performed accurately.
2. Since only two pumps are required, the size of the apparatus can be reduced, and the apparatus can be easily incorporated into a kitchen unit or the like.
3. Since a check valve as in the conventional example is not required, the water circuit configuration is simplified, maintenance can be simplified, and occurrence of a failure can be suppressed.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to always provide hot water at a predetermined temperature from a hot water discharge port, and to provide a hot water supply apparatus that is convenient, safe, and has a compact structure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hot water supply apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a valve body during a tapping operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a valve body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a water heater showing another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a conventional water heater.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water pipe 2 Kitchen unit 3 Discharge unit 4 Hot water discharge port 5 Hot water tank 6 Water supply path 7 Heater 9 Control circuit 11 Pump 12 Hot water supply path 13 Branch section 14 Reflux path 15 Valve 16 Hot water switch 17 Lock means 20 Water supply storage section 22 Outlet 24 Hot water temperature sensor

Claims (5)

A hot water storage tank having a heater for heating water, a water supply path for supplying water from a water pipe to the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply path for transporting hot water from the hot water storage tank to a hot water discharge port, and branching in the middle of the hot water supply path A return path to the hot water storage tank, a valve body provided at a branch from the hot water supply path to the return path, and opening either the hot water discharge port side of the hot water supply path or the return path; A hot water supply device, comprising: a pump for feeding hot water to the hot water supply path, wherein the valve element is switched from the return path to the hot water discharge port side of the hot water supply path in conjunction with the hot water supply operation. 2. A lock device according to claim 1, further comprising a lock means for electrically or mechanically locking the tapping operation, wherein the lock means and the valve element are linked so that the valve element opens the return path side when the lock means is in an operating state. Water heater. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump is operated at predetermined time intervals during the non-hot water supply operation, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank is circulated through the return path. A hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature in the hot water supply path is provided, and when the hot water temperature in the hot water supply path is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the pump is operated to circulate the hot water in the hot water storage tank via the reflux path. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply device is configured. 2. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water returning to the hot water storage tank by the reflux path is supplied below a hot water outlet to a hot water supply path at the bottom of the hot water storage tank.

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