JP2004245459A

JP2004245459A - Hot water supply device

Info

Publication number: JP2004245459A
Application number: JP2003033895A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masahiko Yaguchi; 正彦矢口
Original assignee: Toshiba Electric Appliances Co Ltd
Current assignee: Toshiba Electric Appliances Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-12
Filing date: 2003-02-12
Publication date: 2004-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-12
Also published as: JP4125610B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water supply device 11 for suppressing wasteful power consumption and the increase of the burden of paying power charges by reheating hot water in a hot water storage tank 17 only when it is necessary. <P>SOLUTION: A heat pump unit 13 boils hot water in the hot water storage tank 17. A bathtub hot water heating means 47 makes heat exchange between the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 and hot water in a bathtub 15 to heat the hot water in the bathtub 15. A remaining hot water amount detecting means 84 detects a remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17. A reheating control means 85 monitors that automatic reheating conditions is satisfied where the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is a preset amount or less and the bathtub hot water heating means 47 is operated. When the automatic reheating conditions are satisfied, the heat pump unit 13 is operated to reheat the hot water in the hot water storage tank. Only at the necessary time when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 may run out or the capability of heating hot water in the bathtub 15 may lack, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is reheated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を加熱する給湯装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、貯湯タンク内に例えば深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯に湯を沸き上げて貯湯しておき、この貯湯タンク内に貯湯されている湯を給湯するようにした給湯装置では、貯湯タンクの上部に浴槽に湯張りされた湯水を循環させる熱交換器を設け、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽に湯張りされた湯水を加熱する追い焚き機能付の給湯装置がある。
【０００３】
このような追い焚き機能付の給湯装置では、貯湯タンク内の比較的高温の湯の熱を利用できるため、浴槽の湯水を短時間で追い焚きできるが、熱交換によって貯湯タンク内に貯湯されている湯の温度が低下してしまう。
【０００４】
そこで、貯湯タンクの上部に追い焚き用ヒータを設け、浴槽の湯水を追い焚きするとき、または追い焚きした後に、追い焚き用ヒータに通電し、熱交換によって低下する湯温分を補うようにしている（例えば、特許文献１、２参照）。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−８３１５６号公報（第２頁、図１）
【０００６】
【特許文献２】
実用新案登録第２５５６５２７号公報（第１頁、図１）
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の給湯装置では、貯湯タンクに十分な残湯量があって、浴槽の湯水の追い焚きをしても貯湯タンク内の湯切れなどのおそれがない場合でも、追い焚き用ヒータに通電するため、つまり、熱交換によって低下する湯温分を補う必要がない場合にも追い焚き用ヒータに通電するため、無駄な電力消費が発生し、しかも、深夜電力時間帯などの電量料金の安い特定時間帯以外の時間帯での通電であるため、電力料金の負担が増加する問題がある。
【０００８】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、必要なときのみ貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増しし、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の給湯装置は、貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンク内の湯水を沸き上げる沸上手段と、前記貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽の湯水を加熱する浴槽湯水加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段と、この残湯量検知手段で貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知しかつ前記浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作している自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、前記沸上手段を稼働させる沸増し制御手段とを具備しているものである。
【００１０】
そして、この構成では、貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作している自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、沸上手段を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段の動作によって貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制可能とする。
【００１１】
請求項２記載の給湯装置は、請求項１記載の給湯装置において、浴槽湯水加熱手段は、貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換し、沸上手段は、貯湯タンクの下部から上部に貯湯タンク内の湯水を循環させる循環路、この循環路に設けられた熱交換器、およびこの熱交換器を通じて循環路を流通する湯水を沸き上げる冷媒回路を有し、貯湯タンクの上部に湯を貯湯させるヒートポンプユニットを備えたものである。
【００１２】
そして、この構成では、浴槽湯水加熱手段が貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニットでは沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止可能とする。
【００１３】
請求項３記載の給湯装置は、請求項１または２記載の給湯装置において、貯湯タンク内に所定量以上の残湯量を確保させる沸増しを設定する沸増し設定手段を備え、沸増し制御手段は、前記沸増し設定手段の設定で沸上手段を稼働させるとともに、沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも自動沸増し条件を満たしたときには沸上手段を稼働させるものである。
【００１４】
そして、この構成では、沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも、実際に貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下のときに浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作し、自動沸増し条件を満たしたときには、沸上手段を稼働させて貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増しし、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止する。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１６】
図１に示すように、給湯装置１１は、本体ユニット１２、沸上手段としてのヒートポンプユニット１３、および床暖房ユニット１４を備え、浴室に設置された浴槽１５に湯張りする機能および湯張りされた湯を追い焚きする機能を有している。
【００１７】
本体ユニット１２には貯湯タンク１７が配設され、この貯湯タンク１７は、先止押上式の給水給湯方式を採用したもので、この貯湯タンク１７の下部に減圧弁１８および逆止弁１９を介して水道管などの給水源に配管される給水管２０が接続され、貯湯タンク１５の上部に給湯管２１が接続されている。
【００１８】
貯湯タンク１７の側面には、貯湯タンク１７内での例えば６０Ｌ、１２０Ｌ、１８０Ｌおよび４３０Ｌなどの各残湯量に対応した高さ位置に貯湯タンク１７内の湯水温度を検知する残湯サーミスタ２２が配設されているとともに、貯湯タンク１７の底部側に全体沸上時の湯水温度を検知するとともに貯湯タンク１７内に給水される給水温度を検知する水温湯温サーミスタ２３が配設されている。
【００１９】
そして、先止押上式の貯湯タンク１７では、ヒートポンプユニット１３で貯湯タンク１７内の湯水を設定温度に沸き上げ、各給湯場所からの出湯時に貯湯タンク１７の下部に給水される水圧で湯水を押し上げて給湯管２１を通じて給湯する。貯湯タンク１７内の上部の湯層と下部の水層とは湯水混合層を介して分離しており、湯の使用に伴って湯水混合層が上昇することになる。
【００２０】
給水管２０の減圧弁１８の下流側と給湯管２１とは、給湯用のミキシングバルブ２４および浴槽給湯用のミキシングバルブ２５に接続されている。これらミキシングバルブ２４，２５により、給水管２０を通じて給水される水と貯湯タンク１７から給湯管２１を通じて給湯される湯とを混合するとともに、水と湯との混合割合により吐出側に出湯する湯温を設定温度に調整する。
【００２１】
給湯用のミキシングバルブ２４の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、浴槽のシャワー、台所や洗面所などの給湯場所に接続される配管２６が接続され、この配管２６に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ２７および湯温を検知する給湯サーミスタ２８が配設されている。そして、これら流量センサ２７および給湯サーミスタ２８の検知に基づいて、ミキシングバルブ２４が制御される。
【００２２】
浴槽給湯用のミキシングバルブ２５の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、配管２９が接続され、この配管２９の途中に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ３０、断水などで給水圧力が低下した場合にミキシングバルブ２５側と浴槽１５側とを分離する機能を有するホッパ３１が接続されている。そして、給湯管２１および配管２９などを含んで貯湯タンク１７の湯を使用して浴槽１５に給湯するための給湯路３２が形成されている。なお、ホッパ３１には、このホッパ３１に引き込まれる配管２９の管路入口を開閉する図示しない給湯電磁弁が設けられている。
【００２３】
浴槽１５には循環路３３の循環配管３４が接続されている。この循環配管３４は、浴槽１５に設置される循環金具３５に接続された往き配管３６および戻り配管３７を有し、循環配管３４の途中に配設される循環ポンプ３８の駆動によって浴槽１５の湯水を戻り配管３７から吸い込むとともに往き配管３６から浴槽１５に吐出する循環方向に循環させる。
【００２４】
循環配管３４には、循環方向上流側から順に、戻り配管３７での湯温を検知する戻りサーミスタ３９、浴槽１５内の水位を検知する圧力センサである水位センサ４０、給湯路３２から循環配管３４への給湯経路と循環配管３４内の循環経路とを切り換える三方弁４１、循環ポンプ３８、循環配管３４内の湯水の流れを検知するフロースイッチ４２、貯湯タンク１７内の上部側に設置されて循環配管３４を循環する湯水を貯湯タンク１７内に沸き上げられている高温の湯と熱交換させる熱交換器４３、および往き配管３６での湯温を検知する往きサーミスタ４４が配設されている。なお、熱交換器４３では、循環配管３４の配管中を流通する湯の流路抵抗に比べて大きい流路抵抗を有し、熱交換器４３内を流通する湯水の流速を抑えて貯湯タンク１７内の湯と確実に熱交換できるようにしている。また、三方弁４１を基準として、この三方弁４１の循環方向上流側を戻り配管３７、循環方向下流側を往き配管３６としている。
【００２５】
循環配管３４の循環ポンプ３８および熱交換器４３の循環方向上流側と下流側との間、つまり三方弁４１および循環ポンプ３８の間と熱交換器４３および往きサーミスタ４４との間にバイパス回路４５が接続され、このバイパス回路４５に循環方向上流側から下流側に対応した方向にのみ湯の流通を可能とする逆止弁４６が配設されている。
【００２６】
そして、これら循環路３３、循環ポンプ３８および熱交換器４３などを含めて、貯湯タンク１７内に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽１５の湯水を加熱する浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が構成されている。
【００２７】
また、本体ユニット１２の貯湯タンク１７に対し、ヒートポンプユニット１３との間で貯湯側の循環路４８が接続されているとともに、床暖房ユニット１４との間で床暖房側の循環路４９が接続されている。
【００２８】
貯湯側の循環路４８は、貯湯タンク１７の下部から三方弁５０、入口温度サーミスタ５１、循環ポンプ５２、熱交換器５３、出口温度サーミスタ５４、調整弁５５を通じて貯湯タンク１７の上部に接続されている。そして、循環ポンプ５２の動作によって、貯湯タンク１７の下部の湯水がヒートポンプユニット１３で加熱され、貯湯タンク１７の上部に循環されて貯湯される。
【００２９】
床暖房側の循環路４９は、貯湯タンク１７の下部から三方弁５０、入口温度サーミスタ５１、循環ポンプ５２、熱交換器５３、出口温度サーミスタ５４、調整弁５５、床暖房用の熱交換器５６を通じて貯湯タンク１７の下部に接続されている。そして、床暖房にヒートポンプユニット１３で発生する熱を利用する場合には、循環ポンプ５２の動作によって、貯湯タンク１７の下部の湯水がヒートポンプユニット１３で加熱されて床暖房用の熱交換器５６に送られ、貯湯タンク１７の下部に循環される。また、床暖房に貯湯タンク１７内の湯の熱を利用する場合には、三方弁５０が切り換えられ、循環ポンプ５２の動作によって、貯湯タンク１７の上部の湯が三方弁５０、ヒートポンプユニット１３および調整弁５５を通じて床暖房用の熱交換器５６に送られ、貯湯タンク１７の下部に循環される。
【００３０】
貯湯側の循環路４８と床暖房側の循環路４９とは調整弁５５によって切り換えられ、さらに、調整弁５５によって貯湯側の循環路４８と床暖房側の循環路４９とに対する循環量の配分を調整することで貯湯と床暖房とを並行して行える。
【００３１】
また、ヒートポンプユニット１３は、冷媒が充填された冷媒回路５８を有し、この冷媒回路５８に室外機５９および凝縮器として機能する熱交換器５３が接続されている。室外機５９には、図示していないが、冷媒回路５８に対して配設された圧縮機、膨張弁、および蒸発器が内蔵されている。
【００３２】
また、床暖房ユニット１４は、循環液が充填された床暖房回路６１を有し、この床暖房回路６１に床暖房用の熱交換器５６、暖房サーミスタ６２、複数の床暖房パネル６３、複数の熱動弁６４、循環ポンプ６５が順に接続されている。
【００３３】
また、給湯装置１１は、給湯装置１１を制御する制御装置７１を有し、この制御装置７１には、台所などに配設されるメインリモコン、浴室に配設される浴室リモコン、床暖房する居間などに配設される床暖房用リモコンなどが接続されている。
【００３４】
図２にメインリモコン７２の蓋を開けた状態を示し、このメインリモコン７２には、貯湯タンク１７の残湯量、給湯設定温度、時間など、各種の情報を表示する表示部７３、および貯湯タンク１７での沸き上げや給湯に関する各種の設定項目を設定する操作部７４が形成されている。操作部７４には、浴槽１５に設定温度の湯水を自動湯張りさせるとともに湯張り後の湯水を浴槽湯水加熱手段４７の定期的な動作によって自動保温させるおふろボタン７５、貯湯タンク１７内に所定量以上の残湯量を確保させる沸増しを設定する沸増し設定手段としての沸増しボタン７６などが含まれている。
【００３５】
図３に浴室リモコン７７を示し、この浴室リモコン７７には、給湯設定温度、浴槽内の湯水の設定温度、時間など、各種の情報を表示する表示部７８、および浴槽１５に関連した各種の設定項目を設定するための露出した操作部７９および蓋８０で開閉される操作部８１が形成されている。操作部７９には、浴槽１５に設定温度の湯水を自動湯張りさせるとともに湯張り後の湯水を浴槽湯水加熱手段４７の定期的な動作によって自動保温させるおふろボタン８２、浴槽１５内の湯温を設定温度に対して予め定められた所定温度分だけ高くするために追い焚きを設定する追い焚き設定手段としてのあつくボタン８３などが含まれている。
【００３６】
そして、制御装置７１は、湯温サーミスタ２２および水温湯温サーミスタ２３などの検知情報から貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段８４の機能、この残湯量検知手段８４で貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下、例えば６０Ｌ以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作していることを検知した自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、ヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させる沸増し制御手段８５の機能を有している。
【００３７】
沸増し制御手段８５は、沸増しボタン７６の設定でヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させるとともに、沸増しボタン７６が未設定の状態でも自動沸増し条件を満たしたときにはヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させる機能を有している。
【００３８】
次に、給湯装置１１の作用を説明する。
【００３９】
貯湯タンク１７では、深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯において、ヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させ、貯湯タンク１７に給水されている水および残湯として使われなかった湯水を設定温度に沸き上げる沸上運転を行う。
【００４０】
ヒートポンプユニット１３では、冷媒回路５８の圧縮機を駆動し、気化状態の冷媒を熱交換器５３に送ることで冷媒熱を循環路４８内の湯水に伝達して冷媒が液化し、この液化した冷媒を膨張弁を通じて蒸発器に送ることで大気熱を集熱して冷媒が気化し、この気化した冷媒を圧縮機で圧縮して熱交換器５３に再び送るヒートポンプサイクルが繰り返す。
【００４１】
循環路４８では、循環ポンプ５２が動作し、貯湯タンク１７の下部の湯水をヒートポンプユニット１３の熱交換器５３に送り、熱交換器５３での熱交換によって所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク１７の上部に循環させ、貯湯タンク１７の上部側から湯を貯湯する。
【００４２】
貯湯タンク１７に設定量の湯を貯湯したら、ヒートポンプユニット１３の稼働を停止するとともに循環路４８の循環ポンプ５２を停止させ、沸上運転を完了する。
【００４３】
また、メインリモコン７２のおふろボタン７５、または浴室リモコン７７のおふろボタン８２を操作することにより、制御装置７１の制御によって貯湯タンク１７に貯湯された湯を利用して浴槽１５に自動湯張りする。
【００４４】
自動湯張りにおける初回湯張り時には、三方弁４１で循環配管３４の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路３２から循環配管３４の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて往き配管３６を通じて１管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ３１の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路３２のミキシングバルブ２５で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁４１の循環方向下流側へ流す。三方弁４１の循環方向下流側には熱交換器４３が位置するが、この熱交換器４３の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁４１の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路４５を通じて浴槽１５に流れる。すなわち、初回湯張り時には、給湯路３２からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器４３を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ２５で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽１５に給湯でき、さらに、往きサーミスタ４４で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ２５からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。初回湯張り中は、流量センサ３０で検知される給湯量と水位センサ４０で検知される浴槽１５の水位とを監視し、給湯量と水位との関係を制御装置７１に記憶する。浴槽１５に設定水位まで給湯したら、ホッパ３１の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００４５】
初回湯張り時以降の次回湯張り時には、三方弁４１で給湯路３２から循環配管３４の循環方向上流側および下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて循環配管３４の往き配管３６および戻り配管３７を通じて２管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ３１の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路３２のミキシングバルブ２５で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁４１の循環方向上流側および下流側へ流す。三方弁４１の循環方向下流側には熱交換器４３が位置するが、この熱交換器４３の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁４１の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路４５を通じて浴槽１５に流れる。すなわち、次回湯張り時には、給湯路３２から循環方向上流側に流れる湯がａ→ｅの順に流れるとともに、給湯路３２から循環方向下流側に給湯路３２からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器４３を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ２５で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽１５に給湯でき、さらに、戻りサーミスタ３９および往きサーミスタ４４で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ２５からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。次回湯張り中は、流量センサ３０で検知される給湯量を監視し、初回湯張り時に求めた給湯量と水位との関係に基づいて設定水位に対応する給湯量分を給湯したら、ホッパ３１の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００４６】
また、自動湯張りを終了したら、一定時間毎に浴槽１５の湯水の湯温を確認して湯温を一定に保つ自動保温運転に移行する。
【００４７】
三方弁４１で循環配管３４内の循環経路に切り換え、循環ポンプ３８を駆動し、浴槽１５内の湯水を戻り配管３７に引き込むとともに往き配管３６から浴槽１５に戻すように、浴槽１５と循環配管３４との間で浴槽１５内の湯水を強制的に循環させる。この循環はフロースイッチ４２のオンで検知できる。循環ポンプ３８および熱交換器４３と並列にバイパス回路４５が接続されているが、このバイパス回路４５の入口側が循環ポンプ３８の吸い込み側に接続されているため、循環ポンプ３８の吸込力によって三方弁４１側からバイパス回路４５へは湯水が流れず、また、バイパス回路４５の逆止弁４６により往き配管３６側からバイパス回路４５を通じて循環ポンプ３８側に逆流するのを阻止する。そのため、循環時には、循環ポンプ３８で吸い込む湯水がｆ→ｇ→ｈ→ｉ→ｊ→ｄ→ｋ→ｌ→ｆの順に流れて循環配管３４と浴槽１５との間で循環する。
【００４８】
戻りサーミスタ３９で浴槽１５の湯水の湯温を検知し、設定温度に対して所定温度以上の低下がないか監視する。所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認されなければ、循環ポンプ３８を停止する。
【００４９】
所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認された場合には、設定温度に達するまで循環ポンプ３８の駆動を継続する。循環される浴槽１５の湯水は熱交換器４３に送られ、貯湯タンク１７の上部に貯湯されている高温の湯との熱交換によって加熱され、この加熱された湯水が浴槽１５に戻され、浴槽１５内の湯水の温度が上昇する。そして、設定温度に達したら、循環ポンプ３８を停止する。
【００５０】
また、浴室リモコン７７のあつくボタン８３を操作することにより、浴槽１５の湯水の温度を高くする追い焚き運転を開始する。
【００５１】
この追い焚き運転では、上述した自動保温運転時と同様に、まず、三方弁４１で循環配管３４内の循環経路に切り換え、循環ポンプ３８を駆動し、浴槽１５内の湯水を戻り配管３７に引き込むとともに往き配管３６から浴槽１５に戻すように、浴槽１５と循環配管３４との間で浴槽１５内の湯水を強制的に循環させる。この循環はフロースイッチ４２のオンで検知できる。循環ポンプ３８および熱交換器４３と並列にバイパス回路４５が接続されているが、このバイパス回路４５の入口側が循環ポンプ３８の吸い込み側に接続されているため、循環ポンプ３８の吸込力によって三方弁４１側からバイパス回路４５へは湯水が流れず、また、バイパス回路４５の逆止弁４６により往き配管３６側からバイパス回路４５を通じて循環ポンプ３８側に逆流するのを阻止する。そのため、循環時には、循環ポンプ３８で吸い込む湯水がｆ→ｇ→ｈ→ｉ→ｊ→ｄ→ｋ→ｌ→ｆの順に流れて循環配管３４と浴槽１５との間で循環する。
【００５２】
戻りサーミスタ３９で浴槽１５の湯水の湯温を検知し、設定温度に対して予め定められた所定温度分をプラスした追い焚き設定温度に達するまで循環ポンプ３８の駆動を継続する。循環される浴槽１５の湯水は熱交換器４３に送られ、貯湯タンク１７の上部に貯湯されている高温の湯との熱交換によって加熱され、この加熱された湯水が浴槽１５に戻され、浴槽１５内の湯水の温度が上昇する。そして、追い焚き設定温度に達したら、循環ポンプ３８を停止し、追い焚き運転を終了する。
【００５３】
また、制御装置７１では、沸増しボタン７６が設定状態を監視し、残湯量検知手段８４の機能により湯温サーミスタ２２および水温湯温サーミスタ２３などの検知情報から貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量を監視し、自動保温運転または沸増し運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作しているかを監視し、これらの監視に基づいて貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下、例えば６０Ｌ以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作していることを検知した自動沸増し条件を満たしたか監視し、沸増し運転を制御する。
【００５４】
沸増しボタン７６が設定されている状態において、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下になったときに、沸増し運転を開始する。この沸増し運転では、上述した沸上運転と同様に、ヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させるとともに循環路４８の循環ポンプ５２を駆動し、所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク１７の上部に送り込む。貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が所定量に達すれば、沸増し運転を停止する。
【００５５】
沸増しボタン７６が未設定の状態において、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下であることを検知したときでも、自動保温運転または沸増し運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作していなければ、沸増し運転はせず、沸増しボタン７６を未設定とした使用者の意図を反映させることができる。
【００５６】
沸増しボタン７６が未設定の状態において、自動保温運転または沸増し運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作するときでも、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下にならなければ、沸増し運転はせず、深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯に沸き上げられて貯湯されている貯湯タンク１７内の湯の熱を有効に利用でき、昼間時間帯などでの無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００５７】
沸増しボタン７６が未設定の状態において、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下になり、かつ、浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作し、自動沸増し条件を満たしたときには、沸増し運転を開始する。この沸増し運転では、上述した沸上運転と同様に、ヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させるとともに循環路４８の循環ポンプ５２を駆動し、所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク１７の上部に送り込む。そのため、沸増しボタン７６が未設定の状態でも、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな状態での浴槽湯水加熱手段４７の動作により、貯湯タンク１７内で湯切れが生じたり、浴槽１５の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止できる。
【００５８】
このとき、浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が貯湯タンク１７の上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニット１３では沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク１７の上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク１７内での湯切れや浴槽１５の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止できる。
【００５９】
そして、残湯量が所定量以上になるか浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が停止して自動沸増し条件を満たさなくなれば、沸増し運転を停止する。
【００６０】
このように、給湯装置１１では、貯湯タンク１７内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽１５の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段４７が動作した自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、ヒートポンプユニット１３を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段４７の動作によって貯湯タンク１７内での湯切れや浴槽１５の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンク１７の湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００６１】
なお、沸上手段としては、ヒートポンプユニット１３に限らず、貯湯タンク１７内の下部側に沸上用のヒータを、貯湯タンク１７内の上部側に沸増し用のヒータをそれぞれ設置してもよい。この場合、沸増し運転時には、沸増し用のヒータに通電することにより、ヒートポンプユニット１３の場合と同様の作用効果が得られる。
【００６２】
また、貯湯タンク１７の内部に熱交換器４３を配置したが、貯湯タンク１７の外部に別の熱交換器を配置した給湯装置にも同様に適用できる。
【００６３】
また、床暖房ユニット１４が省かれた給湯装置や、床暖房ユニット１４などの他のユニットと組み合わせた給湯装置などにも同様に適用できる。
【００６４】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の給湯装置によれば、貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作している自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、沸上手段を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段の動作によって貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００６５】
請求項２記載の給湯装置によれば、請求項１記載の給湯装置の効果に加えて、浴槽湯水加熱手段が貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニットでは沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止できる。
【００６６】
請求項３記載の給湯装置によれば、請求項１または２記載の給湯装置の効果に加えて、沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも、実際に貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下のときに浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作し、自動沸増し条件を満たしたときには、沸上手段を稼働させて貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増しするため、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態を示す給湯装置の構成図である。
【図２】同上給湯装置のメインリモコンの蓋を開いた状態の正面図である。
【図３】同上給湯装置の浴室リモコンの正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１１給湯装置
１３沸上手段としてのヒートポンプユニット
１５浴槽
１７貯湯タンク
４７浴槽湯水加熱手段
４８循環路
５３熱交換器
５８冷媒回路
７６沸増し設定手段としての沸増しボタン
８４残湯量検知手段
８５沸増し制御手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply device that heats hot water in a bathtub using heat of hot water stored in a hot water storage tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, hot water is stored in a hot water storage tank by boiling the hot water at a specific time period such as a late-night power time zone and supplying the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank. A heat exchanger that circulates the hot water filled in the bathtub is provided at the top, and a hot water supply device with a reheating function that heats the hot water filled in the bathtub using the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is provided. is there.
[0003]
In such a hot water supply device with a reheating function, since the heat of the relatively high temperature water in the hot water storage tank can be used, the hot water in the bathtub can be reheated in a short time, but the hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank by heat exchange. The temperature of the hot water drops.
[0004]
Therefore, a reheating heater is provided at the upper part of the hot water storage tank, and when reheating the hot water in the bathtub or after reheating, the reheating heater is energized to compensate for the temperature of the hot water that is reduced by heat exchange. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-83156 (page 2, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 25555627 (page 1, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional hot water supply device, even when there is a sufficient amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank and there is no danger of running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank even when the hot water in the bathtub is reheated, the heater for reheating is supplied with electricity. In other words, even when it is not necessary to compensate for the temperature of the hot water that decreases due to heat exchange, power is supplied to the reheating heater, causing unnecessary power consumption. Since the power is supplied during a time period other than the time period, there is a problem that the burden of the power rate increases.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply device that can increase the amount of hot water in a hot water storage tank only when necessary, thereby suppressing wasteful power consumption and an increase in burden on power charges. I do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water storage tank, a heating means for boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a bathtub hot water heating system for heating the hot water in the bathtub by heat exchange with hot water stored in the hot water storage tank. Means, remaining hot water amount detecting means for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank, and detecting that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount by the remaining hot water amount detecting means, and operating the bathtub hot water heating means. And a boiling control means for operating the boiling means when the automatic boiling condition is satisfied.
[0010]
Then, in this configuration, when it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and when the automatic hot-water heating condition in which the bathtub hot water heating means operates to heat the hot water in the bathtub is satisfied, In order to operate the upper means, only when it is necessary that the operation of the bath tub hot water heating means may cause running out of hot water in the hot water tank or insufficient heating capacity of hot water in the bath tub, the hot water in the hot water storage tank will be heated more and unnecessary power will be consumed. It is possible to suppress an increase in the burden of consumption and electricity charges.
[0011]
The hot water supply device according to claim 2 is the hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with hot water stored in an upper part of the hot water storage tank, and the boiling means moves from a lower part of the hot water storage tank to an upper part. It has a circulation path for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank, a heat exchanger provided in the circulation path, and a refrigerant circuit for boiling the hot water flowing through the circulation path through the heat exchanger. It is equipped with a heat pump unit for storing hot water.
[0012]
In this configuration, the bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, whereas the heat pump unit stores the hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, so that the minimum required By increasing the boiling, it is possible to prevent running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank and insufficient heating capacity of hot water in the bathtub.
[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 supply apparatus further includes a booster setting unit that sets a booster that secures a remaining amount of hot water equal to or more than a predetermined amount in the hot water storage tank. In addition, the boiling means is operated according to the setting of the heating setting means, and the heating means is operated when the automatic heating condition is satisfied even when the heating setting means is not set.
[0014]
In this configuration, even when the boiling setting unit is not set, the bathtub hot water heating unit actually operates when the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and when the automatic boiling condition is satisfied, the boiling water is heated. The upper means is operated to increase the boiling water in the hot water storage tank, thereby preventing running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank and insufficient heating capacity of hot water in the bathtub.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 11 includes a main body unit 12, a heat pump unit 13 as a boiling means, and a floor heating unit 14, and has a function of filling a bathtub 15 installed in a bathroom with a function of filling. It has a function to reheat hot water.
[0017]
A hot water storage tank 17 is provided in the main unit 12. The hot water storage tank 17 employs a water-supply hot-water supply method of a first-stop push-up type, and a lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 18 and a check valve 19 via a check valve 19. A water supply pipe 20 is connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe, and a hot water supply pipe 21 is connected to an upper portion of the hot water storage tank 15.
[0018]
On the side surface of the hot water storage tank 17, a remaining hot water thermistor 22 for detecting the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is disposed at a height position corresponding to each remaining hot water amount such as 60L, 120L, 180L and 430L in the hot water storage tank 17. A hot water temperature thermistor 23 is provided on the bottom side of the hot water storage tank 17 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 17.
[0019]
In the hot water storage tank 17 of the stop-push-up type, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is heated to the set temperature by the heat pump unit 13 and the hot water is pushed up by the water pressure supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 when hot water is supplied from each hot water supply place. Hot water is supplied through the hot water supply pipe 21. The upper hot water layer and the lower water layer in the hot water storage tank 17 are separated via the hot water mixture layer, and the hot water mixture layer rises with the use of hot water.
[0020]
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 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 hot water storage tank 17 through the hot water supply pipe 21 and, based on the mixing ratio of the water and the hot water, the temperature of the hot water discharged to the discharge side. Adjust to the set temperature.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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 15 side is connected. A hot water supply path 32 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 15 using hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 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.
[0023]
A circulation pipe 34 of a circulation path 33 is connected to the bathtub 15. The circulation pipe 34 has an outgoing pipe 36 and a return pipe 37 connected to a circulation fitting 35 installed in the bathtub 15, and the water in the bathtub 15 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 circulation direction of discharging from the going pipe 36 to the bathtub 15.
[0024]
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 15, and a hot water supply path 32 are arranged in the circulation pipe 34 in order from the upstream side in the circulation direction. Three-way valve 41 for switching between the hot water supply path to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, the circulation pump 38, the flow switch 42 for detecting the flow of hot water in the circulation pipe 34, and the circulation switch installed on the upper side in the hot water storage tank 17. A heat exchanger 43 for exchanging hot water circulating in the pipe 34 with high-temperature hot water boiled in the hot water storage tank 17, and an outgoing thermistor 44 for detecting hot water temperature in the outgoing pipe 36 are 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 17. 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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
A bathtub hot water heating means 47 for heating the hot water in the bathtub 15 by heat exchange with hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 17 is configured including the circulation path 33, the circulation pump 38, the heat exchanger 43, and the like. I have.
[0027]
Further, a circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side is connected to the hot water storage tank 17 of the main body unit 12 with the heat pump unit 13, and a circulation path 49 on the floor heating side is connected with the floor heating unit 14. ing.
[0028]
The circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side is connected from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17 through a three-way valve 50, an inlet temperature thermistor 51, a circulation pump 52, a heat exchanger 53, an outlet temperature thermistor 54, and a regulating valve 55. I have. Then, by the operation of the circulation pump 52, the hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 is heated by the heat pump unit 13, circulated to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, and stored.
[0029]
The circulation path 49 on the floor heating side is provided with a three-way valve 50, an inlet temperature thermistor 51, a circulation pump 52, a heat exchanger 53, an outlet temperature thermistor 54, a regulating valve 55, a floor heat exchanger 56 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17. Through the hot water storage tank 17. When the heat generated in the heat pump unit 13 is used for floor heating, the operation of the circulation pump 52 heats the hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 by the heat pump unit 13 and sends the hot water to the heat exchanger 56 for floor heating. It is sent and circulated to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17. When using the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 for floor heating, the three-way valve 50 is switched, and the operation of the circulation pump 52 causes the hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17 to be heated by the three-way valve 50, the heat pump unit 13, The water is sent to the floor heat exchanger 56 through the regulating valve 55 and circulated to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17.
[0030]
The circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side and the circulation path 49 on the floor heating side are switched by an adjustment valve 55, and the adjustment valve 55 controls the distribution of the circulation amount between the circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side and the circulation path 49 on the floor heating side. By adjusting, hot water storage and floor heating can be performed in parallel.
[0031]
The heat pump unit 13 has a refrigerant circuit 58 filled with a refrigerant, and an outdoor unit 59 and a heat exchanger 53 functioning as a condenser are connected to the refrigerant circuit 58. Although not shown, the outdoor unit 59 includes a compressor, an expansion valve, and an evaporator provided for the refrigerant circuit 58.
[0032]
The floor heating unit 14 has a floor heating circuit 61 filled with a circulating liquid, and the floor heating circuit 61 includes a heat exchanger 56 for floor heating, a heating thermistor 62, a plurality of floor heating panels 63, and a plurality of floor heating panels. The thermal valve 64 and the circulation pump 65 are connected in order.
[0033]
The hot water supply device 11 has a control device 71 for controlling the hot water supply device 11. The control device 71 includes a main remote control provided in a kitchen or the like, a bathroom remote control provided in a bathroom, and a living room for floor heating. A remote controller for floor heating, etc., which is arranged in the room, is connected.
[0034]
FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lid of the main remote control 72 is opened. The main remote control 72 includes a display unit 73 for displaying various information such as the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17, the set hot water supply temperature, and the time. An operation unit 74 is provided for setting various setting items relating to boiling and hot water supply. The operation unit 74 includes a bath button 75 for automatically filling the bath water at the set temperature in the bathtub 15 and automatically keeping the hot water after the bathing by a periodic operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47, and a predetermined amount in the hot water storage tank 17. A boiling button 76 or the like as boiling setting means for setting a boiling for securing the remaining hot water amount is included.
[0035]
FIG. 3 shows a bathroom remote controller 77. The bathroom remote controller 77 includes a display section 78 for displaying various information such as a set hot water supply temperature, a set temperature of hot and cold water in a bath tub, and various settings related to the bath tub 15. An exposed operation unit 79 for setting items and an operation unit 81 opened and closed by a lid 80 are formed. The operation unit 79 includes a bath button 82 for automatically filling the bath water with the set temperature in the bathtub 15 and automatically keeping the hot water after the bathing by the periodic operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47. A hot button 83 and the like are included as additional heating setting means for setting additional heating in order to increase the set temperature by a predetermined temperature.
[0036]
The control device 71 has a function of the remaining hot water amount detecting means 84 for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 from the detection information of the hot water thermistor 22 and the hot water hot water temperature thermistor 23. The heat pump unit detects that the remaining amount of hot water in the inside is less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out of water, for example, 60 L or less and that the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operating, and that the automatic boiling condition is satisfied. 13 has the function of the additional boiling control means 85.
[0037]
The boiling control means 85 has a function of operating the heat pump unit 13 with the setting of the boiling button 76 and operating the heat pump unit 13 when the automatic boiling condition is satisfied even when the boiling button 76 is not set. ing.
[0038]
Next, the operation of the hot water supply device 11 will be described.
[0039]
In the hot water storage tank 17, the heat pump unit 13 is operated in a specific time zone such as a midnight power time zone, and a boiling operation is performed in which water supplied to the hot water storage tank 17 and hot water not used as remaining hot water are heated to a set temperature. I do.
[0040]
In the heat pump unit 13, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit 58 is driven, and the refrigerant in the vaporized state is sent to the heat exchanger 53 to transmit the refrigerant heat to the hot and cold water in the circulation path 48 to liquefy the refrigerant. Is sent to the evaporator through the expansion valve to collect the atmospheric heat to vaporize the refrigerant. The heat pump cycle in which the vaporized refrigerant is compressed by the compressor and sent to the heat exchanger 53 again is repeated.
[0041]
In the circulation path 48, a circulation pump 52 operates, sends hot water under the hot water storage tank 17 to the heat exchanger 53 of the heat pump unit 13, and heats the water to a predetermined boiling temperature by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 53. Is circulated to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, and the hot water is stored from the upper side of the hot water storage tank 17.
[0042]
When the set amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 17, the operation of the heat pump unit 13 is stopped and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is stopped, thereby completing the boiling operation.
[0043]
By operating the bath button 75 of the main remote controller 72 or the bath button 82 of the bathroom remote controller 77, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 17 is controlled by the control device 71 to automatically fill the bathtub 15.
[0044]
At the time of the first filling in automatic filling, 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 through the going pipe 36. In the hot water supply 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 bath 15. 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 having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 15, and the outgoing thermistor 44 monitors the hot water temperature to mix. 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 amount of hot water detected by the flow rate sensor 30 and the water level of the bathtub 15 detected by the water level sensor 40 are monitored, and the relationship between the amount of hot water and the water level is stored in the control device 71. When hot water is supplied to the bathtub 15 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.
[0045]
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 bath 15. 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 15, 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 amount of hot water detected by the flow rate sensor 30 is monitored, and the hot water corresponding to the set water level is supplied based on the relationship between the hot water 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.
[0046]
When the automatic hot water filling is completed, the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 15 is checked at regular intervals, and the operation shifts to an automatic warming operation for keeping the hot water temperature constant.
[0047]
The three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, draws the hot water in the bathtub 15 into the return pipe 37, and returns the bathtub 15 to the bathtub 15 from the going pipe 36. The hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 is forcibly circulated. This circulation can be detected by turning on the flow switch 42. 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. 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 15.
[0048]
The return thermistor 39 detects the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 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.
[0049]
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 hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and is heated by heat exchange with high-temperature hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. The heated hot water is returned to the bathtub 15, and the hot water is returned to the bathtub 15. The temperature of the hot and cold water in 15 rises. When the temperature reaches the set temperature, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0050]
Further, by operating the hot button 83 of the bathroom remote controller 77, the reheating operation for increasing the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 is started.
[0051]
In this reheating operation, similarly to the automatic warming operation described above, first, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, and draws the hot water in the bathtub 15 into the return pipe 37. At the same time, hot water in the bathtub 15 is forcibly circulated between the bathtub 15 and the circulation pipe 34 so as to return to the bathtub 15 from the outgoing pipe 36. This circulation can be detected by turning on the flow switch 42. 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. 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 15.
[0052]
The return thermistor 39 detects the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 15, and continues to drive the circulation pump 38 until the reheating set temperature is obtained by adding a predetermined temperature to the set temperature. The hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and is heated by heat exchange with high-temperature hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. The heated hot water is returned to the bathtub 15, and the hot water is returned to the bathtub 15. The temperature of the hot and cold water in 15 rises. When the temperature reaches the reheating setting temperature, the circulation pump 38 is stopped, and the reheating operation is terminated.
[0053]
In the control device 71, the boiling button 76 monitors the setting state, and the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is monitored from the detection information of the hot water thermistor 22 and the hot water temperature thermistor 23 by the function of the remaining hot water amount detecting means 84. Then, it is monitored whether the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operating by the automatic warming operation or the boiling operation, and based on these monitoring, the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount at which the hot water is likely to run out, for example, 60L. It monitors whether or not the automatic boiling condition, which detects that the following conditions are satisfied, and detects that the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operating, is satisfied, and controls the boiling operation.
[0054]
In a state where the boiling button 76 is set, the boiling operation is started when the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount at which the hot water is likely to run out. In this boiling-up operation, the heat pump unit 13 is operated and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is driven in the same manner as in the above-mentioned boiling operation, so that the hot water heated to a predetermined boiling temperature is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. Send in. When the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 reaches a predetermined amount, the boiling operation is stopped.
[0055]
Even when it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount at which the hot water is likely to run out in a state in which the boiling button 76 is not set, the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operated by the automatic warming operation or the boiling operation. If is not operating, the boiling operation is not performed, and the intention of the user who has not set the boiling button 76 can be reflected.
[0056]
Even when the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operated by the automatic warming operation or the hot water heating operation in a state where the hot water button 76 is not set, the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 must be equal to or less than a predetermined amount at which the hot water is likely to run out. In this case, the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 which is heated and stored in a specific time zone such as a midnight power time zone can be effectively used without performing the boiling operation, and wasteful power in a daytime zone or the like can be effectively used. It is possible to suppress an increase in the burden of consumption and electricity charges.
[0057]
When the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount at which the hot water is likely to run out and the bath tub hot water heating means 47 is operated in a state where the boiling button 76 is not set, and the automatic boiling condition is satisfied. Then, the boiling operation is started. In this boiling-up operation, the heat pump unit 13 is operated and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is driven in the same manner as in the above-mentioned boiling operation, so that the hot water heated to a predetermined boiling temperature is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. Send in. For this reason, even when the boiling button 76 is not set, the operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47 in a state where the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is likely to run out of hot water causes running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17, Insufficient heating capacity of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 15 can be prevented.
[0058]
At this time, while the bathtub hot water heating means 47 exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 17, the heat pump unit 13 stores the heated hot water in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 17, so that the necessary minimum By increasing the amount of boiling water, running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 and insufficient heating capacity of hot water in the bathtub 15 can be prevented.
[0059]
Then, when the remaining hot water amount becomes equal to or more than a predetermined amount or when the bathtub hot water heating means 47 stops and the automatic boiling condition is not satisfied, the boiling operation is stopped.
[0060]
As described above, the hot water supply apparatus 11 detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, and satisfies the automatic boiling condition in which the bathtub hot water heating means 47 operates to heat the hot water in the bathtub 15. In order to operate the heat pump unit 13, only when it is necessary that the operation of the bath tub hot water heating means 47 may cause a shortage of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 or a shortage of the heating capacity of the hot water in the bath tub 15, The amount of hot water can be increased, and unnecessary power consumption and an increase in the burden of power charges can be suppressed.
[0061]
The heating means is not limited to the heat pump unit 13, and a heating heater may be provided at a lower portion in the hot water storage tank 17, and a heating heater may be provided at an upper portion in the hot water storage tank 17. . In this case, the same operation and effect as in the case of the heat pump unit 13 can be obtained by supplying electricity to the heater for boiling during the boiling operation.
[0062]
In addition, although the heat exchanger 43 is disposed inside the hot water storage tank 17, the present invention can be similarly applied to a hot water supply apparatus in which another heat exchanger is disposed outside the hot water storage tank 17.
[0063]
Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a hot water supply device in which the floor heating unit 14 is omitted, a hot water supply device combined with another unit such as the floor heating unit 14, and the like.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
According to the hot water supply device of the first aspect, the automatic boiling condition under which the bathtub hot water heating means operates to detect that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount and to heat the hot water in the bathtub is determined. When the water is filled, the boiling water is heated only when it is necessary that the operation of the tub hot water heating means may cause running out of hot water in the hot water tank or insufficient heating capacity of the hot tub. In addition, wasteful power consumption and an increase in the burden of power charges can be suppressed.
[0065]
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, while the bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, the heat pump unit has Since the raised hot water is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, it is possible to prevent running out of the hot water in the hot water storage tank and insufficient heating capacity of the hot water in the bath tub by increasing the minimum boiling.
[0066]
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 remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is actually less than or equal to a predetermined amount even when the boiling setting means is not set. When the bathtub hot water heating means is activated and the automatic boiling condition is met, the boiling means is operated to heat the hot water in the hot water storage tank. Shortage can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state where a lid of a main remote controller of the water heater is opened.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a bathroom remote controller of the water heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Water heater
13. Heat pump unit as boiling means
15 Bathtub
17 Hot water storage tank
47 Bath water heating means
48 Circuit
53 heat exchanger
58 Refrigerant circuit
76 Boost button as a boost setting means
84 Remaining hot water detection means
85 Boiling control means

Claims

Hot water storage tank,
Boiling means for boiling water in the hot water storage tank;
Bath tub hot water heating means for heating hot water in the bath tub by heat exchange with hot water stored in the hot water storage tank,
Remaining hot water amount detecting means for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank,
When the remaining hot water amount detecting means detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and when the automatic hot water heating condition in which the bathtub hot water heating means is operating is satisfied, the boiling means for operating the boiling means is operated. A hot water supply device comprising: an additional control unit.

The bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with hot water stored at the top of the hot water storage tank,
The boiling means is a circulation path for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank from a lower part to an upper part of the hot water storage tank, a heat exchanger provided in the circulation path, and a refrigerant for boiling the hot water flowing through the circulation path through the heat exchanger. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat pump unit that has a circuit and stores hot water at an upper portion of the hot water storage tank.

A boiling water setting means for setting a boiling water to secure a remaining amount of hot water equal to or more than a predetermined amount in the hot water storage tank,
Boiling control means operates the boiling means with the setting of the boiling setting means, and operates the boiling means when the automatic boiling condition is satisfied even when the boiling setting means is not set. The hot water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein