JP2004257622A

JP2004257622A - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP2004257622A
Application number: JP2003047368A
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: 2003-02-25
Filing date: 2003-02-25
Publication date: 2004-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-25
Also published as: JP3976319B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater 12 capable of properly changing conditions for starting reheating between a case in which the heat of hot water in a hot water storage tank 15 is not used for heating hot water in a bathtub 11 and a case in which the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is used. <P>SOLUTION: When residual hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 15 is lowered to a specified level or under by setting a reheating mode, hot water is reheated by a heating means 16. When the reheating mode is set and an operation mode is not set, when the temperature of residual hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is lowered to a first reheating determination temperature or below, the hot water is reheated by the heating means 16 to heat the hot water to a target temperature. By suppressing the number of reheating is suppressed by the heating means 16 to save energy and prevent the hot water from getting short. Also, when the reheating mode is set and the operation mode is set, when the temperature of the residual hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is lowered to a second reheating determination temperature or below which is higher than the first reheating determination temperature, the hot water is reheated to the target temperature by the reheating means 16. By this, the heating capacity for the hot water in a bathtub 11 can be prevented from getting short. <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追い焚きや保温のために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少量沸き増しの設定が可能になっている場合があり、この少量沸き増しでは、貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下に減少した場合に、貯湯タンク内の上部に配置した上部ヒータに通電して貯湯タンクの上部に湯をすばやく沸き増しするもので、特定時間帯以外での無駄な電力使用を抑えることを目的として、貯湯タンクの上部に湯がほとんど無くなって湯切れしそうになったときに沸き増しを開始している。
【０００４】
また、浴槽の湯水を追い焚きや保温するとき、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や保温できるが、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。そこで、貯湯タンクの上部に追い焚き用の上部ヒータを設け、浴槽の湯水を追い焚きや保温するときに、上部ヒータに通電し、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、少量沸き増しの設定では、貯湯タンクの上部に湯がほとんど無くなって湯切れしそうにならないと沸き増しを開始しないため、浴槽の湯水の追い焚きや保温をした場合に、残湯温度が早く低下し、浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じる問題がある。
【０００８】
また、浴槽の湯水を追い焚きや保温するときに、上部ヒータに通電し、熱交換によって低下する湯温分を補う場合、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や保温をしても貯湯タンク内の湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足などが生じるおそれがない場合でも、上部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上部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力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。
【０００９】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、貯湯タンク内の湯の熱を浴槽の湯水の加熱に利用しない場合と利用する場合とで沸き増しを開始する条件を適切に変更して対応できる給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【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、前記貯湯タンク内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の残湯温度を検知する残湯温度検知手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の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、この浴槽湯水加熱手段を運転させる運転モードを設定する運転モード設定手段と、前記貯湯タンクに所定量の残湯量を確保させる沸増しモードを設定する沸増しモード設定手段と、前記沸増しモードが設定されている場合に前記貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下になれば前記沸上手段によって沸き増しさせ、前記沸増しモードが設定されかつ運転モードが未設定の場合に前記貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度以下になれば前記沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、前記沸増しモードが設定されかつ運転モードが設定されている場合に前記貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が前記第１の沸増し判断温度よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下になれば前記沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせる沸増し制御手段とを具備しているものである。
【００１１】
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になれば沸上手段によって沸き増しさせる沸増しモードが設定されている場合に、運転モードが未設定であれば、貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が第２の沸増し判断温度より低い第１の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、沸上手段による沸き増し回数を抑えて省エネルギ化を図りつつ貯湯タンク内の湯切れを防止し、また、運転モードが設定されていれば、貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止する。したがって、貯湯タンク内の湯の熱を浴槽の湯水の加熱に利用しない場合と利用する場合とで沸き増しを開始する条件を適切に変更して対応可能となる。
【００１２】
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、沸増し制御手段は、沸増しモードが未設定の場合に、運転モードが設定および未設定のいずれでも沸上手段による沸き増しを禁止するものである。
【００１３】
そして、この構成では、沸増しモードが未設定の場合に、運転モードが設定および未設定のいずれでも沸上手段による不用な沸き増しを禁止するため、使用者の意図が確実に反映される。
【００１４】
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、沸上手段は、貯湯タンク内の上部に配置された上部ヒータを有し、浴槽湯水加熱手段は、前記貯湯タンク内の上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換し、沸増し制御手段は、前記上部ヒータによって貯湯タンク内の上部に所定量の湯を沸き増しさせるとともに沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせるものである。
【００１５】
そして、この構成では、貯湯タンク内の上部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場合に、貯湯タンク内の上部に配置した上部ヒータによって貯湯タンク内の上部に所定量の湯を沸き増しさせるとともに沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせるため、貯湯タンクの上部の少量の湯の沸き増しですみ、沸き増しが早く、省エネルギ化が図れる。
【００１６】
【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。
【００１７】
図１に示すように、屋内の浴室に浴槽１１が配設され、この浴槽１１に対して給湯する給湯装置１２の本体ユニット１３が屋外に設置されている。
【００１８】
本体ユニット１３には電気温水器１４が配設され、この電気温水器１４は、先止押上式の給水給湯方式を採用したもので、貯湯タンク１５を有し、この貯湯タンク１５内の下部および上部には貯湯タンク１５内の湯水を沸き上げる沸上手段１６として下部ヒータ１７ａおよび上部ヒータ１７ｂがそれぞれ配設され、貯湯タンク１５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。
【００１９】
貯湯タンク１５の側面には、貯湯タンク１５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１５内の残湯温度を検知する残湯温度検知手段としての残湯サーミスタ２２が配設されているとともに、貯湯タンク１５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１５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。なお、残湯温度検知手段には水温湯温サーミスタ２３も含まれる。
【００２０】
そして、先止押上式の電気温水器１４では、下部ヒータ１７ａで貯湯タンク１５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１５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１５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。
【００２１】
また、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電気温水器１４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。
【００２２】
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。
【００２３】
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１１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などを含んで電気温水器１４の湯を使用して浴槽１１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。
【００２４】
また、浴槽１１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１１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１１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１１に吐出する循環方向に循環させる。
【００２５】
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１１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切換弁としての三方弁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１５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１５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温度検知手段としての往きサーミスタ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１５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。
【００２６】
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。
【００２７】
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１５内に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽１１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。
【００２８】
また、給湯装置１２は、給湯装置１２を制御する制御装置５１を有し、この制御装置５１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などが接続されている。
【００２９】
図２にメインリモコン５２の蓋を開けた状態を示し、このメインリモコン５２には、貯湯タンク１５の残湯量、給湯設定温度、時間、運転状態、設定状態などを表示する表示部５３、および貯湯タンク１５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５４が形成されている。
【００３０】
操作部５４には、浴槽１１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５５、貯湯タンク１５内に所定量以上の残湯量を確保させる沸増しモードを設定する沸増しモード設定手段としての沸増しボタン５６などが含まれている。
【００３１】
おふろボタン５５は、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運転モード（自動保温運転モード）を設定する自動保温設定手段として機能し、つまり浴槽湯水加熱手段４７を運転させる運転モードを設定する運転モード設定手段５７として機能している。この運転モード（自動保温運転モード）の設定はおふろボタン５５の表示ランプ５５ａの点灯で表示され、未設定はおふろボタン５５の表示ランプ５５ａの消灯で表示される。
【００３２】
沸増しボタン５６で設定可能とする沸増しモードは、おまかせ、少量、全量などがあり、おまかせでは例えば夕方５時までは一定量の湯を使用したらその使用分を沸き増しするとともに夕方５時以降は残湯量が所定量以下である例えば６０Ｌ未満になったら少量の湯を沸き増しし、少量では残湯量が所定量以下である例えば６０Ｌ未満になったら少量の湯を沸き増しし、全量では設定をしたとき１回だけ貯湯タンク１５の全量を沸き増しする。これらおまかせ、少量、全量などの沸増しモードの設定は表示部５３の沸増し表示域５８で表示され、いずれの沸増しモードも未設定の場合には表示部５３の沸増し表示域５８に表示されない。
【００３３】
図３に浴室リモコン５９を示し、この浴室リモコン５９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６０、および浴槽１１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６１および蓋６２で開閉される操作部６３が形成されている。
【００３４】
操作部６１には、浴槽１１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６４、浴槽１１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モードを設定するあつくボタン６５などが含まれている。
【００３５】
おふろボタン６４は、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運転モード（自動保温運転モード）を設定する自動保温設定手段として機能し、また、あつくボタン６５は、浴槽湯水加熱手段４７の動作で浴槽１１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運転モード（追い焚き運転モード）を設定する追い焚き設定手段として機能し、つまり、これらは浴槽湯水加熱手段４７を運転させる運転モードを設定する運転モード設定手段５７として機能している。
【００３６】
自動保温運転モードの設定はおふろボタン６４の表示ランプ６４ａの点灯で表示され、未設定はおふろボタン６４の表示ランプ６４ａの消灯で表示される。追い焚きモードの設定はあつくボタン６５の表示ランプ６５ａの点灯で表示され、未設定はあつくボタン６５の表示ランプ６５ａの消灯で表示される。この他、表示部６０の表示によっても設定、未設定を確認できる。
【００３７】
そして、図１に示すように、制御装置５１は、残湯サーミスタ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１５内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段６６の機能、沸増しモードおよび運転モードの設定状況に応じて沸増しを制御する沸増し制御手段６７の機能を有している。
【００３８】
沸増し制御手段６７は、少量の沸増しモード（おまかせの沸増しモードにおける夕方５時以降のときを含む）が設定されている場合に、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯量が所定の沸増し判断量以下（例えば６０Ｌ未満）になれば沸上手段１６によって所定の沸増し目標量（例えば１２０Ｌ）まで沸き増しさせ、さらに、少量の沸増しモードが設定されかつ運転モードが未設定の場合に、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば４５℃未満）になれば、沸上手段１６によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、また、少量の沸増しモードが設定されかつ運転モードが設定されている場合に、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度（例えば４５℃）よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば６０℃未満）になれば、沸上手段１６によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせる。また、沸増しモードが未設定の場合、運転モードが設定および未設定のいずれでも沸上手段１６による沸き増しを禁止する。
【００３９】
次に、本実施の形態の作用を説明する。
【００４０】
電気温水器１４では、例えば時間帯別電灯の制度において電力料金の安い深夜時間帯などの特定時間帯において、下部ヒータ１７ａおよび上部ヒータ１７ｂを必要に応じて使い分けて通電し、貯湯タンク１５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。
【００４１】
そして、メインリモコン５２のおふろボタン５５または浴室リモコン５９のおふろボタン６４を操作することにより、制御装置５１の制御によって浴槽１１に自動湯張りする。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１１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１１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１１の水位とを監視し、給湯量と水位との関係を制御装置５１に記憶する。浴槽１１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。
【００４２】
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１１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１１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。
【００４３】
また、自動湯張りを終了したら、一定時間毎に自動保温運転を実行する自動保温運転モードを開始する。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１１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１１に戻すように、浴槽１１と循環配管３４との間で浴槽１１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。
【００４４】
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。
【００４５】
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１１との間で循環する。
【００４６】
戻りサーミスタ３９で浴槽１１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。
【００４７】
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。循環される湯水は熱交換器４３に送られ、貯湯タンク１５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１１に戻され、浴槽１１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を停止し、自動保温動作を終了する。
【００４８】
また、浴室リモコン５９のあつくボタン６５を操作することにより、浴槽１１の湯水の温度を高くする追い焚き運転モードを開始する。
【００４９】
この追い焚き運転モードでは、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１１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１１に戻すように、浴槽１１と循環配管３４との間で浴槽１１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１１との間で循環する。
【００５０】
戻りサーミスタ３９で浴槽１１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１１の湯水は熱交換器４３に送られ、貯湯タンク１５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１１に戻され、浴槽１１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、追い焚き運転モードを停止する。
【００５１】
次に、制御装置５１の制御による沸増し動作について、図４のフローチャートを参照して説明する。
【００５２】
制御装置５１では、残湯量検知手段６６により残湯サーミスタ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１５内の残湯量および残湯温度を常に監視している。
【００５３】
メインリモコン５２の沸増しボタン５６によって少量の沸増しモード（おまかせの沸増しモードにおける夕方５時以降のときを含む）が設定されている場合（ステップ１）、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯量が所定の沸増し判断量以下（例えば６０Ｌ未満）か判断する（ステップ２）。沸増し判断量以下（例えば６０Ｌ未満）になれば、沸上手段１６の上部ヒータ１７ｂによって貯湯タンク１５の上部に所定の沸増し目標量（例えば１２０Ｌ）の湯を沸き増しさせ（ステップ３）、給湯に対する湯切れを防止する。
【００５４】
さらに、少量の沸増しモードが設定され、残湯量が所定の沸増し判断量（例えば６０Ｌ未満）より多い場合、自動保温運転モードおよび追い焚き運転モードのいずれの運転モードが設定されているか判断する（ステップ４）。
【００５５】
いずれの運転モードとも未設定の場合には、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば４５℃未満）か判断する（ステップ５）。第１の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば４５℃未満）であれば、貯湯タンク１５内の上部の所定の沸増し目標量（例えば１２０Ｌ）の湯を沸上手段１６の上部ヒータ１７ｂによって所定の沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ（ステップ３）、沸上手段１６による沸き増し回数を抑えて省エネルギ化を図りつつ、給湯に対する湯切れを防止する。
【００５６】
いずれかの運転モードが設定されている場合には、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度（例えば４５℃）よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば６０℃未満）か判断する（ステップ６）。第２の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば６０℃未満）であれば、沸上手段１６の上部ヒータ１７ｂによって第２の沸増し判断温度（例えば６０℃）より高い所定の沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせる（ステップ３）。このときの沸増し目標温度は、第１の沸増し判断温度以下になって沸き増すときの沸増し目標温度と同じでも、より高い温度に強制的に沸き増してもよい。この沸き増しにより、自動保温運転モードおよび追い焚き運転モードのいずれを行った場合でも、貯湯タンク１５内の湯の温度が十分に高く、浴槽１１の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止できる。
【００５７】
このように、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯量が所定量以下になれば沸上手段１６によって沸き増しさせる沸増しモードが設定されている場合に、運転モードが未設定であれば、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第２の沸増し判断温度より低い第１の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段１６によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、沸上手段１６による沸き増し回数を抑えて省エネルギ化を図りつつ貯湯タンク１５内の湯切れを防止でき、また、運転モードが設定されていれば、貯湯タンク１５内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段１６によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、浴槽１１の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止でき、したがって、貯湯タンク１５内の湯の熱を浴槽１１の湯水の加熱に利用しない場合と利用する場合とで沸き増しを開始する条件を適切に変更して対応できる。
【００５８】
しかも、貯湯タンク１５内の上部に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽１１の湯水を加熱する場合に、貯湯タンク１５内の上部に配置した上部ヒータ１７ｂによって貯湯タンク１５内の上部に所定量の湯を沸き増しさせるとともに沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせるため、貯湯タンク１５の上部の少量の湯の沸き増しですみ、早く沸き増すことができ、省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【００５９】
さらに、通常の少量沸増しでは、貯湯タンク１５の下部が第１の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば４５℃未満）になっていて、貯湯タンク１５の上部が第１の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば４５℃未満）になったときに沸増しを開始するが、追い焚き機能付きの給湯装置１２では、貯湯タンク１５内に残湯量が多く残っていても残湯温度が低く均一になってしまうことがある。このように貯湯タンク１５の下部が第１の沸増し判断温度（例えば４５℃）以上の場合でも、貯湯タンク１５の上部が第２の沸増し判断温度以下（例えば６０℃未満）になれば沸増しを開始するため、浴槽１１の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを確実に防止できる。
【００６０】
また、追い焚きや保温のために貯湯タンク１５内の湯の熱を利用する場合、従来は、使用者の意図に関係なく、必ず沸き増しをするため、電力料金の高い時間帯での沸き増しが増加する問題があるが、使用者が電力料金の高い時間帯での沸き増しをしたくないような意図がある場合、沸増しモードを未設定にすることにより、運転モードが設定されていて貯湯タンク１５内の湯の熱を利用する場合でも、沸上手段１６による不要な沸き増しをしないため、使用者の意図を確実に反映できる。
【００６１】
なお、沸上手段１６としては、下部ヒータ１７ａおよび上部ヒータ１７ｂに限らず、ヒートポンプユニットを用いても、同様の作用効果が得られる。ヒートポンプユニットは、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所定温度に沸き上げる冷媒回路を有し、貯湯タンク１５の上部に沸き上げた湯を貯湯させる。
【００６２】
また、貯湯タンク１５の内部に熱交換器４３を配置したが、貯湯タンク１５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】
【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になれば沸上手段によって沸き増しさせる沸増しモードが設定されている場合に、運転モードが未設定であれば、貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が第２の沸増し判断温度より低い第１の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、沸上手段による沸き増し回数を抑えて省エネルギ化を図りつつ貯湯タンク内の湯切れを防止でき、また、運転モードが設定されていれば、貯湯タンク内の残湯温度が第１の沸増し判断温度よりも高い第２の沸増し判断温度以下になったら沸上手段によって沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせ、浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止でき、したがって、貯湯タンク内の湯の熱を浴槽の湯水の加熱に利用しない場合と利用する場合とで沸き増しを開始する条件を適切に変更して対応できる。
【００６４】
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、沸増しモードが未設定の場合に、運転モードが設定および未設定のいずれでも沸上手段による不用な沸き増しを禁止するため、使用者の意図を確実に反映できる。
【００６５】
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、貯湯タンク内の上部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場合に、貯湯タンク内の上部に配置した上部ヒータによって貯湯タンク内の上部に所定量の湯を沸き増しさせるとともに沸増し目標温度まで沸き増しさせるため、貯湯タンクの上部の少量の湯の沸き増しですみ、早く沸き増すことができ、省エネルギ化を図ることができる。
【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蓋を開いた状態の正面図である。
【図４】同上給湯装置の沸増し動作のフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１１浴槽
１２給湯装置
１５貯湯タンク
１６沸上手段
１７ｂ上部ヒータ
２２残湯温度検知手段としての残湯サーミスタ
４７浴槽湯水加熱手段
５６沸増しモード設定手段としての沸増しボタン
５７運転モード設定手段
６６残湯量検知手段
６７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 the hot water stored in the hot tub is heated by the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank to reheat and maintain the hot water. There is a hot water supply device with a heating function.
[0003]
In such a hot water supply device with a reheating function, it is sometimes possible to set a small amount of boiling water, and in the small amount of boiling water, when the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank decreases to a predetermined amount or less, the hot water storage tank may be set. The heater at the top of the hot water tank is heated at the top of the hot water storage tank by energizing the upper heater located at the top of the hot water storage tank. When the water almost runs out and the water is about to run out, it starts to heat up.
[0004]
In addition, when reheating and maintaining the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub, the heat of the relatively high temperature hot water in the hot water storage tank can be used, so the hot water in the bathtub can be reheated and kept warm in a short time. The temperature of the stored hot water drops. Therefore, an upper heater for reheating is provided above the hot water storage tank, and when reheating or maintaining the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub, the upper heater is energized to compensate for the temperature of the hot water that is reduced by heat exchange (for example, , 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, in the setting of the small amount of boiling water, since the boiling water does not start unless the hot water is almost exhausted at the upper portion of the hot water storage tank and the hot water is not likely to run out, when the water in the bath tub is reheated or heated. However, there is a problem that the temperature of the remaining hot water drops quickly and the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub becomes insufficient.
[0008]
Also, when heating and keeping the water in the bathtub hot, the upper heater is energized to compensate for the drop in the hot water temperature due to heat exchange. Even if the temperature is maintained, even if there is no danger of running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank or insufficient heating capacity of the hot water in the bath tub, it is not necessary to compensate for the hot water temperature that is reduced by heat exchange because the upper heater is energized. In this case as well, power is supplied to the upper heater, causing wasteful power consumption.In addition, since power is supplied during a time period other than a specific time period when the power price is low, such as a late-night power time period, the burden of the power fee increases. There is a problem to do.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and appropriately changes the conditions for starting to increase the boiling when the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is not used for heating the hot water in the bathtub and when it is used. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply device that can respond.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the hot water storage tank, boiling means for boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank, remaining hot water amount detection means for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank, and remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank Residual hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature, bath hot water heating means for heating the hot water in the bath tub by heat exchange with hot water in the hot water storage tank, and an operation mode setting for setting an operation mode for operating the hot water bath means Means, a boiling mode setting means for setting a boiling mode for securing a predetermined amount of residual hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a residual hot water amount in the hot water storage tank when the boiling mode is set, is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature when the boiling mode is set and the operation mode is not set, When the boiling mode is set and the operation mode is set, the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is higher than the first boiling determining temperature when the boiling mode is set and the operation mode is set. When the temperature becomes lower than the high second boiling determination temperature, the boiling means raises the temperature to a target temperature, and the apparatus further comprises a boiling control means.
[0011]
Then, in this configuration, if the boiling mode in which the boiling means increases the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank to a predetermined amount or less is set, and if the operation mode is not set, the operation in the hot water storage tank is not performed. When the remaining hot water temperature becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling judgment temperature which is lower than the second boiling judgment temperature, the boiling means increases the temperature to the target temperature, and the number of times of heating by the heating means is suppressed to save energy. In addition, if the operation mode is set, the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is equal to or lower than the second boiling temperature, which is higher than the first boiling temperature, when the operation mode is set. Then, the temperature is raised to the target temperature by the boiling means to prevent shortage of the heating capacity of the bath water. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately change the condition for starting the additional heating in a case where the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is not used for heating the hot water in the bathtub and in a case where the hot water is used.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply apparatus according to the first aspect, when the boiling mode is not set, the boiling control means increases the boiling by the boiling means regardless of whether the operation mode is set or not set. Is prohibited.
[0013]
In this configuration, when the heating mode is not set, the unnecessary heating by the heating means is prohibited regardless of whether the operation mode is set or not, so that the user's intention is reliably reflected.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the hot water supply apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the boiling means has an upper heater disposed at an upper portion in the hot water storage tank, and the bathtub hot water heating means is provided in the hot water storage tank. The heat exchange with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage means causes the upper heater to heat a predetermined amount of hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank by the upper heater and to heat the hot water to the target temperature.
[0015]
In this configuration, when the hot water in the bath tub is heated by heat exchange with hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, a predetermined amount of water is heated in the upper part of the hot water storage tank by the upper heater disposed in the upper part of the hot water storage tank. In order to increase the boiling water and the boiling temperature to the target temperature, a small amount of hot water in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank can be increased, and the boiling can be quickly increased and energy can be saved.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 1, 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.
[0018]
An electric water heater 14 is disposed in the main unit 13, and 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. A lower heater 17a and an upper heater 17b are provided at an upper portion as boiling means 16 for boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank 15, and a water pipe or the like is provided at a lower portion of the hot water storage tank 15 via a pressure reducing valve 18 and a check valve 19. A water supply pipe 20 is connected to the water supply source, and a hot water supply pipe 21 is connected to an upper part of the hot water storage tank 15.
[0019]
On the side surface of the hot water storage tank 15, a remaining hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 at a height position corresponding to each remaining hot water amount such as 60L, 120L, 180L and 430L 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 hot and cold water and for detecting the temperature of water supplied to the hot water storage tank 15. Are arranged. The remaining hot water temperature detecting means also includes a hot water hot water thermistor 23.
[0020]
Then, in the water heater 14 of the first push-up type, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is heated to the set temperature by the lower heater 17a, 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.
[0021]
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 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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
A bathtub hot water heating means 47 for heating the hot water in the bathtub 11 by heat exchange with hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 15, including the circulation path 33, the circulation pump 38, and the heat exchanger 43, is configured. I have.
[0028]
The hot water supply device 12 has a control device 51 for controlling the hot water supply device 12. The control device 51 is connected to a main remote control disposed in a kitchen or the like, a bathroom remote control disposed in a bathroom, or the like. I have.
[0029]
FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lid of the main remote controller 52 is opened. The main remote controller 52 includes a display unit 53 for displaying the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 15, a set hot water supply temperature, a time, an operation state, a set state, and the like. An operation unit 54 for setting various setting items relating to boiling in the tank 15 and hot water supply is formed.
[0030]
The operation unit 54 includes a bath button 55 for automatically filling the bathtub 11 with hot water at a set temperature and automatically keeping the hot water after the bathing by a periodic operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47. A boiling button 56 or the like as a boiling mode setting means for setting a boiling mode for securing the remaining hot water amount is included.
[0031]
The bath button 55 functions as an automatic heat-retention setting means for setting an operation mode (automatic heat-retention operation mode) for automatically maintaining the hot water after the bathing by the periodic operation of the bath water / hot water heating means 47. Functions as an operation mode setting means 57 for setting an operation mode for operating the. The setting of this operation mode (automatic warming operation mode) is displayed by turning on the display lamp 55a of the bath button 55, and the non-setting is displayed by turning off the display lamp 55a of the bath button 55.
[0032]
The boiling mode, which can be set by the boiling button 56, has a small amount, a full amount, and the like. For example, if a certain amount of hot water is used until 5:00 in the evening, the amount of the used water is increased and after 5:00 in the evening. When the remaining hot water amount is less than a predetermined amount, for example, less than 60L, a small amount of hot water is increased. When the remaining hot water amount is less than a predetermined amount, for example, less than 60L, a small amount of hot water is further increased. Is performed, the entire amount of the hot water storage tank 15 is increased only once. The setting of the boiling mode such as the automatic, small, or total amount is displayed in the boiling display area 58 of the display unit 53, and is displayed in the boiling display area 58 of the display unit 53 when none of the boiling modes is set. Not done.
[0033]
FIG. 3 shows a bathroom remote controller 59. The bathroom remote controller 59 has a display section 60 for displaying various information such as a set hot water supply temperature, a set temperature of hot and cold water in the bath tub, and time, and various settings related to the bath tub 11. An exposed operation unit 61 for setting items and an operation unit 63 opened and closed by a lid 62 are formed.
[0034]
The operation unit 61 includes a bath button 64 that automatically fills the bathtub 11 with hot and cold water at a set temperature and automatically maintains the hot water after the bathing by a periodic operation of the bathtub hot water heating unit 47. A hot button 65 for setting a reheating mode to increase the set temperature by a predetermined temperature is included.
[0035]
The bath button 64 functions as an automatic heat retention setting means for setting an operation mode (automatic heat retention operation mode) for automatically keeping the hot water after hot water filling by a periodic operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47. Functioning as a reheating setting means for setting an operation mode (reheating operation mode) in which the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 11 is increased by a predetermined temperature from the set temperature by the operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47; That is, these function as the operation mode setting means 57 for setting the operation mode for operating the bathtub hot water heating means 47.
[0036]
The setting of the automatic warming operation mode is displayed by turning on the display lamp 64a of the bath button 64, and the non-setting is displayed by turning off the display lamp 64a of the bath button 64. The setting of the reheating mode is displayed when the display lamp 65a of the hot button 65 is lit, and the non-setting is displayed by turning off the display lamp 65a of the hot button 65. In addition, setting and non-setting can be confirmed by the display of the display unit 60.
[0037]
Then, as shown in FIG. 1, control device 51 has a function of remaining hot water amount detecting means 66 for detecting remaining hot water amount in hot water storage tank 15 from detection information of remaining hot water thermistor 22 and hot / hot water temperature thermistor 23, And a function of a boiling control means 67 for controlling the boiling according to the setting state of the operation mode.
[0038]
When the small amount of boiling mode (including the case of 5 o'clock in the afternoon in the automatic boiling mode) is set, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is determined by the predetermined amount of boiling determination. If it becomes less than (for example, less than 60 L), the water is heated to a predetermined boiling target amount (for example, 120 L) by the boiling means 16. Further, when a small amount of boiling mode is set and the operation mode is not set, the hot water storage is performed. When the temperature of the remaining hot water in the tank 15 becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 45 ° C.), the boiling is increased by the boiling means 16 to the target temperature, and a small boiling mode is set. In addition, when the operation mode is set, the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 becomes equal to or lower than the second boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 60 ° C.) higher than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, 45 ° C.). Lever, thereby increasing the boiling until boiling widening the target temperature by heating-up means 16. When the heating mode is not set, the heating by the heating means 16 is prohibited regardless of whether the operation mode is set or not.
[0039]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0040]
The electric water heater 14 supplies electricity to the hot water storage tank 15 by selectively using the lower heater 17a and the upper heater 17b as needed, for example, in a specific time zone such as a late night time zone when the electricity rate is low in the hourly lighting system. Boiling water that has been used and hot water not used as residual hot water to the set temperature.
[0041]
By operating the bath button 55 of the main remote controller 52 or the bath button 64 of the bathroom remote controller 59, the bathtub 11 is automatically filled with water under the control of the control device 51. At the time of the first hot water 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 of hot water through the going pipe 36. Then, 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, 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.
[0042]
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 having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 11. 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.
[0043]
When the automatic hot water filling is completed, an automatic warming operation mode in which the automatic warming operation is executed at regular intervals is started. 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.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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.
[0047]
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.
[0048]
By operating the hot button 65 of the bathroom remote control 59, the reheating operation mode for increasing the temperature of hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is started.
[0049]
In the reheating operation mode, 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 transfers the hot water in the bathtub 11 to the return pipe 37. The hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 is forcibly circulated between the bathtub 11 and the circulation pipe 34 so as to be drawn in and returned to the bathtub 11 from the going 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 11.
[0050]
The return thermistor 39 detects the temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 11 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 11 is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and heated by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15. The heated hot water is returned to the bathtub 11, and the hot water is returned to the bathtub 11. The temperature of the hot and cold water in 11 rises. Then, when the reheating setting temperature is reached, the circulation pump 38 is stopped, and the reheating operation mode is stopped.
[0051]
Next, the boiling operation under the control of the control device 51 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0052]
In the control device 51, the remaining hot water amount and the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 are constantly monitored by the remaining hot water amount detecting means 66 based on detection information of the remaining hot water thermistor 22 and the hot and cold water temperature thermistor 23.
[0053]
When a small amount of boiling mode (including the case of 5 o'clock or more in the automatic boiling mode) is set by the boiling button 56 of the main remote controller 52 (step 1), the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is set to a predetermined value. (Step 2) If the boiling amount is equal to or less than the judging amount (for example, less than 60 L), the upper heater 17 b of the boiling means 16 heats a predetermined amount of hot water (for example, 120 L) to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 15 (step 3). Prevent running out of hot water.
[0054]
Furthermore, when a small amount of boiling mode is set and the remaining hot water amount is larger than a predetermined boiling determination amount (for example, less than 60 L), it is determined which of the automatic warming operation mode and the reheating operation mode is set. (Step 4).
[0055]
If none of the operation modes is set, it is determined whether the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 45 ° C.) (step 5). If the temperature is equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 45 ° C.), a predetermined boiling target amount (for example, 120 L) of hot water in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 15 is heated by the upper heater 17 b of the boiling means 16 for a predetermined boiling. The temperature is increased to the target temperature (step 3), and the number of times of boiling by the boiling means 16 is suppressed to save energy and prevent running out of hot water.
[0056]
When any of the operation modes is set, the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 is equal to or lower than the second boiling determination temperature (for example, 60 ° C.) higher than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, 45 ° C.). Is determined (step 6). If the temperature is equal to or lower than the second boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 60 ° C.), the upper heater 17b of the boiling means 16 increases the temperature to a predetermined boiling target temperature higher than the second boiling determination temperature (for example, 60 ° C.). (Step 3). The target boiling temperature at this time may be the same as the target boiling temperature when the temperature rises below the first boiling determination temperature or rises, or the boiling temperature may be forcibly increased to a higher temperature. Due to the increase in boiling, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 is sufficiently high, and the shortage of the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub 11 can be prevented in any of the automatic warming operation mode and the reheating operation mode.
[0057]
As described above, when the boiling mode in which the boiling water is increased by the boiling means 16 when the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 15 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount is set, and when the operation mode is not set, the inside of the hot water storage tank 15 is set. When the remaining hot water temperature becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature lower than the second boiling determination temperature, the boiling water is heated by the heating means 16 to the target temperature, and the number of times of heating by the heating means 16 is suppressed. Running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 can be prevented while saving energy, and if the operation mode is set, the second hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 15 is higher than the first boiling determination temperature. When the temperature becomes lower than the judging temperature, the boiling means 16 raises the temperature to a target temperature, thereby preventing the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub 11 from being insufficient. Conditions for starting the additional boiling in the case of using the case where the not used to hot water heating can respond appropriately changed.
[0058]
Moreover, when the hot water in the bathtub 11 is heated by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15, a predetermined amount is added to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 by the upper heater 17b disposed in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15. In order to increase the boiling water and the boiling temperature to the target temperature, only a small amount of hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 needs to be heated, and the boiling can be quickly increased, and energy saving can be achieved.
[0059]
Further, in the ordinary small amount of boiling, the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 is lower than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 45 ° C.), and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 is lower than the first boiling determination temperature (for example, When the temperature rises to below 45 ° C.), the hot water supply device 12 with the reheating function may cause the remaining hot water temperature to be low and uniform even if a large amount of hot water remains in the hot water storage tank 15. There is. As described above, even when the lower part of the hot water storage tank 15 is at or above the first boiling determination temperature (for example, 45 ° C.), if the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15 is at or below the second boiling determination temperature (for example, less than 60 ° C.). Since the increase is started, the shortage of the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub 11 can be reliably prevented.
[0060]
In addition, when using the heat of hot water in the hot water storage tank 15 for reheating or keeping warm, conventionally, the heating is always increased regardless of the user's intention, and thus the boiling is increased during a time period when the power rate is high. If there is a problem that the user does not want to increase the heating during the time when the electricity rate is high, the operation mode is set by unsetting the boiling mode. Even when using the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 15, unnecessary heating by the heating means 16 is not performed, so that the intention of the user can be reliably reflected.
[0061]
The same effect can be obtained by using a heat pump unit as well as the lower heater 17a and the upper heater 17b. The heat pump unit has 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 boiling water and water flowing through the circulation path through the heat exchanger to a predetermined temperature. It has a refrigerant circuit for raising water, and stores hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15.
[0062]
In addition, although the heat exchanger 43 is disposed inside the hot water storage tank 15, 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 15.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect, when the heating mode in which the boiling water is further heated by the heating means when the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than the predetermined amount is set, and the operation mode is not set, When the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature lower than the second boiling determination temperature, the temperature is increased by the boiling means to the target temperature, and the number of times of boiling by the boiling means is increased. It is possible to prevent running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank while suppressing energy consumption, and, if the operation mode is set, the second hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is higher than the first boiling determination temperature. When the temperature becomes lower than the judging temperature, the boiling means raises the temperature to the target temperature, thereby preventing the heating capacity of the hot water in the hot tub from being insufficient. Do not use If the conditions to start the additional boiling in the case of use can accommodate the appropriate changes.
[0064]
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 heating mode is not set, the operation by the boiling means is unnecessary regardless of whether the operation mode is set or not set. Since the overheating is prohibited, the intention of the user can be surely reflected.
[0065]
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, when the hot water in the bathtub is heated by heat exchange with hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, A predetermined amount of hot water is heated to the upper portion in the hot water storage tank by the upper heater disposed in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank, and is further heated to the target temperature. Boiling can be increased quickly, and energy saving can be achieved.
[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 showing a state where a lid of a bathroom remote controller of the water heater is opened.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a boiling operation of the water heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Bathtub
12 Hot water supply device
15 Hot water storage tank
16 Boiling means
17b Upper heater
22 Remaining hot water thermistor as means for detecting remaining hot water temperature
47 Bath water heating means
56 Boost button as a boost mode setting means
57 Operation mode setting means
66 Remaining hot water detection means
67 Boiling control means

Claims

Hot water storage tank,
Boiling means for boiling water 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,
Residual hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the residual hot water temperature 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 in the hot water storage tank,
An operation mode setting means for setting an operation mode for operating the bathtub hot water heating means,
Boiling mode setting means for setting a boiling mode for securing a predetermined amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank,
If the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount when the boiling mode is set, the boiling means is further heated by the boiling means, and when the boiling mode is set and the operation mode is not set, When the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or lower than the first boiling determination temperature, the boiling means raises the temperature to the target temperature, and the boiling mode is set and the operation mode is set. A boiling control means for raising the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank to a target temperature by raising the temperature to a target temperature when the temperature of the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or lower than a second boiling temperature. A hot water supply device comprising:

2. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the boiling control means prohibits the boiling by the boiling means when the boiling mode is not set, regardless of whether the operation mode is set or not.

The boiling means has an upper heater arranged at an upper part in the hot water storage tank,
The bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank,
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boiling control means raises a predetermined amount of hot water to an upper portion in the hot water storage tank by the upper heater and further increases the boiling water to a target temperature.