JP2010025419A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater for supplying hot water to a bathtub water in a short time. <P>SOLUTION: The water heater includes a storage tank 1 for refrigerant fluid, a general hot water supply circuit C1, a bathtub hot water supply circuit C2, a bathtub water circulation circuit C3, a general hot water supply heating circuit C4, a bathtub heating circuit C5, a general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 for performing heat exchange between water made to flow in the general hot water supply circuit C1 and refrigerant fluid made to flow in the general hot water supply heating circuit C4, and a bathtub heat exchanger 3 performing heat exchange between water to be supplied to the bathtub 65 and refrigerant fluid made to flow in the bathtub heating circuit C5 and arranged outside the storage tank 1. The bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is connected to a water source 71 and is merged with the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 at the front stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3. Water used for supplying hot water to the bathtub is supplied from the water source 71 and heated by the bathtub heat exchanger 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water heater, and more particularly to a storage tank type water heater.

  Conventionally, in a storage tank type hot water supply device, water from a water source (or a water supply source) is directly introduced into a general hot water outlet terminal after heat exchange with hot water in the storage tank without introducing water into the storage tank. (For example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4073745 JP 2007-40566 A

  However, in the conventional water heater, the hot water in the storage tank is generally used when bath water is supplied (for example, hot water filling). In such a water heater, there is a problem that it takes time to hot water in the bathtub due to water pressure.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the water heater which can perform bathtub hot water supply in a short time.

  A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention takes out a storage tank that stores a refrigerant liquid, a general hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water to a general hot water outlet terminal, a bathtub hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water to a bathtub, and the bathtub water stored in the bathtub Bath water circulation circuit that heats and returns to the bathtub, general hot water supply heating circuit that heats water supplied to the general hot water terminal with the refrigerant liquid, and heat for the bathtub that heats the bathtub water with the refrigerant liquid for heating A heating circuit, a general hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between water flowing through the general hot water supply circuit and refrigerant liquid flowing through the general hot water supply heating circuit, and water supplied to the bathtub and refrigerant liquid flowing through the heating circuit for the bathtub A heat exchanger for a bathtub provided for heat exchange and disposed outside the storage tank, and the hot water supply circuit for the bathtub is connected to the water source and joined with the water circulation circuit for the bathtub at the front stage of the heat exchanger for the bathtub Used for hot water in bathtubs The water is supplied from the water source, characterized in that it is configured to be heated by the heat exchanger for the bathtub.

  According to the present invention, hot water can be supplied directly from the water source 70 without using the hot water from the storage tank. Therefore, the hot water supply to the bathtub can be completed in a short time with a high water pressure.

<First Embodiment>
A water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater according to the first embodiment includes a heat source 55 and a storage tank 1 that stores the refrigerant liquid heated by the heat source 55. The water heater can be roughly divided into a heat source 55 and a tank unit 50. In addition, this hot water supply machine takes out and heats the general hot water supply circuit C1 for supplying hot water to the general hot water outlet terminal 60, the hot water supply circuit C2 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 65, and the bathtub water stored in the bathtub 65 to heat the bathtub 65. And a bathtub water circulation circuit C3.

  The water heater includes a heating circuit that takes out the refrigerant liquid from the storage tank 1, exchanges heat with water to be heated (that is, water and bathtub water supplied to the general hot water terminal 60), and returns the refrigerant liquid to the storage tank 1. A plurality of heating circuits are provided corresponding to the general hot water supply and the bath use. Specifically, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 heats the water supplied to the general hot water terminal 60 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant liquid. And a bath heating circuit C5 that heats the bath water by exchanging heat with the refrigerant liquid.

  The water heater includes a general hot water heat exchanger 2 for exchanging heat between the water flowing through the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the refrigerant liquid flowing through the general hot water supply heating circuit C4, and the water supplied to the bathtub and the heating circuit for the bathtub. And a bathtub heat exchanger 3 for exchanging heat with the refrigerant liquid flowing through C5. That is, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 is provided with the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, and the bathtub heating circuit C5 is provided with the bathtub heat exchanger 3.

  General hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and bathtub heat exchanger 3 are arranged in parallel. Further, the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and the bathtub heat exchanger 3 are arranged outside the storage tank 1. That is, the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and the bathtub heat exchanger 3 exchange heat with the general hot water supply circuit C1, the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2, the bathtub water circulation circuit C3, and the outside of the storage tank 1. In this way, by arranging the heat exchangers 2 and 3 outside the storage tank 1, only the exchangers 2 and 3 need to be replaced in the event of an accident such as clogging.

A heat pump unit is used as the heat source 55. That is, the water heater includes a refrigerant liquid heating circuit C6 that takes out the refrigerant liquid in the storage tank 1 from the lower part of the storage tank 1, heats it with the heat pump unit, and returns it to the upper part of the storage tank 1. More specifically, a CO ₂ refrigerant is used as the heat source 55. However, the heat source 55 and the type of refrigerant used may be other than this, for example, a heater disposed in the lower part of the storage tank 1.

  Further, as a characteristic configuration of this hot water heater, the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is connected to the water source 70, and is provided so as to merge with the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 in the previous stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3, The water used for is supplied from the water source 70 and heated by the bathtub heat exchanger. More specifically, the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 are connected to the same water source 70, and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 branches from the general hot water supply circuit C1 at the front stage of the heat exchanger 2 for general hot water supply. It is provided as follows.

  The refrigerant liquid is configured to be taken out from the storage tank 1 and exchanged heat and then returned to the storage tank 1 and used as a circulating liquid that is not supplied to the outside. That is, the refrigerant liquid normally circulates in the storage tank 1, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4, the bathtub heating circuit C5, and the refrigerant liquid heating circuit C6, and is a so-called closed circuit that is not taken out.

  Water is used as the refrigerant liquid. Since this water is normally used only for heat exchange, it is expressed as a refrigerant liquid. However, since the refrigerant liquid is not supplied to the outside, it may be other than water. For example, an antifreeze liquid or the like may be used.

  The general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 are connected to the water source 70. The water source is preferably one that can supply water at a high water pressure. For example, one that pumps water from a water supply or a well with a pump or the like can be used. That is, as water supplied to the general hot spring terminal 60 and the bathtub 65 in this hot water supply apparatus, various kinds of water such as tap water can be used.

  In addition, the general hot water supply terminal 60 to which hot water is supplied by the general hot water supply circuit C1 is intended for a facility in a usage mode in which the supplied hot water is used and completed. Specifically, as the general hot spring terminal 60, for example, a faucet or a shower installed in a kitchen, a washroom, a bathroom, or the like can be considered. On the other hand, the bathtub 65 is intended to be a facility in a utilization mode in which the supplied hot water is not used once and is completed, but is stored and heated again later.

  Next, each of the circuits C1 to C6 will be described.

  The general hot water supply circuit C1 includes a water supply pipe T1 connected to the water source 70, a feed pipe T2 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, a general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, and a feed pipe T3 to the general hot water terminal 60. Consists of. The bathtub water circulation circuit C3 includes a bathtub water extraction pipe T4 for taking out bathtub water from the bathtub 65, a feed pipe T5 to the bathtub heat exchanger 3, a bathtub heat exchanger 3, and a feed pipe T6 to the bathtub 65. Composed. The bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 includes a water supply pipe T1, a bathtub hot water supply pipe T7, a feed pipe T5 to the bathtub heat exchanger 3, a bathtub heat exchanger 3, and a feed pipe T6 to the bathtub 65. The

  Further, the water supply pipe T1 is branched into a feed pipe T2 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and a bathtub hot water supply pipe T7 at a stage preceding the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. This is the branch point P1. The bathtub hot water supply pipe T <b> 7 joins the bathtub water extraction pipe T <b> 4 in the preceding stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3. This is defined as a junction P2.

  The general hot water supply circuit C <b> 1 is provided with a feed water temperature detection unit 20 that detects the temperature (water supply temperature) of water before heat exchange before the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. Specifically, the feed water temperature detection unit 20 is disposed in the preceding stage of the branch point P1. That is, the feed water temperature detection unit 20 is provided in the feed water pipe T1. In addition, by being arrange | positioned in this position, while the water supply temperature detection part 20 detects the temperature of the water introduce | transduced into the heat exchanger 2 for general hot water supply, it is a heat exchanger for bathtubs for bath hot water supply 3 also detects the temperature of the water introduced to 3. Further, a general hot water supply temperature detection unit 21 that detects the temperature of hot water (hot water supply temperature) that has passed through (passed through) the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 is provided at the subsequent stage of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. The general hot water supply temperature detection unit 21 is provided in the feed pipe T <b> 3 to the general hot water terminal 60.

  Further, a hot water supply flow for detecting a flow of hot water (that is, a flow of hot water supplied to the general hot water outlet terminal 60 such as a faucet) via the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 is provided at the subsequent stage of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. A detection unit 25 is provided. The hot water flow detection unit 25 is provided in the feed pipe T <b> 3 to the general hot water terminal 60. Specifically, the hot water flow detection unit 25 detects the flow rate of hot water that has passed through the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 (that is, the flow rate of hot water supplied to the general hot water terminal 60).

  In the general hot water supply circuit C1, a strainer and a check valve (both not shown) are provided upstream of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, and in the subsequent stage of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. An accumulator (not shown) is interposed. On the other hand, this water heater is a so-called direct pressure type that supplies water by utilizing the water pressure from the water source, and therefore no pressure reducing valve is provided.

  The bathtub hot water supply circuit C <b> 2 is provided with a bathtub heat exchanger 3, and in the front stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3, a bathtub that detects the temperature of the water taken in from the bathtub 65 (temperature of the bathtub water). A water temperature detector 22 is provided. Bathtub water temperature detection part 22 is provided in bathtub water extraction piping T4. Specifically, the bathtub water temperature detection part 22 is arrange | positioned in the front | former stage of the said junction P2. Moreover, the bathtub supply temperature detection part 23 which detects the temperature of the hot water which passed the heat exchanger 3 for bathtubs is provided in the back | latter stage of the heat exchanger 3 for bathtubs. The bathtub supply temperature detection unit 23 is provided in the feed pipe T <b> 6 to the bathtub 65.

  Moreover, the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 is provided with a bathtub pump 6 for circulating bathtub water through the bathtub heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the bathtub pump 6 is disposed in front of the bathtub heat exchanger 3. More specifically, the bathtub pump 6 is provided in the bathtub water extraction pipe T4. More specifically, the bathtub pump 6 is provided upstream of the junction P2 in the bathtub water circulation circuit C3.

  Further, the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 is provided with a check valve 33 for preventing the bathtub water taken out from the bathtub 65 from flowing backward. Specifically, the check valve 33 is disposed downstream of the bathtub pump 6 and upstream of the junction P2. Moreover, the water flow switch and the water level detection part (not shown) of a bathtub are provided in bathtub water extraction piping T4.

  The bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is provided with an upstream portion shared with the general hot water supply circuit C1 and a downstream portion shared with the bathtub water circulation circuit C3. Specifically, the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 shares the branching point P1 among the piping to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 with the hot water supply circuit, and the junction of the piping to the bathtub heat exchanger 3 After P2, the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 is shared, and the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7 is a pipe dedicated to the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2.

  The bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is provided with a bathtub hot water supply valve 8. The bathtub hot water supply valve 8 is provided in a portion of the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 from the branch point P1 to the junction P2 (that is, the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7). An electromagnetic valve is used as the bathtub hot water supply valve 8. Moreover, the bathtub hot-water supply circuit C2 is provided with a bathtub hot-water supply flow rate detection unit 26. The bathtub hot-water supply flow rate detection unit 26 is provided downstream of the bathtub hot-water supply valve 8.

  Further, the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is provided with a check valve 32 for preventing the water fed to the general hot water supply circuit C1 side from flowing back to the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 side. Specifically, the check valve 32 is provided in a portion from the branch point P1 to the junction P2 in the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 (that is, the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7). More specifically, it is arranged downstream of the bath water supply flow rate detection unit 26. That is, the bathtub hot-water supply flow rate detection unit 26 is disposed between the bathtub hot-water supply valve 8 and the check valve 32. The bathtub hot water supply pipe T7 is provided with a backflow drainage device (not shown).

  The heating circuit for general hot water supply C4 and the heating circuit for bath C5 are provided partially overlapping. That is, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 and the bathtub heating circuit C5 share a portion taken out from the storage tank 1 and a return portion to the storage tank 1, branch off at a branch point P3 provided in the middle, and a junction P4 Join at.

  That is, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 includes a high temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T18, a refrigerant liquid feed pipe T8 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, a general hot water supply heat exchanger 2, and a general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. The refrigerant liquid return pipe T9 from the storage tank 1 and the feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1 are configured.

  The bathtub heating circuit C5 includes a high-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T18, a refrigerant liquid feed pipe T11 to the bathtub heat exchanger 3, the bathtub heat exchanger 3, and the refrigerant liquid from the bathtub heat exchanger 3. It consists of a return pipe T12 and a feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1.

  Specifically, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 is provided with a refrigerant liquid pump 4 for circulating the refrigerant liquid through the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. Specifically, the refrigerant liquid pump 4 is disposed in the rear stage of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. More specifically, the refrigerant liquid pump 4 is disposed in the refrigerant liquid return pipe T9 from the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. Further, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 is provided with a check valve 30 for preventing the refrigerant liquid taken out from the storage tank 1 from flowing backward. Specifically, the check valve 30 is disposed in the rear stage of the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. More specifically, the check valve 30 is disposed in the refrigerant liquid return pipe T9 from the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. More specifically, it is arranged at the rear stage of the refrigerant liquid pump 4.

  Moreover, the refrigerant | coolant liquid pump 5 for distribute | circulating a refrigerant | coolant liquid to the heat exchanger 3 for bathtubs is provided in the heating circuit C5 for bathtubs. Specifically, the refrigerant liquid pump 5 is disposed in the rear stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3. More specifically, the refrigerant liquid pump 5 is arranged in the refrigerant liquid return pipe T12 from the bathtub heat exchanger 3. Further, the bathtub heating circuit C5 is provided with a check valve 31 for preventing the refrigerant liquid taken out from the storage tank 1 from flowing backward. Specifically, the check valve 31 is arranged at the rear stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3. More specifically, the check valve 31 is arranged in the refrigerant liquid return pipe T <b> 12 from the bathtub heat exchanger 3. More specifically, it is arranged at the rear stage of the refrigerant liquid pump 5.

  By the way, the rotational speeds of the refrigerant liquid pumps 4 and 5 are controlled so as to adjust the amount of refrigerant liquid passing through the heat exchangers 2 and 3 (that is, heat exchange). Such control is performed by the control unit 40.

  As described above, the heating circuit for general hot water supply C4 and the heating circuit for bath C5 are partially shared. Specifically, the high-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T18 is branched at the branch point P3. It becomes the refrigerant | coolant liquid feed piping T8 to the heat exchanger 2 for hot water supply, and the refrigerant | coolant liquid feed piping T11 to the heat exchanger 3 for bathtubs. Further, the refrigerant liquid return pipe T9 from the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and the refrigerant liquid return pipe T12 from the bathtub heat exchanger 3 merge at a junction P4 to form a feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1.

  In addition, this water heater is provided with a replenishment circuit C7 for replenishing the storage tank 1, assuming that filtered water (for example, tap water) is used as the refrigerant liquid. Specifically, the replenishment circuit C7 is provided so that water source water from the water source 70 can be replenished to the storage tank 1. A supply valve 9 is provided in the supply circuit C7. The replenishment valve 9 is normally closed. In addition, an electromagnetic valve is used as the supply valve 9. When filtered water is used as the refrigerant liquid, the replenishment valve 9 may be automatically controlled to replenish.

  Specifically, the supply circuit C7 is configured by a supply pipe T13 connected to the upper part of the storage tank 1. More specifically, the supply pipe T13 is connected to the water supply pipe T1. More specifically, the supply pipe T13 branches at the branch point P1 from the feed pipe T2 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7. That is, the water supply pipe T1 branches at the branch point P1 into a feed pipe T2, a bathtub hot water supply pipe T7, and a supply pipe T13 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2.

  In addition, the water heater is provided with a refrigerant liquid discharge unit that discharges (or releases) the refrigerant liquid to the outside of the storage tank 1 when the pressure in the storage tank 1 increases. As a case where the pressure in the storage tank 1 rises, a case where water is heated and volume expansion is considered. Specifically, the refrigerant liquid discharge part is constituted by a reserve tank 12 provided at the upper part of the storage tank 1. More specifically, the reserve tank 12 is interposed in the supply circuit C7 (that is, the supply pipe T13). The capacity of the reserve tank 12 is set to about 20L when the capacity of the storage tank 1 is 460L.

  The refrigerant liquid heating circuit C <b> 6 includes a forward path toward the heat source 55 and a return path from the heat source 55. Specifically, the forward path toward the heat source 55 is constituted by a low-temperature refrigerant liquid extraction pipe T14 from the storage tank 1 and a feed pipe T15 to the heat source 55. The return path is constituted by a high-temperature refrigerant liquid return pipe T16. The low-temperature refrigerant liquid extraction pipe T <b> 14 is connected to the lower part of the storage tank 1. The low-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T14 is branched into a feed pipe T15 to the heat source 55 and a discharge pipe T17, which will be described later, before the heat source 55. A three-way valve 7 is provided between the forward path and the return path, and the three-way valve 7 functions as a freezing prevention valve.

  Further, the water heater is provided with a discharge path C8 for discharging the refrigerant liquid in the storage tank 1 to the outside. Specifically, the discharge path C8 shares the upstream portion with the refrigerant liquid heating circuit C6. Specifically, the discharge path C8 includes a low-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T14 and a discharge pipe T17 from the storage tank 1. The discharge path C8 is provided with a discharge valve 10 that prevents the refrigerant liquid in the storage tank 1 from flowing out to the outside at normal times. Specifically, the discharge valve 10 is disposed in the discharge pipe T17.

  The storage tank 1 is provided with a plurality of storage tank internal temperature detectors 15 to 19 that detect the temperature of the refrigerant liquid at different height positions. Specifically, the storage tank 1 is provided with five storage tank temperature detection units 15 to 19 from the upper part to the lower part.

  In addition, the water heater is provided with a control unit 40 that controls the pumps 4 to 6 and the valves 7 to 9 based on the detection results of the detection units 15 to 23, 25, and 26 described above. The water heater is provided with an operation unit for starting the water heater and setting various operating conditions such as a hot water temperature and a bath temperature. Specifically, a bath remote controller 41 and a kitchen remote controller 42 are provided as operation units. And the control part 40 controls each pump 4-6 and each valve 7-9 in order to implement | achieve the content operated in the said operation part. In addition, as each said temperature detection part 15-20, 21, 22, 23, although sensors, such as a thermistor, are used, for example, it is not limited to this.

  Next, a general hot water supply mode, a bathtub hot water supply mode, and a bathtub water heating / circulation mode (so-called additional cooking mode) realized by the hot water heater as described above will be described in order.

  First, the general hot water supply mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the general hot water supply mode, the operation is started when the flow in the general hot water supply circuit C1 is detected by the hot water supply flow detection unit 25. That is, when the general hot water terminal 60 (such as a faucet) is opened, the flow in the general hot water supply circuit C1 is detected by the hot water supply flow detection unit 25. Then, the general hot water supply heating circuit C <b> 4 is driven so that hot water at the set hot water supply temperature is supplied to the general hot water terminal 60. Specifically, based on the water supply temperature detected by the water supply temperature detection unit 20 and the flow rate detected by the hot water supply flow detection unit 25, the temperature detected by the general hot water supply temperature detection unit 21 becomes the target temperature. The refrigerant liquid pump 4 (more specifically, the rotational speed) of the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 is controlled. When the hot water supply flow detection unit 25 detects that the general hot water outlet terminal 60 is closed, the refrigerant liquid pump 4 is controlled to stop.

  The target temperature is set to be higher than the set temperature in consideration of a temperature drop or the like until hot water reaches the general hot water terminal 60 from the general hot water supply temperature detection unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the target temperature may be the same as the set temperature. By the way, when the operation mode of the water heater is the general hot water supply mode, the bathtub hot water supply valve 8 is closed.

  Next, the bathtub hot water supply mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the bathtub hot water supply mode, the operation is started based on the operation at the operation unit. That is, when the operation unit is operated, the bathtub heating circuit C5 is driven so that hot water having a set hot water temperature is supplied to the bathtub. The bathtub hot water supply valve 8 is opened. Specifically, based on the feed water temperature detected by the feed water temperature detector 20 and the flow rate detected by the bathtub hot water flow rate detector 26, the temperature detected by the bathtub supply temperature detector 23 becomes the target temperature. Next, the refrigerant liquid pump 5 (more specifically, the number of revolutions) of the bathtub heating circuit C5 is controlled. Then, for example, when the filling of the hot water is finished by injecting a predetermined amount of hot water, the refrigerant liquid pump 5 is controlled to stop.

  Note that the bathtub hot water supply mode includes water from the water source 70 such as hot water filling, hot water that adds hot water equivalent to the set temperature, hot water that increases the temperature of the bathtub 65 by adding hot water that is higher than the set temperature. Various hot water supply modes of heating the hot water to the bathtub are included. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case of water filling that adds water to lower the temperature of the bathtub, the bathtub heating circuit C5 is not driven, but the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is used. However, in the case of water filling, for example, water may be directly supplied to the bathtub 65 by a separately provided bathtub water supply pipe (not shown).

  Next, the bath water heating circulation mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the bathtub water heating circulation mode, the operation is started based on the operation at the operation unit. That is, the bath heating circuit C5 is driven so that the bath water has a set bath temperature. Specifically, until the temperature detected by the bathtub supply temperature detection unit 23 reaches the target temperature based on the bathtub water temperature detected by the bathtub water temperature detection unit 22, the bathtub pump 6 is driven. The refrigerant liquid pump 5 (more specifically, the rotation speed) of the heating circuit C5 is driven while being controlled. When the temperature detected by the bathtub supply temperature detection unit 23 becomes the target temperature, for example, when the additional cooking is finished, the refrigerant liquid pump 5 is controlled to stop.

  In addition, in the bathtub hot water supply mode and the bathtub water heating circulation mode, the target temperature is the same as in the hot water supply mode, and the difference between the temperature detected by the bathtub supply temperature detection unit 23 and the temperature in the bathtub is taken into consideration. Thus, it is set higher than the set temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the target temperature may be the same as the set temperature.

  As described above, according to the hot water supply apparatus according to the present embodiment, bath water supply is directly performed using water from the water source 70 (that is, water supply from the water supply pipe T1) without discharging the hot water from the storage tank 1. be able to. Therefore, the hot water supply to the bathtub can be completed in a short time with a high water pressure. Moreover, it is not necessary to let out hot water from the storage tank 1 in the case of bathtub hot water supply. For this reason, there exists a merit that the refrigerant | coolant liquid in the storage tank 1 can be used effectively, for example. Furthermore, since there is no need to separately provide a pipe for taking out hot water from the storage tank 1, there is also an advantage that the structure of the water heater can be simplified.

  Moreover, the said general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 are connected to the same water source 70, and this bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 is provided so that it may branch from the general hot water supply circuit C1 in the front | former stage of the said general hot water supply heat exchanger 2. It is done. With this configuration, the water supply pipe T1 from the water source can be shared by the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2, and the structure of the water heater can be simplified.

  By the way, according to the said structure, since the water supplied from the water source 70 can be directly heated and discharged, the water supplied from the water source 70 is once stored in the storage tank 1 or heated by the heat source 55 in general. There is no need to supply hot water to the hot spring terminal 60 or the bathtub 65.

  Accordingly, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the refrigerant liquid is extracted from the storage tank 1 and exchanged heat and then returned to the storage tank 1 and used as a circulating liquid that is not supplied to the outside.

  That is, the general hot water supply heating circuit C4, the bath heating circuit C5, and the refrigerant liquid heating circuit C6 in which the refrigerant liquid circulates are constituted by a closed circuit. Therefore, the water heater can be operated without introducing water supplied from the water source 70 into the storage tank 1 or the refrigerant liquid heating circuit C6. For this reason, a water heater can be used regardless of the type of water from the water source 70.

  Therefore, the water heater having the above-described configuration can be used even for water (for example, well water) that has a large amount of impurities that are generally unsuitable for a storage tank type water heater. Examples of impurities include calcium, and such substances may be stacked to clog piping. However, naturally, water that has been filtered (for example, tap water) can also be used. Moreover, since it is a closed circuit, various things can be employ | adopted as a refrigerant liquid according to a use.

  For example, if the refrigerant liquid is an antifreeze liquid, a storage tank type water heater can be used even in a cold region. Furthermore, if each piping T1-T3 and T4-T7 from the water source 70 to the general hot water terminal 60 and the bathtub 65 is made corrosion-resistant among each piping T1-T18 which comprises a water heater, a water heater will be comprised. For example, a corrosive liquid such as low-temperature hot spring water can be heated and discharged without making all the pipes resistant to corrosion. In these cases, since the water supplied from the water source 70 cannot be supplied to the storage tank 1 as it is, a configuration in which the supply circuit C7 is not provided is conceivable. However, a configuration in which a water quality improving member such as a filter is additionally provided in the replenishment circuit C7 may be employed. Moreover, as a corrosion-resistant piping, the product made from stainless steel or resin is preferable, for example.

  Further, by providing the reserve tank 12, even when the refrigerant liquid in the storage tank 1 expands in volume, the refrigerant liquid can be temporarily discharged outside the storage tank 1 without being discarded, and the refrigerant liquid is wasted. There is nothing to do. Further, the water heater performs heat exchange with water to be heated by a general hot water supply heating circuit C4 including a general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 arranged outside the storage tank 1, and similarly for a bathtub. Heat exchange with water to be heated is performed by a bathtub heating circuit C5 including the heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the amount of heat exchange can be adjusted by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant liquid flowing through the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 and the bathtub heating circuit C5, and the hot water supply temperature can be controlled. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to provide a mixing valve for mixing heat-exchanged hot water and water from a water source and adjust the mixing ratio, and the structure and control can be simplified.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a water heater according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, about the structure which is common in the water heater which concerns on 1st Embodiment, suppose that the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  This hot water heater returns the refrigerant liquid to different height positions (or different temperature ranges) of the storage tank 1 according to the temperature of the refrigerant liquid from the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 or the bathtub heat exchanger 3. It is configured to be able to. Specifically, the feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1 is constituted by two branched pipes, a refrigerant liquid return pipe T10A to the lower part of the storage tank 1 and a refrigerant liquid return pipe T10B to the intermediate part of the storage tank 1. Is done. Further, the water heater is provided with a switching valve 90 that switches a pipe for returning the refrigerant liquid in accordance with the temperature of the refrigerant liquid. Furthermore, this water heater is provided with a temperature detector (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant liquid returning from the heat exchanger. This temperature detection part is provided at least in the rear stage of the bathtub heat exchanger 3, preferably in the rear stage of the junction P4.

  By the way, for example, when the refrigerant liquid after heat exchange is in a high temperature state, there is a problem that it is not preferable to return the refrigerant liquid to the low temperature region below the storage tank 1. As a case where the refrigerant liquid after the heat exchange is in a high temperature state, for example, a case where the hot water is already cooked in a state where the bath water is already at a certain high temperature can be considered. In this case, since the amount of heat exchanged is small, the refrigerant liquid is returned to the storage tank 1 at a relatively high temperature.

  In this respect, the hot water heater having the above-described configuration is configured to be able to return the storage tank 1 to a different height position according to the temperature, so that such inconvenience can be prevented.

  The water heater according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, piping relating to bathtub hot water supply may be easily separable, and may be a water heater dedicated to general hot water supply as necessary. Specifically, the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7, the refrigerant liquid feed pipe T11 to the bathtub heat exchanger 3, and the refrigerant liquid return pipe T12 from the bathtub heat exchanger 3 shown in FIG. 1 and the like can be easily separated. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the water is stopped by the water stop members S1 to S3 after the pipes T7, T11, T12 are removed.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 were connected to the same water source 70, it is not limited to this, It connects to different water sources 70 and 71, respectively. The water supply pipe T1 may not be shared. As a specific example, the one shown in FIG. 8 can be considered. In the water heater shown in FIG. 8, a bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 ′ is provided independently of the general hot water supply circuit C1. In this case, the bathtub water supply pipe T7 'is connected to a water source 71 (water source for the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2') different from the water source 70 for the general hot water supply circuit C1. The bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 ′ is provided with a water supply temperature detection unit 24 that performs the same function as the water supply temperature detection unit 20 in the general hot water supply circuit C1.

  According to such a configuration, for example, a water supply 70 is used as a water source 70 for general hot water supply in consideration of drinking, and a water source 71 for hot water supply for a bathtub is used as a well for pumping water with a pump or a hot spring. It is possible to use different types of water sources properly. Furthermore, as the water source 71 for hot water supply for a bathtub, water heated by a solar water heater may be provided. If it does in this way, since the heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger 3 for bathtubs can be reduced, or heat exchange becomes unnecessary, the usage-amount of the heat | fever of the refrigerant | coolant liquid in a storage tank can be reduced. As a result, energy can be saved. However, the water source 70 and the water source 71 may be connected to different water sources (for example, tap water) although they are the same type.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the hot water supply apparatus, the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 'are connected to different water sources 70 and 71, and the water supplied to the general hot water supply circuit C1 is supplied to the bathtub hot water supply circuit. It may be configured to be able to supply to C2 ′. Such a water heater is provided with a branch pipe T19 for diverting the water of the general hot water supply circuit C1 to the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 ′. The diversion pipe T19 is provided so as to connect a pipe from the water source 70 to the general hot water supply heat exchanger 2 and a pipe from the water source 71 to the bathtub heat exchanger 3. Further, between the general hot water supply circuit C1 and the bathtub hot water supply circuit C2 ′, there is provided a shutoff valve 13 that can shut off the flow of water. Specifically, the shut-off valve 13 is provided as a three-way valve disposed at the junction of the bathtub hot water supply pipe T7 ′ and the diversion pipe T19. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shutoff valve 13 may be provided in the branch pipe T19. Further, a check valve 34 is provided in the branch pipe T19.

  According to such a water heater, for example, when the bathtub heat exchanger 3 or each pipe constituting the bathtub water circuit C2 or the bathtub water circulation circuit C3 becomes dirty due to heating or additional cooking of water with a large amount of impurities, etc. By flowing tap water from the water source 70, these circuit components can be cleaned. The shut-off valve 13 and the branch pipe T19 can be used for purposes other than cleaning the circuit components. For example, the type of hot water supplied to the bathtub can be used for the purpose of changing between tap water and well water or hot spring water.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the reserve tank 12 was provided as a refrigerant | coolant liquid discharge | release part, it is not limited to this, As shown in FIG. 10, it is comprised by the relief valve 80 It may be. In this case, the replenishment circuit C7 ′ is connected to a portion communicating with the inside of the storage tank 1. Specifically, the replenishment circuit C7 ′ is provided so as to be connected to the lower portion of the storage tank 1. More specifically, the replenishment pipe T13 ′ is connected to the front part of the discharge pipe T17 with respect to the discharge valve 10. Further, a pressure reducing valve 81 is interposed in the supply pipe T13 ′. In this way, the structure can be simplified and the size of the tank unit 50 can be reduced as compared with the case where the reserve tank 12 is provided. As the pressure reducing valve 81, when the water source 70 is a water supply with a water pressure of 320 Pascals, a valve that drops the water pressure to 170 Pascals is used, and as the relief valve 80, a relief operation is performed at a water pressure of 190 Pascals. Is used.

  The supply pipe T13 ′ may be connected to the low-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T14 or the feed pipe T15 to the heat source 55. Further, it may be directly connected to the storage tank 1. Further, it may be connected to the feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1 in the general hot water supply heating circuit C4 or the bathtub heating circuit C5. However, since connection to the feed pipe T10 to the storage tank 1 may adversely affect the operation of the refrigerant liquid pumps 4 and 5, it is preferable to connect to other portions as described above.

  Moreover, when using water as a refrigerant | coolant liquid, medium temperature water can further be taken out from the storage tank 1, and this may be used for general hot water supply or bathtub hot water supply.

1 is a circuit diagram of a water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram explaining the general hot water supply mode in the water heater based on the embodiment. It is a circuit diagram explaining the bathtub hot-water supply mode in the water heater based on the embodiment. It is a circuit diagram explaining the bathtub water heating circulation mode in the water heater based on the embodiment. It is a circuit diagram explaining the state which performs water pouring in the water heater based on the embodiment. It is a circuit diagram of the water heater based on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the water heater based on other embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the water heater based on other embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the water heater based on other embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the water heater based on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Storage tank 2 Heat exchanger for general hot water supply 3 Heat exchanger for bathtub 4 and 5 Refrigerant liquid pump 6 Bath pump 7 Three-way valve 8 Bath hot water valve 9 Supply valve 10 Discharge valve 12 Reserve tank 13 Shut-off valve 15 19 Storage tank internal temperature detection unit 20, 24 Water supply temperature detection unit 21 General hot water supply temperature detection unit 22 Bathtub water temperature detection unit 23 Bathtub supply temperature detection unit 25 Hot water supply flow detection unit 26 Bath water supply flow rate detection unit 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 Check valve 40 Control unit 41 Bath remote controller 42 Kitchen remote controller 50 Tank unit 55 Heat source 60 General hot water terminal 65 Bath 70, 71 Water source 80 Relief valve 81 Pressure reducing valve C1 General hot water supply circuit C2, C2 'Bath water supply circuit C3 Bath water circulation Circuit C4 Heating circuit for general hot water supply C5 Heating circuit for bath C6 Refrigerant liquid heating circuit C7, C7 ′ Replenishment circuit C8 Discharge path T1 Water supply pipe T2 Feeding pipe T3 to the hot water supply heat exchanger T3 Feeding pipe to the general hot water outlet T4 Bathtub water extraction pipe T5 Feeding pipe to the bathtub heat exchanger T6 Feeding pipe to the bathtub T7, T7 'Bathtub hot water supply pipe T8 For general hot water supply Refrigerant liquid feed pipe T9 to the heat exchanger Refrigerant liquid return pipe T10 from the general hot water supply heat exchanger T10 Feed pipe to the storage tank T10A Refrigerant liquid return pipe T10B to the lower part of the storage tank Refrigerant liquid to the intermediate part of the storage tank Return pipe T11 Refrigerant liquid feed pipe T12 to the bath heat exchanger T12 Refrigerant liquid return pipe T13, T13 'Supply pipe T14 Low temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T15 Feed pipe T16 to the heat source T16 High temperature refrigerant liquid return Pipe T17 Discharge pipe T18 High-temperature refrigerant liquid take-out pipe T19 Branch pipes P1, P3 Branch points P2, P4 Junction points S1-S3 Water-stop member

Claims (3)

A storage tank for storing the refrigerant liquid;
A general hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water to a general hot spring terminal;
A bathtub hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water to the bathtub;
A bathtub water circulation circuit that takes out the bathtub water stored in the bathtub and heats it back to the bathtub;
A heating circuit for general hot water supply that heats water supplied to the general hot water terminal by exchanging heat with refrigerant liquid;
A bath heating circuit that heats the bath water by exchanging heat with the refrigerant liquid;
A heat exchanger for general hot water supply for exchanging heat between the water flowing through the general hot water supply circuit and the refrigerant liquid flowing through the heating circuit for general hot water supply;
A heat exchanger for the bathtub provided to exchange heat between the water supplied to the bathtub and the refrigerant liquid flowing through the heating circuit for the bathtub, and disposed outside the storage tank;
The bathtub hot water supply circuit is connected to the water source, and is provided so as to merge with the bathtub water circulation circuit at the front stage of the bathtub heat exchanger,
Water used for hot water supply to the bathtub is supplied from the water source and is heated by the heat exchanger for bathtubs.   The hot water heater according to claim 1, wherein the general hot water supply circuit and the bathtub hot water supply circuit are configured to be capable of supplying water from different water sources.   3. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant liquid is configured to be taken out from the storage tank and exchanged heat and then returned to the storage tank, and used as a circulating liquid that is not supplied to the outside. .

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