JP2014139539A - Branched piping unit, and hot-water supply system including branched piping unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a branched piping unit which has a simplified structure while a flow state of a fluid when hot-water is supplied and the fluid is circulating can be detected with one detection means.SOLUTION: A branched piping unit includes: a first flow-channel 108 which has a first opening end 102 and a second opening end 104 on both ends, and includes a linear flow-channel portion 106 between the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104; an axial flow impeller 114 which is arranged in the linear flow-channel portion 106, and has a rotary shaft 112 extending in a direction along flow of hot water passing through the linear flow-channel portion 106; a second flow-channel 126 which has a third opening end 124 on one end and has the other end connected to the linear flow-channel portion 106, and can supply a fluid passing in a direction crossing the rotary shaft 112 to the axial flow impeller 114; and a detector 116 which detects a rotation state of the axial flow impeller 114.

Description

  The present invention relates to a branch pipe unit and a hot water supply system including the branch pipe unit.

  The hot water supply system for a bathtub detects the flow rate of hot water dropped into the bathtub in order to perform hot water filling of the bathtub according to a set value. In general, the drop flow rate is detected by using an impeller-type flow sensor provided with a rotation shaft in a direction orthogonal to the flow of hot water in the hot water supply channel, and the flow rate is determined based on the rotational speed of the impeller. Is detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Some hot water supply systems for bathtubs have a recirculation circuit for raising the temperature of hot water in the bathtub. Whether hot water is circulating in the circulation circuit is generally detected by a so-called paddle type flow switch arranged in the circulation flow path.

  By the way, since the flow sensor also has a function as a flow switch, a flow sensor is arranged so as to straddle both the hot water supply path and the circulation circuit at the branch part of the hot water supply path and the circulation circuit. A technique has been proposed in which water flow detection during circulation is performed with a single sensor to reduce the number of parts, simplify sensor wiring, and the like (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-4-70515 JP-A-10-185636

  As described above, a typical flow rate sensor is an impeller type sensor having a rotation axis in a direction orthogonal to the flow of hot water in the flow path, and in order to arrange the impeller in the hot water supply channel, After providing the opening on the side surface of the road pipe and arranging the impeller, it is necessary to make a structure such as sealing the opening, and the watertight structure around the impeller is complicated. Similarly, the watertight structure of the impeller is the same even when one flow rate sensor is provided at a branch portion of the pipe to detect the flow rate during hot water supply and the water flow during circulation. Therefore, when sharing the flow rate sensor for the purpose of cost reduction or the like, it is also requested to review the structure of the branch piping around the impeller and simplify it.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and one of its purposes is to make it possible to detect the flow state of fluid during hot water supply and circulation with a single detection means, and at the same time simplify the structure. An object is to provide an improved branch pipe unit and a hot water supply system including the branch pipe unit.

  In order to solve the above problems, a branch piping unit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a flow detection unit that detects a flow state of a fluid. The branch piping unit has a first opening end and a second opening end at both ends, a first flow path including a straight flow path portion between the first opening end and the second open end, and a straight flow path portion An axial-flow impeller having a rotating shaft extending in a direction along the flow of the fluid passing through the linear flow path portion and having a third opening end at one end and the other end connected to the linear flow path portion. A second flow path capable of supplying a fluid flowing in a direction intersecting the rotation axis to the axial flow impeller, and a detection unit for detecting a rotation state of the axial flow impeller.

  According to this aspect, the axial-flow impeller is supported by the rotating shaft that extends in the direction along the flow of the fluid that passes through the linear flow path portion of the first flow path. Therefore, when the axial flow impeller is disposed in the straight flow path portion, for example, it can be fixed by inserting it along the axial direction of the pipe using a holder having substantially the same diameter as the inner diameter of the straight flow path portion. The watertight structure around the axial flow impeller can be simplified. This axial flow impeller can be rotated by the axial flow of the fluid flowing through the first flow path. As a result, the detection unit that detects the rotational state of the axial flow impeller can obtain a detection result for detecting the flow state of the fluid flowing through the first flow path. Further, since the second flow path can supply the fluid flowing in the direction intersecting the rotation axis to the axial flow impeller, the axial flow impeller can also be rotated by the flow of the fluid flowing through the second flow path. As a result, the detection unit that detects the rotational state of the axial flow impeller can obtain a detection result for detecting the flow state of the fluid flowing through the second flow path.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a hot water supply system. This hot water supply system includes a circulation circuit for circulating hot water in a bathtub, a hot water supply pipe connected to the circulation circuit for supplying temperature-controlled hot water to the bathtub through the circulation circuit, and a circulation circuit and a hot water supply pipe. A branch piping unit disposed in the joining portion; and a calculation unit that detects a fluid flow state based on a flow of the fluid passing through the branch piping unit. The branch piping unit has a first opening end and a second opening end at both ends, a first flow path including a straight flow path portion between the first opening end and the second open end, and a straight flow path portion An axial-flow impeller having a rotating shaft that is arranged and extends in a direction along the flow of hot water passing through the straight flow path portion, and has a third opening end at one end and the other end connected to the straight flow path portion. A second flow path capable of supplying hot water flowing in a direction crossing the rotation axis to the axial flow impeller, and a detection unit that detects a rotation state of the axial flow impeller and provides the calculation unit to the calculation unit. The first opening end is connected to the hot water supply pipe, and the second opening end and the third opening end are connected to the circulation circuit.

  According to this aspect, there is provided a hot water supply system incorporating a branch pipe unit capable of detecting the flow state of hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe and the flow state of hot water flowing through the circulation circuit using the same axial flow impeller. The axial flow impeller can be fixed by inserting it in the straight flow path portion of the branch pipe unit along the axial direction of the flow path, and the watertight structure around the axial flow impeller can be simplified. Contributes to simplification of piping. The axial flow impeller can be rotated by the axial flow formed by the hot water flowing through the first flow path, that is, the hot water supply pipe. As a result, the detection unit that detects the rotational state of the axial flow impeller can obtain a detection result for detecting the flow state of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe. Further, since the second flow path can supply fluid flowing in the direction intersecting the rotation axis to the axial flow impeller, the axial flow impeller can also be rotated by the flow of hot water flowing through the second flow path, that is, the circulation circuit. . As a result, the detection unit that detects the rotational state of the axial-flow impeller can obtain a detection result for detecting the flow state of the hot water flowing through the circulation circuit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a hot water supply system capable of simplifying the piping while enabling detection of the flowing state of hot water during hot water supply and circulation with a single detection means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot_water | molten_metal supply system containing the branch piping unit which enabled the detection of the flow state of the fluid at the time of hot water supply and the circulation with one detection means, and also simplified the structure, and the branch piping unit is provided. can do.

It is a system figure showing composition of a hot water storage type hot-water supply system concerning an embodiment with the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the branch piping unit which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of an axial flow impeller of a branch piping unit concerning an embodiment with the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a configuration of a hot water storage type hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hot water supply system of this embodiment includes a hot water storage unit 10 and a heat pump unit 12. The hot water storage unit 10 includes a hot water storage tank 14, piping for circulating or supplying hot water, a control valve for controlling the flow of hot water, a sensor for detecting the temperature and flow rate of the hot water, and the like. The “pipe” such as the following water supply pipe means a pipe line through which a fluid can flow, and includes a flow path in the system in addition to a member that connects between devices and components. The hot water supply system supplies hot water adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the hot water storage unit 10 to water supply equipment such as the bathtub 13 and the currant 15. The hot water supply system includes a hot water supply circuit that drops hot water sent from the hot water storage tank 14 and adjusted to an appropriate temperature into the bathtub 13, and a recirculation circuit for replenishing hot water stored in the bathtub 13.

  The low-temperature water supplied from the water supply is supplied to the hot water storage unit 10 through the water supply pipe 16. The water supply pipe 16 branches into a first water supply pipe 17, a second water supply pipe 18 and a third water supply pipe 19 in the hot water storage unit 10. Among these, the first water supply pipe 17 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 14. A boiling circulation circuit is formed between the hot water storage tank 14 and the heat pump unit 12. That is, the outlet pipe 20 connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 14 is connected to the heat pump unit 12, and the return pipe 22 connected to the heat pump unit 12 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 14. Note that low temperature water is supplied to the currant 15 through a water supply pipe 16 in a separate system from the hot water supply system.

  With such a configuration, the hot water storage tank 14 is formed with a temperature stratification in which high temperature water is present in the upper portion, intermediate temperature water is present in the middle portion, and low temperature water is present in the lower portion. The cold / hot water accumulated in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 14 is subjected to heat exchange by the heat pump unit 12 to become high temperature water, and is returned to the hot water storage tank 14. The outlet pipe 20 is provided with a pump 23 for promoting circulation of hot water in such a boiling circulation circuit.

  The heat pump unit 12 includes a refrigeration cycle that uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. This refrigeration cycle includes a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. However, since the configuration and operation thereof are known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The low-temperature water flowing through the above-described boiling circulation circuit is boiled up into the high-temperature water when passing through the heat exchanger.

  A reheating heat source circuit for reheating is also connected to the hot water storage tank 14. That is, the heating circuit 24 that connects the upper part and the lower part of the hot water storage tank 14 is provided, and the heat exchanger 70 and the pump 72 are provided in the middle thereof. The pump 72 is driven at the time of chasing. Thereby, the high-temperature water accumulated in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 14 is led to the heat exchanger 70, and heat exchange is performed with the hot water flowing through the circulation passage 82 on the bathtub 13 side. Hot water whose temperature has decreased due to heat exchange is returned to the hot water storage tank 14.

  On the other hand, a hot water supply pipe 25 for deriving high temperature water is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 14. The hot water supply pipe 25 is branched into a first hot water supply pipe 26 and a second hot water supply pipe 28. The first hot water supply pipe 26 is connected to the second water supply pipe 18, and the second hot water supply pipe 28 is connected to the third water supply pipe 19. The high-temperature water flowing through each hot water supply pipe and the low-temperature water flowing through each water supply pipe are mixed at a connection portion (merging portion) of those pipes. The hot water having an appropriate temperature by mixing the high temperature water in the first hot water supply pipe 26 and the cold and hot water in the second water supply pipe 18 is supplied to the currant 15 such as a kitchen via the pipe 30. On the other hand, the hot water having an appropriate temperature by mixing the hot water in the second hot water supply pipe 28 and the cold and hot water in the third water supply pipe 19 is supplied to the bathtub 13 through the hot water supply pipe 32.

  A first mixing valve 36 is provided at a connection point between the first hot water supply pipe 26, the second water supply pipe 18 and the pipe 30. The first mixing valve 36 adjusts the mixing ratio between the high-temperature water supplied through the first hot water supply pipe 26 and the low-temperature water supplied through the second water supply pipe 18, and supplies hot water with an appropriate temperature to the pipe 30. To derive. A check valve 40 is provided upstream of the first mixing valve 36 in the first hot water supply pipe 26. A check valve 42 is provided on the upstream side of the first mixing valve 36 in the second water supply pipe 18. The pipe 30 is provided with a temperature sensor 48 and a flow rate sensor 50 from the upstream side. A control unit (not shown) acquires the temperature of the temperature sensor 48 and controls the opening degree of the first mixing valve 36 so as to be a hot water supply temperature set by a user with a remote controller (not shown). The check valve 40 prevents hot water from the junction from flowing back to the first hot water supply pipe 26 when hot water supply is stopped. The check valve 42 prevents hot water from the junction from flowing back to the second water supply pipe 18 when hot water supply is stopped.

  On the other hand, a second mixing valve 38 is provided at a connection point between the second hot water supply pipe 28, the third water supply pipe 19, and the hot water supply pipe 32. The second mixing valve 38 adjusts the mixing ratio between the high-temperature water supplied via the second hot water supply pipe 28 and the low-temperature water supplied via the third water supply pipe 19, so that the hot water supply water 32 has an appropriate temperature. Is derived. A check valve 44 is provided upstream of the second mixing valve 38 in the second hot water supply pipe 28. A check valve 46 is provided upstream of the second mixing valve 38 in the third water supply pipe 19. The hot water supply pipe 32 is provided with a temperature sensor 52 and a control valve unit 54 from the upstream side. A control unit (not shown) acquires the temperature of the temperature sensor 52 and controls the opening degree of the second mixing valve 38 so as to be a hot water supply temperature set by a user using a remote controller (not shown). The check valve 44 prevents hot water from the junction from flowing back to the second hot water supply pipe 28 when hot water supply is stopped. The check valve 46 prevents the hot water in the junction from flowing back to the third water supply pipe 19 when the hot water supply is stopped.

  A check valve 55, a pressure reducing valve 56, and a shutoff valve 58 are provided upstream of the branch point of the water supply pipe 16 with the first water supply pipe 17. The pressure reducing valve 56 appropriately reduces the pressure of the cold / hot water supplied through the water supply pipe 16. That is, pressure adjustment is appropriately performed so that the hot water storage tank 14 and the like are not damaged by water pressure. The shutoff valve 58 shuts off the water supply pipe 16 when predetermined hot water has accumulated in the hot water storage tank 14 and appropriately stops the supply of cold / hot water. The check valve 55 prevents back flow of hot water in the water supply pipe 16 when water supply to the hot water storage unit 10 is stopped.

  The control valve unit 54 is provided with a control valve 60, a check valve 62, an atmosphere release valve 64, and a check valve 66 from the upstream side. The control valve 60 is an electromagnetic valve, and permits or blocks the supply of hot water to the bathtub 13 by opening and closing the hot water supply pipe 32. The check valve 66 and the check valve 62 prevent the backflow of hot water from the bathtub 13 toward the hot water storage tank 14 in a stepwise manner. The atmosphere release valve 64 opens the space between the check valve 62 and the check valve 66 to the atmosphere in response to a pressure drop on the upstream side (primary side).

  That is, for example, when the bathtub 13 is installed at a position higher than the hot water storage unit 10, when the check valve 66 disposed on the side of the bathtub 13 has poor watertightness due to the biting of foreign matter, The sewage in the bathtub 13 flows back to the atmosphere release valve 64 through the check valve 66 due to the water head pressure. Even in such a case, since the sewage is discharged to the atmosphere by the atmosphere release valve 64, the sewage in the bathtub 13 can be prevented from flowing back to the hot water storage unit 10 and thus to the water supply.

  The hot water supply pipe 32 branches at a branch point P on the downstream side of the control valve unit 54 into a connection passage 80 directly connected to the bathtub 13 and a circulation passage 82 forming a recirculation circuit. At the branch point P, a branch pipe unit 100 is provided, and a hot water supply pipe 32, a connection passage 80, and a circulation passage 82 are connected. As will be described in detail later, the branch pipe unit 100 is a branch pipe with a flow sensor.

  A pump 84 is provided in the connection passage 80, and a heat exchanger 70 is provided in the middle of the circulation passage 82. The pump 84 is driven only when reheating. That is, when filling the bathtub 13 with hot water, the control valve 60 is opened, and hot water adjusted to an appropriate temperature by the second mixing valve 38 is supplied. The hot water branches at a branch point P, and is supplied to the bathtub 13 through the connection passage 80 on the one hand and to the bathtub 13 through the circulation passage 82 on the other hand, as indicated by the solid arrow in the figure. However, since the pump 72 is not driven at the time of hot water filling, reheating is not performed. The amount of hot water supplied during hot water filling is calculated based on the detection unit built in the branch piping unit 100, specifically, the detection value of the flow sensor. When the supply of hot water of a predetermined flow rate is completed, the control valve 60 is closed and hot water filling is stopped.

  On the other hand, the pumps 72 and 84 are driven at the time of reheating. As a result, as indicated by a dotted arrow in the figure, hot water in the bathtub 13 is sent out toward the heat exchanger 70 and circulates in the recirculation circuit. The cooled hot water discharged from the bathtub 13 is heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 70 to be heated, and returned to the bathtub 13 again. By this reheating, the hot water in the bathtub 13 is warmed to an appropriate temperature. In addition, since the control valve 60 is closed and the check valve 66 is maintained in the closed state at the time of reheating, the sewage in the bathtub 13 does not flow back to the hot water supply pipe 32. The circulation flow rate or presence or absence is detected based on a detection value of a flow rate sensor built in the branch piping unit 100. When the accumulated circulation water amount of the bathtub 13 is calculated, a guide for the renewal end time can be obtained.

  Next, a specific configuration of the branch piping unit 100 will be described. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the branch pipe unit 100 when cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial flow of hot water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 32. In FIG. 2A, the front side of the paper is the hot water supply pipe 32 side, and the back side of the paper is the connection passage 80 side. FIG.2 (b) is the sectional view on the AA line in Fig.2 (a). In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the positional relationship of members may be expressed with reference to the illustrated state. However, it should be noted that the expression of the positional relationship does not mean that the branch piping unit 100 is installed in the field in the specific direction illustrated. In other words, for example, the branch piping unit 100 may be installed in the direction opposite to the illustrated direction (that is, with the upper portion in the drawing directed downward) or rotated by 90 degrees from the illustrated direction. It can also be installed in the orientation.

  The branch piping unit 100 is a piping unit having a plurality of open ends. As an example, the branch piping unit 100 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B has three opening ends, for example, a first opening end 102, a second opening end 104, and a third opening end 124 described later. It is comprised as a substantially T-shape.

  The first open end 102 is connected to the end of the hot water supply pipe 32 on the bathtub 13 side. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the branch piping unit 100 replenishes the hot water stored in the bathtub 13 with the hot water supply circuit that drops the hot water sent from the hot water storage tank 14 and adjusted to an appropriate temperature into the bathtub 13. It is piping connected to the circulation circuit for. The second open end 104 is connected to the connection passage 80 of the recirculation circuit. The third open end 124 is connected to the circulation passage 82 of the recirculation circuit. In this way, the branch pipe unit 100 forms a connection portion between the connection passage 80, the circulation passage 82 and the hot water supply pipe 32. The pipe line connecting the second opening end 104 and the third opening end 124 of the branch piping unit 100 is a part of a circulation circuit for reheating.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the branch piping unit 100 has a first opening end 102 and a second opening end 104 at both ends, and a linear flow between the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104. The first flow path 108 including the path portion 106 is included. In the case of FIG. 2B, the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104 are shown as being arranged opposite to each other on a straight line, but the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104 It suffices if the straight channel portion 106 exists between them. For example, the opening direction of the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104 may face the left direction, the right direction, and the oblique direction with respect to the central axis of the straight flow path portion 106. FIG. 2B shows an example in which the range of the straight flow path portion 106 is a substantially central portion of the first flow path 108, but exists between the first opening end 102 and the second opening end 104. For example, a range up to a position near the first opening end 102 or the second opening end 104 may be set as the range of the straight flow path portion.

  A flow rate sensor unit 110 that functions as detection means for detecting the flow state of the hot water flowing through the straight flow path portion 106 is disposed in the straight flow path portion 106. The flow rate sensor unit 110 includes an axial impeller 114 having a rotating shaft 112 extending in a direction along the flow of hot water passing through the straight flow path portion 106, and a detecting unit that detects the rotational state of the axial flow impeller 114. 116 is included.

  The axial-flow impeller 114 is configured so that a plurality of blades 114 a extending radially straight from the rotating shaft 112 protrude and are rotatable about the rotating shaft 112. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the axial impeller 114 is configured by four flat blades projecting in parallel with the rotary shaft 112 at intervals of 90 °. The blades 114a of the axial flow impeller 114 can be molded, for example, with a plastic material mixed with magnetic powder. In another example, the magnet may be fixed on the surface or inside of the blade 114a. The detection part 116 can be arrange | positioned in the piping wall of the side of the axial flow impeller 114, or the piping outer surface. The detection part 116 should just detect the rotation state of the axial-flow impeller 114, and the kind can be selected suitably. For example, a sensor that detects a change in magnetic field, such as a reed switch or a Hall element, can be used as the detection unit 116. In this case, it is desirable for the axial flow impeller 114 to have magnetic characteristics determined so that adjacent blades 114a exhibit different magnetic poles.

  The rotating shaft 112 can be formed of, for example, metal or resin, but in order to ensure slidability with a bearing that supports the rotating shaft 112, a plastic with good lubricity such as a fluororesin or a polyacetal resin. It is desirable to form with material.

  As described above, when the blades 114a of the axial-flow impeller 114 project in parallel with the rotating shaft 112, the hot water flow applied to the blades 114a needs to be a spiral axial flow. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rectifying blade 118 that forms a vortex is arranged on the upstream side of the axial flow impeller 114. For example, a plurality of screw-shaped blades, for example, seven blades 118a twisted around an axis, can be arranged at equal intervals. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 (contact state b between the wall portion and the first engagement member), a state where one blade 118a is visible is shown. The plurality of blades 118a are connected in an annular shape at the outer edge portion to form a rectifying ring. Hot water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 32 through the first opening end 102 passes through the rectifying blade 118, thereby forming a vortex according to the twist of the blade 118 a of the rectifying blade 118 and hits the axial flow impeller 114. As a result, the axial flow impeller 114 rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the axial flow speed of the vortex flow, that is, the flow rate of hot water. Then, by detecting a change in the magnetic field according to the rotational speed of the axial flow impeller 114 by the detection unit 116, the calculation unit (not shown) calculates the flow rate based on the flow rate of the hot water flowing from the first opening end 102. calculate. The calculation unit can obtain the amount of pouring water into the bathtub 13 by integrating the flow rate of the straight flow path unit 106. The arithmetic unit is preferably configured as a part of the control unit of the hot water supply system, but may be configured independently of the control unit. For example, the detection unit 116 may be integrated or adjacent to the detection unit 116.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the rectifying blade 118 may include a bearing 120a on the upstream side of the rotating shaft 112, and may support the rotating shaft 112 rotatably. On the other hand, the downstream side of the rotating shaft 112 is rotatably supported by the bearing 120b. The bearing 120b is supported by a plurality of stays extending radially toward the wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106, and is connected in an annular shape at the outer edge portion to form a bearing ring. The rectifying ring and the bearing ring are fixed to both end positions of a cylindrical pipe-shaped housing member, for example, and the impeller unit 122 is configured by housing and supporting the axial flow impeller 114 inside the housing member. When the impeller unit 122 is mounted inside the straight flow path portion 106, it is only necessary to insert the impeller unit 122 along the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106, and the mounting work is easy. As shown in FIG. 2A, the impeller unit 122 may have a part of the cylindrical side surface of the housing member as a flat portion (D-cut shape). Similarly, the inner wall of the straight flow path portion 106 that receives the impeller unit 122 may be a flat portion. With such a shape, positioning of the impeller unit 122 in the rotational direction can be accurately performed by engaging the flat portions on the impeller unit 122 side and the straight flow path portion 106 side. Positioning of the impeller unit 122 in the axial flow direction with respect to the straight flow path portion 106 is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B by placing the impeller unit on a step portion formed in the circumferential direction on the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106. This can be done by contacting the front end of 122 (the bearing 120b side end). In this case, the impeller unit 122 can be easily fixed by, for example, caulking the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106 at the position of the end of the impeller unit 122 on the blade 118a side. In addition, although it is necessary to form in the side surface of the impeller unit 122 the opening part into which the hot water flows in and out with respect to the 2nd flow path mentioned later, the position of the rotational direction of the impeller unit 122 and the position of an axial flow direction are the above-mentioned. Therefore, it is only necessary to form an opening at a predetermined position of the housing member of the impeller unit 122 in advance, thereby facilitating the design and allowing the hot water to flow into and out of the second flow path. It can be done smoothly.

  In another example, the rectifying ring and the bearing ring are coupled to each other at, for example, three places by a rod-shaped housing bar extending along the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106 to house and support the axial flow impeller 114. A cylindrical impeller unit may be configured. In this case, a claw or a protrusion for locking may be formed on a portion of the impeller unit 122 that is in contact with the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106. Similarly, engagement portions (concave portions or grooves) corresponding to locking claws or protrusions on the impeller unit 122 side may be formed on the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106. By providing such a locking structure, when the impeller unit 122 is mounted inside the straight flow passage portion 106, it is only necessary to insert the impeller unit 122 along the inner wall surface of the straight flow passage portion 106. Installation work becomes easy. Further, the engaging portion formed on the inner wall surface of the straight flow path portion 106 can function as a positioning mechanism that determines the insertion position of the impeller unit 122. With this positioning, hot water entering from a second flow path described later can be supplied to a predetermined position of the axial flow impeller 114.

  The blades 114a of the axial flow impeller 114 may be twisted in a screw shape. In this case, the axial-flow impeller 114 can rotate even when the axial flow is not a vortex. As a result, the rectifying blade 118 can be omitted. In this case, the bearings can have the same shape on the upstream side and the downstream side, and the space for the rectifying blades 118 can be reduced. Therefore, the impeller unit 122 can be downsized, and the branch pipe unit 100 can be downsized. it can.

  Further, the branch piping unit 100 has a second flow path 126 having a third opening end 124 at one end and the other end connected to the straight flow path portion 106. The second flow path 126 is configured to supply hot water flowing in a direction intersecting the rotating shaft 112 to the axial flow impeller 114. That is, the axial-flow impeller 114 that rotates mainly by the axial flow in the direction along the rotary shaft 112 that flows in from the first opening end 102 can be rotated by the hot and cold water flow supplied from the side. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the second flow path 126 supplies the axial flow impeller 114 with hot water flowing in the direction orthogonal to the rotation shaft 112, so that the axial flow impeller 114. Can be rotated like a water wheel. In the case of this embodiment, since the axial flow impeller 114 that originally rotates by axial flow is rotated by a flow other than the axial flow, hot water flowing in from the third opening end 124 is used so that the rotation can be performed more stably. Guiding means for guiding the axial flow impeller 114 from the rotating shaft 112 to a predetermined position biased in the outer circumferential direction is provided in the second flow path 126. In the case of this embodiment, the guiding means is constituted by a shielding wall 128 that shields half of the flow path of the second flow path 126 at the connection portion between the second flow path 126 and the straight flow path portion 106. When half of the second flow path 126 is shielded by the shielding wall 128, as shown in FIG. 2A, when hot water flows from the second flow path 126 toward the straight flow path portion 106, an axial flow blade The car 114 will always turn counterclockwise. The guiding means only needs to be able to guide hot water flowing through the second flow path 126 to a predetermined position where the axial-flow impeller 114 is easy to rotate. For example, a rectifying blade is provided on the inner wall of the second flow path 126 or unevenness is provided. Thus, the flow supply position may be determined.

  Thus, the axial-flow impeller 114 rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the flow rate even with hot water flowing from the second flow path 126. Then, by detecting the change in the magnetic field according to the rotational speed of the axial flow impeller 114 with the detection unit 116, the calculation unit (not shown) can calculate the flow rate of the hot water flowing from the second flow path 126. Note that the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the second flow path 126 is likely to generate turbulence due to the influence of the shielding wall 128, and the rotational speed of the axial flow impeller 114 may also become unstable. Therefore, when the axial-flow impeller 114 is rotated by the hot water flowing in from the second flow path 126, the calculation unit may perform simple detection for detecting whether the hot water is flowing. That is, the axial flow impeller 114 may be used as a flow switch. Note that the calculation unit may detect the flow rate by correcting the detection value based on the flow fluctuation due to the presence of the shielding wall 128. Further, the calculation unit detects the flow rate by converting the rotational speed of the axial flow impeller 114 based on the flow rate of hot water supplied from the side of the axial flow impeller 114 into the rotational speed when rotating by the axial flow. It may be.

  The calculation unit can also obtain the accumulated circulation water amount of the bathtub 13 by integrating the calculated flow rate. The calculation unit uses the presence / absence of circulation or the circulation flow rate or the integrated amount thereof as a control value of the hot water supply system as necessary.

  An example of incorporating the branch piping unit 100 as described above into the hot water storage unit 10 will be described. As described above, since the hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 32 is used when the bathtub 13 is filled with water, flow rate management is important. On the other hand, in the case of reheating, since hot water is circulated basically, the importance of flow rate management is lower than that in hot water filling, and it is possible to detect whether hot water is flowing in the circulation circuit during reheating control. Rather it becomes important. Therefore, it is preferable to connect the hot water supply pipe 32 and the first opening end 102 so that the axial flow impeller 114 can be rotated by an axial flow that can detect the flow rate more accurately when the hot water is filled. Therefore, the second open end 104 and the third open end 124 are connected to the circulation circuit. That is, the second opening end 104 is connected to the circulation passage 82 on the heat exchanger 70 side, and the third opening end 124 is connected to the connection passage 80 on the bathtub 13 side.

  Although not shown, seal members are arranged at the first opening end 102, the second opening end 104, and the third opening end 124, respectively, so that the watertightness of the connection portion with each passage can be maintained. I have to.

  By the way, there is a point to consider when the branch pipe unit 100 is applied to the hot water storage unit 10 so that hot water flowing through the circulation circuit comes into contact with the axial flow impeller 114. For example, hot water collected in the bathtub 13 may contain a large amount of foreign matter such as hair and skin due to bathing by the user. In particular, if a foreign object, particularly hair, gets entangled between the sliding portion of the axial flow impeller 114, that is, the rotating shaft 112 and the bearing 120a or the bearing 120b, it causes rotation failure. For example, the rotation of the axial flow impeller 114 may become unstable or locked. In particular, when the hair is entangled with the rotating shaft 112, it is necessary to remove it by maintenance or the like.

  Therefore, the branch piping unit 100 of the present embodiment has a foreign matter countermeasure structure. Specifically, the axial flow vane covers the bearing member, particularly the cover member 130 so as to cover the sliding portion of the rotary shaft 112 and the bearing 120b on the downstream side of the axial flow impeller 114 through which more hot water passes through the circulation circuit. It is provided in the car 114. The configuration of the cover member 130 is shown in FIGS. The cover member 130 may be fixed to the end of the axial flow impeller 114, for example, in a cylindrical shape. By covering the periphery of the bearing 120b in this way, even if foreign matter is mixed in the hot water, the probability that the foreign matter enters between the bearing 120b and the rotating shaft 112 can be reduced.

  Note that a cover member 130 similar to that on the downstream side may be provided on the bearing 120a on the upstream side of the axial flow impeller 114. However, when hot water circulates in the circulation circuit, the flow of hot water from the hot water supply pipe 32 to the first opening end 102 is blocked by the control valve 60, and the presence of the check valve 62 and the check valve 66 causes the second. It is considered that hot water circulating from the flow path 126 does not basically flow to the upstream side first opening end 102 side. Therefore, consideration for the foreign matter contained in the hot water may be less than that on the downstream side of the axial flow impeller 114. In addition, when taking measures against foreign matters on the upstream side, the rotating shaft 112 may be extended so that the bearing 120a is moved away from the connection position of the second flow path 126. That is, you may make it further reduce the possibility that the sliding part of the bearing 120a will contact a foreign material. When the bearing 120a is moved toward the first opening end 102, only the rotating shaft 112 may be extended, or the length of the axial flow impeller 114 itself may be extended toward the first opening end 102. . In this case, since it is not necessary to increase the distance between the rectifying blade 118 that forms the vortex flow and the axial flow impeller 114 that receives the action of the vortex flow formed there, a vortex flow having a stable shape is supplied to the axial flow impeller 114. be able to. That is, it may be considered that the structural change around the axial flow impeller 114 does not affect the performance of the axial flow impeller 114.

  Further, when the control valve 60 is opened and hot water that is substantially free of foreign matter is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 32, the pump 84 is not driven, so hot water that is likely to contain foreign matter flows into the branch piping unit 100. Absent. Therefore, only clean hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 32 flows into the branch pipe unit 100, and the inside of the branch pipe unit 100 is washed by the inflow and outflow of the hot water. As a result, even if foreign matter remains in the branch piping unit 100 during circulation of hot water, the foreign matter can be excluded from the positions of the bearing 120a and the bearing 120b.

  In addition, the axial flow impeller 114 has hot water in a direction that intersects with the rotating shaft 112 flowing in from the first opening end 102 and in a direction that intersects the rotating shaft 112 that flows in from the third opening end 124. The direction of rotation caused by the flow may be reversed. For example, when the direction of rotation of the vortex formed by the rectifying blades 118 is clockwise in FIG. 2A and clean hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 32, the axial flow impeller 114 is rotated in the clockwise direction. On the other hand, when the circulating hot water is supplied to the axial flow impeller 114 through the second flow path 126, the hot water is supplied to a predetermined region of the axial flow impeller 114 by the shielding wall 128, The axial impeller 114 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. As described above, the rotating direction of the axial impeller 114 is reversed between the case where hot water with little foreign matter (clean) passes through the branch piping unit 100 and the case where circulating hot water containing a large amount of foreign matter passes through the branch piping unit 100. To do. As a result, even if foreign matter adheres to the bearing during hot water circulation and is caught, the foreign matter is relieved or eliminated by reverse rotation when the hot water is dropped and supplied, and the foreign matter is removed from the periphery of the bearing by clean hot water. Can be cleaned and discharged. In addition, the rotation direction of the axial flow impeller 114 at the time of dropping of hot water and at the time of circulation may be opposite to the above example. In this case, the inclination direction of the rectifying blade 118 and the arrangement position of the shielding wall 128 may be reversed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bifurcated piping unit 100 including one sensor can provide the two functions of measuring the amount of pouring water into the bathtub 13 and detecting the circulation operation. The existing water heater is generally provided with a flow rate sensor for measuring the pouring amount and a flow switch for detecting the circulation operation, but by using the branch pipe unit 100 as in the present embodiment, there are various types. Benefits can be gained.

  For example, the reduction in the number of parts and the simplification of the pipe connection due to the use of the branch pipe unit 100 lead to the price reduction of the entire hot water supply system. In addition, the device can be reduced in size and weight. In the case where a flow switch is used for the circulation operation detection, only the presence / absence of a flow is detected, whereas in the present embodiment, the circulation flow rate can also be detected.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Nor.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the branch pipe unit 100 is a trifurcated branch pipe having three open ends, but the branch pipe unit 100 can also be applied to a pipe having a different branch form. For example, a branch pipe having four open ends (for example, a cross pipe) or a branch pipe having a larger number of open ends may be used.

In the above embodiment, the first open end 102 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 32, the second open end 104 and the third open end 124 are connected to the circulation circuit, and pass through the straight flow path portion 106 of the branch pipe unit 100. . However, the connection relationship between the hot water supply circuit and the circulation circuit is not limited to this. For example, the hot water supply circuit and the circulation circuit are connected so that the flow from the hot water supply pipe 32 to the bathtub 13 passes through the second flow path 126 and the recirculation flow passes through the straight flow path portion 106 of the first flow path 108. May be. Moreover, the drop flow may not be a branch flow that flows out from a plurality of outlets of the branch pipe unit 100, and the hot water supply system may be configured to flow out from only one outlet to the bathtub, for example.
In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second flow path 126 is connected to the first flow path 108 so as to be orthogonal, but the flow from the second flow path 126 Therefore, the axial flow impeller 114 may be rotated. For example, the connection angle of the second flow path 126 with respect to the first flow path 108 may be inclined. In this case, the degree of freedom in piping layout of the hot water supply system is widened, and the branch piping unit 100 can be used effectively.

  The branch piping unit 100 according to the present embodiment can be attached not only to the hot water supply system but also to other piping systems.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and modification, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from a summary. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. Moreover, you may delete some components from all the components shown by the said embodiment and modification.

  13 bathtub, 32 hot water supply pipe, 100 branch pipe unit, 102 first opening end, 104 second opening end, 106 linear flow path section, 108 first flow path, 112 rotating shaft, 114 axial flow impeller, 116 detection section, 120a, 120b bearings, 124 third opening end, 126 second flow path, 130 cover member.

Claims (6)

A branch piping unit having a flow detection means for detecting a fluid flow state,
A first flow path having a first open end and a second open end at both ends, and including a straight flow path portion between the first open end and the second open end;
An axial-flow impeller that has a rotating shaft that is arranged in the straight flow path portion and extends in a direction along the flow of fluid passing through the straight flow path portion;
A second flow path having a third opening end at one end and the other end connected to the linear flow path portion and capable of supplying a fluid flowing in a direction intersecting the rotation axis to the axial impeller;
A detection unit for detecting the rotational state of the axial flow impeller;
Branch piping unit characterized by including.   The guiding means for guiding the fluid flowing in from the third opening end to a position deviated from the rotating shaft of the axial flow impeller in the outer peripheral direction is formed in the second flow path. Branch piping unit.   The rotating shaft is supported by a bearing portion in the first flow path, and at least a sliding portion of the rotating shaft of the bearing located on the downstream side is surrounded by a cover member extending from the axial flow impeller. The branch piping unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the branch piping unit is provided.   In the axial flow impeller, a rotation direction when rotating by a flow in a direction along the rotation axis and a rotation direction when rotating by a flow in a direction intersecting the rotation axis are opposite directions. The branch piping unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A hot water system,
A circulation circuit for circulating hot water in the bathtub;
A hot water supply pipe connected to the circulation circuit to supply conditioned hot water to the bathtub through the circulation circuit;
A branch piping unit disposed at a junction of the circulation circuit and the hot water supply piping;
Based on the flow of the fluid passing through the branch pipe unit, an arithmetic unit that detects a fluid flow state;
With
The branch piping unit is
A first flow path having a first open end and a second open end at both ends, and including a straight flow path portion between the first open end and the second open end;
An axial-flow impeller having a rotating shaft disposed in the linear flow path portion and extending in a direction along the flow of hot water passing through the linear flow path portion;
A second flow path having a third opening end at one end and the other end connected to the linear flow path portion and capable of supplying hot water flowing in a direction intersecting the rotation axis to the axial flow impeller;
A detection unit that detects the rotational state of the axial flow impeller and provides the calculation unit;
Including
The hot water supply system, wherein the first open end is connected to the hot water supply pipe, and the second open end and the third open end are connected to the circulation circuit.   The arithmetic unit detects a flow rate of hot water based on a rotational speed of the axial flow impeller calculated based on a detection result of the detection unit when hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe to the bathtub. The flow rate of hot water circulating or the presence or absence of circulation is detected based on the rotation state of the axial-flow impeller calculated based on the detection result of the detection unit when circulating hot water in the bathtub. 5. A hot water supply system according to 5.

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