JP2015148361A - water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater capable of dispersing fine bubbles efficiently to the entire bathtub.SOLUTION: A bath adapter 61 having a porous body 67a for discharging air as fine bubbles into the hot water in a bathtub 31 includes: an air pump 68 for pumping air; an air pipeline 69 in which the air flows into the bath adapter 61; a bath forward pipe 29 and a bath return pipe 30 for forming a bath circulation circuit 60; a bath circulation pump 23 for circulating the hot water; a bath heat exchanger 24 for heating the hot water flowing in the bath circulation circuit 60; and control means 51 for executing a supply operation in which the bath circulation pump 23 and the air pump 68 are operated and fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water in the bathtub 31. As pressure of the air pumped to the porous body 67a by the air pump 68 in the supply operation is variable, according to the condition in which a water heater 100 is used, fine bubbles can be generated without excess and shortage from an external surface of the porous body 67a and can be dispersed into the bathtub 31 efficiently.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water heater having a function of supplying air to a bath adapter that discharges fine bubbles to hot water supplied to a bathtub.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a fine bubble generating device that discharges fine bubbles into water, there is a device that uses a porous bubble generating medium and a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto the bubble generating medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This fine bubble generating device arranges a bubble generating medium and an injection hole of a liquid injection device in a liquid to generate fine bubbles. More specifically, the fine bubble generating device supplies air to the inside of the bubble generating medium, and ejects liquid onto the outer surface of the porous bubble generating medium by the liquid ejecting device. Bubbles released from the surface are released into the liquid.

JP 2010-167404 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, depending on the positional relationship between the bubble generating medium arranged in the liquid and the liquid ejecting apparatus, the fine bubbles cannot be generated efficiently, and the generated fine bubbles are efficiently generated in the liquid. It had a problem that it could not be diffused well. That is, since the outer surface of the bubble generating medium is exposed in the liquid, the liquid existing around the bubble generating medium affects the flow of the liquid ejected from the ejection holes (for example, generated on the surface of the bubble generating body). In some cases, the size of the bubbles is increased due to the coalescence of the fine bubbles, or the diffusion of the fine bubbles into the bathtub due to the inhibition of the flow of hot water containing the fine bubbles. As a result, fine bubbles cannot be efficiently generated, and even if fine bubbles are generated, there is a problem that they cannot be efficiently diffused in the liquid.

  The present invention is for solving the above-described conventional problems, and provides a bath adapter capable of efficiently generating fine bubbles and efficiently diffusing fine bubbles in a bathtub, and a water heater provided with the same. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, the water heater of the present invention includes an air pump that pumps air to a bath adapter having a porous body that discharges the pumped air as fine bubbles to hot water in a bathtub, and Air piping through which air pumped by an air pump flows to the bath adapter, a bath return pipe and a bath return pipe that form a bath circulation circuit through which the hot water in the bathtub circulates, and hot water in the bathtub in the bath circulation circuit A bath circulation pump for circulation, a bath heat exchanger for heating hot water flowing through the bath circulation circuit, and a control means for performing a plurality of operations, wherein the plurality of operations include the bath circulation pump and the air pump. And in the supply operation, the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation includes: And it is characterized in that it is strange.

Thereby, according to the conditions where a water heater is used, a fine bubble can be generated from the outer surface of a porous body without excess and deficiency. Therefore, fine bubbles can be efficiently diffused in the bathtub.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot water heater which can generate | occur | produce a fine bubble efficiently and can be efficiently diffused in a bathtub can be provided.

Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (A) Cross-sectional view of the bath adapter, (b) Cross-sectional view of the base of the bath adapter, (c) Cross-sectional view of the connector of the bath adapter, (d) Cross-sectional view of the protruding portion of the bath adapter, (e ) Cross-sectional view of the bubble generating device of the bath adapter, (f) Cross-sectional view of the cover of the bath adapter (A) Sectional drawing which shows the change of the distribution area of the hot water in the upstream flow path from the porous body of the bath adapter, (b) The change of the distribution area of the hot water in the porous body storage part of the bath adapter Cross section shown (A) Partial enlarged sectional view showing a phenomenon in which fine bubbles are released from the porous body of the bath adapter, (b) Part showing a case where there is an angle between the flow of hot water and the porous outer surface in the bath adapter Enlarged sectional view Schematic configuration diagram of a hot water storage heat pump water heater equipped with the same bath adapter A graph showing the relationship between the air pressure supplied to the porous body of the bath adapter and the air flow rate of fine bubbles generated from the outer surface of the porous body The graph which shows the operation timing of the hot water operation of the bathtub of the day in the same water heater, and recovery operation Recovery operation control flowchart (A) Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, (b) a sectional view of a base portion of the bath adapter, (c) a sectional view of a connector of the bath adapter, (d) the same Cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the bath adapter, (e) Cross-sectional view of the bubble generating device of the bath adapter, (f) Cross-sectional view of the cover of the bath adapter Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention

  The first invention includes an air pump that pumps air to a bath adapter having a porous body that discharges the pumped air as fine bubbles to hot water in a bathtub, and the air pumped by the air pump is the bath adapter. An air pipe that flows into the bath, a bath return pipe and a bath return pipe that form a bath circulation circuit through which hot water in the bathtub circulates, a bath circulation pump that circulates hot water in the bathtub in the bath circulation circuit, and the bath circulation circuit A bath heat exchanger that heats the hot water flowing through the water, and a control means that executes a plurality of operations, wherein the plurality of operations operate the bath circulation pump and the air pump to finely adjust the hot water in the bathtub. A hot water supply apparatus including a supply operation for discharging bubbles, wherein a pressure of air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation is variable. .

  Thereby, according to the conditions where a water heater is used, a fine bubble can be generated from the outer surface of a porous body without excess and deficiency. Therefore, fine bubbles can be efficiently diffused in the bathtub. In the second invention, particularly in the first invention, the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation varies depending on the immersion time in which the porous body is immersed in water. It is characterized by doing.

  Thereby, since the air pressure is set corresponding to the ventilation resistance that increases in accordance with the length of the immersion time, the generation amount of fine bubbles released from the outer surface of the porous body can be kept high. .

  In a third aspect of the invention, particularly in the first or second aspect of the invention, the function of starting the supply operation and a setting function of changing the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation, It is characterized by comprising setting operation means having

  Thereby, since the user can change the air pressure, the fine bubbles can be efficiently supplied and diffused in the bathtub with the user's favorite size and generation amount, and the usability can be improved. it can.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 (a) to 2 (f) are respectively a cross-sectional view of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the base of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the connector of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the protruding portion of the bath adapter, It is sectional drawing of a bubble generation device, and sectional drawing of the cover of a bath adapter.

  The present invention relates to a bath adapter that discharges fine bubbles together with hot water into a bathtub and a hot water supply device that supplies hot water and air to the bath adapter. As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 100 of the present invention includes a bath circulation circuit 60. The bath circulation circuit 60 has a bath adapter 61 attached to the wall surface of the bathtub 31, a bath circulation pump 23 that circulates hot and cold water, and a heating device (bath heat exchanger) 24 that heats the hot water flowing in the bath circulation circuit 60. It is configured to be connected in a ring shape. Here, the bath adapter 61 and the bath circulation pump 23 are connected to each other by a bath return pipe 30, and the bath circulation pump 23 and the bath adapter 61 are connected to each other by a bath outlet pipe 29. The heating device 24 is provided in the bath outlet tube 29. Thereby, the water heater 100 can perform the reheating operation which heats the hot water stored in the bathtub 31. A water level detection means 46 for detecting the water level of the bathtub 31 is disposed in the middle of the bath circulation circuit 60.

  A bath pouring pipe 27 is connected to the bath circulation circuit 60. The bath pouring pipe 27 is a pipe for supplying hot water to the bath circulation circuit 60 from the outside. Thereby, the water heater 100 can perform the hot water operation which supplies hot water to the bathtub 31.

  The water heater 100 also includes an air pump 68 that pumps air to the bath adapter 61, and an air pipe 69 that connects the air pump 68 and the bath adapter 61.

  Next, the configuration of the bath adapter 61 will be described in detail. The bath adapter 61 includes a main body 62 that forms a flow path of air and hot water, and a bubble generating device 67 that discharges fine bubbles to hot water that is jetted into the bathtub 31. The bubble generating device 67 has a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles. Air is pumped into the porous body 67 a to generate fine bubbles, and the generated fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water flowing inside the main body 62. Thereby, hot water in which fine bubbles are mixed in the bathtub 31 can be ejected.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the bath adapter 61 is provided with a spout 65j from which hot water is spouted into the bathtub 31, and a forward flow in which the hot water flows toward the spout 65j in the bath adapter 61. A path (63a, 65a) is formed. The bath adapter 61 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31, and a return flow path (63b) in which the hot water sucked from the suction port 66j flows into the bath return pipe 30 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. , 65b). Further, the air flow path (63 c, 65 c) for supplying the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows into the bath adapter 61 through the air pipe 69 to the bubble generating device 67 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. ) Is provided.

  The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 has a cross section perpendicular to the axis C formed in a circular shape centered on the axis C. The forward flow path (63a, 65a), the air flow path (63c, 65c), and the return flow path (63b, 65b) are arranged concentrically with the axis C as the center and different radii. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), forward channels (63a, 65a) are provided on the axis C. In addition, air flow paths (63c, 65c) are provided outside the forward flow paths (63a, 65a). Furthermore, return flow paths (63b, 65b) are arranged outward from the air flow paths (63c, 65c). The forward flow path (63a, 65a) has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis C.

  As described above, a plurality of bath adapters 61 are provided by arranging the forward flow paths (63a, 65a), the air flow paths (63c, 65c), and the return flow paths (63b, 65b) in concentric circles having different radii. Even if comprised by this member, at the time of the operation | work which attaches the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31, each flow path can be connected reliably. In addition, by arranging the return flow paths (63b, 65b) out of the three flow paths, the hot water in the bathtub 31 can be easily discharged via a suction port 66j formed in the cover 66 described later. Can be inhaled.

  Moreover, since the air flow path (63c, 65c) is disposed between the forward flow path (63a, 65a) and the return flow path (63b, 65b), the hot water flowing through the forward flow path (63a, 65a) Heat exchange with hot water flowing through the return flow path (63b, 65b) can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F, the main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 includes a base portion 63 to which the bath outlet pipe 29, the bath return pipe 30 and the air pipe 69 are connected, and a jet outlet 65j. The cover 65 which covers the part which protruded inward of the bathtub 31 among the protrusions 65 which have, the connector 64 which connects the base 63 and the protrusions 65, and the protrusions 65, and has the inlet 66j is provided. The protruding portion 65 may be configured as a top portion that is molded integrally with the connector 64.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the base 63 is connected to an outlet pipe connection port 63d to which the bath outlet pipe 29 is connected, a return pipe connection port 63e to which the bath return pipe 30 is connected, and an air pipe 69. Is provided with an air pipe connection port 63f. Further, the base portion 63 is provided with an outward flow path 63a, a return flow path 63b, and an air flow path 63c. The forward flow path 63a and the forward pipe connection port 63d, the return flow path 63b and the return pipe connection port 63e, and the air pipe connection port 63f and the air flow path 63c communicate with each other.

  The forward flow path 63a is provided with a throttle portion 63n having a reduced cross-sectional area of the flow path. The restricting portion 63n decreases the flow passage cross-sectional area of the forward flow path 63a on the upstream side of the restricting portion 63n, and increases the flow rate of hot water flowing through the forward flow path 63a. Thereby, since the shearing force of the air discharged | emitted from the outer surface of the below-mentioned porous body 67a increases, it can discharge | release to a hot water with a fine bubble efficiently. Moreover, since the flow rate of the hot water jetted from the jet outlet 65j increases, fine bubbles can be efficiently diffused into the bathtub 31. Note that the position of the throttle portion 63n is not particularly limited as long as it is provided in the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the throttle part 63 n is not limited to the base part 63, and the throttle part may be provided in the projecting part 65, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (d), the projecting portion 65 is provided with an outward flow path 65 a through which hot water supplied from the bath outlet pipe 29 flows. One end of the forward flow path 65 a is connected to the forward flow path 63 a formed in the base portion 63. In the bath adapter 61 of the present embodiment, the forward flow path 63a of the base portion 63 is inserted inside the forward flow path 65a of the protruding portion 65 so that they are connected to and communicate with each other. The forward flow path 65a of the protruding portion 65 may be inserted inside the forward flow path 63a of the base portion 63. A jet outlet 65j is formed at the other end of the forward flow path 65a.

  At least a part of the forward flow path 65a constitutes a porous body storage portion 65i in which the porous body 67a is disposed. The porous body storage portion 65i has a capacity sufficient to completely store the porous body 67a. Thereby, the circumference | surroundings of the porous body 67a are covered with the porous body accommodating part 65i except for the jet outlet 65j and the outward flow path 63a side. That is, the porous body 67a does not protrude outward from the forward flow path 65a. Thereby, the hot water existing in the bathtub 31 does not affect the flow of the hot water flowing around the bubble generating device 67, and the fine bubbles are stably discharged to the hot water flowing in the forward flow path 65a. Can do.

  The flow passage cross-sectional area S of the porous body storage portion 65i is such that the flow passage cross-sectional area S2 on the downstream side (jet port 65j side) is greater than or equal to the flow passage cross-sectional area S1 on the upstream side (base portion 63 side). It is formed. More preferably, the channel cross-sectional area is gradually increased toward the jet port 65j. In the present embodiment, the porous body storage portion 65i is formed in a substantially conical shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area continuously increases toward the downstream side. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the porous body storage portion 65i is formed such that the flow passage cross-sectional area S2 of the jet outlet 65j is the largest flow passage cross-sectional area in the forward flow passage 65a.

  In this way, by increasing the flow passage cross-sectional area S on the downstream side (the jet outlet 65j side), the hot water jetted into the bathtub 31 is diffused radially, and as a result, the fine bubbles released into the hot water Furthermore, since it diffuses radially in the bathtub 31, fine bubbles can be diffused throughout the bathtub 31.

  Further, the flow passage cross-sectional area S2 on the downstream side (jet port 65j side) is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area S1 on the upstream side (base portion 63 side), so that it can be freely attached to and detached from the main body 62 as will be described later. The provided bubble generating device 67 can be easily attached and detached.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A, the inner diameter d of the porous body storage portion 65i in the forward flow path 65a is the upstream flow path (63a on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. , 65a) is larger than the inner diameter d ′. The inner diameter of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a is determined mainly by the pipe diameter of the bath outlet pipe 29 and the like. Therefore, the volume of the porous body storage section 65i is increased by setting the inner diameter d of the porous body storage section 65i to be larger than the inner diameter of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) upstream of the porous body 67a. be able to. Thereby, since the surface area of the porous body 67a can be increased, the generation amount of fine bubbles can be increased.

  Furthermore, an air flow path 65c is formed in the protrusion 65 on the outer side of the forward flow path 65a with respect to the axis C. One end of the air flow path 65 c is connected to the air flow path 63 c formed in the base portion 63. The other end of the air flow path 65 c is connected to the bubble generating device 67.

  The base portion 63 and the protruding portion 65 are connected to each other via the connector 64. That is, the engaging portion 63g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64g of the connector 64 are engaged, and the connecting portion 64h of the connector 64 and the connecting portion 65h of the protruding portion 65 are connected. The connector 64 and the protrusion 65 are integrated.

The connection part 64h of the connector 64 and the connection part 65h of the protrusion 65 are fastened by, for example, bolts and connected to each other. At this time, the connecting portion 65h of the protruding portion 65 is provided with a through hole for fastening and fixing with a bolt, and the connecting portion 64h of the connector 64 is provided with a hole in which a female screw is cut. Thereby, the connector 64 and the protrusion part 65 can be fastened and fixed by tightening a bolt from the jet nozzle 65j side. In addition, it is preferable that the through-hole provided in the connection part 65h is provided with the fixed width dimension in the circumferential direction. Thereby, it is possible to fasten and fix the connector 65 to the connector 64 while rotating the protrusion 65 by a certain amount around the axis C. That is, the through hole provided in the connecting portion 65 h functions as a backlash when the protruding portion 65 is fixed to the connector 64. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of attaching the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31 becomes easy. In addition, the connection method of the connector 64 and the protrusion part 65 is not limited to the fastening fixation with a volt | bolt.

  The engaging portion 63g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64g of the connector 64 are threaded. The connector 64 and the base part 63 can be engaged and fixed by screwing the other engaging part (63g, 64g) into one engaging part (63g, 64g). In the present embodiment, an engagement portion 63g in which a female thread is cut is provided on the inner surface of the return channel 63b inside the base portion 63. Further, an engaging portion 64g having a male screw cut is provided on the outer surface of the connector 64g. Further, the connector 64 is provided with a protrusion 64m that comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the bathtub 31.

  When attaching the main body 62 of the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31, first, the engaging portion 63 g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64 g of the connector 64 are screwed and engaged so as to sandwich the wall surface of the bathtub 31. The connector 64 and the base portion 63 are fixed to the wall surface of the bathtub 31. Next, the protrusion 65 is connected and fixed to the connector 64. Finally, the cover 66 and the protrusion 65 are connected and fixed. The bubble generating device 67 is detachably attached to the main body 62 as will be described later. Therefore, the bubble generating device 67 can be attached to the main body 62 by any procedure after the protrusion 65 is connected and fixed to the connector 64, for example. Further, the protruding portion 65 may be attached to the connector 64 in a state where the bubble generating device 67 is attached to the protruding portion 65.

  As described above, the flow path is provided concentrically around the axis C in the main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61, and the base 63 to which each pipe (29, 30, 68) is connected. And the protrusion part 65 in which the jet nozzle 65j is provided is comprised so that it may connect and be fixed via the connector 64. FIG. As a result, the connection between the flow paths of the respective members can be facilitated, and the attachment work of the bath adapter 61 can be facilitated.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a portion of the protruding portion 65 that protrudes inward of the bathtub 31 is covered with a cover 66. In addition, the cover 66 should just be comprised so that the part which protruded to the inner side of the bathtub 31 among the forward flow paths 65a provided in the protrusion part 65 may be covered. Moreover, in the bath adapter 61 of this Embodiment, as shown to Fig.2 (a), although the cover 66 does not cover the jet nozzle 65j, it is comprised so that the cover 66 may cover the jet nozzle 65j. Also good. In this case, the portion of the cover 66 that covers the spout 65j is processed so as not to obstruct the flow of hot water sprayed into the bathtub 31 (for example, a plurality of small holes are provided). ) Is preferred.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2F, the cover 66 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31. A plurality of suction ports 66j are provided around the cover 66. The suction port 66j is preferably provided above the jet port 65j in a state where the bath adapter 61 is attached to the bathtub 31. As a result, the fine bubbles released to the bathtub 31 are caused to flow into the return flow path (63b, 65b) and the bath circulation circuit 60, and the inside of the bath adapter 61 and the bath circulation circuit 60 are washed by the washing action of the fine bubbles. can do.

  The suction port 66j is provided with a filter 66k. This prevents dust such as hair present in the bathtub 31 from flowing into the bath adapter 61. The filter 66k may be configured by providing a plurality of small holes, or a nonwoven fabric or the like may be provided in the suction port 66j, and is not particularly limited.

  A return channel 65 b is formed inside the cover 66. That is, a space constituted by the inner surface of the cover 66 and the outer surface of the protrusion 65 forms the return channel 65b. The return channel 65b is connected to the return channel 63b.

  The cover 66 is provided with an engaging portion 66l, and the engaging portion 66l and the engaging portion 65l of the protruding portion 65 engage with each other.

  The bubble generating device 67 includes a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles and an air flow path 67c connected to the air flow path 65c of the protrusion 65. The bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the main body 62. In the present embodiment, the bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the protrusion 65. For example, the bubble generating device 67 and the protruding portion 65 are connected and fixed to each other by bolts.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the porous body 67 a is disposed in a porous body storage portion 65 i formed in the protruding portion 65. The porous body 67a is formed in a hollow shape, and a hollow space 67n is provided inside. Thereby, air can be supplied over the whole porous body 67a, and a fine bubble can be generated efficiently. The porous body 67a may be formed by integrally molding a material that forms micropores, or may be formed by winding a porous film that forms micropores around a member. Good.

  The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C of the porous body 67a is formed so that the downstream side is larger than the upstream side with respect to the flowing direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a. Here, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C of the porous body 67a is a cross-sectional area including the hollow space 67n formed inside the porous body 67a. In the present embodiment, the porous body 67a is formed in a conical shape, and is disposed in the porous body accommodating portion 65i so that the conical apex is on the upstream side of the forward flow path 65a. Furthermore, the porous body 67a is formed to a size that can be completely stored in the porous body storage portion 65i. That is, the porous body 67a is formed in a capacity that does not protrude from the forward flow path 65a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the porous body 67a has a plurality of micropores communicating the hollow space 67n and the outside of the porous body 67a (the forward flow path 65a). The micropore has a plurality of cross-sectional areas (for example, D1 and D2). The air supplied to the hollow space 67n circulates through these fine holes and is discharged into hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a as fine bubbles.

  The air flow path 67c connects the air flow path 65c of the protrusion 65 and the hollow space 67n of the porous body 67a. As shown in FIG. 2 (e), the air flow path 67c is connected to the hollow space 67n in the region L on the jet outlet 65j side from the center in the length dimension L in the axis C direction of the porous body 67a. Is preferred. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the air flow path 67c is connected to the hollow space 67n from the outlet 65j side of the porous body 67a. Thereby, the pressure difference of the air pressure concerning each fine hole formed in the porous body 67a can be reduced. Hereinafter, the operation of making the air pressure applied to each minute hole uniform will be described.

The porous body 67a is formed so that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C is larger on the downstream side with respect to the flow direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a. Here, when the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C increases, the outer surface area per unit length of the axis C in the porous body 67a also increases. The number of micropores increases with an increase in the outer surface area, whereby the flow area of the air flowing out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a per unit length of the axis C is downstream of the forward flow path 65a. The larger the side. Air flows into the hollow space 67n from the jet outlet 65j side of the center of the porous body 67a in the axis C direction. At least a part of the air that has flowed into the hollow space 67n flows through the hollow space 67n from the jet port 65j side to the upstream side of the forward flow path 65a. Thereby, a part of the air flowing through the hollow space 67n and the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a are opposed to each other. Normally, the air pressure decreases toward the downstream side of the air flow, but as the air pressure decreases, the air flow area also decreases. That is, as the air pressure decreases, the air flow area decreases, so that the pressure difference between the air pressures applied to the micro holes can be made uniform. As a result, fine bubbles can be efficiently discharged into hot water.

  The flow area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is as shown in FIG. The water distribution area W2 on the downstream side is configured to be larger than the water distribution area W1 on the upstream side. In the present embodiment, the water distribution area W is configured to gradually increase from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distance h1 between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is the distance h2 on the downstream side of the forward flow path 65a. , The distance h is smaller than the distance h on the upstream side.

  Thereby, since the downstream side of the forward flow path 65a is narrowed, the flow rate of hot water can be increased as compared with the case where the inner surface of the protrusion 65 and the outer surface of the porous body 67a are parallel. Therefore, the flow rate of the hot water sprayed into the bathtub 31 can be maintained high, and the hot water and fine bubbles can be jetted into the bathtub 31 vigorously.

  Next, the operation and action when the porous body 67a discharges fine bubbles to the outgoing flow path 65a will be described in detail below.

  When the fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water circulating in the bath circulation circuit 60 and the hot water mixed with the fine bubbles is supplied into the bathtub 31, the bath circulation pump 23 and the air pump 68 are activated. As a result, hot water flows in the bath circulation circuit 60 and air flows into the air pipe 69.

  The hot water flowing through the bath outlet pipe 29 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the outlet pipe connection port 63d. Hot water that has flowed into the bath adapter 61 from the forward pipe connection port 63d flows through the forward flow path (63a, 65a) toward the jet outlet 65j.

  On the other hand, the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows through the air pipe 69 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the air pipe connection port 63f. The air that has flowed into the bath adapter 61 flows through the air flow path (63c, 65c, 67c) and flows into the hollow space 67n formed inside the porous body 67a. The air that has flowed into the hollow space 67n flows out into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a through a plurality of fine holes formed in the porous body 67a.

  In the forward flow path 65a, the air that has flowed out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a is released into the hot water as fine bubbles. The hot water mixed with fine bubbles is ejected into the bathtub 31 from the ejection port 65j.

Moreover, the hot water in the bathtub 31 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the suction inlet 66j. The hot water flowing in from the suction port 66j flows through the return circuit (65b, 63b) toward the return pipe connection port 63e and flows out to the bath return pipe 30. In this way, hot water flows through the inside of the bath circulation circuit 60.

  Next, the action of generating fine bubbles on the outer surface of the porous body 67a will be described. 4A and 4B are partially enlarged cross-sectional views showing a phenomenon in which fine bubbles are released from the outer surface of the porous body 67a. In particular, FIG. 4B shows a case where hot and cold water contacts with the outer surface of the porous body 67a at an angle. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the upper surface of the paper from the porous body 67a is an outward flow path 65a through which hot water flows, and the lower surface of the paper from the porous body 67a is a hollow space 67n through which air flows.

  Here, the pressure (air pressure) of the air supplied to the hollow space 67n by the air pump 68 is set higher than the water pressure of the hot water ejected from the ejection port 65j. Thereby, air flows out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a due to the surface tension of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a and the pressure difference between the air pressure and the water pressure.

  The hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is viscous. Therefore, the shearing force by the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is generated in the air flowing out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a. When a certain or higher shearing force acts on the air, the air is cut off from the outer surface of the porous body 67a and released into the hot water as fine bubbles. In this way, fine bubbles are generated on the outer surface of the porous body 67a.

  Further, by forming the porous body 67a in a conical shape or a truncated cone shape, as shown in FIG. 4B, an angle is generated between the hot water flow in the forward flow path 65a and the surface of the porous body 67a. As compared with the case where the flow of hot water and the porous body 67a are parallel, the growth of the velocity boundary layer of hot water is suppressed. That is, since the flow rate of the hot water on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased, the shear force by the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased, and fine bubbles can be generated efficiently.

  The bubble diameter of the fine bubbles released into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a is determined by the shear rate due to the flow rate of hot water, the pressure difference between the air pressure and the water pressure, and the cross-sectional area of the micropores formed in the porous body 67a. . Here, as described above, since the porous body 67a has micropores having a plurality of cross-sectional areas, the bubbles released into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a have a plurality of bubble diameters.

  In this manner, the hot water is clouded and discharged into the bathtub 31 by releasing the fine bubbles in the hot water. The degree of cloudiness of the hot water in the bathtub 31 is determined by the bubble diameter of the fine bubbles contained in the hot water and the distribution density of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31.

  The distribution density of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 is determined by the supply amount of the fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 and the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31.

  The supply amount of fine bubbles is determined by the shear rate due to the flow rate of hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a and the density of fine holes formed on the outer surface of the porous body 67a. According to the present invention, the supply amount of microbubbles can be increased by increasing the density of micropores formed on the outer surface of the porous body 67a. That is, since the supply amount of fine bubbles can be increased without increasing the flow rate of hot water by increasing the rating of the bath circulation pump 23, the bathtub 31 can be used without increasing the energy saving performance of the hot water supply device 100. Fine bubbles can be supplied inside.

Further, the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 is determined by the bubble diameter of the fine bubbles and the flow rate of the hot water ejected from the jet outlet 65j. The fine bubbles having a relatively large bubble diameter have large buoyancy in water, and move upward in the bathtub 31 after being ejected from the ejection port 65j. On the other hand, the fine bubbles having a relatively small bubble diameter have small buoyancy in water and move relatively far from the jet port 65j together with the hot water jetted from the jet port 65j.

  That is, the fine bubbles having a relatively large bubble diameter are distributed in the vicinity of the jet outlet 65j and in the upper layer of the hot water in the bathtub 31, and the fine bubbles having a relatively small bubble diameter are compared from the jet outlet 65j. It is far from the target and is often distributed in the lower layer of the hot water in the bathtub 31.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the supply amount of fine bubbles supplied into the bathtub 31 can be increased, and the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 can be improved. Therefore, the bath adapter 61 capable of efficiently supplying fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 can be provided.

  Moreover, hot water mixed with fine bubbles has an effect of increasing the thermal effect on the human body and maintaining the thermal insulation effect for a long time. Therefore, according to the present invention, the hot water heater 100 with high usability can be realized.

  Further, when fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water and the hot water mixed with the fine bubbles is ejected into the bathtub 31, the fine bubbles flow into the bath adapter 61 from the suction port 66j. The fine bubbles that flow into the bath adapter 61 flow in the bath circulation circuit 60 along the flow of hot water. The fine bubbles have a cleaning function. Therefore, according to the present invention, dirt such as sebum adhering to the inside of the bath circulation circuit 60 can be removed, and the growth of bacteria in the bath circulation circuit 60 can be suppressed. Moreover, since the stain | pollution | contamination adhering inside the bath circulation circuit 60 can be removed, the capability of the heating apparatus 24 can be exhibited to the maximum. As a result, a water heater excellent in cleanliness and energy saving can be realized.

  The bath adapter 61 may be applied to a hot water storage type water heater. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a case where the bath adapter 61 is applied to the hot water storage type hot water heater 100.

  The hot water storage type water heater shown in FIG. 5 includes a heat pump device that boils hot water and a hot water storage tank 3 that stores the hot water generated by the heat pump device. This hot water storage type heat pump water heater includes a hot water storage unit 1 and a heat pump unit 2.

  The heat pump unit 2 includes a compressor 4, a water / refrigerant heat exchanger 5, a decompression means 6 composed of an electromagnetic expansion valve, a capillary tube, an expander and the like, and an evaporator 7 which is an air heat exchanger annularly formed by a refrigerant pipe. A heat pump cycle 2a that is connected and in which the refrigerant circulates is provided. As the refrigerant, a single refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, or an HFC refrigerant such as R410A or R407C can be used. When carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, the pressure on the high pressure side when the heat pump cycle 2a is operating is equal to or higher than the critical pressure. As a result, the heat pump cycle 2a operates as a supercritical cycle. A fan 8 for sending air to the evaporator 7 is provided in the vicinity of the evaporator 7.

  The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a hot water storage tank 3. The hot water storage unit 1 is formed by connecting the lower part (bottom) of the hot water tank 3, the boiling forward pipe 32, the water refrigerant heat exchanger 5, the boiling return pipe 33, the three-way switching valve 18 a, and the hot water tank 3 in this order. An annular boiling circuit is provided. In the middle of the boiling forward pipe 32, a boiling pump 21 that conveys water in the lower part of the hot water tank 3 to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5 is provided.

A boiling return pipe 33 is connected to the inlet side of the three-way switching valve 18a. A boiling bypass pipe 34 and a boiling pipe 35 are connected to the outlet side of the three-way switching valve 18a. The other end of the boiling bypass pipe 34 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 3. The other end of the boiling pipe 35 is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 3. In addition, the other end of the boiling pipe 35 may be connected to the 1st hot water pipe 9 mentioned later.

  Thereby, the flow path of the hot water which is conveyed by the boiling pump 21 and flows through the boiling return pipe 33 is switched by the three-way switching valve 18a. That is, the hot water flowing through the boiling return pipe 33 returns to the lower part of the hot water tank 3 through the boiling bypass pipe 34 and returns to the upper part of the hot water tank 3 through the boiling pipe 35.

  Further, an incoming water temperature detecting means 41 for detecting the water temperature at the inlet of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 5 and a hot water temperature detecting means 42 which is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature at the outlet of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 5 are provided. .

  A plurality of remaining hot water thermistors (temperature sensors) 40a to 40e as hot water storage temperature detecting means are installed in this order from the upper side on the wall surface of the hot water storage tank 3, and the heat storage in the hot water storage tank 3 is caused by the temperature of the remaining hot water thermistors 40a to 40e. The amount of heat can be grasped.

  Water from the water supply is supplied to the hot water tank 3, the second mixing valve 14, and the third mixing valve 15, which will be described later, via the water supply pipe 11 to which the pressure reducing valve 20 is connected. The water supply pipe 11 branches into a first water supply branch pipe 12 a, a second water supply branch pipe 12 b, and a third water supply branch pipe 12 c at the water supply branch section 12, and the first water supply branch pipe 12 a is formed at the bottom of the hot water tank 3. The second water supply branch pipe 12b is connected to the second mixing valve 14, and the third water supply branch pipe 12c is connected to the third mixing valve 15.

  A first hot water discharge pipe 9 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 3, and the other end of the first hot water discharge pipe 9 branches into a hot water branch pipe 16 and a follow-up pipe 25, and the hot water branch pipe 16 is a first mixing pipe. A follower tube 25 is connected to the valve 13 to a bath heat exchanger 24. A second hot water discharge pipe 10 is connected between a position where the hot water boiling pipe 36 is connected in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 3 and the bottom of the hot water tank 3.

  The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a hot water supply circuit. The hot water supply circuit mixes the hot water in the hot water tank 3 and the water supplied from the water with the first mixing valve 13, the second mixing valve 14, and the third mixing valve 15 to obtain hot water at a predetermined temperature, It is a circuit for supplying hot water to a hot water supply terminal (not shown) such as a shower or a bathtub.

  The first mixing valve 13 mixes the hot water supplied from the first hot water discharge pipe 9 and the hot water supplied from the second hot water discharge pipe 10 and causes the hot water to flow out from the hot water joining pipe 17. The outgoing hot water junction pipe 17 branches into a first outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17a and a second outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17b. The first outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17a is connected to the second mixing valve 14 and the second outgoing hot water joint pipe. The branch pipes 17b are connected to the third mixing valve 15, respectively.

  The second mixing valve 14 mixes hot water supplied from the first outlet hot water merging pipe branch pipe 17a and water supplied from the second hot water supply branch pipe 12b and causes the hot water to flow out of the hot water pipe 28 to supply hot water such as a currant or shower. Hot water of a predetermined temperature is supplied from a terminal (not shown).

  The hot water supply pipe 28 connected to the outlet side of the second mixing valve 14 is provided with a hot water supply temperature sensor 43a as a first hot water supply temperature detection means. When hot water is supplied from a hot water supply terminal, the hot water supply temperature sensor 43a detects the hot water supply temperature sensor 43a. The control unit 51 controls the mixing ratio of the second mixing valve 14 so that the temperature becomes the target set temperature (set by the user from the remote controller (setting operation unit) 50).

The third mixing valve 15 mixes the hot water supplied from the second outlet hot water merging pipe branch pipe 17b and the water supplied from the first water supply branch pipe 12c, and causes the water to flow out from the bath pouring pipe 27. Then, hot water having a predetermined temperature is poured into the bathtub 31 through the bath outlet pipe 29 and the bath return pipe 30.

  The bath pouring pipe 27 connected to the outlet side of the third mixing valve 15 is provided with a bath hot water temperature sensor 43b serving as a second hot water temperature detecting means. The control unit 51 controls the mixing ratio of the third mixing valve 15 so that the detected temperature of the sensor 43b becomes the target set temperature (set by the user using the remote controller 50).

  The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a bath chase circuit. The bath reheating circuit can heat the hot water in the bathtub 31 to a predetermined temperature by exchanging heat between the hot water in the hot water tank 3 and the hot water in the bathtub 31 by the bath heat exchanger (heating device) 24.

  The bath reheating circuit is configured by connecting the hot water tank 3, the first hot water discharge pipe 9, the discharge pipe 25, the bath heat exchanger 24, the discharge pump 22, the discharge return pipe 26, and the hot water storage tank 3 in an annular shape. The secondary side flow path is connected to the bathtub 31, the bath return pipe 30, the bath circulation pump 23, the bath heat exchanger (heating device) 24, the bath outlet pipe 29, and the bath adapter 61 attached to the bathtub 31 with an annular pipe. The secondary side flow path (bath circulation circuit) 60 is configured. In the bath circulation circuit 60, a part of the bath outlet pipe 29 (bath outlet pipe 29 a), a part of the bath return pipe 30 (bath return pipe 30 a), and the bath adapter 61 are arranged outside the hot water storage unit 1. In the middle of the bath return pipe 30, a bath temperature sensor 45 serving as a bath temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water in the bathtub 31 and a water level sensor 46 serving as a water level detecting means for the bathtub are installed.

  Further, a hot water storage type heat pump water heater 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes an air pump 68 that pumps air into the bath adapter 61 inside the hot water storage unit 1 and a part of an air pipe 69 through which the air pumped by the air pump 68 flows. And. Among these, a part of the air pipe 69 (air pipe 69 a) is disposed outside the hot water storage unit 1. Note that the air pump 68 and the air pipe 69 may be provided separately from the hot water storage unit 1.

  The bath outlet pipe 29a, the bath return pipe 30a, and the air pipe 69a function as connection pipes between the hot water storage unit 1 and the bath adapter 61.

  The hot water storage type heat pump water heater 100 shown in FIG. 5 performs hot water storage operation in which hot water heated in the heat pump cycle 2a is stored in the hot water storage tank 3, and hot water for bath automatic hot water in which a predetermined amount of hot water is applied to the bathtub 31. The beam operation and the reheating operation in which hot water in the bathtub 31 is caused to flow into the bath circulation circuit 60 and the hot water in the bathtub 31 is replenished by the bath heat exchanger 24 can be executed. A supply operation for supplying fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 can be executed in the hot water operation and the reheating operation. Moreover, the heat pump water heater of this invention can perform the recovery | restoration operation | movement which recovers the performance of the porous body 67a.

  The remote controller 50 is provided with a start function for instructing the start of a hot water storage operation, a hot water operation, and a chasing operation. In addition, the remote controller 50 is provided with a start function for instructing the start of a supply operation for fine bubbles and a recovery operation for recovering the performance of the porous body 67a. The hot water storage operation, the hot water operation, the reheating operation, the fine bubble supply operation, and the recovery operation for recovering the performance of the porous body 67a are started and stopped by the control means 50 judging whether it is necessary or not. Also good.

  Next, a supply operation for supplying fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 and a recovery operation for recovering the performance of the porous body 67a will be described. First, the microbubble supply operation will be described.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressure of air pumped to the porous body 67a (air pressure) and the flow rate of air bubbles (air flow rate) discharged from the porous body 67a to the forward flow path 65a. .
Curve A shown in FIG. 6 shows the characteristics of air pressure-air flow rate immediately after the porous body 67a in the dry state is submerged, and the curve B is a predetermined time (for example, for example, after the porous body 67a is submerged in water). The characteristics of air pressure-air flow rate after 24 hours) are shown. As shown in FIG. 6, in the porous body 67a, the flow rate of fine bubbles released from the outer surface to the forward flow path 65a increases as the pressure of the pumped air increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the porous body 67a has been immersed for a period of time (curve A → curve B), the flow rate of fine bubbles released from the outer surface of the porous body 67a decreases. . This is because moisture gradually permeates into the micropores of the porous body 67a with the passage of time, the micropores of the porous body 67a are blocked, and the ventilation resistance from the inside of the porous body 67a to the outside is reduced. This is because it increases.

  If the air pressure supplied to the porous body 67a is constant, the increase in ventilation resistance means that the amount of fine bubbles supplied to the forward flow path 65a decreases. As a result, the amount of fine bubbles supplied to the bathtub 31 is also reduced, and the diffusibility of the fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 is also deteriorated. Therefore, in order to always generate a predetermined amount of fine bubbles, the water heater 100 according to the present embodiment uses air that is pumped by the air pump 68 according to the degree of infiltration of the porous body 67a during the supply operation of the fine bubbles. Vary the pressure. Here, the degree of infiltration indicates how much moisture has penetrated into the micropores of the porous body 67a, and can be measured, for example, by the difference in weight from the weight of the unused porous body 67a. it can. The greater the difference in weight, the greater the degree of infiltration.

  More specifically, the control means 51 starts the hot water operation to the bathtub 31 when the user operates the remote controller 50, and the water level in the bathtub 31 is the position of the bath adapter 61 (porous body 67a). When the height reaches (predetermined water level) or higher, the water level detection means 46 determines that the porous body 67a is immersed in water. When the water level in the bathtub 31 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, the control means 51 starts counting the immersion time of the porous body 67a by a timer (not shown). When the supply operation of the fine bubbles is started, the control unit 51 controls the rotation speed of the air pump 68, that is, the air pressure supplied to the porous body 67a, according to the length of the immersion time. When the immersion time is relatively long, the control means 51 sets the air pressure (rotational speed) supplied to the porous body 67a by the air pump 68 to be high, and when the immersion time is relatively short, Supply operation is started by setting the air pressure (rotational speed) supplied to the porous body 67a low. The relationship between the immersion time and the air pressure (the rotation speed of the air pump 68) may be measured in advance and stored in the control means 51 as data. During the supply operation, the air pressure (rotation speed) supplied to the porous body 67a may be changed by changing the rotation speed of the air pump 68.

  Thereby, even if the porous body 67a is immersed in the water of the bathtub 31 and the ventilation resistance is increased due to water infiltrating into the micropores of the porous body 67a, it can be dealt with by changing the air pressure. . That is, the air flow rate of the fine bubbles released from the porous body 67a to the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a is controlled by increasing the rotational speed of the air pump 68 as the degree of infiltration of the porous body 67a increases. Can be ensured, and the size and amount of the fine bubbles supplied to the bathtub 31 can be stabilized.

  The predetermined water level is preferably set between a height at which at least a part of the porous body 67a is immersed in water and a height at which all of the porous body 67a is immersed.

  The infiltration degree of the porous body 67a is determined based on the immersion time in which the water level in the bathtub 31 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, but the infiltration degree may be estimated using a method other than this.

Further, the user may arbitrarily set the amount and / or size of the fine bubbles supplied into the bathtub 31. For example, by providing the remote controller 50 with a setting function for setting the supply amount and / or size of fine bubbles, the size and amount of fine bubbles supplied to the bathtub 31 can be selected according to the user's preference. . The setting function should just be comprised so that only at least any one of the quantity and size of a fine bubble can be set. Further, the setting function may be configured to set the white turbidity of the hot water in the bathtub 31 that varies due to the supply amount and size of the fine bubbles. The rotation speed of the air pump 68 is changed by the setting function, and thereby the pressure of the air supplied to the porous body 67a is changed. As a result, the amount and / or size of the fine bubbles supplied into the bathtub 31 is changed. At this time, the control means 51 preferably stores a plurality of data on the relationship between the air pressure and the air flow rate for each supply amount and / or size of the fine bubbles set by the user.

  As described above, the pressure of the air supplied to the porous body 67a can be changed according to the degree of infiltration of the porous body 67a and the setting of the user.

  Next, the recovery operation for recovering the performance of the porous body 67a will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, when the porous body 67a is immersed in water, water gradually permeates into the fine pores of the porous body 67a as time passes to block the fine holes of the porous body 67a. . Thereby, the ventilation resistance of the porous body 67a increases, and the flow rate of the fine bubbles released from the outer surface of the porous body 67a decreases. The recovery operation is an operation of recovering the flow rate (generated amount) of fine bubbles released from the outer surface of the porous body 67a.

  The control means 51 performs a recovery operation in which the air pump 68 is operated while the bath circulation pump 23 is stopped in order to recover the performance of the porous body 67a in which the amount of generated fine bubbles is reduced. Thereby, air can be pumped into the inside of the porous body 67a, and the water infiltrated into the micropores can be discharged toward the outside (outward flow path 65a side). Even when the performance of the porous body 67a is deteriorated by immersing the porous body 67a in water by performing the recovery operation, the generation amount of the fine bubbles generated from the porous body 67a is recovered, and the generation amount of the fine bubbles is also increased. Can be kept high. The recovery operation is more preferably performed in a state where the porous body 67a is not immersed in water, that is, in a state where the water level in the bathtub 31 is lower than a predetermined water level. Thereby, since the recovery operation is performed in a state where the water pressure does not act on the porous body 67a, the recovery operation can be performed efficiently.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of when the hot water bath operation and the recovery operation of the bathtub are performed in one day, and FIG. 8 is a control flowchart of the recovery operation. Hereinafter, the recovery operation will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that FIG. 7 omits the control operations of the air pump 68 and the bath circulation pump 23 during execution of operations other than the recovery operation (supply operation follow-up operation or the like).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the water heater 100 according to the present embodiment performs the recovery operation when the use of the bathtub 31 is finished and drainage is performed and the water level of the bathtub 31 becomes less than a predetermined water level.

  In FIG. 8, the control means 51 moves to STEP1 when the user starts hot water pouring into the bathtub 31 by operating the remote controller 50 or the like. The control means 51 determines whether or not the water level of the bathtub 31 is equal to or higher than the position (predetermined water level) of the bath adapter 61 (porous body 67a) in STEP1. If the water level in the bathtub 31 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, it is determined that the porous body 67a is immersed in water, and the process proceeds to STEP2. In STEP2, a timer (not shown) that counts the immersion time of the porous body 67a starts counting the immersion time. Next, in STEP 3, a fine bubble supply operation, a chasing operation, and the like are performed. Note that the supply operation and the reheating operation in STEP 3 may not be performed.

When the control means 51 detects that the use of the bathtub 31 is finished and drainage of the bathtub 31 is started and the water level detection means 46 is below the predetermined water level (STEP 4), the porous body 67a is exposed to the air. It judges and transfers to STEP5. In STEP5, the control means 51 performs the recovery operation of the porous body 67a. Here, the recovery operation may be started immediately after the water level detection means 46 detects that the water level is less than the predetermined water level, or may be started after a certain time has elapsed. That is, it is only necessary for the water heater 100 to perform the recovery operation in a state where the porous body 67a is not immersed in water in any time zone.

  In the recovery operation, the air circulation pump 23 is operated at a predetermined rotational speed for a predetermined time while the bath circulation pump 23 is stopped. It is preferable that the rotation speed and the operation time of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation are determined based on the immersion time of the porous body 67a counted by a timer. That is, the longer the immersion time, the longer the rotation speed and / or operation time of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation may be set.

  When the recovery operation is executed for a predetermined time, the control unit 51 proceeds to STEP 7, stops the air pump 68, and ends the recovery operation. Further, the immersion time of the porous body 67a by the timer is reset (STEP 8).

  With the above control flow, when the porous body 67a is immersed in the water of the bathtub 31 and the amount of generated fine bubbles is reduced by the penetration of water into the micropores of the porous body 67a, the recovery operation is performed. Thus, the water infiltrated into the porous body 67a can be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the amount of fine bubbles generated from the porous body 67a can be recovered, and the amount of fine bubbles generated can be kept high.

  As described above, the water heater 100 according to the present embodiment includes the water level detection means 46 for detecting the amount of water in the bathtub 31. Moreover, the water heater 100 in this Embodiment is the case where the water level of the bathtub 31 is the height below the porous body 67a by the water level detection means 46 after the hot water operation to the bathtub 31, ie, the water level of the bathtub 31. Is less than a predetermined water level, the recovery operation of the porous body 67a is performed. Thereby, the water infiltrated into the porous body 67a can be discharged in a state where the porous body 67a is not immersed in water, that is, in a state where no water pressure is applied to the porous body 67a. Therefore, the ventilation resistance of the porous body 67a can be reduced, and the generation amount of fine bubbles released from the porous body 67a can be increased. Further, since the recovery operation is performed in a state where the porous body 67a exists in the air, the drying of the porous body 67a is promoted, and the operation time of the recovery operation can be shortened.

  Note that the rotation speed (air pressure) of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation may be set to be equal to or higher than the rotation speed (air pressure) of the air pump 68 in the supply operation. Thereby, the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body 67a increases, and the differential pressure between the inside and the outside of the porous body 67a increases. Therefore, the operation time required for the recovery operation can be shortened.

  It should be noted that a timer (not shown) is provided, and the immersion time in which the porous body 67a is immersed after the starting point is integrated from the end point of the previous recovery operation, and the integrated immersion time length Accordingly, the rotation speed and / or operation time of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation may be changed. That is, the longer the immersion time, the more the rotation speed of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation, and the longer the operation time may be.

  In the present embodiment, the drain operation in the bathtub 31 is performed, and the recovery operation is performed when the water level of the bathtub 31 becomes lower than the predetermined water level. However, the recovery operation is performed at other timings. It is good. That is, it is not necessary to perform the recovery operation every time drainage in the bathtub 31 is performed.

  For example, a timer (not shown) may be provided, and the recovery operation may be performed when the immersion time accumulated after the start point exceeds a predetermined time with the end point of the previous recovery operation as the start point. Good. That is, the recovery operation may be performed at the time of draining the bathtub 31 immediately after the integration time exceeds a predetermined time, according to the integration time of the time during which the porous body 67a is immersed. Thereby, it can suppress that many recovery driving | operations are performed excessively, and can attain energy saving as the water heater 100. FIG.

  At this time, the rotation speed and / or operation time of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation may be changed according to the length of the integrated time. That is, the longer the integration time, the more the rotation speed of the air pump 68 in the recovery operation, and the operation time may be lengthened.

  A human sensor (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of a person in the bathroom provided with the bathtub 31 may be provided, and the recovery operation may be performed only when there is no person in the bathroom. Thereby, recovery operation is not performed when bathing in the state where the water level of the bathtub 31 is low. As a result, the user does not feel uncomfortable with the driving sound generated when the recovery driving is performed. The human sensor may be configured to detect the presence or absence of a person in the bathtub 31 in the bathroom.

  The recovery operation may be provided with a normal recovery operation and a complete recovery operation in which the air pressure is set larger and / or the operation time is set longer than that in the normal recovery operation. When the complete recovery operation is performed every time the normal recovery operation is performed a predetermined number of times, moisture that has not been discharged from the porous body 67a in the normal recovery operation can be removed by the complete recovery operation. As a result, the amount of microbubbles released from the porous body 67a can be recovered to the initial state, and the performance can be maintained high for a long time.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a bath adapter and a water heater provided with the same in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The bath adapter 61 includes a main body 62 that forms a flow path of air and hot water, and a bubble generating device 67 that discharges fine bubbles to hot water that is jetted into the bathtub 31. The bubble generating device 67 has a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles. Air is pumped into the porous body 67 a to generate fine bubbles, and the generated fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water flowing inside the main body 62. Thereby, hot water in which fine bubbles are mixed in the bathtub 31 can be ejected.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the bath adapter 61 is provided with a spout 65j from which hot water is spouted into the bathtub 31, and the bath adapter 61 has a forward flow path (63a) through which hot water flows toward the spout 65j. , 65a). The bath adapter 61 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31, and a return flow path (63b) in which the hot water sucked from the suction port 66j flows into the bath return pipe 30 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. , 65b). Further, the air flow path (63 c, 65 c) for supplying the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows into the bath adapter 61 through the air pipe 69 to the bubble generating device 67 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. ) Is formed.

The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 has a cross section perpendicular to the axis C formed in a circular shape centered on the axis C. The forward flow path (63a, 65a), the air flow path (63c, 65c), and the return flow path (63b, 65b) are arranged concentrically with the axis C as the center and different radii. In the present embodiment, air flow paths (63c, 67c) are provided on the axis C as shown in FIG. Further, outward flow paths (63a, 65a) are provided outside the air flow paths (63c, 67c). Furthermore, return channels (63b, 65b) are provided outward from the forward channels (63a, 65a).

  The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 includes a base part 63 to which the bath outlet pipe 29, the bath return pipe 30 and the air pipe 69 are connected, a protruding part 65 having a jet outlet 65j, and a base part 63 and a protruding part 65. A cover 66 having a suction port 66j is provided that covers a portion of the connector 64 and the protrusion 65 to be connected that protrudes inward of the bathtub 31. The protruding portion 65 may be configured as a top portion that is molded integrally with the connector 64. The air channel (63c, 67c) has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis C.

  The forward flow path 63 a provided in the base portion 63 communicates with the forward flow path 65 a provided in the protruding portion 65. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the forward flow path 65a is inserted inside the forward flow path 63a, so that both the flow paths are connected and communicated with each other. In addition, the restricting portion 63n is formed by inserting the forward flow path 65a inside the forward flow path 63a.

  The bubble generating device 67 includes a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles and an air flow path 67c connected to the air flow path 63c of the base portion 63. The bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the main body 62. In the present embodiment, the bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the base portion 63. For example, the bubble generating device 67 and the base portion 63 are connected and fixed to each other by bolts. Further, the bubble generating device 67 and the base portion 63 are internally threaded on the inner surface of the air flow path 63 c of the base portion 63, and are externally threaded on the outer surface of the bubble generating device 67. The male screws provided are screwed into female screws provided on the inner surface of the air flow path 63c so that they are connected and fixed to each other. Thus, if both are connected and fixed by the relationship between the male screw and the female screw, the bubble generating device 67 can be attached and detached more easily.

  As a result, the air pumped by the air pump 68 and flowing into the bath adapter 61 flows into the hollow space 67n of the porous body 67a while maintaining the high air pressure. Therefore, the air pressure applied to each micropore of the porous body 67a can be increased, and the supply amount of microbubbles generated on the outer surface of the porous body 67a can be increased.

  In addition, each operation | movement as a water heater demonstrated in Embodiment 1 can be performed also in this Embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10: is a schematic block diagram which shows the bath adapter in Embodiment 3 of this invention, and a water heater provided with the same. In this embodiment, the same portions as those in the other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  This embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the porous body 67a and the porous body storage portion 65i are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Thereby, the distribution area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a becomes the same from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

In addition, this embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the flow area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protruding portion 65 that forms the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is It is a point smaller than the cross-sectional area of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. Thereby, since the flow rate of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased and the shearing force of the air released from the surface of the porous body 67a is increased, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently. Moreover, the flow rate of the hot water spouted in the bathtub 31 can be maintained high, and hot water and fine bubbles can be spouted into the bathtub 31 and diffused.

  In addition, each operation | movement, supply operation | movement, and recovery | restoration operation | movement as a water heater demonstrated in Embodiment 1 can be performed also in this Embodiment.

  As described above, since the bath adapter of the present invention can efficiently supply fine bubbles into the bathtub, it can be applied to household and commercial water heaters configured to supply hot water to the bathtub. .

23 Bath circulation pump 29, 29a Bath outlet pipe 30, 30a Bath return pipe 31 Bath 46 Water level detection means (water level sensor)
60 Bath Circulation Circuit 61 Bath Adapter 62 Main Body 63 Base 63n Restriction 63a Outward Flow 65 Protrusion 65a Outward Flow 65j Spout 66 Cover 66j Suction Port 67 Bubble Generation Device 67a Porous Material

Claims (3)

An air pump that pumps air to a bath adapter having a porous body that discharges the pumped air as fine bubbles to hot water in the bathtub;
An air pipe through which the air pumped by the air pump flows to the bath adapter;
A bath return pipe and a bath return pipe forming a bath circulation circuit through which hot water in the bathtub circulates;
A bath circulation pump for circulating hot water in the bathtub in the bath circulation circuit;
A bath heat exchanger for heating hot water flowing through the bath circulation circuit;
Control means for executing a plurality of operations,
The plurality of operations are:
Including a supply operation of operating the bath circulation pump and the air pump to release fine bubbles into the hot water in the bathtub,
In the supply operation, the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body by the air pump is variable. 2. The hot water supply according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation varies depending on an immersion time in which the porous body is immersed in water. Machine. 2. A setting operation means having a function for starting the supply operation and a setting function for changing a pressure of air pumped to the porous body by the air pump in the supply operation. Or the hot water supply apparatus of 2.

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