JP2020128825A - Hot water storage type water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hot water storage type water heater which is advantageous in discharging a foreign substance in a device to the outside, with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A hot water storage type water heater 40 includes: heating means (HP unit 19) for heating water; a hot water storage tank 5 for storing the hot water heated by the heating means; and a piping device having a drain valve 17 capable of discharging the water to the outside of the system, and drain path switching means (four-way valve 16). The drain path switching means can switch between: a first foreign substance removal flow passage which is a flow passage where the water flowed out from a first lower part port 4d at a lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 is discharged from the drain valve 17 without going through the heating means; a second foreign substance removal flow passage which is a flow passage where the water flowed out from the first lower part port 4d is discharged from the drain valve 17 by going through the heating means; and a third foreign substance removal flow passage which is a flow passage where the water flowed out from a first upper part port 4b at an upper part of the hot water storage tank 5 is discharged from the drain valve 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water storage type water heater.

In Patent Document 1 below, in a hot water storage water heater, a relief valve for escaping an overpressure of a hot water storage tank is arranged at a position not connected to a heat pump unit by a pipe, and a drain valve for discharging hot water from the hot water storage tank to the outside Is disclosed in the lower part of the hot water storage tank.

JP, 2017-180945, A

The hot-water storage type hot water supply device of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to discharge the foreign matter in the heat pump unit to the outside.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water storage type water heater having a simple structure that is advantageous in discharging foreign matter inside the device to the outside. ..

A hot water storage type water heater according to the present invention comprises a heating means for heating water, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, a drain valve capable of discharging water to the outside of the system, and a drain path switching means. The drainage path switching means is a flow path through which the water flowing out from the first lower opening at the bottom of the hot water storage tank is discharged from the drainage valve without passing through the heating means. From the removal channel, the second foreign matter removal channel, which is the channel through which the water flowing out from the first lower port is discharged from the drain valve via the heating means, and from the first upper port at the top of the hot water storage tank. It is possible to switch between the third foreign matter removing flow path, which is the flow path through which the drained water is discharged from the drain valve.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water storage type hot water supply device having a simple structure, which is advantageous in discharging foreign matter inside the device to the outside.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hot water storage type hot water supply device according to a first embodiment. It is a typical sectional side view of the upper part of a hot water storage tank. It is a typical sectional side view of the lower part of a hot water storage tank. It is a figure which shows the flow of the water of a 1st foreign substance removal flow path. It is a figure which shows the flow of the water of a 2nd foreign substance removal flow path. It is a figure which shows the flow of the water of a 3rd foreign substance removal flow path. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process when a foreign matter removing operation is performed according to the amount of hot water used in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process when a foreign matter removing operation is performed after the installation work of the hot water storage type water heater in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process when a foreign matter removing operation is performed according to the amount of hot water used in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, common or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals to simplify or omit redundant description. In the present disclosure, water may include liquid water at any temperature from cold water to hot water.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hot water storage type water heater 40 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a hot water storage type water heater 40 according to the first embodiment includes an HP (heat pump) unit 19 corresponding to a heating unit that heats water to generate hot water, and hot water heated by the HP unit 19. A hot water storage unit 30 having a hot water storage tank 5 for storing The HP unit 19 and the hot water storage unit 30 are connected to each other via an HP forward pipe 18, an HP return pipe 20, and an electric wiring (not shown). Although illustration is omitted, the HP unit 19 passes through, for example, a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a water refrigerant heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the compressed refrigerant and water, and a water refrigerant heat exchanger. An expansion valve for decompressing and expanding the refrigerant and an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant having passed through the expansion valve and the outside air are provided with a refrigerant circuit annularly connected by a refrigerant pipe, and a heat pump is provided by this refrigerant circuit. The water is heated by operating the cycle.

The hot water storage type water heater 40 includes a piping device. This piping device includes piping including an HP forward piping 18 and an HP return piping 20, a drain valve 17 capable of discharging water to the outside of the hot water storage water heater 40, and a four-way valve 16 corresponding to drain path switching means. have.

The hot water storage tank 5 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is covered with a heat insulating material (not shown). The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 5 is supplied to a predetermined hot water supply destination as needed. Inside the hot water storage tank 5, it is possible to form a temperature stratification in which the upper side has a higher temperature and the lower side has a lower temperature due to the difference in water density depending on the temperature. The hot water storage tank 5 is not limited to a single tank as shown in the figure, but may include a plurality of tanks connected in series via pipes. In the present disclosure, with respect to the description of the position in the height direction, that is, the vertical direction, of the hot water storage tank 5, when the hot water storage tank 5 includes a plurality of tanks connected in series via a pipe, It is assumed that the vertical position is specified in the entire hierarchy up to the lowest tank.

In the illustrated example, the hot water storage unit 30 has a built-in control device 50 corresponding to a control means for controlling the operation of the hot water storage type water heater 40. The control device 50 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. Various valves, pumps, and sensors included in the hot water storage type water heater 40 are electrically connected to the control device 50. The controller 50 can control the boiling operation. The boiling operation can be performed by causing the hot water heated by the HP unit 19 to flow into the hot water storage tank 5. Further, the control device 50 has a timer function for managing the date and time.

The remote controller 44 is connected to the control device 50 so as to be capable of bidirectional data communication. The remote controller 44 corresponds to a user interface. Communication between the control device 50 and the remote controller 44 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The remote controller 44 may be installed in the bathroom. The remote controller 44 may be installed in the kitchen. A plurality of remote controls 44 may be installed in different places. In addition to the remote controller 44, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone may be usable as a user interface of the hot water storage water heater 40.

The remote controller 44 includes a display unit 44a and an operation unit 44b. The display unit 44a may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 44a can display, for example, information about the state of the hot water storage type water heater 40, information about the setting contents of the hot water storage type water heater 40, and the like. The operation unit 44b may include buttons, dials, keys, etc. for the user to operate. The display unit 44a may be a touch screen that also has the function of an operation unit. The remote controller 44 may further include a speaker, a microphone, and the like.

A water supply port 4a, a first lower port 4d, a return port 4e, and a tank lower temperature sensor 6 are provided below the hot water storage tank 5. In the illustrated example, the water supply port 4a and the return port 4e are located higher than the first lower port 4d. The water supply port 4a is connected to the outlet of the pressure reducing valve 2 via the water supply pipe 3a. The water supply pipe 1 is connected to the inlet of the pressure reducing valve 2. The low-temperature water supplied from a water source such as water supply is reduced to a predetermined pressure by the pressure reducing valve 2, and then flows into the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 5 through the water supply pipe 3a and the water supply port 4a. The lower tank temperature sensor 6 detects the water temperature of the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 5.

A first upper port 4b, a second upper port 4c, and a tank upper temperature sensor 7 are provided on the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 5. The tank upper temperature sensor 7 detects the water temperature of the upper part in the hot water storage tank 5. The control device 50 can calculate the hot water storage amount and the heat storage amount in the hot water storage tank 5 by detecting the temperature distribution in the vertical direction in the hot water storage tank 5 with the tank lower temperature sensor 6 and the tank upper temperature sensor 7. In addition, hot water storage temperature sensors other than the tank lower temperature sensor 6 and the tank upper temperature sensor 7 may be further provided at positions of different heights of the hot water storage tank 5.

Inside the hot water storage unit 30, a three-way valve 14, a circulation pump 15, a four-way valve 16, a drain valve 17, and a relief valve 22 are arranged. The three-way valve 14 is a flow path switching unit having an h port and an i port through which water flows in and a j port through which water flows out. The three-way valve 14 can switch between a state in which the h port and the j port are communicated with each other and the i port is closed, and a state in which the i port and the j port are communicated with each other and the h port is closed. The pipe 51 connects between the first lower port 4d and the h port. The pipe 52 connects the j port and the suction port of the circulation pump 15. The HP outgoing pipe 18 connects the suction port of the circulation pump 15 and the water inlet of the HP unit 19. The pipe 51, the three-way valve 14, the pipe 52, and the HP outflow pipe 18 in the present embodiment correspond to an outflow passage that connects the first lower port 4d and the water inlet of the HP unit 19.

The four-way valve 16 is a flow path switching means having b port and c port into which water flows, and a port and d port from which water flows out. The four-way valve 16 establishes communication between the a port and the b port to close the c port and the d port, and communicates between the a port and the c port to close the b port and the d port. Second state, communication between a port and d port closes b port and c port Third state, communication between c port and d port closes a port and b port It is possible to switch to the fourth state.

The bypass flow path 38 connects between the branch port 60 formed at a position in the middle of the HP outgoing pipe 18 and the b port. An HP return pipe 20 corresponding to a return flow passage connects the hot water outlet of the HP unit 19 and the c port. The hot water supply pipe 21 corresponding to the upper flow path connects between the d port and the first upper port 4b.

The drain valve 17 has an e port, an f port, and a g port. The drain valve 17 can be switched between a state in which the e port and the f port are communicated with each other and the g port is closed, and a state in which the e port and the g port are communicated with each other and the f port is closed. The e port is connected to the a port of the four-way valve 16 by the communication passage 53. The f port is connected to the return port 4e by a pipe 54 corresponding to the return flow path. The g port communicates with the outside of the hot water storage water heater 40. In the illustrated example, the drain pipe 55 connects the g port and the drain groove 33 outside the hot water storage water heater 40.

The pipe 56 connects the branch portion 61 formed at a position in the hot water supply pipe 21 and the inlet of the relief valve 22. The drain pipe 57 connects the outlet of the relief valve 22 and the drain groove 33. When the water in the hot water storage tank 5 is heated by the boiling operation, expanded water due to the volume expansion of water and gas in which the dissolved air in the water is gasified are generated, and the internal pressure of the hot water storage tank 5 rises. When the internal pressure of the hot water storage tank 5 exceeds the threshold value, the relief valve 22 automatically opens, and the expanded water and gas flowing out from the first upper port 4b cause the branch portion 61, the pipe 56, the relief valve 22 and the drain pipe 57 to flow. Exhausted through. This prevents the internal pressure of hot water storage tank 5 from rising above the threshold value.

During the boiling operation, the HP unit 19 and the circulation pump 15 are operated, and the operation is as follows. The low-temperature water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 flows into the HP unit 19 via the first lower port 4d, the pipe 51, the three-way valve 14, the pipe 52, the circulation pump 15, and the HP outgoing pipe 18. The high-temperature water generated by heating the low-temperature water in the HP unit 19 passes through the HP return pipe 20, the four-way valve 16 and the hot water supply pipe 21 into the hot water storage tank 5 from the first upper port 4b. Inflow. By performing such a boiling operation, high-temperature water is stored from the upper part to the lower part in the hot water storage tank 5, and the layer of the high-temperature water gradually thickens.

At the start of the boiling operation, when the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the HP unit 19 has not reached the target value, the control device 50 causes the hot water flowing out of the HP unit 19 to communicate with the HP return pipe 20, the four-way valve 16, and the communication. The hot water storage tank 5 is controlled to flow from the return port 4e through the flow path 53, the drain valve 17, and the pipe 54. This can prevent the temperature of the upper part in the hot water storage tank 5 from decreasing.

In the hot water storage unit 30, the bath mixing valve 9, the hot water supply mixing valve 10, the heat exchanger 24, and the bath circulation pump 36 are arranged. The heat exchanger 24 has a primary side flow path and a secondary side flow path. The retracing pipe 23 connects the second upper port 4c and the inlet of the primary side flow path of the heat exchanger 24. The reboiler return pipe 25 connects the outlet of the primary side flow path of the heat exchanger 24 and the i port of the three-way valve 14. The heat exchanger 24 connects the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 5 to the primary side flow path through the reheating line 23 and the water to be heated (tub water or heating water) flowing through the secondary side flow path. The water to be heated can be heated by exchanging heat between them. In the present embodiment, as a configuration on the secondary side of the heat exchanger 24, a bath-going pipe 29 and a bath-return pipe 28 for circulating bath water in the bath 31 will be described as an example. The bath return pipe 28 connects between the bathtub adapter 32 installed in the bathtub 31 and the inlet of the secondary side flow path of the heat exchanger 24. A bath circulation pump 36 for circulating bath water is connected in the bath return pipe 28. The bathing pipe 29 connects between the outlet of the secondary side flow path of the heat exchanger 24 and the bathtub adapter 32.

The tank upper pipe 8 connects the branch portion 62 formed in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 21 to the bath mixing valve 9 and the hot water supply mixing valve 10. The water supply pipe 3b connects between the pressure reducing valve 2 and the bath mixing valve 9 and the hot water mixing valve 10. The bath mixing valve 9 and the hot water supply mixing valve 10 adjust the flow rate ratio of the high temperature water supplied from the hot water storage tank 5 or the HP unit 19 through the tank upper pipe 8 to the low temperature water supplied from the water supply pipe 3b. Thus, hot water having a set temperature set by the user with the remote controller 44 is generated and made to flow into the bath hot water supply pipe 27 and the hot water supply pipe 13, respectively. The bath hot water supply pipe 27 is connected to the bath outgoing pipe 29. An opening/closing valve 26 for opening and closing the bath hot water supply pipe 27 and a bath flow sensor 37 for detecting the flow rate of hot water passing through the bath hot water supply pipe 27 are provided in the middle of the bath hot water supply pipe 27. When hot water is supplied to the bathtub 31, the control device 50 opens the opening/closing valve 26 and adjusts the hot water supply temperature by the bath mixing valve 9. The temperature-controlled hot water flows from the bathtub adapter 32 into the bathtub 31 through the bath hot water supply pipe 27, the bath return pipe 28, and the bath going pipe 29. The bath flow sensor 37 can detect the amount of hot water supplied to the bath 31.

The hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water supply mixing valve 10 is supplied to a faucet (not shown) such as a shower and a curran used by the user via the hot water supply pipe 13. The hot water supply pipe 13 is provided with a hot water supply flow rate sensor 11 that detects a hot water supply flow rate and a hot water supply temperature sensor 12 that detects a hot water supply temperature.

In this embodiment, the hot water heated by the HP unit 19 can be directly supplied to the bath mixing valve 9 or the hot water supply mixing valve 10 without flowing into the hot water storage tank 5. During the direct hot water supply operation, the hot water heated by the HP unit 19 passes through the HP return pipe 20, the four-way valve 16, the hot water supply pipe 21, the branch portion 62, and the tank upper pipe 8 and the bath mixing valve 9 or the hot water supply. It is supplied to the mixing valve 10.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, inside the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5, a baffle 34 that changes the direction of the water flow that has flowed into the hot water storage tank 5 from the first upper port 4b is arranged. The baffle 34 is a plate-shaped member having a surface 34a facing upward. From the first upper port 4b, the water flow flows downward into the hot water storage tank 5. This water flow hits the surface 34a of the baffle 34 and is converted into a horizontal flow. By providing the baffle 34, the inside of the hot water storage tank 5 can be reliably prevented from being stirred by the water flow flowing in from the first upper port 4b, and the temperature stratification in the hot water storage tank 5 can be reliably prevented from being disturbed.

Foreign substances may accumulate on the surface 34a of the baffle 34 with the passage of time. The foreign matter is, for example, a copper oxide component flowing out from the HP unit 19 or scale. The surface 34a of the baffle 34 may be mirror-finished. By providing the surface 34a with a mirror finish, it is possible to make it difficult for foreign matter to accumulate on the surface 34a.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 5. As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, inside the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 5, a filter structure 35 that guides foreign matters that flow into the hot water storage tank 5 together with water from the water supply port 4 a downward in the hot water storage tank 5. Is provided. The filter structure 35 is fixed to the inner wall of the hot water storage tank 5 by a support member 63. The water flow from the water supply port 4a flows into the hot water storage tank 5 in the horizontal direction. This stream of water passes through the filter structure 35. The foreign matter that has flowed in along with the water flow is filtered out by the filter structure 35 and settles down from the filter structure 35 to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 5 due to gravity. According to the present embodiment, by providing the filter structure 35, it is possible to more reliably suppress the foreign matter that has flowed in from the water supply port 4a from diffusing in the hot water storage tank 5, and the foreign matter can reach the bottom of the hot water storage tank 5. It is possible to settle more reliably. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the foreign matter from flowing into the bath mixing valve 9, the hot water mixing valve 10, or the like.

Although not shown, a filter structure may be provided in the same manner as the filter structure 35, which guides foreign substances flowing into the hot water storage tank 5 together with water from the return port 4e downward in the hot water storage tank 5. In the present embodiment, the water supply port 4a and the return port 4e correspond to the second lower port at a position higher than the first lower port 4d in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5.

During the work of installing the hot water storage type water heater 40, since the work of connecting the HP going pipe 18 and the HP return pipe 20 to the HP unit 19 and the hot water storage unit 30 is performed outdoors, the inside of the HP going pipe 18 and the HP return pipe 20 is performed. Foreign matter may be mixed in with.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the operation of discharging the foreign matter in the hot water storage type water heater 40 from the drain valve 17 as described above. When discharging a foreign substance from the drain valve 17, the drain valve 17 is switched between the e port and the g port and the f port is closed. The flow passage switching of the drain valve 17 may be manually switchable. By manually switching the drain valve 17, the device configuration can be simplified. Alternatively, the flow path of the drain valve 17 may be automatically switchable under the control of the control device 50.

If there is a foreign substance in the hot water storage type water heater 40, the foreign substance may be washed away by the water when hot water is supplied and may be discharged to the faucet or the bath 31 of the hot water supply destination. Further, the foreign matter that has flowed may reach the sealing portion of the escape valve 22. As a result, when the relief valve 22 is opened and closed during the boiling operation, malfunction of the relief valve 22 such as foreign matter biting or defective sealing of the relief valve 22 may occur. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the foreign matter in the hot water storage type water heater 40 can be discharged from the drain valve 17, so that the above-mentioned problems can be reliably suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the four-way valve 16 includes a first foreign matter removal flow channel, a second foreign matter removal flow channel, and a third foreign matter removal flow channel as water flow channels when discharging foreign matter from the drain valve 17. It can be switched. The first foreign matter removal passage is a passage through which water flowing out from the first lower port 4d is discharged from the drain valve 17 without passing through the HP unit 19. By causing water to flow through the first foreign matter removal flow path, the foreign matter that has settled and accumulated at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 5 can be discharged from the drain valve 17 without flowing into the HP unit 19. The second foreign matter removal passage is a passage through which water flowing out from the first lower port 4d is discharged from the drain valve 17 via the HP unit 19. By causing water to flow through the second foreign matter removal flow path, the foreign matter in the HP unit 19 can be discharged from the drain valve 17. The third foreign matter removing flow passage is a flow passage through which the water flowing out from the first upper port 4b is discharged from the drain valve 17. By causing water to flow through the third foreign matter removal flow path, the foreign matter accumulated on the baffle 34 can be discharged from the drain valve 17. According to the present embodiment, the drain valve 17 is arranged between the four-way valve 16 and the return port 4e, so that the first foreign matter removal flow channel and the second foreign matter removal flow channel can be performed without complicating the piping configuration. , And the third foreign matter removal flow path can be formed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the first foreign matter removal flow path. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 can control the first foreign matter removal operation in which water is discharged from the drain valve 17 to the outside of the system by the first foreign matter removal flow path. During the first foreign matter removal operation, the control device 50 controls as follows. The a port and the b port of the four-way valve 16 are communicated with each other to close the c port and the d port. The i port is closed by connecting the h port and the j port of the three-way valve 14 to each other. The e port and the g port of the drainage valve 17 are communicated with each other to close the f port. When the first foreign matter removal flow path is formed in this way, water flows as follows. The water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 is the first lower port 4d, the pipe 51, the three-way valve 14, the pipe 52, the circulation pump 15, the branch part 60, the bypass flow passage 38, the four-way valve 16, the communication flow passage 53, It is discharged to the drainage groove 33 via the drainage valve 17 and the drainage pipe 55. As a result, the foreign matter deposited on the bottom of the hot water storage tank 5 flows out together with the water from the first lower port 4d, and the foreign matter flows with the water and is discharged to the drainage groove 33. In the case of the first foreign matter removing flow path, foreign matter flowing out from the hot water storage tank 5 does not flow into the HP unit 19, so that the foreign matter can be prevented from accumulating in the HP unit 19.

FIG. 5: is a figure which shows the flow of the water of a 2nd foreign substance removal flow path. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 can control the second foreign matter removal operation in which water is discharged from the drain valve 17 to the outside of the system by the second foreign matter removal flow path. During the second foreign matter removal operation, the control device 50 controls as follows. The a port and the c port of the four-way valve 16 are communicated with each other to close the b port and the d port. The i port is closed by connecting the h port and the j port of the three-way valve 14 to each other. The e port and the g port of the drainage valve 17 are communicated with each other to close the f port. When the second foreign matter removing flow path is formed in this way, water flows as follows. The water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 is the first lower port 4d, the pipe 51, the three-way valve 14, the pipe 52, the circulation pump 15, the HP forward pipe 18, the HP unit 19, the HP return pipe 20, the four-way valve 16, It is discharged to the drainage groove 33 via the communication flow path 53, the drainage valve 17, and the drainage pipe 55. As a result, the foreign matter inside the HP unit 19, the HP outgoing pipe 18, and the HP return pipe 20 flows with water and is discharged to the drain groove 33.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of water in the third foreign matter removal flow path. In the present embodiment, the control device 50 can control the third foreign matter removal operation in which water is discharged from the drain valve 17 to the outside of the system by the third foreign matter removal flow path. During the third foreign matter removing operation, the control device 50 controls as follows. The a port and the d port of the four-way valve 16 are communicated with each other to close the b port and the c port. The e port and the g port of the drainage valve 17 are communicated with each other to close the f port. When the third foreign matter removing flow path is formed in this way, water flows as follows. The water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5 is discharged to the drainage groove 33 via the first upper port 4b, the hot water supply pipe 21, the four-way valve 16, the communication flow path 53, the drainage valve 17, and the drainage pipe 55. It At this time, the foreign matter accumulated on the baffle 34 is also sucked into the hot water supply pipe 21 by the water flow sucked into the hot water supply pipe 21 from the first upper port 4b. This foreign substance flows with water and is discharged to the drainage groove 33. The third foreign matter removal flow passage is a flow passage through which the water flowing out from the first upper port 4b is discharged from the drain valve 17 without passing through the HP unit 19. Therefore, the foreign matter flowing out of the hot water storage tank 5 does not flow into the HP unit 19, so that the foreign matter can be prevented from accumulating in the HP unit 19.

In the following description, at least one foreign matter removal operation of the first foreign matter removal operation, the second foreign matter removal operation, and the third foreign matter removal operation described above is simply referred to as “foreign matter removal operation”. According to the present embodiment, the foreign matter removal operation can be automatically performed by the control device 50, so that the foreign matter inside the device can be discharged to the outside without the need for a user or the like.

The hot water storage type water heater 40 of the present embodiment is provided with a hot water amount detecting means for detecting the hot water amount that is the amount of hot water used by the user. In the present embodiment, control device 50 can calculate the amount of hot water used using the information detected by hot water supply flow rate sensor 11, hot water supply temperature sensor 12, and bath flow rate sensor 37. The amount of hot water used may be, for example, a value obtained by converting the amount of heat of the supplied hot water into the amount of hot water at a predetermined temperature.

The control device 50 may perform the foreign matter removing operation when the amount of hot water used since the previous foreign matter removing operation has reached a predetermined amount. It is considered that foreign matter is accumulated inside the hot water storage type water heater 40 according to the amount of hot water used. Therefore, by performing the control as described above, it is possible to carry out the foreign matter removing operation at appropriate intervals according to the amount of foreign matter deposited.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control process when the foreign matter removing operation is performed according to the amount of hot water used in the first embodiment. In step S1 of FIG. 7, control device 50 determines whether or not the total amount of hot water used has reached a predetermined amount since the previous foreign substance removal operation was performed. If the total amount of hot water used has not reached the predetermined amount yet, the control device 50 determines that it is not necessary to perform the foreign matter removal operation, moves to step S13, and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, when the total amount of hot water used has reached the predetermined amount, the control device 50 proceeds to step S2 and carries out the foreign matter removal operation as follows.

In step S2, the control device 50 connects the h port and the j port of the three-way valve 14 and closes the i port. Next, in step S3, the control device 50 connects the a port and the b port of the four-way valve 16 to close the c port and the d port. Next, in step S4, the control device 50 connects the drain port 17 with the e port and the g port to close the f port. As a result, the first foreign matter removal flow channel is opened, water flows from the water source to the first foreign matter removal flow channel by the water pressure acting on the hot water storage tank 5, and the first foreign matter removal operation is started.

Next, in step S5, the control device 50 needs the elapsed time after the drain valve 17 is opened in step S4, that is, the elapsed time after the first foreign matter removal operation is started, in order to discharge the foreign matter. It is determined whether the first discharging time (for example, 10 seconds) has been reached. When the elapsed time reaches the first discharge time, the control device 50 proceeds to step S6 and ends the first foreign matter removal operation.

In step S6, the control device 50 connects the a port and the c port of the four-way valve 16 to close the b port and the d port. As a result, the second foreign matter removal flow passage is opened, water flows from the water source to the second foreign matter removal flow passage by the water pressure acting on the hot water storage tank 5, and the second foreign matter removal operation is started. Next, in step S7, the control device 50 causes the control device 50 to elapse time after the a port and the c port of the four-way valve 16 communicate with each other in step S6, that is, the elapse time after the second foreign matter removal operation starts. Determines whether or not the second discharge time (for example, 20 seconds) required to discharge the foreign matter has been reached. When the elapsed time reaches the second discharge time, the control device 50 proceeds to step S8 and ends the second foreign matter removal operation. Since the second foreign matter removing flow path is longer than the first foreign matter removing flow path, the second discharging time is preferably longer than the first discharging time.

In step S8, the control device 50 connects the a port and the d port of the four-way valve 16 and closes the b port and the c port. As a result, the third foreign matter removal flow path is opened, water flows from the water source to the third foreign matter removal flow path by the water pressure acting on the hot water storage tank 5, and the third foreign matter removal operation is started. Next, in step S9, the control device 50 causes the control device 50 to elapse time after the communication between the a port and the d port of the four-way valve 16 in step S8, that is, the elapse time after the third foreign matter removal operation starts. Determines whether the third discharge time (for example, 10 seconds) required to discharge the foreign matter has been reached. When the elapsed time reaches the third discharge time, the control device 50 proceeds to step S10 and ends the third foreign matter removal operation. Since the third foreign matter removing flow path is shorter than the second foreign matter removing flow path, the third discharging time is preferably shorter than the second discharging time.

In step S10, the control device 50 connects the a port and the c port of the four-way valve 16 to close the b port and the d port. Next, in step S11, the controller 50 connects the drain port 17 with the e port and the f port to close the g port. As a result, drainage from the drain pipe 55 is stopped. The control device 50 proceeds to step S12 and ends the processing of this flowchart.

As described above, in the present embodiment, control device 50 performs the second foreign matter removal operation after performing the first foreign matter removal operation. If the second foreign matter removing operation is performed before the first foreign matter removing operation, the foreign matter flowing out from the first lower port 4d of the hot water storage tank 5 may flow into the HP unit 19. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second foreign matter removal operation is performed after the foreign matter that has flowed out of the first lower port 4d by the first foreign matter removal operation is discharged from the drain valve 17, Can be reliably suppressed from flowing into the HP unit 19.

When the construction for installing the hot water storage type hot water supply device 40 is completed, an operation of filling the hot water storage tank 5 with water is performed, and the hot water storage type hot water supply device 40 is powered on. After that, the control device 50 preferably performs at least the second foreign matter removal operation. As described above, during the work of installing the hot water storage type water heater 40, foreign matter may be mixed into the HP forward pipe 18 and the HP return pipe 20. Therefore, by performing at least the second foreign matter removal operation as described above, it is possible to discharge the foreign matter mixed into the HP forward pipe 18 and the HP return pipe 20 during construction.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control process when the foreign matter removal operation is performed after the installation work of hot water storage water heater 40 in the first embodiment. Step S14 in FIG. 8 is a state before the power of the hot water storage water heater 40 is turned on, that is, a state where the power is off. Next, in step S15, control device 50 determines whether or not the power of hot water storage water heater 40 is turned on. When the power of the hot water storage type water heater 40 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S13 and the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, when the power of the hot water storage type hot water supply device 40 is turned on, the control device 50 proceeds to step S2, and carries out the foreign matter removing operation. The processes after step S2 are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG.

In the present embodiment, control device 50 carries out the foreign matter removal operation without operating circulation pump 15. This can reduce power consumption.

The control device 50 detects whether or not there is a predetermined amount of water below the lower reference temperature in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 by the tank lower temperature sensor 6 or the like, and the water below the lower reference temperature is above a predetermined amount. In some cases, execution of the first foreign matter removal operation may be permitted, and in other cases, execution of the first foreign matter removal operation may be prohibited. For example, if the first foreign matter removal operation is performed when the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 is filled with high-temperature water, the high-temperature water is discharged from the drain valve 17, so the heat of the high-temperature water is lost. Therefore, when the amount of water below the lower reference temperature in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 is less than a predetermined amount, the first foreign matter removal operation is not performed, so that the heat of the high temperature water is lost. Can be reliably prevented. The controller 50 may set the lower reference temperature according to the temperature of the low temperature water supplied from the water source.

The control device 50 detects whether or not there is a predetermined amount or more of hot water above the upper reference temperature in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5 by using the tank upper temperature sensor 7 or the like, and there is a predetermined amount or more of hot water above the upper reference temperature. In this case, execution of the third foreign matter removal operation may be permitted, and in other cases, execution of the third foreign matter removal operation may be prohibited. When a predetermined amount or more of high-temperature water flows through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger of the HP unit 19 in the boiling operation, the copper oxide generated on the inner surface of the copper pipe forming the water-refrigerant heat exchanger peels off, and the peeled oxidation Copper deposits on the baffle 34 as a foreign substance. The main purpose of the third foreign matter removing operation is to remove the copper oxide thus deposited on the baffle 34. When there is a predetermined amount or more of hot water having a temperature higher than or equal to the upper reference temperature in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5, it is considered that high temperature water having a predetermined amount or more has flowed through the water refrigerant heat exchanger in the boiling operation. It can be judged that the copper oxide generated and exfoliated by the exchanger is accumulated on the baffle 34. Therefore, in this case, by performing the third foreign matter removing operation, the copper oxide deposited on the baffle 34 can be efficiently removed. On the other hand, when there is not more than the predetermined amount of hot water above the upper reference temperature in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5, it is considered that at least a predetermined amount of high temperature water does not flow through the water-refrigerant heat exchanger in the boiling operation. Therefore, it can be determined that the copper oxide is not generated and separated in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger, and the copper oxide is not deposited on the baffle 34. In this case, since it is less necessary to perform the third foreign matter removal operation, it is preferable to prohibit the third foreign matter removal operation.

Embodiment 2.
Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9, but the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process when the foreign matter removal operation is performed according to the amount of hot water used in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control device 50 executes the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 9 instead of the flowchart of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 7 except that step S16 is inserted between step S4 and step S5 and step S17 is inserted between step S7 and step S8. is there. The common steps are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the control device 50 operates the circulation pump 15 in step S16 when the first foreign matter removal flow path is opened in step S4. Then, the control device 50 performs the first foreign matter removal operation and the second foreign matter removal operation while operating the circulation pump 15. When the second foreign matter removal operation is completed in step S7, the control device 50 stops the circulation pump 15 in step S17.

The circulation pump 15 is provided in a flow passage in a portion common to the first foreign matter removing flow passage and the second foreign matter removing flow passage. According to the present embodiment, by operating the circulation pump 15 during the first foreign matter removal operation and the second foreign matter removal operation, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the first foreign matter removal flow passage and the second foreign matter removal flow passage is changed. Can be higher. As a result, the foreign matter can be flushed and discharged more efficiently. Note that the control device 50 may operate the circulation pump 15 in the foreign matter removal operation of only one of the first foreign matter removal operation and the second foreign matter removal operation.

The control device 50 controls the circulation pump 15 so that the rotation speed of the circulation pump 15 during the first foreign matter removal operation or the second foreign matter removal operation is higher than the rotation speed of the circulation pump 15 during the boiling operation. You may. By doing so, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the first foreign matter removal flow channel or the second foreign matter removal flow channel can be further increased, so that the foreign matter can be flushed and discharged more efficiently.

1 water supply pipe, 2 pressure reducing valve, 3a water supply pipe, 3b water supply pipe, 4a water supply port, 4b first upper port, 4c second upper port, 4d first lower port, 4e return port, 5 hot water storage tank, 6 tank lower part Temperature sensor, 7 Tank upper temperature sensor, 8 Tank upper piping, 9 Bath mixing valve, 10 Hot water supply mixing valve, 11 Hot water supply flow rate sensor, 12 Hot water temperature sensor, 13 Hot water supply pipe, 14 Three-way valve, 15 Circulation pump, 16 Four-way valve, 17 drainage valve, 18 HP forward pipe, 19 HP unit, 20 HP return pipe, 21 hot water supply pipe, 22 escape valve, 23 reheating pipe, 24 heat exchanger, 25 reheating return pipe, 26 opening/closing valve, 27 bath Hot water supply pipe, 28 Bath return pipe, 29 Bath return pipe, 30 Hot water storage unit, 31 Bathtub, 32 Bathtub adapter, 33 Drain, 34 Baffle, 34a surface, 35 Filter structure, 36 Bath circulation pump, 37 Bath flow sensor, 38 Bypass channel, 40 hot water storage type water heater, 44 remote controller, 44a display section, 44b operation section, 50 control unit, 51 pipe, 52 pipe, 53 communicating channel, 54 pipe, 55 drain pipe, 56 pipe, 57 drain pipe, 60 bifurcation part, 61 bifurcation part, 62 bifurcation part, 63 support member

Claims (14)

Heating means for heating water,
A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means;
A drainage valve capable of discharging water to the outside of the system, and a piping device having a drainage path switching means,
Equipped with
The drainage route switching means,
A first foreign matter removal flow path, which is a flow path in which water flowing out from a first lower opening in the lower part of the hot water storage tank is discharged from the drain valve without passing through the heating means,
Water flowing out from the first lower port, a second foreign matter removal flow path that is a flow path discharged from the drain valve via the heating means,
Water flowing out from the first upper opening in the upper part of the hot water storage tank is a third foreign matter removal flow path which is a flow path discharged from the drain valve,
Hot water storage type water heater that can be switched. The drainage path switching means has a port, b port, c port, and d port,
The piping device is
A forward flow path connecting between the first lower port and the water inlet of the heating means,
A communication flow path connecting between the a port and the drain valve;
A branch portion formed at a position in the middle of the forward flow passage and a bypass flow passage connecting between the b port and
A return flow path connecting between the tap hole of the heating means and the c port,
An upper flow path connecting between the d-port and the first upper opening,
Have
The first foreign matter removal flow path is formed by connecting the a port and the b port and closing the c port and the d port,
The second foreign matter removal flow path is formed by connecting the a port and the c port and closing the b port and the d port.
The hot water storage water heater according to claim 1, wherein the third foreign matter removal passage is formed by connecting the a port and the d port and closing the b port and the c port. The hot water storage tank has a return port higher than the first lower port and lower than the first upper port,
The drain valve has an e port connected to the communication channel, an f port connected to the return port via a return channel, and a g port communicating with the outside of the system,
The drain valve has a state in which the e port and the f port are communicated with each other and the g port is closed, and a state in which the e port and the g port are communicated with each other and the f port is closed. The hot water storage water heater according to claim 2, which can be switched to. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 3, wherein the flow path of the drain valve can be manually switched. A first foreign matter removal operation of discharging water from the drain valve through the first foreign matter removal flow path, a second foreign matter removal operation of discharging water through the drain valve through the second foreign matter removal flow path, and the third foreign matter The hot water storage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising control means for controlling at least one foreign matter removal operation of a third foreign matter removal operation of discharging water from the drain valve through the removal flow path. Water heater. The hot water storage water heater according to claim 5, wherein the control means performs the second foreign matter removal operation after performing the first foreign matter removal operation. Equipped with hot water amount detection means for detecting the amount of hot water used, which is the amount of hot water used,
The hot water storage water heater according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control means performs the foreign matter removing operation when the amount of hot water used since the previous foreign matter removing operation has reached a predetermined amount. 8. The control means performs at least the second foreign matter removing operation when the hot water storage tank is full and the power is turned on after the hot water storage type water heater is installed. Hot water storage water heater according to item. A first foreign matter removal flow passage and a second foreign matter removal flow passage provided with a circulation pump provided in a common portion of the flow passage,
The hot water storage according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control unit operates the circulation pump in the foreign matter removal operation in at least one of the first foreign matter removal operation and the second foreign matter removal operation. Water heater. It is possible to carry out a boiling operation in which hot water heated by the heating means is caused to flow into the hot water storage tank,
The hot water storage water heater according to claim 9, wherein the control unit makes the rotation speed of the circulation pump during the foreign matter removal operation higher than the rotation speed of the circulation pump during the boiling operation. 11. The control unit permits execution of the third foreign matter removal operation when hot water having a temperature equal to or higher than an upper reference temperature is present in a predetermined amount or more in an upper portion of the hot water storage tank. Hot water storage water heater according to item. 12. The control unit permits execution of the first foreign matter removal operation when water having a temperature equal to or lower than a lower reference temperature is present in a lower portion of the hot water storage tank at a predetermined amount or more. Hot water storage water heater according to item. A baffle that changes the direction of the water flow that flows into the hot water storage tank from the first upper opening,
The hot water storage water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the baffle has a mirror-finished surface. A second lower opening at a position higher than the first lower opening in the lower part of the hot water storage tank;
A filter structure for guiding a foreign substance flowing into the hot water storage tank together with water from the second lower opening downward in the hot water storage tank;
The hot water storage water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:

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