JP2709793B2 - Water heater device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus using gas, petroleum or the like as a fuel and capable of supplying hot water through a hot water supply port and reheating of hot water in a bathtub. The present invention relates to a water heater apparatus having a function of cleaning dirt attached to a circulation pipe, and desirably a function of cleaning dirt attached to a bathtub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A schematic and typical configuration example of a water heater apparatus with a reheating function as described above is also shown in FIG. To explain,
As indicated by “water” in the figure, the water supplied from a water supply pipe (not shown) flows in a direction indicated by an arrow A through a hot water supply pipe 11 and is typically output from a hot water supply port 12 indicated by a faucet 12. Is done. The hot water supply pipe 11 passes through a hot water supply heat exchanger 13, and the heat exchanger 13 is heated by a burner 14 to heat the water supply. In the illustrated case, the burner 14 is supplied with gas as fuel. However, since the gas pipe 15 is provided with an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 16 that supplies and shuts off fuel, the start of combustion in the burner 14 based on the operation of an ignition device (not shown) opens the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 16 and If the electromagnetic on-off valve 16 is closed during combustion, combustion naturally stops and the hot water supply operation ends. The control of the combustion amount at that time, and the temperature of the hot water supplied through the heat exchanger 13 (hot water supply temperature), varies depending on the opening and closing of the gas amount control valve (gas proportional valve) 17.

On the other hand, the reheating system for hot water 21 in the bathtub 20 has the following configuration. First, there is a reheating circulation pipe 24 facing the suction port 22 and the discharge port 23 with respect to the inside of the bathtub 20, and the hot water 21 in the bathtub 20 sucked from the suction port 22 when the circulation pump 25 operates. Arrow B in the circulation pipe 24
And flows back from the discharge port 23 into the bathtub 20 again. The circulation pipe 24 is the same as the hot water supply heat exchanger 13 or desirably passes through a heat exchanger 26 provided exclusively for additional heating as shown in the figure, and the heat exchanger 26 is shared with the hot water supply. Alternatively, the hot water 21 flowing in the circulation pipe 24 is additionally heated by being heated by a dedicated burner 27 as shown in the drawing, and is heated. In the case shown, gas is also supplied to the burner 27 as fuel. However, since the gas pipe 28 to the burner 26 is also provided with an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 29 for supplying and shutting off fuel, the start of combustion in the burner 27 based on the operation of an ignition device (not shown) is naturally started. Only when the on-off valve 29 is open.

When hot water 21 is placed in a bathtub 20, for example, a faucet
Hot water heated in the hot water supply heat exchanger 13 may be supplied from the faucet 12 by rotating the distal end portion of the hot water supply device 12 toward the bathtub 20, but the hot water supply device 10 shown in FIG. However, hot water can be filled in the bathtub 20 without operating the faucet 12.
That is, in the portion after the outlet of the heat exchanger 13,
Is connected to one end of a branch pipe 30, and the other end of the branch pipe 30 passes through a hot water filling electromagnetic valve 31, and then a part of a circulation pipe 24,
In particular, it is connected to a portion between the heat exchanger 26 and the discharge port 23.

[0005] Therefore, the hot water filling electromagnetic valve 31 is opened and the gas is supplied to the burner 14 to heat the heat exchanger 13, so that the gas is supplied from the water pipe and heated by the heat exchanger 13. Water branches from the hot water supply pipe 11 and branches
Hot water flows through the pipe 30 in the direction of arrow C, flows into the circulation pipe 24, and is supplied into the bathtub 20 through the discharge port 23. At this time, depending on the model, the water flowing from the branch pipe 30 flows through the suction pipe 22 through the circulation pipe 24 as indicated not only by the arrow C but also by the arrow D of the phantom line at the junction with the branch pipe 30.
It is designed to flow even toward This fact can be advantageously used in embodiments of the present invention described below. Of course, at this time, the circulation pump 25 is stopped, so that the above-mentioned "backflow" to the suction port 22 is not prevented.

[0006] The functions such as hot water supply, reheating, and hot water filling described above are executed under instructions from the control device 32. In recent years, the control device 32 generally uses a microcomputer 33 (abbreviated as “CPU” in the figure; this abbreviation will be used hereinafter) for its main determination function portion and command transmission portion. Control device 32
In addition, as an operation part for transmitting to the CPU 33, one or more remote controllers 34 (abbreviated simply as "remote controller" in the figure; similarly, this abbreviated name is used hereinafter) are provided.

The remote controller 34 is provided with various switches 35. For example, when a user operates a specific switch or some of the switches in a predetermined manner, the hot water 21 output from the hot water supply port 12 is controlled. The temperature, the temperature of the hot water 21 at the time of automatic hot water filling, the amount of hot water, the warming temperature or the reheating temperature of the hot water 21 in the bathtub, and the like can be input. Feedback control is also performed by taking in temperature information and flow rate information from various sensors. However, bathtub
A water level sensor 36 for detecting a water level corresponding to the amount of hot water 21 in 20
(Generally a pressure sensor) is shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention as this is involved,
Also shown is a temperature sensor 37 (generally formed by a thermistor) provided in the additional heating circulation pipe 24.

[0008]

However, in the water heater apparatus 10 having the additional heating function as described above, the circulation piping for additional heating is required.
Mud and scale are easy to stick in 24. Even if it is attempted to remove the water, hand washing cannot be performed as in the bathtub 20. Therefore, the only option is to use a commercially available cleaning agent and circulate the hot water 21 in the bathtub 20 for cleaning. However, this is costly, time-consuming, and cumbersome, resulting in cleaning and even more dirt.

On the other hand, as a conventional example considering automatic cleaning in a sense, hot water 21 in a bathtub 20 is discharged from a drain port to a drain pipe.
It is determined that the water has flowed out via the water level detection sensor 36, for example.
In some cases, water was injected from the water supply pipe 11 via the branch pipe 30 to remove several liters from the water supply pipe 11 to remove dirt from the recirculation pipe 24 for reheating. After installation, even if it is good at the beginning of use, mud and descaling will eventually stick.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and discloses a device for removing dirt in a circulation pipe for reheating, which is particularly difficult to clean, in a water heater apparatus having a reheating function. The basic purpose is, and more preferably, the washing in the bathtub is also automated.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention first removes dirt components such as mud and scale attached to the reheating circulation pipe by physical vibration. The resulting vibrator is mechanically coupled. The mechanical coupling means that the vibrating part or the vibrating surface of the vibrator is attached so as to directly contact the surface of the circulation pipe, or that the circulation pipe can be vibrated through mechanical connection means. Means to attach to Further, the vibrator is desirably an ultrasonic vibrator, and if necessary, such a vibrator is connected to a plurality of portions of the circulation pipe. further,
The vibrator can also be mechanically coupled to the bath.

Next, in the present invention, there is provided a control device for operating the vibrator for a predetermined time when the cleaning start switch is operated by the user. As described above, this control device can be configured by using a control device already used in this type of water heater device, preferably a control device including a microcomputer, and the vibrator control is performed by the microcomputer. Can be realized with a software device.

In the present invention, the branch pipe for connecting the hot water supply pipe and the circulation pipe, and the hot water in the bathtub for selectively flowing hot water or water in the hot water supply pipe into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe. A solenoid valve for operating the vibrator for a predetermined time, or after operating the vibrator for the predetermined time, and opens the electromagnetic valve for filling the metal for a predetermined time, and branches from the hot water supply pipe. Hot water or water is poured into the circulation pipe through the pipe. The reason for this is to wash away dirt components that have fallen off due to the vibration of the vibrator. Therefore, in this case, the hot water or water poured into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe, when the circulation pump is stopped, the suction port opened into the bathtub from the connection between the branch pipe and the circulation pipe. Flows toward both the outlet and
It is desirable that the connection position between the branch pipe and the circulation pipe be determined so that the water flows into the bathtub from both of them.

On the other hand, more practically, a water level detection sensor for detecting a water level in the bathtub is provided in a circulation pipe or a bathtub, and the control device activates the water level detection sensor when a cleaning start switch is operated. It is possible to propose a configuration in which the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time only when the water level in the bathtub detected through the water is equal to or lower than a predetermined water level. This is a preferable configuration when the cleaning operation by the vibrator is permitted only when the inside of the bathtub is substantially “empty”.

An electromagnetic valve for drainage is provided in the drain pipe of the bathtub, and when the control device opens the electromagnetic valve for filling, or after operating the vibrator for a predetermined time, a predetermined time is set. A configuration in which the electromagnetic valve for drainage is opened during the period is also preferable. With this configuration, the dirty water or hot water flowing into the bathtub from the circulation pipe is automatically discharged from the bathtub without bothering the user.

Conversely, if there is water or hot water (for example, "remaining hot water") in the bath, it can be used for circulation cleaning. That is, when the washing start switch is operated when the water level in the bathtub detected via the water level detection sensor is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, the control device operates the vibrator for a predetermined time while operating the circulation pump. Operate over time. This is particularly effective when the vibrator is attached to the bathtub itself.

The present invention also proposes an apparatus for automatically performing a cleaning operation in which a vibrator is not vibrated based on a user's voluntary switch operation as described above. That is, while providing a water level detection sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub in the circulation pipe or bathtub,
The hot water supply pipe is connected to the circulation pipe via the branch pipe, and the hot water or the water in the hot water supply pipe is selectively fed into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe. When the controller detects that the water level in the bathtub has dropped below the predetermined water level via the water level detection sensor, the control device automatically operates the vibrator for a predetermined time,
In addition, the present invention proposes a device for opening the filling valve for a predetermined time before or after the predetermined time has elapsed, and for pouring hot water or water from the hot water supply pipe into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe.

Also in this configuration, when the circulation pump is stopped, water or hot water flowing through the branch pipe flows through the circulation pipe toward both the suction port and the discharge port opened in the bathtub. The connection position between the branch pipe and the circulation pipe is preferably determined, and the above-described configuration relating to automatic drainage can also be adopted.

Furthermore, in order to prevent the adhesion of dirt components as a precautionary measure, in addition to performing the cleaning of the circulation pipes and bathtubs by adopting any of the above-described configurations, the operation of the circulation pump is required. Even when the additional heating function is realized, the controller operates the vibrator for a predetermined time from an appropriate point in time after the start of additional heating, or for filling in the bathtub. It is also possible to propose a configuration in which the control device operates the vibrator for a predetermined time from an appropriate time after the solenoid valve is opened.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. However, since the components already described with respect to the conventional example do not require any particular modification in the present invention, the above description is cited for them.

A characteristic part of the present invention is a circulation pipe for reheating.
The vibrator 40 is mechanically coupled to at least one of the 24 parts, preferably a plurality of suitable places. “Mechanically coupled” refers to coupling, as described above, such that vibration of the vibrator 40 is transmitted to the circulation pipe 24.
Further, in the case of the drawing, each is provided at two places between the circulation pump 25 and the heat exchanger 26 and between the heat exchanger 26 and the discharge port 23 (particularly, the latter is a position very close to the bathtub 20). Vibrators 40 are provided one by one. The vibrator 40 may be any as long as it can apply mechanical vibration to the circulating piping portion to which it is attached. Desirably. If the ultrasonic vibration exceeds 20 KHz and extends to several hundred KHz or more, even if the vibration intensity and vibration amplitude are reduced, dirt components such as mud and scale that stick to the inner wall of the circulation pipe 24 can be effectively removed. Can be done. The vibration frequency, vibration intensity, vibration amplitude, etc. are originally of an arbitrary design, and therefore do not in principle exclude other mechanical vibration devices. When used, the above-described ultrasonic vibrator is preferable in that it saves energy and does not generate noise or the like.

Basically, such a vibrator 40 can be operated by giving a cleaning start command by itself when the user feels the necessity of cleaning the circulation pipe 24.
For example, a remote controller 34 wired or wirelessly coupled to the controller 32
If the remote control 34 is provided with a switch group 35 including a plurality of switches necessary for other functions of the water heater apparatus described above, in addition to these, a dedicated cleaning start switch ( For example, indicated by reference numeral 41),
The controller 32 responds when this is operated by the user, or when the user operates one or several of the plurality of switches 35 in a predetermined manner.
The controller 32 can be configured to drive the vibrator 40 for a predetermined period of time.

Of course, such a remote controller 34 and control device 32 can be prepared exclusively for the present invention, but as described above, they are provided in the existing water heater device to which the present invention is applied. It is preferable to divert a part of the control device 32 or the remote controller 34 to be used for the present invention. In particular, if the control device 32 has a CPU 33, it receives a cleaning start command signal issued by the user, decodes the signal, and drives the vibrator 40 via an appropriate interface (not shown). Most of this can be realized by software processing for the CPU 33. Of course, the water level detection sensor 36 and the like required in the later embodiments can be provided exclusively for the present invention, but in general, the existing water heater configuration already has such a water level detection sensor 36.
Since this is adopted, this can be used.

In any case, if the cleaning start command is issued by the user's operation and the vibrator 40 vibrates at any desired time, it is only applicable to the most basic configuration of the present invention. The water heater device 10 in question may be simpler than that shown in FIG. For example, even if the hot water supply system and the reheating system are completely independent pipes (even those without the branch pipe 30 for automatic hot water filling and the solenoid valve 31 for hot water filling), at least for reheating The present invention can be effectively applied to those having a circulation pipe.
In this case, when operating the cleaning start switch 41, the user enters the reheating mode by himself, or at least when the cleaning start switch 41 is operated, the control device automatically enters the reheating mode, or the heat exchanger 26. By providing a control device that operates only the circulating pump 25 without operating the circulating pump 25, the hot water 21 or the water 21 contained in the bathtub 20 can be used for washing out dirt components dropped off by the vibrator 40. Can be.

However, as shown in FIG.
In the case where the hot water can be supplied into the bathtub 20 from the reheating pipe 24 via the branch pipe 30 for filling the hot water into the bathtub 20, as described in the following example, A practical and convenient water heater apparatus 10 with a washing function can be provided.

For example, when the cleaning start switch 41 provided on the remote controller 34 is operated, the control device 32 operates the vibrator 40 for a predetermined time. At this time, the control device 32 also opens the hot water filling electromagnetic valve 31 for a predetermined time, and flows hot water or water from the hot water supply pipe 11 into the circulation pipe 24 via the branch pipe 30. Therefore, dirt components such as mud and scale in the circulation pipe 24 dropped by the vibration of the vibrator 40 are washed away by the poured hot water or water. When flushing with water, the control device 32 does not operate the hot water supply heat exchanger 13 and opens only the hot water filling electromagnetic valve 31 for a predetermined time. In the case of hot water, naturally, the hot water supply heat exchanger 13 is operated. Hot water is generally better for removing dirt, but there is also a problem of energy consumption. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a remote control 34 with a selection switch (not shown) for washing with hot water or washing with water. It is more preferable that either of them can be selected by operation.
However, even if hot water or water is not poured during the operation of the vibrator 40, after the vibrator operation is completed (that is,
After a predetermined time stipulated for 40 operations),
The electromagnetic valve 31 may be opened for a predetermined time, and the heat exchanger 13 may be operated as needed.

Further, the hot water or the water flowing into the circulation pipe 24 via the branch pipe 30 is discharged when the circulation pump 25 is stopped, as in the case of the filling or washing as described above. Circulation piping at the junction with branch piping 30
24 flows in both directions, flows into the bathtub 20 from the discharge port 23 opened in the bathtub 20 as shown by the solid arrow C, and flows in the opposite direction to that during reheating as shown by the virtual arrow D. It is desirable that the connection position between the branch pipe 30 and the circulation pipe 24 be determined so that some of the water flows into the bathtub 20 from the suction port 22 while the other flows. If this is the case, vibrator 40
Is provided at an appropriate position, so that the dirt component dropped in any part of the circulation pipe 24 can be discharged to the bathtub 20 side.

On the other hand, from a different point of view, it is impossible to always realize the cleaning mode by vibrating the vibrator 40 unconditionally no matter how much the user operates the cleaning start switch 41. It may not always be desirable.
For example, if someone enters the bathtub 20 and someone else operates the cleaning start switch 41 by mistake, starting the cleaning operation unconditionally would be extremely difficult for anyone who is immersed in hot water. It is quite possible to feel unpleasant.
If an ultrasonic vibration type is used as the vibrator 40, no sound can be heard and the vibration amplitude can be reduced, so that it may not be necessary to feel uncomfortable. If there is noticeable dirt from the inner wall of the tub, it will not feel good if it comes to the hot water in the bathtub.

Therefore, in consideration of such a case, in order to make it possible to perform the cleaning operation at a time deemed appropriate for cleaning the circulation pipe 24, a water level for detecting the water level in the bathtub 20 is required. The control device 32 receives the signal using the detection signal from the detection sensor 36, and the cleaning start switch
Only when the water level in the bathtub detected via the water level detection sensor 36 is lower than a predetermined level when the 41 is operated, the cleaning start command based on the operation of the cleaning start switch 41 is validated, and the vibrator is activated. 40 is configured to operate for a predetermined time. If the predetermined water level is set to, for example, a water level lower than the suction port 22, only when the inside of the bathtub is substantially `` empty '', it is possible to wash the circulation pipe 24 as desired by the user, The disadvantages described above are avoided.

Further, as exemplified by an imaginary line in FIG. 1, a drain solenoid valve 39 which is selectively opened / closed by a command from the control device 32 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 38 to replace a normal bottom plug. By doing so, the drainage of washing water from inside the bathtub 20 can be automated. That is, the control device 32 performs the above operation for a predetermined period of time when the filling electromagnetic valve is opened for draining dirt as described above, or after the vibrator 40 is operated for a predetermined period of time. Open the drainage solenoid valve 39. Thereby, hot water or water used for the dirt sink can be automatically drained from the bathtub 20. Of course, the drainage solenoid valve 39 is not directly related to the present invention, but can be used for other functions of this type of water heater apparatus. Briefly, for example, bathtub 20
The controller 32 opens this solenoid valve 39 when the replacement of the hot water in the inside is requested, and can be used to automatically drain the remaining hot water in the bathtub 20 first.

On the other hand, unlike the above, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 20 can be used for cleaning. This is especially true for circulation piping
This is effective when the vibrator 40 is attached not only to the bathtub 24 but also to the bathtub 20, but in this case, it is preferable to use only the remote control provided in the bathroom to use the remaining hot water. A washing start switch 41 is provided so that only a person in the bathroom can operate the switch.
When 41 is operated, the control device 32 determines the current water level based on the detection signal of the water level detection sensor 36, and the water level in the bathtub at that time was equal to or higher than a predetermined water level (for example, up to a position higher than the position of the discharge port 23). Only in such a case, the control device 32
The vibrator 40 is operated for a predetermined time while the operation is performed. At this time, if necessary, the heat exchange 26 for reheating is also operated,
By circulation of hot water instead of water (or cold water)
The dirt component dropped by the vibrator 40 may be poured out. The vibrator that can be attached to the bathtub 20 is not shown in the figure. However, the vibrator 40 provided at a position close to the discharge port 23 in the figure can be seen as being mechanically connected to both the circulation pipe 24 and the bathtub 20.

Next, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water heater apparatus in which the washing operation is also automated, instead of being motivated by the user's operation as described above. One such embodiment is as follows.

The control device 32 monitors the detection signal of the water level detection sensor 36. Then, after detecting that at least the bathtub 20 is used, except immediately after the installation of the water heater device 10 (this is whether the hot water mode has occurred or the additional heating mode has occurred Is stored in the bathtub 20 based on the detection signal of the water level detection sensor 36.
When it is determined that the water level has dropped to a position lower than 22 (when the water level sensor 36 is constituted by a pressure sensor as described above, this indicates that the detected pressure is zero or almost zero). In principle, each time, the control device 32 operates the vibrator 40 for a predetermined time.

Further, when the vibrator 40 is operated for a predetermined time or after the operation is completed, the controller 32 opens the filling electromagnetic valve 31 for a predetermined time, and Water is poured into the circulation pipe 24 via the branch pipe 30, or the hot water supply heat exchanger 13 is operated at this time to pour hot water. The reason why the water or hot water is poured in this way is to wash out the dirt components dropped by the vibrator 40, as already described at the time of the manual start. Of course, also at this time, as shown by arrows C and D in FIG. 1, it is desirable that the water or hot water flowing into the circulation pipe 24 from the branch pipe 30 flows right and left in the circulation pipe 24 at this time. .

The control device 32 also opens the drainage electromagnetic valve 39 when the hot water filling electromagnetic valve 31 is opened or after the vibrator 40 has been operated, and rinses the dirt component through the drain pipe 38. To discharge the water or hot water used for water. On the other hand, in the case where the drainage in the bathtub is not automated, an audible or visible notifying means (not shown) may be driven to notify the user of the completion of the washing. Based on this notification, the user can check the inside of the bathtub, remove the drain valve (bottom plug) if it is closed, and drain the water or hot water used to remove dirt.

However, such an automatic cleaning process does not always need to be performed every time the water level in the bathtub 20 falls below the predetermined water level. If so, the control device 32 is provided with a counting device (not shown) (when the control device 32 has a built-in CPU 33, this can be realized particularly easily by software processing for the CPU 33). If the number of times the water level detected via the detection sensor 36 has become equal to or lower than the predetermined water level is counted, and whenever this count reaches the predetermined number of times, an automatic cleaning mode involving the operation of the vibrator 40 is to be generated. good. This number is
If necessary, the user can select and set a specific switch or some switches in a switch group 35 provided on the remote controller 34 in a predetermined manner.

Conversely, however, when the present invention is applied, dirt in the circulation pipe 24 and dirt in the bathtub 20 can be frequently removed after installation of the apparatus. The vibrator 40 can be vibrated periodically. That is, even with this vibration, since there is no large dirt in the circulation pipe or the bathtub in the first place, it can be considered that it is conspicuously dirty and large scale is not produced. Whenever the reheating function with the operation of the pump 25 is realized, the vibrator 40 can be configured to operate for a predetermined time from an appropriate time after the start of the reheating.

In the same manner, the control device 32 controls the vibrator 40 for a predetermined time from an appropriate time after the filling valve 31 is opened for automatic filling of the bathtub 20 from the opening. May be configured to operate. At this time, for example, even when the vibrator 40 is provided in both the circulation pipe 24 and the bathtub 20, only the vibration for the circulation pipe may be vibrated.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, other modifications according to the gist of the present invention are free. In the case shown in the figure, the heat exchanger 13 for hot water supply and the heat exchanger 26 for additional heating are dedicated to each.
This is common in modern products, but is not limiting for the present invention. The present invention can be similarly applied to a shared product, and the heat exchangers described above for hot water supply, additional heating and occasionally are actually considered as a single heat exchanger. Just read it. Also, in the case where the vibrator 40 is provided for the bathtub 20, the number of winners and the number of the vibrators may be plural, and one may be connected to an appropriate plural places.

[0040]

According to the present invention, in a water heater having a reheating function, that is, a water heater having a circulation pipe for reheating, dirt components such as mud and scale in the circulation pipe which are difficult to clean. Can be effectively removed, or adhesion of dirt can be prevented. The same applies to the bathtub if necessary. Washing of the circulation pipes can prevent a substantial decrease in heat exchange efficiency, and can obtain desirable results in terms of energy consumption efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a water heater apparatus configured according to the present invention and having a function of cleaning a circulation pipe for additional heating.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Hot water supply device of the present invention as a whole, 11 Hot water supply pipe, 12 Hot water supply port, 13 Hot water supply heat exchanger, 20 Bath tub, 22 Suction port, 23 Discharge port, 24 Reheating circulation pipe, 25 Recirculation pump, 26 Heat exchanger for heating, 30 branch pipes, 31 Solenoid valve for filling hot water, 32 control unit, 33 CPU (microcomputer), 34 remote controller, 36 Water level detection sensor, 39 Solenoid valve for drainage, 40 vibrator, 41 Cleaning start switch.

Claims (16)

(57) [Claims] 1. A hot water supply pipe for heating hot water by a heat exchanger and outputting the hot water from a hot water port, and hot water in a bathtub sucked from a suction port by an operation of a circulation pump through the heat exchanger. A hot water circulation device having a circulation pipe for reheating which is returned from the discharge port into the bath after being heated; and a dirt component which is mechanically coupled to the circulation pipe and physically adheres to the circulation pipe. A vibrator that can be dropped by vibration; when a user-operated cleaning start switch is operated,
A control device for operating the vibrator for a predetermined time; and a branch pipe for connecting the hot water supply pipe and the circulation pipe; and the branch pipe includes the hot water supply pipe via the branch pipe. An electromagnetic valve for filling the hot water in the bathtub for selectively flowing hot water or water into the circulation pipe; and the control device is configured to operate the vibrator for the predetermined time or at the predetermined time. After operating for a predetermined period of time, opening the hot water filling solenoid valve for a predetermined time, and pouring hot water or water from the hot water supply pipe into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection position between the branch pipe and the circulation pipe is such that hot water or water flowing into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe is used for the circulation pump. A water heater that is selected to be able to flow in the circulation pipe toward both the suction port and the discharge port when the circulation pipe is stopped. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation pipe or the bathtub is provided with a water level detection sensor for detecting a water level in the bathtub; When the is operated, the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time only when the water level in the bathtub detected via the water level detection sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined water level; apparatus. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drain pipe of the bathtub is provided with a solenoid valve for drainage. The control device is configured to open the solenoid valve for filling the hot water. Alternatively, after the vibrator has been operated for the predetermined time, the drainage solenoid valve is opened for a predetermined time. 5. A hot water supply pipe for heating the hot water by a heat exchanger and outputting the hot water from a hot water supply port, and hot water in a bathtub sucked from a suction port by an operation of a circulation pump through the heat exchanger. A hot water circulation device having a circulation pipe for reheating which is returned from the discharge port into the bath after being heated; and a dirt component which is mechanically coupled to the circulation pipe and physically adheres to the circulation pipe. A vibrator that can be dropped by vibration; when a user-operated cleaning start switch is operated,
A control device for operating the vibrator for a predetermined time; and a water level detection sensor provided in the circulation pipe or the bathtub for detecting a water level in the bathtub; If the water level in the bathtub detected via the water level detection sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level when is operated, the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time while operating the circulation pump; Water heater device characterized. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning start switch is provided in a remote controller wired or wirelessly connected to the control device. Water heater equipment. 7. A hot water supply pipe for heating hot water by a heat exchanger and outputting the hot water from a hot water supply port, and hot water in a bathtub sucked from a suction port by an operation of a circulation pump through the heat exchanger. A hot water circulation device having a circulation pipe for reheating which is returned from the discharge port into the bath after being heated; and a dirt component which is mechanically coupled to the circulation pipe and physically adheres to the circulation pipe. A vibrator which can be dropped by vibration; and a water level detection sensor provided in the circulation pipe or the bathtub for detecting a water level in the bathtub; a branch pipe connected to the circulation pipe is connected to the hot water supply pipe. The branch pipe is provided with a solenoid valve for filling the hot water in the bathtub for selectively flowing hot water or water in the hot water supply pipe into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe; Water level in the bathtub via the detection sensor When it is known that the water level has dropped below a predetermined level, the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time, and before or after the predetermined time has elapsed, the filling electromagnetic valve is opened for a predetermined time. A hot water supply device having a control device for flowing hot water or water from the hot water supply pipe into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the connection position between the branch pipe and the circulation pipe is such that hot water or water flowing into the circulation pipe via the branch pipe is stopped by the circulation pump. During the operation, the circulation pipe is selected at a position where it can flow toward both the suction port and the discharge port. 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the drain pipe of the bathtub is provided with a solenoid valve for draining. When the controller opens the solenoid valve for filling,
Alternatively, the drainage solenoid valve is opened for a predetermined time after the predetermined time has elapsed; 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the control device performs the additional heating after the start of the additional heating even when the additional heating function accompanying the operation of the circulation pump is realized. Operating the vibrator for a predetermined time from an appropriate point in time; 11. The apparatus according to claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the control device is adapted to start from an appropriate point in time after the filling solenoid valve is opened for filling the bathtub. Operating the vibrator for a predetermined period of time. 12. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
The apparatus according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the vibrator is mechanically coupled to the bathtub in order to remove dirt components attached to the bathtub by physical vibration. A water heater apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned; 13. The water heater apparatus according to claim 12, wherein vibrators mechanically connected to the bathtub are provided at a plurality of positions in the bathtub. 14. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
The water heater according to claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13, wherein the vibrator is an ultrasonic vibrator. 15. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
The apparatus according to claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14, wherein the vibrator is provided at a plurality of locations in the circulation pipe. 16. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
The apparatus according to any one of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, wherein the control device includes a microcomputer.