JP3801098B2 - Water heater and valve unit used for this water heater - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water heater for supplying hot water to a bathtub or a faucet, and a valve unit used for the water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a piping system of a conventional water heater disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-211220. In FIG. 6, 1 is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of water supplied from a water source, 2 is a hot water mixing valve for bath hot water for mixing hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 at an appropriate temperature, and 3 is hot water supplied to a general faucet. A hot water mixing valve for faucet hot water for mixing the hot water to an appropriate temperature, 6 is a hot water solenoid valve for opening and closing the hot water supply circuit to the bathtub 18, and 7 is for discharging the water in the hot water storage tank that has undergone volume expansion by heating to the outside of the hot water supply circuit. A relief valve, 11A is a bathtub hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot water mixing valve 2 for bath hot water supply, 11B is a tap hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot water mixing valve 3 for faucet hot water, and 12A is to the bathtub 18. Bath water supply flow sensor 12B for measuring the amount of hot water supply, 12B is a faucet hot water flow sensor (or flow switch) for detecting the opening and closing of a general faucet, 13 is a hot water storage tank for storing water or hot water, 14 is boiling water in the hot water storage tank 13 increase A hot body, 15 is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 13, 16 is a kitchen remote control, 17 is a bathroom remote control, 18 is a bathtub, 19 is a general faucet such as a kitchen / washing / shower in the bathroom, Reference numeral 20 denotes a control unit.
[0003]
Next, the operation will be described.
First, the water supplied from the water source is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve 1 and flows into the hot water tank 13. The water in the hot water storage tank 13 is always full, and is heated to a predetermined temperature using a heat source such as midnight power. The boiling water temperature of the hot water storage tank 13 is preset from the outside by a remote controller, and when the hot water temperature sensor 15 detects the set boiling water temperature, the power supply to the heating element 14 is stopped. During heating, the water in the hot water storage tank 13 expands in volume as the temperature rises, but the water overflowing from the hot water storage tank 13 due to the expansion is discharged out of the hot water storage tank 13 by the relief valve 7.
[0004]
The hot water temperature from the kitchen or wash faucet 19 is set in advance by the remote controller 16. For example, when the kitchen faucet 19 is opened, the controller 20 sets the hot water hot water mixing valve 3 so that the set hot water temperature is reached. The hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 and the water from the water source are mixed at an appropriate temperature, and the hot water mixing valve 3 is corrected based on the input value of the hot water temperature sensor 11B. Regarding the hot water temperature of the faucet, an upper limit is set for the maximum set hot water temperature to prevent momentary burns.
[0005]
The hot water temperature to the bathtub 18 is set by a remote controller 17 provided in the bathroom. The hot water supply operation to the bathtub 18 is as follows. When the hot water filling switch is pressed by the bathroom remote controller 17, a hot water filling command signal is output, and the control unit 20 sets the detected temperature of the hot water temperature sensor 11A for the hot water bath to the hot water temperature set by the bathroom remote controller 17. While controlling the hot water mixing valve 2 for hot water supply, the solenoid valve 6 is opened and hot water supply to the bathtub 18 is started. After the hot water filling to the bathtub 18 is started, the integrated flow rate is calculated by the bathtub hot water supply flow rate sensor 12A, and the hot water filling is continued until a preset hot water amount of the bathtub is reached. When the integrated flow rate reaches the set amount of hot water in the bathtub, the solenoid valve 6 is closed and the hot water filling in the bathtub is completed.
[0006]
Thus, by providing the hot water mixing valve for general faucets and the hot water mixing valve for bathtub hot water supply in the independent hot water supply circuit, for example, 60 ° C. hot water is being supplied to the bathtub 18 in this way. In addition, even when the faucet set at a hot water temperature of 40 ° C. is opened, the control unit 20 continues the high-temperature hot water supply at the hot water temperature of 60 ° C. to the bathtub 18, and the faucet hot water set at the faucet is set. It is possible to supply hot water set at a hot water temperature of 40 ° C. by controlling the hot water mixing valve 3 for faucet hot water supply so that the hot water temperature is reached.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional water heater is configured as described above, and the valves and the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit are connected to each other by piping. However, in the conventional water heater, the hot and cold mixing valves 2 and 3 are separately installed at separate positions, and each of the hot and cold mixing valves 2 and 3 has a water source for reducing the pressure in the hot water storage tank to a predetermined pressure. Because the pressure loss generated between the pressure reducing valve 1 and each of the hot and cold water mixing valves 2, 3 is caused by the pressure loss generated between the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot water mixing valves 2, 3. There was a problem that the flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 decreased and the time required for hot water filling was long, or the flow rate from each faucet could not be secured sufficiently.
[0008]
Further, the conventional water heater as described above requires piping parts for connecting between the hot water and water mixing valves 2 and 3, the pressure reducing valve 1, the electromagnetic valve 6, the relief valve 7, etc. As a result, there are a lot of parts for the assembly, the assembly workability deteriorates, and the cost increases. In addition, since the hot water supply circuit is complicated, there is a problem in that the workability during assembly is poor and the cost is increased.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater in which the flow rate of hot water supplied to each faucet or bathtub is small. It is another object of the present invention to provide a hot water heater that can reduce the number of pipes and connecting parts constituting the hot water heater and has good assembly workability.
Moreover, it aims at providing the valve unit used for such a water heater.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The water heater of the present invention is a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, a pressure reducing valve connected to the hot water storage tank, and setting the pressure of water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure, and the hot water storage tank A hot water mixing valve for mixing hot water supplied from the hot water tank and water supplied via the pressure reducing valve to obtain hot water of a predetermined temperature, and connected to the hot water tank, the heating means In the water heater provided with a relief valve for discharging hot water whose volume is expanded at the time of heating by heating, the hot water supply circuit of the water heater is a valve in which at least the valves and pipes connecting the valves are integrated while have a unit, the valve unit includes a plurality of said hot and cold water mixing valve provided in each independent water supply circuit, said vacuum being connected to the hot water storage tank of each valve constituting the valve unit valves and the plurality of hot water mixed Those in which the valve is arranged close.
[0011]
In the water heater of the present invention, the valve unit has a plurality of hot and cold water mixing valves, and at least one hot and cold water mixing valve supplies hot water to the bathtub by opening and closing the flow path. It is connected to a solenoid valve.
[0012]
In the water heater according to the present invention, the valve unit includes a check valve for preventing a back flow of hot water and water flowing into the hot and cold mixing valve.
[0013]
Further, the valve unit of the present invention includes at least a pressure reducing valve connected to a hot water storage tank of a water heater, and each hot water connected to the hot water storage tank and supplied from the hot water storage tank via the pressure reducing valve. A plurality of hot and cold water mixing valves that mix hot water to obtain hot water of a predetermined temperature , relief valves, and pipes that connect the valves, and are connected to the hot water storage tank among the valves. The pressure reducing valve and the plurality of hot / cold water mixing valves are arranged close to each other.
[0014]
In the valve unit of the present invention, the valves constituting the valve unit and the pipes connecting the valves are formed of a resin molded product.
[0015]
Moreover, the valve unit of this invention connects the valve and valve which comprise a valve unit, or a valve and piping, or piping and piping by integral molding with resin.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a valve unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a specific component layout of the valve unit according to the first embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 3 is a figure which shows the water heater comprised using the valve unit by Embodiment 1 of this invention. In the figure, 1 is a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of water supplied from a water source, 2 is a hot water mixing valve for bath water supply for mixing hot water supplied to the bathtub 18 at an appropriate temperature, and 3 is hot water supplied to a general faucet. Faucet hot water mixing valve for mixing at an appropriate temperature, 4 is a branch flow path for distributing water from the pressure reducing valve 1 to the mixing valves 2 and 3, and 5 is mixing valves 2 and 3 for hot water from the hot water tank 13. 6 is a hot water solenoid valve for opening and closing the hot water supply circuit to the bathtub 18, 7 is a relief valve for discharging the water in the hot water storage tank that has been expanded by heating to the outside of the hot water circuit, and 8 is A check valve 9 prevents a back flow of water flowing into the hot water mixing valves 2 and 3, and a check valve 9 prevents a back flow of hot water flowing into the hot water mixing valves 2 and 3. Although the check valves 8 and 9 are not shown in FIG. 2, the check valves 8 and 9 are actually arranged in the pipe between the hot and cold mixing valves 2 and 3 and the branch flow path 4 or 5. Reference numeral 10 denotes a valve unit in which the above-described valves constituting the hot water supply circuit of the water heater and the pipes connecting the valves are integrated. 11A is a bath hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot water mixing valve 2 for bath hot water supply, 11B is a tap hot water temperature sensor for correcting the hot water mixing valve 3 for faucet hot water, and 12A is the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 18. Bath water supply flow sensor for measuring the temperature, 12B is a faucet hot water flow sensor (or flow switch) for detecting the opening and closing of a general faucet, 13 is a hot water storage tank for storing water or hot water, and 14 is a heating element for boiling water in the hot water storage tank 13. (Heating means), 15 is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 13, 16 is a kitchen remote control, 17 is a bathroom remote control, 18 is a bathtub, 19 is a kitchen, washroom, bathroom currant and shower, etc. A faucet 20 indicates a control unit.
[0017]
The operation is almost the same as the conventional one.
First, the water supplied from the water source is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve 1 in the valve unit 10 and flows into the hot water tank 13. The water in the hot water tank 13 is always full and is heated to a predetermined temperature using a heat source such as midnight power. The boiling water temperature of the hot water storage tank 13 is preset from the outside by a remote controller, and when the hot water temperature sensor 15 detects the set boiling water temperature, the power supply to the heating element 14 is stopped. During the heating, the water in the hot water tank 13 expands in volume due to the temperature rise, but the water overflowing from the hot water tank 13 due to the expansion is discharged out of the hot water tank 13 by the relief valve 7.
[0018]
The hot water temperature from the kitchen or wash faucet 19 is set in advance by the remote controller 16. For example, when the kitchen faucet 19 is opened, the controller 20 sets the hot water hot water mixing valve 3 so that the set hot water temperature is reached. controls, as well as mixed with water from the hot and cold water source savings hot water tank 13 to the appropriate temperature, applying a correction to the hot and cold water mixing valve 3 based on the input value of the hot water supply hot water temperature sensor 11B. In addition, about the hot water temperature of the faucet, an upper limit is set for the maximum set hot water temperature to prevent instantaneous burns.
[0019]
The hot water temperature to the bathtub 18 is set by a remote controller 17 provided in the bathroom. The hot water supply operation to the bathtub 18 is as follows. When the hot water filling switch is pressed by the bathroom remote controller 17, a hot water filling command signal is output, and the control unit 20 sets the detected temperature of the hot water temperature sensor 11A for the hot water bath to the hot water temperature set by the bathroom remote controller 17. While controlling the hot water mixing valve 2 for hot water supply, the solenoid valve 6 is opened and hot water supply to the bathtub 18 is started. After the hot water filling to the bathtub 18 is started, the integrated flow rate is calculated by the bathtub hot water supply flow rate sensor 12A, and the hot water filling is continued until a preset hot water amount of the bathtub is reached. When the integrated flow rate reaches the set amount of hot water in the bathtub, the solenoid valve 6 is closed and the hot water filling in the bathtub is completed.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit of the hot water heater are not arranged at the positions scattered as in the conventional hot water heater and these are connected by piping parts, but as shown in FIG. The unit 10 is integrated. By doing in this way, the piping length between the valves which comprise the hot water supply circuit of a water heater can be shortened. In particular, since the distance between the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot and cold mixing valves 2 and 3 can be made closer, piping in the hot water supply circuit, particularly between the pressure reducing valve 1 and the hot and cold mixing valves 2 and 3 is possible. The pressure loss generated in the inside can be reduced, and a larger flow rate can be flowed. As a result, it is possible to provide a water heater with little reduction in the flow rate of hot water supplied to each faucet or bathtub.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is based on the hot water flow rate obtained when the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve are directly connected, and the connection distance between the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve (the distance in the vertical direction, that is, the height of the installation position of each valve). The difference in flow rate) is shown on the horizontal axis. From Fig. 4, the lower limit is 10% reduction in the flow rate (reference flow rate) when the connection distance between the pressure reducing valve and the mixing valve is 0 (when the pressure reducing valve and hot water mixing valve are directly connected by an integrated structure, etc.) With a flow rate, a connection distance of up to 1 m can be allowed.
[0022]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the valves constituting the hot water supply circuit of the water heater and the pipes connecting the valves are integrated into a valve unit, so that the number of pipe parts is reduced and simple. A simple circuit configuration. Furthermore, the assembly workability is improved, the maintainability is improved, and a cheaper water heater can be provided.
In addition, since the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve can be arranged close to each other by using the valve unit, it is easy to set the distance in the vertical direction between the pressure reducing valve and the hot water mixing valve to 1 m or less. It is possible to provide a water heater with little decrease.
[0023]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
This Embodiment 2 is a pressure reducing valve 1, a hot water mixing valve 2 for a hot water bath, a hot water mixing valve 3 for a faucet hot water supply, a branch channel 4, 5 and a hot water supply, which constitute the water heater valve unit 10 shown in the first embodiment. The main components such as the electromagnetic valve 6, the relief valve 7, the check valves 8 and 9 are made of resin molded products. As the resin to be used, for example, the following materials can be applied including polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutene, polyvinyl chloride resins, aliphatic polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, aromatic polyamide resins such as polyphthalamide, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate Resins, polyoxymethylene resins, polyetheretherketone resins, crystalline resins such as fluorine resins, polystyrene resins, polycarbonate resins, polysulfone resins, polyethersulfone resins, polyphenylene ether resins, polyallelito Resins, polyamideimide resins, polyetherimide resins, acrylonitrile-styrene resins, acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene resins and other amorphous resins, aromatic polyester resins, and aromatic resins. Liquid crystal polymers such as family polyesteramide based resin can be enumerated. Moreover, resin which mix | blended fillers, such as these alloys and glass fiber, may be sufficient. In addition, since each said valve which comprises a valve unit needs to have the intensity | strength with respect to water pressure, about the material mentioned above, what was reinforced with glass fiber (about 10 to 40% as a content rate of glass fiber) is used. It is desirable.
[0024]
In this way, by making each valve constituting the valve unit and the piping parts connecting the respective valves resinous, it is possible to reduce the weight of the parts, and the productivity is greatly improved by manufacturing by injection molding. Further, it becomes possible to provide a cheaper water heater.
[0025]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, a valve and a valve, or a valve and a pipe, or a pipe and a pipe constituting the valve unit shown in the second embodiment are connected by integral molding with a resin. In a conventional hot water supply circuit, a valve and a valve, or a valve and a pipe, or a pipe and a pipe are joined using auxiliary parts such as an O-ring to maintain water tightness. These connecting portions were configured as a single unit without using auxiliary parts such as an O-ring. Examples of the integral molding means include ultrasonic welding and vibration welding. However, there is a problem that the joint shape to be joined is limited in the joining by welding, and the joining strength is not excellent. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of primary molded products 21 (a valve and a valve made of the first resin, or a valve and a pipe made of the first resin, or made of the first resin) (Pipe and pipe) are inserted into the bonding mold 23, the second resin 22 having excellent bonding strength is injected into the bonding mold 23, and the interface of the bonded portion is again formed by injection molding. It is also effective to perform a secondary bonding by heating to a melting point or higher.
[0026]
In the valve unit configured as described above, since the valve and valve, or valve and piping, or piping and piping constituting the valve unit are connected by injection molding, the productivity is greatly improved and the cost is reduced. A water heater can be provided.
In general, since changes in dimensions over time are inevitable for resin molded products, even if O-rings are used to connect parts and watertightness is maintained, there is a risk that water leakage will occur during long-term use. . However, in the present third embodiment, the connection points of the parts constituting the valve unit are joined by the above-described method, and the connection points where the O-ring or the like is used are reduced. There is an effect that a unit is obtained.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a hot water storage tank that stores hot water heated by the heating means, and a pressure reducing valve that is connected to the hot water storage tank and sets the pressure of water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure. A hot water mixing valve connected to the hot water storage tank to obtain hot water of a predetermined temperature by mixing hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank and water supplied through the pressure reducing valve, and connected to the hot water storage tank. In the water heater having a relief valve for discharging the hot water whose volume has been expanded when the heating temperature is raised by the heating means, the hot water supply circuit of the water heater is composed of at least the valves and pipes connecting the valves. thereby have a reduction by a valve unit, the valve unit includes a plurality of said hot and cold water mixing valve provided in each independent water supply circuit, connected to the hot water storage tank of each valve constituting the valve unit Above with the pressure reducing valve Since a plurality of hot and cold water mixing valve are arranged close, the effect of reduction of the hot water flow rate less water heater is obtained. Further, the number of piping parts is reduced, and a simple circuit configuration can be achieved. Furthermore, the assembly workability is improved, the maintainability is improved, and a cheaper water heater can be provided.
[0028]
Further, in the water heater, the valve unit has a plurality of hot and cold water mixing valves, and the at least one hot and cold water mixing valve is a hot water solenoid valve for supplying hot water obtained by the hot and cold water mixing valve to the bathtub by opening and closing the flow path. If it is configured to be connected, a water heater having a hot water supply circuit dedicated to a bathtub that can be filled with a set amount of hot water in the bathtub can be realized, and even for such a water heater, a simple hot water supply circuit configuration and There is an effect that a water heater with a small decrease in the hot water flow rate can be obtained.
[0029]
In addition, if the check unit for preventing the backflow of hot water and water flowing into the hot water mixing valve is provided in the valve unit of the hot water heater, a hot water heater with a simple hot water supply circuit configuration and a small reduction in the flow rate of hot water can be obtained. In addition, there is an effect that a more reliable water heater can be obtained.
[0030]
Further, the valve unit of the present invention includes at least a pressure reducing valve connected to a hot water storage tank of a water heater, and each hot water connected to the hot water storage tank and supplied from the hot water storage tank via the pressure reducing valve. A plurality of hot and cold water mixing valves that mix hot water to obtain hot water of a predetermined temperature , relief valves, and pipes that connect the valves, and are connected to the hot water storage tank among the valves. Since the pressure reducing valve and the plurality of hot / cold water mixing valves are arranged close to each other, there is an effect that a hot water heater with a small decrease in hot water flow rate can be obtained when used in a hot water supply circuit of a hot water heater.
[0031]
Further, if the valves constituting the valve unit and the pipes connecting the valves are made of a resin molded product, the weight of the valve unit can be reduced, the productivity can be greatly improved, and an inexpensive water heater Is effective.
[0032]
Moreover, if the valve and valve which comprise the said valve unit, or a valve and piping, or piping and piping are connected by integral molding with resin, there exists an effect that the highly reliable valve unit with respect to a water leak is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a valve unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a component layout of the valve unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a water heater configured using the valve unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a connection distance between a pressure reducing valve and a hot and cold water mixing valve and a flow rate ratio.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for joining valve units according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a hot water supply circuit of a conventional water heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pressure reducing valve, 2 hot water mixing valve for bath hot water supply, 3 hot water mixing valve for faucet hot water supply, 4, 5 branch flow path, 6 hot water solenoid valve, 7 relief valve, 8, 9 check valve, 10 valve unit, 11A Hot water temperature sensor, 11B Faucet hot water temperature sensor, 12A Bath hot water flow rate sensor, 12B Faucet hot water flow rate sensor, 13 Hot water storage tank, 14 Heating element, 15 Hot water temperature sensor, 16 Kitchen remote control, 17 Bathroom remote control, 18 Bathtub, 19 General faucet , 20 control unit, 21 primary molded product, 22 second resin, 23 bonding mold.

Claims (6)

A hot water storage tank that stores hot water heated by the heating means, a pressure reducing valve that is connected to the hot water storage tank and sets the pressure of the water supplied to the hot water storage tank to a desired pressure, and is connected to the hot water storage tank. A hot water mixing valve that mixes hot water supplied from the water supplied through the pressure reducing valve to obtain hot water of a predetermined temperature, and volume expansion when heated by the heating means connected to the hot water storage tank in the water heater equipped with a relief valve for discharging the hot water, with the hot water supply circuit of the water heater, a pipe for connecting at least the valves and the valve is closed the intensification by a valve unit, said The valve unit has a plurality of the hot and cold water mixing valves provided in independent hot water supply circuits, and the pressure reducing valve connected to the hot water tank among the valves constituting the valve unit and the plurality of hot water and water mixing Close proximity to the valve Water heater, characterized by that. The at least one hot / cold water mixing valve constituting the valve unit is connected to a hot water solenoid valve for supplying hot water obtained by the hot / cold water mixing valve to the bathtub by opening and closing the flow path. Water heater.   The water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve unit includes a check valve for preventing a back flow of hot water and water flowing into the hot water / mixing valve. At least, is connected to the hot water storage tank of the water heater, a pressure reducing valve the pressure of the water supplied to the hot water storage tank is set to a desired pressure, respectively, are connected to the hot water tank, hot water and the supplied from the hot water storage tank A plurality of hot water mixing valves that mix hot water supplied at a predetermined temperature by mixing with water supplied via a pressure reducing valve, and a relief for discharging the hot water in the hot water storage tank connected to the hot water storage tank. The valve and the piping connecting the valves are integrated, and the pressure reducing valve connected to the hot water storage tank and the plurality of hot water mixing valves are arranged close to each other among the valves. And valve unit.   5. The valve unit according to claim 4, wherein each valve constituting the valve unit and a pipe connecting each of the valves are made of a resin molded product.   The valve unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the valve and the valve constituting the valve unit, or the valve and the pipe, or the pipe and the pipe are connected by integral molding with resin.

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