JP3876245B2 - Linked hot water system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a connected hot water supply system, and more particularly to a test operation technique for connection and operation check of each hot water heater in a hot water heater system formed by connecting a plurality of hot water heaters in parallel.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the apparent hot water supply capacity, a connected hot water system in which a plurality of hot water heaters are connected in parallel has been proposed. The connected hot water system has a centralized controller that centrally controls individual water heaters, and sends control signals (specifically, hot water start permission and hot water stop commands) to the individual water heater controllers through the centralized controller. By giving, it is comprised so that the number of the hot water heaters which perform hot water supply operation | movement may be increased / decreased according to the requested | required water flow amount (the hot water flow rate from a hot-water tap) and the required number (hot-water supply capability required for hot water supply).

  By the way, when installing a water heater, a trial run is performed at the time of installation or maintenance inspection in order to confirm whether the hot water supply function is functioning normally or the piping is correctly connected. In a connected hot water system, the same trial operation is required for each water heater, but in the case of a connected hot water system, the number of hot water heaters that perform hot water supply operations is increased sequentially as the required water flow rate and the number of required codes increase. Since the configuration is adopted, there is a problem that a large amount of water is required to operate all the water heaters and confirm the operation.

  For this reason, a method for confirming the operation of the next water heater after the operation confirmation of one water heater has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, when shifting to the trial operation mode, the centralized controller opens only the water solenoid valve provided in the water supply channel of the first water heater, and in this state, the operator opens the water heater and opens the first unit. The hot water supply operation is started, and the hot water number signal is transmitted from the hot water supply side to the centralized controller. On the other hand, the central controller side checks whether the number of hot water discharged from the first water heater has reached the specified range, and when the confirmation is completed, closes the water solenoid valve of the first water heater. Only the water solenoid valve of the first water heater is opened and the same confirmation as above is performed. The same process was repeated for the third and subsequent water heaters.

  In addition, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is provided with a test operation switch for exclusive use of the test operation mode switching in the controller of each main body of the water heater, and only the water heater whose switch is pressed is shifted to the test operation mode. In addition, a method is disclosed in which, during a trial operation of the system, a trial operation of each water heater is performed individually while pressing a trial operation changeover switch of each water heater in order.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-180516

  However, the trial operation method having such a conventional configuration has the following problems, and improvements have been desired.

  That is, in the conventional test operation method, the centralized controller checks the operation of the hot water heater based on the hot water number signal from the hot water heater side, so that, for example, there is an abnormality in the connection of the water supply pipe and the hot water tap is opened. Even if the water flow does not exceed the minimum operating flow rate (MOQ) in the water heater (that is, when the water heater does not start the combustion operation), there is an abnormality in the combustion system and the number of hot water discharged from the water heater is specified. If it does not reach the range (that is, if the combustion operation is performed but the prescribed combustion capacity is not obtained), it is not possible to identify the location of failure (cause of failure) by trial operation. There wasn't.

  In addition, in a configuration in which a test operation changeover switch is provided in each water heater body, in order to perform a test operation for all of the plurality of water heaters, the test operation changeover switch of each water heater must be operated one by one. There was a problem that it took time.

  Furthermore, recently, a hot water circulation system is formed between the hot water tap and the hot water supply channel, and the hot water in the circulation system is heated and kept warm by the water heater, so that the hot water is opened at the same time as the hot water tap is opened. A hot water supply type where hot water is discharged or a hot water storage type in which a hot water tank is provided between the hot water heater and the hot water tap, and hot water is circulated between the hot water tank and the hot water heater and / or the hot water tank and the hot water tap. Various types of water heater systems have been proposed, but the conventional test operation method for confirming the operation of hot water supply based on the above-mentioned hot water number signal is used for the trial operation of such a special type of connected hot water system. There was also a problem that it was not suitable.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and mainly provides a connected hot water supply system having a trial operation function capable of confirming the entire operation of the system in a short time and in detail with simple work. It is another object of the present invention to provide a connected hot water supply system having a trial operation function suitable for trial operation of various types of connected hot water supply systems.

In order to achieve the above object, a connected hot water supply system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of water heaters connected in parallel, and hot water discharged from a hot water outlet of each water heater. A circulation path that circulates to the circulation path, a plurality of circulation pumps arranged in parallel to the circulation path, and a centralized controller that centrally controls the plurality of water heaters and controls driving / stopping of the circulation pump. In the connected hot water supply system, the centralized controller outputs a control signal for causing the water heater to perform a predetermined operation, receives an operation detection signal from the water heater for the control signal, and performs the predetermined operation. A plurality of inspection routines for determining whether or not the operation has been normally performed are provided. In the test operation mode, the plurality of inspection routines are sequentially executed for one or a group of water heaters, and the end After the plurality of test routines executed sequentially for the next water heater or the next group of water heater, the first to execute said plurality of test routines for all water heater by repeating these steps For each of the circulation pumps, an inspection process is performed, and one circulation pump is driven, and the water solenoid valve is instructed to open to any one of the water heaters, and the water heater passes through the one water heater. A determination step for determining whether or not the one circulation pump is operating normally based on whether or not a water detection signal is received, and if no water detection signal is received in this determination step, detection of water flow from the water heater And a second inspection step in which the determination step is performed by switching the water heater that opens the water electromagnetic valve to another water heater until a signal is received .

Moreover, the connected hot-water supply system described in claim 2 of the present invention is the connected hot-water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the centralized controller performs hot water supply in the determination step when executing the second inspection step. And a control configuration for terminating the inspection of the one circulation pump even when the water flow detection signal is not received when the count value reaches a predetermined number. And

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as the inspection routine, at least a control signal for instructing the water heater to open the water electromagnetic valve is output and the water heater is turned on by a water flow detection signal from the water heater. It is characterized by having a routine for inspecting water and a routine for outputting a control signal instructing tapping at a predetermined set temperature and inspecting tapping temperature by a tapping temperature detection signal from a water heater.

As another preferred embodiment, in addition to these inspections, the present invention outputs, as the inspection routine, a control signal instructing a predetermined set flow rate to the water heater to output a hot water flow rate detection signal from the water heater. It has the routine which test | inspects the hot water supply flow volume of a water heater by.

  Further, in a connected hot water system in which the hot water generator generates hot water by the combustion heat of the burner, as the inspection routine, a control signal is output to the hot water heater to instruct a set flow rate that exceeds the minimum operating water flow rate, and a flame from the hot water heater is output. It has the routine which test | inspects combustion of the burner in a water heater by a detection signal.

  In addition, the centralized controller includes display means for displaying at least one of information acquired by communication with the hot water heater and setting information of the centralized controller itself, and information for specifying the model of the hot water heater in the trial operation mode And / or a system inspection step of displaying system setting information on the display means to inspect the suitability of the system.

  And the said centralized controller is provided with the abnormality cause discrimination means which discriminate | determines a cause of abnormality based on the test result of each said test | inspection.

  Further, the central control controller or the remote controller thereof is provided with operation means for shifting the operation mode of the central control controller to the test operation mode.

  According to the connected hot water system of the present invention, the centralized controller of the connected hot water system has a plurality of inspection routines, and in the trial operation mode, sequentially executes the plurality of inspection routines for one or a group of water heaters, After that, the plurality of inspection routines are sequentially executed for the next water heater or the next group of water heaters, and the plurality of inspection routines are executed for all the water heaters by repeating these procedures. Therefore, when entering the test operation mode, first, a plurality of inspection routines are executed for the first (or group) of water heaters, and all of the first (or group) of water heaters are performed. When the inspection routine ends, a plurality of inspection routines are then executed for the second (or other group) of water heaters. As described above, according to the present invention, when a transition is made to the trial operation mode, a plurality of inspection routines are automatically executed for all the water heaters one by one (or a group), so that all the water heaters can be tested without leakage. In addition, it is possible to reduce the labor and time required for the test operation.

In addition, when having a circulation path for circulating hot water from the hot water supply path of each water heater to the water supply path of each water heater via a circulation pump (when having an immediate hot water function), the centralized controller is A first inspection step for sequentially performing a plurality of inspection routines for one or a group of water heaters, and for each circulation pump, with one circulation pump being driven , the water solenoid valve is opened for one water heater. By having a second inspection step of determining whether the one circulation pump is operating normally by commanding a valve and determining whether or not a water flow detection signal is received from the one water heater , In addition to the effect, the operation of the circulation pump can be automatically confirmed. Specifically, it is possible to confirm the operation of the circulation pump together with the operation confirmation of each water heater during the test operation, to ensure the trial operation of the circulation pump, and to reduce labor and work time for the test operation. Even if a plurality of circulation pumps are provided, since each circulation pump is automatically inspected, there is no inspection omission, and the circulation pump can be tested in a short time.

  Furthermore, since the centralized controller includes an abnormality cause determining means for determining the cause of the abnormality based on the inspection results of the above-described inspections, the abnormal part of the system can be specified accurately and promptly. That is, in the present invention, since a plurality of inspection routines are executed without omission for all the water heaters, if a large number of types of inspection routines are set, a large amount of information is gathered in the abnormality cause determination means, and abnormal portions are identified. It can be diagnosed accurately. In particular, by matching the inspection results of the individual water heaters, it is possible to easily identify the cause of an abnormality that cannot be found only by the inspection results of the individual water heaters, and it is possible to specify the abnormal site in detail.

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

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a connected hot water supply system. The illustrated linked hot water supply system is configured by connecting a plurality (three in the illustrated example) of hot water heaters 1 in parallel. In the following, for convenience of explanation, each water heater is given the symbols a to c at the end of the reference numerals in the order of Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3. In addition, when it is necessary to distinguish the members common to each of the water heaters 1a to 1c from the same members of other water heaters, the symbols a to c are added to the end of the reference numerals, and in other cases, the symbols a to c are used. Symbols are omitted.

  The above-mentioned connected hot water system has a water supply pipe 2 between a water supply pipe 2 having a pipe end connected to a water source and a hot water discharge pipe 3 having a pipe end connected to a hot water tap (not shown) such as a currant or shower. A water supply side branch pipe 4 for connecting to the water inlet of the water heater 1 and a hot water side branch pipe 5 for connecting the hot water pipe 3 to the hot water outlet of the water heater 1 are provided, The branch pipes 5 are each provided with a water electromagnetic valve 6 whose opening / closing (allowing hot water / prohibiting hot water) is controlled by the controller 10 of each water heater 1. In addition, although not shown in figure, the water tap which switches water supply / stop is provided in the origin of the said water supply pipe | tube 2. As shown in FIG.

  The water heater 1 is a gas water heater provided with a burner (not shown) that uses gas as fuel as a heat source for generating hot water. Although the detailed illustration of the gas water heater is omitted, the hot water supplied from the water inlet is heated by a heat exchanger heated by the burner and discharged from the outlet to the hot water pipe 3. Is configured to do. The burner fuel gas is supplied to the water heater 1 through a branch pipe 8 from a gas supply pipe 7 whose pipe end is connected to a gas supply source. Although not shown in particular, the gas supply pipe 7 is provided with a main gas plug for switching the supply / cutoff of the fuel gas, and each branch pipe 8 is connected to a water heater for each water heater. An original gas solenoid valve for switching between supply / cutoff of fuel gas is provided.

  Inside the water heater 1, there are various types such as an incoming water temperature sensor for detecting the incoming water temperature, a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the hot water temperature, a hot water flow rate sensor for detecting the hot water flow rate, and a flame detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of ignition of the burner. Sensors are mounted, and detection signals from these sensors are input to the controller 10.

  The controller 10 is a control device that controls the operation of each part of the water heater. Specifically, the controller 10 includes a combustion system such as an ignition device, a fuel control valve, and a capacity switching valve (not shown), a hot water flow rate control valve, a water solenoid valve 6 and the like. In addition to controlling the water system equipment, it has a communication function for transmitting and receiving various signals such as control signals to and from a control device such as a remote controller RC. In particular, in the coupled hot water supply system as in the present invention, the controller 10 of each hot water heater 1 is electrically connected to a system controller (central control controller) 100 that centrally controls these hot water heaters, and the system controller 100. Are configured to transmit and receive various signals such as control signals.

  As described above, the system controller 100 is a control device for centrally controlling a plurality of hot water heaters, and although not shown, a microcomputer loaded with a program for executing various processes described later, data, etc. are temporarily stored. And a storage device for storing the data. In the present embodiment, three water heaters 1 a to 1 c are connected to the system controller 100 via the communication line S. Further, a remote controller RC is connected to the system controller 100, and remote control from the remote controller RC is possible. The remote controller RC is provided with a display unit and operation switches which will be described later. The system controller 100 functions as an abnormality cause determination unit when executing a failure diagnosis processing procedure described later, details of which will be described later.

  Further, reference numeral 101 in FIG. 1 denotes a setting device (for example, in the form of a dip switch) for setting information for microcomputer control in the system controller 100. In the present embodiment, the information set by the setting device 101 includes, for example, an aspect of a connected hot water supply system (for example, whether the type has an immediate hot water function or whether it has a hot water storage tank). There are also the number of circulation pumps used for the immediate hot water type and hot water storage type. The system controller 100 executes various controls such as a normal operation and a trial operation described later based on information (system setting information) set by the setting device 101.

  By the way, as described above, the system controller 100 monitors the operation status of each water heater 1 while communicating with the controller 10 of each water heater 1 in the normal operation mode (normal operation). Depending on the required water flow amount and the required number of signals, the controller 10 of each water heater 1 is given a control signal for permission to start hot water supply (instruction to open the water solenoid valve 6) or stop hot water supply (instruction to close the water solenoid valve 6). Thus, it is programmed to increase or decrease the number of water heaters 1 that perform hot water supply operation (combustion operation).

  That is, when the system enters the operation standby state (the operation switch is turned on) by the operation of the remote controller RC, first, the first water heater (for example, No. 1 machine 1a) is instructed to open the water electromagnetic valve 6a. The eye water heater 1a is shifted to the hot water supply standby state. As a result, the hot water tap is opened in this state, and if there is water flow exceeding the minimum operating water flow rate (MOQ) in the water heater 1a, the water heater 1a starts the hot water supply operation, and the hot water set temperature (set temperature) is set from the hot water tap. ) Begins hot water. When a desired hot water supply cannot be ensured only by the hot water heater 1a due to an increase in the hot water flow rate from the hot water tap or an increase in the hot water supply set temperature, the system controller 100 sets the second hot water heater (for example, No. 2 machine 1b). In response to this, the water solenoid valve 6b is instructed to open, the second water heater 1b is shifted to the hot water supply standby state, and the second water heater 1b is caused to perform the hot water supply operation. Hereinafter, the water solenoid valve 6 is instructed to be sequentially opened to the third and subsequent hot water heaters 1 as the hot water flow rate increases and the hot water supply set temperature increases.

  On the other hand, if the hot water heater 1 during the hot water supply operation becomes surplus due to a decrease in the hot water flow rate or a downward correction of the hot water supply set temperature, the water electromagnetic valve 6c with respect to the surplus hot water heater (for example, No. 3 machine 1c). Is closed and water flow to the water heater 1c is shut off. Thereby, since there is no water flow to the hot water heater 1c in which the water solenoid valve 6c is closed, the hot water heater 1c is changed from the hot water supply standby state to the hot water supply stop state. Hereinafter, the water heater 1 is instructed to close the water solenoid valve 6 in accordance with a decrease in the hot water flow rate or a downward correction of the hot water supply set temperature.

  Next, the trial operation of the connected hot water supply system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of such a trial run.

  That is, in the coupled hot water supply system of the present embodiment, the system controller 100 is switched from the normal operation mode to the test operation mode by turning on a test operation switch (operation means) (not shown) provided in the remote controller RC or the system controller 100, A trial run is started (see step S1 in FIG. 2).

  When the trial operation is started, the system controller 100 causes a display section (display means) (not shown) provided in the remote controller RC to display that “trial operation is in progress” by communicating with the remote controller RC (step in FIG. 2). (See S2). Here, as the display unit, a liquid crystal display device or a fluorescent tube dot matrix display device that can freely display characters and figures is preferably used, and the display of “running test” is also displayed by characters and figures. preferable. Further, the display of “during test operation” is continuously displayed until the test operation is completed.

  Then, when the test operation is displayed, the system controller 100 next displays the number of connected water heaters 1 connected to the system controller 100 on the display unit based on the communication result with each water heater 1 ( 2 (see step S3 in FIG. 2), a state of waiting for an input as to whether or not the number of connected devices is correct (see step S4 in FIG. 2). The worker who performs the trial operation confirms the number of connected hot water heaters 1 by visual observation or the like. If the number of connected water displayed on the display unit is correct, “OK” is indicated, and if there is an error, “NG” is indicated on the remote controller RC. Input by operating the switch. As a result, if “NG”, the system controller 100 determines that the communication line S is poorly connected, and displays that fact on the display unit (see step S4-1 in FIG. 2). When displaying abnormalities or defects in the system, etc. on the display unit, if there are other means for notifying abnormalities or defects, such as an output device such as an alarm sound, this is also indicated through the notification means in addition to the display on the display unit. Notify (the same applies below).

  On the other hand, if the number of connected devices is correct, the system controller 100 proceeds to a confirmation process such as system selection (see step S5 in FIG. 2). Therefore, the procedure of confirmation processing such as system selection will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

A: Confirmation processing such as system selection The confirmation processing such as system selection is a collective term for various test operation processes that are performed without actually operating the water heater 1 in the test operation of the system. Thus, this is distinguished from the confirmation process of each appliance state described later.

  When the process proceeds to a confirmation process such as system selection, the system controller 100 first starts confirming whether or not the model of the connected water heater 1 is correct. Specifically, the system controller 100 stores information for specifying the type of the water heater from each water heater 1 by communication with each water heater 1 (for example, stored in the nonvolatile memory of the controller 10 at the time of shipment). Product code, instrument name, etc.) are acquired and displayed on the display unit (see step S1 in FIG. 3). Step S1 in FIG. 3 shows a case where “appliance name” is displayed as information for specifying this model. For example, when the equipment name of the first machine is “GQ-XXXX”, the display unit shows the information as shown in FIG. “Unit 1 is“ GQ-XXXX ”. Is displayed. Moreover, the display of this appliance name (model) shall display all the connected water heaters.

  When the instrument name is displayed on the display unit, the system controller 100 waits for input as to whether or not the displayed instrument (model) is correct (see step S2 in FIG. 3). The worker confirms whether or not the displayed model is correct, and inputs the result by operating the switch of the remote controller RC.

  Here, whether or not the model is correct is not only an objective and technical point of view whether it is a model that fits the system (a model that can be incorporated into a part of a connected hot water system due to the function of the water heater). It is also possible to consider subjective factors such as whether the model is intended by the installer. Therefore, even if the model is compatible with the system, if the model is not intended by the installer, the model can be processed as incorrect. As a result of such confirmation, if there is an input indicating that the model is not correct, the system controller 100 displays that on the display unit as a model selection failure (see step S2-1 in FIG. 3).

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which all of the connected water heaters are displayed on the display unit at a time is adopted. However, the device name or the like is displayed on the display unit one by one and the quality determination operation of the model is performed one by one. It is also possible to make it perform. Further, the quality determination of the model selection may be configured such that, for example, the system controller 100 automatically determines whether or not the model is compatible with the system by eliminating the subjective intention of the worker. Specifically, the system controller 100 can store model data of hot water heaters that can be connected in advance, and the model data can be collated with data acquired through communication to automatically determine the quality of model selection. .

  When the quality determination for model selection is completed in this way, the system controller 100 then starts a process for confirming system setting information set by operating the setting device 101 or the remote controller RC. Specifically, first, the aspect of the connected hot water supply system selected on the system controller 100 (whether there is an immediate hot water supply function, whether there is a hot water storage tank, etc.) is displayed on the display unit (see step S3 in FIG. 3). Step S3 in FIG. 3 shows a case where a type having a hot water storage tank is set as an aspect of the system. In this case, “System is“ hot water storage system ”on the display unit. Is displayed.

  When the system mode is displayed on the display unit, the system controller 100 waits for an input indicating whether the displayed system mode is correct (see step S4 in FIG. 3). The worker confirms whether or not the displayed system mode is correct, and inputs the result by operating the switch of the remote controller RC.

  Here, whether the mode of the system is correct is determined based on whether the system does not have an unsupported mode, or, for example, when it is displayed as an immediate hot water type, a hot water circulation system for realizing an immediate hot water function In addition to judging whether the system is correct from an objective and technical point of view, such as whether or not there is a circulation pump or a hot water storage type, a hot water storage tank is provided. It is also possible to consider subjective factors such as whether the system setting is intended. As a result of such confirmation, if the system setting is not correct, the system controller 100 displays that fact on the display unit as a system setting failure (see step S4-1 in FIG. 3).

  Then, when the system setting pass / fail determination is completed, the system controller 100 starts a setting confirmation process for the setting device 101. Specifically, in the present embodiment, since the setting device 101 adopts a dip switch form, the system controller 100 displays the selected state of the dip switch on the display unit (see step S5 in FIG. 3). . Step S5 in FIG. 3 shows an example of the DIP switch selection state display. As shown in the figure, for example, “DIP switch 1 is“ ON ”. The pump error is “Cancel”. The contents selected by the dip switch are displayed together with the ON / OFF of the dip switch.

  When the state of the dip switch is displayed on the display unit, the system controller 100 waits for an input as to whether or not the displayed dip switch state is correct (see step S6 in FIG. 3). The worker confirms whether or not the displayed dip switch state is correct, and inputs the result by operating the switch of the remote controller RC. As a result, if the setting of the dip switch is not correct, the system controller 100 displays that on the display unit as a selection setting failure (see step S6-1 in FIG. 3).

  When the number of dip switches is small, it is preferable to perform the selection display in step S5 in FIG. 3 at once. However, when the number of dip switches becomes large and cannot be displayed at a time on the display unit, one by one or several It is preferable to display the selected state of the dip switches in units of one by one and to perform the selection pass / fail confirmation process in step S6 in FIG. 3 for each display unit.

  As described above, in the connected hot water system shown in the present embodiment, when the system controller 100 shifts to the test operation mode, the system setting information (model of the hot water heater being connected, system setting, (DIP switch selection status, etc.) confirmation screen is displayed on the display unit in sequence, prompting the confirmation operation each time, so that these omissions can be prevented and system setting errors can be discovered quickly. It is possible to improve workability and maintainability.

B: Confirmation process of each appliance state When the confirmation process such as the above-described system selection is completed, the system controller 100 next proceeds to a confirmation process of each appliance state and the like for inspecting the operation state and the like of each water heater 1 (see FIG. (See 2 step S6). Here, the confirmation process of each appliance state is a set of a plurality of inspection routines for inspecting the state of each part of the water heater, and the specific procedure will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

  The confirmation process of each appliance state is a process of actually operating the water heater 1 to confirm the state of each water heater. When this process is started, the system controller 100 first displays a hot water tap ( A display requesting the opening of the currant is displayed, and the worker opens the hot-water tap (see step S1 in FIG. 4).

  Then, the system controller 100 opens the water solenoid valve 6a (water solenoid valve ON) with respect to the first water heater 1a according to a predetermined order (for example, the order of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 3). Command (see step S2 in FIG. 4), and in this state, it is determined whether or not a detection signal (water detection signal) indicating that water has passed from the water heater 1a is received (see step S3 in FIG. 4). . Here, the water flow detection signal is transmitted from the water heater 1 to the system controller 100 when the hot water flow rate sensor of the water heater 1 detects water flow exceeding a predetermined flow rate (for example, the minimum operating water flow rate). The determination is made based on, for example, whether or not a water flow detection signal has been received within a predetermined time after instructing to open the water electromagnetic valve 6.

  As a result of this determination, if the water flow detection signal from the first water heater 1a is not received, the result of the water flow inspection of the water heater 1a is determined to be “water amount cannot be detected” and stored in the system controller 100 ( 4), the inspection of the first water heater 1a is completed, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. Here, when the result of the water flow inspection indicates that the water amount cannot be detected, the inspection of the first water heater 1a is terminated without performing other inspections to be described later. This is because the hot water supply operation (combustion operation) cannot be performed if there is no passage of water exceeding 1, so that other inspections cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is water flow as a result of the water flow inspection, the system controller 100 checks whether or not the adjustment of the hot water flow rate of the first water heater 1a is normal (the hot water flow rate test) as the next test. ). Specifically, a flow rate setting signal for causing the hot water flow rate from the hot water flow rate control valve to a predetermined set flow rate (preferably, a flow rate exceeding the minimum operating water flow rate) is transmitted to the hot water heater 1a (step S4 in FIG. 4). In this state, a hot water flow rate detection signal is received from the water heater 1a, and it is determined whether there is hot water according to the set flow rate (see step S5 in FIG. 4). Here, the hot water flow rate detection signal is generated by the controller 10 of the hot water heater 1 based on the detection signal of the hot water flow rate sensor of the hot water heater 1 and transmitted to the system controller 100.

  And as a result of this determination, if the hot water flow rate indicated by the hot water flow rate detection signal from the hot water heater 1a is not within the range of the set flow rate (including allowable error), it can be determined that the hot water flow rate control valve is uncontrollable. The inspection result of the hot water supply flow rate inspection of the water heater 1a is determined as “flow rate adjustment impossible” and stored in the system controller 100 (see step S5-1 in FIG. 4).

  By the way, this hot water flow rate inspection shifts to the next combustion inspection regardless of whether the determination result is good or bad. This is because, as long as there is water flow that exceeds the minimum working water flow rate, there will be no hindrance to the implementation of a combustion test or the like, which will be described later, even if the hot water flow rate is not normally controlled.

  When the hot water flow rate inspection is completed in this way, the system controller 100 then starts a burner combustion inspection. At that time, when the set flow rate at the time of the hot water flow rate inspection is set to a flow rate that exceeds the minimum operating water flow rate, the flame detection signal is received from the water heater 1a while maintaining the hot water flow rate as it is. It is determined whether or not the gas is ignited (see step S6 in FIG. 4). In addition, when the set flow rate at the tapping flow rate inspection is below the minimum working water flow rate, a flow rate setting signal is transmitted so that the set flow rate exceeds the minimum working water flow rate, and then the presence or absence of the flame detection signal is determined. (See step S6 in FIG. 4). Here, for the flame detection signal, a flame detection device such as a frame rod is arranged at the flame formation position of the burner, and the detection signal is transmitted from the controller 10 of the water heater 1 to the system controller 100.

  If no flame detection signal is received from the water heater 1a as a result of this determination, the water heater 1a determines that “combustion is not possible” and stores it in the system controller 100 (see step S6-1 in FIG. 4). The inspection of the water heater 1a is finished and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. If the result of the combustion inspection is incombustible, the inspection of the water heater 1a is terminated without performing the hot water temperature inspection described later, because the hot water temperature cannot be adjusted unless the burner is combusted. It is.

  Then, when the combustion inspection is completed, the system controller 100 starts an inspection of the tapping temperature. Specifically, a hot water supply temperature setting signal for instructing the hot water supply at a predetermined set temperature is transmitted to the hot water heater 1a, and in this state, the hot water supply temperature detection signal is received from the hot water heater 1a and the hot water supply set temperature (allowable error) is received. It is determined whether or not the hot water is discharged at (including step S7 in FIG. 4). Here, the hot water temperature detection signal is generated by the controller 10 of the hot water heater 1 based on the detection signal of the hot water temperature sensor of the hot water heater 1 and transmitted to the system controller 100.

  And as a result of this judgment, if the hot water temperature indicated by the hot water temperature detection signal from the water heater 1a is not within the range of the set temperature (including the tolerance), it can be determined that the hot water temperature is uncontrollable. Then, the test result of the hot water temperature inspection of the water heater 1a is determined as "no hot water is allowed" and stored in the system controller 100 (see step S7-1 in FIG. 4), and the inspection of the first water heater 1a is completed. The process proceeds to step S8. Note that the inspection of the hot water heater 1a is terminated when the result of the hot water temperature test is that hot water is not possible because no other test is performed in this embodiment.

  In this way, when all the confirmation of the appliance state with respect to the water heater 1a is completed, the system controller 100 next instructs the water heater 1a to close the water electromagnetic valve 6a and proceeds to step S8 in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmation of the appliance state has been completed for all the water heaters. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG. 4 and the confirmation of the next water heater (for example, No. 2 machine 1b) is started. . And the process of FIG. 4 step S2 to S7 mentioned above about the 2nd water heater 1b is performed, and it transfers to FIG. 4 step S8 again. That is, the confirmation from step S2 of FIG. 4 to step S7 of FIG. 4 is repeatedly performed until the confirmation of the appliance state for all the water heaters 1 is completed.

  And if the confirmation of the appliance state mentioned above with respect to all the water heaters 1 is completed (YES in step S8 in FIG. 4), the failure diagnosis processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

  That is, this failure diagnosis process is performed at the stage where the appliance state confirmation has been completed for all the water heaters as described above. Specifically, first, as shown in step S1 of FIG. 5, the system controller 100 determines whether or not there has been any problem in the previous inspection. This determination is made by detecting the presence or absence of a failure stored in the storage device of the system controller 100 in the above-described inspection process. If there is no failure, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. 5 and there is a problem with all the appliances (all hot water heaters). Judge that there is no. The determination result is displayed on the display unit.

  On the other hand, when any trouble is stored in the storage device, the abnormal state is displayed for each of the water heaters 1a to 1c (see step S3 in FIG. 5).

  Specifically, in the case where the determination that “water quantity cannot be detected” is stored in any of the water heaters 1 as a result of the water flow inspection (see step S4 in FIG. 5), the result is all of the water heaters 1a to 1a. If it is common to 1c, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the water supply channel 2 (for example, the water supply pipe 2 is not connected or the main faucet is closed), as shown in step S4-1 in FIG. Indications such as “water abnormality” and “water supply pipe abnormality” are displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, if any one of the units is determined to be normal (when “water amount detection impossible” is not detected on all units), there is an abnormality in the water heater determined to be “water amount detection impossible” ( For example, it is determined that the branch pipes 4 and 5 are not connected, the water electromagnetic valve 6 is faulty, and the like, and a display such as “apparatus water pipe abnormality” or “water electromagnetic valve abnormality” is displayed as shown in step S4-2 in FIG. Let it be done. In the case of the display in step S4-2 in FIG. 5, a display (for example, “No. 1 machine”) that identifies the water heater that has detected the abnormality is also displayed.

  Further, as a result of the combustion inspection, when the determination that “combustion is impossible” is stored in any of the water heaters 1 (see step S5 in FIG. 5), the “combustion impossible” indicates that all of the water heaters 1a to 1c. If there is an abnormality in the gas supply pipe 7, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gas supply pipe 7 (for example, the gas supply pipe 7 is not connected or the original gas plug is closed), as shown in step S5-1 in FIG. Display such as “abnormal” or “abnormal gas supply pipe” is displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, if any one of the units is determined to be normal (when “non-combustible” is not detected in all units), there is an abnormality in the water heater that is determined to be “non-combustible” (for example, Branch pipe 8 is not connected, the original gas solenoid valve is closed, etc.) and, as shown in step S5-2 of FIG. 5, a display such as "Instrument gas pipe abnormality" or "Original gas solenoid valve abnormality" is displayed. Let it be done.

  As a result of the hot water flow rate inspection, if any of the water heaters 1 stores a determination that “flow rate adjustment is not possible” (see step S6 in FIG. 5), the hot water supply that has been determined to be “flow rate adjustment impossible”. It is determined that there is an abnormality in the vessel (for example, a tapping flow rate adjustment valve failure or the like), and a display such as “instrument failure” is performed as shown in step S6-1 in FIG.

  Further, as a result of the hot water temperature test, when the determination that “no hot water is possible” is stored in any of the hot water heaters 1 (see step S7 in FIG. 5), the “no hot water is available” If it is common to 1c, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gas pressure (original gas pressure) of the fuel gas, and a display such as “poor gas pressure” is displayed on the display unit as shown in step S7-1 in FIG. On the other hand, if any one unit is determined to be normal (when “no hot water discharge” is not detected in all units), there is an abnormality in the water heater that is determined as “no hot water discharge” (for example, It is determined that there is a failure of the gas proportional valve or the capacity switching valve, and a display such as “instrument failure” is displayed as shown in step S6-1 of FIG.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when checking the state of each water heater, the system controller 100 automatically checks the state of each water heater 1 one by one, and any abnormality is detected during the confirmation. 4 is repeated until the confirmation of all the water heaters is completed. After that, the procedure (apparatus status check procedure) shown in FIG. Diagnose abnormalities in each water heater. Therefore, according to the present invention, a worker can make a detailed and accurate diagnosis of the presence or absence of an abnormality in the system and each water heater simply by performing an operation for starting a trial run, and is a connected hot water system excellent in workability and maintainability. Can be provided.

Embodiment 2
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a type of connected hot water supply system having an immediate hot water supply function. In this type of hot water supply system, hot water discharged from the hot water supply passage 3 is supplied to each hot water supply via a circulation pump P as shown in the figure. A circulation path 9 that circulates to one water supply path 2 (specifically, the branch pipe 4) is provided. In addition, a check valve 91 for preventing a back flow of hot water is disposed in an appropriate place in the circulation path 9 and the surrounding piping.

  In the figure, reference numeral K denotes a hot water / water mixing type currant (hot water tap), and the illustrated example shows a case where a plurality of the curans K are provided. In the illustrated example, the case where two pumps Pa and Pb are arranged in parallel as the circulation pump P is shown. However, in the type including a plurality of circulation pumps P, the pump to be driven is periodically arranged. The hot water in the circulation path 9 is forcedly circulated by switching. The switching of driving / stopping of the circulation pumps Pa and Pb is controlled by the system controller 100 through the drive circuits 92a and 92b of the pumps Pa and Pb. Since other configurations are common to the connected hot water supply system shown in the first embodiment, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, next, a trial operation of the connected hot water supply system including the circulation pump P will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The procedure shown in FIG. 7 shows the trial operation procedure of the circulation pump in the immediate hot water system. The trial operation procedure shown in FIG. 7 is executed only when the quick hot water system is selected in the confirmation procedure such as the system selection described above.

  Here, the procedure for starting the trial run, the procedure for confirming the number of connected water heaters 1, the procedure for confirming the system selection, etc., and the procedure for confirming each appliance state are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Therefore, regarding the trial operation procedure of FIG. 7, first, as shown in step S1 of FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not the system select is an immediate hot water system. When the immediate hot water system is selected, the system controller 100 first instructs the drive circuit 92a of the first pump (for example, pump Pa) to start driving the pump (pump ON) (see FIG. 7 step S2), and instructs one of the water heaters 1 (for example, No. 1 machine 1a) to open the water electromagnetic valve 6a (water electromagnetic valve ON) (see step S3 in FIG. 7). In the state, it is determined whether or not a detection signal (water flow detection signal) indicating that water flow from the water heater 1a has been detected is received (see step S4 in FIG. 7).

  As a result, when the water flow detection signal is received from the water heater 1a, it is determined that the first pump Pa is operating normally (see step S5 in FIG. 7), and the result is stored in the system controller 100. The first pump Pa is stopped (pump OFF) (see step S6 in FIG. 7), and the inspection of the first pump Pa is completed.

  On the other hand, if the water flow detection signal is not received from the water heater 1a in step S4 in FIG. 7, the water electromagnetic valve 6a of the water heater 1a is closed and the water electromagnetic valve 6 is opened as shown in step S4-1 in FIG. The water heater 1 to be valved is switched to open the water electromagnetic valve 6b of the second water heater (for example, No. 2 machine 1b), and the determination in step S4 in FIG. 7 is performed. 7 is performed while changing the water heater 1 that opens the water electromagnetic valve 6 until the water flow detection signal from the water heater 1 is received, and the water flow detection signal is received. If it does so, it will determine with the 1st pump Pa being normal at that time (refer FIG. 7 step S5), and will transfer to FIG. 7 step S6.

  In the present embodiment, the system controller 100 counts the number of times of switching each time the hot water heater 1 is switched, and when the count value reaches a predetermined number of times (X times in the illustrated example), this fact is indicated. The system controller 100 is configured to store the first pump Pa (see YES in step S4-2 in FIG. 7). That is, when the water flow detection signal is not obtained even after switching the water heater 1 to some extent, the inspection of the first pump Pa is set to end.

  When the inspection of the first pump Pa is completed, the system controller 100 determines whether or not there is a pump P that has not been inspected (see step S7 in FIG. 7). For example, the process proceeds to the procedure indicated by the symbol B in the figure. On the other hand, if there is an unexamined pump P (in this embodiment, the pump Pb is not inspected), the drive circuit 92b of the next pump (for example, pump Pb) is instructed to start driving the pump (see step S8 in FIG. 7). Then, the second pump Pb is inspected in the same procedure as the first pump Pa (see step S9 in FIG. 7). That is, the water electromagnetic valve 6a is instructed to open to any one of the water heaters 1 (for example, No. 1 machine 1a) (see step S3 in FIG. 7), and in this state, water flow detection from the water heater 1a is detected. It is determined whether or not a signal is received (see step S4 in FIG. 7). At this time, if the water flow detection signal is not obtained, the processes of steps S4-1 and S4-2 in FIG. 7 are performed. When these processes are completed, the second pump Pb is stopped (see step S10 in FIG. 7), and the inspection of the pump Pb is ended.

  When the inspection of the second pump Pb is completed in this way (if there are three or more pumps P, the processing from step S7 onward in FIG. 7 is repeated until there is no unexamined pump P), then the system controller 100 shifts to a failure diagnosis procedure of the circulation pump P (procedure after the symbol B in the figure).

  That is, the system controller 100 determines whether or not each pump P is normal based on the data stored in the trial operation procedure (see step S10 in FIG. 7). Specifically, if all the pumps P are normal, the pump P is determined to be normal (see step S11 in FIG. 7), and otherwise (if any one is not determined to be normal), the pump It determines with it being abnormal (refer FIG. 7 step S10-1), and displays the result on a display part in any case.

  If it is determined in step S11 in FIG. 7 that the pump P is normal, the data stored in the system controller 100 indicates whether or not the water heater 1 that opens the water electromagnetic valve 6 is switched during the determination. Based on the determination (see step S12 in FIG. 7), if the hot water heater 1 is not switched, the failure diagnosis procedure for the pump P is terminated. On the other hand, when the hot water heater 1 has been switched, the water electromagnetic valve is switched for the hot water heater 1 that has been switched (in other words, a water passage detection signal was not obtained even when the water electromagnetic valve 6 was opened). 6 (see step S13 in FIG. 7), and a message to that effect is displayed.

  As described above, in the connected hot water supply system shown in the second embodiment, in addition to the trial operation of each water heater 1 in the first embodiment described above, the circulation pump P is driven to start the operation from the water heater in the trial operation of the system. Since the inspection process of inspecting the circulation pump P based on the water flow detection signal is provided, the operation of the circulation pump P can be confirmed along with the operation confirmation of each water heater 1 during the trial operation. Can be reliably performed, and labor and time required for the test run can be reduced. Further, when a plurality of circulation pumps P are provided, since each circulation pump P is automatically inspected, there is no inspection omission and the circulation pump P can be tested in a short time.

  Note that the above-described embodiments merely show preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various design changes can be made within the scope thereof.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, as the confirmation process procedure of each appliance state shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the case where each inspection is performed by opening the water electromagnetic valve 6 of the water heater 1 one by one is shown. For example, if a sufficient amount of water can be discharged from the water tap by opening a plurality of hot water taps at the same time, the water electromagnetic valves 6 of a group of a plurality of (for example, two or three) water heaters 1 are simultaneously turned on. It is also possible to open the valve so that each group of water heaters 1 is inspected collectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the water electromagnetic valve 6 that allows water to the hot water heater 1 and makes the water heater 1 in the standby state is provided in the branch pipe 5 on the outlet side is shown. 6 can also be configured to be provided in the branch pipe 4 on the water supply side. Further, the water electromagnetic valve 6 may be provided inside or outside the water heater 1 as long as the opening / closing control can be performed from the system controller 100.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where all the water heaters 1 are centrally controlled by one system controller 100 is shown. However, when there are a large number of water heaters 1 to be connected, the system controller 100 is hierarchized. It is also possible to arrange them. That is, it is possible to arrange a plurality of system controllers 100 in a hierarchical manner so that the lower system controller is centrally controlled by the upper system controller 100 in the system configuration. In that case, a command to the water heater 1 related to the various processes described above is given from the highest system controller 100 to the water heater 1 through the lower system controller 100, and various detection signals from the water heater 1 are sent to the lower system. The controller 100 is configured to be given to the highest system controller 100.

  Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, although the detected value of the hot water temperature sensor with which each water heater 1 is equipped, and the hot water flow rate sensor showed the structure which transmits to the system controller 100 from the controller 10 as a hot water temperature detection signal or a hot water flow rate detection signal, For example, it is possible to provide a sensor for measuring the temperature of the hot water and the flow rate of the hot water at a predetermined position of the hot water supply pipe, and to directly take the detected value of the sensor into the system controller 100 as a hot water temperature detection signal and a hot water flow rate detection signal. is there. In short, if the system controller 100 is configured to output a control signal that causes the water heater 1 to execute a predetermined operation, and an operation detection signal is given to the system controller 100 from the water heater 1 side. The arrangement position of each sensor can be changed as appropriate.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the connection hot water supply system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the procedure of the test run in the same connected hot-water supply system. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of confirmation processing such as system selection illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the confirmation process of each appliance state shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure (failure diagnosis processing procedure) after symbol A in the flowchart of FIG. 4. It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the connection hot water supply system provided with the immediate hot water supply function. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the trial run procedure of a circulation pump.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water heater 2 Water supply pipe 3 Hot water pipe 4 Water supply side branch pipe 5 Hot water side branch pipe 6 Water solenoid valve 7 Gas supply pipe 10 Water heater controller 100 System controller (central control controller)
K Karan (Hot water tap)
P Circulation pump RC remote controller

Claims (8)

A plurality of water heaters connected in parallel, a circulation path for circulating hot water from the outlet of each water heater to the water supply path of each water heater, a plurality of circulation pumps arranged in parallel to the circulation path, In a connected hot water supply system comprising a centralized controller for centrally controlling the plurality of water heaters and controlling driving / stopping of the circulation pump,
The centralized controller is
A test routine for outputting a control signal for causing the water heater to execute a predetermined operation and receiving an operation detection signal from the water heater for the control signal to determine whether or not the predetermined operation has been normally executed. The test routine is sequentially executed for one or a group of water heaters in the test operation mode, and the plurality of inspection routines for the next water heater or the next group of water heaters after the completion of the test routine. A first inspection step for sequentially executing the inspection routines and executing the plurality of inspection routines for all the water heaters by repeating these procedures;
For each of the circulation pumps, one circulation pump is driven , one of the water heaters is instructed to open a water electromagnetic valve, and a water flow detection signal is output from the one water heater. A determination step for determining whether or not the one circulation pump is operating normally based on whether or not it is received, and if a water flow detection signal is not received in this determination step, other water heaters that open the water electromagnetic valve And a second inspection step of performing the determination step by switching to a hot water heater. The centralized controller counts the number of times of switching of the water heater in the determination step when executing the second inspection step, and when the count value reaches a predetermined number, the water flow detection signal is not received. However, the connected hot water supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a control configuration for terminating the inspection of the one circulation pump. As the inspection routine, at least a routine for outputting a control signal for instructing the water heater to open the water electromagnetic valve and inspecting the water flow of the water heater by a water flow detection signal from the water heater, and at a predetermined set temperature A connected hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a routine for outputting a control signal instructing the hot water supply and inspecting the hot water temperature by a hot water temperature detection signal from the hot water heater. The said inspection routine has a routine which outputs the control signal which instruct | indicates a predetermined setting flow rate to a water heater, and test | inspects the hot water flow rate of a hot water heater with the hot water flow rate detection signal from a water heater. The linked hot water system described. In the connected hot water system in which the water heater generates hot water by the combustion heat of the burner,
The inspection routine includes a routine for outputting a control signal indicating a set flow rate exceeding a minimum operating water flow rate to the water heater and inspecting burner combustion in the water heater by a flame detection signal from the water heater. The connected hot water supply system according to claim 3 or 4. The central control controller includes display means for displaying at least one of information acquired through communication with the water heater and setting information of the central controller itself, and information for specifying a model of the water heater in the trial operation mode and / or 6. The connected hot water supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a system inspection step of displaying system setting information on the display means to inspect the compatibility of the system. The connected hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the centralized controller includes an abnormality cause determination unit that determines an abnormality cause based on an inspection result of each inspection. The connected hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the central control controller or a remote controller thereof is provided with operation means for shifting an operation mode of the central control controller to a test operation mode.

Images