JP5247511B2 - Hot water storage water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water heater capable of supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank to a hot water supply to a bathtub and a heat source in a reheating heat exchanger for reheating the bath water in the bathtub.

  Hot water boiled by the heat source machine is temporarily stored in a hot water storage tank, and when the user opens the hot water tap provided at the end of the hot water supply pipe connected to the hot water storage tank, the hot water in the hot water storage tank remains as it is or water In the hot water storage water heater that is configured to be discharged in the hot water, a reheating function that replenishes the bath water in the bathtub is added by a reheating heat exchanger that uses the hot water in the hot water storage tank as a heat source. Has also been developed.

  When adding the above-described replenishment function to the water heater, for example, a tank-side circulation pipe that takes hot water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank and returns it to the lower part of the hot water storage tank, and returns the bath water taken from the bathtub to the bathtub. A bath-side circulation line and the above-described heat exchanger for reheating are added to the water heater. The reheating heat exchanger performs heat exchange between hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation path and bath water flowing through the bath-side circulation pipe to heat the bath water.

  In such a hot water storage type water heater, dirt such as sebum and keratin washed away from the human body in the bath water circulates in the circulation line on the bath side and is unavoidable in the inner surface of the circulation line and in the heat exchanger for reheating. Adheres. If the above-mentioned dirt accumulates to some extent, the dirt recirculates to the bathtub during the chasing operation and stains the bathtub and bath water, or reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the chasing heat exchanger. For this reason, it is recommended that the bath-side circulation line and the reheating heat exchanger be cleaned by piping that adheres to the inside and forcibly removes accumulated dirt.

  Although applied to a water heater using a heat retaining heater instead of the above heat exchanger for reheating, in the water heater cleaning device described in Patent Document 1, the bath water is circulated by circulating the bath water. A circulation pipe that is heated by a heat retaining heater is provided, and water is passed through the circulation pipe when the bath water is drained to wash away dirt in the circulation pipe.

  However, it is difficult to sufficiently remove the dirt in the circulation pipe only by washing with water. The same can be said for the removal of dirt in the above-mentioned bath-side circulation line and the heat exchanger for reheating. Many users purchase a commercially available foaming cleaning agent, and voluntarily perform piping cleaning using this cleaning agent.

Japanese Patent No. 3821926

  However, forced cleaning with an effervescent cleaning agent is relatively infrequent, about once every six months, and since the dirt to be cleaned is invisible, there are many cases where forced cleaning is forgotten. For this reason, in conventional hot water storage hot water heaters, the heat exchange efficiency of the reheating heat exchanger is unknowingly reduced, or dirt adhered to the inside of the bath-side circulation line or reheating heat exchanger. It causes an increase in the contamination of the bath water caused by. According to market research, there is a demand for a mechanism that can keep pipes clean by simple operations, from the viewpoint of reducing workload.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a hot water storage type hot water heater that can easily keep the inside of the bath-side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger clean.

  The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention supplies hot water stored in a hot water storage tank to the bathtub, and when the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub drops, the tank side circulation connected to the hot water storage tank and the reheating heat exchanger The hot water in the hot water storage tank flows through the pipe, and the bath water flows through the bath-side circulation pipe connected to the bathtub and the heat exchanger for reheating, and the hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation pipe and the bath-side circulation pipe This is a hot water storage type hot water supply machine that can exchange heat with the bath water flowing through the bath using a heat exchanger for chasing, and circulates the bath water in the bathtub through the bath-side circulation line. To the bath-side water supply pump, the micro-bubble generator for circulation that generates micro-bubbles in the bath water in the bath-side circulation pipe upstream from the heat exchanger for reheating in the bath-side circulation pipe, and the hot water storage tank The stored hot water is guided to the hot water mixing valve, mixed with water using the hot water mixing valve, and poured into the bath-side circulation pipe. A hot water supply pipe for the bath, a water injection solenoid valve for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe on the downstream side of the hot water mixing valve in the hot water supply pipe for the bath, and a downstream of the water injection electromagnetic valve in the hot water supply pipe for the bath Control the operation of the water injection microbubble generating device for generating microbubbles in the hot water in the bath hot water supply line, the bath water pump and the circulation microbubble generating device, and When the bath water is flowing, the microbubble generator for circulation can intermittently perform the microbubble generation operation, and the operation of the water injection solenoid valve and water injection microbubble generator is controlled to provide hot water for bath It has a washing control part which can make a microbubble generating device for pouring water intermittently perform operation of microbubbles when hot water flows from a pipe line to a bath side circulation pipe.

  In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention, each of the microbubble generator for circulation and the microbubble generator for water injection is intermittently operated to generate microbubbles in the hot water in the pipeline. Therefore, the cleaning effect by the microbubbles can be enhanced as compared with the case where the microbubble generation operation is continuously performed. It is also easy to configure the bath-side circulation line or bath hot water supply line with the above-mentioned micro bubbles to be automatically performed, or to facilitate cleaning. It is. Therefore, according to the hot water storage type water heater of the present invention, it becomes easy to keep the inside of the bath side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger clean.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device and the components connected to the control device in the hot-water storage type water heater shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view showing the circulating microbubble generator and its peripheral components in the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure during the circulation cleaning operation in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the transition of the form of the microbubbles when the microbubble generating apparatus for circulation is continuously subjected to the microbubble generating operation. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing transition of the form of microbubbles when the microbubble generator for circulation is intermittently performed with the microbubble generating operation. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of the hot water storage type hot water heater of the present invention having a water injection microbubble generator. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the water injection micro-bubble generating device and its surrounding components in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure at the time of a water injection cleaning operation in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a combination of a circulating microbubble generator and a irrigating microbubble generator in the hot water storage type water heater of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure during the circulation cleaning operation and the water injection cleaning operation in the hot water storage type water heater shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 shows an example of a control procedure at the time of the circulation cleaning operation in the hot water storage type water heater of the present invention which is configured to start the circulation cleaning operation when a circulation cleaning start command is input from the remote controller. FIG. FIG. 13: is an example of the control procedure at the time of the water injection washing | cleaning operation in the hot water storage type water heater of this invention which was comprised so that a water injection washing operation might be started when the water injection washing start command was input from the remote controller. FIG. FIG. 14 shows a hot water storage type hot water heater according to the present invention in which a circulation cleaning operation and a water injection cleaning operation are continuously performed when a cleaning start command is input from a remote controller. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the control procedure.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a hot water storage type water heater of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention. The hot water storage type water heater 150A shown in the figure is capable of boiling water into hot water and supplying hot water to the bathtub 170, and replenishing the bath water 170a when the temperature of the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 drops. The hot water storage type hot water heater 150 </ b> A includes a heat pump unit 10, a tank unit 120, and a remote controller 130. Hereinafter, each component of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A will be described.

The heat pump unit 10 includes a compressor 1 that compresses refrigerant, a hot water storage heat exchanger 2 that corresponds to a radiator, an expansion valve 3, an evaporator 4, and a circulation pipe 5 that connects these in an annular shape. It has the refrigeration cycle part 7 comprised and functions as a heat source machine. In the refrigeration cycle section 7, a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide is compressed by the compressor 1 to become a high temperature and a high pressure, and then radiates heat by the hot water storage heat exchanger 2, depressurizes by the expansion valve 3, and absorbs heat by the evaporator 4. It becomes a gas state and is sucked into the compressor 1. When carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, it is preferable to operate on the high pressure side under conditions that exceed the critical pressure of the carbon dioxide. The refrigeration cycle unit 7 is housed in the unit case UC _1.

  On the other hand, the tank unit 120 includes a hot water storage tank 20, a water supply line 30, a hot water circulation line 40, a tank side circulation line 50, a bath side circulation line 60, a reheating heat exchanger 70, and a first hot water supply line. 75, a bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80 a, a general hot-water / water mixing valve 80 b, a second hot-water supply pipe 90, a third hot-water supply pipe 95, and a control device 110.

  The hot water storage tank 20 is a stacked hot water storage tank that stores water supplied from the water supply pipe 30 and stores hot water boiled by the heat pump unit 10. Below the hot water storage tank 20, a water inlet 20a to which the water supply pipe 30 is connected and a water outlet 20b to which the forward pipe 40a of the hot water circulation pipe 40 is connected are provided. In the upper part of the tank 20, a hot water inlet 20c to which the return pipe 40b of the hot water storage circulation line 40 is connected and a hot water outlet 20d to which the first hot water supply line 75 is connected are provided. The hot water storage tank 20 is always kept in a full state by supplying water from the water supply pipe 30.

  Although not shown, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank 20 into the tank-side circulation pipe 50 and the first hot water supply pipe 75 is attached to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20. Yes. A plurality of temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 are attached to the peripheral surface portion of the hot water storage tank 20 with different mounting heights.

  The water supply line 30 is a line for supplying water such as city water to the hot water storage tank 20, the bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80 a, the general hot water / water mixing valve 80 b, and the general hot water supply destination 180. It has 3rd water supply pipe parts 30a-30c. The pressure reducing valve 25 is provided in the middle of the first water supply pipe section 30a, and reduces the water pressure from a water source (not shown) such as a water supply to a predetermined value. The 1st water supply pipe part 30a connects the water source and the water inlet 20a of the hot water storage tank 20, and the 2nd water supply pipe part 30b branches from the 1st water supply pipe part 30a with the pressure-reduction valve 25, and this 1st water supply pipe part 30a is connected to the bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a and the general-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80b, and the third water supply pipe 30c is branched from the first water supply pipe 30a upstream of the pressure reducing valve 25. 30a and general hot water supply destination 180 are connected. Although not shown, the second water supply pipe portion 30b is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the second water supply pipe portion 30b.

  Note that the “general hot water supply destination” in this specification means a hot water supply destination that is opened by a user's direct operation by hand (including a case where the sensor is opened in response to a sensor). In the illustrated example, one hot water tap is shown as an example of the general hot water supply destination 180. The direction of water flow in the water supply line 30 is indicated by solid arrows in FIG.

  The hot water storage circulation line 40 is a pipe that reaches from the water outlet 20b at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20 to the hot water inlet 20c at the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 via the hot water heat exchanger 2 in the heat pump unit 10. It has a forward pipe 40a provided with a water supply pump 33 and an electric three-way valve 35, a return pipe 40b, and a bypass pipe 40c branched from the forward pipe 40a by the three-way valve 35. The forward pipe 40a connects the water outlet 20b and the hot water storage heat exchanger 2, the return pipe 40b connects the hot water heat exchanger 2 and the hot water inlet 20c, and the bypass pipe 40c connects the three-way valve 35 and the return pipe. Connect 40b.

  In the initial stage of the boiling operation in which the water in the hot water storage tank 20 is boiled into hot water by the heat pump unit 10, the boiling temperature of the hot water by the heat pump unit 10 is low, so that hot water of sufficient temperature can be boiled up. The inflow path on the hot water storage tank 20 side at the three-way valve 35 is closed. Although not shown, the forward pipe 40a is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water in the forward pipe 40a.

  The tank-side circulation pipe 50 is a pipe that reaches the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20 from the hot water outlet 20d at the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 via the reheating heat exchanger 70. The forward pipe 50a and the tank side water supply pump 45 And a return pipe 50b. The forward pipe 50a connects the hot water outlet 20d and the hot water inlet 70a above the reheating heat exchanger 70, and the return pipe 50b connects the hot water outlet 70b below the reheating heat exchanger 70 and the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20. Connect.

  The bath-side circulation pipe 60 is a pipe that returns from the bathtub 170 to the bathtub 170 via the reheating heat exchanger 70, and includes an outward pipe 60a and a return pipe 60b. The forward pipe 60 a connects the bathtub 170 and the bath water introduction port 70 c below the reheating heat exchanger 70, and the return pipe 60 b connects the bath water outlet 70 d above the reheating heat exchanger 70 and the bathtub 170. From the reheating heat exchanger 70 side to the upstream side (tub 170 side), the circulating microbubble generator 51, the flow switch 53, the water level sensor 55, and the bath-side water supply pump 57 are connected to the outgoing pipe 60a. In order. Although not shown, the forward pipe 60a is also provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water in the forward pipe 60a.

  The circulating microbubble generator 51 is for generating microbubbles in the bath water 170a flowing through the forward pipe 60a, and is configured using, for example, an ejector. The flow switch 53 detects the presence or absence of water flow in the forward pipe 60a, and the water level sensor 55 determines the water level of the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 from the water pressure in the forward pipe 60a with reference to the mounting position of the water level sensor 55. The bath-side water pump 57 circulates the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 through the bath-side circulation line 60. The temperature sensor (not shown) detects the temperature of the bath water 170a in the forward pipe 60a. A bathtub adapter 165 is attached in the bathtub 170, and each of the forward pipe 60a and the return pipe 60b is connected to the bathtub adapter 165.

  The reheating heat exchanger 70 heats the bath water 170a by exchanging heat between the hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation conduit 50 and the bath water 170a flowing through the bath-side circulation conduit 60. For example, a plate-type water-water heat exchanger in which a plurality of heat transfer plates are stacked is used as the reheating heat exchanger 70. In the plate-type reheating heat exchanger 70, the upper part is hotter than the lower part, so that it is easy to increase the amount of heat exchange and lower the temperature of hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 20. For this reason, by using a plate-type heat exchanger having a high heat exchange capability as the reheating heat exchanger 70, even when a reheating operation is performed in a state where a considerable amount of heat is accumulated in the hot water storage tank 20. It becomes easy to keep the water stored in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20 at a low temperature.

  The first hot water supply pipe 75 is a pipe branched at the hot water side, the hot water side is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20, one flow path at the bifurcated hot water side is connected to the bath side hot water / water mixing valve 80a, and the other. Are connected to the general hot water mixing valve 80b, respectively, to guide the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 to the bath side hot water mixing valve 80a and the general side hot water mixing valve 80b. In the illustrated example, a region of the hot water storage tank 20 side in the first hot water supply pipe 75 also serves as a region of the hot water storage tank 20 side in the forward pipe 50 a of the tank side circulation conduit 50.

  The bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a is an electric valve, and the opening degree is controlled by the control device 110 so that water supplied from the second water supply pipe section 30b and hot water supplied from the first hot water supply pipe line 75 are supplied. Mix under a predetermined mixing ratio. Similarly, the general-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80b is also an electric valve, the opening degree of which is controlled by the control device 110, and water supplied from the second water supply pipe section 30b and the first hot water supply pipe line 75. Hot water is mixed under a predetermined mixing ratio. The bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a and the general-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80b only need to be capable of controlling the opening degree separately from each other by the control device 110, and the structure thereof is appropriately selected, such as an integral type or an independent type. Is possible.

  The second hot water supply pipe 90 is a pipe constituting the hot water supply pipe BL for bath together with the first hot water supply pipe 75 described above, and the forward pipe 60a in the bath side hot water mixing valve 80a and the bath side circulation pipe 60, And hot water adjusted to a predetermined temperature by the bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a is poured into the bath-side circulation pipe 60. The second hot water supply pipe 90 is provided with a water injection electromagnetic valve 83 and a flow rate sensor 85 in this order from the bath side hot water / mixing valve 80a side toward the bath side circulation pipe 60 side. Although not shown, the second hot water supply pipe 90 is also provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the second hot water supply pipe 90.

  The water injection solenoid valve 83 is opened and closed under the control of the control device 110 to adjust the flow rate of hot water in the second hot water supply line 90, and the flow rate sensor 85 detects the flow rate of hot water in the second hot water supply line 90. To do. In the illustrated example, the second hot water supply line 90 joins the forward pipe 60a in a section between the circulating microbubble generator 51 and the flow switch 53 in the forward pipe 60a.

  The third hot water supply pipe 95 is a pipe that connects the general hot water mixing valve 80b and the general hot water supply destination 180, and the third hot water supply pipe 95 is provided with a flow rate sensor and a temperature sensor that are not shown. Yes. The flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of hot water in the third hot water supply pipe 95, and the temperature sensor detects the temperature of hot water in the third hot water supply pipe 95.

  The control device 110 includes a heat pump unit 10, a hot water supply water pump 33, a three-way valve 35, a tank side water supply pump 45, a circulation microbubble generator 51, a bath side water supply pump 57, a bath side hot water mixing valve 80a, and a general side hot water mixing. Connected to the valve 80b and the water injection electromagnetic valve 83, these operations are controlled. Specifically, information such as a boiling start time, a boiling temperature, a hot water temperature, an amount of hot water, a reheating temperature, and a hot water temperature input by the user from the remote controller 130 that functions as an input device of the control device 110. Commands such as a hot water filling operation start command, a chasing operation start command, etc., temperature sensors (not shown) provided in the hot water storage tank 20 and the respective pipelines 30, 40, 60, 90, 95, a flow switch 53, Based on the detection results of the water level sensor 55, the flow rate sensor 85, etc., the operation of each of the above components is controlled.

Of the above-described components constituting the tank unit 120, the remaining components excluding the water supply pipeline 30, the hot water storage circulation pipeline 40, the bath-side circulation pipeline 60, and the third hot water supply pipeline 95 are unit units. It is housed in a case UC _2. A part of each of the water supply pipe 30, the hot water storage circulation pipe 40, the bath-side circulation pipe 60, and the third hot water supply pipe 95 extends to the outside of the unit case UC ₂ .

  The remote controller 130 includes an operation unit 123 for inputting the above information and commands, and a display unit 125 for displaying the information, commands and the like input from the operation unit 123. Etc., and wired or wirelessly connected to the control device 110.

  In the hot water storage type water heater 150A including the above-described components, for example, when the boiling start time input by the user from the remote controller 130 is reached, the heat pump unit 10 and the hot water storage water supply pump 33 are activated under the control of the control device 110. Then, the boiling operation is started, and is continued until it is determined from the detection result of a temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the hot water storage tank 20 that a predetermined amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 20. During this time, low-temperature water flows from the water outlet 20b at the bottom of the hot water tank 20 into the hot water circulation pipe 40, is heated to hot water by the heat pump unit 10, and is returned to the hot water tank 20 from the hot water inlet 20c at the top of the hot water tank 20. It is.

  However, since the boiling temperature of the hot water by the heat pump unit 10 is low in the initial stage of the boiling operation, as already described in the explanation of the hot water circulation pipe 40, the hot water tank 20 side of the three-way valve 35 is provided. The inflow path is closed. As a result, in the initial stage of the boiling operation, the section upstream of the three-way valve 35 in the forward pipe 40a, the upstream of the junction of the hot water storage heat exchanger 2 and the bypass pipe 40c in the return pipe 40b. Hot water circulates in the circulation path constituted by the section on the side and the bypass pipe 40c.

  When the user opens the hot-water tap 160, the flow of water caused by opening the hot-water tap 160 is detected by, for example, a flow sensor (not shown) provided in the third hot-water supply line 95, and the hot-water supply operation is started. . In this hot water supply operation, under the control of the control device 110, the valve opening on the first hot water supply pipe 75 side and the valve opening on the second water supply pipe part 30b side in the general hot water mixing valve 80b are adjusted to be predetermined. The hot water adjusted to the hot water temperature of the hot water is discharged from the hot water tap 160.

  Further, when the user inputs a hot water operation start command from the remote controller 130, the hot water operation is started. In this hot water filling operation, the valve opening degree on the first hot water supply pipe line 75 side and the valve opening degree on the second water supply pipe part 30b side in the bath side hot water mixing valve 80a are adjusted under the control of the control device 110. The water injection solenoid valve 83 is opened, and the hot water adjusted to a predetermined hot water filling temperature by the bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a flows through the second hot water supply pipe 90 and flows into the bath-side circulation pipe 60, and the bath-side circulation. It flows through the forward pipe 60 a and the return pipe 60 b of the pipe line 60 and flows into the bathtub 170. The amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 170 is adjusted by the control device 110 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 55 and the detection result of the flow sensor 85, and reaches the amount of hot water supplied by the user from the remote controller 130 in advance. Then, under the control of the control device 110, the water injection electromagnetic valve 83 is closed and the hot water filling operation is finished. The flow direction of hot water from the bath-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80a to the bathtub 170 is indicated by a broken arrow in FIG.

  When the user inputs a chasing operation start command from the remote controller 130, the tank-side water pump 45 and the bath-side water pump 57 are activated under the control of the control device 110, and chasing operation is started. Hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 20 flows into the forward pipe 50a of the tank side circulation pipe 50, while the bathtub 170a in the bathtub 170 flows into the forward pipe 60a of the bath side circulation pipe 60, and the tank side circulation pipe. Heat is exchanged between the hot water flowing through the passage 50 and the bath water 170a flowing through the bath-side circulation pipe 60 by the reheating heat exchanger 70 to heat the bath water 170a, and the heated bath water 170a is heated. It returns to the bathtub 170 from the return pipe 60b of the bath-side circulation pipeline 60. This chasing operation is continued, for example, until it is determined from the detection result of a temperature sensor (not shown) disposed in the forward pipe 60a that the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 is heated to a predetermined temperature. The flow direction of the bath water 170a in the bath-side circulation pipe 60 is indicated by a dashed line arrow in FIG.

  When the user unplugs the bathtub 170 (not shown) and the water level of the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 detected by the water level sensor 55 falls below a predetermined cleaning start water level, the circulating cleaning operation is started. The Under the control of the control device 110, the bath-side water pump 55 and the circulation microbubble generator 51 are sequentially activated, and the bath water 170a circulates through the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the circulation microbubble generator 51 Microbubbles are generated in the bath water 170a in the outgoing pipe 60a, and the bath-side circulation pipe 60 is circulated and washed. When the predetermined circulating cleaning time has elapsed, or when the water level of the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 becomes lower than the connection point between the bathtub adapter 165 and the forward pipe 60a, the circulating cleaning operation ends.

  Since the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A that performs each operation described above is characterized by the cleaning mode of the bath-side circulation pipe 60, the cleaning mode will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control device and the components connected to the control device in the hot-water storage type water heater shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the control device 110 includes a transmission / reception processing unit 101, a control unit 103, and a storage unit 105. The control unit 103 includes a boiling control unit 103a, a hot water supply control unit 103b, and a hot water control unit 103c. The chasing control unit 103d and the cleaning control unit 103e are included. 2 that are already described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 and description thereof is omitted.

  The transmission / reception processing unit 101 includes a process related to transmission of a command to the heat pump unit 10 (see FIG. 1), a process related to reception and distribution of a command and information from the remote controller 130 (see FIG. 1), and a remote controller 130. Processing related to transmission of information (for example, driving status) to the user is performed.

  The boiling control unit 103a constituting the control unit 103 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 10, the hot water storage water supply pump 33, and the three-way valve 35 during the above-described boiling operation, and the hot water supply control unit 103b is configured as described above. During operation, the operation of the general-side hot / cold water mixing valve 80b is controlled. In addition, the hot water filling control unit 103c controls the operation of the water injection solenoid valve 83 using the detection results of the water level sensor 55 and the flow rate sensor 85 while controlling the operation of the bath side hot water mixing valve 80a during the hot water filling operation described above. The chasing control unit 103d controls the operations of the tank-side water pump 45 and the bath-side water pump 57 during the chasing operation described above. And the washing | cleaning control part 103e controls operation | movement of the microbubble generator 51 for a circulation and the bath side water supply pump 57 at the time of the above-mentioned circulation washing operation using the detection result of the flow switch 53 and the water level sensor 55. FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view showing the circulating microbubble generator and its peripheral components in the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a circulating microbubble generator 51 includes an ejector portion 51a attached to an outgoing tube 60a of a bath-side circulation conduit 60, and a gas introduction tube serving as an air inflow passage to the ejector portion 51a. 51b, a check valve 51c provided on the side of the ejector portion 51a in the gas introduction pipe 51b to prevent the inflow of bath water 170a (see FIG. 1) from the forward pipe 60a, and a gas introduction port in the gas introduction pipe 51b And an ejector electromagnetic valve 51d that opens and closes the gas introduction pipe 51b.

  The circulation microbubble generator 51 is controlled in operation by the cleaning controller 103e (see FIG. 2) of the controller 110 opening and closing the ejector solenoid valve 51d. When the electromagnetic valve 51d for ejector is opened, the microbubble generator 51 for circulation performs a microbubble generating operation, and when the valve is closed, the microbubble generating operation of the microbubble generator 51 for circulation stops. The cleaning controller 103e intermittently opens and closes the ejector solenoid valve 51d during the circulating cleaning operation to cause the circulating microbubble generator 51 to intermittently perform the microbubble generation operation, so that the bath water in the forward pipe 60a is discharged. Microbubbles are generated in 170a. 3 that are already described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure during the circulation cleaning operation in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, the control device 110 (see FIG. 1) of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A performs steps S1 to S8 to control the circulation cleaning operation.

  Step S1 that is first performed is a step that is intermittently performed after the hot water filling operation is completed. In step S1, the cleaning control unit 103e (see FIG. 2) performs the bath 170 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 55. The current water level of the bath water 170a (see FIG. 1) is determined, and the determination result is stored in the storage unit 105 (see FIG. 2).

Next, in step S2, which is performed, the cleaning control unit 103e determines whether or not the current water level of the bath water 170a determined in step S1 has decreased below the cleaning operation start water level at which the circulating cleaning operation should be started. The above-described cleaning operation start water level is determined by the manufacturer of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A (see FIG. 1) in consideration of, for example, the structure and depth of the bathtub 170, and the data is stored in the storage unit 105 (FIG. 2) of the control device 100. Stored in advance). Alternatively, based on the water level of the bath water 170a at the end of the hot water filling operation, the washing control unit 103e calculates, for example, the following formula (i): the washing operation start water level = (water level at the end of the hot water filling operation) −10 [cm] (I)
Is obtained and set, and the data is stored in the storage unit 105.

  When it is determined in step S2 that the current water level of the bath water 170a is not less than or equal to the cleaning operation start water level, the process returns to step S1 to repeat step S1 and subsequent steps, and the current water level of the bath water 170a is less than or equal to the cleaning operation start water level. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S3. For example, when the user pulls out the stopper of the bathtub 170, the water level of the bath water 170a gradually decreases and eventually becomes equal to or lower than the cleaning operation start water level, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the cleaning control unit 103e activates the bath-side water pump 57 (see FIG. 1). By the activation of the bath-side water supply pump 57, the bath water 170a in the bathtub 170 is connected to the forward pipe 60a of the bath-side circulation pipe 60, the reheating heat exchanger 70, the return pipe 60b (see FIG. 1), and the bathtub 170. It starts to circulate in order.

  Next, in step S4 to be performed, the cleaning control unit 103e activates the circulation microbubble generator 51 (see FIG. 1), and intermittently performs the microbubble generation operation. In addition, the cleaning control unit 103e starts measuring the elapsed time from the first ON signal (open signal) to the ejector solenoid valve 51d (see FIG. 1).

  Since the circulation of the bath water 170a to the bath-side circulation pipe 60 has already started when the microbubble generator 51 for circulation in the step S4 is started, the inside of the forward pipe 60a has a negative pressure. Therefore, when the ejector solenoid valve 51d is opened, air is sucked into the gas introduction pipe 51b and supplied to the ejector portion 51a, and microbubbles are formed in the bath water 170a by the ejector portion 51a. . Further, when the ejector electromagnetic valve 51d is closed, the inflow of air into the gas introduction pipe 51b is stopped, and the formation of micro bubbles is also stopped by the ejector portion 51a. Therefore, by controlling the opening and closing of the ejector solenoid valve 51d, the microbubble generator 51 for circulation can be intermittently operated.

  For example, after repeating the control that the electromagnetic valve 51d for ejector (see FIG. 3) is opened for 5 seconds and then closed for 5 seconds with respect to the microbubble generator 51 for circulation, or after the valve is opened for 1 second. The control of closing the valve for 1 second is repeatedly performed to generate micro bubbles in the bath water 170a in the forward pipe 60a. Thereby, the circulation washing in the bath side circulation line 60 and the reheating heat exchanger 70 by the fine bubbles is performed.

  Note that one microbubble generation operation time in the circulation microbubble generator 51 and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation can be selected as appropriate. The micro bubble generation operation time may be the same as the operation interval of the micro bubble generation operation, or the micro bubble generation operation time may be longer than the operation interval of the micro bubble generation operation. The order of execution of step S4 and step S3 described above can be interchanged.

  In step S5, the cleaning control unit 103e determines whether or not a predetermined circulation cleaning time has elapsed since the first generation of microbubbles in the circulating microbubble generator 51. The circulation cleaning time is set to a time such as 60 seconds according to the length of the bath-side circulation pipeline 60 by the manufacturer of the hot-water storage type hot water heater 150A, and the data is stored in the storage unit 105 in advance. The The cleaning control unit 103e performs step S5 using the data of the circulating cleaning time stored in the storage unit 105 and the time measurement result started in step S4.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the circulating cleaning time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6, and the cleaning control unit 103e determines whether or not the bath water 170a that can be circulated remains in the bathtub 170. to decide. The cleaning control unit 103e makes the determination based on, for example, whether or not a water flow is detected by the flow switch 53 (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 4, the fact that the bath water 170a that can be circulated and washed is not left in the bathtub 170 is described as “no bath water”.

  When it is determined in step S6 that the amount of the bath water 170a that can be circulated and washed remains in the bathtub 170, the process returns to step S5 and the steps S5 and after are repeated. When it is determined that it does not remain in the bathtub 170, the process proceeds to step S7. Also, when it is determined in step S5 described above that the circulation cleaning time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, the cleaning control unit 103e stops the circulation microbubble generator 51. Specifically, the ejector electromagnetic valve 51d is closed. In step S8 performed thereafter, the cleaning control unit 103e stops the bath-side water pump 57. By performing up to step S8, the circulation cleaning operation of the bath-side circulation pipeline 60 is completed. Note that step S7 and step S8 can be switched in order of implementation.

  In the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A that performs the circulation cleaning operation as described above, the microbubble generator 51 for the circulation is intermittently operated to generate microbubbles in the bath water 170a in the bath-side circulation pipe 60. When bubbles are generated and the inside of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the heat exchanger 70 for replenishment are washed with the microbubbles, the microbubble generator 51 for circulation continuously performs the microbubble generation operation. Compared to the above, the cleaning effect by the fine bubbles can be enhanced. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the improvement of the cleaning effect by intermittently performing the microbubble generation operation will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the transition of the form of microbubbles when the microbubble generating device for circulation is continuously performed, and FIG. 6 shows the microbubbles generated in the microbubble generator for circulation. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the transition of the form of microbubbles when generation | occurrence | production operation | movement is performed intermittently.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the microbubble generating device 51 for circulation (see FIG. 1) is continuously operated to generate microbubbles, each microbubble MB immediately after generation is indicated by a solid line arrow in the figure. Although it is dispersed in the flow direction of the bath water 170a shown, the coalescence of the microbubbles MB gradually proceeds. Then, large bubbles GB are likely to be generated around the upper end of the forward pipe 60a (see FIG. 1) of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the return pipe 60b, and the large bubbles GB are united to form the gas layer AL. There is also. When the gas layer AL is generated, it becomes impossible to clean the pipe surface in contact with the gas layer AL with the fine bubbles MB. The gas layer AL is more easily formed as the pipe length of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 becomes longer.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the microbubble generator 51 for circulation (see FIG. 1) is caused to intermittently perform the microbubble generation operation, bath water 170a in the vicinity of the microbubble generator 51 for circulation is used. Although the locations where the microbubbles MB are densely distributed and the locations where the microbubbles MB are not substantially distributed are formed inside, the bath water 170a is provided as the outgoing pipe 60a and the reheating heat exchanger 70 (not shown). In the process of flowing to the return pipe 60b, the microbubbles MB are distributed substantially uniformly in the bath water 170a. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the microbubble generation operation time and the microbubble generation operation interval in the circulation microbubble generator 51 according to the pipe length of the bath-side circulation pipe 60, the forward pipe 60a and the return pipe 60a Formation of the gas layer AL (see FIG. 5) at the end of the pipe 60b can be prevented, and the inner surface of the forward pipe 60a and the return pipe 60b can be cleaned with the microbubbles MB over the entire length. Further, the inside of the reheating heat exchanger 70 can be cleaned with a large number of microbubbles MB. In FIG. 6, the flow direction of the bath water 170a is indicated by solid arrows.

  Therefore, in the hot water storage hot water supply apparatus 150A (see FIG. 1) that causes the microbubble generating device 51 for circulation to intermittently perform the microbubble generating operation, the microbubble generating device 51 for circulation continuously performs the microbubble generating operation. Compared to the case, the cleaning effect by the fine bubbles can be enhanced. For example, if the circulation cleaning operation is performed with the operation time and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation set to 5 seconds, respectively, as compared with the case where the microbubble generation device 51 is continuously operated. It is relatively easy to reduce the amount of dirt attached (residual oil amount) by about 40%. Further, the circulating micro-bubble generating device 51 is automatically controlled under the control of the control device 110 (see FIG. 1) when the water level of the bath water 170a (see FIG. 1) in the bathtub 170 drops to the cleaning operation start water level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the circulation cleaning.

  For these reasons, in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A, it is easy to keep the inside of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger 70 (see FIG. 1) clean. Further, even when a small plate heat exchanger having a space between the plates reduced to about 1 mm is used as the reheating heat exchanger 70, it is easy to keep the reheating heat exchanger 70 clean. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size of the hot water storage type water heater 150A with high reliability.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention, a microbubble generator (hereinafter referred to as “water injection microbubble generator”) is provided in a hot water supply pipe for bath, and the microbubble generator is operated while pouring water into a bathtub. Thus, the inside of the bath-side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger can be washed with fine bubbles. In such a configuration, the circulating microbubble generator described in the first embodiment can be omitted. The water injection microbubble generator is controlled to perform the microbubble generation operation intermittently in the same manner as the circulation microbubble generator described in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a hot water storage type hot water heater having a water injection microbubble generator. The hot water storage type water heater 150B shown in the figure has a small amount of water injection on the downstream side of the water injection electromagnetic valve 83, specifically on the downstream side of the flow rate sensor 85 in the second hot water supply pipe line 90 constituting the hot water supply pipe line BL for bath. Except for the point that the bubble generating device 87 is provided and the point that the microbubble generating device 51 for circulation shown in FIG. 1 is omitted, the same configuration as the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A shown in FIG. have. Among the components shown in FIG. 7, the remaining components excluding the water injection microbubble generator 87 are denoted by the same reference symbols as those used in FIG. 1, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the water injection micro-bubble generating device and its surrounding components in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the water injection microbubble generator 87 includes an ejector portion 87a attached to the second hot water supply conduit 90, a gas introduction tube 87b serving as an air inflow passage to the ejector portion 87a, and a gas A check valve 87c provided on the ejector portion 87a side of the introduction pipe 87b to prevent the inflow of hot water from the second hot water supply pipe line 90, and a gas introduction port provided on the gas introduction port side of the gas introduction pipe 87b. And an ejector solenoid valve 87d for opening and closing the tube 87b. As is clear from the comparison with FIG. 3, the configuration of the water injection microbubble generator 87 is the same as the configuration of the circulation microbubble generator 51 described in the first embodiment.

  The control device 110 (see FIG. 7) in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150B having the above-described water injection microbubble generator 87 is the control device 110 (see FIG. 2) in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A described in the first embodiment. It can be set as the same structure. However, the cleaning control unit 103e (see FIG. 2) is configured to use a water injection solenoid valve to control the water injection cleaning operation in the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the reheating heat exchanger 70 by the water injection microbubble generator 87. 83 and the operation of the water injection microbubble generator 87 are controlled.

  Specifically, the water injection electromagnetic valve 83 is opened to start water injection from the second hot water supply pipe 90 to the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and further to the bathtub 170, and then the ejector of the water injection microbubble generator 87 The electromagnetic valve 87d (see FIG. 7) is opened and closed to cause the water injection microbubble generator 87 to perform the microbubble generation operation intermittently. Hot water containing a large number of micro bubbles is poured from the second hot water supply pipe 90 into the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and further into the bathtub 170, and in the process, the inside of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and for reheating. The inside of the heat exchanger 70 is cleaned with microbubbles. At this time, hot water or hot water may be poured from the second hot water supply pipe 90 into the bath-side circulation pipe 60. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing consumption of hot water in the hot water storage tank 20, the second water supply pipe 30b ( It is preferable to pour water from the second hot water supply line 90 into the bath-side circulation line 60.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure at the time of a water injection cleaning operation in the hot water storage type hot water supply machine shown in FIG. 7. In the illustrated example, the control device 110 (see FIG. 7) of the hot-water storage type hot water supply device 150B performs steps S11 to S22 to control the water injection cleaning operation.

  Steps S11 to S14 performed first include the bathing water 170a in the bathtub 170 when water from the second water supply pipe portion 30b is poured from the second hot water supply pipe 90 to the bath-side circulation pipe 60 for water washing. This is a step for determining that there is no bather when there is no (see FIG. 7). Of these steps S11 to S14, steps S11 and S12 are the same as steps S1 and S2 described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  In step S13, the cleaning control unit activates the bath-side water pump 57 (see FIG. 7). In step S14, the cleaning control unit determines whether or not a predetermined water flow determination waiting time (for example, 45 seconds) has elapsed since the activation of the bath-side water pump 57. In the above water flow determination waiting time, whether the current water level of the bath water 170a has dropped below the cleaning operation start water level because the user pulled out the stopper (not shown) of the bathtub 170, the stopper of the bathtub 170 is not removed, The time required to determine from the detection result of the flow switch 53 whether the current water level of the bath water 170a has dropped below the cleaning operation start water level due to consumption of the water 170a (for example, the bath water 170a is a bath-side circulation line). This is the time required to make one round of 60 (for example, 60 seconds).

  This water flow determination waiting time is determined by the manufacturer of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150B and is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) of the control device 110 (see FIG. 7). In order to time the water flow determination waiting time, a time measuring function may be added to the cleaning control unit, or a time measuring unit such as a counter may be provided in the control device 110 (see FIG. 7). When it is determined in step S14 that the water flow determination waiting time has not yet elapsed, step S14 is repeated, and when it is determined that the water flow determination waiting time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the cleaning control unit determines whether or not a predetermined amount of bath water 170a remains in the bathtub 170 based on the detection result of the flow switch 53 (see FIG. 7). When the water level of the bath water 170a is lower than the connection position between the forward pipe 60a and the bathtub adapter 165 (see FIG. 7), the bath water 170a flows into the bath side circulation pipe 60 even when the bath side water pump 57 is operated. Therefore, the flow switch 53 does not detect the water flow. When the flow switch 53 detects the water flow, it can be determined that a predetermined amount of the bath water 170a remains in the bathtub 170, in other words, it can be determined that the bathtub 170 may not be unplugged, When the flow switch 53 does not detect the water flow, it can be determined that a predetermined amount of the bath water 170a does not remain in the bathtub 170, in other words, the possibility that the bathtub 170 has been unplugged is high.

  When it is determined in step S15 that a predetermined amount of bath water 170a remains in the bathtub 170, the process proceeds to step S16, and the cleaning control unit stops the bath-side water pump 57. Then, it returns to step S11 and repeats after this step S11. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S15 that the predetermined amount of bath water 170a does not remain in the bathtub 170, the process proceeds to step S17 and subsequent steps. In FIG. 9, the fact that a predetermined amount of bath water 170a does not remain in the bathtub 170 is indicated as “no bath water”.

  In step S17, the cleaning control unit stops the bath-side water pump 57, in step S18, the cleaning control unit opens the water injection electromagnetic valve 83 (see FIG. 7), and in step S19, the cleaning control unit controls the water injection microbubble generator. 87 (see FIG. 7) is activated.

  By opening the water injection electromagnetic valve 83 in step S18 described above, water injection from the second hot water supply line 90 (see FIG. 7) to the bath side circulation line 60 and further to the bathtub 170 is started. For example, water from the second water supply pipe 30b (see FIG. 7) is poured from the second hot water supply pipe 90 into the bath-side circulation pipe 60. In addition, the water injection microbubble generator 87 activated in step S19 is controlled to open and close the ejector electromagnetic valve 87d (see FIG. 8) by the cleaning control unit, and the microbubbles for circulation described in the first embodiment. Similar to the generator 51 (see FIG. 1), the microbubble generation operation is performed intermittently. Hot water containing a large number of micro bubbles is poured from the second hot water supply pipe 90 into the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and further into the bathtub 170, and in the process, the inside of the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and for reheating. Water injection cleaning is performed in which the inside of the heat exchanger 70 is cleaned with microbubbles.

  It should be noted that one microbubble generation operation time in the water injection microbubble generator 87 and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation can be appropriately selected. For example, the microbubble generation operation time can be set to 1 second, and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation can be set to 1 second. Of course, the microbubble generation operation time may be the same as the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation, or the microbubble generation operation time may be longer than the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation. Step S18 and step S19 mentioned above can also change the order of implementation.

  Then, it progresses to step S20 and it is based on the detection result of the flow sensor 85 (refer FIG. 7) whether the water injection quantity from the 2nd hot water supply pipe line 90 to the bath side circulation pipe line 60 exceeded the maximum water injection quantity. The cleaning controller determines. The maximum water injection amount is the maximum water amount used at the time of water injection cleaning, is determined by, for example, the manufacturer of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150B, and is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control device 110. When it is determined in step S20 that the maximum water injection amount has not yet been exceeded, step S20 is repeated, and when it is determined that the maximum water injection amount has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S <b> 21, the cleaning control unit stops the water injection microbubble generator 87. Specifically, the ejector electromagnetic valve 87d is closed. In step S22 performed thereafter, the cleaning control unit closes the water injection electromagnetic valve 83. By performing to this step S22, the water-injection washing | cleaning driving | operation of the bath side circulation pipeline 60 is complete | finished. Note that step S21 and step S22 can be switched in order of implementation.

  In the hot water storage type water heater 150B (see FIG. 7) that performs the water injection cleaning operation as described above, the micro bubble generation operation is continuously performed on the water injection micro bubble generator 87 for the same reason as described in the first embodiment. Compared with the case where it carries out automatically, the cleaning effect by a microbubble can be improved. For example, when the water injection cleaning operation is performed with the operation time and the operation interval of the micro bubble generation operation set to 1 second, compared to the case where the micro bubble generation device 87 is continuously configured to perform the micro bubble generation operation. It is also relatively easy to reduce the amount of dirt attached (residual oil content) by about 50%. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to wash with water. That is, the hot water storage type hot water supply device 150B has the same technical effect as the hot water storage type hot water supply device 150A described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

  Furthermore, since the cleaning effect by the microbubbles is enhanced as compared with the case where the microbubble generating device 87 for water injection is continuously operated, the amount of water used at the time of water injection cleaning and the cleaning time can be shortened. This can be easily achieved, and as a result, water can be saved. For example, it is also possible to obtain a cleaning effect equivalent to a cleaning effect that requires 12 liters of washing water with 9 liters of washing water when the microbubble generation device 87 for water injection is continuously performed. . Similarly, a cleaning effect equivalent to a cleaning effect that requires 60 seconds can be obtained in 45 seconds when the microbubble generating device 87 for water injection is continuously operated to generate micro bubbles.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention, the microbubble generator for circulation described in the first embodiment and the microbubble generator for water injection described in the second embodiment can be used in combination. All of these microbubble generators are controlled so as to intermittently perform microbubble generation operations.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example of a hot water storage type hot water heater in which a circulating microbubble generator and a water injection microbubble generator are used in combination. The hot water storage type hot water heater 150C shown in the figure is the hot water storage shown in FIG. 1 except that a water injection micro-bubble generating device 87 is provided in the second hot water supply pipe 90 constituting the bath hot water supply pipe BL. It has the same configuration as the type hot water heater 150A. From another point of view, it has the same configuration as the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus 150B shown in FIG. 7 except that the circulation microbubble generator 51 is provided in the forward pipe 60a of the bath-side circulation pipe 60. Have. The constituent elements shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. 1 or FIG.

  The control device 110 in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150C having the microbubble generation device 51 for circulation and the microbubble generation device 87 for water injection is the control device 110 in the hot water storage type water heater 150A described in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). Reference) can be used. However, the cleaning control unit 103e (see FIG. 2) is configured to perform the circulating cleaning operation in the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the reheating heat exchanger 70 by the circulating micro-bubble generating device 51, and the irrigating micro-bubble generating device 87. In order to control the water injection cleaning operation in the bath-side circulation pipe 60 and the reheating heat exchanger 70, the operations of the circulation microbubble generator 51 and the water injection microbubble generator 87 are controlled. For example, the water injection cleaning operation is performed after the circulation cleaning operation. However, when the water injection cleaning operation is performed after the circulation cleaning operation is completed, each processing in steps S11 to S17 shown in FIG. 9 is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure during the circulation cleaning operation and the water injection cleaning operation in the hot water storage type water heater shown in FIG. 10. In the illustrated example, the controller 110 (see FIG. 10) of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150C performs steps S31 to S38 to control the circulation cleaning operation, and then performs steps S39 to S43 to control the water injection cleaning operation. Steps S31 to S38 related to the control of the circulation cleaning operation are the same as Steps S1 to S8 shown in FIG. 4, and Steps S39 to S43 related to the control of the water injection cleaning operation are the same as Steps S18 to S43 shown in FIG. Therefore, the description of each step is omitted here.

  In the hot water storage type hot water heater 150C (see FIG. 10) that performs the circulation cleaning operation and the water injection cleaning operation as described above, for the same reason as described in the first and second embodiments, each microbubble generator 51, Compared with the case where the operation of generating fine bubbles is continuously performed by 87, the cleaning effect by the fine bubbles can be enhanced. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform circulation cleaning and water injection cleaning. Since the circulation washing operation and the water injection washing operation are performed, the inside of the bath-side circulation line 60 is also larger than the hot water storage type water heaters 150A and 150B described in the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 1 and 7). And it is easy to keep the inside of the reheating heat exchanger 70 (see FIG. 10) clean.

  It should be noted that one microbubble generation operation time in each of the circulation microbubble generator 51 and the water injection microbubble generator 87 and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation can be appropriately selected. The one microbubble generation operation time in the circulation microbubble generator 51 and the one microbubble generation operation time in the water injection microbubble generator 87 can be set to the same value or different from each other. It can also be a value. Similarly, the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation in the circulation microbubble generation device 51 and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation in the water injection microbubble generation device 87 can be set to the same value. It can be a different value.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
The hot water storage type hot water heater of the present invention can also be configured to perform a circulation cleaning operation in accordance with a command from a user. In this case, the remote controller is provided with an input switch (hereinafter referred to as “cleaning start switch”) for inputting a command for starting the circulating cleaning operation. During the circulation cleaning operation, as in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the circulation microbubble generator intermittently performs the microbubble generation operation.

  The overall configuration of the hot water storage type hot water heater can be the same as that of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150A shown in FIG. 1, for example, except that the above-described cleaning start switch is provided in the operation unit of the remote controller. Further, the configuration of the control device is such that the cleaning control unit starts the operation control related to the circulating cleaning when the start command of the circulating cleaning operation (hereinafter referred to as “circulating cleaning start command”) is input by the cleaning start switch. Except for this point, for example, the configuration can be the same as that of the control device 110 shown in FIG. Here, illustration of each of the hot water storage type water heater and the control device is omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure during a circulation cleaning operation in a hot water storage water heater configured to start the circulation cleaning operation when a circulation cleaning start command is input from the remote controller. It is. In the illustrated example, the control device for the hot water storage type hot water heater performs steps S51 to S60 to control the circulation cleaning operation. Of these steps S51 to S60, steps S56 to S60 are the same as steps S4 to S8 shown in FIG. 4, and therefore, description of steps S56 to S60 is omitted here and only steps S51 to S55 are described. .

  In step S51 performed first, the cleaning control unit of the control device determines whether or not a circulation cleaning start command is input by the cleaning start switch of the remote controller. If it is determined in step S51 that the circulation cleaning start command is not input, step S51 is repeated, and if it is determined that the circulation cleaning start command is input, the process proceeds to step S52. In FIG. 12, the input of the circulation cleaning start command by the cleaning start switch is denoted as “cleaning start switch ON”.

  Next, Steps S52 to S55 are performed, and the cleaning control unit determines the presence or absence of bath water in the bathtub. In step S52, the washing control unit activates the bath-side water pump, and in step S53, the washing control unit determines whether or not the operation time of the bath-side water pump has reached a predetermined circulation time.

  Here, the above “circulation time” means that when the flow switch provided in the bath-side circulation pipeline detects a water flow, the water flow is not from the remaining water flow in the bath-side circulation pipeline but from the bathtub. This is the operation time of the bath-side water pump that is sufficient to determine the flow of the bath water. For example, the time required for the bath water to make one round of the bath-side circulation line (for example, 60 seconds) by the manufacturer of the hot water storage type With the above settings, the data is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control device.

  If it is determined in step S53 that the operation time of the bath-side water pump is not longer than the circulation time, step S53 is repeated. If it is determined that the operation time is longer than the circulation time, the process proceeds to step S54. The cleaning control unit acquires the detection result. In step S55, based on the detection result of the flow switch acquired in step S54, the cleaning control unit determines whether there is bath water in the bathtub.

  If it is determined in step S55 that there is no bath water, the process proceeds to step S60, where the cleaning control unit stops the bath-side water pump, and if it is determined that there is bath water, the process proceeds to step S56, where the cleaning control unit performs circulation. Activate the microbubble generator. The step S56 is the same as the step S4 shown in FIG. 4, and thereafter, the same steps S57 to S60 as the steps S5 to S8 shown in FIG. 4 are performed.

  In the hot water storage type water heater that performs the cyclic cleaning operation as described above when the circulation cleaning start command is input from the cleaning start switch, the microbubbles for circulation are used for the same reason as described in the first and second embodiments. Compared with the case where the generating device continuously performs the microbubble generation operation, the cleaning effect by the microbubbles can be enhanced. In addition, since the cleaning start switch is provided in the remote controller, it is possible to alert the user to perform the circulating cleaning, and it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting the circulating cleaning. Therefore, even in the hot water storage type water heater, the inside of the bath-side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger can be easily kept clean.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
The hot water storage type water heater of the present invention can also be configured to perform a water injection cleaning operation in accordance with a command from a user. In this case, the remote controller is provided with an input switch (hereinafter referred to as “cleaning start switch”) for inputting a start command for the water injection cleaning operation, as in the hot water storage type water heater described in the fourth embodiment. It is done. During the water injection cleaning operation, as in the hot water storage type hot water heater 150B described in the second embodiment (see FIG. 7), the water injection microbubble generator intermittently performs the microbubble generation operation.

  The overall configuration of the hot water storage type hot water heater can be the same as that of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150B shown in FIG. 7, for example, except that the above-described cleaning start switch is provided in the operation unit of the remote controller. Further, the configuration of the control device is such that when a start command for water injection cleaning operation (hereinafter referred to as “water injection cleaning start command”) is input by the above-described cleaning start switch, the cleaning control unit starts operation control related to water injection cleaning. Except for this point, for example, the same configuration as that of the control device described in the second embodiment can be adopted. Here, illustration of each of the hot water storage type water heater and the control device is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of a control procedure at the time of the water injection cleaning operation in the hot water storage type water heater configured to start the water injection cleaning operation when a water injection cleaning start command is input from the remote controller. It is. In the illustrated example, the control device for the hot water storage type hot water heater performs steps S71 to S76 to control the water injection cleaning operation.

  In step S71 performed first, the cleaning control unit of the control device determines whether or not a water injection cleaning start command is input by the cleaning start switch of the remote controller. If it is determined in step S71 that the water injection cleaning start command has not been input, step S71 is repeated. If it is determined that the water injection cleaning start command has been input, the process proceeds to step S72. In FIG. 13, the fact that a water injection cleaning start command is input by the cleaning start switch is denoted as “cleaning start switch ON”.

  Step S72 to be performed next is the same step as step S18 shown in FIG. 9, and steps S73 to S76 performed after this are the same steps as steps S19 to S22 shown in FIG. 9, so here steps S72 to S76 are performed. The description of is omitted.

  In the hot water storage type water heater that performs the water injection cleaning operation as described above when the water injection cleaning start command is input from the cleaning start switch, for the same reason as described in the first and second embodiments, the water injection microbubbles Compared with the case where the generating device continuously performs the microbubble generation operation, the cleaning effect by the microbubbles can be enhanced. In addition, since the cleaning start switch is provided in the remote controller, it is possible to alert the user to perform the water injection cleaning and to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the water injection cleaning. Therefore, even in the hot water storage type water heater, the inside of the bath-side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger can be easily kept clean.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
The hot water storage type water heater of the present invention can also be configured to continuously perform the circulation cleaning operation and the water injection cleaning operation in accordance with a command from the user. In this case, the remote controller is provided with an input switch (hereinafter referred to as “cleaning start switch”) for inputting a cleaning operation start command. During the circulation cleaning operation, as in the hot water storage type hot water heater described in the fourth embodiment, the circulation microbubble generator intermittently performs the microbubble generation operation. Similarly, during the water injection cleaning operation, as in the hot water storage type hot water heater described in the fifth embodiment, the water injection microbubble generator intermittently performs the microbubble generation operation.

  The overall configuration of the hot water storage type hot water heater can be the same as that of the hot water storage type hot water heater 150C shown in FIG. 10, for example, except that the above-described cleaning start switch is provided in the operation unit of the remote controller. Further, the configuration of the control device is such that when a cleaning operation start command (hereinafter referred to as “cleaning start command”) is input by the above-described cleaning start switch, the cleaning control unit starts operation control related to the circulating cleaning, and the circulation Except for the point that the cleaning control unit starts operation control related to the water injection cleaning when the cleaning operation ends, for example, the same configuration as the control device described in the third embodiment can be adopted. Here, illustration of each of the hot water storage type water heater and the control device is omitted.

  FIG. 14 schematically shows an example of a control procedure at the time of a cleaning operation in a hot water storage type water heater configured to continuously perform a circulation cleaning operation and a water injection cleaning operation when a cleaning start command is input from a remote controller. FIG.

  In the illustrated example, the controller for the hot water storage type hot water heater performs steps S81 to S90 to control the circulation cleaning operation, and then performs steps S91 to S95 to control the water injection cleaning operation. Steps S81 to S90 related to the control of the circulation cleaning operation are the same as steps S51 to S60 shown in FIG. 12, and steps S91 to S95 related to the control of the water injection cleaning operation are the same as steps S72 to S76 shown in FIG. Therefore, the description of each step is omitted here.

  In the hot water storage type hot water heater that continuously performs the circulation cleaning operation and the water injection cleaning operation as described above, for the same reason as described in the first and second embodiments, the circulation microbubble generator and the water injection micro Compared with the case where each of the foam generating devices is continuously operated to generate micro bubbles, the cleaning effect by the micro bubbles can be enhanced. In addition, since the remote controller is provided with a cleaning start switch, it is possible to alert the user to perform the cleaning, and it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to perform the circulation cleaning and the water injection cleaning. Therefore, even in the hot water storage type water heater, the inside of the bath-side circulation line and the inside of the reheating heat exchanger can be easily kept clean.

  As mentioned above, although the hot water storage type hot water heater of the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment, as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the boiling of hot water in the boiling operation can be performed not only by a heat pump unit but also by a heater disposed in a gas combustion device or a hot water storage tank. Further, the water injection cleaning operation can be performed by determining the maximum water injection time instead of performing the maximum water injection amount as described in the second embodiment.

  As described in the first, third, fourth, and sixth embodiments, when the microbubble generator for circulation is started after the start of the bath-side water pump, the bath-side circulation line 60 is used as described in the first embodiment. Since the inside of the forward pipe 60a has a negative pressure and bath water is prevented from flowing into the gas introduction pipe 51b (see FIG. 3) from the forward pipe 60a, the check valve in the microbubble generator 51 for circulation is used. It is possible to omit 51c (see FIG. 3). However, from the viewpoint of preventing water leakage when an erroneous operation or malfunction occurs, it is preferable to provide a check valve 51c in the gas introduction pipe 51b of the microbubble generator 51 for circulation. Even when the microbubble generator for circulation is started before the bath-side water pump is started, it is preferable to provide a check valve 51c in the gas introduction pipe 51b of the microbubble generator for circulation 51. The same is true for the water injection microbubble generator 87.

  The hot water storage type water heater of the present invention can be provided with an “automatic cleaning mode” and a “user-specified cleaning mode”. For example, when the “automatic cleaning mode” is selected, as described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment, when the bath water level drops to the cleaning start water level, the circulation cleaning operation or When the water injection cleaning operation is automatically started and the “user-specified cleaning mode” is selected, a cleaning start command is issued from the cleaning start switch as described in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can be configured such that the circulation cleaning operation or the water injection cleaning operation is started when the is input. For example, a “cleaning mode selection switch” is provided in the remote controller, and the “cleaning mode selection switch” is appropriately operated by the user to select “automatic cleaning mode” or “user-specified cleaning mode”.

  For the circulation cleaning operation, the circulation cleaning intermittent operation mode in which the microbubble generation device for the circulation is intermittently performed and the microbubble generation operation for the circulation is continuously performed in the circulation microbubble generation device. An operation mode can also be provided. For example, a “circulation cleaning mode selection switch” is provided in the remote controller, and the user selects the “circulation cleaning intermittent operation mode” or “circulation cleaning continuous operation mode” by appropriately operating the “circulation cleaning mode selection switch”. Can be configured. When a hot water storage type hot water heater is configured in this way, when the above-mentioned “circulation cleaning intermittent operation mode” is selected by the remote controller, an intermittent operation command is input from the remote controller, and the “circulation cleaning continuous operation mode” is set. When selected, a continuous operation command is input from the remote controller.

  The cleaning control unit that has received the intermittent operation command performs the cyclic cleaning operation by causing the microbubble generator for circulation to intermittently perform the microbubble generation operation, and the cleaning control unit that has received the continuous operation command Circulating washing operation is performed by causing the circulating microbubble generator to continuously perform microbubble generating operation. The circulating cleaning continuous operation mode is suitable as a circulating cleaning mode that is performed after the user puts the cleaning agent into the bath water, for example. The present invention can be variously modified, modified and combined in addition to the above.

  The hot water storage type hot water heater of the present invention can be suitably used as a hot water heater for home use or business use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Heat pump unit 20 Hot water storage tank 30 Water supply line 40 Circulation line for hot water storage 45 Tank side water supply pump 50 Tank side circulation line 51 Microbubble generator 53 for circulation 53 Flow switch 55 Water level sensor 57 Bath side water supply pump 60 Bath side circulation line Path 70 Heat exchanger for reheating 75 First hot water supply line 80a Bath side hot water mixing valve 80b General side hot water mixing valve 83 Water injection solenoid valve 85 Flow rate sensor 87 Water injection microbubble generator 90 Second hot water supply line 95 Third hot water supply line Pipe line 103 Control part 103e Cleaning control part 110 Control apparatus 120 Tank unit 130 Remote controller 150A, 150B, 150C Hot water storage type hot water heater 170 Bathtub 170a Bath water BL Hot water supply pipe for bath

Claims (5)

When hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is supplied to the bathtub and the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub drops, the tank side circulation line connected to the hot water storage tank and the reheating heat exchanger is connected to the hot water storage tank. And flowing the bath water into the bath-side circulation line connected to the bathtub and the heat exchanger for reheating, and the hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation line and the bath-side circulation line A hot water storage type water heater capable of exchanging heat between the flowing bath water and the bath water by exchanging heat with the additional heat exchanger,
A bath-side water supply pump for circulating the bath water in the bathtub to the bath-side circulation conduit;
A microbubble generator for circulation that generates microbubbles in the bath water in the bath-side circulation line upstream of the reheating heat exchanger in the bath-side circulation line;
The operation of the bath-side water pump and the circulation micro-bubble generator is controlled, and the micro-bubble generation operation is intermittently performed on the circulation micro-bubble generator when the bath water is flowing through the bath-side circulation pipeline. A cleaning control unit that can be
A hot water storage type water heater characterized by comprising: When hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is supplied to the bathtub and the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub drops, the tank side circulation line connected to the hot water storage tank and the reheating heat exchanger is connected to the hot water storage tank. And flowing the bath water into the bath-side circulation line connected to the bathtub and the heat exchanger for reheating, and the hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation line and the bath-side circulation line A hot water storage type water heater capable of exchanging heat between the flowing bath water and the bath water by exchanging heat with the additional heat exchanger,
Hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is led to a hot and cold water mixing valve, mixed with water with the hot and cold water mixing valve and poured into the bath side circulation pipe,
A water injection solenoid valve for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe for bath on the downstream side of the hot water mixing valve in the hot water supply pipe for bath;
A microbubble generator for pouring water that generates microbubbles in the hot water in the hot water supply pipe for the bath on the downstream side of the water injection solenoid valve in the hot water supply pipe for the bath;
Controls the operation of the water injection solenoid valve and the water injection micro-bubble generator, and micro-bubbles are generated in the water injection micro-bubble generator when hot water is flowing from the bath hot water supply pipe to the bath-side circulation pipe A cleaning control unit capable of intermittent operation;
A hot water storage type water heater characterized by comprising: When hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is supplied to the bathtub and the temperature of the bath water in the bathtub drops, the tank side circulation line connected to the hot water storage tank and the reheating heat exchanger is connected to the hot water storage tank. And flowing the bath water into the bath-side circulation line connected to the bathtub and the heat exchanger for reheating, and the hot water flowing through the tank-side circulation line and the bath-side circulation line A hot water storage type water heater capable of exchanging heat between the flowing bath water and the bath water by exchanging heat with the additional heat exchanger,
A bath-side water supply pump for circulating the bath water in the bathtub to the bath-side circulation conduit;
A microbubble generator for circulation that generates microbubbles in the bath water in the bath-side circulation pipeline in a section upstream of the reheating heat exchanger in the bath-side circulation pipeline;
Hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is led to a hot and cold water mixing valve, mixed with water with the hot and cold water mixing valve and poured into the bath side circulation pipe,
A water injection solenoid valve for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe for the bath on the downstream side of the hot water mixing valve in the hot water supply pipe for the bath;
A microbubble generator for pouring water that generates microbubbles in the hot water in the hot water supply pipe for the bath on the downstream side of the water injection solenoid valve in the hot water supply pipe for the bath;
By controlling the operation of the bath-side water supply pump and the circulating micro-bubble generating device, the micro-bubble generating operation is intermittently performed in the circulating micro-bubble generating device when the bath water is flowing through the bath-side circulation pipeline. And can control the operation of the water injection solenoid valve and the water injection microbubble generator, and when hot water is flowing from the bath hot water supply line to the bath side circulation line, A cleaning control unit capable of causing the microbubble generator for water injection to intermittently perform the microbubble generation operation;
A hot water storage type water heater characterized by comprising:   The cleaning control unit includes an operation time of a microbubble generation operation in the circulation microbubble generator, an operation interval of a microbubble generation operation in the circulation microbubble generator, and the water injection microbubble generator. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation time of the microbubble generation operation in the water and the operation interval of the microbubble generation operation in the water injection microbubble generator are different from each other. A remote controller capable of inputting a command to the cleaning control unit;
The remote controller includes an intermittent operation command for causing the microbubble generating device for circulation to intermittently perform a microbubble generating operation, and a continuous operation command for causing the microbubble generating device for circulation to continuously perform a microbubble generating operation; Can be entered,
When the intermittent operation command is input from the remote controller, the cleaning control unit is configured to generate a microbubble in the microbubble generator for circulation when the bath water is flowing through the bath-side circulation pipe. When the continuous operation command is input from the remote controller, microbubbles are generated in the circulating microbubble generator when the bath water is flowing in the bath-side circulation pipeline. Make the action run continuously,
The hot water storage type hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4.

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