JP6496226B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus having a function of controlling the amount of hot water supplied to a bath and a faucet.

  Some hot water storage and instantaneous hot water supply apparatuses include a hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water to a faucet and a bath pouring circuit for pouring water into a bathtub. Hot water is supplied to these circuits by branching from a common tap pipe to each circuit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an apparatus, when hot water is supplied simultaneously to the faucet and the bathtub, the flow distribution between the hot water supply circuit and the bath pouring circuit is determined by pressure loss in the piping path.

  Here, a hot water supply apparatus is also known in which a flow rate adjusting device is provided in the hot water supply circuit to control the amount of hot water supply (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2015-161466 JP-A-9-303865

  In the hot water supply apparatus, the bathtub and the faucet may be provided on different floors. For example, there is a case where a bathtub is provided on the lower floor and a faucet such as a shower room or a kitchen is provided on the upper floor. In such a case, the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub in the downstairs increases due to pressure loss in the piping path, and the amount of hot water supplied to the faucet on the floor becomes very small. On the other hand, when the faucet is provided on the lower floor and the bathtub is provided on the upper floor, the amount of hot water supplied to the faucet on the lower floor is large, and the amount of pouring water into the bathtub on the floor is very small.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable to provide the above-described flow rate adjusting device in the downstairs circuit where the flow rate increases to limit the flow rate and increase the flow rate distributed to the upstairs circuit. However, when the flow rate adjusting device is provided in each circuit, the circuit configuration becomes complicated and the installation cost is greatly increased.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and even when hot water supply to a faucet and pouring to a bathtub are performed at the same time, the supply amount is optimized in accordance with the use situation of the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply device that can be used.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a hot water supply circuit for supplying hot water, a water supply circuit for supplying water, and a flow rate provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit so that the flow rate can be controlled. A flow rate distribution valve that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve, a hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water to the faucet, and a hot water supply flow sensor that detects a flow rate of the hot water in the hot water supply circuit. A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve, and that pours hot water into the bathtub, and a hot water flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit; accepts priority instruction to hot water to the faucet than the control unit which controls the flow distribution valve on the basis of the hot water flow sensor and the detection result of the water beam flow sensor, pouring into the bathtub With the previous instruction receiving portion, the control unit, the priority instruction accepting section accepts the instruction, and if it is determined that the hot water to the faucet, based on the detection result, the hot water supply circuit side is fully open The flow rate distribution valve is controlled so that
A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water, a water supply circuit that supplies water, a flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio, A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via a flow distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet, a hot water supply flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water supply circuit, and the flow distribution valve And a hot water flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit, a hot water flow sensor, and the hot water flow sensor, A control unit that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on the detection result of the hot water flow sensor, and a restriction instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to limit the upper limit value of the flow rate of the hot water supply circuit to a limited flow rate, Serial control unit, the restriction instruction accepting unit when accepting an instruction, wherein the hot water supply circuit side of the opening to control the flow distribution valve so as to be opening corresponding to the limit flow rate.
A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water, a water supply circuit that supplies water, a flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio, A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via a flow distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet, a hot water supply flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water supply circuit, and the flow distribution valve And a hot water flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit, a hot water flow sensor, and the hot water flow sensor, A control unit that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on the detection result of the hot water flow sensor, and the control unit is configured to supply the hot water to the bathtub and hot water to the faucet, Salary And controlling said flow distribution valve so that the circuit side is fully opened.
A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water, a water supply circuit that supplies water, a flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio, A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via a flow distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet, a hot water supply flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water supply circuit, and the flow distribution valve And a hot water flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit, a hot water flow sensor, and the hot water flow sensor, A control unit that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on a detection result of the hot water flow sensor, and the control unit is poured into the bathtub based on the detection result and hot water is supplied to the faucet. If not, characterized in that the hot water supply circuit side of the opening to control the bath pouring smaller than the circuit side of the opening, and becomes larger as the flow distribution valve than 0%.
A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water supply circuit that supplies hot water, a water supply circuit that supplies water, a flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio, A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via a flow distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet, a hot water supply flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water supply circuit, and the flow distribution valve And a hot water flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit, a hot water flow sensor, and the hot water flow sensor, A control unit that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on the detection result of the hot water flow sensor, and the control unit determines whether the flow rate of the bath pouring circuit is predetermined based on the detection result. When it is determined that the flow rate is smaller than the minimum required flow rate required to complete the hot water in a short time, the flow distribution valve is set so that the bath pouring circuit can obtain a flow rate that is equal to or higher than the minimum required flow rate. The opening degree on the side of the bath pouring circuit is controlled to increase.

  In the hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention, even if hot water supply to the faucet and pouring of water into the bathtub are performed simultaneously, the supply amount can be optimized in accordance with the use situation of the user.

The schematic system block diagram of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the distribution valve control process performed by the hot water supply apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the distribution valve control process in case the hot water supply apparatus has a flow volume restriction | limiting function performed by the hot water supply apparatus in this embodiment. The schematic system block diagram of the hot water storage type hot-water supply apparatus as a modification of this embodiment.

  An embodiment of a hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

  A hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus (hot water supply apparatus) 1 mainly includes a hot water storage tank unit 3, a heat pump unit 4, and a remote controller 5. The hot water supply device 1 is connected to a bathtub 7, a shower 8, and a currant 9.

  The hot water storage tank unit 3 includes a hot water storage tank 11, a water supply circuit 12, a hot water supply circuit 13, a hot water supply circuit 14, a bath pouring circuit 15, and a bath circulation circuit 16. The hot water storage tank 11 has a plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 20 that detect the hot water storage temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 11 in the vertical direction of the side surface. Connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 11 is an overpressure relief valve 21 for releasing overpressure in the hot water storage tank 11.

  The water supply circuit 12 supplies city water to the hot water storage tank 11, the hot water supply circuit 14, and the bath pouring circuit 15. The water supply circuit 12 includes a water supply pipe 25, a pressure reducing valve 26, a water supply bypass pipe 27, and a water supply temperature sensor 28. The water supply pipe 25 is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 11 and supplies city water to the hot water storage tank 11. The pressure reducing valve 26 reduces the supply pressure of city water to a constant pressure. The water supply bypass pipe 27 is branched from the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 26 of the water supply pipe 25 and is connected to a hot water supply mixing valve 41 and a bath mixing valve 46, which will be described later. The feed water temperature sensor 28 detects the feed water temperature of the feed water bypass pipe 27.

  The hot water circuit 13 supplies the hot water in the hot water storage tank 11 to the hot water supply circuit 14 and the bath pouring circuit 15. The hot water circuit 13 includes a high temperature water hot water pipe 30, an intermediate hot water hot water pipe 31, an intermediate hot water mixing valve 32, a hot water pipe 33, and a flow rate distribution valve 34. The hot water tap pipe 30 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 11 and discharges hot hot water (hot water) from the hot water storage tank 11. The intermediate temperature hot water discharge pipe 31 is connected to the middle part of the hot water storage tank 11 which is lower than the high temperature water hot water discharge pipe 30, and discharges hot water of medium temperature (medium temperature water) from the hot water storage tank 11. The medium temperature water mixing valve 32 is connected to the high temperature water tap pipe 30 and the medium temperature water tap pipe 31, and mixes the high temperature water from the high temperature water tap pipe 30 and the medium temperature water from the medium temperature water tap pipe 31 to a required temperature. To do. The hot water outlet pipe 33 supplies the hot water mixed by the intermediate hot water mixing valve 32 to the flow rate distribution valve 34. The flow rate distribution valve 34 distributes the flow rate of hot water supplied from the hot water outlet pipe 33 to the hot water supply circuit 14 and the bath pouring circuit 15 at a controllable ratio.

  The hot water supply circuit 14 is connected to the hot water circuit 13 via the flow rate distribution valve 34 and supplies hot water to the faucet. The hot water supply circuit 14 includes a hot water supply pipe 40, a hot water supply mixing valve 41, a hot water supply flow sensor 42, and a hot water supply temperature sensor 43. The hot water supply pipe 40 is connected to the flow distribution valve 34 and supplies hot water to the faucet. The hot water mixing valve 41 connects the water supply bypass pipe 27 to the hot water supply pipe 40, mixes city water and hot water, and adjusts to a set temperature. Hot water supply flow sensor 42 and hot water supply temperature sensor 43 detect the flow rate and temperature of hot water flowing through hot water supply pipe 40 (hot water supply circuit 14), respectively.

  The bath pouring circuit 15 is connected to the hot water circuit 13 via the flow rate distribution valve 34, and pours hot water into the bath circulation circuit 16 (tub 7). The bath pouring circuit 15 includes a hot water pipe 45, a bath mixing valve 46, a hot water flow sensor 47, a hot water temperature sensor 48, and a hot water solenoid valve 49. The hot water pipe 45 is connected to the flow distribution valve 34 and pours hot water into the bath circulation circuit 16. The bath mixing valve 46 connects the water supply bypass pipe 27 to the hot water pipe 45, mixes city water and hot water, and adjusts to a set temperature. Hot water flow sensor 47 and hot water temperature sensor 48 detect the flow rate and temperature of hot water flowing through hot water pipe 45 (bath pouring circuit 15), respectively. The hot water solenoid valve 49 is an open / close valve that opens and closes between the hot water pipe 45 (bath pouring circuit 15) and the bathtub 7 (bath circulation circuit 16).

  The bath circulation circuit 16 circulates hot water (bath water) in the bathtub 7 between the bathtub 7 and the bath heat exchanger 51. The bath circulation circuit 16 mainly includes a return pipe 52, a bath heat exchanger 51, and an outgoing pipe 53. The return pipe 52 returns the bath water to the bath heat exchanger 51. The bath heat exchanger 51 is provided in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 11 and heats the bath water with the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 11. The forward pipe 53 supplies hot water heated by the bath heat exchanger 51 to the bathtub 7 side. The bath circulation circuit 16 has a heat exchange bypass pipe 56 that bypasses the return pipe 52 and the forward pipe 53 via the bath three-way valve 55. The bath three-way valve 55 switches whether hot water from the return pipe 52 is circulated to the bath heat exchanger 51 or bypassed to the forward pipe 53.

  The bath circulation circuit 16 includes a water level sensor 58, a bath temperature sensor 59, and a bath circulation pump 60 in the return pipe 52 and a flow switch 61 in the forward pipe 53. The water level sensor 58 detects the water level in the bathtub 7. The bath temperature sensor 59 detects the temperature of the circulating bath water. The bath circulation pump 60 circulates bath water in the bath circulation circuit 16. The flow switch 61 detects the presence / absence of circulation of the bath water in the bath circulation circuit 16.

  The hot water storage tank unit 3 includes a hot water storage control unit 65 that electrically controls the hot water storage tank unit 3. The hot water storage control unit 65 has a logic circuit such as an MPU, and electrically controls the hot water storage tank unit 3 according to a program stored in advance with reference to a memory. That is, the hot water storage control unit 65 includes a hot water storage temperature sensor 20, a water supply temperature sensor 28, a hot water supply flow sensor 42, a hot water supply temperature sensor 43, a hot water flow sensor 47, a hot water temperature sensor 48, a water level sensor 58, a bath temperature sensor 59, and The detection value of the flow switch 61 is acquired, and the operation of various valves of the hot water tank unit 3 is controlled based on the detection value. Moreover, the hot water storage control unit 65 receives a user instruction via the remote controller 5 and controls each unit to execute the instruction. That is, the hot water storage control unit 65 performs a hot water supply operation, an automatic bath operation, a bath retreat operation, and the like based on the hot water set temperature, the bath set temperature, the set hot water amount, etc., instructed by the remote controller 5. In the present embodiment, the hot water storage control unit 65 functions as a control unit that controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 based on the detection results of the hot water flow sensor 42 and the hot water flow sensor 47.

  The heat pump unit 4 boils hot water in the hot water storage tank 11 mainly at midnight. The heat pump unit 4 includes a heating forward pipe 75, a heating return pipe 76, a refrigerant circuit 71, a heating control unit 72, and an outside air temperature sensor 73.

  The heating forward pipe 75 distributes the hot water taken out from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 11. The heating forward pipe 75 includes a heating circulation pump 74 that supplies hot water from the hot water storage tank 11, and an incoming water temperature sensor 79 that detects the temperature of the hot water flowing into the refrigerant circuit 71 from the heating forward pipe 75. The heating return pipe 76 returns the hot water heated by the heat pump unit 4 to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 11. The heating return pipe 76 has a boiling temperature sensor 80 that detects the temperature of hot water flowing out from the refrigerant circuit 71 to the heating return pipe 76.

  The refrigerant circuit 71 includes a refrigerant cycle pipe 84, a compressor 81, a refrigerant water heat exchanger 78, an expansion valve 82, an evaporator 83, and a blower 85. The refrigerant cycle pipe 84 connects the compressor 81, the refrigerant water heat exchanger 78, the expansion valve 82, and the evaporator 83 in an annular shape. The compressor 81 compresses the refrigerant into a high temperature refrigerant. The refrigerant water heat exchanger 78 exchanges heat between the high-temperature refrigerant and hot water from the hot water storage tank 11. The expansion valve 82 depressurizes the refrigerant radiated by the refrigerant water heat exchanger 78 to obtain a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The evaporator 83 evaporates the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The blower 85 blows outside air serving as a heat source to the evaporator 83.

  The outside air temperature sensor 73 detects the outside air temperature outside where the heat pump unit 4 is installed. The heating control unit 72 has a logic circuit such as an MPU, and electrically controls the heat pump unit 4 according to a program stored in advance with reference to a memory. That is, the heating control unit 72 acquires the detected values of the incoming water temperature sensor 79, the boiling temperature sensor 80, and the outside air temperature sensor 73, and controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit 71 and the like.

  The remote controller 5 has a display unit 91 and switches 93. The display unit 91 displays various information related to the hot water supply device 1 (hot water supply set temperature, bath set temperature, bath set hot water amount, remaining hot water amount, operating state of the hot water supply device 1 and the like). The switches 93 include switches such as a bath automatic operation switch, a setting switch, and a menu switch. The bath automatic operation switch automatically heats the hot water in the bathtub 7 to the target water level and temperature based on the bath set temperature and the amount of hot water, and after the hot water is completed, the heat retention time is maintained to maintain the target water level and temperature. An instruction to automatically keep warm until it has passed is accepted. The setting switch receives an instruction to set a hot water supply set temperature, a bath set temperature, and a bath set hot water amount. The menu switch calls a hierarchical menu setting screen for performing detailed settings of the hot water supply apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, for example, the setting switch of the switches 93 functions as a priority instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction of a hot water flow rate priority function that prioritizes hot water supply to the faucet over pouring water into the bathtub 7. In addition, the remote controller 5 functions as a restriction instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction of a flow rate restriction function that restricts the upper limit value of the flow rate of the hot water supply circuit 14 to the restricted flow rate.

  The remote controller 5 includes a logic circuit such as an MPU, and includes a remote controller control unit 97 that electrically controls the remote controller 5 according to a program stored in advance with reference to a memory. The remote controller control unit 97 receives an instruction signal from the switches 93 and a signal from the hot water storage control unit 65 and causes the display unit 91 to display necessary information. The hot water storage control unit 65, the heating control unit 72, and the remote control unit 97 described above are connected so that necessary information can be transmitted and received.

  The shower 8 and the currant 9 connected to the faucet supplied from the hot water supply circuit 14 are provided in a bathroom, a kitchen outside the bathroom, a washroom, a shower room, and the like. The shower 8 and the currant 9 are supplied with hot water from the hot water supply pipe 40 in parallel.

  Here, depending on the environment in which the hot water supply apparatus 1 is installed, pressure loss occurs due to the length of the piping path, and the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 7 and the faucet to which the shower 8 and the currant 9 are connected is large. There is a different fear. For example, the bathtub 7 may be provided on the floor, the shower 8 and the currant 9 may be provided on the floor, the shower 8 and the currant 9 may be provided on the floor, and the bathtub 7 may be provided on the floor. In this case, the amount of hot water supplied to the side arranged on the floor may become very small due to pressure loss in the piping path. Moreover, depending on the installation form of the hot water supply device 1, even if it is installed on the same floor, there is a risk that a large pressure loss may occur on one side due to the piping path length or the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the flow rate distribution valve 34 is provided at the branch point between the hot water supply circuit 14 and the bath pouring circuit 15, whereby the amount of hot water supplied to each circuit 14, 15 can be optimally controlled. . This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a distribution valve control process executed by the hot water supply apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.

  In step S1, the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the opening degree of the flow distribution valve 34 to the standby opening degree. The standby opening is an opening that is used during standby when no hot water is poured into the bathtub 7 or hot water is supplied to the faucet, and is an opening that fully opens (100%) the hot water supply circuit 14 side. In step S <b> 2, the hot water storage control unit 65 determines whether or not hot water is poured from the bath pouring circuit 15 to the bathtub 7. The hot water storage control unit 65 receives an instruction for hot water or additional hot water from the user via the remote controller 5 and determines that the hot water is being poured into the bathtub 7 when the hot water electromagnetic valve 49 is open. When hot water storage control unit 65 determines that hot water is not poured into bathtub 7 (NO in step S2), hot water is supplied from hot water supply circuit 14 to the faucet based on the detection result of hot water supply flow sensor 42 in step S3. It is determined whether or not. If hot water storage control unit 65 determines that hot water is not supplied to the faucet (NO in step S3), it returns to standby step S1. On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that hot water is supplied to the faucet (YES in step S3), in step S4, the flow rate distribution valve 34 is controlled so that the hot water supply circuit 14 side is fully opened (100%). Thereafter, the process returns to the pouring determination step S2 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines in the pouring determination step S2 that the hot water is being poured into the bathtub 7 (YES in step S2), in step S5, it is determined whether or not the hot water is being supplied from the hot water supply circuit 14 to the faucet. judge. When the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that hot water is not supplied to the faucet (NO in step S5), a fixed value in which the opening on the hot water supply circuit 14 side is smaller than the opening on the bath pouring circuit 15 side in step S6. The flow distribution valve 34 is controlled so that The hot water storage control unit 65 controls the hot water supply circuit 14 side to an opening degree (for example, 10%) that can supply hot water. Even when hot water is not supplied to the faucet, the hot water supply is suitably used when hot water supply is started by keeping the bath pouring circuit 15 side not fully opened and the hot water supply circuit 14 side maintaining a constant opening degree. This is to make it happen. Thereafter, the process returns to the pouring determination step S2 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that hot water is supplied to the faucet (YES in step S5), the hot water storage control unit 65 determines whether or not the hot water supply flow rate priority function is set in step S7. The hot water flow rate priority function is a function that prioritizes hot water supply to the faucet over pouring water to the bathtub 7. The hot water supply flow rate priority function is set by receiving an instruction from the user via the switches 93 of the remote controller 5, and is mainly realized by the flow rate distribution valve 34 and the hot water solenoid valve 49 based on the control of the hot water storage control unit 65. .

  When the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the hot water supply flow rate priority function is not set (NO in step S7), the hot water flow rate of the bath pouring circuit 15 is determined based on the detection result of the hot water flow sensor 47 in step S8. Is smaller than the minimum secured flow rate. The minimum secured flow rate is the flow rate of the bath pouring circuit 15 that is the minimum required to complete the hot water within a predetermined allowable time. By setting the minimum secured flow rate, it is possible to prevent the time until hot water filling is completed from exceeding the allowable time. When the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the pouring flow rate is not smaller than the minimum ensured flow rate (NO in step S8), the process returns to the pouring determination step S2 and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the pouring flow rate is smaller than the minimum ensured flow rate (YES in step S8), in step S9, the bath pouring circuit 15 can obtain a flow rate equal to or higher than the minimum ensured flow rate. The flow rate distribution valve 34 is controlled to increase the opening on the bath pouring circuit 15 side. At the same time, the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the bath mixing valve 46 so that the pouring temperature becomes the bath set temperature. That is, the hot water storage controller 65 increases the flow rate of water from the water supply circuit 12 because the flow rate of hot water from the hot water circuit 13 increases due to the increase in opening. As a result, the flow rate of the bath pouring circuit 15 increases. The hot water storage control unit 65 controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 and the bath mixing valve 46 so that the pouring flow rate detected by the hot water flow sensor 47 becomes the minimum ensured flow rate while considering the increase in the flow rate. Moreover, the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the hot water mixing valve 41 so that the hot water supply temperature becomes the hot water supply set temperature. That is, since the flow rate of hot water from the hot water circuit 13 is reduced due to the decrease in opening, the hot water storage control unit 65 reduces the flow rate of water from the water supply circuit 12. As a result, the flow rate of the hot water supply circuit 14 decreases. Thereafter, the process returns to the pouring determination step S2 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines in the priority determination step S7 that the hot water supply flow rate priority function is set (YES in step S7), the hot water solenoid valve 49 is closed in step S10. This is to reflect the desire of the user who has set the hot water flow rate priority function and to prioritize the hot water supply to the faucet rather than the pouring to the bathtub 7. Note that the hot water storage control unit 65 opens the hot water solenoid valve 49 when hot water supply is stopped after the hot water solenoid valve 49 is closed or when the hot water supply flow rate priority function is canceled. In step S11, the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 so that the hot water supply circuit 14 side is fully opened (100%). Thereafter, the process returns to the pouring determination step S2 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  The hot water supply device 1 is a case in which either the supply amount from the hot water supply circuit 13 to the hot water supply circuit 14 or the supply amount to the bath pouring circuit 15 is insufficient by performing such a distribution valve control process. However, by appropriately controlling the flow distribution valve 34, a desired operation can be realized without impairing the user's feeling of use.

  That is, in an environment where the hot water flow rate to the faucet decreases due to pressure loss, the flow rate distribution valve 34 is controlled so as to ensure the flow rate on the hot water supply circuit 14 side when the hot water tap is being fed (step S4, Step S11). Moreover, in the environment where the pouring flow rate of the bathtub 7 decreases due to pressure loss, the flow distribution valve 34 is controlled so that the flow rate on the bath pouring circuit 15 side is secured when the bath 7 is poured ( Step S6, Step S9). Thereby, the shortage of the hot water supply flow rate by pressure loss can be eliminated.

  When the user sets the hot water flow rate priority function to ensure the hot water flow rate, the flow distribution valve 34 is controlled so that the hot water flow rate to the faucet can be obtained more reliably (step S11). Thereby, a user's desired operation | movement is realizable.

  In addition, priority determination step S7, solenoid valve OFF step S10, and opening degree control step S11 may be omitted, and the process may proceed to flow rate determination step S8 after hot water supply determination step S5.

  Next, another distribution valve restriction process when the hot water supply apparatus 1 has a hot water supply flow restriction function will be described. The hot water flow rate limiting function (flow rate limiting function) is a function that limits the upper limit value of the hot water flow rate to the faucet to the limited flow rate. The flow rate limiting function is set by receiving an instruction from the user via the switches 93 of the remote controller 5, and is mainly realized by the flow rate distribution valve 34 and the hot water solenoid valve 49 based on the control of the hot water storage control unit 65. The flow rate limiting function is a function provided from the viewpoint of energy saving. For example, the hot water supply flow rate is limited so that a flow rate higher than a set flow rate set by the user via the remote controller 5 is not supplied. The limit flow rate is set by the flow rate, for example, 6 L / min, 8 L / min, 10 L / min, 12 L / min, or 30%, 50%, 70%, etc. It is set by the opening. Alternatively, it is set by selecting a level (weak, medium, strong, etc.) to which the corresponding flow rate and opening degree are assigned.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a distribution valve control process executed by the hot water supply apparatus 1 in the present embodiment when the hot water supply apparatus 1 has a flow rate limiting function.

  Since standby step S21 to hot water supply determination step S23 are the same as standby step S1 to hot water supply determination step S3 of FIG.

  When it is determined that hot water is supplied to the faucet in the hot water determination step S23 (YES in step S23), the hot water storage control unit 65 determines whether the flow rate restriction function is set in step S24. When it is determined that the flow rate restriction function is set (YES in step S24), the hot water storage control unit 65 sets the opening on the hot water supply circuit 14 side to an opening corresponding to the set restricted flow rate in step S25. The flow distribution valve 34 is controlled. At the same time, the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the hot water mixing valve 41 so that the hot water supply temperature becomes the hot water supply set temperature. That is, since the flow rate of hot water from the hot water circuit 13 is reduced due to the decrease in opening, the hot water storage control unit 65 reduces the flow rate of water from the water supply circuit 12. As a result, the flow rate of the hot water supply circuit 14 decreases. The hot water storage control unit 65 controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 and the hot water mixing valve 41 so that the hot water flow rate detected by the hot water flow sensor 42 does not exceed the limit flow rate while considering the increase in the flow rate. Thereby, the hot water of the flow volume which made the restriction | limiting flow volume the upper limit from the faucet flows. On the other hand, when it is determined that the flow rate restriction function is not set (NO in step S24), the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 so that the hot water supply circuit 14 side is fully opened (100%) in step S26. Thereafter, the process returns to the pouring determination step S22 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Since the hot water supply determination step S27 to the opening degree increase step S31 are the same as the hot water supply determination step S5 to the opening degree increase step S9 in FIG.

  When the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the pouring flow rate is not smaller than the minimum ensured flow rate (NO in step S30), it determines in step S32 whether the flow rate limiting function is set. When it is determined that the flow rate restriction function is not set (NO in step S32), the hot water storage control unit 65 returns to the pouring determination step S22 and repeats the subsequent processes. On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the flow rate limiting function is set (YES in step S32), in step S33, the flow rate distribution is performed so that the bath pouring circuit 15 can obtain a flow rate equal to or higher than the minimum ensured flow rate. The valve 34 is controlled to control the opening on the hot water supply circuit 14 side. This opening degree control step S33 is executed to avoid that the pouring flow rate is lower than the minimum ensured flow rate as a result of giving priority to the limited flow rate when the flow rate limiting function is set. For example, when the limit flow rate is set to a large value (for example, 10 L / min), the hot water storage control unit 65 controls the flow rate distribution valve 34 so as to obtain a hot water supply flow rate of 10 L / min according to this setting. However, in a situation where the hot water flow rate tends to increase due to pressure loss in the piping path, for example, the bathtub 7 is on the floor and the faucet is downstairs, the pouring flow rate decreases and the minimum secured flow rate is reduced according to the set limit flow rate. It may not be obtained. In such a case, even if the limit flow rate is lowered (for example, 8 L / min), the minimum secured flow rate can be reliably obtained. Since the hot water flow rate priority function is not set (NO in priority determination step S29), this step is performed in accordance with the user's intention to prioritize pouring hot water into the bathtub 7.

  When it is determined that the hot water supply flow rate priority function is set in the priority determination step S29 (YES in step S29), the hot water storage control unit 65 determines whether or not the flow rate restriction function is set in step S34. When the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the flow rate restriction function is not set (NO in step S34), the hot water solenoid valve 49 is closed in step S35. The electromagnetic valve OFF step S35 and the opening degree control step S36 are the same as the electromagnetic valve OFF step S10 and the opening degree control step S11 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the hot water storage control unit 65 determines that the flow rate restriction function is set (YES in step S34), the opening on the hot water supply circuit 14 side becomes an opening corresponding to the set restricted flow rate in step S37. The flow distribution valve 34 is controlled so that the Since the opening degree control step S37 is the same as the opening degree control step S25, the description thereof is omitted. The flow rate determination step S38 and the electromagnetic valve OFF step S39 are the same as the flow rate determination step S8 and the electromagnetic valve OFF step S10 in FIG.

  Since the hot water flow rate priority function is set in the electromagnetic valve OFF step S35, priority is given to hot water supply to the faucet and the hot water solenoid valve 49 is closed. On the other hand, in the solenoid valve OFF step S39, the hot water solenoid valve 49 is closed only when the pouring flow rate is smaller than the minimum ensured flow rate in the flow rate determination step S38. This is due to the presence or absence of the setting of the flow restriction function, and more reflects the user's wishes.

  The hot water supply device 1 performs the distribution valve control process in the case of having such a flow rate limiting function, and thereby appropriately controls the flow rates of the circuits 14 and 15 by the flow rate distribution valve 34, and further improves the user's flow rate. A desired operation can be realized. That is, when the user has set the hot water supply flow rate priority function and desires to secure the hot water supply flow rate over the pouring flow rate, if hot water supply and hot water supply are performed simultaneously, the hot water storage control unit 65 causes the hot water solenoid valve 49 to Is closed (step S35), and the opening on the hot water supply circuit 14 side is fully opened (step S36). Thereby, the amount of hot water supplied from the faucet can be secured, and the decrease in the hot water flow rate due to pressure loss can be eliminated.

  Further, even when the user sets the flow rate limiting function and desires to prioritize water saving, the hot water supply flow rate can be set to the limited flow rate using the flow rate distribution valve 34 (step S25, step S33, and step). S37). Thereby, the hot water supply apparatus 1 can eliminate the decrease in the flow rate of the hot water supply due to the pressure loss while obtaining the water saving effect.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  For example, the hot water storage control unit 65 replaces the distribution valve control processing of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the flow rate of the hot water supply circuit 14 or the bath injection based on the detection results detected by the hot water flow sensor 42 and the hot water flow sensor 47. When it is determined that the flow rate of the hot water circuit 15 is smaller than the predetermined flow rate, the flow rate distribution valve 34 may be controlled so that the flow rate on the circuit side determined to be small is increased.

  Further, the flow distribution valve 34 may be provided in the water supply circuit 12. FIG. 4 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus 1a as a modification of the present embodiment. Components and parts corresponding to those of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus 1a, the hot water supply circuit 14 and the bath pouring circuit 15 are connected to the water supply circuit 12 via the flow rate distribution valve 34, respectively. Further, the hot water circuit 13 is connected to the hot water supply circuit 14 via a hot water supply mixing valve 41 and is connected to the bath pouring circuit 15 via a bath mixing valve 46. Also in such a hot water supply apparatus 1a, the distribution valve control process is executed in the same manner as the hot water supply apparatus 1 described above, and the same effects are obtained.

  The hot water supply apparatus 1, 1 a has an electric heater type heating means in the hot water storage tank 11 instead of the heat pump unit 4, or an instantaneous heat exchanger (bath heat exchanger) for heating with a gas burner or an oil burner. Or a cogeneration system waste heat recovery device.

1, 1a Hot water storage type hot water supply device (hot water supply device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Hot water storage tank unit 4 Heat pump unit 5 Remote control 7 Bathtub 8 Shower 9 Curran 11 Hot water storage tank 12 Water supply circuit 13 Hot water supply circuit 14 Hot water supply circuit 15 Bath pouring circuit 16 Bath circulation circuit 25 Water supply pipe 27 Water supply bypass pipe 28 Water supply temperature sensor 30 Hot water Hot water pipe 31 Medium hot water hot water pipe 32 Medium hot water mixing valve 33 Hot water pipe 34 Flow distribution valve 40 Hot water supply pipe 41 Hot water supply mixing valve 42 Hot water flow sensor 45 Hot water pipe 46 Bath mixing valve 47 Hot water flow sensor 49 Hot water solenoid valve 65 Hot water storage Control unit 93 Switches 97 Remote control unit

Claims (8)

A tapping circuit for supplying hot water,
A water supply circuit for supplying water;
A flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio;
A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water circuit;
A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and pours hot water into the bathtub;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit;
A control unit for controlling the flow rate distribution valve based on detection results of the hot water flow sensor and the hot water flow sensor;
A priority instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to prioritize hot water supply to the faucet over pouring to the bathtub ;
When the priority instruction receiving unit receives the instruction and determines that hot water is supplied to the faucet based on the detection result, the control unit controls the flow rate distribution valve so that the hot water supply circuit side is fully opened. A hot water supply device that is controlled . The bath pouring circuit further includes an on-off valve that opens and closes between the bath pouring circuit and the bathtub,
The control unit closes the on-off valve when the priority instruction receiving unit receives the instruction, determines that the water tap is supplied with water to the faucet based on the detection result, and is poured into the bathtub. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 . A tapping circuit for supplying hot water,
A water supply circuit for supplying water;
A flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio;
A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water circuit;
A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and pours hot water into the bathtub;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit;
A control unit for controlling the flow rate distribution valve based on detection results of the hot water flow sensor and the hot water flow sensor;
And a limit instruction reception unit that receives an instruction to limit the upper limit value restriction flow rates of the hot water supply circuit,
Wherein the control unit, the restriction instruction when the accepting unit accepts the instruction, hot water the hot water supply circuit side of the opening and controlling the flow distribution valve so as to be opening corresponding to the limit flow device . The bath pouring circuit includes a mixing valve that mixes hot water from the hot water circuit and water from the water supply circuit to adjust to a set temperature, and an open / close valve that opens and closes between the bath pouring circuit and the bathtub. In addition,
When the restriction instruction accepting unit accepts the instruction, the control unit sets the flow rate of the bath pouring circuit based on the detection result at a minimum to complete the hot water within a predetermined allowable time. The hot water supply device according to claim 3 , wherein the on-off valve is closed when it is determined that the flow rate is smaller than a necessary minimum secured flow rate. A tapping circuit for supplying hot water,
A water supply circuit for supplying water;
A flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio;
A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water circuit;
A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and pours hot water into the bathtub;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit;
A controller that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on detection results of the hot water flow sensor and the hot water flow sensor,
The said control part is a hot water supply apparatus characterized by controlling the said flow distribution valve so that the said hot water supply circuit side may be fully opened, when the hot water supply to the said bathtub and the hot water supply to the said tap are not performed. A tapping circuit for supplying hot water,
A water supply circuit for supplying water;
A flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio;
A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water circuit;
A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and pours hot water into the bathtub;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit;
A controller that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on detection results of the hot water flow sensor and the hot water flow sensor,
When the control unit determines that the hot water is poured into the bathtub and the water faucet is not hot water based on the detection result, the opening degree on the hot water supply circuit side is larger than the opening degree on the bath pouring circuit side. The flow rate distribution valve is controlled so as to be smaller and larger than 0% . A tapping circuit for supplying hot water,
A water supply circuit for supplying water;
A flow rate distribution valve that is provided in the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit and distributes the flow rate at a controllable ratio;
A hot water supply circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and supplies hot water to the faucet;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the hot water circuit;
A bath pouring circuit that is connected to the hot water supply circuit or the water supply circuit via the flow rate distribution valve and pours hot water into the bathtub;
A hot water flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of the hot water in the bath pouring circuit;
A controller that controls the flow rate distribution valve based on detection results of the hot water flow sensor and the hot water flow sensor,
When the control unit determines, based on the detection result, that the flow rate of the bath pouring circuit is smaller than the minimum required flow rate necessary for completing the hot water beam within a predetermined allowable time A hot water supply apparatus that controls the flow rate distribution valve to increase the opening degree on the bath pouring circuit side so that the bath pouring circuit can obtain a flow rate equal to or higher than the minimum ensured flow rate. The hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the flow rate distribution valve is provided in the hot water supply circuit.

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