JP6988766B2 - Flow path switching valve and hot water storage type water heater - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve and a hot water storage type water heater.

As one of the water heaters that store hot water with various temperatures in a stacked state in a hot water storage tank, a heat pump type that uses a heat pump cycle as a heating source to boil water and stores the boiled water from the upper side of the hot water storage tank. There is a water heater. In a water heater that uses a heat pump cycle as the heating source, the temperature difference between the refrigerant and hot water decreases as the temperature of water entering the refrigerant-water heat exchanger increases by exchanging heat between the hot water and the refrigerant to heat the hot water. The heating capacity is reduced.

Therefore, a method has been proposed in which the temperature of water entering the refrigerant-water heat exchanger is suppressed by preferentially using the medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank for hot water supply. As a mechanism for collecting medium-temperature water in the hot-water storage tank, a medium-temperature water intake mechanism in which a rotatable tubular member bent in an L shape is arranged inside the hot-water storage tank is provided, and by rotating the tubular member, the inside of the hot-water storage tank is provided. Water heaters capable of taking out medium-temperature water from different height positions are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-175186

The medium-temperature water intake mechanism in the hot-water storage type water heater disclosed in Patent Document 1 can only take out hot water in the hot-water storage tank. For this reason, there is a problem that the product cost increases, for example, it is necessary to add a mixing valve for mixing the low temperature water and the medium hot water separately from the medium hot water intake mechanism.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a flow path switching valve suitable for use in a hot water storage type water heater that takes out and uses medium-temperature water in a hot water storage tank, and the flow path switching. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water storage type water heater equipped with a valve.

The flow path switching valve according to the present invention includes a valve body, a rotatable valve body arranged in the valve body, and a motor for rotationally driving the valve body, and the valve body is attached to the rotation axis of the valve body. It has a first inlet facing in a parallel direction, a second inlet facing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and an outlet. At an angle and when the rotation position is at a third angle, a first series of passages is formed in which the fluid flowing in from the first inlet can flow out from the outlet, and the fluid flows from the second inlet to the outlet. When the rotation position is at the fourth angle, a second communication passage is formed in which the fluid flowing in from the second inlet can flow out from the outlet , and the fluid flows from the first inlet to the outlet. The second angle is the rotation position where the valve body is rotated 90 degrees in a predetermined direction from the first angle, and the third angle is the rotation position where the valve body is rotated 180 degrees in a predetermined direction from the first angle. , and the fourth angle is the rotation position der shall the valve body is rotated 270 degrees in a predetermined direction from the first angle.
Further, the flow path switching valve according to the present invention includes a valve body, a rotatable valve body arranged in the valve body, and a motor for rotationally driving the valve body, and the valve body rotates the valve body. It has a first inlet facing in a direction parallel to the axis, a second inlet facing in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and an outlet. At the second angle and when the rotation position is the third angle, a first series of passages is formed so that the fluid flowing in from the first inlet can flow out from the outlet, and when the rotation position is the fourth angle, the second. It is a flow path switching valve in which a second continuous passage is formed so that the fluid flowing in from the inflow port can flow out from the outflow port. A valve body third flow path, a valve body fourth flow path, a valve body fifth flow path, and a valve body sixth flow path are formed, and the valve body first flow path is in the same direction as the first inflow port. The second flow path of the valve body communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is the first angle, and the third flow path of the valve body has the third angle of rotation position. The fourth flow path of the valve body communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is the second angle, and the fifth flow path of the valve body communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is the fourth angle. Communicating with the outlet, the valve body sixth flow path communicates with the second inflow port when the rotation position is at the fourth angle, and the valve body first flow path, the valve body second flow path, and the valve body third flow path. The valve body fourth flow path forms a first valve body passage by communicating with each other inside the valve body, and the valve body fifth flow path and the valve body sixth flow path are of the valve body. The passage inside the second valve is formed by communicating with each other inside, and the passage inside the first valve and the passage inside the second valve do not communicate with each other inside the valve body, and the rotation position is the first. At one angle, the valve body first flow path and the valve body second flow path form a first series of passages, and the closing portion provided at the second inflow port is the valve body third flow path on the surface of the valve body. When the opening is closed and the rotation position is at the second angle, a first series of passages is formed by the first flow path of the valve body and the fourth flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion is the fifth flow of the valve body on the surface of the valve body. When the opening of the path is closed and the rotation position is at the third angle, a first series of passages is formed by the first flow path of the valve body and the third flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion is the second valve body on the surface of the valve body. When the opening of the flow path is closed and the rotation position is at the fourth angle, a second continuous passage is formed by the fifth flow path of the valve body and the sixth flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion is the valve body on the surface of the valve body. It closes the opening of the fourth flow path.
Further, the hot water storage type water heater according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned flow path switching valve, a heating means for heating water, and a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means.
Further, in the hot water storage type water heater according to the present invention, the above-mentioned flow path switching valve, a heating means for heating water, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, and hot water for supplying to the outside flow. It is equipped with a water outlet pipe and a water supply pipe through which water supplied from the water source flows. The first inflow port of the flow path switching valve is connected to the side surface of the hot water storage tank, and the protruding portion of the tubular member of the flow path switching valve is hot water storage. It extends to the inside of the tank, the outlet of the flow path switching valve is connected to the water outlet pipe, and the second inflow port of the flow path switching valve is connected to the water supply pipe.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flow path switching valve suitable for use in a hot water storage type water heater that takes out and uses medium-temperature water in a hot water storage tank, and a hot water storage type water heater provided with the flow path switching valve. It will be possible.

It is sectional drawing of the flow path switching valve by Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the flow path switching valve shown in FIG. 1 to the side surface of a hot water storage tank. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the flow path switching valve shown in FIG. 1 to the side surface of a hot water storage tank. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the flow path switching valve shown in FIG. 1 to the side surface of a hot water storage tank. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the flow path switching valve shown in FIG. 1 to the side surface of a hot water storage tank. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hot water storage type water heater provided with a flow path switching valve shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hot water storage type water heater provided with a flow path switching valve shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hot water storage type water heater provided with a flow path switching valve shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a hot water storage type water heater provided with a flow path switching valve shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Common or corresponding elements in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals to simplify or omit duplicate descriptions.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path switching valve 1 of the present embodiment includes a valve body 2, a rotatable valve body 3 arranged in the valve body 2, and a motor 4 for rotationally driving the valve body 3. To prepare for. The valve body 2 has a first inlet 5, a second inlet 6, and an outlet 7 as three openings for fluid to enter and exit.

The motor 4 is arranged outside the valve body 2. The shaft 10 penetrating the shaft insertion hole formed in the valve body 2 connects the valve body 3 to the motor 4. When the motor 4 operates, the valve body 3 rotates together with the shaft 10. The axis of rotation of the valve body 3 is parallel to the left-right direction in FIG. The motor 4 is, for example, a stepping motor. The rotation angle of the valve body 3 can be controlled by the motor 4.

The first inflow port 5 opens in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the valve body 3. The first inflow port 5 is located on the opposite side of the shaft 10. The first inflow port 5 is open toward the right in FIG. The second inflow port 6 opens in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve body 3. The second inflow port 6 opens downward in FIG. 1. The outflow port 7 is open in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the valve body 3 and facing the direction opposite to the second inflow port 6. That is, the outlet 7 opens upward in FIG. 1.

The valve body 3 has an outer shape close to a sphere. That is, the valve body 3 has a spherical surface. Inside the valve body 3, a valve body first flow path 11, a valve body second flow path 12, a valve body third flow path 13, a valve body fourth flow path 14, a valve body fifth flow path 15, and so on. A valve body sixth flow path 16 is formed. The valve body first flow path 11, the valve body second flow path 12, the valve body third flow path 13, the valve body fourth flow path 14, the valve body fifth flow path 15, and the valve body sixth flow path 16, respectively. , An opening is formed on the surface of the valve body 3. In FIG. 1, the fifth flow path 15 of the valve body is not visible due to the rotational position of the valve body 3.

A packing 8 is installed between the valve body 2 and the valve body 3. The packing 8 corresponds to a sealing member made of an elastic material such as rubber. The packing 8 prevents fluid leakage by sealing the gap between the inner surface of the valve body 2 and the surface of the valve body 3. Instead of the packing 8, a resin or metal sealing member may be used.

A closing portion 9 is provided at the second inflow port 6. The closing portion 9 is configured to close a region of approximately ½ of the opening formed by the packing 8 located at the second inflow port 6. The closing portion 9 has a spherical concave curved surface in contact with the surface of the valve body 3. In the illustrated example, of the openings formed by the packing 8 located at the second inlet 6, the closing portion 9 closes a region of approximately ½ of the opening closer to the first inlet 5.

2 to 5 are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the flow path switching valve 1 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the side surface of the hot water storage tank 20. 2 to 5 show a cross section of a wall forming the side surface of the hot water storage tank 20, that is, a wall forming the cylindrical body of the hot water storage tank 20. The first inflow port 5 of the flow path switching valve 1 is connected to the side surface of the hot water storage tank 20. The valve body 2 and the motor 4 are located outside the hot water storage tank 20. The axis of rotation of the valve body 3 becomes horizontal. In the illustrated example, the valve body 2 of the portion forming the first inflow port 5 is connected to the side wall of the hot water storage tank 20 by the fixing portion 30. The fixing portion 30 has a hole connected to the first inflow port 5. The fixing portion 30 tightly seals the gap between the hole formed in the side wall of the hot water storage tank 20 and the first inflow port 5.

In the following description, the rotation position of the valve body 3 is represented by an angle at which the valve body 3 rotates in a predetermined direction from the reference position. In the present embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is a reference position. That is, the rotation position of the valve body 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is 0 degrees. This 0 degree corresponds to the first angle. FIG. 3 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees. This 90 degree corresponds to the second angle. The second angle corresponds to a rotation position in which the valve body 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the predetermined direction from the first angle. FIG. 4 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees. This 180 degrees corresponds to the third angle. The third angle corresponds to a rotation position in which the valve body 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle from the second angle in the predetermined direction. FIG. 5 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees. This 270 degrees corresponds to the fourth angle. The fourth angle corresponds to a rotation position in which the valve body 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the predetermined direction from the third angle.

The valve body first flow path 11 has an opening on the surface of the valve body 3 facing in the same direction as the first inflow port 5. The opening of the valve body first flow path 11 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the same direction as the first inflow port 5 regardless of the rotation position of the valve body 3.

The flow path switching valve 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 includes a tubular member 18 that rotates together with the valve body 3. One end of the tubular member 18 is connected to the valve body 3 at the position of the opening of the valve body first flow path 11 on the surface of the valve body 3. The tubular member 18 has a protrusion 18a extending outward from the valve body 2 through the first inlet 5. The tubular member 18 of the portion located inside the valve body 2 is provided concentrically with the rotation axis of the valve body 3 and extends parallel to the rotation axis of the valve body 3. On the other hand, the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 has a shape bent in a direction non-parallel to the rotation axis of the valve body 3. The protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 extends into the inside of the hot water storage tank 20. That is, the tubular member 18 is arranged so as to penetrate the side wall of the hot water storage tank 20. The valve body first flow path 11 communicates with the inside of the hot water storage tank 20 via the lumen of the tubular member 18 regardless of the rotation position of the valve body 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve body first flow path 11, the valve body second flow path 12, the valve body third flow path 13, and the valve body fourth flow path 14 are mutual inside the valve body 3. It forms a passage in the first valve body by communicating with. As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body fifth flow path 15 and the valve body sixth flow path 16 communicate with each other inside the valve body 3 to form a second valve body passage. Inside the valve body 3, a partition wall 17 that separates the passage inside the first valve and the passage inside the second valve is provided. As a result, the passage inside the first valve and the passage inside the second valve do not communicate with each other inside the valve body 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the opening of the valve body second flow path 12 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the outflow port 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees. As a result, the valve body second flow path 12 communicates with the outlet 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees. As a result, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, the fluid flowing into the valve body 3 through the tubular member 18 arranged in the first inflow port 5 can flow out from the outflow port 7. The passage is formed by the valve body first flow path 11 and the valve body second flow path 12.

The opening of the valve body third flow path 13 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the second inflow port 6 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees. At this time, the opening of the valve body third flow path 13 on the surface of the valve body 3 is in a position where it is closed by the closing portion 9. As a result, the fluid flowing into the valve body 3 through the tubular member 18 is prevented from flowing to the second inlet 6 and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the second inlet 6 to the outlet 7. ..

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 bends upward, so that the position of the tip opening of the protruding portion 18a is higher than that of the valve body 3. Therefore, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at a position higher than the valve body 3 flows into the tubular member 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the opening of the valve body fourth flow path 14 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the outflow port 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees. As a result, the valve body fourth flow path 14 communicates with the outlet 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees. As a result, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, the fluid flowing into the valve body 3 through the tubular member 18 arranged in the first inflow port 5 can flow out from the outflow port 7. The passage is formed by the valve body first flow path 11 and the valve body fourth flow path 14.

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 bends in a horizontal plane, so that the position of the tip opening of the protruding portion 18a is the same height as the valve body 3. .. Therefore, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at the same height as the valve body 3 flows into the tubular member 18.

The opening of the valve body fifth flow path 15 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the second inflow port 6 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees. At this time, the opening of the valve body fifth flow path 15 on the surface of the valve body 3 is in a position where it is closed by the closing portion 9. This prevents the fluid from flowing from the second inlet 6 to the outlet 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the valve body third flow path 13 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the outflow port 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees. As a result, the valve body third flow path 13 communicates with the outlet 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees. As a result, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees, the fluid flowing into the valve body 3 through the tubular member 18 arranged in the first inflow port 5 can flow out from the outflow port 7. The passage is formed by the valve body first flow path 11 and the valve body third flow path 13.

The opening of the valve body second flow path 12 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the second inflow port 6 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees. At this time, the opening of the valve body second flow path 12 on the surface of the valve body 3 is in a position where it is closed by the closing portion 9. As a result, the fluid flowing into the valve body 3 through the tubular member 18 is prevented from flowing to the second inlet 6 and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the second inlet 6 to the outlet 7. ..

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees, the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 bends downward, so that the position of the tip opening of the protruding portion 18a is lower than that of the valve body 3. Therefore, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at a position lower than the valve body 3 flows into the tubular member 18.

As shown in FIG. 5, the opening of the valve body fifth flow path 15 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the outflow port 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees. As a result, the fifth flow path 15 of the valve body communicates with the outlet 7 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees. Further, the opening of the valve body sixth flow path 16 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the second inflow port 6 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees. At this time, the opening of the valve body sixth flow path 16 on the surface of the valve body 3 is in a position not to be closed by the closing portion 9. The reason is that the opening of the valve body sixth flow path 16 on the surface of the valve body 3 is the valve body second flow path 12, the valve body third flow path 13, the valve body fourth flow path 14, and the valve body fifth. This is because it is located farther from the first inflow port 5 than the opening of the flow path 15. In this way, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees, the second continuous passage through which the fluid flowing in from the second inflow port 6 can flow out from the outflow port 7 is the valve body fifth flow path 15 and the valve body. It is formed by the sixth flow path 16.

The opening of the valve body fourth flow path 14 on the surface of the valve body 3 faces the second inflow port 6 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees. At this time, the opening of the valve body fourth flow path 14 on the surface of the valve body 3 is in a position where it is closed by the closing portion 9. This prevents the fluid from flowing between the first inlet 5 and the second inlet 6.

As described above, according to the flow path switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, and when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees. When the rotation position is 180 degrees, a first series passage is formed so that the fluid flowing in from the first inflow port 5 can flow out from the outflow port 7, and when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees, the second inflow port 6 is formed. It is possible to form a second communication passage through which the fluid flowing in from the outlet 7 can flow out from the outlet 7.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tubular member 18 having the curved protruding portion 18a rotates together with the valve body 3, so that the fluid flows into the tubular member 18 according to the rotation position of the valve body 3. It is possible to change the position. That is, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at a position higher than the valve body 3 flows into the tubular member 18, and when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, the valve. When the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at the same height as the body 3 flows into the tubular member 18 and the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 at a position lower than the valve body 3 Hot water flows into the tubular member 18.

6 to 9 are structural views schematically showing a hot water storage type water heater 100 provided with the flow path switching valve 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 6 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, FIG. 7 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, and FIG. 8 shows a state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees. The state at the time of is shown, and FIG. 9 shows the state when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees.

As shown in these figures, the hot water storage type water heater 100 of the present embodiment includes various devices, parts, pipes and the like described below. The hot water storage tank 20 is a container for storing hot water. A water supply pipe 22 for supplying city water is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20. In the present specification, the low temperature water means water having a temperature similar to that of water supplied from a water source such as city water. The water supply pipe 22 corresponds to a pipe through which low-temperature water supplied from a water source flows. A hot water supply pipe 23 for supplying the stored hot water to the outside of the hot water storage type water heater 100 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20.

As described above, the flow path switching valve 1 is attached to the side surface of the hot water storage tank 20, that is, to the cylindrical body of the hot water storage tank 20. In the illustrated example, the flow path switching valve 1 is arranged at a position slightly higher than the position at a height of 1/2 of the hot water storage tank 20. Not limited to such a configuration, the flow path switching valve 1 may be arranged at a position having a height equal to or less than 1/2 the height of the hot water storage tank 20.

The control device 50 corresponds to a control means for controlling the operation of the hot water storage type water heater 100. The actuators and sensors included in the hot water storage type water heater 100 are electrically connected to the control device 50.

The heat pump unit 60 corresponds to a heating means for heating water. The heat pump unit 60 in the present embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit that uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. Although not shown, the refrigerant circuit consists of a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a refrigerant-hydrothermal exchanger that exchanges heat between high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor, and water, and a refrigerant-hydrogen. It includes a decompression device such as an expansion valve that depressurizes the high-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the exchanger, and an evaporator that evaporates the low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the decompression device. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant by, for example, the heat of the outside air. The heat pump unit 60 heats water to generate hot water by operating the heat pump cycle by this refrigerant circuit.

In the present specification, the high temperature water means water having the same temperature as the high temperature hot water heated by the heat pump unit 60. Further, the medium-temperature water means water having a temperature between high-temperature water and low-temperature water.

During the boiling operation, which is the operation of heating the water in the hot water storage tank 20, the hot water circulates as follows. The water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20 is sent to the heat pump unit 60 through the tank lower part pipe 25. A circulation pump (not shown) for circulating hot water is installed in the tank lower pipe 25. The high-temperature water heated by the heat pump unit 60 returns to the hot water storage tank 20 through the tank upper pipe 24 and flows into the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20. By performing such a boiling operation, a temperature stratification in which the upper side is high temperature and the lower side is low temperature is formed in the hot water storage tank 20, and hot water is stored.

On the surface of the hot water storage tank 20, a plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33 for detecting the temperature distribution of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 in the vertical direction are attached at different height positions. The plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33 detect the temperature in the hot water storage tank 20 at different height positions. Of the hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33, the hot water storage temperature sensor 31 is at the highest position, the hot water storage temperature sensor 32 is at the next highest position, and the hot water storage temperature sensor 33 is at the lowest position. The control device 50 grasps the amount of heat storage and the amount of residual hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 based on the temperature distribution acquired by the hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33, and is a boiling operation based on the amount of heat storage or the amount of residual hot water. Controls the start and stop of. A hot water storage temperature sensor other than the three hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33 shown may be further attached to the hot water storage tank 20.

The water supply pipe 26 branches from the water supply pipe 22 and is connected to the second inflow port 6 of the flow path switching valve 1. The low temperature water from the water supply pipe 22 can flow into the second inflow port 6 through the water supply pipe 26.

The hot water supply mixing valve 27 has a first inlet 27a, a second inlet 27b, and an outlet 27c. The first inlet 27a is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 by a hot water supply pipe 23. The second inlet 27b is connected to the outlet 7 of the flow path switching valve 1 by a water discharge pipe 19. The water discharge pipe 19 corresponds to a pipe through which hot water for supplying to the outside of the hot water storage type water heater 100 flows.

The mixed hot water supply pipe 28 connects the outlet 27c and the faucet 29 provided outside the hot water storage type water heater 100. The high-temperature water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 23 into the first inlet 27a and the medium-temperature water or low-temperature water flowing into the second inlet 27b from the outflow pipe 19 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 27, and the mixed hot water is mixed. It is supplied to the faucet 29 through the outlet 27c and the mixed hot water supply pipe 28. The hot water supply mixing valve 27 has a function of adjusting the hot water supply temperature to the faucet 29 by adjusting the mixing ratio of the high temperature water flowing into the first inlet 27a and the medium hot water or the low temperature water flowing into the second inlet 27b. Have. In addition to the faucet 29, the hot water storage type water heater 100 may be configured to be able to supply hot water to a hot water supply destination such as a shower or a bathtub.

The user can set the hot water supply temperature to the faucet 29 by using a user interface (not shown) such as a remote controller. The control device 50 adjusts the mixing ratio by the hot water supply mixing valve 27 so that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the mixing hot water supply pipe 28 becomes equal to the set hot water supply temperature.

In the present embodiment, the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 can be effectively used for hot water supply by taking out the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 by using the flow path switching valve 1 and supplying the medium-temperature water to the hot water supply mixing valve 27. In order to make the temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet 29 equal to the set hot water supply temperature, it is necessary that the temperature of the medium hot water taken out by the flow path switching valve 1 is equal to or lower than the set hot water supply temperature.

In the present embodiment, the control device 50 can switch the rotation position of the valve body 3 of the flow path switching valve 1 according to the temperature information detected by the hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33. As a result, medium-temperature water having an appropriate temperature can be taken out by the flow path switching valve 1 according to the state of the temperature distribution in the vertical direction in the hot water storage tank 20. This point will be described below.

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, the position of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a of the tubular member 18 is the highest, as shown in FIG. Therefore, by setting the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 0 degrees, medium-temperature water can be taken out from a position as high as possible in the hot water storage tank 20. When the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is small, a layer of medium-temperature water is located in the upper region of the hot water storage tank 20. When it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is small, the control device 50 sets the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 0 degrees. This makes it possible to take out medium-temperature water having an appropriate temperature.

The hot water supply operation in the state of FIG. 6 is as follows, for example. Medium-warm water (for example, 30 ° C.) in the upper region of the hot water storage tank 20 flows into the tubular member 18 through the opening of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a, and the first inflow port 5, the valve body 3, the outflow port 7, and the outflow pipe. After passing through 19, it flows into the hot water supply mixing valve 27. The medium hot water and the high temperature water (for example, 80 ° C.) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 by the hot water supply pipe 23 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 27 so that the hot water has a temperature equal to the set hot water supply temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). , The hot water is discharged from the faucet 29 via the mixed hot water supply pipe 28. As described above, when a layer of medium-temperature water exists in the upper region of the hot water storage tank 20, the medium-temperature water can be taken out and used for hot water supply.

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip 18b of the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 is at a position substantially the same height as the flow path switching valve 1, and is in the hot water storage tank 20. Located in the middle height area. Therefore, by setting the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 90 degrees, medium-temperature water can be taken out from the intermediate height region in the hot water storage tank 20. When the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is medium, the layer of medium hot water is located in the intermediate height region in the hot water storage tank 20. When it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is a medium amount, the control device 50 sets the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 90 degrees. This makes it possible to take out medium-temperature water having an appropriate temperature.

The hot water supply operation in the state of FIG. 7 is as follows, for example. Medium-warm water (for example, 30 ° C.) in the intermediate height region in the hot water storage tank 20 flows into the tubular member 18 through the opening of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a, and the first inlet 5, the valve body 3, the outlet 7, and the outlet 7 It flows into the hot water supply mixing valve 27 via the water discharge pipe 19. The medium hot water and the high temperature water (for example, 80 ° C.) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 by the hot water supply pipe 23 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 27 so that the hot water has a temperature equal to the set hot water supply temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). , The hot water is discharged from the faucet 29 via the mixed hot water supply pipe 28. As described above, when a layer of medium-temperature water exists in the intermediate height region in the hot water storage tank 20, the medium-temperature water can be taken out and used for hot water supply.

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 180 degrees, the position of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a of the tubular member 18 is the lowest, as shown in FIG. Therefore, by setting the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 180 degrees, it is possible to take out the medium hot water from the lowest possible position in the hot water storage tank 20. When the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is large, a layer of medium-temperature water is located in the lower region of the hot water storage tank 20. When it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is large, the control device 50 sets the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 180 degrees. This makes it possible to take out medium-temperature water having an appropriate temperature.

The hot water supply operation in the state of FIG. 8 is, for example, as follows. Medium-warm water (for example, 30 ° C.) in the lower region of the hot water storage tank 20 flows into the tubular member 18 through the opening of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a, and the first inflow port 5, the valve body 3, the outflow port 7, and the outflow pipe. After passing through 19, it flows into the hot water supply mixing valve 27. The medium hot water and the high temperature water (for example, 80 ° C.) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 by the hot water supply pipe 23 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 27 so that the hot water has a temperature equal to the set hot water supply temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). , The hot water is discharged from the faucet 29 via the mixed hot water supply pipe 28. As described above, when a layer of medium-temperature water exists in the lower region of the hot water storage tank 20, the medium-temperature water can be taken out and used for hot water supply.

When the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 270 degrees, as shown in FIG. 9, the tip 18b of the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 is at a position substantially the same height as the flow path switching valve 1, and is in the hot water storage tank 20. Located in the mid-height area. At this time, the flow path switching valve 1 is in a state of forming a second continuous passage through which the fluid flowing in from the second inflow port 6 can flow out from the outflow port 7, so that the tubular member 18 is connected to the flow path switching valve 1. No fluid flows.

The hot water supply operation in the state of FIG. 9 is as follows, for example. Low-temperature water (for example, 20 ° C.) from the water supply pipe 22 passes through the water supply pipe 26, the second inflow port 6 of the flow path switching valve 1, the valve body 3, the outflow port 7, and the water outlet pipe 19 to the hot water supply mixing valve 27. Inflow. This low-temperature water and the high-temperature water (for example, 80 ° C.) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 by the hot water supply pipe 23 are mixed by the hot water supply mixing valve 27 so that the hot water has a temperature equal to the set hot water supply temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). , The hot water is discharged from the faucet 29 via the mixed hot water supply pipe 28.

When the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 is particularly large, for example, when the hot water storage tank 20 is completely filled with high-temperature water, medium-temperature water having an appropriate temperature cannot be taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 by the tubular member 18. There is. In such a case, the control device 50 sets the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 270 degrees. As a result, the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 22 can be supplied to the hot water supply mixing valve 27, so that hot water having a temperature equal to the hot water supply set temperature can be generated by the hot water supply mixing valve 27.

As described above, in the present embodiment, both the extraction of the medium-temperature water at different heights in the hot water storage tank 20 and the supply of the low-temperature water from the water source instead of the medium-temperature water are performed. This can be achieved by one flow path switching valve 1. Therefore, the hot water storage type water heater 100 that takes out and uses the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 can be realized with a simple component configuration, which is advantageous in suppressing an increase in product cost.

Next, an example of the control operation of the flow path switching valve 1 in the hot water storage type water heater 100 will be described. After the boiling operation is completed, the temperature inside the hot water storage tank 20 becomes as high as 65 ° C to 90 ° C as a whole. At this time, the detected temperatures of the hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, and 33 are all 65 ° C. or higher. In such a case, the control device 50 determines that the medium-temperature water cannot be taken out, operates the flow path switching valve 1 so that the rotation position of the valve body 3 becomes 270 degrees, and the state of FIG. To. As a result, the low temperature water from the water supply pipe 26 is supplied to the hot water supply mixing valve 27 through the flow path switching valve 1 and the water discharge pipe 19.

From the state of FIG. 9, when the user opens the faucet 29 to perform the hot water supply operation, the high temperature water is taken out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 to the hot water supply pipe 23, and the low temperature water from the water supply pipe 22 is taken out from the hot water storage tank 20. It flows into the lower part. As a result, a layer of high-temperature water at the upper part, a layer of low-temperature water at the lower part, and a layer of medium-temperature water in the middle part between the upper part and the lower part are formed in the hot water storage tank 20. When the hot water storage temperature sensor 31 and the hot water storage temperature sensor 32 detect a high temperature (65 ° C. or higher) and the hot water storage temperature sensor 33 detects a medium temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the control device 50 sets the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 180 degrees. The flow path switching valve 1 is operated so as to be in the state shown in FIG. When the hot water supply operation is performed in this state, medium-temperature water at substantially the same height as the hot water storage temperature sensor 33 is taken out through the tubular member 18 and used for hot water supply.

When the hot water supply operation is further performed from the state shown in FIG. 8, the layer of medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 gradually moves upward. When the hot water storage temperature sensor 31 detects a high temperature (65 ° C. or higher) and the hot water storage temperature sensor 32 detects a medium temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the control device 50 moves the flow path so that the rotation position of the valve body 3 becomes 90 degrees. The switching valve 1 is operated to bring it to the state shown in FIG. When the hot water supply operation is performed in this state, medium-temperature water at substantially the same height as the hot water storage temperature sensor 32 is taken out through the tubular member 18 and used for hot water supply.

When the hot water supply operation is further performed from the state of FIG. 7, the layer of medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 moves further upward. When the hot water storage temperature sensor 31 detects a medium temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), the control device 50 operates the flow path switching valve 1 so that the rotation position of the valve body 3 becomes 0 degrees, and the state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. When the hot water supply operation is performed in this state, medium-temperature water at substantially the same height as the hot water storage temperature sensor 31 is taken out through the tubular member 18 and used for hot water supply.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 can be effectively used for hot water supply. Therefore, since it is possible to suppress the inflow of medium-temperature water into the heat pump unit 60 during the boiling operation, the temperature of water entering the heat pump unit 60 can be maintained at a low temperature. As a result, the efficiency of the heat pump unit 60 can be improved.

Next, the drainage mode for preventing the pipe from freezing will be described. When the hot water storage type water heater 100 is not used for a long period of time in winter, when the power of the hot water storage type water heater 100 is turned off, parts may be damaged or functional deterioration due to freezing of water in the piping inside the hot water storage type water heater 100. Need to prevent. In preparation for such a case, the control device 50 can set a drainage mode for draining water in the hot water storage type water heater 100. The user can set the drainage mode by operating a user interface (not shown) such as a remote controller.

When the drainage mode is set, the control device 50 rotates the valve body 3 so that the position of the tip 18b of the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 is lower than the position of the valve body 3. As a result, the water in the tubular member 18 is surely discharged from the opening of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a. Therefore, since water can be reliably prevented from remaining in the tubular member 18, damage to the tubular member 18 due to freezing of water can be reliably prevented. In this case, the control device 50 may set the rotation position of the valve body 3 to 180 degrees so that the position of the tip 18b of the protrusion 18a of the tubular member 18 is the lowest.

Regarding the height position of the hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33, the temperature at the same height as the tip 18b of the protruding portion 18a of the tubular member 18 when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees is detected. The hot water storage temperature sensor 31 is arranged, and the hot water storage temperature sensor 32 is arranged so as to detect the temperature at the same height as the tip 18b when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 90 degrees, and the rotation position of the valve body 3 is set. It is desirable to arrange the hot water storage temperature sensor 33 so as to detect the temperature at the same height as the tip 18b at 180 degrees. As a result, the temperature of the medium-temperature water flowing into the tubular member 18 can be detected more accurately when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, 90 degrees, or 180 degrees, so that the medium-temperature water can be more accurately detected. It can be appropriately used for hot water supply.

In the control device 50, when the temperature detected by the hot water storage temperature sensor 33 at the lowest position among the plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 31, 32, 33 is higher than the reference temperature, the rotation position of the valve body 3 becomes 270 degrees. The flow path switching valve 1 is operated as described above. The reference temperature may be a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.), a temperature equal to the set hot water supply temperature, or a temperature lower than the set hot water supply temperature. By doing so, it is possible to more reliably prevent the use of medium-temperature water having a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature for hot water supply.

In a heat pump type water heater, particularly a heat pump type water heater using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, if the outside air temperature is about the same, the temperature of the water flowing into the refrigerant-water heat exchanger of the heat pump unit 60, that is, the lower part in the hot water storage tank 20. The higher the water temperature, the lower the coefficient of performance. According to the present embodiment, the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 can be sufficiently used for hot water supply, and the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 20 can be suppressed from flowing into the refrigerant-water heat exchanger. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a highly efficient product in a heat pump water heater using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

In the present embodiment, the first series passage is formed at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 180 degrees with respect to the rotation position of the valve body 3 of the flow path switching valve 1, and the second series passage is formed at 270 degrees. However, these angles may be changed as appropriate. Further, although an example of switching the rotation position of the valve body 3 to four angles of 0 degree, 90 degree, 180 degree, and 270 degree has been described, the number of switching of the rotation position of the valve body 3 may be increased or decreased. Further, when the rotation position of the valve body 3 is 0 degrees, a second continuous passage is formed, and when the rotation positions of the valve body 3 are 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees, a first series passage is formed. It may be a flow path configuration.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the low temperature water from the water source flows into the second inflow port 6 of the flow path switching valve 1 has been described as an example, but the high temperature water taken out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 is the second. It may be configured to flow into the inflow port 6. In that case, both taking out the medium-temperature water at different heights in the hot water storage tank 20 and supplying high-temperature water instead of the medium-temperature water can be achieved by one flow path switching valve 1. .. As a result, it is advantageous to simplify the configuration of the hot water storage type water heater 100.

1 Flow switching valve 2 Valve body 3 Valve body 4 Motor 5 First inflow port 6 Second inflow port 7 Outlet 8 Packing 9 Closure 10 Shaft 11 Valve body first flow path 12 Valve body second flow path 13 Valve body third Flow path 14 Valve body 4th flow path 15 Valve body 5th flow path 16 Valve body 6th flow path 17 Partition 18 Tubular member 18a Protrusion 18b Tip 19 Outflow pipe 20 Hot water storage tank 22 Water supply pipe 23 Hot water supply pipe 24 Tank upper pipe 25 Tank lower pipe 26 Water supply pipe 27 Hot water supply mixing valve 27a First inlet 27b Second inlet 27c Outlet 28 Mixing hot water supply pipe 29 Faucet 30 Fixed part 31, 32, 33 Hot water storage temperature sensor 50 Control device 60 Heat pump unit 100 Hot water storage type water heater

Claims (10)

With the valve body,
A rotatable valve body arranged in the valve body and
A motor that rotationally drives the valve body and
Equipped with
The valve body includes a first inlet facing a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the valve body, a second inlet facing a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and an outlet.
When the rotation position of the valve body is the first angle, when the rotation position is the second angle, and when the rotation position is the third angle, the fluid flowing in from the first inlet can flow out from the outlet. A first series of passages is formed, and the flow of fluid from the second inlet to the outlet is prevented.
When the rotation position is at the fourth angle, a second communication passage is formed in which the fluid flowing in from the second inlet can flow out from the outlet , and the fluid flows from the first inlet to the outlet. Is blocked,
The second angle is a rotation position in which the valve body is rotated 90 degrees in a predetermined direction from the first angle.
The third angle is a rotation position in which the valve body is rotated 180 degrees in the predetermined direction from the first angle.
The fourth angle, the valve body is the predetermined direction 270 degrees rotated rotational position der Ru flow switching valve from the first angle. With the valve body,
A rotatable valve body arranged in the valve body and
A motor that rotationally drives the valve body and
Equipped with
The valve body includes a first inlet facing a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the valve body, a second inlet facing a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and an outlet.
When the rotation position of the valve body is the first angle, when the rotation position is the second angle, and when the rotation position is the third angle, the fluid flowing in from the first inlet can flow out from the outlet. The first series of passages is formed,
When the rotation position is at the fourth angle, it is a flow path switching valve in which a second continuous passage is formed so that the fluid flowing in from the second inflow port can flow out from the outflow port.
Inside the valve body, a valve body first flow path, a valve body second flow path, a valve body third flow path, a valve body fourth flow path, a valve body fifth flow path, and a valve body sixth flow path. The road is formed,
The valve body first flow path has an opening facing the same direction as the first inflow port on the surface of the valve body.
The valve body second flow path communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is at the first angle.
The valve body third flow path communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is at the third angle.
The valve body fourth flow path communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is at the second angle.
The fifth flow path of the valve body communicates with the outlet when the rotation position is at the fourth angle.
The sixth flow path of the valve body communicates with the second inlet when the rotation position is the fourth angle.
The valve body first flow path, the valve body second flow path, the valve body third flow path, and the valve body fourth flow path communicate with each other inside the valve body to form a first valve body passage. Is forming
The valve body fifth flow path and the valve body sixth flow path form a second valve body passage by communicating with each other inside the valve body.
The passage in the first valve and the passage in the second valve do not communicate with each other inside the valve body.
When the rotation position is at the first angle, the first series of passages are formed by the first flow path of the valve body and the second flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion provided at the second inflow port is the same. The opening of the valve body third flow path on the surface of the valve body is closed, and the valve body is closed.
When the rotation position is at the second angle, the first series of passages are formed by the first flow path of the valve body and the fourth flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion is the valve body on the surface of the valve body. Close the opening of the fifth flow path,
When the rotation position is at the third angle, the valve body first flow path and the valve body third flow path form the first series passage, and the closing portion is the valve body on the surface of the valve body. Close the opening of the second flow path,
When the rotation position is at the fourth angle, the second continuous passage is formed by the fifth flow path of the valve body and the sixth flow path of the valve body, and the closing portion is the valve on the surface of the valve body. A flow path switching valve that closes the opening of the fourth flow path of the body. A tubular member connected to the valve body and rotated with the valve body at the position of the opening of the valve body first flow path is provided.
The tubular member has a protrusion extending outward of the valve body through the first inlet.
The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion has a shape bent in a direction non-parallel to the rotation axis. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A heating means to heat water,
A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, and
A hot water storage type water heater equipped with. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3 and
A heating means to heat water,
A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, and
A drainage pipe through which hot water flows to supply to the outside,
Water supply pipes through which water supplied from the water source flows,
Equipped with
The first inflow port of the flow path switching valve is connected to the side surface of the hot water storage tank.
The protrusion of the tubular member of the flow path switching valve extends into the hot water storage tank.
The outlet of the flow path switching valve is connected to the outflow pipe and is connected to the outflow pipe.
The second inflow port of the flow path switching valve is a hot water storage type water heater connected to the water supply pipe. A plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors that detect the temperature in the hot water storage tank at different heights, and
A control means for switching the rotation position of the valve body of the flow path switching valve according to the temperature detected by the plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors, and
The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 5. According to claim 6, the control means causes the rotation position to be at the fourth angle when the temperature detected by the hot water storage temperature sensor at the lowest position among the plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors is higher than the reference. The hot water storage type water heater described. The plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors are
A hot water storage temperature sensor that detects the temperature at the same height as the tip of the protrusion of the tubular member when the rotation position is at the first angle, and
A hot water storage temperature sensor that detects the temperature at the same height as the tip of the protrusion of the tubular member when the rotation position is at the second angle, and
A hot water storage temperature sensor that detects the temperature at the same height as the tip of the protrusion of the tubular member when the rotation position is at the third angle, and
The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 6 or 7. A control means capable of setting a drainage mode for draining water in the hot water storage type water heater is provided.
Claim 5 to claim 5 that the control means rotates the valve body so that the position of the tip of the protrusion of the tubular member is lower than the position of the valve body when the drainage mode is set. The hot water storage type water heater according to any one of 8. The hot water storage type water heater according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the heating means includes a heat pump using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

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