JPH08110094A - Four-port valve and hot water supplying apparatus with high temperature different hot water function using the same valve - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a four-port valve in which a channel change operation for switching from a high temperature difference hot water to a general purpose hot water supply can be performed by a valve mechanism integrally to drive by one drive source and a hot water supplying apparatus with a high temperature difference hot water function with a simple structure using the same valve. CONSTITUTION: A four-port valve comprises a spindle member 7 formed with three pistons 8, 9 10 and axially movably assembled with a cylinder member 2 formed with the input ports 3, 4 and output ports 5, 6 in such a manner that, when the member 7 is disposed in a first position range, the port 3 communicates with the port 5 and the port 4 communicates with the port 6, while when the member 7 is disposed in a second position range, the port 4 communicates with the port 5. A hot water supplying apparatus with a high temperature difference hot water function supplies hot water to either a difference hot water tube or a hot water supplying tube, and supplies unheated water to the hot water supplying tube when hot water is supplied to the difference hot water tube.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a high temperature hot water hot water supply system for general hot water used for showers, wash basins, etc., as well as automatic hot water supply to a bathtub and high temperature hot water supply to raise the temperature of bath water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a four-port valve in which switching from high-temperature hot water to general hot-water is performed by a single drive device, and a high-temperature hot-water supply water heater using the four-port valve. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, showers, washbasins, kitchens at home,
A water heater has been used which has a role of supplying hot water to a bathtub or the like and raising the temperature of water or lukewarm water already accumulated in the bathtub. Examples of the method for raising the temperature of the bath water include so-called reheating, in which the bath water is circulated in a heat exchanger to be heated and returned to the bath, or hot water of about 80 ° C. is newly supplied to the bath. Some are mixed with water to raise the temperature. The operation of raising the temperature by the latter method is called a hot water bath, and a water heater having such a function is called a water heater with a hot water function. Since the hot water supply device with a high temperature differential hot water function does not circulate and heat the bath water, it has an advantage that it is not necessary to provide a reheating combustor or a circulation pump.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a conventional water heater with a high temperature difference function.
Shown in What is shown in FIG. 8 is basically a gas burner 61.
A water inlet pipe 63 and a hot water outlet pipe 64, which receive water supply, are arranged in the heat exchanger 62 heated by the heat exchanger 62. The water outlet pipe 64 branches off from the hot water outlet pipe 64 toward the bathtub 65 and the faucet pipe 68 toward the tap 67. And a bypass pipe 69 connected to the faucet pipe 68 without passing through the heat exchanger 62 from the water inlet pipe 63. The bypass pipe 69 is provided with a water solenoid valve 70 that is normally opened, and the tap pipe 64 is provided with a flow control valve 73.
However, a water solenoid valve 75 that opens and closes a water channel is provided in the bathtub pipe 66, and a check valve 74 that prevents cold water from flowing into the bathtub pipe 66 is provided upstream of the confluence point of the faucet pipe 68 with the bypass pipe 69. It is provided.

A flow rate sensor 71 for detecting the flow rate of water to the heat exchanger 62 is provided in the water inlet pipe 63, a hot water temperature sensor 72 for detecting the temperature of the hot water is provided in the hot water outlet pipe 64, and a bypass pipe of the faucet pipe 68. A flow sensor 80 for detecting the presence / absence of flow is provided downstream of the confluence with 69, and a vacuum breaker 76 is provided for the bathtub pipe 66. Further, the feed gas pipe 77 for supplying the fuel gas to the gas burner 61 is provided with a proportional valve 78 for adjusting the gas flow rate. A controller 79 that is a combination of a known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. is provided, and the water solenoid valve 70, the water solenoid valve 75 is opened and closed based on signals from the flow rate sensor 71, the hot water temperature sensor 72, and the flow sensor 80. The flow rate of hot water in the flow rate control valve 73 and the gas flow rate in the proportional valve 78 are controlled.

When the temperature of the remaining hot water in the bathtub 65 is raised by the hot water supply device with the high temperature difference water function, the high temperature difference water is supplied with the faucet 67 closed. That is, the water solenoid valve 75 is opened, and the proportional valve 78 and the flow rate control valve 73 are controlled so that hot water of about 80 ° C. is supplied at a small flow rate of about 5 liters / minute. By mixing the hot water of about 80 ° C. with the remaining hot water, the hot water temperature of the bath 65 rises.

When the faucet 67 is opened for the purpose of using the general hot water supply while the high temperature hot water is being supplied, the following operation is performed. First, water flows from the water inlet pipe 63 through the bypass pipe 69 into the faucet pipe 68. This is because the water solenoid valve 70 is normally open. On the other hand, a part of the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 62 at about 80 ° C. also branches into the faucet pipe 68. This is because the check valve 74 is attached to the flow in the forward direction. Therefore, the faucet 67 is supplied with hot water of an intermediate temperature, which is a mixture of cold water bypassing the heat exchanger 62 and hot water of about 80 ° C. At this time, the flow sensor 80 detects the flow in the faucet pipe 68 and inputs an ON signal to the controller 79. Then, the controller 79 commands the proportional valve 78 to reduce the gas flow rate. The temperature of the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 62 is set to 80
This is because the temperature is lowered from 0 ° C to the set temperature for general hot water supply (about 40 ° C).

When the hot water temperature sensor 72 detects that the hot water temperature in the hot water outlet pipe 64 has fallen to that temperature, the controller 79 issues a command to both the water electromagnetic valve 70 and the water electromagnetic valve 75 to close them. For this reason, the water electromagnetic valve 70 and the water electromagnetic valve 75 are closed, so that the faucet 67 is then connected to the heat exchanger 6
Hot water heated to an appropriate temperature in 2 is supplied as it is without being mixed with water. When the faucet 67 is closed, the original high temperature difference water state is restored. This hot water supply device with a high temperature difference hot water function eliminates a dangerous situation in which high temperature hot water directly flows out from the faucet 67, and after the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 62 falls to the set temperature for general hot water supply. The purpose is to directly supply this to the faucet 67 to stabilize the hot water temperature.

[0008]

However, the above-mentioned conventional water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function has the following problems. That is, in the water heater with a high temperature difference function shown in FIG. 10, a total of four valve devices including the water solenoid valve 70, the flow control valve 73, the check valve 74, and the solenoid valve 75 are used even if the gas supply system is excluded. . Therefore, the number of parts of the water heater is large, and the piping arrangement is complicated, resulting in high cost. Also, maintenance of the water heater was complicated. Then, three of these four valve devices except the check valve 74 each require opening / closing operation or opening degree control, and for that reason, it is necessary to incorporate or provide a drive source. For this reason, the control system in the controller 79 and the wiring therefor are complicated.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an integrated valve mechanism that can be driven by a single drive source, and To provide a 4-port valve capable of changing a flow path for switching from hot water to general hot water, and to provide a water heater with a high temperature hot water function having a simple structure using the 4-port valve. It is in.

[0010]

To achieve this object, the present invention (1) provides a first input port for receiving a fluid input, a second input port for receiving another fluid input, and a first input port. A first output port for selectively outputting the fluid input to the second input port or the fluid input to the second input port and a second output port for outputting the fluid input to the second input port in one cylinder member In the four-port valve formed, a spindle member provided inside the cylinder member so as to be movable in the axial direction, and a spindle member provided on the spindle member for moving the first input port and the first output port A first valve body that opens and closes the communication, and the second input port and the first valve body that are provided on the spindle member and move.
A second valve body that opens and closes communication with the output port; and a third valve body that is provided on the spindle member and that opens and closes communication between the second input port and the second output port by the movement thereof. When the spindle member is in the first position range, the first valve body and the third valve body are in the open state and the second valve body is in the closed state, and when the spindle member is in the second position range, the second valve body is in the second position range. The first valve body to the third valve body are provided in such a positional relationship that the valve body is opened and the first valve body and the third valve body are closed.

The present invention (2) is the four-port valve according to (1), wherein the four-port valve is provided inside the cylinder member at a position between the first input port and the first output port, and the spindle member is provided. Is provided inside a position between the first sealing surface with which the first valve body is inscribed when is in the second position range, and the second input port and the first output port of the cylinder member, Inside the position between the second sealing surface with which the second valve body is inscribed when the spindle member is in the first position range and the second input port and the second output port of the cylinder member. And a third sealing surface with which the third valve body is inscribed when the spindle member is in the second position range.

The present invention (3) further comprises: heating means for heating water; a difference pipe for supplying hot water heated by the heating means; and selectively supplying water or hot water heated by the heating means. In a water heater with a high temperature hot water difference function having a hot water supply pipe, the four-port valve described in (1) or (2), a spindle drive means for driving a spindle member of the four-port valve, and the heating means are passed through. And a hot water outlet pipe for inputting hot water heated by the heating means to a second input port of the 4-port valve. The first output port of the valve is connected to the hot water supply pipe, the second output port of the 4-port valve is connected to the differential hot water pipe, and the hot water heated by the heating means is driven by the spindle driving means. Sashiyu piping It is configured, wherein the supply of the said to switch the supply to the hot water supply pipe.

Further, the present invention (4) is, in the water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function of the above (3), a heating power adjusting means for adjusting the output of the heating means, and hot water for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe. When the hot water supply sensor is turned on while the hot water heated by the heating means is being supplied to the hot water supply pipe, the thermal power adjustment means is provided. And a hot water temperature changing means for instructing to change the heating power, and when the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined temperature according to the instruction of the hot water temperature changing means, the hot water supply pipe is changed from the hot water supply pipe to the hot water supply pipe. Hot water supply switching means for instructing the spindle drive means to switch to. Further, in the present invention (5), in the water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function according to the above (4), the flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of water to the heating means and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor have predetermined values. As described above, the flow rate control means for instructing the spindle drive means to finely adjust the position of the spindle is provided.

[0014]

According to the four-port valve of the present invention (1) having such a configuration, when the spindle member is in the first position range, the second valve body is in the closed state and the second input port and the second 1
Communication with the output port is blocked. On the other hand, both the first valve body and the third valve body are in the open state, and the first input port and the first output port, and the second input port and the second output port are in communication with each other. Therefore, the fluid input to the first input port is output from the first output port,
The fluid input to the input port is output from the second output port. When the spindle member is moved a little, the valve clearances of the first valve body and the third valve body are changed while the second valve body is kept closed, and the flow rate of each fluid is adjusted.

When the spindle member is largely moved to the second position range, both the first valve body and the third valve body are closed, and the first input port, the first output port, and the second valve
The communication between the input port and the second output port is cut off. On the other hand, the second valve body is opened, and the second input port and the first output port are communicated with each other. Therefore, the fluid input to the second input port is output from the first output port.
On the other hand, the fluid applied to the first output port does not flow out from anywhere, and no fluid is output to the second output port. Here, if the spindle member is slightly moved, the valve clearance of the second valve body is changed while the first valve body and the third valve body are kept closed, and the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted.

According to the four-port valve of the present invention (2), when the spindle member is in the first position range, the second valve body is inscribed in the second sealing surface of the cylinder member and the second input is applied. The communication between the port and the first output port is cut off. On the other hand, the first valve body and the third valve body are not inscribed in neither the first sealing surface nor the third sealing surface of the cylinder member, and the first input port and the first output port, and the second input port and the second input port are not inscribed. Two
The output ports are in communication. When the spindle member is moved to the second position range, the first valve body and the third valve body are inscribed in the first seal surface and the third seal surface, respectively, and the first input port, the first output port, and the The communication between the second input port and the second output port is cut off. On the other hand, the second valve body is released from the inner contact with the second sealing surface, and the second input port and the first output port are communicated with each other.

Further, according to the water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function of the present invention (3), when the spindle member of the 4-port valve of (1) or (2) is in the first position range, the heating means is used. The heated hot water is input from the hot water outlet pipe to the second input port of the 4-port valve, and output from the second output port to the hot water pipe. On the other hand, water that does not pass through the heating means is input from the bypass pipe to the first input port of the 4-port valve, and is output from the first output port to the hot water supply pipe. Then, when the spindle member is driven by the spindle driving means to move to the second position range, the hot water heated by the heating means is supplied to the hot water supply pipe from the second input port of the 4-port valve through the first output port. Is output. On the other hand, the water applied to the first input port that does not pass through the heating means does not flow out anywhere, and nothing is output to the second output port.

According to the water heater with a high temperature difference function of the present invention (4), the spindle member of the 4-port valve is in the first position range, and the hot water heated by the heating means is supplied to the hot water pipe. When the hot water supply sensor detects the presence of a water flow in the hot water supply pipe while the hot water is being supplied, the hot water temperature changing means instructs the heat power adjusting means to change the heat power of the heating means. Therefore, the output of the heating means is changed. As a result, when the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined temperature, the hot water supply switching means instructs the spindle drive means to switch the hot water supply destination to the hot water supply piping. Thus, the spindle member moves from the first position range to the second position range, and thereafter, hot water heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating means is supplied to the hot water supply pipe.

Further, according to the water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function of the present invention (5), the flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of water to the heating means, and the detected flow rate is kept below a predetermined value. ,
The flow rate control means instructs the spindle drive means to finely adjust the position of the spindle to prevent a decrease in hot water temperature due to an excessive flow rate, that is, a so-called excess capacity.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an embodiment of the 4-port valve according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the 4-port valve 1 according to this embodiment. This four-port valve 1 is basically a cylinder member 2 having a substantially cylindrical shape having a first input port 3, a second input port 4, a first output port 5 and a second output port 6, and a substantially cylindrical shape. It is formed by combining the spindle members 7. The spindle member 7 has a first
A piston 8, a second piston 9 and a third piston 10 are provided. The 4-port valve 1 switches communication between the first input port 3, the second input port 4, the first output port 5, and the second output port 6 by changing the position of the spindle member 7.

Inside the cylinder member 2, the first valve chamber 11
The second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13 are formed, and these communicate with each other. The first valve chamber 11 has the first input port 3, the second valve chamber 12 has the first output port 5, and the third valve chamber 13 has the second input port 4 and the second output port 6.
And they are all familiar. The spindle member 7 penetrates the first valve chamber 11, the second valve chamber 12, and the third valve chamber 13 and is inserted so as to be movable left and right in FIG. Cylinder member 2
A wide first sealing surface 14 is formed between the first valve chamber 11 and the second valve chamber 12 on the inner surface of the. A first piston 8 provided on the spindle member 7 is inscribed in the first sealing surface 14, and blocks communication between the first valve chamber 11 and the second valve chamber 12. Further, since the spindle member 7 is movable left and right, the O-ring 17 is attached to the first piston 8.
Is attached to allow sliding while maintaining the sealing property.

A wide second sealing surface 15 is formed on the inner surface of the cylinder member 2 between the second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13. When the spindle member 7 is moved rightward in FIG. 2, the second piston 9 is inscribed in the second sealing surface 15,
The communication between the second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13 is closed. In that case, an O-ring 18 is attached to the second piston 9 so that the second piston 9 can slide while maintaining the sealing property. A third sealing surface 16 having a width is formed on the inner surface of the cylinder member 2 between the third valve chamber 13 and the second output port 6. Third
The seal surface 16 has a third surface provided on the spindle member 7.
The piston 10 is inscribed, and blocks the communication between the third valve chamber 13 and the second output port 6. Further, since the spindle member 7 can move to the left and right, the third piston 10
An O-ring 19 is attached to the outer ring so that it can slide while maintaining the sealing property.

In such a 4-port valve 1, the O-ring 17 of the first piston 8 and the O-ring 19 of the third piston 10 are
Is equal to the distance between the right end 22 of the first sealing surface 14 and the right end 24 of the third sealing surface 16. Further, the O-ring 18 of the second piston 9 and the O-ring 19 of the third piston 10
Is equal to the distance between the left end 23 of the second sealing surface 15 and the right end 24 of the third sealing surface 16.

Therefore, the O-ring 17 is attached to the first seal surface 1
4 is not inscribed, the O-ring 19 is not inscribed in the third sealing surface 16, while the O-ring 18 is the second sealing surface 1.
Inscribed in 5. The O-ring 17 is the first seal surface 1
When inscribed in No. 4, the O-ring 19 is also the third seal face 1
6 is inscribed, while the O-ring 18 is the second seal face 1
Not inscribed in 5. The 4-port valve 1 takes one of these two states depending on the position of the spindle member 7. The range of the position of the spindle member 7 in the former state is called the first position range, and the range in the latter state is called the second position range. FIG. 2 shows the spindle member 7
Is in the first position range.

The right proximal end side of the spindle member 7 has a female threaded portion 20 in a female screw hole formed in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder member 2.
A spindle member 7 is movable in the cylinder member 2 to the left and right and is capable of holding a seal. Further, the drive motor 21 is attached to the protruding end of the spindle member 7 from the cylinder member 2.
Are linked together. The drive motor 21 rotates the spindle member 7 so that the male screw portion 20 is screwed or retracted, whereby the spindle member 7 is moved to the cylinder member 2.
It is configured to move inside in the left-right direction in the drawing.

The operation of the 4-port valve 1 will be described. First, when the spindle member 7 is in the first position range as shown in FIG.
Located in the valve chamber 11, the O-ring 17 is separated from the first sealing surface 14. Therefore, the first valve chamber 11 and the second valve chamber 1
2 communicates with each other, that is, the first input port 3 communicates with the first output port 5. Further, the third piston 10 is in the third valve chamber 13 of the cylinder member 2, and the O-ring 19 is the third valve chamber.
It is separated from the sealing surface 16. Therefore, the second valve chamber 1
2 communicates with the third valve chamber 13, that is, the second input port 4 communicates with the second output port 6.

On the other hand, the second piston 9 is located at the second sealing surface 15 of the cylinder member 2. And the second piston 9
The O-ring 18 is inscribed in the second sealing surface 15. Therefore, the communication between the second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13 is blocked, that is, the communication between the second input port 4 and the first output port 5 is blocked. Therefore, if fluids are separately applied to the first input port 3 and the second input port 4 in this state, the fluid applied to the first input port 3 is applied to the second input port 4 from the first output port 5. The fluid thus output is output from each of the second output ports 6. Hereinafter, FIG.
This state is called A state.

When the spindle member 7 is moved a little in this state, the right ends of the first piston 8 and the first sealing surface 14 are kept in the closed state between the second piston 9 and the second sealing surface 15. The valve clearance between the third piston 10 and the right end 24 of the third sealing surface 16 is finely adjusted. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the spindle member 7 is slightly moved (retracted) to the right from the state A. The point where the O-ring 18 is inscribed in the second seal surface 15 is the same as in the A state, but the valve clearances of the first piston 8 and the third piston 10 are both slightly wider than in the A state. Hereinafter, the state of FIG. 5 is called B state. By such an operation, the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to perform control so that the flow rate does not exceed the capacity by attaching a separate flow rate sensor.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the spindle member 7 is largely moved leftward from the state A to the second position range.
In this state, the first piston 8 is the first member of the cylinder member 2.
It is at the position of the sealing surface 14. And O of the first piston 8
The ring 17 is inscribed in the first sealing surface 14. Therefore, the communication between the first valve chamber 11 and the second valve chamber 12 is blocked, that is, the communication between the first input port 3 and the first output port 5 is blocked. In addition, the third piston 10 is the cylinder member 2
At the position of the third sealing surface 16. The O-ring 19 of the third piston 10 is inscribed in the third sealing surface 16. Therefore, the communication between the second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13 is blocked, that is, the communication between the second input port 4 and the second output port 6 is blocked.

On the other hand, the second piston 9 is in the third valve chamber 13 of the cylinder member 2, and the O-ring 18 is the second seal face 1.
It is separated from 5. Therefore, the second valve chamber 12 and the third valve chamber 13 are in communication, that is, the second input port 4 and the first output port 5 are in communication. Therefore, in this state, when a fluid is applied to the second input port 4, the fluid is output from the first output port 5. On the other hand, when a fluid is applied to the first input port 3, the fluid is not output from anywhere, and no fluid is output from the second input port 4. Hereinafter, the state of FIG. 6 is called C state.

Even in this state, as in the case of the first position range, if the spindle member 7 is slightly moved, the second piston is maintained while keeping the first piston 8 and the third piston 10 in the closed state.
The valve clearance between the piston 9 and the left end 23 of the second sealing surface 15 is finely adjusted. This is because the first sealing surface 14 and the third sealing surface 16 have a width. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the spindle member 7 has been moved slightly to the right from the C state. Although the O-ring 17 is inscribed in the first seal surface 14 and the O-ring 19 is inscribed in the third seal surface 16, the state is the same as that in FIG. 6, but the valve clearance of the second piston 9 is larger than that in the C state. It's getting a little narrower. Hereinafter, the state of FIG. 7 is referred to as the D state.
By this operation, the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted. Take 4
In the port valve 1, since three pistons are provided on the spindle member 7 driven by one drive motor 21 to switch the fluid flow path, the second input port 4
The output destination of the fluid applied to the can be easily changed.

Next, an embodiment of the water heater with a high temperature difference function according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a hot water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function according to this embodiment. This water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function is configured by using the above-mentioned 4-port valve 1 shown in FIG. The water heater with high temperature difference function shown in FIG.
Heat exchanger 30 in which water supply pipe 44 and hot water discharge pipe 34 are piped
A gas burner 35 for heating the water flowing through the heat exchanger 30, a 4-port valve 1 for switching the supply destination of the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 30, and a water bypassing the heat exchanger 30. Bypass pipe 33 applied to the 4-port valve 1, differential pipe 31 for supplying hot water to the bath 41, and faucet 43 of a kitchen or the like.
It has a hot water supply pipe 32 for supplying hot water. The connection relationship of each pipe in the 4-port valve 1 is as follows. That is, in the 4-port valve 1 shown in FIG. 2, the bypass pipe 33 is provided at the first input port 3 and the hot water outlet pipe 34 is provided at the second input port 4.
However, the hot water supply pipe 32 is connected to the first output port 5, and the hot water pipe 31 is connected to the second output port 6.

A proportional control valve 36 for adjusting the flow rate of the fuel gas is provided in the gas burner 35, a drive motor 21 for driving the spindle member 7 is provided in the 4-port valve 1, and a water supply pipe 44 is provided.
A flow sensor 40 that measures the flow rate of water is
A hot water thermistor 37 for measuring the hot water temperature from the heat exchanger 30, a hot water supply switch 38 for detecting the presence / absence of a water flow in the hot water supply pipe 32, and a vacuum breaker 42 in the differential hot water pipe 31. . Further, it has a controller 39 which receives signals from the flow rate sensor 40, the hot water thermistor 37 and the hot water supply switch 38 and controls the proportional control valve 36 and the drive motor 21. Controller 39
Is composed of a known CPU, ROM, RAM and the like. The ROM of the controller 39 stores various programs for performing hot water supply switching control, hot water temperature change control, flow rate control, etc., which will be described later.

Next, the operation of the hot water heater with the high temperature difference function having the above construction will be described. The basic function of the water heater with a high-temperature hot water function is to heat the water supplied from the water supply pipe 44 by the heat of the gas burner 35 in the heat exchanger 30 into hot water, and then to the bathtub 41 via the hot water pipe 31. Alternatively, the water is supplied to the faucet 43 through the hot water supply pipe 32. Here, the supply of the hot water is switched by the 4-port valve 1. First, a case will be described in which there is remaining hot water in the bathtub 41, and a high temperature difference bath is performed to raise the temperature of the remaining hot water. In this case, the 4-port valve 1 is brought into the A state shown in FIG. That is, the spindle member 7
To the first position range. 4 in this state as described above
The port valve 1 includes a first input port 3 and a first output port 5
, And the second input port 4 and the second output port 6 communicate with each other. On the other hand, the communication between the second input port 4 and the first output port 5 is cut off. The faucet 43 of the hot water supply pipe 32 remains closed.

Then, the opening degree of the proportional control valve 36 is increased to increase the heating power of the gas burner 35, and the heat exchanger 30 is operated to remove water.
Heat to a high temperature of about 0 ° C. This hot water is from the tap pipe 34 to 4
It is input to the second input port 4 of the port valve 1, is output from the second output port 6 to the differential pipe 31, and reaches the bathtub 41.
Thus, hot water of about 80 ° C. is mixed with the hot water remaining in the bath 41 to raise the temperature. In the case of such high temperature difference hot water, as shown in FIG. 2, the valve clearance of the third piston 10 in the 4-port valve 1 is made small to reduce the flow rate in order to prevent the decrease in the hot water temperature (overcapacity). At this time, since the faucet 43 is closed, no water flows into the bypass pipe 33 or the hot water supply pipe 32. Therefore, the hot water supply switch 38 is turned off.

When automatically filling the empty bath 41 with hot water of a suitable temperature, the 4-port valve 1 is set to the B state shown in FIG. In this case, since the hot water supply temperature is set lower than in the case of high temperature differential hot water, a large amount of hot water can be supplied and the 4-port valve 1
At the third piston 1 while keeping the second piston 9 closed.
Increase the valve clearance of 0. Then, the opening degree of the proportional control valve 36 is adjusted so that hot water having a temperature set in advance, for example, about 42 ° C. can be obtained. As in the case of the high temperature hot water, this hot water flows from the hot water discharge pipe 34 to the bath 41 through the second input port 4, the second output port 6, and the hot water pipe 31. In this way, hot water having a proper bathing temperature is supplied to the bathtub 41. The faucet 43
Is the same as in the case of the high temperature hot water, in that the hot water supply switch 38 is turned off.

Next, a case where hot water is used at the faucet 43 will be described. In this case, the 4-port valve 1 is set to the state C in FIG. That is, the spindle member 7 is brought into the second position range. As described above, in the 4-port valve 1 in this state, the second input port 4 and the first output port 5 communicate with each other, and the heat exchanger 3
This is because the hot water heated at 0 can be supplied to the hot water supply pipe 32. On the other hand, the communication between the first input port 3 and the first output port 5 and the communication between the second input port 4 and the second output port 6 are cut off. In this state, tap 43
When opened, hot water is input from the hot water outlet pipe 34 to the second input port 4 of the 4-port valve 1, and the hot water supply pipe 3 from the first output port 5
It is output to 2 and can be used at the tap 43. At this time, the opening degree of the proportional control valve 36 is adjusted so that the hot water temperature is a preset temperature, for example, about 40 ° C. Note that the flow rate can be adjusted by finely adjusting the spindle member 7 in any of these high temperature hot water, automatic hot water filling, and faucet hot water supply states.

In such a water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function,
If you open the faucet 43 during the high temperature hot water,
The controller 39 performs a routine for automatically changing the hot water temperature of the heat exchanger 30 and then switching the 4-port valve 1. This is to prevent the hot water for the high temperature hot water from directly coming out of the faucet 43 and causing burns or the like. This control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the operation switch of the water heater with a high temperature difference function is turned on, if the high temperature difference switch provided in the remote controller or the like is turned on, the high temperature difference operation is started. First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, the 4-port valve 1 is set to the state A in FIG. At this time, the proportional control valve 36 is adjusted so that the outlet heated water temperature is about 80 ° C. If 80 ° C. hot water cannot be obtained even at the maximum gas amount (maximum proportional valve opening), the 4-port valve 1 is used to further narrow the flow passage to prevent overcapacity.

Then, in S2, it is determined whether or not the hot water supply switch 38 is turned on. As described above, the hot water supply switch 38 is provided unless the faucet 43 is opened.
Is never turned on (S2: No). When the faucet 43 is opened, the hot water supply switch 38 is turned on (S2: Yes), S
Go to 3. In S3, an instruction to change the outlet heated water temperature is given. Specifically, the valve opening of the proportional control valve 36 is narrowed and the heating power of the gas burner 35 is weakened so that the hot water temperature drops from 80 ° C. for high temperature difference hot water to 40 ° C. for tap water supply. This is to prevent burns and the like at the faucet 43. At this point, the 4-port valve 1 remains in the A state, and the faucet 43 has a bypass pipe 33.
Unheated water is supplied from. This is because the hot water temperature of the heat exchanger 30 does not immediately drop.

Then, in S4, the hot water bath thermistor 37
It is determined whether or not the detected temperature T ₃₇ of 40 falls below 40 ° C. When the temperature drops to 40 ° C. (S4: Yes), the process proceeds to S5. In S5, the drive motor 21 is instructed to switch the 4-port valve 1 from the A state to the C state of FIG. When the 4-port valve 1 is in the C state, the hot water heated to 40 ° C. in the heat exchanger 30 comes out of the faucet 43. At this time, the bathtub 41
Hashizusa is canceled. Then, in S6, it is determined whether the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 40 is within the proper range. This is because the supply water pressure varies depending on the installation location of the hot water heater with the high temperature difference water function and other circumstances, and the flow rate is also affected by this, so this is to be corrected. If the flow rate is within the proper range (S6: Yes), the hot water supply switching routine ends.

If the flow rate is not within the proper range in S6 (S6: No), the spindle member 7 of the 4-port valve 1 is finely adjusted in S7 to obtain the flow rate within the proper range. For example, when the supply water pressure is high and the flow rate is excessive, the 4-port valve 1 is in the D state shown in FIG. 7. The second piston 9 in the D state
The valve clearance of is narrower than that in the C state, and the flow rate is reduced to an appropriate range. Thus, the hot water supply switching routine ends. In addition,
In S4 of this routine, the temperature for determining whether or not to switch the 4-port valve 1 is set equal to 40 ° C., which is the tap hot water temperature, but it may be determined at a temperature slightly higher than 40 ° C. This is because it takes some time for hot water to reach the tap 43 from the hot water bath thermistor 37. Further, the water from the bypass pipe 33 remains in the hot water supply pipe 32 immediately after switching, and the hot water immediately after switching is mixed with this, so even if the temperature is a little high, there is no actual harm.

Next, a case where the faucet 43 is opened during the automatic filling is described with reference to FIG.
When the automatic water filling switch provided on the remote control device or the like is turned on, the automatic water filling operation is started. That is, in S8, the 4-port valve 1 is set to the state B in FIG. At this time, the hot water discharge temperature is the set hot water temperature, for example, 4
The proportional control valve 36 is adjusted so as to be about 2 ° C. Then, the process proceeds to E in FIG. 3, and thereafter, the switching routine is executed by the same flow as in the case of hot water supply switching from high temperature hot water. It goes without saying that the flow rate can be adjusted as in S6 even in the state of hot water supply in S8 in this case.

As described in detail above, in the four-port valve 1 according to this embodiment, the single spindle member 7 is provided with the first to third pistons 8, 9 and 10, and the width formed in the cylinder member 2 is wide. First to third sealing surfaces 14, 15, 1 with
Since it is configured to be inscribed in or separated from the No. 6, the communication destination of the second input port 4 can be changed to the second output port 6 and the first output port by a simple operation of changing the position of the spindle member 7 with one drive motor. 5, the output destination of the fluid input to the second input port 4 can be changed. Further, by finely adjusting the position of the spindle member 7, the flow rate can be adjusted within the range in which the output destination of the fluid is not changed.

In the water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function according to this embodiment, the 4-port valve 1 is used to switch the supply destination of the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 30 between the bath 41 and the faucet 43. Since water that bypasses the heat exchanger 30 is supplied to the faucet 43 while supplying to the bathtub 41, one valve device can be used instead of the one that conventionally required about four valve devices. The number of parts can be reduced and the water heater can be downsized. Further, when the faucet 43 is opened during hot water supply to the bathtub 41, the set temperature of the heat exchanger 30 is changed, and the 4-port valve 1 is switched after the hot water temperature reaches that temperature. It is safe because hot water does not accidentally come out of the faucet 43. Further, since the 4-port valve 1 is finely adjusted so that the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 40 becomes appropriate, hot water can be discharged at a predetermined flow rate regardless of the supply water pressure.

It should be noted that the above embodiments do not limit the present invention at all, and it is needless to say that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the 4-port valve 1 of the above embodiment, the third piston 10
Is open to the third valve face 13 side from the third sealing surface 16 in the open state, but may be reverse to the second output port 6 side. In that case, the third sealing surface 16
And another valve chamber between the second output port 6 and the movements of the first piston 8 and the second piston 9 are reversed.

[0046]

As is apparent from the above description, in the four-port valve of the present invention, a spindle member having three valve bodies is provided on a cylinder member having two input ports and two output ports. Since they are combined, the state in which the first input port and the first output port communicate with each other and the second input port and the second output port communicate with each other due to the movement of the spindle member, and the second input port and the first output port, respectively. It is possible to provide a 4-port valve that can be switched to a state in which it communicates. Further, by adjusting the position of the spindle member, the valve clearance of each valve element can be adjusted to adjust the flow rate.

Further, in the water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function of the present invention, the above-mentioned 4-port valve is used to switch the supply destination of the heated hot water between the differential hot water pipe and the hot water supply pipe. The switching can be performed only by driving the spindle member by the driving means, and a large number of valve devices are not required. When hot water is being supplied to the hot water pipe, the hot water temperature changing means instructs the heat power adjusting means to change the heat power when the hot water supply sensor is turned on, and the hot water supply switching means causes the hot water temperature detecting means to detect the temperature. When the temperature reaches the specified temperature, 4
Since the spindle drive means is instructed to switch the port valve, hot water at an undesired temperature is not supplied to the hot water supply pipe. Further, since the flow rate control means instructs the spindle drive means to adjust the position of the spindle member so that the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor becomes a predetermined value, it is possible to prevent the capacity from being exceeded due to excess water.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a 4-port valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of switching from high temperature difference hot water to faucet hot water supply in the water heater with high temperature difference hot water function.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of switching from hot water supply to faucet hot water supply in a hot water supply device with a high temperature hot water function.

FIG. 5 is a view showing another state of the 4-port valve shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view showing still another state of the 4-port valve shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a view showing still another state of the 4-port valve shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional water heater with a high temperature difference hot water function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 4 Port Valve 2 Cylinder Member 3 1st Input Port 4 2nd Input Port 5 1st Output Port 6 2nd Output Port 7 Spindle Member 8 1st Piston 9 2nd Piston 10 3rd Piston 14 1st Seal Surface 15 2nd Sealing surface 16 Third sealing surface 21 Drive motor 30 Heat exchanger 31 Hot water pipe 32 Hot water supply pipe 33 Bypass pipe 34 Hot water pipe 35 Gas burner 36 Proportional control valve 37 Hot water thermistor 38 Hot water switch 39 Controller 40 Flow rate sensor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first input port for receiving a fluid input,
A second input port that receives another fluid input, a first output port that selectively outputs the fluid input to the first input port or the fluid input to the second input port, and an input to the second input port A four-port valve in which a second output port for outputting the generated fluid is formed in one cylinder member, the spindle member being provided so as to be movable in the axial direction inside the cylinder member; And the movement of the first input port and the first output port opens and closes the communication.
A valve body, and a second valve which is provided on the spindle member and which opens and closes the communication between the second input port and the first output port by the movement thereof.
A valve body, and a third valve which is provided on the spindle member and which opens and closes communication between the second input port and the second output port by movement thereof.
A valve body, and when the spindle member is in the first position range, the first valve body and the third valve body are in the open state, the second valve body is in the closed state, and the spindle member is in the second position. When in the position range, the second valve body is open and the first valve body and the third valve body
A four-port valve, wherein the first valve body to the third valve body are provided in a positional relationship in which the valve body is closed. 2. The 4-port valve according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder member is provided inside a position between the first input port and the first output port, and the spindle member is provided at the second position. Is provided inside a position between the second input port and the first output port of the cylinder member, where the first valve body is inscribed, and the spindle member is the first seal surface. The second seal surface inscribed by the second valve body when in the first position range, and the spindle member provided inside the position between the second input port and the second output port of the cylinder member. And a third sealing surface with which the third valve body is inscribed when is in the second position range. 3. A high temperature difference having a heating means for heating water, a difference hot water piping for supplying hot water heated by the heating means, and a hot water supply piping for selectively supplying water or hot water heated by the heating means. In a water heater with a hot water function, the 4-port valve according to claim 1 or 2, a spindle drive means for driving a spindle member of the 4-port valve, and water that does not pass through the heating means of the 4-port valve. A bypass pipe for inputting into the first input port; and a hot water outlet pipe for inputting hot water heated by the heating means into the second input port of the 4-port valve, wherein the first output port of the 4-port valve is The hot water supply pipe is connected to the hot water supply pipe, the second output port of the 4-port valve is connected to the hot water supply pipe, and the hot water heated by the heating means by the drive of the spindle drive means is supplied to the hot water supply pipe and the hot water supply. Hot difference water feature with water heater, characterized in that to switch the supply to the tube. 4. The water heater with a high-temperature differential hot water function according to claim 3, wherein a heating power adjusting means for adjusting the output of the heating means, a hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water pipe, A hot water supply sensor for detecting the water flow in the hot water supply pipe, and when the hot water supply sensor is turned on while the hot water heated by the heating means is being supplied to the differential hot water supply pipe, the thermal power adjustment means is instructed to change the thermal power. Hot water temperature changing means, and when the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined temperature according to an instruction from the hot water temperature changing means, switching from the hot water supply destination differential pipe to the hot water supply pipe is performed by the spindle. A hot water heater with a high temperature hot water difference function, comprising: hot water supply switching means for instructing a driving means. 5. The water heater with a high temperature differential hot water function according to claim 4, wherein a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of water to the heating means and a flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor are equal to or less than a predetermined value. A water heater with a high-temperature difference hot water function, comprising: a flow rate control means for instructing the spindle drive means to finely adjust the position of the spindle.