JPH11294851A - Method of detecting leakage of hot water supply system, and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a leakage detection method which can perform the detection of the leakage of a hot water supply system simply and besides accurately without needing tools or hands, and its hot water supply system. SOLUTION: A heat source 1 is connected to a hot water heater 30 by a supply pipe 23 and a return pipe 24, and it is connected to a bathtub 20 through a supply reheating pipe 21 and a return reheating pipe 22. A controller 11 pours hot water to a circulating path for reheating, opening a hot water pouring valve 9, and raises the hydraulic pressure, making use of the pouring hot water pressure. Furthermore, the controller 11 closes the hot water pouring valve 9 when the hydraulic pressure (pressure) gets over a specified value, and monitors the subsequent pressure of a water level sensor 10. Then, in case that the pressure detected with the water level sensor 10 falls down by a specified value or over within a specified time, the controller 11 judges that leakage is occurring in the circulation path for reheating. Therefore, the detection of the leakage of the hot water supply system can be performed simply and with accuracy without needing tools or hands.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for detecting water leakage in a hot water supply system for supplying hot water from a heat source device to a bathtub or a hot water terminal for heating, and a hot water supply system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 is a partially omitted system configuration diagram showing an example of a conventional hot water supply system. A hot water terminal 30 is connected to the heat source device 1 ′ by an outgoing pipe 23 and a return pipe 24. The hot water terminal 30 performs heating by heat exchange using hot water supplied from the heat source device 1 '. The heat source unit 1 ′ includes a makeup water tank 3 for storing hot water as a heat medium, a heating circulation pump 5 and a heating heat exchanger 2 provided between the makeup water tank 3 and the outgoing pipe 23, and a solenoid valve. And a make-up water valve 4 for opening and closing the injection of tap water and the like into the make-up water tank 3. The heating water in the heating circulation path including the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 is heated by the heating heat exchanger 2. The hot water is circulated by the heating circulation pump 5 to supply hot water to the hot water terminal 30.

[0005] The heat source unit 1 ′ is connected to a bathtub 20 via a forward reheating pipe 21 and a return reheating pipe 22. The forward reheating pipe 21 and the return reheating pipe 22 are connected to the heat source unit 1 ′.
A circulation path is formed in the inside, and the hot and cold water in the bathtub 20 is circulated by the bathtub circulation pump 7 provided in the circulation path, and goes through the additional heating heat exchanger 6 also provided in the circulation path. The hot water circulating through the additional heating pipe 21 and the return additional heating pipe 22 is heated to perform additional heating. Here, the additional heating heat exchanger 6 utilizes the hot water heated by the heating heat exchanger 2, and the additional heating valve 8 is opened, and the additional heating branched from the heating circulation path. Heat exchange is performed by flowing hot water through the service path. In addition,
A pouring valve 9 composed of a solenoid valve is provided in the circulation path for reheating.
The hot water supply means (not shown) is connected through the hot water supply means.
Alternatively, the bathtub 2 may be connected to the return reheating pipe 22 or both.
0 is supplied. However, the above hot water supply means is usually built in the heat source device 1 '.

Further, the hot water supply system is provided with a water level sensor 10 for detecting a water level in the bathtub 20, and a control device 11 having a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as "microcomputer") as a main component. The water level sensor 10 detects the water level in the bathtub 20 from the pressure (water pressure) of the hot water in the forward and return additional heating pipes 21 and 22 detected using a pressure-sensitive element. The control device 11 controls the bathtub circulation pump 7 and the reheating valve 8 so that the hot water in the bathtub 20 reaches the set temperature, reheats the bathtub 20, and controls the water level sensor 10. The hot water is supplied to the bathtub 20 by controlling the pouring valve 9 until the detected water level in the bathtub 20 reaches the set water level. During the heating operation, the valve in the hot water terminal 30 (not shown) is opened. Control is performed such that hot water in the heating circulation path including the pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 is heated by the heating heat exchanger 2 and circulated by the heating circulation pump 5 to supply hot water to the hot water terminal 30. . The control device 11 is usually realized by mounting a microcomputer or the like on a printed circuit board and housed in the heat source device 1 '.

[0005] In the hot water supply system as described above, it is confirmed by performing a pressure test (airtightness test) whether or not water leakage occurs in the heat source unit 1 'and each pipe after construction. That is, the circulation port in the bath tub provided at the end portion of the forward reheating pipe 21 and the return reheating pipe 22 on the side of the bathtub 20 is closed with the closing jig 25, and both the reheating pipes 21 and 22 are removed from the heat source device 1. After attaching a pressure indicator (such as a Bourdon tube) for pressure confirmation to the heat source unit 1 side of one of the reheating pipes, use a hand pump or the like to remove about 2 kg of water in the pipe from the other reheating pipe. Weight / cm ² or more, and the inspector visually monitors the display value of the pressure indicator and determines whether or not water leakage has occurred in the reheating pipe line based on the presence or absence of pressure drop. Has been determined. In addition, a leak test is also performed on a heating piping route in a similar procedure.

[0006]

However, in the conventional water leakage detection method and the hot water supply system as described above, the inspector requires an inspection jig, a hand pump, a pressure indicator, a tool, and the like.
In addition, it is necessary to carry a container (such as a kettle) for filling the hand pump with water, and since it is necessary to remove the piping from the heat source unit 1 and reinstall the piping after the inspection, the inspection (water leakage) Detection)
In particular, it takes time and labor to inspect many systems at once like a multi-family house, there is a risk that construction errors may occur when pipes are re-installed, and the detection accuracy is a pressure indicator. In addition to being affected by the accuracy of the test, there is a problem that uniform quality cannot be maintained because the judgment is made by a person (inspector) based on the display value of the pressure indicator, which is affected by experience and attention. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a water leak detection method and a hot water supply system which can easily and accurately detect a water leak in a hot water supply system without using tools or manpower. It is.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, and a water pressure in the bathtub. Water leakage of a hot water supply system comprising: a water level detecting means for detecting a water level from the water; and a control means for controlling a heat source device so as to adjust a supply amount of hot water so that the water level detected by the water level detecting means becomes a predetermined water level. A water pressure in the hot water pipe is increased, and the presence or absence of water leak in the hot water supply path is determined based on a temporal change of the water pressure detected by the water level detecting means. The use of the water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub eliminates the need for an instrument for pressure measurement, and allows simple and accurate detection of water leakage in the hot water supply system without the need for tools or manpower.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the water pressure of the hot water pipe is increased by using the water supply pressure to the hot water pipe. , No equipment is needed to raise the water pressure,
Further, water leakage can be detected simply and accurately.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the heat source unit and the bath tub are connected by a forward and a return reheating pipe, and the inside of the bathtub is formed by a circulation path formed by the reheating pipe. The hot water is circulated and heated by the heat source device to perform additional heating, and a hot water terminal device for heating by heat exchange using hot water is connected to the heat source device by an outgoing pipe and a return pipe to detect water leakage. When performing, it is characterized in that the additional heating pipe and the outgoing pipe or the return pipe are connected by a connecting pipe, and it is possible to increase and detect the water pressure in the outgoing pipe and the returning pipe for heating through the connecting pipe. In addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the invention, even when the configuration of the hot water supply system becomes complicated, it is possible to easily and accurately detect water leakage in the hot water supply system without using any tools or manpower.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, and a water level in the bathtub based on a pressure in the hot water pipe. A hot water supply system comprising: a water level detecting means for detecting the water level, and a control means for controlling a heat source device so that a water level detected by the water level detecting means becomes a predetermined water level to adjust a supply amount of hot water, Water pressure increasing means for increasing the water pressure in the hot water pipe, and determining means for determining the presence or absence of water leakage in the hot water supply path based on a temporal change in water pressure detected by the water level detecting means. By using the water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub, a pressure measuring instrument is not required, and the water leak of the hot water supply system can be detected easily and accurately without using tools or manpower. For judgment means The difference in detection accuracy due to human because they determine the presence or absence of water leakage occurs can keep a uniform quality without causing me.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the water pressure increasing means increases the water pressure of the hot water pipe by using a water supply pressure to the hot water pipe.
In addition to the effect of the fourth aspect of the present invention, a device for increasing the water pressure is not required, and water leakage can be detected more simply and accurately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourth or fifth aspect, a forward and a return reheating pipe for connecting the heat source unit and the bathtub to form a circulation path, Reheating means for performing reheating by circulating hot water, a hot water terminal for heating by heat exchange using hot water, an outgoing pipe for forming a hot water circulation path between the hot water terminal and the heat source equipment, and A return pipe and a communication pipe that communicates with the reheating pipe and the outgoing pipe or the return pipe when performing water leakage detection. It is possible to ascend and detect, and in addition to the operation of the invention of claim 4 or 5, even if the configuration of the hot water supply system becomes complicated, it is possible to easily and accurately detect the water leak of the hot water supply system without requiring any tools or manpower.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. However, since the basic system configuration and operation of the present embodiment are the same as those of the conventional system, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the configuration and operation that are features of the present embodiment will be described. explain.

In this embodiment, hot water supply means (not shown) is connected to a hot water pipe (the forward reheating pipe 21 and the return reheating pipe 2).
2) Utilizing the hot water (water supply) pressure to go to the reheating pipe 21
Then, the water pressure in the circulation path of the warm-up water for the additional heating in the heat source unit 1 is increased, and the leakage in the circulation path for the additional heating is detected based on a change in the pressure detected by the water level sensor 10. At the same time, using the branch joint 26 (or the drain plug of the reheating pipe in the heat source unit 1) provided in the middle of the reheating reheating pipe 21, the rerouting reheating pipe 21 and the outflow pipe 23 for heating are connected. Is connected, and the above-described pouring pressure is applied to the heating outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 and the circulation path of the heating hot water in the heat source unit 1 through the connecting pipe 27 to connect the inside of the pipe. The water pressure is increased, and water leakage in the heating circulation path is detected based on the pressure detected by the water level sensor 10. Next, the water leakage detection method in the present embodiment will be specifically described.

First, the circulation port in the bathtub 20 is closed by a closing jig 25. Here, it is desirable that the closing jig 25 be provided with an overpressure relief valve (or pressure relief valve) in case the pressure applied to the circulation port rises abnormally. When the inspector sets the operation mode of the control device 11 to the water leakage inspection mode by an appropriate operation, the control device 11 opens the pouring valve 9 with the bathtub circulation pump 7 stopped, and recirculates for additional heating. Hot water is poured into the path, and using the pouring pressure at this time, the hot water circulation path for reheating in the heat source device 1, the forward reheating pipe 21 and the return reheating pipe 22, and the closing jig 25 are used. The water pressure applied to the closed circulation port of the bathtub 20 and the connection between the circulation port and the forward reheating pipe 21 and the return reheating pipe 22 is increased.

Further, the control device 11 closes the pouring valve 9 when the pressure detected by the water level sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined value, and monitors the pressure of the water level sensor 10 thereafter. Then, when the pressure in the circulation path for additional heating detected by the water level sensor 10 drops to a specified value or more within a predetermined time, the control device 11 causes water leakage in the circulation path for additional heating. It is determined that there is a leak, and the occurrence of water leakage is notified to the inspector using an appropriate method such as blinking a light emitting diode or sounding a buzzer. If the pressure drop does not exceed the specified value within the predetermined time, the control device 11 determines that no water leakage has occurred, and notifies the inspector by an appropriate method as described above.

As described above, when the inspection of water leakage in the hot water circulation path for reheating such as the heat source unit 1, bathtub 20, forward reheating pipe 21 and return reheating pipe 22 is completed, the controller 1
The first operation mode returns from the water leakage inspection mode to the normal operation mode. If the result of the water leak test is stored and held in the memory provided in the control device 11, the test result can be confirmed at any time later, and the usability can be improved.

Next, in order to perform a water leak test on the hot water circulation path for heating, the inspector connects the branch joint 26 provided in the middle of the reheating pipe 21 and the outgoing pipe 23 for heating by the connecting pipe 27. While connecting, the valve 12 provided between the heat source unit 1 and the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 for heating is closed. However, the valve 12 may be housed in the heat source device 1 in some cases. Then, when the inspector sets the operation mode of the control device 11 to the water leakage inspection mode again by an appropriate operation, the control device 11 opens the pouring valve 9 with the circulation pump 5 for heating stopped to perform the additional heating. Pour hot water into the circulation path.

Here, since the branch joint 26 and the outgoing pipe 23 for heating are connected by the connecting pipe 27, the pouring pressure applied to the circulation path for additional heating causes the outgoing pipe 2 to pass through the connecting pipe 27.
3. The water pressure applied to the hot water terminal 30 and the return pipe 24 and applied to the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24, the inside of the hot water terminal 30, and the connection between the hot water terminal 30 and the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 To raise. That is, since the hot water circulation path for heating is independent of the hot water circulation path for reheating inside the heat source unit 1, the pouring pressure when pouring the hot water circulation path for reheating is directly used for heating. However, by using the above-described connecting pipe 27, it is possible to increase the water pressure in the hot water circulation path for heating using the above-described pouring pressure.

Further, the control device 11 closes the pouring valve 9 when the pressure detected by the water level sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined value, and monitors the pressure of the water level sensor 10 thereafter. When the pressure in the circulation path for heating detected by the water level sensor 10 drops to a specified value or more within a predetermined time, the control device 11 controls the outgoing pipe 23, the return pipe 24, and the hot water terminal 30. Judge that there is water leakage inside, etc.
An appropriate method such as blinking a light emitting diode or sounding a buzzer is used to notify the inspector of the occurrence of water leakage. If the pressure drop does not exceed the specified value within the predetermined time, the control device 11 determines that no water leakage has occurred, and notifies the inspector by an appropriate method as described above.

Inspection of leakage in the hot water circulation path for heating the inside of the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24, the inside of the hot water terminal 30, and the connection between the hot water terminal 30 and the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 is completed. Then, the operation mode of the control device 11 returns from the water leakage inspection mode to the normal operation mode. Here, if the result of the water leakage inspection is stored and held in the memory provided in the control device 11, the inspection result can be confirmed at any time later, and the usability can be improved. In addition, the leak test of the piping for additional heating of the bathtub 20 and the leak test of the piping for heating including the hot water terminal 30 may be performed separately or may be performed simultaneously.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a hand pump for pressurizing, a pressure indicator, a tool, a kettle, and the like are not required for water leakage inspection as compared with the related art, and the number of portable items for the inspector can be reduced. Can be. In addition, since the control device 11 determines the presence or absence of water leakage under the determined criterion,
The uniform quality can be maintained by preventing the variation of the judgment due to the difference of the inspectors. Furthermore, since the water leakage can be detected without requiring any labor and labor, there is an advantage that even if a large number of systems are inspected for leakage at one time, the inspection can be performed by a small number of inspectors in parallel. In addition, it is not necessary to remove the pipe from the heat source device 1 for the inspection as in the related art, which simplifies the operation and prevents the occurrence of a construction error due to the reinstallation of the pipe.

The valve 12 provided between the heat source unit 1 and the outgoing pipe 23 and the return pipe 24 for heating is a remotely operable valve such as an electric valve, and the opening and closing of the valve 12 is controlled by the control device 11. With such a configuration, the labor of closing the valve 12 by the inspector by hand can be omitted, and the water leakage inspection can be further simplified.

In the present embodiment, the pouring pressure when hot water is poured through the pouring valve 9 is used to increase the water pressure in the pipe. May not be able to be raised to the predetermined pressure required for Therefore, if a pressure device that can be controlled by the control device 11 is prepared and the water pressure is increased by applying pressure by the pressure device through the branch joint 26, the pressure can be increased to a predetermined pressure without increasing the labor of the inspector. Can be raised.

[0026]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, a water level detecting means for detecting a water level from the water pressure in the bathtub, Control means for controlling a heat source device so that the water level detected by the detection means becomes a predetermined water level to adjust a supply amount of hot water. Since the water pressure in the pipe is increased and the presence or absence of water leakage in the hot water supply path is determined based on the temporal change of the water pressure detected by the water level detection means, the water level detection means for detecting the water level of the bathtub is provided. Utilization of the apparatus eliminates the need for an instrument for pressure measurement, and has the effect of easily and accurately detecting water leakage in the hot water supply system without the need for tools or manpower. . The invention of claim 2 raises the water pressure of the hot water pipe by using the water supply pressure to the hot water pipe. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first invention, a device for raising the water pressure becomes unnecessary, and furthermore, There is an effect that water leakage can be detected easily and accurately. . The invention of claim 3 is
The heat source unit and the bathtub are connected by forward and return reheating pipes, and the hot water in the bathtub is circulated in a circulation path formed by the reheating pipes and reheated by heating with the heat source device. A hot water terminal that performs heating by heat exchange using hot water is connected to the heat source device by an outgoing pipe and a return pipe, and when detecting leakage, the reheating pipe and the outgoing pipe or the return pipe are connected by a connecting pipe. Since the communication is made, it is possible to increase and detect the water pressure in the outgoing pipe and the return pipe for heating through the connecting pipe. In addition to the effects of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, even if the configuration of the hot water supply system becomes complicated, This has the effect that the water leak of the hot water supply system can be detected simply and accurately without requiring any labor. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, a water level detecting means for detecting a water level in the bathtub from a pressure in the hot water pipe, Control means for controlling the heat source device so that the water level detected by the water level detection means is a predetermined water level to adjust the supply amount of hot water, wherein the water pressure in the hot water pipe is increased. The water level in the bath tub is detected because the water level increasing means for causing the water level to be detected and the determining means for determining whether or not the water leak has occurred in the supply path of the hot water based on the temporal change of the water pressure detected by the water level detecting means are provided. The use of the water level detection means eliminates the need for an instrument for pressure measurement, makes it possible to easily and accurately detect water leakage in the hot water supply system without the need for tools or manpower. There There is an effect that it is possible to maintain a uniform quality without causing difference in detection accuracy due to human. .
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, the water pressure increasing means increases the water pressure of the hot water pipe by using a water supply pressure to the hot water pipe. There is an effect that equipment is not required, and water leakage can be detected easily and accurately. . The invention of claim 6 is
Forward and return reheating pipes for connecting the heat source device and the bathtub to form a circulation path, reheating means for recirculating hot water in the bathtub in the circulation path for reheating, and heat using hot water. A hot water terminal for heating by replacement, an outgoing pipe and a return pipe that form a hot water circulation path between the hot water terminal and the heat source equipment, and the reheating pipe and the outgoing pipe or return when detecting leakage. Since the communication pipe is provided for communicating with the pipe, in addition to the effects of the invention of claim 4 or 5, the rise and detection of the water pressure in the outgoing pipe for heating and the return pipe through the connecting pipe become possible, and the hot water supply system Even if the configuration becomes complicated, there is an effect that the water leak of the hot water supply system can be detected simply and accurately without requiring any tools or manpower.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 heat source device 9 pouring valve 10 water level sensor 11 control device 20 bathtub 21 forward reheating pipe 22 return reheating pipe 23 outgoing pipe 24 return pipe 26 branch joint 27 connecting pipe 30 hot water terminal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, a water level detecting means for detecting a water level from a water pressure in the bathtub, and a water level detected by the water level detecting means. A control means for controlling the heat source device to adjust the supply amount of hot water so as to reach a predetermined water level, the method for detecting water leakage of a hot water supply system, wherein the water pressure in the hot water pipe is increased. A method for detecting the occurrence of water leakage in the hot water supply path based on a temporal change in water pressure detected by the water level detection means. 2. The method for detecting a water leak in a hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure of the hot water is increased by using the pressure of the water supplied to the hot water. 3. The heat source unit and the bathtub are connected by a forward and return reheating pipe, and the hot water in the bathtub is circulated in a circulation path formed by the reheating pipe and heated by the heat source device to reheat. While the heating is performed, a hot water terminal that performs heating by heat exchange using hot water is connected to the heat source device by an outgoing pipe and a return pipe, and the refired pipe and the outgoing pipe or the return pipe when performing leakage detection. The method of detecting a water leak in a hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. A heat source device for supplying hot water, a bathtub connected to the heat source device by a hot water pipe, a water level detecting means for detecting a water level in the bathtub from a pressure in the hot water pipe, and a water level detecting means. A hot water supply system comprising: a control unit that controls a heat source device to adjust a supply amount of hot water so that a detected water level becomes a predetermined water level, and a water pressure increasing unit that increases a water pressure in the hot water pipe. A hot water supply system comprising: a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of water leakage in a hot water supply path based on a temporal change in water pressure detected by the water level detection unit. 5. The hot water supply system according to claim 4, wherein the water pressure increasing means increases the water pressure of the hot water pipe by using a water supply pressure to the hot water pipe. 6. A forward and return reheating pipe for connecting the heat source device and the bathtub to form a circulation path, and a reheating means for reheating by circulating hot water in the bathtub through the circulation path. A hot water terminal that performs heating by heat exchange using hot water, an outgoing pipe and a return pipe that form a circulation path of hot water between the hot water terminal and the heat source equipment, and the reheating pipe when performing leak detection. The hot water supply system according to claim 4, further comprising a communication pipe that communicates with the outgoing pipe or the return pipe.