WO2009011476A1

WO2009011476A1 - Hot water circulation system

Info

Publication number: WO2009011476A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/004734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eui Kap Jung
Original assignee: Eui Kap Jung
Priority date: 2007-07-19
Filing date: 2007-09-28
Publication date: 2009-01-22
Also published as: KR20070079968A; KR100861167B1

Abstract

A hot water circulation system includes a boiler for heating water, and a heating object connected to the boiler so that hot water can be circulated through a piping laid in the heating object and returned to the boiler. A heater, which is connected to a controller, is installed on the boiler, and a discharge pipe for discharging heated hot water is connected to a side of the boiler. A water tank has an introduction pipe which is connected to a side thereof and functions to introduce circulation water from the heating object into the water tank, and a water storage body, in which introduced circulation water is stored and which has a lid on an upper end thereof, is provided in the water tank in the shape of a bellows. A connection pipe, which has a valve installed thereon, is connected between the discharge pipe and the introduction pipe.

Description

HOT WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a hot water boiler, and more particularly, to a hot water circulation system wherein, while a pressure in a boiler increases by hot water heated in the boiler and decreases after hot water is discharged, a water storage body in the shape of a bellows is repeatedly expanded and contracted in a pattern similar to the boiler, so that hot water can be discharged to the piping laid in a heating object even without operating a circulation pump and circulated water can be returned to the boiler, wherein the water storage body in the shape of a bellows operates while being tightly closed by a lid, so that replenishment of water is not required excluding when initially operating the hot water circulation system and thereby maintenance and repair can be easily conducted, and wherein, since water is circulated not by a pump, noise is not generated and user convenience can be improved. Background Art

[2] As is well known in the art, a boiler represents a mechanism in which circulation water is heated using a heating source such as gas, oil or an electric heater, and heated hot water is supplied for various purposes.

[3] Specifically, a boiler system used for a heating purpose includes a boiler body and a heating object such as an indoor space or a mat in which a piping is provided to permit therethrough circulation of hot water from the boiler body.

[4] A circulation pump is provided to reliably ensure flow of hot water through the piping. Due to the provision of the circulation pump, space utilization efficiency decreases, and due to the vibration and noise generated by the motor of the circulation pump, the boiler system cannot be adapted for a small-sized hot water mat, etc.

[5] In order to cope with this problem, hot water mats have been proposed in the art, such as Hot water mat capable of forced circulation of hot water using heat energy disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 0309547 and Device for forced circulation of hot water using heat energy and hot water mat employing the same disclosed in Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-0018782.

[6] However, in these conventional hot water mats, a water tank for storing circulation water to be circulated due to the expansion of hot water in a boiler is positioned over the upper end of a boiler body. Thus, since the water in the water tank can be supplied into the boiler body by virtue of the pressure of the water, noise is generated due to drop of water into the boiler body. Further, because the control of the heater provided in the boiler is implemented through simple turning-on and turning-off operations and the opening and the closing of a check valve is controlled simply by the action of a spring and by employing a pressure change in the circulation system, the water is likely to be overheated or the temperature of water may not increase at all so that the reliable circulation of hot water cannot ensured.

[7] Therefore, in the former case, an excessive vapor pressure is likely to be generated due to overheating. As the vapor having the excessive pressure is abruptly flows through the piping, air bubbles can be produced in hot water which flows through the piping, and inconvenience is caused to a user due to abnormal noise and abnormal flow of hot water. Also, in the latter case, since the temperature in the boiler is too low, the circulation of hot water cannot be implemented in an appropriate manner. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water circulation system wherein, while a pressure in a boiler increases by hot water heated in the boiler and decreases after hot water is discharged, a water storage body in the shape of a bellows is repeatedly expanded and contracted in a pattern similar to the boiler, so that hot water can be discharged to the piping laid in a heating object even without operating a circulation pump and circulated water can be returned to the boiler, wherein the water storage body in the shape of a bellows operates while being tightly closed by a lid, so that replenishment of water is not required excluding when initially operating the hot water circulation system and thereby maintenance and repair can be easily conducted, and wherein, since water is circulated not by a pump, noise is not generated and user convenience can be improved. Technical Solution

[9] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hot water circulation system including a boiler for heating water and a heating object which is connected to the boiler so that hot water heated in the boiler can be circulated through a piping laid in the heating object and returned to the boiler, wherein a heater, which is connected to a controller, is installed on the boiler, and a discharge pipe for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object is connected to a side of the boiler, wherein a water tank, which is located adjacent to the boiler, has an introduction pipe connected to a side thereof, the introduction pipe functions to introduce circulation water from the heating object into the water tank, and a water storage body, in which introduced circulation water is stored and which has a lid on an upper end thereof, is provided in the water tank in the shape of a bellows, and wherein a connection pipe, which has a valve installed thereon, is connected between the discharge pipe and the introduction pipe.

[10] According to another aspect of the present invention, a valve is installed at a specified position on the introduction pipe, which is separated from the connection pipe by a predetermined distance.

[11] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hot water circulation system including a boiler for heating water and a heating object which is connected to the boiler so that hot water heated in the boiler can be circulated through a piping laid in the heating object and returned to the boiler, wherein a heater, which is connected to a controller, is installed on the boiler, and a discharge pipe for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object is connected to a side of the boiler, wherein a water tank, which is located adjacent to the boiler, has an introduction pipe connected to a side thereof, and the introduction pipe functions to introduce circulation water from the heating object into the water tank, and wherein a control valve is installed on a junction between the discharge pipe and a connection pipe which is connected to the water tank, to control opening and closing of a hot water supply pipe which provides a passage for hot water supplied to the heating object.

Advantageous Effects

[12] Thanks to the features of the hot water circulation system according to the present invention, while a pressure in a boiler increases by hot water heated in the boiler and decreases after hot water is discharged, since a water storage body in the shape of a bellows is repeatedly expanded and contracted in a pattern similar to the boiler, hot water can be discharged to the piping laid in a heating object such as a hot water mat even without operating a circulation pump and circulated water can be returned to the boiler. Also, since the water storage body in the shape of a bellows operates while being tightly closed by a lid, replenishment of water is not required excluding when initially operating the hot water circulation system, and thereby maintenance and repair can be easily conducted. Further, since water is circulated not by a pump, noise is not generated, and user convenience can be improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[13] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[14] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hot water circulation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[15] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the hot water circulation system shown in FIG. 1 ; [16] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hot water circulation system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[17] FIGs. 4 and 5 are schematic views illustrating the constructions of hot water circulation systems in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention.

[18] <Description of Reference Numerals for Main Parts of Drawings>

[19] 10: hot water circulation system 12: air discharge pipe

[20] 14: boiler 16: cap

[21] 18: heater 20: controller

[22] 24: connection pipe 26: discharge pipe

[23] 28: introduction pipe valve 30: introduction pipe

[24] 32: water tank

[25] 36: bellows type water storage body

[26] 38: connection pipe valve 40: heating object

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[27] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[28] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hot water circulation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the hot water circulation system shown in FIG. 1.

[29] Referring to FIG. 1, a hot water circulation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, includes a boiler 14 for heating water, and a heating object 40 which is connected to the boiler 14 so that the hot water heated in the boiler 14 can be circulated through a piping which is laid in the heating object 40 and then returned to the boiler 14.

[30] The heating object 40 can be products, such as a mat, a sleeping bag, a blanket, a stone bed, and others used for similar purposes, in which a tube or a piping is arranged.

[31] A heater 18, which is connected to a controller 20, is installed on the boiler 14, and a discharge pipe 26 for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object 40 is connected to a side of the boiler 14.

[32] A water tank 32, which is located adjacent to the boiler 14, has an introduction pipe

30 connected to a side thereof. The introduction pipe 30 functions to introduce the circulation water from the heating object 40 into the water tank 32. A water storage body 36, in which the introduced circulation water is stored, is provided in the water tank 32 in the shape of a bellows. The water storage body 36 has a lid 34 on the upper end thereof, which is provided to fill water in the boiler 14 and the heating object 40 when initially operating the hot water circulation system 10.

[33] Accordingly, as the temperature of water heated by the heater 18 installed on the boiler 14 increases, the pressure in the boiler 14 also increases. After the heated water is circulated through the discharge pipe 26 and the heating object 40, when the circulation water is introduced into the water storage body 36, a connection pipe valve 38 is closed, and an introduction pipe valve 28 is opened.

[34] Thereafter, the water storage body 36 having the shape of a bellows is expanded by the pressure of the circulation water introduced therein. While the circulation water stays in the water storage body 36 for a short period, the temperature in the boiler 14 decreases, and the pressure in the boiler 14 also decreases due to condensing heat. Then, as the introduction pipe valve 28 between the heating object 40 and the water storage body 36 is closed and the connection pipe valve 38 is opened, the circulation water stored in the water storage body 36 is returned to the boiler 14, and at the same time, the bellows constituting the water storage body 36 is contracted.

[35] A connection pipe 24 is connected between the discharge pipe 26 and the introduction pipe 30. The connection pipe valve 38 is installed on the connection pipe 24 to permit fluid flow in one direction toward the boiler 14. Therefore, the circulation water in the bellows-shaped water storage body 36 can be returned to the boiler 14 through the connection pipe 24, and at this time, the introduction pipe valve 28 is closed.

[36] It is preferred that the introduction pipe valve 28 be installed at a specified position on the introduction pipe 30, which is separated from the connection pipe 24 by a predetermined distance, to permit fluid flow in one direction toward the water tank 32. A person having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that a valve can also be installed at a specified position on the discharge pipe 26 to permit fluid flow in one direction toward the heating object 40.

[37] Moreover, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art will recognize that, as shown in FIG. 3, the connection pipe valve and the introduction pipe valve can be integrated with each other to control the direction of fluid flow in an easy manner so that a hot water circulation system can be easily operated.

[38] Further, it is preferred that connectors be coupled to the ends of the introduction and discharge pipes 30 and 26 so that the introduction and discharge pipes 30 and 26 can be easily attached to and detached form the piping of the heating object 40. The controller 20 controls power supply to the heater 18 of the boiler 14 in response to a signal inputted from a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 18.

[39] In the hot water circulation system 10, in order to discharge the air present in the boiler 14, an air discharge pipe 12 is provided in the boiler 14. The air discharge pipe 12 has one end which is open and is positioned at a predetermined height in the boiler 14 adjacent to the upper end of the boiler 14, and the other end which is open and bent and projects downward through the lower end of the boiler 14. A cap 16 is provided to the other end of the air discharge pipe 12 to close and open the air discharge pipe 12.

[40] Hereafter, operations of the hot water circulation system 10 according to the above embodiment of the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, will be described.

[41] First, the circulation water accommodated in the boiler 14 is heated by the heater 18.

By this fact, the circulation water expands until water reaches its boiling point, and the heated hot water is supplied to the heating object 40 through the discharge pipe 26.

[42] Thereafter, the hot water supplied to the heating object 40 is circulated through the piping laid in the heating object 40 and is then introduced into water tank 32 through the introduction pipe 30. Thereupon, the bellows-shaped water storage body 36 is expanded upward by the circulation water which is continuously introduced into the water tank 32.

[43] If heating of water by the heater 18 is interrupted under the control of the controller

20, the discharge of hot water to be supplied to the heating object 40 is temporarily interrupted after a preset time, and due to this fact, the expanded water storage body 36 is contracted.

[44] Thus, the water in the water storage body 36 is returned to the boiler 14 through the connection pipe 24. Then, if the heater 18 reheats water in the boiler 14, the hot water in the boiler 14 is supplied again through the discharge pipe 26 to the heating object 40 to initiate a circulation cycle, whereby separate replenishment of water is not needed.

[45] In order to discharge air present in the boiler 14, a water inlet can be formed in the upper wall of the boiler 14, and water can be supplied into the boiler 14 through the water inlet so that the supplied water gradually fills the inside space of the boiler 14. After water is supplied to a predetermined level in the boiler 14, water is discharged through the air discharge pipe 12, by which the air present in the boiler 14 can be easily discharged to the outside.

[46] At this time, when discharging air, the cap 16 can be removed from the air discharge pipe 12, and after the discharge of air is completed, the cap 16 is closed. In this way, the discharge of air in the boiler 14 can be easily conducted.

[47] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a hot water circulation system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[48] Referring to FIG. 3, a hot water circulation system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 50, includes a boiler 54 for heating water, and a heating object 40 which is connected to the boiler 54 so that the hot water heated in the boiler 54 can be circulated through a piping which is laid in the heating object 40 and then returned to the boiler 54.

[49] A heater 56, which is connected to a controller 58, is installed on the boiler 54, and a discharge pipe 60 for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object 40 is connected to a side of the boiler 54. A water tank 68, which is located adjacent to the boiler 54, has an introduction pipe 72 connected to a side thereof. The introduction pipe 72 functions to introduce the circulation water from the heating object 40 into the water tank 68.

[50] As can be readily appreciated by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art, a bellows-shaped water storage body provided with a lid on the upper end thereof can be installed in the water tank 68 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 so that the introduced circulation water can be stored in the water storage body.

[51] In addition, the water tank 68 has an opening at the upper end thereof, and a temperature or level sensor 70 is installed on the sidewall of the water tank 68 so that the temperature or the level of the water stored in the water tank 68 can be indicated to the outside.

[52] A control valve 62 is installed on the junction between the discharge pipe 60 and a connection pipe 66 which is connected to the water tank 68, to control the opening and the closing of a hot water supply pipe 64 which provides a passage for hot water supplied to the heating object 40.

[53] When the hot water in the boiler 54 is discharged toward the heating object 40 through the discharge pipe 60 and the hot water supply pipe 64 at a predetermined temperature, the control valve 62 closes the connection pipe 66 of the water tank 68. Then, in response to a signal from the temperature or level sensor 70 of the water tank 68, the control valve 62 closes the hot water supply pipe 64 and communicates the connection pipe 66 and the discharge pipe 60 with each other.

[54] As the circulation water accommodated in the boiler 54 is heated by the heater 56 to reach the boiling point thereof, water is expanded, and the heated hot water is supplied to the heating object 40 through the discharge pipe 60 and the hot water supply pipe 64.

[55] At this time, the control valve 62 only communicates the discharge pipe 60 and the hot water supply pipe 64 with each other.

[56] The hot water supplied to the heating object 40 is circulated through the piping laid in the heating object 40 and is then introduced into the water tank 68 through the introd uction pipe 72. If the water in the water tank 68 reaches a predetermined temperature or level, in response to the signal from the temperature or level sensor 70, the control valve 62 closes the hot water supply pipe 64 and communicates the discharge pipe 60 and the connection pipe 66 with each other.

[57] Hence, the water in the water tank 68 is returned to the boiler 54 through the connection pipe 66. Thereafter, as the heater 56 is actuated again, the hot water in the boiler 54 is supplied to the heating object 40 through the discharge pipe 60 and the hot water supply pipe 64 to initiate a circulation cycle, whereby continuous circulation of hot water is made possible while obviating the need for separate replenishment of water.

[58] FIGs. 4 and 5 are schematic views illustrating the constructions of hot water circulation systems in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention.

[59] In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4, at least two assemblies each comprising the boiler and the water tank of the above embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are connected in series. In this hot water circulation system 100, two boilers 54 and two water tanks 68 are arranged in such a way as to commonly use one hot water supply pipe 64 and one introduction pipe 72 so that hot water circulation efficiency can be maximized.

[60] In other words, in the present embodiment, by operating at least two boilers at regular intervals, the hot water circulation system shown in FIG. 3, in which the circulation of hot water is temporarily interrupted and is then restarted, can continuously supply hot water. To this end, in the present embodiment, water can be heated in the second boiler 54 while the circulation water heated in the first boiler 54 and circulated through a heating object stays in the first water tank 68 so that the hot water circulation can be implemented without interruption, whereby the hot water circulation efficiency can be maximized.

[61] At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the hot water supply pipes 64 and the introduction pipes 72 can be separated from each other in order to separately heat heating objects 90, whereby hot water circulation efficiency can be further improved.

[62] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A hot water circulation system including a boiler for heating water and a heating object which is connected to the boiler so that hot water heated in the boiler can be circulated through a piping laid in the heating object and returned to the boiler, wherein a heater, which is connected to a controller, is installed on the boiler, and a discharge pipe for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object is connected to a side of the boiler, wherein a water tank, which is located adjacent to the boiler, has an introduction pipe connected to a side thereof, the introduction pipe functions to introduce circulation water from the heating object into the water tank, and a water storage body, in which introduced circulation water is stored and which has a lid on an upper end thereof, is provided in the water tank in the shape of a bellows, and wherein a connection pipe, which has a valve installed thereon, is connected between the discharge pipe and the introduction pipe.

[2] The hot water circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the hot water circulation system further includes an air discharge pipe having one end which is open and is positioned at a predetermined height in the boiler adjacent to an upper end of the boiler and the other end which is open and projects downward through a lower end of the boiler, and a cap for opening and closing the other end of the air discharge pipe.

[3] The hot water circulation system according to claim 1, wherein a valve is installed at a specified position on the introduction pipe, which is separated from the connection pipe by a predetermined distance.

[4] A hot water circulation system including a boiler for heating water and a heating object which is connected to the boiler so that hot water heated in the boiler can be circulated through a piping laid in the heating object and returned to the boiler, wherein a heater, which is connected to a controller, is installed on the boiler, and a discharge pipe for discharging heated hot water toward the heating object is connected to a side of the boiler, wherein a water tank, which is located adjacent to the boiler, has an introduction pipe connected to a side thereof, and the introduction pipe functions to introduce circulation water from the heating object into the water tank, and wherein a control valve is installed on a junction between the discharge pipe and a connection pipe which is connected to the water tank, to control opening and closing of a hot water supply pipe which provides a passage for hot water supplied to the heating object.

[5] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4, wherein a bellows-shaped water storage body, which is provided with a lid on an upper end thereof, is in stalled in the water tank so that introduced circulation water can be stored in the water storage body.

[6] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the water tank has an opening at an upper end thereof, and a temperature or level sensor is installed on a sidewall of the water tank.

[7] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4 or 6, wherein, when hot water in the boiler is discharged toward the heating object through the discharge pipe and the hot water supply pipe at a predetermined temperature, the control valve closes the connection pipe of the water tank, and in response to a signal from the temperature or level sensor of the water tank, the control valve closes the hot water supply pipe and communicates the connection pipe and the discharge pipe with each other.

[8] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the control valve is configured in a manner such that discharge of hot water and introduction of circulation water can be controlled through opening and closing of the control valve having a single valve body.

[9] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the hot water circulation system includes at least two boilers and at least two water tanks in such a way as to commonly use one discharge pipe and one introduction pipe, so that, when supplying hot water to the heating object, supply of hot water can be continuously implemented without being interrupted to improve hot water circulation efficiency.

[10] The hot water circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the hot water circulation system includes at least two boilers and at least two water tanks in such a way as to separately use discharge pipes and introduction pipes, so that hot water can be simultaneously supplied into a plurality of heating objects so as to effectively heat a wide area.