JP2001132970A - Instantaneous water heater unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water preserving unit which can independently detect opening of a cock without being interlocked with a heat source unit. SOLUTION: A circulating path for conducting a hot water preserving operation is provided with a circulating pump 13 and a heater 6. Hot water can be circulated in either direction in the circulating path. In a region (inner circulating path 7) where hot water flowing direction is reversed between a hot water discharging operation and hot water preserving operation, two flow rate sensors 24, 25 which are capable of detecting and outputting a flow rate of only one direction, are disposed in a manner that the direction of outputting the flow rate of one sensor is opposite to the other. By detecting which of these two sensors 24, 25 outputs the flow rate, discrimination is made as to hot water discharging and hot water preserving operations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water unit having a hot water function, that is, a function for allowing hot water to be discharged immediately when a hot water terminal such as a curan is opened.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a conventional hot water supply system having a hot water unit. The hot water supply system includes a heat source unit 1 having a burner and a heat exchanger therein for heating water flowing in from an inlet channel 2 and discharging hot water from a hot water supply channel 3; The hot water unit 5 keeps the hot water in the circulation passage so that hot water is immediately discharged when the 18 is opened.

The hot water unit 5 has an internal circulation passage 7 provided between a tapping metal fitting 8 and a return metal fitting 10, and the internal circulation passage 7
Flow rate sensor 11, hot water temperature detection sensor 12, circulation pump 1
3, a heater 6 and a governor 9 are provided. A check valve 10 a is built in the return fitting 10, and warm water can flow from the return fitting 10 to the tapping metal 8 through the internal circulation path 7, but conversely, from the tapping metal 8 to the return fitting 10. Hot water is not allowed to flow back. The heater 6
The electric heater 6b is built in the tank 6a, and the electric heater 6b is immersed in the hot water in the tank 6a, so that the hot water in the tank 6a can be heated. Also,
A connection port 14 having a check valve 14a is provided at a tip of a branch path 15 branched from the middle between the tapping metal fitting 8 and the governor 9.

[0004] The heat source unit 1 and the hot water unit 5
Are connected to each other by connecting the distal end of the hot water supply path 3 connected to the connection port 14 to the connection port 14. The hot water unit 5
A circulation path is formed between the internal circulation path 7 and the external circulation path 16 by providing the external circulation path 16 between the tapping metal fitting 8 and the return metal fitting 10 outside the hot water supply pipe 8 and communicates with the external circulation path 16. Thus, a hot water terminal 18 such as a curan is provided. Further, the controller 19 in the hot water unit 5 is connected to the heat source unit 1 by a signal line 20.

[0005] When the tap terminal 18 is opened, the hot water heated by the heat source unit 1 flows from the hot water supply path 3 to the hot water unit 5 as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. 1. Connection port 1
The hot water flowing into the hot water unit 5 from the hot water 4
Cannot flow back through the internal circulation path 7 because of the check valve 10a of
The hot water flows out from the hot water terminal 18.

If the hot water switch of the remote controller 4 is on, the hot water terminal 18 is closed and the hot water is stopped, so that the hot water mode is set. In the hot water mode, when the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detection sensor 12 falls below a predetermined temperature, the circulation pump 13 starts operating, and as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. The hot water circulates in the circulation passage, and the electric heater 6b in the heater 6 is turned on to heat the hot water circulating in the circulation passage. When the temperature of the hot water in the circulation passage becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the electric heater 6b is turned off,
The circulation pump 13 is stopped to stop the hot water operation.

[0007] As a result of such a hot water operation, the temperature of the hot water in the circulation passage is maintained at a predetermined temperature or higher. Therefore, when the tapping terminal 18 is opened, hot water is supplied immediately, and cold water is supplied even in winter or the like. Can be prevented.

[0008]

In the above hot water unit, when a hot water supply terminal such as a curan is opened during the hot water operation and the heat source unit starts burning, the hot water operation is immediately stopped. There is a need. To do this, the hot water supply terminal must be opened in the ready-to-use hot water unit (hereinafter referred to as using a plug).
Must be communicated electrically.

As a method for this, a flow rate detector (not shown) is provided in the hot water supply path 3 from the heat source unit 1 to detect a water flow flowing in the hot water supply path 3 when the hot water supply terminal 18 is opened. There is a method of detecting the use of the tip plug.

The heat source unit 1 and the hot water unit 5 are linked to each other, and when the hot water terminal 18 is opened and the heat source unit 1 starts burning, the heat source unit 1 is transferred from the hot water unit 5 through a signal line 20. There is also a method of sending a combustion signal to the controller 19 to notify the use of the tip plug.

However, if a flow rate detector is added to the hot water supply path 3 from the heat source unit 1 as in the former method, the hot water supply path 3
Of the hot-water supply terminal 18
There is a problem that the flow rate of hot water discharged from the nozzle becomes small. In the latter method, since the heat source unit 1 and the controller 19 of the hot water unit 5 need to be connected by a signal line 20 to transmit and receive a signal in a predetermined data format, the dedicated unit corresponding to a specific heat source unit is required. There was a problem that the versatility of the hot water unit was lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to directly detect the use of a plug without interlocking with a heat source unit. It is to provide a hot water unit.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instant hot water unit comprising a circulation passage including a circulation pump and a heating means, wherein the hot water in the circulation passage can be circulated and heated. Means for allowing hot water to circulate in any direction of circulation in the circulation passage, and for detecting a direction in which hot water flows in a region of the circulation passage in which the direction of flow of hot water is reversed between hot water and hot water operation. It is characterized by having been provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the instant hot water unit, a circulation path including a circulation pump and a heating means is provided so that hot water in the circulation path can be circulated and heated.
Of the circulation passage, a flow sensor provided in each of a portion overlapping with a hot water supply path for hot water from the hot water supply terminal and a portion not overlapping with the hot water supply passage, and hot water is supplied from the hot water supply terminal based on detection values of both flow sensors. Means for judging whether or not the operation is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the instant hot water unit, a circulation path including a circulation pump and a heating means is provided so that hot water in the circulation path can be circulated and heated.
In the circulation passage, hot water can be circulated in any circulation direction, and based on the temperature sensors provided on the inflow side and the outflow side of the heating means of the circulation path, based on detection values of both temperature sensors. Means for determining whether or not hot water is being supplied from the hot water terminal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instant hot water unit having a circulation path including a circulation pump and a heating means, wherein the hot water in the circulation path can be circulated and heated.
In the circulation passage, hot water can be circulated in any circulation direction, and provided in a region where the flowing direction of the hot water is reversed at the time of tapping and at the time of hot water operation in the circulation passage. A water flow detection means capable of outputting only a water flow detection, a temperature sensor provided on the inflow side of the heating means in the circulation passage, and a hot water terminal based on the detection values of the water flow detection means and the temperature sensor. Means for determining whether or not hot water is being discharged or whether or not the circulating pump is out of order.

A hot water unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the hot water unit according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, further comprising: a temperature sensor for detecting a hot water temperature in the circulation passage; Means for driving the circulation pump to detect the temperature of the hot water in the circulation passage by the temperature sensor, and storing the detected temperature as a set temperature during the hot water operation.

[0018]

According to the instant hot water unit described in claim 1,
In the circulation passage, in a region where the flowing direction of the hot water is reversed between when the hot water is supplied and when the hot water is operated, a means for detecting the flowing direction of the hot water is provided. , And it can be determined whether the hot water is being supplied or the hot water is being operated.

According to the instant hot water unit, since it is possible to detect that the hot water supply terminal is opened by itself, the instant hot water unit can be combined with an arbitrary heat source device, and versatility is enhanced. In addition, since hot water can be circulated in the circulation passage in any direction, hot water flows simultaneously on one side of the circulation passage at the time of tapping, and the discharge is performed as in the conventional example in which a flow rate detector is provided in the hot water supply passage. The amount of hot water does not decrease.

As means for detecting the direction of flowing hot water, for example, in a region where the flowing direction of hot water is reversed between hot water and hot water in a circulation path, a water flow detection is output only in one passing direction. A plurality of water flow detection means capable of detecting the water flow may be provided with the direction in which the water flow detection can be output in the opposite direction. The water flow detection means may be a binary output type which can output whether there is a water flow or not, or a binary output type which can output whether or not there is a water flow of a certain flow rate or more, and can detect the flow rate. It may be something.

In the instant hot water unit according to the second aspect, flow rate sensors are provided in a portion of the circulation passage which overlaps with a hot water supply passage for tapping water from the tapping terminal and a portion which does not overlap with the hot water supply passage. I have. Since the flow of hot water changes between when the hot water is discharged from the hot water terminal and when the hot water is running, the flow rate is different between the portion that overlaps with the hot water supply path for hot water from the hot water terminal and the portion that does not overlap with the hot water supply channel. Or the state of change in the flow rate is different. Therefore, it can be determined whether the hot water is being supplied or the hot water is being operated from the ratio or difference between the detection values of the two flow sensors.

Also in the case of this hot water unit, since it is possible to detect that the hot water terminal is opened without interlocking with the heat source device, it is possible to combine with an arbitrary heat source device,
Greater versatility.

In the instant hot water unit according to the third aspect, the temperature of the hot water can be detected by the temperature sensors provided respectively on the inflow side and the outflow side of the heating means. Since the hot water is heated by the heating means, the temperature difference between the hot water before and after the hot water is large. However, the temperature difference is small because the hot water discharged from the heat source only passes during the hot water. Therefore,
Based on the detection values of both temperature sensors, it can be determined whether hot water is being supplied or hot water is being operated.

[0024] Also in the case of this hot water unit, it is possible to detect that the hot water supply terminal is opened without interlocking with the heat source device, so that it is possible to combine with the optional heat source device.
Greater versatility. In addition, since hot water can be circulated in the circulation passage in any direction, hot water flows simultaneously on one side of the circulation passage at the time of tapping, and the discharge is performed as in the conventional example in which a flow rate detector is provided in the hot water supply passage. The amount of hot water does not decrease.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply unit, in the region where the flowing direction of the hot water is reversed between the hot water supply and the hot water operation in the circulation passage, the water flow is detected only in one of the passing directions. Since the water flow detecting means capable of outputting is provided, it is possible to determine whether it is in the hot water supply state or in the hot water operation state based on the output of the water flow detection means.

Further, when the water flow is not detected by the water flow detecting means and it is determined that the hot water is being discharged, the difference between the temperature of the hot water from the heat source unit and the temperature of the hot water returned from the circulation passage is detected by a temperature sensor. It is also possible to determine whether the hot water is being discharged or whether the circulation pump is out of order.

Further, with this hot water unit, it is possible to detect that the hot water supply terminal is opened by itself,
Combination with any heat source unit is possible, and versatility is improved. In addition, since hot water can be circulated in the circulation passage in any direction, hot water flows simultaneously on one side of the circulation passage at the time of tapping, and the discharge is performed as in the conventional example in which a flow rate detector is provided in the hot water supply passage. The amount of hot water does not decrease.

In the instant hot water unit according to the fifth aspect, when the hot water is stopped, the hot water temperature is detected and stored as the set temperature for the instant hot water operation, so that the heat source unit and the quick hot water unit are linked. Instead, the set temperature of the heat source unit can be automatically read as the set temperature of the hot water operation. Therefore, it is easier to combine the hot water unit with any heat source device.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system 21 provided with a hot water unit 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a simplified configuration of a hot water supply system as compared to FIG. 1 showing a conventional example. Also, the hot water supply system 21 according to the present invention
In order to simplify the description, the same components as those in FIG.
2 (the same applies to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures) will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The hot water unit 22 shown in FIG. 2 is a separate device external to the heat source unit 1 such as a gas water heater. The hot water unit 22 is provided with a branch fitting 23 branched in three directions, and one of the branch fittings 23 is a connection port 14 having a check valve 14a, and the hot water supply path 3 from the heat source unit 1 is provided. Is connected. The other branch portion of the branch metal fitting 23 is a tapping metal fitting 8, an external circulation path 16 is connected between the tapping metal fitting 8 and the return metal fitting 27, and a tapping terminal 18 such as a curan is connected to the external circulation path 16. Is provided. The internal circulation path 7 is connected between the remaining branch part of the branch metal fitting 23 and the return metal fitting 27, and the internal circulation path 7 has a flow rate sensor 24, a hot water temperature detection sensor 12, and a circulation pump 1.
3, a heater 6, a governor 9, and a flow sensor 25 are provided. Further, a remote controller 26 provided with a switch for setting a set temperature during hot water operation (circulating hot water set temperature), a hot water operation switch, and the like is connected to the controller 19. In addition, the heater 6 may be provided on the suction side of the circulation pump 13.

In the conventional hot water supply system shown in FIG. 1, the return fitting 10 is provided with a check valve 10a to prevent hot water from flowing back in the internal circulation path 7. A structure that does not have a check valve is used as the metal fitting 27, and a structure is provided to prevent the hot water from flowing back in the section between the return metal fitting 27 and the hot water terminal 18 in the internal circulation path 7 and the external circulation path 16. Not
In the circulation path including the internal circulation path 7 and the external circulation path 16, warm water can be circulated in any circulation direction. However, in the region between the tap metal fitting 8 and the tap terminal 18 in the external circulation path 16, a check valve may be provided so that hot water flows only in one direction.

Further, both the flow sensors 24 and 25
The flow rate of the hot water can be detected and output only in one of the passing directions. When the flow of the water flow is in the opposite direction, the output becomes zero even if there is a water flow. The flow sensors 24 and 25 are, for example, of an impeller type, in which the impeller moves in accordance with the direction of the water flow (the impeller moves by flowing in the water flow), and in the case of the reverse water flow. There is an apparatus in which an impeller cannot be rotated by hitting a hook or the like. The flow sensor 24 arranged on the suction side of the circulation pump 13 and the flow sensor 25 arranged on the discharge side of the circulation pump 13 are installed so that the flow detection directions are opposite to each other.

In the hot water supply system 21, when the hot water switch of the remote controller 26 is turned on, the circulation pump 13 starts operating when the detected temperature of the hot water temperature detection sensor 12 falls below a predetermined temperature. Then, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, the hot water in the circulation passage is circulated, and when the water flow is detected by the flow rate sensor 24, the electric heater 6b is turned on to heat the hot water to keep the temperature. In this case, the flow direction of the flow sensor 24 is the forward direction.
, The flow rate is output, but the output of the flow rate sensor 25 is zero because the direction of the water flow in the flow rate sensor 25 is reversed.

When the hot water supply terminal 18 is opened, the hot water or water flowing from the hot water supply channel 3 is separated in both directions by the branch metal fittings 23 as shown by solid arrows in FIG. The hot water is discharged from the hot water terminal 18 by both transports through the hot water 16. When the hot water terminal 18 is opened, the hot water circulating in the circulation passage is discharged from the hot water terminal 18, so that
No cold water is supplied from the hot water. In this case, since the water flow direction is forward in the flow rate sensor 25, the flow rate is output from the flow rate sensor 25.
In No. 4, since the water flow direction is reverse, the output of the flow sensor 24 is zero. Thus, the hot water terminal 18
Is opened, the flow sensor 24 is
Although the flow rate was output only from the flow rate sensor, the flow rate is output only from the flow rate sensor 25, so that the use of the plug can be detected, and the hot water operation is immediately stopped, and the circulation pump 13 is stopped. At the same time, the electric heater 6b can be turned off.

As described above, according to the hot water unit 22, the flow rate is output only from the flow rate sensor 24 (the flow rate sensor 2).
5 is zero), it can be confirmed that the circulation pump 13 is operating. If the flow rate is output only from the flow rate sensor 25 (the output of the flow rate sensor 24 is zero), the tapping terminal 18 is opened. Can be determined. Further, if neither of the flow sensors 24, 25 is output, neither the tapping nor the hot water operation is performed,
5 are simultaneously output, it can be determined that any failure has occurred.

In addition, the hot water unit 22 is a heat source unit 1
Is simply connected with the hot water supply path 3 and does not need to be linked with the heat source unit 1, so that the versatility can be increased without selecting the model of the heat source unit 1 to be connected. Further, since the hot water can be discharged from the hot water terminal 18 in both transports at the time of hot water supply, the hot water resistance does not increase and the hot water flow rate does not decrease.

In this embodiment, the flow sensor is 2
However, it is possible to provide only one flow sensor capable of detecting the flow rate in only one direction.

(Second Embodiment) The configuration of a hot water supply system 31 using a hot water unit 32 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the hot water unit 32, a return fitting 10 having a check valve 10a is used. During the hot water operation, the inside circulation path 7 and the outside circulation path 16 are indicated by broken arrows in FIG. The hot water circulates and is kept warm, but at the time of tapping, the tapping water is discharged from the tapping terminal 18 through the external circulation path 16 side without passing through the internal circulation path 7 as indicated by solid line arrows in FIG. In addition, one flow path between the branch fitting 23 and the tapping terminal 18, that is, the external circulation path 16
Is provided with a flow sensor 33, and the branch fitting 23 and the hot water terminal 18 are provided.
, The flow path sensor 34 is provided in the other flow path, that is, the internal circulation path 7.

In the hot water unit 32, the flow rate sensor 33 while the circulation pump 13 is operating
The ratio H = Q1 / Q2 between the detected flow rate Q1 and the detected flow rate Q2 of the flow rate sensor 34 is measured in advance, and the measurement result is stored in the controller 19 as data. Then, the controller 19 monitors the detection values of the two flow sensors 33 and 34, calculates a ratio H = Q1 / Q2 between the detected flow Q1 of the flow sensor 33 and the detected flow Q2 of the flow sensor 34, and calculates the flow ratio H Is equal to the data value Hd, it is determined that the circulation pump 13 is actually operating (operation check of the circulation pump). If the flow rate H is larger than the data value (H = Q1 / Q2> Hd), the flow rate Q2 is theoretically zero during tapping, and the tapping is performed from the heat source unit 1 to the tapping terminal 18. Or during hot water operation
Is determined to have been opened. Then, when it is determined that the hot water terminal 18 has been opened during the hot water operation, necessary processing such as stopping the circulation pump 13 is executed.

In this embodiment, too, the hot water unit 32 alone can accurately determine whether or not to use the tip plug without interlocking with the heat source unit 1. It can be used in combination with any heat source device 1. Here, the flow rate ratio is used for the determination, but a flow rate difference Q1-Q2 may be used.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 41 having a hot water unit 42 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the instant hot water unit 42, the return fitting 27 having no check valve is used, and hot water can be circulated in any circulation direction in the circulation passage. In addition, the flow sensor 24 that can detect and output the flow rate in only one direction is used. Further, temperature sensors 43 and 44 such as thermistors are provided on the inflow side and the outflow side of the heater 6, respectively.

However, in the hot water unit 42, when the circulation pump 13 is operated to perform the hot water operation, as shown by the broken arrows in FIG. When the tapping terminal 18 is opened and the tapping operation is performed, the heat source unit 1 is turned on as shown by the solid arrow in FIG.
Hot water supplied from the hot water supply terminal passes through the circulation passage in both transports and is discharged from the hot water discharging terminal 18.

In this embodiment, the hot water heated by the electric heater 6b flows out of the heater 6 during the hot water operation, so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 44 is
And the temperature difference is large,
When the tapping terminal 18 is open and tapping, the heat source unit 1
The temperature difference between the temperature sensors 44 and 43 is small because the hot water discharged from the heater only passes through the heater 6. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether hot water is being supplied or hot water is being operated based on the detection values of both temperature sensors 44 and 43.

In this embodiment, the use of the plug is detected by the flow rate sensor 24 and the temperature sensors 43 and 44 as described below, and the circulation pump 13 is used.
Can be determined. Instant hot water unit 4
2 is in the hot water operation, since the flow sensor 24 is in the forward direction, a signal indicating the flow rate is output from the flow sensor 24. However, during the tapping operation, the flow sensor 24 is in the reverse direction and the flow rate is Does not output a signal. Therefore, the output of the flow rate sensor 24 is monitored, and if the flow rate is output from the flow rate sensor 24, it can be determined that the circulation pump 13 is operating and the hot water is being operated. On the other hand, if the flow rate is not output from the flow rate sensor 24, it can be determined that the tapping terminal 18 is open and the tapping is in progress.

However, even when the flow rate is not output from the flow sensor 24 (when the output is zero), the flow rate may be zero due to the failure of the circulation pump 13 in addition to the case where the tapping terminal 18 is open. obtain. Therefore, when there is no output from the flow sensor 24, the outputs of the temperature sensors 43 and 44 provided before and after the heater 6 are referred to.

When the tapping terminal 18 is open and tapping, the temperature sensor 44, the heater 6, the temperature sensor 43
The hot water flows in this order, so that the hot water is warmed by the residual heat of the heater 6, so that the detection value of the temperature sensor 43 becomes higher than the detection value of the temperature sensor 44. Therefore, when the output of the flow sensor 24 is zero and the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 44 ≦ the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 43, it is determined that the tip plug is used.

On the other hand, when the circulating pump 13 is out of order, the hot water does not circulate, so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 44 installed at a position higher than the heater 6 becomes higher, The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 43 installed at a lower position than that is lower. Therefore, when the output of the flow sensor 24 is zero and the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 44> the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 43, it is determined that the circulating pump 13 has failed.

Also in such an embodiment, the hot water unit 4
2 is simply connected to the heat source unit 1 by the hot water supply path 3 and does not need to be linked with the heat source unit 1, so that the type of the heat source unit 1 to be connected can be selected, and versatility can be increased. Further, since the hot water can be discharged from the hot water terminal 18 in both transports at the time of hot water supply, the hot water resistance does not increase and the hot water flow rate does not decrease.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 51 having a hot water unit 52 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This hot water unit 52 also uses a return metal fitting 27 having no check valve, so that hot water can be circulated in any circulation direction in the circulation passage. Further, the flow sensor 54 that can detect and output the flow rate in only one direction is used. Further, a temperature sensor 53 such as a thermistor is provided on the inflow side of the heater 6.

However, in this hot water unit 52 as well, when the circulation pump 13 is operated to perform the hot water operation, as shown by the broken arrows in FIG. When the tapping terminal 18 is opened and the tapping operation is performed, the heat source unit 1 is turned on as shown by the solid arrow in FIG.
Hot water supplied from the hot water supply terminal passes through the circulation passage in both transports and is discharged from the hot water discharging terminal 18.

In this embodiment, the flow sensor 54
Using the temperature sensor 53, the use of the tip plug can be detected and the case of the failure of the circulation pump 13 can be determined as described below. When the hot water unit 52 is in the hot water operation, the flow sensor 54 is in the forward direction, so that a signal indicating the flow rate is output from the flow sensor 54. However, during the tapping operation, the flow sensor 54 is in the reverse direction. Does not output the flow signal. Therefore, the output of the flow rate sensor 54 is monitored, and if the flow rate is output from the flow rate sensor 54, it can be determined that the circulation pump 13 is operating and the hot water is being operated. On the other hand, when the flow rate is not output from the flow rate sensor 54, it can be determined that the tapping terminal 18 is open and the tapping is being performed.

However, even when the flow rate is not output from the flow sensor 54 (when the output is zero), the flow rate may be zero due to the failure of the circulation pump 13 in addition to the case where the application terminal 18 is open. obtain. Therefore, when there is no output from the flow sensor 54, the output of the temperature sensor 53 provided on the water inlet side of the heater 6 is referred to.

When the hot water terminal 18 is open and hot water is flowing, hot water flows in the order of the heater 6 and the temperature sensor 53, so that the detected value of the temperature sensor 53 becomes higher than the set temperature of the instant hot water operation. (Usually, the hot water supply temperature is higher than the set temperature of the hot water operation). Therefore, the output of the flow sensor 54 is zero,
If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 53 is higher than the set temperature of the hot water operation, it is determined that the tip plug is used.

On the other hand, during the hot water operation, the temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the hot water returned by radiating heat in the external circulation path 16 and is usually lower than the set temperature of the hot water operation. . Therefore, when the output of the flow rate sensor 54 is zero and the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 53 is lower than the set temperature of the hot water operation, it is determined that the circulating pump 13 has failed.

In such an embodiment, the hot water unit 5
2 is simply connected to the heat source unit 1 by the hot water supply path 3 and does not need to be linked with the heat source unit 1, so that the type of the heat source unit 1 to be connected can be selected, and versatility can be increased. Further, since the hot water can be discharged from the hot water terminal 18 in both transports at the time of hot water supply, the hot water resistance does not increase and the hot water flow rate does not decrease.

In the instant hot water unit 52, the set temperature of the heat source unit 1 can be read in the following manner. When the hot water terminal 18 is closed after the hot water of the heat source device 1 is discharged from the hot water terminal 18, the stoppage of the hot water is detected by the flow rate sensor 54, and the operation shifts to the instant hot water operation. At this time, by operating the circulation pump 13 to circulate the hot water immediately after stopping the hot water in the circulation passage, the set temperature of the heat source device 1 can be detected by the temperature sensor 53. The controller 19 of the hot water unit 52 stores the detected temperature T1 as the set temperature of the hot water operation.

The hot water unit 52 controls ON / OFF of the heater 6 using the set temperature T1, and the temperature sensor 53
Is higher than the set temperature T1 (T1
≦ Ts), the electric heater 6b of the heater 6 is turned off, and the hot water temperature Ts becomes lower than the set temperature T1 by 5 ° C. or more (Ts ≦
T1-5 ° C.) and the electric heater 6b is turned on. The set temperature T1 is changed by monitoring as needed after stopping hot water supply.

[0058]

According to the instant hot water unit of the present invention, the use of the tip plug can be detected without interlocking with the heat source unit, so that it can be used in combination with any type of heat source unit. The nature becomes high. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the types of products and the number of inventories.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a conventional hot water supply system including a hot water unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a hot water supply system including a hot water unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a hot water supply system including a hot water unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a hot water supply system including a hot water unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system including a hot water unit according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heat source unit 3 Hot water supply path 6 Heater 7 Internal circulation path 11 Flow rate sensor 12 Hot water temperature detection sensor 13 Circulation pump 16 External circulation path 18 Hot water outlet terminal 22 Hot water unit 24 Flow rate sensor 25 Flow rate sensor 32 Hot water supply unit 33 Flow rate sensor 34 Flow rate Sensor 42 Hot water unit 43, 44 Temperature sensor 52 Hot water unit 53 Temperature sensor 54 Flow rate sensor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A hot water unit in which a circulation path including a circulation pump and a heating means is provided so that hot water in the circulation path can be circulated and heated, wherein hot water can circulate in the circulation path in any circulation direction. And a means for detecting a flowing direction of the hot water in a region in the circulation passage in which the flowing direction of the hot water is reversed between when the hot water is supplied and when the hot water is operated. 2. A hot water unit provided with a circulation passage including a circulation pump and a heating means so that hot and cold water in the circulation passage can be circulated and heated. An instant hot water unit comprising: a flow sensor provided in each of an overlapping portion and a portion not overlapping with a hot water supply path; and means for determining whether or not hot water is being supplied from a hot water terminal based on detection values of the two flow sensors. 3. A hot water unit provided with a circulation passage including a circulation pump and a heating means so that hot water in the circulation passage can be circulated and heated, wherein hot water can be circulated in the circulation passage in any circulation direction. Temperature sensors provided on the inflow side and the outflow side of the heating means in the circulation passage, and means for determining whether or not hot water is being supplied from the hot water supply terminal based on detection values of both temperature sensors. Instant hot water unit equipped. 4. A hot water unit in which a circulation path including a circulation pump and a heating means is provided so that hot water in the circulation path can be circulated and heated, wherein hot water can be circulated in the circulation path in any circulation direction. A water flow detecting means provided in a region of the circulation passage in which the flow direction of hot water is reversed between hot water and hot water operation, and capable of outputting water flow detection only in one passing direction; A temperature sensor provided on the inflow side of the heating means in the passage, whether or not hot water is being drawn from the hot water terminal based on the detection values of the water flow detecting means and the temperature sensor, or whether or not the circulation pump is malfunctioning Hot water unit comprising means for determining 5. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the circulation passage, and after stopping the tapping, driving the circulation pump to detect the temperature of the hot water in the circulation passage by the temperature sensor. 5. The hot water unit according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing the set temperature during operation.