JP4318308B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus that can check a water level in a hot water storage tank.

  Conventionally, in a hot water supply device, hot water boiled by a boiling means is stored in a hot water storage tank, hot water is supplied from a hot water storage tank by opening a hot water tap in the kitchen and a bathroom shower, etc. Filling the set water level or filling the set amount of water. As boiling means, hot water is boiled while circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank with the heat pump unit, or hot water is boiled with a heater disposed in the hot water storage tank.

  By the way, when installing a hot water supply device, a plumbing equipment supplier who performs piping work and an electric equipment supplier who carries out electric work often work separately, and the hot water storage tank is not filled with water. Regardless, there is a problem in that the operation of the heat pump unit and the energization of the heater are confirmed without the electric equipment supplier confirming it, and the heat pump unit and the heater are damaged due to emptying. There are similar problems for general users.

  Therefore, whether the hot water storage tank is filled with water is determined by the pressure applied to the hot water storage tank, or when the heating means is a heater system, check the insulation resistance value between the heater and the hot water storage tank. There are methods, but in any case, it was necessary to use parts such as a dedicated sensor for water level confirmation.

In addition, the heat pump unit type hot water supply device is operated while detecting the temperature of the heat exchanger of the heat pump unit with a temperature sensor at the time of boiling, but this temperature sensor is also used for water level confirmation to confirm the water level. It is known that it is not necessary to use parts such as dedicated sensors. For example, if the heat pump unit is operated in an empty state where no water is contained in the hot water storage tank, the temperature of the heat exchanger rises abnormally, and this is detected by a temperature sensor to determine that the water level is abnormal ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-240349 (page 5-6, FIG. 1)

  However, in the heat pump unit type hot water supply device, the water level abnormality can be confirmed also using the temperature sensor of the heat exchanger, but it cannot be applied to the heater type hot water supply device, and a dedicated part for checking the water level must be used. There is a problem that must not be.

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and a hot water supply device that can reliably check the water level in a hot water storage tank without using a dedicated component for checking the water level regardless of the method of the boiling means. The purpose is to provide.

Water heater 請 Motomeko 1 wherein the hot water supply pipe to the upper together with the water supply pipe is connected is connected to the lower, in supply pressure of the water from the water supply pipe with supplied water is boiling inside the water supply pipe a hot water storage tank for hot water from the hot water supply pipe by pushing up the interior of the hot water, and the heating-up means for increasing boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank, a supply channel for hot water supply and hot water in the hot water storage tank which is tapped from the hot water supply pipe to the bathtub An on-off valve that opens and closes the supply path, a flow rate sensor that detects a flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub through the supply path, a water level sensor that is provided in the supply path and detects the water level of the bathtub, and the on-off valve If the detection state in which the flow sensor detects a constant flow and the water level sensor detects a constant pressure higher than before the opening of the on-off valve continues for a predetermined time or longer, the hot water storage tank is full. When the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state other than this detection state is an abnormal water level, and when the water level confirmation means confirms that the water level is full, the water is allowed to be raised by the boiling means, and the water level abnormality is confirmed. And control means for prohibiting boiling by the boiling means.

  Then, the on / off valve is opened by the water level confirmation means, and at this time, the detection state in which the flow rate sensor detects a constant flow and the water level sensor detects a constant pressure higher than before the on / off valve is opened continues for a predetermined time or more. In order to determine that the hot water storage tank is full, and to detect a detection state other than this detection state as an abnormal water level, the flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub and the water level of the bathtub are used regardless of the method of the boiling means. The water level sensor to be detected is also used, and the water level in the hot water storage tank can be surely confirmed without using dedicated parts for water level confirmation.

Hot water supply device according to claim 2, wherein, in the hot water supply device according to claim 1 Symbol placement, level confirmation means is to determine the water level abnormality detection state in which the detection of the water level sensor does not change when opens the on-off valve .

  Then, the water level confirmation means determines that a detection state in which the detection of the water level sensor does not change when the on-off valve is opened is determined as a water level abnormality, and it is possible to confirm a water level abnormality in which no hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank.

Hot water supply device according to claim 3 is the hot water apparatus according to claim 1 Symbol placement, level confirmation means, the pressure drops after the water level sensor detects a pressure higher than the previous opening of the closing valve when the opens the on-off valve The detection state for detecting the change to be detected is determined as a water level abnormality.

  Then, the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state in which the water level sensor detects a change in which the pressure decreases after the water level sensor detects a higher pressure than before the opening of the on / off valve when the on / off valve is opened is determined as an abnormal water level, There is an air layer compressed by the supply water pressure on the upper side of the tank, and it is possible to confirm an abnormality in the water level where water is supplied only to a part of the lower side of the hot water storage tank.

Hot water supply device according to claim 4 is the hot water apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water level confirmation means is to determine the water level abnormality detection state detection of the flow rate sensor does not change when opens the on-off valve.

  Then, the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state in which the detection of the flow sensor does not change when the on-off valve is opened is a water level abnormality, and it is possible to confirm the water level abnormality in which no hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank.

The hot water supply device according to claim 5 is the hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water level confirmation means detects a change in which the flow rate decreases after the flow rate sensor detects a flow when the on-off valve is opened. The state is determined as a water level abnormality.

  Then, the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state in which the flow rate sensor detects a change when the flow rate decreases after the flow rate sensor detects the flow when the on-off valve is opened is determined as an abnormal water level, and the water supply pressure is applied to the upper side of the hot water storage tank. It is possible to check the water level abnormality in which there is a compressed air layer and water is supplied only to a part of the lower side of the hot water storage tank.

According to the water heater 請 Motomeko 1, wherein the water level confirmation means, to open the on-off valve, a constant high pressure from the previous opening of the flow sensor in this case detects a constant flow and the water level sensor off valve If the detection state to be detected continues for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the hot water storage tank is full, and the detection state other than this detection state can be determined as an abnormal water level. The water level sensor in the hot water storage tank can be surely confirmed without using a dedicated part for confirming the water level.

According to the hot water supply device according to claim 2, wherein in addition to the effects of claim 1 Symbol mounting of the water heater, the water level confirmation means, the water level detection state in which the detection of the water level sensor does not change when opens the closing valve abnormality It is possible to confirm that the water level is not supplied to the hot water storage tank.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 3, in addition to the effects of the water heater according to claim 1 Symbol placement, the water level confirmation means, the pressure level sensor is higher than the previous opening of the closing valve when the opens the on-off valve The detection state that detects a pressure drop after detection is determined as an abnormal water level, and there is an air layer compressed by the supply water pressure on the upper side of the hot water tank, and water is supplied only to a part of the lower side of the hot water tank. The water level abnormality which is not done can be confirmed.

According to the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 4 , in addition to the effect of the hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, the detection state in which the detection of the flow sensor does not change when the open / close valve is opened by the water level confirmation means is the water level abnormality. Judgment can be made, and the water level abnormality that is not supplied to the hot water storage tank can be confirmed.

According to the hot water supply apparatus of claim 5 , in addition to the effect of the hot water supply apparatus of claim 1 , the flow rate decreases after the flow rate sensor detects the flow when the on-off valve is opened by the water level confirmation means. The detection state that detects changes is judged as an abnormal water level, and an abnormal water level that has an air layer compressed by the supply water pressure on the upper side of the hot water tank and is supplied only to a part of the lower side of the hot water tank can be confirmed. .

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 11 includes a main body unit 12 and has an automatic hot water filling function for automatically filling the bathtub 13 and an automatic warming function for keeping the hot water filled in the bathtub 13. .

  A hot water storage tank 21 for storing hot water is disposed in the main unit 12. This hot water storage tank 21 employs a first-stop push-up type hot water supply method, and a water supply pipe 22 connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe is provided at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 with a dedicated stop cock 23 and a pressure reducing valve 24. A hot water supply pipe 25 for supplying hot water is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21, and a heater 26 is disposed in the hot water storage tank 21 as a boiling means for boiling hot water. Then, a hot water tap or the like is opened at the front end side of the hot water supply pipe 25, so that the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed up by the supply water pressure applied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 and discharged from the hot water supply pipe 25.

  The water supply pipe 22 and the hot water supply pipe 25 are connected to a hot water mixing valve 30 and a bath mixing valve 31, respectively. These mixing valves 30 and 31 mix the water from the water supply pipe 22 and the hot water from the hot water supply pipe 25 and supply hot water at a preset hot water supply temperature with a remote controller (not shown).

  A hot water supply pipe 32 for supplying hot water from a hot water mixing valve 30 to a shower in a kitchen or a bathtub is provided with a hot water flow sensor 33 for detecting the flow of hot water and a hot water temperature sensor 34 for detecting the temperature of the hot water. .

  A hot water supply pipe 35 for supplying hot water from the bath mixing valve 31 to the bathtub 13 is connected to a hopper 36. The hopper 36 detects a flow rate of hot water, a water supply solenoid valve 37 as an opening / closing valve for opening and closing the hot water supply pipe 35. A flow rate sensor 38 and a check valve 39 that allows hot water flow from the hot water storage tank 21 side to the bathtub 13 side and stops the reverse flow are disposed.

  The tip of the hot water supply pipe 35 on the downstream side of the hopper 36 is connected to a circulation pipe 40 connected to the bathtub 13 via a three-way valve 41.

  The circulation pipe 40 has a forward pipe 43 and a return pipe 44 connected to a circulation fitting 42 installed in the bathtub 13. The outgoing pipe 43 is provided with a water level sensor 45 that is a pressure sensor for detecting the water level of the bathtub hot water filled in the bathtub 13, and the return pipe 44 is provided with a thermistor 46 for detecting the temperature of the bathtub hot water, the bathtub A circulation pump 47 for circulating hot water, a flow switch 48 for detecting the circulation of bathtub hot water, and a heat retaining heater 49 for heating the bathtub hot water are provided.

  The three-way valve 41 connects the hot water supply pipe 35 and one or both of the forward pipe 43 and the return pipe 44 with a switching state in which the hot water supply pipe 35 side is closed and the circulation path in the forward pipe 43 and the return pipe 44 is opened. It switches to the switching state which opens the supply path 50 which supplies the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 to the bathtub 13. FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a part of the configuration of the control unit 61 relating to the water level confirmation of the hot water supply device 11. The control unit 61 receives detection signals from the flow rate sensor 38, the water level sensor 45, etc., and mixes the bath mixing valve 31. The water supply solenoid valve 37, the three-way valve 41, and the like are controlled.

  Then, the control unit 61 opens the water supply electromagnetic valve 37, at which time the flow sensor 38 detects a constant flow and the water level sensor 45 detects a constant pressure higher than before the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened. If the water level confirmation means 62 determines that the hot water storage tank 21 is full and the detection state other than this detection state is a water level abnormality, the heater 26 It has a function of a control means 63 that permits boiling by the heater 26 and prohibits the boiling by the heater 26 when the water level abnormality is confirmed.

  The water level confirmation means 62 determines that the detection state in which the detection of the flow rate sensor 38 and the water level sensor 45 does not change when the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened is an abnormal water level. Furthermore, when the water supply solenoid valve 37 is opened, the flow rate decreases after the flow sensor 38 detects the flow, and the pressure drops after the water level sensor 45 detects a higher pressure than before the water supply solenoid valve 37 is opened. It is determined that the detection state for detecting the change is a water level abnormality.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the use of the bathtub 13 will be described.

  When hot water is filled in the bathtub 13, the hot water supply pipe 35 and the circulation pipe 40 are connected by the three-way valve 41 to form the supply path 50, then the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened, and the bath mixing valve 31 is adjusted to the set temperature. Hot water is supplied to the bathtub 13 through the supply channel 50. At this time, flow rate detection by the flow rate sensor 38 is monitored, and when a predetermined amount of hot water is supplied, the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is closed. In order to obtain the relationship between the size of the bathtub 13 and the amount of hot water supply, at the time of the first hot water filling, hot water is supplied to the bathtub 13 only from the return pipe 44 of the circulation pipe 40, and the water level sensor 45 of the forward pipe 43 is used to Find the appropriate amount of hot water while checking the water level. Therefore, after the next hot water filling, the hot water can be quickly filled through the two pipes of the return pipe 43 and the return pipe 44 of the circulation pipe 40 while monitoring the amount of hot water supplied by the flow rate sensor 38.

  In addition, after filling the hot water, the water level sensor 45 monitors the water level of the bathtub 13, and when the water level drops, the hot water is supplied, that is, the hot water is added as in the first hot water filling, and the water level is returned to a predetermined level.

  Next, confirmation of the water level in the hot water storage tank 21 will be described.

  When the heater 26 is energized for the first time after the hot water supply device 11 is energized, or after the microcomputer of the control unit 61 is reset, the water level in the hot water storage tank 21 is confirmed (full water detection).

  In checking the water level in the hot water storage tank 21, first, the water supply pipe 22 side of the bath mixing valve 31 is closed and the hot water supply pipe 25 side is opened, and the hot water supply pipe 35 and the circulation pipe 40 are at least an outgoing pipe 43 with a three-way valve 41. Are connected to form the supply path 50, the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened, and the flow rate detection by the flow rate sensor 38 and the pressure detection by the water level sensor 45 are monitored. Note that the detection accuracy of the water level sensor 45 can be improved by switching the water flow from the hot water supply pipe 35 to only the outgoing pipe 43 of the circulation pipe 40 by the three-way valve 41.

  A case where the dedicated water stopcock 23 is closed and no hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (a) (only the pressure of the water level sensor 45 is shown), even if it is turned on to open the water supply electromagnetic valve 37, the pressure is not applied to the water supply electromagnetic valve 37. Since the water supply solenoid valve 37 does not open, neither the flow rate detection by the flow rate sensor 38 nor the pressure detection by the water level sensor 45 changes. If this state elapses for a certain time or more, it is determined that the water level is not supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 at all.

  Even in the case where the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is open even when no pressure is applied to the water supply electromagnetic valve 37, the hot water storage tank 21 is at atmospheric pressure, and the air in each pipe is also at atmospheric pressure. Both the flow rate detection due to the water pressure and the pressure detection due to the water level sensor 45 do not change, and if this state elapses for a certain time or more, it can be determined that the water level is not supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 at all.

  Next, a case where the hot water storage tank 21 is full and the dedicated stop cock 23 is opened will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 (b) (only the pressure of the water level sensor 45 is shown), the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened by turning on the water supply electromagnetic valve 37, and the water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 is supplied to the supply path. Since the flow sensor 38 and the water level sensor 45 flow through 50 pipes, the flow sensor 38 detects a constant flow of water, and the water level sensor 45 detects a constant pressure higher than before the water supply solenoid valve 37 is opened. When the state has exceeded a certain time, it is determined that the hot water storage tank 21 is full and the water level is normal.

  Next, the case where the dedicated water stopcock 23 is opened without opening the hot water tap connected to the hot water supply pipe 32 or the relief valve connected to the upper side of the hot water storage tank 21 will be described. In this case, the water flows into the hot water storage tank 21 while compressing the air in the hot water storage tank 21 or the like, but the water enters only about half of the hot water storage tank 21 and the compressed air accumulates in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21. Become. In this state, as shown in FIG. 3 (c) (only the pressure of the water level sensor 45 is shown), when the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is turned on and opened, the compressed air initially stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 is supplied. Since it flows to the flow sensor 38 and the water level sensor 45 through the piping of the passage 50, the flow sensor 38 detects the flow of water, the water level sensor 45 detects a pressure higher than before the water supply solenoid valve 37 is opened, and then the compressed air is Once removed, the flow rate and pressure once increased will decrease.

  Therefore, when the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened, the flow rate decreases after the flow sensor 38 detects the flow, and the pressure after the water level sensor 45 detects a higher pressure than before the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened. When a decreasing change is detected, it is determined that the water level is abnormal only when water is supplied to only a part of the lower side of the hot water storage tank 21. That is, since the flow rate sensor 38 detects a constant flow of water and the water level sensor 45 detects a constant pressure higher than before the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened, a normal time does not elapse. It is determined that the water level is abnormally supplied to only a part of the lower side of the tank 21.

  In this way, the detection state in which the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened and the flow rate sensor 38 detects a constant flow at this time and the water level sensor 45 detects a constant pressure higher than before the water supply electromagnetic valve 37 is opened is a predetermined time. If it continues for a long time, it is determined that the hot water storage tank 21 is full, and the detection state other than this detection state can be determined as a water level abnormality. Therefore, the flow rate sensor 38 that detects the flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub 13 and the water level of the bathtub 13 are detected. The water level sensor 45 is also used, and the water level in the hot water storage tank 21 can be reliably confirmed without using a dedicated component for checking the water level.

  When the hot water storage tank 21 is confirmed to be full, boiling by the heater 26 is allowed, and when abnormality of the water level is confirmed, boiling by the heater 26 is prohibited, so that it is possible to reliably prevent empty heating. 26 can be protected.

  It should be noted that the pressure increased by a certain amount before and after opening the water supply solenoid valve 37, and the pressure peak value after opening the water supply solenoid valve 37 was memorized, and the pressure near the peak value was memorized. By continuously determining that a certain time or more elapses, it is possible to improve accuracy and reduce false detection by determining that the hot water storage tank 21 is full.

Also, as the heating-up means is not limited to the heater 26, it may be used a heat pump unit. Regardless of the method of such boiling means, it is possible to confirm the water level supplied to the bathtub 13.

It is a lineblock diagram of a hot-water supply device showing one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a hot-water supply apparatus same as the above. A graph of pressure and time detected by the water level sensor of the hot water supply apparatus is shown, (a) is a graph when the dedicated stop cock of the hot water storage tank is closed, (b) is a graph when the hot water storage tank is full, (c) is a graph when water is supplied to the hot water storage tank without opening the hot water tap or the relief valve.

Explanation of symbols

11 Water heater
13 Bathtub
21 Hot water storage tank
26 Heater as boiling means
37 Water supply solenoid valve as on-off valve
38 Flow sensor
45 Water level sensor
50 supply channel
62 Water level confirmation means
63 Control means

Claims (5)

A water supply pipe is connected to the lower part and a hot water supply pipe is connected to the upper part, and the water supplied from the water supply pipe is boiled up, and the hot water in the water is pushed up by the water supply pressure from the water supply pipe to discharge the hot water from the hot water supply pipe. A hot water storage tank,
A boiling means for boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank;
A supply path for supplying hot water in the hot water storage tank discharged from the hot water supply pipe to the bathtub;
An on-off valve for opening and closing the supply path;
A flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of hot water supplied to the bathtub through the supply path;
A water level sensor provided in the supply path to detect the water level of the bathtub;
The hot water storage tank is opened if the on-off valve is opened and the detection state in which the flow sensor detects a constant flow and the water level sensor detects a constant pressure higher than before the on-off valve is opened continues for a predetermined time or longer. Water level confirmation means for determining that the water level is full, and determining a detection state other than this detection state as a water level abnormality
Control means for permitting boiling by the boiling means when the water level confirmation means confirms full water, and prohibiting boiling by the boiling means when a water level abnormality is confirmed. A water heater. Level confirmation means, hot water supply device according to claim 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that determining a water level abnormality detection state in which the detection of the water level sensor does not change when opens the on-off valve. The water level confirmation means is characterized in that when the on / off valve is opened, the water level sensor detects a change in pressure drop after detecting a higher pressure than before the on / off valve is opened, and the water level abnormality is determined as a water level abnormality. hot water supply device according to claim 1 Symbol mounting to. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state in which the detection of the flow sensor does not change when the on-off valve is opened is a water level abnormality. 2. The hot water supply according to claim 1 , wherein the water level confirmation means determines that the detection state of detecting a change in which the flow rate decreases after the flow rate sensor detects a flow when the on-off valve is opened is a water level abnormality. apparatus.

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