JP3855328B2

JP3855328B2 - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP3855328B2
Application number: JP33928096A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 寛明米久保; 則和山田; 清隆宮嵜; 裕文河島; 昌彦山本
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1996-12-19
Filing date: 1996-12-19
Publication date: 2006-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-19
Also published as: JPH10185319A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、給湯の開始時に早く湯を供給することのできる瞬間式の給湯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の給湯装置には、図４に示すようなものがあった（例えば特公平４−９９７２号公報）。
【０００３】
同図において、１は瞬間給湯機であり、給湯口２と瞬間給湯機１は給湯管３で結ばれている。給湯口２の手前には給湯弁４が設けられており、給湯管３の給湯弁４の上流側から排水管５が分岐しており、この排水管５には排水弁６が設けられている。
【０００４】
また、排水管５の給湯管３からの分岐部には温度検出部７が設けられていて、温度設定器８の設定温度とこの温度検出部７の温度を比較して給湯制御部９が給湯弁４と排水弁６を制御している。
【０００５】
そして、給湯要求時に温度検出部７により検出された湯水の温度が温度設定器８の設定温度の許容範囲内の場合、給湯弁４を開き給湯口２に給湯管３内の湯水を供給するとともに、許容範囲外の場合、排水弁６を開き給湯管３内の湯水を排水管５を経て排水口から捨て、常に許容範囲内の温度の湯水を給湯口２から供給するというものである。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記したような従来の給湯装置では、給湯弁４、排水管５、排水弁６、温度検出部７などを現場で配管工事や配線工事を行って取り付ける必要があり、設置が大変であるとともに、通常の給湯装置では必要ない給湯弁４、排水管５、排水弁６、温度検出部７等の部材を必要とするという課題があった。
【０００７】
また、出湯要求時に湯水の温度が許容範囲外の場合、排水弁６を開き給湯管３内の湯水を排水口から捨てる動作をするため、給湯口２から湯が供給される迄の時間は大幅に改善されることができないという課題を有していた。
【０００８】
本発明は上記した課題を解決するものであり、給湯装置自身の改善により、給湯の開始時に早く湯を供給できる給湯装置を提供するものである。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本願発明は上記した課題を解決するものであり、給水管と給湯管に接続された熱交換器と、前記熱交換器を加熱する加熱手段と、前記加熱手段の加熱量を調節する加熱調節手段と、前記熱交換器の途中の湯の温度を検出する途中温度検出手段と、前記熱交換器の出口の温度を検出する出口温度検出手段と、熱交換器を経た湯の温度を設定する湯温設定手段と、前記熱交換器への水の流動を検出する流動検出手段と、水の流動を前記流動検出手段で検出している時は前記湯温設定手段の温度に従って前記加熱調節手段を制御するとともに、前記流動検出手段で水の流動を検出していない時は前記途中温度検出手段で検出される温度が所定温度以下になったら所定時間前記加熱手段を動作させて前記熱交換器の加熱を行なうタイマー手段とを具備し、前記タイマー手段による前記加熱手段の動作継続時間は、給湯条件、前記熱交換器へ至る給水温度条件によって補正するようにしたもので、再給湯時に端末への湯の供給を早く行えるようにしているものである。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の給湯装置は、給水管と給湯管に接続された熱交換器と、前記熱交換器を加熱する加熱手段と、前記加熱手段の加熱量を調節する加熱調節手段と、前記熱交換器の途中の湯の温度を検出する途中温度検出手段と、前記熱交換器の出口の温度を検出する出口温度検出手段と、熱交換器を経た湯の温度を設定する湯温設定手段と、前記熱交換器への水の流動を検出する流動検出手段と、水の流動を前記流動検出手段で検出している時は前記湯温設定手段の温度に従って前記加熱調節手段を制御するとともに、前記流動検出手段で水の流動を検出していない時は前記途中温度検出手段で検出される温度が所定温度以下になったら所定時間前記加熱手段を動作させて前記熱交換器の加熱を行なうタイマー手段とを具備し、前記タイマー手段による前記加熱手段の動作継続時間は、給湯条件、前記熱交換器へ至る給水温度条件によって補正するようにしたもので、再給湯時に端末への湯の供給を早く行えるようにしているものである。
【００１１】
給湯条件は、給湯条件は、前回の給湯温度、リモコンによる設定温度の少なくとも一つの温度であり、これにより実使用に適合した給湯が可能となる。
【００１２】
また、万が一のタイマー手段の故障時や異常燃焼時に加熱を強制的に停止すべく、途中温度検出手段で検出される温度が不安全温度として予め設定した上限温度に達したら加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を強制的に停止するようにした。
【００１３】
さらに、制御系の故障時や異常燃焼の発生に対応して、途中温度検出手段で検出される温度変化が不安全温度勾配として予め設定した勾配を越えたら加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を強制的に停止するようにした。
【００１４】
途中温度検出手段は、加熱手段近傍の熱交換器のパイプに取り付けるのが望ましい。つまり、水の非流動時における加熱時に、一番温度上昇が速い加熱手段近傍の熱交換器のパイプの温度を検出することにより、いち早く温度上昇を検出し、安全性を確保し、正確な制御を実現できる。
【００１５】
（実施例）
以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００１６】
図１は本発明の一実施例における給湯装置を示す図である。
【００１７】
図１において、熱交換器１０には、給水管１１と給湯管１２が接続されている。
【００１８】
給水管１１には、熱交換器１０への水の流入を検出する流動検出手段である水量検出器１３、水温を検出する水温検出器１４が設けられている。熱交換器１０の途中のパイプには、途中温度を検出する熱交温度検出器１５が設けられている。
【００１９】
また、熱交換器１０を迂回し給水管１１と給湯管１２を連絡するバイパス管１６が設けられ、このバイパス管１６には、熱交換器１０からの湯とバイパス管１６からの水の混合比を調節する水比例弁１７が設けられている。この水比例弁１７は、ソレノイドへの電流の調節によって水圧に対してバランスを取った弁が、バイパス管１６の開度を調節し通過する水量を調節するもので、電流の停止により全開状態で保持されるノーマルオープン型となっている。熱交換器１０の近傍の給湯管１２には出口温度検出手段として湯温検出器１８が設けられ、また、バイパス管１６の合流点以降に水量制御弁１９、混合水温検出器２０が設けられている。
【００２０】
給湯管１２は更に給湯装置本体２１外の給湯配管２２に接続され、端末に設けた湯水混合栓２３、２４に連通している。端末側には給湯装置本体２１のリモコン２５が設けられている。このリモコン２５はワイヤレス型であり、電源スイッチ２６や給湯装置本体２１から出湯される給湯温度のアップスイッチ２７、ダウンスイッチ２８、表示部２９の他、湯水混合栓２３や２４が使用されていない時に、使用されて熱交換器１０に水が流れている状態と異なった条件での制御を選択する加熱スイッチ３０が選択手段として設けられている。
【００２１】
本体側の制御器３１にはタイマー手段であるタイマー３２を有しており、商用電源からの電力が供給され受信器３３で受けたリモコン２５の信号や各種センサーの信号が取り込まれ、また各種アクチュエータへの信号や操作出力が出力されている。そして、制御器３１にはボリュームで構成された湯温設定手段である湯温設定器３４や停止時制御部３５が設けられている。
【００２２】
熱交換器１０は、加熱手段であるガスバーナ３６で加熱され、このガスバーナ３６へのガス量を調節する加熱調節手段の一部としてガス比例弁３７が設けられている。また、ガスのオン、オフは加熱調節手段の一部を構成する元電磁弁３８により行われ、また燃焼前後や燃焼中においては送風ファン３９から風が送られる。
【００２３】
なお、熱交換器１０の途中のパイプに設けた熱交温度検出器１５は、水の流動の停止中に温度が他の部位より上がりやすい、ガスバーナ３６の直上の熱交換器１０部分の外部に臨んだパイプに取り付けられている。
【００２４】
次にこの実施例の動作を説明する。
【００２５】
動作については、図２のフローチャートにその要部を示している。
【００２６】
リモコン２５の電源スイッチ２６がオン操作され〈Ｓ１〉、かつ加熱スイッチ３０がオン操作されていると〈Ｓ２〉、給湯の停止時において熱交換器１０を加熱できるモードに入る。水量検出器１３で検出される水の流量が所定値（例えば２l／min）を越えると、端末の湯水混合栓が開けられたと判断して通常の給湯モードに入り〈Ｓ３〉、リモコン２５のアップスイッチ２７、ダウンスイッチ２８等を操作して設定された温度の湯を供給するべく、混合水温検出器２０で検出される混合水温度と設定温度が比較される。
【００２７】
また、湯温検出器１８で検出される出湯温度と湯温設定器３４の温度が比較され、水温検出器１４の水温と水量検出器１３の値が取り込まれ、水比例弁１７と水量制御弁１９、ガス比例弁３７が調節されて、所望の温度の湯が給湯配管２２から供給される〈Ｓ４〉。
【００２８】
水量検出器１３で検出される水の流量が所定値（例えば２l／min）以下の場合、あるいは給湯の停止時においては〈Ｓ３〉、給湯停止時の熱交換器１０への加熱モードが可能となる。湯温検出器１８で検出される温度が所定温度として定めた下限値を下回り〈Ｓ５〉、熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が所定温度として定めた下限値を下回ると〈Ｓ６〉、給湯装置全体が冷えていると停止時制御部３５が判断して流動停止時に於ける加熱モードを進める。
【００２９】
湯温検出器１８と比較される下限値は、湯温設定器３４の設定値から１０℃を引いた値に設定されている。湯温検出器１８で検出される温度がこの下限値以下であると、流動停止時に於ける加熱モードの次のステップに進む〈Ｓ５〉。また、熱交温度検出器１５と比較される下限値も、湯温設定器３４で設定された温度から１０℃を引いた値に設定されている。熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度がこの下限値以下であると、加熱モードの次のステップに進む〈Ｓ６〉。
【００３０】
なお、下限値の設定は一例であり、他の方法としては湯温設定器３４の設定に関係付けない方法や、固定値を用いる方法、また湯温設定器３４と熱交温度検出器１５で検出される下限値を異ならせる等各種の方法がある。
【００３１】
湯温検出器１８、熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が下限値をいずれも下回ったら、まず、タイマー３２の設定された加熱時間を読み込む〈Ｓ７〉。次に給湯条件を読み込む〈Ｓ８〉。
【００３２】
この給湯条件とは、前回給湯を行った時のメモリーされた混合水温度、あるいはリモコン２５の設定温度、その後変更があった場合は現在の設定温度である。これは、前回給湯を行った時の混合水の温度、設定温度、変更温度を判断し、加熱を開始する温度を補正するためである。混合水温度あるいは過去あるいは現在の設定温度が高い場合は高目に、低い場合は低目になるように熱交換器１０を加熱開始する温度を補正する。そして、再出湯時に給湯管１２を経て極力、リモコン２５で設定された設定温度に近い温度の湯を供給することに役立てている。
【００３３】
また、前回給湯を行った時のメモリーされた水温検出器１４で検出された水温と現在の水温を読み込む〈Ｓ９〉。これは、給水温度が何度であるかを判断し加熱時間や加熱開始温度を補正するためであり、水温が高い場合は時間は短目に温度は低目に、水温が低い場合は時間は長目に温度は高目になるように熱交換器１０を加熱する時間を補正する〈Ｓ１０〉。そして、再出湯時に給湯管１２を経て極力、リモコン２５の設定温度に近い温度の湯を供給することに役立てている。
【００３４】
次に、送風ファン３９を回転させ残っているガスの排出を行い〈Ｓ１１〉、元電磁弁３８を開け〈Ｓ１２〉、同時にタイマー３２が計時を開始し〈Ｓ１３〉、ガス比例弁３７の開度を点火し易い開度１の状態にまで開けて点火を行う〈Ｓ１４〉。この開度１の状態は、通常の給湯を行っている時のガス比例弁３７の全開開度に比べ小さく設定されており、水の流動が停止している状態で過度に熱交換器１０を加熱してしまわないように、一方でガスバーナ３６に確実に着火するような開度に設定されている。
【００３５】
次に、着火確認しガス比例弁３７の開度を開度２の状態にまで絞る〈Ｓ１５〉。この開度は、通常の給湯が行われている状態での最小の開度に相当しており、この最小開度で加熱しても負荷が小さいため、熱交換器１０の温度は、次第に上昇して行く。
【００３６】
なお、給湯装置として最少加熱量が極めて低く取れる場合は、熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度を一定に保つ方法も可能である。
【００３７】
熱交換器１０の加熱中に熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が異常な変化勾配を示す時は、熱交換器１０へのエア噛み、あるいは加熱異常と判断して加熱を停止する〈Ｓ１６〉。この後の制御は、湯温検出器１８の温度を例として図３に示すようにようになっている。出湯温度は湯温設定器３４で６０℃（＝ＴO）に設定されているものとする。
【００３８】
従って加熱の開始を判断する所定値である下限値は、Ｔ1＝６０℃−１０℃＝５０℃である。そして上限値Ｔ2＝６０℃＋１０℃＝７０℃に定めている。加熱時間は標準状態（水温１５℃、混合水温４０℃）で５秒間となっており、前述のように、水温とリモコン２５の設定温度に応じて補正がされている。
【００３９】
タイマー３２が所定時間（５秒または５秒の補正値）を越えたら、タイムアップと見なし、停止動作に入る〈Ｓ１７〉。万が一、タイマー３２が故障したり、ガスバーナ３６の能力制御が故障して、湯温検出器１８で検出される温度が上限値（７０℃）を越えた場合は、直ちに温度優先で元電磁弁３８を閉成する停止動作に入る〈Ｓ１８〉。また、熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が上限値（７０℃）を越えた場合も、直ちに温度優先で元電磁弁３８を閉成する停止動作に入る〈Ｓ１９〉。
【００４０】
加熱の停止に当たっては、元電磁弁３８が閉じられ〈Ｓ２０〉、さらに送風ファン３９が所定時間回転して排気ガスを完全に排出し、そして停止される〈Ｓ２１〉。また、水比例弁１７は所定時間バイパス経路を絞った後、全開にされる〈Ｓ２２〉。これは、まだ熱交換器１０内の温度が高い場合は、本来水が満たされているべきバイパス管１６に湯が回ることを防止し、再給湯時のオーバーシュートを低減するとともに、ある程度冷えて来たら、自然循環によってバイパス管１６も暖め、再給湯時の立ち上がりを早めるためである。
【００４１】
なお、ノーマルオープン型の水比例弁１７が全開となっていることにより、万が一故障により、熱交換器１０内に高温の湯が溜まっていても、再給湯時に水の割合が大きくなるため安全である。
【００４２】
所定時間加熱した後の給湯停止後は、図３に示すように、後沸きにより湯温検出器１８周辺の温度は若干上昇する。また、熱交温度検出器１５周辺の温度はもっと上昇し、停止前と停止後の両者の温度の上下関係は逆転する。
【００４３】
以後、加熱の停止した後は、湯温検出器１８、熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が所定温度である下限値以下になる迄は燃焼は停止している。
【００４４】
以上のような動作により、一般の家庭用の給湯装置を想定すると、従来の給湯装置では配管長が５ｍ程度のシステムで、端末の蛇口をひねってから約１５秒位かかって湯が供給されることが普通であったものが、５秒程度に短縮可能である。
【００４５】
従来の給湯装置は、保有水量等に起因する給湯装置自身の立ち上がりの時間が１０秒程度、また配管の保有水量を押し出す時間が５秒程度かかっていたが、給湯装置自身の立ち上がりの時間が短縮できるため、配管の滞留水の押し出し時間だけで済む結果となる。
【００４６】
また、この実施例においては、タイマー３２により加熱を調節することにより、温度により加熱を調節する方式と比較して、熱容量を有する熱交換器１０の温度上昇遅れに対応でき、過剰加熱を防止することができる。
【００４７】
また、加熱時間を水温検出器１４で検出される給水温度に関連させて調節することにより、季節によって変わる給水温度に応じて加熱時間を調節でき、給湯開始時の湯温変動の低減と加熱回数の適正化が図れ、また給湯温度の立ち上がりを早くできる。
【００４８】
また、湯温検出器１８や熱交温度検出器１５で検出される温度が不安全温度として設定した上限温度に達したら、加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を強制的に停止させることにより、万が一のタイマー３２の故障時や異常燃焼時に加熱を強制的に停止し、事故を未然に防ぐことができる。
【００４９】
また、停止時制御部３５で、水の流動していない時の最大加熱能力を水の流動時の最大加熱能力よりも低く押さえることにより、負荷が小さく、かつ温度検出手段への温度伝達も遅くなる水の流動していない時の加熱量を低く押さえ、熱交換器１０の局部の異常な加熱や温度オーバーシュートを防止し、制御の容易化と安全化が図れる。
【００５０】
また、ガスバーナ３６で、水の流動していない時の加熱手段の加熱開始時燃焼量を水の流動時の加熱開始時燃焼量と略同一にすることにより、水の流動停止時においても火移りを容易とし確実な点火を実現できる。また、加熱スイッチ３０により、水の流動していない時のガスバーナ３６による加熱を選択できるため、水の非流動時に於ける熱交換器の加熱を必要な時のみ使用者が選択できるようになり、エネルギー消費の低減と、非常時に加熱スイッチ３０」をオフにすることにより、直ちにガスバーナ３６の燃焼停止を行うことができる。
【００５１】
上記実施例では加熱手段として、ガスバーナ３６による加熱を例にとったが、石油バーナや電気的に加熱する他の手段であってもよい。
【００５２】
また、加熱調節手段としてガス比例弁３７と元電磁弁３８を例にとったが、これら以外のガス量調節手段であったり、各加熱手段に対応した各種の加熱調節手段であってもよい。
【００５３】
また、熱交換器の出口の温度を出口温度検出手段としては、湯温検出器１８を例に取ったが、混合水温検出器２０を用いてもよく、また湯温を直接検出しても、配管や熱交換器の外側の温度を検出してもよい。
【００５４】
また、給湯の停止時に加熱を開始する温度の検出は、上記実施例では熱交温度検出器１５と湯温検出器１８に従い、すなわち途中温度検出手段と出口温度検出手段に従って行っていたが、途中温度検出手段のみに従って行ってもよい。
【００５５】
また、湯温設定手段としては、制御器３１に設けたボリュームで出湯温度が調節できる湯温設定器３４を例にとったが、制御器３１のマイコンに予め設定温度が書き込んであったり、リモコン２５で温度設定ができるものであってもよい。
【００５６】
また、流動検出手段は、水流を直接検出する水量検出器１３を例にとったが、給湯の開始、停止の操作スイッチと連動する間接的なものや、直接的なものと間接的なものの複合する形式であってもよい。
【００５７】
また、タイマー手段としてはタイマー３２を例にとったが、タイマー機能は制御器のマイコン部でもよく、また別回路として設けてもよい。
【００５８】
なお、上記実施例ではバイパス管１６を有し、熱交換器１０から供給される湯とバイパス管１６からの水を水比例弁１７で調節してリモコン２５で設定した温度の湯を得る給湯装置を例にとったが、バイパス管や水比例弁を有しない給湯装置であってもよい。この場合、湯温設定手段の設定値は、リモコン２５で設定される給湯温度の設定値に一致してくる。
【００５９】
上記実施例の技術的意義を総括すれば以下次の通りである。
【００６０】
（１）給湯の停止時に熱交換器への水の流動が停止していることを流動検出手段で検出して、途中温度検出手段で検出される温度が所定温度以下に下がったら加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を開始し、タイマー手段の設定された時間に達したら加熱を停止することにより、給湯の停止時に熱交換器が冷却されることを防止し、再給湯時に熱交換器内の保有水を加熱する時間を節約して、給湯装置本体だけで給湯時の端末における湯の供給を早く行えるようにするとともに、予め設定した時間あるいは温度に達したら加熱を停止することにより、過剰加熱を防止することができる。また、水の流動停止時に出口側よりも温度が上昇しやすい熱交換器途中の温度に従って制御を行うことにより、局部沸騰や異常加熱が防止できる。
【００６１】
（２）タイマー手段により加熱開始後予め設定した時間に達したら加熱を停止することにより、熱容量を有する熱交換器の温度上昇遅れに対応し、異常加熱を防止することができる。
【００６２】
（３）途中温度検出器で検出される温度が不安全温度として設定した上限温度に達したら加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を強制的に停止させることにより、万が一のタイマー手段の故障時や異常燃焼時に加熱を強制的に停止し、事故を未然に防ぐことができる。
【００６３】
（４）途中温度検出器で検出される温度変化が不安全温度勾配として設定した上限温度に達したら加熱手段による熱交換器の加熱を強制的に停止させることにより、万が一のタイマー手段の故障時や異常燃焼時に加熱を強制的に停止し、事故を未然に防ぐことができる。
【００６４】
（５）途中温度検出器を加熱手段近傍の熱交換器のパイプに取りつけることにより、水の流動停止時において加熱がなされてた場合、温度上昇を早く検出できるため、局部沸騰や異常加熱が防止できる。
【００６５】
（６）途中温度検出手段で検出される温度と出口温度検出手段で検出される温度に基づいて状態を判定することにより、加熱時間の補正が的確にできるとともに、片方の温度検出手段が故障しても、もう一方で補完ができる。
【００６６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した給湯装置によれば、給湯の停止時に熱交換器が冷却されることを防止し、再給湯時に熱交換器内の保有水を加熱する時間を節約して給湯時の端末における湯の供給を早く行え、使い勝手を大いに向上できるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例における給湯装置を示す図
【図２】同給湯装置の要部動作のフローチャート
【図３】同給湯装置の要部動作を示す図
【図４】従来の給湯装置を示す図
【符号の説明】
１０熱交換器
１１給水管
１２給湯管
１３水量検出器（流動検出手段）
１４水温検出器（給水温度検出手段）
１５熱交温度検出器（途中温度検出器）
１８湯温検出器（出口温度検出手段）
３２タイマー（タイマー手段）
３４湯温設定器（湯温設定手段）
３５停止時制御部
３６ガスバーナ（加熱手段）
３７ガス比例弁（加熱調節手段）
３８元電磁弁（加熱調節手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an instantaneous hot water supply apparatus capable of supplying hot water early at the start of hot water supply.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of hot water supply apparatus has been shown in FIG. 4 (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-9972).
[0003]
Oite in the drawing, 1 is the instantaneous water heater, hot water supply port 2 and the instantaneous water heater 1 are connected by the hot water supply pipe 3. A hot water supply valve 4 is provided in front of the hot water supply port 2, a drain pipe 5 is branched from the upstream side of the hot water supply valve 4 of the hot water supply pipe 3, and a drain valve 6 is provided in the drain pipe 5. .
[0004]
Further, a temperature detection unit 7 is provided at a branch portion of the drain pipe 5 from the hot water supply pipe 3, and the hot water supply control unit 9 compares the set temperature of the temperature setting device 8 with the temperature of the temperature detection unit 7. The valve 4 and the drain valve 6 are controlled.
[0005]
And when the temperature of the hot water detected by the temperature detector 7 at the time of the hot water supply request is within the allowable range of the set temperature of the temperature setter 8, the hot water valve 4 is opened and hot water in the hot water supply pipe 3 is supplied to the hot water supply port 2. When the temperature is outside the allowable range, the drain valve 6 is opened, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 3 is discarded from the drain through the drain pipe 5, and hot water having a temperature within the allowable range is always supplied from the hot water supply 2.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional hot water supply apparatus as described above, it is necessary to install the hot water supply valve 4, the drain pipe 5, the drain valve 6, the temperature detection unit 7, etc. by performing piping work or wiring work on site, which is difficult to install. In addition, there is a problem that members such as a hot water supply valve 4, a drain pipe 5, a drain valve 6, and a temperature detection unit 7 which are not necessary in a normal hot water supply apparatus are required.
[0007]
In addition, when the temperature of hot water is outside the allowable range at the time of requesting hot water, the drain valve 6 is opened and the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 3 is thrown away from the drain, so the time until hot water is supplied from the hot water outlet 2 is greatly increased. It had the problem that it could not be improved.
[0008]
This invention solves the above-mentioned subject, and provides the hot water supply apparatus which can supply hot water early at the time of the start of hot water supply by improvement of hot water supply apparatus itself.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention solves the above-described problems, a heat exchanger connected to a water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe, a heating means for heating the heat exchanger, and a heating adjustment means for adjusting the heating amount of the heating means. Intermediate temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water in the middle of the heat exchanger, outlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the outlet of the heat exchanger, and hot water for setting the temperature of hot water that has passed through the heat exchanger A temperature setting means; a flow detection means for detecting the flow of water to the heat exchanger; and when the flow of water is detected by the flow detection means, the heating adjustment means according to the temperature of the hot water temperature setting means. And when the flow of water is not detected by the flow detecting means, the heating means is operated for a predetermined time when the temperature detected by the intermediate temperature detecting means falls below a predetermined temperature. Timer means for heating The operation time of the heating means by the timer means is corrected according to the hot water supply conditions and the temperature of the water supply to the heat exchanger, so that the hot water can be supplied to the terminal quickly when reheating. It is what.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The hot water supply apparatus of the present invention includes a water supply pipe, a heat exchanger connected to the hot water supply pipe, a heating means for heating the heat exchanger, a heating adjusting means for adjusting a heating amount of the heating means, and the heat exchanger. Intermediate temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water in the middle, outlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the outlet of the heat exchanger, hot water temperature setting means for setting the temperature of hot water that has passed through the heat exchanger, A flow detection means for detecting the flow of water to the heat exchanger; and when the flow of water is detected by the flow detection means, the heating adjustment means is controlled according to the temperature of the hot water temperature setting means, and the flow Timer means for heating the heat exchanger by operating the heating means for a predetermined time when the temperature detected by the midway temperature detection means falls below a predetermined temperature when the flow of water is not detected by the detection means; And by the timer means Operation duration of the heating means, which has so as to correct the feedwater temperature throughout the hot water supply condition, to the heat exchanger, in which are to allow faster supply of hot water to the terminal at the time of re-hot water supply.
[0011]
The hot water supply condition is at least one temperature of the previous hot water supply temperature and the temperature set by the remote controller, which enables hot water supply suitable for actual use .
[0012]
In addition, if the temperature detected by the intermediate temperature detecting means reaches an upper limit temperature set in advance as an unsafe temperature in order to forcibly stop heating in the event of failure of the timer means or abnormal combustion, a heat exchanger by the heating means The heating was forcibly stopped.
[0013]
Furthermore, in response to a control system failure or abnormal combustion, if the temperature change detected by the temperature detection means exceeds the pre-set gradient as an unsafe temperature gradient, heating of the heat exchanger by the heating means is forced. To stop.
[0014]
The midway temperature detecting means is preferably attached to the pipe of the heat exchanger near the heating means. In other words, by detecting the temperature of the pipe of the heat exchanger near the heating means that has the fastest temperature rise when heating when water is not flowing, the temperature rise is detected quickly, ensuring safety and accurate control. Can be realized.
[0015]
(Example)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a hot water supply apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017]
In FIG. 1, a water supply pipe 11 and a hot water supply pipe 12 are connected to the heat exchanger 10.
[0018]
The water supply pipe 11 is provided with a water amount detector 13 which is a flow detection means for detecting the inflow of water into the heat exchanger 10 and a water temperature detector 14 for detecting the water temperature. A heat exchanger temperature detector 15 for detecting a midway temperature is provided in a pipe in the middle of the heat exchanger 10.
[0019]
Further, a bypass pipe 16 that bypasses the heat exchanger 10 and connects the water supply pipe 11 and the hot water supply pipe 12 is provided, and the bypass pipe 16 has a mixing ratio of hot water from the heat exchanger 10 and water from the bypass pipe 16. A water proportional valve 17 is provided for adjusting the pressure. This water proportional valve 17 is a valve that balances the water pressure by adjusting the current to the solenoid, and adjusts the amount of water that passes through the opening of the bypass pipe 16. It is a normally open type that is retained. The hot water supply pipe 12 in the vicinity of the heat exchanger 10 is provided with a hot water temperature detector 18 as outlet temperature detection means, and a water amount control valve 19 and a mixed water temperature detector 20 are provided after the junction of the bypass pipe 16. Yes.
[0020]
The hot water supply pipe 12 is further connected to a hot water supply pipe 22 outside the hot water supply apparatus main body 21 and communicates with hot water and water mixing plugs 23 and 24 provided at the terminal. A remote controller 25 for the hot water supply device main body 21 is provided on the terminal side. The remote controller 25 is a wireless type, and when the hot water mixing plugs 23 and 24 are not used in addition to the hot water temperature up switch 27, the down switch 28, and the display unit 29 discharged from the power switch 26 or the hot water supply device main body 21. A heating switch 30 for selecting control under conditions different from the state in which water is flowing through the heat exchanger 10 is used as a selection means.
[0021]
The controller 31 on the main body side has a timer 32 which is a timer means, and is supplied with electric power from a commercial power source and receives signals from the remote controller 25 and various sensors received by the receiver 33, and various actuators. Signals and operation outputs are output. The controller 31 is provided with a hot water temperature setting device 34 which is a hot water temperature setting means constituted by a volume and a stop time control unit 35.
[0022]
The heat exchanger 10 is heated by a gas burner 36 which is a heating means, and a gas proportional valve 37 is provided as a part of the heating adjustment means for adjusting the amount of gas to the gas burner 36. Further, the gas is turned on and off by an original electromagnetic valve 38 that constitutes a part of the heating control means, and air is sent from the blower fan 39 before and after combustion and during combustion.
[0023]
In addition, the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 provided in the pipe in the middle of the heat exchanger 10 is located outside the heat exchanger 10 portion directly above the gas burner 36, where the temperature is likely to rise higher than that of other parts while the flow of water is stopped. It is attached to the pipe that I faced.
[0024]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
[0025]
The main part of the operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0026]
When the power switch 26 of the remote controller 25 is turned on <S1> and the heating switch 30 is turned on <S2>, the mode enters a mode in which the heat exchanger 10 can be heated when hot water supply is stopped. When the flow rate of water detected by the water amount detector 13 exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 2 l / min), it is determined that the hot water / water mixing tap of the terminal has been opened, and the normal hot water supply mode is entered <S3>. The mixed water temperature detected by the mixed water temperature detector 20 is compared with the set temperature in order to supply hot water having a temperature set by operating the switch 27, the down switch 28, and the like.
[0027]
Further, the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 and the temperature of the hot water temperature setting device 34 are compared, the water temperature of the water temperature detector 14 and the value of the water amount detector 13 are taken in, and the water proportional valve 17 and the water amount control valve. 19. The gas proportional valve 37 is adjusted, and hot water of a desired temperature is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 22 <S4>.
[0028]
When the flow rate of water detected by the water amount detector 13 is less than a predetermined value (for example, 2 l / min), or when hot water supply is stopped, <S3>, a heating mode for the heat exchanger 10 when hot water supply is stopped can be performed. Become. If the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 falls below the lower limit value determined as the predetermined temperature <S5>, and if the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 falls below the lower limit value determined as the predetermined temperature, <S6>, The control unit 35 at the time of stoppage determines that the entire hot water supply apparatus is cold, and advances the heating mode when the flow is stopped.
[0029]
The lower limit value compared with the hot water temperature detector 18 is set to a value obtained by subtracting 10 ° C. from the set value of the hot water temperature setter 34. If the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 is equal to or lower than the lower limit, the process proceeds to the next step of the heating mode when the flow is stopped <S5>. The lower limit value compared with the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 is also set to a value obtained by subtracting 10 ° C. from the temperature set by the hot water temperature setting device 34. When the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 is equal to or lower than the lower limit value, the process proceeds to the next step of the heating mode <S6>.
[0030]
The setting of the lower limit value is an example, and other methods include a method not related to the setting of the hot water temperature setting device 34, a method using a fixed value, and the hot water temperature setting device 34 and the heat exchanger temperature detector 15. There are various methods such as different detection lower limit values.
[0031]
When the temperatures detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 and the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 are both lower than the lower limit value, first, the heating time set by the timer 32 is read <S7>. Next, the hot water supply conditions are read <S8>.
[0032]
This hot water supply condition is the mixed water temperature stored at the time of the previous hot water supply, or the set temperature of the remote controller 25, or the current set temperature if there has been a change thereafter. This is to determine the temperature of the mixed water, the set temperature, and the changed temperature when the hot water is supplied last time, and to correct the temperature at which heating is started. The temperature at which heating of the heat exchanger 10 is started is corrected so that the mixed water temperature or the past or present set temperature is high when it is high and low when it is low. In addition, it serves to supply hot water having a temperature close to the set temperature set by the remote controller 25 as much as possible through the hot water supply pipe 12 at the time of re-heating.
[0033]
Further, the water temperature detected by the memory temperature detector 14 stored at the time of the previous hot water supply and the current water temperature are read <S9>. This is to determine how many times the feed water temperature is, and to correct the heating time and heating start temperature. When the water temperature is high, the time is short and the temperature is low, and when the water temperature is low, the time is The time for heating the heat exchanger 10 is corrected so that the temperature is longer and higher (S10). In addition, it serves to supply hot water having a temperature close to the set temperature of the remote controller 25 as much as possible through the hot water supply pipe 12 during re-heating.
[0034]
Next, the blower fan 39 is rotated to discharge the remaining gas <S11>, the original solenoid valve 38 is opened <S12>, and at the same time, the timer 32 starts measuring time <S13>, and the gas proportional valve 37 is opened. Is opened to the state of the opening degree 1 at which it is easy to ignite, and ignition is performed <S14>. The state of the opening degree 1 is set smaller than the fully opened opening degree of the gas proportional valve 37 during normal hot water supply, and the heat exchanger 10 is excessively operated in a state where the flow of water is stopped. On the other hand, the opening is set so that the gas burner 36 is surely ignited so as not to be heated.
[0035]
Next, the ignition is confirmed, and the opening of the gas proportional valve 37 is reduced to the state of opening 2 (S15). This opening degree corresponds to the minimum opening degree in a state where normal hot water supply is being performed, and even if heating is performed at this minimum opening degree, the load is small, so the temperature of the heat exchanger 10 gradually increases. Go.
[0036]
In addition, when the minimum heating amount can be taken very low as a hot water supply apparatus, the method of keeping the temperature detected with the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 constant is also possible.
[0037]
When the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 shows an abnormal change gradient during the heating of the heat exchanger 10, it is judged that the air is caught in the heat exchanger 10 or the heating is abnormal, and the heating is stopped <S16>. The subsequent control is as shown in FIG. 3 taking the temperature of the hot water temperature detector 18 as an example. It is assumed that the hot water temperature is set to 60 ° C. (= TO) by the hot water temperature setting device 34.
[0038]
Therefore, the lower limit, which is a predetermined value for determining the start of heating, is T1 = 60 ° C.−10 ° C. = 50 ° C. The upper limit value T2 = 60 ° C. + 10 ° C. = 70 ° C. The heating time is 5 seconds in the standard state (water temperature 15 ° C., mixed water temperature 40 ° C.), and is corrected according to the water temperature and the set temperature of the remote controller 25 as described above.
[0039]
When the timer 32 exceeds a predetermined time (5 seconds or a correction value of 5 seconds), it is considered that the time is up and the stop operation is started <S17>. If the timer 32 or the capacity control of the gas burner 36 fails and the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 exceeds the upper limit (70 ° C.), the temperature of the original solenoid valve 38 is immediately given priority. <S18>. Further, even when the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 exceeds the upper limit (70 ° C.), the operation immediately enters a stop operation of closing the original solenoid valve 38 with temperature priority <S19>.
[0040]
In stopping the heating, the original solenoid valve 38 is closed <S20>, and the blower fan 39 is rotated for a predetermined time to completely exhaust the exhaust gas and then stopped (S21). Further, the water proportional valve 17 is fully opened after narrowing the bypass path for a predetermined time <S22>. This is because when the temperature in the heat exchanger 10 is still high, the hot water is prevented from turning to the bypass pipe 16 that should be filled with water, and the overshoot at the time of re-heating is reduced and cooled to some extent. If it comes, the bypass pipe 16 will also be warmed by natural circulation, and the rise at the time of re-heating will be accelerated.
[0041]
Since the normally open water proportional valve 17 is fully open, even if hot water is accumulated in the heat exchanger 10 due to a failure, the ratio of water increases at the time of reheating hot water. is there.
[0042]
After the hot water supply is stopped after heating for a predetermined time, as shown in FIG. 3, the temperature around the hot water temperature detector 18 slightly rises due to the subsequent boiling. Further, the temperature around the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 rises further, and the vertical relationship between the temperatures before and after stopping is reversed.
[0043]
Thereafter, after the heating is stopped, the combustion is stopped until the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 and the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 is equal to or lower than a lower limit value which is a predetermined temperature.
[0044]
Assuming a general hot water supply device for home use as described above, the conventional hot water supply device is a system having a pipe length of about 5 m, and hot water is supplied in about 15 seconds after the faucet of the terminal is twisted. This can be shortened to about 5 seconds.
[0045]
The conventional hot water supply device takes about 10 seconds to start up the hot water supply device due to the amount of retained water, and about 5 seconds to push out the retained water amount in the pipe. As a result, only the time required to push out the accumulated water in the piping is required.
[0046]
Further, in this embodiment, by adjusting the heating by the timer 32, it is possible to cope with the temperature rise delay of the heat exchanger 10 having a heat capacity and to prevent overheating as compared with the method of adjusting the heating by the temperature. be able to.
[0047]
In addition, by adjusting the heating time in relation to the feed water temperature detected by the water temperature detector 14, the heating time can be adjusted according to the feed water temperature that changes depending on the season, and the hot water temperature fluctuation at the start of hot water supply and the number of heatings can be adjusted. Can be optimized, and the rise of the hot water supply temperature can be accelerated.
[0048]
In addition, if the temperature detected by the hot water temperature detector 18 or the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 reaches the upper limit temperature set as the unsafe temperature, the heating of the heat exchanger by the heating means is forcibly stopped, so that The heating can be forcibly stopped at the time of the failure of the timer 32 or abnormal combustion to prevent an accident.
[0049]
Further, the control unit 35 at the time of stopping suppresses the maximum heating capacity when water is not flowing lower than the maximum heating capacity when water is flowing, so that the load is small and the temperature transmission to the temperature detecting means is also slow. The amount of heating when the water is not flowing can be kept low, abnormal heating of the local portion of the heat exchanger 10 and temperature overshoot can be prevented, and control can be facilitated and made safe.
[0050]
In addition, by using the gas burner 36 to make the combustion amount at the start of heating of the heating means when water is not flowing substantially the same as the combustion amount at the start of heating when the water is flowing, This makes it easy to achieve reliable ignition. In addition, since the heating switch 30 can select the heating by the gas burner 36 when water is not flowing, the user can select the heating of the heat exchanger when the water is not flowing, only when necessary. The combustion of the gas burner 36 can be immediately stopped by reducing energy consumption and turning off the heating switch 30 "in an emergency.
[0051]
In the above embodiment, the heating by the gas burner 36 is taken as an example of the heating means, but an oil burner or other means for electrically heating may be used.
[0052]
Further, although the gas proportional valve 37 and the original electromagnetic valve 38 are taken as examples of the heating adjusting means, other gas amount adjusting means or various heating adjusting means corresponding to each heating means may be used.
[0053]
Moreover, as the outlet temperature detection means for the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the hot water temperature detector 18 is taken as an example, but the mixed water temperature detector 20 may be used, or even if the hot water temperature is detected directly, You may detect the temperature outside piping or a heat exchanger.
[0054]
In addition, the temperature at which heating is started when hot water supply is stopped is detected according to the heat exchanger temperature detector 15 and the hot water temperature detector 18, that is, according to the intermediate temperature detecting means and the outlet temperature detecting means. You may carry out only according to a temperature detection means.
[0055]
Further, as the hot water temperature setting means, the hot water temperature setting device 34, which can adjust the hot water temperature with the volume provided in the controller 31, is taken as an example, but the preset temperature is written in the microcomputer of the controller 31 in advance, The temperature may be set at 25.
[0056]
In addition, the flow detection means is exemplified by the water amount detector 13 that directly detects the water flow, but it is an indirect one that interlocks with a hot water start / stop operation switch, or a combination of a direct one and an indirect one. It may be in the form of
[0057]
Although the timer 32 is taken as an example of the timer means, the timer function may be a microcomputer unit of the controller or may be provided as a separate circuit.
[0058]
In the above embodiment, the hot water supply apparatus having the bypass pipe 16 and adjusting the hot water supplied from the heat exchanger 10 and the water from the bypass pipe 16 with the water proportional valve 17 to obtain hot water set at the remote controller 25. However, a hot water supply apparatus that does not have a bypass pipe or a water proportional valve may be used. In this case, the set value of the hot water temperature setting means coincides with the set value of the hot water temperature set by the remote controller 25.
[0059]
The technical significance of the above embodiment will be summarized as follows.
[0060]
(1) When the flow of water to the heat exchanger is stopped when the hot water supply is stopped by the flow detection means, and the temperature detected by the intermediate temperature detection means falls below a predetermined temperature, the heat generated by the heating means Heating of the exchanger is started, and heating is stopped when the time set by the timer means has been reached, so that the heat exchanger is prevented from being cooled when hot water is stopped, and retained in the heat exchanger when hot water is resupplied. It saves time to heat water, so that hot water can be supplied quickly at the terminal during hot water supply only with the main body of the hot water supply device, and when heating reaches a preset time or temperature, overheating is stopped. Can be prevented. Moreover, local boiling and abnormal heating can be prevented by controlling according to the temperature in the middle of the heat exchanger where the temperature is likely to rise from the outlet side when the flow of water stops.
[0061]
(2) By stopping the heating when a preset time is reached after the start of heating by the timer means, it is possible to cope with the temperature rise delay of the heat exchanger having a heat capacity and to prevent abnormal heating.
[0062]
(3) When the temperature detected by the temperature detector reaches the upper limit temperature set as an unsafe temperature, the heating means is forcibly stopped by the heating means, so that the timer means should be in trouble or abnormal Heating can be forcibly stopped during combustion to prevent accidents.
[0063]
(4) If the temperature change detected by the temperature detector reaches the upper limit temperature set as the unsafe temperature gradient, the heating of the heat exchanger by the heating means is forcibly stopped, so that the timer means should be Heating can be forcibly stopped during abnormal combustion and accidents can be prevented.
[0064]
(5) By attaching a temperature detector on the way to the pipe of the heat exchanger in the vicinity of the heating means, it is possible to detect a temperature rise quickly when heating is performed when the water flow is stopped, preventing local boiling and abnormal heating. I can .
[0065]
(6) By determining the state based on the temperature detected by the intermediate temperature detection means and the temperature detected by the outlet temperature detection means, the heating time can be corrected accurately, and one temperature detection means fails. But the other can be complemented.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
According to the hot water supply apparatus described above, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger from being cooled when hot water is stopped, and to save time for heating the water held in the heat exchanger during hot water supply. Supply can be done quickly and usability can be greatly improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a hot water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main part of the hot water supply apparatus. FIG. 3 is a view showing the operation of the main part of the hot water supply apparatus. Diagram showing the equipment 【Explanation of symbols】
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Heat exchanger 11 Water supply pipe 12 Hot water supply pipe 13 Water quantity detector (flow detection means)
14 Water temperature detector (Water supply temperature detection means)
15 Heat exchanger temperature detector (intermediate temperature detector)
18 Hot water temperature detector (outlet temperature detection means)
32 Timer (Timer means)
34 Hot water temperature setting device (hot water temperature setting means)
35 Control unit at stop 36 Gas burner (heating means)
37 Gas proportional valve (heating control means)
38 original solenoid valve (heating control means)

Claims

A heat exchanger connected to the water supply pipe and the hot water supply pipe, a heating means for heating the heat exchanger, a heating adjusting means for adjusting a heating amount of the heating means, and a temperature of hot water in the middle of the heat exchanger. Intermediate temperature detecting means for detecting, outlet temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the outlet of the heat exchanger, hot water temperature setting means for setting the temperature of hot water that has passed through the heat exchanger, and water to the heat exchanger A flow detection means for detecting flow; and when the flow of water is detected by the flow detection means, the heating adjustment means is controlled according to the temperature of the hot water temperature setting means, and the flow of water is detected by the flow detection means. A timer means for heating the heat exchanger by operating the heating means for a predetermined time when the temperature detected by the midway temperature detection means falls below a predetermined temperature when not detected, and the timer means Operation of the heating means by Continued time, hot water supply apparatus adapted to correct a previous hot-water supply temperature, the water temperature condition leading to at least one temperature, and the heat exchanger of the set temperature by a remote controller.

The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the heating of the heat exchanger by the heating means is forcibly stopped when the temperature detected by the intermediate temperature detection means reaches an upper limit temperature set in advance as an unsafe temperature .

The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the heating of the heat exchanger by the heating means is forcibly stopped when the temperature change detected by the intermediate temperature detection means exceeds a preset gradient as an unsafe temperature gradient .

The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate temperature detecting means is attached to a pipe of a heat exchanger near the heating means .