JP4125610B2

JP4125610B2 - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP4125610B2
Application number: JP2003033895A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正彦矢口
Original assignee: 東芝機器株式会社
Priority date: 2003-02-12
Filing date: 2003-02-12
Publication date: 2008-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-12
Also published as: JP2004245459A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽の湯水を加熱する給湯装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、貯湯タンク内に例えば深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯に湯を沸き上げて貯湯しておき、この貯湯タンク内に貯湯されている湯を給湯するようにした給湯装置では、貯湯タンクの上部に浴槽に湯張りされた湯水を循環させる熱交換器を設け、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯の熱を利用して浴槽に湯張りされた湯水を加熱する追い焚き機能付の給湯装置がある。
【０００３】
このような追い焚き機能付の給湯装置では、貯湯タンク内の比較的高温の湯の熱を利用できるため、浴槽の湯水を短時間で追い焚きできるが、熱交換によって貯湯タンク内に貯湯されている湯の温度が低下してしまう。
【０００４】
そこで、貯湯タンクの上部に追い焚き用ヒータを設け、浴槽の湯水を追い焚きするとき、または追い焚きした後に、追い焚き用ヒータに通電し、熱交換によって低下する湯温分を補うようにしている（例えば、特許文献１、２参照）。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−８３１５６号公報（第２頁、図１）
【０００６】
【特許文献２】
実用新案登録第２５５６５２７号公報（第１頁、図１）
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の給湯装置では、貯湯タンクに十分な残湯量があって、浴槽の湯水の追い焚きをしても貯湯タンク内の湯切れなどのおそれがない場合でも、追い焚き用ヒータに通電するため、つまり、熱交換によって低下する湯温分を補う必要がない場合にも追い焚き用ヒータに通電するため、無駄な電力消費が発生し、しかも、深夜電力時間帯などの電力料金の安い特定時間帯以外の時間帯での通電であるため、電力料金の負担が増加する問題がある。
【０００８】
本発明は、このような点に鑑みなされたもので、必要なときのみ貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増しし、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の給湯装置は、貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンク内の湯水を沸き上げる沸上手段と、前記貯湯タンク内に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽の湯水を加熱する浴槽湯水加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンク内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段と、前記貯湯タンク内に所定量以上の残湯量を確保させる沸増しを設定する沸増し設定手段と、前記沸増し設定手段の設定状態では、前記残湯量検知手段で貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知したときには前記沸上手段を稼働させるとともに、前記沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも、前記残湯量検知手段で貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知するという条件と前記浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作しているという条件との両方の条件を満たしたときには前記沸上手段を稼働させる沸増し制御手段とを具備しているものである。
【００１０】
そして、この構成では、沸増し設定手段の設定状態では、残湯量検知手段で貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知したときには沸上手段を稼働させるとともに、沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも、貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知するという条件と浴槽の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作しているという条件との両方の条件を満たしたとき、沸上手段を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段の動作によって貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制可能とする。
【００１１】
請求項２記載の給湯装置は、請求項１記載の給湯装置において、浴槽湯水加熱手段は、貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換し、沸上手段は、貯湯タンクの下部から上部に貯湯タンク内の湯水を循環させる循環路、この循環路に設けられた熱交換器、およびこの熱交換器を通じて循環路を流通する湯水を沸き上げる冷媒回路を有し、貯湯タンクの上部に湯を貯湯させるヒートポンプユニットを備えたものである。
【００１２】
そして、この構成では、浴槽湯水加熱手段が貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニットでは沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止可能とする。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
【００１４】
図１に示すように、給湯装置11は、本体ユニット12、沸上手段としてのヒートポンプユニット13、および床暖房ユニット14を備え、浴室に設置された浴槽15に湯張りする機能および湯張りされた湯を追い焚きする機能を有している。
【００１５】
本体ユニット12には貯湯タンク17が配設され、この貯湯タンク17は、先止押上式の給水給湯方式を採用したもので、この貯湯タンク17の下部に減圧弁18および逆止弁19を介して水道管などの給水源に配管される給水管20が接続され、貯湯タンク15の上部に給湯管21が接続されている。
【００１６】
貯湯タンク17の側面には、貯湯タンク17内での例えば６０Ｌ、１２０Ｌ、１８０Ｌおよび４３０Ｌなどの各残湯量に対応した高さ位置に貯湯タンク17内の湯水温度を検知する残湯サーミスタ22が配設されているとともに、貯湯タンク17の底部側に全体沸上時の湯水温度を検知するとともに貯湯タンク17内に給水される給水温度を検知する水温湯温サーミスタ23が配設されている。
【００１７】
そして、先止押上式の貯湯タンク17では、ヒートポンプユニット13で貯湯タンク17内の湯水を設定温度に沸き上げ、各給湯場所からの出湯時に貯湯タンク17の下部に給水される水圧で湯水を押し上げて給湯管21を通じて給湯する。貯湯タンク17内の上部の湯層と下部の水層とは湯水混合層を介して分離しており、湯の使用に伴って湯水混合層が上昇することになる。
【００１８】
給水管20の減圧弁18の下流側と給湯管21とは、給湯用のミキシングバルブ24および浴槽給湯用のミキシングバルブ25に接続されている。これらミキシングバルブ24，25により、給水管20を通じて給水される水と貯湯タンク17から給湯管21を通じて給湯される湯とを混合するとともに、水と湯との混合割合により吐出側に出湯する湯温を設定温度に調整する。
【００１９】
給湯用のミキシングバルブ24の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、浴槽のシャワー、台所や洗面所などの給湯場所に接続される配管26が接続され、この配管26に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ27および湯温を検知する給湯サーミスタ28が配設されている。そして、これら流量センサ27および給湯サーミスタ28の検知に基づいて、ミキシングバルブ24が制御される。
【００２０】
浴槽給湯用のミキシングバルブ25の設定温度の湯を出湯する吐出側には、配管29が接続され、この配管29の途中に湯の流量を検知する流量センサ30、断水などで給水圧力が低下した場合にミキシングバルブ25側と浴槽15側とを分離する機能を有するホッパ31が接続されている。そして、給湯管21および配管29などを含んで貯湯タンク17の湯を使用して浴槽15に給湯するための給湯路32が形成されている。なお、ホッパ31には、このホッパ31に引き込まれる配管29の管路入口を開閉する図示しない給湯電磁弁が設けられている。
【００２１】
浴槽15には循環路33の循環配管34が接続されている。この循環配管34は、浴槽15に設置される循環金具35に接続された往き配管36および戻り配管37を有し、循環配管34の途中に配設される循環ポンプ38の駆動によって浴槽15の湯水を戻り配管37から吸い込むとともに往き配管36から浴槽15に吐出する循環方向に循環させる。
【００２２】
循環配管34には、循環方向上流側から順に、戻り配管37での湯温を検知する戻りサーミスタ39、浴槽15内の水位を検知する圧力センサである水位センサ40、給湯路32から循環配管34への給湯経路と循環配管34内の循環経路とを切り換える三方弁41、循環ポンプ38、循環配管34内の湯水の流れを検知するフロースイッチ42、貯湯タンク17内の上部側に設置されて循環配管34を循環する湯水を貯湯タンク17内に沸き上げられている高温の湯と熱交換させる熱交換器43、および往き配管36での湯温を検知する往きサーミスタ44が配設されている。なお、熱交換器43では、循環配管34の配管中を流通する湯の流路抵抗に比べて大きい流路抵抗を有し、熱交換器43内を流通する湯水の流速を抑えて貯湯タンク17内の湯と確実に熱交換できるようにしている。また、三方弁41を基準として、この三方弁41の循環方向上流側を戻り配管37、循環方向下流側を往き配管36としている。
【００２３】
循環配管34の循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43の循環方向上流側と下流側との間、つまり三方弁41および循環ポンプ38の間と熱交換器43および往きサーミスタ44との間にバイパス回路45が接続され、このバイパス回路45に循環方向上流側から下流側に対応した方向にのみ湯の流通を可能とする逆止弁46が配設されている。
【００２４】
そして、これら循環路33、循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43などを含めて、貯湯タンク17内に貯湯された湯との熱交換によって浴槽15の湯水を加熱する浴槽湯水加熱手段47が構成されている。
【００２５】
また、本体ユニット12の貯湯タンク17に対し、ヒートポンプユニット13との間で貯湯側の循環路48が接続されているとともに、床暖房ユニット14との間で床暖房側の循環路49が接続されている。
【００２６】
貯湯側の循環路48は、貯湯タンク17の下部から三方弁50、入口温度サーミスタ51、循環ポンプ52、熱交換器53、出口温度サーミスタ54、調整弁55を通じて貯湯タンク17の上部に接続されている。そして、循環ポンプ52の動作によって、貯湯タンク17の下部の湯水がヒートポンプユニット13で加熱され、貯湯タンク17の上部に循環されて貯湯される。
【００２７】
床暖房側の循環路49は、貯湯タンク17の下部から三方弁50、入口温度サーミスタ51、循環ポンプ52、熱交換器53、出口温度サーミスタ54、調整弁55、床暖房用の熱交換器56を通じて貯湯タンク17の下部に接続されている。そして、床暖房にヒートポンプユニット13で発生する熱を利用する場合には、循環ポンプ52の動作によって、貯湯タンク17の下部の湯水がヒートポンプユニット13で加熱されて床暖房用の熱交換器56に送られ、貯湯タンク17の下部に循環される。また、床暖房に貯湯タンク17内の湯の熱を利用する場合には、三方弁50が切り換えられ、循環ポンプ52の動作によって、貯湯タンク17の上部の湯が三方弁50、ヒートポンプユニット13および調整弁55を通じて床暖房用の熱交換器56に送られ、貯湯タンク17の下部に循環される。
【００２８】
貯湯側の循環路48と床暖房側の循環路49とは調整弁55によって切り換えられ、さらに、調整弁55によって貯湯側の循環路48と床暖房側の循環路49とに対する循環量の配分を調整することで貯湯と床暖房とを並行して行える。
【００２９】
また、ヒートポンプユニット13は、冷媒が充填された冷媒回路58を有し、この冷媒回路58に室外機59および凝縮器として機能する熱交換器53が接続されている。室外機59には、図示していないが、冷媒回路58に対して配設された圧縮機、膨張弁、および蒸発器が内蔵されている。
【００３０】
また、床暖房ユニット14は、循環液が充填された床暖房回路61を有し、この床暖房回路61に床暖房用の熱交換器56、暖房サーミスタ62、複数の床暖房パネル63、複数の熱動弁64、循環ポンプ65が順に接続されている。
【００３１】
また、給湯装置11は、給湯装置11を制御する制御装置71を有し、この制御装置71には、台所などに配設されるメインリモコン、浴室に配設される浴室リモコン、床暖房する居間などに配設される床暖房用リモコンなどが接続されている。
【００３２】
図２にメインリモコン72の蓋を開けた状態を示し、このメインリモコン72には、貯湯タンク17の残湯量、給湯設定温度、時間など、各種の情報を表示する表示部73、および貯湯タンク17での沸き上げや給湯に関する各種の設定項目を設定する操作部74が形成されている。操作部74には、浴槽15に設定温度の湯水を自動湯張りさせるとともに湯張り後の湯水を浴槽湯水加熱手段47の定期的な動作によって自動保温させるおふろボタン75、貯湯タンク17内に所定量以上の残湯量を確保させる沸増しを設定する沸増し設定手段としての沸増しボタン76などが含まれている。
【００３３】
図３に浴室リモコン77を示し、この浴室リモコン77には、給湯設定温度、浴槽内の湯水の設定温度、時間など、各種の情報を表示する表示部78、および浴槽15に関連した各種の設定項目を設定するための露出した操作部79および蓋80で開閉される操作部81が形成されている。操作部79には、浴槽15に設定温度の湯水を自動湯張りさせるとともに湯張り後の湯水を浴槽湯水加熱手段47の定期的な動作によって自動保温させるおふろボタン82、浴槽15内の湯温を設定温度に対して予め定められた所定温度分だけ高くするために追い焚きを設定する追い焚き設定手段としてのあつくボタン83などが含まれている。
【００３４】
そして、制御装置71は、湯温サーミスタ22および水温湯温サーミスタ23などの検知情報から貯湯タンク17内の残湯量を検知する残湯量検知手段84の機能、この残湯量検知手段84で貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下、例えば６０Ｌ以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作していることを検知した自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、ヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させる沸増し制御手段85の機能を有している。
【００３５】
沸増し制御手段85は、沸増しボタン76の設定でヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させるとともに、沸増しボタン76が未設定の状態でも自動沸増し条件を満たしたときにはヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させる機能を有している。
【００３６】
次に、給湯装置11の作用を説明する。
【００３７】
貯湯タンク17では、深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯において、ヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させ、貯湯タンク17に給水されている水および残湯として使われなかった湯水を設定温度に沸き上げる沸上運転を行う。
【００３８】
ヒートポンプユニット13では、冷媒回路58の圧縮機を駆動し、気化状態の冷媒を熱交換器53に送ることで冷媒熱を循環路48内の湯水に伝達して冷媒が液化し、この液化した冷媒を膨張弁を通じて蒸発器に送ることで大気熱を集熱して冷媒が気化し、この気化した冷媒を圧縮機で圧縮して熱交換器53に再び送るヒートポンプサイクルが繰り返す。
【００３９】
循環路48では、循環ポンプ52が動作し、貯湯タンク17の下部の湯水をヒートポンプユニット13の熱交換器53に送り、熱交換器53での熱交換によって所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク17の上部に循環させ、貯湯タンク17の上部側から湯を貯湯する。
【００４０】
貯湯タンク17に設定量の湯を貯湯したら、ヒートポンプユニット13の稼働を停止するとともに循環路48の循環ポンプ52を停止させ、沸上運転を完了する。
【００４１】
また、メインリモコン72のおふろボタン75、または浴室リモコン77のおふろボタン82を操作することにより、制御装置71の制御によって貯湯タンク17に貯湯された湯を利用して浴槽15に自動湯張りする。
【００４２】
自動湯張りにおける初回湯張り時には、三方弁41で循環配管34の循環方向上流側を閉止するとともに給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて往き配管36を通じて１管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路32のミキシングバルブ25で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁41の循環方向下流側へ流す。三方弁41の循環方向下流側には熱交換器43が位置するが、この熱交換器43の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁41の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽15に流れる。すなわち、初回湯張り時には、給湯路32からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器43を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ25で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽15に給湯でき、さらに、往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ25からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。初回湯張り中は、流量センサ30で検知される給湯量と水位センサ40で検知される浴槽15の水位とを監視し、給湯量と水位との関係を制御装置71に記憶する。浴槽15に設定水位まで給湯したら、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００４３】
初回湯張り時以降の次回湯張り時には、三方弁41で給湯路32から循環配管34の循環方向上流側および下流側への給湯経路に切り換えて循環配管34の往き配管36および戻り配管37を通じて２管給湯する状態とし、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を開き、給湯路32のミキシングバルブ25で設定温度に調整した湯を三方弁41の循環方向上流側および下流側へ流す。三方弁41の循環方向下流側には熱交換器43が位置するが、この熱交換器43の流路抵抗が大きいため、三方弁41の循環方向下流側に流れる湯の大部分はバイパス回路45を通じて浴槽15に流れる。すなわち、次回湯張り時には、給湯路32から循環方向上流側に流れる湯がａ→ｅの順に流れるとともに、給湯路32から循環方向下流側に給湯路32からの湯の大部分がａ→ｂ→ｃ→ｄの順に流れる。そのため、熱交換器43を通過して加熱される湯はわずかであり、ミキシングバルブ25で調整された設定温度の湯を浴槽15に給湯でき、さらに、戻りサーミスタ39および往きサーミスタ44で湯温を監視してミキシングバルブ25からの出湯温度を制御することで正確な設定温度の湯を給湯できる。次回湯張り中は、流量センサ30で検知される給湯量を監視し、初回湯張り時に求めた給湯量と水位との関係に基づいて設定水位に対応する給湯量分を給湯したら、ホッパ31の給湯電磁弁を閉じて給湯を停止し、湯張りを完了する。
【００４４】
また、自動湯張りを終了したら、一定時間毎に浴槽15の湯水の湯温を確認して湯温を一定に保つ自動保温運転に移行する。
【００４５】
三方弁41で循環配管34内の循環経路に切り換え、循環ポンプ38を駆動し、浴槽15内の湯水を戻り配管37に引き込むとともに往き配管36から浴槽15に戻すように、浴槽15と循環配管34との間で浴槽15内の湯水を強制的に循環させる。この循環はフロースイッチ42のオンで検知できる。循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43と並列にバイパス回路45が接続されているが、このバイパス回路45の入口側が循環ポンプ38の吸い込み側に接続されているため、循環ポンプ38の吸込力によって三方弁41側からバイパス回路45へは湯水が流れず、また、バイパス回路45の逆止弁46により往き配管36側からバイパス回路45を通じて循環ポンプ38側に逆流するのを阻止する。そのため、循環時には、循環ポンプ38で吸い込む湯水がｆ→ｇ→ｈ→ｉ→ｊ→ｄ→ｋ→ｂ→ｆの順に流れて循環配管34と浴槽15との間で循環する。
【００４６】
戻りサーミスタ39で浴槽15の湯水の湯温を検知し、設定温度に対して所定温度以上の低下がないか監視する。所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認されなければ、循環ポンプ38を停止する。
【００４７】
所定温度以上の温度の低下が確認された場合には、設定温度に達するまで循環ポンプ38の駆動を継続する。循環される浴槽15の湯水は熱交換器43に送られ、貯湯タンク17の上部に貯湯されている高温の湯との熱交換によって加熱され、この加熱された湯水が浴槽15に戻され、浴槽15内の湯水の温度が上昇する。そして、設定温度に達したら、循環ポンプ38を停止する。
【００４８】
また、浴室リモコン77のあつくボタン83を操作することにより、浴槽15の湯水の温度を高くする追い焚き運転を開始する。
【００４９】
この追い焚き運転では、上述した自動保温運転時と同様に、まず、三方弁41で循環配管34内の循環経路に切り換え、循環ポンプ38を駆動し、浴槽15内の湯水を戻り配管37に引き込むとともに往き配管36から浴槽15に戻すように、浴槽15と循環配管34との間で浴槽15内の湯水を強制的に循環させる。この循環はフロースイッチ42のオンで検知できる。循環ポンプ38および熱交換器43と並列にバイパス回路45が接続されているが、このバイパス回路45の入口側が循環ポンプ38の吸い込み側に接続されているため、循環ポンプ38の吸込力によって三方弁41側からバイパス回路45へは湯水が流れず、また、バイパス回路45の逆止弁46により往き配管36側からバイパス回路45を通じて循環ポンプ38側に逆流するのを阻止する。そのため、循環時には、循環ポンプ38で吸い込む湯水がｆ→ｇ→ｈ→ｉ→ｊ→ｄ→ｋ→ｂ→ｆの順に流れて循環配管34と浴槽15との間で循環する。
【００５０】
戻りサーミスタ39で浴槽15の湯水の湯温を検知し、設定温度に対して予め定められた所定温度分をプラスした追い焚き設定温度に達するまで循環ポンプ38の駆動を継続する。循環される浴槽15の湯水は熱交換器43に送られ、貯湯タンク17の上部に貯湯されている高温の湯との熱交換によって加熱され、この加熱された湯水が浴槽15に戻され、浴槽15内の湯水の温度が上昇する。そして、追い焚き設定温度に達したら、循環ポンプ38を停止し、追い焚き運転を終了する。
【００５１】
また、制御装置71では、沸増しボタン76の設定状態を監視し、残湯量検知手段84の機能により湯温サーミスタ22および水温湯温サーミスタ23などの検知情報から貯湯タンク17内の残湯量を監視し、自動保温運転または追い焚き運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作しているかを監視し、これらの監視に基づいて貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下、例えば６０Ｌ以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作していることを検知した自動沸増し条件を満たしたか監視し、沸増し運転を制御する。
【００５２】
沸増しボタン76が設定されている状態において、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下になったときに、沸増し運転を開始する。この沸増し運転では、上述した沸上運転と同様に、ヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させるとともに循環路48の循環ポンプ52を駆動し、所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク17の上部に送り込む。貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が所定量に達すれば、沸増し運転を停止する。
【００５３】
沸増しボタン76が未設定の状態において、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下であることを検知したときでも、自動保温運転または沸増し運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作していなければ、沸増し運転はせず、沸増しボタン76を未設定とした使用者の意図を反映させることができる。
【００５４】
沸増しボタン76が未設定の状態において、自動保温運転または沸増し運転によって浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作するときでも、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下にならなければ、沸増し運転はせず、深夜電力時間帯などの特定時間帯に沸き上げられて貯湯されている貯湯タンク17内の湯の熱を有効に利用でき、昼間時間帯などでの無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００５５】
沸増しボタン76が未設定の状態において、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな所定量以下になり、かつ、浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作し、自動沸増し条件を満たしたときには、沸増し運転を開始する。この沸増し運転では、上述した沸上運転と同様に、ヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させるとともに循環路48の循環ポンプ52を駆動し、所定の沸上温度に沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク17の上部に送り込む。そのため、沸増しボタン76が未設定の状態でも、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が湯切れになりそうな状態での浴槽湯水加熱手段47の動作により、貯湯タンク17内で湯切れが生じたり、浴槽15の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるのを防止できる。
【００５６】
このとき、浴槽湯水加熱手段47が貯湯タンク17の上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニット13では沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンク17の上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク17内での湯切れや浴槽15の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止できる。
【００５７】
そして、残湯量が所定量以上になるか浴槽湯水加熱手段47が停止して自動沸増し条件を満たさなくなれば、沸増し運転を停止する。
【００５８】
このように、給湯装置11では、貯湯タンク17内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知しかつ浴槽15の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段47が動作した自動沸増し条件を満たしたとき、ヒートポンプユニット13を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段47の動作によって貯湯タンク17内での湯切れや浴槽15の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンク17の湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００５９】
なお、沸上手段としては、ヒートポンプユニット13に限らず、貯湯タンク17内の下部側に沸上用のヒータを、貯湯タンク17内の上部側に沸増し用のヒータをそれぞれ設置してもよい。この場合、沸増し運転時には、沸増し用のヒータに通電することにより、ヒートポンプユニット13の場合と同様の作用効果が得られる。
【００６０】
また、貯湯タンク17の内部に熱交換器43を配置したが、貯湯タンク17の外部に別の熱交換器を配置した給湯装置にも同様に適用できる。
【００６１】
また、床暖房ユニット14が省かれた給湯装置や、床暖房ユニット14などの他のユニットと組み合わせた給湯装置などにも同様に適用できる。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の給湯装置によれば、沸増し設定手段の設定状態では、残湯量検知手段で貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知したときには沸上手段を稼働させるとともに、沸増し設定手段が未設定の状態でも、貯湯タンク内の残湯量が所定量以下であることを検知するという条件と浴槽の湯水を加熱するために浴槽湯水加熱手段が動作しているという条件との両方の条件を満たしたとき、沸上手段を稼働させるため、浴槽湯水加熱手段の動作によって貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足が生じるおそれがある必要なときのみ、貯湯タンクの湯を沸き増し、無駄な電力消費および電力料金の負担増を抑制できる。
【００６３】
請求項２記載の給湯装置によれば、請求項１記載の給湯装置の効果に加えて、浴槽湯水加熱手段が貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯された湯と熱交換するのに対し、ヒートポンプユニットでは沸き上げた湯を貯湯タンクの上部に貯湯していくため、必要最低限の沸き増しで、貯湯タンク内での湯切れや浴槽の湯水の加熱能力不足を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施の形態を示す給湯装置の構成図である。
【図２】同上給湯装置のメインリモコンの蓋を開いた状態の正面図である。
【図３】同上給湯装置の浴室リモコンの正面図である。
【符号の説明】
11 給湯装置
13 沸上手段としてのヒートポンプユニット
15 浴槽
17 貯湯タンク
47 浴槽湯水加熱手段
48 循環路
53 熱交換器
58 冷媒回路
76 沸増し設定手段としての沸増しボタン
84 残湯量検知手段
85 沸増し制御手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus that heats hot water in a bathtub using the heat of hot water stored in a hot water storage tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, in a hot water supply apparatus in which hot water is boiled and stored in a hot water storage tank in a specific time zone such as midnight power hours, and hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is supplied, A heat exchanger that circulates hot water filled in the bathtub at the top is installed, and a hot water supply device with a reheating function that heats the hot water charged in the bathtub using the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water tank is provided. is there.
[0003]
  In such a hot water supply device with a reheating function, the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be used, so the hot water in the bathtub can be reheated in a short time, but the hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank by heat exchange. The temperature of the hot water will drop.
[0004]
  Therefore, a reheating heater is installed at the top of the hot water storage tank, and when reheating the hot water in the bathtub or after reheating, the reheating heater is energized to compensate for the hot water temperature that decreases due to heat exchange. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
          Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-83156 (second page, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
          Utility Model Registration No. 2556527 (first page, FIG. 1)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the conventional water heater, even if there is a sufficient amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank and there is no risk of running out of hot water in the hot water tank even if the hot water in the bathtub is replenished, the reheating heater is energized. In other words, even if it is not necessary to compensate for the hot water temperature that decreases due to heat exchange, the heater for reheating is energized, resulting in wasteful power consumption and power consumption during midnight power hours.PowerThere is a problem that the burden of power charges increases because the power is supplied in a time zone other than the specific time zone where the charge is cheap.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a hot water supply apparatus that can boil hot water in a hot water storage tank only when necessary, and suppress unnecessary power consumption and an increase in the burden of power charges. To do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 is a bath hot water heating system that heats hot water in a bathtub by heat exchange with a hot water storage tank, a boiling means for boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank, and hot water stored in the hot water storage tank. A remaining hot water amount detecting means for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank,In the setting state of the boiling increase setting means for setting the boiling increase to ensure the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank above a predetermined amount, and the setting state of the boiling increase setting means, the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is set to a predetermined amount by the remaining hot water detection means When it is detected that the following is raised, the boiling means is operated, and even when the boiling increase setting means is not set,The remaining hot water detection means detects that the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is less than the specified amount.And the condition ofThe bathtub hot water heating means is operatingWhen both conditions are metAnd a boiling increase control means for operating the boiling means.
[0010]
  And in this configuration,In the setting state of the boiling increase setting means, when the remaining hot water amount detection means detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the boiling raising means is operated, and even if the boiling increase setting means is not set,Detects that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is less than the specified amountAnd the condition ofThe bathtub hot water heating means is operating to heat the hot water in the bathtubBoth with the conditionWhen the conditions are met, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is operated only when it is necessary that the hot water in the hot water tank runs out or the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub is insufficient due to the operation of the hot water heating means. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption and an increase in the burden of power charges.
[0011]
  The hot water supply device according to claim 2 is the hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, and the boiling means is arranged from the lower part to the upper part of the hot water storage tank. There is a circulation path for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank, a heat exchanger provided in the circulation path, and a refrigerant circuit for boiling hot water flowing through the circulation path through the heat exchanger. It is equipped with a heat pump unit that stores hot water.
[0012]
  In this configuration, the bathtub hot water heating means exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, whereas the heat pump unit stores the hot water heated up in the upper part of the hot water storage tank. By increasing the boiling point, it is possible to prevent running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank and insufficient heating capacity of hot water in the bathtub..
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 11 includes a main body unit 12, a heat pump unit 13 as a boiling means, and a floor heating unit 14, and has a function of filling a bathtub 15 installed in a bathroom and is filled with water. Has the function of chasing hot water.
[0015]
  The main unit 12 is provided with a hot water storage tank 17, which employs a first-stop push-up type hot water supply hot water supply system. A pressure reducing valve 18 and a check valve 19 are provided below the hot water storage tank 17. A water supply pipe 20 is connected to a water supply source such as a water pipe, and a hot water supply pipe 21 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 15.
[0016]
  On the side surface of the hot water storage tank 17, a remaining hot water thermistor 22 for detecting the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 17 is disposed at a height position corresponding to each remaining hot water amount such as 60L, 120L, 180L and 430L in the hot water storage tank 17. In addition, a hot water temperature thermistor 23 for detecting the temperature of the hot water at the time of total boiling and detecting the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank 17 is disposed on the bottom side of the hot water storage tank 17.
[0017]
  In the hot water storage tank 17 of the first stop type, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is boiled to a set temperature by the heat pump unit 13, and hot water is pushed up by the water pressure supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 when the hot water is discharged from each hot water supply place. Hot water is supplied through the hot water supply pipe 21. The upper hot water layer and the lower aqueous layer in the hot water storage tank 17 are separated via the hot water mixed layer, and the hot water mixed layer rises as hot water is used.
[0018]
  The downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 18 of the water supply pipe 20 and the hot water supply pipe 21 are connected to a mixing valve 24 for hot water supply and a mixing valve 25 for hot water supply for a bathtub. The mixing valves 24 and 25 mix the water supplied through the water supply pipe 20 with the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 17 through the hot water supply pipe 21, and the hot water temperature discharged to the discharge side by the mixing ratio of water and hot water. Adjust to the set temperature.
[0019]
  A pipe 26 connected to a hot water supply place such as a bathtub shower, kitchen or washroom is connected to the discharge side of the hot water at the set temperature of the mixing valve 24 for hot water supply, and the flow rate of hot water is detected in this pipe 26 A flow rate sensor 27 and a hot water supply thermistor 28 for detecting hot water temperature are disposed. The mixing valve 24 is controlled based on the detection of the flow rate sensor 27 and the hot water supply thermistor 28.
[0020]
  The pipe 29 is connected to the discharge side that discharges hot water at the set temperature of the mixing valve 25 for bath hot water supply. The flow rate sensor 30 detects the hot water flow rate in the middle of the pipe 29, and the water supply pressure has dropped due to water shutoff. In this case, a hopper 31 having a function of separating the mixing valve 25 side and the bathtub 15 side is connected. A hot water supply path 32 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 15 using hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is formed including the hot water supply pipe 21 and the pipe 29. The hopper 31 is provided with a hot water supply solenoid valve (not shown) that opens and closes the pipe inlet of the pipe 29 drawn into the hopper 31.
[0021]
  A circulation pipe 34 of a circulation path 33 is connected to the bathtub 15. This circulation pipe 34 has a forward pipe 36 and a return pipe 37 connected to a circulation fitting 35 installed in the bathtub 15, and the hot water of the bathtub 15 is driven by driving of a circulation pump 38 provided in the middle of the circulation pipe 34. Is sucked from the return pipe 37 and circulated in the circulation direction to be discharged from the forward pipe 36 to the bathtub 15.
[0022]
  The circulation pipe 34 includes, in order from the upstream side in the circulation direction, a return thermistor 39 that detects hot water temperature in the return pipe 37, a water level sensor 40 that is a pressure sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub 15, and a circulation pipe 34 from the hot water supply path 32. A three-way valve 41 for switching between a hot water supply path to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, a circulation pump 38, a flow switch 42 for detecting the flow of hot water in the circulation pipe 34, and a circulation installed on the upper side in the hot water storage tank 17. A heat exchanger 43 that exchanges heat between hot water circulating in the pipe 34 and hot water boiled in the hot water storage tank 17 and a forward thermistor 44 that detects the hot water temperature in the forward pipe 36 are provided. The heat exchanger 43 has a flow passage resistance larger than the flow passage resistance of the hot water flowing through the circulation pipe 34, and suppresses the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the heat exchanger 43, thereby reducing the hot water storage tank 17. Heat exchange with the hot water inside is ensured. Further, with the three-way valve 41 as a reference, the upstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41 is a return pipe 37 and the downstream side in the circulation direction is an outgoing pipe 36.
[0023]
  Bypass circuit 45 between the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43 in the circulation pipe 34 between the upstream and downstream sides in the circulation direction, that is, between the three-way valve 41 and the circulation pump 38 and between the heat exchanger 43 and the forward thermistor 44. Is connected to the bypass circuit 45, and a check valve 46 is provided that allows hot water to flow only in the direction corresponding to the upstream side to the downstream side in the circulation direction.
[0024]
  And, including the circulation path 33, the circulation pump 38, the heat exchanger 43, etc., a bathtub hot water heating means 47 is configured to heat the hot water in the bathtub 15 by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 17. Yes.
[0025]
  In addition, a hot water storage-side circulation path 48 is connected to the hot water storage tank 17 of the main body unit 12 with the heat pump unit 13, and a floor heating-side circulation path 49 is connected to the floor heating unit 14. ing.
[0026]
  The hot water storage side circulation path 48 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17 through the three-way valve 50, the inlet temperature thermistor 51, the circulation pump 52, the heat exchanger 53, the outlet temperature thermistor 54, and the regulating valve 55 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17. Yes. Then, by the operation of the circulation pump 52, the hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 is heated by the heat pump unit 13, and is circulated in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17 to be stored therein.
[0027]
  The circulation path 49 on the floor heating side includes a three-way valve 50, an inlet temperature thermistor 51, a circulation pump 52, a heat exchanger 53, an outlet temperature thermistor 54, a regulating valve 55, a heat exchanger 56 for floor heating from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 17. It is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 through. When the heat generated in the heat pump unit 13 is used for floor heating, the hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 is heated by the heat pump unit 13 by the operation of the circulation pump 52 to the heat exchanger 56 for floor heating. It is sent and circulated to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17. Further, when using the heat of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 for floor heating, the three-way valve 50 is switched, and the hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17 is changed by the operation of the circulation pump 52, the heat pump unit 13 and It is sent to the heat exchanger 56 for floor heating through the regulating valve 55 and circulated to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17.
[0028]
  The circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side and the circulation path 49 on the floor heating side are switched by a regulating valve 55. Further, the regulating valve 55 distributes the circulation amount between the circulation path 48 on the hot water storage side and the circulation path 49 on the floor heating side. By adjusting, hot water storage and floor heating can be performed in parallel.
[0029]
  The heat pump unit 13 has a refrigerant circuit 58 filled with a refrigerant, and the refrigerant circuit 58 is connected to an outdoor unit 59 and a heat exchanger 53 that functions as a condenser. Although not shown, the outdoor unit 59 incorporates a compressor, an expansion valve, and an evaporator disposed with respect to the refrigerant circuit 58.
[0030]
  The floor heating unit 14 also has a floor heating circuit 61 filled with a circulating fluid. The floor heating circuit 61 includes a floor heating heat exchanger 56, a heating thermistor 62, a plurality of floor heating panels 63, and a plurality of floor heating panels 63. A thermal valve 64 and a circulation pump 65 are connected in this order.
[0031]
  The hot water supply device 11 has a control device 71 for controlling the hot water supply device 11. The control device 71 includes a main remote controller disposed in the kitchen, a bathroom remote controller disposed in the bathroom, and a living room for floor heating. The floor heating remote control etc. which are arrange | positioned are connected.
[0032]
  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lid of the main remote controller 72 is opened. The main remote controller 72 includes a display unit 73 for displaying various information such as the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank 17, the hot water set temperature, and the time, and the hot water storage tank 17 An operation unit 74 for setting various setting items related to boiling and hot water supply is formed. The operation unit 74 automatically fills the bathtub 15 with hot water at a set temperature and automatically holds the hot water after filling with a regular operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47, and a predetermined amount in the hot water storage tank 17. A boiling increase button 76 as a boiling increase setting means for setting a boiling increase for ensuring the above remaining hot water amount is included.
[0033]
  FIG. 3 shows a bathroom remote control 77. This bathroom remote control 77 has a display section 78 for displaying various information such as a set temperature for hot water supply, a set temperature for hot water in the bathtub, and time, and various settings related to the bathtub 15. An exposed operation unit 79 for setting items and an operation unit 81 opened and closed by a lid 80 are formed. The operation unit 79 automatically fills the bathtub 15 with hot water at a set temperature and automatically holds the hot water after filling with a regular operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47. A hot button 83 or the like is included as a rewind setting means for setting a renewal so as to increase the predetermined temperature by a predetermined temperature.
[0034]
  The control device 71 functions as a remaining hot water amount detecting means 84 for detecting the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 from detection information such as the hot water temperature thermistor 22 and the hot water hot water temperature thermistor 23. When it is detected that the amount of remaining hot water is less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out, for example, 60 L or less, and when the automatic boiling point increase condition that the bathtub hot water heating means 47 is detected is satisfied, the heat pump unit It has a function of a boiling increase control means 85 for operating 13.
[0035]
  The boiling increase control means 85 has a function of operating the heat pump unit 13 by setting the boiling increase button 76 and operating the heat pump unit 13 when the automatic boiling increase condition is satisfied even when the boiling increase button 76 is not set. ing.
[0036]
  Next, the operation of the hot water supply device 11 will be described.
[0037]
  In the hot water storage tank 17, the heat pump unit 13 is operated during a specific time period such as a late-night power time period, and the boiling operation is performed to raise the water supplied to the hot water storage tank 17 and the hot water not used as the remaining hot water to a set temperature. I do.
[0038]
  In the heat pump unit 13, the compressor of the refrigerant circuit 58 is driven, and the vaporized refrigerant is sent to the heat exchanger 53, whereby the refrigerant heat is transmitted to the hot water in the circulation path 48 to liquefy the refrigerant, and this liquefied refrigerant Is sent to the evaporator through the expansion valve to collect atmospheric heat to vaporize the refrigerant, and the heat pump cycle in which the vaporized refrigerant is compressed by the compressor and sent again to the heat exchanger 53 is repeated.
[0039]
  In the circulation path 48, the circulation pump 52 operates, the hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 17 is sent to the heat exchanger 53 of the heat pump unit 13, and the hot water heated up to a predetermined boiling temperature by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 53. Is circulated in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, and hot water is stored from the upper side of the hot water storage tank 17.
[0040]
  When the set amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 17, the operation of the heat pump unit 13 is stopped and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is stopped to complete the boiling operation.
[0041]
  Further, by operating the bath button 75 of the main remote control 72 or the bath button 82 of the bathroom remote control 77, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 17 is controlled by the control device 71 to automatically fill the bathtub 15 with water.
[0042]
  During the first hot water filling, the three-way valve 41 closes the upstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction and switches to the hot water supply path from the hot water supply path 32 to the downstream side of the circulation pipe 34 in the circulation direction. The hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply channel 32 is flowed downstream in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41. Although the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flowing downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction is bypass circuit 45. Flows into the bathtub 15 through. That is, at the first hot water filling, most of the hot water from the hot water supply path 32 flows in the order of a → b → c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water is heated by passing through the heat exchanger 43, hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 15, and further, the hot water temperature is monitored by the forward thermistor 44 and mixed. By controlling the temperature of the hot water from the valve 25, hot water having an accurate set temperature can be supplied. During the initial hot water filling, the hot water supply amount detected by the flow sensor 30 and the water level of the bathtub 15 detected by the water level sensor 40 are monitored, and the relationship between the hot water supply amount and the water level is stored in the control device 71. When the hot water is supplied to the bathtub 15 to the set water level, the hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is closed to stop the hot water supply, and the hot water filling is completed.
[0043]
  At the next hot water filling after the first hot water filling, the three-way valve 41 switches the hot water supply path 32 from the hot water supply path 32 to the upstream and downstream in the circulation direction of the circulation pipe 34, and 2 through the return pipe 36 and the return pipe 37 of the circulation pipe 34. The hot water solenoid valve of the hopper 31 is opened, and hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the mixing valve 25 of the hot water supply passage 32 flows to the upstream side and the downstream side in the circulation direction of the three-way valve 41. Although the heat exchanger 43 is located downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction, since the flow resistance of the heat exchanger 43 is large, most of the hot water flowing downstream of the three-way valve 41 in the circulation direction is bypass circuit 45. Flows into the tub 15 through. That is, at the next hot water filling, hot water flowing from the hot water supply path 32 to the upstream side in the circulation direction flows in the order of a → e, and most of the hot water from the hot water supply path 32 flows from the hot water supply path 32 to the downstream side in the circulation direction. It flows in the order of c → d. Therefore, only a small amount of hot water is heated by passing through the heat exchanger 43, hot water having a set temperature adjusted by the mixing valve 25 can be supplied to the bathtub 15, and further, the hot water temperature can be adjusted by the return thermistor 39 and the forward thermistor 44. By monitoring and controlling the temperature of the hot water discharged from the mixing valve 25, hot water having an accurate set temperature can be supplied. During the next hot water filling, the amount of hot water detected by the flow sensor 30 is monitored, and when the hot water amount corresponding to the set water level is supplied based on the relationship between the hot water amount obtained at the first hot water filling and the water level, the hopper 31 Close the hot water solenoid valve to stop the hot water supply and complete the filling.
[0044]
  When the automatic hot water filling is finished, the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 15 is confirmed at regular time intervals, and the process shifts to an automatic heat retaining operation for keeping the hot water temperature constant.
[0045]
  The three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, draws hot water in the bathtub 15 into the return pipe 37, and returns from the forward pipe 36 to the bathtub 15 so as to return to the bathtub 15. The hot water in the bathtub 15 is forcibly circulated between the two. This circulation can be detected when the flow switch 42 is turned on. A bypass circuit 45 is connected in parallel with the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43. Since the inlet side of the bypass circuit 45 is connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 38, the three-way valve is driven by the suction force of the circulation pump 38. Hot water does not flow from the 41 side to the bypass circuit 45, and the check valve 46 of the bypass circuit 45 prevents the reverse flow from the forward piping 36 side to the circulation pump 38 side through the bypass circuit 45 side. Therefore, at the time of circulation, hot water sucked by the circulation pump 38 is f → g → h → i → j → d → k →bIt flows in the order of → f and circulates between the circulation pipe 34 and the bathtub 15.
[0046]
  The return thermistor 39 detects the hot water temperature of the bathtub 15 and monitors whether there is a decrease in the set temperature or more. If a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is not confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0047]
  When a decrease in temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is confirmed, the circulation pump 38 is continuously driven until the set temperature is reached. The hot water in the tub 15 to be circulated is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and heated by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, and the heated hot water is returned to the tub 15 to return to the tub 15 The temperature of hot water in 15 rises. When the set temperature is reached, the circulation pump 38 is stopped.
[0048]
  In addition, by operating the hot button 83 of the bathroom remote control 77, the reheating operation for increasing the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 15 is started.
[0049]
  In this reheating operation, as in the automatic heat insulation operation described above, first, the three-way valve 41 switches to the circulation path in the circulation pipe 34, drives the circulation pump 38, and draws hot water in the bathtub 15 into the return pipe 37. At the same time, hot water in the bathtub 15 is forcibly circulated between the bathtub 15 and the circulation pipe 34 so that the return pipe 36 is returned to the bathtub 15. This circulation can be detected when the flow switch 42 is turned on. A bypass circuit 45 is connected in parallel with the circulation pump 38 and the heat exchanger 43. Since the inlet side of the bypass circuit 45 is connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 38, the three-way valve is driven by the suction force of the circulation pump 38. Hot water does not flow from the 41 side to the bypass circuit 45, and the check valve 46 of the bypass circuit 45 prevents the reverse flow from the forward piping 36 side to the circulation pump 38 side through the bypass circuit 45 side. Therefore, at the time of circulation, hot water sucked by the circulation pump 38 is f → g → h → i → j → d → k →bIt flows in the order of → f and circulates between the circulation pipe 34 and the bathtub 15.
[0050]
  The return thermistor 39 detects the hot water temperature of the bathtub 15 and continues to drive the circulation pump 38 until it reaches a reheating set temperature obtained by adding a predetermined temperature to the set temperature. The hot water in the tub 15 to be circulated is sent to the heat exchanger 43 and heated by heat exchange with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, and the heated hot water is returned to the tub 15 to return to the tub 15 The temperature of hot water in 15 rises. When the reheating set temperature is reached, the circulation pump 38 is stopped and the reheating operation is terminated.
[0051]
  Further, in the control device 71, the boiling increase button 76ofThe set state is monitored, and the remaining hot water amount detection means 84 is used to monitor the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 from the detection information of the hot water temperature thermistor 22 and the hot water temperature thermistor 23, etc.ReheatingIt is monitored whether the bathtub hot water heating means 47 is operating by operation, and based on these monitoring, it is detected that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out, for example, 60 L or less, and It is monitored whether or not the automatic boiling increase condition for detecting that the bathtub hot water heating means 47 is operating is satisfied, and the boiling increase operation is controlled.
[0052]
  In the state where the boiling increase button 76 is set, the boiling increase operation is started when the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 becomes less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out of hot water. In this boiling increase operation, similarly to the above-described boiling operation, the heat pump unit 13 is operated and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is driven, and the hot water heated to a predetermined boiling temperature is placed in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. Send it in. When the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 reaches a predetermined amount, the boiling increase operation is stopped.
[0053]
  Even when it is detected that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out of hot water in a state where the boiling increase button 76 is not set, the bath hot water heating means 47 is automatically heated or heated. If is not operating, the increase in boiling operation is not performed, and the intention of the user who has not set the increase boiling button 76 can be reflected.
[0054]
  Even when the bath hot water heating means 47 is operated by the automatic warming operation or the boiling increase operation when the boiling increase button 76 is not set, the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 must be less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out of hot water. For example, without increasing the boiling operation, it is possible to effectively use the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 17 that has been boiled and stored during a specific time period such as midnight power hours, and wasted power during daytime hours. Increase in consumption and power charges can be suppressed.
[0055]
  When the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 is less than a predetermined amount that is likely to run out of water and the bathtub hot water heating means 47 operates and the automatic boiling point increase condition is satisfied with the boiling increase button 76 not set. , Start boiling operation. In this boiling increase operation, similarly to the above-described boiling operation, the heat pump unit 13 is operated and the circulation pump 52 of the circulation path 48 is driven, and the hot water heated to a predetermined boiling temperature is placed in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17. Send it in. Therefore, even when the boiling increase button 76 is not set, the operation of the bathtub hot water heating means 47 in a state where the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is likely to run out may cause hot water to run out in the hot water storage tank 17. It is possible to prevent a shortage of hot water heating capacity in the bathtub 15 from occurring.
[0056]
  At this time, the bath hot water heating means 47 exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, whereas the heat pump unit 13 stores the heated water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 17, so By increasing the limit, it is possible to prevent running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 and insufficient heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub 15.
[0057]
  Then, if the remaining hot water amount becomes a predetermined amount or more or the bath hot water heating means 47 stops and the automatic boiling increase condition is not satisfied, the boiling increase operation is stopped.
[0058]
  As described above, the hot water supply device 11 satisfies the automatic boiling point increase condition in which the bathtub hot water heating means 47 is operated to detect that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 17 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount and to heat the hot water in the bathtub 15. In order to operate the heat pump unit 13, the hot water storage tank 17 is operated only when it is necessary to cause the hot water in the hot water storage tank 17 to run out or the hot water heating capacity of the bathtub 15 to be insufficient due to the operation of the hot water heating means 47 in the bathtub. Boiling hot water can suppress unnecessary power consumption and an increase in the burden of electricity charges.
[0059]
  The boiling means is not limited to the heat pump unit 13, and a heater for boiling may be installed on the lower side of the hot water storage tank 17, and a heater for boiling increase may be installed on the upper side of the hot water storage tank 17, respectively. . In this case, during the boiling increase operation, the same effect as that of the heat pump unit 13 can be obtained by energizing the heater for boiling increase.
[0060]
  Further, although the heat exchanger 43 is disposed inside the hot water storage tank 17, the present invention can be similarly applied to a hot water supply apparatus in which another heat exchanger is disposed outside the hot water storage tank 17.
[0061]
  Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a hot water supply apparatus in which the floor heating unit 14 is omitted or a hot water supply apparatus combined with other units such as the floor heating unit 14.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the hot water supply apparatus of claim 1,In the setting state of the boiling increase setting means, when the remaining hot water amount detection means detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the boiling raising means is operated, and even if the boiling increase setting means is not set,Detects that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is less than the specified amountAnd the condition ofThe bathtub hot water heating means is operating to heat the hot water in the bathtubBoth with the conditionWhen the conditions are met, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is operated only when it is necessary that the hot water in the hot water tank runs out or the heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub is insufficient due to the operation of the hot water heating means. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption and an increase in the burden of power charges.
[0063]
  According to the hot water supply apparatus of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the hot water supply apparatus of claim 1, the bath hot water heating means exchanges heat with the hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, whereas the heat pump unit boils. Since the raised hot water is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank, it is possible to prevent running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank and insufficient heating capacity of the hot water in the bathtub with the minimum required boiling..
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state where a lid of a main remote controller of the hot water supply apparatus is opened.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a bathroom remote controller of the hot water supply apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
        11 Water heater
        13 Heat pump unit as boiling means
        15 Bathtub
        17 Hot water storage tank
        47 Bath hot water heating means
        48 Circuit
        53 Heat exchanger
        58 Refrigerant circuit
        76 Boiling button as a boiling point setting means
        84 Remaining hot water detection method
        85 Boiling control means

Claims

A hot water storage tank,
A boiling means for boiling hot water in the hot water storage tank;
Bathtub hot water heating means for heating hot water in the bathtub by heat exchange with hot water stored in the hot water storage tank;
A remaining hot water amount detecting means for detecting a remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank;
Boiling increase setting means for setting an increase in boiling to ensure a remaining hot water amount of a predetermined amount or more in the hot water storage tank;
In the setting state of the boiling increase setting means, when the remaining hot water amount detecting means detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is not more than a predetermined amount, the boiling means is operated and the boiling increase setting means is not set. Even in the state, when both the condition that the remaining hot water amount detecting means detects that the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank is a predetermined amount or less and the condition that the bathtub hot water heating means is operating are satisfied. A hot water supply apparatus comprising: a boiling increase control means for operating the boiling means.

The bath hot water heating means exchanges heat with hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank,
The boiling means is a circulation path for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank from the lower part to the upper part of the hot water storage tank, a heat exchanger provided in the circulation path, and a refrigerant for boiling the hot water flowing through the circulation path through the heat exchanger. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat pump unit that has a circuit and stores hot water in an upper portion of the hot water storage tank .