JP6253482B2 - Instant hot water unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an immediate hot water unit, which is suitable when hot water is immediately discharged from a faucet such as a shower.

  Conventionally, a hot water supply system is known in which water supplied from a water supply pipe is heated by a water heater, and hot water is supplied from the water heater to the water faucet via the hot water supply pipe. In such a hot water supply system, hot water is heated to a temperature set by a remote controller.

  However, since hot water continues to be stored in the hot water supply pipe until the faucet is opened, it tends to dissipate and cool, and after the faucet is opened, the water heater starts heating, so that the hot water enters the faucet. By the time it reaches, it may be stored in the hot water supply pipe and the cooled water may be discharged.

  As one of countermeasures in such a case, there is a hot water supply device described in Patent Document 1 below. This hot water supply apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a hot water supply circuit that branches off from a hot water supply circuit just before the faucet toward the bathtub, and an on-off valve provided in the hot water supply circuit is provided by a person in the bathroom. It is opened when it is detected that it has entered, and the cold water in the hot water supply circuit is discharged into the bathtub through the hot water circuit.

JP 2000-213805 A

  However, in the hot water supply apparatus of Patent Document 1, cold water that has been cooled by the user may be discharged to the bathtub that is being bathed. In this case, there is a problem in that the comfort of the user during bathing is impaired. It was.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and intends to propose an instant hot water unit capable of improving the comfort of the user.

  In order to solve such a problem, the instant hot water unit of the present invention includes a predetermined part of a hot water supply pipe from a water heater to a faucet, and a predetermined part of a bath outlet pipe or a bath return pipe for circulating hot water between the water heater and the bathtub. A unit solenoid valve provided in a connecting pipe for connecting the part, and a connecting pipe part on the side of the bath outlet pipe or the bath return pipe with respect to the unit solenoid valve, and the connecting pipe from the connecting pipe part Based on a unit path switching valve that selectively switches between a first path that passes through and a second path that disengages the connection pipe from the connection pipe site, a unit thermistor provided in the connection pipe, and a signal output from the unit thermistor A unit controller for controlling the unit solenoid valve, the unit controller from a pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in the bathtub. Based on the signal, and switches the unit path switching valve from the first path to the second path.

In the instant hot water unit, when the unit solenoid valve is opened in a state where the unit path switching valve is switched from the first path to the second path, the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe is transferred from the hot water supply pipe to the connection pipe. The flow is discharged to the outside through the second path of the unit path switching valve.
The unit controller of the instant hot water unit obtains the water pressure of the bathtub based on a signal output from the pressure sensor, and therefore, when the user recognizes that the user is bathing from the water pressure, the unit path switching valve is set to the first. It is possible to switch from the route to the second route.
Therefore, the instant hot water unit can suppress the situation where the hot water cooled by the user in the bathtub being bathed is discharged. Thus, an instant hot water unit that can improve the comfort of the user is realized.

It is a figure showing the hot-water supply system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of a water heater. It is a figure which shows the connection relationship with the control part in a water heater. It is a figure which shows the connection relationship with the unit control part in an instant hot water unit. It is a flowchart which shows the discharge processing procedure in a unit control part.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(1) Configuration of Hot Water Supply System As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment includes a hot water heater 2, a faucet 3, a bathtub 4, and an immediate hot water unit 5 as main components.

  The water heater 2 and the faucet 3 in this hot water system 1 are connected via a hot water supply pipe 6. In this embodiment, the faucet 3 includes a bathroom faucet 3A, a kitchen faucet 3B, and a toilet faucet 3C. Generally, the bathroom faucet 3A is a mixing faucet having a mechanism for adjusting the temperature by mixing water and hot water.

  In this embodiment, the hot water supply pipe 6 includes a bathroom hot water supply pipe 6A, a kitchen hot water supply pipe 6B, and a washroom hot water supply pipe 6C, and a main hot water supply pipe 6D having a diameter larger than the diameter of the hot water supply pipes 6A to 6C. The bathroom hot water supply pipe 6A, the kitchen hot water supply pipe 6B, the washroom hot water supply pipe 6C, and the main hot water supply pipe 6D are connected by a header 7. Header 7 is a branching part that branches main hot water supply pipe 6D into a plurality of hot water supply pipes 6A to 6C.

  The water heater 2 takes water from the water supply pipe 8 and heats it, and sends out the hot water obtained as a result of the heating to the main hot water supply pipe 6D, so that the main hot water supply pipe 6D passes through the header 7 and the hot water supply pipes 6A to 6C. The hot water is supplied to each of the faucets 3A to 3C.

  In addition, the hot water heater 2 and the bathtub 4 in the hot water system 1 include a bath outlet pipe (hereinafter referred to as a forward circulation pipe) 9A and a bath return pipe (hereinafter referred to as a forward circulation pipe) for circulating hot water between the hot water heater 2 and the bathtub 4. , Which is called reverse circulation piping) 9B. A circulation fitting MF for connecting the bathtub 4 to the forward circulation pipe 9 </ b> A and the reverse circulation pipe 9 </ b> B is provided at the lower side of the bathtub 4, and the circulation protrudes to the outer wall side of the bathtub 4. One end of the forward circulation pipe 9A and the reverse circulation pipe 9B is connected to the metal part.

  The water heater 2 takes hot water from the bathtub 4 through the reverse circulation pipe 9B and heats it, and sends the hot water obtained as a result of the heating to the bathtub 4 through the forward circulation pipe 9A. It is configured to circulate hot water between.

  Furthermore, the bathroom hot water supply pipe 6A and the forward circulation pipe 9A in the hot water supply system 1 are connected via a connection pipe (hereinafter referred to as a shortcut pipe) 10, and the immediate hot water unit 5 is provided in the shortcut pipe 10. .

  One end of the shortcut pipe 10 is connected to a joint member JT1 provided in the middle of the bathroom hot water supply pipe 6A, and the other end of the shortcut pipe 10 is connected to a joint member JT2 provided in the middle of the forward circulation pipe 9A. It is connected.

  The hot water unit 5 supplies hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub 4 or the outside via the shortcut pipe 10 based on the temperature of the hot water stored in the shortcut pipe 10, and the hot water supply pipes 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> D It is set as the structure adjusted so that the temperature of hot water may become more than fixed temperature.

(2) Configuration of Water Heater As shown in FIG. 2, the water heater 2 includes a first heat exchanger 11, a feed water flow sensor 13, a hot water thermistor 14, a path communication solenoid valve 15, a second heat exchanger 16, and a circulation pump. 17, a water flow switch 18, a bath thermistor (hereinafter referred to as a bathtub thermistor) 19, a pressure sensor 20, a hot water flow rate sensor (hereinafter referred to as a hot water supply flow rate sensor) 21, and a control unit 31.

  One end of the water supply pipe 8 is connected to the input end of the first heat exchanger 11, and one end of the main hot water supply pipe 6 </ b> D is connected to the output end of the first heat exchanger 11. The first heat exchanger 11 heats water supplied from the water supply pipe 8 using heat generated by ignition of the burner BN1. The burner BN1 is a burner that is ignited by the gas supplied via the first gas valve 25, and the first gas valve 25 opens and closes according to a command from the control unit 31.

  The feed water flow rate sensor 13 is provided in the feed water pipe 8, detects the amount of hot water flowing in the feed water pipe 8, and sends a signal indicating the amount to the control unit 31.

  The hot water supply thermistor 14 is provided in a pipe in a portion near the outlet of the first heat exchanger 11 in the main hot water supply pipe 6D, measures the temperature of hot water in the vicinity of the outlet of the first heat exchanger 11, and A signal indicating the temperature is sent to the control unit 31.

  The path communication solenoid valve 15 is provided at a predetermined portion of the pipe 27 that connects the main hot water supply pipe 6D and the reverse circulation pipe 9B, and opens and closes according to a command from the control unit 31. When this path | route communication electromagnetic valve 15 exists in the open state, 6D of main hot water supply piping and the reverse direction circulation piping 9B are connected.

  One end of the reverse circulation pipe 9B is connected to the input end of the second heat exchanger 16, and one end of the forward circulation pipe 9A is connected to the output end of the second heat exchanger 16. The second heat exchanger 16 heats hot water supplied from the pipe 27 or the reverse circulation pipe 9B using heat generated by the ignition of the burner BN2. The burner BN2 is a burner that is ignited by the gas supplied via the second gas valve 26, and the second gas valve 26 opens and closes according to a command from the control unit 31.

  The circulation pump 17 is provided in a predetermined part of the reverse circulation pipe 9B, and is driven according to a command from the control unit 31 to supply hot water stored in the bathtub 4 to the reverse circulation pipe 9B and the second heat exchanger 16. And it circulates through the forward direction circulation piping 9A sequentially. The installation site of the circulation pump 17 may be a forward circulation pipe 9A.

  The water flow switch 18 is provided at a predetermined portion of the reverse circulation pipe 9B, detects whether there is a flow of hot water in the reverse circulation pipe 9B, and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 31. Send it out. In addition, the installation site | part of this water flow switch 18 may be made into the forward direction circulation piping 9A.

  The bathtub thermistor 19 is provided in the pipe of the reverse circulation pipe 9B, measures the temperature of hot water in the reverse circulation pipe 9B as the temperature of the bathtub 4, and sends a signal indicating the temperature to the control unit 31.

  The pressure sensor 20 is provided in a portion of the pipe 27 on the reverse circulation pipe 9B side with respect to the path communication solenoid valve 15, and detects the pressure applied by the hot water in the pipe as the water pressure of the bathtub 4. A signal indicating the pressure is sent to the control unit 31. In addition, the installation site | part of this pressure sensor 20 may be made into the reverse direction circulation piping 9B.

  The hot water supply flow rate sensor 21 is provided in a portion of the pipe 27 on the side of the main hot water supply pipe 6D with reference to the path communication solenoid valve 15, detects the amount of hot water flowing in the pipe 27, and outputs a signal indicating the amount of the hot water. The data is sent to the control unit 31.

  As shown in FIG. 3, various devices in the hot water supply system 1 are connected to the control unit 31 via a multicore cable. The multi-core cable has a power line and a signal line, and the control unit 31 and various devices connected to the control unit 31 are driven using a power supply voltage supplied from the power source via the power line.

  Specifically, the control unit 31 is connected to the above-described water supply flow rate sensor 13, hot water supply thermistor 14, path communication solenoid valve 15, circulation pump 17, water flow switch 18, bathtub thermistor 19, pressure sensor 20, and hot water supply flow rate sensor 21. Yes.

  Also, the hot water unit 5, the outside air temperature sensor 32, the kitchen remote controller 33, the bathroom remote controller 34, and the storage unit 35 are connected to the control unit 31.

  The outside air temperature sensor 32 is provided outdoors, detects the outside air temperature, and sends a signal indicating the outside air temperature to the control unit 31.

  The kitchen remote controller 33 and the bathroom remote controller 34 have a plurality of operators, and give commands such as a setting command and a process start command according to the operation of the operators to the control unit 31. Moreover, the kitchen remote controller 33 and the bathroom remote controller 34 have a display panel, and the time, the operating state of the water heater 2, information shown in the data stored in the storage unit 35, and the like are appropriately displayed on the display panel. The

  The storage unit 35 stores various data such as setting data and programs. For example, the storage unit 35 stores device data IF1 indicating a correspondence relationship between the immediate hot water unit 5, the kitchen remote controller 33, the bathroom remote controller 34, and a unique identifier assigned to them.

  The device data IF1 is data for the control unit 31 to recognize which remote controller has received the command. Based on the device data IF1, the controller 31 recognizes the immediate hot water unit 5 as a remote controller.

  When a command is given to the control unit 31 from a remote controller (instant water unit 5, kitchen remote controller 33 or bathroom remote controller 34), the command is sent to other remote controllers other than the remote controller that gave the command. Is notified by the control unit 31.

  Further, the water level correlation data IF2 indicating the correlation between the water level of the bathtub 4 and the amount of water stored in the bathtub 4 at the time of the water level, the fitting water level data IF3 indicating the water level up to the circulation fitting MF, and the bathtub 4 Measurement interval data IF4 indicating an interval at which the temperature of the hot water and the water level should be measured is stored in the storage unit 35.

  The water level amount correlation data IF2 and the fitting water level data IF3 are generated according to the shape and volume of the bathtub 4, and are stored in the storage unit 35, for example, during a trial operation. The measurement interval data IF4 is updated by the control unit 31 in accordance with a change command given from the immediate hot water unit 5.

  Furthermore, hot water supply temperature setting data CM1 indicating the temperature of hot water to be stored in the hot water supply pipe 6, bath temperature setting data CM2 indicating the temperature of hot water to be stored in the bathtub 4, and water level indicating the water level to be stored in the bathtub 4 Setting data CM3 is stored in the storage unit 35.

Hot water temperature setting data CM1 includes a hot water temperature setting data CM1 _A set in the kitchen remote controller 33, the hot water temperature setting data CM1 _B is set in the bathroom remote controller 34, the hot water temperature setting set by the immediately hot water unit 5 and a data CM1 _C. These hot water temperature setting data _CM1 A _{~CM1 C} is updated in accordance with the setting command from the corresponding device.

Of the hot water temperature setting data _CM1 A _{~CM1 C,} in a state (normal state) in which the bathroom remote controller 34 or immediately hot water unit 5 is not a priority apparatus, hot-water supply temperature setting data CM1 _A is used.

On the other hand, when a setting command to be a priority device is given from the bathroom remote controller 34 and the bathroom remote controller 34 is a priority device, the hot water supply temperature setting is performed until the setting release command is given from the bathroom remote controller 34. Data CM1 _B is used.

Further, when a setting command to be set as a priority device is given from the immediate hot water unit 5 and the immediate hot water unit 5 is a priority device, the hot water supply temperature setting data CM1 _C until the setting release command is given from the immediate hot water unit 5 Is used.

  The bath temperature setting data CM2 and the water level setting data CM3 are updated by the control unit 31 in accordance with a setting command given from the bathroom remote controller 34.

  The control unit 31 includes a path communication solenoid valve 15, a circulation pump 17, and a first gas valve based on signals output from the devices connected to the control unit 31 and various data stored in the storage unit 35. 25 and the second gas valve 26 are appropriately controlled to execute various processes.

  For example, when receiving a hot water filling command from the kitchen remote controller 33 or the bathroom remote controller 34, the control unit 31 executes a primary hot water filling process in which an amount of hot water that is less than the set water level is stored in the bathtub 4 at the hot water supply set temperature. To do.

  That is, the control unit 31 opens the first gas valve 25 to heat the first heat exchanger 11 with the burner BN1, and opens the second gas valve 26 to heat the second heat exchanger 16 with the burner BN2. . At this time, the control unit 31 controls the first gas valve 25 and the second gas valve 26 based on a signal output from the hot water supply thermistor 14 so that the temperature of the hot water supply temperature setting data CM1 stored in the storage unit 35 is reached. Control and adjust gas supply.

  In addition to this, the control unit 31 opens the path communication solenoid valve 15 to form a flow path from the water supply pipe 8 to the bathtub 4 through the first heat exchanger 11 and the second heat exchanger 16, and forward circulation. Hot water is supplied to the bathtub 4 through the pipe 9A. At this time, the control unit 31 monitors the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 4 based on the signal output from the feed water flow rate sensor 13, and when the amount reaches a specified amount, the first gas valve 25 and the first The two-gas valve 26 and the path communication solenoid valve 15 are closed.

  After executing the primary hot water filling process as described above, the control unit 31 executes the secondary hot water filling process for storing the amount of hot water up to the set water level in the bathtub 4 at the bathtub set temperature.

  That is, the control unit 31 detects the current water level stored in the bathtub 4 based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20, and based on the water level and the water level amount correlation data IF2, the water level setting data CM3 is reached. The amount of hot water required is calculated as the amount of water injected.

  And the control part 31 opens the 1st gas valve 25 and the 2nd gas valve 26, and the path | route communication solenoid valve 15, and is the amount of water injection with the temperature of bathtub temperature setting data CM2 similarly to the above-mentioned primary hot water filling process. The amount of hot water calculated as follows is supplied to the bathtub 4. Thereafter, the control unit 31 closes the primary hot water filling process first gas valve 25 and the second gas valve 26 and the path communication electromagnetic valve 15.

  In this way, when receiving a hot water filling command, the control unit 31 takes into consideration the possibility that hot water remains in the bathtub 4 and supplies the bathtub 4 with an amount of hot water that is equal to or higher than the circulating metal fitting MF and lower than the set water level at the hot water supply set temperature. After storage, an amount of hot water up to the set water level is stored in the bathtub 4 at the bathtub set temperature.

  Moreover, the control part 31 is the hot water stored in the bathtub 4 for every space | interval of measurement interval data IF4 after finishing performing the above-mentioned secondary hot water filling process until predetermined time passes after receiving a hot water filling command. The adjustment process for adjusting the water level and temperature is executed.

  That is, the control unit 31 measures the interval of the measurement interval data IF4 based on the internal clock. And whenever the interval of measurement interval data IF4 passes, the control part 31 recognizes the water level of the present bathtub 4 based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20, and compares the water level with the water level of water level setting data CM3. To do.

  Here, when a comparison result is obtained in which the water level is lower than the predetermined level from the set water level, the control unit 31 supplies hot water in the same manner as the above-described primary hot water filling process until the water level of the water level setting data CM3 is reached. Hot water at a set temperature is stored in the bathtub 4.

  As described above, the control unit 31 replenishes hot water at the bath temperature when it detects a decrease in the water level above a predetermined level after hot water is stored in the bathtub 4 to the set water level. Maintain the water level at the set water level.

  On the other hand, whenever the interval of the measurement interval data IF4 elapses, the control unit 31 recognizes the temperature of the bathtub 4 based on a signal output from the bathtub thermistor 19 after driving the circulation pump 17, and uses this temperature as the bathtub. The temperature is compared with the temperature of the temperature setting data CM2.

  Here, when a comparison result in which the temperature of the bathtub thermistor 19 is lower than the bathtub set temperature is obtained, the control unit 31 performs a reheating process for reheating the hot water stored in the bathtub 4. That is, the controller 31 opens the second gas valve 26 to heat the second heat exchanger 16 with the burner BN2, and the temperature based on the signal output from the bathtub thermistor 19 becomes the temperature of the bathtub temperature setting data CM2. At the time, the second gas valve 26 is closed and the circulation pump 17 is stopped.

  In this way, the control unit 31 stores the temperature stored in the bathtub 4 by reheating when the temperature of the bathtub 4 becomes lower than the set temperature of the bathtub after the hot water at the set temperature is stored in the bathtub 4 until the set water level. Maintain set temperature.

  In addition, the control part 31 performs the above-mentioned reheating process at the time of ending the above-described primary hot water filling process and at the time of ending the secondary hot water filling process, and whenever the hot water is stored in the bathtub 4, Check the temperature of the hot water and reheat if necessary.

  Furthermore, when the use of the faucet 3 is detected, the control unit 31 executes a hot water supply process for supplying hot water at a hot water supply set temperature to the hot water supply pipe 6 until the use of the faucet 3 is not detected.

  That is, the control unit 31 detects the use of the faucet 3 when the water flow can be detected by the signal output from the water supply flow rate sensor 13 even though the water flow cannot be detected by the signal output from the hot water supply flow rate sensor 21. .

  In this case, the control unit 31 does not change the first gas valve until the difference between the water flow detected by the signal output from the water supply flow rate sensor 13 and the water flow detected by the signal output from the hot water supply flow rate sensor 21 disappears. 25 is opened, and hot water is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 6 at the temperature of the bath temperature setting data CM2, similarly to the above-described primary hot water filling process.

  As described above, when the use of the water tap 3 is detected, the control unit 31 supplies hot water at a hot water supply set temperature to the hot water supply pipe 6 and replenishes the hot water used by the water tap 3.

  If the control unit 31 detects the use of the faucet 3 during the execution of the primary hot water filling process, the secondary hot water filling process, the water level adjustment process, or the temperature adjustment process, the control part 31 interrupts the process being executed. Hot water supply processing. Thereafter, the control unit 31 stops the hot water supply process when the use of the faucet 3 is no longer detected, and restarts the interrupted process.

(3) Configuration of Instant Hot Water Unit As shown in FIG. 1, the immediate hot water unit 5 includes a unit solenoid valve 41, a unit path switching valve 42, a unit thermistor 43, a unit check valve 44, and a unit control unit 45. It is provided as an element and is driven using the power supply voltage supplied from the water heater 2.

  The unit solenoid valve 41 is provided at a predetermined portion of the shortcut pipe 10 and opens and closes in response to a command from the unit control unit 45. When the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is in an open state, the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 flows from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the shortcut pipe 10. In this case, in the water heater 2, it is detected that the faucet 3 has been used, and hot water at a hot water supply set temperature is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 6 until the unit solenoid valve 41 is closed.

  The unit path switching valve 42 is provided in a portion on the side of the forward circulation pipe 9 </ b> A with respect to the unit electromagnetic valve 41 in the shortcut pipe 10. The unit path switching valve 42 is a valve that selectively switches between the first path 10A passing through the shortcut pipe 10 from the installation site and the second path 10B detaching the shortcut pipe 10 from the installation site. It is considered a valve.

  When the unit path switching valve 42 is switched to the first path 10A, the hot water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the shortcut pipe 10 is discharged to the bathtub 4 through the first path 10A. On the other hand, when the unit path switching valve 42 is switched to the second path 10B, the hot water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the shortcut pipe 10 is outside the immediate hot water unit 5 via the second path 10B, for example, storage. It is discharged into a tank or a drain.

  The unit thermistor 43 is provided in the pipe of the part which becomes the bathroom hot water supply pipe 6A side with respect to the unit electromagnetic valve 41 in the shortcut pipe 10, and measures the temperature of the hot water in the shortcut pipe 10 to indicate the temperature. A signal is sent to the unit controller 45.

  The unit check valve 44 is provided in a portion of the shortcut pipe 10 on the side of the forward circulation pipe 9A with respect to the unit electromagnetic valve 41, and hot water flowing through the shortcut pipe 10 is supplied from the forward circulation pipe 9A to the bathroom hot water supply. It is a valve which prevents flowing toward piping 6A.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the unit controller 45 is connected to the unit electromagnetic valve 41, the unit path switching valve 42, and the unit thermistor 43, and is connected to the controller 31 of the water heater 2 via a multicore cable. .

  The unit controller 45 is driven using a power supply voltage supplied from the water heater 2 via a multicore cable. The unit controller 45 appropriately controls the unit electromagnetic valve 41 and the water heater 2 based on the signals output from the devices connected to the water heater 2 and the signals output from the unit thermistor 43, and A discharge process for discharging hot water stored in the pipe 6 is executed. This discharge process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, when the unit controller 45 is driven using, for example, the power supply voltage supplied from the water heater 2 via the multicore cable, the process proceeds to step SP1 and acquires the temperature based on the signal output from the unit thermistor 43. .

  Then, the unit controller 45 compares the acquired temperature with a specified temperature that is defined as a temperature that is lower by a predetermined temperature than the hot water supply set temperature, and determines whether or not the acquired temperature is lower than the specified temperature.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP1, this means that the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 is in the same range as the hot water supply set temperature, and there is little need to discharge the hot water to the bathtub 4. Means. In this case, the unit controller 45 compares the acquired temperature with the specified temperature at predetermined intervals until a positive result is obtained in step SP1.

  On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step SP1, the unit control unit 45 proceeds to step SP2 to acquire a signal output from the pressure sensor 20 of the water heater 2, and based on the signal, the bathtub 4 It is determined whether or not the water pressure can be detected.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP2, this means that hot water is stored in the current bathtub 4. In this case, the unit control unit 45 proceeds to step SP3 and determines whether or not the water pressure based on the signal acquired in step SP2 is larger than the water pressure when hot water at the set water level is stored in the bathtub 4.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP3, this means that the user is not taking a bath in the bathtub 4. In this case, the unit control unit 45 proceeds to step SP4 and opens the unit electromagnetic valve 41 until the temperature based on the signal output from the unit thermistor 43 reaches the hot water supply set temperature, so that the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is poured into the bathtub 4. Then, the process returns to step SP1 to repeat the above process. In this case, in the water heater 2, it is detected that the faucet 3 has been used, and hot water at a hot water supply set temperature is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 6 until the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is closed.

  As described above, the unit control unit 45 discharges the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub 4 when hot water is stored in the bathtub 4 but the user does not bathe in the bathtub 4. The hot water is replaced with hot water at a preset hot water supply temperature.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP2 or a positive result is obtained in step SP3, this means that hot water is not stored in the bathtub 4 or the user is taking a bath in the bathtub 4. It means that there is. In this case, the unit controller 45 proceeds to step SP5, switches the unit path switching valve 42 from the first path 10A to the second path 10B, and proceeds to step SP6.

  In step SP6, the unit controller 45 opens the unit solenoid valve 41 until the temperature based on the signal output from the unit thermistor 43 reaches the hot water supply set temperature, and discharges the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 to the outside. Then, the process proceeds to step SP7. In this case, in the water heater 2, it is detected that the faucet 3 has been used as described above, and hot water at a hot water supply set temperature is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 6 until the unit solenoid valve 41 is closed.

  In step SP7, the unit controller 45 switches the unit path switching valve 42 from the second path 10B to the first path 10A, and then returns to step SP1 to repeat the above processing.

  As described above, when there is no hot water in the bathtub 4 or when the user is taking a bath, the unit controller 45 discharges the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 to the outside, and the hot water is set to the hot water supply set temperature. Replace with hot water.

(4) Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment As described above, the instant hot water unit 5 in the present embodiment includes the unit electromagnetic valve 41, the unit path switching valve 42, the unit thermistor 43, and the unit controller 45.

  The unit solenoid valve 41 is a shortcut pipe (connecting pipe) that connects a predetermined part of the hot water supply pipe 6 that goes from the water heater 2 to the faucet 3 and a predetermined part of the forward circulation pipe 9A that goes from the water heater 2 to the bathtub 4. 10 is provided.

  The unit path switching valve 42 is provided at a shortcut piping site on the forward circulation piping 9A side with the unit electromagnetic valve 41 as a reference. The unit path switching valve 42 selectively switches between a first path 10A passing through the shortcut pipe 10 from the installation site and a second path 10B detaching the shortcut pipe 10 from the installation site.

  The unit thermistor 43 is provided at a shortcut piping site on the forward circulation piping 9A side with the unit electromagnetic valve 41 as a reference.

  The unit controller 45 controls the unit electromagnetic valve 41 based on the signal output from the unit thermistor 43 and switches the unit path based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20 for detecting the water pressure in the bathtub 4. The valve 42 is switched from the first path 10A to the second path 10B.

  In such an instant hot water unit 5, when the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is opened in a state where the unit path switching valve 42 is switched from the first path 10A to the second path 10B, the hot water stored in the hot water supply pipe 6 is stored. Flows from the hot water supply pipe 6 to the shortcut pipe 10. Then, this hot water is discharged to the outside through the second path 10B of the unit path switching valve 42.

  Since the unit controller 45 captures the water pressure of the bathtub 4 based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20, when the user recognizes that the user is bathing from the water pressure, the unit path switching valve 42 is set to the first path 10A. To the second path 10B.

  Therefore, the instant hot water unit 5 can suppress a situation in which the hot water cooled by the user is discharged into the bathing bath. Thus, the instant hot water unit 5 that can improve the comfort of the user is realized.

  Moreover, the unit control part 45 in this embodiment switches the unit path | route switching valve 42 from the 1st path | route 10A to the 2nd path | route 10B, when a water pressure is not detected based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20. FIG.

  For this reason, when the hot water is not contained in the bathtub 4, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is discharged to the outside. Therefore, the instant hot water unit 5 can suppress the bathtub 4 from getting wet due to the hot water discharged from the hot water supply pipe 6, and can cope with a request from a user who does not want the bathtub 4 to get wet except during bathing.

  Furthermore, the unit control part 45 in this embodiment detects the water pressure larger than the water pressure when the water at the set water level set in the water heater 2 is stored in the bathtub 4, the unit path switching valve 42 is set to the first path 10 </ b> A. To the second route 10B.

  For this reason, when the user is bathing in the bathtub 4, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is discharged to the outside. In general, when cleaning the bathtub 4, hot water at a set water level or higher is not stored.

  Accordingly, the immediate hot water unit 5 not only suppresses the situation where the hot water cooled by the user is discharged into the bathing bath, but also cools the hot water supply pipe 6 to the user cleaning the bath 4. The situation where the hot water is discharged and gets wet can also be suppressed.

  Furthermore, the unit controller 45 in the present embodiment is connected to the water heater 2 via a signal line, and acquires a signal output from the pressure sensor 20 provided in the water heater 2 via the signal line.

  For this reason, the instant hot water unit 5 can capture the water pressure using the pressure sensor 20 that is generally provided in the water heater 2, and the instant hot water unit 5 is compared with the case where the immediate hot water unit 5 is provided with a pressure sensor. 5 can be simplified.

(5) Modification In the above embodiment, the hot water unit 5 is provided in the shortcut pipe 10 that connects the predetermined part between the header 7 (branch part) to the bathroom faucet 3A and the predetermined part of the forward circulation pipe 9A. It was. In addition to this, or instead of this, a shortcut pipe that connects a predetermined part between the header 7 (branch part) and the kitchen faucet 3B or the toilet faucet 3C and a predetermined part of the forward circulation pipe 9A is used. A hot water unit 5 may be provided. An immediate hot water unit may be provided in a shortcut pipe that connects a predetermined part between the header 7 (branch part) to the faucet 3 and a predetermined part of the reverse circulation pipe 9B.

  In the said embodiment, the hot water of the hot water supply piping 6 was discharged | emitted to the bathtub 4 via the shortcut piping 10. FIG. However, a three-way valve may be provided on the upstream side of the joint member JT2, which is a connection portion of the shortcut pipe 10, so that the three-way valve is not discharged to the bathtub 4 but flows to the bathroom drain.

In the embodiment described above, the unit controller 45 did not monitor the fluctuation of the water pressure based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 20 during the period in which the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is opened in step SP4.
However, when the unit controller 45 monitors the fluctuation of the water pressure during this period and detects that the water pressure is higher than the water pressure at the set water level, the unit controller 45 switches the unit path switching valve 42 to the first path at the time of detection. You may make it switch from 10A to the 2nd path | route 10B.
In this way, even if the user takes a bath while the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is being discharged into the bathtub, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is immediately switched to the outside immediately after the bathing, It is possible to prevent the cold hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 from being given to the user. In addition, since cold hot water is not discharged into the bathtub 4 after bathing, it is possible to prevent excessive reheating, and energy efficiency in the water heater 2 can be improved.
In addition, when the unit control unit 45 detects that the water pressure is higher than the water pressure at the set water level in step SP3, the unit control unit 45 detects that the water pressure is lower than the water pressure at the set water level in step SP6. The unit path switching valve 42 may be switched from the second path 10B to the first path 10A.
In this way, even if the bathing user leaves the bathtub 4 while the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is discharged to the outside, the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 is immediately discharged to the bathtub 4 at that time. It is possible to replenish the hot water reduced by bathing.

  In the above embodiment, a three-way valve is used as the unit path switching valve 42, and the first path 10A and the second path 10B are both one path. However, the number of paths of the first path 10A or the second path 10B may be increased to 2 or more using, for example, a five-way valve. In such a case, the discharge time in the hot water supply pipe 6 can be shortened by an increase in the number of paths.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the unit solenoid valve 41 was open | released, it was not detected that the water tap 3 was open | released. However, it may be detected that the faucet 3 is opened when the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is opened. For example, the unit flow sensor is provided in the shortcut pipe 10, and the faucet 3 is opened based on the difference between the amount of water acquired from the unit flow rate sensor and the amount of water acquired from the water supply flow rate sensor 13 provided in the water heater 2. This is detected by the unit controller 45.
In this way, the immediate hot water unit 5 temporarily closes the unit electromagnetic valve 41 and discharges the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 6 to the bathtub when the opening of the faucet 3 is detected, It is possible to suppress a decrease in the water pressure discharged from the hot water supply pipe 6 through the water tap 3.

In addition, by applying an orifice instead of the unit flow rate sensor and acquiring the amount of water flowing through the orifice from the water supply flow rate sensor 13 provided in the water heater 2, the faucet 3 is opened when the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is opened. You may make it detect having open | released.
When the faucet 3 is also opened while the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is being opened, the amount of water detected by the water supply flow rate sensor 13 changes from when the faucet 3 is opened. However, when the amount of water discharged from the faucet 3 is small, the amount of change in the amount of water detected by the water supply flow rate sensor 13 becomes small, and the amount of water in the water heater 2 upstream of the hot water supply pipe 6 and the hot water supply pipe 6. There is a tendency that there is almost no difference in the amount of water of the immediate hot water unit 5 on the downstream side.
For example, instead of connecting the water heater 2 and each of the faucets 3A to 3C using a Saya pipe header construction method in which the branch paths from the main pipe to each faucet are collected in the header as in the present embodiment, each water is fed from the main pipe. When a branching method is provided in which a branch path to the tap is provided for each faucet, there is a difference between the amount of water in the water heater 2 on the upstream side of the hot water supply pipe 6 and the amount of water in the immediate hot water unit 5 on the downstream side of the hot water supply pipe 6. It may not occur almost at all. For example, when the main pipe is longer than the branch pipe branched from the main pipe.
Even if the Saya header method is used, the amount of water in the hot water heater 2 upstream of the hot water supply pipe 6 and the downstream side of the hot water supply pipe 6 depending on the connection conditions such as the diameter and length of the pipe. In some cases, there is almost no difference in the amount of water in the instant hot water unit 5. For example, when the main hot water supply pipe 6D from the water heater 2 to the header 7 is sufficiently longer than the hot water supply pipe 6A, 6B, or 6C from the header 7 to the faucet 3A, 3B, or 3C, and the diameters thereof are similar. Etc.
On the other hand, when an orifice is applied instead of the unit flow rate sensor, the amount of water flowing through the shortcut pipe 10 when the unit solenoid valve 41 is open is smaller than that without the orifice (small flow rate). Limited.
For this reason, even if the construction method and the connection conditions for connecting the water heater 2 and the faucet 3 are different, the faucet is being opened while the unit electromagnetic valve 41 is open as compared with the case where the unit flow sensor is applied. The difference between when 3 is opened and when it is not opened can be grasped greatly.
Therefore, the hot water unit 5 indicates that the faucet 3 is opened based on the flow rate restricted by the orifice (the amount of water flowing through the orifice) and the amount of water acquired from the feed water flow rate sensor 13 via the signal line. Can be detected. Specifically, for example, the amount of water flowing through the orifice is stored in advance in the internal memory of the unit control unit 45, and the faucet 3 is opened when the amount of water acquired from the water supply flow rate sensor 13 is larger than the amount of water. Detect that
If the volume of the hot water supply pipe 6 is stored in the internal memory, the water tap 3 is discharged using the volume, the amount of water flowing through the orifice, and the amount of water obtained from the feed water flow rate sensor 13 via the signal line. It is also possible to calculate the amount of water used.
Thus, when an orifice is used instead of the unit flow sensor described above, the opening of the faucet 3 can be detected in the same manner as when the unit flow sensor is applied, and the water is discharged by the faucet 3. It is also possible to calculate the amount of water. Moreover, compared with the case where a unit flow sensor is applied, the instant hot water unit 5 can be constructed at a low cost. Furthermore, since the orifice can limit the amount of water flowing through the shortcut pipe 10 when the unit solenoid valve 41 is open (to a small flow rate), it suppresses the amount of hot water flowing when the unit solenoid valve 41 is opened, thereby creating a quiet environment. Can be provided.

  The present invention may be used in the field of handling domestic or commercial water heaters.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Hot water supply system 2 ... Water heater 3 ... Water faucet 4 ... Bathtub 5 ... Instant hot water unit 6 ... Hot water supply pipe 7 ... Header 8 ... Water supply pipe 9A ... Forward circulation pipe 9B ... Reverse Directional circulation pipe 10 ... Short cut pipe 11 ... 1st heat exchanger 13 ... Feed water flow sensor 14 ... Hot water supply thermistor 15 ... Path communication solenoid valve 16 ... 2nd heat exchanger 17 ... Circulation pump 18 ... Water flow switch 19 …… Bathtub thermistor 20 …… Pressure sensor 21 …… Hot water flow rate sensor 31 …… Control unit 32 …… External temperature sensor 33 …… Kitchen remote controller 34 …… Bathroom remote controller 35 …… Storage unit 41 …… Unit Solenoid valve 42 …… Unit path switching valve 43 …… Unit thermistor 44 …… Unit check valve 45 …… Unit control unit

Claims (5)

A unit solenoid valve provided in a connecting pipe that connects a predetermined part of the hot water supply pipe from the water heater to the water faucet and a predetermined part of the bath outlet pipe or bath return pipe for circulating hot water between the water heater and the bathtub; ,
Provided in the connecting piping part on the side of the bath outlet pipe or the bath return pipe on the basis of the unit solenoid valve, the connecting pipe is disconnected from the connecting pipe part and the first path passing through the connecting pipe. A unit path switching valve for selectively switching the second path;
A unit thermistor provided in the connecting pipe;
A unit controller that controls the unit solenoid valve based on a signal output from the unit thermistor;
The unit controller is
An immediate hot water unit that switches the unit path switching valve from the first path to the second path based on a signal output from a pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure in the bathtub. The unit controller is
2. The instant hot water unit according to claim 1, wherein when the water pressure is not detected based on the signal, the unit path switching valve is switched from the first path to the second path. The unit controller is
When a water pressure larger than the water pressure when water at a set water level set in the water heater is stored in the bathtub is detected based on the signal, the unit path switching valve is changed from the first path to the second path. The instant hot water unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein switching is performed. The unit controller is
4. The instant hot water unit according to claim 3, wherein fluctuations in water pressure are monitored based on the signal during a period in which the unit solenoid valve is open. The unit controller is
5. A signal output from the pressure sensor connected to the water heater via the signal line is acquired from the pressure sensor provided in the water heater. 6. Immediate hot water unit according to item.

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