JP6900818B2 - Heat source device for heating and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a heating heat source device and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to controlling an emergency operation of the heating heat source device in the event of a failure in which the outside air temperature becomes undetectable.

As one aspect of the heating heat source device that supplies the heating heat medium to the heating device, it is known that the target temperature of the heat medium is set based on the detection signal of the outside air temperature input from the outside. In such a heat source device for heating, if a failure occurs in which the detection signal of the outside air temperature is not input normally, the outside air temperature cannot be detected. Therefore, the heating operation is prohibited from the viewpoint of guaranteeing the safety of the device. There is something.

However, since the heating device is usually installed in a cold region where the outside air temperature is low, if the heating operation is prohibited when a failure occurs, it becomes inconvenient for the user. Therefore, it is required that the heating operation can be continued as an emergency even after the failure occurs.

Regarding emergency operation when a failure occurs, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-187683 (Patent Document 1), when a failure of a thermistor that detects the temperature of a heat exchanger is detected in a control device of an air conditioner. Describes a configuration in which the detected temperature of the thermistor is replaced with a default value of the heat exchange temperature stored in the memory to start the emergency operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-187683

However, in the control device of the air conditioner as described above, depending on the magnitude of the default value of the heat exchange temperature, the air conditioning capacity during emergency operation may be lower than the air conditioning capacity before the failure is detected. As a result, there is a concern that the comfort of the user will be impaired.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to ensure user comfort in emergency operation in the event of a failure in which the outside air temperature becomes undetectable. It is to provide the heat source apparatus for heating and the control method thereof.

In one aspect of the present invention, the heating heat source device includes a heating mechanism that heats the heat medium supplied to the heating device, and a control unit that sets a target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism. The control unit has a plurality of relational data for associating the outside air temperature with the target temperature. The control unit is configured to set a target temperature based on the detected value of the outside air temperature input to the control unit using the relationship data selected from the plurality of relationship data. Furthermore, when a failure is detected in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not input normally, the control unit sets the target temperature to the temperature in the high temperature range of the target temperature setting range that can be set with the selected relational data. change.

According to the above-mentioned heat source device for heating, after a failure is detected in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not normally input to the control unit, the temperature is changed to the temperature in the high temperature region of the target temperature setting range in the selected relational data. Since the emergency operation is executed according to the target temperature, the usability of the user can be improved. Further, during the execution of the emergency operation, the output temperature of the heat medium after heating is maintained at the temperature in the high temperature region within the setting range of the target temperature, so that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the heating function. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user during emergency driving.

Preferably, when a failure is detected, the control unit sets the target temperature to be greater than or equal to the actual temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism before the failure is detected, and the target temperature in the selected relationship data. Change the temperature below the upper limit of the setting range of. The actual value of the temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism before the failure is detected includes the actual value of the target temperature of the heat medium after heating before the failure is detected.

By doing so, during the execution of the emergency operation, the output temperature of the heat medium is maintained above the actual output temperature value (or the actual value of the target temperature) before the failure is detected, so that the heating function is deteriorated. It can be suppressed. Further, since the output temperature of the heat medium during the emergency operation does not exceed the upper limit of the target temperature in the selected relational data, the operation is within the range of actual use and does not pose a problem.

Preferably, when a failure is detected, the control unit changes the target temperature to the upper limit of the target temperature setting range in the selected relationship data.

In this way, during the execution of the emergency operation, the target temperature is held at the upper limit of the setting range of the selected relational data, so that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the heating function.

Preferably, the heating heat source device further includes a notification unit for notifying the occurrence of a failure during the heating operation according to the changed target temperature. In this way, the emergency operation can be executed while notifying the occurrence of the failure, so that the user's comfort can be ensured.

Preferably, the heating heat source device further includes an operation unit for accepting an operation of selecting one relational data from a plurality of relational data. In this way, the heating operation can be appropriately performed using the relational data selected according to the intended use and the installation environment of the heating device, and the emergency operation at the time of failure can be appropriately performed by using the relational data. Can be executed.

Preferably, in each of the plurality of relational data, the target temperature is represented by a linear function with the outside air temperature as a variable. In this way, the target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism can be easily set based on the detected value of the outside air temperature during normal operation in which no failure has occurred.

In another aspect of the present invention, in a method of controlling a heating heat source device, the heating heat source device includes a heating mechanism for heating a heat medium supplied to the heating device, and a control unit. The heating heat source device has a plurality of relational data for associating the outside air temperature with the target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism. The control method includes a step of setting a target temperature based on a detected value of the outside air temperature input to the control unit using the relational data selected in advance from the above-mentioned plurality of relational data, and an outside air temperature in the control unit. The detection value of is not input normally. When a failure is detected, the target temperature is changed to the temperature in the high temperature range of the target temperature setting range that can be set with the selected relational data. With steps to do.

According to the control method of the heat source device for heating, the temperature in the high temperature region of the output target temperature setting range in the selected relational data is detected after the failure in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not normally input to the control unit is detected. Since the emergency operation is executed according to the output target temperature changed to, the usability of the user can be improved. In addition, the comfort of the user during emergency driving can be ensured.

Preferably, the high temperature region of the target temperature setting range is equal to or higher than the actual value of the temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism before the failure is detected, and the upper limit of the target temperature setting range in the selected relational data. It is a temperature range below the value.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heating heat source device and a control method thereof that can ensure user comfort in emergency operation when a failure occurs in which the outside air temperature cannot be detected.

It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of the heating water heater which is the heat source device for heating according to the embodiment of this invention. A functional block diagram illustrating the operation control of the heating water heater by the controller is shown. It is a schematic circuit diagram for demonstrating the configuration example of a voltage conversion circuit. It is a graph which shows the input / output characteristic in a voltage conversion circuit. It is a graph explaining the setting characteristic of the output target temperature θset of a heat medium with respect to the outside air temperature. It is a figure explaining the method of setting the output target temperature θset of a heat medium using the selected relational data. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control process at the time of a heating operation in a controller. It is a block diagram explaining another configuration example of the heat source apparatus for heating according to embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the figure are designated by the same reference numerals, and the explanations shall not be repeated in principle.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a heating water heater, which is a heating heat source device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the heating water heater 100a has a heating function by supplying a heat medium (typically, high temperature water) to the heating device 180. Further, the heating water heater 100a has a hot water supply function of supplying hot water from the hot water outlet pipe 115 by heating the low temperature water introduced into the water inlet pipe 112 by heat exchange between the heating function and a common heat medium.

The heating water heater 100a includes a combustion can body (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “can body”) 101 in which a combustion burner 102, a heat exchanger 104, and the like are housed, an input end 141a of a heat medium connected to the heating device 180, and It includes an output end 141b, pipes 143 to 147, a heat exchanger 150 for hot water supply, a distribution valve 160, and a circulation pump 170. The hot water supply heat exchanger 150 has a heat transfer mechanism between the primary side path 151 and the secondary side path 152.

During operation, the combustion burner 102 generates heat by burning the supplied fuel gas with a burner (not shown). The heat exchanger 104 heats the passing heat medium by the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102.

The heating device 180 includes a radiator 186. The heating device 180 is connected between the input end 141a and the output end 141b by external pipes 181 and 182. The heating device 180 further includes a control unit (not shown). The control unit outputs a heating operation signal Sst, which is a binary signal, to the controller 130 of the heating water heater 100a. For example, when the operation of the heating device 180 is started in response to the user operation, the heating operation signal Sst changes from "0" to "1". On the other hand, when the heating device 180 during operation is stopped in response to a user operation, the heating operation signal Sst changes from "1" to "0".

The pipe 143 connects the input end 141a and the input side of the heat exchanger 104. The pipe 144 connects the output side of the heat exchanger 104 and the first node 160a of the distribution valve 160. The pipe 145 connects the second node 160b and the output end 141b of the distribution valve 160.

The pipe 146 connects the third node 160c of the distribution valve 160 and the input side of the primary side path 151 of the hot water supply heat exchanger 150. The pipe 147 connects the output side of the primary side path 151 of the hot water supply heat exchanger 150 to the pipe 143.

The opening degree of the distribution valve 160 controls the ratio of the flow rate of the path of the first node 160a and the second node 160b to the flow rate of the path of the first node 160a and the third node 160c. The circulation pump 170 is arranged in the pipe 143 on the downstream side (heat exchanger 104 side) of the confluence point with the pipe 147.

A temperature sensor 126 for detecting the input temperature Ti of the heat medium is arranged in the pipe 143. The temperature sensor 127 arranged on the output side of the heat exchanger 104 detects the temperature (hereinafter, also referred to as the output temperature) of the heat medium after heating by the heat exchanger 104.

On the hot water supply side, the water inlet pipe 112 is connected to the input side of the secondary side path 152 of the hot water supply heat exchanger 150. Low-temperature water is introduced into the water inlet pipe 112 with tap water pressure or the like as a supply pressure according to the opening of a water tap (not shown).

The hot water outlet pipe 115 is connected to the output side of the secondary side path 152 of the hot water supply heat exchanger 150. A bypass pipe 116 in which the bypass flow valve 120 is arranged is branched from the water inlet pipe 112. Therefore, the low temperature water supplied to the water inlet pipe 112 is distributed to the bypass pipe 116 at a distribution ratio according to the opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120. The opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120 is controlled by the controller 130.

The hot water outlet pipe 115 is provided with a confluence point 117 with the bypass pipe 116. Then, the high-temperature water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger 150 and the low-temperature water that has passed through the bypass pipe 116 are mixed and supplied from the heating water heater 100a to a hot water tap or the like (not shown). That is, the mixing ratio of high-temperature water and low-temperature water can be controlled by the opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120.

The temperature sensor 121 detects the low temperature water temperature Tw of the water inlet pipe 112. The temperature sensor 123 detects the hot water discharge temperature To of the hot water discharge pipe 115. The temperature sensor 122 is arranged on the output side of the secondary side path 152, and detects the high temperature water temperature Th after heating by the hot water supply heat exchanger 150. The flow rate sensor 125 detects the flow rate Q1 introduced into the water inlet pipe 112.

The low temperature water temperature Tw, the high temperature water temperature Th, the hot water temperature To, and the input temperature Ti and the output temperature Thm of the heat medium, which are detected by the temperature sensors 121 to 123, 126, 127, are input to the controller 130. Further, the flow rate Q1 detected by the flow rate sensor 125 and the heating operation signal Sst from the heating device 180 are input to the controller 130.

The controller 130 further controls the opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120, the operation / stop of the combustion burner 102, and the amount of heat generated, as well as the operation / stop of the circulation pump 170 and the opening degree of the distribution valve 160.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram illustrating operation control of the heating water heater 100a by the controller 130.

With reference to FIG. 2, the controller 130 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “microcomputer”) 131, an analog / digital (A / D) converter 132, and a memory 133. The microcomputer 131 controls the operation of each component device by executing a program stored in the memory 133 in advance so that the heating water heater 100a operates according to an operation command from the user.

The controller 130 is connected to the remote controller (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “remote controller”) 300 of the heating / water heater 100a by a communication line (for example, a 2-core communication line). Signals can be transmitted to each other between the remote controller 300 and the controller 130.

An operation command for the heating / water heater 100a is input to the remote controller 300 from the user. For example, the operation command includes an operation on / off command for switching between an operation on state and an operation off state of the heating water heater 100a, and a hot water supply set temperature in the hot water supply operation. The operation on / off command and the hot water supply set temperature input to the remote controller 300 are transmitted from the remote controller 300 to the controller 130.

The remote controller 300 has a display unit 310, an operation unit 320, and a light emitter 330. The display unit 310 can be configured using, for example, a liquid crystal dot matrix in order to display visual information to the user. The remote controller 300 can display information based on the data (hot water temperature, etc.) collected by the controller 130 by using the display unit 310.

The operation unit 320 can be configured by using a push switch or a touch switch as an operation switch for the user to input an operation command. By using the touch panel, the display unit 310 and the operation unit 320 can be integrally formed.

The light emitter 330 can be configured by at least one LED (Light Emitting Diode). By turning on / off / blinking the at least one LED, the light emitting body 330 can realize a plurality of lighting patterns. The light emitter 330 can visually display information indicating a connection state between the input terminals 211 and 212, which will be described later, and the predetermined wiring 250.

Next, the operation of the heating water heater 100a will be described.
Heating circulation for circulating the heat medium to and from the heating device 180 by operating the circulation pump 170 and forming a heat medium path between the first node 160a and the second node 160b by the distribution valve 160. A route can be formed. Inside the heating water heater 100a, the heating circulation path is between the input end 141a and the output end 141b, the pipe 143, the heat exchanger 104, the pipe 144, the first node 160a and the second node 160b of the distribution valve 160, and , Formed to include piping 145.

On the other hand, the distribution valve 160 forms a heat medium path between the first node 160a and the third node 160c, so that the heat medium bypassing the heating device 180 by the pipes 146 and 147 is the heat exchanger 150 for hot water supply. A bypass path through which the primary side path 151 flows can be formed. Thereby, by operating the circulation pump 170, the heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 104 can be passed through the bypass path. Further, it is possible to control the distribution ratio to the bypass path with respect to the flow rate of the heating circulation path according to the opening degree of the distribution valve 160.

When the heating operation signal Sst is set to "1" in the operation on state of the heating water heater 100a, the controller 130 operates the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 to heat the heat medium and the above-mentioned heating. Form a circulation pathway. The amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 is controlled so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium matches the output target temperature corresponding to the set heating capacity.

During the heating operation, if the hot water supply plug (not shown) is closed and the detected flow rate Q1 of the flow rate sensor 125 is less than the predetermined minimum flow rate, only the heating operation is executed. The entire amount of heat medium is controlled to flow through the heating circulation path.

On the other hand, during the heating operation, when the hot water supply plug (not shown) is opened and the detected flow rate Q1 of the flow rate sensor 125 exceeds the minimum flow rate, simultaneous operation of heating and hot water supply is executed. In the simultaneous operation, with the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 operating, the distribution valve 160 is controlled so that a part of the heated heat medium passes through the bypass path. As a result, in the hot water supply heat exchanger 150, the low-temperature water introduced from the water inlet pipe 112 into the secondary side path 152 is heated by the heat medium passing through the primary side path 151. As a result, hot water can be supplied from the hot water outlet pipe 115 by mixing the high-temperature water after heating by the hot water supply heat exchanger 150 and the low-temperature water that has passed through the bypass pipe 116. By adjusting the opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120, the hot water outlet temperature To is controlled to the hot water supply set temperature.

When the operation of the heating water heater 100a is on and the heating operation signal Sst is "0", the hot water supply plug (not shown) is opened and the detected flow rate Q1 of the flow rate sensor 125 exceeds the minimum flow rate, the hot water is supplied. Only driving is performed. The circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 are also operated in the hot water supply operation. Further, the distribution valve 160 is controlled so that the entire amount of the heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 104 passes through the bypass path. It is preferable that the output target temperature of the heat medium in the hot water supply operation is set to a value different from that in the heating operation and the simultaneous operation. Even in the hot water supply operation, the hot water outlet temperature To is controlled to the hot water supply set temperature by adjusting the opening degree of the bypass flow valve 120.

On the other hand, in the heating water heater 100a, even if the heating operation signal Sst is "1" or the detected flow rate Q1 of the flow rate sensor 125 is detected to exceed the minimum flow rate in the operation off state. , The combustion burner 102 is maintained in a stopped state. That is, since the heat medium is not heated, none of the heating operation, the hot water supply operation, and the simultaneous operation is started. In the configuration in which the heating water heater 100a supplies the heat medium to the plurality of heating devices 180, the heating operation signal Sst is set to "1" during the operation of at least one of the plurality of heating devices 180. When all the heating devices 180 are stopped, the heating operation signal Sst can be set to "0" to control the execution and stop of the heating operation described above.

For the heating water heater 100a according to the present embodiment, the heating capacity request in the heating operation is input by the predetermined wiring 250 for transmitting the outside air temperature detection signal to the input terminals 211 and 212. An outside air temperature sensor 400 is connected to the predetermined wiring 250. The outside air temperature sensor 400 is a sensor for detecting the outside air temperature θout of the space (room or the like) in which the heating device 180 is installed. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the outside air temperature sensor 400 is installed outside the heating water heater 100a, the outside air temperature sensor 400 may be built in the heating water heater 100a.

The outside air temperature sensor 400 outputs a signal indicating the detected outside air temperature θout (outside air temperature detection signal) to the heating water heater 100a as a heating capacity request. The outside air temperature detection signal is, for example, a voltage signal having a voltage value within a predetermined range.

In the following, the voltage value of the outside air temperature detection signal is referred to as the detection voltage Vos. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the detected voltage Vos has a single polarity (here, a positive voltage). Further, it is assumed that the lower the detected outside air temperature θout, the higher the detected voltage Vos.

By connecting the wiring 250 to the input terminals 211 and 212, the detection voltage Vos is input between the input terminals 211 and 212. The voltage conversion circuit 200 converts the detected voltage Vos into the detected voltage Vos # input to the controller 130. The controller 130 detects the outside air temperature θout based on the detected voltage Vos #, and sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium. Then, the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 is controlled so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 coincides with the output target temperature θset.

In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the combustion burner 102 corresponds to an embodiment of the “heating mechanism”, and the microcomputer 131 corresponds to an embodiment of the “control unit”. In the present embodiment, the A / D converter 132 and the microcomputer 131 are separately configured, but the A / D converter 132 may be built in the microcomputer 131. In that case, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) in the microcomputer 131 corresponds to an embodiment of the “control unit”.

Further, the output target temperature θset of the heat medium corresponds to one embodiment of “target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism”. The target temperature of the heat medium may be set stepwise as a temperature level instead of the temperature value itself. In the present embodiment, when the target temperature of the heat medium is set high, the output temperature θout of the heat medium is increased.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram for explaining a configuration example of the voltage conversion circuit 200.
With reference to FIG. 3, the voltage conversion circuit 200 includes capacitors Ca and Cb, varistor (voltage non-linear resistor) Va, and resistance elements Ra and Rb. In the following, the electric resistance value of each resistance element shall be indicated by the same reference numeral.

Nodes N1 and N2 are connected to input terminals 211 and 212, respectively. Capacitor Ca is connected between nodes N1 and N2. The node N2 is connected to a ground node that supplies the ground voltage GND (0V).

The varistor Va is connected between the node N1 and the reference node that supplies the reference voltage Vref. The varistor Va is provided to protect the controller 130 when a high voltage exceeding the power supply voltage Vcc is input between the input terminals 211 and 212. The capacitor Cb is connected between the node N1 and the grounded node. Capacitors Ca and Cb remove noise from the voltage of node N1 (that is, the detected voltage Vos).

The node N1 is connected to a power supply node that supplies the power supply voltage Vcc via the resistance element Ra. The node N1 is further connected to the output node No. from which the detection voltage Vos # is output via the resistance element Rb. The outside air temperature sensor 400 is, for example, a thermistor, and its resistance value Ros changes according to the outside air temperature. The detected voltage Vos # is represented by the following equation (1). The voltage drop in the resistance element Rb can be ignored.

By connecting the output node No. to the port 134 of the controller 130, the detection voltage Vos # is input to the controller 130. When a high voltage (> Vcc) on noise is input to the node N1, the electric resistance value of the varistor Va drops sharply to absorb the high voltage, so that the voltage of the output node No. is equal to or higher than the power supply voltage Vcc. Does not rise to. As a result, the controller 130 can be protected from the overvoltage input.

The detection voltage Vos # input to the controller 130 is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 132. The microcomputer 131 detects the outside air temperature θout based on the digital value from the A / D converter 132, and executes a control process for setting the output target temperature θset of the heat medium based on the detected outside air temperature θout. Then, the microcomputer 131 controls the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 matches the output target temperature θset.

FIG. 4 shows the input / output characteristics of the voltage conversion circuit 200, that is, the correspondence relationship of the detected voltage Vos # with respect to the outside air temperature detection signal. The horizontal axis of FIG. 4 shows the outside air temperature θout detected by the outside air temperature sensor 400, and the vertical axis shows the detected voltage Vos # (digital value).

The outside air temperature sensor 400 has a detection range for the outside air temperature θout. In FIG. 4, θLlim indicates the lower limit temperature of the detection range of the outside air temperature sensor 400, and θHlim indicates the upper limit temperature of the detection range. The outside air temperature sensor 400 is configured so that the voltage value (that is, the detection voltage Vos) of the outside air temperature detection signal increases as the outside air temperature θout decreases. Therefore, the voltage of the output node No. of the voltage conversion circuit 200 (that is, the detected voltage Vos #) becomes the maximum voltage Vmax when θout = θLlim, and gradually decreases as the outside air temperature θout increases from the lower limit temperature θLlim. Then, when θout = θHlim, the detection voltage Vos # becomes the minimum voltage Vmin. The maximum voltage Vmax is lower than the power supply voltage Vcc, and the minimum voltage Vmin is higher than 0V (GND).

Here, in the heating / water heater 100a, a failure may occur in which the detection voltage Vos # is not normally input to the microcomputer 131. When the failure occurs, the microcomputer 131 cannot detect the outside air temperature θ.

Specifically, a failure (hereinafter, also referred to as “open failure”) may occur in which the electrical connection between the microcomputer 131 and the outside air temperature sensor 400 is interrupted. The open failure can occur, for example, when the wiring 250 is not connected to the input terminals 211 and 212, or when the wiring 250 connected to the input terminals 211 and 212 is broken. Alternatively, it may occur when the electrical wiring (including the voltage conversion circuit 200 and the A / D converter 132) from the input terminals 211 and 212 to the microcomputer 131 is interrupted.

In the heating / water heater 100a, a failure (hereinafter, also referred to as “short failure”) may occur in which the electrical connection between the microcomputer 131 and the outside air temperature sensor 400 is short-circuited. A short-circuit failure occurs, for example, when the input terminals 211 and 212 are short-circuited, or when the wiring 250 connected to the input terminals 211 and 212 is short-circuited (short-circuit between the terminals of the outside air temperature sensor 400). Can occur in). Alternatively, it may occur when the electrical wiring from the input terminals 211 and 212 to the microcomputer 131 is short-circuited to the ground voltage GND.

Further, the failure in which the detection voltage Vos # is not normally input to the microcomputer 131 can include the failure of the A / D converter 132.

When an open failure occurs in the heating water heater 100a, the voltage conversion circuit 200 shown in FIG. 3 does not generate an input voltage between the input terminals 211 and 212, so that the voltage of the node N1 is pulled up to the power supply voltage Vcc. To. Therefore, the detected voltage Vos # is substantially equal to the power supply voltage Vcc. On the other hand, when a short-circuit failure occurs in the heating / water heater 100a, the voltage of the node N1 is pulled down to the ground voltage GND in the voltage conversion circuit 200, so that the detected voltage Vos # becomes 0V (GND). Even when a failure occurs in the A / D converter 132, the detection voltage Vos # can be the power supply voltage Vcc or the ground voltage GND depending on the content of the failure.

Therefore, in the controller 130, the microcomputer 131 can determine whether or not an open failure or a short failure has occurred in the heating water heater 100a based on the detection voltage Vos # input from the voltage conversion circuit 200. Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the detection voltage Vos # is input in addition to the voltage range (Vmax ≧ Vos # ≧ Vmin) corresponding to the detection range (θLlim ≦ θout ≦ θHlim) of the outside air temperature θout. A voltage range (VULim ≧ Vos # ≧ VLlim) indicating that the electrical connection between the terminals 211 and 212 and the wiring 250 is normal is set. The upper limit voltage VULim in the voltage range is higher than the maximum voltage Vmax and lower than the power supply voltage Vcc, and the lower limit voltage VLlim is lower than the minimum voltage Vmin and higher than the ground voltage GND (0V).

The microcomputer 131 detects a failure when the detected voltage Vos # deviates from the above voltage range (VULim ≧ Vos # ≧ VLlim). Specifically, when the detection voltage Vos # is higher than the upper limit voltage VULim and is equal to or lower than the power supply voltage Vcc, the microcomputer 131 detects an open failure. Further, when the detected voltage Vos # is lower than the lower limit voltage VLlim and equal to or higher than the ground voltage GND, the microcomputer 131 detects a short-circuit failure. Note that FIG. 4 shows a voltage range in which an open failure is detected (VULim <Vos # ≦ Vcc) and a voltage range in which a short failure is detected (VLlim> Vos # ≧ 0).

On the other hand, when the detected voltage Vos # is within the voltage range of Vmin ≦ Vos # ≦ Vmax, the microcomputer 131 sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium based on the outside air temperature θout corresponding to the detected voltage Vos #. Set. Specifically, the microcomputer 131 is input from the A / D converter 132 by referring to the input / output characteristics (correspondence relationship of the detected voltage Vos # with respect to the outside air temperature θout) in the voltage conversion circuit 200 shown in FIG. The outside air temperature θout is detected based on the digital value. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the microcomputer 131 sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium based on the outside air temperature θout.

FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the setting characteristics of the output target temperature θset of the heat medium with respect to the outside air temperature θout. The horizontal axis of FIG. 5 shows the outside air temperature θout, and the vertical axis shows the output target temperature θset of the heat medium.

In the relational data in which the outside air temperature θout is associated with the output target temperature θset, the output target temperature θset is represented by a linear function having the outside air temperature θout as a variable. Specifically, in the graph of FIG. 5, the relational data is defined by a straight line connecting the reference point P0 (θL, θmax) on the low temperature side and the reference point P1 (θH, θmin) on the high temperature side.

In the temperature range where the outside air temperature θout is predetermined (θL ≦ θout ≦ θH), the output target temperature θset is set according to the outside air temperature θout. Specifically, when θout = θL (minimum temperature), the output target temperature θset is set to the upper limit temperature θmax. On the other hand, when θout = θH (maximum temperature), the output target temperature θset is set to the lower limit temperature θmin. In the range of θL <θout <θH, the output target temperature θset is set according to the linear function (straight line) of the outside air temperature θout.

The controller 130 has a plurality of the above-mentioned relational data. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the controller 130 has five relational data defined by five straight lines L1 to L5, respectively. These five relational data are configured to associate the outside air temperature θout with different output target temperatures θset. Specifically, in the graph of FIG. 5, the five straight lines L1 to L5 have different output target temperatures θset at at least one of the reference point P0 and the reference point P1. Therefore, for example, in the relational data shown by the straight line L1, the output target temperature θset = θmax1 is set when θout = θL (reference point P0), whereas in the relational data shown by the straight line L2, θout is set. When = θL, the output target temperature θset = θmax2 (θmax2 <θmax1) is set. Further, in the relational data shown by the straight line L1, when θout = θH (reference point P1), the output target temperature θset = θmin1 is set, whereas in the relational data shown by the straight line L2, θout = θH. At this time, the output target temperature θset = θmin2 (θmin2 <θmin1) is set.

In the present embodiment, one relational data can be selected from a plurality of relational data according to the intended use of the heating device 180, the installation environment of the heating device 180 and the heating water heater 100a, and the like. For example, when the work of connecting the predetermined wiring 250 to the input terminals 211 and 212 of the heating water heater 100a is carried out, the builder can perform an operation of selecting the optimum relational data.

Specifically, when the outside air temperature sensor 400 is electrically connected to the input terminals 211 and 212 via the predetermined wiring 250, the installer performs an operation for setting the input terminals 211 and 212 to the operating state. It is done. Along with this operation, an operation of selecting one relational data from a plurality of relational data is performed. These operations can be performed, for example, by using the operation unit 320 provided on the remote controller 300.

For example, when the installer finishes the installation work, the installer uses the operation unit 320 of the remote controller 300 to input information for identifying the outside air temperature sensor 400 and information for identifying the selected relationship data. Can be done. The input information is transmitted from the remote controller 300 to the controller 130, and is stored in the memory 133 inside the controller 130.

When the heating operation signal Sst is set to "1" in the operation on state of the heating water heater 100a, the microcomputer 131 receives information (selected relational data) held in the memory 133 and the voltage conversion circuit 200. The output target temperature θset of the heat medium is set based on the outside air temperature θout corresponding to the input detection voltage Vos #.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of setting the output target temperature θset of the heat medium using the selected relational data.

In the graph of FIG. 6, the selected relational data is defined by a straight line L connecting the reference point P0 (θL, θmax) and the reference point P1 (θH, θmin). At the points (θout, θset) on the straight line L, the output target temperature θset can be obtained by the following equation (2).

The microcomputer 131 operates the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 to heat the heat medium and form the above-mentioned heating circulation path. Then, the microcomputer 131 controls the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 matches the output target temperature θset.

During the heating operation, the microcomputer 131 determines whether or not an open failure or a short failure has occurred in the heating water heater 100a based on the detected voltage Vos #. As described with reference to FIG. 4, when the detection voltage Vos # is VULim <Vos # ≦ Vcc, the microcomputer 131 detects an open failure. Further, when the detection voltage Vos # is VLlim> Vos # ≧ 0, the microcomputer 131 detects a short-circuit failure.

When an open failure or a short failure is detected, the microcomputer 131 notifies the failure by using the remote controller 300. For example, the light emitting body 330 of the remote controller 300 can be blinked, and information indicating a failure can be visually displayed on the display unit 310. Further, instead of such visual notification, or in addition to visual notification, it is also possible to aurally notify information indicating a failure, such as sounding an alarm.

In addition to notifying the above-mentioned failure, the microcomputer 131 changes the output target temperature θset of the heat medium to the temperature in the high temperature region of the set range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data. In the specification of the present application, the "high temperature region of the setting range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data" is equal to or higher than the actual value of the output temperature Thm of the heat medium before the failure is detected, and the output target temperature θset is set. It means a temperature region that is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the range (that is, the upper limit temperature θmax). The "actual value of the output temperature Thm of the heat medium before the failure is detected" is the actual value of the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 before the failure is detected, or the actual value of the output target temperature θset. It is a value, and can be, for example, the lowest value of the detected temperature (or output target temperature θset) of the temperature sensor 127 within a predetermined time before the time when the failure is detected. Alternatively, it can be the average value, the mode value, or the median value of the detection temperature (or output target temperature θset) of the temperature sensor 127 within the predetermined time.

In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 131 changes the output target temperature θset of the heat medium to the upper limit value (upper limit temperature θmax) of the setting range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data. Therefore, in the emergency operation after the failure is detected, the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 is controlled so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium matches the upper limit temperature θmax.

In this way, when a failure is detected, the output target temperature θset of the heat medium is changed to the temperature in the high temperature region (for example, the upper limit temperature θmax) in the setting range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data. Therefore, even during the emergency operation, a sufficient amount of heat for the heating operation can be supplied to the heat medium, so that the user's comfort can be ensured.

Specifically, for example, in a cold region where the outside air temperature is low, it is not convenient for the user to be unable to perform the heating operation after the failure is detected. In particular, in an environment where a service system that can repair the product immediately after the failure is detected is not in place, there may be a problem that the heating operation cannot be performed for several days. Therefore, it is required that the heating operation can be continued as an emergency even after the failure is detected.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the failure is detected, the heat medium is heated according to the changed output target temperature θset and the heating operation is continued, so that the usability of the user can be improved.

Further, in such an emergency operation, the output target temperature θset of the heat medium is set to the temperature in the high temperature region of the set range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data, so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium is set to The output temperature will be maintained above the actual value of Thm before the failure is detected. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the output temperature Thm of the heat medium is lowered after the start of the emergency operation and the heating function is lowered.

On the other hand, it is naturally possible that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium during the emergency operation becomes higher than the output temperature Thm before the failure is detected. However, even in such a case, the output temperature Thm of the heat medium is within the high temperature region of the set range of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data. In other words, the output temperature Thm of the heat medium does not exceed the upper limit temperature θmax of the output target temperature θset in the selected relational data, so that it is within the range of actual use and does not matter. This is because the output temperature Thm of the heat medium during the emergency operation is only equivalent to the output temperature Thm of the heat medium when the outside air temperature θout is low during the normal operation in which no failure has occurred.

In addition, the heating device is usually provided with a thermostat to keep the room temperature near the set heating temperature, and automatically executes and stops the heating operation according to the temperature difference between the set heating temperature and the room temperature. It is configured to be switchable to. In the present embodiment, the thermostat is provided in the heating device 180, and can output the heating operation signal Sst to the controller 130 of the heating water heater 100a according to the temperature difference between the heating set temperature and the room temperature. .. Therefore, if the room temperature becomes higher than the heating set temperature during the emergency operation, the thermostat changes the heating operation signal Sst from "1" to "0", so that the heating operation is stopped. .. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in user comfort during emergency driving.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control process during the heating operation in the controller 130. The control process shown in FIG. 7 can be repeatedly executed by, for example, the microcomputer 131 of the controller 130.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the outside air temperature detection signal (detection voltage Vo) input between the input terminals 211 and 212 is converted into the detection voltage Vos # by the voltage conversion circuit 200. With reference to FIG. 7, the controller 130 acquires the detected voltage Vos # input from the voltage conversion circuit 200 in step S11. The microcomputer 131 acquires the detection voltage Vos # converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 132.

In step S12, the microcomputer 131 determines whether or not a failure (open failure or short failure) has occurred in the heating / water heater 100a based on the detected voltage Vos # acquired. When the detection voltage Vos # deviates from a predetermined voltage range (VULim ≧ Vos # ≧ VLlim in FIG. 4) according to the detection range of the outside air temperature θout, a failure is detected.

If no failure is detected in the failure determination in step S12 (NO determination in S13), the microcomputer 131 proceeds to step S18 and detects the outside air temperature θout based on the detection voltage Vos #.

Further, the microcomputer 131 refers to the information for identifying the selected relational data held in the memory 133 in step S19. As described with reference to FIG. 5, the information identifies one relational data selected in advance by the builder or the like from the plurality of relational data possessed by the controller 130. In the relational data, the output target temperature θset is represented by a linear function with the outside air temperature θout as a variable.

In step S20, the microcomputer 131 sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium based on the outside air temperature θout using the selected relationship data. Then, the microcomputer 131 proceeds to step S17 and controls the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 matches the output target temperature θset.

On the other hand, when a failure is detected in the failure determination in step S12 (when YES is determined in S13), the microcomputer 131 proceeds to step S14 and notifies the failure using the remote controller 300.

Further, the microcomputer 131 refers to the information for specifying the selected relationship data held in the memory 133 in step S15, and in step S16, sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium to the selected relationship. The temperature is changed to the temperature in the high temperature region (for example, the upper limit temperature θmax) in the setting range of the output target temperature θset in the data. In step S17, the microcomputer 131 controls the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 127 matches the changed output target temperature θset (upper limit temperature θmax). ..

As described above, according to the heating heat source device according to the present embodiment, the output target temperature θset is set in the selected relational data after the failure in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not normally input to the input terminal is detected. Since the emergency operation is executed according to the output target temperature θset changed to the temperature in the high temperature region of the range, the usability of the user can be improved.

Further, during the execution of the emergency operation, the output temperature of the heat medium is maintained at or higher than the actual value of the output temperature before the failure is detected, so that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the heating function. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the comfort of the user during emergency driving.

In the heating heat source device according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the outside temperature detection signal (voltage signal) is input to the microcomputer 131 by the electrical connection between the microcomputer 131 inside the controller 130 and the outside temperature sensor 400 will be described. However, the outside temperature detection signal may be input to the microcomputer 131 by wireless communication with the outside temperature sensor 400. In this case, if an abnormality in wireless communication is detected during the heating operation, the output target temperature θset of the heat medium is changed according to the procedure described above, and the emergency operation is executed.

Further, the heating heat source device according to the present embodiment does not have a hot water supply function as shown in FIG. 1, but may be dedicated to the heating function.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the heat source device for heating according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Compared with FIGS. 8 and 1, the heating-dedicated water heater 100b has a configuration related to a heating function in the heating water heater 100a, that is, a configuration for circulating a heat medium with the heating device 180 (heating circulation). It has only a route).

Specifically, in the heating water heater 100b, from the heating water heater 100a shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 150 for hot water supply, the distribution valve 160 and the pipes 145 to 147, the water inlet pipe 112, and the hot water outlet pipe 115 , The arrangement of the bypass pipe 116 and the bypass flow valve 120 is omitted. That is, in the heating-only water heater 100b, when the circulation pump 170 is operated, a heating circulation path can be formed between the input end 141a and the output end 141b by the pipe 143, the heat exchanger 104, and the pipe 144.

The input temperature Ti of the heat medium detected by the temperature sensor 126, the output temperature Thm detected by the temperature sensor 127, and the operation command regarding the heating function input to the remote controller 300 are input to the controller 130. This operation command includes an operation on / off command for switching the operation on state and the operation off state of the heating dedicated water heater 100b. Further, the heating operation signal Sst from the heating device 180 is input to the controller 130.

The controller 130 operates the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 when the heating operation signal Sst is set to "1" while the operation of the heating water heater 100b is on. As a result, the heating operation is executed by passing the heated heat medium through the heating circulation path. In the heating operation, the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 is controlled so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium matches the output target temperature corresponding to the set heating capacity.

On the other hand, even in the heating dedicated water heater 100b, the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 are maintained in the stopped state when the heating operation signal Sst is set to "0" even when the operation is on. Further, in the operation off state, the circulation pump 170 and the combustion burner 102 are maintained in the stopped state even if the heating operation signal Sst is set to “1”. That is, since the heat medium is not heated, the heating operation is not started.

Then, even for the water heater 100b dedicated to heating, the heating capacity request in the heating operation is input by connecting the predetermined wiring 250 for transmitting the outside air temperature detection signal to the input terminals 211 and 212. Further, the voltage conversion circuit 200 converts the detection voltage Vos input between the input terminals 211 and 212 into the detection voltage Vos # input to the controller 130 (microcomputer 131). As described with reference to FIG. 5, the microcomputer 131 detects the outside air temperature θout based on the detection voltage Vos # and sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium.

The microcomputer 131 further determines whether or not a failure (open failure or short failure) has occurred in the heating water heater 100b based on the detected voltage Vos #. Then, when the failure is detected, the microcomputer 131 notifies the failure by using the remote controller 300, and as described with reference to FIG. 6, sets the output target temperature θset of the heat medium as the output target in the selected relational data. The temperature is changed to the temperature in the high temperature region within the setting range of the temperature θset. Therefore, in the emergency operation after the failure is detected, the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 102 is controlled so that the output temperature Thm of the heat medium matches the upper limit temperature θmax.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

100a heating water heater, 100b heating water heater, 101 can body, 102 combustion burner, 104 heat exchanger, 112 water inlet pipe, 115 hot water pipe, 116 bypass pipe, 117 confluence, 120 bypass flow valve, 121-124,126 , 127 Temperature sensor, 125 Flow sensor, 130 controller, 131 microcomputer, 132 A / D converter, 133 memory, 134 port, 141a input end, 141b output end, 143 to 147 piping, 150 hot water supply heat exchanger, 151 primary Side path, 152 secondary side path, 160 distribution valve, 170 circulation pump, 180 heating device, 181 external piping, 186 radiator, 200 voltage conversion circuit, 211,212 input terminals, 250 wiring, 300 remote control, 310 display, 320 operation unit, 330 light emitter, Ca, Cb capacitor, Va varistor, Ra, Rb resistance element, N1, N2 node, No output node.

Claims (8)

It is a heat source device for heating
A heating mechanism that heats the heat medium supplied to the heating device,
A control unit for setting a target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism is provided.
The control unit has a plurality of relational data for associating the outside air temperature with the target temperature, and the relational data selected from the plurality of relational data is used to determine the outside air temperature input to the control unit. It is configured to set the target temperature based on the detected value.
Further, when a failure in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not normally input is detected, the control unit sets the target temperature within the setting range of the target temperature that can be set by the selected relational data. A heat source device for heating that changes the temperature in the high temperature range. When the failure is detected, the control unit sets the target temperature to be equal to or higher than the actual temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism before the failure is detected, and the selected relationship. The heating heat source device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature is changed to a temperature equal to or lower than an upper limit of the target temperature setting range in the data. The heating heat source device according to claim 2, wherein when the failure is detected, the control unit changes the target temperature to an upper limit value of a setting range of the target temperature in the selected relationship data. The heating heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the occurrence of the failure during the heating operation according to the changed target temperature. The heating heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an operation unit for receiving an operation of selecting one relational data from the plurality of relational data. The heating heat source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in each of the plurality of relational data, the target temperature is represented by a linear function having the outside air temperature as a variable. It is a control method of the heat source device for heating.
The heating heat source device is
A heating mechanism that heats the heat medium supplied to the heating device,
Including the control unit
The heating heat source device has a plurality of relational data for associating the outside air temperature with the target temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism.
The control method is
A step of setting the target temperature based on the detected value of the outside air temperature input to the control unit using the relational data selected in advance from the plurality of relational data.
A step of detecting a failure in which the detection value of the outside air temperature is not normally input to the control unit, and
When the failure is detected, the heating heat source device includes a step of changing the target temperature to a temperature in a high temperature region of the target temperature setting range that can be set by the selected relational data. Control method. The high temperature region of the target temperature setting range is equal to or higher than the actual value of the temperature of the heat medium after heating by the heating mechanism before the failure is detected, and the target temperature is set in the selected relationship data. The method for controlling a heating heat source device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature range is equal to or lower than the upper limit of the range.

Images