JP2006329566A

JP2006329566A - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP2006329566A
Application number: JP2005156774A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuhiko Marumoto; 一彦丸本; Takeji Watanabe; 竹司渡辺; Masahiro Ohama; 昌宏尾浜; Seiichi Yasuki; 誠一安木; Takayuki Takatani; 隆幸高谷; Tatsumura Mo; 立群毛; Tetsuei Kuramoto; 哲英倉本
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2005-05-30
Filing date: 2005-05-30
Publication date: 2006-12-07

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater having higher heating efficiency in a heat pump 6 by selecting heat-exchangeable medium temperature water in a hot water storage tank 8 according to the temperature of hot and cold water in a bathtub 13 to heat the hot and cold water in the bathtub 13, thereby lowering the temperature of medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank 8. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of hot water discharge ports are provided in a vertical direction of a side face of the hot water storage tank, and hot and cold water in the bathtub is heated with hot water in the tank taken out of the hot water discharge port, as a heat source. When heating of a bath is determined to be necessary, a hot water temperature detected by a bath hot water temperature sensor 32, and the temperatures of stored hot water temperature detecting means 17a, 17c, 17e, are compared in a heat source side circuit 30 to select a switching means 10 corresponding to the stored hot water temperature detecting means 17 which detected the temperature equal to the hot water temperature detected by a heating unit sensor 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は加熱した湯水を貯湯タンクに蓄えて給湯を行う貯湯式給湯装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that stores hot hot water in a hot water storage tank to supply hot water.

従来のこの種の貯湯式給湯装置としては、例えば、図２に示すようなものがあった（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 As a conventional hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of this type, for example, there is one as shown in FIG. 2 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

図２に示すように、この給湯機は貯湯タンク８と、ヒートポンプ６による加熱源１を備え、貯湯タンク８の下部から沸上げ管９でヒートポンプ６と接続し、ヒートポンプ６から貯湯タンク上部へ接続している。 As shown in FIG. 2, this water heater includes a hot water storage tank 8 and a heating source 1 by a heat pump 6. The hot water tank 8 is connected to the heat pump 6 from the lower part of the hot water tank 8 through the boiling pipe 9, and is connected from the heat pump 6 to the upper part of the hot water tank. is doing.

また、浴槽１３内の湯水を加熱するための風呂熱交換器１４において、利用側は利用側ポンプ１２により、浴槽１３内の湯水を循環するように接続され、また熱源側は熱源側ポンプ１１により貯湯タンク８上部の高温の湯を循環して貯湯タンク８の底部に環流している。 In the bath heat exchanger 14 for heating hot water in the bathtub 13, the use side is connected to circulate the hot water in the bathtub 13 by the use side pump 12, and the heat source side is supplied by the heat source side pump 11. Hot water at the top of the hot water storage tank 8 is circulated and circulated to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8.

この様に、利用側ポンプ１２と熱源側ポンプ１１を動作させることにより熱源側の高温水と利用側の低温水が風呂熱交換器１４で熱交換することにより浴槽１３内の湯水の保温あるいは追い焚きが行われる。また、熱源側の高温水は貯湯タンク８の上部より熱源側ポンプ１１により風呂熱交換器１４に送られ、利用側の低温水と熱交換した後、貯湯タンク８底部付近に環流される。
特開２００４−２９３８３７号公報 In this way, by operating the use side pump 12 and the heat source side pump 11, the hot water on the heat source side and the low temperature water on the use side exchange heat with the bath heat exchanger 14, thereby keeping the hot water in the bathtub 13 warm or supplemented. A whisper is done. The hot water on the heat source side is sent from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 to the bath heat exchanger 14 by the heat source side pump 11, exchanges heat with the low temperature water on the use side, and then circulates near the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-293737

しかしながら、上記構成では、風呂熱交換器１４での熱交換より３０〜５０℃程度の中温水が貯湯タンク８に貯まっていく。中温水は湯温が低いため風呂の追い焚き、あるいは暖房に用いることはできない。また、中温水をそのまま貯留しておくと貯湯タンク８内の蓄熱量が減少するため湯切れの原因となる。そのため、中温水をヒートポンプ６で加熱することになるが、湯水の温度が高いためヒートポンプ６の効率低下を招くと言う課題があった。 However, in the above configuration, medium temperature water of about 30 to 50 ° C. is stored in the hot water storage tank 8 by heat exchange in the bath heat exchanger 14. Medium-temperature water cannot be used for bathing or heating because the temperature of the hot water is low. In addition, if the medium temperature water is stored as it is, the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 8 is reduced, which causes hot water shortage. Therefore, although the medium temperature water is heated by the heat pump 6, there is a problem that the efficiency of the heat pump 6 is reduced because the temperature of the hot water is high.

本発明の目的は、浴槽１３内の湯水の温度により熱交換可能な貯湯タンク８内の中温水を選択して、浴槽１３内の湯水を加熱することにより、貯湯タンク８内の中温水の温度を低下させることによりヒートポンプ６での加熱効率がより高い給湯機を提供する事にある。 The object of the present invention is to select the medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank 8 that can exchange heat according to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 13 and heat the hot water in the bathtub 13, thereby Is to provide a water heater having higher heating efficiency in the heat pump 6.

この目的を達成するために本発明の給湯機は、貯湯タンク側面上下方向に複数の出湯口を設け、出湯口から取り出されるタンク内の湯を熱源として浴槽内の湯水を加熱するようにした。 In order to achieve this object, the hot water supply apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plurality of hot water outlets in the vertical direction of the hot water storage tank side surface, and hot water in the bathtub is heated using hot water in the tank taken out from the hot water outlet as a heat source.

これによって、浴槽内の湯水と熱交換可能な貯湯タンク内の中温水を選択して、浴槽内の湯水を加熱でき、貯湯タンク内の中温水の温度を低下させることができる。 Accordingly, the hot water in the hot water storage tank that can exchange heat with the hot water in the bathtub can be selected, the hot water in the bathtub can be heated, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be lowered.

本発明の給湯機は、浴槽内の湯水と熱交換可能な貯湯タンク内の中温水を選択して、浴槽内の湯水を加熱することで、貯湯タンク内の中温水の温度を低下させることができ、ヒートポンプ６での加熱効率がより高い給湯機を提供できる。 The water heater of the present invention can select the medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank that can exchange heat with the hot water in the bathtub, and heat the hot water in the bathtub to reduce the temperature of the medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank. It is possible to provide a water heater with higher heating efficiency in the heat pump 6.

第１の発明は、貯湯タンク側面上下方向に複数の出湯口を設け、出湯口から取り出されるタンク内の湯を熱源として浴槽内の湯水を加熱するようにした。 In the first invention, a plurality of hot water outlets are provided in the vertical direction of the hot water storage tank side surface, and hot water in the bathtub is heated using hot water in the tank taken out from the hot water outlet as a heat source.

第２の発明は、特に第1の発明で、貯湯タンク内の湯を取り出すための出湯口を切り換える切換手段を設けた。 The second invention is particularly the first invention, and is provided with a switching means for switching a hot water outlet for taking out hot water in the hot water storage tank.

第３の発明は、特に第１，２の発明で、前記出湯口から取り出され、前記浴槽内の湯水を加熱し冷却された前記貯湯タンクへ戻る環流水は前記出湯口の何れかを通って戻るようにした。 The third aspect of the invention is particularly the first and second aspects of the invention, wherein the reflux water that is taken out from the hot water outlet and returned to the hot water storage tank heated and cooled by the hot water in the bathtub passes through any of the hot water outlets. I went back.

これによって、環流水の貯湯タンクへの戻り位置を選択でき、貯湯タンク内の湯温に近い位置に環流水を戻すことができるので貯湯タンク内で中温水が広がるのを抑制できる。 Accordingly, the return position of the circulating water to the hot water storage tank can be selected, and the circulating water can be returned to a position close to the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank, so that the medium temperature water can be prevented from spreading in the hot water storage tank.

第４の発明は、特に第１〜３の発明で、環流水が戻る出湯口の切り換えは切換手段にて行うようにした。 The fourth aspect of the invention is particularly the first to third aspects of the invention, and switching of the outlet from which the circulating water returns is performed by the switching means.

これによって、環流水の貯湯タンクへの戻り位置を選択でき、貯湯タンク内の湯温に近い位置に環流水を戻すことができるので貯湯タンク内で中温水域が広がるのを抑制できる。 Accordingly, the return position of the circulating water to the hot water storage tank can be selected, and the circulating water can be returned to a position close to the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank, so that it is possible to suppress the expansion of the intermediate hot water area in the hot water storage tank.

第５の発明は、特に第１〜４の発明において、浴槽内の湯水の温度により貯湯タンクより取り出される出湯口を選択し、切換手段を制御するようにした。 In the fifth invention, in particular, in the first to fourth inventions, a hot water outlet to be taken out from the hot water storage tank is selected according to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub, and the switching means is controlled.

第６の発明は、特に第１〜５の発明において、出湯口近傍の貯湯タンク内の湯温を検知する貯湯温度検知手段を設け、環流水の温度との温度差が最も小さい出湯口を選択して環流水を戻す様、切換手段を制御するようにした。 The sixth invention provides a hot water storage temperature detecting means for detecting a hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank near the hot water outlet, particularly in the first to fifth inventions, and selects the hot water outlet having the smallest temperature difference from the temperature of the circulating water. Then, the switching means is controlled so as to return the reflux water.

第７の発明は、特に第１〜６の発明において、加熱源は圧縮機を含むヒートポンプとした。 In the seventh invention, in particular, in the first to sixth inventions, the heat source is a heat pump including a compressor.

これによって、大気熱を主な熱源とした効率の良い加熱ができる。 Thereby, efficient heating using atmospheric heat as a main heat source can be performed.

第８の発明は、特に第６の発明において、ヒートポンプに臨界圧力以上に昇圧された冷媒を用いた。 In the eighth invention, in particular, in the sixth invention, a refrigerant whose pressure is raised to a critical pressure or higher is used for the heat pump.

これにより、放熱器を流れる冷媒は、圧縮機で臨界圧力以上に加圧されているので、放熱器で熱を奪われて温度低下しても凝縮することがない。したがって放熱器全域で冷媒と潜熱蓄熱材とに温度差を形成しやすくなり熱交換効率を高くできる。 Thereby, since the refrigerant | coolant which flows through a radiator is pressurized more than critical pressure with the compressor, even if it takes heat with a radiator and temperature falls, it does not condense. Therefore, it is easy to form a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the latent heat storage material over the entire radiator, and the heat exchange efficiency can be increased.

（実施の形態）
以下、実施の形態について図面を用いて説明する。図１は本発明の実施の形態おける給湯機の回路図である。 (Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a water heater in an embodiment of the present invention.

装置の概要は、低温の湯水と高温の湯水とが層を成した状態で貯えられている貯湯タンク８と、その湯水を加熱する加熱源１であるヒートポンプ６を備え、ヒートポンプ６によって貯湯タンク８の水を加熱して沸き上げて貯湯して給湯に利用する。 The outline of the apparatus includes a hot water storage tank 8 in which low-temperature hot water and high-temperature hot water are stored in a layered state, and a heat pump 6 that is a heating source 1 for heating the hot water. The water is heated and boiled and stored for hot water supply.

先ず、加熱源１であるヒートポンプ６の構成について説明する。ヒートポンプ６は、冷媒を圧縮する圧縮機２、冷媒を冷却する放熱器３、冷媒を減圧する減圧手段４、冷媒を蒸発気化する吸熱器５で構成されている。このヒートポンプ６は、圧縮機２の吐出側より放熱器３を介して減圧手段４に接続し、さらに圧縮機２の吸入側に接続している。 First, the configuration of the heat pump 6 that is the heating source 1 will be described. The heat pump 6 includes a compressor 2 that compresses the refrigerant, a radiator 3 that cools the refrigerant, a decompression unit 4 that decompresses the refrigerant, and a heat absorber 5 that evaporates and evaporates the refrigerant. The heat pump 6 is connected from the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the decompression means 4 via the radiator 3 and further connected to the suction side of the compressor 2.

また、このヒートポンプ６においては、冷媒として炭酸ガスが用いられており、圧縮機２によって圧縮された冷媒は、高温高圧の超臨界状態の冷媒として放熱器３に入り、ここで放熱して冷却する。その後、減圧手段４において減圧されて低温低圧の湿り蒸気となり、吸熱器５で空気と熱交換して蒸発気化し圧縮機２へ戻される。 Further, in the heat pump 6, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 enters the radiator 3 as a high-temperature and high-pressure supercritical refrigerant, and radiates and cools it here. . Thereafter, the pressure is reduced in the pressure reducing means 4 to form low-temperature and low-pressure wet steam, and the heat absorber 5 exchanges heat with air to evaporate and return to the compressor 2.

一方、湯の沸き上げに関する構成は、沸上げ管９は貯湯タンク８の下部からヒートポンプ６と接続し、ヒートポンプ６から貯湯タンク８上部へ接続している。 On the other hand, in the configuration related to boiling of hot water, the boiling pipe 9 is connected to the heat pump 6 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8 and is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 from the heat pump 6.

沸上げ管９が接続されている貯湯タンク上部とは、湯水が貯湯タンク８の高温層側であればよく、また、貯湯タンク８の下部とは、湯水が貯湯タンクの低温層側であればよい。 The upper part of the hot water storage tank to which the boiling pipe 9 is connected is sufficient if the hot water is on the high temperature layer side of the hot water storage tank 8, and the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8 is if the hot water is on the low temperature layer side of the hot water storage tank. Good.

貯湯タンク８からヒートポンプ６に湯水を送り貯湯タンク８に戻すために、沸上げ管９の途中に出力を任意に変化させることができる沸上げポンプ７を設けている。 In order to send hot water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the heat pump 6 and return it to the hot water storage tank 8, a boiling pump 7 capable of arbitrarily changing the output is provided in the middle of the boiling pipe 9.

また、ヒートポンプ６において加熱する前の低湯水の温度を検知する入水温度センサー１５を沸上げ管９のヒートポンプ６（放熱器３）入口側近傍に、加熱した高湯水の温度を検知する出湯温度センサー１６を沸上げ管９におけるヒートポンプ６出口近傍に設けている。 In addition, an incoming water temperature sensor 15 for detecting the temperature of the low hot water before being heated in the heat pump 6 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet side of the heat pump 6 (radiator 3) of the boiling pipe 9 and a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heated hot water. 16 is provided in the vicinity of the outlet of the heat pump 6 in the boiling tube 9.

そして、貯湯タンク８の温度分布を把握するため、外側壁面に垂直方向に貯湯温度センサー１７を備えている。 And in order to grasp | ascertain the temperature distribution of the hot water storage tank 8, the hot water storage temperature sensor 17 is provided in the orthogonal | vertical direction on the outer wall surface.

給湯に関する構成としては、貯湯タンク８の底部に給水源から給水を行う給水管１９が接続され、給水源からは減圧弁２０にて適度な圧力に減圧されて給水管１９に給水される。また、給水温度を検知するため給水温度センサー１８を備えている。 As a configuration relating to hot water supply, a water supply pipe 19 for supplying water from a water supply source is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8, and the water supply source is decompressed to an appropriate pressure by a pressure reducing valve 20 and supplied to the water supply pipe 19. In addition, a water supply temperature sensor 18 is provided to detect the water supply temperature.

貯湯タンク８上部には貯湯された高温水を出湯し給湯に利用するための給湯管２１が接続され、その途中には給水管１９からの給水バイパス管２２が接続されている。また、給湯管２１からの高温水と給水バイパス管２２からの低湯水を任意の比率で混合可能な混合弁２３が設けられている。 A hot water supply pipe 21 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 for discharging the hot water stored in the hot water and using it for hot water supply, and a water supply bypass pipe 22 from the water supply pipe 19 is connected in the middle thereof. Moreover, the mixing valve 23 which can mix the high temperature water from the hot water supply pipe 21 and the low hot water from the water supply bypass pipe 22 in arbitrary ratios is provided.

混合弁２３の下流側には、混合された給湯温度を検知するために給湯温度センサー２５が設けられ、その先に給湯端末２４が接続されている。 On the downstream side of the mixing valve 23, a hot water supply temperature sensor 25 is provided to detect the mixed hot water supply temperature, and a hot water supply terminal 24 is connected to the end thereof.

給湯端末２４が給湯のために開けられると、貯湯タンク８内の湯水が給湯管２１から出湯されるとともに、給水管１９から貯湯タンク８に給水される。給湯温度に関して、給水バイパス管２２により給水を分岐し、貯湯タンク８からの高湯水と給水からの低湯水を混合弁２３において混合比を変えて混合することで、給湯温度を変化させて給湯端末２４に給湯する。この時の混合比は給湯温度センサー２５で検知される給湯温度に応じて制御され、所定の給湯温度に保たれる。貯湯タンク８内の高湯水と水を混ぜて温度を低下させることによって給湯を行うので、これによって貯湯タンク内の高湯水温度を給湯温度である４０℃から５０℃程度よりも大幅に高く、６５℃から９０℃程度として、貯湯タンク８の蓄熱密度を大きくすることが可能になる。 When the hot water supply terminal 24 is opened for hot water supply, hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 is discharged from the hot water supply pipe 21 and supplied from the water supply pipe 19 to the hot water storage tank 8. With respect to the hot water supply temperature, the water supply is branched by the water supply bypass pipe 22, and high hot water from the hot water storage tank 8 and low hot water from the water supply are mixed at the mixing valve 23 by changing the mixing ratio, thereby changing the hot water supply temperature. Hot water is supplied to 24. The mixing ratio at this time is controlled in accordance with the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor 25 and is kept at a predetermined hot water temperature. Since hot water is supplied by mixing the hot water and water in the hot water storage tank 8 and lowering the temperature, the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is significantly higher than the hot water temperature of 40 ° C. to about 50 ° C. The heat storage density of the hot water storage tank 8 can be increased by setting the temperature to about 90 ° C.

風呂への給湯に関する構成としては、給湯管２１の途中から分岐して、浴槽１３へ注湯する注湯管２８が設けられており、給湯管２１と同様に、給湯管２１からの高湯水と給水バイパス管２２からの低温の湯水を混合して注湯できるように風呂用混合弁２６が設けられ、その下流には注湯温度センサー３５が設けられている。また、注湯管２８は注湯電磁弁２７を備え、それを任意に開閉させて自動で浴槽１３に注湯を行う。 As a configuration related to hot water supply to the bath, a hot water supply pipe 28 that branches from the hot water supply pipe 21 and pours into the bathtub 13 is provided. A bath mixing valve 26 is provided so that low temperature hot water from the water supply bypass pipe 22 can be mixed and poured, and a pouring temperature sensor 35 is provided downstream thereof. Moreover, the pouring pipe 28 is provided with a pouring electromagnetic valve 27, which is arbitrarily opened and closed to pour water into the bathtub 13 automatically.

浴槽１３内の湯水を加熱、保温する風呂加熱運転の回路構成に関しては、利用側回路３１においては、浴槽１３内の湯水を利用側ポンプ１２により風呂熱交換器１４に循環させている。また、浴槽内１３の温度を検知するために風呂湯温センサー３２を設けている。 Regarding the circuit configuration of the bath heating operation for heating and keeping hot water in the bathtub 13, in the use side circuit 31, the hot water in the bathtub 13 is circulated to the bath heat exchanger 14 by the use side pump 12. In addition, a bath water temperature sensor 32 is provided to detect the temperature in the bathtub 13.

出湯口３４は、貯湯タンク８内の湯水の取り出し及び環流の戻りに使用し、貯湯タンク８側方に略垂直方向で、貯湯温度検出手段１７の近傍３カ所に取り付けられている。 The hot water outlets 34 are used for taking out hot water from the hot water storage tank 8 and returning the reflux, and are attached to three locations in the vicinity of the hot water temperature detecting means 17 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hot water tank 8 side.

出湯口３４には、貯湯タンク８内の湯水の取り出し、環流の戻りの位置を変更するための切換手段１０が設置されている。そして、貯湯タンク８の湯水を熱源側ポンプ１１により風呂熱交換器１４に循環して貯湯タンク８に環流する。 At the hot water outlet 34, switching means 10 for changing the position of taking out hot water from the hot water storage tank 8 and returning the reflux is installed. Then, hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 is circulated to the bath heat exchanger 14 by the heat source side pump 11 and circulated to the hot water storage tank 8.

また、風呂熱交換器１４より利用側ポンプ１１で循環し環流された湯水の温度を検知するための環流温度センサー３３が取り付けられており、風呂熱交換器１４を循環した湯水を貯湯タンク８下部へ環流する時に開成する熱源用電磁弁２９を備えている。 A circulating temperature sensor 33 for detecting the temperature of the hot water circulated and circulated from the bath heat exchanger 14 by the use-side pump 11 is attached, and the hot water circulated through the bath heat exchanger 14 is supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8. And a heat source solenoid valve 29 which is opened when circulating to the rear.

以上のように構成された給湯機において、以下、図１に基づいて動作、作用について説明する。 In the water heater configured as described above, the operation and action will be described below with reference to FIG.

ヒートポンプ６では、圧縮機２によって圧縮された冷媒は、高温高圧の超臨界状態の冷媒として放熱器３に入り、ここで放熱して冷却する。その後、減圧手段４において減圧されて低温低圧の湿り蒸気となり、吸熱器５において空気と熱交換して蒸発気化し圧縮機２へ戻される。この時、貯湯タンク８の下部にある低温層の湯水は沸上げポンプ７により放熱器３に送られ放熱器３の熱を吸熱して加熱される。 In the heat pump 6, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 enters the radiator 3 as a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant in a supercritical state, where it dissipates heat and cools it. Thereafter, the pressure is reduced in the pressure reducing means 4 to become low-temperature and low-pressure wet steam, and heat is exchanged with air in the heat absorber 5 to be evaporated and returned to the compressor 2. At this time, the low temperature hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8 is sent to the radiator 3 by the boiling pump 7 and is heated by absorbing the heat of the radiator 3.

即ち、貯湯タンク８の下部にある低温層の湯水をヒートポンプ６により加熱し、貯湯タンク８に戻す貯湯運転においては、沸上げポンプ７を駆動し、貯湯タンク８からの低湯水を加熱し、加熱された湯は沸き上げ管９を通って貯湯タンク８の上部に送られる。 That is, in the hot water storage operation in which the hot water in the low temperature layer at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8 is heated by the heat pump 6 and returned to the hot water storage tank 8, the boiling pump 7 is driven to heat and heat the low hot water from the hot water storage tank 8. The heated water is sent to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8 through the boiling pipe 9.

そして、出湯温度センサー１６によりヒートポンプ６で加熱された水の温度を検知し、沸上げポンプ７の出力を変えることで、ヒートポンプ６からの出湯温度を制御して目標の温度となるように加熱を行う。 Then, the temperature of the water heated by the heat pump 6 is detected by the tapping temperature sensor 16 and the output of the boiling pump 7 is changed to control the tapping temperature from the heat pump 6 so that the heating becomes the target temperature. Do.

なお、給水温度センサー１８は、図１のように貯湯タンク８下部に取り付けられているが、貯湯タンク８内部に形成される高温と低温の層のうち、低温層の湯水の温度を測れる程度の位置であればよい。 Although the water supply temperature sensor 18 is attached to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 8 as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature of the hot water in the low temperature layer of the high temperature and low temperature layers formed in the hot water storage tank 8 can be measured. Any position is acceptable.

風呂加熱運転は、貯湯タンク８内の湯水の熱を浴槽１３内の湯水に放熱することで行っている。 The bath heating operation is performed by radiating the heat of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 to the hot water in the bathtub 13.

暖房ユニットセンサー３２によって所定の温度より低く、加熱が必要であると判断された場合、熱源側回路３０では暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知した湯温と貯湯温度検知手段１７ａ、１７ｃ、１７ｅの温度とを比較し、暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知温度よりも高く、かつ暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知温度と貯湯温度検知手段１７（１７ａ、１７ｃ、１７ｅ）との温度差が最も少ない貯湯温度検知手段１７と対応する切換手段１０を選択する。具体的には、暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知湯温と貯湯温度検知手段１７ａの検知した温度（＞暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知温度）との差が最も小さいときは切換手段１０ａを選択する。以下同様に、暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知した湯温と貯湯温度検知手段１７ｃの検知した温度（＞暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知温度）との差が最も小さいときは切換手段１０ｂを選択し、暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知した湯温と貯湯温度検知手段１７ｅの検知した温度（＞暖房ユニットセンサー３２の検知温度）との差が最も小さいときは切換手段１０ｃを選択する。そして、選択された切換手段１０ａ、１０ｂ、１０ｃに対応する出湯口３４ａ、３４ｂ、３４ｃより貯湯タンク８内の湯を暖房熱交換器１４へ循環するように水路を切り換える。 When it is determined by the heating unit sensor 32 that the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and heating is necessary, the heat source side circuit 30 calculates the hot water temperature detected by the heating unit sensor 32 and the temperature of the hot water storage temperature detection means 17a, 17c, 17e. In comparison, it corresponds to the hot water storage temperature detection means 17 that is higher than the detection temperature of the heating unit sensor 32 and has the smallest temperature difference between the detection temperature of the heating unit sensor 32 and the hot water storage temperature detection means 17 (17a, 17c, 17e). The switching means 10 is selected. Specifically, when the difference between the detected hot water temperature of the heating unit sensor 32 and the temperature detected by the hot water storage temperature detection means 17a (> the detected temperature of the heating unit sensor 32) is the smallest, the switching means 10a is selected. Similarly, when the difference between the hot water temperature detected by the heating unit sensor 32 and the temperature detected by the hot water storage temperature detecting means 17c (> the detected temperature of the heating unit sensor 32) is the smallest, the switching means 10b is selected and the heating unit is selected. When the difference between the hot water temperature detected by the sensor 32 and the temperature detected by the hot water storage temperature detection means 17e (> the detection temperature of the heating unit sensor 32) is the smallest, the switching means 10c is selected. Then, the water path is switched so that hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 is circulated to the heating heat exchanger 14 from the hot water outlets 34a, 34b, 34c corresponding to the selected switching means 10a, 10b, 10c.

暖房熱交換器１４で放熱した湯水は温度が低下し熱源側ポンプ１１を経て、その湯温を環流温度センサー３３にて検知する。検知された湯水の温度と貯湯温度検知手段１７ａ、１７ｃ、１７ｅを比較しその差が最も小さな貯湯温度検知手段１７ａ、１７ｃ、１７ｅの位置に最も近い切換手段１０ａ、１０ｂ、１０ｃを選択し、切換手段１０に対応する出湯口３４を通じて貯湯タンク８に戻される。例えば、切換手段１０ｂが選択されれば出湯口３４ｂを通じ、切換手段１０ｃが選択されれば出湯口３４ｃを通じ貯湯タンク８に戻される。 The temperature of the hot water radiated by the heating heat exchanger 14 decreases, and the temperature of the hot water is detected by the circulating temperature sensor 33 via the heat source side pump 11. The detected hot water temperature and the hot water storage temperature detection means 17a, 17c, 17e are compared, and the switching means 10a, 10b, 10c closest to the position of the hot water storage temperature detection means 17a, 17c, 17e with the smallest difference is selected and switched. It is returned to the hot water storage tank 8 through the hot water outlet 34 corresponding to the means 10. For example, if the switching means 10b is selected, it is returned to the hot water storage tank 8 through the hot water outlet 34b, and if the switching means 10c is selected, it is returned to the hot water storage tank 8 through the hot water outlet 34c.

また、最下部の切り換え手段１０ｃから暖房熱交換器１４へ貯湯タンク８の湯が出湯するよう選択された場合、暖房熱交換器１４で放熱した湯水は開成された熱源用電磁弁２９を通して、貯湯タンク８下部から貯湯タンク８内へ流入する。 When the hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 is selected to be discharged from the lowermost switching means 10c to the heating heat exchanger 14, the hot water radiated from the heating heat exchanger 14 passes through the opened heat source electromagnetic valve 29 to store the hot water. It flows into the hot water storage tank 8 from the bottom of the tank 8.

一方、利用側回路３１では浴槽１３内の湯水を利用側ポンプ１２により風呂熱交換器１４に循環させ熱源側回路３０の熱を浴槽１３内の湯水に吸収して温度を上昇させている。 On the other hand, in the use side circuit 31, the hot water in the bathtub 13 is circulated to the bath heat exchanger 14 by the use side pump 12, and the heat in the heat source side circuit 30 is absorbed by the hot water in the bathtub 13 to raise the temperature.

この一連の動作は風呂湯温センサー３２によって所定の風呂湯温に達したと判断されるまで持続される。 This series of operations is continued until the bath temperature sensor 32 determines that the predetermined bath temperature has been reached.

この様に、浴槽内の湯水と熱交換可能な貯湯タンク内の中温水を選択して、浴槽内の湯水を加熱でき、貯湯タンク内の中温水の温度を低下させることができる。また、環流水の貯湯タンクへの戻り位置を選択でき、貯湯タンク内の湯温に近い位置に環流水を戻すことができるので貯湯タンク内で中温水が広がるのを抑制でき、より高い効率のヒートポンプ運転が実現できる。 In this manner, the hot water in the hot water storage tank that can exchange heat with the hot water in the bathtub can be selected, the hot water in the bathtub can be heated, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be lowered. In addition, the return position to the hot water storage tank can be selected, and the return water can be returned to a position close to the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank. Heat pump operation can be realized.

以上のように、本発明にかかる給湯機は、浴槽内の湯水と熱交換可能な貯湯タンク内の中温水を選択して、浴槽内の湯水を加熱することで、貯湯タンク内の中温水の温度を低下させることができ、ヒートポンプの加熱効率がより高い給湯機として有用である。 As described above, the water heater according to the present invention selects the medium temperature water in the hot water storage tank that can exchange heat with the hot water in the bathtub, and heats the hot water in the bathtub, thereby The temperature can be lowered and the heat pump is useful as a water heater with higher heating efficiency.

本発明の実施の形態における給湯機の回路図Circuit diagram of a water heater in an embodiment of the present invention 従来の給湯機の回路図Circuit diagram of a conventional water heater

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１加熱源
２圧縮機
６ヒートポンプ
７沸上げポンプ
８貯湯タンク
１０切換手段
１３浴槽
１７貯湯温度検知手段
３４出湯口 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heating source 2 Compressor 6 Heat pump 7 Boiling pump 8 Hot water storage tank 10 Switching means 13 Bathtub 17 Hot water storage temperature detection means 34 Outlet

Claims

沸き上げポンプにより貯湯タンクの底部より水を循環させることによって、貯湯タンク内の水を加熱源により加熱し、加熱された高温の湯を前記貯湯タンク内に貯める給湯機において、前記貯湯タンク側面上下方向に複数の出湯口を設け、前記出湯口から取り出される前記タンク内の湯を熱源として浴槽内の湯水を加熱することを特長とする給湯機。 In a water heater that heats the water in the hot water storage tank by a heating source by circulating water from the bottom of the hot water storage tank using a boiling pump, and stores the heated hot water in the hot water storage tank, A hot water supply apparatus provided with a plurality of hot water outlets in a direction, and heating hot water in a bathtub using hot water in the tank taken out from the hot water outlet as a heat source.

貯湯タンク内の湯を取り出すための出湯口を切り換える切換手段を設けたことを特長とする請求項１記載の給湯機。 2. A water heater according to claim 1, further comprising a switching means for switching a hot water outlet for taking out hot water in the hot water storage tank.

出湯口から取り出され、浴槽内の湯水を加熱し冷却された貯湯タンクへ戻る環流水は、前記出湯口の何れかを通って前記貯湯タンク内へ戻ることを特長とする請求項１または２記載の給湯機。 The reflux water which is taken out from the hot water outlet and returns to the hot water storage tank heated and cooled by hot water in the bathtub returns to the hot water storage tank through one of the hot water outlets. Water heater.

環流水が戻る前記出湯口の切り換えは前記切換手段にて行うことを特長とする請求項１〜３記載の給湯機。 4. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water outlet to which the circulating water returns is switched by the switching means.

切換手段は、浴槽内の湯水の温度により貯湯タンクより取り出される出湯口を選択する請求項１〜４記載の給湯機。 The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the switching means selects a hot water outlet that is taken out from the hot water storage tank according to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub.

出湯口近傍の前記貯湯タンク内の湯温を検知する貯湯温度検知手段を設け、切換手段は前記貯湯温度検知手段により検知される環流水の温度との温度差が最も小さい出湯口を選択して環流水を戻す請求項１〜５記載の給湯機。 Hot water storage temperature detecting means for detecting the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank near the hot water outlet is provided, and the switching means selects the hot water outlet having the smallest temperature difference from the temperature of the circulating water detected by the hot water storage temperature detecting means. The hot water heater according to claim 1, wherein the reflux water is returned.

加熱源は圧縮機を含むヒートポンプであることを特長とする請求項１〜６記載の給湯機。 The hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is a heat pump including a compressor.

ヒートポンプに臨界圧力以上に昇圧された冷媒を用いたことを特徴とする請求項７に記載の給湯機。 The water heater according to claim 7, wherein a refrigerant whose pressure is raised to a critical pressure or more is used for the heat pump.