JP3718644B2

JP3718644B2 - Hot water mixing unit for water heater

Info

Publication number: JP3718644B2
Application number: JP2001293966A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 錦司森; 正和安藤; 幸弘鈴木; 宏明佐々木
Original assignee: Rinnai Corp
Current assignee: Rinnai Corp
Priority date: 2001-09-26
Filing date: 2001-09-26
Publication date: 2005-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-26
Also published as: JP2003106657A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば、自然エネルギーを利用した太陽熱温水器等、廃熱を利用した温水器等で構成される温水供給装置を補助熱源の給湯器に接続するための温水混合ユニットにあって、この温水混合ユニット内の水抜きに関する技術である。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、上記温水供給装置として太陽熱温水器を、熱源を備えた給湯器に接続したソーラ給湯システムが知られている。そして、このソーラ給湯システムの温水混合ユニットにおける水抜きに関しては、例えば特開平１１−２４５６号公報に記載されたものがある。この公報に記載のソーラ給湯器機能付き給湯器は、図５に示すように、太陽熱温水器Ｂからソーラ温水路５７０を通ってくるソーラ温水と、上水道から冷水路５８０を通ってくる水道水とを、混合調節器５６１で必要に応じて混水し、その下流の混合水路５６６を介して給湯器Ａに導くようにしており、ソーラ温水路５７０には電磁開閉弁５６２と逆止弁５６７とを設け、冷水路５８０には逆止弁５８１を設け、混合調節器５６１の下流の混合水路５６６には水抜き弁５６６ａを設ける。
【０００３】
そして、給湯器Ａでの水量が最低作動水量未満となった状態では、給湯器Ａの主コントローラ５３０が温水混合ユニットＢのコントローラ５６０を介して、混合調節器５６１の混水弁位置をソーラ温水路側及び冷水路側の水抜きが可能で且つソーラ温水路側より冷水路側の方が大きい開度となる多混水量ポジションの水抜き位置に保持させる。また、リモコン５５０の運転スイッチがＯＦＦされるとソーラ温水路５７０の電磁開閉弁５６２を直ちに閉止させずに一定時間後に閉止させる。この状態で上記水抜き弁５６６ａを開放すると、混合調節器５６１内、その上流のソーラ温水路５７０及び冷水路５８０に残留している水の水抜きが可能となる。また、混合調節器５６１がこの水抜き位置にある状態で、給湯器Ａで最低作動水量未満の少量使用が行われても、混合調節器５６１は上記多混水量ポジションに保持されているので、太陽熱温水器Ｂからのソーラ温水が多量の水で混合されて給湯器Ａ側へ送られるから、太陽熱温水器Ｂからの高温水が高温のまま出湯されることもないというものである。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記多混水量ポジションとする水抜き位置だけは、常にソーラ温水が多量の水で混合されるということが絶対的に保証されない。しかも、給湯器Ａにおいて最低作動水量未満の少量使用があっても、上記混合調節器５６１を水抜き位置のままに保持させている。そのため、混合調節器５６１における多混水量ポジションの水抜き位置として冷水路側の方をソーラ温水路側よりも大きくしていても、各水路５７０，５８０の通水圧力がソーラ温水路５７０側の方が冷水路５８０側よりも高くなると、量的には水よりもソーラ温水の方が多量に流れ込んでしまう。とくに冷水路５８０の逆止弁５８１等で少しでもフィルタ詰まり等を起こしていると、冷水路５８０の通水圧力が低下するため、上記給湯器Ａでの少量使用時にソーラ温水が高温のままで給湯器Ａから出湯されてしまうことが十分に想定される。
【０００５】
また、給湯器Ａのリモコン５５０の運転スイッチをＯＦＦにすることでソーラ温水路５７０の電磁開閉弁５６２は一定時間後に閉止されるが、リモコン接続のない給湯器では、このような温水混合ユニットＢの水抜きに対応することができない。また、温水混合ユニットＢ等の器具は通常は屋外に設置されているため、水抜き操作をするのにわざわざ室内のリモコン５５０を操作するのは面倒であった。面倒であるがゆえに、リモコン５５０の運転スイッチＯＦＦ後に一定時間以上経過してから水抜き操作される事態もあり、その場合は最も水が抜けにくい上記電磁開閉弁５６２に水が溜まったままとなってその残留水が凍結すると電磁開閉弁５６２を破損させてしまうおそれもあった。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、給湯器用温水混合ユニットにおいて温水混合ユニット内の水抜きを利便性よく確実に行え、しかも、水抜き可能状態にあるとき給湯器で少量使用されても高温出湯されることがないようにすることを課題とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
（１）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項１）は、
温水供給装置を補助熱源の給湯器に接続するための給湯器用温水混合ユニットであって、
温水路、冷水路およびこれら温水路と冷水路の合流点から延設される混合水路を備えた通水回路と、
上記温水路を通る温水供給装置からの温水と上記冷水路を通る水源からの水とをミキシングして混合水とし、この混合水を給湯器の入水路と接続された上記混合水路に送り出す混合調節器と、
上記通水回路内において上記混合調節器の上流の上記温水路に設けられ、少なくとも上記混合水路に通水があると開弁されている開閉弁と、
上記通水回路内において上記混合調節器の下流の上記混合水路に設けた水抜き手段と、
本給湯器用温水混合ユニットの動作制御を行うコントローラと、
本給湯器用温水混合ユニットに電力供給を行う主電源とを備え、
上記コントローラは、
上記混合水路における通水の有無を判定する通水判定部と、
上記通水判定部で上記混合水路の通水がなくなったと判定されると上記混合調節器を温水路側および冷水路側ともに一定以上開放させた開度の水抜き位置に保持させる混合調節器制御部と、
上記混合水路に通水がない状態で上記主電源をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセットを行うとこの主電源ＯＮ時から一定時間は上記開閉弁を開弁させる開閉弁制御部とを有することを特徴とするものである。
【０００８】
これによれば、通水判定部で混合水路の通水なしと判定、すなわち、給湯器での出湯が停止されることで、上記混合調節器制御部によって混合調節器を上記水抜き位置に保持させる。そして、上記混合水路に設けた水抜き手段を開放させ、上記主電源のリセット操作（ＯＦＦ→ＯＮ）をするとリセット後（主電源ＯＮ時）の一定時間は上記開閉弁が開弁される。よって、この間に開放された上記水抜き手段から上記通水回路内の残留水がすべて器具外に排出される。このとき開閉弁内の残留水も水抜きされる。
【０００９】
しかも、本ユニット等の器具は通常は屋外に設置されているので、本ユニットにおける主電源のリセット操作によって水抜き操作が行えるので、この水抜き操作をすべて屋外で行え、作業者にとって利便性が非常によい。
また、水抜き操作のきっかけを上記主電源のリセット操作で行うので、リモコン接続なしの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合でも、上記水抜き操作を行うことができる。
【００１０】
以上の水抜き作業は、通水判定部で混合水路の通水なしと判定されているとき、すなわち、給湯器で出湯停止されたときしか行われない。上記混合調節器制御部および上記開閉弁制御部は、混合水路の通水なしの状態でしか上記制御動作を行わないからである。なお、上記通水判定部は、上記水抜き手段からの水抜き時における混合水路内の水流程度では通水がない状態と判定される。
【００１１】
一方、混合調節器が水抜き位置の状態にあるときに上記給湯器で少量使用されると、混合水路内に通水されるので上記混合調節器は上記混合調節器制御部によって水抜き位置が解除される。これにより、給湯器で少量の出湯がされても上記混合調節器では水抜き位置の状態が解除されミキシング動作となるので、このとき例え温水路側と冷水路側との通水圧力が異なっていても、温水供給装置からの温水が高温のままで給湯器から出湯されるようなことは完全に防止される。
【００１２】
（２）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項２）は、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項１）において、
上記コントローラは、さらに、上記給湯器に接続されたリモコンの信号を傍受する通信部を有し、
上記開閉弁制御部は、さらに、上記主電源がＯＮ状態にあるときに上記混合水路に通水がない状態で上記リモコンの運転スイッチをＯＮにしてからＯＦＦとするとこの運転スイッチＯＦＦ時から一定時間は上記開閉弁を開弁させるようにしたことを特徴とするものである。
【００１３】
これによれば、主電源のリセット操作の他にも、リモコンの運転スイッチＯＮからＯＦＦの操作によっても、主電源をリセットした場合と同様に温水路の開閉弁を一定時間、開弁させることができる。よって、リモコン接続ありの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合は、主電源のリセット操作か、リモコン操作かのどちらのやり方でも上記水抜き操作に対応でき、汎用性に優れる。
【００１４】
（３）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項３）は、
温水供給装置を補助熱源の給湯器に接続するための給湯器用温水混合ユニットであって、
温水路、冷水路、これら温水路と冷水路の合流点から延設される混合水路、および冷水路から分岐されて混合水路に至るバイパス通路を備えた通水回路と、
上記温水路を通る温水供給装置からの温水と上記冷水路を通る水源からの水とをミキシングして混合水とし、この混合水を給湯器の入水路と接続された上記混合水路に送り出す混合調節器と、
上記通水回路内において上記バイパス通路に設けられ、少なくとも上記混合水路に通水があると閉弁されている開閉弁と、
上記通水回路内において上記混合調節器の下流の上記混合水路に設けた水抜き手段と、
本給湯器用温水混合ユニットの動作制御を行うコントローラと、
本給湯器用温水混合ユニットに電力供給を行う主電源とを備え、
上記コントローラは、
上記混合水路における通水の有無を判定する通水判定部と、
上記通水判定部で上記混合水路の通水がなくなったと判定されると上記開閉弁を開弁させる開閉弁制御部と、
上記混合水路に通水がない状態で上記主電源をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセットを行うと上記混合調節器を温水路側および冷水路側ともに一定以上開放させた開度の水抜き位置に保持させる混合調節器制御部とを有することを特徴とするものである。
【００１５】
これによれば、通水判定部で混合水路の通水なしと判定、すなわち、給湯器での出湯が停止されることで、上記開閉弁制御部によって上記バイパス通路の開閉弁を開弁される。そして、上記混合水路に設けた水抜き手段を開放させ、上記主電源のリセット操作（ＯＦＦ→ＯＮ）をすると混合調節器を上記水抜き位置に保持させる。これによって、開放された上記水抜き手段から上記通水回路内の残留水すべて確実に器具外に排出される。このとき混合調節器内の残留水も水抜きされる。
【００１６】
しかも、本ユニット等の器具は通常は屋外に設置されているので、本ユニットにおける主電源のリセット操作によって水抜き操作が行えるので、この水抜き操作をすべて屋外で行え、作業者にとって利便性が非常によい。
また、水抜き操作のきっかけを上記主電源のリセット操作で行うので、リモコン接続なしの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合でも、上記水抜き操作を行うことができる。
【００１７】
以上の水抜き作業は、通水判定部で混合水路の通水なしと判定されているとき、すなわち、給湯器で出湯停止されたときしか行われない。上記混合調節器制御部および上記開閉弁制御部は、混合水路の通水なしの状態でしか上記制御動作を行わないからである。なお、上記通水判定部は、上記水抜き手段からの水抜き時における混合水路内の水流程度では通水がない状態と判定される。
【００１８】
一方、混合調節器が水抜き位置の状態にあるときに上記給湯器で少量使用されると、混合水路内に通水されるので上記混合調節器は上記混合調節器制御部によって水抜き位置が解除され、また、上記開閉弁制御部によってバイパス通路の開閉弁を閉弁させる。これにより、給湯器で少量の出湯がされても上記混合調節器では水抜き位置の状態が解除されミキシング動作となるので、このとき例え温水路側と冷水路側との通水圧力が異なっていても、温水供給装置からの温水が高温のままで給湯器から出湯されるようなことは完全に防止される。
【００１９】
（４）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項４）は、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項３）において、
上記コントローラは、さらに、上記給湯器に接続されたリモコンの信号を傍受する通信部を有し、
上記混合調節器制御部は、さらに、上記主電源がＯＮ状態にあるときに上記混合水路に通水がない状態で上記リモコンの運転スイッチをＯＮにしてからＯＦＦとすると上記混合調節器を上記水抜き位置に保持させるようにしたことを特徴とするものである。
【００２０】
これによれば、主電源のリセット操作の他にも、リモコンの運転スイッチＯＮからＯＦＦの操作によっても、主電源をリセットした場合と同様に混合調節器を上記水抜き位置に保持させることができる。よって、リモコン接続ありの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合は、主電源のリセット操作か、リモコン操作かのどちらのやり方でも上記水抜き操作に対応でき、汎用性に優れる。
【００２１】
（５）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項５）は、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項１ないし４）において、
上記混合調節器制御部は、さらに、上記混合調節器の水抜き位置として、上記通水判定部で上記混合水路の通水がなくなったと判定された通水停止時における上記混合調節器の開度位置が温水路側および冷水路側とも一定以上開放されているときは上記通水停止時の開度位置とするようにしたことを特徴とするものである。
これによれば、混合調節器は混合水路内での通水停止時、すなわち給湯器での出湯停止時の開度位置が保持されている。よって、給湯器で出湯され水抜き状態が解除されたとき、所望の混合水のミキシングを直ちに行うことができる。
【００２２】
（６）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項６）は、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項１ないし５）において、
上記混合水路には水量センサを有し、
上記通水判定部は、この水量センサからの水量信号によって上記混合水路における通水の有無を判定するようにしたことを特徴とするものである。
【００２３】
これによれば、本給湯器用温水混合ユニットが給湯器と通信できないような場合（通信線の断線や、給湯器が通信対応できないもの等）でも、混合水路の水量センサからの水量信号によって混合水路の通水の有無を検知することで、給湯器での出湯停止を検知することができる。
なお、この水量センサは、上記水抜き手段からの水抜き時における混合水路内の水流程度では通水ありとは検知されないものである。
【００２４】
（７）本発明に係る給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項７）は、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット（請求項１ないし５）において、
上記コントローラは、上記給湯器からの水量信号を受信する受信部を有し、
上記通水判定部は、この受信部からの水量信号によって上記混合水路における通水の有無を判定するようにしたことを特徴とする給湯器用温水混合ユニット。
これによれば、本給湯器用温水混合ユニットが給湯器と通信される場合、給湯器からの水量信号によって給湯器の出湯停止を検知できるので、とくに混合水路に水量センサを設けなくてもよい。
【００２５】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明（請求項１）によれば、温水路に開閉弁を有するものであって、給湯器での少量出湯のときに温水路側と冷水路側との通水圧力が異なっていても温水供給装置からの温水が高温のままで給湯器から出湯されるようなことが完全に防止され、使用者が万一でも火傷を負うようなことは完全に防止することができる。また、主電源のリセット操作によって水抜き操作を行うので、この水抜き操作をすべて屋外で行え、作業者にとって非常に利便性がよい。さらに、水抜き操作のきっかけを上記主電源のリセット操作で行うので、リモコン接続なしの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合でも、上記水抜き操作を行うことができる。
【００２６】
また、本発明（請求項２）によれば、リモコン接続ありの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合は、主電源のリセット操作か、リモコン操作かのどちらのやり方でも上記水抜き操作に対応でき、汎用性に優れる。
【００２７】
また、本発明（請求項３）によれば、混合調節器を迂回し冷水路から混合水路に至るバイパス通路に開閉弁を有するものであって、給湯器での少量出湯のときに温水路側と冷水路側との通水圧力が異なっていても温水供給装置からの温水が高温のままで給湯器から出湯されるようなことが完全に防止され、使用者が万一でも火傷を負うようなことは完全に防止することができる。また、主電源のリセット操作によって水抜き操作を行うので、この水抜き操作をすべて屋外で行え、作業者にとっては非常に利便性がよい。さらに、水抜き操作のきっかけを上記主電源のリセット操作で行うので、リモコン接続なしの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合でも、上記水抜き操作を行うことができる。
【００２８】
また、本発明（請求項４）によれば、リモコン接続ありの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニットを接続した場合は、主電源のリセット操作か、リモコン操作かのどちらのやり方でも上記水抜き操作に対応でき、汎用性に優れる。
【００２９】
また、本発明（請求項５）によれば、給湯器で出湯され水抜き位置が解除されたとき所望の混合水のミキシングを直ちに行うことができ、給湯器での温調も直ちに行うことができる。
【００３０】
また、本発明（請求項６）によれば、本給湯器用温水混合ユニットが給湯器と通信できないような場合（通信線の断線や、給湯器が通信対応できないもの等）でも、給湯器での出湯停止を検知でき、これによって上記水抜き作業を確実に実行できる。
【００３１】
また、本発明（請求項７）によれば、本給湯器用温水混合ユニットが給湯器と通信され、給湯器からの水量信号によって給湯器の出湯停止を検知できるので、とくに混合水路に水量センサを設けなくてもよい。よって、水量センサを設けない分、部品点数の低減、低コスト化等ができる。
【００３２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明の実施の形態について添付図面を参照しながら説明する。
以下の実施の形態では、温水供給装置として太陽熱温水器を、本発明の給湯器用温水混合ユニットによって補助熱源の給湯器に接続したソーラ給湯システムを例に挙げて説明する。
【００３３】
＜実施の形態１．（請求項１対応）＞
この実施の形態１による給湯器用温水混合ユニットは、通水回路内に常閉式の開閉弁を備えたものである。
図１は、ソーラ給湯システムの全体構成図を示す。まず、図１を参照して、このソーラ給湯システムの各部の構成から説明する。
【００３４】
（太陽熱温水器）
上記太陽熱温水器５は、太陽熱を吸収する集熱器５０と貯湯タンク５１内とを循環するように形成された蓄熱循環路５２を具備しており、この蓄熱循環路５２にはホッパ５３と循環ポンプ５４とが配設されている。また、貯湯タンク５１の底部には、上水道等の水源の給水路６０から延設されて水を供給するソーラ用給水路５５と、水抜栓５７を具備する水抜路５８とが接続されていると共に、貯湯タンク５１の頂部には、この貯湯タンク５１のソーラ温水を取出すソーラ出湯路５６が引き出されている。そして、上記循環ポンプ５４を駆動させ畜熱循環路５２内の液状媒体を循環させると、上記集熱器５０で加熱された液状媒体が畜熱循環路５２を通じて貯湯タンク５１内へ導かれて貯湯タンク５１内の水を熱交換加熱してソーラ温水とし、この貯湯タンク５１内のソーラ温水がソーラ出湯路５６を経て上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット１側に送り込まれる。
【００３５】
（給湯器）
上記給湯器７は、図示しないバーナで加熱される熱交換器７３が内蔵された給湯器本体７０と、各種操作部等（運転スイッチ、浴槽の湯張りスイッチ・追焚スイッチ、湯温設定器、燃焼表示部等）が配置されたリモコン７１と、このリモコン７１と配線ケーブル７８で接続されて浴槽８１や出湯蛇口８５での給湯を制御する給湯コントローラ７２とを備える。また、上記熱交換器７３には、入水路７６と出湯路８４が接続されると共に、浴槽８１との間で湯張り及び追焚きに使用される往き管８２と戻り管８３が接続されている。そして、出湯路８４には、往き管８２との間に浴槽８１へ温水を供給するための風呂落とし込み路７４が設けられ、この風呂落とし込み路７４には、落とし込み開閉弁７５が設けられ、その下流の往き管８２との接続点には三方弁８０が設けられている。また、出湯路８４の末端には出湯蛇口８５が設けられている。なお、この他に、図示しないが、入水路７６、出湯路８４、往き管８２および戻り管８３には、温度センサが設けられており、さらに、入水路７６および往き管８２には、ポンプ、水量センサが設けられている。
【００３６】
（給湯器用温水混合ユニット）
上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット１は、温水供給装置として上記太陽熱温水器５を補助熱源の上記給湯器７に接続するための装置である。
そして、この給湯器用温水混合ユニット１は、ソーラ温水路１４、冷水路１５、およびこれらの合流点から延設される混合水路２９を備える通水回路２と、上記混合水路２９に流入されるソーラ温水と水の混合割合を決定する混合調節器３と、この給湯器用温水混合ユニット１を制御するためのユニットコントローラ１１と、この給湯器用温水混合ユニット１に電力供給を行う主電源とを備える。
【００３７】
上記ソーラ温水路１４は、太陽熱温水器５からのソーラ温水が通される管路であって、その流入口１６に上記太陽熱温水器５のソーラ出湯路５６が接続され、その下流端で上記混合水路２９に接続されている。このソーラ温水路１４には、上流側から順に、ソーラ温水の除塵機能を兼ねたフィルタ付き水抜き栓２１、上記貯湯タンク５１の内圧低下時に外気を吸引してこの内圧低下を制御する等のためのバキュームブレーカ１２、開閉弁３１、逆止弁１３、ソーラ温度センサ１９が配設されている。
【００３８】
上記開閉弁３１は、その弁の開閉によってソーラ温水路１４においてソーラ温水を供給、供給停止させるものである。この開閉弁３１は、例えばソレノイドによって駆動される電磁弁が採用され、ソレノイドへの電圧供給が停止されると閉弁する常閉式のものである。
【００３９】
上記冷水路１５は、上水道等の水源からの水が通される管路であって、その流入口１７に給水路６０の一部が減圧弁６１の下流から分岐された給水分岐路１０が接続され、その下流端で上記混合水路２９に接続されている。この冷水路１５には、上流側から順に、水中の除塵機能を兼ねたフィルタ付き水抜き栓３０、逆止弁２２、入水温度センサ２３が配設されている。
【００４０】
上記混合水路２９は、ソーラ温水と水との混合水が通される管路であって、上記ソーラ温水路１４および上記冷水路１５が合流されると共にその流出口１８に給湯器の入水路７６が接続される。この混合水路２９には、上流側から順に、混合調節器３、水量センサ３２、混合水温度センサ３３、ハイカット温度センサ３４、混合水路２９の水圧が過剰上昇したときに開弁し圧力開放を行う機能を兼ねた過圧逃し弁兼水抜き栓（水抜き手段）３５が配設されている。
【００４１】
上記水量センサ３２は、混合水路２９における通水の有無を検知するが、上記水抜き栓３５からの水抜き時における混合水路２９内の水流程度では通水ありとは検知されないものである。
【００４２】
上記混合調節器３は、給水量調節弁２４と温水量調節弁２５とを備え、給水量調節弁２４は、混合水路２９における冷水路１５との接続点に設けられ、温水量調節弁２５は、混合水路２９におけるソーラ温水路１４との接続点に設けられる。これら給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５は、上記ユニットコントローラ１１からの制御信号で動作制御されてソーラ温水と水との混合割合が決定される。
【００４３】
上記ユニットコントローラ１１は、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の運転制御を行う他に、上記給湯器７の給湯コントローラ７２と通信線（信号線）７７で接続されて通信機能を保持する。そして、このユニットコントローラ１１の構成としては、通信部１１１、混合温度演算部１１２、通水判定部１１３、混合調節器制御部１１４、開閉弁制御部１１５等を有する。
【００４４】
上記通信部１１１は、給湯器７の運転制御を行う給湯コントローラ７２との間で情報の送受信を行うための通信機能を保持するものである。例えば、給湯器７の給湯コントローラ７２からは、リモコン７１での給湯設定温度情報、リモコン７１で入力される給湯使用や自動湯張り等の運転モード情報、給湯器７の各センサ類から入った情報、給湯器７の燃焼制御情報等の各種情報が上記通信部１１１に送信される一方、ユニットコントローラ１１からは、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の各センサ類から入った情報、混合水の混合制御情報、給湯器７に対する燃焼禁止要求等の各種情報が給湯コントローラ７２に送信される。このようにして、これらの種々の情報がユニットコントローラ１１と給湯コントローラ７２との間で共有される。
【００４５】
上記混合温度演算部１１２は、まず、混合水路２９での水量センサ３２の水量信号または給湯コントローラ７２から送信されてきた水量信号から判断される水量Ｑの混合水を、バーナの所定燃焼量で動作する給湯器７によって加熱した場合にこの水量Ｑの混合水を加熱昇温できる上昇温度ΔＴを演算する。例えば、最低燃焼で動作する給湯器７の発熱量を最小発熱量Ｗminとした場合、上昇温度ΔＴ＝最小発熱量Ｗmin／水量Ｑの演算が行われる。そして、リモコン７１で設定された給湯設定温度から上記上昇温度ΔＴだけ低い目標混合温度ＭＴを演算する。すなわち、目標混合温度ＭＴ＝給湯設定温度Ｓ−上昇温度ΔＴの演算が行われる。なお、混合温度演算部１１２は、上昇温度ΔＴをバーナの最低燃焼による最小燃焼量に基づいて求めるようにしたが、例えば、バーナの最低燃焼よりも少し高い目の特定の燃焼量（最小発熱量＋α）に基づいて上昇温度ΔＴを求めるようにしてもよい。
【００４６】
上記通水判定部１１３は、混合水路２９での水量センサ３２の水量信号または給湯コントローラ７２から送信されてきた水量信号から上記混合水路２９における通水の有無を判定するものである。なお、混合水路２９は、給湯器７の入水路７６に接続されていることから上記水量センサ３２による混合水路２９での通水の有無が給湯器７での出湯の有無として判断される。そして、この通水判定部１１３での判定結果である通水の有無は、上記混合調節器制御部１１４へ出力する。
【００４７】
上記混合調節器制御部１１４は、リモコン７１での運転モードに応じて、ソーラ温度センサ１９でのソーラ温水の温度と、リモコン７１での給湯設定温度か、この給湯設定温度から数℃加減算した温度とを比較して、上記混合調節器３に対しミキシング動作の制御を行う。例えば、ソーラ温水の温度が給湯設定温度より高ければ、混合水温度センサ３３の出力を監視しこの給湯設定温度となるように上記混合調節器３に対する混合水のミキシング制御がされ、同時に給湯器７へ燃焼禁止要求が出される。一方、ソーラ温水の温度が給湯設定温度より低ければ、上記混合温度演算部１１２で求めた目標混合温度ＭＴとなるように上記混合調節器３に対する混合水のミキシング制御がされる。
【００４８】
また、この混合調節器制御部１１４は、上記通水判定部１１３で上記混合水路２９の通水がなくなったと判定、すなわち、上記給湯器７で出湯停止されると上記混合調節器３における給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５ともに一定以上開放させた開度の水抜き位置に保持させる。このときの混合調節器３の水抜き位置は、上記通水判定部１１３で上記混合水路２９の通水がなくなったと判定された通水停止時（給湯器７での出湯停止時）における混合調節器３の開度位置が給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５とも一定以上開放されているときは上記通水停止時の開度位置とする。これによって、次に給湯器７で出湯されたとき所望の混合水のミキシングを直ちに行うことができ、給湯器７での温調も直ちに行うことができる。
【００４９】
一方、通水停止時（給湯器７の出湯停止時）に給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５のいずれかが閉止されていると、混合水路２９に設けた水抜き栓３５を開放しても閉止された側の水路（ソーラ温水路１４あるいは冷水路１５）の水抜きができなくなる。そこで、給湯器７の出湯停止時に給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５のいずれかが閉止されていた場合は、給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５の閉止された側を少しだけ開放させるか、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５を予め決めておいた開放位置に開放させる。これによって、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５ともに一定以上開放された開度の水抜き位置に保持されるから、上記水抜き栓３５の開放によってソーラ温水路１４および冷水路１５ともに水抜きを行うことができる。もちろん、この水抜き栓３５の開放によって混合調節器３内に溜まった残留水の水抜きもできる。
【００５０】
さらにまた、上記混合調節器制御部１１４は、上記ハイカット温度センサ３４で混合水路２９内の混合水温度が上記給湯器７におけるリモコン７１での設定限界温度（例えば、６０℃）を超える温度が検出されると、強制的に、温水量調節弁２５を全閉にし、ソーラ温水の供給を停止させる制御をも行う。これによって、給湯器７側へ上記設定限界温度を超える高温の混合水が混合水路２９から供給されないようにしている。
【００５１】
上記開閉弁制御部１１５は、上記ソーラ温水路１４に設けた開閉弁３１の開閉制御を行うものである。すなわち、上記通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９で通水ありと判定されると開閉弁３１を開弁させソーラ温水路１４内にソーラ温水が流れるようにし、上記通水判定部１１３が通水なしと判定されると開閉弁３１を閉弁させ温水路１４内にソーラ温水が流れるのを遮断する。
【００５２】
また、この開閉弁制御部１１５は、上記混合水路２９に通水がない状態で本ユニット１の主電源１００をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセット操作を行うことで、主電源ＯＮ時（リセット後）から一定時間は上記開閉弁３１を開弁させる。従って、混合水路２９に設けた水抜き栓３５を開放させ、この主電源１００のリセット操作を行うことで、開閉弁３１の開いている一定時間にソーラ温水路１４全域の水抜きがスムーズに行え、かつ、開閉弁３１内に溜まった残留水の水抜きも確実に行える。
【００５３】
なお、上記主電源１００のリセット操作によって開閉弁３１を開弁させておく時間としては、混合水路２９での通水停止時における混合調節器３の温水量調節弁２５が「閉」状態（水固定）にあったときは例えば３分間とし、温水量調節器２５が「開」状態にあったときは例えば４分間とする。但し、これらの時間は、任意であって使用者の利便性等より適宜に決定すればよい。
【００５４】
（給湯器用温水混合ユニットの動作）
次に、上記給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の動作を説明する。図２は、上記ユニットコントローラ１１による動作手順を示したフローチャートである。図２を参照して、給湯器７で出湯されて通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９内に通水ありと判定すると（Ｓ１０）、上記開閉弁３１が開弁され（Ｓ１１）、混合調節器３に対するミキシング制御がなされる（Ｓ１２）。
【００５５】
そして、給湯器７で出湯停止されて通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９内に通水なしと判定すると（Ｓ３３）、上記開閉弁制御部１１５が開閉弁３１を閉弁させソーラ温水路１４にソーラ温水が供給されないようにする（Ｓ１４）。
【００５６】
続いて、上記混合調節器制御部１１２が今の混合調節器３の状態として給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５ともに一定以上開放された開度となっているか否か確かめられ（Ｓ１５）、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５ともに一定以上開放されている場合は混合調節器３を今の停止位置を水抜き位置として保持させる（Ｓ１６）。一方、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５のいずれかが閉止されていた場合は両方ともが一定以上開放された開度の水抜き位置となるように混合調節器３を保持させる（Ｓ１７）。このとき、給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５の閉止されていた側だけを少しだけ開放させるようにしてもよいし、あるいは給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５を予め決められていた開放位置とするようにしてもよい。すなわち、上記水抜き位置は、必ずしも多混水量位置（給水量調節弁２４を温水量調節弁２５よりも大きくした位置）としなくてもよい。
【００５７】
また、このとき水抜き操作がなされずに再び給湯器７で出湯開始されて混合水路２９での通水ありが検出されると（Ｓ１８）、上記混合調節器制御部１１４によって混合調節器３の上記水抜き位置が解除され、ミキシング動作が行われる（Ｓ１２）。このとき、水抜き位置が出湯停止時の開度位置に保持されていると、リモコン７１の給湯設定温度が変更されていない限り次のミキシング動作へ移る際には即に所望のミキシング動作を行うことができる。また、上記水抜き位置として給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５の閉止された側を少しだけ開放させるようにした場合でも、次のミキシング動作へ移る際に混合調節器３を直ちに元の状態に戻すことができ、所望のミキシング動作を素早く行うことができる。従って、給湯器７での少量出湯のときにソーラ温水路１４側と冷水路１５側との通水圧力が異なっていても太陽熱温水器５からの温水が高温のままで給湯器７から出湯されるようなことが完全に防止され、使用者が万一でも火傷を負うようなことも防止できる。
【００５８】
一方、給湯器７で出湯停止の状態、すなわち混合水路２９に通水がない状態では（Ｓ１８）、以下の水抜き操作が行える。
水抜き操作として、まず元栓（減圧弁６１）を閉じ、太陽熱温水器５の水抜き栓２１，３０、給湯器７の水抜き栓（図示せず）、さらには本給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の水抜き栓３５をすべて開放する。これによって、太陽熱温水器５側および給湯器７側における通水配管の水抜きがなされ、また、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の通水回路２の水抜きもほとんどなされる。
【００５９】
しかし、ソーラ温水路１４の開閉弁３１が閉じられているので、この開閉弁３１内、開閉弁３１前後のソーラ温水路１４にまだ水が溜まった状態にある。そこで、次に、作業者が本給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の主電源１００をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセット操作を行うと（Ｓ１９）、上記開閉弁制御部１１５によってこの主電源１００のＯＮ時（リセット後）から一定時間は上記開閉弁３１が開弁される。すると、この開閉弁３１が開弁されている間にこの開閉弁３１内および開閉弁３１前後のソーラ温水路１４に溜まっていた残留水が混合水路２９を通って水抜き栓３５からすべてこのユニット１外に排出される。これによって、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の通水回路２、混合調節器３および開閉弁３１の全域の水抜きが確実に行われる。
【００６０】
このように、通常、これら器具（ユニット１、太陽熱温水器５、給湯器７）は屋外に設置されるので、屋外に設置の本ユニット１における主電源１００のリセット操作によって水抜き操作を行うから、この水抜き操作のすべての作業を屋外にある器具で行え、作業者にとっては非常に利便性がよい。また、水抜き操作のきっかけを上記主電源１００のリセット操作で行うので、リモコン接続なしの給湯器に本給湯器用温水混合ユニット１を接続した場合でも、上記水抜き操作を行うことができる。
【００６１】
なお、上記水量センサ３２は、混合水路２９における通水の有無を検知するが、上記水抜き栓３５からの水抜き時における混合水路２９内の水流程度では通水ありとは検知されない。よって、この水抜きに際して混合調節器３や開閉弁３１が誤動作することもない。
そして、主電源１００のリセット後一定時間が経過すると上記開閉弁３１が閉弁されて動作が終了する。
【００６２】
＜実施の形態２．（請求項３対応）＞
この実施の形態２による給湯器用温水混合ユニットは、通水回路内に常開式の開閉弁を備えたものである。
【００６３】
図３は、本発明の実施の形態２による温水混合ユニットを用いたソーラ給湯システムを示す構成図である。図３に示すように、この実施の形態２による温水混合ユニット１では、通水回路２において冷水路１５から分岐されて混合水路２９に至るバイパス通路２８が設けられると共に、このバイパス通路２８には開閉弁３１が設けられている。この開閉弁３３１は、例えばソレノイドによって駆動される電磁弁が採用され、ソレノイドへの電圧供給が停止されると開弁する常開の電磁弁である。
【００６４】
また、ユニットコントローラ１１における開閉弁制御部１１５は、上記バイパス通路２８に設けた開閉弁３３１の開閉制御を行うものであって、通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９で通水ありと判定されると開閉弁３３１を閉弁させバイパス通路２８内に水が流れないようにし、通水判定部１１３が通水なしと判定されると開閉弁３３１を開弁させバイパス通路２８内に水が流れるようにする。なお、この実施の形態２にあっては上記実施の形態１とは異なり、主電源１００のリセット操作でこの開閉弁制御部１１５によって上記開閉弁３３１の開閉制御はなされないが、主電源１００がＯＦＦされると上記開閉弁３３１への電力供給が途絶えて開閉弁３３１は開弁状態となる。
【００６５】
また、混合調節器制御部１１２は、通水判定部１１３で混合水路２９の通水なしが判定されると混合調節器３を通水停止時の開度位置に保持させ、これをとりあえずの水抜き位置とする。そして、混合調節器制御部１１２は、上記混合水路２９に通水がない状態で本ユニット１の主電源１００をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセット操作を行うことで、通水停止時に保持させた混合調節器３の開度位置として、給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５のいずれかが閉止されていた場合はその閉止されていた給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５の側を少しだけ開放させるか、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５を予め決めておいた開放位置に開放させる。ただし、通水停止時に保持させた混合調節器３の開度位置が給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁とも開放されていた場合はその通水停止時の開度位置のまま保持させる。
【００６６】
その他はこの混合調節器制御部１１２は、上記実施の形態１と同様に上記混合調節器３に対するミキシング動作制御や、ハイカット温度センサ３４の出力を受けて温水量調節弁２５を強制的に全閉させたりする。また、上記説明した構成以外の他の構成は、上記実施の形態１のものと同様である。
【００６７】
（給湯器用温水混合ユニットの動作）
そして、この実施の形態２の温水混合ユニット１の動作は、図４に示したフローチャートにそって行われる。すなわち、給湯器７で出湯されて通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９内に通水ありと判定すると（Ｓ３０）、上記開閉弁３３１が閉弁され（Ｓ３１）、混合調節器３に対するミキシング制御がなされる（Ｓ３２）。
【００６８】
そして、給湯器７で出湯停止されて通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９内に通水なしと判定すると（Ｓ３３）、上記開閉弁３３１が開弁され（Ｓ３４）、通水停止時である今の開度位置に混合調節器３を保持させ（Ｓ３５）、とりあえずの水抜き位置とする。この状態で再び給湯器７で出湯され通水判定部１１３が混合水路２９内に通水ありと判定すると（Ｓ３６）、開閉弁３３１を閉じて混合調節器のミキシング制御がなされる（Ｓ３１，Ｓ３２）。
一方、給湯器７で出湯停止の状態、すなわち混合水路２９に通水がない状態では（ステップＳ３６）、以下の水抜き操作が行える。
【００６９】
上記実施の形態１と同じく、水抜き操作として、まず元栓（減圧弁６１）を閉じ、太陽熱温水器５の水抜き栓２１，３０、給湯器７の水抜き栓（図示せず）、さらには本給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の水抜き栓３５をすべて開放する。これによって、太陽熱温水器５側および給湯器７側における通水配管の水抜きがなされ、また、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の通水回路２の水抜きもほとんどなされる。
【００７０】
しかし、上記混合調節器３の給水量調節弁２４あるいは温水量調節弁２５のどちらかが閉じられた状態にあることもあり、その場合はソーラ温水路１４あるいは給水路１５、またこの混合調節器３付近の混合水路２９にまだ水が溜まった状態にある。そこで、次に、使用者が本給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の主電源１００をＯＦＦにしてからＯＮとするリセット操作を行うと（ステップＳ３７）、混合調節器３の開度位置において給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５とも一定以上開放されているか否か確認される（Ｓ３８）。このとき、給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５のいずれかが閉止されていた場合はその閉止されていた給水量調節弁２４または温水量調節弁２５の側を少しだけ開放させるか、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５を予め決めておいた開放位置に開放させる（Ｓ４０）。これによって、通水回路２内にまだ残っていた残留水が混合水路２９を通って水抜き栓３５からユニット１外へすべて排出される。これによって、給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の通水回路２、混合調節器３および開閉弁３１の全域の水抜きが確実に行われる。
【００７１】
一方、給水量調節弁２４および温水量調節弁２５とも一定以上開放されていた場合はそのまま今の開度位置が維持される（Ｓ３９）。この場合は、上記水抜き操作ですでに給湯器用温水混合ユニット１の水抜き操作が完了している。
このように、この実施の形態２においても、上記実施の形態１と同様に、通常、屋外に設置の本ユニット１における主電源１００のリセット操作によって水抜き操作を行うから、この水抜き操作のすべての作業を屋外にある器具で行え、使用者の利便性がよい。
以上で動作が終了する。
【００７２】
（その他の実施の形態）
なお、上記実施の形態１，２では、上記混合調節器３は、給水量調節弁２４と温水量調節弁２５とによる２軸制御とするが、例えば、ソーラ温水路１４と冷水路１５の合流点に単一の弁体を具備させてこの弁体の角度調節でソーラ温水路１４からのソーラ温水と給水路１５からの水の混合割合を同時に調整する１軸制御としてもよい。
【００７３】
また、上記実施の形態１，２では、動作説明においては給湯器７の出湯を混合水路２９に設けた水量センサ３２からの水量信号によって監視するが、上記ユニットコントローラ１１の混合調節器制御部１１４は、上記通信部１１１を介して給湯器７からの水量情報によって監視するようにしてもよい。これによって、給湯器７で出湯が停止されたことを直ちに知ることができ、しかも上記水量センサ３２を不要として温水混合ユニット１における部品点数を少なくすることができる。
【００７４】
また、実施の形態１においては、上記開閉弁制御部１１５は、さらに、上記主電源１００がＯＮ状態にあるときに上記混合水路２９に通水がない状態で上記リモコン７１の運転スイッチをＯＮにしてからＯＦＦとするとこの運転スイッチＯＦＦ時から一定の間は上記開閉弁３１を開弁させるようにしてもよい。また、実施の形態２においては、上記混合調節器制御部１１４は、さらに、上記主電源１００がＯＮ状態にあるときに上記混合水路２９に通水がない状態で上記リモコン７１の運転スイッチをＯＮにしてからＯＦＦとすると上記混合調節器３を上記水抜き位置に保持させるようにしてもよい。これらの場合、主電源１００のリセット操作か、リモコン７１の操作かのどちらのやり方でも上記水抜き操作に対応でき、汎用性に優れる。
【００７５】
また、上記実施の形態１，２では、補助熱源の給湯器７に接続する温水供給装置として太陽熱温水器５を用いるが、これに限らず、例えば廃熱利用の温水器等その他種々の温水供給装置であってもよい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施の形態１における、ソーラ給湯システムの全体構成を示す構成図である。
【図２】実施の形態１の温水混合ユニットにおける制御フローを示すフローチャートである。
【図３】実施の形態２における、ソーラ給湯システムの全体構成を示す構成図である。
【図４】実施の形態２の温水混合ユニットにおける制御フローを示すフローチャートである。
【図５】従来のソーラ給湯システムの全体構成を示す構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１温水混合ユニット
２通水回路
３混合調節器
５太陽熱温水器（温水供給装置）
７給湯器（補助熱源）
１０給水分岐路
１１ユニットコントローラ
１４ソーラ温水路
１５冷水路
１９ソーラ温度センサ
２３入水温度センサ
２４給水量調節弁
２５温水量調節弁
２８バイパス通路
２９混合水路
３１開閉弁
３２水量センサ
３３混合水温度センサ
３４ハイカット温度センサ
３５水抜き栓（水抜き手段）
５６太陽熱温水器のソーラ出湯路
７１給湯器のリモコン
７２給湯コントローラ
７６給湯器の入水路
７７通信線
７８通信ケーブル
１００主電源
１１１通信部
１１２混合温度演算部
１１３通水判定部
１１４混合調節器制御部
１１５開閉弁制御部
３３１開閉弁[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is, for example, a hot water mixing unit for connecting a hot water supply device constituted by a hot water heater using waste heat or the like, such as a solar water heater using natural energy, to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source. This is a technique related to draining water in the hot water mixing unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a solar hot water supply system in which a solar water heater is connected as a hot water supply device to a water heater provided with a heat source is known. And about draining in the warm water mixing unit of this solar hot-water supply system, there exist some which were described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 11-2456, for example. As shown in FIG. 5, the water heater with a solar water heater function described in this publication includes solar hot water that passes from the solar water heater B through the solar hot water passage 570, and tap water that passes from the water supply through the cold water passage 580. Is mixed with the mixing controller 561 as necessary and led to the water heater A via the mixing water channel 566 downstream of the mixing controller 561. The solar hot water channel 570 includes an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 562, a check valve 567, and the like. A check valve 581 is provided in the cold water channel 580, and a drain valve 566 a is provided in the mixed water channel 566 downstream of the mixing controller 561.
[0003]
When the amount of water in the water heater A is less than the minimum working water amount, the main controller 530 of the water heater A sets the water mixing valve position of the mixing controller 561 to the solar hot water via the controller 560 of the hot water mixing unit B. It is possible to drain the water on the road side and the cold water channel side, and hold the water at the drainage position of the multiple water amount position where the cold water channel side has a larger opening than the solar hot water channel side. When the operation switch of the remote controller 550 is turned off, the electromagnetic on-off valve 562 of the solar hot water passage 570 is not closed immediately but is closed after a certain time. When the water drain valve 566a is opened in this state, water remaining in the mixing hot water channel 570 and the cold water channel 580 upstream of the mixing controller 561 can be drained. In addition, even when a small amount less than the minimum working water amount is used in the water heater A in a state where the mixing controller 561 is in this draining position, the mixing controller 561 is held at the above-mentioned mixed water amount position. Since the solar hot water from the solar water heater B is mixed with a large amount of water and sent to the hot water heater A side, the high temperature water from the solar water heater B is not discharged at a high temperature.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is not absolutely guaranteed that the solar hot water is always mixed with a large amount of water only at the water draining position which is the above-mentioned water mixture amount position. Moreover, even if the water heater A is used in a small amount that is less than the minimum amount of working water, the mixing controller 561 is held in the drain position. Therefore, even if the cold water channel side is made larger than the solar hot water channel side as the drainage position of the mixed water amount position in the mixing controller 561, the water flow pressure of each water channel 570, 580 is higher on the solar hot water channel 570 side. If it becomes higher than the cold water channel 580 side, the amount of solar hot water will flow in a larger amount than water. In particular, if the check valve 581 of the cold water channel 580 is clogged even a little, the water flow pressure of the cold water channel 580 is lowered. It is sufficiently assumed that hot water is discharged from the water heater A.
[0005]
In addition, when the operation switch of the remote controller 550 of the water heater A is turned off, the solenoid on / off valve 562 of the solar hot water channel 570 is closed after a certain time. However, in a water heater without a remote controller connection, such a hot water mixing unit B Can not cope with draining water. In addition, since equipment such as the hot water mixing unit B is usually installed outdoors, it is troublesome to operate the remote controller 550 in order to drain the water. Since it is troublesome, there is a situation in which water is drained after a certain period of time has elapsed after the operation switch of the remote controller 550 is turned off. In this case, water remains in the electromagnetic on-off valve 562 that is most difficult to drain water. If the residual water freezes, the electromagnetic on-off valve 562 may be damaged.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater, the water in the hot water mixing unit can be drained conveniently and reliably, and when the water can be drained, a small amount is used. It is an object to prevent high-temperature hot water from being discharged even if it is done.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters according to the present invention (Claim 1)
A hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater for connecting a hot water supply device to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source,
A water flow circuit having a hot water channel, a cold water channel, and a mixed water channel extending from the junction of the hot water channel and the cold water channel;
Mixing adjustment that mixes hot water from the hot water supply device that passes through the hot water channel and water from the water source that passes through the cold water channel into mixed water, and sends this mixed water to the mixed water channel connected to the water inlet of the water heater And
An on-off valve provided in the warm water channel upstream of the mixing regulator in the water flow circuit and opened when at least water flows in the mixed water channel;
Water draining means provided in the mixing water channel downstream of the mixing controller in the water flow circuit;
A controller for controlling the operation of the hot water mixing unit for the water heater;
A main power source for supplying power to the hot water mixing unit for the water heater,
The above controller
A water flow determination unit for determining the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel,
A mixing controller control unit that holds the mixing controller at a drainage position with an opening degree that is opened more than a certain amount on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side when it is determined by the water flow determination unit that water has passed through the mixed water channel; ,
An open / close valve controller that opens the open / close valve for a certain period of time after the main power is turned on when the main power is turned off and then turned on in a state where there is no water flow in the mixed water channel. It is a feature.
[0008]
According to this, it is determined that there is no water flow in the mixed water channel in the water flow determination unit, that is, the mixing controller is held in the drain position by the mixing controller control unit when the hot water supply in the water heater is stopped. Let When the water draining means provided in the mixed water channel is opened and the main power supply is reset (OFF → ON), the on-off valve is opened for a certain time after the reset (when the main power supply is ON). Therefore, all the residual water in the water flow circuit is discharged out of the appliance from the draining means opened during this period. At this time, residual water in the on-off valve is also drained.
[0009]
In addition, since the equipment such as this unit is usually installed outdoors, the water draining operation can be performed by resetting the main power supply in this unit, so all the water draining operations can be performed outdoors, which is convenient for the operator. Very good.
In addition, since the drainage operation is triggered by the reset operation of the main power source, the drainage operation can be performed even when the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater without remote control connection.
[0010]
The above draining operation is performed only when the water flow determination unit determines that there is no water flow through the mixed water channel, that is, when the hot water supply is stopped. This is because the mixing controller control unit and the on-off valve control unit perform the control operation only in a state where there is no water flow through the mixing channel. In addition, the said water flow determination part determines with the state which does not have water flow at the grade of the water flow in the mixing water channel at the time of draining from the said water draining means.
[0011]
On the other hand, if a small amount of water is used in the water heater when the mixing controller is in the draining position, the mixing controller is controlled by the mixing controller controller because the water is passed through the mixing channel. Canceled. As a result, even if a small amount of hot water is discharged from the water heater, the mixing controller releases the state of the water draining position and performs a mixing operation. At this time, even if the water flow pressure is different between the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side. The hot water from the hot water supply device is completely prevented from being discharged from the hot water heater at a high temperature.
[0012]
(2) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claim 2) according to the present invention is the above-described hot water mixing unit for water heaters (Claim 1),
The controller further includes a communication unit that intercepts a signal from a remote controller connected to the water heater,
The on-off valve control unit further turns on the remote controller when the main power source is in the ON state and the remote controller is turned on and then off for a certain period of time after the operation switch is turned off. Is characterized in that the on-off valve is opened.
[0013]
According to this, in addition to the operation of resetting the main power supply, the operation of turning on / off the remote controller can open the open / close valve of the hot water channel for a certain period of time as in the case of resetting the main power supply. it can. Therefore, when the hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater with a remote control connection, the water draining operation can be handled by either the main power supply reset operation or the remote control operation, and the versatility is excellent.
[0014]
(3) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters according to the present invention (Claim 3)
A hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater for connecting a hot water supply device to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source,
A water flow circuit having a hot water channel, a cold water channel, a mixed water channel extending from the confluence of the hot water channel and the cold water channel, and a bypass channel branched from the cold water channel to the mixed water channel;
Mixing adjustment that mixes hot water from the hot water supply device that passes through the hot water channel and water from the water source that passes through the cold water channel into mixed water, and sends this mixed water to the mixed water channel connected to the water inlet of the water heater And
An on-off valve provided in the bypass passage in the water flow circuit and closed when there is water flow in at least the mixed water channel;
Water draining means provided in the mixing water channel downstream of the mixing controller in the water flow circuit;
A controller for controlling the operation of the hot water mixing unit for the water heater;
A main power source for supplying power to the hot water mixing unit for the water heater,
The above controller
A water flow determination unit for determining the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel,
An on-off valve control unit that opens the on-off valve when it is determined by the water passage determination unit that water has passed through the mixed water channel;
If the main power supply is turned off and then reset when there is no water flow in the mixed water channel, the mixing controller is held at a drainage position with an opening degree that is open above a certain level on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side. And a mixing controller controller.
[0015]
According to this, it is determined that there is no water flow in the mixed water channel in the water flow determination unit, that is, when the hot water supply in the water heater is stopped, the on-off valve control unit opens the on-off valve of the bypass passage. . And if the draining means provided in the said mixing water channel is open | released and the reset operation (OFF-> ON) of the said main power supply is carried out, a mixing regulator will be hold | maintained in the said draining position. As a result, all the residual water in the water flow circuit is reliably discharged out of the apparatus from the opened draining means. At this time, residual water in the mixing controller is also drained.
[0016]
In addition, since the equipment such as this unit is usually installed outdoors, the water draining operation can be performed by resetting the main power supply in this unit, so all the water draining operations can be performed outdoors, which is convenient for the operator. Very good.
In addition, since the drainage operation is triggered by the reset operation of the main power source, the drainage operation can be performed even when the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater without remote control connection.
[0017]
The above draining operation is performed only when the water flow determination unit determines that there is no water flow through the mixed water channel, that is, when the hot water supply is stopped. This is because the mixing controller control unit and the on-off valve control unit perform the control operation only in a state where there is no water flow through the mixing channel. In addition, the said water flow determination part determines with the state which does not have water flow at the grade of the water flow in the mixing water channel at the time of draining from the said water draining means.
[0018]
On the other hand, if a small amount of water is used in the water heater when the mixing controller is in the draining position, the mixing controller is controlled by the mixing controller controller because the water is passed through the mixing channel. The on / off valve control unit closes the on / off valve of the bypass passage. As a result, even if a small amount of hot water is discharged from the water heater, the mixing controller releases the state of the water draining position and performs a mixing operation. At this time, even if the water flow pressure is different between the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side. The hot water from the hot water supply device is completely prevented from being discharged from the hot water heater at a high temperature.
[0019]
(4) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claim 4) according to the present invention is the above hot water mixing unit for water heaters (Claim 3),
The controller further includes a communication unit that intercepts a signal from a remote controller connected to the water heater,
The mixing controller control unit further turns on the mixing controller when the main power is in an ON state and the operation switch of the remote controller is turned on and then turned off while there is no water flow through the mixing water channel. It is characterized in that it is held at the removal position.
[0020]
According to this, in addition to the reset operation of the main power supply, the mixing controller can be held at the drain position similarly to the case where the main power supply is reset by the operation switch ON to OFF of the remote control. . Therefore, when the hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater with a remote control connection, the water draining operation can be handled by either the main power supply reset operation or the remote control operation, and the versatility is excellent.
[0021]
(5) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claim 5) according to the present invention is the above hot water mixing unit for water heaters (Claims 1 to 4),
The mixing controller control unit further includes, as a water draining position of the mixing controller, an opening degree of the mixing controller when the water flow determining unit determines that there is no water flowing through the mixed water channel. When the position is open more than a certain level on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side, the opening position at the time of stopping the water flow is used.
According to this, the opening position of the mixing controller when the water flow is stopped in the mixing channel, that is, when the hot water supply is stopped in the water heater, is maintained. Therefore, when the hot water is discharged from the water heater and the drained state is released, the desired mixed water can be immediately mixed.
[0022]
(6) A hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claim 6) according to the present invention is the above hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claims 1 to 5),
The mixing channel has a water volume sensor,
The water flow determination unit is configured to determine the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel based on a water amount signal from the water amount sensor.
[0023]
According to this, even when the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater cannot communicate with the hot water heater (such as a disconnection of the communication line or a hot water heater that cannot communicate), the mixed water channel is detected by the water amount signal from the water amount sensor of the mixed water channel. By detecting the presence or absence of water flow, it is possible to detect the stoppage of hot water in the water heater.
In addition, this water amount sensor is not detected as having water flow at the level of the water flow in the mixed water channel at the time of draining water from the draining means.
[0024]
(7) The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claim 7) according to the present invention is the above hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters (Claims 1 to 5).
The controller has a receiving unit for receiving a water amount signal from the water heater,
The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters, wherein the water flow determination unit determines the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel based on a water amount signal from the reception unit.
According to this, when the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater is communicated with the hot water heater, it is possible to detect the hot water supply stoppage of the hot water heater by the water amount signal from the hot water heater, so that it is not particularly necessary to provide a water amount sensor in the mixed water channel.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention (Claim 1), the hot water passage has an on-off valve, and the water flow pressure on the hot water passage side and the cold water passage side is different when a small amount of hot water is discharged from the water heater. However, it is possible to completely prevent the hot water from the hot water supply device from being discharged from the water heater while maintaining a high temperature, and to prevent the user from being burned in the unlikely event. Further, since the water draining operation is performed by resetting the main power supply, all the water draining operations can be performed outdoors, which is very convenient for the operator. Further, since the drainage operation is triggered by the reset operation of the main power source, the drainage operation can be performed even when the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater without remote control connection.
[0026]
Further, according to the present invention (Claim 2), when the hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater with a remote control connection, the water drainage can be performed by either the reset operation of the main power source or the remote control operation. It can be used for operations and has excellent versatility.
[0027]
Further, according to the present invention (Claim 3), there is an on-off valve in a bypass passage that bypasses the mixing regulator and extends from the cold water channel to the mixed water channel, and when the small amount of hot water is discharged from the water heater, Even if the water flow pressure differs from the cold water channel side, it is completely prevented that the hot water from the hot water supply device remains hot and the hot water is discharged from the water heater. Can be completely prevented. Further, since the water draining operation is performed by resetting the main power supply, all the water draining operations can be performed outdoors, which is very convenient for the operator. Further, since the drainage operation is triggered by the reset operation of the main power source, the drainage operation can be performed even when the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater without remote control connection.
[0028]
According to the present invention (Claim 4), when the hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater with a remote control connection, the drainage can be performed by either the main power supply reset operation or the remote control operation. It can be used for operations and has excellent versatility.
[0029]
In addition, according to the present invention (Claim 5), when the hot water is discharged from the water heater and the drain position is released, the desired mixed water can be immediately mixed, and the temperature control in the water heater can also be performed immediately. it can.
[0030]
Further, according to the present invention (Claim 6), even when the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater cannot communicate with the water heater (disconnection of the communication line, or the water heater cannot communicate), Stoppage of the hot water can be detected, and thus the above draining operation can be executed reliably.
[0031]
Further, according to the present invention (Claim 7), the hot water mixing unit for the hot water heater is communicated with the hot water heater, and it is possible to detect the stoppage of the hot water heater from the water amount signal from the hot water heater. It does not have to be provided. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, the cost can be reduced, etc., because the water amount sensor is not provided.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following embodiments, a solar hot water supply system in which a solar water heater is connected as a hot water supply apparatus to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source by a hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater of the present invention will be described as an example.
[0033]
<Embodiment 1. (Claim 1)>
The hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to Embodiment 1 includes a normally closed on-off valve in a water flow circuit.
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of a solar hot water supply system. First, with reference to FIG. 1, it demonstrates from the structure of each part of this solar hot-water supply system.
[0034]
(Solar water heater)
The solar water heater 5 includes a heat storage circuit 52 formed so as to circulate between a heat collector 50 that absorbs solar heat and a hot water storage tank 51, and a hopper 53 and a circulation circuit are provided in the heat storage circuit 52. A pump 54 is provided. In addition, a solar water supply passage 55 that extends from a water supply passage 60 of a water source such as a water supply and supplies water and a water discharge passage 58 that includes a water drain plug 57 are connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 51. At the top of the hot water storage tank 51, a solar hot water outlet 56 for taking out the hot water of the solar water in the hot water storage tank 51 is drawn out. When the circulation pump 54 is driven to circulate the liquid medium in the livestock heat circulation path 52, the liquid medium heated by the heat collector 50 is guided into the hot water storage tank 51 through the livestock heat circulation path 52. The water in the tank 51 is heated by heat exchange to produce solar hot water, and the solar hot water in the hot water storage tank 51 is sent to the hot water mixing unit 1 side through the solar hot water outlet 56.
[0035]
(Water heater)
The water heater 7 includes a water heater body 70 in which a heat exchanger 73 that is heated by a burner (not shown) is incorporated, various operation sections and the like (operation switch, hot water bath switch / remembrance switch, hot water temperature setter, A remote controller 71 provided with a combustion display unit and the like, and a hot water controller 72 connected to the remote controller 71 by a wiring cable 78 to control hot water supply in the bathtub 81 and the hot water tap 85. In addition, the heat exchanger 73 is connected to a water inlet 76 and a hot water outlet 84, and is connected to a forward pipe 82 and a return pipe 83 that are used for filling and chasing the bath 81. . The hot water supply channel 84 is provided with a bath dropping channel 74 for supplying hot water to the bathtub 81 between the outlet pipe 82 and the bath dropping channel 74 is provided with a dropping on / off valve 75, downstream thereof. A three-way valve 80 is provided at a connection point with the forward pipe 82. In addition, a tap tap 85 is provided at the end of the tap channel 84. In addition to this, although not shown, the water inlet 76, the hot water outlet 84, the forward pipe 82 and the return pipe 83 are provided with temperature sensors, and further, the water inlet 76 and the outgoing pipe 82 are provided with pumps, A water volume sensor is provided.
[0036]
(Hot water mixing unit for water heater)
The hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater is a device for connecting the solar water heater 5 as a hot water supply device to the hot water heater 7 as an auxiliary heat source.
The hot water mixing unit 1 for the hot water heater includes a water flow circuit 2 including a solar hot water channel 14, a cold water channel 15, and a mixed water channel 29 extending from a merging point thereof, and a solar that flows into the mixed water channel 29. A mixing controller 3 for determining the mixing ratio of hot water and water, a unit controller 11 for controlling the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater, and a main power source for supplying electric power to the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water supply are provided.
[0037]
The solar hot water passage 14 is a conduit through which the solar hot water from the solar water heater 5 is passed. The solar hot water passage 56 of the solar water heater 5 is connected to the inflow port 16 and the mixing is performed at the downstream end. It is connected to the water channel 29. In order to control the decrease in the internal pressure by sucking the outside air into the solar hot water passage 14 in order from the upstream side, the drain plug 21 with a filter that also functions as a dust removal function for the solar hot water, and the internal pressure of the hot water storage tank 51 is decreased. The vacuum breaker 12, the on-off valve 31, the check valve 13, and the solar temperature sensor 19 are provided.
[0038]
The on-off valve 31 supplies and stops the supply of hot solar water in the solar hot water passage 14 by opening and closing the valve. The on-off valve 31 is, for example, a solenoid valve that is driven by a solenoid, and is a normally closed type that closes when voltage supply to the solenoid is stopped.
[0039]
The cold water channel 15 is a conduit through which water from a water source such as a water supply is passed, and a water supply branch channel 10 in which a part of the water supply channel 60 is branched from the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 61 is connected to the inlet 17 thereof. And connected to the mixed water channel 29 at the downstream end thereof. In the cold water passage 15, a water drain plug 30 with a filter that also functions as a submerged dust removal function, a check valve 22, and an incoming water temperature sensor 23 are disposed in order from the upstream side.
[0040]
The mixed water channel 29 is a pipe through which the mixed water of solar hot water and water is passed, and the solar hot water channel 14 and the cold water channel 15 are merged, and a water inlet 76 of the water heater is connected to the outlet 18 thereof. Is connected. The mixing water channel 29 is opened in order from the upstream side when the water pressure of the mixing regulator 3, the water amount sensor 32, the mixed water temperature sensor 33, the high cut temperature sensor 34, and the mixing water channel 29 rises excessively to release the pressure. An overpressure relief valve / water drain plug (water drain means) 35 that also functions is provided.
[0041]
The water amount sensor 32 detects the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel 29, but it is not detected that water has passed through the water flow in the mixed water channel 29 at the time of draining water from the drain plug 35.
[0042]
The mixing controller 3 includes a water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and a hot water amount adjustment valve 25, and the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 is provided at a connection point of the mixed water passage 29 with the cold water passage 15. In the mixed water channel 29, it is provided at a connection point with the solar hot water channel 14. The water supply amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 are controlled by the control signal from the unit controller 11 to determine the mixing ratio of the solar hot water and water.
[0043]
The unit controller 11 is connected to the hot water supply controller 72 of the hot water heater 7 through a communication line (signal line) 77 in addition to controlling the operation of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heaters, and retains a communication function. And as a structure of this unit controller 11, it has the communication part 111, the mixing temperature calculating part 112, the water flow determination part 113, the mixing regulator control part 114, the on-off valve control part 115, etc.
[0044]
The communication unit 111 holds a communication function for transmitting and receiving information to and from the hot water supply controller 72 that controls the operation of the hot water heater 7. For example, from the hot water supply controller 72 of the water heater 7, hot water set temperature information by the remote controller 71, operation mode information such as hot water use and automatic hot water input input by the remote controller 71, information entered from each sensor of the water heater 7 While various information such as combustion control information of the water heater 7 is transmitted to the communication unit 111, the unit controller 11 receives information from each sensor of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater, and mixing control information of the mixed water Various information such as a combustion prohibition request for the water heater 7 is transmitted to the hot water controller 72. In this way, these various pieces of information are shared between the unit controller 11 and the hot water supply controller 72.
[0045]
The mixed temperature calculation unit 112 first operates the mixed water of the water amount Q determined from the water amount signal of the water amount sensor 32 in the mixed water passage 29 or the water amount signal transmitted from the hot water supply controller 72 at a predetermined combustion amount of the burner. When heated by the hot water heater 7 to be heated, the temperature rise ΔT at which the mixed water of this amount of water Q can be heated and heated is calculated. For example, when the heat generation amount of the water heater 7 operating at the minimum combustion is the minimum heat generation amount Wmin, the calculation of the rise temperature ΔT = minimum heat generation amount Wmin / water amount Q is performed. Then, a target mixing temperature MT that is lower than the set hot water temperature set by the remote controller 71 by the above-described increase temperature ΔT is calculated. That is, calculation of target mixed temperature MT = hot-water supply set temperature S−rise temperature ΔT is performed. The mixing temperature calculation unit 112 calculates the rising temperature ΔT based on the minimum combustion amount due to the minimum combustion of the burner. For example, the specific combustion amount (minimum heat generation amount) slightly higher than the minimum combustion of the burner. The rising temperature ΔT may be obtained based on + α).
[0046]
The water flow determination unit 113 determines the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel 29 from the water amount signal of the water amount sensor 32 in the mixed water channel 29 or the water amount signal transmitted from the hot water supply controller 72. In addition, since the mixed water channel 29 is connected to the water inlet 76 of the water heater 7, the presence / absence of water passing through the mixed water channel 29 by the water amount sensor 32 is determined as the presence / absence of hot water in the water heater 7. The presence / absence of water flow, which is a determination result in the water flow determination unit 113, is output to the mixing controller control unit 114.
[0047]
According to the operation mode of the remote controller 71, the mixing controller control unit 114 is the temperature of the solar hot water in the solar temperature sensor 19 and the hot water supply set temperature in the remote controller 71, or a temperature obtained by adding or subtracting several degrees Celsius from this hot water set temperature. And the mixing operation of the mixing controller 3 is controlled. For example, if the temperature of the solar hot water is higher than the set hot water temperature, the output of the mixed water temperature sensor 33 is monitored, and the mixed water is controlled to be mixed with the mixing controller 3 so that the hot water set temperature is reached. A combustion prohibition request is issued. On the other hand, if the temperature of the solar hot water is lower than the hot water supply set temperature, mixing control of the mixed water to the mixing controller 3 is performed so that the target mixing temperature MT obtained by the mixing temperature calculation unit 112 is obtained.
[0048]
Further, the mixing controller control unit 114 determines that the water flow determining unit 113 has stopped passing the water through the mixed water channel 29, that is, when the hot water supply 7 stops the hot water supply, the water supply amount in the mixing controller 3 Both the control valve 24 and the hot water amount control valve 25 are held at a drainage position with an opening degree that is opened above a certain level. The water draining position of the mixing controller 3 at this time is the mixing adjustment at the time of stoppage of water flow (when hot water supply is stopped at the water heater 7) when the water flow determination unit 113 determines that the water flow of the mixed water channel 29 has been lost. When both the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 are opened to a certain level or more, the opening position at the time when the water flow is stopped is set. Thereby, when the hot water is discharged from the hot water heater 7 next, the desired mixed water can be immediately mixed, and the temperature control in the hot water heater 7 can also be immediately performed.
[0049]
On the other hand, when either the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is closed when the water flow is stopped (when the hot water supply of the water heater 7 is stopped), the drain plug 35 provided in the mixed water channel 29 is opened. However, it is impossible to drain the closed water channel (solar hot water channel 14 or cold water channel 15). Therefore, if either the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is closed when the hot water supply device 7 stops the hot water supply, the closed side of the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is slightly changed. The water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 are opened to a predetermined open position. As a result, both the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 are held at the drainage position with an opening degree that is larger than a certain level, so that the solar hot water passage 14 and the cold water passage 15 are both watered by opening the drain plug 35. Can be removed. Of course, the residual water accumulated in the mixing controller 3 can be drained by opening the drain plug 35.
[0050]
Furthermore, the mixing controller control unit 114 detects the temperature at which the mixed water temperature in the mixing water channel 29 exceeds the set limit temperature (for example, 60 ° C.) of the remote controller 71 in the water heater 7 by the high cut temperature sensor 34. Then, the control for forcibly closing the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 and stopping the supply of the solar hot water is also performed. Thus, high-temperature mixed water exceeding the set limit temperature is not supplied from the mixed water channel 29 to the hot water heater 7 side.
[0051]
The on-off valve control unit 115 performs on-off control of the on-off valve 31 provided in the solar hot water passage 14. That is, when the water flow determining unit 113 determines that water is flowing through the mixed water channel 29, the on-off valve 31 is opened so that the solar hot water flows into the solar hot water channel 14, and the water flow determining unit 113 performs the water flow. If it is determined that there is no, the on-off valve 31 is closed to block the solar hot water from flowing into the hot water passage 14.
[0052]
Further, the on-off valve control unit 115 performs a reset operation to turn on the main power supply 100 of the unit 1 after turning off the main water supply 100 in a state in which there is no water flow through the mixed water channel 29, so ) To open the on-off valve 31 for a certain period of time. Accordingly, the drain plug 35 provided in the mixed water channel 29 is opened, and the reset operation of the main power supply 100 is performed, so that drainage of the entire solar hot water channel 14 can be smoothly performed during a certain period of time when the on-off valve 31 is open. In addition, it is possible to reliably drain the residual water accumulated in the on-off valve 31.
[0053]
It should be noted that the time for opening the on-off valve 31 by the reset operation of the main power supply 100 is that the warm water amount adjustment valve 25 of the mixing regulator 3 is in the “closed” state (water For example, 3 minutes, and when the warm water regulator 25 is in the “open” state, for example, 4 minutes. However, these times are arbitrary and may be appropriately determined from the convenience of the user.
[0054]
(Operation of hot water mixing unit for water heater)
Next, operation | movement of the said hot water mixing unit 1 for water heaters is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure by the unit controller 11. With reference to FIG. 2, when the hot water is discharged from the water heater 7 and the water flow determination unit 113 determines that water is flowing into the mixed water channel 29 (S10), the on-off valve 31 is opened (S11), and the mixing controller 3 is mixed (S12).
[0055]
When the hot water supply 7 stops the hot water supply and the water flow determination unit 113 determines that there is no water flow in the mixed water channel 29 (S33), the open / close valve control unit 115 closes the open / close valve 31 to the solar hot water channel 14. The solar hot water is not supplied (S14).
[0056]
Subsequently, the mixing controller control unit 112 confirms whether or not the water supply amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 are opened to a certain degree or more as the current state of the mixing controller 3 (S15). If both the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 are opened above a certain level, the mixing controller 3 is held at the current stop position as the drain position (S16). On the other hand, when one of the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is closed, the mixing controller 3 is held so that both of the water supply positions are opened at a certain degree or more (S17). ). At this time, only the closed side of the water supply amount adjusting valve 24 or the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 may be opened a little, or the water supply amount adjusting valve 24 or the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 is determined in advance. You may make it be the open position. In other words, the water draining position does not necessarily have to be the water mixture amount position (the position where the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 is larger than the warm water amount adjustment valve 25).
[0057]
Further, at this time, when the draining operation is started again without starting the draining operation and the presence of water passing through the mixed water channel 29 is detected (S18), the mixing controller controller 114 causes the mixing controller 3 to The water draining position is released and a mixing operation is performed (S12). At this time, if the water draining position is held at the opening position at the time of stopping hot water supply, the desired mixing operation is immediately performed when moving to the next mixing operation unless the hot water supply set temperature of the remote controller 71 is changed. be able to. Even if the closed side of the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the warm water amount adjustment valve 25 is slightly opened as the drainage position, the mixing controller 3 is immediately returned to the original state when the operation proceeds to the next mixing operation. It is possible to return to the state, and a desired mixing operation can be quickly performed. Therefore, even when the water pressure on the solar hot water channel 14 side and the cold water channel 15 side is different when a small amount of hot water is discharged from the water heater 7, the hot water from the solar water heater 5 remains hot and is discharged from the water heater 7. It is possible to prevent the user from being burned by any chance.
[0058]
On the other hand, when the hot water heater 7 is in a state where the hot water supply is stopped, that is, when there is no water flow through the mixed water channel 29 (S18), the following draining operation can be performed.
As the draining operation, first, the main plug (pressure reducing valve 61) is closed, the drain plugs 21 and 30 of the solar water heater 5, the drain plug (not shown) of the hot water heater 7, and the hot water mixing unit 1 for this hot water heater. All drain plugs 35 are opened. As a result, water is drained from the water passage piping on the solar water heater 5 side and the water heater 7 side, and the water drain of the water passage circuit 2 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater is also almost done.
[0059]
However, since the on-off valve 31 of the solar hot water passage 14 is closed, water is still accumulated in the solar hot water passage 14 in the on-off valve 31 and before and after the on-off valve 31. Then, next, when the operator performs a reset operation to turn on after turning off the main power supply 100 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater (S19), the on / off valve control unit 115 turns on the main power supply 100. The on-off valve 31 is opened for a certain time from (after reset). Then, while the on-off valve 31 is open, all of the residual water accumulated in the on-off valve 31 and in the solar hot water passage 14 before and after the on-off valve 31 passes through the mixing water passage 29 from the drain plug 35. 1 is discharged outside. Thereby, drainage of the whole area of the water flow circuit 2, the mixing controller 3 and the on-off valve 31 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heaters is performed reliably.
[0060]
Thus, since these appliances (unit 1, solar water heater 5, water heater 7) are usually installed outdoors, the draining operation is performed by resetting the main power supply 100 in the unit 1 installed outdoors. All the water draining operations can be performed with outdoor equipment, which is very convenient for the operator. In addition, since the drainage operation is triggered by the reset operation of the main power supply 100, the drainage operation can be performed even when the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater is connected to a hot water heater without remote control connection.
[0061]
The water amount sensor 32 detects the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel 29, but it is not detected that there is water flow in the degree of water flow in the mixed water channel 29 when water is drained from the drain plug 35. Therefore, the mixing controller 3 and the on-off valve 31 do not malfunction during draining.
And when the fixed time passes after the reset of the main power supply 100, the on-off valve 31 is closed and the operation is finished.
[0062]
<Embodiment 2. (Claim 3)>
The hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to the second embodiment includes a normally open on-off valve in the water flow circuit.
[0063]
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a solar hot water supply system using a hot water mixing unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in the hot water mixing unit 1 according to the second embodiment, a bypass passage 28 branched from the cold water passage 15 to reach the mixing water passage 29 in the water flow circuit 2 is provided. An on-off valve 31 is provided. The on-off valve 331 is a normally open solenoid valve that employs, for example, a solenoid valve driven by a solenoid and opens when voltage supply to the solenoid is stopped.
[0064]
The on-off valve control unit 115 in the unit controller 11 performs on-off control of the on-off valve 331 provided in the bypass passage 28, and the water flow determination unit 113 determines that water is flowing through the mixed water channel 29. The on-off valve 331 is closed so that water does not flow into the bypass passage 28, and when the water passage determining unit 113 determines that there is no water passage, the on-off valve 331 is opened so that water flows into the bypass passage 28. To. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the on / off valve control unit 115 does not control the opening / closing of the on / off valve 331 by the reset operation of the main power supply 100. When turned off, the power supply to the on-off valve 331 is interrupted and the on-off valve 331 is opened.
[0065]
In addition, when the water flow determining unit 113 determines that the mixed water passage 29 is not flowing, the mixing controller control unit 112 holds the mixing controller 3 at the opening position when the water flow is stopped, and this is a temporary water supply. Set to the removal position. And the mixing regulator control part 112 was made to hold | maintain at the time of a water flow stop by performing the reset operation which turns on after turning off the main power supply 100 of this unit 1 in the state where there is no water flow in the said mixing water channel 29. When either the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is closed as the opening position of the mixing controller 3, the closed water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is set to the closed position. The water supply amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 are opened to a predetermined opening position. However, when the opening position of the mixing controller 3 held when the water flow is stopped is open in both the water supply amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve, the opening position is maintained as it was when the water flow was stopped.
[0066]
In other respects, the mixing controller control unit 112 forcibly fully closes the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 in response to the mixing operation control for the mixing controller 3 and the output of the high-cut temperature sensor 34 as in the first embodiment. I will let you. Other configurations other than the configuration described above are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0067]
(Operation of hot water mixing unit for water heater)
And operation | movement of the warm water mixing unit 1 of this Embodiment 2 is performed along the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, when the hot water is discharged from the water heater 7 and the water flow determination unit 113 determines that there is water flow in the mixed water channel 29 (S30), the on-off valve 331 is closed (S31), and mixing control for the mixing controller 3 is performed. (S32).
[0068]
When the hot water supply 7 stops the hot water supply and the water flow determination unit 113 determines that there is no water flow in the mixed water channel 29 (S33), the on-off valve 331 is opened (S34), and the water flow is stopped. The mixing controller 3 is held at the opening position (S35), and the water draining position is temporarily set. In this state, when hot water is discharged from the water heater 7 again and the water passage determination unit 113 determines that water is flowing into the mixed water passage 29 (S36), the on-off valve 331 is closed and mixing control of the mixing controller is performed (S31, S32). ).
On the other hand, when the hot water supply device 7 is in a state where the hot water supply is stopped, that is, when there is no water flow through the mixed water channel 29 (step S36), the following draining operation can be performed.
[0069]
As in the first embodiment, as a draining operation, first, the main plug (pressure reducing valve 61) is closed, the drain plugs 21 and 30 of the solar water heater 5, the drain plug (not shown) of the hot water heater 7, and further All the drain plugs 35 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for the water heater are opened. As a result, water is drained from the water passage pipes on the solar water heater 5 side and the water heater 7 side, and the water drain of the water passage circuit 2 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater is also almost eliminated.
[0070]
However, either the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 of the mixing controller 3 may be in a closed state. In this case, the solar hot water passage 14 or the water supply passage 15, or the mixing controller Water is still accumulated in the mixed water channel 29 near 3. Then, next, when the user performs a reset operation to turn on after turning off the main power supply 100 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heater (step S37), the water supply amount adjustment valve at the opening position of the mixing controller 3 It is confirmed whether or not both 24 and the warm water amount adjustment valve 25 are opened above a certain level (S38). At this time, if either the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the hot water amount adjustment valve 25 is closed, the closed water supply amount adjustment valve 24 or the warm water amount adjustment valve 25 side is slightly opened, or the water supply The amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 are opened to a predetermined opening position (S40). As a result, all the residual water still remaining in the water flow circuit 2 is discharged from the drain plug 35 to the outside of the unit 1 through the mixed water channel 29. Thereby, drainage of the whole area of the water flow circuit 2, the mixing controller 3 and the on-off valve 31 of the hot water mixing unit 1 for hot water heaters is performed reliably.
[0071]
On the other hand, if both the water supply amount adjusting valve 24 and the hot water amount adjusting valve 25 are opened above a certain level, the current opening position is maintained as it is (S39). In this case, the draining operation of the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater 1 has already been completed by the draining operation.
As described above, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the water draining operation is usually performed by the reset operation of the main power supply 100 in the main unit 1 installed outdoors. All work can be done with outdoor equipment, which is convenient for the user.
The operation is thus completed.
[0072]
(Other embodiments)
In the first and second embodiments, the mixing controller 3 is biaxially controlled by the water supply amount adjustment valve 24 and the hot water amount adjustment valve 25. For example, the solar hot water passage 14 and the cold water passage 15 merge. A single valve body may be provided at the point, and uniaxial control for simultaneously adjusting the mixing ratio of the hot water from the solar hot water passage 14 and the water from the water supply passage 15 by adjusting the angle of the valve body.
[0073]
In the first and second embodiments, in the explanation of the operation, the hot water discharged from the water heater 7 is monitored by the water amount signal from the water amount sensor 32 provided in the mixed water channel 29, but the mixing controller control unit 114 of the unit controller 11. May be monitored by the water amount information from the water heater 7 via the communication unit 111. As a result, it is possible to immediately know that the hot water supply has been stopped in the water heater 7 and to eliminate the need for the water amount sensor 32 and to reduce the number of parts in the hot water mixing unit 1.
[0074]
In the first embodiment, the on-off valve control unit 115 further turns on the operation switch of the remote controller 71 in a state where there is no water flow through the mixed water channel 29 when the main power supply 100 is in the ON state. If it is turned off after that, the on-off valve 31 may be opened for a certain period after the operation switch is turned off. Further, in the second embodiment, the mixing controller control unit 114 further turns on the operation switch of the remote controller 71 in a state where there is no water flow through the mixed water channel 29 when the main power supply 100 is in the ON state. Then, when it is turned OFF, the mixing controller 3 may be held at the drain position. In these cases, either the reset operation of the main power supply 100 or the operation of the remote controller 71 can cope with the water draining operation, and the versatility is excellent.
[0075]
In the first and second embodiments, the solar water heater 5 is used as the hot water supply device connected to the hot water heater 7 of the auxiliary heat source. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other hot water supplies such as a waste water heater. It may be a device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a solar hot water supply system in a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the hot water mixing unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a solar hot water supply system in a second embodiment.
4 is a flowchart showing a control flow in a hot water mixing unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a conventional solar hot water supply system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Hot water mixing unit
2 Water flow circuit
3 Mixing controller
5 Solar water heater (warm water supply device)
7 Water heater (auxiliary heat source)
10 Water supply branch
11 Unit controller
14 Solar heated waterway
15 cold waterway
19 Solar temperature sensor
23 Water temperature sensor
24 Water supply control valve
25 Hot water control valve
28 Bypass passage
29 Mixed waterway
31 On-off valve
32 Water sensor
33 Mixed water temperature sensor
34 High cut temperature sensor
35 Drain tap (Drain means)
56 Solar water heater of solar water heater
71 Water heater remote control
72 Hot water controller
76 Waterway of water heater
77 communication line
78 Communication cable
100 Main power supply
111 Communication Department
112 Mixing temperature calculator
113 Water flow determination unit
114 Mixing controller controller
115 On-off valve controller
331 On-off valve

Claims

A hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater for connecting a hot water supply device to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source,
A water flow circuit having a hot water channel, a cold water channel, and a mixed water channel extending from the junction of the hot water channel and the cold water channel;
Mixing adjustment that mixes hot water from the hot water supply device that passes through the hot water channel and water from the water source that passes through the cold water channel into mixed water, and sends this mixed water to the mixed water channel connected to the water inlet of the water heater And
An on-off valve provided in the warm water channel upstream of the mixing regulator in the water flow circuit and opened when at least water flows in the mixed water channel;
Water draining means provided in the mixing water channel downstream of the mixing controller in the water flow circuit;
A controller for controlling the operation of the hot water mixing unit for the water heater;
A main power source for supplying power to the hot water mixing unit for the water heater,
The above controller
A water flow determination unit for determining the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel,
A mixing controller control unit that holds the mixing controller at a drainage position with an opening degree that is opened more than a certain amount on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side when it is determined by the water flow determination unit that water has passed through the mixed water channel; ,
An open / close valve controller that opens the open / close valve for a certain period of time after the main power is turned on when the main power is turned off and then turned on in a state where there is no water flow in the mixed water channel. A hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters.

In the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to claim 1,
The controller further includes a communication unit that intercepts a signal from a remote controller connected to the water heater,
The on-off valve control unit further turns on the remote controller when the main power source is in the ON state and the remote controller is turned on and then off for a certain period of time after the operation switch is turned off. Is a hot water mixing unit for a water heater, wherein the on-off valve is opened.

A hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater for connecting a hot water supply device to a hot water heater of an auxiliary heat source,
A water flow circuit having a hot water channel, a cold water channel, a mixed water channel extending from the confluence of the hot water channel and the cold water channel, and a bypass channel branched from the cold water channel to the mixed water channel;
Mixing adjustment that mixes hot water from the hot water supply device that passes through the hot water channel and water from the water source that passes through the cold water channel into mixed water, and sends this mixed water to the mixed water channel connected to the water inlet of the water heater And
An on-off valve provided in the bypass passage in the water flow circuit and closed when there is water flow in at least the mixed water channel;
Water draining means provided in the mixing water channel downstream of the mixing controller in the water flow circuit;
A controller for controlling the operation of the hot water mixing unit for the water heater;
A main power source for supplying power to the hot water mixing unit for the water heater,
The above controller
A water flow determination unit for determining the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel,
An on-off valve control unit that opens the on-off valve when it is determined by the water passage determination unit that water has passed through the mixed water channel;
If the main power supply is turned off and then reset when there is no water flow in the mixed water channel, the mixing controller is held at a drainage position with an opening degree that is open above a certain level on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side. A hot water mixing unit for a water heater, comprising a mixing controller control unit.

In the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to claim 3,
The controller further includes a communication unit that intercepts a signal from a remote controller connected to the water heater,
The mixing controller control unit further turns on the mixing controller when the main power is in an ON state and the operation switch of the remote controller is turned on and then turned off while there is no water flow through the mixing water channel. A hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters, characterized in that the hot water mixing unit is held in the unplugged position.

In the hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The mixing controller control unit further includes, as a water draining position of the mixing controller, an opening degree of the mixing controller when the water flow determining unit determines that there is no water flowing through the mixed water channel. A hot water mixing unit for a hot water heater, characterized in that when the position is open at a certain level or more on both the hot water channel side and the cold water channel side, the opening position when the water flow is stopped is set.

In the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The mixing channel has a water volume sensor,
The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters, wherein the water flow determination unit determines the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel based on a water amount signal from the water amount sensor.

In the hot water mixing unit for hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The controller has a receiving unit for receiving a water amount signal from the water heater,
The hot water mixing unit for hot water heaters, wherein the water flow determination unit determines the presence or absence of water flow in the mixed water channel based on a water amount signal from the reception unit.