Hot water supply device, hot water supply program, hot water supply method, and recording medium

Abstract

The invention provides a hot water supply device, a hot water supply program, a hot water supply method, and a recording medium. A hot water supply device is characterized in that the hot water supply device includes: a first burner unit that performs combustion in a first combustion mode; a second burner unit that performs combustion in a second combustion mode in which the amount of combustion exceeds the amount of combustion in the first combustion mode; and a control unit that sets a combustion amount in accordance with a hot water supply request and selects the first combustion mode or the second combustion mode, performs a hot water supply process in accordance with a continued hot water supply request when the cumulative time of the second combustion mode during combustion reaches a certain time or more, and performs a hot water supply process in accordance with the continued hot water supply request if there is no hot water supply request. When a hot water supply request is generated, the hot water supply process is ended, and after the completion, when the hot water supply request is generated, the first burner unit is caused to burn in accordance with the first combustion mode regardless of the content of the hot water supply request.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201980093674.1 (international application number PCT / JP2019 / 050249), application date December 23, 2019, and invention name “Hot water supply device, hot water supply program, hot water supply method and recording medium”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a combustion control technology for monitoring and adjusting the combustion state of a combustion unit mounted on a hot water supply device. Background Art

[0003] Among hot water supply devices, there is a known hot water supply device in which a plurality of burners are divided into groups of several burners, and the divided burner groups are combined according to a hot water supply request, thereby allowing a corresponding number of burners to burn to obtain a required combustion amount (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-128575 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In addition, in the hot water supply device, the monitoring process of the combustion state of the burner is regularly performed. The air supply amount to the burner has a great influence on the combustion state. According to the ratio of fuel gas to air, in addition to the change in the amount of NOx generated by combustion, incomplete combustion of the burner may also occur. In the hot water supply device, combustion improvement processing is performed based on the monitoring results of the combustion state. Flame rods are used in the monitoring of the combustion state. However, in the combustion section of the hot water supply device, the number of flame rods is limited relative to the number of burners due to cost and installation space. Therefore, in the combustion section of the hot water supply device divided into a group of several burners, a grouping is generated in which the flame rod cannot be used to monitor the combustion state. In this way, for the burner whose combustion state cannot be monitored, the combustion state cannot be adjusted.

[0009] For example, there are so-called single-pipe hot water supply devices that supply hot water only through a hot water supply pipe and central hot water supply hot water supply devices that supply hot water to multiple hot water supply loads. In such hot water supply devices, since the hot water supply loads vary little, there is a case where only the burner part without a flame rod continues to burn. In this case, in the hot water supply device, the state where the combustion state of the burner cannot be monitored and the combustion improvement cannot be performed may continue.

[0010] This problem is not disclosed or suggested in Patent Document 1, and the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot solve this problem.

[0011] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to enable regular monitoring of the combustion state of a burner and combustion improvement thereof regardless of the combustion mode based on a hot water supply request.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a hot water supply device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a combustion unit, which has a first burner unit and a second burner unit, and makes any one or both of these burner units burn, the first burner unit is provided with a flame sensor, and the flame sensor detects the combustion state information of the flame generated by the burner, and the second burner unit includes a burner of a different number from that of the first burner unit; a combustion control unit, which monitors the combustion mode of the combustion unit set according to the hot water supply request, and changes to the first combustion mode of at least making the first burner unit burn without continuing the second combustion mode of making the first burner unit burn; and a combustion adjustment control unit, which takes in the combustion state information of the first burner unit detected by the flame sensor and performs combustion adjustment processing of the combustion unit.

[0014] In the above-mentioned hot water supply device, it is also possible that the hot water supply device also has a timer, which measures the elapsed time. When the set time has passed since the second combustion mode was set, the combustion control unit changes the combustion unit to the first combustion mode and burns until a certain time has passed.

[0015] In the hot water supply device, when the combustion mode is changed due to a monitoring result indicating that combustion is performed in the second combustion mode, the combustion control unit may change a range of a combustion capacity of the burner that performs combustion in the first combustion mode.

[0016] In the above hot water supply device, the combustion control unit may cause the combustion unit to perform combustion in the first combustion mode when the next combustion operation starts after the combustion in the second combustion mode is continuously set.

[0017] In the above-mentioned hot water supply device, the combustion control unit may adjust the hot water supply set temperature or the water supply amount to change the combustion mode.

[0018] In the above-mentioned hot water supply device, the hot water supply device may further include an air supply fan that supplies air to the burner, and the combustion adjustment control unit may adjust the rotation speed of the air supply fan so that the combustion state of the combustion unit satisfies a set condition.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a recording medium of one aspect of the present invention stores a hot water supply program that enables a computer to execute the following functions: monitor the combustion mode of a combustion unit set according to a hot water supply request; change to a first combustion mode in which at least the first burner unit provided with a flame sensor is burned without continuing the second combustion mode in which the first burner unit is burned, wherein the flame sensor detects the combustion state information of the flame; and take in the combustion state information of the first burner unit detected by the flame sensor and perform combustion adjustment processing of the combustion unit, wherein the combustion unit has the first burner unit and a second burner unit, and the second burner unit includes a different number of burners from the first burner unit.

[0020] In the above-mentioned recording medium, it may also be that the hot water supply program also causes the computer to execute the following functions: timing the elapsed time; and when a set time has passed since the second combustion mode was set, changing the combustion unit to the first combustion mode and burning until a certain time has passed.

[0021] In the above-mentioned recording medium, it may also be that the hot water supply program further causes the computer to execute the following function: when the combustion mode is changed due to a monitoring result indicating that combustion is performed in the second combustion mode, the range of the combustion capacity of the burner that burns in the first combustion mode is changed.

[0022] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a hot water supply method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the following processing: monitoring the combustion mode of a combustion unit set according to a hot water supply request; changing to a first combustion mode in which at least the first burner unit is burned without continuing the second combustion mode in which the first burner unit provided with a flame sensor is burned, wherein the flame sensor detects the combustion state information of the flame; and taking in the combustion state information of the first burner unit detected by the flame sensor, and performing combustion adjustment processing of the combustion unit, wherein the combustion unit has the first burner unit and a second burner unit, and the second burner unit includes a different number of burners from the first burner unit.

[0023] In the above-mentioned hot water supply method, the hot water supply method may also include the following processing: timing the elapsed time; and when a set time has passed since the second combustion mode was set, changing the combustion unit to the first combustion mode and burning until a certain time has passed.

[0024] In the above-mentioned hot water supply method, it may be that the hot water supply method further includes the following processing: when the combustion mode is changed due to the monitoring result indicating that combustion is performed in the second combustion mode, changing the range of the combustion capacity of the burner that burns in the first combustion mode.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0027] (1) When combustion continues in a combustion mode in which the flame sensor cannot detect the combustion state, the combustion mode is changed to monitor the combustion state and improve the combustion, thereby achieving improved safety of the water heater and reduced environmental load caused by combustion.

[0028] (2) By performing monitoring processing according to the combustion mode based on the hot water supply request using flame sensors provided only in a part of the burner units divided into a plurality of groups, it is possible to grasp the combustion state of the burner while reducing the number of components.

[0029] (3) Regardless of the combustion control based on the hot water supply request, the combustion state can be monitored regularly or quantitatively, and the reliability of the hot water supply device can be improved.

[0030] (4) The hot water supply temperature can be prevented from falling below or rising above a set temperature during the monitoring process of the combustion state, and the hot water temperature can be stabilized.

[0031] Furthermore, other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the accompanying drawings and various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the hot water supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the switching state of the combustion stage.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an example of hot water supply processing.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a hot water supply device according to a second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of hot water supply processing.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the hot water supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring process of a combustion state using a flame rod.

[0040] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the timing of the combustion state monitoring process.

[0041] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing an example of hot water supply processing.

[0042] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of the combustion improvement process.

[0043] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a hot water supply device according to a second embodiment.

[0044] Fig.13 : is a diagram showing an example of a combustion mode switching table.

[0045] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of hot water supply processing.

[0046] Fig.15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the hot water supply process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] [First embodiment]

[0048] <Hot water supply device 2>

[0049] Figure 1 A configuration example of the hot water supply device according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 1 The structure shown is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0050] For example Figure 1 As shown, the hot water supply device 2 includes: a combustion unit 4 that burns fuel gas to generate high-temperature combustion exhaust gas; and a control unit 5 that includes at least a combustion control function of the combustion unit 4 and a combustion state monitoring function and an adjustment processing function. The hot water supply device 2 may house the combustion unit 4 and the control unit 5 in the same housing, or the control unit 5 may be provided outside the housing that houses the combustion unit 4 and the hot water supply function unit (not shown).

[0051] The combustion unit 4 includes a plurality of burners that discharge a mixed gas, for example, a mixture of fuel gas G and air, and ignites the discharged mixed gas to burn it. In these burners, for example, the discharge ports of the mixed gas and their number and size may be the same or different. The combustion unit 4 adjusts the combustion amount by adjusting the number and type combination of the burners that discharge the mixed gas and burn it, and the flow rate of the mixed gas discharged from the burners.

[0052] The burners of the combustion unit 4 include a first burner unit 6-1 and a second burner unit 6-2. The first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2 are obtained by grouping a plurality of burners into a group of several burners of different numbers.

[0053] The hot water supply device 2 makes hot water, water or heat medium as a heated fluid exchange heat with the combustion exhaust gas generated by either or both of the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2 to deliver hot water, or heat bath water, or provide heat for other heat loads. The first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2 have different numbers of burners. Therefore, the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2 have different combustion capacities, and the hot water supply capacity corresponding to the hot water supply request can be exerted by the situation that each burns separately and they burn in combination.

[0054] The first burner unit 6-1 is provided with a flame sensor 8 in the combustion unit 4. The flame sensor 8 is an example of a means for detecting combustion state information of a flame generated by the burner unit 6-1, and a flame rod (FR) can be used.

[0055] The control unit 5 is an example of a functional unit that performs hot water supply control of the hot water supply device 2 , combustion control of the combustion unit 4 , monitoring of the combustion state of the burner, combustion improvement control, etc., and includes a combustion control unit 10 and a combustion adjustment control unit 12 .

[0056] The combustion control unit 10 is an example of a unit that controls the combustion state of the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2, monitors the combustion state of the burners, and as a combustion improvement process, in addition to setting the combustion amount and combustion level of the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2, the combustion control unit 10 also indicates changes in the combustion mode, etc.

[0057] The combustion adjustment control unit 12 is an example of a unit that monitors the combustion state of the burner and adjusts the mixing ratio of the fuel gas G and the air to adjust the combustion state. The control unit 5 takes in the combustion state information detected by the flame sensor 8 through the combustion adjustment control unit 12 and determines the combustion state. Then, the combustion adjustment control unit 12 outputs a combustion adjustment instruction to the combustion unit 4 according to the judgment result.

[0058] <About the combustion stage of the burner>

[0059] As the combustion control of the burner, the combustion stage is set in the combustion unit 4 of the hot water supply device 2 so as to adjust the required combustion amount in accordance with the hot water supply request.

[0060] The combustion stages include, for example, 1st stage combustion in which only the 1st burner unit 6-1 is burned, 2nd stage combustion in which only the 2nd burner unit 6-2 is burned, and 3rd stage combustion in which all burners are burned. The hot water supply capacity of the hot water supply device 2 is set according to the combustion stages of the combustion unit 4. In normal hot water supply operation, the combustion amount of 1st stage combustion is small, for example, the combustion capacity of No. 3 to No. 8 can be obtained. 2nd stage combustion is a medium combustion amount, for example, the combustion capacity of No. 6 to No. 16 can be obtained. 3rd stage combustion is a large combustion amount, for example, the combustion capacity of No. 9 to No. 24 can be obtained.

[0061] <Regarding the Monitoring Process of Combustion Status>

[0062] In the hot water supply device 2, for example, Figure 2 As shown in A, when the combustion unit 4 is burning in the second-stage combustion, the combustion of the first burner unit 6-1 is stopped in the second combustion mode, and the combustion state cannot be monitored by the flame sensor 8. In the control unit 5, when the second combustion mode continues for a long time, or when the second combustion mode is intermittent and the set cumulative time becomes longer than a certain value, the combustion control is performed in the first combustion mode in which at least the first burner unit 6-1 is burned. In this first combustion mode, for example, Figure 2 As shown in B, the combustion unit 4 set to the two-stage combustion is switched to the one-stage combustion in which only the first burner unit 6-1 performs combustion, or as shown in Figure 2As shown in C, the combustion unit 4 set to the two-stage combustion is made to perform the three-stage combustion in which the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2 are combusted together.

[0063] The hot water supply device 2 includes gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2 for supplying fuel gas G to the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2, and switching valves 16-1 and 16-2 for opening or shutting off the flow of the gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2 as means for switching the number of combustion stages and adjusting the combustion amount. The control unit 5 adjusts the combustion amount of the burner units 6-1 and 6-2 by controlling the opening and closing of the switching valves 16-1 and 16-2 and controlling the hot water supply gas proportional valve for adjusting the flow amount of gas, thereby being able to respond to a wide range of hot water supply requests.

[0064] <About hot water supply control>

[0065] Figure 3 An example of the processing procedure of hot water supply control is shown. Figure 3 The processing procedure and processing contents shown are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition, this hot water supply process shows an example of the hot water supply program or hot water supply method of the present invention.

[0066] The hot water supply device 2 sets the combustion amount of the combustion unit 4 according to the hot water supply request (S11). In the combustion amount setting process, the combustion amount is calculated based on, for example, the hot water supply setting temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, etc. Then, the control unit 5 sets the combustion level of the combustion unit 4 according to the calculated combustion amount.

[0067] As a monitoring process of the combustion unit 4, the control unit 5 confirms the combustion mode based on the set combustion stage (S12).

[0068] The control unit 5 determines whether the combustion mode in which the combustion unit 4 cannot detect the combustion state information has continued for a predetermined time (S13). That is, it determines whether the second combustion mode is continuously set due to the two-stage combustion. When the combustion mode in which the combustion state information cannot be detected continues ("Yes" in S13), the control unit 5 outputs an indication of a change in the combustion mode (S14). The control unit 5 increases or decreases the combustion amount of the combustion unit 4 set to the two-stage combustion, for example, so that the burner performs the one-stage combustion or the three-stage combustion. Moreover, when changing the combustion mode of the combustion unit 4, the control unit 5 can change the combustion range of either or both of the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2. That is, the control unit 5 can, for example, select the one-stage combustion or the three-stage combustion as the combustion capacity that can respond to the hot water supply request, and increase the upper limit of the combustion range of the one-stage combustion or reduce the lower limit of the combustion range of the three-stage combustion.

[0069] As the combustion adjustment F of the combustion unit 4, the control unit 5 monitors the combustion state of the first burner unit 6-1 according to the combustion state information detected by the flame sensor 8 (S15). The combustion adjustment control unit 12 grasps the combustion state of the entire combustion unit 4 according to the combustion state information of the first burner unit 6-1. Then, the combustion adjustment control unit 12 performs a combustion adjustment process on the combustion unit 4 according to the monitoring result of the combustion state of the combustion unit 4 (S16). In this combustion adjustment process, for example, the combustion amount, the ratio of the mixed gas, etc. are adjusted according to the conditions such as the combustion amount set in the combustion unit 4.

[0070] In the combustion adjustment F of the combustion unit 4, the monitoring of the combustion state (S15) and the combustion adjustment process (S16) are repeated to adjust the combustion of the burner so as to satisfy the set conditions.

[0071] In addition, during the hot water supply process, when the hot water supply request changes and the combustion state becomes 1st stage combustion or 3rd stage combustion, the hot water supply device 2 can, for example, perform normal combustion processing and read the combustion state of the combustion unit 4 at predetermined intervals to perform combustion adjustment processing.

[0072] <Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0073] According to this structure, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0074] (1) Regardless of the hot water supply request, the combustion state of the combustion unit 4 can be monitored and adjusted, and the combustion state of the combustion unit 4 can be grasped and adjusted, thereby improving the reliability of the hot water supply device 2.

[0075] (2) Since the monitoring process of the combustion state of the burner can be performed using the flame sensor 8 provided only in a part of the burners divided into a plurality of groups, the number of components can be reduced.

[0076] (3) Regardless of the hot water supply request, the combustion state of the combustion unit 4 is regularly monitored and the state of the combustion unit is improved based on the monitoring result, thereby reducing the environmental load caused by the combustion exhaust gas generated in the combustion unit.

[0077] (4) In the monitoring process of the combustion state, the hot water supply temperature can be prevented from falling below or rising above the set temperature, and the hot water temperature can be stabilized.

[0078] [Second embodiment]

[0079] Figure 4 A configuration example of a hot water supply device according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 4 The structure shown is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this structure. Figure 4 In, with Figure 1 The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0080] In the hot water supply device 2, for example, Figure 4 As shown in A of FIG. 4 , an air supply fan 18 is further provided in the combustion section 4. The air supply fan 18 is an example of a unit that blows air for combustion to the first burner section 6-1 and the second burner section 6-2, and is one of the functional sections that are adjusted in the combustion adjustment process. That is, the air flow generated by the rotation of the air supply fan 18 affects the amount and concentration of the mixed gas required for combustion. Therefore, in the combustion adjustment process, for example, the rotation speed of the air supply fan 18 is increased or decreased according to the combustion state information, thereby adjusting the amount of air of the mixed gas toward the burner.

[0081] The control unit 5 further includes a storage unit 20 and a timer 22 , for example.

[0082] The storage unit 20 is an example of a means for storing information such as combustion state information after hot water supply processing, monitoring of the combustion unit, and combustion adjustment processing.

[0083] The timer 22 is an example of a means for measuring the cumulative combustion time of the first burner unit 6-1 and the second burner unit 6-2, the hot water supply time, etc. The time information of the timer 22 can be stored in the storage unit 20 together with the combustion state information, for example.

[0084] In addition, for example Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1B , the storage unit 20 stores combustion mode setting information 24 , combustion state information 26 detected from the flame sensor 8 , combustion adjustment information 28 , accumulated time information 30 , and the like.

[0085] The combustion mode setting information 24 is, for example, instruction information for changing the combustion unit 4 that is burning in the second combustion mode in which the combustion state cannot be monitored to the first combustion mode when the combustion monitoring condition is met. The instruction information includes, for example, increase or decrease of the set temperature corresponding to the hot water supply request, adjustment of the water supply amount, and other methods.

[0086] The combustion state information 26 is an example of information detected by the flame sensor 8 .

[0087] The combustion adjustment information 28 is an example of the content of adjustment processing for the burner or the air supply fan 18 based on the detected combustion state information.

[0088] The accumulated time information 30 is an example of accumulated time information of at least the time during which the hot water supply device 2 continues the two-stage combustion (the second combustion mode), and may also include the overall hot water supply operation time and the like.

[0089] <Hot water supply operation processing>

[0090] Figure 5 An example of hot water supply operation processing is shown. Figure 5 The processing procedure and processing contents shown are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition, this hot water supply operation process shows an example of the hot water supply program or hot water supply method of the present invention.

[0091] As a monitoring process of the combustion unit 4, the control unit 5 of the hot water supply device 2 checks the combustion mode based on the set combustion stage (S21).

[0092] The control unit 5 determines whether the combustion of the burner 4 is in the second combustion mode in which the combustion state information cannot be detected (S22). That is, it determines whether the second combustion mode is set due to the two-stage combustion. If it is not the second combustion mode ("No" in S22), the normal hot water supply process is performed (S23).

[0093] When combustion is performed in the second combustion mode (Yes in S22 ), the accumulated time TA in the second combustion mode is measured by the timer 22 ( S24 ). The accumulated time TA measured by the timer 22 is stored in the storage unit 20 as accumulated time information 30 .

[0094] Then, the control unit 5 monitors whether the combustion mode has been changed (S25), and if it has been changed ("Yes" in S25), it transfers to the normal hot water supply process (S23). At this time, the timing of the timer 22 is reset. In addition, when the second combustion mode continues ("No" in S25) and its cumulative time TA exceeds the prescribed time TX, for example, 30 hours ("Yes" in S26), the control unit 5 transfers to the combustion mode change process (S27). The control unit 5, for example, reads the combustion mode setting information 24 and changes the burner set to 2-stage combustion to 1-stage combustion or 3-stage combustion. The change control of the combustion mode can be performed, for example, when the prescribed time TX has passed, or it can be performed after the current hot water supply operation ends and at the start of the next hot water supply operation.

[0095] As the combustion adjustment F of the combustion unit 4, the control unit 5 takes in the combustion state information detected by the flame sensor 8, stores it in the storage unit 20 as the combustion state information 26, and monitors the combustion state of the first burner unit 6-1 (S28). The combustion adjustment control unit 12 grasps the combustion state of the entire combustion unit 4 based on the combustion state information of the first burner unit 6-1.

[0096] Then, the combustion adjustment control unit 12 reads the combustion adjustment information 28, for example, and adjusts the functional units such as the air supply fan 18 (S29).

[0097] In the combustion adjustment F of the combustion unit 4, the monitoring of the combustion state (S28) and the combustion adjustment process (S29) are repeated to adjust the combustion of the burner so as to satisfy the set conditions.

[0098] When the hot water supply device 2 performs the hot water supply operation in the first combustion mode capable of monitoring the combustion state, the hot water supply device 2 may perform the combustion adjustment F for each constant combustion cumulative time as a normal hot water supply process.

[0099] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0100] According to this structure, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0101] (1) Even when hot water is supplied to a hot water supply load with little fluctuation in hot water supply request, it is possible to regularly perform monitoring of the combustion state and combustion adjustment processing, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the hot water supply device.

[0102] (2) The accumulated time TA during which the flame sensor 8 cannot detect the combustion status information is monitored by the timer 22. Thus, even when hot water is supplied intermittently, the combustion status monitoring and combustion adjustment processing can be switched according to the usage time of the burner, thereby improving the safety of the hot water supply device 2.

[0103] (3) In a burner that adjusts combustion capacity by combining burners divided into groups of several burners, it is possible to monitor the combustion state and perform combustion adjustment processing without installing flame sensors on all burner units, thereby reducing the number of components and contributing to cost savings.

[0104] Example 1

[0105] <Hot water supply device 40>

[0106] Figure 6 The hot water supply device 40 of the first embodiment is shown. Figure 6 In, with Figure 1 , Figure 4 The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0107] For example Figure 6As shown, the hot water supply device 40 is connected to gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2 for supplying fuel gas G, a water supply pipe 42 for taking in supply water W, and a hot water supply pipe 44 for sending out heated hot water HW. The hot water supply device 40 burns the fuel gas G taken in through the gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2 to generate combustion exhaust gas. Then, the hot water supply device 40 exchanges heat between the low-temperature supply water W taken in from the water supply pipe 42 and the combustion exhaust gas to generate hot water HW, and sends it out from the hot water supply pipe 44.

[0108] In the hot water supply device 40, for example, a burner 48 and heat exchangers 50 and 52 are provided in a combustion chamber 46. Combustion air is taken into the combustion chamber 46 by an air supply fan 54. Fuel gas G is supplied to the burner 48 from gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2. The gas supply pipes 14-1 and 14-2 are provided with a main gas solenoid valve 56 for passing or cutting off the fuel gas G, and a hot water supply gas proportional valve 58 for controlling the inflow of gas into the burner 48. The burner 48 has a plurality of burner sections 6-1 and 6-2, and the supply of fuel gas G to each burner section 6-1 and 6-2 is switched by switching valves 16-1 and 16-2. Combustion exhaust gas generated by combustion in the burner 48 is discharged to the outside of the combustion chamber 46 from an exhaust port 55 of the combustion chamber 46.

[0109] In the combustion chamber 46, a spark plug 60 and a flame rod 62 are provided near the gas ejection hole of the burner unit 6-1. The spark plug 60 is connected to, for example, an igniter 64 provided outside the combustion chamber 46 to ignite the burner unit 6-1. After the burner unit 6-1 is ignited, the burner 48 ignites the burner unit 6-2 using the flame of the burner unit 6-1, for example.

[0110] The flame rod 62 is an example of a flame sensor used for monitoring the combustion state of the burner unit 6 - 1 and for regulating combustion.

[0111] In addition, the combustion chamber 46 may include, for example, a flame rod that detects only the ignition state of the burner units 6 - 1 , 6 - 2 .

[0112] The heat exchanger 50 is provided on the downstream side of the exhaust gas path through which the combustion exhaust gas flows in the combustion chamber 46 , and is an example of a secondary heat exchanger that mainly recovers latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas by exchanging heat with low-temperature feed water W.

[0113] The heat exchanger 52 is provided on the upstream side of the exhaust gas path, and is an example of a primary heat exchanger that mainly recovers sensible heat of the combustion exhaust gas by exchanging heat with the feed water W that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 50 .

[0114] The water supply pipe 42 through which the supply water W flows is provided with, for example, a temperature sensor 68, a water volume sensor 70, and a water mixing control valve 72. The temperature sensor 68 detects the supply water temperature. The water volume sensor 70 detects the water volume of the supply water W corresponding to the hot water supply. The water mixing control valve 72 adjusts the supply of the supply water W flowing through the bypass pipe 74 to control the mixing amount of the supply water W with respect to the hot water HW.

[0115] The heat exchangers 50 and 52 are connected in series, and the hot water HW from the heat exchanger 52 flows to the hot water outlet pipe 76. The hot water outlet pipe 76 is provided with a temperature sensor 78 and a water control valve 80. The temperature sensor 78 detects the outlet hot water temperature of the hot water HW flowing on the outlet side of the heat exchanger 52. The water control valve 80 restricts the supply of hot water by opening and closing, but also serves as a mixing chamber for mixing the supply water W and the hot water HW passing through the bypass pipe 74. The temperature sensor 82 provided in the hot water supply pipe 44 is a unit for detecting the temperature of the hot water HW to be sent out from the hot water supply device 40, and detects the temperature of the hot water HW mixed with the supply water W through the water control valve 80.

[0116] The hot water supply device 40 controls the intake of supply water W and the delivery of hot water HW by opening and closing the water control valve 80. That is, when the water control valve 80 is opened to allow the supply water W to flow in, the hot water supply device 40 allows the supply water W to flow into the water supply pipe 42 by the water pressure from the water supply source.

[0117] The hot water supply device 40 is provided with a control device 90, which sets the hot water supply amount and the combustion amount corresponding to the hot water supply request, and controls the monitoring of the combustion state of the burner units 6-1 and 6-2 and the combustion adjustment process. For example, when the water supply amount is detected by the water amount sensor 70, the control device 90 automatically starts the combustion control according to the flow rate.

[0118] In addition, the combustion chamber 46 is provided with a drain container 66 for accumulating the drain D generated by the heat exchange of the heat exchanger 50. The drain D is introduced into the drain tank through the drain pipe from the drain container 66. When the drain D in the drain tank exceeds a predetermined level, the drain D is discharged from the drain tank through the drain pipe to the outside of the hot water supply device 40.

[0119] <About the control device 90>

[0120] Figure 7 A configuration example of a control device is shown.

[0121] The control device 90 is constituted by a computer, for example Figure 7As shown, the system includes a processor 92 , a memory unit 94 , a display unit 96 , a timer 22 , a communication unit 98 for communicating with an external remote control device 100 , and an input / output unit (I / O) 102 .

[0122] The processor 92 executes a program stored in the storage unit 94, for example, and performs information processing such as hot water supply control of the hot water supply device 40, combustion control of the burner units 6-1 and 6-2, monitoring of the combustion state, and combustion adjustment processing.

[0123] The storage unit 94 is a storage unit that stores programs for hot water supply control and combustion state monitoring processing, as well as detected combustion state information, and has storage elements such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0124] The program for the combustion state monitoring process and the like is not limited to being stored in the memory unit 94, and may be stored in a recording medium or an external database that can be read when the combustion state monitoring process is executed.

[0125] The display unit 96 is an example of a unit that displays not only the set temperature information as the hot water supply request, but also the processing contents during the execution of the combustion state monitoring and combustion adjustment processing, report information, etc. The display unit 96 uses, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

[0126] The timer 22 is an example of a unit for measuring the combustion time of the second combustion mode in the monitoring process of the combustion state. The timer 22 may use, for example, a hardware clock mounted on a control board or a software clock measured by a control program such as an OS (Operating System).

[0127] The communication unit 98 communicates with the remote control device 100 under the control of the processor 92, and exchanges information necessary for hot water supply control, etc., monitoring results of the combustion state of the burner, and information on combustion improvement processing of the burner.

[0128] The I / O 102 is an interface connected to each functional unit of the hot water supply device 40. In the control device 90, detection signals can be taken in from sensors such as the temperature sensors 68, 78, 82 and the water volume sensor 70 via the I / O 102, and control outputs of the water mixing control valve 72, the water control valve 80, the main gas solenoid valve 56 as a combustion system functional unit, the hot water supply gas proportional valve 58, the switching valves 16-1 and 16-2, the flame rod 62, the igniter 64, the air supply fan 54, etc. can be obtained from the I / O 102.

[0129] <About monitoring of combustion status>

[0130] Figure 8 An example of the monitoring process of the combustion state is shown.

[0131] The flame rod 62 is an example of a flame sensor that detects combustion state information that changes according to the state of the flame by contacting the burning flame. Figure 8 "FRA" in A is a portion where the flame rod 62 contacts the flame. The flame rod 62 detects a flame current value as combustion state information that changes according to the height of the flame.

[0132] Figure 8 B shows the relationship between the position of the burning flame and the current value. The flame current value detected near the center of the flame (PB) is the largest, and the flame current value decreases at the position of PA of the burner or the position of PC on the front end side of the flame that is closer in height than PB. In other words, the current value decreases as it moves away from the center of the flame. That is, since the configuration position of the flame rod 62 is fixed, the shape change of the flame corresponding to the combustion state of the burner can be monitored by the change of the current value. In other words, when the flame becomes smaller and PB approaches FRA, the current value increases. When the flame becomes larger and PB moves away from FRA, the current value decreases.

[0133] The control device 90 utilizes the relationship between the detected current value and the change in the shape of the flame to improve the combustion of the burner 48. In this combustion improvement process, for example, the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 that blows air to the burner 48 is adjusted.

[0134] For example, the control device 90 increases the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 when the current value detected by the flame rod 62 is larger than the ideal value, and decreases the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 when the current value is smaller than the ideal value.

[0135] The ideal shape of the flame changes according to the combustion amount (combustion stage and the current value of the hot water supply gas proportional valve 58), and the ideal value of the current value detected by the flame rod 62 also changes. Therefore, as long as the data of the ideal current value is prepared in advance for the combustion stage and the current value of the hot water supply gas proportional valve 58, the state of the current current value relative to the ideal value is detected to correct the fan speed, the shape of the flame can be controlled to an ideal state.

[0136] <About the execution timing of monitoring processing>

[0137] Fig. 9 An example of the timing for executing the monitoring process of the combustion state is shown. Fig. 9 The processing contents and processing timing shown are just examples.

[0138] For example Fig. 9 As shown in A, when the hot water supply process under the two-stage combustion is continued intermittently, the control device 90 uses the timer 22 to count the respective combustion times t1, t2, ..., tn. The hot water supply device 40 accumulates the counted combustion times and stores them in the storage unit 94. When the accumulated time TA exceeds the prescribed time TX, for example, 30 hours, the processing mode for monitoring the combustion state is set. Then, at the start of the next hot water supply operation, the hot water supply device 40, as a combustion state monitoring process, is forced to burn in the first combustion mode (first-stage combustion or third-stage combustion) for a period of, for example, 10 [seconds] as a constant time TC regardless of the hot water supply request, and then burns at the number of stages corresponding to the hot water supply request.

[0139] Furthermore, the control device 90 may measure in advance, for example, the elapsed time TB until the next hot water supply operation starts after the accumulated time TA exceeds the predetermined time TX, and set the combustion capacity during the next hot water supply operation according to the length of the elapsed time TB.

[0140] In addition, for example Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1B, when the hot water supply request changes after the hot water supply process under the second-stage combustion continues and the burner 48 becomes the first-stage combustion, the control device 90 resets the accumulated time TA stored in the storage unit 94. Then, when the second-stage combustion is next performed, the control device 90 re-times the combustion time of the second-stage combustion and stores it as the accumulated time TA. In addition, when the burner 48 becomes the first-stage combustion, the hot water supply device 40 can monitor the combustion state using the flame rod 62 and perform combustion adjustment according to the combustion state.

[0141] <Hot water supply operation processing>

[0142] Fig.10An example of hot water supply operation processing is shown. Fig.10 The processing procedure and processing contents shown are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition, this hot water supply operation process shows an example of the hot water supply program or hot water supply method of the present invention.

[0143] The control device 90 monitors the combustion unit 4 to monitor whether the hot water supply process is performed in the second combustion mode. Steps S31 to S34 can be performed in accordance with Figure 5 The same processing is performed in steps S21 to S23 and step S26.

[0144] After the accumulated time TA exceeds the prescribed time TX, the hot water supply device 40 performs hot water supply processing according to the continuous hot water supply request, and ends the hot water supply processing when there is no hot water supply request (S35). Then, when the next hot water supply request (S36) is generated, the hot water supply device 40 causes the burner 48 to perform first-stage combustion to become the first combustion mode (S37) regardless of the content of the hot water supply request, and performs combustion state monitoring (S38) and combustion adjustment processing (S39).

[0145] <Combustion Improvement Treatment>

[0146] Fig.11 An example of combustion improvement treatment is shown. Fig.11 The processing contents and processing procedures shown are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0147] This combustion improvement process is an example of an adjustment process of the combustion unit 4, and for example, the air supply amount is adjusted based on the monitoring result of the combustion state.

[0148] The control device 90 obtains the flame current value detected by the flame rod 62 (S51), and obtains the ideal value of the flame current value (S52) according to the combustion conditions of the combustion unit 4. The ideal value of the flame current value is information on the ideal air supply amount or the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54, and can be stored in the storage unit 94 of the hot water supply device 40, or can be obtained from an external database or the like through a communication unit.

[0149] When the control device 90 determines that the flame current value is less than the ideal value (Yes in S53 ), it corrects the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 to the negative side ( S54 ).

[0150] If the flame current value is not less than the ideal value ("No" in S53), the control device 90 determines whether the flame current value is greater than the ideal value (S55). If the flame current value is greater than the ideal value ("Yes" in S55), the control device 90 corrects the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 to the positive side (S56).

[0151] When the flame current value is not greater than the ideal value (No in S55 ), the control device 90 determines that the combustion state of the burner 48 is in the ideal state and maintains the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 .

[0152] The adjustment amount of the rotation speed of the air supply fan 54 is set based on the type and size of the hot water supply device 40 and the number of hot water that can be supplied, as well as the safety limit standard for the hot water supply device.

[0153] <Effects of Example 1>

[0154] According to this first embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0155] (1) Even if only the hot water supply operation in which the second burner unit 6-2 without the flame rod 62 is burning is continued, it is possible to monitor the combustion state and perform the combustion adjustment process.

[0156] (2) The combustion state of the burner 48 can be monitored and adjusted regardless of the combustion mode, thereby ensuring the safety and improving the reliability of the hot water supply device.

[0157] (3) In the combustion section 4 divided into the plurality of burner sections 6-1 and 6-2, it is not necessary to provide the flame rod 62 for each burner section 6-1 and 6-2, and the number of components is reduced, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0158] (4) The combustion state can be monitored and the combustion unit 4 can be adjusted regularly, so that incomplete combustion of the burner 48 or combustion in a state of excess fuel gas can be avoided, thereby achieving a reduction in environmental load.

[0159] (5) By causing the burner 48 to burn in the first combustion mode and performing combustion state monitoring and adjustment processing, it is possible to avoid delivering high-temperature hot water HW with a combustion capacity exceeding the hot water supply request, thereby ensuring the safety of users of the hot water supply device.

[0160] (6) By making the burner 48 burn in the first-stage combustion or the third-stage combustion and monitoring and adjusting the combustion state to cover the second-stage combustion part, it is avoided that low-temperature hot water HW or high-temperature hot water HW is delivered under the combustion capacity that meets the hot water supply request, thereby avoiding temperature changes in the hot water supply, thereby improving the convenience of the user of the hot water supply device 40.

[0161] Example 2

[0162] <Hot water supply device 110>

[0163] Fig.12 The hot water supply device 110 of the second embodiment is shown. Fig.12 In, with Figure 1 , Figure 4 The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0164] In the hot water supply device 110, as a process for monitoring the combustion state when only the second burner unit 6-2 without the flame rod 62 is burning and adjusting the combustion unit 4, a process is performed to increase the number of burners that can perform combustion when the cumulative time TA of the burner combustion exceeds the predetermined time TX. Fig.12 As shown, the hot water supply device 110 includes a combustion unit 4 and a control unit 5 , and a combustion mode switching table 112 is stored in the storage unit 20 .

[0165] <Combustion mode switching table 112>

[0166] The combustion mode switching table 112 is an example of limit threshold information when the burner 48 in two-stage combustion is forcibly changed to three-stage combustion. For the hot water supply device 110, the number as the hot water supply capacity is determined by the heat energy that can be obtained through the combustion of the burner 48. The burner 48 has a hot water supply capacity of 6 [No.] to 16 [No.] in two-stage combustion. 1 [No.] of the hot water supply capacity is the combustion amount that causes 1 [L] of water to rise by 25 [℃] in 1 [minute], and the combustion amount per 1 hour [h] is 1 [No.] = 1500 [kcal / h]. When the set temperature of the supplied hot water is increased to increase the combustion level of the burner 48 in combustion, the flow rate of the hot water that can be supplied decreases.

[0167] In the burner 48 of the hot water supply device 110, an ignition flow rate indicating a minimum flow rate is specified, for example, to prevent over-combustion and boiling of water in the heat exchangers 50 and 52. Therefore, in the combustion section 4, if the set temperature is excessively increased, the flow rate will be lower than the ignition flow rate for combustion in both the first burner section 6-1 and the second burner section 6-2, and the combustion stage may not be increased.

[0168] So, for example Fig.13As shown, the combustion mode switching table 112 stores the flow rate of hot water that can be supplied when the inlet water temperature (Tα1, Tα2, ..., Tα11) is set to the set temperature (Tβ1, Tβ2, ..., Tβ18) in the combustion amount during the two-stage combustion. In addition, a limit threshold value P indicating the boundary between the hot water supply flow rate LX that can be switched to the three-stage combustion and the hot water supply flow rate LY that cannot be switched to the three-stage combustion is set in the combustion mode switching table 112. The limit threshold value P varies, for example, according to a prescribed value of the ignition flow rate of the hot water supply device 110. That is, when the ignition flow rate is small, it is possible to switch to the three-stage combustion even if the flow rate is small, and when the ignition flow rate is large, it is impossible to switch to the three-stage combustion, so the range of the set temperature rise can be narrowed.

[0169] In the monitoring of the combustion state and the combustion adjustment process when the two-stage combustion continues, the hot water supply device 110 changes the combustion stage while using the limit threshold value P of the combustion mode switching table 112 .

[0170] <Hot water supply operation processing>

[0171] Fig.14 An example of hot water supply operation processing is shown. Fig.14 The processing procedure and processing contents shown are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In addition, this hot water supply operation process shows an example of the hot water supply program or hot water supply method of the present invention.

[0172] The hot water supply device 110 performs monitoring processing of the combustion unit 4 to monitor whether the hot water supply processing is performed in the second combustion mode. Steps S61 to S64 can be performed in accordance with Figure 5 The same processing is performed in steps S21 to S23 and step S26.

[0173] Next, as a combustion adjustment F including the change of the combustion stage and the monitoring of the combustion state, the hot water supply device 110 reads the combustion mode switching table 112 in the storage unit 20 (S65), reads the limit threshold value P that can increase the combustion stage relative to the inlet water temperature, and changes the hot water supply temperature (S66). The set temperature can be selected as a temperature within the range where the flow rate is greater than the limit threshold value P and the burner 48 can achieve three-stage combustion.

[0174] After the third-stage combustion is achieved, the hot water supply device 110 monitors the combustion state using the detection information of the flame rod 62 ( S67 ), and performs a combustion adjustment process based on the monitoring result ( S68 ).

[0175] In addition, when the hot water supply device 110 increases the combustion level during hot water supply, for example, a display of the control device 90 or the remote control device 100 may be used to warn of temperature changes or to notify by voice.

[0176] In addition, the hot water supply device 110 may forcibly increase the amount of water supplied from the water supply pipe 42 when, for example, the set temperature is changed and the ignition of the three-stage combustion is confirmed.

[0177] <Effects of Example 2>

[0178] According to this second embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0179] (1) The combustion state of the burner 48 can be monitored and improvement processing of the combustion unit 4 can be performed regularly, so the reliability and safety of the hot water supply device can be improved.

[0180] (2) Even when the burner 48 is burning at a large combustion rate in response to a hot water supply request, the combustion state of the burner 48 can be monitored without reducing the combustion rate.

[0181] (3) It is possible to prevent the hot water supply temperature from decreasing during the monitoring process of the combustion state.

[0182] Example 3

[0183] <Hot water supply treatment>

[0184] Fig.15 An example of hot water supply processing according to the third embodiment is shown. Fig.15 The processing procedure and processing contents shown are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these structures.

[0185] In this hot water supply process, when the hot water supply operation continues in the second combustion mode, in the process of changing the combustion mode of the combustion unit 4, a process of changing the range of the combustion capacity of the combustion unit 4 is performed.

[0186] The hot water supply device 40 performs operation preparation (initialization) (S71) when the hot water supply operation starts or when a hot water supply request is received, and starts hot water supply. Then, the control device 90 monitors whether the burner 48 is burning (S72), and if the burner 48 is burning ("Yes" in S72), it is determined whether there is a request to confirm the combustion state (S73). In the request to confirm the combustion state, for example, as a self-diagnosis process of the hot water supply device, it can be determined whether the combustion of the burner 48 is continuously set to the second combustion mode as described above.

[0187] When there is a request to confirm the combustion state ("Yes" in S73), the combustion mode of the burner 48 is changed to the first combustion mode. At this time, the control device 90, for example, changes the range of the combustion capacity set in the combustion unit 4 (S74). At this time, in the combustion unit 4, for example, the range of the combustion capacity of the first-stage combustion is changed to No. 3 to No. 9, and the range of the combustion capacity of the third-stage combustion is changed to No. 8 to No. 24. The change in the range of the combustion capacity may be, for example, only one of the combustion capacity of the first-stage combustion and the combustion capacity of the third-stage combustion, or both.

[0188] After adjusting the range of the combustion capacity, the control device 90 monitors the combustion state for, for example, 10 [seconds] (Yes in S75 ), and determines whether combustion improvement is necessary ( S76 ).

[0189] Then, when the control device 90 determines that combustion improvement is necessary ("Yes" in S76), it executes the combustion improvement process (S77) and re-monitors the combustion state during a period of, for example, 10 [seconds], which serves as the confirmation time of the combustion state, to determine whether further combustion improvement is necessary (S78).

[0190] When the control device 90 determines that combustion improvement is not necessary (No in S76), it terminates the combustion state confirmation process (S79).

[0191] In addition, when the confirmation request for the combustion state is not generated (No in S73), the control device 90 sets the combustion range of the normal hot water supply operation for the combustion unit 4 (S80). Regarding the combustion range at this time, for example, the range of the combustion capacity of the first-stage combustion is set to No. 3 to No. 8, the range of the combustion capacity of the second-stage combustion is set to No. 6 to No. 16, and the range of the combustion capacity of the third-stage combustion is set to No. 9 to No. 24. When the number of the hot water supply request belongs to the first-stage combustion or the third-stage combustion as the first combustion mode (Yes in S81), the control device 90 performs a monitoring process of the combustion state for, for example, 10 [seconds] (Yes in S82), resets the timer 22, and remeasures the time when the self-diagnosis of the combustion state is not performed, that is, the cumulative time TA (S83).

[0192] When the number of the hot water supply request does not belong to the first-stage combustion or the third-stage combustion as the first combustion mode ("No" in S81), that is, when the combustion state cannot be monitored due to the second-stage combustion, the control device 90 uses the timer 22 to measure the time when self-diagnosis of the combustion state is not performed (S84).

[0193] Furthermore, when the combustion is not in progress ("No" in S72), when the self-diagnosis of the combustion status has not been performed for a prescribed time TX, for example 30 [hours] ("Yes" in S85), if no hot water supply request is generated and the combustion is stopped ("Yes" in S86), the control device 90 generates a combustion status confirmation request (S87).

[0194] <Effects of Example 3>

[0195] According to this third embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.

[0196] (1) By changing the range of the combustion capacity of the combustion unit 4, hot water supply corresponding to the hot water supply request can be performed even when the monitoring process of the combustion state and the combustion improvement process are executed.

[0197] (2) The combustion state of the burner 48 can be monitored and improvement processing of the combustion unit 4 can be performed regularly, so the reliability and safety of the hot water supply device can be improved.

[0198] (3) Even when the burner 48 is burning at a large combustion rate in response to a hot water supply request, the combustion state of the burner can be monitored without reducing the combustion rate.

[0199] (4) It is possible to prevent the hot water supply temperature from falling below or rising above the set temperature during the monitoring process of the combustion state.

[0200] Regarding the above-described embodiment and examples, modifications thereof are listed below.

[0201] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the case where the hot water supply temperature is increased to increase the number of combustion stages is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The hot water supply device 110 may forcibly increase the water supply amount from the water supply pipe 42 to increase the number of hot water supply while maintaining the set temperature in the two-stage combustion, thereby controlling the three-stage combustion. In this case, the hot water supply device 110 only needs to adjust the opening of the water supply faucet or the water mixing control valve 72, for example.

[0202] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiments and examples, the situation in which the combustion amount is changed to monitor the combustion state and adjust the combustion process when the cumulative time TA of the second-stage combustion is reached or when the next hot water supply operation starts is shown, but it is not limited to this. The hot water supply device can also set the timing of changing the combustion level according to the hot water supply load. The control unit 5 of the hot water supply device can also use, for example, the hot water supply amount, flow change information in the hot water supply, switching of the timing of turning on / off the hot water supply, the hot water supply set temperature and other hot water supply indication information to determine the type of the hot water supply load. Moreover, the control unit 5, for example, when requesting to supply hot water for a long time at a constant amount, determines whether hot water is supplied to a bathtub or a common pipeline with multiple hot water supply loads, or when the flow or hot water supply is repeatedly turned on / off intermittently, it can be determined that hot water is supplied from a shower or a hot water supply port. Moreover, in the case of a hot water supply device, for example, since the impact of changes in the flow rate and the hot water supply temperature in the hot water supply is small, the combustion level is changed during the hot water supply and the processing is set to the first combustion mode. In the case of a hot water supply from a shower or a hot water supply port that may come into direct contact with a user, the processing can be set to the first combustion mode at the start of the next hot water supply operation.

[0203] As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the specific embodiments. Such modifications or changes are certainly included in the scope of the present invention.

[0204] Industrial Applicability

[0205] In the hot water supply device of the present invention, when the hot water supply process continues in a combustion mode in which the combustion state of the burner cannot be detected, the combustion mode of the combustion unit is changed to monitor the combustion state and adjust the combustion unit. This is useful for suppressing the influence on the hot water supply process and maintaining the combustion state of the burner in an appropriate state.

[0206] Description of symbols

[0207] 2, 40, 110: hot water supply device; 4: combustion unit; 5: control unit; 6-1: first burner unit; 6-2: second burner unit; 8: flame sensor; 10: combustion control unit; 12: combustion adjustment control unit; 14-1, 14-2: gas supply pipe; 16-1, 16-2: switching valve; 18, 54: air supply fan; 20: storage unit; 22: timer; 24: combustion mode setting information; 26: combustion state information; 28: combustion adjustment information; 30: accumulated time information; 42: water supply pipe; 44: hot water supply pipe ; 46: combustion chamber; 48: burner; 50, 52: heat exchanger; 55: exhaust port; 56: main gas solenoid valve; 58: hot water supply gas proportional valve; 60: spark plug; 62: flame rod; 64: igniter; 66: drainage container; 68, 78, 82: temperature sensor; 70: water volume sensor; 72: water mixing control valve; 74: bypass pipe; 76: hot water outlet pipe; 80: water control valve; 90: control device; 92: processor; 94: memory unit; 96 display unit; 98: communication unit; 112: combustion mode switching table.

Claims

1. A hot water supply device, characterized in that: The hot water supply device comprises: a first burner section that performs combustion in a first combustion mode; a second burner section that performs combustion in a second combustion mode having a combustion amount exceeding that of the first combustion mode; and A control unit sets the combustion amount and selects the first combustion mode or the second combustion mode according to a hot water supply request, performs hot water supply processing according to a continuous hot water supply request when the cumulative time of the second combustion mode during combustion reaches a certain time or longer, terminates the hot water supply processing if there is no longer a hot water supply request, and after the termination, when a hot water supply request is generated, causes the first burner unit to burn according to the first combustion mode regardless of the content of the hot water supply request.

2. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water supply device includes a flame sensor provided at the first burner part to detect flame, and the control part obtains a flame current value from the flame sensor, and increases or decreases the rotation speed of the air supply fan according to a result of comparing the flame current value with an ideal value.

3. The hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit uses a combustion mode switching table to change the hot water supply temperature based on a limit threshold that can increase the combustion level in the combustion adjustment including changing the combustion level of the first burner unit or the second burner unit or monitoring the combustion state, and selects the hot water supply temperature of the three-level combustion within the range of the hot water supply flow rate being greater than the limit threshold flow rate.

4. A recording medium storing a program for controlling a hot water supply device using a computer, wherein: The program is used to make the computer perform the following functions: causing the first burner section to burn in a first combustion mode; causing the second burner unit to burn in a second combustion mode having a combustion amount exceeding that in the first combustion mode; and The combustion amount is set according to the hot water supply request and the first combustion mode or the second combustion mode is selected. When the accumulated time of the second combustion mode during combustion reaches a certain time or longer, hot water supply processing is performed according to the continuous hot water supply request. If there is no longer a hot water supply request, the hot water supply processing is terminated. After the termination, when a hot water supply request is generated, the first burner unit is caused to burn according to the first combustion mode regardless of the content of the hot water supply request.

5. A method for controlling a hot water supply device, characterized in that: The control method of the hot water supply device comprises the following steps: causing the first burner section to burn in a first combustion mode; causing the second burner unit to burn in a second combustion mode having a combustion amount exceeding that in the first combustion mode; and The combustion amount is set according to the hot water supply request and the first combustion mode or the second combustion mode is selected. When the accumulated time of the second combustion mode during combustion reaches a certain time or longer, hot water supply processing is performed according to the continuous hot water supply request. If there is no longer a hot water supply request, the hot water supply processing is terminated. After the termination, when a hot water supply request is generated, the first burner unit is caused to burn according to the first combustion mode regardless of the content of the hot water supply request.

Images