Hot water storage type water heater

Abstract

To provide a hot water storage type water heater comprising a microbubble generator allowing the improvement of maintainability and the selection of a function with the intention of a user.SOLUTION: A hot water storage type water heater comprises a hot water storage unit 1 including a hot water storage tank 30 for storing warm water, and a metal case containing the hot water storage tank 30. A boiling circuit 40 for boiling stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, a hot water supply circuit 50 for supplying the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, and a water supply circuit 70 for supplying water to the hot water storage tank 30 are each connected to the hot water storage tank 30. The hot water storage type water heater comprises a microbubble generator 80 for generating microbubbles in hot water passing through the inside. The microbubble generator 80 is detachably attached to the outside of the hot water storage unit 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage water heater equipped with a hot water storage tank.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a fine bubble generator that can generate more fine bubbles. In Patent Document 1, a fine bubble generator is provided in the piping constituting the hot water supply system. As described in Non-Patent Document 1, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines bubbles with a diameter of less than 100 μm as fine bubbles. Among them, bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm are called microbubbles, and bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm are defined as ultra-fine bubbles. The smaller the bubble diameter, the longer the fine bubbles stay in water, and they have physiological activity effects such as blood flow promotion and disinfection, and can also perform water purification, wastewater treatment, and cleaning.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, while attaching a conventional fine bubble generator to a water heater can be expected to have the effect of including fine bubbles in the hot water, due to the pressure loss when passing through the fine bubble generator, the hot water supply flow rate from the shower or faucet decreases, and the increase in the hot water pouring time due to the decrease in the hot water pouring flow rate occurs, resulting in a decrease in user comfort. However, there is a problem that this inconvenience cannot be selected according to the user's wishes. In addition, the fine bubble generator often has a narrow flow path and many protrusions and obstacles, and has a problem that the flow path is easily clogged by dust in the water or the like.

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a storage type water heater having a fine bubble generator capable of improving maintainability and selecting functions according to the user's intention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the storage type water heater of the present invention has a storage unit including a hot water storage tank for storing hot water and a metal housing enclosing the hot water storage tank, a boiling circuit for boiling the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply circuit for supplying the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a water supply circuit for supplying water to the hot water storage tank are respectively connected to the hot water storage tank, and is provided with a fine bubble generator for generating fine bubbles in the hot water passing through the inside, and the fine bubble generator is detachably attached to the outside of the storage unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the invention described in claim 1, although the microbubble generator has a problem that the flow path is narrow and may be provided with protrusions or obstacles, and is likely to be clogged by dust or the like in water, since the microbubble generator is detachable, it can be replaced even in case of problems such as clogging of the microbubble generator flow path, thus improving the maintainability. Also, being detachable enables the user to attach the microbubble generator to a desired circuit and selectively adopt only the desired functions. Further, when the user is dissatisfied with the flow rate reduction due to the microbubble generator, it can be removed even after purchase. Also, it is easy to add a microbubble generator even after purchase. According to the invention described in claim 2, by attaching a microbubble generator to the inlet of the water supply circuit, fine bubbles can be included in all the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank, so that water containing fine bubbles can be supplied from showers, faucets, and bathtub hot water supply outlets throughout the house, and scale removal and adhesion in the hot water storage tank and heating means can be suppressed. According to the invention described in claim 3, by attaching a microbubble generator to the outlet of the hot water supply circuit, it is possible to provide water containing fine bubbles from showers and faucets throughout the house except for the bathtub hot water supply outlet without affecting the hot water filling flow rate. According to the invention described in claim 4, having a bathtub water circulation pipe that guides low-temperature bathtub water to a heat exchanger and returns the bathtub water that has absorbed heat in the heat exchanger to the bathtub, and by attaching a microbubble generator to the forward outlet or the return inlet of the bathtub water circulation pipe of the bathtub water circulation pipe, or both, it is possible to supply water containing fine bubbles to the bathtub during bathtub filling or flushing without affecting the shower flow rate or faucet flow rate. According to the invention described in claim 5, by attaching a microbubble generator to the forward outlet or the return inlet of the boiling-up circuit of the boiling-up circuit, fine bubbles can be included in the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank, so that water containing fine bubbles can be supplied from showers, faucets, and bathtub hot water supply outlets throughout the house, and scale removal and adhesion in the hot water storage tank and heating means can also be suppressed. The microbubble generator attached to the hot water storage unit has a determined water flow direction, and if it is mistakenly attached in the reverse direction, the desired effect cannot be obtained. According to the invention described in claim 6, by using different connection mechanisms for one connection part and the other connection part, it becomes impossible to connect them upside down, and it is possible to prevent mistakes by the installer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water storage type water heater according to the first embodiment. The hot water storage type water heater of this embodiment is composed of a hot water storage unit 1 and a heat source unit 2. In this embodiment, a heat pump unit is used as the heat source unit 2, and the heat pump unit 2 is provided with a heat pump circuit 20. The heat pump circuit 20 is configured by connecting a compressor 21 that compresses a refrigerant and discharges a high-temperature refrigerant, a water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat between water and the high-temperature refrigerant to generate hot water, a pressure reducing device 23 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an evaporator 24 that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant with a refrigerant pipe 25. Note that a plate heat exchanger or a double pipe type heat exchanger can be used for the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22.

[0012] The hot water storage unit 1 includes a hot water storage tank 30 for storing hot water, a boiling-up circuit 40 for boiling up the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, a hot water supply circuit 50 for supplying the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, a reheating circuit 60 for reheating the hot water in the bathtub 3 using the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, and a water supply circuit 70 for supplying water to the hot water storage tank 30.

[0013] The hot water storage tank 30 is of a stacked boiling-up type, and during the boiling-up operation, high-temperature water is stacked at the upper part, low-temperature water is stacked at the lower part, and medium-temperature water is stacked in the middle part. A high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 30, and a water supply pipe 71 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 30.

[0014] The boiling-up circuit 40 is configured by connecting a boiling-up pump 41, a water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22, and the hot water storage tank 30 with a boiling-up water flow pipe 42a. By driving the boiling-up pump 41, low-temperature water is sent from the hot water storage tank 30 to the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22, and heat is absorbed from the refrigerant in the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22 to generate high-temperature water. The high-temperature water generated in the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22 is returned to the hot water storage tank 30. A three-way valve 43 is provided in the boiling-up water return pipe 42b. The high-temperature water generated in the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22 is returned to the upper part or the lower part of the hot water storage tank 30 by switching the three-way valve 43. During the initial boiling-up operation or the freeze prevention operation in which there is almost no high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 30, the three-way valve 43 is switched so as to guide the high-temperature water to the hot water storage tank 30, and during the normal boiling-up operation, the high-temperature water is guided to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 30.

[0015] The hot water supply circuit 50 is configured by connecting the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 and the hot water supply faucet 4 with the hot water supply pipe 51. The hot water supply pipe 51 is provided with a hot water supply mixing valve 53. The hot water supply mixing valve 53 mixes the high-temperature water from the hot water storage tank 30 and the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 71 to obtain the required hot water supply temperature.

[0016] The reheating circuit 60 is configured by connecting the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31, the water heat exchanger 61, the reheating pump 62, and the middle part of the hot water storage tank 30 with the reheating water pipe 63. By driving the reheating pump 62, high-temperature water is sent from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 to the water heat exchanger 61. The high-temperature water dissipates heat in the water heat exchanger 61 and becomes medium-temperature water, and the medium-temperature water is returned to the middle part of the hot water storage tank 30. The water heat exchanger 61 is provided with a circulation pump 64, and low-temperature bathtub water is led by the bathtub water circulation pipe 65. The bathtub water that has absorbed heat in the water heat exchanger 61 is returned to the bathtub 3 by the bathtub water circulation pipe 65.

[0017] The water supply circuit 70 is configured by connecting the water pipe 5 extending from the water supply source and the lower part of the hot water storage tank 30 with the water supply pipe 71. When the stored water in the hot water storage tank 30 decreases, water is supplied from the water supply pipe 71. Also, the required low-temperature water is supplied to the hot water supply mixing valve 53 from the water supply pipe 71. The low-temperature water branch pipe 55 for hot water supply branched from the water supply pipe 71 and the high-temperature water branch pipe 54 for hot water supply branched from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 are connected to the hot water supply mixing valve 53. The mixed water flowing out from the hot water supply mixing valve 53 is led to the hot water supply faucet 4 by the hot water supply pipe 51.

[0018] Also, the required low-temperature water is supplied to the bathtub mixing valve 68 from the water supply pipe 71. The high-temperature water branch pipe 66 for bathtub hot water supply branched from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 and the low-temperature water branch pipe 67 for bathtub hot water supply branched from the water supply pipe 71 are connected to the bathtub mixing valve 68. The mixed water flowing out from the bathtub mixing valve 68 is led to the bathtub 3 by the bathtub hot water supply pipe 69. The hot water supply pipe 69 for the bathtub is provided with a bathtub hot water supply valve 69a. When the bathtub hot water supply valve 69a is opened, the mixed water mixed to reach the bathtub temperature set by the bathtub mixing valve 68 is led to the bathtub 3 through the hot water supply pipe 69 for the bathtub. The water supply pipe 71 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 72 for reducing the pressure of the tap water to a predetermined pressure.

[0019] In the present embodiment, a fine bubble generator 80 is provided at the water supply circuit inlet 70a for introducing stored hot water into the hot water storage tank 30. The water supply pipe 71 introduces the supplied water from the water supply pipe 5 to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 30. Note that the water supply circuit inlet 70a is the inlet of the hot water storage unit 1. According to the present embodiment, since the supplied water containing fine bubbles is introduced into the hot water storage tank 30, it is possible to remove the scale in the hot water storage tank 30 and suppress the adhesion of scale with the stored hot water containing fine bubbles. Further, since the stored hot water containing fine bubbles is led out from the hot water storage tank 30, it is possible to remove and suppress the adhesion of scale in the boiling-up circuit 40, the hot water supply circuit 50, and the afterburner circuit 60. When the heat pump unit 2 is used as in the present embodiment, it is possible to remove and suppress the adhesion of scale in the water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 22. Also, in the present embodiment, the fine bubble generator 80 is provided at the water supply circuit inlet 70a on the upstream side of the pressure reducing valve 72. In this way, since the water supply before being depressurized is used to generate fine bubbles, the amount of bubble generation can be increased.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an example of the attachment of a detachable fine bubble generator 80 attached to the outside of a hot water storage unit 1 that encloses a hot water storage tank and is surrounded by a metal housing. Since the hot water storage unit 1 is often installed outdoors, the fine bubble generator 80 of this embodiment will be exposed to rain and wind. Therefore, there is an eaves portion 1a of the hot water storage unit 1 above the fine bubble generator 80, and the structure is such that rain and wind are less likely to directly hit it. The eaves portion 1a is formed to protrude from the side wall of the hot water storage unit 1, and on the lower surface of the eaves portion 1a, a hot water supply pipe outlet 51a, a water supply circuit inlet 70a, a boiling-up circuit forward outlet 40a, a boiling-up circuit return inlet 40b, a bathtub water circulation pipe forward outlet 65a, and a bathtub water circulation pipe return inlet 65b are provided. Note that Fig. 2 shows the case where the fine bubble generator 80 is attached to the water supply circuit inlet 70a, but the fine bubble generator 80 can also be attached to the hot water supply pipe outlet 51a, the boiling-up circuit forward outlet 40a, the boiling-up circuit return inlet 40b, the bathtub water circulation pipe forward outlet 65a, and the bathtub water circulation pipe return inlet 65b.

[0021] In addition, since it will be exposed to rain and wind, it is desirable to use a resin with weather resistance or a metal with anti-corrosion treatment for the fine bubble generator 80. Note that with a resin-made fine bubble generator 80, weight reduction is possible, and with a metal-made fine bubble generator 80, robustness is increased, and damage to the screw portion in the case of a large tightening torque can be prevented.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a fine bubble generator 80 having a connection mechanism in which one connection portion and the other connection portion are different. The fine bubble generator 80 in Fig. 3(a) has an upper connection port 81 on the fine bubble generator side and a lower connection port 82 on the fine bubble generator side. The upper connection port 81 on the fine bubble generator side is a male thread 83, and the lower connection port 82 on the fine bubble generator side is a female thread 84. When the upper attachment target side connection port 91 of the upper attachment target 90 is a female thread 84 and the lower attachment target side connection port 93 of the lower attachment target 92 is a male thread 83, the fine bubble generator 80 can be attached to the upper attachment target 90 and the lower attachment target 92. The upper attachment target 90 is the hot water storage unit 1, and the upper attachment target side connection port 91 is fixed to the lower surface of the eaves part 1a. Since the upper connection port 81 on the fine bubble generator side is a male thread 83 and the lower connection port 82 on the fine bubble generator side is a female thread 84, the fine bubble generator 80 cannot be attached upside down. In addition, the fine bubble generator 80 has a structure with a part having a corner. By doing so, when the installer attaches it, it becomes possible to attach it with sufficient torque using a tool so that water leakage does not occur, and the workability is improved.

[0023] The fine bubble generator 80 in Fig. 3(b) has a fastener insertion part 85 as an upper connection port and a lower connection port 82 of the fine bubble generator side which is a male screw 84. When the upper attachment target 90 has a fastener insertion part 94 and the lower attachment target side connection port 93 of the lower attachment target 92 is a female screw 83, the fine bubble generator 80 can be attached to the upper attachment target 90 and the lower attachment target 92. The upper attachment target 90 is the hot water storage unit 1, and the fastener insertion part 94 is fixed to the lower surface of the eaves part 1a. Since the upper connection port of the fine bubble generator 80 is the fastener insertion part 85 and the lower attachment target side connection port 93 is the male screw 84, it cannot be attached upside down. The fine bubble generator 80 and the upper attachment target 90 can be fixed by aligning the fastener 100 with the uneven parts of the fastener insertion part 85 and the fastener insertion part 94. In the threading structure of Fig. 3(a), if the skill level of the constructor is low, the tightening torque will be increased and the parts may be damaged. However, in this embodiment, due to the sealing mechanism such as the O-ring 102 of the fastener insertion part 85, it can be attached only by insertion, so the workability is improved.

[0024] The microbubble generator 80 in Fig. 3(c) has a pin insertion part 86 as an upper connection port and a microbubble generator side lower connection port 82 that is a male screw 84. When the upper attachment target 90 has a part 95 to be inserted with a pin and the lower attachment target side connection port 93 of the lower attachment target 92 is a female screw 83, the microbubble generator 80 can be attached to the upper attachment target 90 and the lower attachment target 92. The upper attachment target 90 is the hot water storage unit 1, and the part 95 to be inserted with a pin is fixed to the lower surface of the eaves part 1a. Since the microbubble generator 80 uses the upper connection port as the pin insertion part 86 and the microbubble generator side lower connection port 82 as the male screw 84, it cannot be attached upside down. By inserting the pin 101 into the pin insertion part 86 and the part 95 to be inserted with a pin, the microbubble generator 80 and the upper attachment target 90 can be fixed. In the threading structure of Fig. 3(a), if the skill level of the constructor is low, the tightening torque will be increased, and there is a risk of damage to the parts. However, in this embodiment, due to the sealing mechanism of the pin insertion part 86, it can be attached just by inserting, so the workability is improved. Also, in the fastener structure of Fig. 3(b), it can be removed relatively easily, so there is a possibility of coming off due to human error, but in the pin structure, it will not come off easily.

[0025] In addition, when removing and using the microbubble generator 80 shown in Fig. 3(a), Fig. 3(b), and Fig. 3(c), in the case of Fig. 3(a), no connecting member is required, but in the case of Fig. 3(b), a connecting member having a fastener insertion part 85 at one end and a male screw 84 at the other end is used to connect the lower attachment target 92 to the part 94 to be inserted with a fastener. In the case of Fig. 3(c), a connecting member having a pin insertion part 86 at one end and a male screw 84 at the other end is used to connect the lower attachment target 92 to the part 95 to be inserted with a pin.

[0026] Embodiment 2 Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of a storage type water heater according to the second embodiment. For parts other than the installation position of the fine bubble generator 80, since they are the same as the hot water storage unit 1 and the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used and part of the description is omitted.

[0027] The hot water supply pipe 51 mixes the high-temperature water from the hot water storage tank 30 and the low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 71 and introduces it into the hot water supply faucet 4. In the present embodiment, a fine bubble generator 80 is provided at the hot water supply circuit outlet 50a of the hot water supply pipe 51 that constitutes the hot water supply circuit 50. Therefore, when used for hot water supply, it is possible to provide an effect by containing fine bubbles to the user. Note that the hot water supply circuit outlet 50a is the outlet of the hot water storage unit 1.

[0028] Embodiment 3 FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a storage type water heater according to the third embodiment. For parts other than the installation position of the fine bubble generator 80, since they are the same as the hot water storage unit 1 and the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used and part of the description is omitted.

[0029] In the present embodiment, a high-temperature water branch pipe 66 for bathtub hot water supply branched from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 and a low-temperature water branch pipe 67 for bathtub hot water supply branched from the water supply pipe 71 are mixed by a bathtub mixing valve 68, and the mixed water is introduced into either one or both of the forward outlet 65a of the bathtub water circulation pipe leading to the bathtub 3 or the return inlet 65b of the bathtub water circulation pipe, and a fine bubble generator 80 is provided. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to supply hot water containing fine bubbles to the bathtub 3 during hot water filling. Also, during the chasing operation performed when the hot water temperature in the bathtub 3 drops, since the hot water in the bathtub 3 is circulated, the concentration of fine bubbles can be increased. Note that the forward outlet 65a of the bathtub water circulation pipe is the outlet of the hot water storage unit 1, and the return inlet 65b of the bathtub water circulation pipe is the inlet of the hot water storage unit 1.

[0030] Embodiment 4 FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a storage type water heater according to the fourth embodiment. For locations other than the installation position of the fine bubble generator 80, since they are the same as the hot water storage unit 1 and the heat source unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used and part of the description is omitted.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the fine bubble generator 80 is provided at either one or both of the boiling water forward outlet 40a of the boiling water forward pipe 42a that introduces the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 30 into the heat pump unit 2 or the boiling water return inlet 40b of the boiling water return pipe 42b that introduces the hot water from the heat pump unit 2 into the hot water storage tank 30. Note that the boiling water forward outlet 40a is the outlet of the hot water storage unit 1, and the boiling water return inlet 40b is the inlet of the hot water storage unit 1. According to the present embodiment, since the stored hot water containing fine bubbles in the hot water storage tank 30 is led out from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 to the hot water supply faucet 4, when it is used for hot water supply, the effect of containing fine bubbles can be expected for the user, and the removal and adhesion of scale in the hot water storage tank 30 can also be suppressed by the stored hot water containing fine bubbles in the hot water storage tank 30. Further, according to the present embodiment, when the fine bubble generator 80 is provided at the boiling water forward outlet 40a, not only the scale in the hot water storage tank 30 but also the scale in the heat source unit 2 can be suppressed from being removed and adhered. When the heat pump unit 2 is used as in the present embodiment, the removal and adhesion of scale in the water-cooled medium heat exchanger 22 can be suppressed. Also in the present embodiment, when the fine bubble generator 80 is provided at the boiling water forward outlet 40a, the fine bubble generator 80 is upstream of the heat pump unit 2 and low-temperature water is flowing. Therefore, a fine bubble generator 80 with low heat resistance can be used.

[0032] Note that the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 may be provided together with the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 4, the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 6 may be provided together with the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 5, or the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 4, the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 5, and the fine bubble generator 80 shown in FIG. 6 may be provided. Further, the fine bubble generator 80 preferably generates fine bubbles having a bubble diameter of less than 100 μm, including ultra-fine bubbles having a bubble diameter of less than 1 μm, and it is suitable to use a Venturi-type generator that utilizes turbulent flow or shear force of the flow.

[0033] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0034] (Configuration 1) A hot water storage type water heater, comprising a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a metal housing enclosing the hot water storage tank, a boiling circuit for boiling the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply circuit for supplying the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a water supply circuit for supplying water to the hot water storage tank, each connected to the hot water storage tank, and provided with a fine bubble generator for generating fine bubbles in the hot water passing through the inside, wherein the fine bubble generator is detachably attached outside the hot water storage unit. The fine bubble generator has a problem that the flow path is narrow, and there may be protrusions and obstacles, and the flow path is likely to be clogged by dust in the water. However, according to this configuration, since the fine bubble generator is detachable, it can be replaced even in case of problems such as clogging of the fine bubble generator flow path, thus improving the maintainability. Also, according to this configuration, being detachable enables the user to attach the fine bubble generator to the desired circuit and selectively adopt only the desired functions. Further, according to this configuration, if the user is dissatisfied with the flow rate reduction caused by the fine bubble generator, it can be removed even after purchase. Also, it is easy to add a fine bubble generator even after purchase.

[0035] (Configuration 2) The hot water storage type water heater according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the fine bubble generator is provided at the water supply circuit inlet. According to this configuration, by attaching the microbubble generator to the inlet of the water supply circuit, microbubbles can be included in all the hot water in the hot water storage tank, so that water containing microbubbles can be supplied from the showers, faucets, and bathtub faucets throughout the house, and the removal and adhesion of scale in the hot water storage tank and heating means can be suppressed.

[0036] (Configuration 3) The storage type water heater according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the microbubble generator is provided at the outlet of the water supply circuit. According to this configuration, by attaching the microbubble generator to the outlet of the water supply circuit, it is possible to provide water containing microbubbles from the showers and faucets throughout the house, excluding the bathtub faucet, without affecting the hot water supply flow rate.

[0037] (Configuration 4) The storage type water heater according to Configuration 1 or Configuration 3, having a bathtub water circulation pipe that guides low-temperature bathtub water to a water heat exchanger and returns the bathtub water that has absorbed heat in the water heat exchanger to the bathtub, and the microbubble generator is provided at the forward outlet or the return inlet of the bathtub water circulation pipe, or both. According to this configuration, by attaching the microbubble generator to the forward outlet or the return inlet of the bathtub water circulation pipe, it is possible to supply water containing microbubbles to the bathtub during bathtub filling or flushing without affecting the shower flow rate or faucet flow rate.

[0038] (Configuration 5) The storage type water heater according to any one of Configuration 1, Configuration 3, and Configuration 4, characterized in that the microbubble generator is provided at the forward outlet or the return inlet of the boiling-up circuit, or both. According to this configuration, by attaching the microbubble generator to the forward outlet or the return inlet of the boiling-up circuit, microbubbles can be included in the hot water in the hot water storage tank, so that water containing microbubbles can be supplied from the showers, faucets, and bathtub faucets throughout the house, and the removal and adhesion of scale in the hot water storage tank and heating means can also be suppressed.

[0039] (Configuration 6) The fine bubble generator has different connection mechanisms at one connection part and the other connection part, and the hot water storage type water supply machine according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that. The fine bubble generator attached to the hot water storage unit has a determined water flow direction, and if it is mistakenly attached in the reverse direction, the desired effect cannot be obtained. According to this configuration, by making the connection mechanisms of one connection part and the other connection part different, it becomes impossible to connect them upside down, and it is possible to prevent mistakes by the installer.

Industrial Applicability

[0040] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water storage type water supply machine having a fine bubble generator that improves maintainability and allows selection of functions according to the user's intention.

Explanation of Signs

[0041] 1 Hot water storage unit 1a Eaves part 2 Heat pump unit (heat source unit) 3 Bathtub 4 Water supply faucet 5 Water pipe 20 Heat pump circuit 21 Compressor 22 Water-cooled refrigerant heat exchanger 23 Pressure reducing device 24 Evaporator 25 Refrigerant pipe 30 Hot water storage tank 31 High-temperature water outflow pipe 40 Boiling-up circuit 40a Boiling-up circuit forward outlet 40b Boiling-up circuit return inlet 41 Boiling-up pump 42a Boiling-up water forward pipe 42b Boiling-up water return pipe 43 Three-way valve 50 Water supply circuit 50a Water supply circuit outlet 51 Water supply pipe 51a Hot water supply pipe outlet 53 Hot water supply mixing valve 54 High-temperature water branch pipe for hot water supply 55 Low-temperature water branch pipe for hot water supply 60 Afterburning circuit 61 Heat exchanger 62 Afterburning pump 63 Afterburning water pipe 64 Circulation pump 65 Bathtub water circulation pipe 65a Outlet of bathtub water circulation pipe 65b Inlet of bathtub water circulation pipe 66 High-temperature water branch pipe for bathtub hot water supply 67 Low-temperature water branch pipe for bathtub hot water supply 68 Bathtub mixing valve 69 Pipe for bathtub hot water supply 69a Bathtub hot water supply valve 70 Water supply circuit 70a Inlet of water supply circuit 71 Water supply pipe 72 Pressure reducing valve 80 Microbubble generator 81 Upper connection port on the side of microbubble generator 82 Lower connection port on the side of microbubble generator 83 Male screw 84 Female screw 85 Insertion part for fastener 86 Insertion part for pin 90 Upper mounting target 91 Connection port on the side of upper mounting target 92 Lower mounting target 93 Connection port on the side of lower mounting target 94 Inserted part for fastener 95 Inserted part for pin 100 Fastener 101 Pin 102 O-ring

Claims

1. It has a hot water storage unit including a hot water storage tank for storing warm water and a metal housing enclosing the hot water storage tank, a boiling-up circuit for boiling up the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply circuit for supplying the stored hot water in the hot water storage tank, a water supply circuit for supplying water to the hot water storage tank which are respectively connected to the hot water storage tank, and is provided with a fine bubble generator for generating fine bubbles in the hot water passing through the interior, wherein the fine bubble generator is detachably attached outside the hot water storage unit A hot water storage type water heater characterized by the above.

2. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with the fine bubble generator at the water supply circuit inlet.

3. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with the fine bubble generator at the hot water supply circuit outlet.

4. It has a bathtub water circulation pipe for guiding low-temperature bathtub water to a heat exchanger and returning the bathtub water that has absorbed heat in the heat exchanger to the bathtub, and is provided with the fine bubble generator at the forward outlet of the bathtub water circulation pipe, the return inlet of the bathtub water circulation pipe, or both. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with the fine bubble generator at the forward outlet of the boiling-up circuit, the return inlet of the boiling-up circuit, or both.

6. The fine bubble generating device has different connection mechanisms at one connection part and the other connection part. The hot water storage type water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

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