Hot water supply system

Abstract

To obtain a hot water supply system that can supply microbubbles, has higher convenience for a user, and has excellent versatility.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system according to the present disclosure comprises: a heat source unit 7 installed outside a bathroom for heating hot water; and a tank unit 33 installed outside the bathroom, and incorporating a hot water storage tank 8 for storing the hot water heated by the heat source unit 7. The inside of the tank unit 33 is provided with a microbubble generating device 48 installed in at least one of a path for supplying the hot water to a hot water supply terminal 34 outside the bathroom, and a path for supplying the hot water to the hot water storage tank 8, and for generating nano-order microbubbles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hot water systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a hot water supply system that can supply hot water containing bubbles generated by a micro-bubble generator. As a technology related to such a hot water supply system, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a micro-bubble generator is installed in a bathtub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-167371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional hot water supply system equipped with a fine bubble generator, the fine bubble generator generates microscopic bubbles, called microbubbles, with diameters of approximately 1 μm to 100 μm. Microscopic bubbles have a short lifespan after being mixed with hot water. Therefore, in a hot water supply system equipped with a conventional fine bubble generator, the fine bubble generator must be installed near the destination of the fine bubbles. For example, to supply fine bubbles to a bathtub, as in Patent Document 1, the fine bubble generator must be installed in the bathtub or near the bathtub. Thus, in a hot water supply system equipped with a conventional fine bubble generator, the installation location of the fine bubble generator is limited depending on the destination of the fine bubbles. Furthermore, if the installation location of the fine bubble generator is limited due to construction restrictions, it is difficult to supply fine bubbles to the desired destination. As such, hot water supply systems equipped with conventional fine bubble generators have issues such as poor user convenience and versatility.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a hot water supply system that can supply fine bubbles, and that is more convenient for users and has excellent versatility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The hot water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a heat source unit installed outside a bathroom and configured to heat hot water; and a tank unit installed outside the bathroom and incorporating a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat source unit. The tank unit is provided with a micro-bubble generator that generates nano-order micro-bubbles and is located in at least one of a path that supplies hot water to a hot water supply terminal outside the bathroom and a path that supplies hot water to the hot water storage tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a hot water supply system that can supply fine bubbles, and that is more convenient for users and has excellent versatility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a water heater according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of a micro-bubble generating device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the micro-bubble generating device of the first embodiment to change the size of the micro-bubbles to be generated depending on the supply destination of the micro-bubbles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. This disclosure may include any combinations and modifications of the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments. In this disclosure, the terms "water" or "hot water" generally refer to liquid water, and may include water ranging from low temperature water to high temperature water.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a water heater 35 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 35 includes a tank unit 33, a heat source unit 7, and a remote control 44. The heat source unit 7 and the tank unit 33 are connected via a heat source supply pipe 14, a heat source return pipe 15, and electrical wiring (not shown). The tank unit 33 includes a control device 36 that corresponds to a control means. The operation of the various valves, pumps, and the like included in the tank unit 33 and the heat source unit 7 is controlled by the control device 36 that is electrically connected thereto.

[0011] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration in which the operation of water heating apparatus 35 is controlled by a single control device 36, and a configuration in which multiple control devices cooperate to control the operation of water heating apparatus 35 may also be used. Furthermore, a control means for controlling the operation of water heating apparatus 35 may be provided external to water heating apparatus 35. A means for acquiring information necessary to control the operation of water heating apparatus 35 may be provided external to water heating apparatus 35. Water heating apparatus 35 may be configured to be able to communicate with an external device. The water heating system according to the present disclosure can be realized by water heating apparatus 35 alone, or can be realized by linking water heating apparatus 35 with an external device.

[0012] The remote control 44 has a function of accepting user operations such as operation commands and changes to setting values. The remote control 44 is installed, for example, in the bathroom. The remote control 44 is an example of a user interface. The control device 36 and the remote control 44 are connected via wire or wirelessly to enable bidirectional data communication. Although not shown, the remote control 44 has an operation unit such as buttons or switches operated by the user. The remote control 44 may also have a display unit that displays information such as the status of the water heating device 35. The remote control 44 may be equipped with an alarm unit such as a speaker and microphone (not shown) to alarm the user by voice or the like.

[0013] The remote control 44 may be installed outside the bathroom. Alternatively, a separate user interface may be installed outside the bathroom in addition to the remote control 44 inside the bathroom. Also, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet may function as a user interface similar to the remote control 44.

[0014] The heat source unit 7 is an example of a heating means for heating water and is installed outside the bathroom. The heat source unit 7 includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor 1, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, and an air heat exchanger 6 are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping 5. The heat source unit 7 operates a heat pump cycle using this refrigerant circuit. In the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 and water guided from the tank unit 33, thereby heating the water. The water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3 may also be configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 and water supplied directly from a water source such as a tap.

[0015] The heat source unit 7 is not limited to a heat pump type. The heat source unit 7 may be any type, such as an electric heater type, a type that uses solar heat, a combustion type, or a combination of multiple types.

[0016] Tank unit 33 is installed outside the bathroom and incorporates hot water storage tank 8 for storing hot water. Tank unit 33 is composed of a housing that houses hot water storage tank 8 and the housing and various other components. Hot water storage tank 8 stores hot water heated by heat source unit 7. Inside hot water storage tank 8, temperature stratification is formed, with the upper side being hotter and the lower side being colder, due to differences in water density caused by temperature.

[0017] The tank unit 33 includes a water supply pipe consisting of a first water supply pipe 9a, a second water supply pipe 9b, a third water supply pipe 9c, and a fourth water supply pipe 9d. The water supply pipes are pipes for supplying water to the tank unit 33 from an external water source such as a water main.

[0018] A third water supply pipe 9c is connected to a water inlet 8a provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8. Water supplied from an external water source through the first water supply pipe 9a is adjusted to a predetermined pressure by a pressure reducing valve 31 installed on the first water supply pipe 9a, and then flows into the hot water storage tank 8 through the third water supply pipe 9c.

[0019] The top of the hot water storage tank 8 is provided with a hot water outlet 8d for supplying the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 8 to the outside of the hot water supply device 35, and a hot water inlet outlet 8e that can be connected to the heat source return pipe 15.

[0020] The control device 36 controls the boiling operation, which causes hot water heated by the heat source unit 7 to flow into the hot water storage tank 8. The control device 36 controls the start and stop of the boiling operation, etc., depending on the amount of remaining hot water or the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 8. The boiling operation proceeds as follows: Low-temperature water flowing out from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8 is guided to the heat source unit 7 via the heat source supply piping 14, where it is heated in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3 to become hot water, i.e., high-temperature water. This high-temperature water flows into the hot water storage tank 8 from the hot water inlet outlet 8e at the top of the hot water storage tank 8 via the heat source return piping 15. As this boiling operation is performed, high-temperature water is stored inside the hot water storage tank 8 from the upper part, and the layer of high-temperature water gradually becomes thicker.

[0021] In the following description, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 8 may be referred to as "tank water." Also, the hot water stored in the bathtub 30 in the bathroom may be referred to as "bath water." The tank unit 33 contains a heat source pump 12, a bath heat exchanger 20, and a bath circulation pump 29. The heat source pump 12 is a pump for circulating hot water through various pipes, and is installed on the first water supply pipe 13a. The bath heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the tank water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 and the bath water from the bathtub 30. The heat exchange between the tank water and the bath water heats the bath water (reheating).

[0022] One end of the bath supply pipe 27 and one end of the bath return pipe 28 are connected to the bathtub adapter 80 installed in the bathtub 30. The other end of the bath supply pipe 27 and the other end of the bath return pipe 28 are connected to the bath heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the bath heat exchanger 20, the bath supply pipe 27, and the bath return pipe 28 form a reheating path.

[0023] The bathtub adapter 80 has an inlet for drawing hot water from the bathtub 30 into the reheating path, and an outlet for discharging the hot water flowing through the reheating path into the bathtub 30. The outlet of the bathtub adapter 80 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The bathtub adapter 80 is configured to be attached, for example, to the side of the bathtub 30 and to discharge hot water sideways.

[0024] The bath circulation pump 29, which circulates bath water through the reheating path, is installed, for example, midway along the bath return pipe 28. When the bath circulation pump 29 is operated, the bath water in the bathtub 30 is drawn from the bathtub adapter 80 into the bath return pipe 28, and flows through the bath return pipe 28 into the bath heat exchanger 20. After passing through the bath heat exchanger 20, the bath water passes through the bath supply pipe 27 and flows into the bathtub 30 from the bathtub adapter 80.

[0025] In this embodiment, the tank unit 33 has built-in three-way valve 11, four-way valve 16, and three-way valve 18. Three-way valve 11 is a flow path switching means having inlet ports a and b, and outlet port c. Three-way valve 11 is configured to be able to switch between two paths, a, c, and b, c.

[0026] The four-way valve 16 is a flow path switching means having inlet ports a and b and outlet ports c and d. The four-way valve 16 is configured to be able to switch the flow paths among four paths: ac, ad, bc, and bd.

[0027] The three-way valve 18 is a flow path switching means having an inlet port a and outlet ports b and c. The three-way valve 18 is configured to be able to switch the flow path between two paths, ab and ac.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tank unit 33 has a low-temperature pipe 10, a first water supply pipe 13a, a first hot water pipe 17a, a second hot water pipe 17b, a third hot water pipe 19a, and a fourth hot water pipe 19c. The low-temperature pipe 10 connects a water outlet 8b provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8 to a port a of the three-way valve 11.

[0029] The first water supply pipe 13a connects the c port of the three-way valve 11 to the inlet of the heat source pump 12. The outlet of the heat source pump 12 is connected to the inlet of the heat source unit 7 by a heat source forward pipe 14. The outlet of the heat source unit 7 is connected to the b port of the four-way valve 16 by a heat source return pipe 15.

[0030] The first hot water pipe 17a connects the d port of the four-way valve 16 to the a port of the three-way valve 18. The second hot water pipe 17b connects the c port of the four-way valve 16 to a water inlet 8c provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8. The third hot water pipe 19a connects the b port of the three-way valve 18 to a hot water inlet outlet 8e at the top of the hot water storage tank 8. The fourth hot water pipe 19c connects the c port of the three-way valve 18 to a hot water inlet 8g provided between the top and middle of the hot water storage tank 8.

[0031] The first tank circulation pipe 20a, which branches off from the third hot water pipe 19a at a position midway, is connected to the tank water inlet of the bath heat exchanger 20. The tank water outlet of the bath heat exchanger 20 is connected to port b of the three-way valve 11 by second tank circulation pipe 20c. The second water supply pipe 13b, which branches off from the heat source supply pipe 14 between the heat source pump 12 and the inlet of the heat source unit 7, is connected to port a of the four-way valve 16.

[0032] In this embodiment, the tank unit 33 has a medium temperature pipe 79, a first water supply pipe 9a, a second water supply pipe 9b, a third water supply pipe 9c, a fourth water supply pipe 9d, a hot water mixing valve 22, a bath mixing valve 23, a medium temperature water switching valve 78, a hot water outlet pipe 21, a hot water supply pipe 24 and a bath pipe 25.

[0033] The medium-temperature water switching valve 78 is a flow path switching means having inlet ports a and b and an outlet port c. The medium-temperature water switching valve 78 is configured to be able to switch the flow path between two paths, ac and bc. The hot water supply mixing valve 22 is a mixing means having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. The bath mixing valve 23 is a mixing means having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet.

[0034] One end of the first water supply pipe 9a is connected to a water source such as a tap. The other end of the first water supply pipe 9a is connected to the second water supply pipe 9b and the third water supply pipe 9c via a pressure reducing valve 31. The second water supply pipe 9b is connected to port a of the medium-temperature water switching valve 78. The medium-temperature pipe 79 connects the medium-temperature water inlet outlet 8f, located in the middle of the hot water storage tank 8, to port b of the medium-temperature water switching valve 78. One end of the fourth water supply pipe 9d is connected to port c of the medium-temperature water switching valve 78. The other end of the fourth water supply pipe 9d is connected to the first inlet of the hot water supply mixing valve 22 and the bath water mixing valve 23, respectively. One end of the hot water outlet pipe 21 is connected to the hot water outlet 8d of the hot water storage tank 8. The other end of the hot water outlet pipe 21 is connected to the second inlet of the hot water supply mixing valve 22 and the bath water mixing valve 23, respectively.

[0035] The medium-temperature water switching valve 78 can switch between two flow path states: a first flow path state in which the second water supply pipe 9b and the fourth water supply pipe 9d are connected, and a second flow path state in which the medium-temperature pipe 79 and the fourth water supply pipe 9d are connected. When the medium-temperature water switching valve 78 is in the first flow path state, low-temperature water supplied from the water source passes through the second water supply pipe 9b and the fourth water supply pipe 9d and is supplied to the hot water mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23. When the medium-temperature water switching valve 78 is in the second flow path state, medium-temperature water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 through the medium-temperature pipe 79 is supplied to the hot water mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23 through the fourth water supply pipe 9d.

[0036] The hot water mixing valve 22 adjusts the flow rate ratio between high-temperature water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 through the hot water outlet pipe 21 and low-temperature water or medium-temperature water supplied from the fourth water supply pipe 9d, thereby generating hot water at a set temperature set by the user using the remote control 44, and causing the hot water to flow into the hot water supply pipe 24. The hot water supply pipe 24 is a pipe for supplying hot water to a hot water supply terminal 34 provided in a room outside the bathroom, such as a kitchen or a washroom. The hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water mixing valve 22 is supplied to the hot water supply terminal 34 used by the user via the hot water supply pipe 24. The hot water outlet pipe 21 is a pipe that connects the hot water supply pipe 24 for supplying hot water to the hot water supply terminal 34 to the hot water storage tank 8.

[0037] The bath mixing valve 23 adjusts the flow rate ratio between high-temperature water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 through the hot water outlet pipe 21 and low-temperature or medium-temperature water supplied from the fourth water supply pipe 9d, thereby producing hot water at the set temperature set by the user via the remote control 44. The hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the bath mixing valve 23 flows into the bath pipe 25 and then flows into the bathtub 30 via the bath supply pipe 27 and the bath return pipe 28. In this embodiment, the bath pipe 25, the bath supply pipe 27, and the bath return pipe 28 form a hot water filling pipe for filling the bathtub 30. The hot water outlet pipe 21 supplies hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 8 to the bathtub 30 and connects the hot water filling pipe to the hot water storage tank 8. Although not shown, the bath pipe 25 is equipped with a flow control valve for adjusting the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 30.

[0038] Water heater 35 may be equipped with various sensors for detecting operating conditions, etc. These various sensors include, for example, a sensor for detecting the temperature of water flowing through each pipe, a sensor for detecting water pressure, and a sensor for detecting the amount of dirt in each pipe. The various sensors are connected to the input side of control device 36. The detection results of the various sensors are input to control device 36 as electrical signals.

[0039] As described above, control device 36 controls the operation of each device provided in water heating device 35. In this embodiment, each device provided in water heating device 35 is connected to the output side of control device 36. Control device 36 controls the operation of each device connected to the output side. For example, bathtub 30 is filled with water by control device 36 opening a flow control valve (not shown) provided in bath piping 25.

[0040] Each function of control device 36 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is composed of, for example, a memory circuit, an arithmetic processing unit, and an input / output circuit. The arithmetic processing unit can realize each function of control device 36 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit. Furthermore, the processing circuit of control device 36 may include at least one dedicated hardware. Each function of control device 36 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Furthermore, water heating device 35 and the water heating system are not limited to a configuration in which operation is controlled by a single control device 36, but may be configured in which operation is controlled by multiple devices working together.

[0041] The hot water heater 35 of this embodiment also includes a micro-bubble generator 48 that generates micro-bubbles in the hot water flowing through the pipes. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the structure of the micro-bubble generator 48 of the first embodiment. The micro-bubble generator 48 shown in FIG. 2 generates micro-bubbles in the bathtub water by mixing gas with the hot water. The micro-bubble generator 48 shown in FIG. 2 has a Venturi mechanism that throttles the flow of fluid to increase the flow velocity, thereby generating a lower pressure than in a low-velocity section. The micro-bubble generator 48 includes a cylindrical housing and a fixed impeller 48b provided within the housing. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing has an inlet section 48a, a reduced-diameter section 48c, a gas introduction section 48d, and an expanded-diameter section 48e.

[0042] In FIG. 2, water flows from left to right as indicated by the arrow in the direction of travel P. The inner diameter of the inlet section 48a is at least partially constant along the direction of travel P. A plurality of fixed vanes 48b are installed inside the inlet section 48a. The fixed vanes 48b impart a swirling force to the flow of water passing through the inlet section 48a, thereby generating a swirling flow SF that swirls around the axis f of the flow path. The fixed vanes 48b are made of, for example, a spirally curved plate material.

[0043] The reduced diameter portion 48c is formed coaxially with the inlet portion 48a on the downstream side. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter portion 48c continuously decreases along the traveling direction P. The internal space of the reduced diameter portion 48c is generally conical. The reduced diameter portion 48c reduces the radius of the swirling flow SF generated by the fixed vanes 48b, thereby increasing the speed of the swirling flow SF.

[0044] Gas introduction section 48d has a flow path that introduces gas from the outside to the downstream end of reduced diameter section 48c, i.e., most reduced diameter section 48g. Gas introduction section 48d is formed of a pipe or the like and is connected to the outside air. Negative pressure generated in most reduced diameter section 48g causes intake of air through gas introduction section 48d.

[0045] The expanded diameter portion 48e is formed coaxially with the reduced diameter portion 48c on the downstream side. The inner diameter of the expanded diameter portion 48e continuously increases along the traveling direction P. The internal space of the expanded diameter portion 48e is generally conical. In the expanded diameter portion 48e, the gas introduced from the gas introduction portion 48d is mixed with the swirling flow SF, which has been accelerated by the reduced diameter portion 48c. This generates bubbles B.

[0046] With the micro-bubble generator 48 configured as described above, the gas introduced from the gas introduction section 48d is sheared by the swirling flow SF, thereby making it possible to generate small-diameter bubbles B, i.e., micro-bubbles.

[0047] The gas inlet 48d may be provided with a gas flow rate adjustment valve 48h. The gas flow rate adjustment valve 48h changes the flow rate of air taken in through the gas inlet 48d. By changing the flow rate of air taken in through the gas inlet 48d, it is possible to adjust the amount of bubbles generated per unit time by the fine bubble generator 48. The operation of the gas flow rate adjustment valve 48h is controlled by, for example, the control device 36.

[0048] The flow rate of air taken in through gas inlet 48d also changes depending on the flow rate of hot water flowing through the housing. That is, by changing the flow rate of hot water flowing through the housing, it is possible to adjust the amount of bubbles generated per unit time by micro-bubble generator 48. The flow rate of hot water flowing through the housing of micro-bubble generator 48 can be changed by control device 36 controlling the operation of various valves and pumps that make up water heater 35.

[0049] The above-described structure of the micro-bubble generator 48 is merely an example, and other structures may be used. For example, the micro-bubble generator 48 may have an adjustable structure that allows the fixed blades 48b to be stored. The size of the generated bubbles B can be adjusted by changing the exposure state of the fixed blades 48b from the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The operation of the fixed blades 48b is controlled, for example, by the control device 36. The micro-bubble generator 48 is not limited to the naturally aspirated type having a Venturi mechanism as described above, but may also be a type that forcibly draws air using a pump or the like. Alternatively, the micro-bubble generator 48 may be a device that generates micro-bubbles by irradiating hot water with ultrasonic waves, for example. In this case, the amount and size of the generated bubbles B can be changed by controlling the output of the ultrasonic waves.

[0050] In this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 48 generates nano-order fine bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm, so-called ultrafine bubbles. Nano-order fine bubbles have a long survival time after being mixed with hot water. The nano-order fine bubbles generated by the fine bubble generator 48 can survive, for example, even at a location far away from the fine bubble generator 48. For example, when the fine bubble generator 48 is installed in a long pipe, nano-order fine bubbles can achieve their effects even at a location far away from the fine bubble generator 48. Nano-order fine bubbles have the effect of removing dirt such as soap scum adhering to the fine gaps on the inner surface of the pipe, inhibiting the adhesion of scale formed inside the pipe, washing away dirt or bacteria from water-related areas such as drains, increasing the moisture content of the stratum corneum of human skin, enhancing the warm bathing effect of the user during bathing, and effectively cleansing human skin.

[0051] The hot water supply device 35 of this embodiment is characterized by including a micro-bubble generator 48 that generates nano-order micro-bubbles. A micro-bubble generator 48 that generates nano-order micro-bubbles can provide the effect of micro-bubbles even in a location far from the micro-bubble generator 48. For example, the installation location of the micro-bubble generator 48 is not limited to the vicinity of the bathtub 30 or the bathroom. Furthermore, the installation location of the micro-bubble generator 48 is not limited to the vicinity of the hot water supply terminal 34. The micro-bubble generator 48 can be installed in any location within the tank unit 33, in the path that supplies hot water to the hot water supply terminal 34 outside the bathroom, or in the path that supplies hot water to the hot water storage tank 8.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, fine bubbles can be provided even at a location far from the fine bubble generator 48, without limiting the installation location of the fine bubble generator 48. This embodiment makes it easy to supply fine bubbles to the hot water supply terminal 34, which is a destination desired by the user, separate from the bathtub 30. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a hot water supply device 35 or a hot water supply system that is more convenient for the user and has excellent versatility.

[0053] Note that multiple micro-bubble generators 48 may be provided within the tank unit 33. In the present disclosure, the micro-bubble generators 48 may be disposed in at least one of the path for supplying hot water from the hot water storage tank 8 to the hot water supply terminal 34 and the path for supplying hot water to the hot water storage tank 8.

[0054] The micro-bubble generator 48 is provided, for example, in the hot water outlet pipe 21, as shown in FIG. 1. The hot water outlet pipe 21 is a pipe that guides hot water drawn from the hot water storage tank 8 to the bathtub 30 and the hot water supply terminal 34. By providing the micro-bubble generator 48 in the hot water outlet pipe 21, micro-bubbles can be supplied to both the bathtub 30 and the hot water supply terminal 34. For example, immediately after filling the bathtub 30 with water, the user can immerse themselves in hot water containing micro-bubbles. Furthermore, for example, by supplying micro-bubbles to the hot water supply terminal 34 provided in the kitchen, dishes and the like can be washed effectively. Alternatively, by supplying micro-bubbles to the hot water supply terminal 34 of a washing machine or the like, clothes can be washed effectively.

[0055] 3 is a diagram showing a first modified example of water heater 35 in accordance with Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the water heater 35 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the tank unit 33 is provided with the hot water mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23. The hot water mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23 are mixing means that mix water supplied from the water source with hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 and supply the mixed hot water to the bathtub 30 and the hot water supply terminal 34. As shown in FIG. 4, the fine-bubble generator 48 may be provided in the second water supply pipe 9b, which is a water supply pipe that guides water from the water source to the above-mentioned mixing means. By providing the fine-bubble generator 48 in the second water supply pipe 9b, fine bubbles can be supplied to both the bathtub 30 and the hot water supply terminal 34.

[0057] 1, 3, and 4, the fine bubbles generated by the fine bubble generator 48 do not flow into the hot water storage tank 8. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 can reduce the risk of problems caused by bubbles accumulating in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 8.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a third modified example of water heater 35 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of water heater 35 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 5, fine-bubble generator 48 may be provided in third water supply pipe 9c, which is a water supply pipe that guides water supplied from a water source to hot water storage tank 8. As shown in Fig. 6, fine-bubble generator 48 may be provided in first water supply pipe 9a, which is a water supply pipe that guides water supplied from a water source to hot water storage tank 8 and the mixing means.

[0059] 5 and 6, water containing fine bubbles enters hot water storage tank 8, so that fine bubbles are also contained in the high-temperature hot water that is heated by heat source unit 7 and stored in hot water storage tank 8. As a result, when the hot water taken out of hot water storage tank 8 flows through the various pipes, an air layer is created, which reduces heat radiation from the pipe surfaces. By being able to supply water containing fine bubbles into hot water storage tank 8 as in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, it is possible to reduce the drop in the water temperature from hot water storage tank 8 until it reaches the intended destination, such as bathtub 30 or hot water supply terminal 34.

[0060] In particular, in the example of Fig. 6, fine bubbles can be further supplied to the hot water taken out from the hot water storage tank 8. Furthermore, the fine bubble generator 48 may have the effect of reducing the water supply pressure, which is the pressure of the water supplied from the water source. In this case, the fine bubble generator 48 may be installed in place of the pressure reducing valve 31, as shown in Fig. 6. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the need to separately provide the pressure reducing valve 31 can be eliminated.

[0061] As described above, a plurality of fine bubble generators 48 may be provided within tank unit 33. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the water heater according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 7, tank unit 33 may further include another fine bubble generator 49 in addition to fine bubble generator 48 that generates fine bubbles on the nano-order.

[0062] 7, a micro-bubble generator 48 that generates nano-order micro-bubbles may be provided in a third water supply pipe 9c, which is a water supply pipe that leads water supplied from a water source to the hot water storage tank 8. In the example of FIG. 7, a micro-bubble generator 49 separate from the micro-bubble generator 48 is provided in the bath pipe 25.

[0063] In this example, the fine bubble generator 49 may generate nano-order fine bubbles or micro-order fine bubbles. By having the fine bubble generator 48 generate nano-order fine bubbles and the fine bubble generator 49 generate micro-order fine bubbles, hot water containing micro-order fine bubbles can be supplied to the bathtub 30 while suppressing a drop in the temperature of the hot water taken out of the hot water storage tank 8, and the warm bath effect of the micro-order fine bubbles can be obtained immediately after filling the bath.

[0064] As another example, a separate fine bubble generator 49 from the fine bubble generator 48 may be provided in the hot water outlet pipe 21. As yet another example, a fine bubble generator 48 that generates nano-order fine bubbles may be provided in the hot water supply pipe 24, and a fine bubble generator 49 that generates micro-order fine bubbles may be provided in the bath pipe 25.

[0065] As described above, the micro-bubble generator 48 may be configured to vary the size of the micro-bubbles it generates. The operation of the micro-bubble generator 48 is controlled, for example, by the control device 36, which is an example of a control means. The control device 36, which is an example of a control means, may cause the micro-bubble generator 48 to change the size of the micro-bubbles it generates. For example, when supplying micro-bubbles to the bathtub 30, the micro-bubble generator 48 may generate nano-order micro-bubbles while the user is bathing and then generate micro-order micro-bubbles after the user has finished bathing. By changing the size of the micro-bubbles depending on the user's bathing state, both a warming bath effect and a cleansing effect can be effectively obtained.

[0066] The control device 36 may also cause the micro-bubble generator 48 to change the size of the micro-bubbles generated depending on the destination of the micro-bubbles. For example, the size of the micro-bubbles generated by the micro-bubble generator 48 may be changed depending on whether the destination of the micro-bubbles is the bathtub 30, the hot water supply terminal 34, or one of multiple types of hot water supply terminals 34. By changing the size of the micro-bubbles depending on the destination, the effect required at the destination can be more efficiently achieved.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation in which the micro-bubble generator 48 of the first embodiment changes the size of the micro-bubbles to be generated depending on the destination of the micro-bubbles. First, information on the destination of the micro-bubbles is acquired (step S11). The information on the destination of the micro-bubbles is acquired, for example, by the user inputting the information on the destination of the micro-bubbles into the remote control 44. The information on the destination of the micro-bubbles may also be input using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The water heating device 35 may acquire the information on the destination of the micro-bubbles via the Internet, for example. The information on the destination of the micro-bubbles may also be acquired based on information on the operation of the water heating terminal 34 by the user, for example. The control device 36 causes the micro-bubble generator 48 to change the size of the micro-bubbles to be generated depending on the acquired information on the destination of the micro-bubbles (step S12). [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 compressor, 3 water-refrigerant heat exchanger, 4 expansion valve, 5 refrigerant piping, 6 air heat exchanger, 7 heat source unit, 8 hot water storage tank, 8a water inlet, 8b water outlet, 8c water inlet, 8d hot water outlet, 8e hot water inlet outlet, 8f medium temperature water inlet outlet, 8g hot water inlet, 9a first water supply piping, 9b second water supply piping, 9c third water supply piping, 9d fourth water supply piping, 10 low temperature piping, 11 three-way valve, 12 heat source pump, 13a first water supply piping, 13b second water supply piping, 14 heat source forward piping, 15 heat source return piping, 16 four-way valve, 17a first hot water piping, 17b second hot water piping, 18 three-way valve, 19a Third hot water piping, 19c Fourth hot water piping, 20 Bath heat exchanger, 20a First tank circulation piping, 20c Second tank circulation piping, 21 Hot water outlet piping, 22 Hot water supply mixing valve, 23 Bath mixing valve, 24 Hot water supply piping, 25 Bath piping, 27 Bath supply piping, 28 Bath return piping, 29 Bath circulation pump, 30 Bathtub, 31 Pressure reducing valve, 33 Tank unit, 34 Hot water supply terminal, 35 Hot water supply device, 36 Control device, 44 Remote control, 48 Fine bubble generator, 48a Inlet section, 48b Fixed blade, 48c Reducing diameter section, 48d Gas introduction section, 48e Expanding diameter section, 48g Most reduced diameter section, 48h Gas flow rate adjustment valve, 49 Fine bubble generator, 78 Medium temperature water switching valve, 79 Medium temperature piping, 80 Bathtub adapter

Claims

1. A heat source unit installed outside the bathroom to heat hot water, a tank unit installed outside the bathroom and including a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat source unit; Equipped with The hot water supply system is characterized in that the tank unit is provided with a micro-bubble generator that generates nano-sized micro-bubbles and is positioned in at least one of the paths that supply hot water to the hot water terminal outside the bathroom and the hot water storage tank.

2. The hot water supply system of claim 1, wherein the micro-bubble generating device is provided in a hot water outlet pipe that leads the hot water taken out of the hot water storage tank to a bathtub in the bathroom and to the hot water supply terminal.

3. The tank unit is provided with a mixing means for mixing water supplied from a water source with hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank and supplying the mixed hot water to a bathtub in the bathroom and the hot water supply terminal, 2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the microbubble generating device is provided in a water supply pipe that guides water supplied from a water source to the mixing means.

4. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the micro-bubble generating device is provided in a water supply pipe that guides water supplied from a water source to the hot water storage tank.

5. The tank unit is provided with a mixing means for mixing water supplied from a water source with hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank and supplying the mixed hot water to a bathtub in the bathroom and the hot water supply terminal, 2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the microbubble generating device is provided in a water supply pipe that guides water supplied from a water source to the hot water storage tank and the mixing means.

6. A hot water supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in addition to the fine bubble generating device that generates fine bubbles of the nano-order, another fine bubble generating device that generates fine bubbles is further provided within the tank unit.

7. a control means for controlling the microbubble generating device; The microbubble generator is configured to be able to change the size of the microbubbles to be generated, 6. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the micro-bubble generating device to change the size of the micro-bubbles to be generated depending on the destination of the micro-bubbles.

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