Hot water storage tank

Abstract

This disclosure provides a hot water storage tank equipped with an internal heat exchanger in which the support members are securely attached, while also facilitating the extension of the lifespan of the support members. [Solution] The hot water storage tank in this disclosure comprises a tank body, an internal heat exchanger housed inside the tank body and having a spirally wound spiral pipe section, and a support member that engages with the internal heat exchanger and supports the internal heat exchanger so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the tank body, wherein the support member has a contact section that abuts against the inner surface of the tank body and an insertion section formed radially inward of the contact section, the insertion section having a wide section that is wider than the spacing between the pipes of the spiral pipe section, and the insertion section is inserted between the pipes of the spiral pipe section so that the wide section is positioned radially inward of the pipes of the spiral pipe section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water storage tank.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water storage container assembly including a water storage container, a coil disposed inside the water storage container, and a coil support member that supports the coil inside the water storage container. In the water storage container assembly described in Patent Document 1, when the coil support member enters the gap between the tubes of the coil, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion formed on the coil support member enter while contacting and bending the tubes of the coil, and a configuration in which they engage with the tubes of the coil is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a hot water storage tank provided with an internal heat exchanger in which a support member is firmly attached while facilitating the extension of the life of the support member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The hot water storage tank in this disclosure comprises a tank body, an internal heat exchanger housed inside the tank body and having a spirally wound spiral pipe section, and a support member that engages with the internal heat exchanger and supports the internal heat exchanger so as to be separated from the inner surface of the tank body, wherein the support member has a contact section that abuts against the inner surface of the tank body and an insertion section formed radially inward of the contact section, the insertion section having a wide section wider than the spacing between the pipes of the spiral pipe section, and the insertion section is inserted between the pipes of the spiral pipe section so that the wide section is positioned radially inward of the pipes of the spiral pipe section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The hot water storage tank in this disclosure can be equipped with an internal heat exchanger to which the support members are securely attached, while also making it easier to extend the lifespan of the support members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the heat pump device in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Side view of the hot water storage tank in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2 [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the state of the support member attached to the spiral pipe section in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Front view of the support member in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Plan view of the support member in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Side view of the support member in Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Perspective view of the support member in Embodiment 1, viewed from the rear side. [Figure 9] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the support member in Embodiment 1 attached to the spiral pipe section. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the assembly method for the hot water storage tank in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, in a hot water storage tank for a hot water heating system equipped with an internal heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger was supported by a support member to prevent contact between the inner surface of the storage tank and the internal heat exchanger during assembly and transportation. Conventionally, this support member was attached to the internal heat exchanger by deforming the support member, such as by bending the engaging portion, or so-called claw shape, provided on the support member. However, due to product variations in the support member, there was a problem that the support member could not be attached to the internal heat exchanger with high precision. In addition, the support member abuts against the inner surface of the storage tank to maintain the distance between the inner surface of the storage tank and the internal heat exchanger, but in maintaining this distance, force is also acted on the support member, resulting in a force acting on the support member in the direction of removal. As a result, repeated stress concentration is likely to occur in the claw shape, and there was a problem that it was difficult to extend the life of the support member. The inventors discovered these problems and came to constitute the subject matter of this disclosure in order to solve them. Therefore, this disclosure provides a hot water storage tank equipped with an internal heat exchanger in which the support members are securely attached, while also making it easier to extend the lifespan of the support members.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0011] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Heat Pump Device] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the heat pump device 1 in Embodiment 1. The heat pump device 1 in Embodiment 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20.

[0012] The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, a medium heat exchanger 13, an expansion device 14, an air heat exchanger 15, etc. The compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the medium heat exchanger 13, the expansion device 14, the air heat exchanger 15, etc. are annularly connected via a predetermined refrigerant pipe 16 to form a refrigerant circuit 17. A medium pipe 24 connected to the indoor unit 20 is connected to the medium heat exchanger 13.

[0013] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 to become high-temperature and high-pressure flows as shown by the solid-line arrow, is sent to the medium heat exchanger 13, and is cooled and condensed by exchanging heat with the medium flowing through the medium pipe 24 in the medium heat exchanger 13. On the other hand, the medium receives the heat of the refrigerant and becomes a heated medium, and is supplied to, for example, indoor equipment (utilization-side equipment) 31 or a hot water storage tank (utilization-side equipment) 22. The refrigerant discharged from the medium heat exchanger 13 is decompressed and evaporated by the expansion device 14, exchanges heat in the air heat exchanger 15, becomes a gas refrigerant, and is returned to the compressor 11 again. I

[0014] By switching the four-way valve 12, as shown by the broken-line arrow, the refrigerant flows, exchanges heat with the outside air in the air heat exchanger 15, is decompressed by the expansion device 14, and then is sent to the medium heat exchanger 13, so that the medium flowing through the medium pipe 24 can be cooled.

[0015] The indoor unit 20 is installed indoors. The indoor unit 20 includes a three-way valve 21, a hot water storage tank 老实说,我不确定这里的“老实说”是否在原文中有对应,你可以检查一下原文是否有这个词。如果没有,你可以告诉我你想要如何处理这个词,比如删除它或者保留它。如果保留它,我会按照你的要求进行翻译。22, a pump 23, etc. The three-way valve 21, the hot water storage tank 22, the pump 23, etc. are connected via appropriate medium pipes 24, 25, 26.

[0016] Specifically, the medium pipe 25 of the indoor unit 20 is connected to the discharge side of the medium pipe 24 of the medium heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10. The medium pipe 25 is connected to the three-way valve 21. The indoor device 31 is connected to the first outlet of the three-way valve 21 via the medium pipe 25. The indoor device 31 is, for example, a panel heater. The medium pipe 26 is connected to the discharge side of the indoor device 31.

[0017] The storage tank 22 is connected to the second outlet of the three-way valve 21 via the medium pipe 25. The medium pipe 26 is connected to the storage tank 22. The pump 23 is connected to the medium pipe 26. The pump 23 circulates the medium in the medium pipes 24, 25, and 26. The medium pipe 26 is connected to the inflow side of the medium pipe 24 of the medium heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10.

[0018] In the medium pipes 24 to 26, the medium heated by passing through the medium heat exchanger 13 is supplied to, for example, the indoor device 31 by the three-way valve 21. In the indoor device 31, the heat of the medium is supplied indoors, and the medium with a decreased temperature flows into the medium pipe 26.

[0019] In addition, the medium heated by passing through the medium heat exchanger 13 is supplied to, for example, the storage tank 22 by the three-way valve 21. The internal heat exchanger 70 is accommodated in the storage tank 22. When the medium flowing through the medium pipe 25 passes through the internal heat exchanger 70, it exchanges heat with the water stored in the storage tank 22. Therefore, the water stored in the storage tank 22 is heated up to become hot water, that is, hot water. On the other hand, the medium passing through the internal heat exchanger 70 has its temperature decreased and flows into the medium pipe 26. The medium flowing into the medium pipe 26 returns to the medium heat exchanger 13 again. Note that, for example, water is used as the medium flowing through the medium pipes 24 to 26.

[0020] A water supply pipe 34 is connected to the hot water storage tank 22. The water supply pipe 34 supplies water to the hot water storage tank 22. A water intake pipe 35 extends from the hot water storage tank 22. A three-way valve 33 is connected to the water intake pipe 35. The branch of the water supply pipe 34 is connected to the three-way valve 33. Through the three-way valve 33, water from the water supply pipe 34 can be mixed with the hot water in the water intake pipe 35. A faucet 32 ​​is connected to the outlet of the three-way valve 33 via the water intake pipe 35. By turning the faucet 32, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 22 becomes available for use. Water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 22 via the water supply pipe 34 according to the amount of water consumed in the hot water storage tank 22.

[0021] [1-1-2. Configuration of the hot water storage tank] Figure 2 is a side view of the hot water storage tank 22 in Embodiment 1. The hot water storage tank 22 has a tank body 50 capable of storing water and performs heat exchange between the medium of the internal heat exchanger 70 and the water stored in the hot water storage tank 22. The tank body 50 in this embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical body 51 extending in the vertical direction (a predetermined axial direction), an upper mirror 52 which is an end plate that closes the upper end of the body 51, and a lower mirror 53 which is an end plate that closes the lower end of the body 51.

[0022] The upper mirror 52 is provided with multiple pipes 61, 62, 63, and 64. Pipes 61 to 64 extend in the vertical direction. Pipes 61 to 64 are installed so as to penetrate the upper mirror 52.

[0023] Intermediate sockets 61a and 62a are attached to the media pipes 61 and 62 at their midpoints in the axial direction. The media pipes 61 and 62 are welded to the upper mirror 52 via the intermediate sockets 61a and 62a. Connection sockets 61b and 62b are attached to the upper ends of the media pipes 61 and 62, respectively. Media piping 25 (see Figure 1) is connected to the connection socket 61b of media pipe 61. Media piping 26 (see Figure 1) is connected to the connection socket 62b of media pipe 62. An internal heat exchanger 70, housed inside the tank body 50, is connected between the lower end of media pipe 61 and the lower end of media pipe 62.

[0024] Intermediate sockets 63a and 64a are attached to the water pipes 63 and 64 at their midpoints in the axial direction. The water pipes 63 and 64 are fixed to the upper mirror 52 by welding via the intermediate sockets 63a and 64a. A water supply pipe 34 (see Figure 1) is connected to the upper end of water pipe 63. A water intake pipe 35 (see Figure 1) is connected to the upper end of water pipe 64.

[0025] A water supply pipe 66, which extends vertically within the tank body 50, is connected to the lower end of the water pipe 63. The water supply pipe 66 extends downwards from the tank body 50. The water supply pipe 66 opens near the lower mirror 53.

[0026] A drain pipe 68 is attached to the lower mirror 53. The drain pipe 68 passes through the lower mirror 53 and connects the inside and outside of the tank body 50. A relief valve (not shown) is connected to the drain pipe 68. The drain pipe 68 allows water stored in the hot water storage tank 22 to be drained.

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. The internal heat exchanger 70 is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the body 51. The internal heat exchanger 70 is constructed by spirally winding a long pipe along the inner circumferential surface (inner surface) 50a of the body 51. In detail, the internal heat exchanger 70 has a spiral pipe section 71 that is roughly cylindrical in appearance. The spiral pipe section 71 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51.

[0028] The spiral pipe section 71 is formed by winding a pipe at a predetermined radius and winding it vertically at a predetermined pitch P (see Figure 2). In other words, the spiral pipe section 71 is formed by multiple pipe sections 71b, each consisting of one winding, i.e., one pitch, connected vertically. In the spiral pipe section 71, the pipe spacing S (see Figure 2) between pipe sections 71b is basically uniform. However, the pipe spacing S may become uneven after formation due to gravity or other factors.

[0029] An introduction pipe section 72 is connected to the upper end of the spiral pipe section 71. The introduction pipe section 72 is bent radially inward from the spiral pipe section 71. The introduction pipe section 72 is welded to the lower end of the medium pipe 61. An outlet pipe section 73 is connected to the lower end of the spiral pipe section 71. The outlet pipe section 73 is bent radially inward of the spiral pipe section 71, and at its radially inward end, it extends linearly upward along the radially inward side of the spiral pipe section 71. The outlet pipe section 73 is welded to the lower end of the medium pipe 62.

[0030] Therefore, the internal heat exchanger 70 is, so to speak, suspended from the upper mirror 52 and fixed to the upper mirror 52.

[0031] [1-1-3. Configuration of support members] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the state of the support member 80 attached to the spiral pipe section 71 in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a front view of the support member 80 in Embodiment 1. Support members 80 are attached to the lower part of the internal heat exchanger 70. The support members 80 are made of resin. In this embodiment, the support members 80 are made of high-density polyethylene. The support members 80 are attached at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the spiral pipe section 71 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, three support members 80 are attached. The size of the support members 80 corresponds to the distance R1 between the outer circumferential surface 71a of the spiral pipe section 71 (see Figure 3) and the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50 (see Figure 3). The support members 80 prevent the spiral pipe section 71 from coming into contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50.

[0032] When using up, down, left, and right directions with respect to the support member 80, the front view shown in Figure 5 is used as the reference. Furthermore, with respect to the support member 80, the radial direction refers to the radial direction formed by the substantially cylindrical helical pipe section 71. Therefore, with respect to the support member 80, the radially inner side refers to the side approaching the helical pipe section 71, and the radially outer side refers to the side moving away from the helical pipe section 71.

[0033] The support member 80 has a spacer portion (contact portion) 81 and an engaging portion 91 supported on the back side of the spacer portion 81. In this embodiment, the support member 80 is formed symmetrically from left to right. Also in this embodiment, the support member 80 is formed symmetrically from top to bottom.

[0034] The spacer portion 81 is formed to have a spherical external shape. The curvature of the spacer portion 81 is formed to be greater than the curvature of the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51 of the tank body 50 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the spacer portion 81 has a hollowed-out shape. That is, the spacer portion 81 is formed in a grid pattern. Specifically, the spacer portion 81 has a circular outer ring portion 82 in front view, a plurality of vertical arch plate portions 83, 84 that traverse the outer ring portion 82, and a plurality of horizontal arch plate portions 85, 86 that cross the outer ring portion 82.

[0035] The vertical arch plate sections 83 and 84 have a central vertical arch plate section 83 formed at the center of the outer ring section 82, i.e., at a position that passes vertically through the apex 89 of the spacer section 81, and a pair of left and right vertical arch plate sections 84 formed on both the left and right sides of the central vertical arch plate section 83. The vertical arch plate sections 83 and 84 extend vertically when viewed from the front. Both ends of the vertical arch plate sections 83 and 84 are connected to the outer ring section 82.

[0036] In this embodiment, the central vertical arch plate portion 83 has appropriate weight reduction cut out in the left and right central portions. That is, the central vertical arch plate portion 83 has a pair of left and right vertical arch portions 83a and a plurality of bridge portions 83b that connect the left and right pair of vertical arch portions 83a from left to right. The bridge portions 83b are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0037] The transverse arch plate sections 85 and 86 have a central transverse arch plate section 85 formed at a position that passes through the apex 89 of the spacer section 81 in the left-right direction, and a pair of upper and lower transverse arch plate sections 86 formed on both the upper and lower sides of the central transverse arch plate section 85. The transverse arch plate sections 85 and 86 extend in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. Both ends of the transverse arch plate sections 85 and 86 are connected to the outer ring section 82.

[0038] In this embodiment, the central transverse arch plate portion 85 and the left and right vertical arch plate portions 84 are connected via the annular portion 87. That is, the transverse arch plate portion 85 extends from the left and right outer ends of the annular portion 87 in the left-right direction. Also, the vertical arch plate portions 84 extend from the upper and lower outer ends of the annular portion 87 in the up-down direction.

[0039] The annular portion 87 makes it easier to grasp the orientation of the support member 80, that is, its vertical and horizontal orientation. Furthermore, a U-shaped rod-shaped jig, for example, can be inserted into the annular portion 87. This allows the support member 80 to be held in a stable position. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the support member 80 is improved.

[0040] Figure 6 is a plan view of the support member 80 in Embodiment 1. A cylindrical portion 88 extending radially inward is formed on the back surface of the outer ring portion 82. The cylindrical portion 88 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 88 has a shape that is cut out in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. That is, the end of the cylindrical portion 88 is provided with a contact surface 88a that is formed to be able to abut against the outer circumferential surface 71a of the substantially cylindrical spiral pipe portion 71. When the support member 80 is attached to the spiral pipe portion 71, the contact surface 88a of the cylindrical portion 88 contacts the outer circumferential surface 71a of the spiral pipe portion 71, stabilizing its position.

[0041] Figure 7 is a side view of the support member 80 in Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the support member 80 in Embodiment 1, viewed from the rear side. An engaging portion 91 is supported radially inside the central vertical arch plate portion 83. The engaging portion 91 has a base portion 92 that extends along the vertical arch plate portion 83. The base portion 92 protrudes radially inward. In this embodiment, the base portion 92 has a pair of left and right base plates 92a, 92a that extend radially inward integrally from a pair of left and right vertical arch portions 83a.

[0042] Three engagement body parts 93 and 94 are formed in the vertical direction on the base portion 92. Specifically, the base portion 92 has a pair of upper and lower (first opposing part, third opposing part) 93 and an engagement body part (second opposing part) 94 in the upper and lower center. The three engagement body parts 93 and 94 are each formed so as to be able to face each other at positions of three axially adjacent pipe spacings (first pipe spacing, second pipe spacing, third pipe spacing) S in the spiral pipe portion 71.

[0043] In this embodiment, the upper and lower engaging portion bodies 93 are formed in an insert shape having a left-right width. Specifically, the upper and lower engaging portion bodies 93 have an insert portion 93a that protrudes radially inward from the central vertical arch plate portion 83. The tip 93b of the insert portion 93a is rounded. The vertical width of the insert portion 93a increases as it moves from the tip 93b toward the spacer portion 81. The insert portion 93a has a wide portion 93c that has the maximum vertical width W1 of the insert portion 93a. The vertical width W1 of the wide portion 93c is formed to be at least wider than the pipe spacing S when the pipe spacing S is uniform.

[0044] On the spacer portion 81 side of the wide portion 93c, a pipe housing portion 93d is formed, which is cut out in an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71. The pipe housing portion 93d is formed above and below the insertion portion 93a. At the tip of the insertion portion 93a, a material-removing portion 93e is formed, which is recessed in the thickness direction (left-right direction). The material-removing portion 93e extends to the tip 93b.

[0045] The central engagement body 94 is formed in an entry shape with a width from left to right. Specifically, the central engagement body 94 has an entry portion 94a that protrudes radially inward from the central vertical arch plate portion 83. The entry portion 94a is located on the spacer portion 81 side of the wider portion 93c of the upper and lower engagement body 93. On the spacer portion 81 side of the entry portion 94a, a pipe housing portion 94d is formed, which is cut out in an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71. The pipe housing portion 94d is cut out so as to form an arc shape integral with the pipe housing portion 93d formed on the upper and lower engagement body 93. Therefore, the vertical width of the entry portion 94a increases as it moves toward the spacer portion 81 side. In other words, the entry portion 94a is formed in a guide shape that separates the pipe portion 71b from the entry portion 94a.

[0046] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the support member 80 in Embodiment 1 attached to the spiral pipe section 71. The support member 80 is attached to the lower part of the spiral pipe section 71. The support member 80 is positioned opposite the outer circumferential surface 71a of the spiral pipe section 71. The mounting position of the support member 80 is predetermined, for example, by experimentation. The support member 80 arranges its three engaging body parts 93 and 94 to match the pipe spacing S (see Figure 2). If the pipe spacing S is uneven and the three engaging body parts 93 and 94 cannot be aligned to the pipe spacing S, the three engaging body parts 93 and 94 are aligned to the pipe spacing S (see Figure 2) while adjusting the pipe spacing S.

[0047] Then, the spacer portion 81 of the support member 80 is pushed from the radially outward direction, and the insertion portion 93a of the upper and lower engaging portion bodies 93 is inserted between the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71. At this time, for example, the spacer portion 81 is pushed in with the palm of the hand. Because the outer surface shape of the spacer portion 81 is spherical, it is easy to push in with the palm of the hand.

[0048] Since the vertical width of the insertion portion 93a is greater than the pipe spacing S, when it is inserted, the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71 is pushed in the vertical direction, and the pipe portion 71b moves while deforming in the vertical direction in accordance with the amount of insertion of the insertion portion 93a. Then, when the wide portion 93c of the insertion portion 93a exceeds the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71, the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71 tries to return to its original position at the pipe spacing S due to the elasticity of the metal. As a result, the pipe portion 71b moves to the pipe housing portions 93d and 94d of the support member 80 and engages with the respective insertion portions 93a.

[0049] In particular, when the distance S between the pipes at the positions where the insertion portions 93a face each other is narrower than when it is uniform before alignment, the force trying to return to the original distance S is likely to increase, and the pipe portions 71b are more likely to engage with each insertion portion 93a.

[0050] Furthermore, at this time, the entry portion 94a between the upper and lower insertion portions 93a enters between the pipe portion 71b that has moved from above to below and the pipe portion 71b that has moved from below to above. Therefore, due to the inclined shape of the entry portion 94a, that is, the wall shape of the pipe housing portion 94d, the pipe portion 71b that has moved from above to below can be guided back to its original upper position, and the pipe portion 71b that has moved from below to above can be guided back to its original lower position. Thus, the pipe portion 71b can be guided and housed in the pipe housing portions 93d and 94d of the support member 80.

[0051] In particular, when the distance S between pipes at the positions where the entry portions 94a face each other is narrower than when it is uniform before alignment, the wall shape of the pipe housing portion 94d makes it easier to firmly guide the upper pipe portion 71b into the upper pipe housing portion 93d, and the lower pipe portion 71b into the lower pipe housing portion 93d. Therefore, it is easier to engage the upper pipe portion 71b and the lower pipe portion 71b with their respective insertion portions 93a.

[0052] As described above, the engaging portion 91 of the support member 80 is held in place by the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71, so that the support member 80 is securely attached while being prevented from coming loose by the wide portion 93c of the insertion portion 93a.

[0053] In this embodiment, the support member 80 has a shape in which the engaging portion 91 has thickness in the left-right direction and extends in the up-down direction, and is perpendicular to the left-right direction in which the deformable pipe portion 71b extends. Therefore, the insertion portion 93a is more easily made rigid with respect to the pipe portion 71b. In other words, conventionally, the support member 80 was made to bend in the direction in which the pipe portion 71b extends to form a fold, but the support member 80 of this embodiment is not provided with such a bending configuration.

[0054] Furthermore, since the support member 80 is held in place by the restoring force of the pipe portion 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71, the support member 80 is less likely to deform even when subjected to repeated loads. The support member 80 in this embodiment does not have a claw shape that bends and engages, making it easier to ensure strength against repeated stresses. Therefore, the lifespan of the support member 80 is easily extended.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of the assembly method for the hot water storage tank 22 in Embodiment 1. The hot water storage tank 22 is used vertically during operation, but during assembly, it can be assembled horizontally, for example. Specifically, pipes 61-64 are welded to the upper mirror 52. An internal heat exchanger 70 is also welded to the medium pipes 61 and 62. This integrates the internal heat exchanger 70 with the upper mirror 52. A support member 80 is attached to the internal heat exchanger 70. Finally, the upper mirror 52, with the integrated internal heat exchanger 70, is welded to the body 51.

[0056] At this time, the body 51 and the upper mirror 52 are placed horizontally on the work surface 100, and the internal heat exchanger 70 is inserted through the opening at the upper end of the body 51. At this time, the internal heat exchanger 70 is supported in a cantilevered manner by the upper mirror 52, so there is a risk that the internal heat exchanger 70 will bend. However, since the support member 80 is inserted in contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51, bending of the internal heat exchanger 70 is prevented. In this embodiment, the support member 80 has a spacer portion 81 that is spherical in appearance, making it easy to make point contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51. Therefore, when the support member 80 is moved axially while in contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51, or when the body 51 is rotated relative to the upper mirror 52, sliding resistance is easily suppressed. As a result, workability is improved, and the hot water storage tank 22 is easier to assemble. Once the upper mirror 52 is welded and fixed to the fuselage 51, the lower mirror 53 is welded and fixed to the fuselage 51. In this way, the hot water storage tank 22 is manufactured.

[0057] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the heat pump device 1, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0058] In the heat pump device 1, the compressor 11 operates in the outdoor unit 10, causing the refrigerant to circulate through the refrigerant circuit 17. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the medium passing through the medium heat exchanger 13. In this embodiment, this causes the medium to heat up. The heated medium flows to the indoor unit 20 and is introduced, for example, into the hot water storage tank 22. In the hot water storage tank 22, the medium exchanges heat with the water stored in the hot water storage tank 22 in the internal heat exchanger 70. As a result, the water in the hot water storage tank 22 heats up and becomes hot water. The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 22 is supplied to the user through the intake pipe 35 and the tap 32.

[0059] In this configuration, the internal heat exchanger 70 is supported by being suspended from the upper mirror 52 within the hot water storage tank 22, and a support member 80 is attached to the lower part of the internal heat exchanger 70. The support member 80 forms a predetermined gap between itself and the tank body 50 of the hot water storage tank 22, preventing the internal heat exchanger 70 from coming into contact with the tank body 50. In this embodiment, the support member 80 is attached by utilizing the elasticity of the pipe portion 71b of the internal heat exchanger 70, and is securely attached to the internal heat exchanger 70.

[0060] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the hot water storage tank 22 comprises a tank body 50, an internal heat exchanger 70 having a spirally wound spiral pipe section 71 housed inside the tank body 50, and a support member 80 that engages with the internal heat exchanger 70 and supports the internal heat exchanger 70 so as to be separated from the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50. The support member 80 has a spacer section 81 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50, and an insertion section 93a formed radially inward of the spacer section 81. The insertion section 93a has a wide section 93c that is wider than the pipe spacing S of the spiral pipe section 71, and the insertion section 93a is inserted between the pipe sections 71b of the spiral pipe section 71, so that the wide section 93c is located radially inward of the pipe sections 71b of the spiral pipe section 71. With this configuration, the wide portion 93c widens the pipe spacing S of the spiral pipe portion 71, and the insertion portion 93a is inserted between the pipe portions 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71. When the wide portion 93c is positioned radially inward from the pipe portions 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71, the pipe portions 71b of the spiral pipe portion 71 return to their original state, preventing the wide portion 93c from coming loose and holding it in place. Therefore, because it is held in place by the elastic force of the pipe portions 71b, the support member 80 can be securely attached. Furthermore, compared to the case where the support member 80 is deformed while engaging, it is easier to ensure the strength of the support member 80 and extend its lifespan. Thus, it is possible to provide a hot water storage tank 22 equipped with an internal heat exchanger 70 in which the support member 80 is securely attached, while also extending the lifespan of the support member 80.

[0061] As in this embodiment, the radially inner side of the spacer portion 81 is provided with an upper engaging portion body 93, a central engaging portion body 94, and a lower engaging portion body 93, each capable of facing a first pipe spacing S, a second pipe spacing S, and a third pipe spacing S that are continuously adjacent in the pitch P direction of the internal heat exchanger 70. An insertion portion 93a is formed in either the upper or lower engaging portion body 93 or the central engaging portion body 94, and a pipe housing portion 94d may be formed in the other of the upper or lower engaging portion body 93 or the central engaging portion body 94, serving as a guide shape to guide the pipe portion 71b that has moved when the insertion portion 93a is inserted back to its original position. With this configuration, the pipe housing portion 94d can guide the pipe portion 71b to a predetermined position, allowing the pipe portion 71b to firmly hold the insertion portion 93a.

[0062] As in this embodiment, the spacer portion 81 may be formed in a spherical shape. With this configuration, the spacer portion 81 can be easily pressed across its surface when pushing the insertion portion 93a between the pipe portions 71b. Therefore, for example, the support member 80 can be easily pressed with the palm of the hand, improving the ease of installation.

[0063] As in this embodiment, the tank body 50 has a cylindrical body 51 that extends in the axial direction, and the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the spacer portion 81 may be larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51. With this configuration, the spacer portion 81 easily makes point contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51, making it easier to suppress sliding resistance when moving the internal heat exchanger 70 in the axial direction during the assembly of the hot water storage tank 22, and making it easier to insert and house the internal heat exchanger 70 in the body 51. In addition, because the spacer portion 81 easily makes point contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the body 51, it is also easier to suppress sliding resistance when rotating the internal heat exchanger 70 in the circumferential direction during the assembly of the hot water storage tank 22, making it easier to adjust the circumferential position of the internal heat exchanger 70.

[0064] As in this embodiment, the spacer portion 81 may have a weight-reducing portion and a vertex portion 89 formed therein. This configuration allows the support member 80 to be made lighter. Therefore, the handling of the support member 80 can be improved. In addition, the amount of material used during the manufacturing of the support member 80 can be reduced.

[0065] As in this embodiment, a cylindrical portion 88 extending toward the internal heat exchanger 70 is formed on the outer circumference of the spacer portion 81, and a contact surface 88a cut out in an arc shape along the outer surface 71a of the spiral pipe portion 71 may be formed on the cylindrical portion 88. With this configuration, the support member 80 contacts the spiral pipe section 71 at an outer position away from the center of gravity of the spacer section 81, making it easier to stabilize the posture of the support member 80 and to bring a predetermined part of the spacer section 81 into contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50.

[0066] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0067] In Embodiment 1, the support member 80 is described as having a configuration with vertical arch plate portions 83, 84 and horizontal arch plate portions 85, 86. While a so-called hollowed-out shape is desirable for weight reduction, the configuration of the support member 80 is not limited to this. For example, the support member 80 may have a configuration without hollowed-out sections. That is, the spacer portion 81 of the support member 80 may be spherical.

[0068] In Embodiment 1, the support member 80 is described as having a curvature greater than that of the inner circumferential surface 50a of the fuselage 51. This configuration is desirable because it facilitates point contact between the support member 80 and the inner circumferential surface 50a, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the spacer portion 81 of the support member 80 may be formed to have the same curvature as the inner circumferential surface 50a of the fuselage 51, so that the support member 80 makes surface contact with the inner circumferential surface 50a of the tank body 50.

[0069] In Embodiment 1, the engagement portion 91 of the support member 80 was described in which insertion portions 93a are formed on the upper and lower engagement portion bodies 93 and entry portions 94a are formed on the central engagement portion body 94. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to have an entry portion formed on the upper and lower engagement portion bodies 93 and an insertion portion formed on the central engagement portion body 94.

[0070] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0071] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0072] (Technology 1) A hot water storage tank comprising a tank body, an internal heat exchanger housed inside the tank body and having a spirally wound spiral pipe section, and a support member that engages with the internal heat exchanger and supports the internal heat exchanger so as to be separated from the inner surface of the tank body, wherein the support member has a contact section that abuts against the inner surface of the tank body and an insertion section formed radially inward of the contact section, the insertion section having a wide section wider than the spacing between the pipes of the spiral pipe section, and the insertion section is inserted between the pipes of the spiral pipe section so that the wide section is positioned radially inward of the pipes of the spiral pipe section. In this configuration, the wider section widens the spacing between the pipes in the spiral pipe section, and the insertion section is inserted between the pipes of the spiral pipe section. When the wider section is positioned radially inward from the pipes of the spiral pipe section, the pipes of the spiral pipe section return to their original shape, preventing the wider section from coming loose and holding it in place. Therefore, because it is held in place by the elastic force of the pipes, the support member can be securely attached. Furthermore, compared to cases where the support member is deformed while engaging, it is easier to ensure the strength of the support member and extend its lifespan. Thus, it is possible to provide a hot water storage tank equipped with an internal heat exchanger in which the support member is securely attached while extending the lifespan of the support member.

[0073] (Technology 2) The hot water storage tank according to Technology 1, wherein the radially inner side of the contact portion is provided with a first opposing portion, a second opposing portion, and a third opposing portion that can face each of a first pipe spacing, a second pipe spacing, and a third pipe spacing that are continuously adjacent in the pitch direction of the internal heat exchanger, and the insertion portion is formed in either the first opposing portion, the third opposing portion, or the second opposing portion, and the other of the first opposing portion, the third opposing portion, or the second opposing portion is formed with a guide shape that guides the pipe that has moved when the insertion portion is inserted back to its original position. With this configuration, the guide shape allows the pipe to be guided into the predetermined position, so the pipe can firmly hold the insertion part.

[0074] (Technology 3) The hot water storage tank according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion is formed in a spherical shape. This configuration makes it easier to press the contact surface when pushing the insertion part between the pipes. Therefore, for example, it is easier to push the support member with the palm of your hand, improving work efficiency during installation.

[0075] (Technical 4) The hot water storage tank according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, wherein the tank body has a cylindrical body extending in the axial direction, and the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the contact portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the body. With this configuration, the contact portion easily makes point contact with the inner surface of the body, making it easier to suppress sliding resistance when moving the internal heat exchanger axially during the assembly of the hot water storage tank, and making it easier to insert and house the internal heat exchanger in the body. In addition, because the contact portion easily makes point contact with the inner surface of the body, it is also easier to suppress sliding resistance when rotating the internal heat exchanger circumferentially during the assembly of the hot water storage tank, making it easier to adjust the circumferential position of the internal heat exchanger.

[0076] (Technical 5) The hot water storage tank according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, wherein a weight-reducing portion is formed in the contact portion and a vertex portion is formed. This configuration allows for lighter support members. Therefore, the handling of support members can be easily improved. Furthermore, the amount of material used during the manufacturing of support members can be reduced.

[0077] (Technical 6) A hot water storage tank according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, wherein a cylindrical portion extending toward the internal heat exchanger is formed on the outer circumference of the contact portion, and a contact surface cut out in an arc shape along the outer surface of the spiral pipe portion is formed on the cylindrical portion. With this configuration, the support member contacts the spiral pipe section at an external position away from the center of gravity of the contact area, making it easier to stabilize the posture of the support member and to bring a predetermined point of the contact area into contact with the inner surface of the tank body. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] This disclosure is applicable to a hot water storage tank equipped with an internal heat exchanger having a spiral pipe section housed inside the tank body and wound in a spiral shape. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Heat pump system 10 Outdoor Units 11 Compressor 12 Four-way valve 13 Media heat exchanger 14. Expansion device 15. Air heat exchanger 16 Refrigerant Piping 17 Refrigerant Circuit 20 Indoor Units 21 Three-way valve 22 Hot water storage tank 23 pumps 24 Media piping 25 Media piping 26 Media piping 31 Indoor equipment 32 faucets 33 Three-way valve 34 Water supply pipe 35 Water intake pipe 50 Tank body 50a Inner surface (inner surface) 51 Torso 52 Upper mirror 53 Lower mirror 61 pipes 61a Intermediate socket 61b Connection Socket 62 pipes 62a Intermediate socket 62b connection socket 63 pipes 63a Intermediate socket 64 pipes 64a Intermediate socket 66 Water supply pipe 68 Drain pipe 70 Internal heat exchanger 71 Spiral pipe section 71a Outer surface 71b Pipe section 72 Inlet pipe section 73 Outlet pipe section 80 Support members (supporting members) 81 Spacer part (contact part) 82 Outer ring 83 Vertical arch plate section 83a Longitudinal arch section 83b Bridge section 84 Vertical arch panel section 85 Horizontal arch panel section 86. Horizontal arch panel section 87 Annular section 88 Cylinder part 88a Inner surface (contact surface) 89 Top 91 Engaging part 92 Base section 92a Base plate 93 Engaging part body (first opposing part, third opposing part) 93a Insertion part 93b tip 93c wide section 93d Pipe housing 93e Meat Stealing Club 94 Engaging part body (second opposing part) 94a Approach section 94d Pipe housing section (guide shape) 100 work surface Pitch R1 interval S Pipe spacing (first pipe spacing, second pipe spacing, third pipe spacing) W1 Vertical width

Claims

1. A hot water storage tank comprising: a tank body; an internal heat exchanger housed inside the tank body and having a spirally wound spiral pipe section; and a support member that engages with the internal heat exchanger and supports the internal heat exchanger so as to be separated from the inner surface of the tank body, The support member has a contact portion that abuts against the inner surface of the tank body, and an insertion portion formed radially inward of the contact portion. The aforementioned insertion portion has a wider section than the pipe spacing of the aforementioned spiral pipe section. The insertion portion is inserted between the pipes of the spiral pipe section, so that the wider portion is positioned radially inward from the pipes of the spiral pipe section. Hot water storage tank.

2. On the radially inner side of the contact portion, there are a first opposing portion, a second opposing portion, and a third opposing portion that are capable of facing each of the first, second, and third pipe spacings that are continuously adjacent in the pitch direction of the internal heat exchanger. The insertion portion is formed in either the first opposing portion, the third opposing portion, or the second opposing portion. A guide shape is formed in the other of the first opposing portion, the third opposing portion, and the second opposing portion, to guide the pipe, which has moved when the insertion portion is inserted, back to its original position. The hot water storage tank according to claim 1.

3. The contact portion is formed in a spherical shape. The hot water storage tank according to claim 2.

4. The tank body has a cylindrical body that extends in the axial direction, The radius of curvature of the outer surface of the contact portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the fuselage. A hot water storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned contact portion has a weight-reducing section and a vertex portion. A hot water storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A cylindrical portion is formed on the outer periphery of the contact portion, extending toward the internal heat exchanger. The cylindrical portion has a contact surface formed in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the spiral pipe portion. A hot water storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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