Heating equipment

Abstract

To suppress unintended output of high temperature water to a bathtub during execution of a sterilization treatment, in a heating heat source device having a heating function by circulation of a heat medium and a reheating function and a sterilization function by circulation of bathtub water.SOLUTION: A heat medium circulation path 510 is formed in operation of a first circulation pump 310 to circulate and supply a heat medium to a heating terminal. A control valve 330 is disposed on the heat medium circulation path 510. A heat exchanger 410 has a primary-side path 411 for circulating the heat medium in opening the control valve 330. A reheating circulation path 520 is formed in operation of a second circulation pump 400 to return the bathtub water from the bathtub to the bathtub after circulating the same in a secondary-side path 412 of the heat exchanger 410. A sterilization lamp 610 is disposed on the reheating circulation path 520 to radiate a beam of light in a wavelength region having sterilization effect in lighting. In a sterilization operation, the controller operates the second circulation pump 400, lights the sterilization lamp 610, and closes the control valve 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating heat source device, and more particularly to a heating heat source device having a heating function by circulating a heat medium, and a reheating function and a sterilization function by circulating bath water. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2018-54180 A (Patent Document 1) describes a bath system that sterilizes bathtub circulating water using a sterilization lamp, typically a UV (Ultra Violet) lamp for ultraviolet irradiation. In the bath system, the sterilization lamp is disposed in a reheating circulation path for circulating bathtub water. The bathtub water flowing through the reheating circulation path formed by the operation of the circulation pump is sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation when the sterilization lamp is turned on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-54180 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One aspect of the heating heat source device applied to the bath system is one that has a heating function by circulating a heat medium and a reheating function by circulating bath water. In this type of heating heat source device, the reheating operation of the bath is realized using the heat medium flowing through the heating circulation path. Specifically, the reheating operation is performed by the heat medium in the heating circulation path flowing through the liquid-liquid heat exchanger via the control valve, heating the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path. Therefore, when the reheating operation is not being performed while the heat medium is flowing through the heating circulation path due to the heating operation, the supply of the heat medium to the liquid-liquid heat exchanger is cut off by closing the control valve.

[0005] On the other hand, in the heating heat source device, within a predetermined time from the start of the heating operation, a heat medium at a temperature higher than normal can be supplied to the heating terminal to quickly warm up the heating terminal (so-called hot dash operation). In the hot dash operation, the control valve is opened to ensure the flow rate of the heating circulation path.

[0006] Therefore, when the hot dash operation is started during the sterilization operation, the heating circulation path is formed with the control valve open. In this case, the heated heat medium is supplied to the liquid-liquid heat exchanger, so the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path is heated. In other words, when the sterilization operation and the hot dash operation are performed simultaneously, the reheating operation is essentially performed even though the heating of the bath water is not intended, and as a result, there is a risk that unintended high-temperature water will be output to the bathtub.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its object is to prevent unintended high-temperature water from being output into a bathtub while a sterilization process is being performed in a heating heat source device that has a heating function through the circulation of a heat medium, a reheating function through the circulation of bath water, and a sterilization function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a heating heat source device includes a heat medium circulation path, a heat source, a control valve, a heat exchanger, a reheating circulation path, a sterilization lamp, and a controller. The heat medium circulation path is formed when a first circulation pump is operated, and circulates and supplies a liquid heat medium to a heating terminal connected to the heating heat source device. The heat source heats the heat medium. The control valve is arranged so as to be included in the heat medium circulation path. The heat exchanger has a primary side path through which the heat medium flows when the control valve is opened. The reheating circulation path is formed when a second circulation pump is operated, and returns bath water from the bathtub to the bathtub after it flows through the secondary side path of the heat exchanger. The sterilization lamp is arranged so as to be included in the reheating circulation path, and irradiates light rays in a wavelength range that has a sterilization effect when turned on. In a sterilization operation for sterilizing bath water flowing through a reheating circulation path using a sterilization lamp, a controller controls the second circulation pump, the control valve, and the sterilization lamp to operate the second circulation pump, turn on the sterilization lamp, and close the control valve. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, in a heating heat source device having a heating function by circulating a heat medium, a reheating function by circulating bath water, and a sterilization function, it is possible to prevent unintentional output of high-temperature water into the bathtub while the sterilization process is being performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating heat source device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a flow path of a heat medium in a heating circuit. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating opening and closing control of a control valve in a heating heat source device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual waveform diagram for illustrating opening and closing control of a control valve in the heating heat source device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of HD control in a heating operation of a heating heat source device. [Figure 6]13 is a flowchart illustrating another example of HD control in heating operation of a heating heat source device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of opening and closing control of a control valve in a heating heat source device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating heat source device 100 according to an embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the heating heat source device 100 includes a hot water supply circuit 101, a reheating circuit 102, a heating circuit 103, and a controller 300. The hot water supply circuit 101 is configured to output hot water at an appropriate temperature controlled to a set temperature when a hot water tap such as a faucet 105 or a shower (not shown) is opened. The reheating circuit 102 is configured to heat and circulate hot water in a bathtub (not shown). The heating circuit 103 is configured to circulate and supply high-temperature water, which is a liquid heat medium, to a heating terminal (not shown) device connected to the heating heat source device 100. The controller 300 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer. The controller 300 corresponds to one embodiment of a "controller".

[0013] The reheating circuit 102 is configured to form a reheating circulation path for heating and circulating the hot water in the bathtub between a bathtub water inlet 191 and a bathtub water outlet 192. The bathtub water inlet 191 and the bathtub water outlet 192 are each connected via piping to an opening provided in a bathtub adapter (not shown) placed in the bathtub.

[0014] A heating terminal (not shown) that receives the heat medium from the heating circuit 103 is connected between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (low temperature) 304 or between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (high temperature) 306.

[0015] Hereinafter, the configurations of the hot water supply circuit 101, the reheating circuit 102, and the heating circuit 103 will be described in order.

[0016] The hot water supply circuit 101 includes a primary heat exchanger 11a, a secondary heat exchanger 21a, and a combustion burner 30a, which are housed in the boiler body 10. The hot water supply circuit 101 further includes a water inlet pipe 50, a bypass pipe 60, and a hot water outlet pipe .

[0017] Tap water or the like is supplied to the water inlet pipe 50. A bypass pipe 60 is disposed between the water inlet pipe 50 and the hot water outlet pipe 70. A distribution valve 80 for controlling the water diversion to the bypass pipe 60 is interposed and connected to the water inlet pipe 50. Depending on the opening degree of the distribution valve 80, a portion of the water supply is diverted from the water inlet pipe 50 to the bypass pipe 60.

[0018] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 110 and a flow rate sensor 150 are disposed in the water inlet pipe 50. The temperature sensor 110 detects the inlet water temperature. The flow rate sensor 150 is disposed downstream (on the can body side) of the distributing valve 80, and detects the flow rate passing through the can body 10 (can body flow rate).

[0019] The water in the water inlet pipe 50 is first preheated by the secondary heat exchanger 21a, and then is primarily heated in the primary heat exchanger 11a. The hot water heated to a predetermined temperature by the primary heat exchanger 11a and the secondary heat exchanger 21a is discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 70.

[0020] The hot water outlet pipe 70 is connected to the bypass pipe 60 at a junction 75. Therefore, from the heating heat source device 100, hot water at an appropriate temperature, which is a mixture of high-temperature water output from the boiler body 10 and low-temperature water from the bypass pipe 60, is supplied to a predetermined hot water supply point such as a hot water tap in a kitchen or bathroom, or a hot water supply circuit to a bath (not shown).

[0021] A flow rate adjustment valve 90 and temperature sensors 120, 130 are provided in the hot water outlet pipe 70. The temperature sensor 120 is disposed upstream (on the boiler body side) of a junction 75 of the hot water outlet pipe 70 and the bypass pipe 60, and detects the hot water temperature output from the boiler body 10. The temperature sensor 130 is disposed downstream (on the hot water outlet side) of the junction 75, and detects the temperature of the hot water outlet after it has been mixed with water from the bypass pipe 60. The flow rate adjustment valve 90 is provided to control the hot water outlet flow rate.

[0022] In the can body 10, a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air supplied by a blower fan 40 is output from the combustion burner 30a. The mixture is ignited by an ignition device (not shown), causing the fuel gas to burn and generating a flame. Combustion heat generated by the flame from the combustion burner 30a is provided to the primary heat exchanger 11a and the secondary heat exchanger 21a in the can body 10.

[0023] The primary heat exchanger 11a heats the inlet water by heat exchange using the sensible heat (combustion heat) of the combustion gas from the combustion burner 30a. The secondary heat exchanger 21a heats the water flowing through it by using the latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas from the combustion burner 30a. An exhaust path 15 for discharging the combustion exhaust gas after heat exchange is provided downstream of the combustion gas flow direction of the can body 10. In this way, in the can body 10, the primary heat exchanger 11a and the secondary heat exchanger 21a heat the water supplied from the water inlet pipe 50 by the amount of heat generated by combustion in the combustion burner 30a.

[0024] A main gas solenoid valve 32, a gas proportional valve 33, and capacity switching valves 35a to 35c are arranged in a gas supply pipe 31 to the combustion burner 30a. The main gas solenoid valve 32 has a function of turning on and off the supply of fuel gas to the combustion burner 30a. The gas flow rate in the gas supply pipe 31 is controlled according to the opening degree of the gas proportional valve 33. The capacity switching valves 35a to 35c are controlled to open and close in order to switch the number of burners (number of burner combustions) to which fuel gas is supplied among the multiple combustion burners 30a.

[0025] Next, a description will be given of the configuration related to supplying hot water to the bathtub in the heating heat source device 100, including the reheating circuit 102. In the following, supplying hot water to the bathtub will be referred to as "pouring hot water," while supplying hot water to a hot water tap other than the bathtub (such as the faucet 105) will be simply referred to as "supplying hot water."

[0026] The heating heat source device 100 further includes hot water supply piping 180 that branches off from the hot water outlet pipe 70 to supply hot water to a bathtub (not shown). The hot water supply piping 180 branches off from the hot water outlet pipe 70 via a flow rate adjustment valve 90. Furthermore, a hot water supply on-off valve 210 and a check valve 220 are interposed and connected to the hot water supply piping 180. The hot water supply piping 180 is connected at a junction 185 with a bath return piping 194, which will be described later.

[0027] The opening and closing of the hot water pouring on-off valve 210 by the controller 300 can be controlled to form or block a path for pouring hot water from the hot water supply circuit 101 to the bathtub. A flow rate sensor 215 for detecting the hot water pouring flow rate is disposed in correspondence with the hot water pouring on-off valve 210.

[0028] The reheating circuit 102 includes a bath return pipe 194, a bath supply pipe 195, a reheating circulation pump 400, a bath heat exchanger 410, and a UV unit 600.

[0029] The bath return pipe 194 connects the bathtub water intake port 191 and one end of the secondary path of the bath heat exchanger 410. The reheating circulation pump 400 is interposed and connected to the bath return pipe 194. The other end (bathtub side) of the secondary path of the bath heat exchanger 410 is connected to the bathtub water outlet port 192 by the bath supply pipe 195.

[0030] During reheating operation, the reheating circulation pump 400 operates to draw bath water from the bath water inlet 191 into the heating heat source device 100. Then, a reheating circulation path is formed in which the drawn hot water passes through the bath return pipe 194, the reheating circulation pump 400, the bath heat exchanger 410 (secondary side path), and the bath supply pipe 195, and is returned to the bath water outlet 192. In the reheating circulation path, temperature sensors 372 and 374 are provided on the input side and output side of the bath heat exchanger 410, respectively. The temperature sensors 372 and 374 are, for example, thermistors. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 374 arranged on the output side of the bath heat exchanger 410 is also referred to as the outlet temperature Tch.

[0031] During reheating operation, the control valve 330 of the heating circuit 103 is opened. This causes the heat medium heated in the heating circuit 103 (described later) to flow through the primary path of the bath heat exchanger 410. As a result, the hot water in the reheating circulation path passing through the secondary path of the bath heat exchanger 410 is heated by liquid-liquid heat exchange with the heat medium passing through the primary path of the bath heat exchanger 410, and the hot water temperature in the bathtub can be raised.

[0032] The control valve 330 can be typically configured as a thermal valve that is controlled to open and close. Alternatively, the control valve 330 can be configured as a flow rate adjustment valve whose opening degree can be controlled in order to control the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path).

[0033] Furthermore, bath return pipe 194 is connected to hot water supply pipe 180 at junction 185. As a result, when hot water supply on-off valve 210 is opened, hot water from hot water supply circuit 101 is supplied to junction 185 via hot water supply pipe 180. During hot water supply operation, reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped, so the supplied hot water is supplied into the bathtub from both bathtub water inlet 191 and bathtub water outlet 192 via bath return pipe 194 and bath supply pipe 195, respectively. This forms a hot water supply path from hot water supply circuit 101 to the bathtub.

[0034] The UV unit 600 is disposed in the bath return pipe 194 so that the bath water flows through it. The UV unit 600 incorporates a UV lamp 610 for irradiating the flowing bath water with ultraviolet rays. That is, the UV lamp 610 is configured to irradiate light (ultraviolet rays) in a wavelength range that has a sterilizing effect when turned on, and corresponds to one embodiment of a "sterilization lamp."

[0035] The UV lamp 610 is arranged so as to be included in the reheating circulation path into which bath water is introduced by the operation of the reheating circulation pump 400. The bath water passing through the UV unit 600 is sterilized by ultraviolet light irradiation when the UV lamp 610 is turned on, thereby reducing the number of germs. The UV unit 600 incorporating the UV lamp 610 may be arranged anywhere on the reheating circulation path. In addition, in this embodiment, the UV lamp 610 is exemplified as the "sterilization lamp", but the "sterilization lamp" can also be composed of a fluorescent lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), or the like other than the UV lamp 610, as long as it irradiates light in a wavelength range that has a sterilizing effect when turned on.

[0036] In the heating heat source device 100 according to this embodiment, the UV unit 600 is provided to perform sterilization treatment on the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path. The sterilization treatment can be performed by operating the reheating circulation pump 400 and turning on the UV lamp 610 regardless of whether or not the bath heat exchanger 410 is heating the water, that is, even when the reheating operation is not in progress.

[0037] Next, the heating circuit 103 in the heating heat source device 100 will be described. During heating operation, the heating circuit 103 is configured to form a circulation path for a heat medium (typically, high-temperature water) between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (low temperature) 304, and between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (high temperature) 306, respectively.

[0038] A heating terminal (not shown) is connected between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (low temperature) 304. The heating terminal on the low temperature side is composed of, for example, a hot water panel for floor heating, through which a heat medium from the heating circuit 103 flows. Similarly, a heating terminal (not shown) is connected between the heating return port 302 and the heating output port (high temperature) 306. The heating terminal on the high temperature side is composed of, for example, a room heater that outputs hot air heated by the heat medium from the heating circuit 103.

[0039] The heating circuit 103 includes a primary heat exchanger 11b, a secondary heat exchanger 21b, and a combustion burner 30b. The primary heat exchanger 11b, the secondary heat exchanger 21b, and the combustion burner 30b are housed in a boiler body 10 shared with the primary heat exchanger 11a, the secondary heat exchanger 21a, and the combustion burner 30a of the hot water supply circuit.

[0040] The primary heat exchanger 11b heats the incoming water by heat exchange with the sensible heat (combustion heat) of the combustion gas from the combustion burner 30b. The secondary heat exchanger 21b heats the flowing water by heat exchange with the latent heat of the combustion exhaust gas from the combustion burner 30b. The number of burners (the number of burners) to which fuel gas is supplied among the multiple combustion burners 30b is switched by controlling the opening and closing of the capacity switching valves 36a and 36b. The fuel gas is supplied to the combustion burner 30b via the gas supply pipe 31, the main gas solenoid valve 32, and the gas proportional valve 33, which are shared with the combustion burner 30a.

[0041] Furthermore, the heating circuit 103 includes a heating circulation pump 310, a heating expansion tank 320, a control valve 330, pipes 350, 360, 370, 380, and 390, a terminal thermal valve 305, and temperature sensors 382 and 384.

[0042] One end of the pipe 350 is connected to one end (inlet side) of the primary heat exchanger 11b. The other end of the pipe 350 is connected to a plurality of heating output ports (low temperature) 304 via a plurality of terminal thermal valves 305.

[0043] The piping 360 is disposed between the other end (outlet side) of the primary heat exchanger 11b and the piping 380. As described later, the piping 360 is provided with a bath heat exchanger 410 and a control valve 330. The piping 360 and 370 branch off on the same side (outlet side) of the primary heat exchanger 11b, and the piping 370 connects the other end of the primary heat exchanger 11b and the heating output port 306 (high temperature).

[0044] The pipe 380 connects the heating return port 302 and one end (inlet side) of the secondary heat exchanger 21b. The pipe 390 connects the heating expansion tank 320 and the other end (outlet side) of the secondary heat exchanger 21b.

[0045] Suction port 311 of heating circulation pump 310 is connected to heating expansion tank 320. Discharge port 312 of heating circulation pump 310 is connected to branch portion 355 of piping 350.

[0046] The heating expansion tank 320 temporarily stores the heat medium circulating through the heating circuit 103. When the water level in the heating expansion tank 320 drops, water can be supplied from the pipe 51 by opening the water supply valve 327. When the water level rises, the heat medium can be discharged from the overflow tank 328 to the drain plug 106 via the pipe 325. Although not shown, drain (condensed water) generated inside the boiler body 10 is stored in a drain tank (not shown) and discharged to the outside after being neutralized.

[0047] A control valve (typically a thermal valve) 330 that is controlled to open and close in response to a command from the controller 300 is interposed and connected to the piping 360. When the control valve 330 is open, the heat medium heated by the primary heat exchanger 11b is divided into a path that is output to the heating output port 306 (high temperature) by the piping 370 and a path that is circulated via the piping 360. Therefore, when the control valve 330 is open, a path is further formed that circulates the heat medium output from the primary heat exchanger 11b to the secondary heat exchanger 21b via the piping 360, the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path), the junction 385, and the piping 380. On the other hand, when the control valve 330 is closed, the heat medium output from the primary heat exchanger 11b is supplied only to the piping 370 without passing through the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path).

[0048] A temperature sensor 384 is disposed on the output side of primary heat exchanger 11b for detecting the output temperature from water heater body 10 in heating circuit 103, i.e., the heat medium temperature after heating. Meanwhile, a temperature sensor 382 is disposed in heating expansion tank 320 for detecting the heat medium temperature in the tank. The low-temperature side heat medium temperature detected by temperature sensor 382 corresponds to the temperature of the heat medium supplied from heating outlet (low temperature) 304. Temperature sensors 382 and 384 are formed of, for example, thermistors.

[0049] The controller 300 receives output signals (detection values) from each sensor and user operations, and generates control commands to each device to control the overall operation of the heating heat source device 100. The user operations include an operation on / off command for the heating heat source device 100 and a set water temperature command. Furthermore, in the heating heat source device 100 equipped with the UV unit 600, the user operations include an on / off command for the sterilization operation using the UV lamp 610. As for the sterilization operation, a timer operation function can be provided that specifies the sterilization end time, assuming that the remaining water in the bathtub will be used for laundry the next morning. In this case, the user operations include the sterilization end time. For example, these user operations are input to a remote controller (not shown).

[0050] The controller 300 sets the illumination time of the UV lamp 610 for sterilization according to a user operation. In a sterilization operation with a specified sterilization end time (timer sterilization operation), the illumination time of the UV lamp 610 is automatically set by the controller 300 so that the number of germs in the bath water is equal to or less than a predetermined value at the sterilization end time.

[0051] The control commands include opening / closing and opening degree commands for each valve, commands for the combustion burners 30a, 30b (combustion on / off and amount of heat generated), and on / off commands for the heating circulation pump 310. The operation on / off commands include on / off commands for the hot water supply operation and hot water pouring operation by the hot water supply circuit 101, the reheating operation by the reheating circuit 102, and the heating operation by the heating circuit 103. Regarding the heating operation, the heating operation in the heating heat source device 100 may be automatically turned on in response to an on command to the heating terminal.

[0052] During hot water supply operation and hot water pouring operation, low-temperature water in water inlet pipe 50 is heated by combustion in combustion burner 30a of hot water supply circuit 101 and output to hot water outlet pipe 70. Controller 300 calculates the required amount of heat generation P* by combustion burner 30a during hot water supply operation and hot water pouring operation. For example, required amount of heat generation P* is calculated so that the detected value of the boiler body outlet temperature is controlled to a target value. The target value of the boiler body outlet temperature can be set based on the set temperatures during hot water supply operation and hot water pouring operation set by the user and the flow division ratio of bypass pipe 60 (opening degree of distribution valve 80).

[0053] During the reheating operation and the heating operation, the heat medium circulating through the circulation path formed by driving the heating circulation pump 310 is heated by combustion in the combustion burner 30b. The controller 300 calculates the heat generation amount P* required by the combustion burner 30b so that the detection value of the output temperature of the primary heat exchanger 11b detected by the temperature sensor 384 (temperature sensor 384) is controlled to a target value.

[0054] The controller 300 calculates the amount of gas to be supplied to the combustion burners 30a, 30b according to the calculated required heat generation amount P* in each of the hot water supply operation, hot water pouring operation, heating operation, and reheating operation. Furthermore, the controller 300 determines a combination of the number of burners to be burned and the gas flow rate among the combustion burners 30a, 30b that will realize this amount of gas to be supplied, and controls the aperture of the gas proportional valve 33 and the opening and closing of the capacity switching valves 35a-35c, 36a, 36b so that the determined number of burners to be burned and the gas flow rate are realized. Furthermore, the controller 300 controls the rotation speed of the blower fan 40 so that the ratio (air-fuel ratio) of the amount of air blown by the blower fan 40 to the calculated amount of gas to be supplied becomes a predetermined value (for example, the ideal air-fuel ratio).

[0055] During sterilization operation, the controller 300 generates a control signal for instructing the reheating circulation pump 400 to operate and stop, and a control signal for instructing the UV lamp 610 to turn on and off. The reheating circulation pump 400 operates or stops according to the control signal. The UV lamp 610 turns on or off depending on whether or not the power supply voltage is supplied according to the control signal.

[0056] Next, the current paths in the heating circuit 103 of the heating heat source device 100 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the flow path of the heat medium in the heating circuit 103.

[0057] 2, in the heating circuit 103, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the following heat medium circulation path 510, thereby circulating and heating the heat medium (hot water). That is, the heating circulation pump 310 corresponds to one embodiment of the "first circulation pump".

[0058] By operation of heating circulation pump 310, a suction path is formed from heating return port 302, via piping 380, secondary heat exchanger 21b, piping 390, and heating expansion tank 320, to suction port 311 of heating circulation pump 310. The heat medium sucked from heating expansion tank 320 to heating circulation pump 310 is output from discharge port 312 to branch portion 355 of piping 350.

[0059] The heat medium discharged from the heating circulation pump 310 is branched at a branching point 355 of the piping 350 into an output path leading to the terminal thermal valve 305 and the heating output port (low temperature) 304, and a heating path passing through the primary heat exchanger 11b that receives heat from the combustion burner 30b. The heating path includes an output path that outputs the heat medium from the heating output port (high temperature) 306 via the piping 370 after passing through the primary heat exchanger 11b, and a return path that leads again to the heating expansion tank 320 via the piping 360, the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path 411), the junction 385, the piping 380, the secondary heat exchanger 21b, and the piping 390 after passing through the primary heat exchanger 11b. The return path is formed when the control valve 330 is opened, but is not formed when the control valve 330 is closed.

[0060] During heating operation, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form a heat medium circulation path 510, and the high-temperature heat medium that has passed through the primary heat exchanger 11b is supplied to the heating terminal connected to the heating output port 306 (high temperature). On the other hand, the heat medium in the heating expansion tank 320 is supplied to the heating terminal connected to the heating output port 304 (low temperature). In this way, the heat medium is supplied from the heating heat source device 100 (heating circuit 103) to the heating terminal (not shown). The combustion burner 30b, the primary heat exchanger 11b, and the secondary heat exchanger 21b constitute a "heat source."

[0061] During heating operation, the control valve 330 may be in either an open state or a closed state, but by opening the control valve 330 to form the return path, the flow rate of the heat medium output to the heating terminal is reduced, while the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the heat exchangers (secondary heat exchanger 21b and primary heat exchanger 11b) is increased. For this reason, by opening the control valve 330 to form the return path, the temperature of the heat medium can be raised quickly. For example, the heating heat source device 100 can perform so-called hot dash control (hereinafter also referred to as HD control) to supply a heat medium at a higher temperature than normal (i.e., after the above-mentioned certain time has elapsed) to a specific heating terminal until a certain time has elapsed from the start of heating operation, in order to quickly warm up the heating terminal. At this time, the above-mentioned operation mode in which the control valve 330 is opened can be applied. For example, when HD control is performed, the temperature of the heat medium supplied from the heating output port to the low-temperature heating terminal is raised from about 60°C under normal conditions to about 70°C. HD control corresponds to "quick heating operation". Typically, HD control is not applied to high temperature heating terminals.

[0062] In the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation pump 400 operates to form a reheating circulation path 520 including the secondary path 412 of the bath heat exchanger 410 between the bathtub 190 and the reheating circuit 102. During reheating operation, the control valve 330 is opened to form the heat medium circulation path 510, and the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 is heated by liquid-liquid heat exchange between the primary path 411 and the secondary path 412 of the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0063] Even when the sterilization operation is performed, the reheating circulation pump 400 operates to form the reheating circulation path 520. Furthermore, the UV lamp 610 built into the UV unit 600 is turned on to sterilize the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520.

[0064] Here, in the heating heat source device 100, when the sterilization operation is performed, HD control is started, and while heating of the bath water is not assumed, there is a case where the control valve 330 is opened and the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the heat medium circulation path 510. In this case, the heated heat medium flows through the primary side path 411 of the bath heat exchanger 410, and the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 is heated by heat exchange between the primary side path 411 of the bath heat exchanger 410 and the secondary heat exchanger 412. In other words, in the case where the sterilization operation and HD control are performed simultaneously, the reheating operation is essentially performed even though heating of the bath water is not assumed, and as a result, there is a risk that unintended high-temperature water is output to the bathtub 190.

[0065] Therefore, in the heating heat source device 100 according to this embodiment, when the sterilization operation is performed, the control valve 330 is closed and the opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited according to the control process shown in Fig. 3. However, even during the sterilization operation, the control valve 330 is opened during the reheating operation.

[0066] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the opening and closing control of control valve 330 in heating heat source device 100 according to the present embodiment. The control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed by controller 300 shown in FIG.

[0067] 3, in step S01, controller 300 determines whether or not a sterilization operation is being performed. As described above, the determination in step S01 can be made based on a user's switch operation on a remote controller (not shown).

[0068] During the sterilization operation (YES in S01), the controller 300 advances the process to step S02 and supplies power supply voltage to the UV lamp 610, thereby turning on the UV lamp 610.

[0069] In step S03, the controller 300 determines whether or not the reheating operation is in progress. As described above, the determination in step S03 can be executed based on the user's switch operation on the remote controller (not shown).

[0070] When the sterilization operation is in progress and the reheating operation is in progress (YES determination in S03), the controller 300 advances the process to step S08 and opens the control valve 330. On the other hand, when the sterilization operation is in progress and the reheating operation is not being performed (NO determination in S03), the controller 300 advances the process to step S04 and closes the control valve 330. That is, the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 during the sterilization operation, except during the reheating operation. As shown in FIG. 2, by closing the control valve 330, in the heat medium circulation path 510, the return path in which the heat medium that has passed through the primary heat exchanger 11b passes through the piping 360, the bath heat exchanger 410 (the primary side path 411), the junction 385, the piping 380, the secondary heat exchanger 21b, and the piping 390 and reaches the heating expansion tank 320 again is not formed. Therefore, even if a heat medium circulation path 510 is formed by the operation of the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b during sterilization operation, the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 can be prevented from being heated by liquid-liquid heat exchange between the primary side path 411 and the secondary side path 412 of the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0071] Returning to step S01, when the sterilization operation is not being performed (determination of NO in S01), the controller 300 stops the supply of power supply voltage to the UV lamp 610 in step S06, thereby turning off the UV lamp 610. Furthermore, the controller 300 permits the control valve 330 to be opened in step S06. That is, the controller 300 permits the formation of the return path in the heat medium circulation path 510.

[0072] In step S07, the controller 300 determines whether or not the reheating operation is in progress. As described above, the determination in step S07 can be made based on the user's switch operation on the remote controller (not shown).

[0073] During the reheating operation (YES in S07), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in step S08. On the other hand, when the reheating operation is not being performed (NO in S07), the controller 300 advances the process to step S09 and determines whether or not HD control is being applied. HD control is performed for a predetermined time after the start of heating operation. The determination in step S09 can be made based on whether or not the elapsed time from the start of heating operation exceeds a predetermined time.

[0074] When HD control is being applied (YES in S09), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in step S08. On the other hand, when HD control is not being applied (NO in S09), the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in step S10.

[0075] Fig. 4 is a conceptual waveform diagram for explaining the opening and closing control of the control valve 330 in the heating heat source device 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the operating waveforms of the control valve 330 depending on the presence or absence of the reheating operation, the sterilization operation, and the HD control.

[0076] 4, at time t0, the heating heat source device 100 is performing a reheating operation and is not performing a heating operation. At this time, in the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation path 520 (FIG. 2) is formed by operating (ON) the reheating circulation pump 400. In the heating circuit 103, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated with the control valve 330 open, thereby forming the heat medium circulation path 510 (FIG. 2).

[0077] When the sterilization operation is started according to the user's operation at time t1 during the reheating operation, the UV lamp 610 is turned on in the reheating circuit 102 with the reheating circulation pump 400 operating. The lighting time of the UV lamp 610 is set according to the user's operation. Since the reheating operation is in progress at time t1, the control valve 330 in the heating circuit 103 is not closed and is kept open. After time t1, in the reheating circulation path 520, the bath heat exchanger 410 heats the bath water and the UV unit 600 sterilizes the bath water in parallel.

[0078] When the reheating operation is stopped at time t2, the sterilization operation is performed alone in the heating heat source device 100. Therefore, the control valve 330 is closed. In addition, in response to the stop of the reheating operation, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are stopped in the heating circuit 103, so that the heat medium circulation path 510 is not formed.

[0079] When the heating operation is started at time t3 during the sterilization operation, the HD control is executed until time t5, when a certain time has elapsed since the start of the heating operation. Therefore, from time t3 when the HD control is started until time t4 when the sterilization operation ends, the HD control is executed simultaneously with the sterilization operation. During the period from time t3 to time t4, in the heating circuit 103, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the heat medium circulation path 510, but the control valve 330 is closed. Therefore, the formation of a return path through which the heat medium that has passed through the primary heat exchanger 11b reaches the heating expansion tank 320 via the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path 411) is prevented. This makes it possible to suppress the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 from being heated by the liquid-liquid heat exchange in the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0080] When the sterilization operation ends at time t4, the control valve 330 is permitted to be opened, and therefore the control valve 330 is opened. In the heating circuit 103, the heat medium circulation path 510 is formed with the control valve 330 open. In the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped in response to the end of the sterilization operation, and the reheating circulation path 520 is not formed.

[0081] When the HD control ends at time t5, the control valve 330 is closed in the heat medium circulation path 510, and normal heating operation is performed. When the heating operation ends, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are stopped, and the heat medium circulation path 510 is not formed.

[0082] When the heating operation is started again at time t6 while the heating operation is stopped, the HD control is executed until time t9 when a certain time has elapsed from the start of the heating operation. At this time, since the sterilization operation is not being executed, in the heating circuit 103, the heat medium circulation path 510 is formed with the control valve 330 open.

[0083] When the timer sterilization operation starts at time t7 after the start of HD control, the lighting time of the UV lamp 610 is set intermittently and repeatedly until the sterilization end time arrives. A set of a non-lighting time and a lighting time is regarded as one control cycle, and multiple control cycles are set by counting backwards so that the final lighting time ends at the sterilization end time.

[0084] When the lighting time of the UV lamp 610 is set during application of HD control, the control valve 330 is temporarily closed during the lighting time of the UV lamp 610 (the period from time t7 to time t8). Since the formation of the return path described above is prevented in the heat medium circulation path 510, the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 can be prevented from being heated by heat exchange in the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0085] On the other hand, since HD control is performed with the control valve 330 closed during the sterilization operation, there is a concern that a rapid rise in the heat medium temperature may be suppressed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when HD control is applied, the target temperature of the can body outlet temperature Tht (can body target temperature Tht*) is changed according to the state of the control valve 330. In other words, the required amount of heat generation P* by the combustion burner 30b is changed according to the state of the control valve 330.

[0086] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of HD control during heating operation of the heating heat source device. The control process according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is repeatedly executed by the controller 300 while the heating operation is on.

[0087] 5, in step S21, controller 300 determines whether or not a condition for starting HD control is satisfied. The condition for starting HD control is satisfied, for example, when heating operation is started. Note that even when heating operation is started, if the hot water temperature in heating expansion tank 320 detected by temperature sensor 382 is higher than a predetermined temperature, step S21 may be determined as NO.

[0088] When the conditions for starting HD control are not met (NO in S21), the controller 300 performs normal heating operation. In this case, the target water heater body temperature Tht* is set to a predetermined value T0. For example, T0 is set so that the temperature of the heat medium output from the heating output port (low temperature) 304 is about 60°C.

[0089] When the condition for starting HD control is met (YES in S21), the controller 300 advances the process to S22 and determines whether the control valve 330 is open or closed. If the control valve 330 is closed (YES in S22), the controller 300 advances the process to S23 and determines whether opening of the control valve 330 is permitted. If the control valve 330 is closed by the control process according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 and opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited (S04), a NO determination is made in step S23.

[0090] On the other hand, if the control valve 330 is open (NO in S22), the controller 300 sets the boiler body target temperature Tht* to the default value T1 for HD control (Tht*=T1) in step S26. For example, T1 is set so that the temperature of the heat medium output from the heating output port (low temperature) 304 is about 80°C.

[0091] On the other hand, when the control valve 330 is in the closed state and the opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited (when the determination at S23 is NO), the controller 300 proceeds to step S27 and sets the target temperature Tht* of the can body to a predetermined value T2 higher than the default value T1 (T1 < T2). For example, T2 is set such that the temperature of the heat medium output from the heating outlet (low temperature) 304 is about 83°C. Thus, by steps S26 and S27, the target temperature Tht* of the can body in the HD control is set to T1 or T2 according to whether the control valve 330 is in the open state or the closed state. In the process of FIG. 5, when the control valve 330 is in the closed state, the heating amount by the heat source (combustion burner 30b, primary heat exchanger 11b, and secondary heat exchanger 21b) is increased by increasing the target temperature Tht* of the can body in the HD control to be higher than the default value T1.

[0092] The controller 300 determines, in step S28, whether the end condition of the HD control is satisfied. For example, in step S28, it is determined whether the elapsed time from the HD control circuit exceeds a predetermined time.

[0093] The controller 300 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S22 to S27 until the elapsed time from the start of the HD control exceeds the predetermined time (when the determination at S28 is NO). On the other hand, when the elapsed time from the start of the HD control exceeds the predetermined time (when the determination at S28 is YES), the controller 300 proceeds to step S29 and ends the HD control. Until the current heating operation is turned off, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the determination at step S21 is NO, and the target temperature Tht* of the can body is set to T0 (S25). Thereby, the HD control can be applied only at the start of the heating operation.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the HD control in the heating operation of the heating heat source device. The control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed by the controller 300 during the heating operation. The flowchart of FIG. 6 replaces step S27 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 with step S30.

[0095] In FIG. 6, when the control valve 330 is in the closed state and the opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited (when the determination at S23 is YES), the controller 300 proceeds to step S30 and sets the target temperature Tht* of the can body to a predetermined value T3 lower than the default value T1 (T0 < T3 < T1). For example, T3 is set such that the temperature of the heat medium output from the heating outlet (low temperature) 304 becomes about 77°C. Thus, by steps S26 and S30, the target temperature Tht* of the can body in the HD control is set to T1 or T3 according to whether the control valve 330 is in the open state or the closed state.

[0096] In the HD control, since the amount of heat supplied from the combustion burner 30b to the primary heat exchanger 11b increases, when the control valve 330 is closed, the flow rate of the primary heat exchanger 11b decreases, so there is a concern that the temperature Tht on the outlet side of the can body may rise excessively, frequently forcing the combustion to stop. Therefore, in the process of FIG. 6, when the control valve 330 is in the closed state, by reducing the target temperature Tht* of the can body in the HD control below the default value T1, the heating amount by the heat source (combustion burner 30b, primary heat exchanger 11b, and secondary heat exchanger 21b) is reduced.

[0097] As described above, according to the heating heat source device according to the present embodiment, in the operation mode of forming the supplementary combustion circulation path without heating the bath water, by closing the control valve 330, even when the heat medium circulation path is formed during the operation mode, the heat medium heated by the heat source does not pass through the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path). As a result, since the bath water flowing through the supplementary combustion circulation path is suppressed from being heated by heat exchange in the bath heat exchanger 410, it is possible to suppress the output of unintendedly high-temperature bath water to the bath.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the sterilization operation for sterilizing bath water has been described as an operation mode for forming a reheating circulation path without heating the bath water, but the operation mode is not limited to the sterilization operation. For example, the operation mode is also applied to an operation in which bath water mixed with fine air bubbles is sprayed into the bath (hereinafter also referred to as air bubble operation).

[0099] In a bathtub device with an air bubble operation function, a circulation adapter with an air bubble generating function is installed on the side wall of the bathtub to spray bathtub water mixed with air bubbles into the bathtub. The circulation adapter is connected to a reheating circulation path. This makes it possible to pour hot water into the bathtub and reheat the bathtub water through the circulation adapter. In addition, by forming a reheating circulation path by operating the reheating circulation pump 400, it is also possible to output a water jet containing air bubbles into the bathtub.

[0100] Although not shown in the figure, the circulation adapter has a reheating hot water outlet passage for introducing heated bath water into the bathtub, an aerated hot water outlet passage for introducing bath water with air bubbles mixed into the bathtub, and a flow path switching mechanism. The flow path switching mechanism is configured to be able to switch between a state in which the reheating hot water outlet passage is opened while the aerated hot water outlet passage is blocked to discharge normal hot water, and a state in which the reheating hot water outlet passage is blocked while the aerated hot water outlet passage is opened to spray aerated hot water.

[0101] During the air bubble operation, the jetted water flow containing air bubbles creates a warming effect on the body of the bather. However, when HD control is started during the air bubble operation, there are cases where the heating of the bath water is not expected, and the heating medium circulation path 510 is formed by the operation of the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b with the control valve 330 open. In this case, even though the heating of the bath water is not expected, the air bubble operation and the reheating operation are essentially performed simultaneously, and there is a risk of an unintended high-temperature jetted water flow being output.

[0102] Therefore, in heating heat source device 100 according to the present embodiment, control valve 330 is closed and control valve 330 is prohibited from being opened when the bubble operation is performed, in accordance with the control process shown in FIG.

[0103] 7 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the opening / closing control of control valve 330 in heating heat source device 100 according to the present embodiment. The control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed by controller 300 shown in FIG.

[0104] 7, in step S11, the controller 300 determines whether or not the air bubble operation is being performed. The determination in step S11 can be made based on a switch operation by the user on a remote controller (not shown).

[0105] During the operation of the bubble treatment (YES in S11), the controller 300 advances the process to step S12 and closes the control valve 330. As described above, by closing the control valve 330, in the heat medium circulation path 510, the return path in which the heat medium that has passed through the primary heat exchanger 11b passes through the piping 360, the bath heat exchanger 410 (the primary side path 411), the junction 385, the piping 380, the secondary heat exchanger 21b, and the piping 390 and returns to the heating expansion tank 320 is not formed. Therefore, even if the heat medium circulation path 510 is formed by the operation of the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b during the bubble operation, the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 can be prevented from being heated by liquid-liquid heat exchange between the primary side path 411 and the secondary side path 412 of the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0106] Returning to step S01, when the air bubble operation is not being performed (determination of NO in S11), the controller 300 permits the opening of the control valve 330 in step S13. That is, the controller 300 permits the formation of the return path in the heat medium circulation path 510.

[0107] In step S14, the controller 300 determines whether or not the reheating operation is in progress. As described above, the determination in step S14 can be made based on the user's switch operation on the remote controller (not shown).

[0108] During the reheating operation (YES in S14), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in step S15. On the other hand, when the reheating operation is not being performed (NO in S15), the controller 300 advances the process to step S16 and determines whether or not HD control is being applied. HD control is performed for a predetermined time after the start of heating operation. The determination in step S16 can be made based on whether or not the elapsed time from the start of heating operation exceeds a predetermined time.

[0109] When HD control is being applied (YES in S16), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in step S15. On the other hand, when HD control is not being applied (NO in S16), the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in step S17.

[0110] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100 heating heat source device, 300 controller, 310 heating circulation pump, 330 control valve, 400 reheating circulation pump, 410 bath heat exchanger, 411 primary side path, 412 secondary side path, 510 heat medium circulation path, 520 reheating circulation path, 610 UV lamp.

Claims

1. A heating heat source device, a heat medium circulation path formed when a first circulation pump is operated, for circulating and supplying a liquid heat medium to a heating terminal connected to the heating heat source device; A heat source for heating the heat medium; A control valve arranged to be included in the heat medium circulation path; a heat exchanger having a primary side path through which the heat medium flows when the control valve is opened; A reheating circulation path formed when the second circulation pump is operated, in which bath water from the bathtub flows through the secondary side path of the heat exchanger and is then returned to the bathtub; A sterilization lamp that is arranged to be included in the reheating circulation path and irradiates light rays in a wavelength range having a sterilization effect when turned on; A heating heat source device comprising: a controller that controls the second circulation pump, the control valve, and the sterilization lamp so as to operate the second circulation pump, turn on the sterilization lamp, and close the control valve during a sterilization operation for sterilizing the bathtub water flowing through the reheating circulation path using the sterilization lamp.

2. A flow path switching means is further provided, which is connected to the reheating circulation path and is configured to form a flow path for introducing the heated bath water into the bathtub during reheating operation, and to form a flow path for introducing the bath water with air bubbles mixed into the bathtub during air bubble operation. The heating heat source device according to claim 1 , wherein in the bubble operation, the controller controls the second circulation pump and the control valve to operate the second circulation pump and close the control valve.

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