Heating equipment

Abstract

To prevent unintended high-temperature water from being output in a bathtub during execution of sterilization treatment while securing a heating function, in a heating heat source device having a heating function with circulation of a heat medium and having a reheating function and a sterilization function with circulation of bathtub water.SOLUTION: A controller has: means for executing a sterilization operation for sterilizing bathtub water flowing through a reheating circulation path using a sterilization lamp by operating a second circulation pump with a control valve closed; and means for executing a rapid heating operation by operating a first circulation pump with the control valve open during a period from the start of the heating operation to the elapse of a predetermined time. The controller keeps the control valve open and prohibits the sterilization operation when the rapid heating operation is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating heat source device. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2018-54180 A (Patent Document 1) describes a bath system that disinfects bathtub circulating water using a disinfection lamp, typically a UV (Ultra Violet) lamp for ultraviolet light irradiation. In the bath system, the disinfection 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 disinfected by ultraviolet light irradiation when the disinfection 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 the object of the present invention is to prevent unintended high-temperature water from being output into the bathtub while a sterilization process is being performed, while maintaining the heating function, 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 medium flows when the control valve is opened. The reheating circulation path is formed when a second circulation pump is operated, and bath water from the bathtub flows through the secondary side path of the heat exchanger and is then returned to the bathtub. 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. The controller controls the first circulation pump, the second circulation pump, the control valve, and the sterilization lamp. The controller has a means for executing a sterilization operation for sterilizing bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path by operating the second circulation pump with the control valve closed, and a means for executing a rapid heating operation by operating the first circulation pump with the control valve open during a period from the start of the heating operation until a predetermined time has elapsed. When the rapid heating operation is executed, the controller keeps the control valve open and prohibits the execution of the sterilization operation. Effect of the Invention

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

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating heat source device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a flow path of a heat medium in a heating circuit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a conceptual waveform diagram illustrating opening and closing control of a control valve in the heating heat source device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart illustrating opening and closing control of a control valve in the heating heat source device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a conceptual waveform diagram for explaining the opening and closing control of the control valve in the sterilization priority mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the opening and closing control of the control valve in the sterilization priority mode. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of switching an operation mode based on a user setting. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of switching the operation mode based on the heating capacity of the heating circuit. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of switching the operation mode based on the low-temperature side heat medium temperature. 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] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating heat source device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] 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) connected to the heating heat source device 100. The controller 300 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, for example. The controller 300 corresponds to one embodiment of a "controller".

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Hereinafter, the configurations of the hot water supply circuit 101, the reheating circuit 102, and the heating circuit 103 will be described in order.

[0017] 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 .

[0018] 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.

[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). A flow rate adjustment valve 90 is provided in the hot water outlet pipe 70. The flow rate adjustment valve 90 is provided to control the hot water outlet flow rate.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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."

[0025] 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.

[0026] By controlling the opening and closing of the hot water pouring on-off valve 210 by the controller 300, it is possible to control the formation / cut-off of a path for pouring hot water from the hot water supply circuit 101 to the bathtub.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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."

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] A temperature sensor 384 is disposed on the output side of primary heat exchanger 11b for detecting the output temperature (heat medium outlet temperature Tht) from heat tank body 10 in heating circuit 103. A temperature sensor 382 is disposed in heating expansion tank 320 for detecting the heat medium temperature in the tank. The temperature Thi detected by temperature sensor 382 corresponds to the temperature of the heat medium supplied from heating outlet (low temperature) 304 (low-temperature side heat medium temperature). The temperature sensors 382 and 384 are constituted by, for example, thermistors.

[0048] 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 to specify 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 (hereinafter also referred to as a remote control) not shown.

[0049] In accordance with user operations, the controller 300 sets the illumination time of the UV lamp 610 for sterilization and the operation time of the reheating circulation pump 400. In a sterilization operation with a specified sterilization end time (timer sterilization operation), the illumination time of the UV lamp 610 and the operation time of the reheating circulation pump 400 are 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.

[0050] 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 and the reheating circulation pump 400. 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 and sterilization 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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 output temperature (hot body outlet temperature Tht) of the primary heat exchanger 11b detected by the temperature sensor 384 is controlled to the target value. That is, the heat generation amount P* required by the combustion burner 30b can be calculated based on the target hot body temperature Tht* in the heating circuit 103 and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 382, ​​384 (low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi, hot body outlet temperature Tht). Typically, the heat generation amount P* required can be calculated based on the target temperature rise ΔT (ΔT=Tht*-Thi) in the hot body 10 and the deviation ΔTht (ΔTht=Tht*-Tht) of the hot body outlet temperature within a range not exceeding a set upper limit value.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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. With reference to Fig. 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".

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] During heating operation, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the 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 (high-temperature 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 (low-temperature 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).

[0059] 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 to the low-temperature heating terminal from the heating output port 304 (low temperature) is raised from about 60°C under normal conditions to about 70°C. HD control corresponds to "quick heating operation." HD control is not usually applied to high-temperature heating terminals.

[0060] In the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation pump 400 operates to form a reheating circulation path 520 including a secondary path 412 of a bath heat exchanger 410 between the bathtub 190 and the reheating circulation path 520. 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. The reheating circulation pump 400 corresponds to one embodiment of the "second circulation pump".

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 heat 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, 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, when 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.

[0063] Therefore, in the heating heat source device 100 according to the first embodiment, in accordance with the control process described below, when HD control is being performed, the control valve 330 is kept open and the execution of the sterilization operation is prohibited.

[0064] Fig. 3 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 first embodiment. Fig. 3(A) shows the operating waveform of the control valve 330 depending on whether or not a sterilization operation is performed. Fig. 3(B) shows the operating waveform of the control valve 330 depending on whether or not a sterilization operation and HD control are performed.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 3(A), it is assumed that the sterilization operation is not being performed at time t0. When the sterilization operation is requested at time t1 in response to an ON command for the sterilization operation by a user operation, the reheating circulation pump 400 is operated in the reheating circuit 102 to form the reheating circulation path 520 and the UV lamp 610 is turned on. When the sterilization operation is started at time t1, the sterilization operation is performed until time t2 at which the set time T1 based on the user operation has elapsed. When the sterilization operation ends at time t2, the UV lamp 610 is turned off in the reheating circuit 102. The reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped and the reheating circulation path 520 is not formed.

[0066] When a sterilization operation is requested in response to the arrival of the sterilization start time in the timer sterilization operation at time t3 after time t2, the execution time of the sterilization operation (the illumination time of the UV lamp 610 and the operation time of the reheating circulation pump 400) is set intermittently and repeatedly until the sterilization end time arrives. A set of the execution time of the sterilization operation (time T2 in the figure) and the stop time of the sterilization operation (time T3 in the figure) is regarded as one control cycle, and multiple control cycles are set by counting backwards so that the last operation time ends at the sterilization end time. Each time the sterilization start time in each control cycle arrives, a sterilization operation is requested.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 3(A), during the sterilization operation, the control valve 330 in the heating circuit 103 is not opened and is maintained in a closed state. Therefore, the formation of a return path in 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.

[0068] However, when HD control is performed during sterilization operation, the formation of the return path described above is prevented by closing the control valve 330, making it difficult to quickly increase the temperature of the heat medium. As a result, a specific low-temperature heating terminal cannot be quickly heated, which may reduce the comfort of the user of the low-temperature heating terminal.

[0069] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3(B), in a case where HD control is performed during sterilization operation, the sterilization operation is temporarily stopped and the control valve 330 is opened during HD control. In other words, HD control is given priority over sterilization operation.

[0070] Specifically, referring to Fig. 3(B), when a command to turn on the heating operation is received by a user at time t6 during the sterilization operation, the HD control is executed from the start of the heating operation to time t7 when a certain time T4 has elapsed. During the execution of this HD control, the sterilization operation is temporarily stopped and the reheating circuit 102 is put into a standby state. In the standby state, the reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped to not form the reheating circulation path 520, and the UV lamp 610 is turned off.

[0071] In this way, the temperature of the heat medium can be raised quickly by setting the reheating circuit 102 to a standby state for sterilization operation and opening the control valve 330 to form the return path. During HD control, the heated heat medium flows through the primary path 411 of the bath heat exchanger 410. However, in the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation path 520 is not formed due to the stoppage of the reheating circulation pump 400, so the hot water heated by the bath heat exchanger 410 is not supplied to the bathtub. This makes it possible to prevent the bath water from being unintentionally heated.

[0072] When the HD control ends at time t7, the control valve 330 is closed. After time t7, in the heating circuit 103, the control valve 330 is closed and the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the heat medium circulation path 510, thereby performing normal heating operation.

[0073] In response to the end of this HD control, the reheating circuit 102 in the standby state is started, and the sterilization operation that was temporarily stopped is resumed. In FIG. 3(B), the sterilization operation is performed during the period from time t7 to time t8 (corresponding to time T6 in the figure).

[0074] The execution time T6 of the sterilization operation after the restart is set so that the sum of the execution time of the sterilization operation before the temporary stop (corresponding to the time T5 in the figure) and the execution time T6 of the sterilization operation after the restart is equal to or longer than the set time T1 (T5+T6≧T1). This makes it possible to make the total execution time of the sterilization operation match the set time T1 even if the sterilization operation is interrupted by the execution of HD control. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect due to the interruption of the sterilization operation.

[0075] Furthermore, if a user operation receives a command to turn on the heating operation at time t9, which is before the start time t3 of the timer sterilization operation, the HD control is executed until time t10, which is a certain time T4 after the start of the heating operation. By opening the control valve 330 and forming the return path, the temperature of the heat medium can be raised quickly. Even if the sterilization operation is requested at time t3 during the execution of this HD control, the sterilization operation is not started immediately, and the reheating circuit 102 is placed in a standby state. By placing the reheating circuit 102 in a standby state, during the execution of the HD control, the reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped and the reheating circulation path 520 is not formed in the reheating circuit 102, so that the hot water heated by the bath heat exchanger 410 is not supplied to the bathtub.

[0076] When the HD control ends at time t10, the control valve 330 is closed. In the heating circuit 103, the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated with the control valve 330 closed to form the heat medium circulation path 510, and normal heating operation is performed. In response to the end of this HD control, the reheating circuit 102 in the standby state is started to start the sterilization operation. Until the sterilization end time arrives, a set of the execution time T2 and the stop time T3 of the sterilization operation is regarded as one control cycle, and multiple control cycles are repeatedly set.

[0077] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the opening / closing control of control valve 330 in heating heat source device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is repeatedly executed by controller 300 shown in FIG.

[0078] 4, the controller 300 judges whether or not a sterilization operation is requested in step (hereinafter simply referred to as "S") 01. For example, if an ON command for the sterilization operation is output by a user operation, or if the sterilization start time for the timer sterilization operation has arrived, S01 is judged as YES, and in other cases, S01 is judged as NO.

[0079] When a sterilization operation is requested (YES in S01), the controller 300 judges in S02 whether or not HD control is being performed. For example, if a certain time T4 has not elapsed since the heating operation ON command was output, the judgement in S02 is YES, and the processes in S03 to S08 are skipped. In other cases, the judgement in S02 is NO, and the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in S03.

[0080] The controller 300 executes the sterilization operation in S04. In S04, the controller 300 operates the reheating circulation pump 400 to form the reheating circulation path 520 and turns on the UV lamp 610. In S05, the controller 300 starts a first timer to measure the operation time of the sterilization operation.

[0081] In S06, the controller 300 determines whether the operation time of the sterilization operation has expired based on the output of the first timer. In S06, the controller 300 determines whether the operation time of the sterilization operation timed by the first timer has reached a preset operation time. Specifically, if the sterilization operation in S04 is a sterilization operation based on a user operation, S06 is judged as YES when the output of the timer reaches the set time T1, and otherwise S06 is judged as NO. If the sterilization operation in S04 is a timer sterilization operation, S06 is judged as YES when the output of the first timer reaches the set time T2, and otherwise S06 is judged as NO.

[0082] If it is determined in S06 that the operation time of the sterilization operation has expired (YES in S06), the controller 300 stops the reheating circulation pump 400 and turns off the UV lamp 610 in S11, thereby ending the sterilization operation.

[0083] On the other hand, if the operation time of the sterilization operation has not expired (NO in S06), the controller 300 proceeds to S07 and judges whether or not HD control is requested. If an ON command for the heating operation has been output, a YES judgment is made in S07, and otherwise a NO judgment is made in S07. If HD control is not requested (NO in S07), the controller 300 repeatedly executes the processes of S04 to S07. That is, the controller 300 continues the sterilization operation until the operation time expires unless HD control is requested.

[0084] On the other hand, if HD control is requested (YES in S07), the controller 300 stops the measurement of the operation time of the sterilization operation by the first timer in S08. The output of the first timer is held at the value when the measurement was stopped. Furthermore, the controller 300 temporarily stops the sterilization operation in S09 and sets the reheating circuit 102 to a standby state for the sterilization operation, and opens the control valve 330 in S10.

[0085] The controller 300 executes HD control in S14. In S14, the controller 300 operates the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b to form the heat medium circulation path 510. The above-mentioned return path is formed by opening the control valve 330 in S10, and the heated heat medium flows through the primary side path 411 of the bath heat exchanger 410. In S15, the controller 300 starts a second timer different from the first timer to measure the operation time of the HD control.

[0086] In S16, the controller 300 judges whether or not the operation time of HD control has expired based on the output of the second timer. If the operation time of HD control timed by the second timer reaches a certain time T4, a YES judgment is made in S16, and otherwise a NO judgment is made in S16. If it is judged that the operation time of HD control has not expired (NO judgment in S16), the controller 300 repeatedly executes the processes of S14 to S16.

[0087] If it is determined that the operation time of the HD control has expired (YES in S16), the controller 300 ends the HD control in S17 and transitions to normal heating operation. The controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in S18 and returns the process to S01. As a result, after the HD control ends, the sterilization operation is resumed via S01 to S04. When the sterilization operation is resumed, the measurement of the operation time of the sterilization operation, which was interrupted, by the first timer is also resumed in S05. In S05, the operation time is calculated from the output held in S08. Then, when the operation time of the sterilization operation expires (YES in S06), the sterilization operation ends.

[0088] Returning to S01, if sterilization operation is not requested (determination of NO in S01), the controller 300 determines in S12 whether or not HD control is requested. If HD control is requested (determination of YES in S12), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in S13, and executes HD control in S14. Then, by the processes of S15 to S18, when the operation time of HD control expires, the controller 300 ends the HD control and closes the control valve 330.

[0089] As described above, according to the heating heat source device 100 of embodiment 1, when HD control is performed, the control valve 330 is opened and the execution of sterilization operation is prohibited, thereby preventing the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 from being unintentionally heated, while the temperature of the heat medium is quickly increased to warm the heating terminal.

[0090] Furthermore, if the sterilization operation is interrupted due to the execution of HD control, the sterilization operation is resumed after the HD control ends and the sterilization operation is executed until the set time expires, thereby preventing a decrease in the sterilization effect due to the interruption of the sterilization operation.

[0091] [Embodiment 2] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a configuration has been described in which the control valve 330 is opened and the execution of the sterilization operation is prohibited when the HD control is performed. Since this configuration is an operation mode in which the HD control takes precedence over the sterilization operation, it is also referred to as the "HD priority mode" in the following description. The HD priority mode corresponds to the "rapid heating priority mode".

[0092] In the second embodiment, an operation mode in which sterilization operation takes precedence over HD control (hereinafter also referred to as "sterilization priority mode") will be described, in contrast to the HD priority mode. The heating heat source device 100 according to the present embodiment has an HD priority mode and a sterilization priority mode as operation modes, and can be configured to switch between the HD priority mode and the sterilization priority mode. This switching of operation modes will be described in the third embodiment.

[0093] In the sterilization priority mode, as described below, when the sterilization operation is being performed, the control valve 330 is maintained in a closed state and the opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited. However, even if the sterilization process is being performed, the control valve 330 is opened during the reheating operation.

[0094] Fig. 5 is a conceptual waveform diagram for explaining the opening and closing control of the control valve 330 in the sterilization priority mode. Fig. 5(A) shows the operating waveform of the control valve 330 depending on the presence or absence of HD control. Fig. 5(B) shows the operating waveform of the control valve 330 depending on the presence or absence of sterilization operation and HD control.

[0095] 5A, it is assumed that the HD control is not being executed at time t0. When the user operates to turn on the heating operation and the HD control is requested at time t2, the heating circuit 103 forms a heat medium circulation path 510 by operating the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b. Furthermore, by opening the control valve 330, a return path is formed that passes through the primary heat exchanger 11b, then returns to the heating expansion tank 320 via the pipe 360, the bath heat exchanger 410 (primary side path 411), the junction 385, the pipe 380, the secondary heat exchanger 21b, and the pipe 390.

[0096] The HD control is executed from the start of the heating operation until time t3 when a certain time T4 has elapsed. When the HD control ends at time t3, the control valve 330 is closed and the return path is not formed.

[0097] When the heating operation ON command is received again at time t4 and HD control is requested, in the heating circuit 103, the heat medium circulation path 510 is formed and the return path is formed by opening the control valve 330. Then, at time t5 when a certain time T4 has elapsed since the start of the heating operation, the control valve 330 is closed to disable the return path.

[0098] Here, when the sterilization operation is performed during HD control, there is a concern that the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 formed by the operation of the reheating circulation pump 400 may be unintentionally heated and output to the bathtub by liquid-liquid heat exchange between the primary side path 411 and the secondary side path 412 of the bath heat exchanger 410. Therefore, in the sterilization priority mode, the control valve 330 is prohibited from opening during the sterilization operation, so that the return path is not formed. In other words, the sterilization operation is performed with priority over the HD control.

[0099] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when a sterilization operation is requested at time t1 in response to a command to turn on the sterilization operation by a user operation, in the reheating circuit 102, the reheating circulation pump 400 is operated to form the reheating circulation path 520, and the UV lamp 610 is turned on. When the sterilization operation is started at time t1, the sterilization operation is executed until time t6 when the set time T1 has elapsed. When the sterilization operation ends at time t6, in the reheating circuit 102, the UV lamp 610 is turned off, the reheating circulation pump 400 is stopped, and the reheating circulation path 520 is not formed.

[0100] During the sterilization operation, in the heating circuit 103, the control valve 330 is not opened and is maintained in a closed state. Therefore, the formation of the return path is prevented. In the example of FIG. 5(B), when an ON command for the heating operation is received at time t2 during the sterilization operation, 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 during the period from the start of the heating operation to time t6 when the sterilization operation ends, while the control valve 330 is closed and prohibited from opening. As a result, the return path is not formed, and the hot water heated by the bath heat exchanger 410 is not supplied to the bathtub.

[0101] When the sterilization operation ends at time t6, the control valve 330 is permitted to be opened. During the period from time t6 to time t3, the control valve 330 is kept open and the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b are operated to form the heat medium circulation path 510, thereby executing HD control. At time t3, when a certain time T4 has elapsed since the start of the heating operation, the control valve 330 is closed.

[0102] Furthermore, if a command to turn on the heating operation is received by a user at time t4, which is prior to the sterilization start time t7 of the timer sterilization operation, the HD control is executed from time t4 to time t5, which is a certain period of time T4. However, if the sterilization operation starts at time t7 while the HD control is being executed, the control valve 330 is closed and the opening of the control valve 330 is prohibited. That is, during the sterilization operation, the HD control is executed with the control valve 330 closed.

[0103] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the opening and closing control of the control valve 330 in the sterilization priority mode. The control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed by the controller 300 shown in FIG.

[0104] 6, the controller 300 determines in S21 whether or not HD control is requested. For example, if a heating operation ON command is output by a user operation, the determination in S21 is YES, and otherwise the determination in S21 is NO.

[0105] When HD control is requested (YES in S21), the controller 300 determines in S22 whether the heating heat source device 100 is performing a sterilization operation. If the heating heat source device 100 is not performing a sterilization operation (NO in S22), the controller 300 opens the control valve 330 in S23. On the other hand, if the heating heat source device 100 is performing a sterilization operation (YES in S22), the controller 300 skips the process of S23. That is, the controller 300 does not open the control valve 330, but keeps it in a closed state.

[0106] The controller 300 executes HD control in S24. In S24, the controller 300 operates the heating circulation pump 310 and the combustion burner 30b to form the heat medium circulation path 510. If the control valve 330 is opened in S23, the return path is formed, and the heated heat medium flows through the primary path 411 of the bath heat exchanger 410.

[0107] In S25, the controller 300 starts a second timer to measure the operation time of the HD control. In S26, the controller 300 determines whether the operation time of the HD control has expired based on the output of the second timer. If the operation time of the HD control measured by the second timer reaches a certain time T4, S26 is determined as YES, and otherwise S26 is determined as NO.

[0108] If it is determined in S26 that the operation time of the HD control has expired (YES in S26), the controller 300 ends the HD control and transitions to normal heating operation in S30. In S31, the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 and returns the process to S21. Note that if the control valve 330 is in the closed state, the process of S31 is skipped.

[0109] On the other hand, if the operation time of the HD control has not expired (NO in S26), the controller 300 proceeds to S27 and determines whether or not a sterilization operation is requested. If a sterilization operation is not requested (NO in S27), the controller 300 repeatedly executes the processes of S24 to S27.

[0110] If the sterilization operation is requested (YES in S27), the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in S28 and executes the sterilization operation in S29. In S29, the controller 300 operates the reheating circulation pump 400 to form the reheating circulation path 520 and turns on the UV lamp 610.

[0111] Returning to S21, if HD control is not requested (NO in S21), the controller 300 judges in S32 whether or not sterilization operation is requested. For example, if an ON command for sterilization operation is output by a user operation or if the sterilization start time for the timer sterilization operation has arrived, S32 is judged as YES, and otherwise S32 is judged as NO.

[0112] When a sterilization operation is requested (YES in S32), the controller 300 closes the control valve 330 in S33, and executes the sterilization operation in S34. In S34, the controller 300 operates the reheating circulation pump 400 to form the reheating circulation path 520, and turns on the UV lamp 610. In S35, the controller 300 starts a first timer to measure the operation time of the sterilization operation.

[0113] The controller 300 judges whether the operation time of the sterilization operation has expired based on the output of the first timer in S36. In S36, the controller 300 judges whether the operation time of the sterilization operation measured by the first timer has reached a preset operation time. Specifically, if the sterilization operation in S34 is a sterilization operation based on a user operation, S36 is judged as YES when the output of the timer reaches the set time T1, and otherwise S36 is judged as NO. If the sterilization operation in S34 is a timer sterilization operation, S36 is judged as YES when the output of the first timer reaches the set time T2, and otherwise S36 is judged as NO.

[0114] If it is determined in S36 that the operation time of the sterilization operation has expired (YES in S36), the controller 300 stops the reheating circulation pump 400 and turns off the UV lamp 610 in S37, thereby ending the sterilization operation.

[0115] On the other hand, if the operation time of the sterilization operation has not expired (NO in S36), the controller 300 repeatedly executes the processes of S34 to S36. That is, the controller 300 continues the sterilization operation until the operation time expires.

[0116] As described above, in the sterilization priority mode, the control valve 330 is prohibited from being opened during the sterilization operation, so that when the sterilization operation and HD control are performed simultaneously, the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path 520 can be prevented from being unintentionally heated. Also, unlike the HD priority mode, the sterilization operation is not interrupted by the execution of HD control. However, since the HD control is performed with the control valve closed during the sterilization operation, the rapid rise in the temperature of the heat medium is suppressed compared to the HD priority mode.

[0117] [Embodiment 3] In the third embodiment, a switching process between the HD priority mode described in the first embodiment and the sterilization priority mode described in the second embodiment will be described.

[0118] The HD priority mode is an operation mode that prioritizes HD control over sterilization operation, so that the temperature of the heat medium can be raised quickly when the heating operation starts. The sterilization priority mode is an operation mode that prioritizes sterilization operation over HD control, so that the sterilization operation can be performed quickly without unintentionally outputting high-temperature water into the bathtub. By configuring the operation mode to be switched between the HD priority mode and the sterilization priority mode, the heating function and the sterilization function of the heating heat source device 100 can be used effectively.

[0119] The operation mode can be switched between the HD priority mode and the sterilization priority mode based on, for example, any one of (1) a user setting, (2) the heating capacity of the heating circuit 103, and (3) the low-temperature side heat medium temperature.

[0120] (1) Switching operation modes based on user settings The operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 can be set by an installer operating an operation section of a remote controller (not shown) in response to a user request during installation or maintenance of the heating heat source device 100. Furthermore, after installation of the heating heat source device 100, the user can set (change) the operation mode by operating the operation section of the remote controller.

[0121] The sterilization priority mode can be set as a default mode when the heating heat source device 100 is shipped from the factory. Even in this case, the operation mode can be changed at any time by using the operation unit of the remote controller.

[0122] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of switching the operation mode based on a user setting.

[0123] 7, the controller 300 determines in S41 whether or not HD control is requested. For example, if a command to turn on the heating operation is output by a user operation, a YES determination is made in S41, and otherwise a NO determination is made in S41.

[0124] If HD control is not requested (NO in S41), the controller 300 judges in S42 whether or not sterilization operation is requested. For example, if a command to turn on the sterilization operation is output by a user operation or if the sterilization start time in the timer sterilization operation has arrived, S42 is judged as YES, and otherwise S42 is judged as NO.

[0125] When HD control is requested (YES in S41) or when sterilization operation is requested (YES in S42), the controller 300 determines in S43 whether or not the operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 is set to the sterilization priority mode. When the operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 is set to the sterilization priority mode (YES in S43), the controller 300 selects the sterilization priority mode in S44. When the sterilization priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0126] On the other hand, when the operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 is set to the HD priority mode (NO in S43), the controller 300 selects the HD priority mode in S45. When the HD priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0127] (2) Switching of operation modes based on the heating capacity of the heating circuit 103 The operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 may be automatically switched by the controller 300 instead of the above-mentioned user setting. For example, the operation mode of the heating heat source device 100 may be switched according to the heating capacity of the heating circuit 103. The heating capacity of the heating circuit 103 may be calculated based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b during HD control.

[0128] During heating operation, the required heat generation amount P* by the combustion burner 30b can be calculated based on the target temperature rise ΔT (ΔT=Tht*-Thi) in the can body 10 and the deviation ΔTht (ΔTht=Tht*-Tht) of the can body outlet temperature. Note that Tht* is the can body target temperature Tht* in the heating circuit 103, Thi is the low-temperature side heat medium temperature, and Tht is the can body outlet temperature. During HD control, the can body target temperature Tht* is higher than normal, so the target temperature rise ΔT becomes larger.

[0129] The controller 300 calculates the amount of gas to be supplied to the combustion burner 30b according to the calculated required heat generation amount P*, and determines the number of burners to be fired among the combustion burners 30b and the combination of gas flow rates so as to realize the calculated amount of gas. The controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the gas proportional valve 33 and the capacity switching valves 36a, 36b so as to realize the determined number of burners to be fired and the gas flow rates.

[0130] When HD control is executed at the start of heating operation, the controller 300 calculates the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b during HD control based on the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b during HD control and the execution time of HD control. The amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b increases, for example, as the number of operating heating terminals (number of operating terminals) increases among the multiple low-temperature heating terminals. Alternatively, even if the number of operating low-temperature heating terminals is the same, the amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b increases as the thermal capacity of the low-temperature heating terminal decreases.

[0131] In HD control, a heat medium with a higher temperature than normal is intermittently supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal according to a predetermined duty for a certain time T4. When HD control ends, the controller 300 calculates an average heat generation amount, which is the average value of the heat generation amount by the combustion burner 30b during the certain time T4. When the average heat generation amount by the combustion burner 30b during HD control exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller 300 selects the HD control mode, and when the average heat generation amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the controller 300 selects the sterilization priority mode.

[0132] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process of switching the operation mode based on the heating capacity of the heating circuit.

[0133] 8, the controller 300 determines in S51 whether or not HD control is being executed. For example, if a certain time T4 has not elapsed since the ON command for the heating operation was output, the determination in S51 is YES, and otherwise the determination in S51 is NO.

[0134] If HD control is being executed (YES in S51), the controller 300 judges in S52 whether or not HD control has ended. If the operation time of HD control has expired and HD control has ended, S52 is judged as YES, and in other cases, S52 is judged as NO.

[0135] When the HD control ends (NO in S52), the controller 300 calculates the average amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b during the HD control in S53. The controller 300 stores the calculated average amount of heat generated in the memory in S54.

[0136] The controller 300 determines whether or not HD control is requested in S55. For example, if a command to turn on the heating operation is output by a user operation, the determination in S55 is YES, and otherwise the determination in S55 is NO.

[0137] If HD control is not requested (NO in S55), the controller 300 judges whether or not sterilization operation is requested in S56. For example, if a command to turn on the sterilization operation is output by a user operation or if the sterilization start time in the timer sterilization operation has arrived, S56 is judged as YES, and otherwise S56 is judged as NO.

[0138] When HD control is requested (YES in S55) or when sterilization operation is requested (YES in S56), the controller 300 reads out the average amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b during HD control, which is stored in the memory in S57, and compares the read average amount of heat generated with a predetermined threshold in S58.

[0139] When the average amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b is greater than the threshold value (YES in S58), the controller 300 selects the sterilization priority mode in S59. When the sterilization priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0140] On the other hand, when the average amount of heat generated by the combustion burner 30b is equal to or less than the threshold value (NO in S58), the controller 300 selects the HD priority mode in S60. When the HD priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0141] (3) Switching of operation modes based on the low-temperature heat transfer medium temperature The automatic switching of the operation mode by the controller 300 can also be configured to be performed according to the temperature of the heat medium (low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi) output from the heating output port (low temperature) 304. The low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi can be detected by a temperature sensor 382 provided in the heating expansion tank 320.

[0142] The lower the low-temperature side heat medium temperature, the lower the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal, making it more difficult for the low-temperature heating terminal to heat up. Therefore, when the low-temperature side heat medium temperature is lower than the threshold, the HD priority mode is applied to quickly heat up the low-temperature heating terminal. On the other hand, when the low-temperature side heat medium temperature is higher than the threshold, the sterilization priority mode is applied.

[0143] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of switching the operation mode based on the low-temperature side heat medium temperature.

[0144] 9, the controller 300 determines whether or not HD control is requested in S61. For example, if a heating operation ON command is output by a user operation, the determination in S61 is YES, and otherwise the determination in S61 is NO.

[0145] If HD control is not requested (NO in S61), the controller 300 judges whether or not sterilization operation is requested in S62. For example, if a command to turn on the sterilization operation is output by a user operation or if the sterilization start time in the timer sterilization operation has arrived, S62 is judged as YES, and otherwise S62 is judged as NO.

[0146] When HD control is requested (YES in S61) or when sterilization operation is requested (YES in S62), the controller 300 acquires, in S63, the low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 382. In S64, the controller 300 compares the low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi with a predetermined threshold value.

[0147] When the low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi is higher than the threshold value (YES in S64), the controller 300 selects the sterilization priority mode in S65. When the sterilization priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0148] On the other hand, when the low-temperature side heat medium temperature Thi is equal to or lower than the threshold value (determination of NO in S64), the controller 300 selects the HD priority mode in S45. When the HD priority mode is selected, the controller 300 controls the opening and closing of the control valve 330 according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0149] 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]

[0150] 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 then returns 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 controller that controls the first circulation pump, the second circulation pump, the control valve, and the sterilization lamp; The controller includes: A means for performing a sterilization operation to sterilize the bath water flowing through the reheating circulation path using the sterilization lamp by operating the second circulation pump while the control valve is closed; and a means for executing a rapid heating operation by operating the first circulation pump with the control valve open during a period from the start of the heating operation until a predetermined time has elapsed, The heating heat source device, wherein the controller maintains the control valve in an open state when the rapid heating operation is performed, and prohibits the execution of the sterilization operation.

2. When the rapid heating operation is performed during the sterilization operation, the controller The sterilization operation is temporarily stopped, and the control valve is opened to perform the rapid heating operation; and The heating heat source device according to claim 1 , wherein after the rapid heating operation is completed, the control valve is closed to restart the sterilization operation.

3. The heating heat source device according to claim 2, wherein the controller sets an execution time of the sterilization operation after the restart so that a sum of an execution time of the sterilization operation before the temporary suspension and an execution time of the sterilization operation after the restart is equal to or longer than a set time.

4. When the sterilization operation is requested during the execution of the rapid heating operation, the controller The heating heat source device according to claim 1 , wherein after the rapid heating operation is completed, the control valve is closed to start the sterilization operation.

5. The heating heat source device has a rapid heating priority mode in which the rapid heating operation is prioritized over the sterilization operation, and a sterilization priority mode in which the sterilization operation is prioritized over the rapid heating operation, The controller is configured to switch the operation mode of the heating heat source device between the rapid heating priority mode and the sterilization priority mode; In the rapid heating priority mode, the controller maintains the control valve in an open state while the rapid heating operation is being performed, and prohibits the execution of the sterilization operation; The heating heat source device according to claim 1 , wherein in the sterilization priority mode, the controller keeps the control valve in a closed state and prohibits the control valve from being opened while the sterilization operation is being performed.

6. The heating heat source device according to claim 5 , wherein the controller switches between the rapid heating priority mode and the sterilization priority mode in response to a user setting related to an operation mode of the heating heat source device.

7. The heating heat source device according to claim 5 , wherein the controller switches between the rapid heating priority mode and the sterilization priority mode depending on an amount of heat generated by the heat source during the rapid heating operation.

8. A temperature sensor is further provided to detect the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the heating terminal. The heating heat source device according to claim 5 , wherein the controller switches between the rapid heating priority mode and the sterilization priority mode depending on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Images