Collection tank and water heater

Abstract

To provide a collection tank which can collect foreign objects in a water heater.SOLUTION: A collection tank 12 is included in a water heater for supplying hot water at least to a bathtub and collects foreign objects in hot water flowing in a pipe. The collection tank 12 includes: a housing 100; an inlet port 101 which is formed at the housing 100 and allows hot water to flow into the housing 100; an outlet port 102 which is formed at the housing 100 in a position above the inlet port 101 and allows hot water to flow out from the housing 100; and a collection space 103 which is formed at an inner bottom part of the housing 100 and collects foreign objects in hot water flowing into the housing 100 through the inlet port 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a collection tank and a water heater. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for preventing foreign objects from being sucked into a bathtub connected to a water heater is known. The abstract of Patent Document 1 states, "The device includes a fixed part (50) fixed to the bathtub and having an intake part for sending water from the bathtub out and an outlet part for discharging the supplied water into the bathtub; a cover part (38) that abuts against the fixed part (50) and has an intake port (39) for sucking in water from the bathtub; multiple protrusions (51) formed on one of the fixed part or the cover part (38); and an abutment surface formed on the other of the fixed part or the cover part (38) that abuts against the multiple protrusions (51). Water from the bathtub is sucked in through mesh holes (55), which are spaces surrounded by the protrusions (51) and the abutment surface." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-155998 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the intrusion of small foreign objects, such as a single hair that has fallen out of the bathtub, into the water heater. Once a foreign object has entered the water heater, it may flow into the bathtub during reheating, causing anxiety to the user. Furthermore, even when filling the bathtub with water, foreign objects remaining in the pipes may be supplied to the bathtub, causing anxiety to the user. The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a collection tank and a water heater that can collect foreign matter inside the water heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The collection tank of the present disclosure is provided in a water heater that supplies hot water to at least a bathtub, and is a collection tank that collects foreign matter in the hot water flowing through a pipe, and includes: a housing; an inlet formed in the housing for allowing hot water to flow into the housing; an outlet formed in the housing on the opposite side of the inlet for allowing hot water to flow out from the housing; and a collection space formed on the inside bottom of the housing for collecting foreign matter in the hot water that has flowed in through the inlet. a first inner pipe connected to the inlet inside the housing and configured as a bottomed cylinder having an opening in a side wall; and a second inner pipe connected to the outlet inside the housing and configured as a bottomed cylinder having an opening in a side wall; Equipped with do. Other solutions will be described later in the detailed description of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a system diagram showing the water heater of the present disclosure, illustrating the flow of hot water during reheating. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a collection tank of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of the collection tank of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a collection tank of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a system diagram showing the water heater of the present disclosure, illustrating the flow of hot water when filling a bathtub with water. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a unit casing (outer tube) for explaining a method for manufacturing a collection tank according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a collection tank according to the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view showing the process of fitting an inner pipe into a unit housing (outer pipe). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a collection tank according to the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an inner pipe is fitted into a unit housing (outer pipe). [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view when the unit housings shown in FIG. 9 are joined together. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a collection tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a collection tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a collection tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collection tank according to another embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a system diagram showing a water heater according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of one embodiment, other embodiments applicable to the one embodiment will also be described as appropriate. The present disclosure is not limited to the one embodiment described below, and different embodiments can be combined with each other or modified as desired without significantly impairing the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, components having the same functions will be given the same names. The contents shown are merely schematic, and for convenience of illustration, changes may be made from the actual configuration within the scope of not significantly impairing the effects of the present disclosure, and some components may be omitted or modified between drawings. Furthermore, the same embodiment does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the water heater 1 of the present disclosure and illustrates the flow of hot water during reheating. The term "water (H2O)" as a general component name is a generic term that includes either hot water (e.g., 30°C or higher) or cold water (e.g., below 30°C) depending on the temperature. For ease of explanation, the term "hot water" is used in this specification to refer to both hot water and cold water regardless of temperature. Therefore, for example, "hot water in the bathtub 2" and "hot water flowing through the piping 22" refer to "hot water (H2O) in the bathtub 2" and "hot water (H2O) flowing through the piping 22," and the term "hot water" or "water" does not necessarily limit the temperature. Therefore, for convenience, "water" at a temperature of 10°C and "hot water" at a temperature of 40°C are both collectively referred to as "hot water."

[0009] The water heater 1 supplies hot water to at least the bathtub 2. The water heater 1 may also supply hot water to a user through a faucet installed in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. The hot water collected in the bathtub 2 is heated by reheating using the water heater 1 and returned to the bathtub 2. Each piece of equipment that makes up the water heater 1 is connected by piping 22 (e.g., made of resin, metal, etc.). The hot water flows through the piping 22.

[0010] The water heater 1 includes a hot water storage tank 10 (hot water generating section) equipped with a heat exchanger 11, a collection tank 12, a pump 13, and a sterilization device 14. The water heater 1 further includes three-way valves 50 and 51, mixing valves 52 and 53, flow sensors 54 and 55, a solenoid valve 56, a water level sensor 57, a pressure reducing valve 59, open valves 58 and 61, and a heat pump 60.

[0011] During reheating, the hot water in the bathtub 2 is returned to the bathtub 2 through piping 22, which is equipped with a water level sensor 57, pump 13, sterilization device 14, collection tank 12, three-way valve 50, and heat exchanger 11, as shown by the solid arrow. The heat exchanger 11 (hot water generator) generates the hot water to be supplied to at least the bathtub 2, and heats the hot water flowing through piping 22 (hot water to be supplied to the bathtub 2) using the heat of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 10. The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 10 is generated by a heat pump 60.

[0012] The flow of hot water during reheating will be explained in detail. Hot water in the bathtub 2 is driven by pump 13 and flows through a circulation port (not shown, for example formed in the circulation unit 21) provided in the bathtub 2, through piping 22, and is supplied to sterilization device 14. In sterilization device 14, the hot water is sterilized (a concept that includes sterilization, disinfection, etc.). Sterilization device 14 is, for example, a device that irradiates hot water with deep ultraviolet light, a device that generates ozone in hot water, a device that sterilizes hot water using Ultra Fine Bubbles (registered trademark), a sterilization device that uses silver ions, etc. The hot water sterilized in sterilization device 14 is supplied to collection tank 12.

[0013] Collection tank 12 collects foreign matter in the hot water flowing through pipe 22. The foreign matter may be, for example, organic matter such as hair that has fallen out from a user in bathtub 2, or keratin that has peeled off from the user, or fine inorganic matter that flows in from outside the system. Furthermore, the foreign matter is not limited to foreign matter generated in bathtub 2, but may be foreign matter that is contained in the hot water flowing through pipe 22. The foreign matter generally has a size (the length of the longest part) of, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, but is not limited to this size.

[0014] The collection tank 12 collects foreign matter in the hot water flowing through piping 22 connected to the bathtub 2. The piping 22 includes at least a piping 23 through which the hot water in the bathtub 2 circulates when reheating the water, and a piping 24 (FIG. 6) through which the hot water flows when the bathtub 2 is filled with water. In the example of FIG. 1, the collection tank 12 is provided in the piping 23 through which the hot water flows when reheating the water in the bathtub 2. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from circulating between the bathtub 2 and the piping 2.

[0015] 2 is a perspective view of the collection tank 12 of the present disclosure from above. Unless otherwise specified, the z-axis direction will be referred to as the height direction (vertical direction), and the x-axis and y-axis directions will be referred to as the horizontal direction (lateral direction), etc. The collection tank 12 is installed, for example, vertically; however, as long as the relative height position of the outlet 102 with respect to the inlet 101 is the same as or higher than the inlet 101, the collection tank 12 may be disposed at an angle of less than 90° with respect to the vertical direction. In the following, as an example, the collection tank 12 is assumed to be disposed vertically.

[0016] The collection tank 12 includes a housing 100, an inlet 101 through which hot water flows into the housing 100, and an outlet 102 through which hot water flows out from the housing 100. The housing 100 has an outer shape that is larger than the sizes of the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 between them. The housing 100 also has a roughly cylindrical shape that narrows toward the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 at its heightwise ends. Therefore, the inner diameter of the housing 100 is larger than the opening diameters of the inlet 101 and the outlet 102.

[0017] 3 is a top view of collection tank 12 of the present disclosure. The horizontal size (i.e., thickness) of collection tank 12, which has a substantially cylindrical shape, is, for example, 20 mm or more and 80 mm or less in outer diameter, but is not limited to this thickness and may be determined appropriately depending on the performance of water heater 1. In addition, in the example of the present disclosure, inlet 101 (FIG. 2) and outlet 102 have the same size and shape and the same opening area, but both can be formed as circular openings with an inner diameter of, for example, 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a front view of the collection tank 12 of the present disclosure. The height (z-axis direction) of the housing 100 is, for example, 100 mm or more and 500 mm or less, but is not limited to this height and may be determined appropriately depending on the performance of the water heater 1. As will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 7 and subsequent figures, the housing 100 is formed by welding at least two unit housings 100a, 100b in the direction of hot and cold water flow (up and down) inside the housing 100. This makes it easy to manufacture the collection tank 12. The housing 100 is made, for example, of a resin whose interior cannot be seen from the outside, but is not limited to this.

[0019] The inlet 101 is formed in the housing 100 and is connected to the sterilization device 14 (FIG. 1). Therefore, the collection tank 12 is disposed immediately below (immediately downstream from) the sterilization device 14, and foreign matter in the hot water sterilized by the sterilization device 14 is collected in the collection tank 12. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of unpleasant odors from foreign matter (described below) accumulated in the collection tank 12.

[0020] Outlet 102 is formed in housing 100 on the opposite side of inlet 101 (above (directly above) inlet 101 in the illustrated example), and is connected to three-way valve 50 (FIG. 1). Therefore, foreign matter is collected in collection tank 12, and hot water that no longer contains foreign matter is supplied to bathtub 2. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from being supplied to bathtub 2, making it less likely that users will feel uneasy.

[0021] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4. The housing 100 has an internal space 110 whose longitudinal direction is the direction in which hot water flows in from the inlet 101 (height direction, z direction, vertical direction). By providing the internal space 110, foreign matter can be collected from the hot water flowing through the internal space 110. The hot water that flows into the housing 100 flows upward through the internal space 110 and flows out through the outlet 102. Note that surfaces facing the internal space 110 (e.g., the inner wall surface of the housing 100, the outer wall surfaces of the inner pipes 104 and 105, etc.) may be provided with members (e.g., ribs, irregularities, grooves, etc.) that reduce the flow rate in the internal space 110. This allows the hot water to flow more slowly in the internal space 110, which makes it easier for foreign matter to settle, as will be described in more detail below.

[0022] The collection tank 12 has a collection space 103 that collects foreign matter in the hot water that flows in through the inlet 101. The collection space 103 is formed as part of the internal space 110, and is formed at the inside bottom of the housing 100. The inside bottom of the housing 100 may differ depending on the installation form of the collection tank 12. For example, as will be described in detail later, when the collection tank 12 is placed horizontally (or along the horizontal direction), the inside bottom of the housing 100 corresponds to the vicinity of the side wall portion of the housing 100 shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] Collection tank 12 collects foreign matter with a higher density than hot water. Specifically, hot water that flows into housing 100 from inlet 101 rises inside housing 100, while foreign matter with a relatively higher specific gravity moves downward (i.e., sinks). As a result, the foreign matter is deposited, for example, in collection space 103 formed at the bottom inside housing 100. Therefore, it is preferable that hot water remain inside collection tank 12 (flow through the interior) for a long time. On the other hand, hot water from which foreign matter has been removed by being collected in this way flows out of housing 100 from outlet 102 formed at the top.

[0024] The collection tank 12 includes an inner pipe 104 (first inner pipe). The inner pipe 104 is connected to the inlet 101 inside the housing 100 and is configured as a bottomed cylinder with an opening 104a in its sidewall. By including the inner pipe 104, hot water that flows into the housing 100 through the inlet 101 flows inside the inner pipe 104. The hot water then flows out through the opening 104a to the inside of the housing 100 (which corresponds to the "outer pipe" from the perspective of the inner pipe 104) and to the outside of the inner pipe 104. This allows the flow direction of the hot water inside the housing 100 to be changed from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, thereby lengthening the time the hot water flows inside the collection tank 12. That is, the hot water that flows into the inner pipe 104 collides with the inner bottom 104b and changes direction. This prevents the hot water from flowing out of the outlet 102 at a high flow rate, making it easier for foreign matter to settle in the collection space 103.

[0025] The ratio of the inner diameters of inner pipe 104 and casing 100 is not particularly limited, but for example, when the inner diameter of inner pipe 104 is 1, the inner diameter of casing 100 can be 3 or more. The upper limit can be determined depending on the volume occupied by water heater 1.

[0026] The shape of the opening 104a is preferably, for example, circular or oval (an ellipse with its major axis in the horizontal direction). This can prevent localized increases in pressure loss when hot water passes through the opening 104a. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the opening 104a, but it is preferably large enough to allow foreign matter to pass through. For example, if it is circular, it is preferable that the diameter be 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The shape of the opening 104a may also be a slit, etc.

[0027] As described above, collection space 103 is formed inside housing 100 and outside inner pipe 104. A plurality of openings 104a are provided in the height direction, which is the extension direction of inner pipe 104. By doing so, even if some of the plurality of openings 104a are covered with foreign matter accumulated in collection space 103, water can still flow out through the remaining openings 104a, preventing excessive obstruction of outflow through openings 104a. Note that if all openings 104a are covered with foreign matter, pressure loss increases and the flow rate of hot and cold water per unit time supplied to bathtub 2 decreases. In this case, it is preferable to replace collection tank 12 or remove the foreign matter from inside, for example.

[0028] Opening 104a includes opening 104a1 (first opening) and opening 104a2 (second opening) that is smaller than opening 104a1 and is located closer to bottom 104b of inner pipe 104 than opening 104a1. By including openings 104a and 104a2, a relatively large amount of hot water flows out from opening 104a1, which is relatively close to inlet 101, and a relatively small amount of hot water flows out from opening 104a2, which is relatively farther away. In other words, hot water is more likely to flow out through opening 104a1, which is formed relatively lower. This allows the hot water that flows out from opening 104a to flow through collection space 103 formed outside inner pipe 104 for a longer period of time, making it easier for foreign matter to settle.

[0029] In the example of the present disclosure, eight openings 104a are formed, two at a time facing each other in the horizontal direction (y direction) at the same height position, and four at a time at different height positions. The openings 104a are oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to the height direction (z-axis direction), which is the extension direction of the inner pipe 104. Therefore, the openings 104a are open in the horizontal direction, and hot and cold water flows out in the horizontal direction. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13, the openings 104a are not limited to being oriented at an angle of 90°, but may be oriented at an angle of 90° or less downwardly with respect to the extension direction of the inner pipe 104.

[0030] The total area of ​​opening 104a is equal to or larger than the area of ​​inlet 101. This allows hot water to flow out of opening 104a at a flow rate that is the same as or slower than the flow rate when it flows in through inlet 101. This allows the flow rate of hot water to be slowed inside housing 100, and the time that hot water remains in internal space 110 (flow time) can be extended, thereby increasing the opportunity for foreign matter to settle.

[0031] The collection tank 12 includes an inner pipe 105 (second inner pipe). The inner pipe 105 is connected to the outlet 102 inside the housing 100 and is configured as a bottomed cylinder with an opening 105a in the side wall. The provision of the inner pipe 105 makes it more difficult to intentionally flow hot water inside the housing 100 compared to when the inner pipe 105 is not provided. This allows the time that hot water remains in the internal space 110 (flow time) to be longer, thereby increasing the opportunity for foreign matter to settle.

[0032] The orientation of openings 104a formed in inner pipe 104 is different from the orientation of openings 105a formed in inner pipe 105. This causes hot water to flow in a circular motion around inner pipes 104, 105 in inner space 110. This increases the time that hot water remains in inner space 110 (flow time), thereby increasing the opportunity for foreign matter to settle. In the illustrated example, eight openings 105a are formed, two facing each other in the horizontal direction (x direction) at the same height position, and four openings at different height positions.

[0033] The inner pipes 104 and 105 have the same shape and are made of the same material (resin). Therefore, the design conditions of the inner pipe 105 can be similarly applied to the design conditions of the inner pipe 104. Furthermore, the inner pipes 104 and 105, both of which have a cylindrical shape with a bottom, are arranged so that their central axes coincide.

[0034] The bottom 104b of the inner tube 104 and the bottom 105b of the inner tube 105 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance d. As will be described in detail later, this configuration prevents the inner tubes 104 and 105 from coming into contact with each other and thus preventing damage to them when the unit housings 100a and 100b are assembled (for example, by welding). The predetermined distance d is the distance between the outer surface of the bottom 104b and the outer surface of the bottom 105b.

[0035] The inner pipe 104 is fitted inside the housing 100 so as to communicate with the inlet 101. The inner pipe 105 is fitted inside the housing 100 so as to communicate with the outlet 102. Specifically, the inner pipe 104 is fitted (also referred to as being inserted or plugged) into a fitting portion 106 formed on the inner wall of the housing 100 near the inlet 101. A guide 106a (see FIG. 7, e.g., a protrusion) is formed on the fitting portion 106, and a guide 104c (see FIG. 7, e.g., a groove) is also formed near the open end of the inner pipe 104. Therefore, the guides 106a and 104c prevent incorrect assembly, and the opening 104a is oriented in the desired direction. The fitting portion 106 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 104.

[0036] The inner pipe 105 is fitted into a fitting portion 107 formed on the inner wall of the housing 100 near the outlet 102. The fitting portion 107 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner pipe 105. A guide 107a (e.g., a protrusion) is formed on the fitting portion 107, and a guide 105c (e.g., a groove) is also formed near the open end of the inner pipe 105. Therefore, guides 107a and 107c prevent incorrect assembly, and the orientation of the opening 105a is aligned in the desired direction.

[0037] The predetermined distance d is a distance at which, when the inner tube 104 or the inner tube 105 becomes detached from the inner wall of the housing 100, the bottoms 105b, 104b of the other inner tube 105, 104 can prevent the detached inner tube 104, 105 from wobbling within the housing 100. Because the inner tubes 104, 105 are fitted into the fitting portions 106, 107 as described above, they can become detached (disengaged) from the fitting portions 106, 107 due to the water pressure of the flowing hot and cold water. However, even if one inner tube 104 becomes detached from the fitting portion 106, the bottom 104b of the inner tube 104 comes into contact with the bottom 105b of the inner tube 105, thereby preventing the inner tube 104 from wobbling within the housing 100, such as tilting, for example. This prevents the hot water from behaving unintentionally inside the collection tank 12, and prevents a significant decrease in the efficiency of foreign matter removal in the collection tank 12.

[0038] The predetermined distance d can be determined, for example, by test runs, experiments, simulations, calculations, etc., taking into consideration the depth of the fitting portions 106, 107 (the height-wise length of the contact portion between the inner tubes 104, 105 and the inner wall of the housing 100), etc. For example, when the inner tube 104 is fitted into the fitting portion 106 having a depth d0 (mm), the height-wise length of the contact portion between the inner tube 104 and the inner wall of the housing 100 is usually d0 (mm). When the inner tube 104 is completely removed from the fitting portion 106, the contact between the inner tube 104 and the inner wall of the housing 100 is released and friction between them is no longer generated, which may cause wobbling, such as tilting, of the inner tube 104 in the internal space 110.

[0039] However, even when the inner pipe 104 is completely removed from the fitting portion 106, if a member that holds down the bottom 104b of the inner pipe 104, i.e., the bottom 105b of the inner pipe 105, is positioned above the bottom 104b, the bottoms 104b, 105b will come into contact with each other when the inner pipe 104 is completely removed. This generates friction between the bottoms 104b, 105b, preventing the inner pipe 104 from wobbling. Therefore, in this case, the predetermined distance d may be set to, for example, a distance equal to or less than the depth d0. Note that these are simplified calculations, and for greater accuracy, they may be determined through trial runs, experiments, simulations, etc., as described above.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 1 , the collection tank 12 is provided downstream of at least one of the following structures (in the illustrated example, both: a sterilization device 14 that sterilizes the water and a pump 13 that flows the water) and upstream of the bathtub 2 in the direction of flow of the water when the water is supplied to the bathtub 2 (reheating, filling the bath). By providing the collection tank 12 downstream of the sterilization device 14, in particular, foreign matter after sterilization is collected in the collection tank 12, thereby suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors from the foreign matter in the collection tank 12. Furthermore, by providing the collection tank downstream of the pump 13, in particular, hot water pressurized by the pump 13 can be supplied to the collection tank 12, making it easier for the water to flow inside the collection tank 12 and suppressing a decrease in the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 2 per unit time. In the illustrated example, the collection tank 12 is provided downstream of the sterilization device 14 and upstream of the bathtub 2 in the direction of flow of the water when the water is supplied to the bathtub 2.

[0041] The hot water from which foreign matter has been collected in the collection tank 12 flows to the three-way valve 50. In the three-way valve 50, the hot water flows to the heat exchanger 11, where it is heated to a set temperature and then supplied to the bathtub 2.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing the water heater 1 of the present disclosure, illustrating the flow of hot water when filling the bathtub 2. In the example of the present disclosure, the collection tank 12 is also provided in the piping 24 through which hot water flows when filling the bathtub 2. When filling the bathtub 2, the supplied water (e.g., tap water) passes through a pressure reducing valve 59 and reaches the bottom of the hot water storage tank 10 and the mixing valve 52. In the mixing valve 52, the hot water discharged from the top of the hot water storage tank 10 is mixed with the supply water (e.g., tap water) to obtain hot water at the set temperature. The hot water obtained by mixing is supplied to the bathtub 2 via a flow sensor 55, an electromagnetic valve 56, a pump 13, a sterilization device 14, the collection tank 12, and a three-way valve 50.

[0043] When filling the bathtub 2, the hot water supplied to the bathtub 2 is usually produced by heating tap water, for example, and therefore does not usually contain foreign matter. However, even if foreign matter that was sucked in during reheating and remains in the pipe 22 is contained in the hot water when filling the bathtub, providing the collection tank 12 can prevent the foreign matter from being supplied to the bathtub 2. This effect can be particularly enhanced when the pipe 24 doubles as at least a portion of the pipe 23 (FIG. 1), as in the example of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of the collecting tank 12 of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the manufacturing method of the present disclosure), and is a cross-sectional view of the unit housing 100a (outer pipe). As described above, the collecting tank 12 can be manufactured by welding together the unit housings 100a and 100b (FIG. 5) into which the inner pipes 104 and 105 (FIG. 5) are fitted. The manufacturing method of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. The unit housing 100b can be manufactured in the same manner as the unit housing 100a. Therefore, for simplicity of explanation, only the manufacturing method of the unit housing 100a will be described below. The unit housings 100a and 100b are made of resin so that the interior cannot be seen from the outside.

[0045] Unit housing 100a has a circular opening 120a on the opposite side to inlet 101. An annular joint 121a is formed on the edge of opening 120a. Joint 121a is joined to joint 121b formed on the edge of opening 120b provided on the opposite side to outlet 102 in unit housing 100b.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of the collection tank 12 of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view of the inner pipe 104 being fitted into the unit housing 100a (outer pipe). As described above, the fitting portion 106 has a guide 106a formed therein. As described above, a guide 104c that can be fitted into the guide 106a is also formed on the opening side of the inner pipe 104 (opposite the bottom 104b). Therefore, as indicated by the outline arrow, the inner pipe 104 is fitted into the fitting portion 106 so that the guide 106a and the guide 104c fit together. This allows the horizontal orientation of the opening 104a to be positioned in a desired direction.

[0047] 9 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing method of the collection tank 12 of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the inner pipe 104 is fitted into the unit casing 100a (outer pipe). As shown in Fig. 9, the bottom 104b of the inner pipe 104 is positioned at a position recessed from the opening 120a of the unit casing 100a. This makes it possible to prevent contact between the bottom 104b of the inner pipe 104 and the bottom 105b of the inner pipe 105, even if the height of the unit casings 100a, 100b is slightly shortened by melting the resin due to welding of the joints 121a, 121b (Fig. 10).

[0048] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the unit housings 100a and 100b shown in FIG. 9 when they are joined together. The unit housing 100b, manufactured in the same manner as the unit housing 100a, is rotated 90° in a horizontal plane to change the orientation of the openings 104a and 105a, and then joined to the unit housing 100a. As described above, the unit housings 100a and 100b have the same structure. Therefore, by rotating one of the unit housings 100b in a horizontal plane, the same unit housing can be used to manufacture the collection tank 12.

[0049] In the example of the present disclosure, the joining can be performed by welding the joining portion 121a and the joining portion 121b, both of which are formed in an annular shape.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of collection tank 12 taken along line AA according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the opening area of ​​inlet 101 is larger than the opening area of ​​outlet 102. This allows the opening area of ​​inlet 101 to be relatively large, allowing hot water to flow in slowly and reducing the flow rate inside collection tank 12. As a result, the time that hot water remains in internal space 110 can be extended, making it easier for foreign matter to settle. Furthermore, as described above, although the interior of housing 100 cannot be seen from the outside, if inlet 101 and outlet 102 have different opening areas, inlet 101 and outlet 102 can be distinguished from the outside, thereby preventing incorrect installation orientation on water heater 1.

[0051] 11, the diameter D1 of the circular inlet 101 is larger than the diameter D2 of the circular outlet 102. However, the opening area of ​​the inlet 101 may be smaller than the opening area of ​​the outlet 102.

[0052] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the collection tank 12 taken along line AA according to another embodiment. The embodiment shown in Fig. 12 does not include the inner pipe 105 (Fig. 5). As a result, the hot water flowing out from the opening 104a into the internal space 110 rises in the internal space 110 and flows out from the outlet 102 located above. This prevents an excessive increase in pressure loss and increases the flow rate per unit time of the hot water supplied from the water heater 1 to the bathtub 2.

[0053] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the collection tank 12 taken along line AA according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the opening 104a is oriented at an angle of less than 90° downward relative to the extension direction of the inner pipe 104. This allows the direction of the hot water flowing out of the opening 104a to be less than horizontal, thereby lengthening the time that a unit amount of hot water remains in the inner space 110. This increases the chances of foreign matter settling.

[0054] It is preferable that the opening 105a formed in the inner pipe 105 faces in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, which is the extension direction of the inner pipe 105 (horizontal direction, xy direction), or in a direction above the horizontal direction. This makes it intentionally difficult for hot water to flow in the inner space 110, slowing down the flow rate and increasing the opportunity for foreign matter to settle.

[0055] Fig. 14 is a perspective view from above of the collection tank 12 according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, at least one of the at least two unit casings 100a, 100b (both in the illustrated example) has a mark 111 attached to it to prevent incorrect assembly. The mark 111 makes it possible to determine the orientation of openings 104a, 105a (Fig. 5) formed in inner tubes 104, 105 (Fig. 5), which are not visible from the outside, and allows the unit casings 100a, 100b to be joined in the desired orientation.

[0056] The mark 111 can be configured, for example, by a rib, a concave or convex portion, a slit, or the like. The number of the mark 111 may be one or more. In the example shown in the figure, two mark 111 are formed facing the openings 104a and 105a, respectively. The mark 111 may be formed, for example, when molding the unit housings 100a and 100b, which are resin molded products, using a mold capable of forming the unit housings 100a and 100b having the mark 111. The mark 111 may also be provided after the unit housings 100a and 100b have been molded.

[0057] Fig. 15 is a system diagram showing a water heater 1 according to another embodiment. Like the water heater 1 shown in Fig. 1 above, the water heater 1 shown in Fig. 15 also includes a hot water storage tank 10 and a collection tank 12. Furthermore, the water heater 1 includes a flow rate sensor 62, a water level sensor 63, a heat exchanger 64 (hot water generating section), mixing valves 65 and 66, a four-way valve 67, a pump 68, and a three-way valve 69. Unlike the water heater 1 shown in Fig. 1 above, the hot water to be supplied to the bathtub 2 is generated in the heat exchanger 64 installed outside the hot water storage tank 10.

[0058] Supply water such as tap water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 10 from the bottom thereof via a pressure reducing valve 59. Meanwhile, the hot water inside the hot water storage tank 10 is extracted from the bottom, flows appropriately through a four-way valve 67, a pump 68, and a three-way valve 69, and is heated by a heat pump 60. The hot water heated by the heat pump 60 is returned to the hot water storage tank 10 from the top thereof. The hot water inside the hot water storage tank 10 is supplied from the top to a heat exchanger 64, and the hot water in the bathtub 2 is heated in the heat exchanger 64, for example, when reheating water as described above.

[0059] The collection tank 12 is provided downstream of at least one of the structures of the sterilization device 14 or the pump 13 (both in the illustrated example; directly below the sterilization device 14) and upstream of the bathtub 2 in the direction of flow of hot water when hot water is supplied to the bathtub 2. By providing it in these positions, the effects described with reference to Figure 1 above can be obtained. In particular, the collection tank 12 is provided downstream of the sterilization device 14 and upstream of the bathtub 2 in the direction of flow of hot water when hot water is supplied to the bathtub 2.

[0060] The collection tank 12 is provided in a pipe 23 through which hot water flows when reheating the bathtub 2. When reheating the bathtub 2, the hot water flows through pipes 22 and 23, which are equipped with a pump 13, a sterilization device 14, the collection tank 12, a water level sensor 63, a flow rate sensor 62, and a heat exchanger 64, and is returned to the bathtub 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Water heater 10 Hot water tank 100 cabinets 100a unit housing 100b unit housing 101 Inlet 102 Outlet 103 Collection space 104 Inner tube 104a aperture 104a1 opening 104a2 opening 104b bottom 104c Guide 105 Inner tube 105a aperture 105b bottom 106 Fitting 106a Guide 107 Fitting 11 Heat exchanger 110 Inner Space 111 Landmark 12 Collection tank 120a aperture 120b aperture 121a Joint 121b Joint 13 Pump 14 Sterilization equipment 2 bathtubs 21 Circulation Unit 22 Piping 60 Heat Pump 64 Heat exchanger 68 Pump d distance D1 diameter D2 diameter

Claims

1. A collection tank that is provided in a water heater that supplies hot water to at least a bathtub and that collects foreign matter in hot water flowing through a pipe, The housing and An inlet formed in the housing for allowing hot and cold water to flow into the housing; an outlet formed in the housing on the opposite side of the inlet, for discharging hot and cold water from inside the housing; a collection space formed at the inner bottom of the housing for collecting foreign matter in the hot water flowing in through the inlet; a first inner pipe connected to the inlet inside the housing and having a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening in a side wall; a second inner pipe connected to the outlet inside the housing and having a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening in a side wall; Equipped with A collection tank characterized by:

2. a bottom of the first inner tube and a bottom of the second inner tube are spaced apart by a predetermined distance; the first inner pipe is fitted inside the housing so as to communicate with the inlet; the second inner pipe is fitted inside the housing so as to communicate with the outlet, the predetermined distance is a distance that, when the first inner tube or the second inner tube detaches from the inner wall of the housing, allows the detached one of the inner tubes to be prevented from wobbling within the housing by a bottom of the other inner tube, The orientation of the opening formed in the first inner tube is different from the orientation of the opening formed in the second inner tube.

2. The collection tank according to claim 1.

3. The opening formed in the first inner tube is oriented at an angle of 90° or less than 90° downward with respect to the extending direction of the first inner tube.

2. The collection tank according to claim 1.

4. A collection tank provided in a water heater that supplies hot water to at least a bathtub, for collecting foreign matter in hot water flowing through a pipe, The housing and An inlet formed in the housing for allowing hot and cold water to flow into the housing; an outlet formed in the housing on the opposite side of the inlet, for discharging hot and cold water from inside the housing; a collection space formed on the inner bottom of the housing for collecting foreign matter in the hot water flowing in through the inlet; The housing is formed by welding at least two unit housings in the direction of hot and cold water flow inside the housing, The unit housing is made of resin so that the inside cannot be seen from the outside, At least one of the at least two unit housings is provided with a mark for preventing misassembly. A collection tank characterized by:

5. The total area of ​​the openings formed in the first inner pipe is equal to or larger than the area of ​​the inlet.

2. The collection tank according to claim 1.

6. The opening area of ​​the inlet is larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet.

2. The collection tank according to claim 1.

7. a hot water generating unit that generates hot water to be supplied to at least the bathtub; a collection tank that collects foreign matter in the hot water flowing through a pipe connected to the bathtub, The collection tank is The housing and An inlet formed in the housing for allowing hot and cold water to flow into the housing; an outlet formed in the housing on the opposite side of the inlet, for discharging hot and cold water from inside the housing; a collection space formed at the inner bottom of the housing for collecting foreign matter in the hot water flowing in through the inlet; a first inner pipe connected to the inlet inside the housing and having a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening in a side wall; a second inner pipe connected to the outlet inside the housing and having a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening in a side wall; Equipped with A water heater characterized by the above.

8. A hot water generating unit that generates hot water to be supplied to at least the bathtub; a collection tank that collects foreign matter in the hot water flowing through a pipe connected to the bathtub, The collection tank is The housing and An inlet formed in the housing for allowing hot and cold water to flow into the housing; an outlet formed in the housing on the opposite side of the inlet, for discharging hot and cold water from inside the housing; a collection space formed on the inner bottom of the housing for collecting foreign matter in the hot water flowing in through the inlet; The housing is formed by welding at least two unit housings in the direction of hot and cold water flow inside the housing, The unit housing is made of resin so that the inside cannot be seen from the outside, At least one of the at least two unit housings is provided with a mark for preventing misassembly. A water heater characterized by the above.

9. The collection tank is provided in the piping through which hot water flows when reheating the bathtub. The water heater according to claim 7 .

10. The collection tank is provided downstream of a sterilization device that sterilizes hot water and upstream of the bathtub in the direction of flow of hot water when hot water is supplied to the bathtub. The water heater according to claim 7 .

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