JP2008298369A - Hot water heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water heating device capable of accurately acquiring situations where a liquid level cannot be accurately acquired by a liquid level detecting means and where a liquid replenishing means is broken. <P>SOLUTION: A water heater 1 has a neutralization device 7 communicated with a combustion gas passage 4. The neutralization device 7 has an inflow tank 31 and outflow tank 32 communicated with each other via a communication part 35 provided in the lower side. The water heater 1 performs water refilling operation when a water level of drain etc. does not reach a water filling normal water level Lc. At this time, when it is not detected that the water level reaches the water filling normal water level Lc until X minutes pass after start of the water refilling operation, it is determined that a water level electrode 47a, a valve 42 and the like may have an abnormality or fuel leakage may occur, so as to stop the water refilling operation and prohibit combustion operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water heater provided with a drain discharge system for discharging drain generated in the hot water heater.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called latent heat recovery type hot water heater as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has been provided. In this kind of hot water heater, a heat exchanger is provided in the middle of the combustion gas passage through which the combustion gas passes, and not only sensible heat contained in the combustion gas but also latent heat is recovered in the heat exchanger. It can be configured. Therefore, in the latent heat recovery type hot / cold water heating device, drain is generated in the combustion gas passage along with the combustion operation.

Since the drain generated in the latent heat recovery type hot water heater is exposed to the combustion gas, it has a high acidity and is corrosive. For this reason, many of the conventional latent heat recovery type hot water heaters are provided with a drain discharge system for discharging drain so as to communicate with the combustion gas passage, and for neutralizing the drain in the middle of the drain discharge system. A neutralization device is provided to prevent drain from being discharged as it is.
JP 2003-74974 A

  The conventional hot water heater described above is configured to have a drain discharge system so as to communicate with the combustion gas passage. Therefore, there is a concern that not only the drain but also the combustion gas may be discharged through the drain discharge system.

  Here, in the case where the hot water heater is installed outdoors, it is assumed that there is no major problem even if the combustion gas is discharged to the outside through the combustion gas passage. However, in the case where the hot water heater is an indoor installation type, there is a problem that it is necessary to surely prevent a problem that combustion gas is discharged through the drain discharge system.

  In view of this, the present inventors have provided a storage means having an inflow tank and an exhaust tank communicating with each other on the bottom side, and hot water or liquid for this in order to prevent leakage of the combustion gas generated during the combustion operation. A liquid replenishing means that can be replenished and a liquid level detecting means that can detect the liquid level of drain or the like stored in the storage means, and a liquid seal such as drainage is stored in the liquid level detecting means. An experiment was conducted with a prototype of a hot-water supply device equipped with a device that can handle this. As a result, it has been found that if the drain or the like is stored up to a liquid level that can be in a water-sealed state, it is possible to solve the problem that the combustion gas leaks through the drain discharge system.

  Here, when it is set as the above structure, if a water seal state will be eliminated, combustion gas will leak through a drain discharge system | strain. For this reason, if the liquid level detecting means fails or the liquid level cannot be detected by the liquid level detecting means, it is determined whether or not the drain in the storage means has been stored to a liquid level that can maintain the water seal state. There was a problem that it was impossible to grasp accurately. In addition, if the liquid replenishing means fails and the liquid cannot be supplied to the storage means, there is a possibility that the water seal state may not be maintained.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a hot water heating apparatus that can accurately grasp the liquid level when the liquid level detecting means cannot accurately grasp the liquid level or when the liquid replenishing means fails. The purpose was to provide.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the heat exchange between the combustion means for burning the fuel, the combustion gas passage through which the combustion gas generated by the combustion operation in the combustion means flows, and the combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage is provided. A heat exchanging means capable of heating hot water or a heat medium, a liquid supply system for supplying hot water or a heat medium to be heated from the outside to the heat exchanging means, and a drain for discharging drainage generated by combustion. A hot water heating apparatus comprising a drain discharge system and a control means, wherein the drain discharge system communicates with a combustion gas passage, and can store a drain and can store liquid in the storage means Liquid replenishing means, and a liquid level detecting means capable of detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined reference liquid level in the storing means, wherein the storing means is located on the inflow side of the drain, Drain drain An outflow side storage section located on the side, and a communication section in which the inflow side storage section and the outflow side storage section communicate with each other, and storing the liquid so that the liquid level is equal to or higher than a predetermined liquid level in the storage means Thus, the communication portion is sealed with the liquid stored in the storage means, and can be in a water-sealed state capable of preventing the passage of combustion gas, and the liquid replenishing means is configured to supply the liquid supply system. In the state where the liquid level detecting means does not detect the presence of the liquid. In a situation in which hot water or a heat medium can be supplied from the outside to the storage means and hot water or a heat medium can be supplied to the replacement fluid flow path, the liquid level is reached by a predetermined timing after the start of the replacement liquid operation. The liquid level is detected by the detection means. If the control means determines that one or both of the liquid level detecting means and the liquid replenishing means are abnormal, the replacement fluid operation is stopped on the condition that the determination is made. In addition, the hot water heater is characterized in that the combustion operation is prohibited.

  In the hot and cold water heating apparatus of the present invention, if the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detecting means even after a predetermined timing from the start of the replenishment operation, the liquid replenishing means has a problem and the hot water or heat to the storage means There is a possibility that the medium has not been replenished correctly, or that the liquid level detecting means is abnormal and the liquid level cannot be detected even though hot water or a heat medium is being supplied by the liquid replenishing means. That is, if the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detection means even after a predetermined timing from the start of the replacement liquid operation, it is assumed that either one of the liquid replenishment means or the liquid level detection means has a problem. Is done.

  Therefore, in the hot and cold water heating device of the present invention, when the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detecting means even at a predetermined timing after the replacement liquid operation is started, either the liquid replenishing means or the liquid level detecting means is selected. While it is determined that there is a problem on one side, the replacement fluid operation is stopped on the condition that the determination is made, and the combustion operation is prohibited. Therefore, in the hot and cold water heating apparatus of the present invention, when the liquid level detecting means is in a state where the liquid level cannot be accurately grasped or when the liquid replenishing means fails, these troubles are accurately grasped and caused by the trouble. Problems such as combustion gas leakage can be prevented.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the heat exchange between the combustion means for burning the fuel, the combustion gas passage through which the combustion gas generated by the combustion operation in the combustion means flows, and the combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage is provided. A heat exchanging means capable of heating hot water or a heat medium, a liquid supply system for supplying hot water or a heat medium to be heated from the outside to the heat exchanging means, and a drain for discharging drainage generated by combustion. A hot water heating apparatus comprising a drain discharge system and a control means, wherein the combustion means burns liquid fuel in a combustion space communicating with the combustion gas passage, and the drain discharge system is a combustion A storage means communicating with the gas passage, capable of storing drainage, a liquid replenishing means capable of replenishing hot water with respect to the storage means, and a liquid level capable of detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined reference liquid level in the storage means An inflow side storage section located on the inflow side of the drain, an outflow side storage section located on the drain side of the drain, and the inflow side storage section and the outflow side storage section. The drain and / or hot water is stored in the storage means by storing drain and / or hot water so that the storage means has a liquid level equal to or higher than a predetermined liquid level. The liquid replenishing means is branched from the liquid supply system and is directed to hot water or a heat medium toward the storage means. A liquid replacement operation for supplying hot water or a heat medium from the outside to the storage means by the liquid replenishment means when the liquid level detection means does not detect the presence of the liquid, and has a liquid replacement flow path through which the liquid can flow. Can be carried out, fluid flow In a situation where hot water or a heat medium can be supplied to the liquid level, the control means detects the liquid level on the condition that the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detection means by a predetermined timing after the start of the replacement fluid operation. It is determined that at least one of the abnormality of the means, the abnormality of the liquid replenishing means, and the abnormality relating to the fuel leakage in the combustion means has occurred, and the replacement operation is performed on condition that the determination is made. It is a hot water heater characterized by being stopped and the combustion operation being prohibited.

  The combustion means employed in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention burns liquid fuel. Therefore, if a problem occurs in which part of the liquid fuel is not combusted, this unburned liquid fuel may flow into the storage means via the combustion gas passage. On the other hand, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, drain, hot water, or a mixture thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as drain or the like as necessary) is stored in the storage means. Therefore, if the above-mentioned unburned liquid fuel flows into the storage means, the liquid fuel is present in a state where it floats in the upper layer of drain or the like in the inflow side storage section of the storage means due to specific gravity or the like. there's a possibility that.

  Here, the liquid level detection means employed in the present invention detects the presence or absence of liquid composed of drain or the like, and cannot detect the presence of liquid fuel. Therefore, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, when the liquid level detection means cannot detect the presence of liquid even when the predetermined timing is reached when hot water is replenished to make the storage means in a water-sealed state, drain or the like There is a possibility that the liquid level detection means cannot detect the liquid level due to the presence of the liquid fuel floating above. Therefore, when the liquid level cannot be detected by the liquid level detection means, there may be an abnormality related to fuel leakage in the combustion means.

  Further, as described above, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, when the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detecting means even after a predetermined timing from the start of the replacement liquid operation, the liquid replenishing means or the liquid level detecting means There is a possibility that either one of them is defective.

  Therefore, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, if the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detection means even after a predetermined timing from the start of the liquid replacement operation, there is an abnormality in the liquid replenishment means or the liquid level detection means. Therefore, it is determined that there is an abnormality related to fuel leakage in the combustion means. Therefore, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to accurately stop the refilling operation and prohibit the combustion operation in response to these abnormalities.

  In the hot and cold water heating device according to claim 1 or 2, the liquid supply system is provided with a liquid flow detecting means capable of detecting the flow of the hot water or the heat medium, and a history of liquid flow detected by the liquid flow detecting means. On the condition that there is, it may be determined by the control means that the hot water or the heat medium can be supplied to the replacement fluid flow path (Claim 3).

  With this configuration, it is possible to accurately grasp whether or not hot water or a heat medium can be supplied to the replacement fluid flow path.

  Here, most of the hot water heaters are provided with a flow detection means in the middle of a liquid supply system connected to the heat exchange means, and perform a combustion operation on condition that the liquid flow is detected by the liquid flow detection means. It is configured. In the hot water heating apparatus having such a configuration, the liquid flow detecting means is provided on the upstream side in the flow direction of the hot water or the heat medium supplied to the heat exchange means from the branch point between the liquid supply system and the replacement fluid flow path. If no special control or the like is performed, the combustor is not supplied to the heat exchanging means when hot water or heat medium is supplied to the storage means via the liquid supply system. May cause a combustion operation, and the heat exchange means may be in a so-called empty state.

  Therefore, when such a problem is a concern, the liquid flow detecting means is in the middle of the liquid supply system, and is supplied with hot water or a heat medium supplied to the heat exchange means from the branch point between the liquid supply system and the replacement fluid flow path. It is desirable to be arranged downstream in the flow direction. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the above-described void from occurring.

  Here, many hot water and water heaters generally employ a configuration in which the liquid passing through the heat exchanging means is detected by the liquid passing detecting means, and the combustion means starts the combustion operation on condition that the liquid passing is detected. ing. Therefore, when replenishing the storage means with liquid such as hot water from the outside through the replacement fluid flow path, if the combustion means performs a combustion operation due to the detection of the liquid passage detection means, the heat exchange means May become a so-called empty state.

  Therefore, the invention according to claim 4 provided on the basis of such knowledge is such that the combustion means starts the combustion operation on condition that the liquid flow is detected by the liquid flow detection means. The hot water heater according to claim 3, wherein the hot water heater is arranged in the middle of the liquid supply system and downstream of the branch point between the liquid supply system and the replacement fluid flow path.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the above-described void.

  The invention according to claim 5 has a neutralizing device capable of neutralizing and discharging the drain, and a part or all of the drain discharge system is formed by the neutralizing device. It is a hot-water heater in any one of 1-4.

  The hot water heater of the present invention has a compact device configuration because part or all of the drain discharge system is formed by the neutralizer. In addition, the neutralizer needs a certain volume to neutralize the drain. Therefore, when a part or all of the drain discharge system is formed by the neutralization device, the cross-sectional area of the flow path becomes larger than that when the drain discharge system is formed by piping or the like. For this reason, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, it is difficult for a malfunction such as drainage and the like remaining in the drain discharge system to freeze and block the flow path.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the liquid level detection means is provided in any one of the inflow side storage section and the outflow side storage section, and based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection means. The hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid can be replenished to the storage portion on the side where the liquid level detecting means is not provided by the liquid replenishing means.

  The invention according to claim 7 provided on the basis of similar findings is that the storage means has one or a plurality of sub storage parts communicating with the outflow side storage part, and the liquid level detection means Is provided in one reservoir selected from the inflow side reservoir, the outflow side reservoir, and the sub reservoir, and the liquid replenishing means is based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means. The hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a liquid can be replenished to a reservoir different from the reservoir provided with the position detecting means.

  In the case of adopting the configuration as in the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, even if the liquid splashes when the liquid is replenished by the liquid replenishing means, the splashed liquid is not directly applied to the liquid level detecting means. The possibility of adhering to is low. Further, when the above-described configuration is adopted, the tank in which the liquid is replenished by the liquid replenishing means is different from the tank in which the liquid level detecting means is installed. This makes it difficult for the liquid level to be erroneously detected. Therefore, if the structure of the said Claim 6 or Claim 7 is employ | adopted, it will grasp | ascertain correctly the quantity of the liquid currently stored by the storage part, and it will become a quantity suitable for forming a water seal state. A drain discharge system capable of adjusting the replenishment amount of the liquid can be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water heater capable of accurately grasping the liquid level when the liquid level detecting unit cannot accurately grasp the liquid level or when the liquid replenishing unit fails.

  Next, a hot water supply device 1 (hot water heater) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical / horizontal positional relationship will be described based on a normal installation state unless otherwise specified.

  The hot water supply apparatus 1 is a so-called latent heat recovery type hot water heating apparatus including a combustion section 2 (combustion means), a primary heat exchanger 20 and a secondary heat exchanger 25. The hot water supply device 1 includes a combustion case 3 and an exhaust collecting unit 5 below the combustion unit 2. As a result, the hot water supply device 1 is formed with a space communicating from the combustion case 3 through the exhaust collecting portion 5 to the silencer 6 so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially “U” -shaped. Further, the above-described silencer 6 is provided on the side of the combustion unit 2, and a neutralizer 7 is provided below the combustion case 3. The combustion case 3 and the silencer 6 communicate with an exhaust collecting part 5 provided on the bottom side of the hot water supply device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the combustion unit 2 includes an air case 8, a fuel spray nozzle 10, a blower 11, a combustion cylinder 12, and the like. The combustion part 2 is comprised by what is called a reverse combustion type combustion apparatus, and can form a flame toward the downward direction. That is, the combustion unit 2 operates the blower 11 to introduce combustion air into the air case 8 and directs the liquid fuel supplied from a fuel supply source (not shown) downward from the fuel spray nozzle 10. It is set as the structure which can be sprayed and combusted in the combustion cylinder 12. FIG.

  The combustion case 3 is located on the lower side with respect to the combustion part 2 and is a part through which high-temperature combustion gas generated in accordance with the combustion operation in the combustion part 2 flows, and is combined with the exhaust collecting part 5 and the muffler part 6. Thus, a series of combustion gas passages 4 is formed. A primary heat exchanger 20 and a secondary heat exchanger 25 are provided inside the combustion case 3. The primary heat exchanger 20 is located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the combustion gas flowing through the combustion unit 2, that is, on the upper side in the illustrated state. On the other hand, the secondary heat exchanger 25 is located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the combustion gas flowing through the combustion unit 2, that is, on the lower side in the illustrated state.

  A water inlet (not shown) of the primary heat exchanger 20 and a water outlet (not shown) of the secondary heat exchanger 25 are connected by a pipe (not shown). Further, a pipe connected to a place (hot water supply destination) serving as a hot water supply destination such as a currant or a bathtub is connected to the water outlet 20 a of the primary heat exchanger 20. Further, a water inlet pipe 26 for supplying hot water to be heated from the outside is connected to the water inlet 25a of the secondary heat exchanger 25. Therefore, when there is a hot water supply request at the hot water supply destination and hot water is supplied from an external water supply source via the water inlet pipe 26, this hot water is supplied to the water inlet 25 a of the secondary heat exchanger 25. The hot water supplied to the water inlet 25a flows through the secondary heat exchanger 25, and then is sequentially heat exchange heated by flowing through the primary heat exchanger 20, and then the hot water supply destination from the water outlet 20a of the primary heat exchanger 20 Supplied towards

  The exhaust collecting portion 5 is a portion that is disposed below the combustion case 3 and communicates directly with the combustion case 3. Exhaust collecting portion 5 has an internal space that extends in the width direction (right and left direction in FIG. 1) of hot water supply device 1 on the bottom side of hot water supply device 1. Further, the exhaust collecting part 5 communicates with a muffler part 6 arranged on the side of the combustion case 3. Therefore, the exhaust collecting portion 5 functions as a portion that causes the combustion gas flowing downward in the combustion case 3 to flow in and flows out the combustion gas toward the silencer 6. In other words, the exhaust collecting portion 5 functions as a portion for turning upward the flow direction of the combustion gas flowing downward.

  A drain discharge port 27 is provided at the bottom of the exhaust collecting portion 5. The drain discharge port 27 functions as a discharge port for discharging the drain falling from the secondary heat exchanger 25 side to the outside of the exhaust collecting portion 5.

  A neutralizing device 7 is disposed below the exhaust collecting portion 5, accepts drain discharged from the drain discharge port 27, neutralizes it, and discharges it. That is, the neutralization device 7 has a function as a drain discharge system for discharging drain generated in the hot water supply device 1 and a function as a neutralizer for neutralizing the drain. As shown in FIG. 1, the neutralization device 7 includes a storage container 30 (storage means) that can store drain, and a water injection means 40 (liquid replenishment means) that can replenish hot water from the outside of the storage container 30. I have.

  The storage container 30 is roughly classified into two tanks, and communicates so that drains and hot water can pass back and forth. Specifically, the storage container 30 has an inflow tank 31 (inflow side storage part) and a discharge tank 32 (outflow side storage part), and the both are separated by a partition wall 33. In addition, a discharge portion 34 is provided at a position adjacent to the discharge tank 32, and both communicate with each other at a position above the discharge tank 32.

  The inflow tank 31 is a tank located on the inflow side of the drain flowing from the exhaust collecting portion 5 side, that is, on the upstream side in the drain flow direction. In the present embodiment, the inflow tank 31 is connected to the drain outlet 27 of the exhaust collecting portion 5. The discharge tank 32 is an inflow tank 31 when assuming the flow of drain discharged from the discharge side of the drain flowing into the storage container 30, that is, from the exhaust collecting portion 5 through the neutralization device 7 constituting the drain discharge system. Is a tank existing downstream in the drain flow direction. In the present embodiment, the discharge tank 32 is provided at a position adjacent to the inflow tank 31.

  A partition wall 33 disposed between the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 extends from above the storage container 30 downward. In a state in which a liquid such as drain or hot water is stored in the storage container 30, the partition wall 33 isolates both water surfaces between the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32. On the other hand, the storage container 30 is in a state where the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 communicate with each other at a position below the partition wall 33 (hereinafter also referred to as a communication part 35). That is, the partition wall 33 does not reach the bottom surface 30a of the storage container 30, and between the lower end portion of the partition wall 33 and the bottom surface 30a, drain and hot water flow between the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32. There is nothing to stop.

  The inflow tank 31 is provided with a ground electrode 36 and three water level electrodes 37 (hereinafter also referred to as 37a, 37b, and 37c) for detecting the water level (liquid level). The water level detection means 37a to 37c are combined with the ground electrode 36 to exhibit a function as the water level detection means 55 for detecting the water level of drain or the like in the storage container 30. The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37 a to 37 c are electrically connected to a control device 50 provided for controlling the operation of the hot water supply device 1.

  The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a are substantially suspended from the top surface 30b side of the storage container 30 toward the bottom surface 30a side in the inflow tank 31, respectively. The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a are respectively higher by a height H (hereinafter also referred to as the maximum fluctuation width H) than the position corresponding to the lower end portion of the partition wall 33, in other words, the upper end portion of the communication portion 35. Is located. When it is detected that there is continuity between the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a, the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 is at least larger than the position corresponding to at least the lower end of the water level electrode 37a, that is, the upper end of the communicating portion 35. The communication portion 35 is in a position above the fluctuation width H and is in a state where the communication portion 35 is sealed with drain or hot water (hereinafter, this state is also referred to as a water seal state).

  Here, the above-described maximum fluctuation range H is influenced by the combustion gas flowing through the exhaust collecting unit 5 within a range (normal level fluctuation range) in which the combustion unit 2 can normally burn in the hot water supply device 1. Is adjusted to the maximum value of the liquid level drop when the liquid level of the inflow tank 31 is lowered. Specifically, in the hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the combustion unit 2 performs the combustion operation with the maximum combustion amount, the most combustion gas is generated, and the greatest pressure acts on the liquid level in the inflow tank 31. The maximum fluctuation range H is set in accordance with the liquid level lowering amount when burning with the maximum combustion amount. In addition, when the largest pressure acts on the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 except when the combustion part 2 burns with the maximum combustion amount, the maximum fluctuation range H is set in accordance with the liquid level decrease amount assumed under these conditions. Is set.

  In addition, when the combustion state of the combustion unit 2 is abnormal, a larger pressure acts on the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 than when the combustion operation is performed with the maximum combustion amount, and the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 Will be greatly reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the maximum fluctuation range H is set based on the liquid level lowering amount in the inflow tank 31 when the combustion unit 2 performs a normal combustion operation with the maximum combustion amount. Therefore, when the combustion unit 2 is in a combustion operation and drain or the like cannot be detected by the water level electrode 37a, the combustion state in the combustion unit 2 may be abnormal combustion. Therefore, the detection result by the water level electrode 37a is used as a reference for determining the combustion state in the combustion section 2.

  The hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the combustion operation of the combustion unit 2 is stopped when the presence of drain or the like is not confirmed by the water level electrode 37a. Therefore, the detection result by the water level electrode 37a is used as a reference for determining whether or not the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 is possible.

  The water level electrode 37 b is an electrode that is substantially parallel to the water level electrode 37 a and is attached so as to substantially hang downward from the top surface 30 b side in the inflow tank 31 of the storage container 30. The lower end portion of the water level electrode 37b exists at a position higher than the lower end portion of the water level electrode 37a (position on the top surface 30b side), that is, a position on the side where the liquid level rises when drainage or the like flows into the storage container 30. ing. The water level electrode 37b is disposed in the inflow tank 31 when the combustion is stopped when a sufficient amount of drainage is stored in the storage container 30 even when the liquid level fluctuates during normal combustion operation. It is attached so that it can be detected whether there is a liquid level at a position where the liquid level is assumed to exist.

  The water level electrode 37c is provided for detecting whether or not the water level has reached a level at which drain or the like in the storage container 30 overflows. The water level electrode 37c is attached so as to hang substantially downward from the top surface 30b side of the storage container 30 in the same manner as the water level electrodes 37a and 37b described above. The water level electrode 37c is provided to detect whether drainage or the like may overflow from the top surface 30b instead of from the discharge port 34a due to a drainage abnormality in the storage container 30. The lower end portion is at a position higher than the above-described water level electrodes 37a and 37b (position on the top surface 30b side).

  The discharge tank 32 has a larger volume than the inflow tank 31 described above. The storage container 30 has a drain port 38 on the bottom surface on the discharge tank 32 side. In the discharge tank 32, two partitions 32a and 32b are provided. The space in the discharge tank 32 is divided by the partitions 32a and 32b into three spaces including a space on the inflow tank 31 side, a space on the discharge unit 34 side, and a space in between the two spaces.

  The partitions 32 a and 32 b are provided so as to extend in the vertical direction in the discharge tank 32, and do not exist between the lower end portion and the bottom surface 30 a of the storage container 30. Therefore, the three spaces formed by dividing the space in the discharge tank 32 by the partitions 32a and 32b are in communication with each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper ends of the partitions 32a and 32b are overflow reference water levels defined by a horizontal plane passing through the lower end of the discharge port 39 that communicates the discharge tank 32 and the discharge unit 34. It protrudes slightly above Lx. That is, the upper ends of the partitions 32a and 32b are in positions that protrude slightly upward from the liquid surface position when liquid such as drain or hot water overflows from the discharge tank 32 side to the discharge portion 34 side.

  The discharge part 34 is a part attached to the side of the discharge tank 32, and is discharged through a discharge port 39 provided at a position unevenly distributed on the upper end side of the discharge tank 32, that is, on the top surface 30 b side of the storage container 30. 32. A discharge port 34 a for discharging drain or the like overflowing from the discharge tank 32 through the discharge port 39 is provided at the lower portion of the discharge unit 34.

  Here, the storage container 30 described above is about the size (internal volume) of the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 and the position where the discharge port 39 for discharging drain or the like from the discharge tank 32 to the discharge unit 34 is provided. When the combustion operation is performed in a normal combustion state, the adjustment is made in consideration of the fluctuation of the liquid level position assumed in the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32. More specifically, in the hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the combustion gas generated by performing the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 flows from the exhaust collecting unit 5 into the inflow tank 31 of the storage container 30. Along with this, pressure acts on the liquid level of the drain or the like in the inflow tank 31, the liquid level on the inflow tank 31 side is lowered, and the liquid level on the discharge tank 32 side is raised.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when water injection is performed until the liquid level reaches the overflow reference water level Lx when the combustion operation is stopped, the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 decreases after the start of combustion. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), drain or the like on the discharge tank 32 side overflows to the discharge unit 34 side through the discharge port 39 and is discharged. Therefore, if the water injection is performed up to the overflow reference water level Lx when the combustion is stopped, the water injection must be frequently performed to replenish the overflowed drain or the like. Moreover, if water injection is frequently performed, problems such as waste of hot water replenished in the storage means 30, electric energy required for water injection, and noise may occur. Moreover, if water injection is performed frequently, there may be a problem in durability of parts such as the valve 42 constituting the water injection means 40.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the volume of the space surrounded by the liquid surface on the discharge tank 32 side and the horizontal plane assumed at the position corresponding to the overflow reference water level Lx in the combustion stopped state is such that the combustion gas or the like is in the inflow tank 31. When water is injected by the position (height) of the discharge port 39 or by the water injection means 40 so that the volume of drain or the like pushed away from the inflow tank 31 side to the discharge tank 32 side due to the liquid level drop accompanying the inflow. The water level is adjusted.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the value when the liquid level drop amount in the inflow tank 31 is maximum during the combustion operation (hereinafter also referred to as the maximum liquid level drop amount X1) is experimentally or based on a predetermined mathematical formula or the like. Derived and set. Then, when the liquid level is lowered by the maximum liquid level drop amount X1, the maximum liquid level drop is based on the capacity of drain or the like pushed to the discharge tank 32 side through the communication portion 35 and the cross-sectional area of the discharge tank 32. The amount of liquid level rise on the discharge tank 32 side (hereinafter also referred to as the maximum liquid level rise amount X2) when the liquid level drop on the inflow tank 31 side occurs by the amount X1 is derived. Based on X1 and the like, the amount of drain and the like to be stored in the non-burning state and the position of the discharge port 39 of the discharge tank 32 are adjusted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), in a situation where drain or the like is present up to the water level in the water-sealed state in the storage container 30, only the maximum liquid level rise amount X2 during the combustion operation is on the discharge tank 32 side. The discharge port 39 is provided at a height higher than the position where the liquid level reaches when the liquid level rises. In addition, the water-sealed state can be maintained in any case as long as it is in a normal combustion state, and the water level on the inflow tank 31 side is lowered by the maximum liquid level lowering amount X1, and then the water replenishment operation even if the combustion is stopped. When drain or the like is present in the storage container 30 in an amount that does not need to be performed, a position where the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 is assumed to exist in the combustion stopped state (hereinafter also referred to as a water injection reference water level Lc). The water level electrode 37b is attached to a position where it can be detected whether or not drain or the like is present.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the water injection means 40 includes a water injection pipe 41 and a valve 42. The water injection pipe 41 is a pipe branched in the middle of the water inlet pipe 26 connected to the water inlet 25 a of the secondary heat exchanger 25 described above, and supplies hot water supplied from the outside toward the storage container 30. can do. The water injection pipe 41 is connected to the top surface 30b on the discharge tank 32 side of the storage container 30, and has a structure capable of pouring water on the discharge tank 32 side. The valve 42 is provided in the middle of the water injection pipe 41.

  A neutralizing agent C for neutralizing the drain is accommodated in the storage container 30 described above. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the neutralizing agent C is accommodated in the entire discharge tank 32.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the silencer 6 has a cylindrical space 6 b that is surrounded in all directions and communicated in the vertical direction. The space 6b in the silencer 6 communicates with the exhaust collecting part 5 on the lower end side. The silencer 6 has an exhaust port 6c on the upper end side, and the space 6b communicates with the external atmosphere via the exhaust port 6c.

  Then, operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus 1 is demonstrated. When the hot water supply apparatus 1 detects that hot water has been supplied from an external water supply source to the secondary heat exchanger 25 via a water inlet pipe 26 by a flow rate sensor (not shown), the combustion unit 2 performs a combustion operation. To start. Combustion gas generated in the combustion cylinder 12 along with the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 flows downward in the combustion case 3. Thereafter, the combustion gas flows into the exhaust collecting portion 5 provided on the bottom side of the hot water supply device 1.

  The combustion gas that has flowed into the exhaust collecting portion 5 flows in the exhaust collecting portion 5 in the horizontal direction, that is, toward the side connected to the silencer 6 (rightward in FIG. 1). Thereafter, the combustion gas flows toward the silencer 6 connected above the exhaust collecting part 5. That is, the combustion gas generated in the combustion section 2 and flowing downward in the combustion case 3 changes its flow direction in the exhaust collecting section 5 and flows upward in the muffler section 6 before being exhausted. It is discharged outside through the mouth 6c.

  On the other hand, hot water supplied from the outside via the water inlet pipe 26 flows into the secondary heat exchanger 25 via the water inlet 25 a of the secondary heat exchanger 25. The hot water flowing into the secondary heat exchanger 25 mainly recovers the latent heat contained in the combustion gas and is heated by this. Along with this, moisture contained in the combustion gas is aggregated and drainage is generated on the surface of the secondary heat exchanger 25 and the like.

  Hot water heated by the secondary heat exchanger 25 exits the water outlet (not shown) of the secondary heat exchanger 25 and enters the primary heat exchanger 20 from the water inlet (not shown) of the primary heat exchanger 20. Flow into. The hot water flowing into the primary heat exchanger 20 is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas generated along with the combustion of fuel in the combustion section 2. In the primary heat exchanger 20, the sensible heat mainly contained in the combustion gas is recovered. The hot water heated in the primary heat exchanger 20 in this way flows out from the water outlet 20a of the primary heat exchanger 20, and is supplied toward a curan or a bathtub or the like as a hot water supply destination.

  As described above, in the hot water supply apparatus 1, drainage is generated along with heat exchange in the secondary heat exchanger 25. The drain generated here falls in the combustion case 3 and collects in the exhaust collecting portion 5. Thereafter, the drain flows into the inflow tank 31 of the storage container 30 of the neutralization device 7 provided below the exhaust collecting portion 5 through the drain discharge port 27 provided at the bottom of the exhaust collecting portion 5. The drain that has flowed into the inflow tank 31 is neutralized by the neutralizing agent C stored in the storage container 30.

  Here, in the hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the control device 50 is configured so that the drain or the like sufficient to make a water-sealed state based on the conduction state between the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37b during the stop of combustion. 30 is checked, and when the amount of drain or the like is insufficient, the storage container 30 is put into a water-sealed state by performing a water replenishment operation (replenishment operation) for replenishing hot water. Further, the control device 50 determines the abnormality of the water level detection means 55 formed by combining the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 or the water injection means 40 based on the conduction state between the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37b during the water replenishment operation. The configuration is such that it is possible to determine the abnormality of the constituent valve 42 and the occurrence of abnormality related to fuel leakage in the combustion section 2. If it is determined that these abnormalities are present, the control device 50 stops the water refilling operation and disables the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2.

  More specifically, in the hot water supply apparatus 1, the control device 50 performs a water replenishment operation according to the flowchart as shown in FIG. 3, and determines an abnormality related to the water level detection means 55 and the valve 42 and an abnormality related to fuel leakage. To do. Specifically, the control device 50 first checks in step 1 whether or not the combustion unit 2 is in a combustion operation. Here, when the combustion is stopped, the control flow proceeds to step 2.

  When the control flow proceeds to step 2, the control device 50 checks whether or not there is electrical continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36. Here, when the continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 can be confirmed, sufficient drainage or the like is stored in the storage container 30 in a water-sealed state, and the water level electrode 37b or the ground electrode is stored. 36 is also assumed to be operating normally.

  Here, in the hot water supply device 1 including the combustion unit 2 of the type that burns liquid fuel as in the present embodiment, when a fuel leak occurs in the combustion unit 2, this flows into the inflow tank 31 side of the storage container 30. There is. In this case, since liquid fuel such as kerosene generally has a lower specific gravity than water, it does not mix with the drain etc. stored in the inflow tank 31 as shown by hatching in FIG. It is assumed that the layer floats in a layered state on the liquid surface. Furthermore, liquid fuel such as kerosene does not have electrical conductivity. Therefore, even if there is a drain or the like in the storage container 30 to the extent that a water-sealed state can be maintained, the kerosene in which the lower end portion of the water level electrode 37b floats on the drain or the like as shown in FIG. If it is at a position corresponding to the layer Z, the water level cannot be detected.

  That is, when a certain amount of liquid fuel has flowed into the inflow tank 31, the continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 cannot be confirmed. Therefore, in the case where the continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 cannot be confirmed in Step 2, there is a possibility that the drain or the like necessary for maintaining the water-sealed state is not stored in the storage container 30. In addition to this, if the water level cannot be detected even if the refilling operation is performed for a predetermined time when the combustion is stopped, an abnormality of the water level electrode 37b functioning as the water level detection means 55 and the ground electrode 36, an abnormal fuel leakage in the combustion unit 2, and the like are assumed. The

  Therefore, when the continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 cannot be confirmed in Step 2, the control flow proceeds to Step 3, and the valve 42 is opened from the control device 50 toward the valve 42. A signal to that effect is transmitted.

  Thereafter, the control flow shifts to step 4 and conduction between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is confirmed. Here, when conduction is confirmed, drain or the like that can maintain a water-sealed state is stored in the storage container 30 during combustion, and the water level detection means 55 and the valve 42 described above are stored. It is assumed that there is no abnormality and there is no fuel leakage in the combustion section 2. Therefore, if continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is confirmed in step 4, the control flow moves to step 9 and the neutralizing device 7 is operating normally, exceeding the allowable range. A determination is made that there is no fuel leakage (normal determination). Thereafter, the control flow shifts to step 10, the water refill operation is stopped, and a combustion standby state is waited for a combustion request to the combustion unit 2.

  On the other hand, if the continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is not confirmed in step 4, the control flow proceeds to step 5 and the command to open the valve 42 in step 2 is transmitted. It is checked whether minutes have passed. Here, the X component is sufficient to store in the storage container 30 an amount of hot water necessary for making the water-sealed state when the storage container 30 is replenished with hot water from the outside via the water injection pipe 41. Set to time.

  In step 5, when a command for opening the valve 42 is transmitted, that is, when X minutes have not elapsed since the refilling operation was started, the control flow is returned to step 4, and the storage container 30 is continuously supplied. Water injection continues. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step 5 that X minutes have elapsed, the valve 42 may be abnormal, or the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 constituting the water level detection means 55 may be abnormal. If it is confirmed in step 5 that X minutes have elapsed, there is a possibility that there is no conduction between the water level electrode 37 b and the ground electrode 36 because fuel leakage has occurred in the combustion section 2. In any case, it is not preferable for the hot water supply device 1 to continue the water refilling operation as it is or to allow the combustion operation of the combustion unit 2.

  Here, immediately after the hot water supply device 1 is installed, there is a possibility that there is no history that the flow rate detection means 45 (liquid flow detection means) has detected the water flow. Thus, even if it is in the state which can receive supply of hot water from the external water supply source via the inflow piping 26, there is no log | history by which the flow volume detection means 45 detected the water flow. However, the hot water supply apparatus 1 is in a state where it can receive hot water supply from an external water supply source via the water inlet pipe 26, and there is a history that the flow rate detection means 45 has detected the water flow during the previous combustion operation. If the water level electrode 37b is not conductive even after X minutes have elapsed since the start of the water replenishment operation in the control flow, this is not due to the absence of hot water from an external water supply source, and the valve 42 and the water level electrode 37b are not connected. It is assumed that there was a problem or that there was a fuel leak exceeding the allowable range in the combustion section 2.

  Based on these findings, when it is confirmed in step 5 that X minutes have elapsed since the start of the water replenishment operation, the control flow moves to step 6 and the presence or absence of a history of water flow detection by the flow rate detection means 45 is confirmed. The If there is a history that the flow rate detecting means 45 has detected the water flow, the control flow proceeds to step 7, and the control device 50 causes the abnormality of the valve 42, the abnormality of the water level detecting means 55, the abnormality of the fuel leakage in the combustion section 2 or the like. It is determined that there is at least any abnormality. Thereafter, the control flow is advanced to Step 8, the water refill operation is stopped, and the combustion section 2 is set in the combustion prohibited state.

  As described above, in the neutralization device 7 of the present embodiment, when the liquid such as drain is accumulated in the storage container 30 capable of storing drain so that the liquid level is equal to or higher than the water injection reference water level Lc, the communication unit 35 is water. It becomes a sealed state, and it can prevent that the combustion gas which flowed into the inflow tank 31 at the time of combustion passes the storage container 30, and is discharged | emitted outside. Moreover, in the neutralization apparatus 7 of this embodiment, the water injection means 40 is provided and the liquid can be replenished to the storage container 30 by this. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the hot water supply apparatus 1 is used for a long period of time, such as immediately after installation of the hot water supply apparatus 1 or after draining water from the storage container 30, in a state where there is no drain or the like in the storage container 30. Even in a state where there is not enough drain to make the storage container 30 into a water-sealed state because the water in the storage container 30 evaporates due to the absence or the like, the combustion operation is performed in this state. It is possible to prevent a problem that gas leaks through the neutralizing device 7.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the combustion gas flows from the exhaust collecting portion 5 side to the storage container 30 side, and the pressure acts on the liquid accumulated in the storage container 30 to reduce the water level in the inflow tank 31. In such a case, the combustion operation is performed after the storage container 30 is replenished with liquid by the water injection means 40 so that the water-sealed state can be maintained. Therefore, in the hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, even if the combustion gas flows into the inflow tank 31 and the water surface is lowered, the water seal state can be reliably maintained, and leakage of the combustion gas can be prevented.

  As described above, in the hot water supply apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when sufficient drainage or the like is not stored in the storage container 30 to make a water-sealed state, X minutes have elapsed since the rehydration operation was started. When the water level is not detected by the water level detection means 55 even after waiting for the fuel injection, it is determined that there is a possibility that the water injection means 40 or the water level detection means 55 is defective or that fuel leakage has occurred in the combustion section 2; The rehydration operation is stopped and the combustion operation is prohibited. Therefore, in the hot water supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately grasp the failure of the water injection means 40 and the fuel leakage, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of new problems due to these problems.

  In the above embodiment, the water level detection means 55 has been used so far, based on the timing when X minutes have elapsed since the start of the water injection operation, which would normally be in a water-sealed state after the start of the water injection operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, for example, a water flow sensor capable of detecting a water flow is provided in the middle of the water injection pipeline 41, and a flow sensor is provided in the middle of the water injection pipeline 41 after the water flow is detected, based on a predetermined timing, The timing at which the flow sensor detects a predetermined flow rate can be used as a reference.

  In the control flow described in the above embodiment, there is an abnormality in the valve 42, an abnormality in the water level detection means 55, and a fuel leakage abnormality in the combustion section 2 on the condition that there is a history that the flow rate detection means 45 has detected the water flow in step 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to perform abnormality determination on condition that other requirements are satisfied. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the water level electrode 37 b and the ground electrode 36 until Y minutes elapse after the rehydration operation is further completed during the transition from step 6 to step 7 in the control flow shown in FIG. 3. It is good also as a structure which detects whether there is no continuity between.

  More specifically, when it is confirmed that the flow rate detecting means 45 has detected a water flow in step 6 of the control flow shown in FIG. 3, there is an abnormality in the valve 42 or the water level detecting means 55, There is a high probability that there is fuel leakage exceeding the allowable amount in the combustion section 2. However, when the hot water supply device 1 continues to be exposed to the headwind for the period of X minutes described above, the inflow tank of the storage container 30 is affected by the outside air that has flowed into the exhaust collecting portion 5 via the silencer 6. There is a possibility that the abnormality of the valve 42 or the water level detection means 55 or the fuel leakage does not occur just because the water level on the 31st side is lowered.

  Further, even if it is assumed that fuel leakage has occurred in the combustion section 2, the fuel leakage is only about 1 cc / min, and it is not so much that the combustion operation must be prohibited immediately. For this reason, it is assumed that normal combustion is not prohibited immediately within the period in which the headwind is normally stopped, specifically within the range of about 1 hour, and it is assumed that there is no problem even if the abnormality determination is delayed. The

  Therefore, based on this knowledge, in the control flow shown in FIG. 4, the control flow is changed to steps 6a and 6 on the condition that there is a history that the flow rate detecting means 45 has detected the water flow in step 6 of the control flow shown in FIG. Proceeding to step 6b, it continues to detect whether there is continuity between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 until Y minutes (X minutes << Y minutes, 30 minutes in the present embodiment) have elapsed since the completion of the water replenishment operation. Then, when conduction between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is confirmed for Y minutes (NO in step 6a), the control device 50 lowers the water level in the inflow tank 31 due to the influence of the headwind. The control flow proceeds to step 9.

  On the other hand, if conduction between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is not confirmed during Y minutes (YES in step 6a and YES in step 6b), the control device 50 is not affected by the headwind. Rather, it is determined that the water level in the inflow tank 31 has been lowered due to the abnormality of the valve 42 or the water level detection means 55 or the influence of fuel leakage, and the control flow is advanced to step 7 to determine the abnormality.

  As described above, according to the control flow shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to prevent an erroneous detection that the valve 42 or the water level detection means 55 is abnormal or a fuel leak has occurred due to the influence of the back wind.

  In the control flow of FIG. 3 described above, on the condition that combustion is stopped in step 1, the control flow in step 2 and the subsequent steps detects the abnormality of the valve 42 and the water level detection means 55 and the presence or absence of fuel leakage. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in a general hot water supply apparatus, the blower 11 is operated not only during the combustion operation but also when performing a so-called post-purge operation, pre-purge operation, scavenging operation, etc., and air flows into the exhaust collecting portion 5. Therefore, under the situation where the blower 11 is operating, the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 is somewhat lowered due to the influence of the air flowing through the exhaust collecting section 5, and the valve 42 and the water level detection means 55 are abnormal, fuel leakage. There is a possibility of false detection of the presence or absence. On the other hand, when the hot water supply device 1 performs the combustion operation, the blower 11 is always operated. Therefore, in the control flow shown in FIG. 3, instead of checking whether or not the combustion is stopped, step 1 checks whether or not the blower 11 is operating, and confirms that the blower 11 is in a stopped state. It is good also as a structure which transfers to the control flow after step 2 as conditions.

  In the above embodiment, the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode are utilized by utilizing the property that the specific gravity of liquid fuel such as kerosene is small and floats on the liquid surface such as drain and the property that the liquid fuel does not have conductivity. Although it is determined that there is a possibility of fuel leakage on the condition that energization with 37b is not detected, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is good also as a structure which detects using a sensor etc. for detecting a fuel leak well-known conventionally. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which detects a fuel leak combining the detection of the fuel leak by a conventionally well-known method, and the determination method employ | adopted by this embodiment.

  As described above, in the hot water supply device 1, when the flow rate detection means 45 detects a predetermined amount of liquid flow, the control device 50 determines that a hot water supply request has been received from the hot water supply destination, and the combustion operation is started in the combustion section 2. It is set as the structure. Therefore, if the flow rate detection means 45 is provided at a position where water flow can be detected during the water replenishment operation to the storage container 30 performed while the combustion is stopped, hot water is not supplied to the primary heat exchanger 20 or the secondary heat exchanger 25. In spite of the absence, there is a possibility that a combustion operation is performed in the combustion section 2 and a so-called empty state is obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, the flow rate detection means 45 is arranged in the middle of the incoming water pipe 26 and is arranged downstream of the flowing direction of the hot water from the branch point of the incoming water pipe 26 and the water injection pipe 41 (on the heat exchanger side). ing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the malfunction that the combustion part 2 starts a combustion operation | movement by misdetecting that there was a hot water supply request | requirement at the time of the replenishment of the hot water to the storage container 30 does not arise.

  In the present embodiment, hot water supplied from the outside via the water inlet pipe 26 is supplied to the storage container 30 via the water injection pipe 41 depending on whether or not there is a history of water flow detected by the flow rate detection means 45. Although it is confirmed whether it is in a possible state, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, whether or not it is possible to supply the storage container 30 via the water injection pipe 41 by providing a configuration in which the flow rate and flow rate of hot water can be detected in the middle of the water injection pipe 41. It is good also as confirming.

  The hot water supply apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a compact apparatus configuration because part or all of the drain discharge system is formed by the neutralization apparatus 7. Moreover, the neutralization apparatus 7 is set as the structure which ensured a certain amount of volume in order to neutralize a drain. Therefore, when the drain discharge system is formed by the neutralization device 7 as in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which the drain and the like pass increases, and the drain and the like remaining in the drain discharge system are frozen accordingly. It is difficult for the flow path to be blocked.

  In the neutralization device 7 employed in the present embodiment, the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c constituting the water level detection means 55 are provided on the inflow tank 31 side, and the water injection conduit 41 of the water injection means 40 is discharged from the discharge tank. It is the structure provided in 32 side. For this reason, even when hot water splashes when the storage container 30 is replenished with the water injection means 40, it is unlikely that the water will directly adhere to the water level detection means 55. Moreover, in this embodiment, both water surfaces are isolate | separated by the partition 33 distribute | arranged between the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32. FIG. Therefore, even when the water surface on the discharge tank 32 side undulates when the hot water is replenished via the water injection pipe 41, the water surface on the inflow tank 31 side is almost unaffected and the water level detection means 55 is unlikely to cause erroneous detection of the water level.

  Moreover, if it is set as above-mentioned structure, the water level will be stabilized in the short time in the inflow tank 31 side in which the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a-37c are installed at the time of the water injection to the storage container 30. Therefore, according to the configuration described above, the water level detection process by the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c can be completed in a short time.

  In the neutralization device 7 described above, a configuration in which a combination of the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c is adopted as a configuration for detecting the water level is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. . That is, instead of the water level detection means such as a combination of the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37, a configuration using, for example, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or the like, or a configuration using a conventionally known float sensor, ball tap, or the like may be used. .

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the water level electrode 37b and the like are arranged taking into account the range of fluctuation of the liquid level position caused by the pressure acting on the liquid in the storage container 30 during the combustion operation is illustrated. It is not limited. Specifically, the mounting position of the water level electrode 37b or the like can be set as appropriate without considering the above-described fluctuation of the liquid level, or can be adjusted as appropriate by taking into account other factors.

  In the above embodiment, the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c are provided on the inflow tank 31 side, and the water injection pipe 41 of the water injection means 40 is connected to the discharge tank 32 side. It is good also as a structure which connected the water injection line 41 of the water injection means 40 to the tank 31 side, and provided the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a-37c in the discharge tank 32 side. In addition, when it is set as the structure which connected the water injection pipe line 41 to the top | upper surface 30b side of the storage container 30 as mentioned above, hot water (water supply) falls from the top | upper surface 30b side at the time of the water injection to the storage container 30. Become. At this time, there is a possibility that drain or the like splashes in the storage container 30 or the liquid level undulates, causing the water level electrodes 37a to 37c to erroneously detect the water level. Therefore, in order to prevent such a malfunction, the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c are provided on one side of the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 as described above, and the water injection conduit of the water injection means 40 is provided on the other side. 41 is preferably connected.

  The neutralization device 7 described above includes two tanks, an inflow tank 31 and an exhaust tank 32, in which drain is stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the inflow tank 31. A separate tank (sub-reservoir) that can store drainage or the like is provided between the tank and the discharge tank 32, or the position upstream of the inflow tank 31 in the drain flow direction or the drain flow with respect to the discharge tank 32. It is good also as a structure which provided another tank (sub storage part) in the position of the direction downstream side. Also, in the case of such a configuration, as described above, when water is poured into the storage container 30, drainage or the like splashes in the storage container 30 or the liquid level undulates, causing the water level to be incorrect. In order to prevent detection, a ground electrode 36 and water level electrodes 37a to 37c are provided in a tank selected from the inflow tank 31, the discharge tank 32, and one or a plurality of sub-reservoir parts, and water is poured into another tank. It is desirable that the water injection pipe 41 of the means 40 be connected.

  In the said embodiment, although the example which comprised the system | strain for discharging | emitting drain outside by the neutralization apparatus 7 which can form a water seal state by storing drain or hot water was illustrated, this is one implementation of this invention. It is only what showed the form, and it is the composition which formed the drain discharge system provided with the same composition in parts other than neutralization device 7, or the combination of the drain discharge system and neutralization device 7 etc. Also good. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which applied the drain discharge system comprised by the neutralization apparatus 7 to what is called a latent-heat recovery type hot water supply apparatus 1 was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, It is good also as a structure employ | adopted for the type of hot water supply apparatus and apparatus.

  Although the hot water supply device 1 shown in the above embodiment includes the so-called reverse combustion type combustion unit 2, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a conventionally known vaporization type combustion device. As described above, any type of combustion may be employed, such as a type that burns liquid fuel vaporized or a type of combustion device that burns gas. The hot water supply device 1 is not limited to a type having only a so-called general hot water supply function, but instead of the general hot water supply function, a hot water supply function, a hot water heating function, or a combination of these functions. It may be a machine.

  The above-described hot water supply device 1 does not have a problem that the combustion gas is discharged through the neutralization device 7. Therefore, the hot water supply device 1 can be suitably installed indoors.

It is an apparatus block diagram which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically storage conditions, such as a drain, in a storage container, (a) is a state in which a storage container is a full water state, (b) is a combustion gas infiltrating into a storage container, and in an inflow tank. (C) is a state where water injection into the storage container is not required when combustion is stopped, and (d) is a state where liquid fuel accumulates in the inflow tank and the water level electrode 37b cannot detect the water level such as drain. It is shown. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Hot water supply device (hot water heating device)
2 Combustion section (combustion means)
3 Combustion case 4 Combustion gas passage 5 Exhaust collecting part 6 Silencer part (exhaust part)
7 Neutralizer 20 Primary heat exchanger 25 Secondary heat exchanger 26 Inlet piping (liquid supply system)
30 Storage container (storage means)
31 Inflow tank (inflow side reservoir)
32 Discharge tank (outflow side storage part)
33 Bulkhead 35 Communication part 36 Ground electrode 37a-37c Water level electrode 40 Water injection means (liquid replenishment means)
41 Water injection pipe 50 Control device 55 Water level detection means (liquid level detection means)

Claims (7)

Heat capable of heating hot water or a heat medium by heat exchange between a combustion means for burning fuel, a combustion gas passage through which combustion gas generated by a combustion operation in the combustion means flows, and a combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage An exchange means, a liquid supply system for supplying hot water or a heat medium to be heated to the heat exchange means from the outside, a drain discharge system for discharging drain generated by combustion, and a control means. A hot water heater provided,
The drain discharge system is
A storage means communicating with the combustion gas passage and capable of storing drain;
A liquid replenishing means capable of replenishing the storage means with a liquid;
Liquid level detecting means capable of detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined reference liquid level in the storage means,
The storage means includes an inflow side storage section located on the drain inflow side, an outflow side storage section located on the drain discharge side, and a communication section in which the inflow side storage section and the outflow side storage section communicate with each other. ,
A water-sealed state in which the communication unit is sealed with the liquid stored in the storage unit and the passage of the combustion gas can be prevented by storing the liquid in the storage unit so that the liquid level is equal to or higher than a predetermined liquid level. Is possible, and
The liquid replenishing means is branched from the liquid supply system, and has a liquid replacement flow path capable of passing hot water or a heat medium toward the storage means;
In a state where the liquid level detection means does not detect the presence of the liquid, it is possible to perform a replenishment operation for supplying hot water or a heat medium from the outside to the storage means by the liquid replenishment means,
In a situation where hot water or a heat medium can be supplied to the replacement fluid flow path, the control means, on the condition that the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detection means by a predetermined timing after the start of the replacement fluid operation, It is determined that one or both of the liquid level detection means and the liquid replenishment means are abnormal,
A hot water heating apparatus characterized in that the replacement fluid operation is stopped and the combustion operation is prohibited on condition that the determination is made. Heat capable of heating hot water or a heat medium by heat exchange between a combustion means for burning fuel, a combustion gas passage through which combustion gas generated by a combustion operation in the combustion means flows, and a combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage An exchange means, a liquid supply system for supplying hot water or a heat medium to be heated to the heat exchange means from the outside, a drain discharge system for discharging drain generated by combustion, and a control means. A hot water heater provided,
The combustion means burns liquid fuel in a combustion space communicating with the combustion gas passage;
The drain discharge system is
A storage means communicating with the combustion gas passage and capable of storing drain;
Liquid replenishment means capable of replenishing hot water with respect to the storage means;
Liquid level detecting means capable of detecting the presence of liquid at a predetermined reference liquid level in the storage means,
The storage means includes an inflow side storage section located on the drain inflow side, an outflow side storage section located on the drain discharge side, and a communication section in which the inflow side storage section and the outflow side storage section communicate with each other. ,
By storing drain and / or hot water so that the liquid level becomes a predetermined liquid level or higher in the storage means, the communication part is sealed with drain and / or hot water stored in the storage means, and the combustion gas It is possible to be in a water-sealed state that can prevent passage,
The liquid replenishing means is branched from the liquid supply system, and has a liquid replacement flow path capable of passing hot water or a heat medium toward the storage means;
In a state where the liquid level detection means does not detect the presence of the liquid, it is possible to perform a replenishment operation for supplying hot water or a heat medium from the outside to the storage means by the liquid replenishment means,
In a situation where hot water or a heat medium can be supplied to the replacement fluid flow path, the control means, on the condition that the liquid level is not detected by the liquid level detection means by a predetermined timing after the start of the replacement fluid operation, It is determined that at least one abnormality has occurred among the abnormality of the liquid level detection means, the abnormality of the liquid replenishment means, and the abnormality relating to the fuel leakage in the combustion means,
A hot water heating apparatus characterized in that the replacement fluid operation is stopped and the combustion operation is prohibited on condition that the determination is made. Liquid supply detection means capable of detecting the flow of hot water or heat medium is provided in the liquid supply system,
2. The control means determines that it is possible to supply hot water or a heat medium to the replacement fluid passage on the condition that there is a history of detection of liquid passage by the liquid passage detection means. Or the hot-water heating apparatus of 2 or 2. The combustion means starts the combustion operation on condition that the liquid flow is detected by the liquid flow detection means,
The hot / cold water heating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the liquid flow detecting means is arranged in the middle of the liquid supply system and downstream of the branch point between the liquid supply system and the replacement fluid flow path. Has a neutralizer that can neutralize and drain the drain,
The hot water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a part or all of a drain discharge system is formed by the neutralizer. The liquid level detection means is provided in any one of the inflow side storage part and the outflow side storage part,
The liquid can be replenished to the storage portion on the side where the liquid level detecting means is not provided by the liquid replenishing means based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detecting means. The hot water heating apparatus according to any one of 5. The storage means has one or a plurality of sub storage parts communicating with the outflow side storage part,
The liquid level detecting means is provided in one reservoir selected from an inflow side reservoir, an outflow side reservoir, and a sub reservoir.
The liquid replenishing means is capable of replenishing liquid to a storage part different from the storage part provided with the liquid level detection means based on the liquid level detected by the liquid level detection means. The hot-water heating apparatus in any one of 1-5.

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