JP2009150576A - Water heating system equipped with neutralizer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heating system for properly coping with a case where condensed water sufficient in quantity for forming a water sealing structure to block a combustion gas is not stored in a neutralizer for condensed water. <P>SOLUTION: This water heating system A1 includes an auxiliary water supply pipe 5 connecting a hot water/water flow channel 2 and the neutralizer 3, provided with a valve V1 for switching on/off of hot water/water supply from the hot water/water flow channel 2 to the neutralizer 3, and for increasing a water level in the neutralizer 3 by guiding the hot water/water of the hot water/water flow channel 2 into the neutralizer 3 when the water level of the condensed water in the neutralizer 3 does not reach a prescribed reference water level, and back-flow preventing means 6a-6c for preventing back-flow of the liquid from the inside of the neutralizer 3 toward the hot water/water flow channel 2 through the auxiliary water supply pipe 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water apparatus including a neutralizer for neutralizing an acidic drain (condensate) generated when heat is recovered from combustion gas.

  The present applicant has previously proposed those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 as specific examples of the hot water apparatus. The hot water apparatuses described in these documents are configured such that the combustion gas generated by the combustor travels through a predetermined combustion gas flow path, and sensible heat and latent heat are recovered from the combustion gas by a heat exchanger. However, it is configured to perform hot water heating. A neutralizer is provided below the member forming the combustion gas flow path. When the latent heat is recovered from the combustion gas, an acidic drain containing components such as nitrogen oxides in the combustion gas is generated. This drain is configured to be fed into the neutralizer from the combustion gas flow path. ing. The neutralizer is a container in which a neutralizing agent such as calcium carbonate is contained, and the acidic drain is neutralized by passing through the neutralizer, and then the neutralizer is discharged. It is discharged from the outlet to the outside. Therefore, it is avoided that the drain is discarded while being acidic, which is good for environmental protection.

  On the other hand, when the drain is led into the neutralizer as described above, a part of the combustion gas may travel from the combustion gas flow path of the hot water apparatus into the neutralizer. When actually using a hot water device, it may be desirable to prevent the combustion gas that has traveled into the neutralizer from passing through the neutralizer and being discharged outside, especially when the hot water device is installed indoors. Such a request is great. Therefore, for example, as described in Patent Document 4, the present applicant has provided a neutralizer in which a water seal structure for blocking combustion gas is formed inside by storing a predetermined amount or more of the drain. is suggesting. According to such a configuration, the combustion gas that has progressed into the neutralizer is appropriately prevented from traveling downstream from the water seal structure portion, and the combustion gas passes through the neutralizer and is discharged to the outside. Can be prevented.

  However, the prior art has still to be improved as described below.

  That is, the water seal structure for blocking combustion gas is properly formed in the neutralizer only when the drain is stored in the neutralizer at a certain level or higher. The water seal structure is not properly formed. For example, when a hot water device equipped with a neutralizer is newly installed, there is no drain in the neutralizer. In winter, the drain in the neutralizer may be extracted for the purpose of preventing freezing. Furthermore, even if the drain is initially sufficiently present in the neutralizer, the water level of the drain may be lowered due to special circumstances that are difficult to predict. In such a case, the water seal structure for blocking the combustion gas is not formed in the neutralizer, so that if the hot water device is operated in this state, It will be discharged to the outside via. Accordingly, it is required to appropriately cope with such a situation, and there is room for improvement in this respect. In this case, it is required not to cause a problem that the entire hot water apparatus is enlarged.

JP 2006-102617 A JP 2006-105467 A JP 2006-105468 A Japanese Patent No. 3791451

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances as described above, and sufficient drains are stored in the neutralizer for drains to form a water-sealing structure for blocking combustion gas. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water device equipped with a neutralizer that can be suitably dealt with when there is not.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

  A hot water apparatus provided with a neutralizer provided by the present invention includes a combustion gas flow path forming member that internally forms a combustion gas flow path for circulating the combustion gas in a fixed path, and hot water to be heated. And a hot water channel having a heat exchanger for recovering heat from the combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas channel, and generated along with the heat recovery. The drain is formed so that a water-sealed structure is formed in the inside, which can be neutralized by flowing an acidic drain into the interior and then discharged to the outside, and shuts off the combustion gas traveling from the combustion gas flow path. A hot water device comprising a neutralizer, wherein the hot water flow channel and the neutralizer are connected to each other. And the neutralizer from the hot water flow path A valve capable of switching on and off the hot water supply of water is provided, and when the drain water level in the neutralizer is less than the reference water level, the hot water in the hot water flow path is introduced into the neutralizer. Auxiliary water supply pipe capable of raising the water level in the neutralizer, and a reverse flow capable of preventing the backflow of liquid from the neutralizer through the auxiliary water supply pipe toward the hot water flow path And a prevention means.

  According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

  First, when the drain water level in the neutralizer is less than the predetermined reference water level, hot water is supplied into the neutralizer using the auxiliary water supply pipe, thereby setting the water level in the neutralizer to a predetermined level. It is possible to raise the water level to the reference level, and this appropriately forms a water seal structure for blocking combustion gas in the neutralizer, so that the combustion gas is not discharged outside through the neutralizer. be able to. Therefore, for example, even when the amount of drain is not sufficient to form a water-sealed structure at the beginning of installation of the hot water apparatus or after the drain is extracted for the purpose of preventing freezing, it is possible to cope with it appropriately.

  Secondly, the inside of the hot water channel is unsanitary because it includes a backflow prevention means capable of preventing the phenomenon that the liquid in the neutralizer flows back to the hot water channel via the auxiliary water supply pipe (cross connection). Of course, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the neutralizer, or to provide great flexibility in the connection structure between the auxiliary water supply pipe and the neutralizer, as described below. It becomes. That is, unlike the present invention, when the above-described backflow prevention means is not provided, it is difficult to connect the auxiliary water supply pipe to, for example, the side or bottom of the neutralizer from the viewpoint of preventing cross connection. Therefore, the auxiliary water supply pipe must be connected to the upper part of the neutralizer. In addition, even when the auxiliary water supply pipe is connected to the upper part of the neutralizer in this way, in order to prevent the cross connection with certainty, the water supply port for supplying water from the auxiliary water supply pipe into the neutralizer Must be provided substantially above the liquid level of the drain. However, in order to achieve such a configuration, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the neutralizer in the vertical height direction, which causes a disadvantage that the neutralizer becomes larger. On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is possible to suitably eliminate all the problems as described above, and to obtain flexibility such as connecting the auxiliary water supply pipe to the side part or the bottom part of the neutralizer. For example, when the neutralizer is disposed below the other parts of the hot water device in order to reduce the thickness of the water heater, it is preferable to reduce the vertical height of the entire hot water device.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the neutralizer is arranged below the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member, and the valve and the backflow prevention means are the combustion gas flow path forming member or the Located on the side of the neutralizer.

  According to such a configuration, since the neutralizer is disposed below the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member, it is easy to allow the drain to flow into the neutralizer from the combustion gas flow path. At the same time, it is preferable to reduce the width of the entire hot water apparatus. Further, if the valve and the backflow prevention means are arranged on the side of the combustion gas flow path forming member or the neutralizer, for example, the valve and the backflow prevention means are connected to the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member and the neutralizer. Compared with the case where it is provided between, the size of the whole warm water apparatus in the up-and-down height direction can be made small.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary water supply pipe is connected to a side part or a bottom part of the neutralizer and is neutralized from a water supply port provided at a side part or a bottom part of the neutralizer. It is configured that water can be supplied into the vessel.

  According to such a configuration, for example, compared with the case where water is supplied into the neutralizer from above, the water supply into the neutralizer is performed at a low height, so that the sound during water supply (for example, This is suitable for reducing the sound (such as the sound of water flowing down on the liquid level of the drain) present in the sump so that the user does not mind. In addition, when the neutralizer is disposed below the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member, it is not necessary to pass the auxiliary water supply pipe through the gap between the combustion gas flow path forming member and the neutralizer. Can be reduced.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water supply port is provided at a height lower than the reference water level.

  According to such a configuration, it is more preferable to reduce the sound generated when water is poured into the neutralizer from the water supply port.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a water level detection means for detecting whether or not the water level in the neutralizer is equal to or higher than the reference water level, and a water level detected using the water level detection means And a control means for executing control for supplying water into the neutralizer when the valve is open when the reference water level is not reached.

  According to such a configuration, water can be supplied into the neutralizer at an appropriate timing under the control of the control means.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary water supply pipe is connected upstream of a flow meter for measuring the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger in the hot water flow path, and the control means When the water level in the neutralizer is less than the reference water level and the valve is opened, the valve is opened after a preset time has elapsed since the water level rose to the reference water level. The closing control is configured to be executed.

  According to such a configuration, when water is supplied into the neutralizer from the auxiliary water supply pipe, the water level in the neutralizer is in a state of being raised by an appropriate amount from the reference water level. In this way, if the water level in the neutralizer is raised by an appropriate amount, even if the water surface is slightly shaken, the water level will not easily fall below the reference water level, and the water level detection means In addition, it is possible to prevent a hunting phenomenon (a phenomenon in which the operation of determining that the water level is equal to or higher than the reference water level and the operation of determining that the water level is not frequently repeated) from occurring. Further, if the auxiliary water supply pipe is connected upstream of the flow meter, when the neutralizer is supplied using the auxiliary water supply pipe, the water supply amount is measured by the flow meter. Absent. Therefore, the value measured by the flow meter can accurately reflect the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary water supply pipe is connected downstream of a flow meter for measuring the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger in the hot water flow path, and the control means When the water level in the neutralizer becomes less than the reference water level and the on-off valve is opened, the flow rate set in advance from the time when the water level subsequently rises to the predetermined reference water level is reduced by the flow meter. Control is performed to close the valve at the time of measurement.

  According to such a configuration, as in the above-described embodiment, when water is supplied from the auxiliary water supply pipe to the neutralizer, the water level in the neutralizer rises by an appropriate amount from the reference water level. Thus, the hunting phenomenon of the water level detecting means can be prevented. On the other hand, the timing at which the water supply to the neutralizer is stopped is controlled by using a flow meter for measuring the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger provided in the hot water flow path. A separate meter is not required, and the control can be easy and accurate.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a part of the hot water channel is configured as a drop-in channel for a bathtub provided with a backflow prevention mechanism that is branched and connected to the other part of the hot water channel, The auxiliary water supply pipe is branchedly connected to the drop channel for the bathtub, so that hot water from the drop channel for the bathtub can be supplied into the neutralizer, and backflow prevention of the drop channel for the bathtub is prevented. The mechanism is configured to also serve as the backflow prevention means.

  According to such a configuration, since the backflow prevention mechanism for the drop-in channel for the bathtub also serves as a means for preventing the backflow from the neutralizer to the hot water flow path, the backflow prevention means dedicated to the auxiliary water supply pipe is used. The configuration is reasonable.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 3 show an example of a hot water apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “hot water apparatus”) including a neutralizer to which the present invention is applied, and a configuration related thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water apparatus A1 of this embodiment includes a hot water apparatus main body 1, a neutralizer 3, a controller 4, and hot water to be heated, each having a combustor 10 and other parts described later. Are provided with a hot water flow path 2 for distributing the water through a fixed path, an auxiliary water supply pipe 5, an electromagnetic on-off valve V1 having a backflow prevention function, and an outer case 9.

  The hot water apparatus main body 1 includes casings 11 and 12 and a silencer 13 in addition to the combustor 10. The combustor 10 is of a reverse combustion type in which fuel oil such as kerosene supplied from the outside via a fuel pipe 14 is sprayed or vaporized and burned downward, and is blown by a blower fan 15 from above. Air is supplied downward. The interiors of the casings 11 and 12 and the silencer 13 are combustion gas passages 19 connected in series. The combustion gas generated by the combustor 10 travels downward in the casing 11 and flows into the casing 12. After that, it passes through the silencer 13 and is discharged outside as exhaust gas from the exhaust port 13a. However, when this hot water apparatus A1 is an indoor installation type, a duct (not shown) for outdoor exhaust is further connected to the exhaust port 13a, and the combustion gas that has finished heat recovery passes through this outdoor exhaust duct. Exhausted outdoors. The casings 11 and 12 and the silencer 13 correspond to an example of a combustion gas flow path forming member in the present invention.

  The hot water flow path 2 includes first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B, and internal pipes 21 and 22 for incoming and outgoing hot water connected to these. The first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B are arranged in the casing 11 and configured to sequentially recover sensible heat and latent heat from the combustion gas. In the hot water flow path 2, water supplied from the outside to the water inlet 21 a is heated by being sequentially sent to the second heat exchanger 20 </ b> B and the first heat exchanger 20 </ b> A, and hot water generated by this heating is generated. Is configured to take out hot water from the hot water outlet 22a. When latent heat is recovered from the combustion gas by the second heat exchanger 20 </ b> B, an acidic drain is generated on the surface thereof, but this drain flows down on the bottom of the casing 12. A drain outlet 12 a is provided at the bottom of the casing 12, and the drain is supplied from this portion to the neutralizer 3.

  The neutralizer 3 is disposed below the casing 12 so that the overall width of the hot water apparatus A1 is not bulky. The neutralizer 3 has a configuration in which a neutralizing agent 31 such as granular calcium carbonate is accommodated in a synthetic resin container 30 having acid resistance, for example. When the drain flows into the container 30 from the inlet 32, the drain reaches the outlet 33 after being neutralized by the contact with the neutralizing agent 31. The drain that has reached the outlet 33 is discharged to the outside of the outer case 9 through an appropriate internal pipe 69.

  As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the neutralizer 3 has first and second partition walls 34a and 34b, which are partitioned into first to third water storage tanks 35a to 35c. Yes. The neutralizing agent 31 is filled only in the second and third water storage tanks 35b and 35c. In this neutralizer 3, the drain flows into and is stored therein, so that a water-sealing structure for blocking combustion gas is formed. More specifically, in this water-sealed structure, in a state where the drain flows into the neutralizer 3, the water level in the first water tank 35a is higher than at least the height H1 of the lower end of the first partition wall 34a. Thus, the air or combustion gas in the first water tank 35a does not travel toward the second partition wall 34b. When the hot water apparatus A1 is not operated and the combustion gas pressure or the like does not act on the neutralizer 3 from the combustion gas flow path 19, the water level in the first water tank 35a is the height described above. When the height is substantially the same as H1, when the hot water apparatus A1 is operated and the combustion gas pressure acts in the first water tank 35a, the water level is lowered and the water seal structure is easily released. There is a fear. For this reason, in this embodiment, as will be described later, when the operation of the hot water apparatus A1 is stopped, the water level in the first water tank 35a is controlled to be higher than the above-described height H1.

  The neutralizer 3 includes a water level detection unit LS. This water level detection part LS is for detecting the water level of the 1st water tank 35a, and has electrodes 38 and 39a-39c. The electrode 38 is a ground electrode. The electrodes 39a to 39c have different lower end heights. When the lower ends of the electrodes 39a to 39c are immersed in the drain, the electrodes 39a to 39c are energized with the ground electrode 38. The control unit 4 can determine whether or not it is above the lower end.

  The lower end height of the electrode 39a is slightly higher than the lower end height H1 of the first partition wall 34a, or approximately the same height. For example, abnormal combustion occurs in the hot water apparatus A1, or This is useful for detecting when the water level of the first water tank 35a is abnormally greatly reduced due to a cause other than the above. Further, when the water level is not detected by the electrode 39a, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that the water sealing structure for blocking the combustion gas is not formed. For this reason, for example, when the water level drops below the lower end height of the electrode 39a during the operation of the hot water apparatus A1, a warning to that effect is given and the operation of the hot water apparatus A1 ( Control such as forcibly stopping the combustion operation) is executed.

  The electrode 39b is for determining whether the water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference water level L1. Here, the reference water level L1 in the present embodiment also includes the maximum combustion gas pressure (preferably the pressure when external air is blown into the combustion gas passage 19 from the exhaust port 13a or the like) with respect to the first water tank 35a. ), The water level does not drop below the above-described height H1, and the water surface height can maintain the water sealing structure for blocking combustion gas. The electrode 39c is for detecting an abnormal rise of the drain. More specifically, the neutralizer 3 does not exceed the maximum water level L2 shown in FIG. 3 when the interior of the neutralizer 3 and the piping system downstream thereof are not clogged. On the other hand, when clogging occurs, if the drain flows into the neutralizer 3 thereafter, the water level in the neutralizer 3 rises above the maximum water level L2. The electrode 39c is used to detect such an abnormal increase.

  The auxiliary water supply pipe 5 is for supplying water into the neutralizer 3 when the amount of drain in the neutralizer 3 is insufficient. As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 is connected to an incoming water internal pipe 21 via an electromagnetic opening / closing valve V <b> 1, and the other end is provided on the neutralizer 3. Connected to the water supply port 37. For this reason, it is possible to supply the water in the internal pipe 21 into the neutralizer 3 by opening the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1. The internal pipe 21 is provided with a flow meter 29 for measuring the amount of water supplied to the first and second heat exchangers 20 </ b> A, 20 </ b> B, but the electromagnetic open / close valve V <b> 1 is upstream of the flow meter 29. It is connected. The significance of this will be described later. The electromagnetic opening / closing valve V <b> 1 is disposed on one side of the hot water device main body 1 or the neutralizer 3. With such an arrangement, the dimension of the gap 90 is reduced compared to the case where the electromagnetic switching valve V1 is arranged in the gap 90 between the casing 12 and the neutralizer 3, and the vertical height dimension of the entire hot water apparatus A1 is reduced. It is preferable to make it smaller.

  The electromagnetic on-off valve V1 includes check valves 6a and 6b and a relief valve 6c, and can prevent the drain in the neutralizer 3 from flowing back into the internal pipe 21. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the casing 60 of the electromagnetic switching valve V1 is formed with ports 60a to 60c to which the internal pipe 21 and the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 are connected. By reciprocating the valve body 62 by the driving force of the electromagnetic solenoid 61, the flow path 63 is opened and closed, and the communication between the internal pipe 21 and the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 can be switched. The check valves 6a and 6b operate so as to prevent a backflow from the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 side to the internal pipe 21 side. However, if two check valves 6a and 6b are provided in this way, the backflow prevention is performed. Is ensured. When the secondary pressure P2 from the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 becomes higher than the primary pressure P1 from the internal pipe 21, the relief valve 6c operates to open the port 60d as shown in FIG. Then, the liquid in the casing 60 overflows to the outside of the outer case 9 via the pipe 68. According to such a configuration, even if the check valves 6a and 6b both do not operate properly, the operation of the relief valve 6c provides a backflow prevention effect.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 4 is configured by using, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the driving of the combustor 10, the fan 15, and the like to execute processing necessary for heating and generating hot water at a desired temperature. Based on the signal from the water level detector LS of the neutralizer 3, the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 is opened and closed, and the water supply operation control into the neutralizer 3 is also executed. Details thereof will be described later.

  Next, the effect | action of above described hot water apparatus A1 is demonstrated.

  First, when a water flow of a predetermined flow rate or higher is passed through the hot water flow path 2 and this is detected by the control unit 4 via the flow meter 29, the combustor 10 is driven. From the combustion gas generated by driving the combustor 10, sensible heat and latent heat are recovered by the first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B, and hot water flowing through the hot water channel 2 is efficiently heated. The drain generated along with the recovery of latent heat flows down onto the bottom of the casing 12, then flows from the drain outlet 12 a to the inlet 32, flows into the neutralizer 3, and comes into contact with the neutralizer 31. Neutralized. Thereafter, the neutralized drain passes through the internal pipe 69 and is discharged to the outside of the exterior case 9.

  If the drain is stored in the neutralizer 3 and the drain water level in the first water tank 35a (the water level when the hot water device A1 is not in operation (non-combustion)) is equal to or higher than the reference water level L1, the hot water device A1 is Even if the combustion gas pressure or the like is operated in the neutralizer 3, the water level does not drop to a height lower than the lower end height H1 of the first partition wall 34a. The sealed structure is maintained. Therefore, the combustion gas in the combustion gas channel 19 is appropriately prevented from passing through the neutralizer 3 and the internal pipe 69 and being discharged to the outside.

  On the other hand, for example, in the initial installation state of the hot water apparatus A1, the drain is not yet stored in the neutralizer 3. Further, even after the start of use of the hot water apparatus A1, for example, the drain in the neutralizer 3 is prevented from freezing in winter, or the neutralizer 3 is maintained for reasons such as maintenance of the neutralizer 3. There is also a case of draining water. In such a case, when the control unit 4 determines that the water level in the neutralizer 3 is less than the reference water level L1, the controller 4 opens the electromagnetic switching valve V1 at that time. As a result, hot water in the hot water flow channel 2 is supplied into the neutralizer 3 via the auxiliary water supply pipe 5, and the water level can be made higher than the reference water level L 1, and the combustion gas is blocked in the neutralizer 3. A water seal structure is appropriately formed. Therefore, even when the drain is not sufficiently stored in the neutralizer 3, it can be easily and appropriately dealt with, and the combustion gas is exhausted to the outside through the neutralizer 3 more thoroughly. Is prevented.

  As described with reference to FIG. 2, the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 has an excellent backflow prevention function, so that the cross connection in which the drain in the neutralizer 3 flows back into the hot water flow path 2 is appropriately performed. Not only can this be prevented, but also the effect of reducing the height of the neutralizer 3 can be obtained as described below. That is, when the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 is not provided with a backflow prevention means, it is necessary to make a large space in the lower peripheral area of the water supply port 37 from the viewpoint of preventing cross connection, and the water supply port shown in FIG. The dimension s1 between 37 and the maximum water level L2 must be a relatively large dimension (for example, 25 mm or more). This increases the vertical height of the neutralizer 3. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, such a need is not required, and the dimension s1 is reduced (for example, about 10 mm) to reduce the thickness of the neutralizer 3, and as a result, the neutralizer 3 and the hot water device. It is also possible to reduce the vertical height dimension of the whole hot water apparatus A1 in which the main body 1 is combined. Further, in this embodiment, since the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 has a backflow prevention function, it is not necessary to install a check valve on the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 separately from the electromagnetic on-off valve V1. Assembly work is also easy.

  When supplying water into the neutralizer 3 through the auxiliary water supply pipe 5, the control unit 4 performs control as shown in FIG. That is, when the drain water level in the neutralizer 3 is less than the reference water level L1, the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 is opened to start water supply into the neutralizer 3 (S1), and then the neutralizer 3 Even if the water level reaches the reference water level L1, the water supply is not stopped at that time, and the timer is set at that time (S2: YES, S3). Next, when the predetermined time is counted by the timer, the control unit 4 closes the electromagnetic open / close valve V1 at that time to stop water supply into the neutralizer 3 (S4: YES, S5). According to such control, the water level in the neutralizer 3 is higher than the reference water level L1 (this water level may be the same as or not identical to the highest water level L2). Unlike the present embodiment, when the water supply is stopped when the water level in the neutralizer 3 reaches the reference water level L1, if the water surface in the neutralizer 3 is shaken, the water level detector LS A hunting phenomenon occurs between the electrodes 38 and 39b, which frequently repeats conduction and non-conduction in a short period. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, such a hunting phenomenon can be prevented appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, the determination as to whether the water level in the neutralizer 3 is equal to or lower than the reference water level L1 is made only when the operation of the hot water apparatus A1 is stopped. During the operation of the hot water apparatus A1, the water supply operation as described above is not performed even if the water level in the neutralizer 3 becomes less than the reference water level L1. During the operation of the hot water apparatus A1, the water level in the neutralizer 3 may become less than the reference water level L1 due to the combustion gas pressure or the like. Even in this case, the water level is set to the lower end height H1 of the first partition 34a. This is because the water seal structure for blocking the combustion gas is maintained as long as it does not fall below. As described above, when the water level of the neutralizer 3 falls below the height H1 during operation of the hot water apparatus A1, appropriate measures such as operation stop are taken.

  As described above, the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 is connected to a position upstream of the flow meter 29 with respect to the hot water flow path 2, so that hot water in the hot water flow path 2 passes through the auxiliary water supply pipe 5. Even when supplied to the neutralizer 3, the flow rate is not measured by the flow meter 29. Therefore, when water is supplied into the neutralizer 3, the controller 4 does not erroneously determine that this is water flow to the first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B. 10 can be prevented from being driven.

  However, in the present invention, instead of the above-described configuration, the port 60a of the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 can be connected downstream of the flow meter 9 as shown in the phantom line 28 in FIG. In the case of such a configuration, when supplying water into the neutralizer 3, the control unit 4 can perform control as shown in FIG. 5, for example. The operation steps shown in the figure are different from the steps shown in FIG. 4 in steps S3 'and S4', and the other steps are common. Specifically, when the water level reaches the reference water level L1 after starting the water supply into the neutralizer 3, the control unit 4 starts monitoring the flow rate measured by the flow meter 29 (S1, S2: YES). , S3 ′). Thereafter, when a predetermined flow rate is measured by the flow meter 29, the control unit 4 closes the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 at that time to stop water supply into the neutralizer 3 (S4 ': YES, S5). According to such operation control, it is possible to effectively use the flow meter 29 to control the water supply amount in the neutralizer 3, and the water level in the neutralizer 3 is a desired amount from the reference water level L1. Only high water level can be set accurately. Of course, since the water level can be made higher than the reference water level L1, the above-described hunting phenomenon can be prevented. However, in this case, since the flow meter 29 measures the flow rate due to the water supply to the neutralizer 3, it is necessary to consider that the combustor 10 is not driven due to this.

  6 to 9 show other embodiments of the present invention. In these drawings, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

  In the hot water apparatus A2 shown in FIG. 6, one end of the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 is connected to the side of the neutralizer 3, and as shown in FIG. It is comprised so that water supply may be performed from the water supply port 37 currently formed in the part. The water supply port 37 is preferably provided at a height lower than the reference water level L1.

  According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to pass the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 through the gap 90 between the casing 12 and the neutralizer 3, and the width of the gap 90 is reduced to further increase the vertical height of the hot water apparatus A2. It can be made smaller. Moreover, since the water supply port 37 is provided in the side part of the neutralizer 3, unlike the case where water supply is performed from the upper surface part (ceiling part) in the neutralizer 3, it is high in the neutralizer 3. Water is not poured from the water, and the effect of reducing the sound during water supply can be obtained. When the water supply port 37 has a height lower than the reference water level L1, it is more preferable to reduce the sound during the water supply.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, a water supply port 37 is provided at the bottom of the neutralizer 3, and an auxiliary water supply pipe 5 (not shown in the figure) is connected to the water supply port 37. ing. According to this embodiment, it can be set as the state which hardly generates the sound at the time of the water supply in the neutralizer 3. FIG. If the recessed part 36 is formed in the bottom part of the neutralizer 3, and the water supply port 37 is formed in this part as shown in the figure (b), the cylindrical part 37a in which the water supply port 37 is formed will become the neutralizer. 3 so that the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 connected to the water supply port 37 is not greatly bulky below the neutralizer 3.

  A hot water apparatus A3 shown in FIG. 9 includes a heat exchanger 20C for reheating a bath for the bathtub 8 in addition to the first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B ′ used for hot water heating for general hot water supply. ing. The second heat exchanger 20B ′ is disposed in the casing 12, and the heat exchanger 20C for bathing is disposed in the middle of the first and second heat exchangers 20A and 20B ′. . The hot water channel 2A has a bathtub dropping channel 28 for dropping hot water in the internal pipe 22 into the bathtub 8, and a circulation channel 27 connected to a heat exchanger 20C for bathing. The circulation flow path 27 is connected to the bathtub 8 via a pair of external pipes 88, and by driving the pump P, hot water can be circulated between the bathtub 8 and the heat exchanger 20 </ b> C. Yes.

  The bathtub drop channel 28 is provided with an electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 ′. The electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 ′ has the same structure as the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 described with reference to FIG. It has a function. As a result, the phenomenon of cross connection in which hot water flows back into the internal pipe 22 from the drop-in channel 28 for bathtubs is accurately prevented. One end of the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 is connected to the bathtub drop channel 28 via the three-way valve V2, and the other end is connected to the neutralizer 3 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Yes.

  According to the present embodiment, by operating the three-way valve V2, hot water in the bathtub drop channel 28 can be supplied into the neutralizer 3 via the auxiliary water supply pipe 5, and the neutralizer When there is not enough drain in 3, this water supply can form a water sealing structure for blocking combustion gas. Moreover, since the drop-in channel 28 for the bathtub is provided with the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 ′ having a backflow prevention function, it is possible to appropriately prevent the drain in the neutralizer 3 from flowing back into the internal pipe 22. Is done. In the present embodiment, since the backflow of the drain in the neutralizer 3 can be prevented using the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 ′ provided in the drop channel 28 for the bathtub, the auxiliary water supply pipe 5 There is no need to separately provide a backflow prevention valve, and the configuration is rational.

  The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment. The specific configuration of each part of the hot water apparatus including the neutralizer according to the present invention can be varied in design in various ways.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the electromagnetic on-off valves V1 and V1 ′ are configured to have a backflow prevention function. In the present invention, on / off of hot water supply from the hot water flow path to the neutralizer is performed. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which an on-off valve for switching between and a backflow prevention means for preventing a backflow from the neutralizer to the hot water channel side are provided separately. The auxiliary water supply pipe 5 can be configured using various materials such as a hard pipe and a flexible tube. The reference water level in the present invention is preferably a value that takes into account that the water level decreases due to the combustion gas pressure or other wind pressure acting in the neutralizer, but is also limited to this. Instead, the specific height can be selected arbitrarily. The neutralizer is only required to have a function of neutralizing an acidic drain and a function of forming a water sealing structure for blocking combustion gas by storing the drain inside. Is still not limited. Further, the neutralizer can be arranged, for example, on one side of the combustion gas flow path forming member, instead of being disposed below the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member.

  The combustion gas flow path forming member referred to in the present invention only needs to form a combustion gas flow path through which the combustion gas flows in a fixed path, and allows the combustion gas to travel downward toward the combustor. Instead, for example, the combustion gas can be advanced toward the upper side of the combustor, or can be configured to advance sideways (horizontal direction). The heat exchanger may be configured to use, for example, a coiled heat transfer tube instead of using a finned tube. When the hot water device generates hot water by combustion heat, the fuel is not limited to petroleum fuel, but may be city gas, propane gas, or the like. The hot water device as used in the present invention means a device having a function of generating hot water, and various hot water supply devices for general hot water supply, bath hot water supply, heating, and snow melting (for single-function hot water supply devices). It is a concept that includes not only a combined hot water supply device having a plurality of hot water supply functions) but also a device for generating hot water used in addition to hot water supply. Further, the present invention is optimal for an indoor installation type, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a hot water apparatus installed outdoors.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically an example of the hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer which concerns on this invention. (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the electromagnetic on-off valve incorporated in the hot water apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the neutralizer integrated in the hot water apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement procedure of the control part integrated in the hot water apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the operation | movement procedure of the control part integrated in the hot water apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the other example of the hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer which concerns on this invention. It is VII-VII sectional drawing of FIG. (A), (b) is principal part sectional drawing which shows the other example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the other example of the hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

A1 to A3 water heater LS equipped with a neutralizer Water level detector (water level detection means)
V1, V1 'Electromagnetic switching valve (valve)
2,2A Hot water flow path 3 Neutralizer 4 Control unit (control means)
5 Auxiliary water supply pipe 6a, 6b Check valve (back flow prevention means)
6c Relief valve (backflow prevention means)
11, 12 Casing (combustion gas flow path forming member)
13 Silencer (combustion gas flow path forming member)
19 Combustion gas flow path 20A First heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
20B, 20B ′ second heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
20C Heat exchanger for bathing (heat exchanger)
28 Bathtub drop channel 29 Flow meter 37 Water supply port

Claims (8)

A combustion gas flow path forming member that forms a combustion gas flow path for circulating the combustion gas in a constant path;
A hot water flow path having a heat exchanger that can circulate hot water to be heated through a fixed path and that recovers heat from the combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas flow path;
A water-sealed structure that can neutralize the acidic drain generated by the heat recovery by flowing into the interior and then discharging it to the outside, and shuts off the combustion gas traveling from the combustion gas flow path. A neutralizer capable of retaining the drain above a predetermined reference water level so as to be formed,
A hot water device equipped with a neutralizer,
The hot water channel and the neutralizer are connected to each other, and a valve capable of switching on and off the hot water supply from the hot water channel to the neutralizer is provided, and the neutralizer An auxiliary water supply pipe capable of guiding the hot water in the hot water flow channel into the neutralizer when the water level of the drain in the reference water level is less than the reference water level, and raising the water level in the neutralizer,
Back flow preventing means capable of preventing the back flow of liquid from the neutralizer to the hot water flow path through the auxiliary water supply pipe;
A hot water apparatus equipped with a neutralizer. The neutralizer is disposed below the bottom of the combustion gas flow path forming member,
2. The hot water apparatus having a neutralizer according to claim 1, wherein the valve and the backflow prevention means are arranged on a side of the combustion gas flow path forming member or the neutralizer.   The auxiliary water supply pipe is connected to a side portion or a bottom portion of the neutralizer, and is configured to be able to supply water into the neutralizer from a water supply port provided at a side portion or a bottom portion of the neutralizer. The hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer of Claim 1 or 2.   The hot water apparatus having a neutralizer according to claim 3, wherein the water supply port is provided at a height lower than the reference water level. A water level detection means for detecting whether the water level in the neutralizer is equal to or higher than the reference water level;
Control means for executing control to supply water into the neutralizer by opening the valve when the water level detected using the water level detection means is less than the reference water level;
The hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 provided with these. The auxiliary water supply pipe is connected upstream of a flowmeter for measuring the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger in the hot water flow path,
When the water level in the neutralizer becomes less than the reference water level and the valve is opened, the control means, after that, when a preset time has elapsed since the water level rose to the reference water level. The hot water apparatus with a neutralizer according to claim 5, configured to execute control for closing the valve. The auxiliary water supply pipe is connected downstream of a flow meter for measuring the amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger in the hot water flow path,
When the water level in the neutralizer becomes less than the reference water level and the on-off valve is opened, the control means sets the flow rate set in advance from the time when the water level subsequently rises to the predetermined reference water level. The hot water apparatus with a neutralizer according to claim 5, wherein the control is performed to close the valve at a time measured by a flow meter. A part of the hot water channel is configured as a drop channel for a bathtub that is branched and connected to the other part of the hot water channel and provided with a backflow prevention mechanism.
The auxiliary water supply pipe is branchedly connected to the bathtub drop channel, so that hot water in the bathtub drop channel can be supplied into the neutralizer, and the reverse flow of the bathtub drop channel is provided. The hot water apparatus provided with the neutralizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a prevention mechanism is configured to also serve as the backflow prevention means.

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