JP2011106761A - Neutralization device and latent heat recovery type water heater including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a neutralization device which prevents a failure of a pump caused by a foreign object while achieving space saving and cost reduction, and a latent heat recovery type water heater including the same. <P>SOLUTION: Drain generated in the auxiliary heat exchanger of the water heater is neutralized by a neutralizer while being stored in a container 42 of the neutralization device 40. When a drain pump is driven, the drain flows toward the discharge port 52 provided at the left upper part of the container 42. At this time, the foreign object can be prevented from flowing into the drain pump, as supernatant of the drain stored in the container 42 is discharged. The drain pump can prevent air from flowing into the drain pump, as the drain pump is controlled to maintain the level of drain water in the container 42 within a predetermined range. The drain can be stored in the container 42, attaining space saving of instruments and the cost reduction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a neutralizing device and a latent heat recovery type water heater provided with the same.

  Conventionally, a main heat exchanger mainly for the purpose of sensible heat recovery is provided upstream in the combustion exhaust passage, and a secondary heat exchanger mainly for the purpose of recovering latent heat is provided on the downstream side to achieve a high heat exchange rate. An obtained latent heat recovery type water heater is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). This type of water heater has, for example, a finned tube type auxiliary heat exchanger and a finned tube type main heat exchanger that are spaced apart in two upper and lower stages, and in the space between them, the latent heat is generated by the auxiliary heat exchanger. The drain receiving tray for receiving the drain (condensed water after the latent heat recovery) generated by the recovery is provided.

  In such a latent heat recovery type water heater, first, the high-temperature combustion exhaust from the burner flows between the main fins of the main heat exchanger through the air supply fan, and heat is exchanged well. Further, the combustion exhaust whose temperature has decreased flows between the sub-fins of the sub-heat exchanger, and heat is exchanged well in the sub-heat exchanger, and is discharged outside the appliance through the exhaust hood. On the other hand, the drain generated by the latent heat recovery in the auxiliary heat exchanger placed above is collected in the drain pan, processed in the neutralizer through the drain discharge pipe, and then discharged to drainage facilities such as sewers. The

  However, the neutralizer that neutralizes the drain contains foreign matter, and there is a problem that the foreign matter causes a pump failure. In order to solve this problem, for example, another tank (drain tank) is provided separately from the neutralizer tank, and only the supernatant in the neutralizer tank is transferred to this tank, and the pump is used to move to a predetermined location. A latent heat recovery type water heater that can be discharged is known.

JP 2002-267273 A

  However, in the above-described latent heat recovery type water heater, pump failure due to foreign matter can be avoided, but since the drain tank is provided separately from the neutralizer tank, a space for installing them is required in the appliance. was there. In addition, the number of parts increases, so the cost also increases.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. A neutralizing device that can prevent a pump failure due to a foreign matter and can realize space saving and cost reduction, and a latent heat recovery type water heater provided with the neutralizing device. The purpose is to provide.

  A neutralization apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a neutralizing agent for neutralizing condensed water generated by a temperature decrease of combustion gas, and a container for storing the neutralizing agent and the condensed water. In the neutralization apparatus, the container is provided at an inlet for allowing the condensed water to flow into the container and on the upper side of the container, and discharges the condensed water neutralized by the neutralizing agent to the outside. A discharge port, a water level detection unit for detecting the water level in the container, and an electrode hole for inserting an electrode for detecting the water level into the water level detection unit.

  Further, in the neutralizing device of the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the configuration of the invention of claim 1, the water level detection part is formed by a partition wall provided on the inner surface of the container, and the electrode An upper limit water level and a lower limit water level in the water level detection unit are detected, and a gap is formed in the partition wall so that the inside and the outside of the water level detection unit communicate with each other, and the gap constitutes the neutralizing agent. It is smaller than the granular material.

  Moreover, the neutralization apparatus of the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the bottom portion of the container has a pointed shape.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the neutralization device according to the invention according to claim 4 is provided with the water level detection unit provided at an upper portion of the container, and is substantially rectangular in a front view. It is formed in a shape.

  Further, the latent heat recovery type hot water heater of the invention according to claim 5 is a burner that burns fuel gas in a combustion chamber provided in the appliance, and sensible heat is recovered from the combustion exhaust of the burner to pass through the heat transfer pipe. A latent heat recovery type comprising a main heat exchanger for heating water and a sub heat exchanger for recovering latent heat from the combustion exhaust gas that has passed through the main heat exchanger and heating the water passing through the heat transfer pipe It is a water heater, Comprising: The said condensed water generate | occur | produces in the said auxiliary heat exchanger, Comprising: The neutralization apparatus in any one of Claim 2 thru | or 4 and the said neutralization which neutralize the said condensed water A discharge pipe connected to the discharge port of the apparatus and for discharging condensed water neutralized in the container to the outside of the device, and provided in the discharge pipe for drawing the condensed water in the container A pump, pump drive control means for controlling the drive of the pump, and the electrode Upper limit water level determining means for determining whether or not a water level has been detected; and lower limit water level determining means for determining whether or not the electrode has detected the lower limit water level, wherein the pump drive control means is configured to determine the upper limit water level. When it is determined that the upper limit water level is detected by the means, the pump is driven, and when the lower limit water level determination means determines that the lower limit water level is detected, the pump is stopped.

  In the neutralization apparatus according to claim 1, the neutralizing agent and the condensed water are accommodated in the container, and the condensed water is neutralized by the neutralizing agent. The condensed water flows into the container from the inlet. The condensed water neutralized by the neutralizing agent is discharged to the outside from the discharge port. Since the discharge port is provided on the upper side of the container, the supernatant of the condensed water stored in the container can be discharged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pump for discharging the condensed water from being broken due to the entry of foreign matter. Moreover, since the electrode for detecting the water level in a water level detection part can be inserted in the hole part for electrodes, the water level in a container can be detected. That is, since the condensed water in the container can be discharged according to the water level in the container while the condensed water is stored in the container, it is not necessary to provide a separate tank for storing the condensed water. Therefore, space saving and cost reduction can be achieved.

  In addition, in the neutralizing device according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the water level detection unit is formed by a partition wall provided on the inner surface of the container, and the partition wall includes a water level detection unit. Since a gap is formed between the inner side and the outer side, the condensed water in the container can flow into the water level detection unit. Furthermore, since the gap is smaller than the granular material constituting the neutralizing agent, it is possible to prevent the neutralizing agent from entering the water level detection unit. Moreover, the electrode inserted in a water level detection part detects the upper limit water level and lower limit water level in a water level detection part. Therefore, for example, overflow in the container is prevented by discharging condensed water in the container when the upper limit water level is reached. And when it falls to a minimum water level, it can prevent that air flows into the pump provided in the downstream of the container and it breaks down by stopping discharge | emission of the condensed water in a container.

  In addition, in the neutralization device according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the bottom of the container has a pointed shape, so that the flow of condensed water flowing in from the inlet is the bottom of the container. Can be prevented.

  In addition, in the neutralization device according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the water level detection unit is provided in the upper part of the container, so the condensed water in the container is The upper water level can be recognized. Furthermore, the electrode can be inserted into the water level detection unit from above through the electrode hole. Moreover, since the water level detection part is formed in the substantially rectangular shape in front view, the freedom degree of the position of an electrode increases.

  Further, in the latent heat recovery type hot water heater according to claim 5, the main heat exchanger recovers sensible heat from the combustion exhaust of the burner to heat the water flow in the heat transfer pipe, and the auxiliary heat exchanger replaces the main heat exchanger. The latent heat is recovered from the combustion exhaust gas that has passed, and the water flow in the heat transfer tube is heated. The condensed water generated in the auxiliary heat exchanger is neutralized by the neutralizing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Then, the water level determination means determines whether or not the electrode has detected the upper limit water level, and the lower limit water level determination means determines whether or not the electrode has detected the lower limit water level. The pump drive control unit drives the pump when the upper limit water level determination unit determines that the upper limit water level has been detected. Thereby, before the condensed water in a container overflows, condensed water can be automatically discharged | emitted out of an instrument. Further, when the lower limit water level determining means determines that the lower limit water level has been detected, the pump is stopped. That is, the pump is automatically stopped before the condensed water disappears in the container and the air enters the discharge pipe, so that the air can be prevented from entering the pump. Moreover, since the neutralization apparatus in any one of Claims 2 thru | or 4 is provided, the effect in any one of Claims 2 thru | or 4 can be acquired.

1 is a schematic view showing an internal structure of a water heater 1. 3 is a front view of the neutralizing device 40. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a neutralizing device 40. FIG. 4 is a front view of the container 42. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the container 42. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the container 42. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the container 42. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the container 42. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I in FIG. 4. 4 is a flowchart of pump control processing by a controller 38.

  Hereinafter, a water heater 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, let the right side and the left side of FIG. 1 be the front side and the back side of the water heater 1, respectively. A hot water heater 1 shown in FIG. 1 recovers sensible heat and latent heat of combustion exhaust from the burner 8 and can heat the water flow in the heat transfer tubes 9a and 10a of the main heat exchanger 9 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 10. This is a water heater.

  First, the structure of the water heater 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The water heater 1 includes a bowl-shaped appliance 2. A combustion chamber 3 is provided in the instrument 2. Below the combustion chamber 3, a combustion air supply fan 5 connected to the motor 4 is provided. An air supply port 6 for taking outside air as combustion air is provided at the lower part of the appliance 2. An exhaust port 7 for exhausting the combustion exhaust after the latent heat recovery is provided in the upper front portion of the appliance 2. The positions of the air supply port 6 and the exhaust port 7 are not limited to these positions.

  In the combustion chamber 3, in order from the bottom, a burner 8 that burns a mixed gas of gas and primary air from the combustion air supply fan 5, and mainly sensible heat in the combustion exhaust from the burner 8 is recovered. A fin tube type main heat exchanger 9 having a main heat transfer tube 9a and a main fin 9b, and a fin tube type sub heat exchange having a sub heat transfer tube 10a and a sub fin 10b for mainly recovering latent heat in combustion exhaust. A vessel 10 is provided. As the main heat exchanger 9, it is preferable to use a copper heat exchanging material. As the auxiliary heat exchanger 10, it is preferable to use a stainless steel one having excellent corrosion resistance against the drain generated in the auxiliary heat transfer tube 10a and the auxiliary fin 10b.

  In the upper part of the combustion chamber 3, an exhaust opening 27 for discharging the combustion exhaust after heat exchange in the sub heat exchanger 10 to the outside of the combustion chamber 3 is provided. Between the exhaust opening 27 and the exhaust port 7, a cylindrical exhaust hood 28 for discharging the combustion exhaust after heat exchange to the outside of the instrument 2 is provided substantially horizontally, one end of which is the front of the instrument 2. Protrudes forward. The exhaust hood 28 discharges the combustion exhaust after heat exchange from the combustion chamber 3 to the outside of the instrument 2.

  Below the auxiliary heat exchanger 10, a flat plate-shaped drain tray 11 made of stainless steel for receiving the generated drain (condensed water) is provided inclined. In the contact portion between the drain tray 11 and the combustion chamber 3, a drain hole 12 for discharging the drain is provided. One end of a drain exhaust pipe 13 is connected to the drain hole 12.

The other end of the drain discharge pipe 13 is connected to an inlet 49 of the container 42 of the neutralization device 40 of the present invention for neutralizing acidic drain. The neutralizing device 40 contains a neutralizing agent (for example, CaCO ₃ ) that is a granular material in a container 42. The drain flows into the container 42 and is mixed with the neutralizing agent to neutralize the drain. The detailed structure and function of the neutralizer 40 will be described later.

  One end of the drain discharge pipe 16 is connected to the discharge port 52 of the container 42 of the neutralization device 40. The other end of the drain exhaust pipe 16 penetrates the bottom of the instrument 2 and extends to the outside of the instrument 2. The drain after the neutralization process is discharged out of the instrument 2 by the drain discharge pipe 16. In the middle of the drain discharge pipe 16, a drain pump 20 is provided for pumping out the treated drain stored in the container 42. The drain pump 20 is connected to a controller 38 (see FIG. 1) described later. The drain pump 20 is controlled by the controller 38 based on the drain water level detected in the container 42. The control of the drain pump 20 by the controller 38 will be described later.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, an inlet of a water supply pipe 30 to which tap water is supplied is provided at the bottom of the instrument 2. One end on the downstream side of the water supply pipe 30 is connected to the water inlet of the sub heat transfer pipe 10a. The water outlet of the sub heat transfer tube 10a is connected to the water inlet of the main heat transfer tube 9a. The water outlet of the main heat transfer tube 9a is connected to a winding tube (not shown). The winding pipe is disposed so as to wind the outer periphery of the combustion chamber 3, and a hot water discharge pipe 31 is connected to one end portion on the downstream side thereof. An outlet at one end portion on the downstream side of the hot water discharge pipe 31 is disposed at the bottom of the instrument 2. The water supply pipe 30 is provided with a water side control unit 34 including a water flow sensor and a water governor. A main electromagnetic valve 35 and a gas proportional valve 36 are provided in the gas pipe 32 for supplying gas to the burner 8.

  A controller 38 that controls the combustion operation of the water heater 1 is provided at the lower part of the appliance 2. The controller 38 is electrically connected to the water flow sensor in the water side control unit 34, the main solenoid valve 35, the gas proportional valve 36, the motor 4, the drain pump 20, and the like. Accordingly, the water flow sensor, the main electromagnetic valve 35 and the gas proportional valve 36, the motor 4, and the drain pump 20 in the water side control unit 34 are controlled by the controller 38. The position of the controller 38 is not limited to this.

  Next, the operation of the water heater 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, by opening a hot water tap (not shown), tap water flows into the water supply pipe 30, and the controller 38 starts a hot water supply control operation by a detection signal from a water amount sensor in the water side control unit 34. Then, a predetermined pre-purge is performed by the combustion air supply fan 5, and then the main electromagnetic valve 35 and the gas proportional valve 36 of the burner 8 are opened, gas is supplied to the burner 8, and an igniter (not shown). Thus, the ignition operation of the burner 8 is performed.

  Next, when the ignition operation ends, the proportional control is started. In this proportional control, the gas proportional valve 36 is controlled in accordance with the difference between the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature thermistor (not shown) and the set temperature, whereby the amount of gas is continuously changed to change the heat exchanger. The outlet temperature can be kept constant. Further, the rotational speed of the combustion air supply fan 5 is also changed in accordance with the change in the gas amount by the gas proportional valve 36, and the gas amount and the supply amount are always controlled to be kept in a predetermined relationship. .

  In the water heater 1, the main heat exchanger 9 is provided upstream of the exhaust passage, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 10 is provided downstream of the exhaust passage. As a result, the high-temperature combustion exhaust from the burner 8 flows between the main fins 9b of the main heat exchanger 9 by the combustion air supply fan 5 and exchanges heat well. Furthermore, the combustion exhaust gas whose temperature has decreased flows between the sub fins 10b of the sub heat exchanger 10 and is also exchanging heat well in the sub heat exchanger 10 and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust hood 28.

  On the other hand, the combustion exhaust discharged from the main heat exchanger 9 is discharged at a high temperature of about 200 ° C. in order to prevent partial drain generation in a local low temperature portion such as the main heat transfer tube 9a which is a water flow portion. Has been. On the other hand, the auxiliary heat exchanger 10 recovers sensible heat that could not be recovered by the main heat exchanger 9, and drainage is generated when the combustion exhaust temperature falls below the dew point, so that latent heat can also be recovered.

  The drain generated here is collected in the drain tray 11, passes through the drain discharge pipe 13, and flows into the container 42 of the neutralization device 40. The drain that has flowed into the container 42 is neutralized by the neutralizing agent. The neutralized drain is stored in the container 42 as it is. When the drain pump 20 is driven, the drain stored in the container 42 flows through the drain exhaust pipe 16 and is discharged out of the instrument 2. As will be described later, the driving of the drain pump 20 is controlled based on the drain water level in the container 42.

Next, the structure of the neutralization apparatus 40 that is a feature of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the neutralizer 40 includes a resin container 42. A large number of neutralizing agents 100 (see FIG. 3) that are granular materials are enclosed inside the container 42. For example, calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ) can be used as the neutralizing agent. The diameter of the granulate is adjusted to a sufficiently sustainable neutralization effect during the expected period of use with only the first filling.

  Next, the shape of the container 42 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 42 has a shape (so-called pointed shape) in which the lower corners of the rectangle are cut obliquely and the center of the bottom protrudes downward in a front view. . The container 42 has a substantially U-shaped mixing part 43 in a front view for neutralizing the drained flow from the inlet 49 by reacting with a neutralizing agent, and the upper left part on the downstream side where the drain of the mixing part 43 flows. Is provided at the lower portion of the supernatant inflow portion 44, and the treated drain is discharged out of the container 42. The front view for detecting the drain water level in the container 42 is provided at the upper part of the substantially triangular-shaped discharge part 45 and the inner part of the mixing part 43 bent in a substantially U shape. A substantially rectangular water level detector 47 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a circular inflow port 49 for allowing the drain to flow into the container 42 is provided on the right side of the upper part of the container 42. On the other hand, on the left side of the upper part of the container 42, a circular neutralizing agent inlet 50 is provided for allowing the neutralizing agent to enter the mixing part 43. As shown in FIG. 3, the neutralizing agent dropped from the neutralizing agent introduction port 50 rolls along the inner slope of the supernatant inflow portion 44 and accumulates at the bottom of the mixing portion 43. The neutralizing agent inlet 50 is sealed with a sealing plug 68 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) except when the neutralizing agent is added.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, protrusions 61 and 62 projecting to the right are provided on the upper side of the right side of the container 42 and slightly below the middle stage. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a protrusion 63 protruding downward is also provided at the bottom of the container 42. These protrusions 61, 62, and 63 are for fitting and positioning in a plurality of recesses (not shown) provided in the instrument 2 when attached to predetermined positions in the instrument 2.

  Next, the mixing unit 43 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mixing unit 43 is divided by the partition wall 71 in the vertical direction at the center in the width direction with a gap left in the lower portion of the container 42. The partition wall 71 extends downward from the upper end portion of the container 42 to substantially the center, is further inclined to bend obliquely downward to the right, and is further bent downward. Thereby, the mixing part 43 becomes a shape bent in a substantially U shape, when the width | variety increases / decreases in front view. A neutralizing agent 100 is accommodated inside the mixing portion 43, and a passage for allowing drain to pass through while being mixed with the neutralizing agent 100 is formed. The passage width of the passage increases and decreases between the inlet 49 and the supernatant inflow portion 44. Therefore, since the drain and the neutralizing agent 100 can be mixed effectively, the drain can be efficiently neutralized. Furthermore, since the bottom of the mixing part 43 has a gentle pointed shape, the drain flowing in the mixing part 43 flows well without staying at the corner part.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the bottom of the mixing unit 43 is provided with a drain hole 51 for discharging the drain in the mixing unit 43 during inspection and repair / replacement. The drain hole 51 communicates with a drain passage 51A (see FIG. 9) provided at the bottom of the mixing unit 43. The drain plug hole 51 is always fitted with a sealing plug 69 (see FIG. 2).

  Next, the supernatant inflow portion 44 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 9, the supernatant inflow portion 44 communicates with one end portion on the downstream side of the mixing portion 43 that is bent in a substantially U shape. The supernatant inflow part 44 is located in the upper part on the left side of the mixing part 43. Thereby, the supernatant portion of the drain stored in the mixing portion 43 flows into the supernatant inflow portion 44. That is, foreign matter such as the neutralizing agent 100 that accumulates in the mixing portion 43 does not flow into the supernatant inflow portion 44. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the neutralizing agent 100 from flowing out of the container 42 and entering the drain pump 20.

  Next, the discharge unit 45 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the discharge part 45 is connected to the lower part of the supernatant inflow part 44. The boundary between the supernatant inflow portion 44 and the discharge portion 45 is formed by a constricted portion 73 (see FIG. 4). In the constricted portion 73, the supernatant inflow portion 44 and the discharge portion 45 communicate with each other through a predetermined gap 73A (see FIG. 7). The gap 73 </ b> A is narrower than the diameter of the neutralizing agent 100 granule. Thereby, even when the neutralizing agent 100 enters the supernatant inflow portion 44, it can be prevented from entering the discharge portion 45. A discharge port 52 for discharging the treated drain to the outside of the container 42 is provided at the lower portion of the discharge unit 45. A drain discharge pipe 16 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the discharge port 52.

  Next, the water level detection unit 47 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 9, the water level detection unit 47 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is an upper portion of a portion sandwiched between the inside of the mixing unit 43 that is bent into a substantially U shape. Is provided. The left end of the water level detection unit 47 is partitioned by the partition wall 71 from the mixing unit 43. A right end portion and a lower end portion of the water level detection unit 47 are partitioned from the mixing unit 43 by a constricted portion 72 having a substantially L shape in front view. The right end portion of the water level detection unit 47 and the mixing unit 43 communicate with each other via a vertical gap 72A (see FIG. 9) of the constricted portion 72. The lower end of the water level detection unit 47 and the mixing unit 43 communicate with each other via a lateral gap 72B (see FIG. 9) of the constricted part 72. The gaps 72A and 72B are narrower than the diameter of the neutralizing agent 100 granule. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the neutralizing agent 100 from entering the water level detection unit 47. 4 and 9 corresponds to the “partition wall” of the present invention.

  Drain that has flowed into the mixing unit 43 from the inflow port 49 flows into the water level detection unit 47 through the gaps 72 </ b> A and 72 </ b> B of the constriction unit 72. Accordingly, the water level detector 47 can monitor the drain water level in the container 42. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the width in the front-rear direction of the water level detection unit 47 is smaller than the width in the front-rear direction of the mixing unit 43. This is to avoid interference with other members provided in the instrument 2. Therefore, the width in the front-rear direction of the water level detection unit 47 may be the same as the width in the front-rear direction of the mixing unit 43.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, in the water level detection part 47, the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level of a drain are each set. The upper limit water level is a reference water level for discharging the drain by driving the drain pump 20 so that the drain does not overflow from the container 42. The lower limit water level is a reference water level for stopping the drain pump 20 so that the drain stored in the container 42 is reduced by driving the drain pump 20 and air does not enter the drain pump 20. That is, by maintaining the drain water level between the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level, drain discharge in the water heater 1 can be performed satisfactorily.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, an electrode hole 55 for inserting the first electrode 91 for detecting the upper limit water level is provided on the upper left side of the water level detection unit 47. An electrode hole 56 for inserting the second electrode 92 for detecting the lower limit water level is provided on the right side of the electrode hole 55. On the right side of the electrode hole 56, a ground hole 57 for inserting the ground 93 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first electrode 91 is fixed in the electrode hole 55 by a fixing plug 65 made of resin. The electrode hole 56 is fixed in a state where the second electrode 92 is inserted by a fixing plug 66 made of resin. The ground hole 57 is fixed in a state in which the ground 93 is inserted by a fixing plug 67 made of resin. Since the water level detector 47 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, the depth is the same at any position in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the positions of the first electrode 91, the second electrode 92, and the ground 93.

  Next, the drive control process of the drain pump 20 in the water heater 1 provided with the neutralizer 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The drive control process of the drain pump 20 is executed by the controller 38. First, it is determined whether or not the drain water level of the water level detection unit 47 has reached the upper limit water level (S10). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the first electrode 91 has detected drainage. When the drain water level has not reached the upper limit water level (S10: NO), the process returns to S10 and is repeated. When the drain water level reaches the upper limit water level (S10: YES), the drain overflows from the container 42, so the drain pump 20 is driven (S11). When the drain pump 20 is driven, the drain in the container 42 of the neutralizer 40 is drawn into the drain exhaust pipe 16. The drain drawn into the drain exhaust pipe 16 flows through the drain exhaust pipe 16 and is discharged out of the instrument 2.

  While the drain pump 20 is being driven, the drain stored in the container 42 is continuously discharged to the outside of the appliance 2 through the drain discharge pipe 16 while being treated with the neutralizing agent 100, so that the drain water level is Descend. Next, it is determined whether or not the drain water level is the lower limit water level (S12). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the second electrode 92 has stopped detecting drainage. When it is determined that the drain water level has not decreased to the lower limit water level (S12: NO), the process returns to S11, and the drain pump 20 is driven until it decreases to the lower limit water level.

  Furthermore, when it is determined that the drain water level has decreased to the lower limit water level (S12: YES), the drain pump 20 is stopped (S13). That is, if the drain continues to be discharged and the drain water level drops to the discharge part 45, air enters the discharge part 45. Then, air enters the drain pump 20 from the discharge part 45 through the drain discharge pipe 16, and the drain pump 20 may be broken. Therefore, by stopping the drain pump 20, the drain water level is maintained at the current position, so that it is possible to prevent air from entering the drain pump 20 and malfunctioning.

  As described above, in the water heater 1 according to the present embodiment, the acidic drain generated in the auxiliary heat exchanger 10 is neutralized by the neutralizing device 40 and then discharged. The neutralizing device 40 contains a neutralizing agent 100 in a container 42. The drain flowing from the inlet 49 of the container 42 is mixed with the neutralizing agent 100 and neutralized. While the drain pump 20 is stopped, the drain is stored in the container 42. When the drain pump 20 is driven, the drain flows toward the discharge port 52 while being neutralized in the mixing portion 43 bent in a substantially U shape. Since the discharge port 52 is provided in the upper left part of the container 42, the drain supernatant stored in the mixing unit 43 is discharged from the discharge port 52. Thereby, it can prevent that the foreign material mixed in a drain flows in into the drain pump 20, and fails. Further, the controller 38 controls the driving of the drain pump 20 so that the drain water level of the container 42 of the neutralizing device 40 is maintained between the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the drain from overflowing from the container 42 and to prevent the drain in the container 42 from being emptied and air flowing into the drain pump 20. Thus, the neutralization device 40 has a function of storing drain in addition to the function of neutralizing drain. Therefore, since a tank for newly storing drain is not required, space saving and cost reduction of the instrument 2 can be realized.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the position of the neutralizing device 40 in the instrument 2 is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, when the neutralizing agent 100 is introduced into the container 42, it is preferable to introduce the neutralizing agent 100 from both the neutralizing agent introduction port 50 and the inflow port 49. As described above, the container 42 is centered by the partition wall 71 with a gap at the bottom, but the neutralizer 100 can be introduced from both the neutralizer inlet 50 and the inlet 49. The neutralizing agent 100 can be accommodated in the container 42 evenly on the left and right.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the drain flowed in from the inflow port 49 of the container 42, you may flow in a drain from the hole part 55 for electrodes, for example. In this case, since the drain flows into the water level detection unit 47 and then flows into the mixing unit 43 through the gaps 72A and 72B of the constricted unit 72, the drain before treatment can be permeated into the mixing unit 43 slowly and widely. it can. The first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92 may be inserted into the electrode holes 55 and 56, and the ground 93 may be inserted into a hole (not shown) provided separately in the water level detection unit 47.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water heater 8 Burner 9 Main heat exchanger 9a Main heat transfer tube 9a, 10a Heat transfer tube 9b Main fin 10 Sub heat exchanger 10a Sub heat transfer tube 10b Sub fin 13 Drain exhaust pipe 16 Drain exhaust pipe 20 Drain pump 38 Controller 40 Neutralization Device 42 Container 43 Mixing portion 44 Supernatant inflow portion 45 Discharge portion 47 Water level detection portion 49 Inlet port 52 Discharge port 55 Electrode hole portion 56 Electrode hole portion 71 Partition wall 72 Constriction portion 91 First electrode 92 Second electrode 100 Neutralization Agent

Claims (5)

A neutralizing agent for neutralizing the condensed water generated by the temperature drop of the combustion gas;
A neutralization apparatus comprising the neutralizing agent and a container containing the condensed water,
The container is
An inlet for allowing the condensed water to flow into the container;
A discharge port that is provided on the upper side of the container and discharges the condensed water neutralized by the neutralizing agent;
A water level detector for detecting the water level in the container;
A neutralizing apparatus comprising an electrode hole for inserting an electrode for detecting the water level in the water level detecting unit. The water level detection part is formed by a partition wall provided on the inner surface of the container,
The electrode detects an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level in the water level detection unit,
A gap is formed in the partition wall so that the inside and the outside of the water level detection unit communicate with each other.
The said clearance gap is smaller than the granular material which comprises the said neutralizing agent, The neutralization apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The neutralization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom of the container has a pointed shape.   The neutralization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water level detection unit is provided in an upper part of the container and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in front view. A burner for burning fuel gas in a combustion chamber provided in the appliance, a main heat exchanger for recovering sensible heat from the combustion exhaust of the burner and heating the water flow in the heat transfer tubes, and the main heat exchange A latent heat recovery type water heater provided with a sub heat exchanger for recovering latent heat from the combustion exhaust gas passing through the heater and heating the water flow in the heat transfer pipe,
The condensed water is generated in the auxiliary heat exchanger,
The neutralization device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which neutralizes the condensed water;
A discharge pipe connected to the discharge port of the neutralization device and for discharging condensed water neutralized in the container to the outside of the device;
A pump provided in the discharge pipe for drawing condensed water in the container;
A pump drive control means for controlling the drive of the pump;
Upper limit water level determining means for determining whether the electrode has detected the upper limit water level;
A lower limit water level judging means for judging whether or not the electrode has detected the lower limit water level,
The pump drive control means includes
When the upper limit water level determining means determines that the upper limit water level is detected, the pump is driven,
The latent heat recovery type hot water heater is characterized by stopping the pump when the lower limit water level determining means determines that the lower limit water level is detected.

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