JP4968524B2 - Drain discharge system, neutralizer, and hot water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drain discharge system for discharging drain generated in a hot water heater, a neutralizer for neutralizing the drain, and a hot water heater including the drain discharge system and the neutralizer.

  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 high acidity and corrosivity. 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. An experiment was conducted by experimentally producing a hot water supply device having a liquid replenishing means that can be automatically replenished, and having a water sealing state by storing a liquid such as drain. As a result, when a gas such as combustion gas flows into the inflow tank of the storage means during the combustion operation, the liquid level on the inflow tank side is lowered along with this, and the liquid level on the discharge tank side is increased, so that liquid from the discharge tank side is increased. May be discharged and the liquid replenishing means may operate frequently in order to maintain the water seal state. If the liquid replenishing means frequently operates, there will be problems such as waste of liquid such as water replenished to the storage means, waste of electrical energy required for the replenishing operation, noise generation, and the liquid replenishing means. It has been found that there may be a problem with the durability of components such as valves.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has a variation in the pressure acting on the liquid level of the drain or the like stored in the storage means in accordance with the flow of combustion gas or outside air within the assumed range during the combustion operation. Even if there is a drain, the drain is not discharged unnecessarily, and the drain discharge system, neutralization device, and hot water heating that can suppress the frequency of replenishment of the liquid to the storage means performed to maintain the water seal state is minimized. The purpose was to provide a device.

  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 drain discharge system for discharging drain generated in a hot water heating apparatus provided with a heat exchange means capable of heating hot water or a heat medium, the storage means communicating with the combustion gas passage and capable of storing drain, The storage means has a liquid replenishment means capable of replenishing the liquid and a liquid level detection means, and the storage means is located on the inflow side of the drain and on the drain side of the drain. The communication device includes an outflow side storage portion and a communication portion in which the inflow side storage portion and the outflow side storage portion communicate with each other, and stores the liquid in the storage means so that the liquid level is equal to or higher than a predetermined liquid level. Is a storage means It is sealed with the retained liquid and can be in a water-sealed state capable of preventing the passage of combustion gas, and the drain and / or liquid stored in the outflow side storage section The liquid level detecting means drains the reservoir means to a liquid level higher than a reference liquid level at which the storage means can be maintained in a water-sealed state when the combustion means is performing a combustion operation. It is possible to detect whether or not liquid is stored, and in the state where drain and / or liquid is stored up to the reference liquid level in the storage means, combustion gas is accompanied by combustion operation in the combustion means The gas flows from the passage side to the storage means side, and pressure acts on the liquid stored in the inflow side storage portion, whereby the liquid level in the inflow side storage portion is lowered and pushed out from the inflow side storage portion and / or Or the volume of liquid In a state where the combustion operation in the combustion means is stopped, the volume of the space surrounded by the drain and / or liquid water surface stored in the outflow side storage portion and the horizontal plane passing through the lower end portion of the discharge port is below It is a drain discharge system characterized by

  In the drain discharge system of the present invention, the storage means has an inflow side storage part and an outflow side storage part, and both communicate with each other via the communication part. Therefore, when pressure acts on the liquid in the inflow side reservoir with the flow of gas accompanying the combustion operation, the drain and / or liquid in the inflow side reservoir, that is, the drain, liquid, or a mixture thereof (hereinafter simply referred to as “drain”). When the liquid level (also referred to as drain or the like) decreases, the liquid level such as drain rises in the outflow side reservoir. Therefore, when drainage or the like is discharged from the discharge port when the liquid level rises in the outflow side storage section, the amount of drainage or the like remaining in the storage means is required to maintain the water-sealed state. There is a possibility that the liquid replenishment means must be replenished.

  However, as described above, in the drain discharge system of the present invention, the volume of the drain or the like pushed out from the inflow side reservoir due to the decrease in the liquid level in the inflow side reservoir due to the gas flow accompanying the combustion operation is combusted. When the operation is stopped, the volume is equal to or less than the volume of a space between a water surface such as drain stored in the outflow side storage portion and a horizontal plane passing through the lower end portion of the discharge port. Therefore, in the drain discharge system of the present invention, even if the liquid level is reduced as described above on the inflow side storage section side, drain or the like is not discharged from the outflow side storage section side. Therefore, in the drain discharge system of the present invention, the frequency of liquid replenishment by the liquid replenishing means is low.

  Here, the drain or the like flows into the drain discharge system when the combustion means is performing the combustion operation, and the drain does not flow when the combustion operation is stopped. If the drain is discharged from the drain discharge system during the combustion operation by the amount of drain flowing into the drain discharge system during the combustion operation, the number of operations of the liquid replenishing means can be minimized, and the storage means It is assumed that downsizing can be achieved. That is, even if the capacity of the outflow side storage section is simply increased, the number of operations of the liquid replenishing means can be minimized, but conversely, the storage means will be increased in size. There is. Therefore, in order to suppress an increase in the size of the outflow side storage unit, in a stopped state of the combustion operation, a drain and / or liquid water surface stored in the outflow side storage unit and a horizontal plane passing through the lower end of the discharge port, It is desirable that the volume of the space surrounded by is equal to or slightly larger than the volume of the drain and / or liquid pushed out from the inflow side reservoir with combustion operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is assumed that the gas that flows from the combustion gas passage side to the storage means side with the combustion operation in the combustion means acts on the liquid stored in the inflow side storage section. When the pressure acts, the liquid level in the inflow side reservoir decreases and the volume of the drain and / or liquid pushed out of the inflow side reservoir is reduced when the combustion operation in the combustion means is stopped. 2. The drain discharge system according to claim 1, wherein the drain discharge system is equal to or less than a volume of a space surrounded by a drain and / or liquid water surface stored in the unit and a horizontal plane passing through a lower end of the discharge port. is there.

  According to such a configuration, the maximum pressure that is assumed to act on the liquid stored in the inflow side storage section by the gas flowing from the combustion gas passage side to the storage means side in association with the combustion operation in the combustion means. Even if it acts, drain or the like is not discharged unnecessarily.

  Here, in the drain discharge system according to each of the above claims, when water is replenished by the liquid replenishing means, the liquid replenishing means is structured to be isolated from the drain or the like in the inflow side reservoir or the outflow side reservoir. Is desirable. In such a case, the liquid replenishing means is isolated from the drain or the like with a simple structure by connecting the piping constituting the liquid replenishing means to the top side of the inflow side storage part or the outflow side storage part. be able to.

  On the other hand, for example, when adopting a structure in which a pipe or the like constituting the liquid replenishing means is connected to the top surface side of the inflow side reservoir or the outflow side reservoir, the liquid is replenished when the liquid is replenished by the liquid replenishment means. There is a possibility that the liquid surface will be greatly undulated. When such a configuration is adopted, the liquid level may be erroneously detected by the liquid level detecting means due to the liquid surface undulating when the liquid is replenished by the liquid replenishing means. In addition, when the liquid level undulates as the liquid is replenished, the liquid level is not stabilized immediately, and there is a problem that it takes time to determine the liquid level.

  Accordingly, in the invention according to claim 3 provided based on such knowledge, the liquid level detection means is provided in any one of the inflow side storage part and the outflow side storage part, and the liquid level detection The liquid can be replenished to the storage part on the other side of the inflow side storage part and the outflow side storage part by the liquid replenishment means based on the water level detected by the means. This is a drain discharge system.

  The invention according to claim 4 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 Liquid level detection based on the water level detected by the liquid level detection means, provided in one storage part selected from the inflow side storage part, the outflow side storage part, and the sub storage part The drain discharge system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reservoir can be replenished with a different reservoir from the reservoir provided with the means.

  In the case of adopting the configuration as in the third or fourth aspect, even if the liquid splashes when the liquid is replenished by the liquid replenishing means, the splashed liquid is directly applied to the liquid level detecting means. Is less likely to adhere to. In addition, 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. Even if the liquid level is greatly undulated, it is difficult for the liquid level to be erroneously detected. Therefore, if the structure of the said Claim 3 or Claim 4 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.

  The invention according to claim 5 is provided on the condition that in the situation where the combustion means stops the combustion operation, the liquid level of the drain and / or liquid stored in the storage means is below the reference liquid level. 5. The drain discharge system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is replenished until the liquid level in the storage means becomes equal to or higher than the reference liquid level by the liquid replenishing means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prepare for the combustion operation by replenishing the liquid to a liquid level necessary for maintaining the water sealing state before the combustion means performs the combustion operation. Therefore, according to the drain discharge system of the present invention, leakage of combustion gas can be reliably prevented.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is a neutralization apparatus comprising the drain discharge system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the drain can be neutralized and discharged.

  Since the neutralization device of the present invention has the above-described drain discharge system configuration, a water-sealed state is formed by the drain generated due to the heat exchange of the combustion gas and the liquid replenished by the liquid replenishing means. Even if the combustion operation is performed in such a state, the drain or the like stored in the storage means is not discharged from the outflow side storage part. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a neutralizing device that can suppress the replenishment frequency of the liquid to the storage unit by the liquid replenishment unit to a minimum.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided heat exchange between a combustion means for burning fuel, a combustion gas passage through which combustion gas generated in accordance with a combustion operation in the combustion means, and a combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage. A heat exchanging means capable of heating hot water or a heat medium, and one or both of a drain discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a neutralization device according to claim 6 are provided. It is a hot water heater.

  The hot water heating apparatus of the present invention is provided with either one or both of the drain discharge system and the neutralization apparatus described above. Therefore, a water seal is formed by the drain generated by the heat exchange of the combustion gas and the liquid replenished by the liquid replenishing means, and the combustion gas is prevented from being discharged through the drain discharge system and the neutralizer. can do. Further, in the hot water heating apparatus of the present invention, even if the liquid level position in the storage means fluctuates due to the influence of a gas such as combustion gas flowing from the combustion gas passage side to the storage means side during the combustion operation, The sealed state is not eliminated and drainage or the like is not discharged unnecessarily.

  According to the present invention, even if the pressure acting on the liquid level of the drain or the like stored in the storage means is fluctuated with the flow of combustion gas or outside air within the expected range at the time of combustion operation, the drain or the like is discharged unnecessarily. It is not possible to provide a drain discharge system, a neutralization device, and a hot water heating device that can suppress the frequency of replenishment of liquid to the storage means that is performed in order to maintain the water seal state.

  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. A 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 unit 2 and is a portion (combustion gas passage) through which high-temperature combustion gas generated in accordance with the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 flows. 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 part 5 functions as a part that allows 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 referred to as 37a, 37b, and 37c, respectively) for detecting the liquid level. 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. Further, the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a reach 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, respectively. 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 a position corresponding to the lower end of the water level electrode 37a, that is, the position corresponding to the upper end of the communicating portion 35. The communication portion 35 is sealed with drain or hot water (this state is hereinafter referred to as a water-sealed state). That is, the water level electrode 37a can exhibit a function as a water seal state detecting means for detecting whether or not the storage container 30 is in a water seal state.

  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. As will be described in detail later, the water level electrode 37b is capable of maintaining a water-sealed state, and stores an amount of drain that does not overflow even if the liquid level fluctuates in the storage container 30 during combustion operation. In such a case, it is attached so that it can be detected whether or not there is a liquid level at a position where the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 is assumed to exist in the combustion stopped state.

  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 or not the storage container 30 is full, and the lower end of the water level electrode 37c is higher than the above-described water level electrodes 37a and 37b (position on the top surface 30b side). )It is in.

  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 FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the like, the upper ends of the partitions 32a and 32b are overflow reference water levels Lx defined by a horizontal plane passing through the lower end of the opening 39 communicating the discharge tank 32 and the discharge portion 34. It protrudes slightly upward. 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 communicates with the upper end side of the discharge tank 32, that is, through an opening 39 provided at a position unevenly distributed on the top surface 30 b side of the storage container 30. Yes. A discharge port 34 a for discharging drain or the like overflowing from the discharge tank 32 through the opening 39 is provided at the lower portion of the discharge unit 34.

  Here, the storage container 30 described above has an opening 39 that functions as a discharge port for discharging the size (internal volume) of the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32, drain, and the like from the discharge tank 32 to the discharge unit 34. The provided position is adjusted by taking into account fluctuations in the liquid level assumed in the inflow tank 31 and the exhaust tank 32 when the combustion operation is performed in a normal combustion state. 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 portion 34 side through the opening 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.

  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 the water level is lowered with the inflow, the position (height) of the opening 39 or when the water is injected by the water injection means 40 so that the volume of the drain or the like is pushed from the inflow tank 31 side to the discharge tank 32 side. 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 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 to be stored in the non-burning state and the position of the opening 39 of the discharge tank 32 are adjusted.

  More specifically, for example, when the internal space of the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped, if the cross-sectional area by the horizontal plane of the inflow tank 31 is A1, and the cross-sectional area by the horizontal plane of the discharge tank 32 is A2, then A1 × X1 = A2 × X2 correlation is established. Therefore, the maximum liquid level rise amount X2 can be derived based on this correlation. Even when the internal space of the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 is not a rectangular parallelepiped, the cross-sectional area A1 by the horizontal plane of the inflow tank 31 and the cross-sectional area A2 by the horizontal plane of the discharge tank 32 are based on the maximum liquid level decrease amount X1. Thus, the maximum liquid level rise amount X2 can be derived.

  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 combustion operation is on the discharge tank 32 side. As the liquid level rises, an opening 39 serving as a discharge port is provided at a height higher than the position where the liquid level reaches. In addition, the water-sealed state can be maintained, and there is drain etc. in the storage container 30 in such an amount that the drain etc. is not discharged outside even if the liquid level on the discharge tank 32 side rises by the maximum liquid level rise amount X2. In this case, the water level electrode 37b can be detected at a position where it is possible to detect whether or not drain or the like is present at a position where the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 is assumed to exist when the combustion is stopped (hereinafter also referred to as a water injection reference water level Lc). Is attached. That is, if the drain or the like is stored up to the water level equal to or higher than the water injection reference water level Lc during the combustion stop, the water seal state can be maintained as long as the combustion unit 2 performs the combustion operation normally.

  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. The neutralizing agent C is composed of a collection of granules having a diameter of about 5 to 9 mm, and the particle diameter becomes smaller as the drain is neutralized. In the present embodiment, the capacity of the discharge tank 32 is set in consideration of the amount of the neutralizing agent and the porosity of the discharge tank 32 in the initial state.

  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. In the hot water supply device 1, for example, a flow rate detection signal is input from a flow rate sensor (not shown) provided in the middle of the incoming water pipe 26 and downstream (heat exchanger side) from the connection position of the water injection pipe 41. As a result, the combustion section 2 starts the combustion operation. 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 accommodated in the storage container 30.

  Next, the operation of the neutralization device 7 and the relationship between the water level in the neutralization device 7 and the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The hot water supply device 1 is in a state in which there is no drain or hot water in the storage container 30 after the initial stage immediately after installation or after drainage or hot water is discharged from the storage container 30 via the drain port 38. . Thus, in a state where there is no drain or hot water in the storage container 30, the communication part 35 existing below the partition wall 33 separating the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32 is sealed with drain or hot water, that is, It is not water-sealed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2D, there may be a case where very little drain or hot water remains in the storage container 30. If the water level of the drain or the like existing in the storage container 30 does not reach the horizontal line (hereinafter also referred to as the drought reference water level Ld) passing through the upper end part (the lower end part of the partition wall 33) of the communication part 35, As in the case where there is no drain or hot water, the communication part 35 is not in a water-sealed state.

  As described above, when the combustion operation is performed in the state where the communication portion 35 is not in the water-sealed state in the storage container 30, the combustion gas that has flowed into the storage container 30 from the exhaust collecting portion 5 passes through the storage container 30. The combustion gas will be discharged from a position unexpected by the user. Therefore, in this case, the control device 50 operates the water injection means 40 before starting the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 and performs a replenishment operation for replenishing the storage container 30 with hot water. The control device 50 performs the replenishment operation until the liquid level of the drain in the storage container 30 reaches the above-described water injection reference water level Lc. That is, the replenishment operation is performed until conduction between the water level electrode 37b and the ground electrode 36 is confirmed. When the replenishment operation is completed, the storage container 30 is in a water-sealed state, and the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 can be started.

  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.

  In the present embodiment, the volume of the drain or the like pushed out from the inflow tank 31 due to a decrease in the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 due to the flow of a gas such as combustion gas accompanying the combustion operation is such that the combustion operation is stopped. It is less than the volume of the space between the water surface such as drain stored in the discharge tank 32 and the overflow reference water level Lx passing through the lower end of the opening 39 serving as a drain outlet. Therefore, in the hot water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the liquid level of drain or the like rises on the discharge tank 32 side with the combustion operation, there is a possibility that the portion of the drain generated during the combustion operation is discharged from the discharge unit 34. However, no more is discharged from the discharge tank 32. Therefore, in the hot water supply device 1, when the combustion operation is stopped, the water level in the storage container 30 does not fall below the water injection reference water level Lc. Therefore, in the neutralizing device 7 employed in the hot water supply device 1, the frequency of liquid replenishment by the water injection means 40 is suppressed to a minimum.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the maximum value (maximum liquid level reduction amount X1) of the liquid level fall of the inflow tank 31 which falls with combustion operation | movement, and the maximum value (maximum of the liquid level rise of the discharge tank 32). The water injection reference water level Lc and the position of the opening 39 are adjusted in consideration of the liquid level rise amount X2). Therefore, in the hot water supply apparatus 1 and the neutralization apparatus 7 according to the present embodiment, the frequency of replenishing the storage means 30 with hot water by the water injection means is minimized.

  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 detecting means such as a combination of the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37, a conventionally known float sensor, ball tap, pressure sensor, optical sensor, or the like may be used.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned neutralization apparatus 7 was equipped with 2 tanks, the inflow tank 31 and the discharge tank 32, and drain was stored in these, this invention is not limited to this, For example, inflow Another tank (sub-storage part) capable of storing drainage or the like is provided between the tank 31 and the discharge tank 32, or the drain upstream of the inflow tank 31 in the drain flow direction or the drain tank 32. It is good also as a structure which provided another tank (sub storage part) in the position of the flow direction downstream side.

  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 the structure which formed the drain discharge system provided with the same structure in parts other than the neutralization apparatus 7, or the structure which combined the said drain discharge system and the neutralization apparatus may be sufficient. . 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 states, such as a drain, in a storage container, (a) is a state in which a storage container is full, (b) is from a combustion gas and exhaust part from a combustion part in a storage container. (C) is a state where water has been injected to a water level that can maintain a water-sealed state during combustion operation, and (d) is almost free of drain etc. in the storage container. It shows a state where it has not accumulated.

Explanation of symbols

1 Hot water supply device (hot water heating device)
2 Combustion section (combustion means)
3 Combustion case (combustion gas passage)
5 Exhaust collecting part 6 Silencer (exhaust part)
7 Neutralizer 20 Primary heat exchanger (heat exchange means)
25 Secondary heat exchanger (heat exchange means)
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 (Liquid level detection means)
37a to 37c Water level electrode (Liquid level detection means)
40 Water injection means (liquid replenishment means)
41 Water injection pipe 50 Control device

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 A drain discharge system for discharging drain generated in a hot water heater provided with an exchange means,
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 detection means,
The storage means has 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 outflow side storage section has a discharge port for discharging drain and / or liquid stored inside to the outside,
The liquid level detection means detects whether drain and / or liquid is stored up to a liquid level higher than a reference liquid level at which the storage means can be maintained in a water-sealed state when the combustion means is performing a combustion operation. Is possible,
In a state where drain and / or liquid is stored up to the reference liquid level in the storage means, gas flows from the combustion gas passage side to the storage means side along with the combustion operation in the combustion means, and is stored in the inflow side storage section. The volume of the drain and / or liquid pushed out from the inflow side reservoir by lowering the liquid level in the inflow side reservoir due to the pressure acting on the liquid being
In a state where the combustion operation in the combustion means is stopped, the volume of the space surrounded by the drain and / or liquid water surface stored in the outflow side storage portion and the horizontal plane passing through the lower end portion of the discharge port is below Drain discharge system characterized by As the gas flows from the combustion gas passage side to the storage means side in accordance with the combustion operation in the combustion means, the maximum pressure that is assumed to act on the liquid stored in the inflow side storage section is applied, so that the inflow side storage is performed. The volume of the drain and / or liquid pushed out from the inflow side reservoir by lowering the liquid level in the unit,
In a state where the combustion operation in the combustion means is stopped, the volume of the space surrounded by the drain and / or liquid water surface stored in the outflow side storage portion and the horizontal plane passing through the lower end portion of the discharge port is below The drain discharge system according to claim 1, wherein: Liquid level detection means is provided in any one of the inflow side storage part and the outflow side storage part,
2. The liquid can be replenished to the reservoir on the other side of the inflow side reservoir and the outflow side reservoir by the liquid replenishment unit based on the water level detected by the liquid level detection unit. Or the drain discharge system of 2. 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 the inflow side reservoir, the outflow side reservoir, and the sub reservoir.
The liquid replenishing means is capable of replenishing a liquid in a storage part different from the storage part provided with the liquid level detection means based on the water level detected by the liquid level detection means. Or the drain discharge system of 2.   In a situation where the combustion means stops the combustion operation, the liquid in the storage means is supplied by the liquid replenishment means on the condition that the liquid level of the drain and / or liquid stored in the storage means is lower than the reference liquid level. The drain discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid is replenished until the position becomes equal to or higher than the reference liquid level.   A neutralization apparatus comprising the drain discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drain can be neutralized and discharged. Combustion means for burning fuel;
A combustion gas passage through which combustion gas generated in association with the combustion operation in the combustion means flows;
Heat exchange means capable of heating hot water or a heat medium by heat exchange with the combustion gas flowing through the combustion gas passage;
A hot water heating apparatus comprising one or both of the drain discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the neutralization apparatus according to claim 6.

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