JP4129637B2

JP4129637B2 - Combustion device

Info

Publication number: JP4129637B2
Application number: JP2003143152A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 良彦田中
Original assignee: Noritz Corp
Current assignee: Noritz Corp
Priority date: 2003-05-21
Filing date: 2003-05-21
Publication date: 2008-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-21
Also published as: JP2004347202A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、燃焼装置に関するものであり、特に液体燃料を気化して燃焼する燃焼装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、給湯装置等には、下記特許文献１に開示されているような、液体燃料を気化して燃焼する燃焼装置が採用されている。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−１２４３０９号公報
【０００４】
上記特許文献１の燃焼装置は、いわゆる気化式の燃焼装置である。気化式の燃焼装置は、気化器に電気ヒータを設けられた電気ヒータが発する熱によって燃料を気化する構成となっている。気化した燃料ガスは、空気と予混合され、燃焼部において燃焼される。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記したような従来技術における気化式の燃焼装置において、気化器の加熱のために採用されていた電気ヒータは、通電開始から気化器を所定の温度まで上昇させるまでに要する時間が長い。そのため、従来技術の燃焼装置では、燃焼要求に対して迅速かつ的確に対応すべく、燃焼要求のない燃焼休止時も電気ヒータによって気化器の温度を液体燃料が気化可能な程度に高温に維持しておく必要がある。従って、電気ヒータを備えた燃焼装置は、燃焼休止時に消費される電力が多く、ランニングコストが高くついてしまうという問題があった。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記した問題を解決すべく、消費電力が低く、ランニングコストが安価な燃焼装置の提供を目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記した課題を解決すべく提供される請求項１に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、当該気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部と、燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部と、誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段と、誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が所定の待機温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御するものであり、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、燃焼開始するものであり、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度以上である場合に次回の待機温度をさらに低温に補正し、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度よりも低い場合に次回の待機温度を高温に補正する待機温度補正機能を有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【０００８】
本発明の燃焼装置は、気化部に電磁誘導加熱手段により発熱する誘導発熱部を設け、この誘導発熱部を電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱させることにより気化部を使用燃料の沸点領域以上に加熱し、液体燃料を気化する構成となっている。ここで、本発明において採用されている誘導発熱部は、電磁誘導を利用して誘導加熱するものであり、通電が開始されると所定の温度まで急速に昇温する。
【０００９】
さらに、誘導発熱部は、電磁誘導を利用したものであるため、所望の部位を局所的に加熱でき、加熱効率が極めて高い。換言すれば、誘導発熱部によれば、周囲への熱の漏洩を最小限に抑制でき、所望の部位を集中的に加熱できる。そのため、上記した構成によれば、燃焼休止時における誘導発熱部の待機温度を燃焼開始温度よりも大幅に低い温度に設定しても気化部を迅速かつ高効率に加熱でき、気化部の加熱に要する消費電力を最小限に抑制できる。
【００１０】
しかし、その一方で例えば待機温度の設定温度が低すぎたり、外気温が低い等の理由で燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けてから気化部を所定の温度に昇温するために要する時間が長なると、燃焼動作を迅速に開始できなくなるおそれがある。
【００１１】
本発明の燃焼装置は、誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温する際の昇温状況に応じて待機温度を補正する待機温度補正機能を有している。そのため、本発明によれば、燃焼動作の開始に影響のない程度に待機温度を低下させることができ、燃焼休止中における電力消費量を最小限に抑制できる。
【００１２】
請求項２に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、当該気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部と、燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部と、誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段と、誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部が、燃料通過筒と、当該燃料通過筒の外周に設けられたコイル部材とを有し、当該コイル部材が、ボビンとコイル線とを有し、コイル線の外周部には、通電により発生する磁界を加熱すべき燃料通過筒に集中させるためのフェライトガイドが設けられており、前記誘導発熱部温度検知手段が、前記ボビンによって保持されており、前記誘導発熱部温度検知手段の温度検知部が、前記ボビンから反力を受けて燃料通過筒の外側表面に押し当てられており、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が所定の待機温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御するものであり、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、燃焼開始するものであり、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度以上である場合に次回の待機温度をさらに低温に補正し、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度よりも低い場合に次回の待機温度を高温に補正する待機温度補正機能を有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００１３】
請求項３に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、当該気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部と、燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部と、誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段と、前記自己発熱部に設けられた自己発熱部温度検知手段と、誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が所定の待機温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御するものであり、燃焼開始後、自己発熱部の温度が十分に昇温すると、実質的に自己発熱部のみで燃料が気化され、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、燃焼開始するものであり、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度以上である場合に次回の待機温度をさらに低温に補正し、燃焼を開始する際に誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が燃焼開始温度よりも低い場合に次回の待機温度を高温に補正する待機温度補正機能を有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００１４】
請求項４に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、当該気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部を有し、さらに誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部を所定の待機温度に温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部を前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度に温度制御するものであり、気化部の温度が一定以上であり、さらに気化部の温度以外の一又はそれ以上の点火条件が揃うことよって点火動作が行われる燃焼装置であり、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、気化部の温度以外の点火条件のうち、特定の一又はそれ以上の条件が揃った際における誘導発熱部の温度又はその間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配の少なくともいずれかを加味して次回の待機温度を補正する待機温度補正機能を有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００１５】
本発明の燃焼装置では、気化部の温度以外の点火条件のうち、特定の一又はそれ以上の条件が揃った際における誘導発熱部の温度や、この条件が揃うまでの間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配を加味して待機温度が補正される。そのため、上記した構成によれば、気化部の温度以外の点火条件が揃う頃に気化部の温度が点火条件に適応した温度となるように温度調整できる。従って、本発明によれば、燃焼休止中における電力消費量が少なく、点火動作への移行をスムーズに行える燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００１６】
請求項５に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、当該気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部を有し、さらに誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部を所定の待機温度に温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部を前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度に温度制御するものであり、燃焼に供される空気を供給する送風手段を有し、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、前記送風手段のファンの回転数が所定値に達した時点、あるいは送風手段の起動後所定時間が経過した時点における誘導発熱部の温度又はその間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配の少なくともいずれかを加味して次回の待機温度を補正することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００１７】
上記したように、誘導発熱部は、急速に気化部を昇温することができるが、送風手段により外部から導入される空気の影響を受けると、気化部を所定の温度まで加熱するのに要する時間や、気化部の昇温速度が微妙に変動する。本発明の燃焼装置では、送風手段が所定の条件を満たした際における誘導発熱部の温度や、その間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配に応じて待機温度が補正される。そのため、本発明によれば、送風手段の動作に伴う外乱の影響を受けても燃焼動作の開始に影響のない程度の温度となるように待機温度を最適化できる。
【００１８】
また、請求項１乃至５のいずれかに記載の燃焼装置は、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、端緒信号から一定時間経過後の誘導発熱部の温度又は一定時間内における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配のいずれかを加味して待機温度を補正するものであってもよい。（請求項６）
【００１９】
かかる構成によれば、外気温や雰囲気温度等の外乱の影響を受ける場合であってもスムーズに燃焼動作を開始可能な程度に待機温度を下げることができる。そのため、本発明によれば、ランニングコストが低く、燃焼動作の安定性の高い燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００２０】
請求項７に記載の発明は、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、前記気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置であって、気化部の温度が一定以上であり、さらにその他の点火条件が揃うことによって点火動作が行われる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部と、燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部と、誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段と、誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が所定の待機温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御するものであり、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、燃焼開始するものであり、前記その他の点火条件が揃い燃焼を開始する時点において誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が、燃焼開始温度以上である場合に、次回の待機温度をさらに低温に補正し、前記その他の点火条件が揃い燃焼を開始する時点において誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が、燃焼開始温度よりも低い場合に、次回の待機温度をさらに高温に補正する待機温度補正機能を有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００２１】
本発明の燃焼装置が備えている誘導発熱部は、電磁誘導を利用したものであり、通電に伴って急速に気化部を昇温させることができる。そのため、燃焼休止時における待機温度を相当低い温度に設定しておくことが可能であり、これにより燃焼休止中における消費電力を最小限に抑制できる。しかし、待機温度をあまりに低く設定しすぎた場合や、外気温等の外乱の影響を受ける場合には、気化部を所定温度まで昇温するために要する時間が長くなり、これが原因となって燃焼動作の開始が遅れてしまうおそれがある。
【００２２】
本発明の燃焼装置では、誘導発熱部温度制御手段が、気化部の温度以外の点火条件が揃った際における誘導発熱部の昇温状況に応じて待機温度を補正する待機温度補正機能を有している。かかる構成によれば、前記その他の点火条件が揃う頃に気化部の温度が点火条件に適応した温度となるように待機温度を補正し、燃焼動作をスムーズに開始可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００２３】
請求項８に記載の発明は、燃焼に供される空気を供給する送風手段と、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、前記気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置であって、所定の端緒信号を受けて送風手段と気化部を所定状態に立ち上げ、燃焼を開始させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部と、燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部と、誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段と、誘導発熱部の温度を制御する誘導発熱部温度制御手段を備え、誘導発熱部温度制御手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が所定の待機温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御し、燃焼開始時には誘導発熱部温度検知手段によって検知される検知温度が前記待機温度よりも高い燃焼開始温度となるように誘導発熱部を温度制御するものであり、燃焼休止時に所定の端緒信号を受けて誘導発熱部の制御温度を待機温度から燃焼開始温度に変更して誘導発熱部を昇温し、燃焼開始するものであり、前記端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が所定値以上である場合は送風手段および気化部の立ち上げを実質的に同時に行い、前記端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が所定値未満である場合は送風手段の立ち上げ開始に先立って気化部の立ち上げを開始する気化部早期立ち上げモードを有することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００２４】
本発明の燃焼装置では、電磁誘導を利用した誘導発熱部が気化部の加熱に利用されているが、気化部を加熱するのに要する時間は、誘導発熱部の温度次第で変動するものと想定される。即ち、誘導発熱部がある程度高温である場合は、比較的スムーズに所定温度まで昇温するものと想定されるが、誘導発熱部が低温である場合、気化部を所定温度まで昇温するのに要する時間は、誘導発熱部が高温である場合よりも長くなる可能性がある。また、気化部の温度が低い状態で送風手段を起動すると、これにより導入された外気等の影響で気化部の昇温に時間がかかってしまい、燃焼動作の開始がさらに遅れてしまうおそれがある。
【００２５】
しかし、本発明の燃焼装置は、上記した気化部早期立ち上げモードを有している。即ち、本発明の燃焼装置は、端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が低温である場合に、送風手段の立ち上げ開始に先立って気化部の立ち上げを開始する。従って、上記した構成によれば、端緒信号の入力時に気化部やこの近傍の雰囲気温度が低温であっても、気化部は外気等の影響を受けず迅速に昇温し、スムーズに燃焼動作を開始可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００２６】
また、請求項９に記載の発明は、燃焼に供される空気を供給する送風手段と、液体燃料を加熱して気化させる気化部を有し、前記気化部で液体燃料を気化して燃焼部に供給し、燃焼させる燃焼装置であって、所定の端緒信号を受けて送風手段と気化部を所定状態に立ち上げ、燃焼を開始させる燃焼装置において、気化部は電磁誘導加熱手段によって発熱する誘導発熱部を有し、さらに誘導発熱部の温度を検知する誘導発熱部温度検知手段を有し、前記端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が所定値以上である場合は送風手段および気化部の立ち上げを実質的に同時に行い、前記端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が所定値未満である場合は送風手段の立ち上げ開始に先立って気化部の立ち上げを開始する気化部早期立ち上げモードを有するものであり、気化部の温度が一定以上であり、さらに気化部の温度以外の一又はそれ以上の点火条件が揃うことよって点火動作が行われるものであり、誘導発熱部温度検知手段は、燃焼休止時には誘導発熱部を所定の待機温度に温度制御し、気化部の温度以外の点火条件のうち、特定の一又はそれ以上の条件が揃った際における誘導発熱部の温度又はその間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配の少なくともいずれかを加味して次回の待機温度を補正することを特徴とする燃焼装置である。
【００２７】
かかる構成によれば、気化部の温度以外の点火条件が揃う頃に気化部の温度が点火条件に到達可能な程度まで待機温度を低温に設定できる。従って、本発明によれば、点火動作をスムーズに行え、さらに燃焼休止中における電力消費量を最小限に抑制可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００２８】
上記したように、本発明の燃焼装置は、気化部の温度以外の点火条件のうち、特定の一又はそれ以上の条件が揃った際における誘導発熱部の温度又はその間における誘導発熱部の温度変化勾配の少なくともいずれかを加味して待機温度を補正するものである。即ち、本発明の燃焼装置は、例えば送風手段の回転数の様な気化部以外の点火条件が揃うまでの気化部の温度変化、あるいは、気化部以外の点火条件が揃った時点での気化部の温度に応じて待機温度を補正するものである。そのため、待機温度の補正精度を向上させるためには、送風手段等の動作開始時における気化部の温度条件を略同一にすることが望ましい。
【００２９】
本発明の燃焼装置において、気化部の温度が点火条件に達するまでに要する時間は、気化部の起動時における温度や気化部近傍の雰囲気温度等の初期条件によって変動する。そのため、気化部の起動と、送風手段等の他の条件の根拠となる部位の起動とを同時に行うと、前記初期条件次第で、気化部および送風手段の回転数等が点火条件に到達するタイミングが前後してしまう。即ち、気化部および送風手段等の起動を同時に行うと、気化部の初期条件次第で気化部以外の条件が点火条件に達したときの気化部の温度が変動してしまい、気化部の待機温度の調整精度に影響を与えかねない。
【００３０】
しかし、本発明の燃焼装置は、上記したように気化部早期立ち上げモードを有し、端緒信号の入力時に誘導発熱部温度検知手段の検知温度が所定値未満である場合に送風手段の立ち上げ開始に先立って気化部を立ち上げる構成となっている。そのため、上記した構成によれば、気化部の初期条件にかかわらず他の点火条件が揃った際における気化部の温度のバラツキを最小限に抑制できる。従って、本発明によれば、待機温度を精度良く調整可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００３１】
また、請求項１０に記載の発明は、気化部早期立ち上げモードは、運転開始から前記端緒信号が初めて入力された場合に実行されることを特徴とする請求項８又は９に記載の燃焼装置である。
【００３２】
かかる構成によっても、送風手段の動作に伴う外乱の影響を受けても燃焼動作の開始に影響を受けない程度の低温に待機温度を調整可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００３３】
また、請求項１乃至１０のいずれかに記載の燃焼装置は、主として燃焼部の熱を受けて昇温する自己発熱部を有し、自己発熱部によっても液体燃料が加熱されるものであってもよい。
【００３４】
上記した構成の燃焼装置は、燃焼部において発生する熱により自己発熱部を有するため、自己発熱部が高温である場合は誘導発熱部への通電を停止したり、通電量を最小限に抑制することができる。従って、上記した構成によれば、誘導発熱部における消費電力が少なく、ランニングコストの低い燃焼装置を提供できる。
【００３５】
上記の燃焼装置において、待機温度は、液体燃料の沸点領域未満であってもよい。
【００３６】
かかる構成によれば、燃焼休止中における電力消費量およびランニングコストを最小限に抑制できる。
【００３７】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の具体的実施形態について説明する。なお以下の説明において上下の関係は、燃焼装置を給湯器等に設置した状態を基準とする。
図１は、本発明の実施形態の燃焼装置の断面図である。図２は、本発明の実施形態の燃焼装置の全体的な部品構成を表す分解斜視図である。
【００３８】
図１において、１は、本発明の実施形態の燃焼装置を示す。本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、図１１の様に炎孔を下に向けて給湯装置２に内蔵されるものであり、上から送風機３、駆動機械部５、空気量調整部６が積層され、その下部に燃焼部７及び気化部８が設けられたものである。
気化部８は、後記する様に誘導熱源部１０と自己発熱部１１を持つ。そして誘導熱源部１０は、前記した空気量調整部６と燃焼部７の間にあり、自己発熱部１１は、燃焼部７に位置している。
【００３９】
上部側から順次説明すると、送風機３は、鋼板を曲げ加工して作られた凹状のハウジング１２の中にファン１３が回転可能に配されたものである。ハウジング１２の中央部には、開口１５が設けられている。
【００４０】
駆動機械部５は、箱体１６を有し、その天板１７の中央にモータ１８が取り付けられている。モータ１８は、両端部から回転軸２０，２１が突出しており、回転軸２０，２１は、燃焼装置１の略全長を貫通している。そして後記する様に、モータ１８の上方側の回転軸２０は、ファン１３に接続され、下方側の回転軸２１は、気化部８の第一回転部材２３及び第二回転部材２５に接続されている。
【００４１】
空気量調整部６は、図２に示すように、固定側板状部材２７の上に円盤状の移動側板状部材２６が重ねられている。空気量調整部６は、移動側板状部材２６の回転により、移動側板状部材２６と固定側板状部材２７を連通する開口の面積が変化し、これによって空気量が調節される。
【００４２】
燃焼部７は、図１，２に示すように分流部材４１と炎孔ベース４３及び炎孔部材４５によって作られている。そしてこれらの構成部品が燃焼用ハウジング１４（図１）内に収納されたものである。
【００４３】
分流部材４１、炎孔ベース４３および炎孔部材４５は、いずれも長方形をした板状の部材であり、それぞれ中央部に大きな開口４６，５２，５８が設けられている。分流部材４１は、平板状の部材であり、開口４６の周囲に多数の開口４７，４８，５０が設けられたものである。
【００４４】
炎孔ベース４３は、アルミダイカストによって作られたものであり、複雑な枠組みと開口及び溝が設けられている。炎孔ベース４３の上面側は、主として燃料ガス及び二次空気の流路構成面として機能し、下面側は炎孔取付け面として機能する。即ち、炎孔ベース４３は、図１に示す様に外周を囲む外側燃焼壁４９を有し、その内部に実際に火炎が発生する燃焼部７が形成される。炎孔ベース４３には、気化部８において気化された燃料ガスと空気との混合ガスが流れる流路と、分流部材４１の開口４７，４８，５０から流入する二次空気が流れる流路とが形成されている。炎孔ベース４３には、図１に示すように温度センサー５９（炎孔ベース温度検知手段）が取付けられている。
【００４５】
炎孔部材４５は、図２に示すように炎孔ベース４３と重ね合わせられる板状の部材であり、中央に設けられた自己発熱部１１用の開口５８を取り巻いて多数の丸孔６０と小孔６１とが規則正しく配列されている。
【００４６】
燃焼部７は、炎孔ベース４３、分流部材４１および炎孔部材４５を上記した状態に組み合わせた状態で燃焼用ハウジング１４内に配置されている。そして、燃焼部７には、分流部材４１側から炎孔ベース４３を通過し炎孔部材４５側に抜ける二次空気流路と、炎孔ベース４３内の流路および炎孔部材４５の小孔６１を介して外部に連通した燃料ガス流路が形成されている。
【００４７】
次に気化部８について説明する。図３は、本実施形態の燃焼装置の気化器周辺の分解斜視図である。図４は、気化部の誘導発熱部を構成する燃料通過筒の斜視図である。図５は、気化部の誘導発熱部を構成する燃料通過筒の正面図、平面図、左右側面図及び底面図である。図６は、気化部の誘導熱源部の一部断面斜視図である。図７は、気化部の誘導熱源部の変形例を示す一部断面斜視図である。図８は、図１の燃焼装置の燃焼部近傍を上から見た斜視図である。
【００４８】
本実施形態の燃焼装置１で採用する気化部８は、二種類の熱源を持つ。即ち本実施形態で採用する気化部８は、図１，２，３の様に誘導熱源部１０と、自己発熱部１１を有する。そして両発熱部の近傍にそれぞれ第一回転部材２３と第二回転部材２５が設けられている。また誘導熱源部１０と自己発熱部１１に適切な一次空気を供給するための空気導入筒７１が設けられている。
【００４９】
即ち気化部８は、図３の様に、第一回転部材２３、ドーナツ状断熱材７３、燃料通過筒（誘導発熱部予備発熱部）７５、円筒状断熱材７６、コイル部材７７、第一空気導入筒７８、第二空気導入筒８０、第二回転部材２５、及び自己発熱部１１によって形成されている。
そして前記した燃料通過筒７５、円筒状断熱材７６、ドーナツ状断熱材７３及びコイル部材７７の四者によって誘導熱源部１０が構成され、第一空気導入筒７８及び第二空気導入筒８０によって空気導入筒７１が構成されている。
【００５０】
順次説明すると、燃料通過筒７５は、誘導発熱部及び予備発熱部として機能するものであり、電気伝導性があり、かつある程度の電気抵抗を有する素材で作られた筒である。より具体的には、燃料通過筒７５は、誘導加熱し易いように薄い磁性体のステンレス鋼材で作られている。
燃料通過筒（誘導発熱部予備発熱部）７５は、両端が開口するものではあるが、図３，４，５の様な特殊な形状をしており、上部側と下部側で形状が大きく異なる。即ち燃料通過筒７５の上部側約半分の領域８１は、直径が略一定の円筒形状である。燃料通過筒７５の開口端（上部側の開口）は、燃料通過筒７５の軸線Ｘ−Ｘ（図５ａ）方向に開口している。また燃料通過筒７５の開口端（上部側の開口）には、フランジ部８３が形成されている。
【００５１】
これに対して燃料通過筒７５の下部側約半分の領域８２は、円錐形をしている。そして燃料通過筒７５の下部側の開口８５は、図５の様に燃料通過筒７５の軸線Ｘ−Ｘ（図５）に対して傾斜方向に開口している。
即ち燃料通過筒７５は、使用時の姿勢を基準として、下部側の開口８５が傾斜しており、下部側の開口端に高低差がある。
また下部側の開口８５は、その内側部分が折り返されており、開口端内部の樋状の溝８７が形成されている。即ち燃料通過筒７５の内面は、予備発熱周壁６４として機能するものであり、本実施形態では、予備発熱周壁６４たる燃料通過筒７５の内面の下部に樋状の溝８７が形成された構造である。
そして開口８５の最も下部に位置する部位の溝８７には開口８８が形成されている。開口８８は、具体的には小孔であり、気化しなかった燃料を集めて下部の自己発熱部１１側に滴下するために設けられている。
【００５２】
円筒状断熱材７６は、耐熱性と断熱性を兼ね備えた素材で作られ円筒である。円筒状断熱材７６の内径は、前記した燃料通過筒７５の上部側の領域８１の外径と等しい。また円筒状断熱材７６の高さは、燃料通過筒７５の上部側の領域８１の長さに等しい。
円筒状断熱材７６は、前記した様に耐熱性と断熱性を兼ね備えた素材で作られ、具体的にはグラスウールやセラミック等が採用されている。
【００５３】
ドーナツ状断熱材７３は、円盤状であり、中央に大きな開口が設けられている。ドーナツ状断熱材７３もグラスウールやセラミックのように耐熱性と断熱性を兼ね備えた材質で作られている。
【００５４】
コイル部材７７は、図６の様にボビン９０とコイル線９１によって構成されたものである。ボビン９０は、これ自体が断熱部材としての機能を兼ね備えるものであり、断熱性と耐熱性を兼ね備えた不飽和ポリエステルを素材としている。ボビン９０の形状は、図６の様に筒体部９２の両端にフランジ部９３，９４が設けられたものである
【００５５】
コイル線９１は、通常の銅線であり、螺旋状に巻き付けられている。なおコイル線の形状は、螺旋形に限定されるものではなく、例えば鞍形であってもよい。コイル線９１は、リッツ線であり、ボビン９０の筒体部９２の外周に螺旋状に巻き付けられ、さらにコイル線９１が解けないようにシリコンワニス等で固められている。また、コイル線９１の外周部には、通電により発生する磁界を加熱すべき燃料通過筒７５に集中させるために、数個（本実施形態では８個）のフェライトガイド９５が固定されている。
【００５６】
誘導熱源部１０は、前記した燃料通過筒７５、円筒状断熱材７６、ドーナツ状断熱材７３及びコイル部材７７の四者によって構成されており、燃料通過筒７５の外周に円筒状断熱材７６が設けられ、さらにその外周にコイル部材７７が設けられている（図６では、作図の関係上、円筒状断熱材７６を略している）。従ってコイル線９１と燃料通過筒７５の間には、円筒状断熱材７６と断熱材としての機能を備えたボビン９０が介在されており、コイル線９１と燃料通過筒７５の間は両者によって二重に断熱されている。
また燃料通過筒７５の開口端（上部側の開口）のフランジ部８３と、ボビン９０のフランジ部９３の間にはドーナツ状断熱材７３が介在されている（図６では、作図の関係上、ドーナツ状断熱材７３を略している）。
【００５７】
また誘導熱源部１０には、発熱部材たる燃料通過筒７５の温度を検知する温度センサー（誘導発熱部温度検知手段）１００が設けられている。
温度センサー１００は、具体的にはサーミスタであり、平板状の温度検知部１０１を持つ。
本実施形態では、図６の様に、ボビン９０のフランジ部９３に貫通孔１０２を設け、温度センサー１００の一部を保持すると共に信号線等を当該貫通孔１０２から外部に導出している。また温度検知部１０１とボビン９０のフランジ部９３の間にはクッション材１０３が設けられ、温度検知部１０１を燃料通過筒７５のフランジ部８３に押圧している。クッション材１０３は具体的にはシリコンゴムやステンレススチール等の皿バネや板バネ等である。またこれらに代わって小径のオーリングの様なものをクッション材として使用することもできる。
【００５８】
即ち本実施形態では、断熱材としての機能を備えたボビン９０によって温度センサー（誘導発熱部温度検知手段）１００が保持されている。そしてさらに温度検知部１０１は、断熱材としての機能を備えたボビン９０から反力を受けて燃料通過筒７５の外側表面に押し当てられている。また温度検知部１０１の表面にはシリコン等の熱伝導性に優れたぺーストを塗布しておくことが望ましい。
【００５９】
本実施形態では、温度センサー１００を燃料通過筒７５のフランジ部８３に当接させているが、温度センサー１００の取付け位置は任意であり、例えば図７の様に燃料通過筒７５の胴部分（側面部分）に温度検知部１０１を押し当てる構造としてもよい。
図７に示す誘導熱源部１０５では、ボビン９０の筒体部９２であってその端部近傍に貫通孔１０６を設け、さらにフランジ部９３の平面部分に溝１０７を設けている。言い換えると、一方のフランジ部９３の内側面に周端部から中心に向かう溝１０７を設け、当該溝１０７の延長線上に当たる筒体部９２に貫通孔１０６が設けられている。そして温度センサー１００の温度検知部１０１をボビン９０のフランジ部９３の内側に配し、さらに温度センサー１００の一部をボビン９０の貫通孔１０６及び溝１０７で保持する。
本実施形態においても、温度検知部１０１とボビン９０の筒体部９２の間にクッション材１０３が設けられ、温度検知部１０１を燃料通過筒７５の胴体部に押圧している。
【００６０】
自己発熱部１１は、図１，２の様に底部９６と周部９７を持つ円筒体であり、底部９６は閉塞し、上部は開口している。即ち自己発熱部１１は窪んだ形状をしており、底部９６及び周部９７は閉塞していて気密・水密性を持ち、上部は開放されている。
自己発熱部１１は、前記した様に底部９６及び周部９７を持ち、あたかもコップの様な形状をしていて、図１，２の様に、炎孔ベース４３の中央の開口５２部分に取り付けられている。自己発熱部１１の位置は、炎孔ベース４３の中央にあり、炎孔（小孔６１）に囲まれていて燃焼部７に近接して位置する。また自己発熱部１１の大部分は、燃焼部７側に露出する。より具体的には、自己発熱部１１の底部９６の全部と、周部９７の大部分が燃焼部７側に露出する。従って後記する様に燃焼時には炎孔（小孔６１）から発生する火炎により、自己発熱部１１が外側から加熱される。その結果、自己発熱部１１の内周面（自己発熱周壁）６６及び奥面部６７が加熱され、昇温する。
【００６１】
また自己発熱部１１には、温度センサー（自己発熱部温度検知手段）１１５が埋め込まれている（図１）。
【００６２】
第一回転部材２３は、燃料通過筒７５の内部で液体燃料を効率良く気化させるために、燃料パイプ１１６から噴射された液体燃料（本実施形態では灯油を使用）を微粒子状にし、燃料通過筒（誘導発熱部予備発熱部）７５の予備発熱周壁６４に向かって飛散させると共に、気化した燃料ガスと一次空気とを撹拌させて均一に混合する働きを行うものである。
【００６３】
一方、第二回転部材２５は、上方から滴下される液体燃料を自己発熱部１１の自己発熱周壁６６へ向けて飛散させると共に、燃料ガスと一次空気との撹拌混合を行うためのものである。
【００６４】
図３に示すように、第一空気導入筒７８及び第二空気導入筒８０によって空気導入筒７１が構成される。
第一空気導入筒７８は、薄板を曲げて作られたものであり、図３の様に外フランジ部１２７と円筒部１２８及び内フランジ部１２９によって構成されている。即ち外フランジ部１２７は、円筒部１２８の一方の開口端にある。外フランジ部１２７は、使用時には上部側に位置する。
円筒部１２８は、内径が前記した誘導熱源部１０の外径よりも大きく、空気の流れ方向の先端側は、やや内径が絞られている。
【００６５】
そして円筒部１２８の空気流の先端側には内フランジ部１２９が設けられている。
これに対して第二空気導入筒８０は円錐形をしている。第二空気導入筒８０の上部の開口１３０は、前記した第一空気導入筒７８の先端部の開口径に等しい。また第二空気導入筒８０の下部の開口径は、前記した自己発熱部１１の開口径よりも小さい。
第一空気導入筒７８と第二空気導入筒８０は重ねられて一連の空気流路を構成する。第一空気導入筒７８の接合部分には図示しないパッキンが介在されている。
【００６６】
気化部８は、前記した様に誘導熱源部１０と自己発熱部１１を持つ。そして誘導熱源部１０は、前記した空気量調整部６と燃焼部７の間にあり、自己発熱部１１は、燃焼部７に位置している。
気化部８は、前記した様に、第一回転部材２３、ドーナツ状断熱材７３、燃料通過筒７５、円筒状断熱材７６、コイル部材７７、第一空気導入筒７８、第二空気導入筒８０、第二回転部材２５、及び自己発熱部１１によって構成されているが、これらはいずれも同一軸線状に並べて配されている。即ち第一空気導入筒７８と第二空気導入筒８０によって構成される空気導入筒７１の内部に燃料通過筒７５、円筒状断熱材７６、ドーナツ状断熱材７３及びコイル部材７７の四者から成る誘導熱源部１０が配されており、空気導入筒７１の中心軸と、誘導熱源部１０の中心軸は一致する。
【００６７】
空気導入筒７１と誘導熱源部１０の下部に自己発熱部１１があり、空気導入筒７１の先端部は、自己発熱部１１の開口（奥側）に向かって開いている。また誘導熱源部１０を構成する燃料通過筒（誘導発熱部予備発熱部）７５についても自己発熱部１１の奥側に向かって開いている。
また第一回転部材２３は誘導熱源部１０の内部に位置し、第二回転部材２５は自己発熱部１１の内部に位置する。より詳細には、第一回転部材２３は誘導熱源部１０を構成する燃料通過筒（予備発熱部）７５内にあり、予備発熱周壁６４に囲まれた空間に位置する。また第二回転部材２５は自己発熱部１１の自己発熱周壁６６に囲まれた空間に位置する。
【００６８】
また誘導熱源部１０の内部には燃料パイプ１１６が挿入され、燃料パイプ１１６は図２の様に第一回転部材２３の上部に至っている。
より具体的に説明すると、燃料パイプ１１６は誘導熱源部１０の上部の開口から真っ直ぐに垂下され、上から第一回転部材２３の上部に至る。そして燃料パイプ１１６から第一回転部材２３に灯油等の液体燃料が滴下される。
【００６９】
また誘導熱源部１０には前記した様に開口８５に傾斜した溝８７があり、当該溝８７には開口８８が形成されているが、この開口８８は、第二回転部材２５の上部に位置する。即ち開口８８は、第二回転部材２５の中心近傍の上部にある。
【００７０】
次に、本実施形態の燃焼装置１の各部の組み立て構造について説明する。
本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、送風機３、駆動機械部５、空気量調整部６及び気化部８が中心軸を一致させて順次積み重ねられたものであり、駆動機械部５の天板１７に送風機３が直接的にネジ止めされている。即ち本実施形態では、送風機３の回転中心と空気量調整部６の軸挿通孔２８，３５と気化部８の中心軸が同一軸線上に直線的に並べられている。なお気化部８自体の構成部品についても同一軸線状に並べて配されているので、前記した送風機３の回転中心と空気量調整部６の軸挿通孔２８，３５と気化部８の中心軸に対して気化部８の二つの回転部材２３，２５の回転中心軸も一致する。
【００７１】
そして駆動機械部５の上部に空気量調整部６がネジ止めされている。
また空気量調整部６の下部には、気化部８が位置する。
即ち空気量調整部６の中心部に、パッキンを介して空気導入筒７１の大きいほうの開口が取り付けられている。
【００７２】
空気導入筒７１の中心軸は、空気量調整部６の移動側板状部材２６および固定側板状部材２７の軸挿通孔２８，３５と一致し、空気導入筒７１は固定側板状部材２７の中心側のエリアを覆う様に位置することとなる。従って空気量調整部６の中心側のエリアから排出された空気は、空気導入筒７１によって捕捉される。
なお空気導入筒７１内には前記した様に誘導熱源部１０があり、誘導熱源部１０は、中心に燃料通過筒７５があって上下に連通するため、空気量調整部６の中心側のエリアから排出された空気は、空気導入筒７１によって捕捉され、中心部の燃料通過筒７５を流れる空気と、誘導熱源部１０の周辺部を流れる空気に分流される。
【００７３】
即ち空気導入筒７１内には燃料通過筒７５があるため、空気の一部は燃料通過筒７５を通過して自己発熱部１１に至る。
また空気導入筒７１の内面と誘導熱源部１０の外周との間には環状の空間部１３１が有るため、空気の残部は当該空間部１３１を通過して直接的に自己発熱部１１に入る。
空気導入筒７１に入った空気は、いずれの経路を通る場合でも、一次空気として燃焼に寄与する。
【００７４】
また駆動機械部５のモータ１８の回転軸２１は、空気量調整部６の中央の軸挿通孔２８，３５を連通して空気導入筒７１及び誘導熱源部１０を通過し、自己発熱部１１の内部に至る。
そしてモータ１８の回転軸２１は、誘導熱源部１０の内部、より詳細には燃料通過筒７５の内部において第一回転部材２３と係合している。またモータ１８の回転軸２１は、自己発熱部１１の内部において第二回転部材２５と係合している。
即ち駆動機械部５のモータ１８の回転軸２１は、その先端部分が第二回転部材２５と係合し、中間部分が第一回転部材２３と係合している。そして第一回転部材２３は誘導熱源部１０の燃料通過筒７５内に位置し、第二回転部材２５は自己発熱部１１内に位置し、いずれもモータ１８によって回転される。
【００７５】
またモータ１８の後端側の回転軸２０は、ファン１３にも接続されているから、本実施形態では、単一のモータ１８によって気化部８の二つの回転部材２３，２５とファン１３の三者が駆動される。
なお軸挿通孔２８，３５は、移動側板状部材２６の回転中心でもあるから、移動側板状部材２６が回転する際に移動することはない。そのため軸挿通孔２８，３５にモータ１８の回転軸２１があっても、移動側板状部材２６の回転の妨げとならない。
【００７６】
本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、炎孔を下に向けて使用される。以下、燃焼装置１の取付方向について説明する。
図１１は、図１の燃焼装置を採用した給湯器の配管系統図である。
本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、図１１の様な給湯装置２に使用される。
そして燃焼装置１は、熱交換器１３５が内蔵された缶体１３６の上部に設置され、下部の熱交換器１３５に向かって火炎を発生させる。
【００７７】
給湯装置２は、図１１に示すように、熱源として燃焼装置１を備え、従来公知の給湯装置と同様の構成を有している。即ち、燃焼装置１において発生した燃焼ガスと湯水などの熱媒体とが熱交換を行う熱交換器１３５と流水回路１４１及び燃料供給部１４２によって構成されている。また流水回路１４１は、外部から湯水を供給する流入側流路１４３と、熱交換器１３５において加熱された湯水を外部に流出させる流出側流路１４５とを備えている。流入側流路１４３は熱交換器１３５の入水口１４６に接続されており、流出側流路１４５は熱交換器１３５の出水口１４７に接続されている。
【００７８】
流入側流路１４３の中途には、水量センサー１５０（最小作動水量検知手段）と入水サーミスタ１５１（入水温度検知手段）とが設けられている。水量センサー１５０は、流入側流路１４３を介して供給される湯水の量を検知するものであり、当該水量センサー１５０が所定の水量を検知すると、燃焼装置１が点火動作を開始する。
また、入水サーミスタ１５１は、外部から供給される湯水の水温を検知するものである。
【００７９】
流出側流路１４５は、熱交換器１３５において燃焼ガスとの熱交換により加熱された高温の湯水を給湯栓１５２に供給するものである。流出側流路１４５の中途には、缶体サーミスタ１５３と、攪拌部１５４と、水量調整弁１５５（出湯量制限手段）と、出湯サーミスタ１５６（出湯温度検知手段）とが設けられている。水量調整弁１５５は、流出側流路１４５の流路を開閉することにより、給湯栓１５２から出湯される湯の総量を規制するものである。
また、湯温検知サーミスタ１５３は、熱交換器１３５において加熱された高温の湯水の温度を検知するものである。
【００８０】
攪拌部１５４は、流出側流路１４５と、後述するバイパス流路１５８との接続部に設けられている。攪拌部１５４では、熱交換器１３５において加熱された高温の湯水と、バイパス流路１５８を介して流入する比較的低温の湯水とが混合される。攪拌部１５４の下流側には、出湯サーミスタ１５６が設けられている。出湯サーミスタ１５６は、攪拌部１５４において攪拌された湯水の温度を検知するものである。
【００８１】
流入側流路１４３と流出側流路１４５とは、バイパス流路１５８によってバイパスされている。バイパス流路１５８の流出側流路１４５側の端部は、上記した攪拌部１５４に接続されている。バイパス流路１５８の中途には、バイパス水量調整弁１５９が設けられている。バイパス水量調整弁１５９は、攪拌部１５４に流れ込む水量を調整するものである。
また、燃焼装置１の給気口近傍に外気温度（給気温度）を測定する空気温度センサー１６１が設けられている。さらに給湯装置２には凍結防止センサー１６２が設けられている。
【００８２】
次に本実施形態の燃焼装置１の機能について説明する。
本実施形態の燃焼装置１では、モータ１８を起動してファン１３と第一回転部材２３及び第二回転部材２５を回転させる。
ファン１３の回転により、図１の矢印の様に送風機３のハウジング１２の中央部に設けられた開口１５から空気が吸い込まれ、空気は駆動機械部５に入る。そして空気は、駆動機械部５から上部の空気量調整部６を経て気化部８及び燃焼部７に流れるが、本実施形態では空気量調整部６によって流量調整される。即ち、気化部８および燃焼部７側に流れる空気量は、ステップモータ３８を動作させ、移動側板状部材２６を固定側板状部材２７に対して回転させて開口面積を変化させることにより調整される。
【００８３】
空気量調整部６を通過した空気は、一次空気として燃焼に寄与するものと、二次空気として燃焼に寄与するものに別れる。即ち空気量調整部６の中心部のエリアを通過した空気は、直接的に空気導入筒７１に捕捉され、その一部は燃料通過筒７５に入って燃料ガスと混合され、残部は直接的に自己発熱部１１の中に入って燃料ガスと混合される。
【００８４】
また送風の残部は、図８に示すように分流部材４１に列状に設けられた長孔状の開口４８から、炎孔ベース４３を横切って流れ、炎孔部材４５の丸孔６０へ経て燃焼部７に至る。
【００８５】
そして送風機３の送風により、上記した様に気化部８内に大量に一次空気が導入され、誘導熱源部１０の燃料通過筒７５内及び自己発熱部１１を通風雰囲気とする。
また誘導熱源部１０のコイル線９１に図示しない高周波インバータから高周波電流を流し、高周波誘導加熱の原理によって誘導熱源部１０の燃料通過筒７５を発熱させる。
【００８６】
即ちコイル線９１に高周波電流を流すことにより、コイルの内部に変動磁場が生成し、当該変動磁場中に置かれた燃料通過筒７５を変動する磁力線が貫く。ここで燃料通過筒７５はステンレス鋼で作られており、導電性を有するから、燃料通過筒７５の内部に渦電流が生じる。そして前記した様に燃料通過筒７５はステンレス鋼で作られており、相当の電気抵抗を有するから、渦電流に起因するジュール熱によって燃料通過筒７５が発熱する。
また高周波誘導加熱による発熱は、熱効率が高く、且つ早期に昇温する。そのため燃料通過筒７５は、従来の電気ヒータを使用した場合に比べて極めて短時間の間に昇温し、液体燃料を気化し得る温度に達する。
【００８７】
なお本実施形態では、高周波誘導加熱によって燃料通過筒７５を加熱する際に、コイル線９１が昇温しない様に工夫がなされている。
即ち本実施形態の様に燃焼装置１の内部に誘導加熱用のコイル線９１を設けると、内部の熱によってコイル線９１が加熱され、断線等のおそれが生じる。そこで本実施形態では、コイル線９１が過度に加熱されない様に工夫がなされている。
即ち本実施形態では、コイル線９１は、ボビン９０に巻かれているが、ボビン９０は、樹脂で作られており、導電性がないので発熱しない。またボビン９０は断熱性と耐熱性を具備した不飽和ポリエステルを素材としている。そのためボビン９０が断熱材として機能し、燃料通過筒７５の熱をコイル線９１に伝えない。
【００８８】
またボビン９０と燃料通過筒７５の間にも発熱せず、且つ断熱性に優れた断熱材（円筒状断熱材７６）が介在されている。
また燃料通過筒７５は、フランジ部８３を有するが、当該フランジ部８３とコイル線９１との間にも、ドーナツ状断熱材７３とボビン９０のフランジ部９３が存在し、コイル線９１の昇温を防いでいる。
さらに本実施形態では、後記する様に誘導熱源部１０の外側に一次空気が流れる構造となっているので、当該一次空気によってもコイル線９１が冷却される。
【００８９】
上記した様に、コイル線９１に通電し、高周波誘導加熱によって燃料通過筒７５を発熱させ、燃料通過筒７５の内壁全体を昇温させる。この状態において、燃料パイプ１１６から灯油を第一回転部材２３に対して滴下する。
滴下された灯油は、第一回転部材２３から遠心力を受け、燃料通過筒（誘導発熱部）７５の予備発熱周壁６４に向かって飛散する。なお本実施形態で採用した第一回転部材２３は、上下方向へ延びる回転軸と一体的に回転する板体の外縁から放射状に撹拌羽根を延出させて形成され、当該撹拌羽根は、板体の外縁に沿って全周に渡って複数設けられると共に、板体に対して所定角度だけ傾斜させた構成とされている。
【００９０】
そのため第一回転部材２３の板体の表面に噴射された液体燃料は、遠心力によって板体の表面を流動し、一部は傾斜した撹拌羽根の表面に沿って流動して撹拌羽根の先端から燃料通過筒７５の予備発熱周壁６４へ向けて飛散する。
従って、撹拌羽根の先端が板体に対して回転軸方向（上下方向）に位置する構成とすれば、板体に対して上方や下方に位置する部位から液体燃料を分散させて飛散させることができ、飛散した液体燃料に気化部内周壁の熱エネルギーを効率良く加えて気化を促進させることが可能となる。
【００９１】
そして飛散した灯油は、第一回転部材２３の周囲に配された燃料通過筒７５の内面に接触し、熱を受けて気化する。このとき、燃料通過筒７５に接触した灯油はほぼ１００％気化され、気化されずに灯油が残留することはない。
また前記した様に空気導入筒７１に捕捉された空気の一部が燃料通過筒７５の内部を通過するので、燃料通過筒７５の内面から熱を受けて気化した燃料は、燃料通過筒７５を通過する空気と混合される。
【００９２】
ここで本実施形態では、第一回転部材２３に撹拌羽根が設けられているから、第一回転部材２３の内面に設けられた撹拌羽根によって燃料通過筒７５内の空気が攪拌され、燃料ガスと空気との混合が促進される。
また本実施形態では、燃料通過筒７５が筒状であるから、飛散された燃料及び気化した燃料は、筒状の部分を通過する間、加熱され続ける。即ち本実施形態では、誘導発熱部分が筒状であるから、燃料が当該筒状の部分を通過する際に加熱昇温される。そのため本実施形態の燃焼装置は、燃料と発熱体との接触距離及び接触時間が長く、燃料の気化が確実であるばかりでなく、気化した燃料ガスの温度が高い。
【００９３】
こうして発生した混合ガスは、燃料通過筒７５を通過して自己発熱部１１内に入る。
一方、前記した様に、空気導入筒７１に捕捉された空気の残部は、空気導入筒７１の内面と誘導熱源部１０の外周との間に形成された空間部１３１を通過して自己発熱部１１に入る。
また本実施形態では、自己発熱部１１内にも回転部材が設けられている。即ち本実施形態では、二段に回転部材が設けられ、その一つたる第二回転部材２５は、自己発熱部１１の中で回転する。
そのため自己発熱部１１内に入った燃料ガスと空気との混合ガスは、再度第二回転部材２５によって攪拌混合される。
【００９４】
特に本実施形態では、燃料通過筒７５の先端側が絞られており、前記した第一回転部材２３によって混合攪拌された燃料ガスは、狭い燃料通過筒７５の先端を通過する際に互いに激しく衝突し、混合が進む。そして当該燃料ガスは、狭い部分から第二回転部材に対して吹き込まれ、再度第二回転部材２５によってかき混ぜられる。また燃料ガスは、自己発熱部１１内において、新たに空間部１３１を通過して自己発熱部１１に導入された空気とも混合される。
こうして発生し、さらに一次空気と混合された燃料ガスは、図１の矢印の様に、第二回転部材２５の外壁と自己発熱部１１の内周面６６によって形成される空隙１３８を流れて下流に向かう。即ち混合ガスは、自己発熱部１１の円筒状の内周面６６に沿って一旦上方に流れる。ここで自己発熱部１１の開口部近傍には空気導入筒７１の吹き出し口側があるので、混合ガスの流路は極めて狭い。そのため混合ガスの攪拌は、当該部位においてさらに進行する。
【００９５】
こうして空気導入筒７１から自己発熱部１１の内部に供給された空気は、飛散した燃料と混合され、高温状態となって自己発熱部１１の上部の開口部１４０から排出される。そして自己発熱部１１を出た混合ガスは、炎孔ベース４３に流れ込む。
【００９６】
そして混合ガスは、炎孔ベース４３の下部に設けられた炎孔（小孔６１）から放出される。
前記した様に、本実施形態の燃焼装置１では、気化部８で液体燃料が気化されて炎孔ベース４３を流れ、炎孔（小孔６１）から放出されるが、気化部８を出る際における燃料ガスの温度が高いので、炎孔（小孔６１）に至るまでの間で再液化することはない。
【００９７】
一方、他の部位から下流側に流れた空気は、燃料と混合されることなく、直接燃焼部７側に流れ込み、二次空気として燃焼に寄与する。
【００９８】
そして図示しない点火装置によって燃料ガスに点火されると、炎孔（小孔６１）から下向きの火炎が発生する。
【００９９】
ここで本実施形態の燃焼装置１では、気化部８が、燃焼部７の中央に直接的に露出しているので、燃焼が開始されると、自己発熱部１１が火炎によって加熱される。そのため自己発熱部１１内の温度が上昇し、燃料の気化がさらに促進される。
【０１００】
所定時間の間、燃焼が行われ、自己発熱部１１の温度が十分に昇温すると、
誘導熱源部１０のコイル線９１への通電を停止し、誘導加熱を終了する。そして以後は、自己発熱部１１の発熱だけに頼って燃料を気化させる。
【０１０１】
即ち誘導加熱を停止すると、燃料通過筒７５の温度が低下し、誘導熱源部１０での気化はほとんど行われなくなり、実質的に自己発熱部１１のみで燃料は気化される。
誘導熱源部１０で気化されない液体燃料は、燃料通過筒７５の内面を伝い、重力によって下方に至る。ここで本実施形態では、燃料通過筒７５の下端部に樋状の溝８７が形成されている。そのため燃料通過筒７５の内面を伝い落ちた燃料は、下部の溝８７に集められる。さらに本実施形態では、下部側の開口８５が傾斜しているから、端部の溝８７にも傾斜があり、集められた燃料は、溝８７内を流れてさらに下方に集まる。そして本実施形態では、溝８７の最下部に開口８８が設けられているから、溝８７を流れた燃料は、最終的に溝８７の最下部に形成された開口８８から滴下する。
【０１０２】
ここで燃料通過筒７５に設けられた開口８８は、第二回転部材２５の上部であってさらに第二回転部材２５の中心近傍に開いているから、開口８８から滴下した燃料は、常に一定の位置に落下し、第二回転部材２５と接触する。より具体的には、気化されなかった燃料は、すべて第二回転部材２５の中央部分に集中的に滴下され、第二回転部材２５に巻き込まれて飛散する。
【０１０３】
そして飛散した燃料は、自己発熱部１１の内周面６６に衝突し、自己発熱部１１から熱を受けて気化する。
また前記した空気導入筒７１の内外を流れて自己発熱部１１に入った空気とも混合される。
また燃料の一部は、遠心力によって飛散する前に第二回転部材２５から零れ落ちるが、このように落下した燃料は、自己発熱部１１の奥面部６７に接触し、熱を受けて気化する。
そして第一回転部材２３の内面に設けられた羽根部によって自己発熱部１１内の空気が攪拌され、燃料ガスと空気との混合が促進される。
その後の燃料ガスの流れは、前述した通りであり、高温状態となって自己発熱部１１の上部の開口部１４０から排出される。そして自己発熱部１１を出た混合ガスは、一旦炎孔ベース４３の上部側の通路に流れ込み、炎孔ベース４３の炎孔（小孔６１）から放出され、燃焼する。
【０１０４】
以下、さらに本実施形態の燃焼装置に特有の動作について詳細に説明する。
図９は、図１の燃焼装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。図１０は、図１の燃焼装置が備える気化器の温度変化を示す模式図である。
【０１０５】
上記した燃焼装置１は、制御装置（図示せず）によって駆動制御され、燃焼指令に対して所定の動作を順次行っている。即ち、燃焼装置１は、大別して燃焼装置１を起動する起動段階Ｓ１と、燃焼要求を待つ待機段階Ｓ２と、燃焼要求に対して燃料の点火準備を行う点火準備段階Ｓ３と、燃焼要求に応じて燃焼動作を行う燃焼段階Ｓ４と、燃焼動作の終了後に掃気を行うポストパージ段階Ｓ５の５段階から構成される運転モードで動作する。
【０１０６】
さらに詳細に説明すると、起動段階Ｓ１は、燃焼装置１の運転スイッチ（図示せず）がオン状態になった直後の状態であり、制御装置は、起動段階Ｓ１において誘導熱源部１０のコイル線９１に通電して気化部８を予熱しておく。また、待機段階Ｓ２は、起動段階Ｓ１において気化部８の予熱が完了した後の状態であり、燃焼装置１に対する燃焼要求を待っている状態である。点火準備段階Ｓ３は、燃焼装置１に対する燃焼要求が出された時に、燃焼動作に先だって行われる動作段階である。さらに具体的には、燃焼装置１は、点火準備段階Ｓ３において、従来公知の燃焼装置と同様に、主としてプリパージ動作を行う。燃焼段階Ｓ４は、気化部８において気化された燃料を燃焼する動作段階である。ポストパージ段階Ｓ５は、燃焼段階Ｓ４の完了後に行われる動作段階であり、従来公知の燃焼装置において行われているのと同様の掃気動作を行うものである。
【０１０７】
本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、制御装置により、上記した運転モードの各段階に応じて気化部８の誘導熱源部１０および自己発熱部１１からなる２つの発熱部が温度制御されている点に特徴を有する。以下に、本発明の燃焼装置１の特徴部分である誘導熱源部１０および自己発熱部１１の温度制御について図面を参照しながら詳細に説明する。
【０１０８】
図９は、制御装置による誘導熱源部１０および自己発熱部１１の温度制御方法を示すフローチャート図である。図９に示すように、誘導熱源部１０および自己発熱部１１の温度制御は、燃焼装置１の運転モードに対応しており、大別して５段階から構成されている。さらに具体的には、図９のステップ１〜５が燃焼装置１の起動段階Ｓ１に相当し、ステップ６〜７が待機段階Ｓ２に相当する。また、ステップ６，８〜１６が点火準備段階Ｓ３に相当する。図９のステップ１７〜２１は燃焼段階Ｓ４に相当し、ステップ２２〜２５はポストパージ段階Ｓ５に相当する。以下、各段階における誘導熱源部１０および自己発熱部１１の温度制御について順を追って説明する。
【０１０９】
燃焼装置１の運転モードが起動段階Ｓ１である場合、制御装置は、図１０に示すように誘導熱源部１０のコイル線９１に通電することにより、気化部８を一旦液体燃料が容易に気化可能な温度（気化可能温度Ｂ）を越える温度（初期加熱温度Ａ）、即ち液体燃料の沸点領域以上の温度に昇温させて予熱しておき、燃焼動作に備える。さらに詳細には、本実施形態の燃焼装置１では、液体燃料として灯油が採用されているため、気化可能温度Ｂは２４５℃に設定されており、初期加熱温度Ａは３００℃に設定されている。制御装置は、誘導熱源部１０への通電後、誘導熱源部１０に設置された温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が３００℃に達すると誘導熱源部１０のコイル線９１への通電を停止する。
【０１１０】
さらに具体的に説明すると、図９に示すように制御装置は、ステップ１において運転スイッチがオンになっているかを確認する。ここで運転スイッチがオンになっていることが確認されると、制御装置は、ステップ２において誘導熱源部１０の発熱目標温度を初期加熱温度Ａに設定すると共に、ステップ３において誘導熱源部１０への通電を開始し、誘導熱源部１０を発熱させる。
【０１１１】
誘導熱源部１０への通電が開始されると、誘導熱源部１０の温度は、図１０に示すように急激に上昇する。さらに具体的には、燃焼装置１では運転スイッチがオンになって誘導熱源部１０への通電が開始されてから約８秒後に気化可能温度Ｂを越える。制御装置は、誘導熱源部１０への通電が開始されると、ステップ４において誘導熱源部１０の温度を監視する。ここで、誘導熱源部１０の温度が初期加熱温度Ａに達すると、気化部８およびその周辺の雰囲気温度が十分高温であり、燃料パイプ１１６を介して気化部８に供給された燃料をスムーズに気化できる。そのため、ステップ４において温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が初期加熱温度Ａ以上になったことが確認されると、制御装置は、ステップ５において誘導熱源部１０への通電を一時停止し、気化部８の予熱を完了する。
【０１１２】
ステップ５において気化部８の予熱が完了すると、制御装置は、ステップ６において燃焼要求がオン状態であるかを確認する。さらに具体的には、制御装置は、ステップ６において流入側流路１４３に設けられた水量センサー１５０によって検知される入水量Ｑが所定の最低作動水量（Minimum Operation Quantity：以下、最小作動水量と称す）に達しているかを確認する。ここで、入水量Ｑが最小作動水量（ＭＯＱ）に達していない場合、燃焼装置１に対する燃料要求はオフ状態であり、運転モードは待機段階Ｓ２にある。そのため、入水量ＱがＭＯＱ未満である場合、制御装置は、制御フローをステップ７に進め、気化部８の温度調整を行う。
【０１１３】
制御フローがステップ７に進行すると、制御装置は、誘導熱源部１０の目標温度を液体燃料の沸点領域以下の温度（待機温度Ｆ）に設定し、誘導発熱部１０への通電をオン・オフ制御しながら燃焼装置１に対して燃焼要求が出されるのを待つ。本実施形態の燃焼装置１において、待機温度Ｆは、液体燃料がスムーズに気化可能な温度領域、即ち液体燃料の沸点領域よりも低温に設定されている。さらに具体的には、本実施形態では、待機温度Ｆの初期値は１００℃に設定されており、以下に示す制御フローにより変動する。
【０１１４】
さらに詳細に説明すると、上記したステップ１〜５に示した予熱動作により初期加熱温度Ａまで加熱された気化部８の温度は、ステップ５において誘導熱源部１０への通電が停止されると、図１０に示すように徐々に低下し、やがて温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が待機温度Ｆよりも低温の待機下限温度Ｈを僅かに下回る。この時、制御装置は、気化部８の温度を待機温度Ｆに維持すべく誘導熱源部１０のオン・オフ制御を開始する。即ち、制御装置は、内部に設けられたインバータ回路を用いて誘導熱源部１０をオン・オフさせ、温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が待機温度Ｆを中心とする温度範囲内に納まるように誘導熱源部１０における発熱量を調整する。さらに具体的には、制御装置は、検知温度ＴＨ１が待機温度Ｆよりも僅かに高温の待機上限温度Ｇと、待機温度Ｆよりも僅かに低温の待機加減温度Ｈとの間となるように誘導熱源部１０のオン・オフを繰り返し、燃焼要求がオン状態になるのを待つ。なお、制御装置は、誘導熱源部１０への通電をオン・オフ制御する代わりに、検知温度ＴＨ１が所定の温度範囲内に納まるように誘導熱源部１０の誘導発熱量を比例制御するものであってもよい。また、制御装置は、目標温度たる待機温度Ｆと実際の検知温度ＴＨ１との偏差に基づいて誘導発熱量を調整するものであってもよい。
【０１１５】
燃焼装置１の動作段階が起動段階Ｓ１あるいは待機段階Ｓ２である時に給湯栓１５２が開栓され、水量センサー１５０が検知する水量がＭＯＱを越えると、燃焼装置１の動作段階は点火準備段階Ｓ３へと進行する。即ち、図９のステップ６において燃焼装置１に対する燃焼指令が出されると、制御装置は、制御フローをステップ８に進め、誘導熱源部１０の設定温度を運転温度Ｃに設定し、誘導熱源部１０への通電のオン・オフ制御を開始する。ここで、運転温度Ｃは、気化部８に供給された液体燃料がスムーズに気化可能な温度である気化可能温度Ｂよりやや高温に設定されている。さらに具体的には、気化可能温度Ｂは、２５０℃に設定されている。
【０１１６】
ステップ８において誘導熱源部１０の設定温度が運転温度Ｃに設定されると、制御装置は、ステップ９において燃焼履歴フラグがオン状態になっているかを確認する。ここで、燃焼履歴フラグがオフ状態である場合、即ち直前のステップ８において確認された燃焼指令が運転スイッチがオン状態になってから初めての燃焼指令である場合、制御装置は、ステップ１０において温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が１５０℃以上に達しているかを確認する。ここで、検知温度ＴＨ１が１５０℃以上である場合、制御フローはステップ１１に進行する。
【０１１７】
即ち、運転スイッチがオン状態になってから燃焼履歴がある場合、気化部８は、先の燃焼動作である程度予熱されており、誘導熱源部１０への通電に伴って比較的スムーズに運転温度Ｃまで昇温するものと想定される。しかし、運転スイッチがオン状態になってからの燃焼履歴がない場合、燃焼装置１内の雰囲気温度が低く、気化部８が運転温度Ｃに到達するために要する時間は、燃焼履歴がある場合よりも長くなる可能性がある。また、気化部８の温度が低い状態で送風機３を起動すると、導入された外気の影響で気化部８の昇温に時間がかかり、燃焼動作の開始が遅れてしまうおそれがある。
【０１１８】
さらに、本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、後述するように点火条件の一つである送風量、即ちファン１３の回転数が点火に必要な回転数に達した時点における気化部８の温度ＴＨ１に応じて待機温度Ｆを調整する待機温度調整動作を行うものである。即ち、燃焼装置１は、送風機３の起動を開始条件とし、送風機３のファン１３の回転数が所定値に到達することを終了条件として待機温度調整動作を行うものである。そのため、待機温度Ｆを適切に補正するためには、待機温度調整動作の開始条件である送風機３の起動時における気化部８の温度、即ち気化部８の初期温度条件が近似していることが望ましい。そこで、本実施形態では、ステップ９において運転スイッチがオン状態になってからの燃焼履歴を確認することで気化部８の初期温度条件を確認し、燃焼履歴がない場合はステップ１０において温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が１５０℃に達するのを待つ構成としている。
【０１１９】
図９に示すフローチャート図に戻って説明すると、上記したステップ９において燃焼履歴フラグがオン状態である場合、あるいは、ステップ９において燃焼履歴フラグがオフ状態であってもステップ１０において検知温度ＴＨ１が１５０℃以上に達していることが確認された場合、制御装置は、ステップ１１において送風機３を起動し、プリパージ動作を開始する。
【０１２０】
送風機３の起動後、ステップ１２において送風機３のファン１３の回転数が所定値に達していることが確認されると、制御装置はステップ１３において直ちに気化部８の温度、即ち温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃに達しているかを確認する。即ち、制御装置は、気化部８の温度以外の点火条件である送風量が点火に必要な量に達した時点で、気化部８の温度が燃焼動作に必要な温度に達しているかを確認する。ここで温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃ以上になっている場合、気化部８の温度以外の点火条件であるファン１３の回転数が所定値に達するまでに、気化部８が上記したステップ７において設定された待機温度Ｆから運転温度Ｃまで昇温している。即ち、ステップ１３において検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃ以上である場合、誘導熱源部１０の加熱能力に余力があり、燃焼動作は、ファン１３の回転数が所定値に達するのを待って開始される。そのため、次回の待機温度Ｆは、上記したステップ７において設定された温度よりさらに低温であっても気化部８の温度以外の点火条件が揃うまでに気化部８を運転温度Ｃまで昇温できる可能性が高い。換言すれば、次回の待機温度Ｆをさらに低温にすることにより、気化部８の温度やファン１３の回転数等の点火条件の揃うタイミングが合致する可能性が高く、さらに気化部８の加熱に要する電力を最小限に抑制できる。そのため、制御装置は、次回の待機温度Ｆをステップ７において設定された温度から１℃下げた上でステップ１７の点火動作に移行する。
【０１２１】
一方、ステップ１３において温度センサー１１０の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃ未満である場合とは、図１０に一点鎖線で示すように点火条件の一つであるファン１３の回転数が所定値に達しているにもかかわらず、気化部８が運転温度Ｃに到達していない場合である。即ち、ステップ１３において検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃ未満である場合、上記ステップ７において設定された待機温度Ｆが低く、燃焼指令がオン状態になった直後に誘導熱源部１０への通電を開始しても、気化部８が運転温度Ｃに達するタイミングが、他の点火条件が揃うタイミングから遅れてしまう。そのため、次回の待機段階Ｓ２における待機温度Ｆは、上記したステップ７において設定された待機温度Ｆよりも高温に設定しておかないと、再度気化部８が運転温度Ｃに達するタイミングが遅れ、燃焼動作をスムーズに開始できない可能性が高い。そのため、制御装置は、ステップ１５において待機温度Ｆを上記ステップ７で設定された温度から５℃上げると共に、ステップ１６で温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃに達するのを待つ。
【０１２２】
上記したステップ１３〜１６の動作を経て待機温度Ｆの更新および温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃに達すると、燃焼装置１はステップ１７において点火動作を行う。その後、図示しないフレームロッドにより火炎が検知されると、制御装置は、ステップ１８において燃焼履歴フラグがオン状態であるかを確認する。ここで、燃焼履歴フラグがオン状態である場合は制御フローが直接ステップ２０に進み、燃焼履歴フラグがオフ状態である場合はステップ１９において燃焼履歴フラグをオン状態にした上で制御フローがステップ２０に進む。
【０１２３】
制御装置は、ステップ２０において気化部８の最低目標温度を運転温度Ｃに設定し、誘導熱源部１０をオン・オフ制御し、気化部８が運転温度Ｃよりも低温にならないように温度調整される。さらに具体的に説明すると、気化部８は、燃焼動作に伴い発生する火炎により気化部８の一部である自己発熱部１１が炙られて高温になるため、図１０に示すように、燃焼動作中の大部分は誘導熱源部１０への通電はオフ状態となっている。しかし、燃焼量の低下や低温の外気が導入されるなどの何らかの理由で温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が運転温度Ｃよりも低温になった場合や、低温になると想定される場合は、誘導熱源部１０への通電をオン・オフ制御し、気化部８が運転温度Ｃよりも低温にならないように調整される。
【０１２４】
制御装置は、誘導熱源部１０への通電をオン・オフ制御しつつ、ステップ２１において燃焼装置１に対する燃焼指令がオン状態を維持しているかを確認する。ここで、燃焼装置１に対する燃焼指令が停止すると、燃焼装置１の動作段階は燃焼段階Ｓ４からポストパージ段階Ｓ５へと進行する。制御装置は、ステップ２２においてポストパージ動作が開始された後も、ポストパージ動作中に燃焼指令がオン状態になったときに直ちに燃焼動作に以降可能なように、気化部８の目標温度を運転温度Ｃに維持する。
【０１２５】
制御装置は、ステップ２３において燃焼装置１に対する燃焼指令を確認する。そして、ポストパージ動作中に燃焼指令がオン状態になった場合、制御装置は、制御フローをステップ８に戻し、点火準備を行う。一方、ポストパージ動作中に燃焼指令がオン状態にならず、ステップ２４においてポストパージ動作が完了したことを確認すると、誘導熱源部１０への通電を停止して一連の制御フローを完了すると共に、制御フローをステップ６に戻す。
【０１２６】
本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、燃焼段階Ｓ４に移行する直前の点火準備段階Ｓ３においてプリパージ動作が完了した時点における気化部８の温度に応じて待機温度Ｆを構成する待機温度補正機能を有している。さらに詳細には、燃焼装置１は、ファン１３の回転数が所定値に達するという点火条件と、気化部８の温度が運転温度Ｃに達するという点火条件とを有し、これらの点火条件のうちどちらが先に達成されるかで待機温度Ｆを上下させる構成となっている。即ち、制御装置は、ファン１３の回転数に関する点火条件が気化部８の温度に関する点火条件よりも先に達成される場合は、気化部８の待機温度Ｆが低いものと判断して待機温度Ｆを上昇させる。また逆に、制御装置は、気化部８の温度に関する点火条件がファン１３の回転数に関する点火条件よりも先に達成される場合は、気化部８の待機温度Ｆが高いものと判断し、待機温度Ｆを低下させる。そのため、上記した構成によれば、燃料の点火をスムーズに行える程度の温度まで待機温度Ｆを低下させることができ、燃焼休止中における電力消費量を最小限に抑制できる。
【０１２７】
上記実施形態では、検知温度ＴＨ１が所定の温度範囲内になるように誘導熱源部１０のオン・オフ制御する例を例示したが、燃焼装置１は、オン・オフ制御を行う代わりに、例えば誘導熱源部１０の誘導発熱量を比例制御するものや、目標温度と検出温度との偏差により誘導熱源部１０の誘導発熱量を調整するものであってもよい。
【０１２８】
上記実施形態では、図９のステップ１２に示すように、送風機３のファン１３の回転数が所定値に達することを条件として気化部８の温度を検知するものであったが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、例えばプリパージ動作の開始から所定時間が経過した時点における気化部８の温度に基づいて待機温度Ｆを上下させる構成とすることも可能である。また、燃焼装置１は、プリパージ動作の開始から所定時間が経過するまでの気化部８の温度変化勾配等に基づいて待機温度Ｆを補正する構成としてもよい。さらに、本実施形態の燃焼装置１は、従来公知の燃焼装置と同様に、点火遅れを防止するために図９のステップ１７における点火動作においてプレイグニッション動作を行っているが、このプレイグニッション動作が完了することを条件として気化部８の温度を検知し、この検知温度ＴＨ１に基づいて待機温度Ｆを補正する構成としてもよい。かかる構成によっても、燃料の点火をスムーズに行える範囲内で待機温度Ｆを低下させ、燃焼休止中における電力消費量を最小限に抑制できる。
【０１２９】
本実施形態の燃焼装置１において、気化部８を所定温度（運転温度Ｃ）まで加熱するのに要する時間は、気化部８の温度、即ち誘導熱源部１０の温度によって変動するものと想定される。また、気化部８の温度は、運転スイッチがオン状態になってからの燃焼履歴の有無によって変動するものと想定される。従って、気化部８を所定の温度まで昇温するために要する時間は、運転履歴の有無によって変動するものと想定される。
【０１３０】
一方、本実施形態の燃焼装置１では、点火動作に先立って送風機３のファン１３が所定の回転数となった時点における気化部８の温度に応じて待機温度Ｆを補正するものである。そのため、待機温度Ｆを正確に補正するためには、送風機３の起動時における気化部８の温度は、燃焼履歴の有無によらず略一定であることが望ましい。かかる問題を解決すべく、上記実施形態では、燃焼履歴の有無を確認し、燃焼履歴がない場合は気化部８が１５０℃に達するのを待ってから送風機３を起動する構成とした。そのため、上記した燃焼装置１は、燃焼履歴の有無にかかわらず待機温度Ｆを適正値に補正できる。
【０１３１】
またさらに、燃焼装置１は、燃焼履歴がなく気化部８が低温であると想定される場合に送風機３の起動に先立って誘導熱源部１０への通電をおこなうものである。即ち、気化部８が低温である場合は、気化部８がある程度高温になるのを待って外気が導入される。そのため、上記した構成によれば、誘導発熱部１０が低温である場合であっても、外気等の影響を受けることなく気化部８をスムーズに昇温できる。
【０１３２】
上記したように、燃焼装置１は、燃焼履歴の有無まで考慮して待機温度Ｆを補正するものであったが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、例えば燃焼履歴の有無にかかわらず気化部８が１５０℃に達するのを待ってから送風機３を起動する構成としてもよい。また、燃焼装置１は、燃焼履歴を確認せずにプリパージ動作を開始し、ファン１３の回転数が所定値に達したときの温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１に応じて待機温度Ｆを補正するものであってもよい。即ち、図９に示すフローチャート図に示すステップ９およびステップ１０を削除したフローチャートに則って燃焼装置１の動作を制御してもよい。
【０１３３】
上記実施形態では、図９のフローチャート図に示すように、運転スイッチがオン状態になった後に直ちに誘導熱源部１０に通電を行い、初期加熱温度Ａになるまで加熱（予熱）してから燃焼指令の有無を確認し、気化部８の目標温度を設定するものであったが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。さらに具体的には、例えば運転スイッチがオン状態になった時点から燃焼指令の有無の確認を開始し、気化部８が初期加熱温度Ａに至る前に燃焼指令がオン状態になれば、温度センサー１００の検知温度ＴＨ１が気化可能温度Ｂを越えることを条件として燃焼動作を開始してもよい。この時、燃焼動作の開始と共に気化部８の目標温度を気化可能温度Ｂや運転温度Ｃに変更してもよいが、燃焼指令のオン・オフにかかわらず一旦気化部８が初期加熱温度Ａになるまで誘導熱源部１０に通電を行い気化部８の加熱を行うことが望ましい。かかる構成によれば、例えば初期加熱温度Ａに至る前に開始された燃焼動作が短時間で、燃焼により発生する熱で気化部８を十分加熱（予熱）できない場合であっても、気化部８を確実に予熱し、次回の燃焼動作に備えることができる。
【０１３４】
また、燃焼装置１は、急速に気化部８を加熱可能な誘導熱源部１０を備えたものであるため、図１０に二点破線で示すように、起動段階Ｓ１における目標温度を待機温度Ｆにしてもよい。かかる構成によれば、起動段階Ｓ１における消費電力を最小限に抑制できる。
【０１３５】
【発明の効果】
請求項１〜３に記載の発明によれば、燃焼動作の開始に影響のない程度に待機温度を低下させることができ、燃焼休止中における電力消費量を最小限に抑制できる。
【０１３６】
請求項４に記載の発明によれば、燃焼休止中における電力消費量が少なく、点火動作への移行をスムーズに行える燃焼装置を提供できる。
【０１３７】
請求項５に記載の発明によれば、送風手段の動作に伴う外乱の影響を受けても燃焼動作の開始に影響のない程度の温度に待機温度を補正できる。
【０１３８】
請求項６に記載の発明によれば、送風手段の動作に伴う外乱の影響を受けても燃焼動作の開始に影響のない程度の温度となるように待機温度を最適化可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【０１３９】
請求項７に記載の発明によれば、前記その他の点火条件が揃う頃に気化部の温度が点火条件に適応した温度となるように待機温度を補正し、燃焼動作をスムーズに開始可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【０１４０】
請求項８に記載の発明によれば、端緒信号の入力時に気化部やこの近傍の雰囲気温度が低温であっても、気化部は外気等の影響を受けず迅速に昇温し、スムーズに燃焼動作を開始可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【０１４１】
請求項９に記載の発明によれば、気化部の初期条件にかかわらず他の点火条件が揃った際における気化部の温度のバラツキを最小限に抑制可能であり、待機温度を精度良く調整可能な燃焼装置を提供できる。
【０１４２】
請求項１０に記載の発明によれば、送風手段の動作に伴う外乱の影響を受けても燃焼動作の開始に影響を受けない程度の温度に待機温度を調整できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態の燃焼装置の断面図である。
【図２】本発明の実施形態の燃焼装置の全体的な部品構成を表す分解斜視図である。
【図３】図１の燃焼装置の気化器周辺の分解斜視図である。
【図４】気化部の誘導発熱部を構成する燃料通過筒の斜視図である。
【図５】気化部の誘導発熱部を構成する燃料通過筒の正面図、平面図、左右側面図及び底面図である。
【図６】気化部の誘導発熱部の一部断面斜視図である。
【図７】気化部の誘導発熱部の変形例を示す一部断面斜視図である。
【図８】図１の燃焼装置の燃焼部近傍を上から見た斜視図である。
【図９】図１の燃焼装置の動作を示すフローチャート図である。
【図１０】図１の燃焼装置が備える気化器の温度変化を示す模式図である。
【図１１】図１の燃焼装置を採用した給湯器の配管系統図である。
【符号の説明】
１燃焼装置
２給湯装置
３送風機
８気化部
１０，１０５，１１０誘導発熱部（予備発熱部）
１１自己発熱部
１００温度センサー
１１５温度センサー（自己発熱体温度検知手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a combustion apparatus, and more particularly to a combustion apparatus that vaporizes and burns liquid fuel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a combustion apparatus that vaporizes and burns liquid fuel, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, has been adopted as a hot water supply apparatus or the like.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-124309 A
[0004]
The combustion apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a so-called vaporization type combustion apparatus. A vaporization type combustion apparatus is configured to vaporize fuel by heat generated by an electric heater provided with an electric heater in a vaporizer. The vaporized fuel gas is premixed with air and burned in the combustion section.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional vaporization type combustion apparatus, the electric heater used for heating the vaporizer takes a long time from the start of energization to raising the vaporizer to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, in the conventional combustion apparatus, the temperature of the carburetor is kept high enough to vaporize the liquid fuel by an electric heater even during a combustion pause when there is no combustion request in order to respond quickly and accurately to the combustion request. It is necessary to keep. Therefore, the combustion apparatus provided with the electric heater has a problem that a lot of electric power is consumed when the combustion is stopped and the running cost is high.
[0006]
In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a combustion apparatus with low power consumption and low running cost.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1, which is provided to solve the above-described problem, has a vaporization section that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization section, and supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion section. In the combustion apparatus to be operated, the vaporization section includes an induction heating section that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means, a self-heating section that raises temperature by receiving heat from the combustion section, and an induction heating section temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the induction heating section. And an induction heating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heating part, the induction heating part temperature control means so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heating part temperature detection means becomes a predetermined standby temperature when the combustion is stopped. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled, and the temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means at the start of combustion is higher than the standby temperature. When the control signal of the induction heat generating part is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature by receiving a predetermined start signal at the time of stopping, the induction heat generating part is heated to start the combustion, and when the combustion starts, the induction heat generating part When the detected temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature, and the detected temperature detected by the induction heating part temperature detecting means when starting combustion starts the combustion. A combustion apparatus having a standby temperature correction function for correcting the next standby temperature to a high temperature when the temperature is lower than the temperature.
[0008]
The combustion apparatus of the present invention is provided with an induction heating part that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means in the vaporization part, and heats the vaporization part to a boiling point region or more of the fuel used by heating the induction heating part by electromagnetic induction heating means, The liquid fuel is vaporized. Here, the induction heat generating part employed in the present invention performs induction heating using electromagnetic induction, and rapidly increases to a predetermined temperature when energization is started.
[0009]
Furthermore, since the induction heating part uses electromagnetic induction, a desired part can be locally heated and the heating efficiency is extremely high. In other words, according to the induction heating unit, the leakage of heat to the surroundings can be minimized, and a desired part can be heated intensively. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, even when the standby temperature of the induction heating unit at the time of the combustion stop is set to a temperature that is significantly lower than the combustion start temperature, the vaporization unit can be heated quickly and with high efficiency. The required power consumption can be minimized.
[0010]
However, on the other hand, for example, the time required to raise the vaporization section to a predetermined temperature after receiving a predetermined start signal during combustion stop because the set temperature of the standby temperature is too low or the outside air temperature is low, etc. If the length is long, the combustion operation may not be started quickly.
[0011]
The combustion apparatus of the present invention has a standby temperature correction function that corrects the standby temperature according to the temperature rise state when the induction heating unit is heated by changing the control temperature of the induction heating unit from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature. is doing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the standby temperature can be lowered to an extent that does not affect the start of the combustion operation, and the power consumption during the combustion pause can be minimized.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts the vaporization unit. An induction heating section that generates heat by the heating means, a self-heating section that raises the temperature by receiving heat from the combustion section, an induction heating section temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the induction heating section, and an induction that controls the temperature of the induction heating section The heat generating section includes temperature control means, the induction heat generating section has a fuel passage cylinder and a coil member provided on the outer periphery of the fuel passage cylinder, the coil member has a bobbin and a coil wire, and the coil The outer periphery of the wire is provided with a ferrite guide for concentrating the magnetic field generated by energization on the fuel passage cylinder to be heated, and the induction heating part temperature detecting means is held by the bobbin, Induction heating temperature The temperature detection unit of the intelligent means receives the reaction force from the bobbin and is pressed against the outer surface of the fuel passage cylinder, and the induction heating unit temperature control unit is detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection unit when the combustion is stopped. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature becomes a predetermined standby temperature, and the induction heating is performed so that the detection temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means at the start of combustion is higher than the standby temperature. The temperature of the induction heating part is controlled, and when the combustion is stopped, the control signal of the induction heating part is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature by receiving a predetermined start signal, and the induction heating part is heated to start combustion. When the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detecting means when starting combustion is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature and guided when starting combustion. A combustion apparatus characterized by having a standby temperature correction function detection temperature detected by the thermal unit temperature detecting means to correct the next standby temperature to a high temperature is lower than the combustion start temperature.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit and supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit. An induction heating part that generates heat by the heating means, a self-heating part that raises the temperature by receiving heat from the combustion part, an induction heating part temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the induction heating part, and a self provided in the self-heating part A heat generating part temperature detecting means and an induction heat generating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heat generating part. The induction heat generating part temperature control means has a detection temperature detected by the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means at a predetermined time when the combustion is stopped. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so as to be the standby temperature, and the temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detecting means at the start of combustion is higher than the standby temperature. After the start of combustion, when the temperature of the self-heating part is sufficiently raised, the fuel is substantially vaporized only by the self-heating part, and the control temperature of the induction heating part is raised in response to a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped. The temperature is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit and start combustion. The detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means when starting combustion is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature. In this case, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature, and when the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detecting means is lower than the combustion start temperature when starting combustion, the next standby temperature is corrected to a higher temperature. A combustion apparatus having a temperature correction function.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit and supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit. The induction heating unit has an induction heating unit that generates heat by the heating unit, and further includes an induction heating unit temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the induction heating unit. The induction heating unit temperature control unit sets the induction heating unit to a predetermined standby temperature when combustion is stopped. The temperature is controlled, and at the start of combustion, the induction heating unit is temperature-controlled to a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature, the temperature of the vaporization unit is a certain level or more, and one or more other than the temperature of the vaporization unit It is a combustion device that performs an ignition operation when the ignition conditions are met, and when the combustion stops, it receives a predetermined start signal and changes the control temperature of the induction heating unit from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit ,spirit The next standby temperature in consideration of at least one of the temperature of the induction heat generating part when one or more specific ignition conditions other than the temperature of the part are met or the temperature change gradient of the induction heat generating part in the meantime It is a combustion apparatus characterized by having a standby temperature correction function for correcting.
[0015]
In the combustion apparatus of the present invention, among the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing section, the temperature of the induction heating section when one or more specific conditions are met, and the induction heating section until this condition is met. The standby temperature is corrected in consideration of the temperature change gradient. Therefore, according to the configuration described above, it is possible to adjust the temperature so that the temperature of the vaporizing unit becomes a temperature adapted to the ignition condition when the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing unit are met. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that consumes less power during combustion pause and can smoothly shift to the ignition operation.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts. The induction heating unit has an induction heating unit that generates heat by the heating unit, and further includes an induction heating unit temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the induction heating unit. The induction heating unit temperature control unit sets the induction heating unit to a predetermined standby temperature when combustion is stopped. The temperature is controlled, and the induction heating unit is temperature-controlled at a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature at the start of combustion, and has air blowing means for supplying air to be used for combustion. In response, the control temperature of the induction heating unit is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit, and when the rotation speed of the fan of the blowing unit reaches a predetermined value, or after the blowing unit is started A predetermined time has passed A combustion apparatus, characterized in that to correct the next standby temperature by adding at least one of temperature change gradient of the induction heating section at a temperature or during the induction heating unit in the time.
[0017]
As described above, the induction heating unit can rapidly raise the temperature of the vaporization unit, but is required to heat the vaporization unit to a predetermined temperature when affected by the air introduced from the outside by the blowing means. The time and the rate of temperature rise in the vaporization section vary slightly. In the combustion apparatus of the present invention, the standby temperature is corrected in accordance with the temperature of the induction heat generating unit when the blowing unit satisfies a predetermined condition and the temperature change gradient of the induction heat generating unit during that time. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the standby temperature so that the temperature does not affect the start of the combustion operation even under the influence of disturbance due to the operation of the blowing means.
[0018]
Further, the combustion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 receives the predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped, and changes the control temperature of the induction heating unit from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit. In addition, the standby temperature may be corrected by taking into account either the temperature of the induction heating unit after a certain time has elapsed from the start signal or the temperature change gradient of the induction heating unit within a certain time. (Claim 6)
[0019]
According to such a configuration, the standby temperature can be lowered to such an extent that the combustion operation can be started smoothly even when affected by disturbances such as the outside air temperature and the ambient temperature. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus with low running cost and high stability of combustion operation.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 7 is a combustion apparatus that includes a vaporizing unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporizing unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and burns the liquid fuel. In a combustion apparatus in which an ignition operation is performed when the temperature is equal to or higher than a certain level and the other ignition conditions are met, the vaporization unit is heated by receiving heat from the induction heating unit and the combustion unit generated by electromagnetic induction heating means. It has a self-heating part, an induction heating part temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the induction heating part, and an induction heating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heating part. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detection temperature detected by the heating unit temperature detection unit becomes a predetermined standby temperature, and the detection temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection unit at the start of combustion is equal to the standby temperature. The induction heating unit is temperature-controlled so that the combustion start temperature is higher, and the control temperature of the induction heating unit is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature in response to a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped. The temperature is raised and combustion starts. When the detected temperature detected by the induction heat generation unit temperature detecting means at the time when the other ignition conditions are met and the combustion is started is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature, and the other If the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means is lower than the combustion start temperature when the ignition conditions are met and combustion starts, the next standby temperature is corrected to a higher temperature. A combustion apparatus having a standby temperature correction function.
[0021]
The induction heating unit provided in the combustion apparatus of the present invention uses electromagnetic induction, and can rapidly raise the temperature of the vaporization unit with energization. For this reason, it is possible to set the standby temperature at the time of the combustion stop to a considerably low temperature, and thereby it is possible to minimize the power consumption during the combustion stop. However, if the standby temperature is set too low, or if it is affected by disturbances such as the outside air temperature, the time required to raise the vaporization section to the predetermined temperature becomes longer, which causes combustion. The start of the operation may be delayed.
[0022]
In the combustion apparatus of the present invention, the induction heating unit temperature control means has a standby temperature correction function that corrects the standby temperature according to the temperature rise status of the induction heating unit when ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporization unit are met. ing. According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that can smoothly start the combustion operation by correcting the standby temperature so that the temperature of the vaporizing section becomes a temperature that is suitable for the ignition condition when the other ignition conditions are met.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 8 has a blowing means for supplying air to be burned and a vaporizing section for heating and vaporizing the liquid fuel, and the liquid fuel is vaporized by the vaporizing section and supplied to the burning section. And a combustion apparatus that combusts, and in response to a predetermined start signal, the air blowing unit and the vaporizing unit are started to a predetermined state and combustion is started, and the vaporizing unit generates heat by the electromagnetic induction heating unit. A self-heating unit that raises the temperature by receiving heat from the combustion unit, an induction heating unit temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the induction heating unit, and an induction heating unit temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the induction heating unit, The induction heating part temperature control means controls the temperature of the induction heating part so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heating part temperature detection means becomes a predetermined standby temperature when the combustion is stopped, and at the start of combustion, the induction heating part temperature detection means Detected Temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature becomes a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature, and when the combustion is stopped, the control temperature of the induction heating unit is started from the standby temperature by receiving a predetermined start signal. If the temperature of the induction heating unit temperature detection means is higher than a predetermined value when the start signal is input and the temperature of the induction heating unit rises, the blowing unit and the vaporization unit are turned on. The vaporization unit that starts up the vaporization unit prior to the start of the start-up of the blower unit when the temperature of the induction heat generation unit temperature detection unit is less than a predetermined value when the start signal is input A combustion apparatus having an early start-up mode.
[0024]
In the combustion apparatus of the present invention, the induction heating unit using electromagnetic induction is used for heating the vaporization unit, but it is assumed that the time required to heat the vaporization unit varies depending on the temperature of the induction heating unit. Is done. That is, when the induction heating part is at a certain high temperature, it is assumed that the temperature rises to a predetermined temperature relatively smoothly, but when the induction heating part is a low temperature, the vaporization part is heated to the predetermined temperature. The time required may be longer than when the induction heating unit is hot. In addition, if the blowing unit is started in a state where the temperature of the vaporizing unit is low, it takes time to raise the temperature of the vaporizing unit due to the influence of the outside air or the like introduced thereby, and the start of the combustion operation may be further delayed. .
[0025]
However, the combustion apparatus of the present invention has the above-described vaporization part early start-up mode. That is, the combustion apparatus of the present invention starts raising the vaporizing section prior to starting the blowing means when the temperature detected by the induction heating section temperature detecting means is low when the start signal is input. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, even when the vaporizing portion and the ambient temperature in the vicinity thereof are low when the start signal is input, the vaporizing portion quickly rises without being affected by outside air or the like, and performs a combustion operation smoothly. A startable combustion device can be provided.
[0026]
The invention described in claim 9 further includes a blowing unit that supplies air to be used for combustion, and a vaporizing unit that heats and vaporizes the liquid fuel, and the vaporizing unit vaporizes the liquid fuel and combusts the unit. In a combustion apparatus that receives and supplies a predetermined start signal to start the combustion in a combustion apparatus that starts a combustion by receiving a predetermined start signal, the vaporization section generates induction by electromagnetic induction heating means An induction heating part temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the induction heating part, and a blowing means if the detected temperature of the induction heating part temperature detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the start signal is input; And when the temperature of the induction heating part temperature detection means is lower than a predetermined value when the start signal is input, the vaporization part is started prior to the start of the blowing means. Start It has a vaporization part early start-up mode, the temperature of the vaporization part is a certain level or more, and the ignition operation is performed when one or more ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporization part are met. The heat generating part temperature detecting means controls the temperature of the induction heat generating part to a predetermined standby temperature when the combustion is stopped, and the induction heat generating part when one or more specific conditions among ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing part are met. The combustion apparatus is characterized in that the next standby temperature is corrected in consideration of at least one of the above temperature or the temperature change gradient of the induction heating section in between.
[0027]
According to such a configuration, the standby temperature can be set to a low temperature to such an extent that the temperature of the vaporizer can reach the ignition condition when the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizer are met. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that can perform an ignition operation smoothly and that can suppress power consumption during combustion pause to a minimum.
[0028]
As described above, the combustion apparatus according to the present invention has the temperature of the induction heat generating portion when the specific one or more conditions among the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing portion are met, or the temperature change of the induction heat generating portion in between. The standby temperature is corrected in consideration of at least one of the gradients. That is, the combustion apparatus according to the present invention has a change in temperature of the vaporization section until the ignition conditions other than the vaporization section, such as the rotational speed of the blowing means, or the vaporization section when the ignition conditions other than the vaporization section are aligned. The standby temperature is corrected according to the temperature. For this reason, in order to improve the correction accuracy of the standby temperature, it is desirable that the temperature conditions of the vaporizing unit at the start of the operation of the air blowing means or the like be substantially the same.
[0029]
In the combustion apparatus of the present invention, the time required for the temperature of the vaporizer to reach the ignition condition varies depending on initial conditions such as the temperature at the start of the vaporizer and the ambient temperature near the vaporizer. Therefore, when the activation of the vaporizing unit and the activation of the part that is the basis for other conditions such as the blowing means are performed at the same time, depending on the initial conditions, the timing at which the rotation speeds of the vaporizing unit and the blowing means reach the ignition condition Will go back and forth. That is, if activation of the vaporizer and the blowing means is performed at the same time, the temperature of the vaporizer when the conditions other than the vaporizer reach the ignition condition varies depending on the initial conditions of the vaporizer, and the standby temperature of the vaporizer This may affect the adjustment accuracy.
[0030]
However, the combustion apparatus of the present invention has the vaporizer early startup mode as described above, and when the detected temperature of the induction heating unit temperature detection unit is less than a predetermined value when the start signal is input, the blower unit is started up. Prior to the start, the vaporizer is started up. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to minimize the variation in the temperature of the vaporizer when other ignition conditions are met regardless of the initial conditions of the vaporizer. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that can adjust the standby temperature with high accuracy.
[0031]
The invention according to claim 10 is the combustion apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the vaporizer early start-up mode is executed when the start signal is inputted for the first time from the start of operation. It is.
[0032]
Even with such a configuration, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that can adjust the standby temperature to such a low temperature that it is not affected by the start of the combustion operation even if it is affected by the disturbance accompanying the operation of the blower means.
[0033]
Further, the combustion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 has a self-heating unit that mainly raises the temperature by receiving heat from the combustion unit, and the liquid fuel is also heated by the self-heating unit. Also good.
[0034]
The combustion apparatus having the above-described configuration has a self-heating portion due to heat generated in the combustion portion. Therefore, when the self-heating portion is at a high temperature, the energization to the induction heating portion is stopped or the energization amount is minimized. be able to. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that consumes less power in the induction heating section and has a low running cost.
[0035]
In the above combustion apparatus, the standby temperature may be lower than the boiling point region of the liquid fuel.
[0036]
According to this configuration, it is possible to minimize power consumption and running cost during combustion stop.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the upper and lower relationships are based on the state where the combustion apparatus is installed in a water heater or the like.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a combustion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overall component configuration of the combustion apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0038]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a combustion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment is built in the hot water supply apparatus 2 with the flame hole facing downward as shown in FIG. 11, and the blower 3, the drive machine section 5, and the air amount adjustment section 6 are stacked from above. The combustion part 7 and the vaporization part 8 are provided in the lower part.
The vaporization unit 8 has an induction heat source unit 10 and a self-heating unit 11 as will be described later. The induction heat source unit 10 is located between the air amount adjusting unit 6 and the combustion unit 7, and the self-heating unit 11 is located in the combustion unit 7.
[0039]
If it demonstrates sequentially from an upper side, the air blower 3 will arrange | position the fan 13 rotatably in the concave housing 12 made by bending a steel plate. An opening 15 is provided at the center of the housing 12.
[0040]
The drive machine unit 5 has a box 16, and a motor 18 is attached to the center of the top plate 17. As for the motor 18, the rotating shafts 20 and 21 protrude from the both ends, and the rotating shafts 20 and 21 have penetrated substantially the full length of the combustion apparatus 1. FIG. As will be described later, the upper rotating shaft 20 of the motor 18 is connected to the fan 13, and the lower rotating shaft 21 is connected to the first rotating member 23 and the second rotating member 25 of the vaporizing unit 8. Yes.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 2, the air amount adjusting unit 6 has a disk-like moving side plate member 26 superimposed on a fixed side plate member 27. In the air amount adjusting unit 6, the area of the opening that communicates the moving side plate-like member 26 and the fixed side plate-like member 27 is changed by the rotation of the moving side plate-like member 26, thereby adjusting the air amount.
[0042]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the combustion section 7 is made up of a flow dividing member 41, a flame hole base 43 and a flame hole member 45. These components are housed in the combustion housing 14 (FIG. 1).
[0043]
Each of the flow dividing member 41, the flame hole base 43, and the flame hole member 45 is a rectangular plate-like member, and has large openings 46, 52, and 58 at the center. The flow dividing member 41 is a flat plate-like member, and is provided with a large number of openings 47, 48, 50 around the opening 46.
[0044]
The flame hole base 43 is made of aluminum die casting, and is provided with a complicated frame, an opening and a groove. The upper surface side of the flame hole base 43 mainly functions as a flow path constituting surface of fuel gas and secondary air, and the lower surface side functions as a flame hole mounting surface. That is, the flame hole base 43 has an outer combustion wall 49 surrounding the outer periphery thereof as shown in FIG. 1, and the combustion part 7 in which a flame is actually generated is formed therein. The flame hole base 43 has a flow path through which a mixed gas of fuel gas and air vaporized in the vaporization section 8 flows, and a flow path through which secondary air flowing from the openings 47, 48, and 50 of the flow dividing member 41 flows. Is formed. A temperature sensor 59 (flame base temperature detecting means) is attached to the flame base 43 as shown in FIG.
[0045]
The flame hole member 45 is a plate-like member that is overlapped with the flame hole base 43 as shown in FIG. 2, and surrounds the opening 58 for the self-heating part 11 provided at the center and has a large number of small holes 60 and small holes. The holes 61 are regularly arranged.
[0046]
The combustion unit 7 is disposed in the combustion housing 14 in a state where the flame hole base 43, the flow dividing member 41, and the flame hole member 45 are combined in the above-described state. The combustion section 7 includes a secondary air flow path that passes from the flow dividing member 41 side through the flame hole base 43 and exits to the flame hole member 45 side, a flow path in the flame hole base 43, and a small hole in the flame hole member 45 A fuel gas passage communicating with the outside through 61 is formed.
[0047]
Next, the vaporization unit 8 will be described. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view around the carburetor of the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fuel passage cylinder that constitutes the induction heating section of the vaporization section. FIG. 5 is a front view, a plan view, a left and right side view, and a bottom view of a fuel passage cylinder that constitutes the induction heating section of the vaporization section. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the induction heat source unit of the vaporization unit. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a modification of the induction heat source section of the vaporization section. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the combustion section of the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from above.
[0048]
The vaporization part 8 employ | adopted with the combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment has two types of heat sources. That is, the vaporization unit 8 employed in the present embodiment has an induction heat source unit 10 and a self-heating unit 11 as shown in FIGS. And the 1st rotation member 23 and the 2nd rotation member 25 are provided in the vicinity of both heat-emitting parts, respectively. An air introduction cylinder 71 for supplying appropriate primary air to the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 is provided.
[0049]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the vaporizing unit 8 includes a first rotating member 23, a doughnut-shaped heat insulating material 73, a fuel passage cylinder (induction heat generating portion preliminary heat generating portion) 75, a cylindrical heat insulating material 76, a coil member 77, a first air The introduction cylinder 78, the second air introduction cylinder 80, the second rotating member 25, and the self-heating unit 11 are formed.
The induction heat source unit 10 is constituted by the fuel passing cylinder 75, the cylindrical heat insulating material 76, the donut-shaped heat insulating material 73, and the coil member 77, and the first air introducing cylinder 78 and the second air introducing cylinder 80 provide air. An introduction cylinder 71 is configured.
[0050]
To explain sequentially, the fuel passage cylinder 75 functions as an induction heat generating part and a preliminary heat generating part, and is a cylinder made of a material having electrical conductivity and a certain degree of electrical resistance. More specifically, the fuel passage cylinder 75 is made of a thin magnetic stainless steel material so as to facilitate induction heating.
The fuel passage cylinder (induction heat generating part preliminary heat generating part) 75 is open at both ends, but has a special shape as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, and the shape differs greatly between the upper side and the lower side. . That is, a region 81 that is approximately half on the upper side of the fuel passage cylinder 75 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially constant diameter. The opening end (opening on the upper side) of the fuel passage cylinder 75 opens in the direction of the axis XX (FIG. 5 a) of the fuel passage cylinder 75. A flange portion 83 is formed at the opening end (upper side opening) of the fuel passage cylinder 75.
[0051]
On the other hand, the region 82 on the lower side of the fuel passage cylinder 75 has a conical shape. The opening 85 on the lower side of the fuel passage cylinder 75 opens in an inclined direction with respect to the axis XX (FIG. 5) of the fuel passage cylinder 75 as shown in FIG.
That is, the fuel passage cylinder 75 has the lower opening 85 inclined with respect to the posture during use, and there is a difference in height at the lower opening end.
The lower opening 85 has an inner portion folded back, and a bowl-shaped groove 87 inside the opening end is formed. That is, the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 functions as the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64. In the present embodiment, a flange-like groove 87 is formed in the lower portion of the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 as the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64. is there.
An opening 88 is formed in the groove 87 at the lowest position of the opening 85. The opening 88 is specifically a small hole, and is provided for collecting the fuel that has not been vaporized and dropping it on the side of the lower self-heating portion 11.
[0052]
The cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is a cylinder made of a material having both heat resistance and heat insulating properties. The inner diameter of the cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is equal to the outer diameter of the region 81 on the upper side of the fuel passage cylinder 75 described above. The height of the cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is equal to the length of the region 81 on the upper side of the fuel passage cylinder 75.
As described above, the cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is made of a material having both heat resistance and heat insulating properties. Specifically, glass wool, ceramic, or the like is employed.
[0053]
The donut-shaped heat insulating material 73 is disk-shaped and has a large opening at the center. The donut-shaped heat insulating material 73 is also made of a material having both heat resistance and heat insulating properties such as glass wool and ceramic.
[0054]
The coil member 77 is constituted by a bobbin 90 and a coil wire 91 as shown in FIG. The bobbin 90 itself has a function as a heat insulating member, and is made of unsaturated polyester having both heat insulating properties and heat resistance. The shape of the bobbin 90 is such that flange portions 93 and 94 are provided at both ends of the cylindrical body portion 92 as shown in FIG.
[0055]
The coil wire 91 is a normal copper wire and is wound in a spiral shape. The shape of the coil wire is not limited to a spiral shape, and may be, for example, a hook shape. The coil wire 91 is a litz wire, is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 92 of the bobbin 90, and is further hardened with silicon varnish or the like so that the coil wire 91 cannot be unwound. In addition, several (eight in this embodiment) ferrite guides 95 are fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the coil wire 91 in order to concentrate the magnetic field generated by energization on the fuel passage cylinder 75 to be heated.
[0056]
The induction heat source unit 10 includes four members, the fuel passage cylinder 75, the cylindrical heat insulating material 76, the donut-shaped heat insulating material 73, and the coil member 77, and the cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is disposed on the outer periphery of the fuel passage cylinder 75. Further, a coil member 77 is provided on the outer periphery thereof (in FIG. 6, the cylindrical heat insulating material 76 is omitted for the purpose of drawing). Therefore, a cylindrical heat insulating material 76 and a bobbin 90 having a function as a heat insulating material are interposed between the coil wire 91 and the fuel passage cylinder 75, and the coil wire 91 and the fuel passage cylinder 75 are separated by both. Heavyly insulated.
Further, a donut-shaped heat insulating material 73 is interposed between the flange portion 83 at the opening end (upper side opening) of the fuel passage cylinder 75 and the flange portion 93 of the bobbin 90 (in FIG. 6, for the sake of drawing, The donut-shaped heat insulating material 73 is abbreviated).
[0057]
In addition, the induction heat source unit 10 is provided with a temperature sensor (induction heating unit temperature detection means) 100 that detects the temperature of the fuel passage cylinder 75 that is a heating member.
The temperature sensor 100 is specifically a thermistor and has a flat plate-shaped temperature detection unit 101.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 102 is provided in the flange portion 93 of the bobbin 90 to hold a part of the temperature sensor 100 and lead out the signal line and the like from the through hole 102. Further, a cushion material 103 is provided between the temperature detection unit 101 and the flange portion 93 of the bobbin 90, and presses the temperature detection unit 101 against the flange portion 83 of the fuel passage cylinder 75. Specifically, the cushion material 103 is a disc spring or a leaf spring made of silicon rubber or stainless steel. Alternatively, a small-diameter O-ring or the like can be used as a cushioning material.
[0058]
That is, in this embodiment, the temperature sensor (inductive heat generating part temperature detection means) 100 is held by the bobbin 90 having a function as a heat insulating material. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit 101 receives a reaction force from the bobbin 90 having a function as a heat insulating material and is pressed against the outer surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75. Further, it is desirable to apply a paste having excellent thermal conductivity, such as silicon, on the surface of the temperature detection unit 101.
[0059]
In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 100 is brought into contact with the flange portion 83 of the fuel passage cylinder 75, but the attachment position of the temperature sensor 100 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. The temperature detection unit 101 may be pressed against the side surface portion.
In the induction heat source part 105 shown in FIG. 7, the through hole 106 is provided in the vicinity of the end of the cylindrical part 92 of the bobbin 90, and the groove 107 is provided in the flat part of the flange part 93. In other words, the groove 107 extending from the peripheral end portion toward the center is provided on the inner surface of the one flange portion 93, and the through hole 106 is provided in the cylindrical body portion 92 that hits an extension line of the groove 107. The temperature detection unit 101 of the temperature sensor 100 is disposed inside the flange portion 93 of the bobbin 90, and a part of the temperature sensor 100 is held by the through hole 106 and the groove 107 of the bobbin 90.
Also in the present embodiment, the cushion material 103 is provided between the temperature detection unit 101 and the cylindrical part 92 of the bobbin 90, and presses the temperature detection part 101 against the body part of the fuel passage cylinder 75.
[0060]
The self-heating part 11 is a cylindrical body having a bottom part 96 and a peripheral part 97 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom part 96 is closed and the upper part is opened. That is, the self-heating part 11 has a recessed shape, the bottom 96 and the peripheral part 97 are closed, airtight and watertight, and the upper part is open.
The self-heating part 11 has the bottom part 96 and the peripheral part 97 as described above, has a cup-like shape, and is attached to the central opening 52 part of the flame hole base 43 as shown in FIGS. It has been. The position of the self-heating part 11 is in the center of the flame hole base 43, is surrounded by the flame holes (small holes 61), and is located close to the combustion part 7. Moreover, most of the self-heating part 11 is exposed to the combustion part 7 side. More specifically, the entire bottom portion 96 of the self-heating portion 11 and most of the peripheral portion 97 are exposed to the combustion portion 7 side. Therefore, as will be described later, the self-heating unit 11 is heated from the outside by a flame generated from the flame hole (small hole 61) during combustion. As a result, the inner peripheral surface (self-heating peripheral wall) 66 and the back surface portion 67 of the self-heating portion 11 are heated and the temperature rises.
[0061]
Further, a temperature sensor (self-heating part temperature detecting means) 115 is embedded in the self-heating part 11 (FIG. 1).
[0062]
In order to efficiently vaporize the liquid fuel inside the fuel passage cylinder 75, the first rotating member 23 makes the liquid fuel (used kerosene in the present embodiment) injected from the fuel pipe 116 into fine particles, and the fuel passage cylinder. (Induction heat generating portion Preliminary heat generating portion) The air is scattered toward the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64 of 75, and the vaporized fuel gas and primary air are agitated and mixed uniformly.
[0063]
On the other hand, the second rotating member 25 is for scattering the liquid fuel dropped from above toward the self-heating peripheral wall 66 of the self-heating unit 11 and stirring and mixing the fuel gas and the primary air.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 3, an air introduction cylinder 71 is constituted by the first air introduction cylinder 78 and the second air introduction cylinder 80.
The first air introduction cylinder 78 is made by bending a thin plate, and includes an outer flange portion 127, a cylindrical portion 128, and an inner flange portion 129 as shown in FIG. That is, the outer flange portion 127 is at one open end of the cylindrical portion 128. The outer flange portion 127 is positioned on the upper side when in use.
The cylindrical portion 128 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the induction heat source unit 10 described above, and the inner diameter is slightly reduced on the distal end side in the air flow direction.
[0065]
An inner flange portion 129 is provided on the front end side of the air flow of the cylindrical portion 128.
On the other hand, the second air introduction cylinder 80 has a conical shape. The opening 130 in the upper part of the second air introduction cylinder 80 is equal to the opening diameter of the tip portion of the first air introduction cylinder 78 described above. Moreover, the opening diameter of the lower part of the 2nd air introduction cylinder 80 is smaller than the opening diameter of the above-mentioned self-heating part 11. FIG.
The first air introduction cylinder 78 and the second air introduction cylinder 80 are overlapped to form a series of air flow paths. A packing (not shown) is interposed at the joint portion of the first air introduction cylinder 78.
[0066]
The vaporization unit 8 has the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 as described above. The induction heat source unit 10 is located between the air amount adjusting unit 6 and the combustion unit 7, and the self-heating unit 11 is located in the combustion unit 7.
As described above, the vaporizing unit 8 includes the first rotating member 23, the donut-shaped heat insulating material 73, the fuel passage cylinder 75, the cylindrical heat insulating material 76, the coil member 77, the first air introduction cylinder 78, and the second air introduction cylinder 80. The second rotating member 25 and the self-heating unit 11 are all arranged side by side on the same axis. That is, the air introduction cylinder 71 constituted by the first air introduction cylinder 78 and the second air introduction cylinder 80 includes a fuel passage cylinder 75, a cylindrical heat insulating material 76, a donut-shaped heat insulating material 73, and a coil member 77. The induction heat source unit 10 is arranged, and the central axis of the air introduction cylinder 71 coincides with the central axis of the induction heat source unit 10.
[0067]
The self-heating unit 11 is provided below the air introduction tube 71 and the induction heat source unit 10, and the tip of the air introduction tube 71 is open toward the opening (back side) of the self-heating unit 11. Further, a fuel passage cylinder (induction heat generating part preliminary heat generating part) 75 constituting the induction heat source part 10 is also opened toward the back side of the self-heating part 11.
The first rotating member 23 is located inside the induction heat source unit 10, and the second rotating member 25 is located inside the self-heating unit 11. More specifically, the first rotating member 23 is in the fuel passage cylinder (preliminary heat generating portion) 75 constituting the induction heat source unit 10 and is located in a space surrounded by the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64. The second rotating member 25 is located in a space surrounded by the self-heating peripheral wall 66 of the self-heating unit 11.
[0068]
Further, a fuel pipe 116 is inserted into the induction heat source unit 10, and the fuel pipe 116 reaches the upper portion of the first rotating member 23 as shown in FIG.
More specifically, the fuel pipe 116 hangs straight from the upper opening of the induction heat source unit 10 and reaches the upper portion of the first rotating member 23 from above. Then, liquid fuel such as kerosene is dropped from the fuel pipe 116 to the first rotating member 23.
[0069]
In addition, the induction heat source unit 10 has the groove 87 inclined to the opening 85 as described above, and the opening 87 is formed in the groove 87, and the opening 88 is located above the second rotating member 25. . That is, the opening 88 is in the upper part near the center of the second rotating member 25.
[0070]
Next, the assembly structure of each part of the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
The combustion apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the blower 3, the drive machine unit 5, the air amount adjustment unit 6, and the vaporization unit 8 are sequentially stacked with the central axes thereof aligned, and is placed on the top plate 17 of the drive machine unit 5. The blower 3 is directly screwed. That is, in the present embodiment, the rotation center of the blower 3, the shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 of the air amount adjustment unit 6, and the central axis of the vaporization unit 8 are linearly arranged on the same axis. Since the components of the vaporizing unit 8 itself are also arranged side by side in the same axis, the rotation center of the blower 3, the shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 of the air amount adjusting unit 6, and the central axis of the vaporizing unit 8. Therefore, the rotation center axes of the two rotating members 23 and 25 of the vaporizing unit 8 also coincide with each other.
[0071]
An air amount adjusting unit 6 is screwed to the upper part of the driving machine unit 5.
A vaporization unit 8 is located below the air amount adjustment unit 6.
In other words, the larger opening of the air introduction cylinder 71 is attached to the center of the air amount adjusting unit 6 via the packing.
[0072]
The central axis of the air introduction cylinder 71 coincides with the shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 of the moving side plate-like member 26 and the fixed side plate-like member 27 of the air amount adjusting unit 6, and the air introduction cylinder 71 is the center side of the fixed-side plate-like member 27. It will be located so as to cover the area. Therefore, the air discharged from the area on the center side of the air amount adjusting unit 6 is captured by the air introduction cylinder 71.
The air introduction cylinder 71 has the induction heat source section 10 as described above, and the induction heat source section 10 has a fuel passage cylinder 75 at the center and communicates with the upper and lower sides. The air discharged from the air is captured by the air introduction cylinder 71 and is divided into air flowing through the fuel passage cylinder 75 at the center and air flowing around the induction heat source section 10.
[0073]
That is, since there is a fuel passage cylinder 75 in the air introduction cylinder 71, a part of the air passes through the fuel passage cylinder 75 and reaches the self-heating unit 11.
Further, since an annular space 131 is provided between the inner surface of the air introduction cylinder 71 and the outer periphery of the induction heat source unit 10, the remaining air enters the self-heating unit 11 directly through the space 131.
The air that has entered the air introduction cylinder 71 contributes to combustion as primary air regardless of which route is taken.
[0074]
The rotating shaft 21 of the motor 18 of the drive machine unit 5 communicates with the central shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 of the air amount adjusting unit 6 and passes through the air introduction cylinder 71 and the induction heat source unit 10. To the inside.
The rotating shaft 21 of the motor 18 is engaged with the first rotating member 23 in the induction heat source unit 10, more specifically in the fuel passage cylinder 75. The rotating shaft 21 of the motor 18 is engaged with the second rotating member 25 inside the self-heating unit 11.
That is, the rotating shaft 21 of the motor 18 of the drive machine unit 5 has a tip portion engaged with the second rotating member 25 and an intermediate portion engaged with the first rotating member 23. The first rotating member 23 is located in the fuel passage cylinder 75 of the induction heat source unit 10, and the second rotating member 25 is located in the self-heating unit 11, both of which are rotated by the motor 18.
[0075]
In addition, since the rotary shaft 20 on the rear end side of the motor 18 is also connected to the fan 13, in this embodiment, the two rotary members 23 and 25 of the vaporization unit 8 and the three of the fan 13 are driven by the single motor 18. Is driven.
Since the shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 are also the rotation center of the moving side plate-like member 26, they do not move when the moving side plate-like member 26 rotates. Therefore, even if the shaft insertion holes 28 and 35 have the rotation shaft 21 of the motor 18, the rotation of the moving side plate member 26 is not hindered.
[0076]
The combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment is used with the flame hole facing downward. Hereinafter, the mounting direction of the combustion apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a piping system diagram of a water heater that employs the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1.
The combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment is used for a hot water supply apparatus 2 as shown in FIG.
And the combustion apparatus 1 is installed in the upper part of the can 136 in which the heat exchanger 135 was incorporated, and generates a flame toward the lower heat exchanger 135.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 11, the hot water supply device 2 includes the combustion device 1 as a heat source, and has the same configuration as a conventionally known hot water supply device. That is, the combustion gas generated in the combustion apparatus 1 and a heat medium such as hot water are configured by the heat exchanger 135, the flowing water circuit 141, and the fuel supply unit 142 that exchange heat. The flowing water circuit 141 includes an inflow side channel 143 that supplies hot water from the outside, and an outflow side channel 145 that flows out the hot water heated in the heat exchanger 135 to the outside. The inflow side channel 143 is connected to the water inlet 146 of the heat exchanger 135, and the outflow side channel 145 is connected to the water outlet 147 of the heat exchanger 135.
[0078]
In the middle of the inflow side channel 143, a water amount sensor 150 (minimum operating water amount detecting means) and an incoming water thermistor 151 (incoming water temperature detecting means) are provided. The water amount sensor 150 detects the amount of hot water supplied via the inflow side flow path 143. When the water amount sensor 150 detects a predetermined amount of water, the combustion device 1 starts an ignition operation.
The incoming water thermistor 151 detects the temperature of hot water supplied from the outside.
[0079]
The outflow side channel 145 supplies hot hot water heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas in the heat exchanger 135 to the hot water tap 152. In the middle of the outflow channel 145, a can thermistor 153, a stirring unit 154, a water amount adjustment valve 155 (a hot water amount limiting means), and a hot water thermistor 156 (a hot water temperature detecting means) are provided. The water amount adjustment valve 155 regulates the total amount of hot water discharged from the hot water tap 152 by opening and closing the flow path of the outflow side flow path 145.
The hot water temperature detection thermistor 153 detects the temperature of hot hot water heated in the heat exchanger 135.
[0080]
The stirring unit 154 is provided at a connection portion between the outflow side channel 145 and a bypass channel 158 described later. In the stirring unit 154, the hot hot water heated in the heat exchanger 135 and the relatively low temperature hot water flowing in via the bypass channel 158 are mixed. A hot water thermistor 156 is provided on the downstream side of the stirring unit 154. The hot water thermistor 156 detects the temperature of the hot water stirred in the stirring unit 154.
[0081]
The inflow side channel 143 and the outflow side channel 145 are bypassed by a bypass channel 158. The end of the bypass channel 158 on the outflow side channel 145 side is connected to the agitation unit 154 described above. A bypass water amount adjustment valve 159 is provided in the middle of the bypass channel 158. The bypass water amount adjustment valve 159 adjusts the amount of water flowing into the stirring unit 154.
An air temperature sensor 161 that measures the outside air temperature (supply air temperature) is provided in the vicinity of the air supply port of the combustion apparatus 1. Further, the hot water supply device 2 is provided with a freeze prevention sensor 162.
[0082]
Next, the function of the combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
In the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the motor 18 is activated to rotate the fan 13, the first rotating member 23, and the second rotating member 25.
With the rotation of the fan 13, air is sucked from the opening 15 provided in the central portion of the housing 12 of the blower 3 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, and the air enters the drive machine unit 5. The air flows from the drive machine unit 5 through the upper air amount adjustment unit 6 to the vaporization unit 8 and the combustion unit 7. In this embodiment, the flow rate is adjusted by the air amount adjustment unit 6. That is, the amount of air flowing to the vaporization unit 8 and the combustion unit 7 side is adjusted by operating the step motor 38 and rotating the movable plate member 26 relative to the fixed plate member 27 to change the opening area. .
[0083]
The air that has passed through the air amount adjusting unit 6 is divided into one that contributes to combustion as primary air and one that contributes to combustion as secondary air. That is, the air that has passed through the central area of the air amount adjusting unit 6 is directly captured by the air introduction cylinder 71, a part of which enters the fuel passage cylinder 75 and is mixed with the fuel gas, and the remaining part is directly It enters into the self-heating part 11 and is mixed with the fuel gas.
[0084]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the remaining portion of the blast flows across the flame hole base 43 from the elongated holes 48 provided in a row in the flow dividing member 41, and burns through the round holes 60 of the flame hole member 45. Part 7 is reached.
[0085]
As described above, a large amount of primary air is introduced into the vaporization unit 8 by the blower 3 so that the inside of the fuel passage cylinder 75 of the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 are ventilated.
A high-frequency current is supplied from a high-frequency inverter (not shown) to the coil wire 91 of the induction heat source unit 10 to cause the fuel passage cylinder 75 of the induction heat source unit 10 to generate heat according to the principle of high-frequency induction heating.
[0086]
That is, when a high-frequency current is passed through the coil wire 91, a fluctuating magnetic field is generated inside the coil, and magnetic field lines that fluctuate through the fuel passage cylinder 75 placed in the fluctuating magnetic field penetrate. Here, since the fuel passage cylinder 75 is made of stainless steel and has conductivity, an eddy current is generated inside the fuel passage cylinder 75. As described above, since the fuel passage cylinder 75 is made of stainless steel and has a considerable electric resistance, the fuel passage cylinder 75 generates heat due to Joule heat caused by eddy current.
Further, the heat generated by high frequency induction heating has high thermal efficiency and rises in temperature early. Therefore, the temperature of the fuel passage cylinder 75 is raised in an extremely short time compared to the case where a conventional electric heater is used, and reaches a temperature at which liquid fuel can be vaporized.
[0087]
In the present embodiment, when the fuel passage cylinder 75 is heated by high frequency induction heating, the coil wire 91 is devised so that the temperature of the coil wire 91 is not increased.
That is, if the coil wire 91 for induction heating is provided inside the combustion apparatus 1 as in the present embodiment, the coil wire 91 is heated by the internal heat, which may cause a disconnection or the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a contrivance is made so that the coil wire 91 is not excessively heated.
That is, in this embodiment, the coil wire 91 is wound around the bobbin 90, but the bobbin 90 is made of resin and does not generate heat because it is not conductive. The bobbin 90 is made of unsaturated polyester having heat insulation and heat resistance. Therefore, the bobbin 90 functions as a heat insulating material and does not transmit the heat of the fuel passage cylinder 75 to the coil wire 91.
[0088]
Further, a heat insulating material (cylindrical heat insulating material 76) that does not generate heat and has excellent heat insulating properties is interposed between the bobbin 90 and the fuel passage cylinder 75.
The fuel passage cylinder 75 has a flange portion 83, and a donut-shaped heat insulating material 73 and a flange portion 93 of the bobbin 90 exist between the flange portion 83 and the coil wire 91, and the temperature of the coil wire 91 is increased. Is preventing.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the primary air flows outside the induction heat source unit 10 as described later, the coil wire 91 is also cooled by the primary air.
[0089]
As described above, the coil wire 91 is energized, the fuel passage cylinder 75 is heated by high frequency induction heating, and the entire inner wall of the fuel passage cylinder 75 is heated. In this state, kerosene is dropped from the fuel pipe 116 onto the first rotating member 23.
The dropped kerosene receives centrifugal force from the first rotating member 23 and scatters toward the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64 of the fuel passage cylinder (induction heat generating portion) 75. The first rotating member 23 employed in the present embodiment is formed by extending the stirring blades radially from the outer edge of the plate body that rotates integrally with the rotary shaft extending in the vertical direction. A plurality of them are provided along the outer edge of the plate, and are inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the plate.
[0090]
Therefore, the liquid fuel sprayed on the surface of the plate body of the first rotating member 23 flows on the surface of the plate body by centrifugal force, and partly flows along the surface of the inclined stirring blade and from the tip of the stirring blade. It scatters toward the preliminary heat generating peripheral wall 64 of the fuel passage cylinder 75.
Therefore, if the tip of the stirring blade is positioned in the rotational axis direction (vertical direction) with respect to the plate body, the liquid fuel can be dispersed and scattered from the portion located above or below the plate body. In addition, the thermal energy of the inner peripheral wall of the vaporization part can be efficiently added to the scattered liquid fuel to promote vaporization.
[0091]
Then, the scattered kerosene comes into contact with the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 disposed around the first rotating member 23 and is vaporized by receiving heat. At this time, kerosene in contact with the fuel passage cylinder 75 is almost 100% vaporized, and kerosene does not remain without being vaporized.
Further, as described above, a part of the air trapped in the air introduction cylinder 71 passes through the inside of the fuel passage cylinder 75, so that the fuel vaporized by receiving heat from the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 passes through the fuel passage cylinder 75. Mixed with passing air.
[0092]
Here, in this embodiment, since the first rotating member 23 is provided with the stirring blade, the air in the fuel passage cylinder 75 is stirred by the stirring blade provided on the inner surface of the first rotating member 23, and the fuel gas and Mixing with air is promoted.
In the present embodiment, since the fuel passage cylinder 75 is cylindrical, the scattered fuel and the vaporized fuel continue to be heated while passing through the cylindrical portion. That is, in this embodiment, since the induction heating portion is cylindrical, the temperature of the heating is increased when the fuel passes through the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment has a long contact distance and contact time between the fuel and the heating element, which not only ensures the vaporization of the fuel but also raises the temperature of the vaporized fuel gas.
[0093]
The mixed gas thus generated passes through the fuel passage cylinder 75 and enters the self-heating unit 11.
On the other hand, as described above, the remaining portion of the air trapped in the air introduction tube 71 passes through the space 131 formed between the inner surface of the air introduction tube 71 and the outer periphery of the induction heat source unit 10, and thus the self-heating unit. Enter 11.
In the present embodiment, a rotating member is also provided in the self-heating unit 11. That is, in this embodiment, the rotating member is provided in two stages, and the second rotating member 25 as one of the rotating members rotates in the self-heating unit 11.
Therefore, the mixed gas of fuel gas and air that has entered the self-heating unit 11 is again stirred and mixed by the second rotating member 25.
[0094]
In particular, in this embodiment, the front end side of the fuel passage cylinder 75 is narrowed, and the fuel gas mixed and stirred by the first rotating member 23 collides violently with each other when passing through the front end of the narrow fuel passage cylinder 75. , Mixing proceeds. Then, the fuel gas is blown into the second rotating member from a narrow portion and is stirred again by the second rotating member 25. The fuel gas is also mixed with the air newly passing through the space 131 and introduced into the self-heating part 11 in the self-heating part 11.
The fuel gas thus generated and further mixed with the primary air flows downstream through the gap 138 formed by the outer wall of the second rotating member 25 and the inner peripheral surface 66 of the self-heating portion 11 as shown by the arrow in FIG. Head for. That is, the mixed gas once flows upward along the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 66 of the self-heating portion 11. Here, since the outlet side of the air introduction cylinder 71 is near the opening of the self-heating unit 11, the flow path of the mixed gas is extremely narrow. Therefore, the stirring of the mixed gas further proceeds at the site.
[0095]
The air thus supplied from the air introduction cylinder 71 to the inside of the self-heating unit 11 is mixed with the scattered fuel, becomes a high temperature state, and is discharged from the opening 140 at the top of the self-heating unit 11. The mixed gas exiting the self-heating unit 11 flows into the flame hole base 43.
[0096]
Then, the mixed gas is discharged from a flame hole (small hole 61) provided in the lower part of the flame hole base 43.
As described above, in the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid fuel is vaporized in the vaporization unit 8 and flows through the flame hole base 43 and is discharged from the flame hole (small hole 61). Since the temperature of the fuel gas at is high, it does not reliquefy until it reaches the flame hole (small hole 61).
[0097]
On the other hand, air that has flowed downstream from other parts flows directly into the combustion unit 7 without being mixed with fuel, and contributes to combustion as secondary air.
[0098]
When the fuel gas is ignited by an ignition device (not shown), a downward flame is generated from the flame hole (small hole 61).
[0099]
Here, in the combustion apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the vaporization part 8 is directly exposed to the center of the combustion part 7, when combustion is started, the self-heating part 11 is heated by a flame. Therefore, the temperature in the self-heating part 11 rises, and fuel vaporization is further promoted.
[0100]
When combustion is performed for a predetermined time and the temperature of the self-heating unit 11 is sufficiently raised,
The energization to the coil wire 91 of the induction heat source unit 10 is stopped, and the induction heating is finished. Thereafter, the fuel is vaporized by relying only on the heat generated by the self-heating unit 11.
[0101]
That is, when the induction heating is stopped, the temperature of the fuel passage cylinder 75 decreases, the vaporization in the induction heat source unit 10 is hardly performed, and the fuel is vaporized only in the self-heating unit 11 substantially.
The liquid fuel that is not vaporized by the induction heat source unit 10 travels along the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 and reaches downward due to gravity. Here, in this embodiment, a bowl-shaped groove 87 is formed at the lower end of the fuel passage cylinder 75. Therefore, the fuel that has fallen along the inner surface of the fuel passage cylinder 75 is collected in the lower groove 87. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the opening 85 on the lower side is inclined, the groove 87 at the end is also inclined, and the collected fuel flows in the groove 87 and collects further downward. In this embodiment, since the opening 88 is provided at the lowermost part of the groove 87, the fuel that has flowed through the groove 87 finally drops from the opening 88 formed at the lowermost part of the groove 87.
[0102]
Here, since the opening 88 provided in the fuel passage cylinder 75 is open above the second rotating member 25 and in the vicinity of the center of the second rotating member 25, the fuel dropped from the opening 88 is always constant. It falls to the position and comes into contact with the second rotating member 25. More specifically, all the fuel that has not been vaporized is dripped intensively onto the central portion of the second rotating member 25, and is caught and scattered by the second rotating member 25.
[0103]
The scattered fuel collides with the inner peripheral surface 66 of the self-heating unit 11 and is vaporized by receiving heat from the self-heating unit 11.
In addition, it is mixed with the air that flows in and out of the air introduction cylinder 71 and enters the self-heating unit 11.
A part of the fuel spills from the second rotating member 25 before being scattered by the centrifugal force, but the fuel that has fallen in this way comes into contact with the inner surface 67 of the self-heating unit 11 and is vaporized by receiving heat. .
And the air in the self-heating part 11 is stirred by the blade | wing part provided in the inner surface of the 1st rotation member 23, and mixing with fuel gas and air is accelerated | stimulated.
The subsequent flow of the fuel gas is as described above, and is discharged from the opening 140 at the top of the self-heating unit 11 in a high temperature state. The mixed gas that has exited the self-heating portion 11 once flows into the passage on the upper side of the flame hole base 43, is discharged from the flame holes (small holes 61) of the flame hole base 43, and burns.
[0104]
Hereinafter, the operation unique to the combustion apparatus of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the combustion apparatus of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature change of the vaporizer provided in the combustion apparatus of FIG.
[0105]
The combustion apparatus 1 described above is driven and controlled by a control device (not shown), and sequentially performs a predetermined operation in response to a combustion command. That is, the combustion apparatus 1 is roughly divided into a startup stage S1 for starting the combustion apparatus 1, a standby stage S2 for waiting for a combustion request, an ignition preparation stage S3 for preparing fuel for the combustion request, and a combustion request. The operation mode is composed of five stages: a combustion stage S4 for performing the combustion operation and a post-purge stage S5 for scavenging after the completion of the combustion operation.
[0106]
More specifically, the starting stage S1 is a state immediately after an operation switch (not shown) of the combustion apparatus 1 is turned on, and the control apparatus performs the coil wire 91 of the induction heat source unit 10 in the starting stage S1. To preheat the vaporizing section 8. The standby stage S2 is a state after the preheating of the vaporizer 8 is completed in the startup stage S1, and is a state waiting for a combustion request to the combustion device 1. The ignition preparation stage S3 is an operation stage that is performed prior to the combustion operation when a combustion request for the combustion apparatus 1 is issued. More specifically, the combustion apparatus 1 mainly performs a pre-purge operation in the ignition preparation stage S3, similarly to a conventionally known combustion apparatus. The combustion stage S4 is an operation stage in which the fuel vaporized in the vaporization unit 8 is burned. The post-purge stage S5 is an operation stage performed after the completion of the combustion stage S4, and performs a scavenging operation similar to that performed in a conventionally known combustion apparatus.
[0107]
In the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the two heat generating units including the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 of the vaporizing unit 8 is controlled by the control device in accordance with each stage of the operation mode described above. Has characteristics. Hereinafter, temperature control of the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 which are characteristic parts of the combustion apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0108]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a temperature control method for the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 by the control device. As shown in FIG. 9, the temperature control of the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 corresponds to the operation mode of the combustion apparatus 1, and is roughly divided into five stages. More specifically, steps 1 to 5 in FIG. 9 correspond to the startup stage S1 of the combustion apparatus 1, and steps 6 to 7 correspond to the standby stage S2. Steps 6 and 8 to 16 correspond to the ignition preparation stage S3. Steps 17 to 21 in FIG. 9 correspond to the combustion stage S4, and steps 22 to 25 correspond to the post-purge stage S5. Hereinafter, the temperature control of the induction heat source unit 10 and the self-heating unit 11 at each stage will be described in order.
[0109]
When the operation mode of the combustion apparatus 1 is the startup stage S1, the control device can easily vaporize the liquid fuel once in the vaporization section 8 by energizing the coil wire 91 of the induction heat source section 10 as shown in FIG. The temperature (initial heating temperature A) exceeds a certain temperature (vaporizable temperature B), that is, the temperature is raised to a temperature higher than the boiling point region of the liquid fuel and preheated to prepare for the combustion operation. More specifically, in the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, kerosene is adopted as the liquid fuel, so the vaporizable temperature B is set to 245 ° C., and the initial heating temperature A is set to 300 ° C. . After the energization to the induction heat source unit 10, the control device stops energization to the coil wire 91 of the induction heat source unit 10 when the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 installed in the induction heat source unit 10 reaches 300 ° C.
[0110]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the control device confirms whether or not the operation switch is turned on in step 1. When it is confirmed here that the operation switch is turned on, the control device sets the heat generation target temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 to the initial heating temperature A in step 2, and to the induction heat source unit 10 in step 3. The induction heat source unit 10 is caused to generate heat.
[0111]
When energization to the induction heat source unit 10 is started, the temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 rapidly increases as shown in FIG. More specifically, in the combustion apparatus 1, the vaporizable temperature B is exceeded about 8 seconds after the operation switch is turned on and the energization of the induction heat source unit 10 is started. When energization of the induction heat source unit 10 is started, the control device monitors the temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 in step 4. Here, when the temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 reaches the initial heating temperature A, the ambient temperature of the vaporization unit 8 and its surroundings is sufficiently high, and the fuel supplied to the vaporization unit 8 via the fuel pipe 116 is smoothly supplied. I can vaporize. Therefore, when it is confirmed in step 4 that the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 is equal to or higher than the initial heating temperature A, the control device temporarily stops energization of the induction heat source unit 10 in step 5 and the vaporizing unit 8 Complete preheating.
[0112]
When the preheating of the vaporization unit 8 is completed in step 5, the control device checks in step 6 whether the combustion request is on. More specifically, the control device determines that the incoming water amount Q detected by the water amount sensor 150 provided in the inflow channel 143 in step 6 is a predetermined minimum operating water amount (hereinafter referred to as the minimum operating water amount). ) Is reached. Here, when the incoming water amount Q does not reach the minimum operating water amount (MOQ), the fuel request for the combustion device 1 is in the off state, and the operation mode is in the standby stage S2. Therefore, when the incoming water amount Q is less than the MOQ, the control device advances the control flow to step 7 and adjusts the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8.
[0113]
When the control flow proceeds to step 7, the control device sets the target temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 to a temperature below the boiling point region of the liquid fuel (standby temperature F), and controls energization of the induction heating unit 10 on / off. While waiting for a combustion request to be issued to the combustion device 1. In the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the standby temperature F is set to a temperature range in which the liquid fuel can be vaporized smoothly, that is, lower than the boiling point range of the liquid fuel. More specifically, in this embodiment, the initial value of the standby temperature F is set to 100 ° C., and varies depending on the control flow shown below.
[0114]
More specifically, the temperature of the vaporizing section 8 heated to the initial heating temperature A by the preheating operation shown in steps 1 to 5 described above is illustrated when the current supply to the induction heat source section 10 is stopped in step 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the temperature gradually decreases, and eventually the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 slightly falls below the standby lower limit temperature H that is lower than the standby temperature F. At this time, the control device starts on / off control of the induction heat source unit 10 to maintain the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 at the standby temperature F. That is, the control device turns on / off the induction heat source unit 10 using an inverter circuit provided therein, and the induction heat source so that the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 falls within a temperature range centered on the standby temperature F. The amount of heat generated in the unit 10 is adjusted. More specifically, the control device guides the detected temperature TH1 to be between a standby upper limit temperature G that is slightly higher than the standby temperature F and a standby adjustment temperature H that is slightly lower than the standby temperature F. The heat source unit 10 is repeatedly turned on and off, and waits for the combustion request to be turned on. Note that the control device proportionally controls the induction heat generation amount of the induction heat source unit 10 so that the detected temperature TH1 falls within a predetermined temperature range, instead of performing on / off control of energization to the induction heat source unit 10. May be. Further, the control device may adjust the induction heat generation amount based on the deviation between the standby temperature F as the target temperature and the actual detected temperature TH1.
[0115]
When the operation stage of the combustion apparatus 1 is the start-up stage S1 or the standby stage S2, the hot water tap 152 is opened, and when the amount of water detected by the water amount sensor 150 exceeds the MOQ, the operation stage of the combustion apparatus 1 moves to the ignition preparation stage S3. And proceed. That is, when a combustion command is issued to the combustion device 1 in step 6 of FIG. 9, the control device advances the control flow to step 8, sets the set temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 to the operating temperature C, and the induction heat source unit 10. Start on / off control of power to the. Here, the operating temperature C is set to be slightly higher than the vaporizable temperature B, which is the temperature at which the liquid fuel supplied to the vaporizing unit 8 can be vaporized smoothly. More specifically, the vaporizable temperature B is set to 250 ° C.
[0116]
When the set temperature of the induction heat source unit 10 is set to the operating temperature C in step 8, the control device checks in step 9 whether the combustion history flag is on. Here, when the combustion history flag is in the off state, that is, when the combustion command confirmed in the immediately preceding step 8 is the first combustion command after the operation switch is turned on, the control device determines that the temperature in step 10 It is confirmed whether the detection temperature TH1 of the sensor 100 has reached 150 ° C. or higher. If the detected temperature TH1 is 150 ° C. or higher, the control flow proceeds to step 11.
[0117]
That is, when there is a combustion history after the operation switch is turned on, the vaporization unit 8 has been preheated to some extent by the previous combustion operation, and the operation temperature C is relatively smooth as the induction heat source unit 10 is energized. It is assumed that the temperature rises to However, when there is no combustion history after the operation switch is turned on, the atmospheric temperature in the combustion apparatus 1 is low, and the time required for the vaporizer 8 to reach the operating temperature C is longer than when there is a combustion history. Can also be long. In addition, when the blower 3 is started in a state where the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 is low, it takes time to raise the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 due to the influence of the introduced outside air, and the start of the combustion operation may be delayed.
[0118]
Further, as will be described later, the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a ventilation amount that is one of the ignition conditions, that is, the temperature TH1 of the vaporizing unit 8 at the time when the rotational speed of the fan 13 reaches the rotational speed necessary for ignition. Accordingly, a standby temperature adjustment operation for adjusting the standby temperature F is performed. That is, the combustion apparatus 1 performs the standby temperature adjustment operation with the start of the blower 3 as a start condition and with the end condition that the rotation speed of the fan 13 of the blower 3 reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, in order to appropriately correct the standby temperature F, the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 at the time of starting the blower 3, which is the start condition of the standby temperature adjustment operation, that is, the initial temperature condition of the vaporization unit 8 may be approximated. desirable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the initial temperature condition of the vaporizing unit 8 is confirmed by confirming the combustion history after the operation switch is turned on in Step 9, and if there is no combustion history, the temperature sensor 100 is confirmed in Step 10. This is configured to wait for the detected temperature TH1 to reach 150 ° C.
[0119]
Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, when the combustion history flag is on in step 9 described above, or even if the combustion history flag is off in step 9, the detected temperature TH1 is 150 in step 10. When it is confirmed that the temperature has reached or higher, the controller starts the blower 3 in step 11 and starts the pre-purge operation.
[0120]
After the start of the blower 3, when it is confirmed in step 12 that the rotational speed of the fan 13 of the blower 3 has reached a predetermined value, the control device immediately detects the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 in step 13, that is, the detection of the temperature sensor 100. It is confirmed whether the temperature TH1 has reached the operating temperature C. That is, the control device confirms whether the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 has reached the temperature necessary for the combustion operation when the blown air amount, which is an ignition condition other than the temperature of the vaporization unit 8, reaches the amount necessary for ignition. . Here, when the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 is equal to or higher than the operating temperature C, the vaporizer 8 described above until the rotational speed of the fan 13, which is an ignition condition other than the temperature of the vaporizer 8, reaches a predetermined value. The temperature is raised from the standby temperature F set in step 7 to the operating temperature C. That is, when the detected temperature TH1 is equal to or higher than the operating temperature C in step 13, the heating capacity of the induction heat source unit 10 has a surplus capacity, and the combustion operation is started after the rotational speed of the fan 13 reaches a predetermined value. . Therefore, even if the next standby temperature F is lower than the temperature set in step 7 described above, the vaporization section 8 can be raised to the operating temperature C until the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporization section 8 are met. High nature. In other words, by further lowering the next standby temperature F, there is a high possibility that the timing at which the ignition conditions such as the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 and the rotation speed of the fan 13 are aligned will match, and further the heating of the vaporizing unit 8 The required power can be minimized. Therefore, the control device lowers the next standby temperature F by 1 ° C. from the temperature set in step 7 and then shifts to the ignition operation in step 17.
[0121]
On the other hand, when the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 110 is lower than the operating temperature C in step 13, the rotational speed of the fan 13, which is one of the ignition conditions, reaches a predetermined value as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. This is the case where the vaporizing section 8 has not reached the operating temperature C, despite being present. That is, when the detected temperature TH1 is lower than the operating temperature C in step 13, the standby temperature F set in step 7 is low, and energization to the induction heat source unit 10 is started immediately after the combustion command is turned on. However, the timing at which the vaporizer 8 reaches the operating temperature C is delayed from the timing at which other ignition conditions are met. Therefore, unless the standby temperature F in the next standby stage S2 is set higher than the standby temperature F set in step 7 described above, the timing at which the vaporizer 8 reaches the operating temperature C again is delayed, and combustion There is a high possibility that the operation cannot be started smoothly. Therefore, the control device raises the standby temperature F by 5 ° C. from the temperature set in Step 7 in Step 15 and waits for the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 to reach the operating temperature C in Step 16.
[0122]
When the standby temperature F is updated and the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 reaches the operating temperature C through the operations in steps 13 to 16, the combustion apparatus 1 performs an ignition operation in step 17. Thereafter, when a flame is detected by a frame rod (not shown), the control device checks in step 18 whether the combustion history flag is on. Here, if the combustion history flag is on, the control flow proceeds directly to step 20, and if the combustion history flag is off, the control flow proceeds to step 20 after the combustion history flag is turned on in step 19. Proceed to
[0123]
In step 20, the control device sets the minimum target temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 to the operating temperature C, controls the induction heat source unit 10 on and off, and the temperature is adjusted so that the vaporizing unit 8 does not become lower than the operating temperature C. The More specifically, since the vaporization unit 8 has a high temperature because the self-heating unit 11 which is a part of the vaporization unit 8 is beaten by the flame generated by the combustion operation, as shown in FIG. Most of them are energized to the induction heat source section 10 in an off state. However, if the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 is lower than the operating temperature C for some reason, such as a reduction in combustion amount or low-temperature outside air is introduced, or if it is assumed that the temperature is low, an induction heat source The energization of the unit 10 is controlled to be turned on / off, and the vaporization unit 8 is adjusted so as not to become lower than the operating temperature C.
[0124]
The control device checks whether or not the combustion command for the combustion device 1 is kept on in step 21 while performing on / off control of energization to the induction heat source unit 10. Here, when the combustion command for the combustion apparatus 1 stops, the operation stage of the combustion apparatus 1 proceeds from the combustion stage S4 to the post-purge stage S5. The control device operates the target temperature of the vaporization section 8 so that the combustion operation can be performed immediately after the combustion command is turned on even after the post-purge operation is started in step 22. Maintain at temperature C.
[0125]
In step 23, the control device confirms a combustion command for the combustion device 1. If the combustion command is turned on during the post-purge operation, the control device returns the control flow to step 8 and prepares for ignition. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the combustion command is not turned on during the post-purge operation and the post-purge operation is completed in step 24, energization to the induction heat source unit 10 is stopped to complete a series of control flows, Return the control flow to step 6.
[0126]
The combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a standby temperature correction function that configures the standby temperature F in accordance with the temperature of the vaporizer 8 at the time when the pre-purge operation is completed in the ignition preparation stage S3 immediately before the transition to the combustion stage S4. ing. More specifically, the combustion apparatus 1 has an ignition condition in which the rotational speed of the fan 13 reaches a predetermined value, and an ignition condition in which the temperature of the vaporizer 8 reaches the operating temperature C. Of these ignition conditions, The standby temperature F is increased or decreased depending on which is achieved first. That is, when the ignition condition related to the rotational speed of the fan 13 is achieved before the ignition condition related to the temperature of the vaporizer 8, the control device determines that the standby temperature F of the vaporizer 8 is low and determines that the standby temperature F To raise. Conversely, when the ignition condition related to the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 is achieved before the ignition condition related to the rotation speed of the fan 13, the control device determines that the standby temperature F of the vaporization unit 8 is high, and The temperature F is lowered. Therefore, according to the configuration described above, the standby temperature F can be lowered to a temperature at which fuel can be smoothly ignited, and the power consumption during the combustion pause can be minimized.
[0127]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the on / off control of the induction heat source unit 10 is performed so that the detected temperature TH1 falls within the predetermined temperature range is illustrated. However, instead of performing the on / off control, the combustion apparatus 1 performs, for example, induction The induction heat generation amount of the heat source unit 10 may be proportionally controlled, or the induction heat generation amount of the induction heat source unit 10 may be adjusted based on the deviation between the target temperature and the detected temperature.
[0128]
In the above embodiment, as shown in step 12 of FIG. 9, the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 is detected on the condition that the rotational speed of the fan 13 of the blower 3 reaches a predetermined value. For example, the standby temperature F may be increased or decreased based on the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pre-purge operation. Further, the combustion apparatus 1 may be configured to correct the standby temperature F based on the temperature change gradient of the vaporization unit 8 until a predetermined time elapses from the start of the pre-purge operation. Furthermore, the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs a pre-ignition operation in the ignition operation in step 17 of FIG. 9 in order to prevent ignition delay, similarly to the conventionally known combustion apparatus. It is good also as a structure which detects the temperature of the vaporization part 8 on the condition that it completes, and correct | amends the standby temperature F based on this detection temperature TH1. Even with such a configuration, the standby temperature F can be lowered within a range where the fuel can be smoothly ignited, and the power consumption during the combustion stop can be minimized.
[0129]
In the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the time required to heat the vaporization unit 8 to a predetermined temperature (operation temperature C) is assumed to vary depending on the temperature of the vaporization unit 8, that is, the temperature of the induction heat source unit 10. . Moreover, it is assumed that the temperature of the vaporization part 8 is fluctuate | varied by the presence or absence of the combustion history after an operation switch turns into an ON state. Therefore, it is assumed that the time required to raise the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 to a predetermined temperature varies depending on whether or not there is an operation history.
[0130]
On the other hand, in the combustion apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the standby temperature F is corrected according to the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 at the time when the fan 13 of the blower 3 reaches a predetermined rotation speed prior to the ignition operation. Therefore, in order to correct the standby temperature F accurately, it is desirable that the temperature of the vaporization unit 8 when the blower 3 is started is substantially constant regardless of the presence or absence of the combustion history. In order to solve such a problem, in the above-described embodiment, the presence or absence of the combustion history is confirmed, and when there is no combustion history, the blower 3 is started after waiting for the vaporizer 8 to reach 150 ° C. Therefore, the above-described combustion apparatus 1 can correct the standby temperature F to an appropriate value regardless of whether there is a combustion history.
[0131]
Furthermore, the combustion apparatus 1 energizes the induction heat source unit 10 prior to the start of the blower 3 when it is assumed that there is no combustion history and the vaporization unit 8 is at a low temperature. That is, when the vaporizer 8 is at a low temperature, the outside air is introduced after the vaporizer 8 is heated to a certain level. Therefore, according to the configuration described above, even when the induction heat generating unit 10 is at a low temperature, the temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 can be increased smoothly without being affected by outside air or the like.
[0132]
As described above, the combustion apparatus 1 corrects the standby temperature F in consideration of the presence or absence of the combustion history. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, regardless of the presence or absence of the combustion history. It is good also as a structure which starts the air blower 3 after waiting for the vaporization part 8 to reach 150 degreeC. The combustion apparatus 1 starts the pre-purge operation without confirming the combustion history, and corrects the standby temperature F according to the detected temperature TH1 of the temperature sensor 100 when the rotational speed of the fan 13 reaches a predetermined value. It may be. That is, the operation of the combustion apparatus 1 may be controlled in accordance with a flowchart in which step 9 and step 10 shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 are deleted.
[0133]
In the above embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, immediately after the operation switch is turned on, the induction heat source unit 10 is energized, heated (preheated) until the initial heating temperature A is reached, and then the combustion command. However, the present invention is not limited to this. More specifically, for example, when the confirmation of the presence or absence of the combustion command is started from the time when the operation switch is turned on, and the combustion command is turned on before the vaporization unit 8 reaches the initial heating temperature A, the temperature sensor The combustion operation may be started on condition that the detected temperature TH1 of 100 exceeds the vaporizable temperature B. At this time, the target temperature of the vaporizing unit 8 may be changed to the vaporizable temperature B or the operating temperature C at the start of the combustion operation, but the vaporizing unit 8 once reaches the initial heating temperature A regardless of whether the combustion command is on or off. It is desirable that the induction heat source unit 10 is energized to heat the vaporizing unit 8 until it becomes. According to such a configuration, for example, even when the combustion operation started before reaching the initial heating temperature A is a short time and the vaporization unit 8 cannot be sufficiently heated (preheated) by the heat generated by the combustion, the vaporization unit 8 Can be preheated reliably to prepare for the next combustion operation.
[0134]
Further, since the combustion apparatus 1 includes the induction heat source unit 10 capable of rapidly heating the vaporization unit 8, the target temperature in the startup stage S1 is set to the standby temperature F as shown by a two-dot broken line in FIG. May be. According to such a configuration, power consumption in the startup phase S1 can be minimized.
[0135]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first to third aspects of the invention, the standby temperature can be lowered to such an extent that the start of the combustion operation is not affected, and the power consumption during the combustion pause can be minimized.
[0136]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a combustion apparatus that consumes less power during the combustion pause and can smoothly shift to the ignition operation.
[0137]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the standby temperature can be corrected to a temperature that does not affect the start of the combustion operation even if it is affected by the disturbance accompanying the operation of the blower.
[0138]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combustion apparatus capable of optimizing the standby temperature so that the temperature does not affect the start of the combustion operation even if it is affected by disturbance caused by the operation of the blower means. it can.
[0139]
According to the invention described in claim 7, when the other ignition conditions are met, the standby temperature is corrected so that the temperature of the vaporizing section becomes a temperature adapted to the ignition conditions, and the combustion operation that can smoothly start the combustion operation Equipment can be provided.
[0140]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, even when the vaporizing portion and the ambient temperature in the vicinity thereof are low when the start signal is input, the vaporizing portion is quickly heated without being influenced by the outside air and burns smoothly. A combustion apparatus capable of starting operation can be provided.
[0141]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to minimize variations in the temperature of the vaporizer when other ignition conditions are met regardless of the initial conditions of the vaporizer, and to accurately adjust the standby temperature. A simple combustion apparatus can be provided.
[0142]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the standby temperature can be adjusted to a temperature that does not affect the start of the combustion operation even if it is affected by the disturbance accompanying the operation of the blower.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a combustion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overall component configuration of a combustion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a carburetor of the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fuel passage cylinder that constitutes an induction heating section of the vaporization section.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are a front view, a plan view, a left and right side view, and a bottom view of a fuel passage cylinder that constitutes an induction heating unit of a vaporization unit. FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an induction heating unit of a vaporization unit.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a modification of the induction heat generating portion of the vaporizing portion.
8 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a combustion section of the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewed from above.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1;
10 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature change of a vaporizer provided in the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
11 is a piping system diagram of a water heater employing the combustion apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Combustion device
2 Water heater
3 Blower
8 Vaporization Department
10, 105, 110 Induction heating part (preliminary heating part)
11 Self-heating part
100 temperature sensor
115 Temperature sensor (self-heating element temperature detection means)

Claims

In a combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means; An induction heating unit temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the induction heating unit, an induction heating unit temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the induction heating unit, The heat generating part temperature control means controls the temperature of the induction heat generating part so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means becomes a predetermined standby temperature when the combustion is stopped, and is detected by the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means at the start of combustion. Temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature becomes a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature, and the control temperature of the induction heating unit is set to the standby temperature in response to a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped. When the induction heat generation part is heated to start combustion by changing to the combustion start temperature, and the detected temperature detected by the induction heat generation part temperature detection means when starting combustion is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature. Standby temperature correction that corrects the next standby temperature to a higher temperature when the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means is lower than the combustion start temperature when the next standby temperature is further corrected to a lower temperature. A combustion apparatus having a function.

In a combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means; An induction heating unit temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the induction heating unit, an induction heating unit temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the induction heating unit, The heat generating portion has a fuel passage cylinder and a coil member provided on the outer periphery of the fuel passage cylinder, the coil member has a bobbin and a coil wire, and the outer periphery of the coil wire is energized. A ferrite guide for concentrating the generated magnetic field on the fuel passage cylinder to be heated is provided, and the induction heating part temperature detection means is held by the bobbin, and the temperature detection of the induction heating part temperature detection means Part is The induction heat generating part temperature control means receives the reaction force from the bobbin and is pressed against the outer surface of the fuel passage cylinder. The induction heating unit is temperature-controlled so that the temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means at the start of combustion is controlled so that the detected temperature is higher than the standby temperature. When the combustion is stopped, the control signal of the induction heat generating part is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature by raising the induction heat generating part by receiving the predetermined start signal, and the combustion is started. When the detected temperature detected by the heat generating part temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature, and the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means is used when starting combustion. Combustion devices sensed the detected temperature is characterized by having a standby temperature correction function to correct the next standby temperature to a high temperature is lower than the combustion start temperature.

In a combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means; A self-heating unit that raises the temperature by receiving heat from the combustion unit, an induction heating unit temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the induction heating unit, a self-heating unit temperature detection unit provided in the self-heating unit, and induction heating Inductive heat generating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heat generating part temperature control means, so that the induction heat generating part temperature control means is configured so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means becomes a predetermined standby temperature when the combustion is stopped. The induction heat generating part is temperature controlled so that the detected temperature detected by the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means at the start of combustion becomes a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature. When the temperature of the self-heating part rises sufficiently, the fuel is vaporized only in the self-heating part, and the control temperature of the induction heating part is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature in response to a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped. Then, the temperature of the induction heating unit is increased to start combustion, and when the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means when starting combustion is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature, the next standby temperature is further increased. It has a standby temperature correction function that corrects to the low temperature and corrects the next standby temperature to a high temperature when the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detecting means when starting combustion is lower than the combustion start temperature. Combustion device.

In a combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means. And an induction heating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heating part. The induction heating part temperature control means controls the temperature of the induction heating part to a predetermined standby temperature when combustion is stopped, and induces heat generation when combustion starts. Is controlled to a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature, the temperature of the vaporizing unit is equal to or higher than a certain level, and further, one or more ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing unit are met, so that the ignition operation is performed. This is a combustion device that performs the ignition condition other than the temperature of the vaporization unit by receiving a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped and changing the control temperature of the induction heating unit from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit. Among them, a standby temperature correction function that corrects the next standby temperature by taking into account at least one of the temperature of the induction heat generating part when the specific one or more conditions are met or the temperature change gradient of the induction heat generating part in between. A combustion apparatus comprising:

In a combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means. And an induction heating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heating part. The induction heating part temperature control means controls the temperature of the induction heating part to a predetermined standby temperature when combustion is stopped, and induces heat generation when combustion starts. Control of the induction heating unit to a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature, having a blower for supplying air to be used for combustion, and receiving a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped Is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit, and the induction generation at the time when the rotational speed of the fan of the blower means reaches a predetermined value or when the predetermined time has elapsed after the blower means is started. Department of temperature or combustion device and corrects the next standby temperature by adding at least one of temperature change gradient of the induction heating section in between.

In response to a predetermined start signal when the combustion is stopped, the control temperature of the induction heating unit is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature to raise the temperature of the induction heating unit, and the temperature of the induction heating unit after a certain time has elapsed from the start signal The combustion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the standby temperature is corrected in consideration of any of the temperature change gradients of the induction heating section within the time.

A combustion apparatus that has a vaporization unit that heats and vaporizes liquid fuel, vaporizes the liquid fuel in the vaporization unit, supplies the vaporized fuel to the combustion unit, and combusts the fuel, wherein the temperature of the vaporization unit is equal to or higher than a certain value, In the combustion apparatus in which the ignition operation is performed when the ignition conditions are met, the vaporization unit includes an induction heating unit that generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating means, a self-heating unit that raises temperature by receiving heat from the combustion unit, and an induction heating unit. An induction heating part temperature detection means for detecting the temperature and an induction heating part temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the induction heating part are provided, and the induction heating part temperature control means is detected by the induction heating part temperature detection means when the combustion is stopped. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detected temperature becomes a predetermined standby temperature, and the detection temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means at the start of combustion becomes a combustion start temperature higher than the standby temperature. In this way, the temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled, and when the combustion is stopped, the control signal of the induction heating unit is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature by receiving a predetermined start signal, and the induction heating unit is heated to start combustion. If the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means is equal to or higher than the combustion start temperature when the other ignition conditions are met and combustion starts, the next standby temperature is corrected to a lower temperature. When the detected temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detecting means at the time when the other ignition conditions are met and the combustion is started is lower than the combustion start temperature, the standby temperature for correcting the next standby temperature to a higher temperature. A combustion apparatus having a correction function.

A combustion apparatus having a blowing means for supplying air to be used for combustion and a vaporizing section for heating and vaporizing the liquid fuel, vaporizing the liquid fuel in the vaporizing section and supplying the vaporized fuel to the combustion section. In the combustion apparatus that starts the combustion by receiving the predetermined start signal, the blowing unit and the vaporizing unit are started to a predetermined state, and the vaporizing unit receives the heat of the induction heating unit that generates heat by the electromagnetic induction heating unit and the combustion unit It has a self-heating unit that raises temperature, an induction heating unit temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the induction heating unit, and an induction heating unit temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the induction heating unit. The temperature of the induction heating unit is controlled so that the detection temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection unit becomes a predetermined standby temperature during the stop, and the detection temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection unit at the start of combustion is the standby temperature. The induction heating unit is temperature-controlled so that the combustion start temperature is higher than that, and when the combustion is stopped, the control signal of the induction heating unit is changed from the standby temperature to the combustion start temperature by receiving a predetermined start signal. If the temperature detected by the induction heating part temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the start signal is input, the air blowing means and the vaporizing part are started up substantially simultaneously. When the start signal is input, if the temperature detected by the induction heating unit temperature detection means is less than a predetermined value, the vaporization unit early startup mode is started to start the vaporization unit prior to the start of the blowing unit. Combustion device characterized by.

A combustion apparatus having a blowing means for supplying air to be used for combustion and a vaporizing section for heating and vaporizing the liquid fuel, vaporizing the liquid fuel in the vaporizing section and supplying the vaporized fuel to the combustion section. In the combustion apparatus that receives the predetermined start signal, starts the combustion unit and the vaporizing unit in a predetermined state, and starts combustion, the vaporizing unit has an induction heating unit that generates heat by the electromagnetic induction heating unit, An induction heat generating part temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature, and when the detected temperature of the induction heat generating part temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value when the start signal is input, the air blowing means and the vaporizing part are started substantially simultaneously. If the detected temperature of the induction heating unit temperature detecting means is less than a predetermined value when the start signal is input, the vaporizer early startup mode is provided to start the vaporizer prior to the start of the blower. You The temperature of the vaporizing section is equal to or higher than a certain level, and the ignition operation is performed when one or more ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing section are met. The temperature of the induction heat generating unit is controlled to a predetermined standby temperature during the stop, and the temperature of the induction heat generating unit when one or more specific conditions among the ignition conditions other than the temperature of the vaporizing unit are met, or the induction heat generating unit therebetween A combustion apparatus characterized in that the next standby temperature is corrected in consideration of at least one of the temperature change gradients.

The combustion apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the vaporization unit early startup mode is executed when the start signal is input for the first time from the start of operation.