JP4617818B2 - Condensate neutralizer and hot water supply apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a condensate neutralizer for neutralizing a condensate generated when the temperature of a combustion gas is equal to or lower than a dew point, and a hot water supply apparatus including the same.

  Some hot water supply apparatuses include a so-called latent heat recovery type heat exchanger. In this type of water heater, not only the sensible heat of the combustion gas generated by the combustor is recovered by the heat exchanger, but also the latent heat of the combustion gas (more precisely, the latent heat of water vapor in the combustion gas) Collected. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency can be increased. When the above-described latent heat recovery is performed, water vapor in the combustion gas is condensed and a large amount of condensed water is generated. Generally, this condensed water absorbs sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, etc. in the combustion gas. It becomes strong acidity of about PH3. If the condensed water is drained into a general pipe with strong acidity, the pipe is not only corroded, but also causes environmental degradation such as water pollution.

  Therefore, conventionally, a means has been used in which a neutralizer containing a neutralizing agent is assembled to a hot water supply device, and condensed water generated in the hot water supply device is neutralized using the neutralizer. According to such means, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from being discarded while remaining strongly acidic.

  The present applicant has previously proposed, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 as a specific example of the neutralizer as described above. The neutralizer described in the same document includes a synthetic resin container that contains a neutralizing agent, and an inlet for introducing condensed water into the container is provided on the upper wall of the container. In addition, one side of the introduction port has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes for detecting the level of condensed water is provided. The pair of electrodes are normally provided at a height that does not immerse in the condensed water in the container, and the pair of electrodes are in a non-conductive state. On the other hand, when clogging occurs in the container and the water level of the condensed water rises abnormally, the tip portions of the pair of electrodes are immersed in the condensed water, and a conductive state is established between them. Therefore, if the electrical wiring is connected to the pair of electrodes and the electrical wiring is made to flow when the electrical connection is established, the water level of the condensed water rises abnormally due to the clogging. Sometimes it can be detected.

  However, the prior art still has room for improvement as described below.

  First, the pair of electrodes are provided side by side on the side of the inlet of the condensed water. When the distance between the pair of electrodes is reduced, for example, the container of the neutralizer is shaken. For example, when a wave is generated on the surface of the condensed water in the container, the wave easily comes into contact with each of the pair of electrodes at the same time. In this case, although the water level of the condensed water is not inherently abnormal, the frequency of erroneous detection of the abnormal water level increases, and the reliability of the abnormal water level detection becomes low. In order to prevent such a problem, the distance between the pair of electrodes may be increased. However, in such a case, a large space for attaching the pair of electrodes must be ensured. This is not preferable in reducing the size of the container. Thus, in the prior art, if the interval between the pair of electrodes is increased to improve the reliability of water level detection, the container of the neutralizer becomes large, and there is room for improvement in this respect. It was.

  Secondly, the container of the neutralizer is inherently suitable for blow molding because the inside is hollow. However, in this blow molding, it is desirable to give consideration so that the thickness or strength of each part of the container does not become insufficient. Moreover, it is preferable to make the manufacturing cost of the entire neutralizer as low as possible. In the prior art, there is still room for improvement from such a viewpoint.

JP 2003-320380 A

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and can increase the reliability of abnormal water level detection of condensed water while suppressing an increase in the size of a container containing a neutralizing agent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a condensate neutralizer and a hot water supply device including the same. Moreover, this invention makes it another subject to provide the condensed water neutralizer which can be manufactured appropriately and inexpensively, and a hot-water supply apparatus provided with the same.

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

  The condensed water neutralizer provided by the first aspect of the present invention has an inlet and an outlet for condensed water generated due to a decrease in the temperature of combustion gas, and a neutralizing agent for neutralizing the condensed water And a water level attached to the container so that at least a portion of each is immersed in the condensed water when the water level of the condensed water in the container rises above a predetermined height. A condensate neutralizer comprising a pair of electrodes for detection, wherein the pair of electrodes are arranged apart from each other across the inlet of the condensate.

  According to such a configuration, since the introduction port of the condensed water is located between the pair of electrodes for water level detection, the entire width of the portion where the pair of electrodes and the introduction port are formed, The width can be the same as the distance between the pair of electrodes. Unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to separately provide a bulky area for forming the condensed water inlet outside the area for forming the pair of electrodes. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the distance between the pair of electrodes while reducing the overall size of the portion where the pair of electrodes and the inlet for condensed water are formed. In addition, when the gap between the pair of electrodes is increased, when a wave is generated on the surface of the condensed water in the container due to vibration or the like, the possibility that the wave touches the pair of electrodes at the same time decreases. When the wave is generated, there is no possibility that it is erroneously detected as an abnormal water level. For this reason, in the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormal rise in the water level of the condensed water and increase its reliability while suppressing an increase in the size of the entire container of the condensed water neutralizer. .

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of electrodes is configured by using a pair of metal male screw members, the container is made of synthetic resin, and the container has a wall thickness. A pair of boss portions into which the pair of male screw members are screwed are integrally formed.

  According to such a configuration, by screwing the metal male screw member into the container, a structure in which the electrode for detecting the water level is appropriately attached to the container is realized. Can be reduced. In particular, as the male screw member, it is possible to use a commercially available low-priced member, and according to the structure in which the male screw member is screwed into a synthetic resin container, a tightening nut can be eliminated. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be further reduced. Further, the portion of the container into which the male screw member is screwed is formed as a boss portion having a large thickness, so that the strength of the portion is sufficiently secured and the reliability of attachment of the pair of electrodes is high. can do.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is a blow molded product having a dividing line on an outer surface thereof, and the inlet of the condensed water and the pair of boss portions are both located on the dividing line. Yes. Here, the “partition line” in the present specification is a linear part formed on the outer surface of the molded product corresponding to the mold split surface when a container is blow-molded using a mold, In some cases, burrs may be formed in this portion.

  Since the container has a hollow shape having a space for storing the neutralizing agent therein, if it is a blow-molded product, its manufacture becomes easy. However, blow molding is a molding method in which the parison inserted in the mold is stretched using compressed air in a state of being sandwiched between the mold split molds, so that the part far from the mold split surface, The amount of elongation of the resin is large and the thickness tends to be thin. On the other hand, according to the above-described configuration, since the inlet of the condensed water and the pair of boss portions are both located on the dividing line, the thickness of the formation portion thereof is appropriately secured, and the desired size is obtained. Can be formed appropriately. Further, when the peripheral portion of the inlet is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, it is necessary to provide a hole forming protrusion and a wall surrounding the protrusion in the mold. If so, such a structure can be realized relatively easily.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of electrodes are provided so as to protrude downward from the upper wall portion of the container, and a pair of energization wires are connected to the pair of electrodes. Therefore, when the tip portions of the pair of electrodes are immersed in the condensed water, current flows through the pair of wires through the pair of electrodes, while when not immersed in the condensed water, the pair of wires The tip portions of the pair of electrodes are set to different heights from each other.

  According to such a configuration, a so-called hunting phenomenon in detecting an abnormal water level of condensed water is suppressed, and the accuracy and reliability of abnormal water level detection can be further increased. That is, when this container shakes due to mechanical force applied to the container from the outside, the condensed water inside the container also shakes, and this shaking continues for a while while being gradually attenuated. When such condensate water shakes, the intersection angle between the water surface of the condensate water and the pair of electrodes (or the relative posture of the pair of electrodes with respect to the water surface) repeatedly changes. When such a situation occurs, a state in which both of the tip portions of the pair of electrodes are immersed in condensed water and a state in which they are not immersed are repeated, and a state in which current flows in a pair of energizing wires and a state in which no current flows. There is a risk that a hunting phenomenon will be repeated. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, since one of the pair of electrodes is at a lower height than the other, the electrode having the lower height is also subject to the above-described shaking of the condensed water. It can be kept immersed in the condensed water so that the state immersed in the condensed water and the state not immersed are not repeated frequently. Accordingly, the frequency at which both of the pair of electrodes are switched between the state of being immersed in the condensed water and the state of not being immersed is reduced accordingly, and the above-described hunting phenomenon is suppressed.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of male screw members are provided so as to protrude downward from the upper wall portion of the container, and the pair of male screw members are provided with a pair of energizing members. By connecting the wires, when the tip end portions of the pair of male screw members are immersed in the condensed water, current flows through the pair of wires through the pair of male screw members, while being immersed in the condensed water. When not, current is not configured to flow through the pair of wirings, and the pair of boss portions are formed such that the heights of their upper surfaces are different from each other, and in response to this difference, The heights of the tip portions of the pair of male screw members are also different from each other.

  According to such a configuration, since the heights of the tip portions of the pair of electrodes are different, it is possible to obtain the effect of suppressing the hunting phenomenon when detecting the abnormal water level of the condensed water as described above. Even if the pair of male screw members are of the same size and are screwed into the pair of bosses by the same screwing method, the height of the tip of these male screw members is high. It is possible to make them different. Accordingly, it is not necessary to prepare two types of male screw members having different sizes or to make the male screw member screwed into the boss portion differently, and the structure in which the heights of the tip portions of the pair of electrodes are made different. Is easily realized. Further, the height difference between the tip portions of the pair of electrodes can be exactly matched with the height difference between the top surfaces of the pair of boss portions, and the dimension can be easily set to a desired value.

  The condensed water neutralizer provided by the second aspect of the present invention has an inlet and an outlet for condensed water generated by a decrease in the temperature of combustion gas, and a neutralizing agent for neutralizing the condensed water And a water level attached to the container so that at least a part of each is immersed in the condensed water when the water level of the condensed water in the container rises to a predetermined height or more. A condensate water neutralizer comprising a pair of electrodes for detection, wherein the pair of electrodes is configured using a pair of metal male screw members, and the container is disposed on an outer surface thereof. This is a blow molded product made of synthetic resin having a dividing line, and in this container, a pair of boss portions into which the pair of male screw members are screwed into a part of which the wall thickness is partially increased are integrally formed. A pair of bosses and said Inlet Chijimisui are all characterized by being located on the dividing line of the upper wall portion.

  According to such a configuration, a structure for mounting a pair of electrodes capable of detecting an abnormal water level is realized by a simple structure in which a metal male screw member is screwed into a synthetic resin container. Since it is sufficient to use a commercially available inexpensive one, its manufacturing cost is reduced. Furthermore, since the portion into which the male screw member is screwed is formed as a boss portion having a large thickness, it is possible to appropriately ensure the strength of this portion. Furthermore, since the container is a blow-molded product, its manufacture is easy. However, since the inlet of the condensed water and the pair of bosses are formed on the dividing line of the container, those parts The thickness of the resin can be appropriately secured, and the portions can be formed in a cylindrical shape by a relatively simple mold structure.

  A hot water supply apparatus provided by the third aspect of the present invention is generated by a heat exchanger having a combustor, a water pipe for performing heat exchange with the combustion gas generated by the combustor, and the heat exchange. A hot water supply apparatus comprising a condensed water neutralizer for neutralizing condensed water, wherein the condensed water is provided as the condensed water neutralizer according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention. It is characterized by the use of a Japanese machine.

  According to such a configuration, the same effect as described for the condensed water neutralizer provided by the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

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

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

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a condensate neutralizer according to the present invention. The condensed water neutralizer A of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes 5 for water level detection are attached to a container 2 that contains a neutralizing agent 1. The neutralizing agent 1 is, for example, granular calcium carbonate.

  The container 2 is a blow molded product made of polypropylene or other synthetic resin and has a box shape having upper wall portions 21a and 21b, a bottom wall portion 22, and a plurality of side wall portions 23a to 23d. Among the upper region of the container 2, a certain region including the upper wall portion 21 a is configured as a header portion H in which the inlet 30 of condensed water is formed and the water level is detected using the pair of electrodes 5. ing. As will be described later, the header portion H is not filled with the neutralizing agent 1.

  A cylindrical portion 30 a is formed upright on the upper wall portion 21 a of the header portion H, and an opening of the cylindrical portion 30 a is a condensed water inlet 30. The cylindrical portion 30a is used to fit and connect a pipe that supplies condensed water. When the condensed water flows into the container 2 from the inlet 30, the condensed water is neutralized in the process while passing through the gap between the neutralizing agents 1, and is discharged from the outlet 31 provided near the bottom of the container 2. It is discharged outside. However, the inside of the container 2 is roughly divided into a plurality of regions a1 to a4 by a plurality of partition walls 26a to 26c, and the condensed water flowing into the container 2 is indicated by arrows N1 to N1 in FIG. As indicated by N4, the plurality of regions a1 to a4 are guided to the discharge port 31 through meandering in the vertical height direction. In this way, the length of the condensed water flow path in the container 2 can be increased, which is preferable for increasing the efficiency of the neutralization treatment.

  Two openings 33a and 33b for charging the neutralizing agent are formed in the upper wall portion 21b of the container 2, and these openings 33a and 33b are closed by two detachable lids 40a and 40b. . The opening 33a is located above the region a1, while the opening 33b is located above the regions a2 to a4. This structure facilitates the filling operation of the neutralizing agent 1. Yes. More specifically, unlike the present embodiment, for example, when the container 2 is provided with only the opening 33a and the opening 33b is not provided, the neutralizing agent 1 charged from the opening 33a is Only the region a1 and the lower part of the region 2 are filled. In this case, it is necessary to move the neutralizing agent 1 from the above-described region to the other regions a3 and a4 by laying the container 2 sideways. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, such labor is unnecessary.

  An auxiliary discharge port 34 is provided at the bottom of the region a1 in the container 2. The auxiliary discharge port 34 is used for, for example, removing condensed water accumulated in the regions a1 and a2 and preventing freezing thereof when the condensed water neutralizer A is not used for a long period of time. The Condensed water accumulated in the regions a1 and a2 is difficult to be removed from the discharge port 31 because the partition wall 26b becomes an obstacle. However, if the auxiliary discharge port 34 is provided, the condensed water in that region can be extracted. It becomes easy. An extended portion 24 that covers the upper side of the auxiliary discharge port 34 is formed on the side wall portion 23 a of the container 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the extending portion 24 indicates that when the neutralizing agent 1 is introduced into the container 2 from the opening 33 a, the neutralizing agent 1 proceeds directly toward the auxiliary discharge port 34. This prevents the neutralizer 1 from being clogged in the auxiliary outlet 34.

  Each of the pair of electrodes 5 is configured using a male screw member made of stainless steel. As this male screw member, for example, a commercially available product such as a tapping screw with a cross hole can be used, which has excellent tapping properties against synthetic resin and excellent corrosion resistance that does not easily corrode by contact with condensed water. Is preferably used. The upper wall portion 21a is provided with a pair of substantially cylindrical boss portions 25 that are thicker than other general portions of the upper wall portion 21a so as to sandwich the tubular portion 30a. The pair of electrodes 5 are screwed into the pair of boss portions 25 such that their tip portions protrude below the upper wall portion 21a. As shown in FIG. 2B, preferably, each boss portion 25 is formed with a pilot hole 250 for screwing the electrode 5 so that the screwing of the electrode 5 becomes easy at the stage of resin molding. The boss portion 25 is formed with a reinforcing rib 251 connected thereto.

  As clearly shown in FIG. 1A, a pair of energization wirings 40 is connected to the upper part of the pair of electrodes 5. If each electrode 5 is configured using a male screw member having a head having a diameter larger than that of the screw shaft portion, one end of the wiring 40 is provided between the head of the male screw member and the upper surface of the boss portion 25. By sandwiching, the conductive connection of the wiring 40 can be easily performed. A voltage is applied to the pair of wirings 40. When the tip portions of the pair of electrodes 5 are immersed in condensed water and they are conducted, a current flows through the pair of wirings 40, which detects an abnormal water level. Signal. This signal is input, for example, to a control unit of hot water supply apparatus B described later.

  The container 2 is a blow-molded product as described above, and a dividing line corresponding to the mold dividing surface at the time of blow molding is formed on the outer surface of the container 2. Although this dividing line is not shown in the drawing, it is formed on the outer surface of the container 2 at a location corresponding to the center line C of the container 2 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (c), for example. The pair of electrodes 5, the cylindrical portion 30a having the introduction port 30, and the reinforcing rib 251 are all located on the dividing line of the upper wall portion 21a and arranged in a line. Incidentally, the inlets 33a and 33b, the outlet 31 and the auxiliary outlet 34 for the neutralizing agent 1 are also located on the dividing line.

  Of the header portion H of the container 2, a portion where the electrode 5 below the upper wall portion 21 a protrudes and a peripheral portion thereof are formed as a space portion 27 in which entry of the neutralizing agent 1 is restricted. As shown well in FIG. 2 (c), the opposing portions 23c 'and 23d' of the side wall portions 23c and 23d of the container 2 are close to each other, and the slit portion 27a narrowed down to the narrow width s1. Is formed. The slit portion 27a plays a role of allowing condensed water to pass between the space portion 27 and the region a1 in the container 2 while blocking the passage of the granular neutralizing agent 1 from the region a1 to the space portion 27. Since the neutralizing agent 1 is present in the space portion 27, the electrode 5 and the neutralizing agent 1 are brought into contact with each other, and the water flows between them. Even though the water level of the condensed water is not the original abnormal water level, it is abnormal. Although there is a possibility that the water level is erroneously detected, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, such a fear can be eliminated. Further, the electrode 5 can be protected by avoiding the collision of the neutralizing agent 1 with the electrode 5. As shown in FIG. 1B, a narrow slit portion 27 b is also formed in the portion above the discharge port 31. Like the slit portion 27a described above, the slit portion 27b has a narrow width formed by bringing parts of the side wall portions 23c and 23d of the container 2 closer to each other, and allows passage of condensed water, The granular neutralizer 1 is prevented from flowing out to the discharge port 31.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a hot water supply apparatus provided with the condensed water neutralizer A described above.

  A hot water supply apparatus B shown in the figure includes a combustor 91 provided at a lower portion in a can body 90 having an exhaust port 99 at an upper portion, a blower blower 92 for sending combustion air upward from below the combustor 91, and A heat exchanger 93 having a water pipe 93a and an outer case 94 covering the whole are provided. The combustor 91 generates a combustion gas by burning a gas or liquid fuel such as city gas or kerosene. The heat exchanger 93 includes a primary heat exchange unit 93A capable of recovering sensible heat from the combustion gas, and a secondary heat exchange unit 93B capable of recovering latent heat from the combustion gas. The water supplied to the water inlet 930 of the water pipe 93a passes through the secondary heat exchange part 93B and the primary heat exchange part 93A and is heated and then supplied from the hot water outlet 931 to a predetermined hot water supply destination.

  Below the secondary heat exchange section 93B, a receiving member 95 that receives condensed water generated along with the recovery of latent heat is provided. The condensed water neutralizer A (schematically shown in FIG. 4) is disposed in a space between the can 90 and one side wall of the outer case 94, and this condensed water is attached. The inlet 30 of the sump A and the outlet of the receiving member 95 are connected via a pipe 96a. A pipe 96b is connected to the outlet 31 of the condensed water neutralizer A, and the condensed water neutralized by the condensed water neutralizer A is guided to the outside of the outer case 94 through the pipe 96b. It has become.

  Next, the operation of the condensed water neutralizer A and the hot water supply apparatus B will be described.

  First, the acidic condensate generated in the secondary heat exchange section 93B of the hot water supply apparatus B is received by the receiving member 95 and then led to the inlet 30 of the condensate neutralizer A via the pipe 96a, and the neutralizing agent. It is neutralized by the action of 1. Next, the condensed water after the neutralization process is discharged to the outside of the exterior case 94 through the discharge port 31 and the pipe 96b. Accordingly, the condensed water is prevented from being discharged outside the exterior case 94 while being acidic, which is preferable for preventing environmental pollution and the like.

  The condensed water that has flowed into the container 2 of the condensed water neutralizer A flows through the container 2 along the path indicated by the arrows N1 to N4 in FIG. In a normal time when no occurrence occurs, the water level becomes the height indicated by the imaginary lines L1 and L2 in FIG. These water levels coincide with the upper end height of the partition wall 26 b and the upper end height of the side wall in the vicinity of the discharge port 31. On the other hand, for example, contaminants such as soot and rust generated in the can 90 of the hot water supply apparatus B flow into the container 2 together with the condensed water, thereby causing clogging in the accommodation portion of the neutralizing agent 1. As a result, the water level of the condensed water rises. Then, when the tip of the pair of electrodes 5 is immersed in the condensed water due to the rise in the water level, the tip is electrically connected and a current flows through the pair of wirings 40, and it is detected that the condensed water has become an abnormal water level. The When such a detection is made, the hot water supply device B is provided with a notification means (not shown) for visually or audibly informing the user of this fact. It is possible to accurately detect and take appropriate measures to eliminate clogging in the container 2.

  In the normal use state of the condensed water neutralizer A, the container 2 may be shaken or tilted due to various circumstances, and waves may be generated on the surface of the condensed water. When such a wave is generated, there is a possibility that the wave may touch the electrode 5 even though the condensed water is not actually at an abnormal water level. On the other hand, in this condensate neutralizer A, the pair of electrodes 5 are arranged with the introduction port 30 in between, and the distance between them is large. For this reason, there is little possibility that the wave of the condensed water touches each of the pair of electrodes 5, and the possibility that the generation of the wave of the condensed water is erroneously detected as an abnormal water level is reduced. Therefore, the reliability of abnormal water level detection of condensed water can be made high.

  On the other hand, the condensate inlet 30 is provided in a space-efficient manner in the region between the pair of electrodes 5, and the overall width s <b> 2 of the header portion H of the container 2 is required to provide the pair of electrodes 5. It is sufficient if there is a sufficient width, and it is not necessary to separately provide a space for providing the inlet 30 in addition to the region of the width s2. Therefore, although the distance between the pair of electrodes 5 is large, the entire header portion H can be made compact. If the header portion H is made compact, the entire container 2 can be reduced in size without reducing the volume of the accommodating portion of the neutralizing agent 1. And it becomes suitable to arrange the condensed water neutralizer A in the narrow space in the hot water supply apparatus A. Moreover, it is suitable for saving the manufacturing raw material of the container 2 and reducing the manufacturing cost.

  Further, each of the pair of electrodes 5 is configured using a metal male screw member, and an inexpensive commercially available product can be used as the male screw member. In addition, since the pair of electrodes 5 are attached by screwing into the upper wall portion 21 of the container 2 into the thick boss portion 25, the attachment is very easy, and the mechanical portion of the attachment portion is mechanical. The strength can be sufficiently secured. In addition, the container 2 is a blow-molded product that allows easy resin molding work. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the manufacturing cost of the condensed water neutralizer A.

  As described above, when the container is blow-molded, as the container is farther from the mold split surface of the mold used for the molding, the elongation amount of the resin is large and the thickness tends to be thin. . On the other hand, in this condensed water neutralizer A, the cylindrical part 30a which forms a pair of boss | hub part 25 and the inlet 30 on the dividing line corresponding to the said metal mold | die split surface of the container 2 is provided. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately form these portions in desired dimensions so that the thickness of the resin does not become insufficient. In addition, when forming the cylindrical portion 30a or forming the pair of boss portions 25 in a cylindrical shape, as a means for forming those hole portions, a protrusion for forming the hole portion is provided on the mold, and Although it is necessary to provide a cylindrical portion around the protrusion, such a structure can be easily realized if the position is a mold splitting surface.

  5-7 has shown other embodiment of the condensed water neutralizer based on this invention (however, FIG.5 (c) and FIG.6 (b) are contrast with this invention). In these drawings, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 5A, the heights of the upper surfaces of the pair of boss portions 25 are different, and one boss portion 25 (25a) has a more appropriate dimension than the other boss portion 25 (25b). The upper surface is lowered by H1. Correspondingly, the tip of one electrode 5 (5a) is lower than the tip of the other electrode 5 (5b) by the dimension H1 described above.

  In the present embodiment, as described below, an effect of suppressing a so-called hunting phenomenon at the time of water level detection is obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the state where the liquid level of the condensed water is at the height indicated by reference numeral n1 and the tip portions of the pair of electrodes 5a and 5b are immersed in the condensed water, for example, In some cases, the container 2 is shaken or inclined, and the surface of the condensed water is inclined so that the electrode 5a is lower as indicated by reference numeral n2. In this embodiment, even in such a case, the tip of the electrode 5a can be left immersed in condensed water. Therefore, the abnormality detection signal is maintained in the ON state when the water level of the condensed water is either n1 or n2. On the other hand, unlike the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the heights of the tip portions of the pair of electrodes 5a and 5b are the same, the water level of the condensed water is denoted by n2. As shown, the tip of the electrode 5a is not immersed in the condensed water, and the abnormality detection signal is turned off. As can be understood from such comparison description, in the present embodiment, even if the tip of the electrode 5a is low in height and the water level of the condensed water is slightly inclined, the electrode 5a As long as the tip portion can be kept immersed, the abnormality detection signal is hardly turned off, and the hunting phenomenon in which the abnormality detection signal is frequently turned on and off is suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, since the heights of the upper surfaces of the boss portions 25a and 25b are made different as means for making the heights of the tips of the electrodes 5a and 5b different, the males constituting the electrodes 5a and 5b are made different. As the screw member, those having the same size may be used. Therefore, there is no trouble of preparing male screw members of different sizes and using them separately. Further, the male screw member may be tightened with respect to the boss portions 25a and 25b in the same manner, and the troublesomeness of making a difference in the tightening method can be eliminated.

  In the condensed water neutralizer shown in FIG. 6A, the uppermost portion of the container 2 is formed as a header portion H provided with a cylindrical portion 30 a having an inlet 30 and a pair of electrodes 5. The lower region of the portion H has a configuration formed as a storage portion for the neutralizing agent 1. The discharge port 31 is provided at the bottom of the container 2.

  Unlike the previous embodiment, the condensate neutralizer of this embodiment does not include a plurality of partition walls for meandering the condensate in the container 2, and the overall structure is considerably simple. However, the pair of electrodes 5 are separated from each other with a cylindrical portion 30 a having the inlet 30 interposed therebetween. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the header portion H can be reduced in size while increasing the distance between the pair of electrodes 5. FIG. 2B illustrates a structure in which a pair of electrodes 59 are arranged side by side on one side of the cylindrical portion 30a of the container 2. Compared with the upper portion of the illustrated container 2, this embodiment is shown in FIG. It is easily understood that the width s3 of the header portion H can be reduced in the form. As in the present embodiment, the container 2 of the condensate neutralizer according to the present invention can be formed into a simple shape that does not have a plurality of partition walls or the like. The mouth 30 can also be configured to be provided at the top of the container 2.

  The condensed water neutralizer shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration in which a dust pot portion 28 is continuously provided beside the neutralization treatment tank 29 in which the neutralizing agent 1 is accommodated. The dust pot portion 28 is provided in a state separated from the neutralization tank 29 by forming upper and lower partition walls 28 a and 28 b forming a gap 283 in the container 2. A cylindrical portion 30 a having an introduction port 30 and a pair of electrodes 5 are provided on the upper wall portion. In the dust pot portion 28, condensed water is stored at the same water level as the upper end height of the partition wall 28 b, and impurities having a specific gravity larger than the condensed water are deposited at the bottom thereof. A drain port 280 for draining water and a lid member 281 for closing the drain port 280 are provided at the bottom of the dust pot unit 28. The neutralization tank 29 is provided with an upstanding wall 290 that stands up from its bottom, and the condensed water that has flowed from the dust pot 28 through the gap 283 into the region preceding the upstanding wall 290 is the standing wall. After exceeding 29, it flows into the subsequent stage region, and is then discharged to the outside through the discharge port 31.

  As understood from the present embodiment, in the present invention, by providing the dust pot portion 28, a configuration in which a large amount of impurities are prevented from flowing into the portion in which the neutralizing agent 1 is accommodated. You can also Further, the flow direction of the condensed water from the dust pot portion 28 to the neutralization treatment tank 29 and the flow direction of the condensed water in the neutralization treatment tank 29 are basically the horizontal direction. Although it is a so-called horizontal type, the present invention can be configured in such a type.

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

  For example, the pair of electrodes may be provided in a posture inclined obliquely with respect to the vertical direction or in a posture extending in the horizontal direction instead of the posture extending in the vertical height direction (vertical direction). Even in such a case, the operation intended by the present invention can be obtained as long as the pair of electrodes are disposed apart from each other with the condensed water introduction port interposed therebetween. Further, although it is preferable to use a commercially available male screw member from the viewpoint of cost reduction, each electrode is not limited to this, and has a configuration using a simple shaft-like member having no screw portion. You can also. Also about the inlet of condensed water, the specific shape and size are not limited. From the viewpoint of ease of pipe connection, it is preferable to form a cylindrical part used for pipe connection in a container and use the opening of this cylindrical part as an inlet for condensed water, but it is not limited to this. The container can be formed into various shapes as described above. As a neutralizing agent, it is possible to use substances other than calcium carbonate. The condensate neutralizer according to the present invention can be used for various purposes as long as the condensate generated by the temperature decrease of the combustion gas is neutralized. Of course, it can be used.

  The hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention can be configured as a so-called instantaneous hot water heater, as well as a hot water supply apparatus used for other hot water supplies for baths, floor heaters, hot water for snow melting, and the like. it can. Of course, instead of the so-called forward combustion method shown in FIG. 4, for example, a so-called reverse combustion method in which heat exchange is performed while the combustion gas proceeds downward may be employed.

(A) is a principal part top view which shows an example of the condensed water neutralizer which concerns on this invention, (b) is the whole sectional drawing. (A) is a top view which shows the container of the condensed water neutralizer shown in FIG. 1, (b) is the front view, (c) is II-II sectional drawing of (b). . It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the state which throws in the neutralizing agent in the container of a condensed water neutralizer. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the hot water supply apparatus provided with the condensed water neutralizer shown in FIG. (A) is principal part sectional drawing which shows the other example of the condensed water neutralizer which concerns on this invention, (b) is the action explanatory drawing, (c) is a comparative action explanatory drawing. is there. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the condensed water neutralizer based on this invention, (b) is principal part sectional drawing which shows the comparison. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the condensed water neutralizer which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

A Condensate neutralizer B Water heater 1 Neutralizing agent 2 Container 5 Electrode 21a Upper wall 25 Boss 30 Inlet 31 Outlet 40 Wiring 91 Combustor 93 Heat exchanger

Claims (7)

A container having an inlet and an outlet for condensed water generated by a temperature drop of the combustion gas, and containing therein a neutralizing agent for neutralizing the condensed water;
A pair of electrodes for water level detection attached to the container so that at least a part of each is immersed in the condensed water when the level of the condensed water in the container rises above a predetermined height;
A condensate neutralizer,
The condensate neutralizer is characterized in that the pair of electrodes are arranged apart from each other across the inlet of the condensate. The pair of electrodes is configured using a pair of male male screw members,
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is made of a synthetic resin, and a pair of boss portions into which the wall thickness is partially increased and the pair of male screw members are screwed are integrally formed. Condensate neutralizer. The container is a blow molded product having a dividing line on its outer surface,
The condensed water neutralizer according to claim 2, wherein the condensed water inlet and the pair of boss portions are both located on the dividing line. The pair of electrodes are provided so as to protrude downward from the upper wall portion of the container, and a pair of current-carrying wires are connected to the pair of electrodes. When the tip part is immersed in the condensed water, a current flows through the pair of wires via the pair of electrodes, while when the tip is not immersed in the condensed water, no current flows through the pair of wires. ,
The condensed water neutralizer according to claim 1, wherein the tip ends of the pair of electrodes are set to different heights. The pair of male screw members are provided so as to protrude downward from the upper wall portion of the container, and a pair of current-carrying wires are connected to the pair of male screw members. When the tips of the pair of male screw members are immersed in the condensed water, current flows through the pair of wires through the pair of male screw members, while when not immersed in the condensed water, current flows through the pair of wires. Is configured not to flow,
The pair of boss portions are formed such that the heights of their upper surfaces are different from each other, and the heights of the front end portions of the pair of male screw members are also different from each other in correspondence with this difference. The condensed water neutralizer according to 2 or 3. A container having an inlet and an outlet for condensed water generated by a temperature drop of the combustion gas, and containing therein a neutralizing agent for neutralizing the condensed water;
A pair of electrodes for water level detection attached to the container so that at least a part of each is immersed in the condensed water when the water level of the condensed water in the container rises above a predetermined height; and
A condensate neutralizer,
The pair of electrodes is configured using a pair of male male screw members,
The container is a blow molded product made of a synthetic resin having a dividing line on the outer surface thereof, and the container has a pair of boss portions into which the pair of male screw members are screwed by partially increasing the thickness. Is formed as one piece,
Both of the pair of boss portions and the condensed water inlet are located on a dividing line of the upper wall portion. A heat exchanger having a water pipe for exchanging heat with the combustion gas generated by the combustor, and a condensed water neutralizer for neutralizing condensed water generated by the heat exchange. A hot water supply device comprising:
A hot water supply apparatus, wherein the condensed water neutralizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used as the condensed water neutralizer.

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