Water heater

Abstract

A water heater according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a heating part which is housed inside the housing; an expansion tank which is housed inside the housing; a circulation path part which passes through the heating part; a branch path part which branches off from the circulation path part and is connected to the expansion tank; and a tank support part that supports the expansion tank in the housing. The tank support part has a first support positioned on a first side in a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction relative to the expansion tank, and a second support positioned on a second side in the first direction relative to the expansion tank. The first support has a first support surface for supporting the expansion tank from the lower side. The second support has a second support surface for supporting the expansion tank from the upper side.

Description

Title of Invention: WATER HEATER Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water heater. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is provided with an expansion tank for releasing an expanded liquid to suppress an excessive increase in a pressure of a circulation path portion (for example, Patent Document 1). The expansion tank is disposed in an upper end portion inside the water heater. Citation List Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2012-220075 Summary of Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An expansion tank in the related art is supported from a lower side by a support member provided inside a housing, and the expansion tank vibrates in resonance with vibration of another member such as a pump. Therefore, there is a possibility that the vibration causes noise. In addition, when the expansion tank is firmly fixed to the housing to suppress the vibration of the expansion tank, there is a problem in that an assembly process for a water heater is complicated.

[0005] In view of the above-described circumstances, one object of the present disclosure is to provide a water heater which is capable of suppressing rattling of an expansion tank without complicating the assembly process. Means to Solve the Problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a water heater including a housing, a heating unit accommodated inside the housing, an expansion tank accommodated inside the housing, a circulation path portion passing through the heating unit, a branch path portion branching from the circulation path portion and connected to the expansion tank, and a tank support portion supporting the expansion tank inside the housing. The tank support portion includes a first support portion located on a first side with respect to the expansion tank in a first direction orthogonal to a vertical direction, and a second support portion located on a second side with respect to the expansion tank in the first direction. The first support portion includes a first support surface supporting the expansion tank from a lower side. The second support portion includes a second support surface supporting the expansion tank from an upper side. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a water heater which is capable of suppressing rattling of an expansion tank without complicating an assembly process. Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a water heater in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water heater main body in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the water heater main body in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water heater main body in the embodiment, and is a view showing a state where a portion of a housing is removed. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a region V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first support portion in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second support portion in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the water heater main body around the second support portion in the embodiment, and is a view showing a portion of the water heater main body in a broken display manner. Description of Embodiments

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be changed in any way within the scope of technical ideas of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and the number in each structure may be different from a scale and the number in an actual structure to facilitate understanding of each configuration.

[0010] In addition, in the drawings, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are shown as appropriate. The X-axis indicates one direction in a horizontal direction. The Y-axis indicates another direction in the horizontal direction. The Z-axis indicates a vertical direction. In the following description, the horizontal direction along the X-axis will be referred to as a "forward-rearward direction X", the horizontal direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as a "rightward-leftward direction Y", and the vertical direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as a "vertical direction Z". The forward-rearward direction X, the rightward-leftward direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are directions orthogonal to each other. In the following description, a side (+Z-side) which an arrow of the Z-axis faces in the vertical direction Z will be defined as an upper side, and a side (-Z-side) opposite to the side which the arrow of the Z-axis faces in the vertical direction Z will be defined as a lower side. In addition, a side (+X-side) which an arrow of the X-axis faces in the forward-rearward direction X to will be defined as a front side, and a side (-X-side) opposite to the side which to the arrow of the X-axis faces in the forwardrearward direction X will be defined as a rear side. In addition, the rightward-leftward direction Y will be defined as a rightward-leftward direction when a water heater main body 10 of the following embodiment is viewed from the front side (+X-side). That is, a side (+Y-side) which an arrow of the Y-axis faces in the rightward-leftward direction Y will be defined as a right side, and a side (-Y-side) opposite to the side which the arrow of the Y-axis faces in the rightward-leftward direction Y will be defined as a left side. In the following embodiment, the forward-rearward direction X corresponds to a "first direction", the rear side corresponds to a "first side" in the first direction, and the front side corresponds to a "second side" in the first direction. In addition, in the following embodiment, the rightward-leftward direction Y corresponds to a "second direction".

[0011] FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing a water heater 100 in the present embodiment. The water heater 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a heat pump water heater. As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 100 includes the water heater main body 10 and an outdoor unit 20. The water heater main body 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected to each other by a second circulation path portion 12B through which a refrigerant R flows. For example, a fluorine-based refrigerant having a low global warming potential (GWP) and a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant are exemplary examples of the refrigerant R. For example, a single refrigerant of any of R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, and R290, a mixed refrigerant of any two or more of these materials, or a mixed refrigerant of any of these materials and another refrigerant is an exemplary example of the refrigerant R. In addition, for example, a mixed refrigerant containing RI 132 (E) or a mixed refrigerant containing RI 123 is an exemplary example of the refrigerant R. In addition, for example, mixed refrigerants of R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A are exemplary examples as the refrigerant R.

[0012] The water heater main body 10 includes a housing 11, a first circulation path portion (circulation path portion) 12A, a second circulation path portion 12B, a branch path portion 17, a heat exchanger 31, a heating unit 13, a pump 15, a drain cock 16, a first pressure relief valve 18a, a second pressure relief valve 18b, a degassing valve 19, a control unit 70, and an expansion tank 50. The housing 11 accommodates the first circulation path portion 12A, the heat exchanger 31, the heating unit 13, the pump 15, the drain cock 16, the second pressure relief valve 18b, the degassing valve 19, the control unit 70, and the expansion tank 50.

[0013] A liquid W1 used for heating and cooling circulates through the first circulation path portion 12A. The heat exchanger 31, the drain cock 16, the pump 15, and the heating unit 13 are disposed in a path of the first circulation path portion 12A. The liquid W1 flowing through the first circulation path portion 12A is water, for example. The liquid W1 is discharged by opening the drain cock 16. The pump 15 is driven so that the liquid W1 circulates inside the first circulation path portion 12 A.

[0014] An outflow pipe 12c and an inflow pipe 12d are connected to the first circulation path portion 12A. The outflow pipe 12c is a pipe for having the liquid W1 flow through the first circulation path portion 12A to flow out toward an air conditioner (not shown) and the heat exchanger. The inflow pipe 12d is a pipe for having the liquid WI flow from the air conditioner and the heat exchanger to flow into the first circulation path portion 12A.

[0015] The refrigerant R circulates through the second circulation path portion 12B. The heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor unit 20 are disposed in a path of the second circulation path portion 12B. The outdoor unit 20 includes a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with outside air and a compressor that circulates the refrigerant R of the second circulation path portion 12B.

[0016] The heat exchanger 31 is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the liquid W1 flowing inside the first circulation path portion 12A and the refrigerant R flowing inside the second circulation path portion 12B. The heat exchanger 31 functions as a heating unit that heats the liquid W1 when heat moves from the second circulation path portion 12B to the first circulation path portion 12A.

[0017] The heating unit 13 is provided in the first circulation path portion 12A, and heats the liquid W1 flowing through the first circulation path portion 12A. The heating unit 13 of the present embodiment is a heater. Electric power is supplied to the heating unit 13 so that the liquid W1 is heated by the heating unit 13.

[0018] The branch path portion 17 branches from the first circulation path portion 12A. The branch path portion 17 includes a first branch path 17 a, a second branch path 17b, a third branch path 17c, and a fourth branch path 17d which more finely branch. An end portion of the first branch path 17a is connected to the expansion tank 50. An end portion of the second branch path 17b is connected to the first pressure relief valve 18a. An end portion of the third branch path 17c is connected to the second pressure relief valve 18b. An end portion of the fourth branch path 17d is connected to the degassing valve 19.

[0019] The expansion tank 50 is provided to store the liquid W1 expanded in the first circulation path portion 12A. When a temperature rises after the liquid W1 inside the first circulation path portion 12A is heated in the heat exchanger 31 or the heating unit 13, a volume of the liquid W1 increases. The expansion tank 50 stores the liquid W1 having the increased volume, thereby suppressing a possibility that a load is applied to a pipe forming the first circulation path portion 12A. As will be described later, the expansion tank 50 is provided with a valve portion 59 (refer to FIG. 4) for extracting the liquid W1 inside the expansion tank 50. The valve portion 59 is opened by a maintenance operator when the expansion tank 50 is replaced.

[0020] The pressure relief valves 18a and 18b reduce a pressure inside the first circulation path portion 12A when the pressure inside the first circulation path portion 12A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Since a plurality of the pressure relief valves 18a and 18b are provided in the branch path portion 17 branching from the first circulation path portion 12A, even when a portion of the pressure relief valve 18a is not operated, the pressure inside the first circulation path portion 12A can be lowered by another pressure relief valve 18b. In the present embodiment, a threshold value of the pressure set in the second pressure relief valve 18b is higher than a threshold value of the pressure set in the first pressure relief valve 18a. The second pressure relief valve 18b is preliminarily provided for the first pressure relief valve 18a. The first pressure relief valve 18a is disposed outside the housing 11, and the second pressure relief valve 18b is disposed inside the housing 11. When a gas is mixed with the liquid W1 of the first circulation path portion 12A, the degassing valve 19 separates the liquid W1 and the gas to remove the gas from the liquid W1.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water heater main body 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of the water heater main body 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the water heater main body 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape which is long in the vertical direction Z. In addition, the housing 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape which is long in the vertical direction Z.

[0022] The housing 11 includes an accommodation space A that accommodates each member of the water heater main body 10. The housing 11 includes a top wall portion Ila located on an upper side of the accommodation space A, a pair of side wall portions lib each located on a left side (-Y-side) and a right side of the accommodation space A, a bottom wall portion 11c located on a lower side of the accommodation space A, and a rear wall portion lid located on a rear side (-X-side) of the accommodation space A. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 further includes a front cover located on a front side (+X-side) of the accommodation space A. The top wall portion Ila, the pair of side wall portions lib, the bottom wall portion 11c, the rear wall portion 11 d, and the front cover are bodies separated from each other.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 70 includes a substrate 72, a plurality of terminal bases 73, and a support frame 71. The substrate 72 is disposed orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. A plurality of elements are mounted on the substrate 72. The plurality of terminal bases 73 are disposed on a right side of the substrate 72. The plurality of terminal bases 73 are connected to the substrate 72 via wires (not shown). Terminals of a plurality of wires are connected to the terminal base 73. In FIG. 2, the plurality of wires connected to the terminal base 73 are not shown.

[0024] The support frame 71 supports the substrate 72 and the plurality of terminal bases 73. The support frame 71 includes a support plate portion 7 If, an upper frame portion 71a, a pair of side frame portions 71b, a pair of fixing portions 71c, and a lower frame portion 7Id. The support plate portion 7If has a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The support plate portion 7 If has a rectangular shape when viewed from a front side. The substrate 72 and the plurality of terminal bases 73 are fixed to a front side surface of the support plate portion 7 If. The upper frame portion 71a and the lower frame portion 7Id have a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The pair of side frame portions 71b have a plate shape orthogonal to the rightward-leftward direction Y. The upper frame portion 71a protrudes forward from an upper end of the support plate portion 7 If. The pair of side frame portions 71b each protrude forward from a right end and a left end of the support plate portion 7 If. The lower frame portion 7 Id protrudes forward from a lower end of the support plate portion 7 If.

[0025] The pair of fixing portions 71c each have a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The pair of fixing portions 71c each extend in the vertical direction Z. The pair of fixing portions 71c are disposed in parallel in the rightward-leftward direction Y. The fixing portion 71 c on the right side (+Y-side) protrudes to the right side from a front end of the side frame portion 71b on the right side. The fixing portion 71c on the right side is screwed to a front-end edge of the side wall portion 11 b on the right side of the housing 11. The fixing portion 71 c on the left side (-Y-side) protrudes to the left side from a front end of the side frame portion 71b on the left side. The fixing portion 71c on the left side is screwed to a front-end edge of the side wall portion 1 lb on the left side of the housing 11. In this manner, the support frame 71 is fixed to the housing 11.

[0026] The expansion tank 50 is located in an uppermost portion of the accommodation space A. That is, the expansion tank 50 is located on an upper side of each member of the water heater main body 10. The expansion tank 50 is disposed along the top wall portion Ila on a lower side of the top wall portion Ila of the housing 11.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water heater main body 10 in a state where a portion of the housing 11 is removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the expansion tank 50 includes an upper member 51, a lower member 52, and a first cushioning material 50C. A storage space B for storing the expanded liquid is provided inside the expansion tank 50. The upper member 51 and the lower member 52 are coupled to each other to form the storage space B. The upper member 51 covers the storage space B from the upper side. The lower member 52 covers the storage space B from the lower side. The upper member 51 and the lower member 52 are formed of a metal material to ensure sufficient heat resistance.

[0028] The upper member 51 includes a recessed upper member main body 51a which is open toward the lower side and a first flange portion (flange portion) 51 f that surrounds an opening which faces the lower side. The lower member 52 includes a recessed lower member main body 52a which is open toward the upper side and a second flange portion (flange portion) 52f that surrounds an opening which faces the upper side. The opening of the upper member main body 51a and the opening of the lower member main body 52a are disposed to face each other to form the storage space B. The first flange portion 51 f and the second flange portion 52f face each other in the vertical direction Z. The first flange portion 5 If and the second flange portion 52f are coupled to each other by a connector such as welding to form a coupling flange portion (flange portion) 50f.

[0029] The first cushioning material 50C is formed of a porous resin material, for example. The first cushioning material 50C is an elastic member compressed along an outer shape of an object when receiving a force from the object. The first cushioning material 50C is attached to the coupling flange portion 50f. The first cushioning material 50C is formed in a C-shaped cross section. The first cushioning material 50C surrounds an upper surface, a lower surface, and a tip surface of the coupling flange portion 50f. The first cushioning material 50C is bonded and fixed to the upper surface, the lower surface, and the tip surface of the coupling flange portion 50f. The expansion tank 50 is provided with the valve portion 59. The valve portion 59 protrudes to the front side from a surface facing the front side of the expansion tank 50. The valve portion 59 is located at a center in the rightward-leftward direction Y with respect to the expansion tank 50. The valve portion 59 is provided on the upper member main body 51a. That is, the valve portion 59 is located on the upper side with respect to the coupling flange portion 50f. The valve portion 59 has a knob shape which can be manually rotated and operated around a central axis extending in the forwardrearward direction X. A maintenance operator can discharge the liquid stored in the storage space B by rotating and operating the valve portion 59.

[0031] cTank Support Portion> A tank support portion 10A is disposed in the accommodation space A of the housing 11. That is, the water heater main body 10 includes the tank support portion 10A. The tank support portion 10A supports the expansion tank 50 inside the housing 11. The tank support portion 10A includes two first support portions 90 and one second support portion 80. Each of the two first support portions 90 and the one second support portion 80 is fixed to the housing 11. That is, the tank support portion 10A is fixed to the housing 11.

[0032] The two first support portions 90 are located on the rear side with respect to the expansion tank 50. In addition, the two first support portions 90 are located on both sides in the rightward-leftward direction Y with respect to the expansion tank 50. The second support portion 80 is located on the front side with respect to the expansion tank 50. In addition, the second support portion 80 is located at the center in the rightward leftward direction Y with respect to the expansion tank 50.

[0033] <First Support Portion> The two first support portions 90 have shapes bilaterally symmetrical to each other when viewed in the forward-rearward direction X. In the following description, each portion will be described by focusing on only one first support portion 90 located on the left side (-Y-side) in the two first support portions 90, and description of the other first support portion 90 located on the right side (+Y-side) will be omitted.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a region V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first support portion 90. As shown in FIG. 6, the first support portion 90 includes a base portion 97, a first support body 91, and a second cushioning material 90C. Each of the base portion 97 and the first support body 91 is a plate member formed of metal, and is formed by press working. The second cushioning material 90C is formed of the same material as the first cushioning material 50C.

[0035] The base portion 97 includes a first fixing plate portion 97a, a second fixing plate portion 97b, two connecting plate portions 97c, and a first support plate portion 97d. The first fixing plate portion 97a, the second fixing plate portion 97b, and the first support plate portion 97d have a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X, and are disposed along the rear wall portion lid of the housing 11. The first fixing plate portion 97a is located on the upper side of the first support plate portion 97d. The second fixing plate portion 97b is located on the lower side of the first support plate portion 97d. The first fixing plate portion 97a and the second fixing plate portion 97b are welded and fixed to the rear wall portion l id. In this manner, the first support portion 90 is fixed to the housing 11.

[0036] The first support plate portion 97d is located on the front side with respect to the first fixing plate portion 97a and the second fixing plate portion 97b. The first support plate portion 97d includes a third support surface 97f facing the front side. The third support surface 97f is a flat surface orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The second cushioning material 90C is bonded and fixed to the front side of the third support surface 97f. In addition, the first support plate portion 97d is provided with two screw holes 97h. The screw hole 97h is provided in a region on the left side (-Y-side) with respect to a region to which the second cushioning material 90C of the first support plate portion 97d is fixed.

[0037] The two connecting plate portions 97c have a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The two connecting plate portions 97c are disposed in parallel in the vertical direction Z. The connecting plate portion 97c on the upper side connects a lower end portion of the first fixing plate portion 97a and an upper end portion of the first support plate portion 97d. The connecting plate portion 97c on the lower side connects an upper end portion of the second fixing plate portion 97b and a lower end portion of the first support plate portion 97d.

[0038] The first support body 91 includes two third fixing plate portions 96, an upper guide plate portion 94, a lateral guide plate portion 93, and a second support plate portion 92. The first support body 91 protrudes to the front side with respect to the third support surface 97f of the base portion 97. The two third fixing plate portions 96 have a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The two third fixing plate portions 96 are disposed in parallel in the vertical direction Z. Each of the two third fixing plate portions 96 is provided with an insertion hole 96h. A fixing screw 99 tightened into the screw hole 97h is inserted into the insertion hole 96h. In this manner, the first support body 91 is fixed to the base portion 97.

[0040] The upper guide plate portion 94 and the second support plate portion 92 have a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The lateral guide plate portion 93 has a plate shape orthogonal to the rightward-leftward direction Y. The upper guide plate portion 94 and the second support plate portion 92 face each other via a gap in the vertical direction Z. The upper guide plate portion 94 is located on the upper side of the second support plate portion 92. The upper guide plate portion 94 is connected to a lower end portion of the third fixing plate portion 96 on the upper side in the two third fixing plate portions 96. The upper guide plate portion 94 has a substantially triangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction Z.

[0041] The second support plate portion 92 is connected to an upper end portion of the third fixing plate portion 96 on the lower side in the two third fixing plate portions 96. The second support plate portion 92 includes a facing portion 92c that overlaps the upper guide plate portion 94 when viewed in the vertical direction Z, and a rail portion 92b that extends to the front side from the facing portion 92c. The facing portion 92c has a substantially triangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction Z. The rail portion 92b has a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is the forward-rearward direction X. The second support plate portion 92 includes a first support surface 92a facing the upper side. The first support surface 92a is a flat surface orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The first support surface 92a is provided on the entire second support plate portion 92 including the facing portion 92c and the rail portion 92b.

[0042] The lateral guide plate portion 93 has a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is the forward-rearward direction X. The lateral guide plate portion 93 connects an end portion on the left side (-Y-side) of the upper guide plate portion 94 and an end portion on the left side (-Y-side) of the second support plate portion 92. In this manner, the upper guide plate portion 94, the lateral guide plate portion 93, and the second support plate portion 92 are formed in a C-shape which is open to the right side (+Y-side). The lateral guide plate portion 93 extends forward with respect to an end portion on the front side of the upper guide plate portion 94. The lateral guide plate portion 93 is connected to an entire length in the forward-rearward direction X of the second support plate portion 92 including the facing portion 92c and the rail portion 92b.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the coupling flange portion 50f of the expansion tank 50 is inserted into an opening surrounded by the upper guide plate portion 94 and the lateral guide plate portion 93 and the second support plate portion 92 of the first support portion 90. The coupling flange portion 50f is mounted on the first support surface 92a of the second support plate portion 92. That is, the first support portion 90 supports the expansion tank 50 from the lower side on the first support surface 92a. As described above, the coupling flange portion 50f is covered by the first cushioning material 50C. Therefore, the first cushioning material 50C is disposed between the first support surface 92a and the expansion tank 50. The first cushioning material 50C is compressed in the vertical direction Z between the first support surface 92a and the coupling flange portion 5 Of.

[0044] The upper guide plate portion 94 covers the coupling flange portion 50f via a gap from the upper side. The lateral guide plate portion 93 covers the coupling flange portion 50f via a gap from the left side (-Y-side). In this manner, the upper guide plate portion 94 and the lateral guide plate portions 93 guide the coupling flange portion 50f to facilitate an assembly process for the expansion tank 50 with respect to the first support portion 90.

[0045] The base portion 97 is disposed on the rear side of the expansion tank 50. The third support surface 97f of the base portion 97 faces the expansion tank 50 in the forward-rearward direction X. The expansion tank 50 is pressed against the third support surface 97f in a state of being mounted on the first support surface 92a. That is, the first support portion 90 supports the expansion tank 50 from the rear side on the third support surface 97f. As described above, the first cushioning material 50C is fixed to the coupling flange portion 50f of the expansion tank 50. In addition, the second cushioning material 90C is fixed to the first support surface 92a. The coupling flange portion 5Of and the third support surface 97f come into contact with each other while the first cushioning material 50C and the second cushioning material 90C are interposed therebetween. The first cushioning material 50C and the second cushioning material 90C are compressed in the forward-rearward direction X between the coupling flange portion 50f and the third support surface 97f.

[0046] <Second Support Portion> FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second support portion 80. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the water heater main body 10 around the second support portion 80 in which the water heater main body 10 is broken along line VII1-V111 in FIG. 3.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the second support portion 80 includes a second support body 89, a pair of third cushioning materials 82C, and a fourth cushioning material 83C. The second support body 89 is a plate member formed of metal, and is formed by press working. The third cushioning material 82C and the fourth cushioning material 83C are formed of the same material as the first cushioning material 50C and the second cushioning material 90C.

[0048] The second support body 89 includes a main body plate portion 81, a pair of reinforcing plate portions 84, a pair of fixing pieces 85, a pair of first protruding pieces 82, and a second protruding piece 83. The main body plate portion 81 has a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The main body plate portion 81 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the forward-rearward direction X. The main body plate portion 81 includes a protruding portion 81a located in a lower end portion. The protruding portion 81a is located substantially at the center of the main body plate portion 81 in the rightward-leftward direction Y. In addition, the main body plate portion 81 is provided with a through-hole 81 h penetrating the main body plate portion 81 in a thickness direction. The through-hole 81 h has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the forward-rearward direction X.

[0049] The pair of reinforcing plate portions 84 have a plate shape orthogonal to the rightward-leftward direction Y. The pair of reinforcing plate portions 84 are formed to be bent to the front side from both end portions of the main body plate portion 81 in the rightward-leftward direction Y. The fixing piece 85 has a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. Each of the pair of fixing pieces 85 is connected to a lower end portion of the reinforcing plate portions 84 located on both sides in the rightwardleftward direction Y.

[0050] The pair of first protruding pieces 82 are disposed in parallel in the rightwardleftward direction Y. Each of the pair of first protruding pieces 82 is connected to an upper end edge of the main body plate portion 81. The first protruding piece 82 includes a first rear protruding portion 82b and an upper protruding portion 82a. The first rear protruding portion 82b has a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The upper protruding portion 82a has a plate shape orthogonal to the forward-rearward direction X. The first rear protruding portion 82b and the upper protruding portion 82a are formed to be bent in an L-shape when viewed in the rightward-leftward direction Y The first rear protruding portion 82b extends to the rear side from the main body plate portion 81. The first rear protruding portion 82b includes a second support surface 82g facing the lower side. The upper protruding portion 82a extends to the upper side from an end portion on the rear side of the first rear protruding portion 82b. The upper protruding portion 82a includes a fourth support surface 82f facing the rear side. That is, the first protruding piece 82 includes a second support surface 82g and a fourth support surface 82f. The third cushioning material 82C is fixed to the first protruding piece 82. The third cushioning material 82C is bonded and fixed to the second support surface 82g and the fourth support surface 82f.

[0051] The second protruding piece 83 is connected to an upper end edge of the through-hole 81h of the main body plate portion 81. The second protruding piece 83 includes a second rear protruding portion 83b and a lower protruding portion 83a. The second rear protruding portion 83b has a plate shape orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. The lower protruding portion 83a has a plate shape orthogonal to the forwardrearward direction X. The second rear protruding portion 83b and the lower protruding portion 83a are formed to be bent in an L-shape when viewed in the rightward-leftward direction Y. The second rear protruding portion 83b extends to the rear side from the main body plate portion 81. The lower protruding portion 83a extends to the lower side from an end portion on the rear side of the second rear protruding portion 83b. The lower protruding portion 83a includes a fourth support surface 83f facing the rear side. That is, the second protruding piece 83 includes the fourth support surface 83f. The fourth cushioning material 83C is fixed to the second protruding piece 83. The fourth cushioning material 83C is bonded and fixed to the fourth support surface 83f and a surface facing the upper side of the second rear protruding portion 83b.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, a lower surface of the fixing piece 85 is mounted on an upper surface of the upper frame portion 71 a of the support frame 71. The fixing piece 85 is joined to the upper frame portion 71a by a connector such as welding. In this manner, the second support portion 80 is fixed to an upper end portion of the support frame 71. As shown in FIG. 2, the support frame 71 is fixed to the two side wall portions 11b of the housing 11. That is, the second support portion 80 is fixed to the housing 11 via the support frame 71. The support frame 71 is fixed to the housing 11 in a state where the second support portion 80 is welded and fixed in advance.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, the first protruding piece 82 is located on the upper side of the coupling flange portion 50f of the expansion tank 50. In addition, the second protruding piece 83 is located on the lower side of the coupling flange portion 50f. The second support surface 82g of the first protruding piece 82 conies into contact with an upper surface of the coupling flange portion 50f via the first cushioning material 50C and the third cushioning material 82C from the upper side. The first cushioning material 50C and the third cushioning material 82C are compressed in the vertical direction Z between the coupling flange portion 50f and the second support surface 82g.

[0054] The fourth support surface 82f of the first protruding piece 82 conies into contact with a surface facing the front side of the expansion tank 50 via the third cushioning material 82C. The third cushioning material 82C is compressed in the forward-rearward direction X between the front surface of the expansion tank 50 and the fourth support surface 82f. The fourth support surface 83f of the second protruding piece 83 comes into contact with a surface facing the front side of the expansion tank 50 via the fourth cushioning material 83C from the front side. The fourth cushioning material 83C is compressed in the forward-rearward direction X between the front surface of the expansion tank 50 and the fourth support surface 82f.

[0055] The second support portion 80 supports the expansion tank 50 from the upper side on the second support surface 82g, and supports the expansion tank 50 from the front on the fourth support surfaces 82f and 83f. In addition, the fourth support surfaces 82f and 83f of the present embodiment each support a region on the upper side and a region on the lower side of the expansion tank 50 while the coupling flange portion 50f is interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 8, the valve portion 59 of the expansion tank 50 is disposed between the pair of first protruding pieces 82 in the rightward-leftward direction Y. An upper end edge of the second support portion 80 is located on the lower side with respect to the valve portion 59 in a region between the pair of first protruding pieces 82. Therefore, the second support portion 80 is located on the lower side of the valve portion 59. According to the present embodiment, the second support portion 80 is not disposed on the upper side of the valve portion 59, and a maintenance operator can easily access the valve portion 59 from the upper side. According to the present embodiment, an operation of the valve portion 59 is less likely to be hindered by the second support portion 80, and the valve portion 59 can be easily operated by the maintenance operator.

[0057] <Summary> As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment includes the housing 11, the heating unit 13 accommodated inside the housing 11, the expansion tank 50 accommodated inside the housing 11, the first circulation path portion 12A passing through the heating unit 13, the branch path portion 17 branching from the first circulation path portion 12A and connected to the expansion tank 50, and the tank support portion 10A supporting the expansion tank 50 inside the housing 11 (refer to FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the tank support portion 10A includes the first support portion 90 located on the rear side with respect to the expansion tank 50, and the second support portion 80 located on the front side with respect to the expansion tank 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the first support portion 90 includes the first support surface 92a supporting the expansion tank 50 from the lower side. As shown in FIG. 8, the second support portion 80 includes the second support surface 82g supporting the expansion tank 50 from the upper side. According to this configuration, the expansion tank 50 is supported from both sides in the vertical direction Z by the first support surface 92a and the second support surface 82g. Therefore, it is possible to suppress rattling of the expansion tank 50 inside the housing 11, and it is possible to suppress a possibility that the expansion tank 50 vibrates in resonance with vibration of the pump 15 when the pump 15 is driven. In this manner, it is possible to provide the water heater 100 excellent in quietness. According to this configuration, the tank support portion 10A fixes the expansion tank 50 by pressing the first support surface 92a and the second support surface 82g against the surface of the expansion tank 50 from both sides in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, a complicated procedure such as screwing is not required in a process of fixing the expansion tank 50, and an assembly process of the water heater 100 can be simplified. Therefore, in the water heater 100, it is possible to suppress rattling of the expansion tank without complicating the assembly process.

[0058] In the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first cushioning material 50C is disposed between the first support surface 92a and the expansion tank 50. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the first cushioning material 50C and the third cushioning material 82C are disposed between the second support surface 82g and the expansion tank 50. According to this configuration, an error in assembly dimensions of the first support surface 92a and the second support surface 82g can be absorbed by compression of the cushioning materials 50C and 82C, and rattling of the expansion tank 50 can be more preferably suppressed.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, in the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment, the first support portion 90 includes the third support surface 97f supporting the expansion tank 50 from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 8, the second support portion 80 includes the fourth support surfaces 82f and 83f supporting the expansion tank 50 from the front side. According to this configuration, the expansion tank 50 is further supported from both sides in the forward-rearward direction X by the third support surface 97f and the fourth support surfaces 82f and 83f. Therefore, it is possible to suppress rattling of the expansion tank 50 in the forward-rearward direction X inside the housing 11.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, in the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment, the first cushioning material 50C and the second cushioning material 90C are disposed between the third support surface 97f and the expansion tank 50. As shown in FIG. 8, the third cushioning material 82C or the fourth cushioning material 83C is disposed between the fourth support surfaces 82f, 83f and the expansion tank 50. According to this configuration, an error in assembly dimensions of the third support surface 97f and the fourth support surfaces 82f and 83f can be absorbed by compression of the cushioning materials 50C, 90C, 82C, and 83C, and rattling of the expansion tank 50 in the forward-rearward direction X can be more preferably suppressed.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, in the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment, the expansion tank 50 includes the upper member 51 and the lower member 52 which form the storage space B. The upper member 51 and the lower member 52 respectively have the flange portion 5If, 52f coupled to face each other in the vertical direction Z. The first support portion 90 supports the coupling flange portion 50f to which the flange portions 5 If and 52f are coupled from the lower side. The second support portion 80 supports the coupling flange portion 50f from the upper side. In general, the expansion tank 50 is formed of a metal material to ensure high heat resistance. Therefore, the general expansion tank 50 includes the coupling flange portion 50f provided when the lower member 52 and the upper member 51 are coupled to each other. According to this configuration, the expansion tank 50 can be supported by using the coupling flange portion 50f of the expansion tank 50. Therefore, manufacturing costs of the expansion tank 50 can be reduced compared to when a support target body supported by the first support portion 90 and the second support portion 80 is separately provided in the expansion tank 50.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment includes the control unit 70 accommodated inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 70 includes the substrate 72 and the support frame 71 supporting the substrate 72. The expansion tank 50 includes a manually operable valve portion 59 protruding to the front side from the surface facing the front side of the expansion tank 50. The second support portion 80 is fixed to the upper end portion of the support frame 71, and is located on the lower side of the valve portion 59. According to this configuration, the second support portion 80 is less likely to hinder a manual operation of the valve portion 59. In addition, when a maintenance operator manually operates the valve portion 59, the maintenance operator is less likely to come into contact with the second support portion 80. Therefore, manufacturing costs of the water heater 100 can be reduced without requiring a measure for protecting an edge portion of the second support portion 80.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, in the water heater 100 of the above-described embodiment, the tank support portion 10A includes the two first support portions 90 and the one second support portion 80. The two first support portions 90 are located on both sides in the rightward-leftward direction Y with respect to the expansion tank 50. The one second support portion 80 is located at the center in the rightward-leftward direction Y with respect to the expansion tank 50. According to this configuration, in the tank support portion 10A, both end portions in the rightward-leftward direction Y are supported on the rear side of the expansion tank 50, and the center in the rightwardleftward direction Y is supported on the front side. Therefore, the expansion tanks 50 can be supported by three points sufficiently separated from each other. In this manner, the expansion tank 50 can be stably supported by the tank support portion 10A.

[0064] As described above, each configuration and each method which are described in the present specification can be appropriately combined within the scope in which all of these do not contradict each other. For example, in the above-described embodiment, both the heat exchanger and the heating unit (heater) are provided as the devices for heating the liquid in the first circulation path portion. However, any device also functions as the "heating unit" for heating the liquid inside the first circulation path portion. Therefore, any one meaning may be provided. Reference Signs List

[0065] 10: Water heater main body 10A: Tank support portion 11: Housing 12A: First circulation path portion (circulation path portion) 13: Heating unit 17: Branch path portion 50C: Cushioning material 51: Upper member 50f, 5If, 52f: Flange portion 52: Lower member 59: Valve portion 70: Control unit 71: Support frame 72: Substrate 80: Second support portion 82f, 83f: Fourth support surface 82g: Second support surface 90: First support portion 92a: First support surface 97f: Third support surface 100: Water heater B: Storage space X: Forward-rearward direction (first direction) +X-side: Front side (second side) -X-side: Rear side (first side) Y: Rightward-leftward direction (second direction) Z: Vertical direction

Claims

1. A water heater comprising:a housing;a heating unit accommodated inside the housing;an expansion tank accommodated inside the housing;a circulation path portion passing through the heating unit;a branch path portion branching from the circulation path portion and connected to the expansion tank; anda tank support portion supporting the expansion tank inside the housing;wherein the tank support portion includesa first support portion located on a first side with respect to theexpansion tank in a first direction orthogonal to a vertical direction, anda second support portion located on a second side with respect to the expansion tank in the first direction,the first support portion includes a first support surface supporting the expansion tank from a lower side, andthe second support portion includes a second support surface supporting the expansion tank from an upper side.

2. The water heater according to Claim 1,wherein a cushioning material is disposed between the first support surface and the expansion tank, anda cushioning material is disposed between the second support surface and the expansion tank.

3. The water heater according to Claim 1 or 2,wherein the first support portion includes a third support surface supporting theexpansion tank from the first side, andthe second support portion includes a fourth support surface supporting the expansion tank from the second side.

4. The water heater according to Claim 3,wherein a cushioning material is disposed between the third support surface and the expansion tank, anda cushioning material is disposed between the fourth support surface and the expansion tank.

5. The water heater according to any one of Claims 1 to 4,wherein the expansion tank includes an upper member and a lower memberwhich form a storage space,the upper member and the lower member respectively include flange portions coupled to face each other in the vertical direction,the first support portion supports the coupled flange portions from a lower side, andthe second support portion supports the coupled flange portions from an upper side.

6. The water heater according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising:a control unit accommodated inside the housing,wherein the control unit includesa substrate, anda support frame supporting the substrate,the expansion tank includes a manually operable valve portion protruding to the second side from a surface facing the second side of the expansion tank, andthe second support portion is fixed to an upper end portion of the support frame,and is located on a lower side of the valve portion.

7. The water heater according to any one of Claims 1 to 5,wherein the tank support portion includestwo first support portions that include the first support portion, and5 the one second support portion,the two first support portions are located on both sides of the expansion tank in asecond direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the first direction, andthe one second support portion is located at a center of the expansion tank in the second direction.10INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT / JP2023 / 016996A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER F24H IW(2006.01)i; F24D 3 / J«(2006.01)i; F24H 9 / 00(2022.01)1 FI: F24H9 / 06 301Z; F24D3 / 18; F24H9 / 00 N According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) F24H9 / 06; F24D3 / 18: F24H9 / 00 Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Published examined utility model applications of Japan 1922-1996 Published unexamined utility model applications of Japan 1971-2023 Registered utility model specifications of Japan 1996-2023 Published registered utility model applications of Japan 1994-2023 Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. Y Y DE 102019001531 Al (STIEBEL ELTRON GMBH &CO. KG) 10 September 2020 (2020-09-10) paragraphs [0017]-[0032], fig. 1-3 WO 2021 / 191959 Al (TOSHIBA CARRIER CORPORATION) 30 September 2021 (2021-09-30) fig. 1-4 1-5 1-5 Y JP 2015-161424 A (FUJITSU GENERAL LIMITED) 07 September 2015 (2015-09-07) fig. L2 1-5 Y Microfilm of the specification and drawings annexed to the request of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 054517 / 1982 (Laid-open No. 158249 / 1983) (YOUEI SEISAKUSHO KK) 21 October 1983 (1983-10-21), fig. 1-3 2-5 A JP 2018-096547 A (NORITZ CORPORATION) 21 June 2018 (2018-06-21) entire text, all drawings 1-7 | Z | Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | Z | See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents: “A” document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be of particular relevance “E” earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date “L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) “O” document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other means “P” document published prior to the international filing date but later than the priority date claimed “T” later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention “X” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone “Y” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the ait document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search 07 July 2023 Date of mailing of the international search report 18 July 2023 Name and mailing address of the ISA / JP Japan Patent Office (ISA / JP) 3-4-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8915 Japan Authorized officer Telephone No.INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT / JP2023 / 016996C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANTCategory* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. A A CN 202254332 U (GUANGDONG VANWARD NEW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.) 30 May 2012 (2012-05-30) entire text, all drawings CN 202171284 U (GUANGDONG VANWARD NEW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.) 21 March 2012 (2012-03-21) entire text, all drawings 1-7 1-7 A KR 10-2007-0071469 A (RINNAI KOREA CO., LTD.) 04 July 2007 (2007-07-04) entire text, all drawings 1-7 A US 2017 / 0295613 Al (LG ELECTRONICS INC.) 12 October 2017 (2017-10-12) entire text, all drawings 1-7INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Information on patent family membersInternational application No.PCT / JP2023 / 016996Patent document cited in search report Publication date (day / month / year) Patent family member)s) Publication date (day / month / year) DE 102019001531 Al 10 September 2020 (Family: none) WO 2021 / 191959 Al 30 September 2021 EP 4130600 Al ____________________________________________________figLl-_4___________________________________________ JP 2015-161424 A 07 September 2015 (Family: none) JP 58-158249 UI 21 October 1983 (Family: none) JP 2018-096547 A 21 June 2018 (Family: none) CN 202254332 U 30 May 2012 (Family: none) CN 202171284 U 21 March 2012 (Family: none) KR 10-2007-0071469 A 04 July 2007 (Family: none) US 2017 / 0295613 Al 12 October 2017 WO 2017 / 175976 Al EP 3228950 Al KR 10-2017-0115423 A CN 107264231 A

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