Water heater manufacturing method and neutralizer fitting structure in water heater

Abstract

To provide a technology to achieve optimization of a distance between a housing bottom plate and a neutralizer when fitting a neutralizer to housings different in heights without excessively changing the configuration other than the neutralizer largely.SOLUTION: A first housing 100 and a second housing 180 are selected as candidates for a housing. No matter which housing is adopted, the height of a distributor 70 with a top plate of the housing as a reference is the same, and the fitting position of a fitting tool 80 for the distributor 70 is also the same. In this manufacturing method, a part 148 to be fixed is fitted to a first attaching hole 91, and a neutralizer 55 is arranged with a first distance to the top plate of the first housing 100 when the first housing 100 is used as a housing. The part 148 to be fixed is fitted to a second attaching hole 92, and the neutralizer 55 is arranged with a second distance L2 smaller than the first distance L1 to the top plate of the second housing 180 when the second housing 180 is used as a housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method for a water heater and a mounting structure for a neutralizer in a water heater. [Background technology]

[0002] The water heater disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a latent heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the combustion exhaust gas of a burner, a neutralizer that neutralizes drainage generated in the latent heat exchanger, and a drainage discharge path that discharges the drainage neutralized by the neutralizer to the outside of the heat source unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-215052 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a water heater equipped with a neutralizer, the neutralizer is fixed so as to be placed in the surplus space in the housing, an inlet passage is configured to guide drain into the neutralizer, and an outlet passage is configured to discharge the drain neutralized by the neutralizer. In this type of water heater, the size of the housing is not always constant, and the neutralizer may be attached to a housing configured high and a housing configured low. However, if the neutralizer is attached to both types of housings in the same way without taking any measures, there is a risk that the neutralizer will get too close to the bottom plate of the housing or interfere with the bottom plate of the housing when the neutralizer is attached to the housing configured low.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that makes it easy to optimize the distance between the bottom plate of a housing and the neutralizer when attaching a neutralizer to housings of different heights, without making too many major changes to the configuration other than the neutralizer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A method for manufacturing a water heater according to the present disclosure includes: A method for manufacturing a water heater having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, comprising: The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. How water heaters are manufactured.

[0007] The mounting structure of the neutralizer, which is one aspect of the present disclosure, is as follows: A mounting structure for a neutralizer in a water heater, the neutralizer mounting structure having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, Regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used as the housing, the height of the distributor based on a top plate of the housing is the same, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture relative to the distributor is the same, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. Mounting structure for neutralizer in water heater. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology disclosed herein, when attaching a neutralizer to housings of different heights, it is easy to optimize the distance between the bottom plate of the housing and the neutralizer without making excessive changes to the configuration other than the neutralizer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a hot water supply circuit diagram conceptually illustrating the internal configuration of a hot water supply device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the water heater of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the water heater in FIG. 2 with the front cover omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the water heater in FIG. 2 with a front cover and some internal components omitted. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view that shows a schematic structure of the neutralizer used in the water heater of FIG. 2, cut at a predetermined position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view that shows a schematic configuration of a water heater manufactured using a housing different from the housing of the water heater in FIG. 1, with a front cover and some internal parts omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Each of the following [1] to [5] is an example of a characteristic technique included in this disclosure.

[0011] [1] A method for manufacturing a water heater having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, comprising: The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. How water heaters are manufactured.

[0012] The manufacturing method of the water heater described above in [1] makes it easy to optimize the distance between the housing bottom plate and the neutralizer without significantly changing the arrangement of the combustion device, distributor, and mounting fixtures, whether the first housing or the second housing is used. For example, when a low-height second housing is used, the fixed part can be attached to the second mounting hole, which is located above the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer can be positioned closer to the top plate, so that in the low-height second housing, it is possible to prevent the neutralizer from getting too close to the housing bottom plate or interfering with it.

[0013] [2] Regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used as the housing, the height of the distributor based on the bottom plate of the housing is the same, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture relative to the distributor is the same. A method for manufacturing the water heater described in [1].

[0014] The manufacturing method of the water heater described above in [2] allows the height of the distributor and the position of the mounting fixture to be the same whether the first housing or the second housing is used, and allows these layouts to be standardized. Furthermore, even when the second housing, which is shorter in height, is used, the space below the neutralizer can be made close to the size when the first housing is used.

[0015] [3] The neutralizer is configured to have peripheral walls surrounding the front, rear, left and right of the storage space for the neutralizing agent; The fixed portion is configured to protrude from one wall portion of the peripheral wall portion, a protruding portion that protrudes outward is provided at a position above the fixed portion on the peripheral wall portion, a recess is provided on a side of the mounting fixture at a position above the first mounting hole; When the first housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the protruding portion fits into the recess, and a portion of the side portion that is above the first mounting hole and below the recess faces a portion of the one wall portion that is above the fixed portion, When the second housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the protruding portion is disposed above the upper end of the mounting fixture, and a portion of the side portion that is above the first mounting hole and below the recessed portion faces a portion of the one wall portion that is below the fixed portion. A method for manufacturing a water heater according to [1] or [2].

[0016] In the manufacturing method of the water heater described above in [3], when a configuration is adopted in which a protrusion is provided on the peripheral wall of the neutralizer, the neutralizer can be compactly positioned closer to the mounting fixture regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used.

[0017] [4] The neutralizer includes a case body having a case main body portion that accommodates the neutralizing agent and a lid portion that closes the case main body portion; An opening and a first flange portion that is disposed around the opening and protrudes in an annular shape are provided on an upper end side of the case body, The one wall portion includes an opposing wall disposed below the first flange portion and having a flat outer surface, The facing wall has the flat outer surface on both the upper side and the lower side of the fixed portion, The lid portion is provided with a second flange portion that is annular and arranged to overlap the first flange portion, The protruding portion is configured by overlapping the first flange portion and the second flange portion, a linear side portion extending linearly is provided above the first mounting hole and below the recess in the side portion, When the first housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the first flange portion and the second flange portion enter into the recess, and the linear side portion faces the flat outer surface that is disposed above the fixed portion on the one wall portion, When the second housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the first flange portion and the second flange portion are disposed above an upper end of the mounting fixture, and the linear side portion faces the flat outer surface of the one wall portion that is disposed below the fixed portion. A method for manufacturing the water heater described in [3].

[0018] In the method of manufacturing a water heater described above in [4], when a neutralizer having a flange structure provided near the lid is used, the neutralizer can be arranged compactly in a state closer to the mounting fixture whether the first housing or the second housing is used. Moreover, in either case of the arrangement of the neutralizer when the first housing is used or the arrangement of the neutralizer when the second housing is used, the mounting fixture can be mounted by facing the linear side of the neutralizer to the flat outer surface of the neutralizer, so that in either case of the housing, it is easy to determine the position of the neutralizer relative to the mounting fixture or to the neutralizer, and the distance between the mounting fixture and the neutralizer is easily maintained after the mounting fixture and the neutralizer are brought closer to each other and fixed.

[0019] [5] A mounting structure for a neutralizer in a water heater having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, Regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used as the housing, the height of the distributor based on a top plate of the housing is the same, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture relative to the distributor is the same, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. Mounting structure for neutralizer in water heater.

[0020] The mounting structure of the neutralizer in the water heater described above in [5] has the same effect as the technology described above in [1].

[0021] First Embodiment The following description relates to the first embodiment. 1-1. Basic configuration of water heater 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a water heater 1. Fig. 1 shows a water heater manufactured using a first housing 100 by a manufacturing method described below.

[0022] The water heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a latent heat recovery type water heater, and is a bath water heater equipped with a function of supplying hot water to a bathtub and reheating water. The water heater 1 is configured such that a hot water supply combustion chamber 4 and a bath combustion chamber 5 are provided in an inner body 2 housed in a first housing 100 (FIG. 2), and the hot water supply combustion chamber 4 and the bath combustion chamber 5 are partitioned by a partition member 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first housing 100 is in a box-like form equipped with a housing main body 102 having an opening 102A on the front side, and a front panel 101 that closes the opening 102A of the housing main body 102. Note that the front cover of the first housing 100 is omitted in FIG. 3.

[0023] The housing main body 102 has a box-like shape with side plates 102D and 102E as side walls at both left and right ends, a top plate 102C as a top wall at the upper end, a bottom plate 102B as a bottom wall at the lower end, and a back plate 102F as a back wall at the rear end. Each of the side plates 102D and 102E is formed in a plate shape and functions as a side portion. The housing main body 102 has an opening 102A formed by the front ends of the side walls (side plates 102D and 102E) on both the left and right sides, the front end of the top wall (top plate 102C), and the front end of the bottom wall (bottom plate 102B), and has a shape that is open on the front side. The storage space for accommodating components such as the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the neutralizer 55 is surrounded by the top plate 102C, the bottom plate 102B, and the side plates 102D and 102E on the top, bottom, left and right sides, and the storage space is covered from the rear side by the back plate 102F. The top plate 102C is, for example, a flat plate portion having a constant thickness in a majority area of ​​the top plate 102C. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness direction of the plate portion occupying the majority area of ​​the top plate 102C is the vertical direction of the water heater 1. The bottom plate 102B is, for example, a certain area of ​​the bottom plate 102B is a flat plate portion having a predetermined thickness with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. The side plate 102D is, for example, a flat plate portion having a constant thickness in a majority area of ​​the side plate 102D. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness direction of the plate portion occupying the majority of the area of ​​the side panel 102D is the left-right direction of the water heater 1. The top panel 102C and the bottom panel 102B extend along the left-right direction. The side panels 102D and 102E extend along the up-down direction.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the combustion device 120 provided in the first housing 100 includes a case 122, a burner unit group (not shown), and the like. The case 122 is a square box-shaped case that fits in the first housing 100. The case 122 is fixed to the first housing 100 directly or indirectly via another member, and is held at a predetermined position in the first housing 100. In the case 122, a burner unit group is provided in which flat gas burners (not shown) that constitute the hot water burner 6 and the bath burner 7 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the combustion device 120 includes combustion chambers 4 and 5. In the lower part of each combustion chamber 4 and 5, hot water burners 6, 6... and a bath burner 7 consisting of multiple burners are provided, and the burner unit group is constituted by these. In each combustion chamber 4 and 5, an ignition plug 8 and a flame rod 9 are provided. In the lower part of the inner body 2, a combustion fan 10 that supplies combustion air to each burner 6 and 7 is provided. A hot water primary heat exchanger 11 and a hot water secondary heat exchanger 12, through which the combustion exhaust from the hot water burner 6 passes, are provided at the top of the hot water combustion chamber 4. A bath primary heat exchanger 13 and a bath secondary heat exchanger 14, through which the combustion exhaust from the bath burner 7 passes, are provided at the top of the bath combustion chamber 5. Each secondary heat exchanger 12, 14 is housed in an exhaust hood 15 provided at the top of the inner body 2. The exhaust hood 15 is formed with an exhaust port 16 for discharging the combustion exhaust that has passed through each secondary heat exchanger 12, 14.

[0025] The distributor 70 shown in FIG. 3 is a device that divides the fuel gas and distributes the fuel gas to the combustion device 120. The distributor 70 is configured to close an opening provided on the front surface of the case 122, and is assembled to the lower side of the front surface of the case 122. The distributor 70 is arranged in a configuration that partially covers a part of the combustion device 120 from the front side. The distributor 70 is configured by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped members from front to back, and has an overall flat shape. Inside the distributor 70, a gas flow path through which the fuel gas flows is configured. In the example of FIG. 3, a first metal plate portion that constitutes the front surface of the distributor 70 and a second metal plate portion that constitutes the rear surface of the distributor 70 are configured to be stacked from front to back, and a flow path through which the fuel gas flows is configured between the first metal plate portion and the second metal plate portion. The fuel gas that has passed through the inside of the distributor 70 is discharged to the rear side of the distributor 70 and supplied to the combustion device 120.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, water heater 1 is provided with gas pipe 17 to which gas piping from the outside is connected. Gas branch pipes 18, 18... branching off from gas pipe 17 are connected to each hot water burner 6 and bath burner 7, and each gas branch pipe 18 is provided with a gas solenoid valve 19 for opening and closing the gas flow path. A main gas solenoid valve 20 and a gas proportional valve 21 are provided upstream of gas pipe 17 before branching.

[0027] A water supply pipe 22 is connected to the inlet of the heat absorption pipe of the hot water supply secondary heat exchanger 12 shown in Fig. 1. From the upstream side, the water supply pipe 22 is provided with a strainer 23 equipped with a drain plug, a hot water supply water volume sensor 24 for detecting the volume of water flowing through the water supply pipe 22, a hot water supply inlet thermistor 25 for detecting the inlet water temperature, and a water volume control motor 26. The outlet of the heat absorption pipe is connected to the inlet of the heat transfer pipe of the hot water supply primary heat exchanger 11, and the outlet of the heat transfer pipe is connected to a hot water outlet pipe 27 connected to the hot water outlet on the bottom of the housing. The hot water outlet pipe 27 is provided with a hot water supply heat exchanger thermistor 28 for detecting the outlet temperature from the hot water supply primary heat exchanger 11, and a hot water outlet thermistor 29 for detecting the hot water temperature from the fixture is provided downstream of the hot water supply thermistor 28. A bypass pipe 30 that bypasses the hot water supply primary heat exchanger 11 and the hot water supply secondary heat exchanger 12 is connected between the upstream side of the hot water supply thermistor 29 in the hot water outlet pipe 27 and the downstream side of the water volume control motor 26 in the water supply pipe 22, and a water distribution valve 31 that controls the bypass flow rate is provided in the bypass pipe 30. In the first housing 100 (Fig. 2), as shown in Fig. 1, a hot water supply circuit A is formed so that water from the water supply pipe 22 passes through the hot water supply secondary heat exchanger 12 and the hot water supply primary heat exchanger 11 in this order, is heated by heat exchange with the combustion exhaust gas of the hot water supply burner 6, and then is discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 27.

[0028] A return pipe 35 is connected to the inlet of the heat absorption pipe of the bath secondary heat exchanger 14. A pump 38 is provided downstream of the return pipe 35, a bath return thermistor 39 that detects the bath return temperature is provided upstream of the pump 38, and a bath water flow switch 40 and a water level sensor 41 are provided downstream of the pump 38. The outlet of the heat absorption pipe of the bath secondary heat exchanger 14 is connected to the inlet of the heat transfer pipe of the bath primary heat exchanger 13, and a supply pipe 42 is connected to the outlet of the heat transfer pipe. A bath supply thermistor 44 that detects the bath supply temperature is provided in the supply pipe 42. Within the first housing 100 (Figure 2), as shown in Figure 1, a bath circuit B (circulation circuit) is formed in which hot and cold water in the bathtub 37 passes through the return pipe 35, the bath secondary heat exchanger 14, and the bath primary heat exchanger 13 in that order when the pump 38 is operated, where it is heated by heat exchange with the combustion exhaust from the bath burner 7, and then returns to the bathtub 37 through the supply pipe 42.

[0029] A drop pipe 45 is connected between the downstream side of the bypass pipe 30 in the hot water outlet pipe 27 and the upstream side of the pump 38 in the return pipe 35. A drop water solenoid valve 46 and a bath water level sensor 47 are provided in the drop pipe 45. Two check valves 48, 48 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the bath water level sensor 47, and a cutoff valve 49 is connected between the upstream check valve 48 and the bath water level sensor 47. The cutoff valve 49 is connected to a drain pipe 50 connected to an overflow port provided on the bottom surface of the first housing 100 (Fig. 2) and an introduction pipe 51 connected to the downstream side of the strainer 23 in the water supply pipe 22, and when the internal pressure of the hot water in the drop pipe 45, which has increased due to the backflow from the return pipe 35, becomes higher than the back pressure applied from the introduction pipe 51, the hot water that has backflowed from the drop pipe 45 is discharged to the overflow port via the drain pipe 50.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, a neutralizer 55 for neutralizing drain generated in the hot water supply secondary heat exchanger 12 and the bath secondary heat exchanger 14 shown in Fig. 1 is provided in the first housing 100. The neutralizer 55 is connected to a drain introduction pipe 57 and neutralizes the drain guided by the drain introduction pipe 57. The drain introduction pipe 57 guides the drain that flows out from a drain receiver 56 provided on the bottom surface of the exhaust hood 15 to the neutralizer 55. Details of the neutralizer 55 will be described later.

[0031] Controller 65 is a control device that processes various information and performs various controls. For example, controller 65 receives detection signals from thermistors, sensors, etc. to operate valves, etc., and controls the outlet hot water temperature and filling bathtub 37 with hot water. Hot water remote control 66 and bath remote control 67 are operation devices for remotely operating the water heater main body (water heater 1 excluding hot water remote control 66 and bath remote control 67).

[0032] 1-2. Configuration of neutralizer 55 As shown in FIG. 6, the neutralizer 55 includes a case body 55A having a space formed therein. The case body 55A includes a case body 140 that contains a neutralizing agent, and a lid 150 that closes the case body 140. The case body 140 is in the form of a box with an open upper end. The case body 140 includes a peripheral wall 142 that surrounds the front, rear, left and right sides of the neutralizing agent storage space, and a plate-shaped bottom 143 that is connected to the lower end side of the peripheral wall 142. The bottom 143 is provided with an outlet for discharging drain, and an outlet pipe formed as a hose or the like is connected in a communicating configuration. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the peripheral wall 142 includes a front wall 142A, a rear wall 142B, a side wall 142D, and a side wall opposite to the side wall 142D. The front wall 142A and the rear wall 142B are arranged facing each other in the front-rear direction, and the side wall 142D and the side wall on the opposite side are arranged facing each other in the left-right direction. The front wall 142A rises upward from a portion on the front end side of the bottom 143. The front wall 142A extends along the vertical direction of the water heater whether it is used in the water heater 1 or in the water heater 170. The rear wall 142B rises upward from a portion on the rear end side of the bottom 143. The rear wall 142B extends along the vertical direction of the water heater whether it is used in the water heater 1 or in the water heater 170. The side wall on the opposite side rises upward from a portion on one side in the left-right direction of the bottom 143. It is arranged along the vertical direction of the water heater. The side wall 142D rises upward from a portion on the other side in the left-right direction of the bottom 143. Side wall portion 142D and the opposite side wall portion extend along the up-down direction of the water heater whether used in water heater 1 or in water heater 170. Front wall portion 142A covers the neutralizing agent storage space from the front side, rear wall portion 142B covers the neutralizing agent storage space from the rear side, side wall portion 142D and the opposite side wall portion cover the neutralizing agent storage space from both the left and right sides, and bottom portion 143 (bottom wall portion) covers the neutralizing agent storage space from below.

[0033] An opening 140A and a first flange 140B that is disposed around the opening 140A and protrudes in an annular shape are provided on the upper end side of the case main body 140. The opening 140A is formed by an inner edge portion at the upper end of the peripheral wall 142, and has a form that is open to the upper side. The first flange 140B includes protruding portions 143A, 143B, 143C, and 143D, and is disposed so as to protrude in an annular shape around the opening 140A. The protruding portion 143D protrudes in the left-right direction so as to protrude to the other left-right side (left side) beyond an outer wall surface provided below the protruding portion 143D at the upper end of the side wall 142D.

[0034] The side wall portion 142D corresponds to an example of one wall portion. The side wall portion 142D has an opposing wall 145. The opposing wall 145 is a portion of the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion) other than the convex portion 143D and the fixed portion 148. The opposing wall 145 has a flat outer surface 145D. The flat outer surface 145D is disposed on the lower side of the first flange portion 140B (specifically, on the lower side of the convex portion 143D). The flat outer surface 145D of the opposing wall 145 is provided on both the upper side and the lower side of the fixed portion 148. The flat outer surface 145D is a flat surface in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction. The flat outer surface 145D may be slightly inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0035] The fixed portion 148 is configured to protrude from the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion) to the other side in the left-right direction (to the left side in the example of FIG. 4). The fixed portion 148 is disposed at a position lower than the overhang portion 55B. The overhang portion 55B is provided so as to protrude outward at a position higher than the fixed portion 148. In the example of FIG. 5, the overhang portion 55B protrudes so as to protrude to the other side in the left-right direction (to the left side in the example of FIG. 5) at the position of the lid portion 150. More specifically, the convex portion 143D forming a part of the first flange portion 140B is provided at a position higher than the fixed portion 148 and higher than the opposing wall 145. A flat outer surface 145D is disposed in the area between the convex portion 143D and the fixed portion 148 in the up-down direction. Both the protruding portion 143D and the fixed portion 148 protrude from the flat outer surface 145D toward the other side in the left-right direction (the left side in the example of FIG. 5) beyond the flat outer surface 145D. In the example of FIG. 5, the fixed portion 148 is disposed so as to overlap with a mounting fixture 80 (described later) in the front-rear direction. The fixed portion 148 is fixed to the mounting fixture 80 by a connecting member 108A such as a screw while overlapping the mounting fixture 80.

[0036] Lid portion 150 has a lid shape that closes opening 140A provided on the upper end side of case body 140. Lid portion 150 includes plate portion 152 configured in a plate shape and bulging portion 154 that bulges upward from plate portion 152. Lid portion 150 is provided with an inlet port for introducing drain, and an inlet pipe configured as a hose or the like is connected in a communicating configuration to this inlet port.

[0037] The cover 150 is provided with a second flange 150B. The second flange 150B is annular and arranged to overlap the first flange 140B. In the example of FIG. 6, the second flange 150B is configured as an outer edge of the cover 150, more specifically, as an outer edge of the plate 152. The protruding portion 55B is configured by overlapping the first flange 140B and the second flange 150B, and is configured to protrude outward as a part of the upper end side of the case body 55A. Specifically, the protruding portion 55B is configured to protrude to the front, rear, left, and right sides. The overlapping portion of the second flange 150B that overlaps the convex portion 143D is also located on the other side in the left-right direction (left side) of the outer surface 145D. The portion of the overhanging portion 55B that overhangs to the other side in the left-right direction is constituted by the convex portion 143D and a portion of the second flange portion 150B that overlaps above the convex portion 143D.

[0038] 1-3. Arrangement of neutralizer 55 in water heater 1 As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, in the water heater 1, the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the mounting fixture 80 described later and the side panel 102D of the first housing 100. In the example of Fig. 4, the upper end of the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the distributor 70 and at a position lower than the upper end of the combustion device 120, and the lower end of the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position lower than the lower end of the distributor 70 and at a position lower than the lower end of the combustion device 120. Furthermore, the other end in the left-right direction of the neutralizer 55 (the left end in the example of Fig. 4) is disposed on one side in the left-right direction (the right side in the example of Fig. 4) of one end in the left-right direction (specifically, the right end) of the distributor 70 and is disposed on one side in the left-right direction (the right side in the example of Fig. 4) of one end in the left-right direction of the combustion device 120 (the right end in the example of Fig. 4). 4, the distance between the lower end of the neutralizer 55 and the bottom plate 102B of the first housing 100 is smaller than the distance between the upper end of the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 102C of the first housing 100. The neutralizer 55 is disposed close to the side plate 102D and along the side plate 102D. Specifically, the side wall portion on the opposite side is disposed close to the side plate 102D and along the side plate 102D.

[0039] 1-4. Configuration of the mounting fixture 80 The mounting fixture 80 is a part for mounting the neutralizer 55, and is fixed to the distributor 70. The mounting fixture 80 is configured in a plate shape, for example, as a metal plate. As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the mounting fixture 80 has a first mounting hole 91 and a second mounting hole 92 disposed at a position above the first mounting hole 91. Both the first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 are disposed at a position closer to one side in the left-right direction (the right side in the example of Fig. 4) in the mounting fixture 80 so that the left-right distance between the end of the mounting fixture 80 on one side in the left-right direction (the right end of the mounting fixture 80 in the example of Fig. 4) in the left-right direction is smaller than the left-right distance between the end of the mounting fixture 80 on the other side in the left-right direction (the left end of the mounting fixture 80 in the example of Fig. 4). The first mounting hole 91 is disposed closer to the lower end of the mounting fixture 80 in the up-down direction, and the second mounting hole 92 is disposed closer to the upper end of the mounting fixture 80 in the up-down direction. The first mounting hole 91 and the second mounting hole 92 may have a screw groove on the inner periphery thereof. In this case, when the connecting member 108A or the connecting member 108B formed by a screw or the like is inserted, the connecting member 108A or the connecting member 108B can be engaged with the connecting member 108A or the connecting member 108B.

[0040] A recess 86 is provided in a side portion 84 on one side in the left-right direction of the mounting fixture 80 (the right side, which is one side in the left-right direction, in the example of FIG. 5 ), at a position above the first mounting hole 91 and below the second mounting hole 92. The recess 86 is a portion configured to be recessed along the plate surface direction of the mounting fixture 80, and specifically, is configured to be recessed toward the other side in the left-right direction. In the example of FIG. 5 , the portion above the recess in the side portion 84 and the portion below the recess 86 are both configured as linear side portions 88 that extend linearly in the up-down direction, and the recess 86 is configured to be recessed toward the other side in the left-right direction (the left side in FIG. 5 ) than these linear side portions 88.

[0041] In the side 84 of the mounting fixture 80, most of the part other than the recess 86 is configured as a straight side 88. The straight side 88 is a side that extends in a straight line from one side to the other side in the vertical direction. The direction in which the straight side 88 extends may be parallel to the vertical direction or may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Most of the region below the recess 86 in the side 84 is configured as a straight side 88. Most of the region above the recess 86 in the side 84 is also configured as a straight side 88. Both of the straight side 88 above and below the recess 86 are located on one side in the horizontal direction from the end (the left end in the example of FIG. 5) of the inner edge of the recess 86 on the other side in the horizontal direction, and in the example of FIG. 5, the position of the lower straight side 88 in the horizontal direction is approximately the same as the position of the upper straight side 88 in the horizontal direction.

[0042] 1-5. Installation structure for water heater 1 In a configuration in which the first housing 100 is used as the housing as shown in Fig. 4, the fixed portion 148 is disposed in a state in which it protrudes toward the mounting fixture 80 as shown in Fig. 5, and the fixed portion 148 and the mounting fixture 80 are overlapped from front to back so that the fixed portion 148 is disposed on the front or rear side of the first mounting hole 91 (the front side in the example of Fig. 5), and the connecting member 108A is inserted into and fixed to the hole portion formed in the fixed portion 148 and the first mounting hole 91. The first mounting hole 91 (see Fig. 8) may have a screw groove on the inner periphery. In this case, the connecting member 108A formed by a screw or the like is inserted to connect the connecting member 108A and the first mounting hole 91, and the fixed portion 148 is pressed against the mounting fixture 80 so as to be in close contact with the mounting fixture 80. Note that this fixing method is merely one example, and other fixing structures may be adopted as long as they can hold the area near first mounting hole 91 and fixed portion 148 overlapping from front to back while some kind of connecting member is inserted into fixed portion 148 and first mounting hole 91.

[0043] In the example of Figure 5, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 with a portion of the protrusion 55B (specifically, a portion of each of the first flange portion 140B and the second flange portion 150B) inserted into the recess 86 and with the straight side portion 88 positioned opposite a flat outer surface 145D that is positioned above the fixed portion 148 on the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion).

[0044] 5, the overlapping portion (portion of second flange portion 150B that overlaps convex portion 143D) and the protruding portion (portion of overhang portion 55B that protrudes to the other side in the left-right direction) formed by convex portion 143D are arranged in a configuration that fits into recess 86 provided in mounting fixture 80. In the state of FIG. 5, the end portion on the other side in the left-right direction of overhang portion 55B (the left end portion in the example of FIG. 5) is located on the other side in the left-right direction of the end portion on one side in the left-right direction of recess 86 (the right end portion in the example of FIG. 5), is located on the other side in the left-right direction of an upper linear side portion 88 of recess 86, and is located on the other side in the left-right direction of a lower linear side portion 88 of recess 86.

[0045] In the example of Figure 5, the lower linear side portion 88 of the recess 86 is arranged in contact with or in close proximity to the flat outer surface 145D located below the protrusion portion 55B (specifically, in close proximity to each other and parallel or approximately parallel to each other) with or without contacting the flat outer surface 145D located below the protrusion portion 55B.

[0046] 2-1. Basic configuration of water heater 170 The water heater 170 shown in FIG. 7 is a water heater in which a second housing 180 is used instead of the first housing 100 of the water heater 1 shown in FIG. 3. The water heater 170 includes the above-mentioned configuration shown in FIG. 1, and has a configuration in which the layout inside the second housing 180 and the configuration of some of the components are different from those in FIG. 3. However, even in the water heater 170, each of the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 has the same configuration and the same function as each of the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 in the water heater 1 of FIG. 3. For example, the mounting fixture 80 used in the water heater 170 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the mounting fixture 80 described in "1-4. Configuration of the mounting fixture 80" above, and has all the characteristics of the mounting fixture 80 used in the water heater 1. 3 and 4 and water heater 170 in FIG. 7 have the same assembly structure in which combustion device 120, distributor 70, and mounting fixture 80 are combined integrally.

[0047] The height of the distributor 70 based on the bottom plate of the housing is the same in the water heater 1 of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and the water heater 170 of Fig. 7, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture 80 relative to the distributor 70 is also the same. Specifically, the height of the distributor 70 based on the bottom plate 102B in the water heater 1 shown in Fig. 4 is the shortest distance from the bottom plate 102B to the distributor 70 in Fig. 4, and is the narrowest interval between the bottom plate 102B and the distributor 70. On the other hand, the height of the distributor 70 based on the bottom plate 182B in the water heater 170 shown in Fig. 7 is the shortest distance from the bottom plate 182B to the distributor 70 in Fig. 7, and is the narrowest interval between the bottom plate 182B and the distributor 70.

[0048] The same neutralizer 55 as in the water heater 1 is used in the water heater 170. In other words, the neutralizer 55 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is the same as the neutralizer 55 described in "1-2. Configuration of neutralizer 55" above, and has all the characteristics of the neutralizer 55 used in the water heater 1.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, second housing 180 has a box-like shape including housing main body 182 having opening 182A on the front side, and a front panel (not shown) that closes opening 182A of housing main body 182. Note that the front cover of second housing 180 is omitted in Fig. 7. Housing main body 182 has a box-like shape with side plates as side walls on both the left and right sides, top plate 182C as a top wall at the upper end, bottom plate 182B as a bottom wall at the lower end, and back plate 182F as a back wall at the rear end.

[0050] The housing main body 182 has a box-like shape with side plates 182D, 182E provided as side walls at both left and right ends, a top plate 182C provided as a top wall at the upper end, a bottom plate 182B provided as a bottom wall at the lower end, and a back plate 182F provided as a back wall at the rear end. Each of the side plates 182D, 182E is formed in a plate shape and functions as a side portion. The housing main body 182 has an opening 182A formed by the front ends of the side walls (side plates 182D, 182E) on both the left and right sides, the front end of the top wall (top plate 182C), and the front end of the bottom wall (bottom plate 182B), and has a shape that is open on the front side. The storage space for accommodating components such as the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the neutralizer 55 is surrounded by a top plate 182C, a bottom plate 182B, and side plates 182D and 182E on the top, bottom, left and right sides, and the storage space is covered from the rear side by a back plate 182F. The top plate 182C is, for example, configured with a flat plate portion having a constant thickness in a majority area of ​​the top plate 182C or more. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness direction of the plate portion occupying the majority area of ​​the top plate 182C is the vertical direction of the water heater 170. The bottom plate 182B is, for example, configured with a flat plate portion having a predetermined thickness in a certain area of ​​the bottom plate 182B with the thickness direction being the vertical direction. The side plate 182D is, for example, configured with a flat plate portion having a constant thickness in a majority area of ​​the side plate 182D or more. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness direction of the plate portion occupying the majority of the area of ​​side panel 182D is the left-right direction of water heater 170. Top panel 182C and bottom panel 182B extend along the left-right direction. Side panels 182D and 182E extend along the up-down direction.

[0051] 2-2. Arrangement of neutralizer 55 in water heater 170 As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, in the water heater 170, the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the fixture 80 and the side panel 182D of the second housing 180. In the example of Fig. 7, the upper end of the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position higher than the upper end of the distributor 70 and at a position higher than the upper end of the combustion device 120, and the lower end of the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a position higher than the lower end of the distributor 70 and at a position lower than the lower end of the combustion device 120. Furthermore, the other end in the left-right direction of the neutralizer 55 (the left end in the example of Fig. 7) is disposed on one side in the left-right direction (the right side in the example of Fig. 7) of one end in the left-right direction (specifically, the right end) of the distributor 70 and on one side in the left-right direction (the right side in the example of Fig. 7) of one end in the left-right direction of the combustion device 120 (the right end in the example of Fig. 7). 7, the distance between the lower end of the neutralizer 55 and the bottom plate 182B of the second housing 180 is greater than the distance between the upper end of the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 182C of the second housing 180. The neutralizer 55 is disposed close to the side plate 182D and along the side plate 182D. Specifically, the above-mentioned "opposite side wall portion" is disposed close to the side plate 182D and along the side plate 182D.

[0052] 2-3. Mounting structure for water heater 170 The same mounting fixture 80 as in Figures 4 and 5 is used in the examples of Figures 7 and 8. The mounting position and mounting posture of the mounting fixture 80 relative to the distributor 70 are the same in the examples of Figures 4 and 5 and the examples of Figures 7 and 8.

[0053] In a configuration in which second housing 180 is used as the housing as shown in Fig. 7, fixed portion 148 is arranged in a state in which it protrudes toward mounting fixture 80 as shown in Fig. 8, and fixed portion 148 and mounting fixture 80 are overlapped from front to back so that fixed portion 148 is arranged on the front or rear side of second mounting hole 92 (front side in the example of Fig. 8), and connecting member 108B is inserted into and fixed to a hole formed in fixed portion 148 and second mounting hole 92. Second mounting hole 92 (see Fig. 5) may have a screw groove on the inner periphery. In this case, connecting member 108B formed of a screw or the like is inserted to connect connecting member 108B and second mounting hole 92, and fixed portion 148 is pressed against mounting fixture 80 so as to be in close contact with it. Note that this fixing method is merely one example, and other fixing structures may be adopted as long as they can hold the area around second mounting hole 92 and fixed portion 148 overlapping from front to back while some kind of connecting member is inserted into fixed portion 148 and second mounting hole 92.

[0054] In the example of Fig. 8, the above-mentioned overhanging portion 55B does not enter the recessed portion 86, and both the first flange portion 140B and the second flange portion 150B are disposed at a position above the recessed portion 86. More specifically, the above-mentioned overlapping portion (a portion of the second flange portion 150B that overlaps with the convex portion 143D) and the protruding portion (a portion of the overhanging portion 55B that protrudes to the other side in the left-right direction) constituted by the convex portion 143D do not enter the recessed portion 86 provided in the mounting fixture 80, and are disposed at a position above the upper end of the mounting fixture 80. The neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 in a state in which the linear side portion 88 is disposed opposite the flat outer surface 145D that is disposed below the fixed portion 148 in the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion).

[0055] In the state shown in Figure 8, the end portion on the other left-right side of the protrusion portion 55B (the left end portion in the example shown in Figure 8) is located on the other left-right side of the end portion on one left-right side of the recess 86 (the right end portion in the example shown in Figure 5), and is also located on the other left-right side of the upper straight side portion 88 of the recess 86 and is also located on the other left-right side of the lower straight side portion 88 of the recess 86.

[0056] 8, the upper and lower linear side portions 88 of the recess 86 are arranged adjacent to but not in contact with (specifically, adjacent and parallel to) the flat outer surface 145D arranged on the underside of the fixed portion 148. Note that in the example of FIG. 8, the flat outer surface 145D arranged on the underside of the fixed portion 148 may be arranged to be in contact with the linear side portions 88.

[0057] 3-1. Manufacturing method When manufacturing water heater 1 or water heater 170, the following manufacturing method can be adopted. In this manufacturing method, candidates for the housing include a first housing 100 and a second housing 180 that is shorter in height than the first housing 100, and a selection process is performed to select one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 180. Note that one of the housings may be selected in the selection process and then the selected housing may be manufactured, or both housings may be manufactured in advance and the selected housing may be used in a later process.

[0058] In this manufacturing method, a preparation step is performed before, after, or at the same time as the selection step, in which parts other than the housing are manufactured and prepared. For example, the above-mentioned combustion device 120, distributor 70, mounting fixture 80, neutralizer 55, and other parts are prepared. Known methods can be used to individually manufacture the combustion device 120, distributor 70, mounting fixture 80, neutralizer 55, and other parts.

[0059] After the selection step, an installation step is performed. In this installation step, the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, the attachment tool 80, the neutralizer 55, and other parts are attached to the housing selected in the selection step. In the installation step, whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used as the housing, it is desirable that the height of the distributor 70 based on the bottom plate of the housing be the same and that the attachment position of the attachment tool 80 relative to the distributor 70 be the same.

[0060] In the mounting step, when the first housing 100 is used as the housing, the fixed portion 148 is mounted to the first mounting hole 91 (see FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. 5, and the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a "first distance L1" from the top plate 102C of the first housing 100, thereby obtaining the configuration shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the distance between the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 102C is the shortest distance from the upper end of the neutralizer 55 to the top plate 102C shown in FIG. 6, and this shortest distance is L1 in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5. Specifically, the distance L1 is the narrowest gap between the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 102C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the fixed portion 148 protrudes toward the mounting fixture 80, the overhanging portion 55B enters the recess 86, and the portion of the side portion 84 above the first mounting hole 91 and below the recess 86 faces the portion of the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion) above the fixed portion 148. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the fixed portion 148 protrudes toward the mounting fixture 80, the first flange portion 140B and the second flange portion 150B enter the recess 86, and the linear side portion 88 faces the flat outer surface 145D of the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion). In the example of FIG. 5, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the linear side portion 88 faces the portion of the flat outer surface 145D above the fixed portion 148.

[0061] In the mounting step, when the second housing 180 is used as the housing, the fixed portion 148 is mounted to the second mounting hole 92 (see FIG. 5) as shown in FIG. 8, and the neutralizer 55 is disposed at a "second distance L2" smaller than the first distance L1 from the top plate 182C of the second housing 180, thereby obtaining the configuration shown in FIG. 8. The distance between the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 182C is the shortest distance from the upper end of the neutralizer 55 to the top plate 182C shown in FIG. 7, and in the example of FIG. 7, this shortest distance is L2. Specifically, the narrowest gap between the neutralizer 55 and the top plate 182C is the distance L1. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the fixed portion 148 protrudes toward the mounting fixture 80, the overhanging portion 55B is disposed above the upper end of the mounting fixture 80, and a portion of the side portion 84 that is above the first mounting hole 91 and below the recess 86 faces a portion of the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion) below the fixed portion 148. More specifically, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the fixed portion 148 protrudes toward the mounting fixture 80, the first flange portion 140B and the second flange portion 150B are disposed above the upper end of the mounting fixture 80, and the linear side portion 88 faces the flat outer surface 145D of the side wall portion 142D (one wall portion). In the example of Fig. 8, the neutralizer 55 is attached to the mounting fixture 80 so that the linear side portion 88 faces a portion of the flat outer surface 145D that is disposed below the fixed portion 148.

[0062] 4-1.Examples of effects The manufacturing method described above can easily optimize the distance between the housing bottom plate and the neutralizer 55 without significantly changing the arrangement of the combustion device 120, distributor 70, and mounting fixture 80, even when using the first housing 100 as shown in Fig. 4 or the second housing 180 as shown in Fig. 7. For example, when using a low-height second housing 180 as shown in Fig. 7, the fixed portion 148 can be attached to the second mounting hole 92 located above the first mounting hole 91, and the neutralizer 55 can be positioned closer to the top plate 182C. This makes it possible to prevent the neutralizer 55 from coming too close to the housing bottom plate (bottom plate 182B) or from interfering with it in the low-height second housing 180.

[0063] The above-mentioned manufacturing method can align the height of the distributor 70 and the position of the mounting fixture 80 regardless of whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used, and can standardize the layout. Furthermore, even when the second housing 180, which is shorter in height, is used, the space below the neutralizer 55 can be made close in size to when the first housing 100 is used.

[0064] In the above-described manufacturing method, when a configuration is adopted in which a protrusion 55B is provided on the peripheral wall portion 142 of the neutralizer 55, the neutralizer 55 can be compactly arranged closer to the mounting fixture 80 regardless of whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used.

[0065] Specifically, whether the neutralizer 55 is positioned when the first housing 100 is used or when the second housing 180 is used, the mounting fixture 80 can be attached with its straight side 88 facing the flat outer surface of the neutralizer 55, making it easy to determine the position of the neutralizer 55 relative to the mounting fixture 80 or the position of the mounting fixture 80 relative to the neutralizer 55 in either housing, and the distance between the mounting fixture 80 and the neutralizer 55 is likely to be maintained stably after the mounting fixture 80 and the neutralizer 55 are brought closer together and fixed.

[0066] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, the features of the above or later described embodiments can be combined in any combination within a range that does not contradict. Furthermore, any feature of the above or later described embodiments can be omitted unless it is clearly stated as essential. Furthermore, the above described embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0067] In the embodiment described above, one fixed portion 148 is provided in the neutralizer 55, but the number of fixed portions fixed to the mounting fixture may be two or more.

[0068] In the manufacturing method described above, in the mounting process, regardless of whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used as the housing, the height of the distributor 70 based on the bottom plate of the housing is the same and the mounting position of the mounting fixture 80 relative to the distributor 70 is the same; however, depending on whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used, the height based on the bottom plate or the mounting position of the mounting fixture 80 relative to the distributor 70 may be slightly different.

[0069] In the manufacturing method described above, the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 are configured in the same manner regardless of whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used as the housing, but one or more of the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 may be slightly different depending on whether the first housing 100 or the second housing 180 is used. For example, when the first housing 100 is used as the housing, each of the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 is used, and when the second housing 180 is used as the housing, one or more of the combustion device 120, the distributor 70, and the mounting fixture 80 may have fewer or additional parts.

[0070] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope indicated by the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1: Water heater 6: Hot water burner (gas burner) 7: Bath burner (gas burner) 55: Neutralizer 55B: Overhang 70:Distributor 80: Mounting fixture 84: Side 86: Recess 88: Straight side 91: First mounting hole 92: Second mounting hole 100: First unit 102B: Bottom plate 102C: Tabletop 120: Combustion equipment 140B: First flange part 142D: Side wall (first wall) 143: Bottom 143D: Convex 145: Facing wall 145D: Flat outer surface 148: Fixed part 150B: Second flange part 170: Water heater 180: 2nd unit 182B: Bottom plate 182C: Tabletop

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a water heater having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, comprising: The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. How water heaters are manufactured.

2. Regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used as the housing, the height of the distributor based on the bottom plate of the housing is the same, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture relative to the distributor is the same. A method for manufacturing the water heater according to claim 1.

3. The neutralizer is configured to have peripheral walls surrounding the neutralizing agent storage space on the front, rear, left and right sides, The fixed portion is configured to protrude from one wall portion of the peripheral wall portion, a protruding portion that protrudes outward is provided at a position above the fixed portion on the peripheral wall portion, a recess is provided in a side portion of the mounting fixture at a position above the first mounting hole; When the first housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the protruding portion fits into the recess, and a portion of the side portion that is above the first mounting hole and below the recess faces a portion of the one wall portion that is above the fixed portion, When the second housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the protruding portion is disposed above an upper end of the mounting fixture, and a portion of the side portion that is above the first mounting hole and below the recessed portion faces a portion of the one wall portion that is below the fixed portion. A method for manufacturing the water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The neutralizer includes a case body having a case main body portion that contains the neutralizing agent and a lid portion that closes the case main body portion, An opening and a first flange portion that is disposed around the opening and protrudes in an annular shape are provided on an upper end side of the case body, The one wall portion includes an opposing wall disposed below the first flange portion and having a flat outer surface, The facing wall has the flat outer surface on both the upper side and the lower side of the fixed portion, The cover portion is provided with a second flange portion that is annular and arranged to overlap the first flange portion, The protruding portion is configured by overlapping the first flange portion and the second flange portion, a linear side portion extending linearly is provided above the first mounting hole and below the recess in the side portion, When the first housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the first flange portion and the second flange portion enter into the recess, and the linear side portion faces the flat outer surface of the one wall portion that is located above the fixed portion, When the second housing is used as the housing, the neutralizer is attached to the mounting fixture so that the fixed portion protrudes toward the mounting fixture, the first flange portion and the second flange portion are disposed above an upper end of the mounting fixture, and the linear side portion faces the flat outer surface of the one wall portion that is disposed below the fixed portion. A method for manufacturing the water heater according to claim 3.

5. A mounting structure for a neutralizer in a water heater, the neutralizer mounting structure having a combustion device having a gas burner, a distributor that distributes gas to the combustion device, a neutralizer, a mounting fixture for mounting the neutralizer, and a housing, The candidates for the housing include a first housing and a second housing having a height smaller than that of the first housing; The mounting fixture is fixed to the distributor and includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole disposed at a position above the first mounting hole, The neutralizer includes one or more fixed parts, Regardless of whether the first housing or the second housing is used as the housing, the height of the distributor based on a top plate of the housing is the same, and the mounting position of the mounting fixture relative to the distributor is the same, When the first housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the first mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a first distance from a top plate of the first housing; When the second housing is used as the housing, the fixed portion is attached to the second mounting hole, and the neutralizer is disposed at a second distance from the top plate of the second housing that is smaller than the first distance. Mounting structure for neutralizer in water heater.

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