Neutralizer for water heater

Abstract

To suppress overflow of fluid from a neutralizer when an amount of the fluid flowing into the neutralizer rapidly increases in an unexpected manner.SOLUTION: An accommodation part 100A of a neutralizer 55 includes a first partition wall 131, a second partition wall 132, a third partition wall 133, a fourth partition wall 134, a fifth partition wall 135 and a sixth partition wall 136. A first passage port 133A through which drain passes is provided on the lower end part side of the third partition wall 133. The upper end part of each of the first partition wall 131, the second partition wall 132 and the fifth partition wall 135 comes into close contact with a lid part 150. Drain can pass between the upper end parts of the third partition wall 133 and the fourth partition wall 134 and the lid part 150.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a neutralizer for a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a neutralizer for a water heater. The condensate neutralizer disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a container that houses a neutralizing agent and an electrode for detecting the water level. The container has an upper wall portion provided with an inlet for condensate. The electrode for detecting the water level projects downward from the upper wall portion of the container and detects when the water level of the condensate in the container rises above a predetermined height.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the neutralizer for a water heater, drain gradually accumulates in the space where the neutralizing agent is housed, and the drain is configured to gradually flow through a flow path secured for a certain length. With such a configuration, the drain flowing through the flow path is neutralized. However, in this type of neutralizer, the amount of fluid flowing through the neutralizer may temporarily increase rapidly due to a sudden inflow of rainwater or the like. When such a situation occurs, there is a concern that the amount of fluid flowing in is larger than the amount of fluid flowing through and discharged from the neutralizer, resulting in problems such as fluid overflowing from the neutralizer.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can easily suppress the overflow of fluid from the neutralizer when the amount of fluid flowing into the neutralizer suddenly increases rapidly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One of the neutralizers for a water heater according to the present disclosure is a case main body portion including a bottom wall portion having a drain outlet for discharging drain and a peripheral wall portion connected to the bottom wall portion, and a neutralizer accommodating portion is formed inside the peripheral wall portion; a lid portion having an inlet for introducing drain and connected to the upper end side of the case main body portion so as to cover the accommodating portion from above; A neutralizer for a water heater having inside the case main body portion, a first chamber into which the drain introduced from the inlet is fed, a second chamber configured as a flow path into which the drain that has passed through the first chamber flows, a third chamber into which the drain that has passed through the second chamber flows, and a fourth chamber having the drain outlet and into which the drain that has passed through the third chamber flows are provided; the neutralizer is accommodated in the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber; the peripheral wall portion includes a first standing wall and a second standing wall that extend from one side to the other side in a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and rise from the bottom wall portion, and a third standing wall and a fourth standing wall that rise from the bottom wall portion; the first standing wall and the second standing wall face each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the third standing wall and the fourth standing wall are respectively connected to both sides of the first standing wall and the second standing wall in the first direction; the case main body portion has a flat shape in which the width in the first direction is larger than the width in the second direction; the inlet is provided near one end portion of the lid portion in the first direction; the first chamber is provided near one end portion of the accommodating portion in the first direction; The second chamber includes a one - side flow path that extends toward the other side in the first direction on the other side of the first chamber in the first direction and on one side in the second direction in the housing portion, and guides the drain flowing in from the first chamber to the other side in the first direction; a return flow path that is provided on the other side in the first direction in the housing portion and guides the drain that has flowed through the one - side flow path to the other side in the second direction; and an other - side flow path that extends toward the one side in the first direction on the other side in the second direction in the housing portion and guides the drain flowing in from the return flow path to the one side in the first direction. The third chamber is provided on the one - side in the first direction of the other - side flow path on the other side in the second direction in the housing portion. The fourth chamber is provided on the one - side in the first direction of the third chamber on the other side in the second direction in the housing portion. The housing portion includes a first partition wall that partitions the space in the fourth chamber and the space in the first chamber; a second partition wall that partitions the space in the third chamber and the space in the first chamber; a third partition wall that partitions the space in the first chamber and the space in the one - side flow path; a fourth partition wall that partitions the space in the one - side flow path and the space in the other - side flow path; a fifth partition wall that partitions the space in the other - side flow path and the space in the third chamber; a sixth partition wall that partitions the space in the third chamber and the space in the fourth chamber. It has On the lower - end - side of the third partition wall, a first passage opening for allowing the drain to pass through is provided. The upper - end portions of each of the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the fifth partition wall are in close contact with the lid portion. Between the upper - end portions of the third partition wall and the fourth partition wall and the lid portion, the drain is allowed to pass through.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology related to the present disclosure, when the amount of fluid flowing into the neutralizer suddenly increases rapidly, it is easy to suppress the overflow of fluid from the neutralizer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Each of the following [1] to [4] is an example of a characteristic technique included in the present disclosure.

[0010] 〔1〕A case main body portion including a bottom wall portion having a drain outlet for discharging drain, and a peripheral wall portion connected to the bottom wall portion, and a neutralizer storage portion is formed inside the peripheral wall portion. A lid portion having an inlet for introducing drain and connected to the upper end side of the case main body portion so as to cover the storage portion from above. A neutralizer for a water heater having Inside the case main body portion, a first chamber into which the drain introduced from the inlet is fed, a second chamber configured as a flow path into which the drain that has passed through the first chamber flows, a third chamber into which the drain that has passed through the second chamber flows, and a fourth chamber having the drain outlet and into which the drain that has passed through the third chamber flows are provided. The neutralizer is stored in the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The peripheral wall portion includes a first standing wall and a second standing wall that extend from one side to the other side in a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and rise from the bottom wall portion, and a third standing wall and a fourth standing wall that rise from the bottom wall portion. The first standing wall and the second standing wall face each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third standing wall and the fourth standing wall are respectively connected to both sides of the first standing wall and the second standing wall in the first direction. The case main body portion has a flat shape in which the width in the first direction is larger than the width in the second direction. The inlet is provided near one end portion of the lid portion in the first direction. The first chamber is provided near one end portion of the storage portion in the first direction. The second chamber includes a one-side flow path that extends toward the other side in the first direction on the other side in the first direction of the first chamber and on one side in the second direction of the storage portion and guides the drain flowing in from the first chamber to the other side in the first direction, a return flow path that is provided on the other side in the first direction of the storage portion and guides the drain that has flowed through the one-side flow path to the other side in the second direction, and an other-side flow path that extends toward the one side in the first direction on the other side in the second direction of the storage portion and guides the drain flowing in from the return flow path to the one side in the first direction. The third chamber is provided on one side in the first direction of the other-side flow path on the other side in the second direction in the accommodating portion, The fourth chamber is provided on one side in the first direction of the third chamber on the other side in the second direction in the accommodating portion, The accommodating portion a first partition wall partitioning the space in the fourth chamber and the space in the first chamber; a second partition wall partitioning the space in the third chamber and the space in the first chamber; a third partition wall partitioning the space in the first chamber and the space in the one-side flow path; a fourth partition wall partitioning the space in the one-side flow path and the space in the other-side flow path; a fifth partition wall partitioning the space in the other-side flow path and the space in the third chamber; a sixth partition wall partitioning the space in the third chamber and the space in the fourth chamber; and has a first through-hole for allowing drain to pass through is provided on the lower end side of the third partition wall; the upper ends of the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the fifth partition wall are in close contact with the lid portion; drain is allowed to pass between the upper ends of the third partition wall and the fourth partition wall and the lid portion A neutralizer for a water heater.

[0011] In the neutralizer for a water heater as described in [1] above, during normal times when drain flows in little by little from the inlet, the drain that has flowed into the first chamber passes through the first passage opening provided on the lower end side of the third partition wall and flows into the second chamber, and will flow through one-side flow path, return flow path, the other-side flow path, etc. Therefore, neutralization is effectively performed in the second chamber and the like. On the other hand, when the amount of fluid flowing in from the inlet suddenly increases rapidly and the fluid in the first chamber is about to overflow (for example, when fluid in an amount exceeding the upper end of the third partition wall or the upper end of the fourth partition wall flows in), the fluid flows from the first chamber into the second chamber through the gap between the third partition wall and the lid portion, and further, the fluid flows so as to bypass through the gap between the fourth partition wall and the lid portion. Therefore, the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber is promoted, and in the second chamber, the flow of fluid from the upstream end side to the downstream end side is promoted. Thus, the fluid that has flowed in suddenly can be discharged more quickly and easily, and the overflow of fluid from the neutralizer can be suppressed.

[0012] (2) One end of the third partition wall on one side in the second direction is connected to the first standing wall, and the other end of the third partition wall on the other side in the second direction is connected to the second partition wall. At the upper end of the third partition wall, a first separation portion separated from the lid portion is provided from a position closer to the first standing wall to a position closer to the second partition wall. The neutralizer for a water heater according to [1].

[0013] In the neutralizer for a water heater as described in [2] above, since a first separation portion separated from the lid portion is provided in a wide range from a position closer to the first standing wall to a position closer to the second partition wall at the upper end of the third partition wall, when the amount of fluid flowing into the first chamber suddenly increases to such an extent that it exceeds the upper end of the third partition wall, it can be made to flow into the second chamber more quickly. For example, in the case of a sudden increase in fluid that can be accumulated in the second chamber, by making it flow into the second chamber earlier, the overflow of the first chamber can be more surely prevented.

[0014] (3) At the upper end of the fourth partition wall, a second separation portion separated from the lid portion is provided near one end of the fourth partition wall in the first direction. At the upper end of the fourth partition wall, on the other side of the second separation portion in the first direction, a contact portion that contacts the lid portion is provided. The length of the second separation portion in the first direction is smaller than the length of the contact portion in the first direction. The neutralizer for a water heater according to [1] or [2].

[0015] Since the neutralizer for a water heater according to [3] above has a contact portion provided in a wide range at the upper end of the fourth partition wall, it is possible to suppress to some extent the flow from one side flow path to the other side flow path beyond the upper end of the fourth partition wall. On the other hand, when the amount of fluid flowing into the first chamber suddenly increases to exceed the upper end of the third partition wall, it can be bypassed at a more upstream position in the second chamber and sent to the downstream end side of the second chamber.

[0016] 〔4〕 A neutralizer equipped with the neutralizer for a water heater according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔3〕.

[0017] <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 the water heater 1. The water heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a latent heat recovery type water heater and is a bathtub water heater equipped with a function of supplying hot water to the bathtub and reheating. The water heater 1 is provided with a hot water combustion chamber 4 and a bath combustion chamber 5 in an inner cylinder 2 housed in a housing 1A (FIG. 2), and the hot water combustion chamber 4 and the bath combustion chamber 5 are configured to be partitioned by a partition member 3. In FIG. 2, the front cover of the housing 1A is omitted, and most of the components in the housing 1A are omitted. In the housing 1A (FIG. 2), below each combustion chamber 4, 5 shown in FIG. 1, there are provided hot water burners 6, 6... composed of a plurality of burners and a bath burner 7. Each combustion chamber 4, 5 is provided with an ignition plug 8 and a flame rod 9, respectively. A combustion fan 10 for supplying combustion air to each burner 6, 7 is provided at the lower part of the inner cylinder 2. In the upper part of the hot water combustion chamber 4, there are provided a hot water primary heat exchanger 11 and a hot water secondary heat exchanger 12 through which the combustion exhaust of the hot water burner 6 passes. In the upper part of the bath combustion chamber 5, there are provided a bath primary heat exchanger 13 and a bath secondary heat exchanger 14 through which the combustion exhaust of the bath burner 7 passes. Each secondary heat exchanger 12, 14 is housed in an exhaust hood 15 provided at the upper part of the inner cylinder 2. An exhaust port 16 for discharging the combustion exhaust that has passed through each secondary heat exchanger 12, 14 is formed in the exhaust hood 15.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 1 is provided with a gas pipe 17 to which an external gas pipe is connected. Each hot water burner 6 and bath burner 7 is connected to a gas branch pipe 18, 18... branched from the gas pipe 17, and each gas branch pipe 18 is provided with a gas solenoid valve 19 for opening and closing the gas flow path. An original gas solenoid valve 20 and a gas proportional valve 21 are provided in the gas pipe 17 before branching, from the upstream side.

[0019] At the inlet of the heat absorption pipe of the secondary hot water heat exchanger 12 shown in Fig. 1, a water supply pipe 22 is connected. The water supply pipe 22 is provided, from the upstream side, 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 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 primary hot water heat exchanger 11, and a hot water outlet pipe 27 connected to the hot water outlet on the bottom surface of the housing is connected to the outlet of the heat transfer pipe. The hot water outlet pipe 27 is provided with a hot water heat exchanger thermistor 28 for detecting the outlet temperature from the primary hot water heat exchanger 11, and a hot water outlet thermistor 29 for detecting the hot water outlet temperature from the appliance on the downstream side thereof. A bypass pipe 30 bypassing the primary and secondary hot water heat exchangers 11 and 12 is connected between the upstream side of the hot water outlet 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 for controlling the bypass flow rate is provided in the bypass pipe 30. Inside the housing 1A (Fig. 2), as shown in Fig. 1, the water from the water supply pipe 22 passes through the secondary hot water heat exchanger 12 and the primary hot water heat exchanger 11 in this order, exchanges heat with the combustion exhaust of the hot water supply burner 6 and is heated, and then a hot water supply circuit A is formed so that hot water is discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 27.

[0020] At the inlet of the heat absorption pipe of the bath secondary heat exchanger 14, a return pipe 35 is connected. The bath return port is connected to the bathtub 37 via an external return pipe 36. Also, a pump 38 is provided on the downstream side of the return pipe 35, a bath return thermistor 39 for detecting the bath return temperature is provided on the upstream side of the pump 38, and a bath water flow switch 40 and a water level sensor 41 are provided on the downstream side 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 an outgoing pipe 42 is connected to the outlet of the heat transfer pipe. The bath return port is connected to the bathtub 37 via an external outgoing pipe 43. The outgoing pipe 42 is provided with a bath outgoing thermistor 44 for detecting the bath outgoing temperature. Inside the housing 1A (Fig. 2), as shown in Fig. 1, due to the operation of the pump 38, the hot 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 this order, exchanges heat with the combustion exhaust of the bath burner 7 and is heated, and then a bath circuit B (circulation circuit) is formed so that it returns to the bathtub 37 from the outgoing pipe 42.

[0021] A drain 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 drain electromagnetic valve 46 and a bath water volume sensor 47 are respectively provided in the drain pipe 45. Two check valves 48, 48 are respectively provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the bath water volume sensor 47, and a cut-off valve 49 is connected between the upstream check valve 48 and the bath water volume sensor 47. The cut-off valve 49 is connected to a drain pipe 50 connected to an overflow port provided on the bottom surface of the housing 1A (FIG. 2), and an introduction pipe 51 connected to the downstream side of the strainer 23 in the water supply pipe 22. When the internal pressure of the hot water in the drain pipe 45 increased by the backflow from the return pipe 35 becomes higher than the back pressure applied from the introduction pipe 51, the hot water flowing back from the drain pipe 45 is discharged to the overflow port through the drain pipe 50.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a neutralizer 55 for neutralizing the drain generated by the hot water supply secondary heat exchanger 12 and the bath secondary heat exchanger 14 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the housing 1A. 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 flowing out from the 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.

[0023] The controller 65 is a control device that performs various information processing and various controls. The controller 65 receives detection signals from various thermistors, sensors, etc. and operates various valves, etc., to perform hot water outlet temperature control, hot water filling control to the bathtub 37, etc. The hot water supply remote controller 66 and the bath remote controller 67 are operating devices for remotely operating the hot water supply unit main body (the part excluding the hot water supply remote controller 66 and the bath remote controller 67 from the hot water supply unit 1).

[0024] 1-2. Details of the neutralizer 55 The neutralizer 55 has a shape as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The neutralizer 55 includes a case main body 100 and a lid 150, and has a flat box shape that is long in the vertical direction as a whole. The shape of the neutralizer 55 in plan view as shown in FIG. 6 is longitudinally long in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the neutralizer 55 in side view is longitudinally long in the vertical direction. The neutralizer 55 is a device in which a neutralizing agent is accommodated. It functions to promote neutralization by flowing drain water into the accommodation space where the neutralizing agent is accommodated, and to discharge the drain water that has passed through this accommodation space from the discharge port 106.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, etc., the case main body 100 includes a bottom wall portion 108 having a discharge port 106 (FIG. 9) for discharging drain water, and a peripheral wall portion 110 connected to the bottom wall portion 108, and has a bottomed box shape with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the shape of the case main body 100 in plan view is longitudinally long in the front-rear direction, specifically, it has a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the case main body 100 in side view is longitudinally long in the vertical direction, specifically, it has a substantially rectangular shape. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the peripheral wall portion 110 includes a first standing wall 111 and a second standing wall 112 that extend from one side to the other side in the first direction and rise from the bottom wall portion 108, and a third standing wall 113 and a fourth standing wall 114 that rise from the bottom wall portion 108. The case main body 100 constitutes an accommodation portion 100A for accommodating a neutralizing agent inside the peripheral wall portion 110. The predetermined direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is the first direction. And the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction is the second direction. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 9, the longitudinal direction of the flat first standing wall 111 is the vertical direction, and the short side direction of the first standing wall 111 is the first direction. In the following description, the first direction is also referred to as the front-rear direction. The second direction is also referred to as the left-right direction. One side of the front-rear direction is also referred to as the front side, and the other side of the front-rear direction is also referred to as the rear side. One side of the left-right direction is also referred to as the right side, and the other side of the left-right direction is also referred to as the left side. In the example of FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction in the front view of the housing 1A of the water heater 1 is the vertical direction. Specifically, the direction in which both side wall portions of the housing 1A extend is the vertical direction, and the vertical direction when the water heater 1 is installed is the vertical direction. From another perspective, the direction in which the lid body 151 and the bottom wall portion 108 face each other, which will be described later, is the vertical direction.

[0026] The first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 face each other in a second direction (left - right direction) orthogonal to the first direction (front - back direction). The third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 are respectively connected to both sides of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 in the first direction (front and back sides). The third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 face each other in the first direction. In this embodiment, in the first direction (front - back direction), the side of the third standing wall 113 is the front side, and the side of the fourth standing wall 114 is the rear side.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, most of the first standing wall 111 has a flat plate - like configuration with a predetermined plate thickness, and the plate - thickness direction of the flat plate - like portion constituting most of the first standing wall 111 is the left - right direction. The first standing wall 111 is connected to an end portion on one side of the second direction of the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108. Most of the second standing wall 112 has a flat plate - like configuration with a predetermined plate thickness, and the plate - thickness direction of the flat plate - like portion constituting most of the second standing wall 112 is the left - right direction. The second standing wall 112 is connected to an end portion on the other side of the second direction of the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108. Each of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 has an elongated shape in which the vertical length is larger than the length in the front - back direction, and has a rectangular shape in side view as shown in FIG. 7. Each of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 is arranged to extend along the first direction. Most of the surface area of each of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 is configured as a flat surface orthogonal to the left - right direction. Most of the back surface (inner surface) of each of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 is also configured as a flat surface orthogonal to the left - right direction.

[0028] Each of the third upright wall 113 and the fourth upright wall 114 has an elongated shape with a vertical length greater than the horizontal length. As shown in FIG. 3, the third upright wall 113 includes a first plate portion 113A and a second plate portion 113B. The first plate portion 113A is configured in a plate shape and is a portion configured as a flat plate portion with a predetermined plate thickness. The plate thickness direction of the portion configured as a flat plate portion in the first plate portion 113A is the front-rear direction. The first plate portion 113A extends longitudinally in the vertical direction and has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The first plate portion 113A is connected to one end on one side in the first direction of the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108. The second plate portion 113B extends longitudinally in the vertical direction and is arranged to be inclined with respect to the first plate portion 113A. The second plate portion 113B is inclined with respect to the first direction so as to be on one side in the second direction as it goes to the rear side, and is inclined with respect to the second direction. The second plate portion 113B is connected to the corner portion on one side in the first direction and one side in the second direction of the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to rise upward from the corner portion. The end on one side in the second direction of the second plate portion 113B is connected to the end on one side in the first direction of the first upright wall 111. The end on the other side in the second direction of the second plate portion 113B is connected to the end on one side in the second direction of the first plate portion 113A. The end on the other side in the second direction of the first plate portion 113A is connected to the end on one side in the first direction of the second upright wall 112.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, most of the fourth upright wall 114 is configured as a flat plate portion with a predetermined plate thickness. The plate thickness direction of the portion configured as a flat plate portion in the fourth upright wall 114 is the front-rear direction. The end on one side in the second direction of the fourth upright wall 114 is connected to the end on the other side in the first direction of the first upright wall 111. The end on the other side in the second direction of the fourth upright wall 114 is connected to the end on the other side in the first direction of the second upright wall 112. The fourth upright wall 114 is connected to the end on the other side in the first direction of the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108.

[0030] In the case main body 100 configured as described above, the internal space of the case main body 100 is covered from both the left and right sides by the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112, covered from both the front and rear sides by the third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114, and covered from the lower side by the bottom wall portion 108. With such a configuration, the case main body 100 has an open shape with an opening 100B provided at the upper end and a bottomed box shape. The case main body 100 has a flat shape in which the width in the first direction (front-rear width) is larger than the width in the second direction (left-right width). In the case main body 100, the width of the portion where the width in the first direction is the largest is larger than the width of the portion where the width in the second direction is the largest. The width in the first direction of the outer surface (outer plate surface) of the flat plate-like portion that constitutes most of the first standing wall 111 and the outer surface (outer plate surface) of the flat plate-like portion that constitutes most of the second standing wall 112 is larger than the width in the second direction of the outer surface (outer plate surface) of the flat plate-like portion that constitutes most of the first plate portion 113A and the outer surface (outer plate surface) of the flat plate-like portion that constitutes most of the fourth standing wall 114.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a partition portion 130 for partitioning the space in the accommodation portion 100A is provided inside the case main body 100. The partition portion 130 includes a first partition wall 131, a second partition wall 132, a third partition wall 133, a fourth partition wall 134, a fifth partition wall 135, and a sixth partition wall 136.

[0032] The first partition wall 131 includes a partition wall 131A and a partition wall 131B, and a partition wall in an L shape in plan view is formed by the partition wall 131A and the partition wall 131B. The first partition wall 131 functions as a wall for partitioning the space in the fourth chamber 104 (discharge chamber) and the space in the first chamber 101 (introduction chamber).

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the partition wall 131A is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108, and is arranged at a distance from the third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 in the first direction (front-rear direction). It is a wall portion connected to the second standing wall 112, the partition wall 131B, and the bottom wall portion 108. The end portion (right end portion) on one side in the second direction of the partition wall 131A is connected to a portion (specifically, the front end portion) near the end portion on one side in the first direction in the partition wall 131B. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other is blocked through the space between the partition wall 131A and the partition wall 131B. The end portion (left end portion) on the other side in the second direction of the partition wall 131A is connected to the second standing wall 112. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other is blocked through the space between the partition wall 131A and the second standing wall 112. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other is blocked through the space between the partition wall 131A and the bottom wall portion 108, and a configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other is blocked through the space between the partition wall 131A and the cover plate 151. The partition wall 131A extends from the inner wall of the second standing wall 112 toward one side (right side) in the second direction and is connected to the partition wall 131B near the central portion in the second direction of the case main body portion 100. The partition wall 131A forms a part of each of the first chamber 101 and the fourth chamber 104 and functions to partition the space in the first chamber 101 from the space in the fourth chamber 104. The partition wall 131A has a plate-like form in which one plate surface faces one side (front side) in the first direction and the other plate surface faces the other side (rear side) in the first direction. Specifically, it has a plate-like configuration with the first direction as the plate thickness direction. The partition wall 131A functions to partition the first space, which is the space in the first introduction chamber 101A, and the third space, which is the space in the fourth chamber 104, in the front-rear direction.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the partition wall 131B is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108, is arranged at a distance from the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 in the second direction (left - right direction), and is a wall portion connected to the partition wall 131A, the sixth partition wall 136, and the bottom wall portion 108. The partition wall 131B extends along the first direction, is connected to the end portion on one side in the second direction of the partition wall 131A, and is connected to the end portion on one side in the second direction of the sixth partition wall 136. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through between the partition wall 131A and the second partition wall 132 is blocked. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through between the partition wall 131A and the bottom wall portion 108 is blocked, and a configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through between the partition wall 131A and the cover plate 151 is blocked. Therefore, the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through the first partition wall 131 is blocked, and the flow of liquid from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through the vicinity of the end portion of the first partition wall 131 is also blocked.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second partition wall 132 is configured as a wall portion that partitions the space in the third chamber 103 from the space in the first chamber 101. The second partition wall 132 is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108, and is arranged to be spaced apart from the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 in the second direction (left - right direction), and is a wall portion connected to the partition wall 131B, the sixth partition wall 136, the fifth partition wall 135, and the bottom wall portion 108. The second partition wall 132 extends along the first direction, is connected to the end portion on one side in the second direction of the sixth partition wall 136, and is connected to the end portion on one side in the second direction of the fifth partition wall 135. A configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the third chamber 103 and the first chamber 101 to the other through the space between the second partition wall 132 and the bottom wall portion 108 is blocked, and a configuration is provided such that the flow of liquid from one of the third chamber 103 and the first chamber 101 to the other through the space between the second partition wall 132 and the cover plate 151 is blocked. Further, the flow of liquid from the third chamber 103 to the outside of the third chamber 103 and the flow of liquid from the outside of the third chamber 103 to the third chamber 103 through the space between the second partition wall 132 and the fifth partition wall 135 are blocked. Therefore, the flow of liquid from the third chamber 103 to the outside of the third chamber 103 and the flow of liquid from the outside of the third chamber 103 to the third chamber 103 through the second partition wall 132 are blocked, and the flow of liquid from the third chamber 103 to the outside of the third chamber 103 and the flow of liquid from the outside of the third chamber 103 to the third chamber 103 through the vicinity of the end portion of the second partition wall 132 are also blocked.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third partition wall 133 is configured as a wall portion that partitions the space in the first chamber 101 and the space in one of the flow paths 145A in the second chamber 102. The third partition wall 133 is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108 and is a wall portion disposed at a distance from the third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 in the first direction. The third partition wall 133 extends from the inner wall of the first standing wall 111 toward the other side in the second direction, and the end portion (left end portion) of the third partition wall 133 on the other side in the second direction is located on the other side (rear side) in the first direction than the partition wall 131A and is connected to the second partition wall 132 and the fourth partition wall 134 near the center portion in the second direction of the case main body portion 100. In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the partition wall 131B, the second partition wall 132, and the fourth partition wall 134 form a central wall portion spaced apart from the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 in the second direction so as to extend from a predetermined first position on one side in the first direction to a predetermined second position on the other side in the first direction within the accommodating portion 100A, and the end portion (left end portion) of the third partition wall 133 on the other side in the second direction is connected to this central wall portion. The central wall portion is connected in a stepped manner in which the second partition wall 132 and the fourth partition wall 134 are displaced in the second direction, and the end portion (left end portion) of the third partition wall 133 on the other side in the second direction is connected to the stepped portion in the central wall portion.

[0037] The third partition wall 133 forms a part of the first chamber 101 and functions to partition the space in the first chamber 101 and the space in the second chamber 102 (guide flow path) back and forth. The third partition wall 133 has a plate-like form in which one plate surface faces one side (front side) in the first direction and the other plate surface faces the other side (rear side) in the first direction. Specifically, it has a plate-like configuration with the first direction as the plate thickness direction. The third partition wall 133 blocks the flow of liquid from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102 within a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Specifically, the predetermined range in the vertical direction is the vertical range from the height of the upper end (the highest position) of the first through-hole 133A to the lowest position at the upper end portion of the third partition wall 133. At least within the predetermined range in the vertical direction, liquid does not pass between the third partition wall 133 and the first standing wall 111 from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102, and liquid does not pass between the third partition wall 133 and the above central wall portion from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the third partition wall 133 is configured such that the end on the other side in the second direction is connected to the second partition wall 132, and the end on one side in the second direction is connected to the first standing wall 111. Further, at the upper end of the third partition wall 133, a first separation portion 133Z spaced apart from the lid portion 150 is provided from a position closer to the first standing wall 111 to a position closer to the second partition wall 132. The first separation portion 133Z is a part of the upper end of the third partition wall 133 and is a portion spaced apart from the lid portion 150 (specifically, the lid plate 151). Liquid can pass between the first separation portion 133Z and the lid plate 151. For example, in the present embodiment, when the liquid level in the first chamber 101 does not reach the height of the first separation portion 133Z, the only path for the liquid to flow between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 is the first through-hole 133A, and the liquid flows from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102 through the first through-hole 133A. When the liquid level in the first chamber 101 exceeds the height of the first separation portion 133Z, the liquid can flow from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102 through the space between the first separation portion 133Z and the lid plate 151.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fourth partition wall 134 is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108 and is arranged to partition the space in the housing portion 100A into a space on one side in the second direction (the right-side space on the one side in the second direction with respect to the fourth partition wall 134) and a space on the other side (the left-side space on the other side in the second direction with respect to the fourth partition wall 134). The fourth partition wall 134 has a plate-like form in which one plate surface faces one side in the second direction (right side) and the other plate surface faces the other side in the second direction (left side). Specifically, it has a plate-like configuration with the second direction as the plate thickness direction. The fourth partition wall 134 is arranged to be spaced apart from each of the first standing wall 111 and the second standing wall 112 in the second direction, and is arranged to extend along the first direction from one side to the other side in the first direction. It continues along the front-rear direction from the positions of the third partition wall 133 and the fifth partition wall 135 to near the fourth standing wall 114. Most of the plate surface on the side of the first flow path 141 and most of the plate surface on the side of the second flow path 142 in the fourth partition wall 134 are both flat surfaces, and these flat surfaces are flat surfaces orthogonal to the second direction.

[0040] The fourth partition wall 134 is arranged to partition the space in the one-side flow path 145A and the space in the other-side flow path 145B left and right. The one-side flow path 145A is a flow path that has the fourth partition wall 134 and the first standing wall 111 as left and right inner walls and is covered above and below by the bottom wall portion 108 and the cover plate 151, and is a flow path that guides the internal liquid (drain) in the first direction by the fourth partition wall 134 and the first standing wall 111. The other-side flow path 145B is a flow path that has the fourth partition wall 134 and the second standing wall 112 as left and right inner walls and is covered above and below by the bottom wall portion 108 and the cover plate 151, and is a flow path that guides the internal liquid (drain) in the first direction by the fourth partition wall 134 and the second standing wall 112. The fourth partition wall 134 is connected to the bottom wall portion 108 in the entire range from the end on one side in the first direction to the end on the other side in the first direction of the fourth partition wall 134, and a configuration is adopted in which liquid (drain) does not pass between the fourth partition wall 134 and the bottom wall portion 108.

[0041] A contact portion 134X and a second separation portion 134Z are provided at the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134. The contact portion 134X is a portion that contacts the lid portion 150 (specifically, the cover plate 151). In the range where the contact portion 134X is provided in the first direction, a configuration is adopted in which liquid does not pass between the fourth partition wall 134 and the cover plate 151. The second separation portion 134Z is a portion that forms a configuration separated from the lid portion 150 (specifically, the cover plate 151) near the end on one side in the first direction of the fourth partition wall 134 among the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134. The contact portion 134X is provided on the other side in the first direction than the second separation portion 134Z at the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134. And the length of the second separation portion 134Z in the first direction is smaller than the length of the contact portion 134X in the first direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fifth partition wall 135 is a wall portion that divides the space in the other-side flow path 145B and the space in the third chamber 103 front and back. The fifth partition wall 135 is a wall portion that is spaced apart from the third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 in the first direction, is spaced apart from the sixth partition wall 136 to the other side (rear side) in the first direction, and is arranged facing the sixth partition wall 136 in the first direction. The fifth partition wall 135 extends from the inner wall of the second standing wall 112 toward one side (right side) in the second direction, and the end portion (right end portion) of the fifth partition wall 135 on one side in the second direction is connected to the second partition wall 132 and the fourth partition wall 134 at a position on the other side (rear side) in the first direction than the sixth partition wall 136.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sixth partition wall 136 forms a part of the fourth chamber 104 and is a wall portion that divides the space in the fourth chamber 104 (discharge chamber) and the space in the third chamber 103 (intermediate chamber) front and back. The sixth partition wall 136 is configured to rise upward from the bottom wall portion 108, is a wall portion that is spaced apart from the third standing wall 113 and the fourth standing wall 114 in the first direction, is spaced apart from the partition wall 131A to the other side in the first direction, and is arranged facing the partition wall 131A in the first direction. The sixth partition wall 136 extends from the inner wall of the second standing wall 112 toward one side (right side) in the second direction, and the end portion (right end portion) of the sixth partition wall 136 on one side in the second direction is connected to the partition wall 131B and the second partition wall 132 at a position on the other side (rear side) in the first direction than the partition wall 131A. The sixth partition wall 136 has a plate-like form in which one plate surface faces one side (front side) in the first direction and the other plate surface faces the other side (rear side) in the first direction. Specifically, it has a plate-like configuration with the first direction as the plate thickness direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, a drain passage 140 is formed in the case body 100. The passage 140 includes a first passage 141, a second passage 142, a third passage 143, and a guiding passage 144. In this embodiment, the third passage 143 is configured as a lateral passage that extends from the other side to one side in the lateral direction near an end on one side in the first direction of the case body 100, and the drain that enters the third passage 143 is configured to be fed from the third passage 143 to the upstream side (front end side) of the first passage 141. The first passage 141 is configured as a longitudinal passage that extends from one side in the first direction (one side in the longitudinal direction) to the other side (rear side) on one side in the second direction of the case body 100. The drain that enters the upstream side of the first passage 141 flows through the first passage 141 toward the other side in the first direction (rear side) and is fed into the guiding passage 144. The guiding passage 144 is configured as a lateral passage that extends from one side to the other side in the lateral direction near an end on the other side in the first direction of the case body 100. The drain that flows from the first passage 141 into the guiding passage 144 flows through the guiding passage 144 to the other side in the second direction (left side). The drain that has flowed to the other side in the second direction through the guiding passage 144 flows through the second passage 142 from the other side in the first direction to one side in the first direction (front side), and is finally guided to the fourth chamber 104 and discharged from the discharge port 106.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third passage 143 is a passage that forms part of the first chamber 101. The third passage 143 is regulated in the first direction (longitudinal direction) by the third upright wall 113 and the partition wall 131A, and is regulated downward by the third portion 108C of the bottom wall portion 108. It is regulated on the other side in the second direction (left side) by the second upright wall 112, and is a passage that guides the drain to one side in the second direction (right side). The third passage 143 is a straight passage that extends along the second direction. The right end portion of the third passage 143 is configured such that the passage guides obliquely rearward and communicates with the front end portion of the first passage 141. The third passage 143 is disposed below the inlet 160 and guides the drain that has flowed down from the inlet 160 to the region at one end in the first direction of the first passage 141 (the second introduction chamber 101B which is the front end side region).

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the first flow path 141 is a flow path that restricts the movement of drain to both sides in the second direction (left - right direction) by the central wall portion and the first standing wall 111 configured to face each other left and right, and restricts the movement of drain downward by the first portion 108A of the bottom wall portion 108, and guides the drain from one side (front side) in the first direction to the other side (rear side). The first flow path 141 is a linear flow path extending along the first direction. The first flow path 141 includes a flow path on the first chamber 101 side (a flow path in front of the third partition wall 133) and a flow path on the second chamber 102 side (a flow path behind the third partition wall 133), and these flow paths are partitioned front and rear by the third partition wall 133.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guiding path 144 is provided near the end on the other side (rear side) in the first direction of the fourth partition wall 134 and is a flow path that guides the drain from one side (right side) in the second direction to the other side (left side). The guiding path 144 is composed of the end on the other side (rear end) in the first direction of the fourth partition wall 134, a portion near the end on the other side in the first direction of the first standing wall 111 (specifically, a portion located behind the rear end of the fourth partition wall 134 in the first standing wall 111), the entire fourth standing wall 114, a portion near the end on the other side in the first direction of the second standing wall 112 (specifically, a portion located behind the rear end of the fourth partition wall 134 in the second standing wall 112), and a portion near the end on the other side in the first direction of the bottom wall portion 108 (specifically, a portion located behind the rear end of the fourth partition wall 134 in the bottom wall portion 108).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second flow path 142 is a flow path that restricts the movement of drain to both sides in the second direction (left - right direction) by the central wall portion and the second standing wall 112 configured to face each other left and right, and restricts the movement of drain downward by the second portion 108B of the bottom wall portion 108, and guides the drain from the other side (rear side) in the first direction to one side (front side). The second flow path 142 is a linear flow path extending along the first direction. The second flow path 142 includes a flow path on the second chamber 102 side (a flow path behind the fifth partition wall 135), a flow path in the third chamber 103, and a flow path in the fourth chamber 104. The flow path on the second chamber 102 side and the flow path in the third chamber 103 are partitioned front and rear by the fifth partition wall 135, and the flow path in the third chamber 103 and the flow path in the fourth chamber 104 are partitioned front and rear by the fifth partition wall 135. At the bottom portion of the fourth chamber 104 in the portion of the bottom wall portion 108 that constitutes the second flow path 142, a discharge port 106 is provided.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 11, the lid portion 150 functions as a lid that closes the opening 100B provided at the upper end portion of the case main body portion 100. The lid portion 150 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The lid portion 150 is configured in a longitudinal shape with the front - rear direction as the longitudinal direction and the left - right direction as the short side direction. The lid portion 150 is connected to the upper end side of the case main body portion 100 so as to cover the accommodation portion 100A of the case main body portion 100 from above and closes the opening 100B.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6, 10, and 11, the lid portion 150 is provided with an inlet 160 for introducing drain from the outside of the neutralizer 55. In the lid portion 150, the inlet 160 is provided near the end on one side (near the front end) in the first direction. The inlet 160 is a portion where the drain introduction pipe 57 is connected. The inlet 160 is connected, for example, in a configuration where it is inserted into the opening at the end of the drain introduction pipe 57. The inlet 160 includes a pipe portion 162 that protrudes upward and has an opening provided at the upper end side. The pipe portion 162 is provided to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that it becomes the other side (rear side) in the first direction as it goes to the upper position. Although not shown in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the drain introduction pipe 57 is connected to the pipe portion 162. The opening at the upper end of the pipe portion 162 is arranged to face upward and rearward. The opening at the lower end of the pipe portion 162 is arranged to face downward and forward. The opening at the lower end of the pipe portion 162 is arranged to overlap vertically with the first introduction chamber 101A at an upper position of the first introduction chamber 101A.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, in the lid portion 150, at a predetermined position on one side (front side) in the first direction and on one side (right side) in the second direction with respect to the inlet 160, a water level detection unit 59 for detecting the water level below the predetermined position is provided. The water level detection unit 59 includes a plurality of electrodes (not shown). Each of the plurality of electrodes is arranged to be spaced apart from each other and fixed to the lid portion 150. Each of the plurality of electrodes is inserted into hole portions 59A, 59B (FIG. 6) provided in the lid portion 150, and each is arranged to be exposed in the guide space above the first chamber 101. The guide space is a part of the space in the guide portion 105 and is the space above the filter plate 95. Specifically, the guide space is the space in the bulging portion 152 and is a space that communicates with the space in the first chamber 101 through the opening of the filter plate 95.

[0052] In the internal spaces of the first chamber 101 and the bulging portion 152, if the upper end of the drain stored in the first chamber 101 is below the filter plate 95 and the water level of the drain stored in the first chamber 101 is below the height of the filter plate 95, the drain stored in the first chamber 101 will stay within the first chamber 101 without overflowing from the first chamber 101. When the upper end of the drain stored in the first chamber 101 is above the filter plate 95 and the water level exceeds the height of the filter plate 95, the drain will overflow from the first chamber 101 and part of the drain will be present in the guide space within the bulging portion 152. When the height of the drain reaches the plurality of electrodes of the water level detection unit 59, the water level detection unit 59 detects that the height of the drain has reached the water level detection unit 59.

[0053] The lid part 150 includes a plate-shaped lid plate 151 that closes the second chamber 102, the third chamber 103, and the fourth chamber 104, and a bulging part 152 that is arranged to cover the first chamber 101 and bulges upward from the lid plate 151. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bulging part 152 is provided so as to bulge above the first chamber 101, and a space (a guiding space for guiding the drain) that communicates with the space in the inlet 160 is formed inside. The drain passing through the bulging part 152 is not directly guided to the second chamber 102 or the fourth chamber 104, but is guided to the first chamber 101. The inner wall part of the bulging part 152 and the above-described third flow path 143 function as a guiding part 105. The guiding part 105 guides the drain that has entered the inlet 160 to a region on one end side in the first direction (specifically, in the region of the second introduction chamber 101B on the front end side) in the first flow path 141. The drain passing through the guiding part 105 may flow directly from the bulging part 152 into the second introduction chamber 101B, or may once flow into the third flow path 143 from the bulging part 152 and then flow into the second introduction chamber 101B. In the neutralizer 55, the drain guided to a region on one end side in the first direction (specifically, the region of the second introduction chamber 101B) of the first flow path 141 by the guiding part 105 is caused to flow to the other side (rear side) in the first direction by the first flow path 141 and is sent into a region on one side in the second direction (right side) in the guiding path 144. Then, the drain sent into the region on one side in the second direction (right side) in the guiding path 144 is caused to flow to the other side (left side) in the second direction by the guiding path 144 and is sent into a region on the other side in the first direction (rear side) in the second flow path 142. Then, the drain sent into the region on the other side in the first direction (rear side) in the second flow path 142 is caused to flow to one side in the first direction (front side) by the second flow path 142 and is discharged from a discharge port 106 provided near an end on one side in the first direction (front side) of the second flow path 142.

[0054] In neutralizer 55, the first chamber 101, the second chamber 102, and the third chamber 103 within the case main body 100 are filled with a neutralizing agent (not shown), and in this state where the neutralizing agent is filled, the upper opening 100B is closed by the lid portion 150. With respect to the lid portion 150, the entire annular upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 110 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is in close contact, and leakage of fluid to the outside through the space between the peripheral wall portion 110 and the lid portion 150 is blocked.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first chamber 101 is an individual accommodation portion disposed inside the case main body 100 so that the drain introduced from the inlet 160 is fed therein, and the upper end portion has an opening shape that is L-shaped in plan view. The first chamber 101 is provided near the front end portion in the accommodation portion 100A. The first chamber 101 includes a first introduction chamber 101A and a second introduction chamber 101B. The first introduction chamber 101A constitutes the front end portion of the accommodation portion 100A and is configured to extend from the left side to the right side. The first introduction chamber 101A is constituted by a part near the front end portion of the third standing wall 113, the partition wall 131A, a part near the front end portion of the second standing wall 112 (specifically, the portion in front of the partition wall 131A), and a part near the front end portion of the bottom wall portion 108 (specifically, the portion in front of the partition wall 131A). The first introduction chamber 101A is configured as a third flow path 143. The second introduction chamber 101B communicates with a portion on one side in the second direction in the first introduction chamber 101A, constitutes one end portion in the second direction of the accommodation portion 100A, and is configured to extend toward the other side (rear side) in the first direction. The second introduction chamber 101B is constituted by the partition wall 131B, the second partition wall 132, a portion near the front end (specifically, the portion in front of the third partition wall 133) of the first standing wall 111, the third partition wall 133, and a portion near the front end and the right end of the bottom wall portion 108 (specifically, the portion behind the front end of the partition wall 131B, in front of the third partition wall 133, and on the right side of the partition wall 131B and the second partition wall 132). The first chamber 101 constitutes an L-shaped accommodation space in plan view. The opening region at the upper end portion of the first chamber 101 is partially blocked by a filter plate 95 described later, and the drain flowing down or falling from above the filter plate 95 enters the first chamber 101 through the holes formed in the filter plate 95. In FIG. 10, the filter plate 95 is shown omitted, and in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the filter plate 95 is shown.;

[0056] The third partition wall 133 is a wall portion at the rear end of the first chamber 101 and a wall portion at the front end on one side in the second direction in the second chamber 102. In the third partition wall 133 that partitions the space in the first chamber 101 and the space in the second chamber 102, a first passage port 133A configured as a lower communication port is provided to open near the lower end portion. The first passage port 133A is a path for allowing the drain to pass through on the lower end side of the third partition wall 133. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the first passage port 133A is constituted by a notch portion provided on the lower end side of the third partition wall 133 and a part of the bottom wall portion 108. The first passage port 133A is a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction and communicates the space in the first chamber 101 and the space in the second chamber 102. The drain in the first chamber 101 flows from the lower side through the first passage port 133A into the second chamber 102. In a region above the upper end of the first passage port 133A and below the upper end of the third partition wall 133, the movement of the drain between the first chamber 101 and the second chamber 102 is blocked by the third partition wall 133. The first chamber 101 is filled with a neutralizing agent, and in order for the drain to move from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102, it is necessary to pass through the first passage port 133A near the bottom wall portion 108. Therefore, in the process of the drain passing through the filter plate 95 and reaching the first passage port 133A, the drain contacts the neutralizing agent in a wide range in the vertical direction in the first chamber 101.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second chamber 102 is an individual accommodation portion that guides the drain flowing from the first chamber 101 to the rear side and functions as a guide flow path for guiding the drain. The second chamber 102 is an accommodation portion surrounded by a portion of the first standing wall 111 behind the third partition wall 133, a portion of the second standing wall 112 behind the fifth partition wall 135, the fourth standing wall 114, and a portion of the bottom wall portion 108 behind the third partition wall 133 and behind the fifth partition wall.

[0058] The second chamber 102 includes a first-side flow path 145A, a guiding path 144, and a second-side flow path 145B. The first-side flow path 145A extends from the position of the third partition wall 133 toward the other side (rear side) in the first direction at the other side (rear side) in the first direction of the second introduction chamber 101B and at the one side (right side) in the second direction in the housing portion 100A, and is configured to guide the drain flowing in from the second introduction chamber 101B to the other side in the first direction. The first-side flow path 145A is a flow path whose left and right sides are restricted by the fourth partition wall 134 and a part of the first standing wall 111, and whose upper and lower sides are restricted by a part of the bottom wall portion 108 and a part of the cover plate 151. The guiding path 144 is provided at the other side (rear end side) in the first direction in the housing portion 100A, and is a turning flow path that turns to guide the drain flowing through the first-side flow path 145A to the other side (left side) in the second direction and send it into the second-side flow path 145B. The second-side flow path 145B extends toward the one side (front side) in the first direction at the other side (left side) in the second direction in the housing portion 100A, and is a flow path configured to guide the drain flowing in from the turning flow path (guiding path 144) to the one side (front side) in the first direction. The second-side flow path 145B is a flow path whose left and right sides are restricted by the fourth partition wall 134 and a part of the second standing wall 112, and whose upper and lower sides are restricted by a part of the bottom wall portion 108 and a part of the cover plate 151. The portion of the first flow path 141 behind the third partition wall 133 is the first-side flow path 145A. The portion of the second flow path 142 behind the fifth partition wall 135 is the second-side flow path 145B.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third chamber 103 is an individual storage portion provided on the other side in the second direction in the storage portion 100A and on the other side in the first direction of the other-side flow path 145B. The third chamber 103 is a path between the second chamber 102 and the fourth chamber 104, and is configured such that the drain flowing through the second chamber 102 flows in, and is a flow path that guides the flowing-in drain to the fourth chamber 104. The third chamber 103 has a rear wall portion formed by the fifth partition wall 135 and a front wall portion formed by the sixth partition wall 136. Further, a wall portion on one side in the second direction is formed by the second partition wall 132, a wall portion on the other side in the second direction is formed by a part of the second standing wall 112 (the portion between the fifth partition wall 135 and the sixth partition wall 136), and a bottom portion is formed by a part of the bottom wall portion 108. The third chamber 103 has a box-like form in which the front, rear, left, right, and lower sides of the internal space are covered by the fifth partition wall 135, the sixth partition wall 136, the second partition wall 132, a part of the second standing wall 112, and a part of the bottom wall portion 108, and the upper side is open, and the opening at the upper end portion of the third chamber 103 is closed so as to be covered by the cover plate 151. Since the upper end portions of the second partition wall 132, the upper end portion of the fifth partition wall 135, and the upper end portion of the second standing wall 112 are continuously in close contact with the cover plate 151, near the upper end portion of the third chamber 103, the outflow of liquid beyond the upper end portion to one side in the second direction, the other side in the second direction, and the other side in the first direction is blocked.

[0060] The other-side flow path 145B and the third chamber 103 are partitioned by a fifth partition wall 135. In the fifth partition wall 135, a second through-hole 135A configured as a lower communication port is provided and opened near the lower end portion. The second through-hole 135A is a path for allowing the drain to pass on the lower end side of the fifth partition wall 135. The second through-hole 135A is constituted by a notch provided on the lower end side of the fifth partition wall 135 and a part of the bottom wall portion 108. The second through-hole 135A is a through-hole penetrating in the front-rear direction, and communicates the space in the third chamber 103 with the space other than the third chamber 103 in the other-side flow path 145B (the space on the rear side of the third chamber 103). The drain flows from the space on the rear side of the third chamber 103 (the space in the other-side flow path 145B) to the third chamber 103 through the second through-hole 135A. Above the upper end of the second through-hole 135A in the fifth partition wall 135, the movement of the drain between the other-side flow path 145B and the third chamber 103 is blocked.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fourth chamber 104 is an individual accommodation portion for discharging the drain that has flowed further rearward from the third chamber 103 located at the downstream end of the second chamber 102 to the outside of the neutralizer 55, and is a flow path provided with a discharge port 106 at the bottom. The fourth chamber 104 is provided on one side in the first direction of the third chamber 103 on the other side in the second direction in the accommodation portion 100A. Specifically, the fourth chamber 104 is located at a position sandwiched from both sides in the first direction (both front and rear directions) by the third chamber 103 and the first introduction chamber 101A, and is disposed on the other side in the second direction (left side) of the second introduction chamber 101B. The fourth chamber 104 is configured with an upper end opening by a part of the second standing wall 112 (specifically, the portion on the rear side of the partition wall 131A and on the front side of the fifth partition wall 135), the partition wall 131A, the partition wall 131B, the fifth partition wall 135, and a part near the front end of the bottom wall portion 108 (specifically, the portion on the rear side of the partition wall 131A, on the front side of the fifth partition wall 135, and on the left side of the partition wall 131B), and the opening at the upper end is configured to be closed by a cover plate 151.

[0062] The space inside the fourth chamber 104 blocks the movement of drain water to one side (right side) in the second direction, the other side (left side) in the second direction, and one side (front side) in the first direction. In the fourth chamber 104, since the upper end portions of the partition wall 131A, the partition wall 131B, and the second standing wall 112 are continuously in close contact with the cover plate 151, near the upper end portion of the fourth chamber 104, the outflow of liquid beyond the upper end portion to one side in the second direction, the other side in the second direction, and one side in the first direction is blocked.

[0063] In the sixth partition wall 136 that separates the space inside the fourth chamber 104 from the space inside the third chamber 103, a third passage port 136A as an upper communication port is provided by opening near the upper end portion. The third passage port 136A is a path for allowing the drain to pass through on the upper end portion side of the sixth partition wall 136. In the region below the lower end portion of the third passage port 136A in the sixth partition wall 136, the movement of drain water between the third chamber 103 and the fourth chamber 104 is blocked by the sixth partition wall 136. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the third passage port 136A is constituted by a notch provided on the upper end side of the sixth partition wall 136. The third passage port 136A constitutes a through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction and communicates the space inside the third chamber 103 with the space of the fourth chamber 104. The drain water in the third chamber 103 flows through the third passage port 136A from above to the fourth chamber 104. The sixth partition wall 136 serves as an overflow wall, and when the water level of the drain in the third chamber 103 rises above a certain level to exceed the lower end portion of the third passage port 136A, the drain water flows from the third chamber 103 to the fourth chamber 104 through the third passage port 136A. That is, until the water levels of the second chamber 102 and the third chamber 103 rise above a certain level, the drain water in the second chamber 102 and the third chamber 103 comes into contact with the neutralizing agent and the neutralization is promoted. When the water levels of the second chamber 102 and the third chamber 103 rise above a certain level, the drain water flows from the third chamber 103 to the fourth chamber 104 and is discharged from the discharge port 106.

[0064] In the fourth chamber 104, a drain outlet 106 is provided in the bottom wall portion 108. A drain discharge pipe 58 (Fig. 1) is connected to the drain outlet 106. The drain outlet 106 is an outlet for discharging the drain that has flowed through the neutralizer 55 and reached the fourth chamber 104, and is configured as a through-hole portion provided in the bottom wall portion 108. The drain in the fourth chamber 104 is discharged to the outside so as to flow down through the drain outlet 106. The drain discharged through the drain outlet 106 flows through the drain discharge pipe 58 and is discharged to the outside of the water heater 1.

[0065] In the present embodiment, in the guiding path 144, a second drain outlet 107 for discharging the drain is provided. The second drain outlet 107 is provided in a portion of the bottom wall portion 108 that constitutes the guiding path 144 and has a through-hole that penetrates vertically. Note that a shut-off valve 90 (Fig. 1) is provided in a configuration for closing the discharge path through the second drain outlet 107. In Fig. 1, the shut-off valve 90 is conceptually shown. The shut-off valve 90 is a component that opens and closes the discharge path from the second drain outlet 107. When the shut-off valve 90 closes the above discharge path, the discharge from the second drain outlet 107 is stopped, and when the shut-off valve 90 (Fig. 1) is removed so as to open the above discharge path, the drain is discharged so as to flow down from the second drain outlet 107. The shut-off valve 90 may be any valve that can open and block the path through which the water flows out from the second drain outlet 107, and may be a valve that blocks or opens the hole of the second drain outlet 107, or may be a valve that blocks or opens the pipe connected to the second drain outlet 107.

[0066] In the neutralizer 55, the upper ends of the first upright wall 111, the second upright wall 112, the third upright wall 113, and the fourth upright wall 114 are continuously and annularly in close contact with the cover plate 151 of the cover portion 150. Therefore, it is blocked that the drain flows out to the outside of the peripheral wall portion 110 through between the peripheral wall portion 110 and the cover plate 151 beyond the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 110. And the upper ends of the first partition wall 131, the second partition wall 132, and the fifth partition wall 135 are in close contact with the cover portion 150. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an annular upper end of the regions of the third chamber 103 and the fourth chamber 104 is continuously formed by a part of the second upright wall 112, the first partition wall 131, the second partition wall 132, and the fifth partition wall 135, and the whole of this annular upper end is in close contact with the cover portion 150. Therefore, it is blocked that the fluid flows from one of the third chamber 103 and the first chamber 101 to the other through between the second partition wall 132 and the cover portion 150. Similarly, it is blocked that the fluid flows from one of the third chamber 103 and the second chamber 102 to the other through between the fifth partition wall 135 and the cover portion 150. Also, it is blocked that the fluid flows from one of the fourth chamber 104 and the first chamber 101 to the other through between the first partition wall 131 and the cover portion 150.

[0067] On the other hand, the drain is allowed to pass between the upper ends of the third partition wall 133 and the fourth partition wall 134 and the cover portion 150. In the example of FIGS. 8 and 9, the whole upper end of the third partition wall 133 is configured as the first separation portion 133Z and is arranged separated from the cover plate 151. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear end portion of the filter plate 95 is placed on the first separation portion 133Z in the third partition wall 133, and the upper surface of the filter plate 95 is separated from the lower surface of the cover plate 151. A space through which the fluid can pass is formed between the upper surface of the rear end portion of the filter plate 95 and the lower surface of the cover plate 151. When the liquid level in the first chamber 101 rises to such an extent that it exceeds the upper surface of the rear end portion of the filter plate 95, the liquid flows from the first chamber 101 side to the second chamber 102 side through the above gap.

[0068] Furthermore, a second separation portion 134Z is provided near the front end portion at the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134, and the second separation portion 134Z is configured to be separated from the cover plate 151. Specifically, a through hole is formed by the second separation portion 134Z that is recessed downward and a part of the cover plate 151, and fluid can flow from the space in the one-side flow path 145A to the space in the other-side flow path 145B through this through hole. The lower end portion of the second separation portion 134Z is at a position lower than the upper surface of the filter plate 95. The width of the second separation portion 134Z in the first direction is smaller than the width of the first separation portion 133Z in the second direction and smaller than the width of the rear end portion (the portion away from the cover plate 151) of the filter plate 95 in the second direction. The width of the gap formed by the second separation portion 134Z in the first direction is smaller than the width of the gap formed between the rear end portion of the filter plate 95 and the cover plate 151 in the second direction.

[0069] 1-3. Examples of effects In the neutralizer 55, during normal times when drain flows in little by little from the inlet 160, the drain that has flowed into the first chamber 101 flows into the second chamber 102 through the first passage port 133A provided on the lower end side of the third partition wall 133, and flows through the one-side flow path 145A, the guiding path 144 (return flow path), the other-side flow path 145B, and the like. Therefore, neutralization is effectively performed in the second chamber 102 and the like. On the other hand, when the amount of fluid flowing in from the inlet 160 suddenly increases rapidly and the fluid in the first chamber 101 is about to overflow (for example, when fluid flows in in an amount exceeding the upper end portion of the third partition wall 133 or the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134), the fluid flows from the first chamber 101 into the second chamber 102 through the gap between the third partition wall 133 and the cover portion 150, and further, the fluid flows so as to bypass through the gap between the fourth partition wall 134 and the cover portion 150. Therefore, the flow of fluid from the first chamber 101 to the second chamber 102 is promoted, and in the second chamber 102, the flow of fluid from the upstream end side to the downstream end side is promoted. Thus, the fluid that has flowed in suddenly can be discharged more quickly and easily, and the overflow of fluid from the neutralizer 55 can be suppressed.

[0070] In the neutralizer 55, since a first separation portion 133Z that is separated from the lid portion 150 is provided in a wide range from a position closer to the first standing wall 111 to a position closer to the second partition wall 132 at the upper end portion of the third partition wall 133, when the amount of fluid flowing into the first chamber 101 rapidly increases to exceed the upper end portion of the third partition wall 133, it can be more quickly poured into the second chamber 102. For example, if there is a rapid increase in the amount of fluid that can be accumulated in the second chamber 102, by pouring it into the second chamber 102 earlier, it is possible to more reliably prevent the first chamber 101 from overflowing.

[0071] In the neutralizer 55, since a close contact portion 134X is provided in a wide range at the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134, it is possible to somewhat suppress the flow from the one - side flow path 145A to the other - side flow path 145B beyond the upper end portion of the fourth partition wall 134. On the other hand, when the amount of fluid flowing into the first chamber 101 rapidly increases to exceed the upper end portion of the third partition wall 133, in the second chamber 102, it can be bypassed at a more upstream position by the second separation portion 134Z and sent to the downstream end side of the second chamber 102.

[0072] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by the above description and drawings. For example, the features of the above - described or below - described embodiments can be combined in any combination within a non - conflicting range. Also, any feature of the above - described or below - described embodiments can be omitted if it is not explicitly specified as essential. Furthermore, the above - described embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0073] In the above - described embodiment, a bathtub - side circuit (a circuit capable of circulating and heating the hot water in the bathtub 37) including a bathtub primary heat exchanger 13, a bathtub secondary heat exchanger 14, a pump 38, etc. is provided in the water heater 1, but the bathtub - side circuit may not be provided. That is, in a water heater without a bathtub - side circuit, the above - described neutralizer 55 may be provided.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the water heater 1 is not provided with a heating circuit, but the water heater may be configured as a water heater with a heating circuit that supplies a heat medium to a heating terminal.

[0075] It should be considered that all aspects of the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed this time, and it is intended that all modifications within the scope indicated by the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1: Water heater 55: Neutralizer 100: Case main body 100A: Accommodation part 100B: Opening 101: First chamber 101A: First introduction chamber 101B: Second introduction chamber 102: Second chamber 103: Third chamber 104: Fourth chamber 106: Outlet 108: Bottom wall 110: Peripheral wall 111: First standing wall 112: Second standing wall 113: Third standing wall 114: Fourth standing wall 130: Partition part 131: First partition wall 131A: Partition wall 131B: Partition wall 132: Second partition wall 133: Third partition wall 133A: First passage 133Z: First separation part 134: Fourth partition wall 134X: Contact part 134Z: Second separation part 135: Fifth partition wall 135A: Second passage port 136: Fifth partition wall 136: Sixth partition wall 136A: Third passage port 144: Guide path (return flow path) 145A: One - side flow path 145B: The other - side flow path 150: Cover part 151: Cover plate

Claims

1. A case body portion including a bottom wall portion having an outlet for discharging drainage and a peripheral wall portion connected to the bottom wall portion, and a storage portion for a neutralizing agent is formed inside the peripheral wall portion; a lid portion that is connected to an upper end side of the case main body portion so as to cover the storage portion from above, the lid portion including an inlet for introducing drainage water; A neutralizer for a water heater having a first chamber into which the drain introduced from the inlet is sent, a second chamber configured as a flow path into which the drain that has passed through the first chamber flows, a third chamber into which the drain that has passed through the second chamber flows, and a fourth chamber including the discharge port and into which the drain that has passed through the third chamber flows, The neutralizing agent is contained in the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, the peripheral wall portion includes a first upright wall and a second upright wall extending from one side to the other side in a first direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and rising from the bottom wall portion, and a third upright wall and a fourth upright wall rising from the bottom wall portion, the first upright wall and the second upright wall face each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the third upright wall and the fourth upright wall are connected to both sides of the first upright wall and the second upright wall, respectively, in the first direction; The case body has a flat shape with a width in the first direction greater than a width in the second direction, The inlet is provided near one end of the lid in the first direction, The first chamber is provided near one end of the accommodation portion in the first direction, the second chamber includes: a one-side flow passage that extends toward the other side in the first direction on the other side of the first chamber and on the one side in the second direction of the accommodating portion and guides the drainage flowing in from the first chamber to the other side in the first direction; a turn-back flow passage that is provided on the other side of the first direction of the accommodating portion and guides the drainage that has flowed through the one-side flow passage to the other side in the second direction; and a other-side flow passage that extends toward the one side in the first direction on the other side in the second direction of the accommodating portion and guides the drainage flowing in from the turn-back flow passage to the one side in the first direction, the third chamber is provided on the one side in the first direction of the other-side flow path on the other side in the second direction of the accommodation portion, The fourth chamber is provided on the other side of the accommodation portion in the second direction and on one side of the third chamber in the first direction, The storage section includes: a first partition wall that separates a space in the fourth chamber from a space in the first chamber; a second partition wall that separates a space in the third chamber from a space in the first chamber; a third partition wall that separates a space in the first chamber from a space in the one-side flow path; a fourth partition wall that separates a space in the one-side flow path from a space in the other-side flow path; a fifth partition wall that separates a space in the other side flow passage from a space in the third chamber; a sixth partition wall that separates a space in the third chamber from a space in the fourth chamber; having a first passage port through which drain passes is provided on a lower end side of the third partition wall, an upper end portion of each of the first partition wall, the second partition wall, and the fifth partition wall is in close contact with the lid portion; Drain can pass between the upper end portions of the third partition wall and the fourth partition wall and the lid portion. Neutralizer for water heater.

2. an end portion of the third partition wall on one side in the second direction is connected to the first upright wall, and an end portion of the third partition wall on the other side in the second direction is connected to the second partition wall, A first spaced portion is provided at an upper end of the third partition wall from a position close to the first upright wall to a position close to the second partition wall, the first spaced portion being spaced from the lid portion. The neutralizer for a water heater according to claim 1.

3. a second spaced portion spaced from the lid portion is provided at an upper end portion of the fourth partition wall toward an end portion on one side in the first direction of the fourth partition wall, a contact portion that is in contact with the lid portion and is provided on the other side in the first direction relative to the second separation portion at an upper end portion of the fourth partition wall, The length of the second spaced portion in the first direction is smaller than the length of the contact portion in the first direction. The neutralizer for a water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

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