water heater

Abstract

To provide a water heater which comprises a neutralizer and enables the positional deviation thereof in fore-and-rear directions and a width direction to be highly surely regulated while the neutralizer is attached to a casing main body, and enables the water heater to be attached / detached to / from the casing main body with easy work.SOLUTION: In a water heater 1, specific means 30 has a first fitting portion 61 and a first engagement portion 62. The first fitting portion 61 protrudes frontward from a connecting base portion 60, or recesses in the connecting base portion 60, and to a back side. The first engagement portion 62 protrudes to one side in an engagement direction from the connecting base portion 60, or recesses in the connecting base portion 60, and to the other side in the engagement direction. A fixture 100 has a second fitting portion 111, a second engagement portion 122 and a deformation portion 121. The second fitting portion 111 can be irregularly fit to the first fitting portion 61. The second engagement portion 122 can be fit to the first engagement portion 62 in a concavo-concave manner. The deformation portion 121 displaces the second engagement portion 122 in the engagement direction by elastic deformation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional water heater. This water heater includes a combustion device, a heat exchanger, a neutralizer, and a housing.

[0003] The combustion device generates high-temperature combustion gas. The heat exchanger heats the water passing through it with the combustion gas to convert it into hot water. The neutralizer neutralizes the drain water generated by the condensation of water vapor in the combustion gas. ?

[0004] The housing has a housing body and a front plate (not shown). The housing body has a rear wall, an upper wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls facing each other in the width direction, and is in a substantially box shape with the front face opened by a housing opening. The front plate covers the housing opening. The housing houses the combustion device, the heat exchanger, and the neutralizer. The neutralizer is placed on the bottom wall.

[0005] The neutralizer has a container and an upper lid. As shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, the upper lid integrally has a fixing piece protruding upward from its rear end edge. As shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, the neutralizer is fastened to the housing body by inserting a screw into the screw hole of the fixing piece and further screwing it into the rear wall of the housing body. Thereby, the displacement of the neutralizer in the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the width direction is restricted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, in order to improve the maintainability of water heaters, there is a need to make it easier to install and remove neutralizers from the main unit.

[0008] In this respect, with the conventional water heaters mentioned above, users have to reach their hands into the recessed areas of the main body of the casing to attach and detach screws, making it difficult to simplify the work.

[0009] Furthermore, there are water heaters with configurations different from the conventional water heaters described above. In these water heaters, for example, a specific means, such as a combustion device housed within the main casing and fixed to the casing, is connected to a neutralizer by a fastener. One end of the fastener and the neutralizer are fastened with a screw, and a part of the specific means and the other end of the fastener are fastened with a screw. In this case as well, it is difficult to facilitate work because the direction of attachment and detachment of the screws is not in the front-to-back direction, or the screws are in a position where it is difficult to reach in, surrounded by the neutralizer, the specific means, and the fastener.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a water heater that can reliably restrict positional displacement in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions of the neutralizer when it is attached to the main body of the housing, and that can also facilitate the work of attaching and detaching it from the main body of the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The water heater of the present invention comprises a combustion device that generates high-temperature combustion gas, A heat exchanger that heats water passing through it with the combustion gas to convert it into hot water, A neutralizer for neutralizing the drain water generated by the condensation of water vapor in the combustion gas, A housing having a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls facing each other in the width direction, with a substantially box-shaped housing body whose front is open by a housing opening, and a front plate covering the housing opening, wherein the housing houses the combustion device, the heat exchanger, and the neutralizer, and the neutralizer is placed on the bottom wall, A water heater equipped with, A fixing device having a neutralizer connecting portion that connects to the neutralizer, and a connected portion that is integral with the neutralizer connecting portion and located at a position separated from the neutralizer connecting portion, The housing comprises a specific means housed in the housing in a state fixed to the housing body, the specific means having a connecting base that restricts the displacement of the neutralizer via the fixing device by connecting to the connected portion of the fixing device, The specified means has a first fitting portion and a first engaging portion formed on the connecting base, The first fitting portion protrudes forward from the connecting base, or is recessed rearward within the connecting base. The first engaging portion protrudes from the connecting base in one of the engagement directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction, or is recessed within the connecting base in the other direction of the engagement direction. The fastener has a second fitting portion, a second engaging portion, and a deformable portion formed on the connected portion, The second fitting portion is capable of interlocking with the first fitting portion, The second engaging portion is capable of interlocking with the first engaging portion, The deformable portion is characterized by displacing the second engaging portion in the engagement direction by elastic deformation.

[0012] In the water heater of the present invention, with the neutralizer attached to the main body of the housing, the bottom wall on which the neutralizer is placed supports the weight of the neutralizer, and the neutralizer connecting portion of the fixing device is connected to the neutralizer. The connecting base portion of the specific means and the connected portion of the fixing device are connected by a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion that interlock with each other, and by a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that interlock with each other.

[0013] A configuration in which the second fitting portion can engage with the first fitting portion in a concave-concave manner means, specifically, that when the first fitting portion protrudes, the second fitting portion recesses into the connected portion and forward, and when the first fitting portion recesses, the second fitting portion protrudes backward from the connected portion. Configurations in which the second fitting portion recesses into the connected portion and forward include, for example, a bottomed hole, a through hole, a burred hole, etc. A configuration in which the second engaging portion can engage with the first engaging portion in a concave-concave manner means, specifically, that when the first engaging portion protrudes, the second engaging portion recesses into the connected portion and in one direction in the engagement direction, and when the first engaging portion recesses, the second engaging portion protrudes from the connected portion in the other direction in the engagement direction. Configurations in which the second engaging portion recesses into the connected portion and in one direction in the engagement direction also include, for example, a bottomed hole, a through hole, a burred hole, etc.

[0014] In this case, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion restrict the connected portion from being misaligned in the vertical and width directions relative to the connecting base. Furthermore, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion restrict the connected portion from being misaligned at least in the front-rear direction relative to the connecting base.

[0015] As a result, the neutralizer's positional displacement in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions is reliably controlled by the connecting base and fixing device.

[0016] On the other hand, by displacing the second engaging portion in one direction in the engagement direction due to the elastic deformation of the deformable portion formed on the connected portion, and separating it from the first engaging portion, the interlocking engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be easily released. Then, by sliding the second fitting portion forward relative to the first fitting portion, the interlocking engagement between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion can be easily released.

[0017] In other words, the water heater of the present invention does not require fastening means such as screws to connect the connecting base of the specific means and the connected part of the fixing device, and the connection and disconnection of the connecting base of the specific means and the connected part of the fixing device can be easily performed.

[0018] As a result, after removing the front plate from the housing body, an operator performing maintenance work on the water heater of the present invention can easily release the connection between the connection base of the specifying means and the connected portion of the fixture while the neutralizer connecting portion of the fixture remains connected to the neutralizer, and can easily take out the neutralizer in the state where the fixture is connected from the housing body forward. In addition, if the neutralizer is not only placed on the bottom wall but also fastened to the bottom wall with screws or the like, the above work is performed after releasing the fastening. Further, the operator can easily attach the neutralizer in the state where the fixture is connected to the housing body and place the neutralizer on the bottom wall by the reverse operation.

[0019] That is, the operator can attach and detach the neutralizer in the state where the fixture is connected to the housing body mainly by performing an operation of moving the hand in the front-rear direction while being positioned in front of the housing body.

[0020] Therefore, the water heater of the present invention can highly reliably regulate the displacement of the neutralizer in the front-rear direction, vertical direction, and width direction in the state of being attached to the housing body, and can facilitate the work of attaching and detaching the neutralizer to and from the housing body.

[0021] It is desirable that the connected portion has a first portion formed with a second fitting portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending rearward, formed with a deformation portion and a second engaging portion. And it is desirable that the second portion has a guide portion inclined rearward and in one direction of the engaging direction at a portion located rearward of the second engaging portion in the second portion.

[0022] In this case, when the second fitting portion is slid rearward from a position forward of the first fitting portion to engage the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion in a concave-convex manner, the guide portion can preferably guide the second engaging portion toward the first engaging portion while slidingly contacting the connection base, so that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be engaged in a concave-convex manner with high reliability. Further, the operator can easily separate the second engaging portion from the first engaging portion by gripping the guide portion and elastically deforming the deformation portion of the second portion in one direction of the engaging direction, so that the concave-convex engagement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be more easily released.

[0023] It is desirable that the connected part has a third part that is connected to the first part at a position separated from the second part in the other direction of the engagement direction and extends rearward. The third part preferably has a contact part that contacts the connecting base from the other direction of the engagement direction in a state where the first engaging part and the second engaging part are in concave-convex engagement. And it is desirable that the third part has an opposing guide part that is inclined rearward and in the other direction of the engagement direction at a part located rearward of the contact part in the third part.

[0024] In this case, when the second fitting part is slid rearward from a position in front of the first fitting part to make the first fitting part and the second fitting part in concave-convex fitting, the guide part and the opposing guide part are located outside the engagement direction with respect to the connecting base and slide on the connecting base, and the second engaging part can be suitably guided toward the first engaging part. Therefore, the first engaging part and the second engaging part can be made to engage in a concave-convex manner with higher certainty. Further, in a state where the first engaging part and the second engaging part are in concave-convex engagement, the second engaging part in the second part and the contact part of the third part sandwich the connecting base in the engagement direction, so that the second engaging part is difficult to disengage from the first engaging part.

[0025] It is desirable that the neutralizer has a front wall that partitions a space for neutralizing drain water from the front. And it is desirable that the connected part and the connecting base are located in front of the front wall of the neutralizer.

[0026] In this case, when the operator attaches and detaches the fixture to and from the housing body of the neutralizer in a connected state, regarding the operation of moving the hand back and forth in front of the housing body, it can be mainly performed near oneself without extending the hand so much. As a result, this water heater can achieve further improvement in maintainability.

[0027] It is desirable that the length of the housing in the front-to-back direction is greater than the length of the housing in the width direction. In this case, the water heater of the present invention is a water heater called a narrow-installation type water heater or a slim water heater. Furthermore, when the worker attaches and detaches the neutralizer to the housing body with the fixing device connected, it is difficult to move the neutralizer in the width direction within the housing. For this reason, this water heater can reliably enjoy the effects and advantages of the present invention.

[0028] It is desirable that the first mating portion be configured to perform functions other than its function of interlocking with the second mating portion. Specific examples of these other functions include assisting in the measurement of pressure, temperature, or flow velocity related to a combustion device or heat exchanger, or supporting or positioning functional components housed within the casing. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the first mating portion only performs the function of interlocking with the second mating portion.

[0029] The specific means is preferably a combustion device. The connecting base is preferably a passage through which fuel gas for generating combustion gas passes. Another function is preferably a function to assist in measuring pressure, temperature, or flow velocity within the passage. Such a specific configuration can reliably reduce the number of parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the water heater of the present invention, the neutralizer can be reliably controlled to prevent misalignment in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions while attached to the main body of the housing, and the work of attaching and detaching it from the main body of the housing can be made easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the water heater in Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the water heater of Example 1, showing the unit with the front panel removed. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view of the water heater of Example 1, with the front panel removed and the top wall, rear wall, and a pair of side walls shown by dashed lines, and shows the combustion device, main heat exchanger, secondary heat exchanger, and neutralizer. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the water heater of Example 1, showing the relative relationships between the bottom wall, neutralizer, fixing device, and combustion device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing the relative relationship between the neutralizer, fixing device, and combustion device of the water heater in Example 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view showing the relative relationship between the neutralizer, fixing device, and combustion device of the water heater in Example 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the water heater of Example 1, showing the neutralizer, fixing device, and connecting base. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing device and connecting base of the water heater according to Example 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the fixing device for the water heater of Example 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixing device and connecting base of the water heater according to Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Examples 1 and 2, which embody the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (Example 1) As shown in Figure 1, the water heater 1 of Embodiment 1 is an example of a specific embodiment of the water heater of the present invention. In the following description, the front plate 89 side of the housing 8 of the water heater 1, that is, the front side of the paper in Figure 1, is defined as the front of the water heater 1, the side wall 84L side of the water heater 1, that is, the left side of the paper in Figure 1, is defined as the left side of the water heater 1, and the top side of the paper in Figure 1 is defined as the top of the water heater 1. Furthermore, the front, back, left, right, and up and down directions shown in each of the figures from Figure 2 onward will all be shown corresponding to Figure 1. The components of the water heater 1 will be described below.

[0034] <Enclosure> As shown in Figure 1, the water heater 1 is equipped with a housing 8. The housing 8 has a housing body 80 and a front plate 89. In this embodiment, the housing body 80 and the front plate 89 are each made of a metal plate material such as a steel plate.

[0035] The housing body 80 has a rear wall 81 shown by a dashed line in Figure 3, an upper wall 82 shown by a solid line in Figure 2 and by a dashed line in Figure 3, a bottom wall 83 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and a pair of side walls 84L and 84R shown by solid lines in Figures 1 and 2 and by a dashed line in Figure 3.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the main body of the housing 80 is roughly box-shaped with its front opening 80H. Note that the control unit, which is located in front of the neutralizer 50, is not shown in Figure 2.

[0037] The pair of side walls 84L and 84R face each other in the width direction. The width direction of the housing 8 is perpendicular to the front-rear and up-down directions and coincides with the left-right direction in this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the front panel 89 is a roughly rectangular flat plate and covers the housing opening 80H. The housing body 80 and the front panel 89 partition the internal space of the housing 8.

[0039] In this embodiment, the water heater 1 is a water heater called a narrow-installation type water heater or slim water heater, and the length L2 in the width direction of the housing 8 is restricted according to the narrow installation location in the width direction.

[0040] Therefore, it is necessary to secure the internal volume of the housing 8, and the length L1 in the front-to-back direction of the housing 8 is greater than the length L2 in the width direction of the housing 8, and the length L3 in the vertical direction of the housing 8 is significantly greater than the length L2 in the width direction of the housing 8. In this embodiment, length L1 is greater than 1.5 times length L2, and length L3 is greater than 3 times length L2.

[0041] When performing maintenance work on water heater 1 installed in a confined space, the worker will remove the front panel 89 from the main body 80 and perform the work while positioned in front of the main body 80.

[0042] <Combustion device> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water heater 1 is equipped with a combustion device 30. The combustion device 30 is housed in a casing 8 and is located in the middle of the casing 8 in the vertical direction.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the combustion device 30 is roughly box-shaped and has a combustion chamber (not shown) and multiple gas burners inside. As shown in Figure 2, a combustion fan 30F is connected to the bottom side of the combustion device 30.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the combustion device 30 has a manifold 35 on its left side. The manifold 35 is made up of a manifold body 36 which is an aluminum casting and a manifold cover 37 which is a sheet metal processed part.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, a gas inlet 36A is formed at the center in the front-to-back direction at the lower end of the right side of the manifold body 36, protruding downward. Multiple gas solenoid valves 36V are assembled on the right side of the manifold body 36.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, a flow path 60C is recessed on the left side of the manifold body 36. As shown in Figure 5, the manifold cover 37 is fastened to the left side of the manifold body 36 and covers the flow path 60C.

[0047] Fuel gas, having passed through a gas supply pipe (not shown), a main gas solenoid valve, a gas proportional valve, etc., is introduced into the gas inlet 36A. The fuel gas is city gas, propane gas, etc. The fuel gas introduced into the gas inlet 36A passes through the flow path 60C. The flow path 60C branches into multiple paths, supplying fuel gas to multiple gas burners of the combustion device 30. Multiple gas solenoid valves 36V adjust the supply of fuel gas to each gas burner along the flow path 60C.

[0048] The combustion device 30 supplies combustion air into the combustion chamber with a combustion fan 30F and generates high-temperature combustion gas by burning the fuel gas discharged from each gas burner.

[0049] <Main heat exchanger and secondary heat exchanger> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water heater 1 is equipped with a main heat exchanger 41 and a secondary heat exchanger 42. The main heat exchanger 41 and the secondary heat exchanger 42 are examples of the "heat exchanger" of the present invention.

[0050] The main heat exchanger 41 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 are housed in the casing 8. The main heat exchanger 41 is located above the combustion device 30. The auxiliary heat exchanger 42 is located above the main heat exchanger 41.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the main heat exchanger 41 has a boiler 41B. The boiler 41B is open on both its top and bottom sides. The bottom side of the boiler 41B is connected to the top side of the combustion device 30. The combustion gas generated by the combustion device 30 passes through the inside of the boiler 41B.

[0052] The main heat exchanger 41 has heat transfer tubes (not shown) and a plurality of heat transfer fins inside. The main heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat between water flowing through the heat transfer tubes and combustion gas passing through the inside of the boiler 41B, and absorbs the sensible heat of the combustion gas.

[0053] The auxiliary heat exchanger 42 has an outer casing 42B. As shown in Figure 2, an exhaust port 49 is provided at the top of the front of the outer casing 42B. The exhaust port 49 is roughly cylindrical and protrudes forward. As shown in Figure 1, the exhaust port 49 is exposed on the front of the housing 8 by passing through a circular opening that penetrates the upper end of the front plate 89.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the outer casing 42B is open on the bottom side, and this bottom side is connected to the top side of the main heat exchanger 41's boiler 41B. The combustion gas that has passed through the boiler 41B passes through the inside of the outer casing 42B and is then exhausted to the outside of the housing 8 via the exhaust port 49.

[0055] The auxiliary heat exchanger 42 has heat transfer tubes (not shown). The heat transfer tubes are corrugated tubes that meander, including multiple straight sections and multiple folded sections that are folded in an arc shape to connect the straight sections.

[0056] The auxiliary heat exchanger 42 performs heat exchange between water flowing through the heat transfer tubes and combustion gas passing through the inside of the boiler body 41B, absorbing the latent heat of the combustion gas.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the water supply port P1, hot water supply port P2, etc., are provided on the lower side of the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, water supplied from an external water source passes through the water supply port P1, then through the water volume control unit 45, etc., and flows into the heat transfer tubes of the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 via the water supply pipe P1A. The partially heated water flowing out of the heat transfer tubes of the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 flows into the heat transfer tubes of the main heat exchanger 41 via the intermediate water supply pipe P1B. The hot water flowing out of the heat transfer tubes of the main heat exchanger 41 reaches the hot water supply port P2 via a hot water supply pipe (not shown).

[0059] In this way, the main heat exchanger 41 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 heat the water passing through them with combustion gas to convert it into hot water. The water heater 1 then supplies hot water to faucets and other fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom of the house where the water heater 1 is installed, via the hot water port P2.

[0060] <Configuration in which the combustion device, main heat exchanger, and secondary heat exchanger are fixed to the main body of the housing> As shown in Figure 3, the combustion device 30, the main heat exchanger 41's boiler 41B, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 42's outer casing 42B are connected, thereby forming a single assembled structure.

[0061] A fixing bracket 93A is fastened to the bottom surface of the combustion device 30. The fixing bracket 93A is bent below the rear surface of the combustion device 30 and extends downward. A fixing bracket 93B is fastened to the downward-extending portion of the fixing bracket 93A.

[0062] The fixing bracket 93B is bent into an inverted U-shape when viewed from the front or rear direction and protrudes to the rear. Multiple bent pieces are formed at the rear end of the fixing bracket 93B, along the rear wall 81. The multiple bent pieces of the fixing bracket 93B are fastened to the rear wall 81.

[0063] A fixing bracket 91 is fastened to the upper side of the outer casing 42B of the auxiliary heat exchanger 42, near the exhaust port 49. The fixing bracket 91 is bent into an inverted U shape when viewed from the left and right. The upper part of the fixing bracket 91 extends in the left and right directions along the upper wall 82. The upper part of the fixing bracket 91 is fastened to the upper wall 82.

[0064] A fixing bracket 92 is fastened to the rear surface of the outer casing 42B of the auxiliary heat exchanger 42. The fixing bracket 92 is a roughly rectangular plate and extends horizontally along the rear wall 81. The fixing bracket 92 is fastened to the rear wall 81.

[0065] Thus, the combustion device 30, the main heat exchanger 41, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 are housed in the housing 8 with the rear wall 81 and the upper wall 82 of the housing body 80 fixed to them.

[0066] <Neutralizer> As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the water heater 1 is equipped with a neutralizer 50. The neutralizer 50 is housed in the casing 8 and is located below the combustion device 30. The neutralizer 50 is directly placed on the bottom wall 83. The neutralizer 50 has a neutralizer body 51 and a lid 52.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the neutralizer body 51 is a roughly box-shaped resin molded product with an open top and a space formed inside for neutralizing drain water. The neutralizer body 51 has a front wall 59. The front wall 59 partitions the space for neutralizing drain water from the front.

[0068] The lid 52 is a resin molded product that is roughly flat in shape, with a box-shaped bulge 53 formed in a part of it. The lid 52 covers the neutralizer body 51 by joining its outer edge to the periphery of the upper end of the neutralizer body 51, thereby partitioning the space for neutralizing the drain water from above. The box-shaped bulge 53 bulges upward from the rear part of the lid 52 in a roughly box shape.

[0069] The lid 52 has an overflow water inlet 54A and a drain water inlet 54B. The overflow water inlet 54A protrudes upward in a cylindrical shape from the front part of the lid 52. The drain water inlet 54B protrudes upward in a cylindrical shape from the upper surface of the box-shaped bulge 53 of the lid 52.

[0070] The overflow water inlet 54A is connected to the overflow water outlet of a cistern (not shown) via overflow water piping (not shown). The cistern is a container that stores the circulating water of the heating circuit. The drain water inlet 54B is connected to the drain water outlet of a subheat exchanger 42 (not shown) via drain water piping (not shown).

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, a drain water discharge port P3 is fastened to the lower side of the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80 by screws. A drain water outlet (not shown) is formed on the bottom wall of the neutralizer body 51 so as to protrude downward. The drain water outlet of the neutralizer body 51 passes through a through hole (not shown) in the bottom wall 83 and is inserted into the drain water discharge port P3.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the neutralizer body 51 has an atmospheric outlet 54C. The atmospheric outlet 54C protrudes forward in a cylindrical shape from the lower end of the front wall 59. As shown in Figure 1, the drain side of the neutralizer 50 is connected to an atmospheric outlet valve (not shown) via the atmospheric outlet 54C and the connecting pipe P4.

[0073] The condensate water generated in the auxiliary heat exchanger 42 due to the condensation of water vapor in the combustion gas is introduced into the neutralizer 50 via a drain water piping (not shown) and a drain water inlet 54B. The neutralizer 50 neutralizes the condensate water and discharges it to the outside of the housing 8 via a drain water outlet and a drain water discharge port P3.

[0074] <The neutralizer is fixed to the main body of the casing on its bottom wall side.> As shown in Figure 3, the right wall of the neutralizer body 51 is recessed to the left in a stepped manner relative to its front portion in order to avoid interference with surrounding components.

[0075] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a fixing piece 51A is formed at the front and lower corner of the right wall of the neutralizer body 51, so as to protrude to the right. A screw insertion hole (not shown) is provided through the fixing piece 51A in the front-to-back direction.

[0076] The bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80 has a fixing piece 83A formed therein, which is cut upward in the portion located behind the fixing piece 51A.

[0077] With the neutralizer 50 resting on the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80, the fixing piece 51A abuts against the fixing piece 83A from the front. In this state, a screw is inserted from the front into the screw insertion hole of the fixing piece 51A and then screwed into the fixing piece 83A, thereby fixing the bottom wall side of the neutralizer 50 to the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80.

[0078] Although not shown in the diagram, the through-hole in the bottom wall 83 through which the drain water outlet of the neutralizer body 51 passes has a gap of about 10-15 mm from the outer surface of the drain water outlet.

[0079] By removing the screws that fasten the fixed piece 51A to the fixing piece 83A, and by removing the screws that fasten the drain water discharge port P3 to the bottom wall 83, the drain water discharge port P3 can be separated from the drain water outlet of the neutralizer body 51 and the bottom wall 83, allowing the bottom wall side of the neutralizer 50 to slide forward by about 10-15 mm relative to the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80.

[0080] A combustion device 30 housed in the housing 8 while fixed to the housing body 80 is an example of the "specific means" of the present invention. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the manifold body 36 of the combustion device 30 has a connecting base 60.

[0081] As described below, the connecting base 60 restricts the displacement of the neutralizer 50 via the fixing device 100 by connecting to the connected portion 106 of the fixing device 100, which will be described later.

[0082] The connecting base 60 is located in front of and below the manifold body 36. As shown in Figure 6, the connecting base 60 is located in front of the front wall 59 of the neutralizer 50.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, the connecting base 60 has a front end portion of the flow path 60C. The connecting base 60 also has a portion located below the front end portion of the flow path 60C that bulges downward, and this bulging portion 60B has a cylindrical portion 60A that protrudes to the left. The manifold body 36 of the combustion device 30 has a first fitting portion 61 and a first engaging portion 62 formed on the connecting base 60.

[0084] The first fitting portion 61 is a cylinder that protrudes forward from the front end edge of the connecting base portion 60. The outer edge of the front surface of the first fitting portion 61 is chamfered.

[0085] In this embodiment, the protruding length of the first fitting portion 61 is approximately 13 mm, and the outer diameter of the first fitting portion 61 is approximately 12 mm. In this embodiment, the center of the first fitting portion 61 extends horizontally in the front-rear direction.

[0086] The first fitting portion 61 has a screw hole 61A and a pressure measuring hole 61B formed along its center. The screw hole 61A extends from the front to the rear of the first fitting portion 61. The front end of the pressure measuring hole 61B is connected to the rear end of the screw hole 61A. The rear end of the pressure measuring hole 61B is connected to the front end portion of the flow path 60C.

[0087] Normally, the pressure measuring hole 61B is blocked by screwing a sealing screw 61S into the screw hole 61A. When a worker performs maintenance on the water heater 1, they can measure the pressure in the flow path 60C by removing the sealing screw 61S from the screw hole 61A and screwing the connection end of the pressure measuring device into the screw hole 61A.

[0088] In other words, the first fitting portion 61 is configured to perform a function that assists in measuring the pressure in the flow path 60C. The function of assisting in measuring the pressure in the flow path 60C is an example of a "function other than the function of fitting with the second fitting portion" of the present invention.

[0089] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first engaging portion 62 is a round hole that is recessed from the left side of the cylinder 60A into the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base 60 and to the right, and further penetrates the bulging portion 60B. The first engaging portion 62 is chamfered on the left side of the cylinder 60A.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first engaging portion 62 is approximately 3.5 mm, and the chamfering is approximately 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the center of the first engaging portion 62 extends horizontally in the left-right direction.

[0091] The left-right direction is an example of the "engagement direction perpendicular to the front-back direction" in this invention. The left side in the left-right direction is an example of "one of the engagement directions" in this invention. The right side in the left-right direction is an example of "the other of the engagement directions" in this invention.

[0092] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the neutralizer 50 has a connected projection 55. The connected projection 55 is a plate-like piece that protrudes upward from the front and right corner of the upper surface of the box-shaped bulge 53 and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7, reinforcing ribs 55A and 55B are connected from the left to the front and rear edges of the connected projection 55. A screw insertion hole 55H is provided through the upper end of the connected projection 55 in the left-right direction.

[0094] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the water heater 1 is further equipped with a fixing device 100. The fixing device 100 is made of a metal sheet material such as a steel plate that has been punched, burred, bent, or otherwise processed.

[0095] As shown in Figure 7, the fixing device 100 has a neutralizer connecting portion 105, an intermediate portion 101, and a connected portion 106.

[0096] The neutralizer connector 105 has a rectangular flat plate shape that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. A screw hole 105H is formed in the upper part of the neutralizer connector 105. The screw hole 105H is formed by burring the center of the upper part of the neutralizer connector 105, creating a short projection to the right of the cylinder, on which a female thread is formed on the inner circumference.

[0097] The neutralizer connecting portion 105 has a contact piece 105A. The contact piece 105A is a plate-shaped piece that bends to the left from a portion located below the screw hole 105H at the front edge of the neutralizer connecting portion 105 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0098] The intermediate section 101 is a rectangular flat plate shape that connects to the upper edge of the neutralizer connecting section 105 and extends in the vertical and front-to-back directions. The neutralizer connecting section 105 and the intermediate section 101 are L-shaped when viewed from the left-to-right direction. The length of the intermediate section 101 in the front-to-back direction is significantly larger than the length of the intermediate section 101 in the vertical direction and the length of the neutralizer connecting section 105 in the vertical direction.

[0099] The connected portion 106 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130.

[0100] The first section 110 is T-shaped when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The second section 120 extends rearward from the left edge of the lower part of the first section 110, which is narrower than the upper part. The third section 130 extends rearward from the right edge of the lower part of the first section 110, in other words, from the first section 110 at a position to the right of the second section 120.

[0101] The connected portion 106 is integral with the neutralizer connecting portion 105 via the intermediate portion 101, by the connection of the left end edge of the first portion 110 to the front end edge of the intermediate portion 101. The connected portion 106 is located at a position separated in front of the neutralizer connecting portion 105.

[0102] A reinforcing ridge 101C is formed in the intermediate section 101. The reinforcing ridge 101C is recessed to the right and extends in the front-rear direction from a portion located above the screw hole 105H to the front edge of the intermediate section 101, thereby reinforcing the intermediate section 101.

[0103] A reinforcing ridge 110C is formed on the left side of the upper portion of the first part 110. The reinforcing ridge 110C is recessed to the rear and extends laterally to the left edge of the first part 110, reinforcing the first part 110.

[0104] The connection between the intermediate section 101 and the first section 110 is reinforced by connecting the front end of the reinforcing protrusion 101C with the left end of the reinforcing protrusion 110C.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, with the neutralizer connecting part 105 in contact with the connected projection 55 of the neutralizer 50 from the right, the screw 105S is inserted from the left into the screw insertion hole 55H of the connected projection 55, and then screwed into the screw hole 105H of the neutralizer connecting part 105, thereby connecting the neutralizer connecting part 105 to the connected projection 55 of the neutralizer 50.

[0106] In this state, the contact piece 105A of the neutralizer connecting portion 105 contacts the reinforcing rib 55A from the front. As a result, the contact piece 105A restricts rotation around the screw 105S of the fixing device 100 that would move the connected portion 106 downward, while allowing rotation in the opposite direction.

[0107] As shown in Figure 7, the fastener 100 has a second fitting portion 111, a deformable portion 121, and a second engaging portion 122 formed on the connected portion 106.

[0108] The second fitting portion 111 is formed on the right side of the upper portion of the first portion 110. The second fitting portion 111 is a cylinder formed by burring a part of the first portion 110 so that it protrudes a short distance forward. The inner diameter of the second fitting portion 111 is set to a size that allows the second fitting portion 111 to fit into the first fitting portion 61 and allows the second fitting portion 111 to slide in the front-rear direction relative to the first fitting portion 61.

[0109] In other words, the second fitting portion 111 is recessed into and forward within the first portion 110 of the connected portion 106, and also penetrates the first portion 110, so as to align with the first fitting portion 61 which protrudes forward. As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the second fitting portion 111 can be fitted with the first fitting portion 61 in a concave-concave configuration.

[0110] The first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111, which interlock with each other, restrict the connected portion 106 from being misaligned in the vertical and width directions relative to the connecting base portion 60.

[0111] As shown in Figure 6, the connected portion 106 is located in front of the front wall 59 of the neutralizer 50, with the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111 in a concave-concave

[0112] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the deformed portion 121 and the second engaging portion 122 are formed in the second portion 120.

[0113] The deformable portion 121 is a rectangular flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and up-down directions, and constitutes the front part of the second portion 120. The front edge of the deformable portion 121 is connected to the left edge of the lower part of the first portion 110.

[0114] The second engaging portion 122 is a convex portion that is formed by pressing the center of the deformed portion 121 and protruding briefly to the right. The right-facing surface of the second engaging portion 122 is curved like part of a sphere. The size of the second engaging portion 122 is set to a size that allows it to engage with the first engaging portion 62.

[0115] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the outer circumferential surface of the second engaging portion 122 can contact the chamfered inclined surface of the first engaging portion 62. In this state, the apex of the second engaging portion 122 is located at the center of the first engaging portion 62 and enters the space surrounded by the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the first engaging portion 62.

[0116] In other words, the second engaging portion 122 protrudes to the right from the deformed portion 121 of the second part 120 of the connected portion 106 so as to align with the first engaging portion 62 which is recessed to the right. The second engaging portion 122 can engage with the first engaging portion 62 in a concave-concave manner.

[0117] The first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122, which engage with each other, restrict the connected portion 106 from being misaligned at least in the front-rear direction relative to the connecting base 60.

[0118] The deformable portion 121 is elastically flexible so that its rear edge is displaced to the left or right relative to its front edge. The deformable portion 121 displaces the second engaging portion 122 in the left-right direction through elastic deformation.

[0119] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second portion 120 has a guide portion 125. The guide portion 125 is a rectangular flat plate-shaped portion of the second portion 120 located behind the deformation portion 121 and the second engagement portion 122. The front edge of the guide portion 125 is connected to the rear edge of the deformation portion 121. The guide portion 125 is inclined rearward and to the left.

[0120] The operator can grasp the guide portion 125 and move it to the left, thereby elastically deforming the deformable portion 121 so that its rear edge is displaced to the left relative to its front edge. By displacing the second engaging portion 122 to the left and separating it from the first engaging portion 62 through this elastic deformation of the deformable portion 121, the interlocking engagement between the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 can be easily released.

[0121] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the third portion 130 has a contact portion 133 and an opposing guide portion 135.

[0122] The contact portion 133 is a rectangular flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and up-down directions, and constitutes the front part of the third portion 130. The front edge of the contact portion 133 is connected to the right edge of the lower part of the first portion 110.

[0123] The contact portion 133 is in a state where the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 are engaged in a concave-concave configuration. The contact portion 133 abuts against the right side of the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base 60 from the right. In other words, the contact portion 133, together with the second engaging portion 122, clamps the bulging portion 60B.

[0124] The opposing guide portion 135 is a rectangular, flat plate-shaped portion located behind the contact portion 133 in the third portion 130. The front edge of the opposing guide portion 135 is connected to the rear edge of the contact portion 133. The opposing guide portion 135 is inclined rearward and to the right.

[0125] The guide portion 125 and the opposing guide portion 135 face each other in the left-right direction, and are inclined such that the distance between their rear edges is greater than the distance between their front edges.

[0126] As a result, when sliding the second fitting portion 111 from a position forward of the first fitting portion 61 to the rear to engage the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111, the guide portion 125 and the opposing guide portion 135 are positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base portion 60 and slide in contact with the bulging portion 60B, thereby suitably guiding the second engaging portion 122 toward the first engaging portion 62.

[0127] In this process, when the second engaging portion 122 rides up onto the left side of the cylinder 60A of the bulging portion 60B, the deformable portion 121 elastically deforms and stores a restoring force. When the second engaging portion 122 begins to engage with the first engaging portion 62, the restoring force is released, thereby enabling a highly reliable interlocking of the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122.

[0128] <Effects and Effects> In the water heater 1 of Embodiment 1, with the neutralizer 50 attached to the housing body 80, the bottom wall 83 on which the neutralizer 50 is placed supports the weight of the neutralizer 50, and the neutralizer connecting portion 105 of the fixing device 100 is connected to the connecting protrusion 55 of the neutralizer 50.

[0129] Furthermore, the connecting base 60 of the manifold body 36 of the combustion device 30 and the connected portion 106 of the fixing device 100 are connected by the interlocking of the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111, and by the interlocking of the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122.

[0130] In this case, the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111 restrict the connected portion 106 from being misaligned in the vertical and width directions relative to the connecting base portion 60. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 restrict the connected portion 106 from being misaligned at least in the front-rear direction relative to the connecting base portion 60.

[0131] As a result, the neutralizer 50 is reliably restricted from misalignment in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions by the connecting base 60 and the fixing device 100.

[0132] On the other hand, by displacing the second engaging portion 122 to the left and separating it from the first engaging portion 62 due to the elastic deformation of the deformable portion 121 formed on the connected portion 106, the interlocking engagement between the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 can be easily released. Then, by sliding the second fitting portion 111 forward by about 10 mm relative to the first fitting portion 61, the interlocking engagement between the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111 can be easily released.

[0133] In other words, this water heater 1 does not require fastening means such as screws to connect the connecting base 60 and the connected portion 106 of the fixing device 100, and the connection and disconnection of the connecting base 60 and the connected portion 106 of the fixing device 100 can be easily performed.

[0134] This allows the worker performing maintenance on the water heater 1 to easily remove the neutralizer 50, with the fixing device 100 attached, from the main body 80 forward, as described below.

[0135] First, as shown in Figure 2, the worker removes the front plate 89 from the main housing 80, and then removes the control unit located in front of the neutralizer 50, the connecting pipe P4, and the two pipes connected to the overflow water inlet 54A and drain water inlet 54B of the neutralizer 50, respectively.

[0136] Then, as shown in Figure 4, the worker removes the screws fastening the fixed piece 51A of the neutralizer 50 to the fixed piece 83A of the bottom wall 83, and separates the drain water discharge port P3 from the drain water outlet of the neutralizer body 51 and the bottom wall 83. This allows the bottom wall side of the neutralizer 50 to slide forward by about 10-15 mm relative to the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80.

[0137] Next, the worker grasps the guide portion 125 and elastically deforms the deformable portion 121 to the left, thereby releasing the interlocking engagement between the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122. Then, the worker slides the bottom wall side of the neutralizer 50 forward relative to the bottom wall 83 of the housing body 80, or tilts the neutralizer 50 so that the lid 52 side of the neutralizer 50 moves forward, thereby sliding the second fitting portion 111 of the fixing device 100 forward relative to the first fitting portion 61, and releasing the interlocking engagement between the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111.

[0138] In this way, the worker can easily release the connection between the connecting base 60 and the connected part 106 of the fixing device 100, while the neutralizer connecting part 105 of the fixing device 100 remains connected to the connected protrusion 55 of the neutralizer 50 by fastening the screw 105S. The worker can then easily lift the neutralizer 50, with the fixing device 100 still connected, slightly and remove it from the housing body 80.

[0139] Furthermore, by performing the reverse operation, the worker can easily attach the neutralizer 50, with the fixing device 100 connected, to the main body 80 of the housing and place the neutralizer 50 on the bottom wall 83.

[0140] In other words, the worker can attach and detach the neutralizer 50, with the fixing device 100 connected, to the housing body 80 by primarily moving their hands back and forth while positioned in front of the housing body 80.

[0141] Therefore, the water heater 1 of Embodiment 1 can reliably restrict positional displacement of the neutralizer 50 in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions while it is attached to the housing body 80, and it can also facilitate the work of attaching and detaching it from the housing body 80.

[0142] Furthermore, in this water heater 1, as shown in Figure 7, the connected portion 106 has a first portion 110 on which a second fitting portion 111 is formed, and a second portion 120 that is connected to the first portion 110 and extends rearward, on which a deformable portion 121 and a second engaging portion 122 are formed. The second portion 120 has a guide portion 125 that is inclined rearward and to the left in the portion of the second portion 120 that is located rearward of the second engaging portion 122. With this configuration, when the second fitting portion 111 is slid rearward from a position in front of the first fitting portion 61 to engage the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111, the guide portion 125 slides against the left side of the cylinder 60A in the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base portion 60, and can suitably guide the second engaging portion 122 toward the first engaging portion 62, so that the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 can be engaged with high reliability. Furthermore, the operator can easily separate the second engaging portion 122 from the first engaging portion 62 by gripping the guide portion 125 and elastically deforming the deformable portion 121 of the second portion 120 to the left, thereby making it even easier to release the interlocking engagement between the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122.

[0143] Furthermore, in this water heater 1, the connected portion 106 has a third portion 130 that connects to the first portion 110 at a position separated to the right from the second portion 120 and extends rearward. The third portion 130 has a contact portion 133 that abuts against the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base portion 60 from the right, with the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 engaged in a concave-concave With this configuration, when sliding the second fitting portion 111 from a position forward of the first fitting portion 61 to the rear to engage the first fitting portion 61 and the second fitting portion 111, the guide portion 125 and the opposing guide portion 135 are positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base portion 60 and slide in contact with the bulging portion 60B, thereby suitably guiding the second engaging portion 122 toward the first engaging portion 62. This allows the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 to engage with greater certainty. Furthermore, when the first engaging portion 62 and the second engaging portion 122 are engaged, the second engaging portion 122 and the contact portion 133 clamp the connecting base portion 60 in the left-right direction, making it difficult for the second engaging portion 122 to detach from the first engaging portion 62.

[0144] Furthermore, in this water heater 1, as shown in Figure 6, the connected portion 106 and the connecting base portion 60 are located in front of the front wall 59 of the neutralizer 50. With this configuration, when the worker attaches and detaches the neutralizer 50 to the housing body 80 with the fixing device 100 connected, the movement of moving the hands back and forth in front of the housing body 80 can be performed mainly in a location close to oneself without having to stretch the hands too far. As a result, this water heater 1 can achieve further improvement in maintainability.

[0145] Furthermore, in this water heater 1, as shown in Figure 1, the length L1 in the front-to-back direction of the housing 8 is greater than the length L2 in the width direction of the housing 8. In other words, this water heater 1 is a water heater that is designed for narrow installation or is called a slim water heater. When an operator attaches and detaches the neutralizer 50 to the housing body 80 with the fixing device 100 connected, it is difficult to move the neutralizer 50 in the width direction within the housing 8. For this reason, this water heater 1 can reliably enjoy the effects and advantages of the present invention.

[0146] Furthermore, in this water heater 1, as shown in Figure 7, the first fitting portion 61 is configured to perform a function other than the function of interlocking with the second fitting portion 111. The other function is to assist in measuring the pressure in the flow path 60C recessed in the manifold body 36 of the combustion device 30. This configuration allows for a reliable reduction in the number of parts compared to a case where the first fitting portion 61 only performs the function of interlocking with the second fitting portion 111.

[0147] (Example 2) As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the water heater of Example 2, the fixing device 100 of Example 1 is modified to have a connecting portion 206 instead of the connecting portion 106.

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this water heater, the manifold body 36 according to Embodiment 1 is modified to have a first fitting portion 261 and a first engaging portion 262 formed on the connecting base portion 60, instead of the first fitting portion 61 and the first engaging portion 62. The first fitting portion 61 is retained for its function of assisting in measuring the pressure in the flow path 60C.

[0149] The other components of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1. Therefore, components identical to those of Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0150] The first fitting portion 261 is a bottomed round hole that is recessed from the front surface of the connecting base 60, located below the first fitting portion 61, and recessed into the connecting base 60 and towards the rear. The opening edge of the first fitting portion 261 is chamfered. The center of the first fitting portion 261 extends horizontally in the front-rear direction.

[0151] The first engaging portion 262 is a convex portion that protrudes briefly to the left from the left surface of the bulging portion 60B of the connecting base 60. The left-facing surface of the first engaging portion 262 is curved like a part of a sphere.

[0152] As shown in Figure 9, in the connected portion 206 of the fastener 100, the right side of the upper part of the first portion 110, where the second fitting portion 111 according to Embodiment 1 is formed, has been removed. The second portion 120 is connected to the left edge of the lower portion of the first portion 110. The third portion 130 is connected to the right edge of the lower portion of the first portion 110. The fastener 100 has a second fitting portion 211 formed on the connected portion 206 instead of the second fitting portion 111 according to Embodiment 1. The second fitting portion 211 is formed in the center of the lower portion of the first portion 110.

[0153] The second fitting portion 211 is a cylinder formed by burring a part of the first portion 110 so that it protrudes to the rear. As shown in Figure 10, the outer diameter of the second fitting portion 211 is set to a size that allows the second fitting portion 211 to fit into the first fitting portion 261 and allows the second fitting portion 211 to slide in the front-rear direction relative to the first fitting portion 261.

[0154] In other words, the second fitting portion 211 protrudes rearward from the first portion 110 of the connected portion 206 so as to align with the first fitting portion 261 which is recessed to the rear. The second fitting portion 211 can be fitted with the first fitting portion 261 in a concave-concave configuration.

[0155] The first fitting portion 261 and the second fitting portion 211, which interlock with each other, restrict the connected portion 206 from being misaligned in the vertical and width directions relative to the connecting base portion 60.

[0156] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fastener 100 has a second engaging portion 222 formed on the connected portion 206, instead of the second engaging portion 122 according to Embodiment 1. The second engaging portion 222 is formed on the second portion 120.

[0157] The second engaging portion 222 is a cylinder formed by burring the center of the deformed portion 121 so that it protrudes briefly to the left. The size of the second engaging portion 222 is set to be such that it can engage with the first engaging portion 262.

[0158] In other words, the second engaging portion 222 is recessed to the left within the deformed portion 121 of the second part 120 of the connected portion 206, and further penetrates the deformed portion 121, so as to align with the first engaging portion 262 which protrudes to the left. The second engaging portion 222 can engage with the first engaging portion 262 in a concave-concave manner.

[0159] The first engaging portion 262 and the second engaging portion 222, which engage with each other, restrict the connected portion 206 from being misaligned at least in the front-rear direction relative to the connecting base 60.

[0160] The water heater of Embodiment 2, with this configuration, is similar to the water heater 1 of Embodiment 1 in that the neutralizer 50 can be reliably restricted from misalignment in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and width directions while attached to the housing body 80, and the work of attaching and detaching it from the housing body 80 can be made easier.

[0161] Although the present invention has been described above in reference to Examples 1 and 2, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to Examples 1 and 2, and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0162] In Examples 1 and 2, the centers of the first fitting portions 61 and 261 extend horizontally in the front-rear direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the centers of the first fitting portions may extend in the front-rear direction while being slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0163] In Examples 1 and 2, the engagement direction is left-right (width direction), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the engagement direction may be up-down. Alternatively, the engagement direction may be perpendicular to the front-back direction and inclined with respect to the up-down and left-right directions.

[0164] In Examples 1 and 2, the specific means is a combustion device 30, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the specific means may be a heat exchanger, or it may be a device or component different from the combustion device, heat exchanger, and neutralizer.

[0165] In Examples 1 and 2, the neutralizer 50 is directly placed on the bottom wall 83, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the neutralizer may be indirectly placed on the bottom wall by being supported from below by a base assembled to the upper side of the bottom wall of the housing body.

[0166] In Examples 1 and 2, the connected parts 106 and 206 are integrated with the neutralizer connecting part 105 by bending a metal plate or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connected parts may be integrated with the neutralizer connecting part by fastening or welding multiple members together.

[0167] In Examples 1 and 2, the fastener 100 is made of metal, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the fastener may be made of resin or fiber-reinforced resin. [Industrial applicability]

[0168] The present invention can be used, for example, in water heaters that have only a hot water supply function, water heaters that have both a hot water supply function and a bath reheating function, and hot water heaters that have both a hot water supply function and a function to circulate hot water between them and a heating device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0169] 1…Water heater 30… Combustion device (specific means) 41, 42...Heat exchanger (41...Main heat exchanger, 42...Sub-heat exchanger) 50…neutralizer 81…Back wall 82... Upper wall 83...Bottom wall 84L, 84R…a pair of side walls 80... Main unit 80H... Enclosure opening 89... Front panel 8…Cabinet 105...Neutralizer connection part 106, 206...Connected part 100...fixture 60...Connection base 61, 261... First mating section 62, 262... First engaging part 111, 211... Second mating section 122, 222... Second engaging part 121...Deformed part 110...Part 1 120…Second part 125…Information Department 130...Third part 133...Abutting part 135...Opposing guide section 59...Front wall L1…Length of the casing in the front-to-back direction L2…Length in the width direction of the enclosure 60C…flow channel

Claims

1. A combustion device that generates high-temperature combustion gases, A heat exchanger that heats water passing through it with the combustion gas to convert it into hot water, A neutralizer for neutralizing the drain water generated by the condensation of water vapor in the combustion gas, A housing having a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls facing each other in the width direction, with a substantially box-shaped housing body whose front is open by a housing opening, and a front plate covering the housing opening, wherein the housing houses the combustion device, the heat exchanger, and the neutralizer, and the neutralizer is placed on the bottom wall, A water heater equipped with, A fixing device having a neutralizer connecting portion that connects to the neutralizer, and a connected portion that is integral with the neutralizer connecting portion and located at a position separated from the neutralizer connecting portion, The housing comprises a specific means housed in the housing in a state fixed to the housing body, the specific means having a connecting base that restricts the displacement of the neutralizer via the fixing device by connecting to the connected portion of the fixing device, The specified means has a first fitting portion and a first engaging portion formed on the connecting base, The first fitting portion protrudes forward from the connecting base, or is recessed rearward within the connecting base. The first engaging portion protrudes from the connecting base in one of the engagement directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction, or is recessed within the connecting base in the other direction of the engagement. The fastener has a second fitting portion, a second engaging portion, and a deformable portion formed on the connected portion, The second fitting portion is capable of interlocking with the first fitting portion, The second engaging portion is capable of interlocking with the first engaging portion, The water heater is characterized in that the deformable portion displaces the second engaging portion in the engagement direction by elastic deformation.

2. The connected portion comprises a first portion on which the second fitting portion is formed, It has a second portion which is connected to the first portion and extends rearward, and on which the deformed portion and the second engaging portion are formed, The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the second portion has a guide portion located behind the second engaging portion in the second portion, which is inclined rearward and toward one of the engagement directions.

3. The connected portion has a third portion that connects to the first portion at a position separated from the second portion in the other direction in the engagement direction and extends rearward, The third portion has a contact portion that abuts the connecting base from the other side in the engagement direction, in a state in which the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged in a concave-concave-concave-convex The water heater according to claim 2, wherein the third portion has an opposing guide portion located behind the contact portion in the third portion, which is rearward and inclined toward the other in the engagement direction.

4. The neutralizer has a front wall that partitions the space for neutralizing the drain water from the front, The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connected portion and the connecting base are located in front of the front wall of the neutralizer.

5. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the housing in the front-to-back direction is greater than the length of the housing in the width direction.

6. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fitting portion is configured to also perform a function other than the function of fitting with the second fitting portion.

7. The aforementioned specific means is the combustion device, The connecting base has a passage through which fuel gas for generating the combustion gas passes, The water heater according to claim 6, wherein the other function is a function that assists in measuring the pressure, temperature, or flow velocity in the flow path.

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