Water heater

Abstract

This water heater (1A) is provided with: a heating device that heats hot water; a hot water storage tank that is disposed below the heating device and stores the hot water heated by the heating device; and a heat insulation member (54) that has a top surface part (541A) disposed between the heating device and the hot water storage tank and covers the hot water storage tank. The top surface part (541A) has at least one of a recess, which is fitted to at least one component constituting the heating device and supports the component, and a protrusion, which abuts on at least one component constituting the heating device and defines the position of the component.

Description

water heater

[0001] The present disclosure relates to water heaters.

[0002] In some water heaters, the heating device for heating hot water is placed above the hot water storage tank in order to reduce the installation space.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water heater in which a heat pump unit that houses a heat pump device is placed on top of a tank unit that houses a hot water storage tank, and the heat pump unit is fixed to the tank unit.

[0004] JP 2011-122752 A

[0005] In the water heater described in Patent Document 1, in order to fix the heat pump unit to the tank unit, it is necessary to provide a top plate on the tank unit and a bottom plate on the heat pump unit. Furthermore, a connector is required to connect the top plate and the bottom plate. Thus, the water heater described in Patent Document 1 has a large number of parts.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a water heater that can place a heating device on top of a hot water storage tank with a small number of parts.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes a heating device, a hot water storage tank, and an insulating member. The heating device heats hot water. The hot water storage tank is disposed below the heating device and stores the hot water heated by the heating device. The insulating member has a top surface disposed between the heating device and the hot water storage tank and covers the hot water storage tank. The top surface has at least one of a recess that fits with and supports at least one component that constitutes the heating device, and a protrusion that abuts against at least one component that constitutes the heating device and determines the position of the component.

[0008] According to the configuration of the present disclosure, the top surface of the heat insulating member has at least one of a recess that fits with and supports at least one component that constitutes the heating device, and a protrusion that abuts against and defines the position of at least one component that constitutes the heating device. Therefore, there is no need to provide a member other than the top surface to support the component that constitutes the heating device. As a result, the heating device can be placed on top of the hot water storage tank with a small number of parts.

[0009] a perspective view of a water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, viewed from diagonally above the front; a perspective view of a water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, viewed from diagonally below the rear; a front view showing the internal structure of a housing provided in the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure; a diagram showing the overall configuration of the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure; a cross-sectional view of a hot water storage tank and an insulating member provided in the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member provided in the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, viewed from diagonally above; a perspective view of a heating unit provided in the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, viewed from diagonally below; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member into which a heating unit provided in the water heater according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is fitted, viewed from diagonally above; a perspective view of an upper portion of a hot water storage unit provided in a water heater according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure and a frame structure provided in the upper portion; a perspective view of a heat exchanger of a heating unit supported on a frame structure; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member provided in a water heater according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure; a top view of an enlarged portion of the top surface of an insulating member provided in a water heater according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure; a perspective view of an example of a steel member forming a lower frame portion of a frame structure provided in a water heater according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member provided in a water heater according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure; a cross-sectional view taken along the XV-XV section line shown in FIG. 14; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member provided in a water heater according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member into which a heating unit provided in a water heater according to embodiment 5 of the present disclosure is fitted; a perspective view of a top surface of an insulating member provided in a water heater according to embodiment 6 of the present disclosure;

[0010] Hereinafter, a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ shown in the drawings, when the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical hot water storage tank of the water heater is oriented vertically, the vertical direction is the Z axis, and the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is the XY plane. Below, this coordinate system will be referred to as appropriate in the description.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) The water heater according to embodiment 1 is a water heater in which a heating unit equipped with a heating device is disposed on a hot water storage unit equipped with a hot water storage tank and a heat insulating member. In this water heater, components provided in the heating device of the heating unit are placed directly on the heat insulating member of the hot water storage unit. First, the overall configuration of the water heater equipped with the hot water storage unit and the heating unit will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water heater 1A according to embodiment 1, viewed obliquely from above the front. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the water heater 1A, viewed obliquely from below the rear. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of a housing 10 provided in the water heater 1A. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the water heater 1A. Note that Fig. 3 shows the housing 10 with the front panel 11, right side panel 12, and left side panel 13 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 removed.

[0013] 1 and 2, the water heater 1A includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The water heater 1A also includes a heating unit 20 housed in an upper region of the internal space of the housing 10, and a hot water storage unit 50 housed in a lower region of the internal space of the housing 10, as shown in FIG.

[0014] The heating unit 20 is a unit having a circuit for heating hot water to be supplied to a heating device (not shown), such as a radiator or a floor heating pipe, and hot water stored in the hot water storage unit 50. In detail, as shown in Fig. 4, the heating unit 20 includes a heating circuit 30 that circulates hot water between the heating device (not shown), and a hot water supply circuit 40 that circulates hot water between the heating unit 20 and the hot water storage unit 50. First, the configuration of the heating circuit 30 will be described.

[0015] The heating circuit 30 has an expansion tank 31, a multifunction device 32, a pump 33, a heat exchanger 34, a booster heater 35, and a three-way valve 36 to send heated water to the heating device. In the following description, it is assumed that the pump 33 sends hot water within the heating circuit 30.

[0016] The expansion tank 31 is a tank that absorbs the expansion of hot water in the heating circuit 30. When the temperature of the hot water in the heating circuit 30 rises and causes thermal expansion, the expansion tank 31 temporarily stores the hot water to suppress a rise in pressure in the heating circuit 30. The expansion tank 31 is connected to a heating device (not shown) and suppresses a rise in pressure of hot water supplied from the heating device. The expansion tank 31 discharges the hot water supplied from the heating device to the multifunction device 32.

[0017] The multifunction device 32 is a device having multiple functions. The multifunction device 32 includes, for example, a filter that removes scale, such as rust particles, contained in the hot water, a relief valve that releases the hot water to the outside when the pressure of the hot water in the heating circuit 30 exceeds the allowable pressure, and an air vent valve that discharges air accumulated in the heating circuit 30 to prevent a drop in pressure in the pump 33. The multifunction device 32 passes the hot water supplied from the expansion tank 31 through these components and then sends it to the pump 33.

[0018] The pump 33 is a device that applies pressure to the hot water in the heating circuit 30 and circulates the hot water between the heating circuit 30 and the heating device. The pump 33 applies pressure to the hot water that has passed through the multifunction device 32 and sends the hot water to the heat exchanger 34.

[0019] The heat exchanger 34 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant heated by the outdoor unit 60 and the hot water flowing through the heating circuit 30. The heat exchanger 34 heats the hot water sent from the pump 33 by heat exchange and discharges the hot water to the booster heater 35.

[0020] The booster heater 35 is an auxiliary device that heats hot water when the heating capacity of the outdoor unit 60 is insufficient. When the booster heater 35 heats hot water, it discharges the heated water to the three-way valve 36.

[0021] The three-way valve 36 is a device that switches the flow of hot and cold water in the heating circuit 30. The three-way valve 36 switches whether the hot and cold water supplied from the booster heater 35 flows to a heating device (not shown) or to a heat exchanger 41 (described later) in the hot water supply circuit 40.

[0022] In the heating circuit 30, these devices, an expansion tank 31, a multifunction device 32, a pump 33, a heat exchanger 34, a booster heater 35, and a three-way valve 36, are connected in this order via piping. The heating circuit 30 receives hot water supplied from a heating device via piping connected to the expansion tank 31 and heats the hot water using the heat exchanger 34 and the booster heater 35. When the three-way valve 36 is switched to a state that allows water to flow to a heating device (not shown), the heating circuit 30 discharges the heated hot water to the heating device. In this way, the heating circuit 30 causes the heating device to perform heating using the heated hot water.

[0023] On the other hand, when the three-way valve 36 is switched to a state in which heated water flows to a heat exchanger 41 (described later) of the hot water supply circuit 40, the heating circuit 30 discharges heated water to the heat exchanger 41 of the hot water supply circuit 40. Next, the configuration of the hot water supply circuit 40 will be described.

[0024] The hot water supply circuit 40 includes a heat exchanger 41 , a scale trap 42 , and a pump 43 .

[0025] The heat exchanger 41 is a device that exchanges heat between the hot water heated by the heating circuit 30 and the hot water in a hot water storage tank 51 (described later) of the hot water storage unit 50. Specifically, the heat exchanger 41 is connected to a pipe 44 that extends into the hot water storage tank 51. The heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat between the hot water in the hot water storage tank 51 supplied from the pipe and the heated hot water supplied from the heating circuit 30 by switching the three-way valve 36. In this way, the heat exchanger 41 heats the hot water from the hot water storage tank 51. After heating the hot water, the heat exchanger 41 discharges the hot water into the scale trap 42.

[0026] The scale trap 42 is a device that captures scale particles contained in the hot water. The scale trap 42 includes an adsorbent, and captures scale particles contained in the hot water by passing the heated hot water discharged from the heat exchanger 41 through the adsorbent.

[0027] The pump 43 has an intake port and an exhaust port (not shown). The scale trap 42 is connected to the intake port of the pump 43 via a pipe. This allows the pump 43 to suck hot water from the scale trap 42. As a result, the pump 43 sucks hot water from the hot water storage tank 51 and flows it through the heat exchanger 41 and the scale trap 42.

[0028] Meanwhile, the discharge port of the pump 43 is connected to a pipe 45 extending into the hot water storage tank 51. As a result, the pump 43 sends the hot water drawn in from the scale trap 42 to the hot water storage tank 51. As a result, the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 41 passes through the scale trap 42 and the pump 43 and is sent to the hot water storage tank 51, i.e., the hot water storage unit 50.

[0029] The hot water storage unit 50 includes a hot water storage tank 51 formed in a cylindrical shape with convex ends. A water supply pipe 52 equipped with a water supply valve is connected to the hot water storage tank 51, and tap water, i.e., low-temperature water, is supplied from the water supply pipe 52. The hot water storage tank 51 is also connected to the pipes 44 and 45 of the hot water supply circuit 40 described above, and the water or hot water in the hot water storage tank 51, i.e., hot water, is converted to hot water at a higher temperature by circulating through the hot water supply circuit 40 via the pipes 44 and 45. Furthermore, a hot water supply pipe 53 equipped with a hot water supply valve is connected to the hot water storage tank 51. The hot water supply pipe 53 supplies the hot water in the hot water storage tank 51 to external devices.

[0030] In this way, hot water heated by the hot water supply circuit 40 is stored in the hot water storage tank 51. To keep the hot water warm, the hot water storage unit 50 includes a heat insulating member that covers the outer surface of the hot water storage tank 51. Next, the configuration of the heat insulating member will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5 .

[0031] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a hot water storage tank 51 and a heat insulating member 54 provided in the water heater 1A. Hatching is omitted in Fig. 5.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the heat insulating member 54 is formed by combining heat insulating materials for a top surface portion 541A, a right side surface portion 542, a left side surface portion 543, and a bottom surface portion 544.

[0033] The top surface 541A is shaped like an upside-down bowl. The shape of the top surface of the top surface 541A will be described later, but the bottom surface of the top surface 541A is concave in a parabolic shape. This allows the top surface 541A to fit onto the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51. The top surface 541A also covers the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51, suppressing heat radiation from the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the outer peripheral end surface of the top surface 541A, i.e., the bottom end surface, has a step formed as a result of the outer portion protruding downward relative to the inner portion. In contrast, the top end surfaces of the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543 have a step where the inner portion protrudes upward relative to the outer portion, opposite to the bottom end surface of the top surface 541A. The bottom end surface of the top surface 541A fits onto the top end surfaces of the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543. As a result, the top surface 541A is fixed to the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543. The step on the bottom end surface of the top surface 541A and the steps between the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543 may be recessed and projected in the opposite direction to that described above. For example, if the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543 are integral, they may be recessed and projected in the opposite direction to that described above.

[0034] The right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 are formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 are fitted to the right side wall and the left side wall of the hot water storage tank 51. As a result, the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 cover the outer peripheral surface of the hot water storage tank 51. As a result, heat radiation from the outer peripheral surface of the hot water storage tank 51 is suppressed.

[0035] The bottom surface of hot water storage tank 51 protrudes downward in a parabolic shape, and a cylindrical base 511 is welded to the bottom surface. Bottom surface 544 of heat insulating member 54 is formed in the shape of a bowl with a cylindrical cutout in the center to fit between the bottom surface of hot water storage tank 51 and base 511.

[0036] Bottom surface portion 544 has this kind of shape and covers the lower surface of hot water storage tank 51. As a result, bottom surface portion 544 suppresses heat radiation from the lower surface of hot water storage tank 51.

[0037] The insulating materials of the top surface 541A, right side surface 542, left side surface 543, and bottom surface 544 are made of foamed plastic, such as expanded polystyrene. As a result, these insulating materials have high heat retention and a certain degree of rigidity. Furthermore, these insulating materials are strong enough not to undergo plastic deformation even when a certain degree of compressive force is applied.

[0038] On the other hand, in the water heater 1A, in order to reduce the installation space, the heating unit 20 is placed on the hot water storage unit 50 as shown in Fig. 3. When performing such an arrangement, it is conceivable to provide a top plate made of metal, resin, or the like on the hot water storage unit 50 and to place each component of the heating unit 20 on that plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a bottom plate below the heating unit 20 to support each component of the heating unit 20.

[0039] However, providing such a top plate and bottom plate increases the number of parts of the water heater 1A, which increases the manufacturing cost and the weight of the water heater 1A.

[0040] Therefore, in the water heater 1A, since the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54 has a certain degree of strength, the top surface 541A is provided with concave and convex portions into which the components of the heating unit 20 fit, and the components fit into the concave and convex portions. In addition, the components of the heating unit 20 are directly supported on the top surface 541A.

[0041] Here, the term "concave-convex portion" refers to a portion where, when a convex portion is present, other portions become concave portions when viewed from the convex portion. Alternatively, the term "concave-convex portion" refers to a portion where, when a concave portion is present, other portions become convex portions when viewed from the concave portion. For example, when a convex portion protrudes from a flat portion or a curved portion, the surface of the flat portion or curved portion other than the convex portion is a concave portion. Alternatively, when a concave portion recessed from the surface of a flat portion or a curved portion is present, the surface of the flat portion or curved portion other than the concave portion is a convex portion.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54 provided in the water heater 1A, viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the heating unit 20 provided in the water heater 1A, viewed obliquely from below. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54 into which the heating unit 20 provided in the water heater 1A is fitted, viewed obliquely from above. Note that, for ease of understanding, Figs. 7 and 8 only show the components of the heating unit 20 that are placed on the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, the top surface of the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54 is formed with uneven portions into which the components of the heating unit 20 fit. The depth of the recesses in these uneven portions is shallower than the height of the components of the heating unit 20, resulting in the components of the heating unit 20 protruding from the recesses. Such uneven portions are formed on the top surface of the top surface 541A. In detail, the expansion tank support portion 310, the multifunction device support portion 320, the pump support portion 330, the heat exchanger support portions 340 and 410, the scale trap support portion 420, and the piping support portion 440, which are uneven surfaces, are formed on the top surface of the top surface 541A.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the expansion tank 31 has an outer shape similar to a thick plate with rounded corners. The plate surface of the expansion tank 31 faces left and right, and the longitudinal direction of the plate surface faces up and down. As a result, the bottom surface 311 of the expansion tank 31 is U-shaped with bent front and rear ends. The bottom portion of the expansion tank 31 also has a protruding wall 312 that extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0046] 6, in order to support the underside of the expansion tank 31 having the above-described shape, the expansion tank support portion 310 has a U-shaped surface 313 bent in the front-to-rear direction and a groove 314 extending in the front-to-rear direction on the U-shaped surface 313. The underside 311 of the expansion tank 31 can be fitted into the U-shaped surface 313. The protruding wall 312 of the expansion tank 31 can be fitted into the groove 314.

[0047] 8, with the heating unit 20 attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the expansion tank 31 is fitted into the expansion tank support portion 310. This allows the expansion tank support portion 310 to determine the position of the expansion tank 31. More specifically, the expansion tank support portion 310 determines the position of the expansion tank 31 and also supports the expansion tank 31.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the multifunction device 32 also has a pipe 321 at the bottom that is bent forward in an L-shape from the vertical direction.

[0049] 6, the multifunction device support section 320 has a truncated quadrangular pyramid section 322 that protrudes from the upper surface of the top surface section 541A of the heat insulating member 54, and a groove 323 that is U-shaped in cross section and extends in the front-to-rear direction and is formed in the truncated quadrangular pyramid section 322. The L-shaped bent pipe 321 described above can be fitted into the groove 323.

[0050] 8, with the heating unit 20 attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the piping 321 of the multifunction device 32 is fitted into the multifunction device support part 320. In this way, the multifunction device support part 320 determines the position of the multifunction device 32. The multifunction device support part 320 also supports the multifunction device 32 via the piping 321.

[0051] 7, the pump 33 has an outer shape in which a small diameter portion 331 and a large diameter portion 332 are connected in the front-rear direction. A protrusion 333 extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the front small diameter portion 331.

[0052] 6, the pump support portion 330 has a cylindrical surface recess 334 and a cylindrical surface recess 335 having a larger diameter than the cylindrical surface recess 334, which are arranged in the front-rear direction. A groove 336 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the cylindrical surface recess 334. The small diameter portion 331 and the large diameter portion 332 can be fitted into the cylindrical surface recesses 334 and 335. The protrusion 333 can be inserted into the groove 336.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, when the heating unit 20 is assembled to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the underside of the pump 33 is placed on the pump support portion 330. At this time, although not shown, the small diameter portion 331 and the large diameter portion 332 are fitted into the cylindrical surface recesses 334 and 335. As a result, the cylindrical surface recesses 334 and 335 determine the position of the pump 33 and support the pump 33. Furthermore, the protrusion 333 is inserted into the groove 336. As a result, the groove 336 prevents the protrusion 333 from interfering with the position of the pump 33 or preventing the pump 33 from being displaced or from being unsupported by the cylindrical surface recesses 334 and 335.

[0054] 7, the heat exchanger 34 has an outer shape of a long, narrow rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners. Each face of the rectangular parallelepiped outer shape of the heat exchanger 34 faces up and down, left and right, and front and back.

[0055] 6 , the heat exchanger support portion 340 has a flat surface 341 parallel to the horizontal plane, a curved wall 342 curved in an arc in the front-to-rear direction, and a vertical wall 343 whose vertical wall surface faces rightward. The front corner of the lower surface of the heat exchanger 34 can fit into the curved wall 342 with the lower surface of the heat exchanger 34 abutting against the flat surface 341. The left side surface of the heat exchanger 34 can abut against the vertical wall 343 with the front corner of the lower surface of the heat exchanger 34 abutting against the curved wall 342. The arc-shaped recess formed in the vertical wall 343 is a recess to prevent interference with piping.

[0056] Although not shown, when the heating unit 20 is attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the lower surface and left side surface of the heat exchanger 34 abut against the flat surface 341 and the vertical wall 343. The front corner of the lower surface of the heat exchanger 34 fits into the curved wall 342. In this way, the heat exchanger support portion 340 determines the position of the heat exchanger 34 and also supports the heat exchanger 34.

[0057] 7, the heat exchanger 41 has an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners, and is smaller than the heat exchanger 34. The heat exchanger 41 also has each face of its rectangular parallelepiped shape facing up and down, left and right, and front and back.

[0058] 6, the heat exchanger support portion 410 has a flat surface 411 parallel to the horizontal plane, a curved wall 412 curved in an arc in the left-right direction, and a vertical wall 413 whose vertical wall surface faces rearward. The right corner of the lower surface of the heat exchanger 41 can be fitted into the curved wall 412 with the lower surface of the heat exchanger 41 abutting against the flat surface 411. The front side of the heat exchanger 41 can be fitted into the vertical wall 413 with the right corner of the lower surface of the heat exchanger 41 fitted into the curved wall 412.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, when the heating unit 20 is attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the underside of the heat exchanger 41 abuts against the heat exchanger support part 410. At this time, although not shown, the underside and front side of the heat exchanger 41 abut against the flat surface 411 and the vertical wall 413. In addition, the right corner of the underside of the heat exchanger 41 fits into the curved wall 412. In this way, the heat exchanger support part 410 determines the position of the heat exchanger 41 and supports the heat exchanger 41.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the scale trap 42 has a pipe 421 at its bottom that is bent in an L-shape backward from the vertical direction.

[0061] 6, the scale trap support part 420 has a protruding part 422 that protrudes in a rectangular shape in top view from the upper surface of the top surface part 541A of the heat insulating member 54, and a groove 423 that is formed in the protruding part 422, extends in the front-rear direction, and has a U-shaped cross section. The L-shaped bent pipe 421 described above can be fitted into the groove 423.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, when the heating unit 20 is attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the piping 421 of the scale trap 42 is fitted into the scale trap support part 420. In this way, the scale trap support part 420 determines the position of the scale trap 42. The scale trap support part 420 also supports the scale trap 42 via the piping 421.

[0063] 7, the heating unit 20 has a pipe 44 extending downward from the heat exchanger 41 and a pipe 45 that bends in a crank shape and extends downward. As shown in FIG. 4, the pipes 44 and 45 are pipes that extend into the hot water storage tank 51 when the water heater 1A is assembled, and serve as the hot water intake and discharge ports.

[0064] 6, the pipe support portion 440 has U-shaped recesses 441 and 442 recessed forward from the rear end surface of the top surface portion 541A of the heat insulating member 54. The pipes 44 and 45 can be fitted into the recesses 441 and 442 from the rear.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 8, when the heating unit 20 is attached to the top surface 541A of the heat insulating member 54, the pipe 44 is fitted into the recess 441. The pipe 44 passes through the recess 441 and extends in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the pipe 45 is fitted into the recess 442, and as a result, the pipe 45 also passes through the recess 442 and extends in the vertical direction. As a result, the recesses 441 and 442 hold the pipes 44 and 45.

[0066] As described above, the top surface of the top surface 541A of the insulating member 54 has an uneven portion formed by the expansion tank support portion 310, the multifunction device support portion 320, the pump support portion 330, the heat exchanger support portions 340 and 410, the scale trap support portion 420, and the piping support portion 440. The components of the heating unit 20 fit into the uneven portion. As a result, the positions of the components of the heating unit 20 are determined and the components of the heating unit 20 are supported or held. This eliminates the need for additional components, such as a top plate or bottom plate, to support or hold the components of the heating unit 20 in the water heater 1A. As a result, the heating unit 20 can be placed on the hot water storage unit 50 without increasing the number of components.

[0067] The heating unit 20 described above is an example of a heating device as defined in the present disclosure. The expansion tank 31, the multifunction device 32, the pump 33, the heat exchangers 34 and 41, the scale trap 42, and the pipes 44 and 45 included in the heating unit 20 are an example of at least one component constituting a heating device as defined in the present disclosure.

[0068] Furthermore, the expansion tank support 310, the multifunction device support 320, the pump support 330, the heat exchanger support 340, 410, the scale trap support 420, and the piping support 440 are examples of at least one of a recess that fits with and supports at least one component constituting the heating device as defined in the present disclosure and a protrusion that abuts against and determines the position of at least one component constituting the heating device. More specifically, the U-shaped surface 313, the groove 314, the groove 323, the cylindrical surface recesses 334, 335, the flat surface 411, the curved wall 412, the groove 423, and the recesses 441, 442 are examples of a recess that fits with and supports at least one component constituting the heating device. The vertical wall 343, the curved wall 412, and the vertical wall 413 are examples of at least one of a protrusion that abuts against and determines the position of at least one component constituting the heating device.

[0069] The flat surfaces 341 and 411 are an example of a bottom portion that supports the lower surface of a component, as defined in the present disclosure. The curved walls 342 and 412 and the vertical walls 343 and 413 are an example of an inner wall portion that supports the side surface of a component, as defined in the present disclosure. The cylindrical surface recesses 334 and 335 are an example of a recess into which a cylindrical outer portion of a pump fits, as defined in the present disclosure.

[0070] As described above, in the water heater 1A according to the first embodiment, the insulating member 54 is disposed between the heating unit 20 and the hot water storage tank 51, and has a top surface 541A formed with concave and convex portions into which the components constituting the heating unit 20 fit and support the components. Therefore, the components constituting the heating unit 20 can be supported without providing any other member for supporting the components constituting the heating unit 20 other than the insulating member 54. As a result, in the water heater 1A, the heating unit 20 can be disposed on the hot water storage tank 51 with a small number of components.

[0071] Furthermore, in water heater 1A, the components constituting heating unit 20 fit into the uneven portions formed on top surface 541A, so that the components constituting heating unit 20 can be accurately positioned. As a result, according to the first embodiment, water heater 1A can be manufactured with high precision.

[0072] The top surface 541A having the above-mentioned uneven portion may be molded and manufactured by (1) filling a mold having a cavity with an uneven shape with pre-expanded expanded polystyrene beads, for example, expanded polystyrene beads expanded 30 to 80 times, and (2) applying steam, for example, steam at 110 to 120°C, to the expanded polystyrene beads filled in the mold.

[0073] Furthermore, the uneven portions formed by the expansion tank support 310, multifunction device support 320, pump support 330, heat exchanger support 340, 410, scale trap support 420, and piping support 440 may have the above-described shapes, or may have shapes that correspond to the outer shapes of the components to be fitted. For example, a protrusion may be provided on the U-shaped surface 313 of the expansion tank support 310, and the protrusion may support the right end or bottom end of the underside 311 of the expansion tank 31. Furthermore, the vertical walls 343, 413 of the heat exchanger support 340, 410 may be inclined relative to the vertical direction according to the outer shapes of the heat exchangers 34, 41. Furthermore, the expansion tank support part 310, the multifunction device support part 320, the pump support part 330, the heat exchanger support parts 340, 410 and the scale trap support part 420 of the expansion tank 31, the multifunction device 32, the pump 33, the heat exchangers 34, 41 and the scale trap 42 may be uneven in shape with surfaces that can abut against the +X, -X, +Y and -Y side surfaces of the lower part of each of these parts, and the bottom surface which is the -Z surface.

[0074] (Embodiment 2) In water heater 1A according to embodiment 1, the uneven portion of top surface 541A of heat insulating member 54 supports the components that make up heating unit 20 from below. However, water heater 1A is not limited to this. In water heater 1A, in addition to the uneven portion of top surface 541A, there may be something that supports the components that make up heating unit 20 from the left and right or the front and back.

[0075] The water heater 1B according to the second embodiment has a frame structure that supports the components that make up the heating unit 20 from the sides.

[0076] A water heater 1B according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the second embodiment, the configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0077] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the hot water storage unit 50 included in the water heater 1B according to embodiment 2 and a frame structure 70 provided on the upper portion. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the heat exchangers 34, 41 of the heating unit 20 supported by the frame structure 70. For ease of understanding, Fig. 10 illustrates the heating unit 20 in which only the heat exchangers 34, 41 are placed on the top surface 541B of the insulating member 54.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, the frame structure 70 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped framework that is installed on the top surface 541B of the heat insulating member 54.

[0079] Specifically, top surface portion 541B has a square shape in top view. Each side of top surface portion 541B faces the left-right and front-rear directions, i.e., the X and Y directions. Frame structure 70 includes a U-shaped lower frame portion 71 arranged along the +X side, -X side, and -Y side of the square in top view, a rectangular upper frame portion 72 provided on lower frame portion 71, i.e., on the +Z side, support columns 73-76 connecting lower frame portion 71 and upper frame portion 72, and a beam portion 77 provided between support columns 74 and 75.

[0080] The lower frame portion 71 is formed by connecting three elongated steel plates that are L-shaped in cross section, that is, three angle irons called angles.

[0081] To explain the lower frame portion 71 in detail, the lower frame portion 71 is formed by combining three angle irons in a U-shape, each having the same length as each side of the square shape of the top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54 when viewed from above. Each angle iron has its inner corner of the L-shaped cross section facing toward the corner formed by the +Z plane and the +X plane, -Y plane, or -X plane of the top surface portion 541B, and covers the corner portion. Each angle iron is placed on the top surface portion 541B in this state. This allows the lower frame portion 71 to be supported by the top surface portion 541B.

[0082] In contrast, the upper frame portion 72 is formed by combining steel material having the same lengths as the +Y and -Y sides of the square top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54 when viewed from above, and steel material having lengths shorter than the +X and -X sides of the square top surface portion 541B when viewed from above. Here, the steel material refers to the above-mentioned angle iron or channel steel having a U-shaped cross section. The upper frame portion 72 is formed by combining such steel materials to form a rectangular frame.

[0083] The support pillars 73-76 are formed of steel material and extend the same length in the +Z direction from the lower frame portion 71. The support pillars 73-76 support each corner of the rectangular frame that is the shape of the upper frame portion 72.

[0084] Specifically, the support columns 73 and 76 are formed in an L-shape in cross section, with the inner corners of the L-shape facing the corners formed by the -Y and +X faces, and the -Y and -X faces, of the top surface 541B, respectively, and covering these corners. Furthermore, the support columns 73 and 76 are supported in this state by the lower frame 71. Meanwhile, the support columns 74 and 75 are fixed in abutment against the +X or -X face of the top surface 541B. In this way, the support columns 74 and 75 are supported by the lower frame 71.

[0085] On the other hand, a beam portion 77 is provided between the support columns 74 and 75 to support the heat exchangers 34 and 41 of the heating unit 20 .

[0086] The beam portion 77 is formed from the above-mentioned steel material. Its length in the extension direction is the same as the distance from the support column 74 to the support column 75. The beam portion 77 is fitted between the support columns 74 and 75 with its extension direction horizontal. Its position in the Z direction is lower than the +Z end of the heat exchangers 34, 41 of the heating unit 20 when the heat exchangers 34, 41 are attached to the top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54 shown in FIG. 10 . As a result, the beam portion 77 crosses the middle portion of the heat exchangers 34, 41 when viewed in the Y direction.

[0087] 9, both ends of the beam portion 77 are fixed to the support columns 74, 75, respectively, at the positions described above. As a result, the beam portion 77 is supported by the lower frame portion 71 via the support columns 74, 75.

[0088] As shown in Figure 10, in the frame structure 70 configured as above, metal fittings 771-773 for holding the heat exchangers 34, 41 of the heating unit 20 are fixed in a state in which the heating unit 20 is assembled to the top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54.

[0089] More specifically, metal fitting 771 is formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a U-shape. Metal fitting 771 holds heat exchanger 34 by fitting heat exchanger 34 inside the U-shape. Furthermore, one end of the strip of metal fitting 771 is fixed to beam 77, and the other end of the strip of metal fitting 771 is fixed to support column 75. As a result, beam 77 and support column 75 support heat exchanger 34 via metal fitting 771.

[0090] The metal fittings 772 are formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into an L-shape. The metal fittings 772 are fixed to the support posts 75 and the upper frame 72 with the inner corners of the L-shape covering the outer corners of the heat exchanger 34 and the L-shaped plate surfaces abutting the -Y and -X faces of the heat exchanger 34. As a result, the support posts 75 and the upper frame 72 support the heat exchanger 34 via the metal fittings 772.

[0091] Furthermore, although not shown, metal fitting 773, like metal fitting 771, is formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a U-shape. Metal fitting 773 holds heat exchanger 41 by fitting heat exchanger 41 inside the U-shape. Furthermore, one end of the strip of metal fitting 773 is fixed to beam portion 77, and the other end of the strip of metal fitting 773 is fixed to support column 74. As a result, beam portion 77 and support column 74 support heat exchanger 41 via metal fitting 773.

[0092] In water heater 1B, similarly to water heater 1A described in embodiment 1, the uneven portion of top surface 541B of heat insulating member 54 supports heat exchangers 34 and 41 from below. Also, in water heater 1B, as described above, frame structure 70 supports heat exchangers 34 and 41 from the sides via metal fittings 771-773. As a result, in water heater 1B, heat exchangers 34 and 41 are firmly fixed, and the positions of heat exchangers 34 and 41 are unlikely to shift.

[0093] The heat exchangers 34 and 41 may be surrounded by another insulating material other than the insulating material 54. When the heat exchangers 34 and 41 are surrounded by the other insulating material, it is preferable to fix the other insulating material to the frame structure 70 while compressing it with the metal fittings 771-773. This allows the heat exchangers 34 and 41 to be fixed even more firmly in the water heater 1B. It is desirable that the other insulating material be made of a soft material such as foamed polyethylene or foamed rubber.

[0094] The frame structure 70 described above is an example of a first frame that supports a side portion of a component, as defined in the present disclosure. The heat exchangers 34 and 41 are an example of a component, as defined in the present disclosure.

[0095] As described above, the water heater 1B according to the second embodiment includes a frame structure 70 that is fixed to the top surface 541B of the insulating member 54 and supports the side surfaces of the heat exchangers 34, 41. In the water heater 1B, the bottom surfaces of the heat exchangers 34, 41 are supported by the uneven portions formed on the top surface 541B, and the side surfaces of the heat exchangers 34, 41 are supported by the frame structure 70, so that the heat exchangers 34, 41 are less likely to shift position or come off.

[0096] The frame structure 70 is placed on the top surface 541B of the heat insulating member 54, which has an uneven surface and supports the heat exchangers 34, 41 from below. As a result, the bottom and side surfaces of the heat exchangers 34, 41 are supported by the same top surface 541B. This makes it difficult for the heat exchangers 34, 41 to become misaligned.

[0097] In the water heater 1B of embodiment 2, the lower frame portion 71 is simply placed on the top surface portion 541B of the insulating member 54, but the lower frame portion 71 may also be fixed to the top surface portion 541B with fasteners such as bolts or screws or with adhesive.

[0098] Third Embodiment In the water heaters 1A and 1B according to the first and second embodiments, a drainage mechanism may be further provided on the top surface portions 541A and 541B of the heat insulating member 54.

[0099] In the water heater according to the third embodiment, a drain is provided on top surface portion 541C of heat insulating member 54.

[0100] Hereinafter, a water heater according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In the third embodiment, the configuration different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0101] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a top surface 541C of a heat insulating member 54 included in a water heater according to embodiment 3. Fig. 12 is an enlarged top view of a portion of top surface 541C.

[0102] 11 , an outer peripheral wall 55 is provided on the upper surface side of the top surface portion 541C of the heat insulating member 54, i.e., on the +Z surface side, surrounding the outer periphery. Meanwhile, the uneven portion described in the first embodiment is formed into a convex surface 56 that becomes lower from the center toward the periphery. As a result, the portion between the outer peripheral wall 55 and the convex surface 56 forms the lowest bottom surface. As a result, a groove 57 is formed along the outer peripheral wall 55 in that portion.

[0103] Groove 57 runs along outer peripheral wall 55, and therefore also passes near the corners on the +Y and -X sides of top surface 541C. As shown in FIG. 12 , a drain 58 in the form of a round hole that penetrates top surface 541C in the Z direction is provided in the portion of groove 57 that passes near the corner. This connects the internal space of groove 57 with the internal space of drain 58. As a result, in groove 57, water that flows down from convex surface 56 of top surface 541C or outer peripheral wall 55 and accumulates is discharged through drain 58.

[0104] The groove 57 has a bottom lower than the uneven portion as defined in the present disclosure and is an example of a groove surrounding the uneven portion.

[0105] As described above, in the water heater according to the third embodiment, groove 57 is formed in top surface 541C of heat insulating member 54, surrounding convex surface 56 on which the uneven portion is formed. Drain 58 is formed in groove 57. Therefore, in the water heater according to the third embodiment, even if water adheres to top surface 541C, it can be quickly drained.

[0106] (Embodiment 4) In the water heater 1B according to Embodiment 2, the lower frame portion 71 of the frame structure 70 is simply placed on the top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54. However, the top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54 is not limited to this. The top surface portion 541B of the heat insulating member 54 may be fabricated by insert molding, thereby fixing the frame structure 70 thereto.

[0107] In the water heater according to the fourth embodiment, the top surface portion 541D of the heat insulating member 54 is integrated with the lower frame portion 71 of the frame structure 70 by being insert molded.

[0108] 13 to 15, a water heater according to embodiment 4 will be described below. In embodiment 4, the configuration different from embodiments 1 to 3 will be mainly described.

[0109] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a shaped steel member 78 forming a lower frame portion 71 of a frame structure 70 included in a water heater according to embodiment 4. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a top surface portion 541D of a heat insulating member 54 included in a water heater according to embodiment 4. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XV-XV cutting line shown in Fig. 14.

[0110] The lower frame portion 71 of the frame structure 70 is formed by combining three shaped steel members 78 shown in Figure 13 in a U-shape. In the shaped steel members 78, the end portions E1 and E2 in the extension direction are L-shaped in cross section, i.e., have the shape of angle irons. In addition, the central portion C in the extension direction is U-shaped in cross section, i.e., has the shape of a channel steel.

[0111] 14, the top surface 541D of the heat insulating member 54 is formed in a square shape when viewed from above, with the central portions of three of the four sides of the square protruding from the top surface. As a result, the top surface 541D has protrusions 546 and 547 protruding from the side wall surfaces.

[0112] 14 is a view seen from the +X side and the -Y side, the protrusion formed in the center of the side in the -X direction among the four sides described above is not shown. Therefore, the three protrusions will be described below using the two reference numerals 546 and 547.

[0113] The central portion C of the above-described shaped steel member 78 is inserted into each of the protruding portions 546 and 547. In other words, the shaped portion of the channel steel is inserted. As a result, the shaped steel member 78 is fixed to each of the protruding portions 546 and 547.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 , of the opposing flange portions 781, 782 of the channel steel portion of the shaped steel member 78, one flange portion 781 is embedded inside the protruding portion 546. That is, one flange portion 781 is integrated with the protruding portion 546 by insert molding. Furthermore, a portion of a web portion 783 connecting the flange portions 781 and 782, located on the flange portion 781 side, is also embedded inside the protruding portion 546. That is, a portion of the web portion 783 is also integrated with the protruding portion 546 by insert molding. With this configuration, the shaped steel member 78 is firmly fixed to the protruding portion 546, i.e., the top surface portion 541D of the heat insulating member 54. As a result, the shaped steel member 78 reinforces the top surface portion 541D, increasing the rigidity of the top surface portion 541D.

[0115] The frame structure 70 described above is an example of a first frame that supports the side surface of a component, as defined in the present disclosure. The lower frame portion 71 is an example of a second frame that is insert-molded onto the outer periphery of the top surface and reinforces the outer periphery, as defined in the present disclosure.

[0116] As described above, in the water heater according to the fourth embodiment, a portion of the lower frame portion 71 of the frame structure 70 is embedded in the top surface portion 541D of the heat insulating member 54. As a result, the frame structure 70 is integrated with the top surface portion 541D, and the rigidity of the top surface portion 541D is increased.

[0117] (Embodiment 5) In the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1 to 4, the pump 33 is mounted on the top surface portions 541A-541D of the heat insulating member 54. That is, the pump 33 is mounted on the top surface portions 541A-541D and thereby directly supported by the top surface portions 541A-541D. However, the pump 33 is not limited to this. The pump 33 may be indirectly supported by the top surface portions 541A-541D via other components.

[0118] In the water heater according to the fifth embodiment, pump 33 is supported on top surface portion 541E via piping 321.

[0119] Hereinafter, a water heater according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. In embodiment 5, the configuration different from embodiments 1 to 4 will be mainly described.

[0120] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a top surface 541E of a heat insulating member 54 provided in a water heater according to embodiment 5. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a top surface 541E of a heat insulating member 54 fitted with a heating unit 20 provided in the water heater.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 16, the top surface 541E of the heat insulating member 54 has a recess 337 in front of the multifunction device support part 320, that is, on the -Y side.

[0122] 17 is fitted to the top surface 541E, the bottom surface of the recess 337 is located below the protrusion 333 located at the bottom of the pump 33. As a result, the pump 33 is not in contact with the top surface 541E.

[0123] On the other hand, the pump 33 is connected to a pipe 321 extending downward from the multifunction device 32. The pipe 321 is fitted into a multifunction device support part 320, which is a U-shaped groove in cross section shown in FIG. 16 and which is provided in the top surface part 541E. In this way, the pipe 321 is supported by the top surface part 541E. The pump 33 is connected to the pipe 321 configured in this way, and is thereby supported by the pipe 321. In other words, the pump 33 is supported by the top surface part 541E via the pipe 321.

[0124] In the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1-4, the pump 33 contacts the top surface portions 541A-541D, so vibrations generated during operation of the pump 33 are transmitted to the top surface portions 541A-541D, resulting in noise. In contrast, in the water heater according to embodiment 5, the pump 33 is positioned away from the top surface portion 541E and is not in direct contact with the top surface portion 541E. Therefore, vibrations generated during operation of the pump 33 are less likely to be transmitted to the top surface portion 541E. As a result, the water heater according to embodiment 5 can suppress noise from the pump 33.

[0125] As described above, in the water heater according to the fifth embodiment, the piping 321 connected to the pump 33 is fitted into the multifunction device support part 320, so that the piping 321 is directly supported on the top surface part 541E. The pump 33 is not directly supported on the top surface part 541E, but is positioned away from the top surface part 541E. Therefore, vibrations are not easily transmitted from the pump 33 to the top surface part 541E during operation. As a result, the water heater according to the fifth embodiment can suppress noise from the pump 33.

[0126] (Embodiment 6) As an example, the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1-5 are assembled by (1) fitting the heating unit 20 into the recesses and projections of the top surface portions 541A-E of the insulating member 54, and (2) then fitting the heating unit 20 and the top surface portions 541A-541E to the portions of the hot water storage unit 50 excluding the top surface portions 541A-541E, for example, fitting them to the upper surface portions of the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 shown in FIG. 5. However, the assembly method of the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1-5 is not limited to this. In the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1-5, the entire lower surface portions of the top surface portions 541A-E do not have to fit to the entire upper surface portions of the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 of the insulating member 54. For example, the heating unit 20 and the top surfaces 541A-541E may be attached to the right side surface 542 and left side surface 543 of the insulating member 54 by abutting a portion of the lower surface of the top surfaces 541A-541E against the upper surface of the right side surface 542 and left side surface 543 of the insulating member 54.

[0127] The water heater of embodiment 6 has multiple protrusions on the underside of the top surface 541F, and these protrusions abut the upper surfaces of the right side surface 542 and left side surface 543 of the insulating member 54, thereby attaching the top surface 541F to the right side surface 542 and left side surface 543 of the insulating member 54.

[0128] Hereinafter, a water heater according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In the sixth embodiment, the configuration different from the first to fifth embodiments will be mainly described.

[0129] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a top surface 541F of a heat insulating member 54 included in the water heater according to embodiment 6. Fig. 19 is an enlarged front view showing the internal structure of a housing 10 included in the water heater.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 18 , the top surface 541F of the heat insulating member 54 has a cylindrical portion on its lower side, and multiple protrusions 351 are provided at the lower end of the outer circumferential portion 350 of the cylindrical portion. While only one protrusion 351 is shown in FIG. 18 , multiple protrusions 351, specifically at least three, are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the protrusions 351 is formed from the same material as the top surface 541F, e.g., foamed plastic. Furthermore, each of the protrusions 351 has the same shape as one another when viewed from the radial direction of the outer circumferential portion 350, and as a result, they are all the same height. It is sufficient that the protrusions 351 are arranged in the circumferential direction; they do not have to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0131] In assembling the water heater according to embodiment 6, when top surface portion 541F, to which heating unit 20 is fitted, is attached to the upper surface portions of right side surface portion 542 and left side surface portion 543 of insulating member 54, protrusion 351 is brought into contact with the upper surface portion of right side surface portion 542 of insulating member 54, as shown in FIG. 19 . Also, although not shown, another protrusion 351 is brought into contact with the upper surface portion of left side surface portion 543 of insulating member 54. In this way, top surface portion 541F is placed on right side surface portion 542 and left side surface portion 543 of insulating member 54. As a result, on top surface portion 541F, only protrusion 351 is in contact with right side surface portion 542 and left side surface portion 543.

[0132] As described above, the protrusions 351 are arranged at equal intervals around the lower end of the outer periphery 350, so that a load is applied evenly to each of the protrusions 351. Furthermore, the load of the heating unit 20 and the top surface 541F causes the protrusions 351 to collapse, thereby minimizing the gap between the bottom surface of the top surface 541F and the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51, which is surrounded by the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543 of the insulating member 54. As a result, the bottom surface of the top surface 541F comes into contact with the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51. This allows the protrusions 351 to minimize the gap between the top surface 541F and the hot water storage tank 51, thereby improving the heat retention of the top surface of the hot water storage tank 51. Furthermore, because the protrusions 351 are arranged at equal intervals around the outer periphery 350, the top surface 541F does not tilt relative to the top surfaces of the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543. As a result, the water heater according to the sixth embodiment can be assembled with high precision.

[0133] The right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 of the insulating member 54 are examples of side surfaces that cover the sides of the hot water storage tank in the present disclosure.

[0134] As described above, in the water heater according to the sixth embodiment, the top surface portion 541F has a plurality of protrusions 351 arranged circumferentially at the lower end of the outer peripheral portion 350. The top surface portion 541F is attached to the side surface portion by the plurality of protrusions 351 contacting the upper surface portions of the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 of the heat insulating member 54. In the water heater according to the sixth embodiment, since the plurality of protrusions 351 are arranged circumferentially at the lower end of the outer peripheral portion 350, the top surface portion 541F does not tilt relative to the upper surface portions of the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543. As a result, the water heater according to the sixth embodiment can be assembled with high precision. This minimizes the gap between the top surface portion 541F and the upper surface portions of the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543, thereby improving the heat retention of the water heater according to the sixth embodiment.

[0135] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 351 are formed of foamed plastic, and are crushed by the load of the top surface 541F when the top surface 541F is placed on the upper surfaces of the right side surface 542 and the left side surface 543. The plurality of protrusions 351 are crushed by the load of the top surface 541F, thereby closing the gap between the top surface 541F and the upper surface of the hot water storage tank 51. As a result, the plurality of protrusions 351 can improve the heat retention of the water heater according to the sixth embodiment.

[0136] Although the water heaters 1A and 1B according to embodiments 1 to 6 of the present disclosure have been described above, the water heaters 1A and 1B are not limited to this.

[0137] For example, in the first embodiment, the expansion tank 31, multifunction device 32, pump 33, heat exchangers 34 and 41, scale trap 42, and piping 44 and 45 of the heating unit 20 are fitted into the uneven portion formed on the top surface 541A of the insulating member 54. However, the components that fit into the uneven portion are not limited to this. In the water heaters 1A and 1B, at least one component constituting the heating device may fit into the uneven portion. Here, the heating device refers to a device that heats hot and cold water, such as the heating unit 20. Therefore, at least one of the expansion tank 31, multifunction device 32, pump 33, heat exchangers 34 and 41, scale trap 42, and piping 44 and 45 of the heating unit 20 may fit into the uneven portion. Furthermore, although the pump 43 does not fit into the uneven portion in the first embodiment, it may also fit into the uneven portion.

[0138] Furthermore, in embodiments 1-6, the heat insulating member 54 is formed by top surface portions 541A-541D, a right side surface portion 542, a left side surface portion 543, and a bottom surface portion 544. However, the heat insulating member 54 is not limited to this. The heat insulating member 54 may be disposed between the heating device and the hot water storage tank 51, and may have a top surface portion formed with an uneven portion that fits with at least one component that constitutes the heating device and supports at least one component, and may cover the hot water storage tank 51. Therefore, the right side surface portion 542 and the left side surface portion 543 may be further divided into the heat insulating member 54.

[0139] In addition, in the embodiment 1-6, the heat insulating member 54 is made of expanded polystyrene, but the heat insulating member 54 may be made of other heat insulating materials, for example, expanded polyurethane.

[0140] As described above, the water heaters 1A and 1B are not limited to the above-described first to sixth embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below as appendices.

[0141] (Supplementary Note 1) A water heater comprising: a heating device that heats hot water; a hot water storage tank that is arranged below the heating device and stores the hot water heated by the heating device; and an insulating member that covers the hot water storage tank and has a top surface that is arranged between the heating device and the hot water storage tank, wherein the top surface has at least one of a recess that fits with and supports at least one component that constitutes the heating device, and a protrusion that abuts against and determines the position of at least one component that constitutes the heating device. (Supplementary Note 2) The water heater according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the top surface has the recess, and the recess has a bottom that supports a lower surface of the component and an inner wall that supports a side surface of the component. (Supplementary Note 3) The water heater according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the top surface has the recess, and the component is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the hot water and hot water or a refrigerant separate from the hot water, and the recess fits with and supports a lower part of the heat exchanger. (Appendix 4) The water heater according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the top surface has the convex portion, and the component is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between hot water or a refrigerant other than the hot water and the hot water, and the convex portion abuts against a side portion of the heat exchanger to determine the position of the side portion. (Appendix 5) The water heater according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the top surface has the concave portion, and the component is a pump that has a cylindrical outer portion and sends the other hot water to the heat exchanger, and the concave portion is recessed in a semi-cylindrical shape and fits into the cylindrical outer portion of the pump. (Appendix 6) The water heater according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein the component is a pipe connected to a pump that sends the other hot water to the heat exchanger, and the concave portion is a groove that is U-shaped in cross section and fits into the pipe, and the pump is arranged away from the top surface. (Supplementary Note 7) The water heater according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, further comprising a first frame provided on the top surface portion and supporting a side portion of the component. (Supplementary Note 8) The water heater according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, wherein the top surface portion has a second frame insert-molded into an outer periphery and reinforcing the outer periphery. (Supplementary Note 9) The water heater according to any one of Supplements 1 to 8, wherein the top surface portion is molded from foamed plastic.(Supplementary Note 10) The water heater according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the top surface portion has a groove surrounding at least one of the recessed portion and the protruding portion, and a drain connected to the groove. (Supplementary Note 11) The water heater according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein the heat insulating member is arranged below the top surface portion and further has a side surface portion covering a side of the hot water storage tank, and the top surface portion has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction at a lower end of an outer periphery, and the plurality of protrusions contact an upper surface portion of the side surface portion, thereby being attached to the side surface portion.

[0142] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111107, filed on July 6, 2023. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-111107 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0144] 1A, 1B water heater, 10 housing, 11 front panel, 12 right side panel, 13 left side panel, 14 bottom panel, 20 heating unit, 30 heating circuit, 31 expansion tank, 32 multifunction device, 33 pump, 34 heat exchanger, 35 booster heater, 36 three-way valve, 40 hot water supply circuit, 41 heat exchanger, 42 scale trap, 43 pump, 44, 45 piping, 50 hot water storage unit, 51 hot water storage tank, 52 water supply piping, 53 hot water supply piping, 54 heat insulating member, 55 outer peripheral wall, 56 convex surface, 57 groove, 58 drain, 60 outdoor unit, 70 frame structure, 71 lower frame portion, 72 upper frame portion, 73-76 pillars, 77 beam portion, 78 shaped steel member, 310 expansion tank support portion, 311 Lower surface, 312 protruding wall, 313 U-shaped surface, 314 groove, 320 multifunction device support portion, 321 piping, 322 square pyramid truncated portion, 323 groove, 330 pump support portion, 331 small diameter portion, 332 large diameter portion, 333 projection, 334, 335 cylindrical surface recess, 336 groove, 337 recess, 340 heat exchanger support portion, 341 flat surface, 342 curved wall, 343 vertical wall, 350 outer periphery, 351 projection, 410 heat exchanger support portion, 411 flat surface, 412 curved wall, 413 vertical wall, 420 scale trap support portion, 421 piping, 422 protrusion, 423 groove, 440 piping support portion, 441, 442 recess, 511 Stand, 541A-541F Top section, 542 Right side section, 543 Left side section, 544 Bottom section, 546, 547 Projection section, 771-773 Metal fittings, 781, 782 Flange section, 783 Web section, C Center section, E1, E2 End section, S Gap.

Claims

1. A heating device for heating hot water; a hot water storage tank disposed below the heating device and storing the hot water heated by the heating device; an insulating member having a top surface portion disposed between the heating device and the hot water storage tank and covering the hot water storage tank; Equipped with the top surface portion has at least one of a recessed portion that supports at least one component that constitutes the heating device and a protruding portion that abuts against the at least one component that constitutes the heating device and determines the position of the component, The depth of the recess is shallower than the height of the component, and the component protrudes from the recess. Water heater.

2. the top surface portion has the recessed portion, The recess has a bottom portion that supports a lower surface portion of the component and an inner wall portion that supports a side surface portion of the component. The water heater according to claim 1.

3. the top surface portion has the recessed portion, The component is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the hot water and another hot water or a refrigerant, The recess supports a lower portion of the heat exchanger. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the top surface portion has the convex portion, The component is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the hot water and another hot water or a refrigerant, the protrusion abuts against a side surface of the heat exchanger to define the position of the side surface. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the top surface portion has the recessed portion, the component is a pump having a cylindrical outer shape and sending hot water separate from the hot water to a heat exchanger, The recess is recessed in a semi-cylindrical shape and supports a cylindrical outer portion of the pump. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The component is a pipe connected to a pump that sends hot water, which is separate from the hot water, to a heat exchanger, The recess is a groove having a U-shape in cross section, and supports the piping. The pump is disposed away from the top surface. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a first frame provided on the top surface portion and supporting a side surface portion of the component; The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The top surface portion has a second frame that is insert-molded into the outer periphery and reinforces the outer periphery. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The top surface is made of foam plastic. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The top surface portion has a groove surrounding at least one of the recessed portion and the protruding portion, and a drain connected to the groove. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The heat insulating member further has a side surface portion that is disposed below the top surface portion and covers a side of the hot water storage tank, The top surface portion has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a circumferential direction at a lower end of an outer circumferential portion, and the top surface portion is attached to the side surface portion by the plurality of protrusions contacting an upper surface portion of the side surface portion. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The top surface portion has a first surface having at least one of the recessed portion and the protruding portion, and the heating device is in contact with the first surface, The hot water storage tank is in contact with a second surface opposite to the first surface. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2.