Patent Application
20170299176
The present invention relates to an exhaust tube holding member, an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus, and a method for installing an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus.
A combustion apparatus such as a water heater or a room heater is disposed in such a manner that a main body thereof is installed indoors. For example, in the United States, a tank water heater is primarily used as the water heater, and the tank water heater is installed in such as an indoor boiler room. Exhaust gas generated from combustion in such combustion apparatus is generally emitted outside the roof of a building through an exhaust pipe (B vent).
When replacing such combustion apparatus (for example, a tank water heater) already placed in a building with a new combustion apparatus (for example, an instantaneous water heater), the replacement may encounter such a situation that the outer appearance of the building must be reserved and thereby the already-placed exhaust pipe cannot be removed.
In the situation mentioned above, it is possible to perform the replacement of the combustion apparatus by reusing the already-placed exhaust pipe and inserting a new exhaust tube inside the existing exhaust pipe. It is known that the new exhaust tube (flexible exhaust tube) is held by using an exhaust adapter disclosed in US 2015/0056903A1. On the other hand, the already-placed exhaust pipe may be available on the market with different sizes and shapes, and thus, it is desired that a simple and easy installation method should be adopted to deal with the problem that the exhaust pipe may have different sizes and shapes.
The present invention has been accomplished in view of the aforementioned problems, and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exhaust tube holding member, an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus and a method for installing an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
The exhaust tube holding member of the present invention is formed into an annular shape, and is configured to be supported by an exhaust pipe at a location closer to the side of an outer peripheral surface of the annular shape and to hold an exhaust tube on an inner peripheral surface of the annular shape. The exhaust tube holding member of the present invention includes an annular portion, an outward protruding portion and a flange portion. The annular portion is formed with a through hole penetrating from a first end through a second end. The outward protruding portion is formed into an annular shape and protrudes peripherally outward from the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion. The flange portion is disposed closer to the first end than to the outward protruding portion, extending peripherally outward from the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion, and is configured to have a thickness greater than that of the outward protruding portion. The flange portion is formed with a first annular groove surrounding the through hole.
According to the exhaust tube holding member of the present invention, since the flange portion is formed with the first annular groove, it is easy to cut the flange portion along the first annular groove, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion. Thereby, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the first annular groove is formed concentrically with the through hole in planar view. Since the first annular groove is formed concentrically with the through hole, it is easy to hold the exhaust pipe concentrically with the exhaust tube which has been inserted into the through hole.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the first annular groove is formed to have an oval shape or an elliptical shape sharing the same central axis with the through hole in planar view. Thereby, it is easy to have the flange portion supported on the exhaust pipe of an oval shape or an elliptical shape.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the outward protruding portion is formed with a second annular groove surrounding the through hole. Thereby, it is easy to cut the outward protruding portion along the second annular groove, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of the outward protruding portion. Thus, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of the outward protruding portion at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the first annular groove and the second annular groove have the same radius in planar view. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently cut the flange portion along the first annular groove and efficiently cut the outward protruding portion along the second annular groove.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the depth of the first annular groove is at least half of the thickness of the flange portion. Thereby, it is easier to cut the flange portion along the first annular groove at an installation site.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the first annular groove includes a first groove portion formed on one surface of the flange portion closer to the first end, and a second groove portion formed on the other surface of the flange portion closer to the second end. The first groove portion and the second groove portion are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of the central axis of the through hole. Thereby, the cutting marks are formed on both surfaces of the flange portion, which makes it possible to cut the flange portion from either the front surface or the back surface in accordance with installation requirements.
In the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above, the sum of the depth of the first groove portion and the depth of the second groove portion is at least half of the thickness of the flange portion. Thereby, it is easier to cut the flange portion along the first annular groove at an installation site.
An exhaust structure for combustion apparatus of the present invention includes the exhaust tube holding member, the exhaust tube and the exhaust pipe, which are mentioned above, and a rain cap. The exhaust tube has one end and the other end, and is connected to the combustion apparatus at one end. The exhaust tube is introduced inside the exhaust pipe. The rain cap is connected to the other end of the exhaust tube, and is configured to cover the top of the exhaust tube holding member. The annular portion of the exhaust tube holding member is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube, the flange portion is held at the upper end of the exhaust pipe, and the outer peripheral end of the outward protruding portion is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe.
According to the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus of the present invention, since the flange portion is formed with the first annular groove, it is easy to cut the flange portion along the first annular groove, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion. Thereby, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
A method for installing an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus by using the exhaust tube holding member mentioned above includes the following steps.
Firstly, the flange portion is cut along the first annular groove of the exhaust tube holding member. Next, the exhaust tube which has one end and the other end is connected to the combustion apparatus at one end, and the other end of the exhaust tube is pulled through the exhaust pipe out of an upper end opening of the exhaust pipe. Then, the exhaust tube holding member is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube by introducing the exhaust tube into the through hole of the exhaust tube holding member. Subsequently, the exhaust tube holding member which has been attached to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube is held against the upper end opening of the exhaust pipe.
According to the method for installing of the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus of the present invention, since the flange portion is formed with the first annular groove, it is easy to cut the flange portion along the first annular groove, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion. Thereby, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of the flange portion at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
In the method for installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus mentioned above, the cutting of the flange portion along the first annular groove is performed prior to the attaching of the exhaust tube holding member to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube. Thereby, it is possible to cut the flange portion in a free state before the attaching of the exhaust tube holding member to the exhaust tube, allowing the cutting to be performed more accurately.
In the method for installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus mentioned above, the cutting of the flange portion along the first annular groove is performed after the attaching of the exhaust tube holding member on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube. Thereby, it is possible to cut the flange portion in a stable state after the attaching of the exhaust tube holding member to the exhaust tube, allowing the cutting to be performed more stably.
In the method for installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus mentioned above, the outward protruding portion is formed with a second annular groove surrounding the through hole, and the method further includes cutting the outward protruding portion along the second annular groove. Thereby, it is easy to cut the outward protruding portion along the second annular groove, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of the outward protruding portion. Thus, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of the outward protruding portion at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Firstly, an exhaust structure for combustion apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As illustrated in
Combustion apparatus 80 is installed inside building 200. Combustion apparatus 80 may be a water heater for heating water to hot with combustion gas or may be any other combustion apparatus such as a room heater for warming up a room with combustion gas. In the case where a water heater is used as combustion apparatus 80, the water heater may be a water heater adapted to an exhaust suction and combustion system or may be a water heater of a latent heat recovery type.
Exhaust tube 20 has one end 20a and the other end 20b. Exhaust tube 20 is connected to combustion apparatus 80 at one end 20a. The other end 20b of exhaust tube 20 extends out to the outside of the building. The interior of exhaust tube 20 forms a discharge path for discharging the exhaust gas generated from combustion in combustion apparatus 80 to the outside. Thus, the exhaust gas produced by combustion apparatus 80 can be guided to the outside through exhaust tube 20.
Exhaust tube 20 is implemented as a flexible pipe such as an accordion pipe, it may be a spiral pipe as well. Thereby, it is possible for exhaust tube 20 to follow the shape of exhaust pipe 30 even it is complicated. Based on the fact that the exhaust gas will pass through the interior of exhaust tube 20, it is preferred that exhaust tube 20 is made from a material having acid resistance. As described in the present embodiment, in the case where combustion apparatus 80 is a water heater of a latent heat recovery type, the exhaust gas may be discharged together with acidic drainage water.
Thus, the material of exhaust tube 20 may be selected from materials having acid resistance such as phenol resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin such as tetrafluoroethylene, unsaturated polyester resin, melamine resin, polycarbonate resin, methacryl styrene (MS) resin, methacryl resin, styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (AS) resin, ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and vinyl chloride resin.
Exhaust pipe 30 is attached to building 200 so as to extend from the indoor to the outdoor through a roof 210 of building 200, for example. Exhaust pipe 30 may extend from the indoor to the outdoor through a wall of the building. Exhaust pipe 30 has a larger diameter than exhaust tube 20. A part of exhaust tube 20 closer to the other end 20b is inserted inside exhaust pipe 30. Exhaust pipe 30 is made of metal, for example. Exhaust pipe 30 has a cross section (orthogonal to the axis direction of exhaust pipe 30) having a circular shape, an oval shape or an elliptical shape, for example. Exhaust pipe 30 is connected to exhaust tube fixing member 50 at the lower end. Note that exhaust pipe 30 is not required to be connected to exhaust tube fixing member 50.
Exhaust tube fixing member 50 is configured to fix exhaust tube 20 relative to exhaust pipe 30. In the case where exhaust tube fixing member 50 is connected to exhaust pipe 30, exhaust tube fixing member 50 is configured to fix exhaust tube 20 relative to exhaust pipe 30. In the present embodiment, exhaust tube fixing member 50 is attached to exhaust pipe 30 at a location closer to combustion apparatus 80 than to exhaust tube holding member 10. In addition, exhaust tube fixing member 50 fixes connection pipe 60 to exhaust pipe 30. It is preferable to fix exhaust tube fixing member 50 to a ceiling 220 of building 200 after it is fixed to both exhaust tube 20 and exhaust pipe 30. Exhaust tube fixing member 50 is preferably made of the same material as exhaust tube 20.
As illustrated in
An exhaust vent (discharge unit) 70a1 for discharging the exhaust gas after combustion to the outside (outdoor) is formed at the upper end of discharge member 70a. With the help of exhaust vent 70a1, it is possible to emit the exhaust gas guided by exhaust tube 20 to the outside of building 200 through rain cap 70.
Cover members 70b and 70c of rain cap 70 cover the top surface and the side surface of exhaust tube holding member 10. Cover members 70b and 70c include a ceiling 70b and a peripheral wall 70c. Ceiling 70b has a circular ring shape extending from the outer peripheral surface of discharge member 70a outward circumferentially. Ceiling 70b has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of exhaust tube holding member 10 and covers the top of exhaust tube holding member 10. Peripheral wall 70c has a cylindrical shape extending downward from the outer peripheral end of ceiling 70b. The inner peripheral surface of peripheral wall 70c is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of exhaust tube holding member 10. Note that the inner peripheral surface of peripheral wall 70c may not be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of exhaust tube holding member 10, and a gap may be formed therebetween. Peripheral wall 70c covers the side surface of exhaust tube holding member 10.
In the above, discharge member 70a of rain cap 70 is implemented as an inner cover attached to the inner peripheral surface of exhaust tube 20, it may be an outer cover attached to the outer peripheral surface of exhaust tube 20. Rain cap 70 may be made of materials such as aluminum and stainless steel.
As illustrated in
Connection pipe 60 is implemented as a flexible pipe such as an accordion pipe, it may be a spiral pipe as well. Since connection pipe 60 is flexible, it is possible for connection pipe 60 to follow the shape of exhaust tube 20 easily. Moreover, since connection pipe 60 is flexible, it is easier to connect connection pipe 60 to combustion apparatus 80.
Connection pipe 60 may be a pipe made of for example aluminum. As a result, it is possible to reduce the self weight so as to reduce the load for exhaust tube fixing member 50 to support connection pipe 60, and meanwhile since aluminum has a certain degree of hardness, it is possible to prevent connection pipe 60 from deformation due to its self weight. Furthermore, since a pipe made of aluminum can be relatively readily processed through cutting or the like, it can be readily adapted to the length of exhaust tube 20, for example.
Exhaust tube holding member 10 is configured to hold exhaust tube 20, which is connected to combustion apparatus 80, inside exhaust pipe 30. Exhaust tube holding member 10 is preferably made of a material having acid resistance. The material of exhaust tube holding member 10 be selected from materials having acid resistance such as ethylene propylene dimonomer (EPDM), phenol resin, epoxy resin, silicone resin, fluorine resin such as tetrafluoroethylene, unsaturated polyester resin, melamine resin, polycarbonate resin, methacryl styrene (MS) resin, methacryl resin, styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (AS) resin, ABS resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and vinyl chloride resin. Exhaust tube holding member 10 may also be a wire or a metal plate, for example.
As illustrated in
Hereinafter, the configuration of exhaust tube holding member 10 mentioned above will be described with reference to
As generally illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
As generally illustrated in
Annular groove 12a, annular grooves 13a and annular grooves 14a are designed for the purpose of cutting an outer peripheral portion of flange portion 12, an outer peripheral portion of protruding piece 13 and an outer peripheral portion of protruding piece 14, respectively, by using a pair of scissors or the like (a knife, a cutting tool) at an installation site. In the case where exhaust tube holding member 10 is not cut, as illustrated in
Hereinafter, the method of installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus of the present embodiment in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively large diameter (for example, 4 inches) will be described with reference to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Thereafter, rain cap 70 is attached to exhaust tube 20. Specifically, discharge member 70a of rain cap 70 is inserted into exhaust tube 20 from the other end 20b of exhaust tube 20. The insertion of discharge member 70a into exhaust tube 20 may be performed continuously until ceiling 70b of rain cap 70 abuts against the other end 20b of exhaust tube 20. After discharge member 70a is inserted into exhaust tube 20, peripheral wall 70c of rain cap 70 surrounds the outer peripheral region of exhaust tube holding member 10. Accordingly, exhaust structure for combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is installed in building 200.
Hereinafter, the method of installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus of the present embodiment in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively small diameter (for example, 3 inches) will be described with reference to
In the case where exhaust pipe 30 is known to have a relatively small diameter at an installation site, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 13 includes an inclined surface 13a and a cut surface 13c. Inclined surface 13a is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from one end 10A toward the other end 10B. Cut surface 13c extends vertically from inclined surface 13a toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of center axis C-C of through hole 15.
The outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 14 includes an inclined surface 14a and a cut surface 14c. Inclined surface 14a is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from one end 10A toward the other end 10B. Cut surface 14c extends vertically from inclined surface 14a toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of center axis C-C of through hole 15.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Thereafter, rain cap 70 is attached to exhaust tube 20 in the same manner as described above in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively large diameter. Thereby, exhaust structure for combustion apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is installed in building 200.
In the description above, it has been described that exhaust tube holding member 10 is firstly cut and then attached to exhaust tube 20, it is acceptable that exhaust tube holding member 10 is firstly attached to exhaust tube 20 and is cut thereafter.
The effects of the present embodiment will be described hereinafter.
According to the present embodiment, since flange portion 12 is formed with annular groove 12a, it is easy to cut flange portion 12 along annular groove 12a, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of flange portion 12. Thereby, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of flange portion 12 at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
Since the same exhaust tube holding member 10 can be used to deal with both the installation of exhaust pipe 30 having a relatively large diameter and the installation of exhaust pipe 30 having a relatively smaller diameter, it is possible to prevent the installation technician from bringing a wrong-sized exhaust tube holding member to the installation site.
Since annular groove 12a is formed concentrically with through hole 15, it is easy to hold exhaust pipe 30 concentrically with exhaust tube 20 which has been inserted into through hole 15.
Since the outward protruding portions (protruding pieces 13 and 14) are respectively formed with annular grooves 13a and 14a surrounding through hole 15, it is easy to cut protruding pieces 13 and 14 along annular grooves 13a and 14a, respectively, making it easy to modify the radial dimension of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14. Thus, it is possible to modify the radial dimension of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 at an installation site, enabling a simple and easy installation to deal with any exhaust pipe with different sizes and shapes.
Since annular groove 12a has the same radius as annular grooves 13a and 14a in planar view, it is possible to efficiently cut flange portion 12 along annular groove 12a and efficiently cut protruding pieces 13 and 14 along annular grooves 13a and 14a, respectively.
As illustrated in
In the installation of the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus, the cutting of flange portion 12 along annular groove 12a is performed prior to the attaching of exhaust tube holding member 10 to the outer peripheral surface of exhaust tube 20. Thereby, it is possible to cut flange portion 12 in a free state before the attaching of exhaust tube holding member 10 to exhaust tube 20, allowing the cutting to be performed more accurately.
The cutting of flange portion 12 along annular groove 12a may be performed after the attaching of exhaust tube holding member 10 on the outer circumferential surface of exhaust tube 20. Thereby, it is possible to cut flange portion 12 in a stable state after the attaching of exhaust tube holding member 10 to exhaust tube 20, allowing the cutting to be performed more stably.
As illustrated in
In exhaust tube holding member 10 of the present embodiment, only the flange portion is formed with annular groove 12a similar to that in the first embodiment. Annular groove 12a is formed on a surface of flange portion 12 closer to the side of one end 10A so as to surround through hole 15. Annular groove 12a is formed to have for example a circular shape, and is arranged concentrically with through hole 15 in planar view. Annular groove 12a has depth T1a at least half of thickness T1 of flange portion 12.
Since the other members of exhaust tube holding member 10 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same members, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the method for installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus in the present embodiment, in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively large diameter (for example, 4 inches), exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation without cutting. In other words, when exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation without cutting, similar to the first embodiment illustrated in
On the other hand, in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively small diameter (for example, 3 inches), exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation after flange portion 12 is cut along annular groove 12a as illustrated in
Each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 is configured so that the thickness becomes thinner from the bottom end (from the side of the inner peripheral surface) toward the distal end (toward the side of the outer peripheral surface). Thus, the distal end of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 is more deformable than the bottom end thereof. Accordingly, when inserting protruding pieces 13 and 14 into exhaust pipe 30, the distal end of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 deforms easily, abutting peripherally against the inner peripheral wall surface of exhaust pipe 30.
Since the other steps of the installation method are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the present embodiment mentioned above, none of protruding pieces 13 and 14 is formed with an annular groove, and instead, each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 is configured so that the thickness becomes thinner from the bottom end (from the side of the inner peripheral surface) toward the distal end (toward the side of the outer peripheral surface). Thus, the distal end of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 is more deformable than the bottom end thereof. Accordingly, when inserting protruding pieces 13 and 14 into exhaust pipe 30 having a relatively small diameter, the distal end of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14 deforms easily, abutting peripherally against the inner peripheral wall surface of exhaust pipe 30 so as to occlude the interior space of exhaust pipe 30.
According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as that in the first embodiment.
As illustrated in
Annular groove 12a in the present embodiment includes a first groove portion 12a1 formed on one surface of flange portion 12 closer to one end 10A, and a second groove portion 12a2 formed on the other surface of flange portion 12 closer to the other end 10B. First groove portion 12a1 and second groove portion 12a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. The sum of depth T1a of first groove portion 12a1 and depth T1b of second groove portion 12a2 is at least half of thickness T1 of flange portion 12.
Annular groove 13a in the present embodiment includes a first groove portion 13a1 formed on one surface of protruding piece 13 closer to one end 10A, and a second groove portion 13a2 formed on the other surface of protruding piece 13 closer to the other end 10B. First groove portion 13a1 and second groove portion 13a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. The sum of depth T2a of first groove portion 13a1 and depth T2b of second groove portion 13a2 is at least half of thickness T2 of protruding piece 13.
Annular groove 14a in the present embodiment includes a first groove portion 14a1 formed on one surface of protruding piece 14 closer to one end 10A, and a second groove portion 14a2 formed on the other surface of protruding piece 14 closer to the other end 10B. First groove portion 14a1 and second groove portion 14a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. The sum of depth T3a of first groove portion 14a1 and depth T3b of second groove portion 14a2 is at least half of thickness T3 of protruding piece 14.
Since the other members of exhaust tube holding member 10 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same members, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the method for installing the exhaust structure for combustion apparatus in the present embodiment, in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively large diameter (for example, 4 inches), exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation without cutting. In other words, when exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation without cutting, similar to the first embodiment illustrated in
On the other hand, in the case where exhaust pipe 30 has a relatively large diameter (for example, 3 inches), exhaust tube holding member 10 is used in the installation after flange portion 12 is cut along annular grooves 12a1 and 12a2, protruding piece 13 is cut along annular grooves 13a1 and 13a2, and protruding piece 14 is cut along annular grooves 14a1 and 14a2 as illustrated in
As illustrated in
The outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 13 includes an inclined surface 13a1, a cut surface 13c and an inclined surface 13a2. Inclined surface 13a1 is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from one end 10A toward the other end 10B. Inclined surface 13a2 is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from the other end 10B toward one end 10A. Cut surface 13c is located between inclined surface 13a1 and inclined surface 13a2, and extends vertically from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of center axis C-C of through hole 15.
The outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 14 includes an inclined surface 14a1, a cut surface 14c and an inclined surface 14a2. Inclined surface 14a1 is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from one end 10A toward the other end 10B. Inclined surface 14a2 is inclined so as to protrude peripherally outward from the other end 10B toward one end 10A. Cut surface 14c is located between inclined surface 14a1 and inclined surface 14a2, and extends vertically from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of center axis C-C of through hole 15.
Since the other steps of the installation method are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the present embodiment as mentioned above, since first groove portion 12a1 and second groove portion 12a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Thereby, the cutting marks are formed on both surfaces of flange portion 12, it is possible to cut flange portion 12 from either the front surface or the back surface in accordance with installation requirements.
Similarly in the case of protruding pieces 13 and 14, since first groove portion 13a1 and second groove portion 13a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15, and first groove portion 14a1 and second groove portion 14a2 are formed peripherally opposite to each other in the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Thereby, the cutting marks are formed on both surfaces of each of protruding pieces 13 and 14, it is possible to cut protruding pieces 13 and 14 from either the front surface or the back surface in accordance with installation requirements.
Since the sum of depth T1a of first groove portion 12a1 and depth T1b of second groove portion 12a2 is at least half of thickness T1 of flange portion 12, it is easier to cut flange portion 12 along first groove portion 12a1 and second groove portion 12a2 at an installation site. For example, the outer peripheral portion of flange portion 12 may be easily cut along annular groove 12a without using a tool.
Similarly in the case of protruding piece 13, since the sum of depth T2a of first groove portion 13a1 and depth T2b of second groove portion 13a2 is at least half of thickness T2 of protruding piece 13, it is easier to cut protruding piece 13 along first groove portion 13a1 and second groove portion 13a2 at an installation site. For example, the outer peripheral portion of protruding piece 13 may be easily cut along annular groove 13a without using a tool.
Similarly in the case of protruding piece 14, since the sum of depth T3a of first groove portion 14a1 and depth T3b of second groove portion 14a2 is at least half of thickness T3 of protruding piece 14, it is easier to cut protruding piece 14 along first groove portion 14a1 and second groove portion 14a2 at an installation site. For example, the outer peripheral portion of protruding piece 14 may be easily cut along annular groove 14a without using a tool.
According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as that in the first embodiment.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
When cutting protruding piece 13 along annular groove 13a, the outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 13 is formed to include a groove inner peripheral surface 13a and a cut surface 13c. Each of groove inner peripheral surface 13a and cut surface 13c extends from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Cut surface 13c protrudes peripherally outward outer than groove inner peripheral surface 13a, and thereby forms a step between cut surface 13c and groove inner peripheral surface 13a.
When cutting protruding piece 14 along annular groove 14a, the outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 14 is formed to include a groove inner peripheral surface 14a and a cut surface 14c. Each of groove inner peripheral surface 14a and cut surface 14c extends from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Cut surface 14c protrudes peripherally outward outer than groove inner peripheral surface 14a, and thereby forms a step between cut surface 14c and groove inner peripheral surface 14a.
Since the other members of exhaust tube holding member 10 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same members, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
Further, since the installation method is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as that in the first embodiment.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
When cutting protruding piece 13 along first groove portion 13a1 and second groove portion 13a2, the outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 13 is formed to include a first groove inner peripheral surface 13a1, a cut surface 13c, and a second groove portion inner peripheral surface 13a2. Each of first groove inner peripheral surface 13a1, cut surface 13c, and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 13a2 extends from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Cut surface 13c is located between first groove inner peripheral surface 13a1 and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 13a2. Cut surface 13c protrudes peripherally outward outer than both first groove inner peripheral surface 13a1 and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 13a2, and thereby forms a step between cut surface 13c and first groove inner peripheral surface 13a1 and a step between cut surface 13c and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 13a2.
When cutting protruding piece 14 along first groove portion 14a1 and second groove portion 14a2, the outer peripheral edge of protruding piece 14 is formed to include a first groove inner peripheral surface 14a1, a cut surface 14c, and a second groove portion inner peripheral surface 14a2. Each of first groove inner peripheral surface 14a1, cut surface 14c, and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 14a2 extends from the side of one end 10A toward the side of the other end 10B along the direction of central axis C-C of through hole 15. Cut surface 14c is located between first groove inner peripheral surface 14a1 and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 14a2. Cut surface 14c protrudes peripherally outward outer than both first groove inner peripheral surface 14a1 and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 14a2, and thereby forms a step between cut surface 14c and first groove inner peripheral surface 14a1 and a step between cut surface 14c and second groove portion inner peripheral surface 14a2.
Since the other members of exhaust tube holding member 10 in the present embodiment are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same members, and the description thereof will not be repeated.
Further, since the installation method is substantially the same as that in the third embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated.
According to the present embodiment, it is also possible to obtain the same effects as that in the first embodiment and the third embodiment.
In the first to fifth embodiments mentioned above, flange portion 12 and the outward protruding portions (protruding pieces 13 and 14) of exhaust tube holding member 10 are described as having a perfect circular shape in planar view, but the shape of each of flange portion 12 and the outward protruding portions (protruding pieces 13 and 14) in planar view is not limited thereto. Each of flange portion 12 and the outward protruding portions (protruding pieces 13 and 14) in planar view may have an oval shape as illustrated in
Hereinafter, the configuration of combustion apparatus 80 used in exhaust structure for combustion apparatus 100 mentioned above will be described with reference to
As described in the above, combustion apparatus 80 used in the above exhaust structure for combustion apparatus 100 may be a water heater of a latent heat recovery type adapted to an exhaust suction and combustion system.
As illustrated in
Burner 82 is configured to produce combustion gas by combusting fuel gas. Burner 82 is connected to a gas supply pipe 91. Gas supply pipe 91 is configured to supply the fuel gas to burner 82. Gas supply pipe 91 is provided with a gas valve composed of an electromagnetic valve (not shown), for example.
A spark plug 82a is disposed above burner 82. This spark plug 82a is configured to produce ignition sparks between the spark plug and an ignition target (not shown) provided in burner 82 in response to the actuation of an ignition device (igniter) so as to produce a flame in a fuel air mixture erupted from burner 82. Burner 82 generates heat by combusting the fuel gas supplied from gas supply pipe 91 (hereinafter, it will be called as the combustion operation).
Primary heat exchanger 83 is a sensible heat recovery type heat exchanger. Primary heat exchanger 83 generally includes a plurality of plate-shaped fins 83b, a heat transfer tube 83a that penetrates the plurality of plate-shaped fins 83b, and a case 83c for housing therein the plurality of plate-shaped fins 83b and heat transfer tube 83a. Primary heat exchanger 83 is configured to perform heat exchange with the combustion gas generated by burner 82, specifically it is configured to heat water flowing in heat transfer tube 83a of primary heat exchanger 83 by using the heat generated through the combustion operation of burner 82.
Secondary heat exchanger 84 is a latent heat recovery type heat exchanger. Secondary heat exchanger 84 is located downstream of the flow of the combustion gas than primary heat exchanger 83, and is connected in series to primary heat exchanger 83. Thus, combustion apparatus 80 according to the present embodiment includes secondary heat exchanger 84 of latent heat recovery type, and thereby is a water heater of a latent heat recovery type.
Secondary heat exchanger 84 generally includes a drainage water discharge port 84a, a heat transfer tube 84b, a side wall 84c, a bottom wall 84d, and an upper wall 84g. Heat transfer tube 84b is spirally wound and laminated. Side wall 84c, bottom wall 84d and upper wall 84g are arranged to surround the periphery of heat transfer tube 84b.
In secondary heat exchanger 84, the hot water flowing in heat transfer tube 84b is pre-heated (heated) by the heat exchanged from the combustion gas after it is subjected to heat exchange in primary heat exchanger 83. During the process, as temperature of the combustion gas drops to about 60° C., the water vapor contained in the combustion gas is condensed, which makes it possible to recover the latent heat. After the latent heat is recovered in secondary heat exchanger 84, the water vapor contained in the combustion gas is condensed into drainage water.
Bottom wall 84d serves as a partition between primary heat exchanger 83 and secondary heat exchanger 84, and it also serves as an upper wall of primary heat exchanger 83. An opening 84e is provided on bottom wall 84d. Through the intermediary of opening 84e, the space where heat transfer tube 83a of primary heat exchanger 83 is arranged is brought into communication with the space where heat transfer tubes 84b of secondary heat exchanger 84 is arranged. As indicated by the hollow arrows in
Upper wall 84g is provided with an opening 84h. Through the intermediary of opening 84g, the space where heat transfer tube 84b of secondary heat exchanger 84 is arranged is brought into communication with the internal space of exhaust box 85. As indicated by the hollow arrows in
Drainage water discharge port 84a is provided on side wall 84c or bottom wall 84d. This drainage water discharge port 84a is opened at the lowest position (the lowermost position in the vertical direction after the water heater has been installed) in the space surrounded by side wall 84c, bottom wall 84d and upper wall 84g, which is lower than the lower end of heat transfer tube 84b. Accordingly, the drainage water which is produced in secondary heat exchanger 84 can be guided to drainage water discharge port 84a along bottom wall 84d and side wall 84c as indicated by a black arrow in
Exhaust box 85 constitutes a flow path for the combustion gas between secondary heat exchanger 84 and fan 86. Through the intermediary of exhaust box 85, the combustion gas after the heat exchange with secondary heat exchanger 84 can be guided to fan 86. Exhaust box 85 is mounted on secondary heat exchanger 84, and is positioned downstream of the flow of the combustion gas than secondary heat exchanger 84.
Exhaust box 85 generally includes a box body 85a and a fan connection member 85b. The internal space of box body 85a is in communication with the internal space where heat transfer tubes 84b of secondary heat exchanger 84 is disposed through opening 84h of secondary heat exchanger 84. Fan connection member 85b is provided so as to protrude from the top of box body 85a. This fan connection member 85b has for example a cylindrical shape, and an internal space 85ba thereof is in communication with the internal space of box body 85a.
Fan 86 is configured to suck the combustion gas passed through secondary heat exchanger 84 (subjected to heat exchange with secondary heat exchanger 84) so as to discharge it the outside of combustion apparatus 80. Fan 86 is positioned downstream of the flow of the combustion gas than exhaust box 85 and secondary heat exchanger 84. In other words, in combustion apparatus 80, burner 82, primary heat exchanger 83, secondary heat exchanger 84, exhaust box 85 and fan 86 are arranged in the mentioned order from the upstream to the downstream of the flow of the combustion gas generated by burner 82. As mentioned in the above, since the combustion gas is discharged by fan 86 through suction, combustion apparatus 80 of the present embodiment is a water heater adapted to an exhaust suction and combustion system.
Fan 86 generally includes an impeller 86a, a fan case 86b, a drive source 86c, and a rotation shaft 86d. Fan case 86b is attached to fan connection member 85b of exhaust box 85 so as to communicate the internal space of fan case 86b with the internal space of fan connection member 85b. As indicated by the hollow arrows in
Impeller 86a is disposed inside fan case 86b. Impeller 86a is connected to drive source 86c through the intermediary of rotation shaft 86d. Thereby, impeller 86a is supplied with a driving force from drive source 86c, rotatable about rotation shaft 86d. Due to the rotation of impeller 86a, the combustion gas in exhaust box 85 can be sucked into the inner peripheral space of impeller 86a and expelled to the outer peripheral space of impeller 86a.
Connection pipe 87 is connected to a region outside the outer peripheral space where impeller 86a is disposed among the internal space of fan case 86b. Therefore, the combustion gas expelled to the outer peripheral space of impeller 86a by impeller 86a of fan 86 can be emitted into exhaust tube 20 through connection pipe 87.
As mentioned in the above, the combustion gas produced by burner 82 is sucked into fan 86 due to the rotation of impeller 86a, after sequentially passing through primary heat exchanger 83, secondary heat exchanger 84 and exhaust box 85, the combustion gas reaches fan 86 as indicated by the hollow arrows in
Drainage water tank 88 is configured to accumulate the drainage water generated in secondary heat exchanger 84. Drainage water tank 88 is connected to secondary heat exchanger 84 through pipe 90. Pipe 90 is connected to drainage water discharge port 84a of secondary heat exchanger 84, which makes it possible to drain the drainage water generated in secondary heat exchanger 84 into drainage water tank 88. This drainage water tank 88 is further connected with a pipe 95 extending to the outside of combustion apparatus 80. Thus, the drainage water accumulated in drainage water tank 88 can be drained to the outside of combustion apparatus 80 through pipe 95.
Drainage water tank 88 is provided with a water-seal structure. Specifically, drainage water tank 88 has such a structure that after the drainage water is accumulated in drainage water tank 88 to a predetermined amount, the accumulated drainage water prevents air from passing through drainage water tank 88. With the help of the water-seal structure of drainage water tank 88, the air outside combustion apparatus 80 (outside air) can be prevented from passing through drainage water tank 88 via pipe 95 to enter into combustion apparatus 80 (such as secondary heat exchanger 84).
In addition, a lower portion of drainage water tank 88 is connected to a drainage water drain pipe 96, separately from drainage water discharge pipe 95. Drainage water drain pipe 96 (which is normally closed) is configured to be opened for example during maintenance so as to discharge the drainage water which is accumulated in drainage water tank 88. Optionally, the internal space of drainage water tank 88 may be filled with a neutralizing agent (not shown) so as to neutralize the acidic drainage water.
A water supply pipe 92 is connected to one end of heat transfer tube 84b of secondary heat exchanger 84, and a hot water delivery pipe 93 is connected to one end of heat transfer tube 83a of primary heat exchanger 83. Further, the other end of heat transfer tube 83a of primary heat exchanger 83 and the other end of heat transfer tube 84b of secondary heat exchanger 84 are connected to each other by a pipe 94. Each of gas supply pipe 91, water supply pipe 92 and hot water delivery pipe 93 mentioned above leads to the outside at a top portion of combustion apparatus 80, for example. In addition, burner 82, primary heat exchanger 83, secondary heat exchanger 84, exhaust box 85, fan 86, drainage water tank 88 and the like are disposed inside housing 89.
Housing 89 includes a connection member 89a and an exhaust member 89b. Specifically, connection member 89a which protrudes upward in tubular shape and exhaust member 89b which protrudes upward in tubular shape are provided concentrically on the upper surface of housing 89. In other words, connection member 89a and exhaust member 89b constitute a double pipe structure.
Connection member 89a is disposed to surround the outer peripheral surface of exhaust member 89b, and is provided with a connection hole in a region inside housing 89 between the outer surface of exhaust member 89b and the inner peripheral surface of connection member 89a. Further, an exhaust vent is provided in housing 89 inner to exhaust member 89b. The connection hole is in communication with the interior of housing 89, and the exhaust vent is in communication with the interior of connection pipe 87. Thereby, the vacancy between the outer peripheral surface of exhaust tube 20 and the inner peripheral surface of connection pipe 60 is brought into communication with the internal space of housing 89 via the connection hole provided in housing 89. Further, the combustion gas after passing through burner 82 is fed from connection pipe 87 into exhaust tube 20 through exhaust member 89b.
Connection member 89a is connected to connection pipe 60 at one end side of connection pipe 60, and exhaust member 89b is connected to exhaust tube 20 at one end 20a of exhaust tube 20. Note that exhaust member 89b may be also connected to connection pipe 87 which is housed inside housing 89. For example, in the case where exhaust member 89b is configured to protrude from the upper surface of housing 89 downward in tubular shape, the connection between exhaust member 89b and connection pipe 87 will become easier.
Connection member 89a and connection pipe 60 may be connected in such a manner that no gas flowing inside will leak out. Similarly, exhaust member 89b and exhaust tube 20 (and connection pipe 87) may be connected in such a manner that no gas flowing inside will leak out. Thus, an O-ring may be interposed between the two connected parts or a binding band may be used to firmly bind the two connected parts. The two parts may be outer attached or inner attached to each other.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the scope of the present invention being interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.
