Electric heating component and electric water heater

Abstract

The application discloses an electric heating component and an electric water heater. The electric heating component is used for being installed on an inner container and heating stored water in the inner container. The inner container is in a flat structure. The inner container is provided with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The electric heating component comprises a flange, a main electric heating pipe and an auxiliary electric heating pipe. The flange is used for being installed on the inner container. The main electric heating pipe is arranged on the flange and extends towards the bottom of the inner container. The auxiliary electric heating pipe is arranged on the flange and is located above the main electric heating pipe. The electric heating component has high heating efficiency. The electric water heater has high heating performance and can output hot water in an instant heating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and particularly relates to an electric heating component and an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Water heaters are currently common household appliances, and they are classified into electric water heaters and gas water heaters based on their heating source. Electric water heaters are widely used due to their ease of installation. An electric water heater typically consists of an inner tank and an electric heater, which is located inside the inner tank to heat the water within it.

[0003] Conventional storage-type electric water heaters typically include a water tank, an electric heating element, and an electronic control board. The water tank consists of an outer shell and an inner tank, with the inner tank housed within the outer shell. An insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner tank to improve the water tank's insulation performance. The inner tank is generally arranged horizontally, while the heating element is typically arranged along the length of the inner tank. The heating element generates heat when energized to heat the water in the inner tank. Conventional water tanks are usually cylindrical, resulting in a large space occupation for the electric water heater in the room, leading to a poor user experience. Chinese patent application number 201820211071.X discloses a heating device, an inner tank including the heating device, and a water heater including the inner tank. It adopts a two-section structure to form a flat tank, thereby reducing the space occupied in the room. Correspondingly, the electric heating element uses a bent main electric heating element to heat the water in the inner tank. However, due to the significantly increased height of the flat inner tank, the heating efficiency of the main electric heating element is low, the heating performance is poor, and it cannot meet the requirements for instant hot water.

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to design an electric water heater with high heating efficiency to improve heating performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an electric heating element and an electric water heater, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the electric heating element and enhancing the heating performance of the electric water heater.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides an electric heating component for installation on an inner tank and for heating water stored in the inner tank, wherein the inner tank has a flat structure and is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and the electric heating component includes:

[0008] Flange, the flange being used for mounting on the inner liner;

[0009] The main electric heating element is disposed on the flange and extends toward the bottom of the inner liner;

[0010] An auxiliary electric heating element is provided, and the main electric heating element is disposed on the flange and located above the main electric heating element.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the auxiliary electric heating tube extends along the thickness direction of the inner liner.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the auxiliary electric heating tube is further provided with a first folded portion that bends upward.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the main electric heating tube has a mounting portion, a support portion, and an arc-shaped extension portion connected in sequence. The mounting portion is disposed on the flange and extends toward the interior of the inner liner along the thickness direction of the inner liner. The support portion extends downward along the height direction of the inner liner, and the arc-shaped extension portion is located at the bottom of the inner liner and extends along the bottom of the inner liner.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the support portion extends obliquely toward one side of the inner liner along the height direction of the inner liner.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the arc-shaped extension extends along the bottom of the inner liner from one side of the inner liner to the other side of the inner liner.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the electric heating component includes multiple main electric heating tubes arranged side by side.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the flange is provided with two main electric heating tubes, wherein the free end of the arcuate extension of one of the main electric heating tubes is provided with a second fold, the second fold bypassing the arcuate extension of the other main electric heating tube.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, both the main electric heating tube and the auxiliary electric heating tube have a circuitous structure.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an electric water heater, including a shell, an inner tank and an electric heating component, wherein the inner tank is disposed in the shell, an insulation layer is disposed between the inner tank and the shell, and the electric heating component is disposed on the inner tank, wherein the electric heating component is the aforementioned electric heating component.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: By configuring a main electric heating tube and an auxiliary electric heating tube on the flange, with the main electric heating tube extending to the bottom area of ​​the inner tank, the main electric heating tube is fully utilized in the area at the bottom of the inner tank. The main electric heating tube can heat the water stored in the inner tank at the bottom, and by utilizing the principle of hot water rising and cold water falling, the cold water at the bottom of the inner tank is fully heated, ensuring uniform heating of the entire tank of water, effectively improving the heating efficiency of the electric heating components, thereby improving the heating performance of the electric water heater; In addition, the auxiliary electric heating tube configured on the flange is located in the upper area of ​​the inner tank, which can directly and quickly heat the water in the upper part of the inner tank, meeting the user's requirement for fast hot water output, effectively improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electric heating component of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electric heating component of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a reference diagram showing the usage state of an embodiment of the electric heating component of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water tank in an electric water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the water tank in the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the front panel structure in one embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] Outer shell 1;

[0034] Rear shell 11, first screw hole 111, mounting platform 112, second positioning groove 113, stepped surface 114, retaining rib 115;

[0035] Liner plate 12, first through hole 121, first snap-fit ​​part 122, second screw hole 123, first guide groove 124, second guide groove 125, positioning rib 126, extension edge 127;

[0036] Card slot 1221, first positioning slot 1222;

[0037] Front shell 13, second snap-fit ​​part 130, front panel 131, housing 132, second through hole 133, groove 134, slot 135, second tongue 136, extension part 137;

[0038] Claw 1301, First insertion tongue 1302;

[0039] Mounting port 101, annular shielding part 102;

[0040] Inner liner 2;

[0041] Flange connection port 201, connecting bracket 202;

[0042] Electric heating component 3;

[0043] Main electric heating element 31, flange 32, auxiliary electric heating element 33, magnesium rod 34;

[0044] Mounting part 311, support part 312, arc-shaped extension part 313;

[0045] Hanging rack 100. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0051] An electric water heater is a type of water heater that uses electricity as its primary energy source. The high-temperature heat generated after the power is turned on directly heats the water stored in the water heater to produce hot water.

[0052] Electric water heaters typically consist of a water tank, an electric heating element, and an electronic control board. The water tank has a storage cavity to store water to be heated. The electric heating element is inserted into the storage cavity of the water tank. The electronic control board is used to control the electric heating element to operate by turning the power on and off, so that the water in the tank is heated to the set temperature.

[0053] For the water tank of an electric water heater, the tank generally consists of an outer shell and an inner tank, with an insulation layer between them. The outer shell is usually made of plastic to meet the requirements of aesthetic and diverse designs; the inner tank can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the needs.

[0054] In addition, the insulation layer formed between the outer shell and the inner liner is commonly made of materials such as asbestos, sponge, foam plastic, and polyurethane foam. In conventional technology, foaming is usually used to form the insulation layer in order to achieve good insulation effect.

[0055] For water tanks with metal inner liner, corrosion can easily occur inside due to water quality. Therefore, magnesium rods are installed on the water tank and inserted into the water storage cavity inside the tank.

[0056] Magnesium has the lowest electrochemical potential among metals and is physiologically non-toxic. Therefore, it is ideal for making magnesium rods to protect the inner liner. The size of the magnesium rod directly affects the duration and effectiveness of the protection; the larger the magnesium rod, the better the protection and the longer the protection time.

[0057] The water tank is also equipped with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is used to deliver cold water into the water storage cavity formed inside the water tank, while the hot water in the water storage cavity is output from the outlet pipe.

[0058] For electric heating components, electric heating methods such as electric heating wires, magnetic energy, or silicon tube heating can be used to heat the water stored in the water storage chamber.

[0059] The control board is used to receive detection signals from relevant sensors (such as water temperature sensors and flow sensors) and control the power supply to and from the electric heating components.

[0060] When the electric water heater is working, the electric control board controls the electric heating element to be powered on and heated. When the water temperature in the tank reaches the set value, the electric control board controls the electric heating element to be powered off.

[0061] A water tank for an electric water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the water tank of this embodiment can be installed on a vertically extending wall or on a horizontally extending wall.

[0062] For ease of description, the following description uses the example of a water tank installed on a vertical wall to illustrate the structure of the water tank.

[0063] Example 1, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention also provides an electric heating component 3 for use in an electric water heater. The electric heating component 3 is used to install on the inner tank 2 and heat the water stored in the inner tank 2. The inner tank 2 has a flat structure. The electric heating component 3 includes: a flange 32, a main electric heating tube 31 and an auxiliary electric heating tube 33.

[0064] Flange 32 is used for installation on inner tank 2, and the external ends of main electric heating tube 31 and auxiliary electric heating tube 33 are fixedly installed on flange 32. Furthermore, main electric heating tube 31 and auxiliary electric heating tube 33 extend into inner tank 2 to heat the water in inner tank 2.

[0065] To meet the requirement of uniform and rapid heating of water in the inner tank 2, the main electric heating tube 31 extends towards the bottom of the inner tank 2 and along the inner contour of the bottom of the inner tank 2. The main electric heating tube 31 is arranged in a meandering manner at the bottom of the inner tank 2, making full use of the area at the bottom of the inner tank 2 to arrange a sufficiently long heating tube to uniformly and efficiently heat the water in the inner tank 2.

[0066] Furthermore, the auxiliary electric heating element 33 is positioned above the main electric heating element 31, allowing for direct and rapid heating of the water in the upper part of the inner tank 2. This enables the auxiliary electric heating element 33 to directly heat the water in the upper layer of the inner tank 2 when the user requires instant hot water, thus meeting the requirements for instant hot water output.

[0067] The inner tank 2 is equipped with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The outlet pipe is located inside the inner tank 2 and is positioned above the auxiliary electric heating tube 33. This satisfies the hot water output of the top layer and also allows the hot water heated by the auxiliary electric heating tube 33 to be quickly output from the outlet pipe.

[0068] In another embodiment, the auxiliary electric heating tube 33 extends along the thickness direction of the inner liner 2.

[0069] Specifically, in order to ensure that the auxiliary electric heating tube 33 has sufficient heating capacity to meet the requirements of instant hot water output, a sufficiently long auxiliary electric heating tube 33 needs to be arranged in the inner tank 2. The auxiliary electric heating tube 33 extends along the thickness of the inner tank 2 to extend its length.

[0070] Preferably, the auxiliary electric heating tube 33 is further provided with a first folded portion 331 that bends upward. Specifically, the first folded portion 331 is formed by bending the auxiliary electric heating tube 33. The first folded portion 331 can effectively increase the contact area between the auxiliary electric heating tube 33 and the water in the inner tank 2. At the same time, the first folded portion 331 also increases the overall length of the auxiliary electric heating tube 33, thereby increasing the heating power of the auxiliary electric heating tube 33.

[0071] Meanwhile, a magnesium rod 34 can be installed on the flange 32. One end of the magnesium rod 34 is fixedly installed on the flange 32. The magnesium rod 34 will first extend along the thickness direction of the inner liner 2, and then extend towards the bottom of the inner liner 2, so as to make full use of the height direction of the inner liner 2 to arrange a sufficiently long magnesium rod 34.

[0072] In some embodiments, the main electric heating tube 31 has a mounting portion 311, a support portion 312, and an arc-shaped extension portion 313 connected in sequence. The mounting portion 311 is disposed on the flange and extends toward the interior of the inner liner 2 along the thickness direction of the inner liner 2. The support portion 312 extends downward along the height direction of the inner liner 2. The arc-shaped extension portion 313 is located at the bottom of the inner liner 2 and extends along the bottom of the inner liner 2.

[0073] Specifically, the main electric heating element 31 adopts a multi-segment bending structure, and its mounting part 311 is used to fix it on the flange so that the electric heating element 3 is fixedly installed on the flange connection port of the inner liner 2 through the flange. One end of the mounting part 311 is fixed on the flange, and the other end extends along the thickness direction of the inner liner 2 toward the inside of the inner liner 2, so that the main electric heating element 31 is located entirely inside the inner liner 2.

[0074] In order to improve heating efficiency, especially to effectively and evenly heat the water at the bottom of the inner liner 2, the support part 312 will extend towards the bottom of the inner liner 2, so that the arc-shaped extension part 313 can extend along the bottom of the inner liner 2.

[0075] During the heating process of the main electric heating tube, the arc-shaped extension 313 can comprehensively and effectively heat the water at the bottom of the inner tank 2, and by utilizing the principle of hot water rising, it can ultimately heat the water stored in the inner tank 2 evenly, thereby improving the overall heating efficiency of the electric heating component 3.

[0076] In some embodiments, in order to effectively increase the heating area of ​​the arc-shaped extension 313, the support 312 extends obliquely toward one side of the inner liner 2 along the height direction of the inner liner 2.

[0077] Specifically, the support part 312 extends at an angle toward the inner liner 2, so that the arc-shaped extension part 313 can be more fully distributed in the bottom area of ​​the inner liner 2, so as to better heat the water stored at the bottom of the inner liner 2.

[0078] In the actual design process, the arc-shaped extension 313 extends along the bottom of the inner liner 2 from one side to the other. Specifically, arc-shaped extensions 313 are distributed on both sides of the bottom of the inner liner 2 to achieve a more uniform heat distribution. As for the structural shape of the inner liner 2, the cross-section of the inner liner 2 perpendicular to the thickness direction is circular or elliptical, and the arc-shaped extensions 313 are symmetrically distributed along the vertical line of the center of the inner liner 2.

[0079] In other embodiments, the main electric heating tube has a circuitous structure, and both ends of the main electric heating tube are fixed to the flange.

[0080] Specifically, both ends of the main electric heating tube are fixedly installed on the flange, and the main electric heating tube extends in the inner liner 2 in a meandering manner.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the main electric heating tube has two mounting portions 311 arranged side by side, two supporting portions 312 arranged side by side, and two arc-shaped extension portions 313 arranged side by side, the two arc-shaped extension portions 313 being connected together.

[0082] Specifically, during the process of the main electric heating tube bending, a mounting part 311, a support part 312, and an arc-shaped extension part 313 are formed side by side. The two mounting parts 311 arranged side by side can be firmly fixed on the flange so that the main electric heating tube can be well supported.

[0083] Among them, the two mounting parts 311 are arranged in parallel to each other, and the two support parts 312 are arranged side by side in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the inner liner 2. The two arc-shaped extension parts 313 are also arranged side by side in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the inner liner 2.

[0084] Specifically, the support part 312 and the arc-shaped extension part 313 are both located in the same plane, which makes it easier to bend and process the main electric heating tube. In addition, the two arc-shaped extension parts 313 are arranged side by side at the bottom of the inner liner 2, which can realize layered heating to improve heating efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, for inner liner 2 with different volumes, multiple main electric heating tubes can be configured on the flange according to the size of the inner liner 2, with the multiple main electric heating tubes arranged side by side.

[0086] The main electric heating element is mounted on the flange via the mounting part and extends downwards into the inner tank using the support part, allowing the arc-shaped extension to be arranged in the bottom area of ​​the inner tank. More importantly, the arc-shaped extension extends along the bottom of the inner tank, thus making full use of the bottom area of ​​the inner tank. At the same time, the arc-shaped extension can heat the water stored in the inner tank at the bottom, and by utilizing the principle of hot water rising and cold water falling, the cold water at the bottom of the inner tank is fully heated, ensuring uniform heating of the entire tank of water. This effectively improves the heating efficiency of the electric heating element, thereby enhancing the heating performance of the electric water heater.

[0087] Based on the above Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, as follows Figures 4-8 As shown, the present invention also provides an insulated water tank for use in an electric water heater. The water tank is equipped with the electric heating element 3 described in Embodiment 1 above. The water tank adopts a flat design to reduce the effective indoor space occupied by the electric water heater. The insulated water tank includes an outer shell 1, an inner tank 2, and the electric heating element 3 assembled together. Since both the outer shell 1 and the inner tank 2 have flat structures, the following structural improvements are made to the outer shell 1, the inner tank 2, and the electric heating element 3.

[0088] The front part of the outer casing 1 is provided with a mounting port 101, and the inner wall of the outer casing 1 is also provided with an annular shielding part 102, which is arranged around the mounting port 101.

[0089] The inner liner 2 has a flange connection port 201 on its front.

[0090] The inner liner 2 is located inside the outer shell 1. The annular shielding part 102 surrounds the outside of the flange connection port 201. An insulation layer (not shown) is provided between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner 2. The electric heating component 3 is provided on the flange connection port 201 and extends into the interior of the inner liner 2.

[0091] Specifically, the water tank adopts a flat design, with its thickness being smaller than its height and length. In order to meet the installation requirements of the electric heating component 3, and also to meet the maintenance requirements of the electric heating component 3 in the future, an installation port 101 is provided at the front of the outer shell 1. Correspondingly, a flange connection port 201 is provided at the front of the inner tank 2.

[0092] When it is necessary to assemble the electric heating component 3, the electric heating component 3 can be inserted from the mounting port 101 and extended into the inner liner 2 through the flange connection port 201 to complete the assembly. Similarly, when the electric heating component 3 is replaced during later maintenance, it can be removed from the inner liner 2 through the mounting port 101 and taken out easily.

[0093] Meanwhile, for water tanks with a flat structure, the electric heating element 3 is installed at the front of the inner tank 2 to make full use of the area of ​​the front surface of the inner tank 2 to securely and reliably install the electric heating element 3.

[0094] More importantly, during foaming, to reduce or prevent the foaming material from overflowing around the flange connection port 201 of the inner liner 2, an annular shielding portion 102 extending towards the flange connection port 201 is formed on the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The annular shielding portion 102 has a cylindrical structure and surrounds the periphery of the mounting port 101. After the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the annular shielding portion 102 will surround the periphery of the flange connection port 201, thereby forming an area between the annular shielding portion 102 and the flange connection port 201 to prevent leakage of the foaming material.

[0095] A foaming cavity is formed between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner 2. After the foaming material is injected into the foaming cavity, when the foaming material flows to the flange connection port 201, the foaming material can be blocked by the annular shielding part 102, thereby reducing the leakage of the foaming material from the flange connection port 201.

[0096] In some embodiments, in order to improve the spill prevention effect, the edge of the annular shield 102 is attached to the outer wall of the inner liner 2.

[0097] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is installed into the outer shell 1, the edge of the annular shield 102 will be attached to the outer wall of the inner liner 2. In this way, during the foaming process, the annular shield 102 can better prevent the foaming material from leaking from the flange connection port 201.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, a gap is formed between the edge of the annular shield 102 and the outer wall of the inner liner 2 for ease of assembly. Furthermore, to reduce leakage of the foaming material from the gap, a first flexible sealing portion (not shown) can be provided on the outside of the annular shield 102, which covers the gap.

[0099] Specifically, during assembly, the first flexible sealing part is first wrapped around the outside of the annular shield 102 and extends to the edge of the annular shield 102. After the inner liner 2 is inserted into the outer shell 1, because the first flexible sealing part is elastic and deformable, it will tightly abut against the outer wall of the inner liner 2, so as to effectively seal the gap formed between the annular shield 102 and the inner liner 2.

[0100] Similarly, a second flexible sealing part can be provided on the outside of the flange connection 201, which covers the gap.

[0101] Specifically, during the assembly process, a second flexible sealing part is first wrapped around the flange connection port 201 on the inner liner 2. After the inner liner 2 is installed into the outer shell 1, because the second flexible sealing part is elastic and deformable, the annular blocking part 102 is pressed on the second flexible sealing part to effectively seal the gap formed between the annular blocking part 102 and the inner liner 2.

[0102] In actual use, the specific physical manifestation of the flexible sealing part can be made of components such as rubber cotton or sealing gaskets, which will not be restricted or elaborated here.

[0103] In another embodiment, in order to better block the foam material flowing to the flange connection port 201 by the annular blocking part 102, the outer diameter of the annular blocking part 102 gradually decreases along the direction from the mounting port 101 to the flange connection port 201.

[0104] Specifically, the cross-section of the annular shield 102 is a funnel-shaped structure. The port size of the annular shield 102 opposite to the inner liner 2 is small. The outer wall of the annular shield 102 forms an inclined surface. On the one hand, the smaller port is used to prevent the foam material from overflowing. On the other hand, the inclined outer wall ensures that the foam material can flow along it to evenly distribute the foam material outside the inner liner 2.

[0105] In some embodiments, to effectively position the inner liner 2 within the outer shell 1 before foaming and to prevent the inner liner 2 from shifting during the foaming process, a connecting bracket 202 with threaded holes (unmarked) is provided on the back of the inner liner 2. Correspondingly, a hanger 100 with mounting holes (unmarked) is provided on the back of the outer shell 1; bolts pass through the mounting holes and extend into the inner shell 1, threadedly connecting to the threaded holes, with the connecting bracket 202 abutting against the inner wall of the outer shell 1.

[0106] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is inserted into the outer shell 1, the inner liner 2 is fixed to the outer shell 1 by the connecting bracket 202. At the same time, the connecting bracket 202 is connected to the hanging bracket 100 by bolts, and at the same time serves to install the hanging bracket 100.

[0107] In another embodiment, the mounting opening 101 is formed at the front of the housing 1. To optimize the appearance, it can be covered by a front panel 131 disposed at the front of the housing 1. During normal use, the front panel 131 is fixed to the front of the housing 1 to cover the mounting opening 101. When it is necessary to repair the electric heating component 3, the front panel 131 is removed.

[0108] By configuring an installation port at the front of the outer shell to meet the requirements of electric heating component installation and subsequent maintenance, and with an inwardly extending annular shielding part formed around the installation port inside the outer shell, the annular shielding part surrounds the flange connection port of the inner liner. Since the annular shielding part cooperates with the front surface of the inner liner, it can better prevent material overflow around the flange connection port. In this way, during the foaming process, after the foaming material flows between the outer shell and the inner liner, the flow of foaming material to the flange connection port of the inner liner can be blocked by the annular shielding part, thereby reducing the overflow of foaming material, improving foaming quality, and thus improving product quality.

[0109] Based on the above embodiment 2, the present invention also has the following structural design for the outer shell 1.

[0110] Example 3, as follows Figures 4-9 As shown, the outer shell 1 in embodiments two and three above adopts a flat design and an overall curved surface design to achieve a good appearance design effect.

[0111] To achieve a screwless design for the front view, the following structural design is adopted for the outer casing 1.

[0112] The housing 1 includes:

[0113] The rear cover 11 has a first screw hole 111 on its edge, and the back of the rear cover 11 forms a mounting surface.

[0114] The liner 12 has a first through hole 121 on its edge, a first snap-fit ​​part 122 on its outer surface, an installation opening 101 on its surface, and an annular blocking part 102 on its inner wall.

[0115] The front shell 13 has a second snap-fit ​​portion 130 on its inner surface.

[0116] The liner 12 is connected to the rear shell 11, the screw passes through the first through hole 121 and is threaded into the corresponding first screw hole 111, the front shell 13 covers the liner 12, and the first snap-fit ​​part 122 is connected to the corresponding second snap-fit ​​part 130.

[0117] The rear shell 11 and the liner 12 in the outer shell 1 are connected by screws, forming an installation cavity for installing the inner liner. The screw connection between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 provides sufficient structural strength to meet the structural strength requirements for the subsequent foaming of the insulation layer between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner.

[0118] The connection process between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 is as follows: after the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 are joined together, the first through hole 121 is aligned with the corresponding first screw hole 111. Then, the screw is passed through the first through hole 121 and threaded into the first screw hole 111. In this way, the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 are securely and reliably fastened together by screws.

[0119] To achieve a screwless appearance, the front cover 13 is mounted on the liner 12 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, after the rear cover 11 and the liner 12 are fixedly connected together, since the first through hole 121 on the liner 12 is visible from the front of the outer shell 1, the front cover 13 is used to cover the first through hole 121 and screws to ensure that the overall appearance does not expose the first through hole 121 and screws.

[0120] The connection process between the front shell 13 and the liner 12 is as follows: the second snap-fit ​​portion 130 on the front shell 13 snaps together with the corresponding first snap-fit ​​portion 122 on the liner 12, thereby securing the front shell 13 onto the liner 12. Simultaneously, the front shell 13 conceals the first through-hole 121, ensuring that the first through-hole 121 is not visible from the outside, achieving a screwless appearance. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​method conceals the snap-fit ​​connection area, optimizing the overall aesthetics.

[0121] In some embodiments, the specific physical manifestations of the first latching portion 122 and the second latching portion 130 can adopt various structural forms, as illustrated below.

[0122] The second latching part 130 includes a latch 1301, and the first latching part 122 includes a latch slot 1221, with the latch 1301 latched in the latch slot 1221.

[0123] Specifically, when the front shell 13 and the liner 12 are snapped together, the claw 1301 will be snapped into the slot 1221. The claw 1301 and the slot 1221 cooperate with each other to connect the front shell 13 and the liner 12 together.

[0124] In order to improve the connection strength, the second snap-fit ​​part 130 also includes a first tongue 1302, and the first snap-fit ​​part 122 also includes a first positioning groove 1222, with the first tongue 1302 inserted into the first positioning groove 1222.

[0125] Specifically, during assembly, the first tongue 1302 is first inserted into the first positioning groove 1222 to pre-position the front shell 13 and the liner 12. Then, the claw 1301 is engaged in the slot 1221 to complete the assembly between the front shell 13 and the liner 12.

[0126] The openings of the first positioning groove 1222 and the slot 1221 are arranged in opposite directions. This allows the connection between the latch and the slot 1221 to cooperate with the connection between the first tongue 1302 and the first positioning groove 1222, enabling the front shell 13 to be more firmly and reliably installed and fixed on the outer wall of the liner 12.

[0127] In another embodiment, since both the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302 are located on the inner wall of the front shell 13, during assembly, the inner wall of the front shell 13 and the outer wall of the liner 12 cooperate with each other, making it difficult for the operator to accurately insert the first tongue 1302 into the positioning groove.

[0128] Therefore, a first guide groove 124 and a second guide groove 125 can be provided on the outer surface of the liner 12, with the first guide groove 124 extending to the slot 1221 and the second guide groove 125 extending to the positioning slot.

[0129] Specifically, during assembly, the operator can first place the claw 1301 in the first guide groove 124, while simultaneously positioning the first tongue 1302 in the second guide groove 125.

[0130] Then, the operator will slide the front shell 13 along the first guide groove 124 and the second guide groove 125 so that the first tongue 1302 is accurately inserted into the first positioning groove 1222, and finally the claw 1301 is locked in the slot 1221.

[0131] Under the guidance of the first guide groove 124 and the second guide groove 125, the guide groove can cooperate with the first insert tongue 1302 and the claw 1301 to guide the front shell 13 to slide.

[0132] Therefore, during the initial installation, the front shell 13 and the liner 12 can be far apart to facilitate the operator's observation of the position of the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302, thereby ensuring that the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302 are accurately placed in the corresponding guide groove.

[0133] Then, as the slide along the guide groove, the distance between the front shell 13 and the liner 12 gradually decreases. The operator relies on the guiding effect of the guide groove to ensure that the first tongue 1302 is inserted into the first positioning groove 1222 first.

[0134] Finally, the claw 1301 is engaged in the slot 1221 so that the front shell 13 and the liner 12 are securely connected together.

[0135] In other embodiments, in order to further improve the connection strength between the front shell 13 and the liner 12, the following structural improvements are made to the front shell 13.

[0136] Front shell 13 includes:

[0137] Front panel 131;

[0138] The housing 132 has a second snap-fit ​​part 130 and a second through hole 133.

[0139] The liner 12 is also provided with a second screw hole 123. The screw passes through the second through hole 133 and is threaded into the corresponding second screw hole 123. The front panel 131 covers the second through hole 133 and is provided on the front panel 131.

[0140] Specifically, the front shell 13 adopts a split design. The shell 132, as the main body, is mounted on the liner 12 through the second snap-fit ​​part 130 and the first snap-fit ​​part 122. At the same time, the shell 132 and the liner 12 are further securely connected together by screws. The screws connecting the shell 132 and the liner 12 are concealed by the front panel 131 to meet the appearance design requirement of no exposed screws on the front of the shell 1.

[0141] In one embodiment, the housing 132 is provided with a groove 134, a second through hole 133 is located in the groove 134, and the front panel 131 is disposed in the groove 134.

[0142] Specifically, a groove 134 is provided on the front side of the housing 132 to accommodate the front panel 131, making the front side of the housing 1 flatter. Meanwhile, the second through hole 133 is located within the groove 134. Therefore, after the front panel 131 is assembled into the groove 134, the second through hole 133 can be concealed by the front panel 131.

[0143] In another embodiment, in order to enable the front panel 131 to be conveniently and securely mounted on the housing 132, a slot 135 is also provided in the groove 134, and a second tongue 136 is provided on the front panel 131, the tongue being disposed in the corresponding slot 135.

[0144] Specifically, after the housing 132 is installed on the liner 12, the front panel 131 is inserted into the corresponding slot 135 via the tongue configured thereon to complete the installation. The tongue and slot 135 cooperate to achieve a screwless appearance on the front of the housing 1.

[0145] In order to further improve the connection reliability of the front panel 131, the front panel 131 is provided with an extension 137 extending toward the liner 12. The extension 137 is provided with a third screw hole (not shown). The housing 132 is provided with a countersunk hole (not shown). The screw passes through the countersunk hole and is threaded into the third screw hole.

[0146] Specifically, to meet the requirements of the appearance design, depending on the installation position of the outer casing 1, the extension 137 can be arranged on the upper or lower part of the front panel 131. The extension 137 is formed at the bottom of the front panel 131. Correspondingly, a countersunk hole is provided at the bottom of the housing 132. After the front panel 131 is connected by the tongue and slot 135, it is further fixed from the bottom by screws.

[0147] Preferably, a removable plug (not shown) can also be provided on the countersunk hole. After the front panel 131 is fixed to the housing 132 with screws, the plug can be used to cover the screws located in the countersunk hole, further satisfying the design of no exposed screws on the front appearance of the housing 1.

[0148] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the quick assembly of the liner 12 and the rear shell 11 by the operator on site, an mounting platform 112 is provided on the inner wall of the rear shell 11, and the mounting platform 112 is provided with the first threaded hole.

[0149] Specifically, during the assembly process, the mounting platform 112 can support and position the liner 12, so that operators can quickly connect and assemble the liner 12 with the back cover 11.

[0150] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate the positioning and assembly of the back cover 11 and the liner 12, a second positioning groove 113 can be provided on the mounting platform 112, and the edge of the liner 12 is engaged in the second positioning groove 113.

[0151] Specifically, during the assembly of the rear shell 11 and the liner 12, the edge of the liner 12 can be inserted into the second positioning groove 113 to pre-assemble the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 together.

[0152] Then, adjust the relative position between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 so that the first through hole 121 is aligned with the first screw hole 111.

[0153] Finally, the screw is passed through the first through hole 121 and threaded into the first screw hole 111 so that the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 are securely and reliably assembled together.

[0154] In order to accurately position the relationship between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 and improve assembly accuracy, a stepped surface 114 can be provided on the inner wall of the rear shell 11, and a positioning rib 126 can be provided on the outer wall of the liner 12, with the positioning rib 126 abutting against the stepped surface 114.

[0155] Specifically, during the assembly of the rear shell 11 and the liner 12, the pre-positioning process via the positioning groove described above is referenced to ensure that the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 are pre-assembled together. Simultaneously, after the edge of the liner 12 is inserted into the positioning groove, the positioning ribs 126 on the liner 12 will abut against the stepped surface 114, thereby ensuring accurate positioning between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 and improving the overall assembly quality of the outer shell assembly.

[0156] In one embodiment, the edge of the rear shell 11 is further provided with a baffle 115, the baffle 115 being located outside the stepped surface 114, and the edge of the front shell 13 is provided with an extension edge 127, the extension edge 127 surrounding the outside of the baffle 115.

[0157] Specifically, the front shell 13 can cover the entire outer surface of the liner 12, thus completely concealing the liner 12 from the outside and optimizing the visual appearance. Meanwhile, the retaining rib 115 formed on the edge of the rear shell 11 serves two purposes: firstly, during assembly, the retaining rib 115 can cooperate with the extended edge 127 for pre-positioning, improving assembly efficiency and accuracy; secondly, the retaining rib 115 being concealed by the extended edge 127 formed by the edge of the front shell 13 further enhances the overall appearance.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, for the docking area between the front shell 13 and the rear shell 11, the edge of the front shell 13 is designed to be aligned with the edge of the rear shell 11, thereby reducing the size of the connection gap between the front shell 13 and the rear shell 11 at the docking area.

[0159] In addition, the number of connection points between the rear shell 11 and the liner 12, and the number of connection points between the front shell 13 and the liner 12, are designed in accordance with the overall dimensions of the shell assembly.

[0160] For example, multiple mounting platforms 112 can be provided on the edge of the rear shell 11, and the multiple mounting platforms 112 are distributed along the edge of the rear shell 11.

[0161] Correspondingly, the liner 12 is provided with a number of first through holes 121 corresponding to the mounting platform 112, so as to connect and fix the rear shell 11 and the liner 12 by multiple screws.

[0162] Similarly, there are multiple snap-fit ​​connections between the front shell 13 and the liner 12, which are not limited here.

[0163] By using a liner to indirectly connect the front and rear shells, the liner and the rear shell are tightly connected together with screws to meet the overall structural strength requirements of the shell. The front shell is connected to the liner by a snap-fit ​​method, which covers the liner and thus the screws, so that the overall shell achieves a screwless appearance, optimizing the overall appearance of the shell and improving the user experience.

[0164] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0165] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric water heater comprising a shell, an inner container and an electric heating component, the inner container is arranged in the shell, a thermal insulation layer is arranged between the inner container and the shell, and the electric heating component is arranged on the inner container, characterized in that, The electric heating component is used for being mounted on the inner container and heating water stored in the inner container, wherein the inner container is in a flat structure, and the inner container is provided with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe; The electric heating component comprises: a flange used for being mounted on the inner container; a main electric heating pipe arranged on the flange and extending towards the bottom of the inner container; an auxiliary electric heating pipe arranged on the flange and located above the main electric heating pipe; The shell comprises a rear shell, a lining plate and a front shell, the edge of the rear shell is provided with a first screw hole, and the back of the rear shell forms a mounting surface; the edge of the lining plate is provided with a first through hole, and the outer surface of the lining plate is further provided with a first clamping part; the inner surface of the front shell is provided with a second clamping part; the lining plate and the rear shell are connected together, the screw passes through the first through hole and is threadedly connected in the corresponding first screw hole, the front shell covers the lining plate, and the first clamping part and the corresponding second clamping part are connected together; The first clamping part comprises a clamping groove and a first positioning groove, and the second clamping part comprises a clamping jaw and a first plug; the clamping jaw is clamped in the clamping groove, and the first plug is inserted in the first positioning groove; the outer surface of the lining plate is provided with a first guide sliding groove and a second guide sliding groove, the first guide sliding groove extends to the clamping groove, and the second guide sliding groove extends to the first positioning groove.

2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein The auxiliary electric heating pipe extends along the thickness direction of the inner container.

3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, wherein The auxiliary electric heating pipe is further provided with a first folding part bent upwards.

4. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main electric heating pipe has a mounting part, a supporting part and an arc-shaped extending part connected in sequence, the mounting part is arranged on the flange, the mounting part extends towards the inside of the inner container along the thickness direction of the inner container, the supporting part extends downwards along the height direction of the inner container, and the arc-shaped extending part is located at the bottom of the inner container and extends along the bottom of the inner container.

5. The electric water heater according to claim 4, wherein The supporting part extends along the height direction of the inner container and inclines towards one side of the inner container.

6. The electric water heater according to claim 5, wherein The arc-shaped extending part extends along the bottom of the inner container from one side of the inner container to the other side of the inner container.

7. The electric water heater according to claim 4, wherein The electric heating component comprises a plurality of main electric heating pipes, and the plurality of main electric heating pipes are arranged side by side.

8. The electric water heater according to claim 4, wherein The flange is provided with two main electric heating pipes, and the free end of the arc-shaped extending part of one main electric heating pipe is provided with a second folding part, and the second folding part bypasses the arc-shaped extending part of the other main electric heating pipe.

9. The electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein The main electric heating pipe and the auxiliary electric heating pipe are both in a meandering structure.

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