Non-metal inner liner and electric water heater with same
By setting a limiting ring on the outside of the inner tank opening of the electric water heater, the inner tank flange is directly connected to the inner tank body, which solves the problem of easy cracking and leakage of non-metallic inner tanks, and achieves higher performance and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 青岛海尔水生态科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
The non-metallic inner tank of existing electric water heaters is prone to cracking and leakage at the welded joint when connected to the heating pipe flange. The large number of joints also increases the probability of leakage, affecting performance and safety.
The inner liner body has a limiting ring on the outside of the liner opening. The inner end of the inner liner flange is limited and fixed by the limiting ring, and the outer end is fixed between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer. This eliminates the need for fasteners and allows the inner liner flange to be directly connected to the inner liner body, reducing the number of interfaces.
It effectively avoids the leakage problem of non-metallic inner liner when under pressure, reduces the probability of leakage, and improves performance and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN114992860B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric water heater technology, and more particularly to a non-metallic inner tank and an electric water heater having the same. Background Technology
[0002] The inner tank of most existing electric water heaters, serving as the water storage component, is made of metal. To heat the water inside the metal inner tank, a heating element needs to be installed inside. When installing the heating element, an inner tank flange is typically welded to the opening of the metal inner tank. The heating element is then installed onto the heating element flange, and the two are fixedly connected, thus achieving the installation of the heating element within the metal inner tank.
[0003] However, the aforementioned inner tanks are mostly made of stainless steel or enamel. While these types of inner tanks can meet pressure requirements, they suffer from low insulation, poor corrosion resistance, and high processing costs. Therefore, the market has begun to use non-metallic inner tanks (such as plastic inner tanks) to replace stainless steel or enamel inner tanks. However, this has also created the following problems: in order to achieve a fixed connection with the heating pipe flange, an inner tank flange still needs to be installed at the inlet of the non-metallic inner tank.
[0004] In the existing technology, the inner liner flange is usually embedded into the opening of the non-metallic inner liner by welding, and then fixedly connected to the heating pipe flange. When the non-metallic inner liner is subjected to large pressure, the welding position between the opening of the non-metallic inner liner and the inner liner flange will crack due to excessive pressure, resulting in water leakage.
[0005] To avoid fusion welding between the inner tank flange and the non-metallic inner tank, existing technologies often employ the following solution: a fastener with internal threads is formed inside the opening of the non-metallic inner tank; the inner tank flange has external threads; the inner tank flange is threadedly connected to the fastener; and the heating element flange, which houses the heating element, is then connected to the inner tank flange. The drawback of this solution is the presence of multiple interfaces, including between the fastener and the inner tank flange, and between the inner tank flange and the heating element flange. This large number of interfaces increases the likelihood of installation defects, increases the chance of leaks, and consequently affects the performance of the electric water heater, potentially even posing safety hazards. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-metallic inner tank and an electric water heater having the same.
[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0008] A non-metallic inner liner, comprising:
[0009] The inner liner body has a liner opening at one end, and a limiting annular portion surrounding the liner opening is provided on the outside of the liner opening.
[0010] A reinforcing layer that covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body;
[0011] The inner liner flange has its inner end limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion, and its outer end fixed between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer.
[0012] By setting a limiting annular part around the outer side of the inner liner opening, and fixing the inner end of the inner liner flange to the limiting annular part while fixing the outer end between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer, the inner liner flange and the inner liner body can be tightly connected without any welding points. This avoids the leakage problem at the welding points of the non-metallic inner liner when subjected to high pressure. In addition, the direct connection between the inner liner flange and the inner liner body eliminates the need for fasteners to fix the inner liner flange, reducing the connection interface between the fasteners and the inner liner flange, thereby reducing the probability of leakage.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, an annular receiving groove is formed on the outer surface of the inner liner body, and the outer end of the inner liner flange is disposed in the receiving groove.
[0014] By opening a receiving groove on the outer surface of the inner liner body and placing the outer annular portion of the inner liner flange inside the receiving groove, the outer surface of the outer annular portion of the inner liner flange can be made flush with the outer surface of the inner liner body. This ensures the flatness of the reinforcing layer, avoids increasing the thickness of the reinforcing layer, and guarantees cost.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, the inner surface of the inner liner body is provided with an annular thickened portion facing the receiving groove.
[0016] By providing an annular thickened portion on the inner surface of the inner liner body, directly opposite the receiving groove, the strength weakened by the receiving groove on the outer surface of the inner liner body can be reinforced, thereby ensuring the overall strength of the inner liner body.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, the thickness of the thickened portion is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove.
[0018] By setting the thickness of the thickened portion to be greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove, the strength of the reinforcement can be greater than the strength of the weakening, thereby ensuring that the overall strength of the inner liner body is not reduced.
[0019] As a preferred technical solution for a non-metallic inner liner, the inner liner flange includes an inner annular portion, an outer annular portion, and a protruding connecting portion connecting the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. The inner annular portion is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion, the outer annular portion is fixed between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer, and the protruding connecting portion is used to connect with the heating pipe flange.
[0020] By setting the inner liner flange to include three parts: an inner annular part, a raised connecting part, and an outer annular part, the connection between the inner liner flange and the inner liner body, as well as between the inner liner flange and the heating pipe flange, is made simpler, and the structure of the inner liner flange is more reasonable.
[0021] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, the outer annular portion is arc-shaped and can fit against the outer surface of the inner liner body.
[0022] By setting the outer end of the inner liner flange to an arc shape and fitting it to the outer surface of the inner liner body, the stability of the outer end of the annular part fixed between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer can be improved, and the flatness of the reinforcing layer can be improved, thus ensuring the strength of the reinforcing layer.
[0023] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, the protruding connecting part and the inner annular part, as well as the outer annular part, are all connected by arc transitions.
[0024] By setting the raised connection part to have a rounded transition between the inner and outer annular parts, the stress concentration at the connection between the raised connection part and the inner and outer annular parts can be reduced, thereby improving the strength of the inner flange.
[0025] As a preferred technical solution for non-metallic inner liner, the reinforcing layer is made of fiber winding.
[0026] An electric water heater includes a non-metallic inner tank as described in any of the above embodiments.
[0027] By incorporating the aforementioned non-metallic inner liner, the leakage rate can be effectively reduced, ensuring its performance.
[0028] As a preferred technical solution for an electric water heater, the electric water heater further includes a heating tube flange and a heating tube installed on the heating tube flange. The heating tube flange is fixedly installed on the inner tank flange of the non-metallic inner tank, and the heating tube is disposed inside the non-metallic inner tank.
[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0030] The non-metallic inner liner provided by this invention includes an inner liner body, a reinforcing layer, and an inner liner flange. One end of the inner liner body has an opening, and a limiting annular portion is provided around the opening. The reinforcing layer covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body. The inner end of the inner liner flange is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion, and the outer end of the inner liner flange is fixed between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer. By providing a limiting annular portion around the opening and limiting and fixing the inner end of the inner liner flange to the limiting annular portion, while fixing the outer end between the inner liner body and the reinforcing layer, the inner liner flange and the inner liner body can be tightly connected without any weld points, avoiding leakage problems at weld points when the non-metallic inner liner is under high pressure. Furthermore, the direct connection between the inner liner flange and the inner liner body eliminates the need for fixing components, reducing the connection interface between the fixing components and the inner liner flange, thereby reducing the probability of leakage.
[0031] The electric water heater provided by this invention, by setting the aforementioned non-metallic inner tank, can effectively reduce the leakage rate and ensure its performance. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-metallic inner liner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the non-metallic inner liner after the reinforcing layer has been removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner flange involved in the embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner flange involved in the embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 5 This is a front view of the non-metallic inner liner provided by the present invention;
[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;
[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of point B in the middle.
[0039] In the picture:
[0040] 10. Inner liner body; 11. Inner liner opening; 12. Limiting annular part; 13. Thickened part; 20. Reinforcing layer; 30. Inner liner flange; 31. Inner end annular part; 32. Protruding connecting part; 33. Outer end annular part. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.
[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0043] 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" of 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.
[0044] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0045] This invention provides a non-metallic inner tank, which is used in water heaters, especially electric water heaters, for storing water. In this embodiment, the non-metallic inner tank can be a plastic inner tank or an inner tank made of other non-metallic materials.
[0046] Example 1
[0047] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the non-metallic inner liner of this embodiment of the invention includes an inner liner body 10, a reinforcing layer 20, and an inner liner flange 30. One end of the inner liner body 10 is formed with a liner opening 11, and a limiting annular portion 12 is provided around the outer side of the liner opening 11. The reinforcing layer 20 covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body 10. The inner end of the inner liner flange 30 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, and the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20. By providing a limiting annular portion 12 around the outer side of the liner opening 11, and fixing the inner end of the inner liner flange 30 by the limiting annular portion 12, while fixing the outer end between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20, the inner liner flange 30 and the inner liner body 10 can be tightly connected without any welding points, thus avoiding the leakage problem at the welding points when the non-metallic inner liner is subjected to high pressure. In addition, the inner liner flange 30 is directly connected to the inner liner body 10, eliminating the need for fasteners to fix the inner liner flange 30, reducing the connection interface between the fasteners and the inner liner flange 30, thereby reducing the probability of leakage.
[0048] It should be noted that the limiting ring part 12 can be integrally formed with the inner liner body 10 from the end of the liner 11 in a direction away from the center of the liner 11, or it can be an independent component set on the outside of the liner 11. The specific configuration can be set as needed.
[0049] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The inner liner flange 30 includes an inner annular portion 31, an outer annular portion 33, and a protruding connecting portion 32 connecting the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. The inner annular portion 31 is limited and fixed by a limiting annular portion 12, and the outer annular portion 33 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20. The protruding connecting portion 32 is used to connect with the heating pipe flange. By setting the inner liner flange 30 to include three parts: the inner annular portion 31, the protruding connecting portion 32, and the outer annular portion 33, the connection between the inner liner flange 30 and the inner liner body 10, and between the inner liner flange 30 and the heating pipe flange, is simpler, and the structure of the inner liner flange 30 is more reasonable.
[0050] Both the inner annular portion 31 and the limiting annular portion 12 can be flat. The inner annular portion 31 is fixed by pressing it against the lower end of the limiting annular portion 12. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 Alternatively, the cross-section of the limiting ring portion 12 can also be U-shaped, and correspondingly, the cross-section of the inner ring portion 31 can be L-shaped. The horizontal portion of the inner ring portion 31 is connected to the protruding connecting portion 32, and the vertical portion of the inner ring portion 31 is inserted into the limiting groove of the limiting ring portion 12, thereby realizing the limiting of the inner ring portion 31 by the limiting ring portion 12.
[0051] Preferably, the outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is arc-shaped, and the outer annular portion 33 can fit against the outer surface of the inner liner body 10. By setting the outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 to be arc-shaped and fitting against the outer surface of the inner liner body 10, the stability of the outer annular portion 33 fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20 can be improved, and the flatness of the reinforcing layer 20 can be improved, thus ensuring the strength of the reinforcing layer 20.
[0052] Preferably, the raised connecting portion 32 has a rounded transition with both the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. By making the raised connecting portion 32 have a rounded transition with both the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33, the stress concentration at the connection between the raised connecting portion 32 and the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33 can be reduced, thereby improving the strength of the inner flange 30.
[0053] An annular receiving groove is formed on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10, and the annular portion 33 at the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is disposed within the receiving groove. By forming a receiving groove on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10 and placing the annular portion 33 at the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 within the receiving groove, the outer surface of the annular portion 33 at the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is flush with the outer surface of the inner liner body 10. This ensures the flatness of the reinforcing layer 20, avoids increasing the thickness of the reinforcing layer 20, and controls costs.
[0054] Preferably, an annular thickened portion 13 is provided on the inner surface of the inner liner body 10 facing the receiving groove. By providing the annular thickened portion 13 on the inner surface of the inner liner body 10 facing the receiving groove, the strength weakened by the receiving groove on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10 can be reinforced, thereby ensuring the overall strength of the inner liner body 10. Preferably, the thickness of the thickened portion 13 is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove. By setting the thickness of the thickened portion 13 to be greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove, the reinforcement strength is greater than the weakening strength, thereby ensuring that the overall strength of the inner liner body 10 is not reduced.
[0055] In this embodiment, the reinforcing layer 20 is made of fiber winding. Specifically, the reinforcing layer 20 is made of fiber-reinforced resin composite material, in which resin-impregnated filaments are wound onto the inner liner body 10. The fibers can be glass fiber, carbon fiber, Kevlar fiber, etc. After winding, high temperature curing is performed. The cured fiber winding layer is the pressure-bearing structural layer of the inner liner body 10.
[0056] Example 2
[0057] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the non-metallic inner liner of this embodiment of the invention includes an inner liner body 10, a reinforcing layer 20, and an inner liner flange 30. One end of the inner liner body 10 has an opening 11, and a limiting annular portion 12 surrounding the opening 11 is provided on its outer side. The reinforcing layer 20 covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body 10 and is formed by fiber winding. The inner end of the inner liner flange 30 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, and the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20. The inner liner flange 30 includes an inner annular portion 31, an outer annular portion 33, and a protruding connecting portion 32 connecting the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. The inner annular portion 31 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, the outer annular portion 33 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20, and the protruding connecting portion 32 is used to connect to the heating pipe flange. The outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is arc-shaped, allowing it to fit snugly against the outer surface of the inner liner body 10. The protruding connecting portion 32 has a rounded transition with both the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. An annular receiving groove is formed on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10, and the outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is positioned within this groove. An annular thickened portion 13 is formed on the inner surface of the inner liner body 10, directly opposite the receiving groove. The thickness of the thickened portion 13 is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove.
[0058] Example 3
[0059] This invention provides an electric water heater, including a non-metallic inner tank, a heating pipe flange, and a heating pipe installed on the heating pipe flange as described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The heating pipe flange is fixedly installed on the inner tank flange 30 of the non-metallic inner tank, and the heating pipe is placed inside the non-metallic inner tank to heat the water stored inside the non-metallic inner tank.
[0060] The non-metallic inner liner includes an inner liner body 10, a reinforcing layer 20, and an inner liner flange 30. One end of the inner liner body 10 has a liner opening 11, and a limiting annular portion 12 is provided around the liner opening 11. The reinforcing layer 20 covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body 10. The inner end of the inner liner flange 30 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, and the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20.
[0061] The inner liner flange 30 includes an inner annular portion 31, an outer annular portion 33, and a protruding connecting portion 32 connecting the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. The inner annular portion 31 is limited and fixed by a limiting annular portion 12, and the outer annular portion 33 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20. The protruding connecting portion 32 is used to connect with the heating pipe flange.
[0062] Preferably, the outer end annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is arc-shaped and can fit against the outer surface of the inner liner body 10.
[0063] Preferably, the protruding connecting portion 32 has a rounded transition with both the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33.
[0064] An annular receiving groove is provided on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10, and the annular portion 33 at the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is disposed in the receiving groove.
[0065] Preferably, the inner surface of the inner liner body 10 is provided with an annular thickened portion 13 facing the receiving groove. Preferably, the thickness of the thickened portion 13 is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove.
[0066] The reinforcing layer 20 is made of fiber winding.
[0067] Alternatively, the non-metallic inner liner includes an inner liner body 10, a reinforcing layer 20, and an inner liner flange 30. One end of the inner liner body 10 has an opening 11, and a limiting annular portion 12 surrounds the opening 11. The reinforcing layer 20 covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body 10 and is made of wound fibers. The inner end of the inner liner flange 30 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, and the outer end of the inner liner flange 30 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20. The inner liner flange 30 includes an inner annular portion 31, an outer annular portion 33, and a protruding connecting portion 32 connecting the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. The inner annular portion 31 is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion 12, the outer annular portion 33 is fixed between the inner liner body 10 and the reinforcing layer 20, and the protruding connecting portion 32 is used to connect to the heating pipe flange. The outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is arc-shaped and can fit against the outer surface of the inner liner body 10. The protruding connecting portion 32 has a rounded transition with both the inner annular portion 31 and the outer annular portion 33. An annular receiving groove is formed on the outer surface of the inner liner body 10, and the outer annular portion 33 of the inner liner flange 30 is disposed within the receiving groove. An annular thickened portion 13 is formed on the inner surface of the inner liner body 10, directly opposite the receiving groove. The thickness of the thickened portion 13 is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove.
[0068] Preferably, the non-metallic inner liner described in this embodiment can be one or two. When two are provided, the two non-metallic inner liners are arranged side by side.
[0069] The electric water heater of the present invention, by setting the non-metallic inner tank, can effectively reduce the leakage rate and ensure its performance.
[0070] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A non-metallic inner liner, characterized in that, include: The inner liner body (10) has a duct opening (11) at one end, and a limiting ring portion (12) surrounding the duct opening (11) is provided on the outside of the duct opening (11). A reinforcing layer (20) covers the outer periphery of the inner liner body (10); Inner liner flange (30), the inner end of the inner liner flange (30) is limited and fixed by the limiting ring part (12), and the outer end of the inner liner flange (30) is fixed between the inner liner body (10) and the reinforcing layer (20); The inner liner flange (30) includes an inner annular portion (31), an outer annular portion (33), and a protruding connecting portion (32) connecting the inner annular portion (31) and the outer annular portion (33). The inner annular portion (31) is limited and fixed by the limiting annular portion (12). The outer annular portion (33) is fixed between the inner liner body (10) and the reinforcing layer (20). The protruding connecting portion (32) is used to connect with the heating pipe flange. The outer annular portion (33) is arc-shaped and can fit against the outer surface of the inner liner body (10).
2. The non-metallic inner liner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the inner liner body (10) is provided with an annular receiving groove, and the outer end of the inner liner flange (30) is disposed in the receiving groove.
3. The non-metallic inner liner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the inner liner body (10) is provided with an annular thickened portion (13) facing the receiving groove.
4. The non-metallic inner liner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the thickened portion (13) is greater than or equal to the depth of the receiving groove.
5. The non-metallic inner liner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protruding connecting portion (32) and the inner annular portion (31) and the outer annular portion (33) are all connected by a circular arc transition.
6. The non-metallic inner liner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer (20) is made of wound fibers.
7. An electric water heater, characterized in that, Including the non-metallic liner as described in any one of claims 1-6.
8. The electric water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a heating pipe flange and a heating pipe installed on the heating pipe flange. The heating pipe flange is fixedly installed on the inner tank flange (30) of the non-metallic inner tank, and the heating pipe is disposed inside the non-metallic inner tank.