Water heater and inner container

Abstract

The application discloses a water heater and an inner container, and relates to the field of water heaters. The inner container comprises a flat shell, two end covers arranged along a predetermined direction, a reinforcing structure arranged between the two end covers, and a supporting structure arranged at least partially in the shell. The shell is at least partially formed by the reinforcing structure. The application can improve the pressure-bearing performance of the non-circular inner container, improve the reliability during use, and prolong the service life of the inner container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and particularly to a water heater and its inner tank. Background Technology

[0002] Existing water heaters mainly include: gas water heaters, heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters, and electric water heaters. Among them, electric water heaters use electricity as an energy source for heating. Most electric water heaters use storage-type heating, which mainly includes: an inner tank, an anode rod to prevent corrosion of the inner tank, an electric heating element to heat the water in the inner tank, and other supporting equipment.

[0003] Currently, a common type of electric water heater sold on the market has an inner tank with a circular cross-sectional shape. Water heaters with this structure are prone to installation space limitations and are not visually appealing. To improve the visual aesthetics of the inner tank and make better use of limited installation space, existing technology proposes an inner tank with a roughly elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0004] However, the aforementioned elliptical inner liner exhibits poorer pressure-bearing performance and a shorter lifespan compared to a round inner liner. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the non-circular inner liner to address the problems encountered during use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a water heater and inner tank that can improve the pressure-bearing performance of non-circular inner tanks, improve their reliability during use, and thus extend the service life of the inner tank.

[0006] The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0007] An inner liner includes: a flat shell; the shell includes two end caps disposed along a predetermined direction; a reinforcing structure is disposed between the two end caps, the reinforcing structure including a support structure at least partially disposed within the shell, and at least a portion of the shell is composed of a portion of the reinforcing structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure includes a bend, and at least a portion of the housing is formed by the bend.

[0009] Furthermore, the bent portion is connected to at least one of the end caps.

[0010] Furthermore, the end cap has an open end, and the bent portion is fixedly connected to the open end of one of the end caps.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixed connection method includes any one or a combination of the following: the bent portion is aligned with the open end of one of the end caps, or the bent portion overlaps the outer or inner wall near the open end.

[0012] Furthermore, the support structure includes a support plate, which is integral with the bending portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner liner includes at least two reinforcing structures with the same or different orientations of the bending portions. Each bending portion includes a proximal end connected to the support plate and a distal end away from the support plate, wherein the orientation is a direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0014] Furthermore, the two bent portions of the reinforcing structure are connected.

[0015] Furthermore, at least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing the same direction, wherein a position of one bend near its distal end is connected to a position of the other bend near its proximal end.

[0016] Furthermore, at least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing the same direction, the distal end of one of the bends being connected to a support plate corresponding to the other bend.

[0017] Furthermore, at least part of the shell is composed of two bends facing the same direction and a cylindrical body without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends. The distal end of one bend is opposite to or overlaps with one end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure, and the proximal end of the other bend is butt-joined or overlaps with the other end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure.

[0018] Furthermore, at least part of the housing is composed of two bends facing the same direction and a cylindrical body without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends. The distal end of one bend is connected to or overlaps with one end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure, and the support plate of the other bend is connected to or overlaps with the other end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure.

[0019] Furthermore, a transition section is provided near the support plate of the bent portion, and the distal end of one of the bent portions is connected to the transition section of the other bent portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the transition section is stepped and includes a first wall and a second wall. The angle between the first wall and the predetermined direction is smaller than the angle between the second wall and the predetermined direction. The distal end of one of the bends is connected to the first wall of the other bend.

[0021] Furthermore, at least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing different directions, with the distal ends or proximal ends of the two bends abutting or overlapping.

[0022] Furthermore, at least part of the shell is composed of two bends facing different directions and a cylindrical body without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends, with the distal ends of the two bends or the proximal ends of the two bends respectively docking or overlapping with the two ends of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure.

[0023] Furthermore, the support plate includes any one of the following: a flat, straight plate; an arc-shaped plate protruding away from the bend; or an arc-shaped plate concave near the bend.

[0024] Furthermore, the housing also includes a cylindrical body disposed between the two end caps, and the reinforcing structure includes a support structure at least partially disposed within the cylindrical body and a bent portion connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical body is formed by the bent portion.

[0025] Furthermore, at least a portion of the cylindrical body is integrally formed with the end cap.

[0026] Furthermore, the partial shell is formed by connecting the bent portion to a cylindrical body without a reinforcing structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the surface projection of the support structure along the predetermined direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the cross section of the housing perpendicular to the predetermined direction in the predetermined direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the housing has a major axis and a minor axis in a cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the support structure is provided with a reinforcing part.

[0030] Furthermore, the reinforcing portion includes a flange and / or reinforcing ribs.

[0031] Furthermore, the support structure is provided with a connecting portion.

[0032] Furthermore, the connecting portion has a flange at its edge.

[0033] Furthermore, an anode rod is provided on the shell, the anode rod extends into the inner liner along the predetermined direction, and the anode rod penetrates at least one of the support structures.

[0034] Furthermore, at least part of the housing is made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic.

[0035] Furthermore, the inner liner includes at least one of the reinforcing joints, and when there are multiple reinforcing structures, the spacing between two adjacent reinforcing structures along the predetermined direction is between 50 mm and 250 mm.

[0036] Furthermore, the cross-sectional profile shape of the shell perpendicular to the predetermined direction includes any one of the following: elliptical or quasi-elliptical.

[0037] Furthermore, the reinforcing structure includes at least one arcuate plate, the arcuate plate comprising a first portion disposed within the housing and a second portion for forming at least part of the housing.

[0038] Furthermore, the second part is connected to one of the end caps.

[0039] Furthermore, the arc-shaped plate has an open end, and the second portion is closer to the open end relative to the first portion.

[0040] Furthermore, the end cap has an open end, and the second portion is fixedly connected to the open end of one of the end caps.

[0041] Furthermore, the inner liner includes at least two open ends facing the same or different arc-shaped plates.

[0042] Furthermore, at least part of the shell is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with their open ends facing the same direction, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, wherein the open end of the first arc-shaped plate is connected to a predetermined position of the second arc-shaped plate, the predetermined position being the boundary position between the first part and the second part of the second arc-shaped plate.

[0043] Furthermore, at least part of the shell is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with open ends facing different directions, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, the open ends of the first arc-shaped plate and the second arc-shaped plate being connected or overlapping.

[0044] A water heater comprising: an inner tank as described in any of the above descriptions.

[0045] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0046] This application provides an inner liner with a flat shell, wherein a reinforcing structure is provided between two end caps, the reinforcing structure including a support structure at least partially disposed within the shell and a bent portion connected to the support structure; at least a portion of the shell is formed by the bent portion.

[0047] Because the reinforcing structure includes not only a support structure disposed within the shell, but also a bending portion that forms at least a part of the shell, the support structure not only supports the inner liner on its inner wall, but also, by extending the support structure to the shell portion (i.e., forming a bending portion that forms part of the shell), redistributes the stress in the inner liner, weakens and alleviates stress concentration at stress concentration points, and eliminates stress concentration locations. Furthermore, the reinforcing structure absorbs the deformation pressure of the inner liner, minimizing the possibility and extent of deformation, thereby greatly improving the pressure-bearing capacity of the inner liner, enhancing its reliability during use, and extending its service life.

[0048] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of the invention include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of an inner liner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional shape of an inner liner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of inner shell provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of inner shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of inner shell provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of inner shell provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the docking position between an end cap and a bent portion provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0057] Figure 8a This is a half-sectional view of the overlap position between an end cap and a bent portion provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0058] Figure 8b This is a half-sectional view of the overlap position between an end cap and a bent portion provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0059] Figure 8c This is a schematic diagram of the overlap position between an end cap and a bent portion provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a front view of the reinforcing structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a side view of the reinforcing structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 11 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the fit between two adjacent reinforcing structures in the shell provided in the diagram;

[0063] Figure 12 Figure 11 A magnified view of the mating position of two adjacent reinforcing structures;

[0064] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the first type of housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the third type of housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth type of housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth type of housing provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first type of anode rod in the inner liner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the second type of anode rod in the inner liner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of an inner liner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth type of housing provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible combination of two adjacent reinforcing structures provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between a reinforcing structure and an end cap or cylinder provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of another reinforcing structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 25 For setting Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first type of reinforced inner liner shown;

[0077] Figure 26 For setting Figure 4 The diagram shows a second type of inner liner with a reinforced structure.

[0078] Figure 27 For setting Figure 4 The diagram shows a third type of reinforced inner liner.

[0079] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0080] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0081] 10. Shell; 11. First end cap; 12. Second end cap; 101. Long shaft; 102. Short shaft; 111. Mounting end; 112. Open end; 13. Enamel layer; 14. Metal layer; 20. Reinforcing structure; 210. Support plate; 220. Connecting part; 22. Bending part; 221. Proximal end; 222. Distal end; 23. Cylinder without reinforcing structure; 241. First wall; 242. Second wall; X. Predetermined direction; Y. Height direction; Z. Depth direction; 30. Anode rod; 40. Electric heating element; 201. First part; 202. Second part. Detailed Implementation

[0082] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on the invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal communication between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0084] In order to improve the pressure-bearing performance of non-circular inner tanks, enhance their reliability during use, and thus extend their service life, this application makes further improvements to the inner tank of electric water heaters.

[0085] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 27 The inner liner provided in this application specification may include: a flat shell 10; the shell 10 includes two end caps (i.e., a first end cap 11 and a second end cap 12) disposed opposite each other along a predetermined direction X; a reinforcing structure 20 is provided between the two end caps, the reinforcing structure 20 including a support structure at least partially disposed within the shell 10, and at least a portion of the shell is composed of a portion of the reinforcing structure 20.

[0086] In a first embodiment, the reinforcing structure 20 may include a bent portion 22. When the reinforcing structure 20 includes the bent portion 22, at least a portion of the housing 10 is formed by the bent portion 22. The bent portion 22 may be disposed at the edge of the supporting structure, and the extending direction of the bent portion 22 may be different from the extending direction of the supporting structure, i.e., the curvature of the bent portion 22 is different from the curvature of the supporting structure.

[0087] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the reinforcing structure 20 can be a single curved plate, meaning that, compared to the embodiments described above, there is no direct boundary between the bent portion and the supporting structure in terms of appearance. This can also be understood as the bent portion and the supporting structure having the same curvature.

[0088] This specification will describe the two scenarios separately, with a focus on the first type of implementation method for detailed explanation.

[0089] In this specification, the housing 10 can be a flat, hollow structure, and its cross-sectional profile is non-circular in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction X (which can be the overall extension direction of the housing 10). For example, taking the installation environment as a reference, when the inner liner is a horizontal inner liner, the predetermined direction X can be approximately horizontal. The angle between the predetermined direction X and the horizontal direction can be 0 degrees or a small angle. This small angle may be caused by installation errors, may occur during use, or may be caused by other factors. This small angle can vary depending on the cause, and its specific value is not specifically limited herein; for example, it can generally be within 10 degrees.

[0090] When the inner liner is vertical, the predetermined direction X can be approximately vertical. In this case, the angle between the predetermined direction X and the vertical direction can be 0 degrees or a small angle. This small angle may be caused by installation errors, may occur during use, or may be caused by other factors. This small angle can vary depending on the causing factor, and its specific value is not specifically limited herein; for example, it is generally within 10 degrees.

[0091] Of course, it is not impossible that in some special installation environments, the inner liner needs to be installed at an angle. In this case, the predetermined direction X is an angle with the horizontal or vertical direction. This angle may vary depending on the influencing factors such as the installation environment, and this application does not specify a particular value. For example, the angle may be greater than 15 degrees.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be noted that the inner liner listed in the embodiments of this application is mainly a horizontal inner liner, which will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Other installation forms of inner liners can be compared with this installation form (simply rotate the horizontal inner liner by a certain angle in space). This application will not elaborate on them one by one here.

[0093] The inner liner with an overall flat shell 10 can reduce the depth occupied by the inner liner after it is installed on the wall, improve the visual aesthetics of the inner liner, and make reasonable use of the limited installation space.

[0094] Specifically, the cross-sectional profile shape of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X includes any of the following: elliptical or quasi-elliptical. Of course, the cross-sectional profile shape of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X is not limited to the examples above, and those skilled in the art can make reasonable extensions based on this.

[0095] Generally, taking the installation of the inner liner close to a vertical wall as an example, the shell 10 can include, in a cross-section perpendicular to the predetermined direction X, a maximum dimension along the height direction Y and a minimum dimension along the depth direction Z perpendicular to the vertical wall, wherein the maximum dimension is greater than the minimum dimension. Typically, to ensure the inner liner has better pressure-bearing performance, the maximum and minimum dimensions are transitioned by one or more arc segments.

[0096] It should be noted that the inner liner listed in the embodiments of this application is mainly an example of a structure with an elliptical cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the predetermined direction X, and is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Other shapes of inner liners can be equivalently replaced by referring to this elliptical inner liner, and will not be described in detail here.

[0097] like Figure 2 As shown, when the cross-sectional profile of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X is elliptical, the housing 10 has a major axis 101 and a minor axis 102 within the cross-section perpendicular to the predetermined direction X. The major axis 101 can be the largest dimension, and the minor axis 102 can be the smallest dimension.

[0098] In this specification, the housing 10 may include two end caps disposed along a predetermined direction X. The two end caps may be a first end cap 11 and a second end cap 12, wherein the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 may be disposed in the same direction or opposite to each other. The end caps have opposing closed end mounting end 111 and open end 112 along the predetermined direction X.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, when the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 are arranged facing each other, the opening end 112 of the first end cap 11 and the opening end 112 of the second end cap 12 are close to each other.

[0100] like Figure 21As shown, when the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 are arranged in the same direction, the open end 112 of the first end cap 11 can be close to the mounting end 111 of the second end cap 12. It should be noted that the mounting end 111 can be provided with an interface, such as a flange interface, for installing other functional components of the inner liner.

[0101] Each end cap may consist only of a head portion, or it may consist of a head portion and a cylindrical portion extending outward from the open end 112 of the head. The cylindrical portion has a certain length dimension in the predetermined direction X, the specific value of which is defined herein. When the end cap includes a head portion and a cylindrical portion, the head portion and the cylindrical portion may be integrally formed, or they may be sealed together by welding or other methods.

[0102] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 each only include the end cap portion, the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 can be directly connected, and the reinforcing structure 20 is located at the position where the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 are connected.

[0103] Or, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 each consist only of a head portion, at least one intermediate transition structure (e.g., a generally cylindrical reinforcing structure 20) can be provided between the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12. The first end cap 11, the second end cap 12, and the reinforcing structure 20 can be connected by a sealing connection, for example, by welding. Of course, the sealing connection method is not limited to the above example, and this application does not make specific limitations here. In this specification, welding is mainly used as an example for illustration, and other sealing connection methods can be referred to this method.

[0104] Or, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the first end cap 11 includes a head portion and a generally cylindrical reinforcing structure 20, and the second end cap 12 includes a head portion and a generally cylindrical reinforcing structure 20, the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 can be directly joined together. Furthermore, at least one intermediate transition structure can be provided between them. This intermediate transition structure can include at least one or a combination of the following: a cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure, and the reinforcing structure 20.

[0105] Or, such as Figure 6As shown, when one end cap, such as the first end cap 11, only includes a head portion, and the other end cap, such as the second end cap 12, includes a head portion and a generally cylindrical reinforcing structure 20, the two end caps can be directly joined together. Alternatively, at least one intermediate transition structure can be provided between the two end caps. This intermediate transition structure can include at least one or a combination of the following: a cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure, or it may include the reinforcing structure 20.

[0106] During use, the water inside the inner tank is heated, increasing the pressure within the tank and causing it to withstand significant pressure during operation. For non-circular inner tanks, such as elliptical ones, varying degrees of stress may occur at different locations. When this stress reaches a certain level, it can cause deformation of the inner tank, and in areas of stress concentration, it may even lead to leaks.

[0107] Generally, the larger the volume of the inner liner, the greater the pressure it needs to withstand during operation. The technical solution provided in this application mainly addresses inner liners that need to withstand significant pressure during operation, particularly suitable for inner liners with a volume of 20L or more. For inner liners larger than 20L, the pressure they need to withstand during operation is substantial. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to improve the structure of this type of inner liner to enhance its pressure-bearing capacity. Specifically, the volume of the inner liner can be 20L, 30L, 50L, 60L, 80L, etc., and this application does not impose a unique limitation on the specific value of the inner liner volume.

[0108] In this specification, for one purpose—namely, to improve the pressure-bearing performance of non-circular inner liners (especially those with a volume of 20L or more) and enhance their reliability during use—a reinforcing structure 20 is provided between the two end caps. This reinforcing structure 20 may include: a support structure at least partially disposed within the housing 10, and a bent portion 22 connected to the support structure; at least a portion of the housing 10 is formed by the bent portion 22.

[0109] Because the reinforcing structure 20 includes not only a support structure disposed within the shell 10, but also a bent portion 22 that forms at least a portion of the shell 10, the support structure not only supports the inner liner within the inner wall of the inner liner, but also, by extending the support structure to a portion of the shell 10 (i.e. forming the bent portion 22 that forms a portion of the shell 10), redistributes the stress in the inner liner, weakens and alleviates stress at stress concentration points, and eliminates stress concentration points. Furthermore, the reinforcing structure 20 can absorb the deformation pressure of the inner liner, minimizing the possibility and extent of deformation of the inner liner, thereby greatly improving the pressure-bearing capacity of the inner liner, increasing the reliability of the inner liner during use, and extending the service life of the inner liner.

[0110] In one embodiment, the bent portion 22 is connected to at least one of the end caps.

[0111] Specifically, the end cap has opposing mounting ends 111 and opening ends 112 along the predetermined direction X. The bent portion 22 is fixedly connected to the opening end 112 of one of the end caps. Alternatively, the bent portion 22 can also be fixedly connected to the mounting end 112 of one of the end caps. Figure 21 As shown, for the left reinforcing structure 20, its bent portion 22 is fixedly connected to the mounting end 111 of the end cap, and for the right reinforcing structure 20, its bent portion 22 is fixedly connected to the opening end 112 of the end cap.

[0112] Overall, the flat shell 10 can be formed by welding multiple parts with a certain wall thickness. When the bent portion 22 is fixedly connected to the open end 112 of one of the end caps, the fixed connection method includes any one or a combination of the following: the bent portion 22 is opposite to the open end 112 of one of the end caps, or the bent portion 22 overlaps the outer wall and / or inner wall near the open end 112.

[0113] Specifically, the end cap has a mounting end 111 and an opening end 112, which, when engaged with other parts, forms a relatively closed inner liner structure. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the bent portion 22 can be aligned with the open end 112 of an end cap (e.g., a first end cap 11). Figure 8a As shown, the bent portion 22 overlaps the outer wall near the opening end 112. Figure 8b As shown, the bent portion 22 overlaps the inner wall near the opening end 112.

[0114] In addition, such as Figure 8c As shown, the bent portion 22 can partially overlap the outer wall near the opening end 112 and partially overlap the inner wall near the opening end 112.

[0115] In contrast, when the connection between the bent part 22 and the end cap is achieved by lap welding, on the one hand, the stability and reliability of the mating position structure can be improved by the nesting relationship formed by the two mating positions. On the other hand, since there is an overlapping section at the lap position, the difficulty of the welding process can be reduced, and the reliability of the welding position can be improved.

[0116] Another end cap (e.g., a second end cap 12) can be welded to the bend 22. Furthermore, an intermediate transition structure can also be provided between the second end cap 12 and the bend 22. Specifically, the intermediate transition structure may include at least one reinforcing structure 20.

[0117] For example, the inner liner may include a first end cap 11 on the left, a second end cap 12 on the right, and multiple reinforcing structures 20 located between the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12. The bent portions 22 of the multiple reinforcing structures 20 can form a single cylindrical section, which can be the main body of the shell 10 excluding the end caps. Specifically, the number of reinforcing structures 20 can be one, two, three, or even more. Generally, the number of reinforcing structures 20 can vary depending on the shape, size, wall thickness requirements, etc., of the inner liner, and this application does not impose a specific limitation.

[0118] In the embodiments described in this specification, the number of reinforcing structures 20 can be at least one. When there are multiple reinforcing structures 20, the spacing between two adjacent reinforcing structures 20 along the predetermined direction X is between 50 mm and 250 mm.

[0119] When the distance between two adjacent reinforcing structures 20 is controlled within the aforementioned range, it can effectively support the inner liner during use, reducing the possibility and extent of deformation. When the distance between two adjacent reinforcing structures 20 is less than 50 mm, the improvement in its supporting effect on the inner liner is relatively limited, but the increase in manufacturing cost is significant. When the distance between two adjacent reinforcing structures 20 is greater than 250 mm, the possibility and extent of deformation of the inner liner may not meet the design requirements.

[0120] The inventors have verified that when the distance between two adjacent support structures is greater than 250 mm, the rigidity and strength of the existing thin-walled shell 10 (the wall thickness is generally between 1.5 mm and 2 mm, and the maximum wall thickness of a typical household electric water heater is within 4 mm) cannot meet the reliability requirements. The inner tank is prone to large deformation, which can easily lead to collapse, permanent deformation, and enamel layer damage.

[0121] Of course, the intermediate transition structure may also include other structures, such as at least one cylindrical section, which may be a cylindrical section without the reinforcing structure 20. Overall, the composition and form of the intermediate transition structure can be adaptively adjusted according to the shape and size of the actual inner liner, and this application does not impose specific limitations here.

[0122] Please refer to the following: Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the support structure includes a support plate 210, and the support plate 210 and the bending portion 22 can be an integral structure.

[0123] In this embodiment, the support structure may include a support plate 210 that is integrally plate-shaped. The support plate 210 and the bent portion 22 can be an integral structure, which can reduce manufacturing costs, ensure the sealing of the mating parts, and minimize the probability of stress concentration points. Specifically, the bent portion 22 can be a bent structure formed on the edge of the support plate 210. Of course, in other embodiments, it is not excluded that the support plate 210 and the bent portion 22 are connected by other means, such as welding.

[0124] Specifically, the support plate 210 may include any one or a combination of the following: a flat, straight plate; an arc-shaped plate protruding away from the bending portion 22; or an arc-shaped plate concave near the bending portion 22. When the support plate 210 is in the form of a straight plate, an outwardly convex arc-shaped plate, or an inwardly concave arc-shaped plate, it is advantageous to form an integral structure between the support plate 210 and the bending portion 22 by bending. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings provided in this specification, the support plate 210 is mainly illustrated as an example of an arc-shaped plate protruding away from the bending portion 22.

[0125] Of course, the support plate 210 can be in the form of a straight plate, a convex arc plate, or a concave arc plate, or it can be a combination of various types of plates. Furthermore, the support plate 210 can be partially a convex plate, partially a concave plate, or partially a straight plate. The convex and concave portions of the support plate 210 can be arranged according to their different supporting functions on the housing 10. Of course, the support plate 210 can also have other regular or irregular shapes, and it may not even be a plate-like structure overall; for example, it can be a three-dimensional structure formed in space. This application cannot exhaustively list all examples, but any technical solution that can achieve the technical effect achievable by this application when the support plate 210 cooperates with the bending portion 22 should be covered within the protection scope defined by the claims of this application.

[0126] Furthermore, the inner liner may include at least two reinforcing structures 20 with the same or different orientations of the bent portions 22. Each bent portion 22 includes a proximal end 221 connected to the support plate 210 and a distal end 222 away from the support plate 210. The orientation of the bent portion 22 is a direction extending from the proximal end 221 to the distal end 222.

[0127] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 11In one specific embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 10 is composed of two adjacent bends 22 facing the same direction. One of the bends 22 is connected to the other bend 22 near its proximal end 221.

[0128] In this embodiment, multiple bends 22 facing the same direction can be provided between the two end caps, and adjacent bends 22 are welded sequentially. One bend 22 is welded to the other bend 22 near its proximal end 221 at a position closer to its distal end 222.

[0129] Please refer to the following: Figure 11 and Figure 12 Furthermore, a transition section is provided at the position of the bent portion 22 near the support plate 210, and the distal end 222 of one of the bent portions 22 is welded to the transition section of the other bent portion 22.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the distal end 222 of one bend 22 is welded to the transition section of another bend 22, the inventors have verified that the mating position of the two bends 22 can effectively control the deformation of the inner liner during use and absorb the deformation pressure of the inner liner.

[0131] In one specific embodiment, the transition section may be stepped, including a first wall 241 and a second wall 242, wherein the angle between the first wall 241 and the predetermined direction X is smaller than the angle between the second wall 242 and the predetermined direction X, and the distal end 222 of one of the bends 22 is welded to the first wall 241 of the other bend 22.

[0132] In this embodiment, the bent portion 22 may include a main body segment extending along the predetermined direction X and a transition segment disposed near the support plate 210 (proximal end 221). The transition segment may be stepped and may include a first wall 241 and a second wall 242. The first wall 241 may be connected to the support plate 210, and the second wall 242 may be connected to the main body of the bent portion 22. Generally, the extension direction of the first wall 241 may be consistent with the predetermined direction X. When the first wall 241 is welded to the distal end 222 of another bent portion 22, since both have the same extension direction, lap welding of the first wall 241 to the distal end 222 of another bent portion 22 helps ensure the reliability of the weld, the sealing of the weld position, and reduces the difficulty of welding.

[0133] The extension direction of the second wall 242 can be perpendicular to the predetermined direction X or form a certain angle. The second wall 242 can abut against the distal end 222 of the other bend 22, and can also be welded to the distal end 222 of the bend 22.

[0134] Or, such as Figure 22 As shown, when at least part of the housing 10 is composed of two adjacent bends 22 facing the same direction, the distal end 222 of one of the bends 22 can also be connected to the support plate 210 corresponding to the other bend 22.

[0135] In this embodiment, the reinforcing structure 20 on the left is the first reinforcing structure, and the reinforcing structure 20 on the right can be the second reinforcing structure. The bent portion 22 of the second reinforcing structure is connected to the support plate 210 of the first reinforcing structure.

[0136] like Figure 13 As shown, in another specific embodiment, at least part of the housing 10 is composed of two bends 22 facing the same direction and a cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends 22. The distal end 222 of one bend 22 is butt-welded or lap-welded to one end of the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure, and the proximal end 221 of the other bend 22 is butt-welded or lap-welded to the other end of the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure.

[0137] In this embodiment, the difference from the above embodiment is that a cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure is also provided between two bends 22 facing the same direction. When the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure is welded to the adjacent bend 22, the distal end 222 of one bend 22 can be butt-welded or lap-welded to one end of the cylindrical body, and the proximal end 221 of the other bend 22 can be butt-welded or lap-welded to the other end of the cylindrical body.

[0138] When the distal end 222 of a bend 22 is joined to one end of the cylinder, the two can be welded at the ends or connected by other sealing methods. When the distal end 222 of a bend 22 overlaps with one end of the cylinder, the distal end of the bend 22 can overlap the inner wall of the cylinder or the outer wall of the cylinder.

[0139] When the proximal end 221 of another bend 22 is connected to the other end of the cylinder, the end of the other end of the cylinder can be directly butt-welded to the bend 22. In addition, the inner wall of the cylinder near the other end can overlap the bend 22.

[0140] Furthermore, referring to the above-described embodiment where the two bends 22 facing the same direction are matched, when the reinforcing structure is connected to the cylinder, the cylinder can be connected to the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20.

[0141] In one specific implementation, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 23 At least part of the housing 10 is composed of two bends 22 facing the same direction and a cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends 22. The distal end 222 of one bend 22 is connected or overlapped with one end of the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure, and the support plate 210 of the other bend 22 is connected or overlapped with the other end of the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement structure.

[0142] In this embodiment, the difference from the above embodiment is that the other end of the cylinder is connected to the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20. When the distal end 222 of one bend 22 is butt-joined or overlapped with one end of the cylinder 23 without a reinforcing structure, the above embodiment can be referred to, and will not be repeated here. When the other end of the cylinder is connected to the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20, the above embodiment can be referred to. Figure 23 Specifically, the other end of the cylinder can be welded to the support plate 210 by butt welding. In addition, the other end of the cylinder can be formed with a certain flange, and the cylinder with the flange can be sealed and fixed to the support plate 210 by overlapping.

[0143] Please refer to the following: Figure 23 When the reinforcing structure 20 is connected to the end cap, the end cap can be connected to the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20. The specific connection method between the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20 and the end cap can be referred to the specific description of the connection between the support plate 210 of the reinforcing structure 20 and the other end of the cylinder, which will not be repeated here.

[0144] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 10 is composed of two adjacent bends 22 facing different directions, the distal ends 222 of the two bends 22 (e.g. Figure 14 (as shown) or the proximal end 221 of the two bends 22 (as shown) Figure 15 (As shown) docking or overlapping.

[0145] In this embodiment, the at least partial shell 10 can be understood as a partial or complete cylindrical body between the two end caps. The complete cylindrical body can be formed by two adjacent bends 22 facing different directions. The distal ends 222 of the two bends 22 can be sealed together by butt welding or lap welding. Furthermore, the partial cylindrical body can be formed by two adjacent bends 22 facing different directions, that is, the inner liner can also include other parts that can form its shell 10, including but not limited to bends 22 facing the same or different directions, partial cylindrical bodies without reinforcing structures 20, or combinations thereof.

[0146] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 10 is composed of two bends 22 facing different directions and a cylindrical body 23 disposed between the two bends 22 without reinforcement. The distal ends 222 of the two bends 22 (e.g. Figure 16 (as shown) or the proximal end 221 of the two bends 22 (as shown) Figure 17 (As shown) and the two ends of the cylinder 23 without reinforcement structure are respectively butt welded or lap welded.

[0147] In this embodiment, the at least partially described shell 10 can be understood as a partial or complete cylindrical body between the two end caps. The complete cylindrical body may include two bends 22 facing different directions, and a cylindrical body 23 without reinforcing structures disposed between the two bends 22. The distal ends 222 of the two bends 22 may be butt-welded or lap-welded to both ends of the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcing structures. Furthermore, the two bends 22 facing different directions, and the cylindrical body 23 without reinforcing structures disposed between the two bends 22, can constitute a portion of the shell 10. The inner liner may also include other parts that can form its shell 10, including but not limited to bends 22 facing the same or different directions, portions of the cylindrical body without reinforcing structures 20, or combinations thereof.

[0148] In one embodiment, the housing 10 may further include a cylindrical body disposed between the two end caps, and the reinforcing structure 20 includes a support structure disposed at least partially within the cylindrical body and a bent portion 22 connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical body is formed by the bent portion 22.

[0149] In this embodiment, a cylindrical body may be disposed between the two end caps. The cylindrical body may be the main body of the housing 10 excluding the two end caps. The reinforcing structure 20 may include a support structure at least partially disposed within the cylindrical body and a bent portion 22 connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical body is formed by the bent portion 22.

[0150] The bent portion 22 of the reinforcing structure 20 can constitute the entire cylinder or a portion of the cylinder. When the bent portion 22 of the reinforcing structure 20 constitutes the entire cylinder, and there are multiple reinforcing structures 20, the orientation of the bent portions 22 of the multiple reinforcing structures 20 can be the same or different. Specifically, the arrangement and connection methods of the bent portions 22 having the same or different orientations can be referred to the detailed description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] When the bent portion 22 of the reinforcing structure 20 constitutes a portion of the cylindrical body, and there are multiple reinforcing structures 20, the orientation of the bent portions 22 of the multiple reinforcing structures 20 can be the same or different. Specifically, the arrangement and connection methods of the bent portions 22 having the same or different orientations can be referred to the specific description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In addition, the housing 10 may also be provided with a cylindrical body 23 portion without a reinforcing structure. The cooperation and connection methods between the cylindrical body 23 portion without a reinforcing structure and the reinforcing structure 20 can also be referred to the specific description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] Furthermore, at least a portion of the cylindrical body can be integrally formed with the end cap.

[0153] In this specification, as described in the above embodiments, the end cap may include only the end cap portion, or it may include the end cap portion and at least part of the cylindrical body. In this case, the end cap and at least part of the cylindrical body may be integrally formed, for example, by deep drawing.

[0154] In one embodiment, a portion of the shell 10 is formed by welding a bent portion 22 to a cylindrical body 23 without reinforcement.

[0155] In this embodiment, the inner liner portion of the shell 10 may be formed by welding the bent portion 22 to the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure. Specifically, this portion of the shell 10 may be the shell 10 between two end caps. Alternatively, this portion of the shell 10 may also be the portion of the shell 10 between two end caps. Alternatively, the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure may be integrally formed with the end caps.

[0156] When the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure is integrally formed with the end cap, specifically, the first end cap 11 may include a head and the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure, and the second end cap 12 may also include a head and the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure, with a bending portion 22 provided between them. Alternatively, one of the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12 may include a head and the cylindrical body 23 without a reinforcing structure, and the cylindrical body may be welded to the bending portion 22 to form a complete shell 10.

[0157] In one embodiment, the surface projection of the support structure along the predetermined direction X at least partially coincides with the projection of the cross section of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X onto the predetermined direction X.

[0158] In this embodiment, the support structure may include a support plate 210, the surface of which may be completely or substantially facing the opening end of the end cap, such that the projection of the surface of the support structure in the predetermined direction X at least partially coincides with the projection of the end cap in the predetermined direction X, thereby providing effective support for the shell 10 of the inner liner. The support plate 210 has opposing first and second surfaces. The support plate 210 may be integrally arranged perpendicular to the predetermined direction X. The surface of the support plate 210 may be integrally perpendicular to or nearly perpendicular to the predetermined direction X. For example, when the support plate 210 is a plate of uniform thickness, its first and second surfaces may be perpendicular to or nearly perpendicular to the predetermined direction X. When the support plate 210 is perpendicular to the predetermined direction X, the angle between the surface of the support plate 210 and the predetermined direction X may be 90 degrees; when the support plate is nearly perpendicular to the predetermined direction X, the acute angle between the surface of the support plate and the predetermined direction X may be within 10 degrees.

[0159] Of course, in some cases, such as for installation purposes or to prevent interference between the support plate 210 and other components of the inner liner, the support plate 210 may form a certain angle with a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction X. This angle may be within 45 degrees.

[0160] Overall, the projection of the support structure onto the surface (first surface or second surface) along the predetermined direction X can coincide with the projection of the cross section of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X onto the predetermined direction X, or it can be covered by the projection of the cross section of the housing 10 perpendicular to the predetermined direction X.

[0161] In the above embodiments, when manufacturing the shell 10 of the inner liner, welding can be used to seal and connect the several parts together. The welding method may include: welding each weld seam individually, or welding multiple weld seams simultaneously.

[0162] When multiple welds are welded simultaneously, the welding efficiency is relatively higher. To provide reliability and convenience for simultaneous welding of multiple welds, multiple parts can be fixed to a single component. During welding, the component is rotated to ensure that multiple welds spaced apart along the predetermined direction X are welded simultaneously.

[0163] like Figure 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the support structure is provided with a connecting portion 220. This connecting portion 220 connects water on both sides of the support structure.

[0164] Specifically, at least one of the connecting portions 220 is disposed in the upper middle part of the support structure along the height direction Y.

[0165] Generally, the water temperature in the inner tank exhibits a stratification effect. In the height direction Y, the water temperature in the inner tank gradually increases from bottom to top, with the water at the top of the inner tank reaching the highest temperature. The outlet of the water pipe usually extends into the inner tank, and the top of the water pipe is generally located in the upper middle part of the inner tank so as to supply the water in the upper middle part of the inner tank that has been heated first to the user.

[0166] When at least one connecting part 220 is provided in the upper middle part of the support structure along the height direction Y, the water in the upper middle part of the inner tank can be connected by the connecting part 220 at this position, so that the water in this part can be guided to the water outlet pipe in a timely manner for supply to the user.

[0167] In one embodiment, the support structure is provided with a plurality of connecting portions 220, and at least two connecting portions 220 are at least partially staggered along the height direction Y.

[0168] In this embodiment, when the support structure is provided with multiple connecting parts 220, and the multiple connecting parts 220 are staggered along the height direction Y, it can be ensured that water at different heights (i.e., water at different temperatures) can be connected. When the connecting part 220 at a higher position is connected, it can be ensured that the water at a higher position in the inner tank can be heated instantly to form hot water for the user.

[0169] In one embodiment, in order to increase the strength of the support structure and prevent stress concentration at the connecting part 220 from causing deformation or even damage, the connecting part 220 may be provided with a flange at its edge.

[0170] like Figure 18 As shown, in one embodiment, an anode rod 30 is provided on the housing 10, the anode rod 30 extends into the inner liner along the predetermined direction X, and the anode rod 30 penetrates at least one of the support structures.

[0171] In this embodiment, an anode rod 30 may be provided on the shell 10 to prevent corrosion of the inner liner. The anode rod 30 can extend into the inner liner along the predetermined direction X. However, considering installation errors and interference with other components, the extension direction of the anode rod 30 may deviate somewhat from the predetermined direction X. The specific deviation angle may vary depending on the actual product, and this application does not impose a specific limitation here. The anode rod 30 can penetrate at least one of the supporting structures, thereby providing comprehensive and efficient corrosion protection for the inner wall of the inner liner. Preferably, the anode rod 30 can directly penetrate all the supporting structures, thereby providing efficient and comprehensive corrosion protection for all inner walls of the inner liner.

[0172] like Figure 19 As shown, in one embodiment, the support structure divides the housing 10 into at least two cavities along the predetermined direction X, and an anode rod 30 is mounted on the housing 10, the anode rod 30 extending from bottom to top into the cavity along the height direction Y.

[0173] In this embodiment, the anode rod 30 can extend integrally into the cavity along the height direction Y from bottom to top, thereby providing corrosion protection for the inner wall. Specifically, the support structure can divide the shell 10 into multiple cavities, which can be connected by a connecting part 220. In this case, the number of anode rods 30 can be one, extending from bottom to top into one of the cavities along the height direction Y. Of course, the number of anode rods 30 can also be multiple. When there are multiple anode rods, one anode rod 30 can be provided in each of the multiple cavities, or one anode rod 30 can be provided in some of the cavities.

[0174] like Figure 20 As shown, in one embodiment, an enamel layer 13 is further provided on the inner wall of the housing 10, and the enamel layer 13 is formed by any of the following methods: paddle spraying, spraying, or electrostatic adsorption.

[0175] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the housing 10 may include a metal layer 14 with a certain wall thickness. Specifically, the material of the metal layer 14 may include, for example, stainless steel or carbon steel. Furthermore, an enamel layer 13 may be provided on the inner wall of the metal layer 14. This enamel layer 13 is used to prevent the metal layer 14 from rusting, to prevent the formation of an oxide layer on the surface of the metal layer 14 when heated, and to resist corrosion from various liquids.

[0176] During the manufacturing of the inner liner, the enamel layer 13 can be formed by methods such as slip casting, spraying, or electrostatic adsorption. For example, when the enamel layer 13 of the inner liner is formed by slip casting, it can be done after the entire shell 10 has been welded, and the formed enamel layer 13 will not be affected by subsequent processes.

[0177] Furthermore, the enamel layer 13 can also be formed by spray enameling or electrostatic adsorption. Spray enameling or electrostatic adsorption methods are more advantageous than slip enameling for controlling the thickness of the enamel layer 13 and ensuring its uniformity. For example, when spray enameling is used, this step can be performed before welding the shell 10, and the various parts can be welded subsequently. During welding, the enamel layer 13 at the welding location may be damaged to some extent.

[0178] Furthermore, it should be noted that the material of the main body of the housing 10 is not limited to the metal materials listed in the above embodiments; it can also be plastic or other organic or inorganic materials.

[0179] This application also proposes a water heater comprising an inner tank as described in any of the above embodiments. The water heater with the aforementioned inner tank can achieve the technical effects corresponding to the inner tank embodiments; please refer to the detailed descriptions of the above embodiments for specific details, which will not be elaborated upon here. Specifically, the water heater can be an electric water heater; of course, it can also be other forms of energy storage water heaters with an inner tank, such as heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters, etc. In this specification, an electric water heater is mainly used as an example.

[0180] It should be noted that the specific structure of the reinforcing structure 20 is not limited to the example described above. The reinforcing structure 20 can be a single curved plate. When two adjacent reinforcing structures 20 are connected, the open end of one reinforcing structure 20 overlaps the outer wall of the other reinforcing structure 20, achieving a partially fitted fit. In this embodiment, the bent portion 22 of the reinforcing structure 20 can be understood as the portion from the overlap position to the open end.

[0181] like Figure 24 As shown, in one embodiment, the reinforcing structure 20 includes at least one arcuate plate, the arcuate plate including a first portion 201 disposed within the housing 10 and a second portion 202 for forming at least a portion of the housing 10. The arcuate plate is formed with an open end, and the second portion 202 is located adjacent to the open end relative to the first portion 201.

[0182] In this embodiment, the function of the second part 202 is equivalent to that of the bending part 22 in the above embodiment. The function of the first part 201 is equivalent to that of the support plate 210 in the above embodiment. When the inner liner is provided with a reinforcing structure 20 in the shape of an arc plate, the different forms of inner liner that can be formed can be described by analogy with the specific descriptions of the various embodiments described above. The following will be combined with Figure 25 , Figure 26 , Figure 27 The inner liner with the arc-shaped reinforcing structure 20 is illustrated.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second portion 202 near the open end of the curved plate is connected to one of the end caps. For example... Figure 25 and Figure 26 Specifically, the end cap has an open end 112, and the second part 202 is fixedly connected to the open end 112 of one of the end caps. This fixed connection can be butt welding or lap welding. Furthermore, as... Figure 27 The second part 202 can also be fixedly connected to the mounting end 111 of one of the end caps.

[0184] In one embodiment, the inner liner includes at least two open ends facing the same or different curved plates.

[0185] Wherein, when the inner liner includes at least two open arc-shaped plates with the same open end facing each other, at least a portion of the shell 10 is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with the same open end facing each other, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, wherein the open end of the first arc-shaped plate is connected to a predetermined position of the second arc-shaped plate, and the predetermined position is the dividing position between the first part and the second part of the second arc-shaped plate.

[0186] When the inner liner includes at least two open ends facing different arc-shaped plates, at least a portion of the shell 10 is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with open ends facing different directions, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, wherein the open ends of the first arc-shaped plate and the second arc-shaped plate are connected or overlapped.

[0187] Please see Figure 28 In addition to the core improved shell 10, the inner tank of this electric water heater may also include other parts, such as an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and an electric heating element 40. The electric heating element 40 can be one or more. When multiple electric heating elements 40 are provided, they can be arranged at intervals along the height direction Y.

[0188] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified element, component, part, or step, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute “may” include is optional. Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” used to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0189] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inner liner, characterized in that, The inner liner includes: A flattened shell; The housing includes two end caps arranged in a predetermined direction; A reinforcing structure is provided between the two end caps. The reinforcing structure includes a support structure that is at least partially disposed within the housing. At least a portion of the housing is composed of a portion of the reinforcing structure. The cross-sectional profile shape of the shell perpendicular to the predetermined direction includes any one of the following: elliptical or quasi-elliptical. The inner liner also includes an electric heating element for heating the water in the inner liner.

2. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing structure includes a bend, and at least a portion of the housing is formed by the bend.

3. The inner liner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bent portion is connected to at least one of the end caps.

4. The inner liner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The end cap has an open end, and the bent portion is fixedly connected to the open end of one of the end caps.

5. The inner liner as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fixed connection method includes any one or a combination of the following: the bent portion is aligned with the open end of one of the end caps, or the bent portion overlaps the outer wall and / or inner wall near the open end.

6. The inner liner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support structure includes a support plate, and the support plate and the bending portion are integrally formed.

7. The inner liner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The inner liner includes at least two reinforcing structures with the same or different orientations of the bending portions. Each bending portion includes a proximal end connected to the support plate and a distal end away from the support plate, and the orientation is a direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

8. The inner liner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The two bent portions of the reinforcing structure are connected.

9. The inner liner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, At least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing the same direction, wherein a position of one bend near the distal end is connected to a position of the other bend near the proximal end.

10. The inner liner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing the same direction, the distal end of one of the bends being connected to a support plate corresponding to the other bend.

11. The inner liner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, At least part of the housing consists of two bends facing the same direction and a cylindrical body without reinforcement between the two bends. The distal end of one bend is connected to or overlaps with one end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement, and the proximal end of the other bend is connected to or overlaps with the other end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement.

12. The inner liner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least part of the housing consists of two bends facing the same direction and a cylindrical body without reinforcement disposed between the two bends. The distal end of one bend is connected to or overlaps with one end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement, and the support plate of the other bend is connected to or overlaps with the other end of the cylindrical body without reinforcement.

13. The inner liner as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A transition section is provided near the support plate of the bent portion, and the far end of one of the bent portions is connected to the transition section of the other bent portion.

14. The inner liner as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The transition section is stepped and includes a first wall and a second wall. The angle between the first wall and the predetermined direction is smaller than the angle between the second wall and the predetermined direction. The distal end of one of the bends is connected to the first wall of the other bend.

15. The inner liner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least part of the housing is composed of two adjacent bends facing different directions, with the distal ends or proximal ends of the two bends abutting or overlapping.

16. The inner liner as described in claim 7, characterized in that, At least part of the shell consists of two bends facing different directions and a cylindrical body without reinforcement structure disposed between the two bends. The distal ends or proximal ends of the two bends are respectively connected to or overlap the two ends of the cylindrical body without reinforcement structure.

17. The inner liner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The support plate includes any one or a combination of the following: a flat, straight plate; an arc-shaped plate protruding away from the bend; and an arc-shaped plate concave near the bend.

18. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes a cylindrical body disposed between the two end caps, and the reinforcing structure includes a support structure disposed at least partially within the cylindrical body and a bent portion connected to the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical body is formed by the bent portion.

19. The inner liner as described in claim 18, characterized in that, At least a portion of the cylindrical body is integrally formed with the end cap.

20. The inner liner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The partial shell is formed by connecting the bent portion to a cylindrical body without reinforcement.

21. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface projection of the support structure along the predetermined direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the cross section of the housing perpendicular to the predetermined direction in the predetermined direction.

22. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a major axis and a minor axis in a cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

23. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support structure is provided with a reinforcing part.

24. The inner liner as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The reinforcing part includes a flange and / or a reinforcing rib.

25. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support structure is provided with a connecting part.

26. The inner liner as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The connecting portion has a flange at its edge.

27. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An anode rod is provided on the shell, the anode rod extends into the inner liner along the predetermined direction, and the anode rod penetrates at least one of the support structures.

28. The inner liner as described in claim 27, characterized in that, At least part of the housing is made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic.

29. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner includes at least one of the reinforcing structures. When there are multiple reinforcing structures, the distance between two adjacent reinforcing structures along the predetermined direction is between 50 mm and 250 mm.

30. The inner liner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reinforcing structure includes at least one arc-shaped plate, the arc-shaped plate including a first portion disposed within the housing and a second portion for forming at least part of the housing.

31. The inner liner as described in claim 30, characterized in that, The second part is connected to one of the end caps.

32. The inner liner as described in claim 31, characterized in that, The arc-shaped plate has an open end, and the second part is closer to the open end relative to the first part.

33. The inner liner as described in claim 32, characterized in that, The end cap has an open end, and the second part is fixedly connected to the open end of one of the end caps.

34. The inner liner as described in claim 32, characterized in that, The inner liner includes at least two open curved plates with the same or different orientations.

35. The inner liner as described in claim 32, characterized in that, At least part of the shell is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with their open ends facing the same direction, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, wherein the open end of the first arc-shaped plate is connected to a predetermined position of the second arc-shaped plate, the predetermined position being the boundary position between the first part and the second part of the second arc-shaped plate.

36. The inner liner as described in claim 32, characterized in that, At least part of the shell is composed of two adjacent arc-shaped plates with open ends facing different directions, namely a first arc-shaped plate and a second arc-shaped plate, the open ends of the first arc-shaped plate and the second arc-shaped plate being connected or overlapping.

37. A water heater, characterized in that, Including the inner liner as described in any one of claims 1 to 36.

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