Heat exchangers and gas water heaters

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of water heater technology, specifically relating to a heat exchanger and a gas water heater. This application aims to solve the problem of poor sealing of existing heat exchanger shells, resulting in flue gas leakage. The end plate assembly of the heat exchanger of this application includes an end plate and an annular reinforcing frame. The end plate includes a plate body and a flange, which is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body away from the heat exchange space. The flange is fitted onto the outside of the annular reinforcing frame, which improves the structural strength of the end plate assembly and has a simple structure. The annular reinforcing frame is formed by bending a reinforcing strip in an annular shape, making the processing simple and efficient. The joint of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange, thus keeping the joint away from the corner of the annular reinforcing frame, which helps improve the airtightness of the heat exchanger and avoids flue gas leakage. Furthermore, the joint of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange, and the flange seals the joint, further improving the sealing performance of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of water heater technology, specifically relating to a heat exchanger and a gas water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Gas water heaters, also known as gas water boilers, are gas appliances that use gas as fuel and heat water by burning it. The heat is transferred to cold water flowing through a heat exchanger to produce hot water. They are popular among users because of their energy-saving and instant-on features.

[0003] The heat exchanger in a gas water heater is a device that enables heat exchange between high-temperature flue gas and water. In related technologies, the heat exchanger includes heat exchange pipes and a heat exchange shell. The portion of the heat exchange pipes located within the heat exchange shell exchanges heat with the high-temperature flue gas to produce hot water. However, existing heat exchange shells have poor sealing performance, leading to flue gas leakage problems.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the field for a new heat exchanger and gas water heater to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, namely the problem of poor sealing performance of the existing heat exchanger shell and the existence of flue gas leakage.

[0006] This application provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0007] Two end plate assemblies are arranged laterally at intervals, and a heat exchange space is formed between the two end plate assemblies;

[0008] The end plate assembly includes an end plate and an annular reinforcing frame. The end plate includes a plate body and a flange. The plate body has a through hole, and the edge of the through hole is bent and extended toward the outside of the heat exchange space to form a sealing ring. The flange is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body away from the heat exchange space. The flange is sleeved on the outside of the annular reinforcing frame. The annular reinforcing frame is formed by bending a reinforcing strip in an annular shape, and the seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange.

[0009] A heat exchange pipe, at least a portion of which is located within the heat exchange space, with the end of the heat exchange pipe passing through the through hole and the sealing ring to the outside of the plate body, and the heat exchange pipe being sealed by the sealing ring.

[0010] In the optional technical solutions of the above heat exchanger, the plate body is a rectangular plate, and the flange has four flanges; the seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange at the top.

[0011] In the alternative technical solutions of the above heat exchanger, the flange at the top is symmetrical about the seam of the annular reinforcing frame.

[0012] In the optional technical solutions of the above heat exchanger, the annular reinforcing frame is a rectangular ring, and the four corners of the annular reinforcing frame protrude away from the flange to form reinforcing ribs.

[0013] In the optional technical solution of the above heat exchanger, the annular reinforcing frame is provided with multiple connection holes; the annular reinforcing frame includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates, the two side plates are provided with multiple connection holes at intervals along the vertical direction, the bottom plate is provided with multiple connection holes at intervals along the longitudinal direction, and the top plate is provided with multiple connection holes at intervals along the longitudinal direction; the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction; the joint of the annular reinforcing frame is located in the top plate, and the joint of the annular reinforcing frame is located between two connection holes on the top plate.

[0014] In the optional technical solutions of the above heat exchanger, the plurality of connection holes on the top plate are symmetrical about the seam of the annular reinforcing frame.

[0015] In the optional technical solution of the above heat exchanger, the portion of the bottom plate away from the plate body is bent away from the top plate to form a flip claw, which is used to abut against the outside of the burner housing.

[0016] In the optional technical solution of the above heat exchanger, the end of the annular reinforcing frame that is away from the plate body protrudes from the end of the flange.

[0017] In the optional technical solutions of the above heat exchanger, the heat exchange pipe and the end plate are both made of copper, and the annular reinforcing frame is made of stainless steel.

[0018] The gas water heater includes a burner and the aforementioned heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is installed on top of the burner, and the heat exchange space of the heat exchanger is connected to the combustion space of the burner.

[0019] Those skilled in the art will understand that the gas water heater of this application embodiment has a heat exchanger including two end plate assemblies and a heat exchange pipe. The two end plate assemblies are arranged laterally at intervals, forming a heat exchange space between them. The end plate assembly includes an end plate and an annular reinforcing frame. The end plate includes a plate body and a flange. A through hole is provided on the plate body. The edge of the through hole bends and extends outward toward the outside of the heat exchange space to form a sealing ring. At least a portion of the heat exchange pipe is located in the heat exchange space. The end of the heat exchange pipe passes through the through hole and the sealing ring to the outside of the plate body. The heat exchange pipe is sealed by the sealing ring, which not only helps to improve the sealing performance, but also eliminates the need for additional fixing and sealing structures, thus simplifying the structure of the heat exchanger.

[0020] The flange in this embodiment is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body away from the heat exchange space. The flange is fitted onto the outside of the annular reinforcing frame, which improves the structural strength of the end plate assembly and has a simple structure. The annular reinforcing frame in this embodiment uses less material, which helps reduce costs. The annular reinforcing frame is formed by bending the reinforcing strip in an annular shape, which is simple and efficient in processing. The seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange, so that the seam of the annular reinforcing frame is far away from the corner of the annular reinforcing frame, which helps to improve the airtightness of the heat exchanger and avoid flue gas leakage. Moreover, the seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange, and the flange is used to seal the seam, which helps to further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following describes optional embodiments of the heat exchanger and gas water heater according to the present application, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a gas water heater provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the burner and heat exchanger according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate assembly of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of region P in the middle;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing strip in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the annular reinforcing frame of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0031] In the attached diagram: 100: Heat exchanger; 101: End plate assembly; 102: Heat exchange space; 110: Heat exchange pipe; 111: Straight pipe section; 112: U-shaped pipe section; 113: U-shaped connecting pipe; 114: Inlet pipe section; 115: Outlet pipe section; 120: End plate; 121: Through hole; 122: Sealing ring; 123: Plate body; 1231: Protrusion; 124: Flanged edge; 1241: Clearance opening; 130: Annular reinforcing frame; 1301: Reinforcing strip; 1301a, 1301b, 1301c, 1301d: Bending points; 131: Joint; 132: Reinforcing rib; 133: Connecting hole; 134: Top plate; 135: 136: Base plate; 137: Side plate; 140: Flip claw; 200: Smoke hood; 210: Burner housing; 220: Front side plate; 220: Rear side plate; 230: U-shaped plate; 231: First side plate; 232: Second side plate; 233: Base plate; 240: First U-shaped sealing gasket; 300: Burner rack; 410: Front wall plate; 420: Rear wall plate; 430: First side wall plate; 440: Second side wall plate; 450: Burner frame; 500: Housing; 510: First half-shell; 520: Second half-shell; 600: Fan; 710: Second U-shaped sealing gasket; 720: First sealing gasket; 730: Second sealing gasket; 740: Third sealing gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0032] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0033] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating the direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] The heat exchanger in a gas water heater is a device that enables heat exchange between high-temperature flue gas and water. In related technologies, the heat exchanger includes heat exchange pipes and a heat exchange shell. The portion of the heat exchange pipes located within the heat exchange shell exchanges heat with the high-temperature flue gas to produce hot water. However, researchers have discovered that existing heat exchange shells have poor sealing performance, leading to flue gas leakage.

[0036] Researchers have discovered that the end plate assembly of the heat exchange shell typically consists of two layers, inner and outer. To facilitate installation, the outer layer is usually fitted with flanges around its perimeter. Gaps exist between adjacent flanges, which can easily lead to flue gas leakage.

[0037] Researchers considered welding the gaps between two adjacent flanges to improve sealing. However, adding a welding step would not only affect production efficiency but also increase costs.

[0038] Researchers continued their work and proposed a ring-shaped reinforcing frame. The ring-shaped reinforcing frame is formed by bending reinforcing strips. There are no seams at its corners, so there will be no problem with flue gas leakage. The seams are set at the top of the end plate and sealed by the flange of the end plate to ensure sealing performance.

[0039] The optional technical solutions for the heat exchanger and gas water heater of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] First, it should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the directional term "front" refers to the side of the gas water heater facing the user, and the directional term "bottom" refers to the side facing the ground. "Longitudinal" corresponds to the Y-axis in the attached figures, "lateral" corresponds to the X-axis in the attached figures, and vertical corresponds to the Z-axis in the figures.

[0041] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the gas water heater provided in an embodiment of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The water inlet pipe of the heat exchanger 100 is not shown.

[0042] The gas water heater of this application embodiment includes a burner and a heat exchanger 100. The heat exchanger 100 is installed on the top of the burner, and the heat exchange space of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the combustion space of the burner. In this way, the high-temperature flue gas generated by the combustion of the burner can enter the heat exchanger 100 so that the heat exchanger 100 can exchange heat with the high-temperature flue gas to achieve the purpose of producing hot water.

[0043] The gas water heater in this embodiment of the application also includes a housing 500 and a fan 600. The fan 600 is installed at the bottom of the burner and is connected to the air inlet chamber of the burner. The fan 600 draws air into the air inlet chamber, part of which enters the burner for gas combustion, and the other part enters the air duct of the burner for cooling.

[0044] The housing 500 provides installation space for the burner, heat exchanger 100, and fan 600. An air inlet is provided at the rear of the housing 500. Outside air enters the housing 500 through the air inlet under the action of the fan 600, and then enters the burner through the fan 600.

[0045] For example, the outer shell 500 can be a rectangular shell, including a first half-shell 510 and a second half-shell 520. The first half-shell 510 is a rearward-opening U-shaped shell, including a front side plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. The left and right side plates are spaced apart on the left and right sides of the front side plate. The first half-shell 510 is a single piece, facilitating the assembly of the outer shell 500. The second half-shell 520 includes a fixedly connected rear side plate, a top plate, and a bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are fixed to the top and bottom of the rear side plate, respectively. The top plate is fixedly connected to the top of the first half-shell 510, and the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the first half-shell 510. The left and right sides of the rear side plate are fixedly connected to the left and right side plates, respectively. The plates of the outer shell 500 can be connected by screws, riveting, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the burner and heat exchanger according to an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The burner in this embodiment includes a burner housing 200 and a burner inner housing located inside the burner housing 200. A fire bar 300 is installed inside the burner inner housing. Multiple fire bars 300 are provided, which can simultaneously form multiple flames.

[0048] The burner housing 200 of this embodiment includes a front side plate 210, a rear side plate 220, and a U-shaped plate 230, with the front side plate 210 and the rear side plate 220 spaced apart from each other. The rear side of the U-shaped plate 230 is riveted to the rear side plate 220, and the front side of the U-shaped plate 230 is threaded to the front side plate 210. A second U-shaped sealing gasket 240 is provided between the front side of the U-shaped plate 230 and the front side plate 210 to seal the burner housing 200. The riveting of the rear side plate 220 and the U-shaped plate 230 in this embodiment not only improves assembly efficiency but also provides initial positioning for the threaded connection between the front side plate 210 and the U-shaped plate 230, facilitating the screw insertion. The threaded connection between the front side plate 210 and the U-shaped plate 230 helps ensure the structural stability and reliability of the burner housing 200.

[0049] The U-shaped plate 230 is roughly U-shaped and is a single piece, which reduces the assembly process of the burner housing 200, improves assembly efficiency, and also helps to reduce the risk of flue gas leakage. The U-shaped plate 230 includes a base plate 233, a first side plate 231, and a second side plate 232, which are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the base plate 233. The top ends of the first side plate 231 and the second side plate 232 can be flush.

[0050] Both the rear side plate 220 and the front side plate 210 protrude from the first side plate 231 and the second side plate 232. A gap is formed between the portion of the front side plate 210 protruding from the first side plate 231 and the portion of the rear side plate 220 protruding from the first side plate 231 for mounting the heat exchanger 100. In this way, both the front side plate 210 and the rear side plate 220 simultaneously serve as sidewalls of the combustion space and the heat exchange space, allowing the high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner combustion to smoothly enter the heat exchanger 100 for heat exchange.

[0051] Continue to combine Figure 2 The burner in this embodiment further includes a burner frame 450, which forms a combustion space with the burner inner shell. The burner frame 450 is fixed to the inside of the burner outer shell 200 and is used to install the burner vent 460. The burner inner shell includes a front wall panel 410, a rear wall panel 420, a first side wall panel 430, and a second side wall panel 440. The first side wall panel 430 and the second side wall panel 440 are arranged at intervals relative to each other. The first side wall panel 430 is located to the left of the front wall panel 410 and the rear wall panel 420, and the second side wall panel 440 is located to the right of the front wall panel 410 and the rear wall panel 420. The two sides of the front wall panel 410 abut against the first side wall panel 430 and the second side wall panel 440 respectively, and the two sides of the rear wall panel 420 abut against the first side wall panel 430 and the second side wall panel 440 respectively. This arrangement can ensure the spacing between the first side wall panel 430 and the second side wall panel 440, ensure sufficient combustion space for the fire rack 300, and avoid severe deformation of each wall panel due to heat. It can also reserve deformation space for the shrinkage of each wall panel.

[0052] There is a gap between the front wall panel 410 and the front side panel 210, a gap between the rear wall panel 420 and the rear side panel 220, a gap between the first side wall panel 430 and the first side panel 231, and a gap between the second side wall panel 440 and the second side panel 232. These four gaps allow outside air to enter, which helps to reduce the temperature of the burner inner shell and the burner outer shell 200.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate assembly of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified schematic diagram of region P in the middle.

[0054] Combination Figures 3 to 5 The heat exchanger in this embodiment includes: two end plate assemblies 101, a heat exchange pipe 110, and fins.

[0055] Two end plate assemblies 101 are arranged laterally (corresponding to the X-axis direction in the figure), and a heat exchange space 102 is formed between the two end plate assemblies 101. The heat exchange pipe 110 in the heat exchange space 102 is used to exchange air with high-temperature flue gas to achieve the purpose of heating water.

[0056] The end plate assembly 101 includes an end plate 120 and an annular reinforcing frame 130. The end plate 120 includes a plate body 123 and a flange 124. A through hole 121 is provided on the plate body 123. The edge of the through hole 121 bends and extends outward toward the heat exchange space 102 to form a sealing ring 122. The shape of the sealing ring 122 is consistent with the shape of the through hole 121, and the inner diameter of the sealing ring 122 is the same as the diameter of the through hole 121.

[0057] The heat exchange pipe 110 typically has a circular cross-section, thus it is a circular pipe. Correspondingly, the through-hole 121 is a circular hole. However, this is not a limitation on the shape of the through-hole 121; the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole 121 can match the cross-sectional shape of the heat exchange pipe 110. For example, if the cross-section of the heat exchange pipe 110 is elliptical, then the cross-section of the through-hole 121 will also be elliptical. Here, "cross-section" refers to the section formed by cutting the heat exchange pipe 110 with the YZ plane.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment of the application, the heat exchange pipe 110 has an inlet and an outlet at both ends, respectively. The inlet is used to communicate with the inlet pipe, and the outlet is used to communicate with the outlet pipe. In this embodiment of the application, the heat exchange pipe 110 includes multiple U-shaped main pipes, at least one U-shaped connecting pipe 113, an inlet pipe section 114, and an outlet pipe section 115. The U-shaped main pipe includes two straight pipe sections 111 and a U-shaped pipe section 112. Both straight pipe sections 111 extend laterally, and the first ends of the two straight pipe sections 111 are respectively connected to both ends of the U-shaped pipe section 112. The two straight pipe sections 111 and the U-shaped pipe section 112 form an integral U-shaped main pipe.

[0059] Multiple U-shaped main pipes are arranged longitudinally at intervals, with the openings of all U-shaped main pipes facing the same side, such as the positive X-axis side in the attached diagram. The second end of the foremost straight pipe section 111 among the multiple U-shaped main pipes, i.e., the second end of the straight pipe section 111 in the negative Y-axis direction in the attached diagram, is connected to the inlet pipe section 114, which forms the inlet of the heat exchange pipe 110. The second end of the rearmost straight pipe section 111 among the multiple U-shaped main pipes, i.e., the second end of the straight pipe section 111 in the positive Y-axis direction in the attached diagram, is connected to the outlet pipe section 115, which forms the outlet of the heat exchange pipe 110. Among the multiple straight pipe sections 111 between the inlet pipe section 114 and the outlet pipe section 115, every two adjacent straight pipe sections 111 are connected by a U-shaped connecting pipe 113. This arrangement forms an S-shaped heat exchange pipe 110, which is beneficial for improving the heat exchange rate and efficiency.

[0060] The heat exchange pipe 110 includes N U-shaped main pipes, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, forming 2N straight pipe sections 111. The second ends of two straight pipe sections 111 are connected to the inlet pipe section 114 and the outlet pipe section 115, respectively. The remaining 2N-2 straight pipe sections are connected by N-1 U-shaped connecting pipes 113 to form an S-shaped heat exchange pipe 110. (See attached...) Figure 4 In the heat exchange pipe 110 shown, there are two U-shaped main pipes, a total of four straight pipe sections 111, and one U-shaped connecting pipe 113.

[0061] At least a portion of the heat exchange pipe 110 is located within the heat exchange space 102, thereby exchanging heat with the high-temperature flue gas. In this embodiment, the straight pipe section 111 of the heat exchange pipe 110 is located within the heat exchange space 102, which facilitates the fitting and installation of the straight pipe section 111 with the end plate assembly 101. The inlet pipe section 114, forming the water inlet of the heat exchange pipe 110, and the outlet pipe section 115, forming the water outlet, are located outside the heat exchange space 102, facilitating the connection of the inlet and outlet pipes to allow the introduction of cold water and the discharge of hot water. The inlet pipe section 114 and the outlet pipe section 115 are located on the same side of the heat exchanger, facilitating the arrangement of the piping.

[0062] The end of the heat exchange pipe 110 passes through the through hole 121 and the sealing ring 122 to the outside of the plate body 123, and the heat exchange pipe 110 is sealed with the sealing ring 122. The material of the heat exchange pipe 110 is the same as that of the inner end plate 120. For example, the heat exchange pipe 110 is a copper pipe and the inner end plate 120 is a copper plate. Copper pipes not only have good heat transfer, which is conducive to improving heat exchange efficiency, but copper plates also have a certain degree of ductility, which is conducive to improving the sealing effect.

[0063] It is understandable that the heat exchange pipe 110 adapted to the S-type has multiple through holes 121, and the multiple holes 121 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction.

[0064] In this embodiment, the heat exchange pipe 110 can be expanded and deformed using an expansion process, compressing the sealing ring 122 and the wall of the through hole 121. This allows the sealing ring 122 to be press-fitted into the heat exchange pipe 110 for sealing, eliminating the need for additional fixing and sealing structures. This simplifies the structure of the heat exchanger 100 and improves its assembly efficiency. Furthermore, since the heat exchange pipe 110 and the end plate 120 are made of the same material and have the same deformation capacity, gaps between the heat exchange pipe 110 and the sealing ring 122 due to different deformation are avoided, thus improving the airtightness of the connection between the end plate assembly 101 and the heat exchange pipe 110.

[0065] In this embodiment, the flange 124 is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body 123 away from the heat exchange space 102; the flange 124 is perpendicular to the plate body 123. In some possible embodiments, the plate body 123 is a rectangular plate, and the four sides of the plate body 123 are bent and extended away from the heat exchange space 102 to form four flanges 124. Of course, this is not a limitation on the shape of the plate body 123. For example, the plate body 123 can also be circular, in which case the flange 124 is an annular flange; or, for another example, the plate body 123 can also be elliptical, in which case the flange 124 is an elliptical flange.

[0066] In this embodiment, the flange 124 is fitted onto the outside of the annular reinforcing frame 130. The shape of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is the same as the shape formed by the plurality of flanges 124. For example, when the four flanges 124 enclose a rectangle, the annular reinforcing frame 130 is a rectangular frame.

[0067] For example, the annular reinforcing frame 130 is made of stainless steel, which has high strength and helps to improve the structural strength of the end plate assembly 101 and ensure the stability of the connection between the end plate assembly 101 and other structures.

[0068] Combination Figure 7 ,in, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the reinforcing strip in an embodiment of this application. The annular reinforcing frame 130 in this embodiment is formed by bending the reinforcing strip 1301 in an annular shape, with the seam 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 opposite to the flange 124. Thus, there are no gaps at the bend of the annular reinforcing frame 130, which helps improve the airtightness of the heat exchanger and avoids flue gas leakage problems.

[0069] The seam 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 can be aligned with the top flange 124, the bottom flange 124, the left flange 124, and the right flange 124. This alignment of the seam 131 with the flange 124, using the flange 124 to seal the seam 131, improves the sealing performance of the heat exchanger.

[0070] Optionally, the annular reinforcing frame 130 is welded at the joint 131, which can both seal the joint 131 and improve the structural strength of the annular reinforcing frame 130.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the seam 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is opposite to the top flange 124 for easy installation; the top flange 124 is symmetrical about the seam 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130, so that the seam 131 is located at the center of the top flange 124. This arrangement makes the annular reinforcing frame 130 symmetrical about the seam 131, which helps to improve the processing convenience of the annular reinforcing frame 130. The annular reinforcing frame 130 in both end plate assemblies 101 can be processed using a single bending die, which helps to improve the versatility of the bending die and reduce costs.

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the annular reinforcing frame of the heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 8 The annular reinforcing frame 130 is a rectangular ring. The four corners of the annular reinforcing frame 130 protrude away from the flange 124 to form reinforcing ribs 132, which helps to improve the structural strength and stability of the annular reinforcing frame 130.

[0073] Continue to refer to Figure 8 The annular reinforcing frame 130 is provided with multiple connection holes 133 for fixing the end plate assembly 101 to other structures.

[0074] Multiple connecting holes 133 can be spaced apart along the annular direction of the annular reinforcing frame 130. In this embodiment, the annular reinforcing frame 130 is a rectangular frame, including a top plate portion 134, a bottom plate portion 135, and two side plate portions 136. The two side plate portions 136 are parallel and extend along the Z-axis direction; the top plate portion 134 and the bottom plate portion 135 are opposite and parallel. The top plate portion 134 is perpendicular to the side plate portions 136. The two ends of the top plate portion 134 and the two side plate portions 136 form a corner, and the two ends of the bottom plate portion 135 and the two side plate portions 136 also form a corner.

[0075] The two side panels 136 are respectively along the vertical (corresponding) Figure 8Multiple connecting holes 133 are spaced apart along the Z-axis direction. For example, three connecting holes 133 are spaced apart on each of the two side plate portions 136 along the Z-axis direction; the bottom plate portion 135 is arranged longitudinally (corresponding to...) Figure 8 Multiple connecting holes 133 are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction. For example, the bottom plate 135 has three connecting holes 133 spaced apart along the Y-axis direction; the top plate 134 has connecting holes 133 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (corresponding to...). Figure 8 Multiple connecting holes 133 are provided at intervals along the Y-axis direction. For example, the top plate 134 has two connecting holes 133 arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction.

[0076] The joint 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is located in the top plate portion 134, and the top plate portion 134 is symmetrical about the joint 131. The joint 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is located between two connecting holes 133 on the top plate portion 134. This arrangement avoids the connecting holes 133, which is convenient for setting the connecting holes 133 and avoids affecting the airtightness of the heat exchanger.

[0077] In some embodiments, the plurality of connecting holes 133 on the top plate 134 are symmetrical about the seam 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130. This arrangement ensures that both sides of the seam 131 are evenly fixed and the force is uniform, which helps to prevent the top plate 134 from deforming and causing the seam 131 to enlarge, thus affecting the airtightness of the heat exchanger.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 8 In this embodiment of the application, the portion of the bottom plate portion 135 that is away from one end of the plate body 123 is bent away from the top plate portion 134 to form a flap 137. The flap 137 is used to abut against the outside of the burner housing and serves as a limiting action.

[0079] To facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the annular reinforcing frame 130, two flip claws 137 are provided, and they are symmetrical about the joint 131.

[0080] The following is combined with Figure 7 This describes the manufacturing process of the annular reinforcing frame 130 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 Several connecting holes 133 and flip claws 137 are first machined on the reinforcing strip 1301 shown; and bending processes are performed at four bending points 1301a, 1301b, 1301c and 1301d on the reinforcing strip 1301 to form an annular reinforcing frame 130.

[0081] The four bends form the four corners of the annular reinforcing frame 130. The reinforcing strips 1301 between bends 1301a and 1301b, and between bends 1301c and 1301d, respectively form the two side plate portions 136 of the annular reinforcing frame 130; the reinforcing strips 1301 between bends 1301b and 1301c form the bottom plate portion 135 of the annular reinforcing frame 130; and the remaining two reinforcing strips 1301 form the top plate portion 134 of the annular reinforcing frame 130. This arrangement of the reinforcing strips 1301 in this embodiment allows for the processing of the annular reinforcing frames 130 of two end plate assemblies 101 using only one bending die, improving the versatility of the bending die and reducing production costs.

[0082] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the end of the annular reinforcing frame 130 that is away from the plate body 123 protrudes from the end of the flange 124. This arrangement ensures that the flange 124 is supported by the annular reinforcing frame 130. Furthermore, when the end plate 120 is made of copper, the flange 124 has a certain degree of ductility. This arrangement can stably support the flange 124, which is beneficial to ensuring the structural stability of the heat exchanger.

[0083] The following is combined with Figure 9 This further illustrates the structure of the end plate 120 in this embodiment. Wherein, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate of the heat exchanger provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, the four flanges 124 of the end plate 120 are provided with clearance openings 1241 to avoid the connection hole 133, so as to facilitate the connection hole 133 to be fixedly connected to other structures.

[0085] In this embodiment, fins are installed on the heat exchange pipe 110 to improve heat exchange efficiency. Multiple fins are arranged along the X-axis on the straight pipe section 111 of the heat exchange pipe 110. This embodiment further improves heat exchange efficiency by using multiple fins. In this embodiment, the fins have through holes for the straight pipe section 111 to pass through. The fins are fixed to the straight pipe section 111 of the heat exchange pipe 110 through an expansion and tightening process. Specifically, a sphere with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the heat exchange pipe 110 can be moved from one end of the heat exchange pipe 110 to the other end, compressing the heat exchange pipe 110 to make it thicker, thereby achieving an interference fit between the fins and the heat exchange pipe 110. Simultaneously, the heat exchange pipe 110 can also compress the sealing ring 122, achieving an interference fit between the heat exchange pipe section 110 and the sealing ring 122, and the compression of the sealing ring 122 ensures a seal between the sealing ring 122 and the straight pipe section 111.

[0086] To avoid the fins at both ends from sticking to the end plate 120 and affecting heat exchange efficiency, the plate body 123 of the end plate 120 in this embodiment of the application protrudes towards the heat exchange space 102 to form multiple protrusions 1231. The protrusions 1231 can be circular, oblong, elliptical, etc. The multiple protrusions 1231 can be arranged in various ways on the end plate 120. For example, the multiple protrusions 1231 can be arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction (corresponding to the Y-axis), or, for another example, the multiple protrusions 1231 can be arranged in a rectangular matrix on the end plate 120. In this embodiment of the application, the multiple protrusions 1231 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction (corresponding to the Y-axis), and a through hole 121 is provided between two adjacent protrusions 1231.

[0087] Some of the protrusions 1231 are located at the top of the through hole 121. For example, a protrusion 1231 is provided at the top of each through hole 121. This provides a larger contact area and ensures that there is a gap between the end plate 120 and the fins so that high-temperature flue gas can pass through. This avoids the fins of the heat exchanger 100 from being too close to the plate body 123 and affecting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0088] In this embodiment of the application, the protrusion 1231 provided on the end plate 120 can also improve the structural strength of the end plate 120.

[0089] Combined again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heat exchange housing of the heat exchanger in this embodiment includes, in addition to the two end plate assemblies 101 described above, a portion of the front side plate 210 protruding from the first side plate 231 and a portion of the rear side plate 220 protruding from the first side plate 231; it also includes a smoke collection hood 140 disposed at the top, on which a smoke exhaust pipe is disposed for exhausting smoke.

[0090] The left and right ends of the smoke hood 140 (i.e., attached) Figure 2 The two ends of the smoke collection hood 140 along the X-axis direction are respectively threaded to the top plate portion 134 at the top of the two end plate assemblies 101, and a sealing gasket is provided between the smoke collection hood 140 and the top plate portion 134; the rear end of the smoke collection hood 140 (i.e., the attached...) Figure 2 One end of the smoke hood 140 (along the negative Y-axis direction) is threaded to the rear side plate 220 and is provided with a sealing gasket; the left and right ends and the rear end of the smoke hood 140 are provided with second U-shaped sealing gaskets 710 to seal the smoke hood 140 with the top plate 134 and the rear side plate 220. The front end of the smoke hood 140 (i.e., the attached...) Figure 2 One end of the smoke hood 140 along the positive direction of the Y-axis is threaded to the front side plate 210, and a third sealing gasket 740 is provided between the front end of the smoke hood 140 and the front side plate 210. Thus, the smoke hood 140 is sealed to the end plate assembly 101 and the burner housing 200.

[0091] Regarding the connection between the end plate assembly 101 and the burner housing 200, the bottom plate portion 135 of the end plate assembly 101 is threadedly connected to the first side plate 231 and the second side plate 232, and a first sealing gasket 720 is provided; the rear end of the end plate assembly 101 (i.e., the attached...) Figure 2 The side plate portion 136 (at one end in the negative Y-axis direction) is threadedly connected to the rear side plate 220 and is provided with a second sealing gasket 730; the front end of the end plate assembly 101 (i.e., the attached...) Figure 2 The side plate portion 136 (at one end in the positive direction of the Y-axis) is threadedly connected to the front side plate 210, and the first U-shaped sealing gasket 240 extends between the first fixed flange 133 and the front side plate 210.

[0092] Thus, the smoke hood 140, the heat exchanger 100, and the burner shell 200 form a closed and interconnected heat exchange space 102 and combustion space, preventing flue gas leakage.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, reference continues to be made to Figure 2 The front wall panel 410 is sandwiched between the front side panel 210 and the U-shaped plate 230; the top of the rear wall panel 420 is on the rear side panel 220, and the rear wall panel 420 is clamped and fixed between the rear side panel 220 and the rear end of the smoke hood 140; the top of the first side wall panel 430 is hung on the top of the first side panel 231, and the top of the first side wall panel 430 is sandwiched between the bottom plate portion 135 and the first side panel 231; the top of the second side wall panel 440 is hung on the top of the second side panel 232, and the top of the first side wall panel 430 is sandwiched between the bottom plate portion 135 and the second side panel 232. This arrangement of the burner inner shell eliminates the need for additional fixing structures, simplifying the structure and improving the assembly efficiency of the gas water heater; furthermore, the relative movable connections between the various wall panels of the burner inner shell provide space for deformation due to heat.

[0094] In summary, the gas water heater of this application embodiment has a heat exchanger comprising two end plate assemblies 101 and a heat exchange pipe 110. The two end plate assemblies 101 are arranged laterally at intervals, forming a heat exchange space 102 between them. Each end plate assembly 101 includes an end plate 120 and an annular reinforcing frame 130. The end plate 120 includes a plate body 123 and a flange 124. A through hole 121 is provided on the plate body 123, and the edge of the through hole 121 bends and extends outward toward the heat exchange space 102 to form a sealing ring 122. At least a portion of the heat exchange pipe 110 is located within the heat exchange space 102, and the end of the heat exchange pipe 110 passes through the through hole 121 and the sealing ring 122 to the outside of the plate body 123. The heat exchange pipe 110 is sealed by the sealing ring 122, which not only improves the sealing performance but also eliminates the need for additional fixing and sealing structures, thus simplifying the structure of the heat exchanger.

[0095] In this embodiment, the flange 124 is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body 123 away from the heat exchange space 102. The flange 124 is fitted onto the outside of the annular reinforcing frame 130, which serves to improve the structural strength of the end plate assembly 101 and has a simple structure. The annular reinforcing frame 130 in this embodiment uses less material, which helps to reduce costs. The annular reinforcing frame 130 is formed by bending the reinforcing strip 1301 in annular shape, which is simple and efficient in processing. The joint 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is opposite to the flange 124, so that the joint of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is far away from the corner of the annular reinforcing frame 130, which helps to improve the airtightness of the heat exchanger and avoid flue gas leakage. Moreover, the joint 131 of the annular reinforcing frame 130 is opposite to the flange 124, and the flange 124 is used to seal the joint 131, which helps to further improve the sealing performance of the heat exchanger.

[0096] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Two end plate assemblies are arranged laterally at intervals, and a heat exchange space is formed between the two end plate assemblies; The end plate assembly includes an end plate and an annular reinforcing frame. The end plate includes a plate body and a flange. The plate body has a through hole, and the edge of the through hole is bent and extended towards the outside of the heat exchange space to form a sealing ring. The flange is formed by bending the side edge of the plate body away from the heat exchange space. The flange is sleeved on the outside of the annular reinforcing frame. The annular reinforcing frame is formed by bending a reinforcing strip in an annular shape, and the seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange. A heat exchange pipe, at least a portion of which is located within the heat exchange space, with the end of the heat exchange pipe passing through the through hole and the sealing ring to the outside of the plate body, and the heat exchange pipe being sealed by the sealing ring; Fins are disposed on the heat exchange pipe.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate body is a rectangular plate, and the flange has four edges; The seam of the annular reinforcing frame is opposite to the flange at the top.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flange at the top is symmetrical about the seam of the annular reinforcing frame.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular reinforcing frame is a rectangular ring, and the four corners of the annular reinforcing frame protrude away from the flange to form reinforcing ribs.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The annular reinforcing frame is provided with multiple connection holes; The annular reinforcing frame includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and two side plates. The two side plates are each provided with a plurality of connecting holes spaced apart vertically. The bottom plate is provided with a plurality of connecting holes spaced apart longitudinally. The top plate is provided with a plurality of connecting holes spaced apart longitudinally. The longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The joint of the annular reinforcing frame is located on the top plate, and the joint of the annular reinforcing frame is located between the two connecting holes on the top plate.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of connecting holes on the top plate are symmetrical about the seam of the annular reinforcing frame.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The portion of the bottom plate away from the plate body is bent away from the top plate to form a flip claw, which is used to abut against the outside of the burner housing.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The end of the annular reinforcing frame that is away from the plate body protrudes from the end of the flange.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Both the heat exchange pipe and the end plate are made of copper, and the annular reinforcing frame is made of stainless steel.

10. A gas water heater, characterized in that, include: The burner and the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the heat exchanger is installed on the top of the burner and the heat exchange space of the heat exchanger is in communication with the combustion space of the burner.

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