Water heater assembly and water heater

By using a partition to separate the water tank in the water heater and utilizing a buoyancy structure to control the connection, the water in the first containment chamber is circulated and heated, thus solving the problem of high energy consumption in water heaters and achieving the effects of zero cold water and reduced energy consumption.

CN116026040BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-21GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310056512.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-01-17
Publication Date
2025-11-21
Estimated Expiration
2043-01-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing water heaters have large water tank volumes, which causes the water temperature to drop quickly, requiring continuous heating and increasing energy consumption.

Method used

The water tank is divided into first and second containment chambers by a partition, and the connection is controlled by a buoyancy structure. The water in the first containment chamber is circulated and heated to keep it warm, which reduces the amount of water that needs to be kept warm. Combined with an external insulation structure, energy consumption is reduced.

Benefits of technology

While ensuring the water temperature, the energy consumption of the water heater is reduced. Through circulating heating and external insulation structure, heat loss is effectively reduced, achieving a zero-cold-water effect.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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  • Figure CN116026040B_ABST
    Figure CN116026040B_ABST
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Abstract

The application provides a water heater assembly and a water heater. The water heater assembly comprises a water tank, a partition plate arranged in the water tank, the partition plate divides the water tank into a first containing cavity and a second containing cavity which are communicated with each other, the volume of the first containing cavity is smaller than that of the second containing cavity, and a water using unit which has a first communicating pipe and a return pipe, the first communicating pipe and the return pipe are communicated with the first containing cavity. The water heater assembly and the water heater provided by the application divide the water tank into the first containing cavity and the second containing cavity by the partition plate, and the water in the first containing cavity is heated in circulation to keep warm, so that the amount of water which needs to be heated to keep warm is effectively reduced, and the energy consumed by the water heater to keep warm is reduced under the premise that the water temperature when starting to use water meets the requirements, so that the energy consumption of the water heater is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heating equipment technology, and in particular to a water heater component and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Existing water heaters generally use a single water tank structure, and in order to meet the needs of users, the volume of the water tank is set to 60L or even 100L. At this time, the surface area of ​​the water tank is large, so the water temperature in the tank drops quickly. In order to maintain the water temperature in the tank, the water in the tank needs to be continuously heated, which increases the energy consumption of the water heater. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the technical problem of high energy consumption in existing water heaters, a water heater component and water heater are provided that utilizes a partition to reduce the volume of the water tank for maintaining water temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0004] This invention provides a water heater assembly, comprising:

[0005] Water tank;

[0006] A partition is disposed inside the water tank, and the partition divides the water tank into a first accommodating cavity and a second accommodating cavity that are interconnected, wherein the volume of the first accommodating cavity is smaller than the volume of the second accommodating cavity;

[0007] A water-using unit, the water-using unit having a first connecting pipe and a return pipe, both the first connecting pipe and the return pipe being connected to the first receiving cavity.

[0008] The water heater assembly also includes a buoyancy structure. The partition is provided with a communication port. The first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity are connected through the communication port. The buoyancy structure is disposed in the first receiving cavity and has a disconnected state that closes the communication port and an open state that opens the communication port.

[0009] The first receiving cavity is located below the second receiving cavity, and the buoyancy structure can switch between the disconnected state and the open state depending on the liquid level change in the first receiving cavity.

[0010] The buoyancy structure includes a buoyancy plate and a sealing element. The buoyancy plate floats on the liquid surface of the first receiving cavity, and the sealing element is disposed on the buoyancy plate. When the buoyancy structure is in the disconnected state, the sealing element closes the communication port.

[0011] The sealing element is conical, the cross-section of the connecting opening is circular, and the diameter of the base of the cone is greater than or equal to the diameter of the connecting opening, and the apex of the cone points to the second receiving cavity.

[0012] The height of the sealing element is greater than the height of the first receiving cavity.

[0013] The second receiving cavity is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to an external water source.

[0014] The water-using unit includes a temperature detection mechanism and a circulation pump. The inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the first connecting pipe, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the return pipe. The temperature detection mechanism is able to obtain the water temperature in the first connecting pipe, and the temperature detection mechanism is electrically connected to the circulation pump.

[0015] The water-using unit also includes a control mechanism, which is electrically connected to both the temperature detection mechanism and the circulating pump.

[0016] A water heater comprising the water heater components described above.

[0017] The water heater assembly and water heater provided by the present invention use a partition to divide the water tank into a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, and circulate and heat the water in the first receiving cavity for heat preservation, effectively reducing the amount of water that needs to be heated for heat preservation. Thus, while ensuring that the water temperature meets the requirements when water is first used, the energy consumed by the water heater for heat preservation is reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the buoyancy structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water-using unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] In the picture:

[0022] 1. Water tank; 2. Partition; 11. First receiving cavity; 12. Second receiving cavity; 3. Water supply unit; 31. First connecting pipe; 32. Return pipe; 21. Connecting port; 41. Buoyancy plate; 42. Sealing component. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 3The water heater assembly shown includes: a water tank 1; a partition 2 disposed within the water tank 1, dividing the water tank 1 into a first receiving cavity 11 and a second receiving cavity 12 that are interconnected, the volume of the first receiving cavity 11 being smaller than the volume of the second receiving cavity 12; and a water-using unit 3 having a first connecting pipe 31 and a return pipe 32, both of which are connected to the first receiving cavity 11. By using the partition 2 to divide the water tank 1 into the first receiving cavity 11 and the second receiving cavity 12, and circulating and heating the water in the first receiving cavity 11 for heat preservation, the amount of water requiring heat preservation is effectively reduced. This reduces the energy consumed by the water heater for heat preservation while ensuring the initial water temperature meets requirements, thereby reducing the water heater's energy consumption.

[0025] During use, water is injected into the second receiving cavity 12, and the water in the second receiving cavity 12 flows into the first receiving cavity 11. When heating the water, both the first receiving cavity 11 and the second receiving cavity 12 circulate and heat. When the water-using unit 3 needs water, it obtains hot water from the first receiving cavity 11. When the water-using unit 3 stops using water, the first receiving cavity 11 maintains circulating heat exchange to keep the water in the first receiving cavity 11 warm, while the second receiving cavity 12 can keep the water temperature at a lower level, reducing heat loss from the second receiving cavity 12, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the water heater components. When the water-using unit 3 needs water, the first receiving cavity 11 can instantly provide hot water that meets the temperature requirements, while the second receiving cavity 12 starts circulating and producing hot water. When the water volume in the first receiving cavity 11 decreases, the water in the second receiving cavity 12 has also heated up to a certain level, and water can be replenished into the first receiving cavity 11 to maintain the water demand of the water-using unit 3.

[0026] The water tank 1 is wrapped with an insulation structure to reduce the loss of heat from the water inside the tank 1, thereby further reducing the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0027] The ratio of the volume of the first receiving cavity 11 to the volume of the second receiving cavity 12 is in the range of 1:1 to 1:5, and is specifically determined according to the energy consumption standard of the water heater components. Preferably, it is 1:4, at which point the water heater can minimize energy consumption.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, a user-end water source circulation inlet pipe is provided on the right side of the second receiving cavity 12, and a straight pipe connected to an external water source is provided on the user-end water source circulation inlet pipe. Both the external water source and the cold water returning from the water-using unit can enter the second receiving cavity 12 through this pipe. A second receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe is provided on the upper left side of the second receiving cavity 12, and a second receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe is provided on the lower left side. The second receiving cavity 12 is connected to the heating component through the second receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe and the second receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe to achieve hot water production. A first receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe is provided on the upper left side of the first receiving cavity 11, and a first receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe is provided on the lower left side of the first receiving cavity 11. The first receiving cavity 11 is connected to the heating component through the first receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe and the first receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe to achieve hot water production. Regardless of whether the water-using unit uses hot water, the first receiving cavity 11 always circulates water with the heating component to produce hot water, ensuring that there is always hot water in the first receiving cavity 11.

[0029] A user-end circulating water outlet pipe is provided on the right side of the first receiving cavity 11. The water-using unit is connected to the user-end circulating water outlet pipe through the first connecting pipe, so that the hot water in the first receiving cavity 11 is diverted to the water-using unit for use.

[0030] The water heater assembly also includes a buoyancy structure. The partition 2 has a connecting port 21, through which the first receiving cavity 11 and the second receiving cavity 12 are connected. The buoyancy structure is disposed within the first receiving cavity 11 and has both a closed (closed) and an open (open) state. The buoyancy structure allows for control of whether the second receiving cavity 12 replenishes water to the first receiving cavity 11 based on the water volume in the first receiving cavity 11, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of the water volume in the first receiving cavity 11 and ensuring a certain amount of water is available for the user.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first receiving cavity 11 is disposed below the second receiving cavity 12. The buoyancy structure can switch between the disconnected state and the open state depending on the liquid level change in the first receiving cavity 11. When the water volume in the first receiving cavity 11 decreases, the buoyancy structure moves downward with the liquid level and gradually moves away from the second receiving cavity 12. At this time, the connecting port 21 on the partition 2 is opened, and the water in the second receiving cavity 12 can flow into the first receiving cavity 11 under the action of gravity. When the water volume in the first receiving cavity 11 reaches a set value, the buoyancy structure moves upward with the liquid level and blocks the connecting port 21. At this time, the connection between the second receiving cavity 12 and the first receiving cavity 11 is disconnected, and heat is not transferred between the first receiving cavity 11 and the second receiving cavity 12.

[0032] Specifically, the buoyancy structure includes a buoyancy plate 41 and a sealing member 42. The buoyancy plate 41 floats on the liquid surface of the first receiving cavity 11, and the sealing member 42 is disposed on the buoyancy plate 41. When the buoyancy structure is in the disconnected state, the sealing member 42 closes the communication port 21.

[0033] Optionally, the sealing member 42 is conical, the cross-section of the connecting opening 21 is circular, and the diameter of the base of the cone is greater than or equal to the diameter of the connecting opening 21, and the apex of the cone points to the second receiving cavity 12. When the buoyancy structure is in the disconnected state, the conical surface of the cone abuts against the edge of the connecting opening 21 to block the connecting opening 21. When the buoyancy plate 41 moves downward with the movement of the liquid surface, the conical surface separates from the edge of the connecting opening 21 and forms a gap. At this time, the water in the second receiving cavity 12 can flow into the first receiving cavity 11 through the gap, realizing the replenishment of water to the first receiving cavity 11. As the amount of water in the first receiving cavity 11 decreases, the size of the gap can be increased accordingly, thereby increasing the amount of water replenished to the first receiving cavity 11, and ultimately ensuring the water consumption of the water-using unit 3.

[0034] The height of the sealing member 42 is greater than the height of the first receiving cavity 11. That is, the sealing member 42 is always partially inside the second receiving cavity 12, thereby preventing the sealing member 42 from falling out and causing the buoyancy structure to be unable to switch between the open and closed states. Specifically, when the buoyancy plate 41 contacts the bottom surface of the first receiving cavity 11, the axial dimension of the sealing member 42 extending into the second receiving cavity 12 is not less than 1 cm.

[0035] Preferably, the buoyancy plate 41 is rectangular in shape, and the axis of the sealing member 42 is collinear with the central axis of the rectangle, thereby ensuring that the sealing member 42 can be reliably raised and lowered.

[0036] The second accommodating cavity 12 is provided with a water source inlet, which is connected to an external water source.

[0037] The first receiving cavity 11 is provided with a circulating water inlet pipe and a circulating water outlet pipe. The water in the first receiving cavity 11 can also be heated by communicating with the heating component through the circulating water inlet pipe and the circulating water outlet pipe.

[0038] The second receiving cavity 12 is also provided with a second circulation inlet and a second circulation outlet. The water in the second receiving cavity 12 can be heated by communicating with the heating component through the second circulation inlet and the second circulation outlet.

[0039] When the user stops using the device, the second receiving chamber 12 stops heating, and the hot water in the second receiving chamber 12 flows into the first receiving chamber 11 from the connecting port 21 until the water volume in the first receiving chamber 11 reaches the set value. At this time, the first receiving chamber 11 continues to circulate and maintain the water temperature.

[0040] The water-using unit 3 includes a temperature detection mechanism and a circulation pump. The inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the first connecting pipe 31, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the return pipe 32. The temperature detection mechanism can obtain the water temperature in the first connecting pipe 31, and the temperature detection mechanism is electrically connected to the circulation pump. When the temperature detection mechanism detects that the water temperature in the first connecting pipe 31 has reached the set value, the circulation pump starts to pump the water in the first connecting pipe 31 into the return pipe 32, and finally into the first receiving cavity 11 for circulation heating until the temperature in the first connecting pipe 31 reaches the set value. At this time, the circulation pump stops working, and the water-using unit 3 can output water normally, thereby achieving the purpose of zero cold water.

[0041] The water-using unit 3 also includes a control mechanism, which is electrically connected to both the temperature detection mechanism and the circulation pump. The user can set a desired temperature on the control mechanism, while the temperature detection mechanism can obtain the water temperature within the first connecting pipe 31 and compare it with the set desired temperature. If the water temperature within the first connecting pipe 31 is lower than the set desired temperature, the circulation pump is controlled to operate.

[0042] The water-using unit 3 includes a spray head, and the first connecting pipe 31 of the spray head is connected to the first receiving cavity 11 and also connected to an external water source. The hot water in the first receiving cavity 11 is mixed with the cold water from the external water source and then enters the first connecting pipe 31, and is finally sprayed out through the spray head. The temperature detection mechanism can detect the temperature of the mixed water.

[0043] The control mechanism also includes a display screen, which allows for human-computer interaction with the user and can display the target temperature, set the desired temperature, etc.

[0044] A water heater comprising the water heater components described above.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water heater assembly, characterized in that: include: Water tank (1); A partition (2) is provided inside the water tank (1), and the partition (2) divides the water tank (1) into a first receiving cavity (11) and a second receiving cavity (12) that are connected to each other. The volume of the first receiving cavity (11) is smaller than the volume of the second receiving cavity (12). Water-using unit (3), the water-using unit (3) has a first connecting pipe (31) and a return pipe (32), the first connecting pipe (31) is connected to the first receiving cavity (11), and the return pipe (32) is connected to the second receiving cavity (12); The water heater assembly also includes a buoyancy structure. The partition (2) is provided with a communication port (21). The first receiving cavity (11) and the second receiving cavity (12) are connected through the communication port (21). The buoyancy structure is disposed in the first receiving cavity (11). The buoyancy structure has a disconnected state that closes the communication port (21) and an open state that opens the communication port (21). The first receiving cavity (11) is located below the second receiving cavity (12), and the buoyancy structure can switch between the disconnected state and the open state according to the change of liquid level in the first receiving cavity (11); The first receiving cavity (11) is provided with a first receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe and a first receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe. The first receiving cavity (11) is connected to the heating component through the first receiving cavity circulation inlet pipe and the first receiving cavity circulation outlet pipe to realize the production of hot water. The first receiving cavity (11) always circulates water with the heating component to produce hot water.

2. The water heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buoyancy structure includes a buoyancy plate (41) and a sealing member (42). The buoyancy plate (41) floats on the liquid surface of the first receiving cavity (11). The sealing member (42) is disposed on the buoyancy plate (41), and when the buoyancy structure is in the disconnected state, the sealing member (42) closes the communication port (21).

3. The water heater assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sealing element (42) is conical, the cross-section of the connecting opening (21) is circular, and the diameter of the bottom surface of the cone is greater than or equal to the diameter of the connecting opening (21), and the apex of the cone points to the second receiving cavity (12).

4. The water heater assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The height of the sealing element (42) is greater than the height of the first receiving cavity (11).

5. The water heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second accommodating cavity (12) is provided with a water source inlet, which is connected to an external water source.

6. The water heater assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-using unit (3) includes a temperature detection mechanism and a circulation pump. The inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the first connecting pipe (31), and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the return pipe (32). The temperature detection mechanism can obtain the water temperature in the first connecting pipe (31), and the temperature detection mechanism is electrically connected to the circulation pump.

7. The water heater assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water-using unit (3) also includes a control mechanism, which is electrically connected to both the temperature detection mechanism and the circulating pump.

8. A water heater, characterized in that: Includes the water heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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