Water heater inner container and water heater

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a water heater inner container and a water heater. The inner container comprises a shell filled with a phase change material. Water to be heated flows through the heat exchange pipeline, and the water to be heated exchanges heat with the phase change material through the heat exchange pipeline; the first fin is arranged in the shell and is in contact with the phase change material, and the heat exchange pipeline penetrates through the first fin; at least part of the heating device is located in the shell, and the heating device heats the phase-change material in a working state; and the heating device is used for heating water in the shell before the water flows out of the heat exchange pipeline. Water circulating in the heat exchange pipeline is heated through the heating device and the phase change material. The heating device is used for supplementing heat for the outlet water to increase the temperature of the outlet water, and the amount of hot water can be increased. The heating device not only can heat the phase change material, but also can heat and supplement heat for the outlet water, an additional heating device for supplementing heat for the outlet water does not need to be arranged, the inner container of the water heater is simple in structure, and meanwhile the whole machine cost of the water heater is reduced.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310934598.0, filed on July 27, 2023, and entitled “A water heater tank and water heater”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of this specification relate to the technical field of water heater inner tanks, and in particular to a water heater inner tank and a water heater. Background Art

[0003] Phase change water heaters rely on the physical state transformation of phase change materials to achieve heat storage and heat release. They have the advantages of small size and large water volume, and are slowly entering the market. However, existing phase change water heaters simply use the heat storage capacity of phase change materials to achieve the amount of water release, which is very limited by material properties and product volume, and the energy stored in the phase change material cannot be fully utilized, resulting in energy waste. In order to increase the outlet water temperature, existing water heaters also heat the outlet water by setting an additional heating device outside the shell, which makes the water heater structure complicated and increases the manufacturing cost.

[0004] In view of this, the present specification aims to provide a water heater tank and a water heater. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of this specification is to provide a water heater tank and a water heater to solve the problem in the prior art that the water discharge volume of the phase change water heater is limited by the heat storage capacity of the phase change material and the product volume.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the specific technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification are as follows:

[0007] On the one hand, the embodiments of this specification provide a water heater tank, including:

[0008] A shell, wherein the interior of the shell is filled with a phase change material;

[0009] A heat exchange pipeline, wherein the water to be heated flows through the heat exchange pipeline, and the water to be heated exchanges heat with the phase change material through the heat exchange pipeline;

[0010] a first fin, wherein the first fin is arranged in the housing and in contact with the phase change material, and the heat exchange pipeline passes through the first fin;

[0011] A heating device, wherein the heating device is at least partially located inside the shell, and the heating device can heat the phase change material in a working state; the heating device can heat the water in the shell before the water flows out of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the heating device heats the water flowing through a predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined position is close to the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline, or the predetermined position includes the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined position is a section of the heat exchange pipe close to the outlet of the heat exchange pipe or the predetermined position is a section of the heat exchange pipe including the outlet of the heat exchange pipe.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange pipeline includes one heat exchange tube or a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected in series.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange pipeline includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes are arranged in parallel; water in at least one of the heat exchange tubes is heated by the heating device, and the predetermined portion of at least one of the heat exchange tubes is a section of the heat exchange tube that is heated by the heating device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline is located above the heating device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined portion is in direct contact with the heating device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the heating device heats the water in the predetermined portion via a heat-conducting structure.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the heat-conducting structure is located between the heating device and the predetermined portion and is in contact with the predetermined portion;

[0021] Alternatively, the heat conductive structure wraps the predetermined portion.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the heat conducting structure includes a second fin.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the heating device is provided with the second fin.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of the first fins, and the heating device is provided with at least a portion of the first fins; the first fins and the second fins are placed alternately.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a vertical distance between an outer edge of the first fin and the surface of the heating device is greater than a vertical distance between an outer edge of the second fin and the surface of the heating device.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the heating device at least partially extends into the predetermined portion, so as to directly heat the water flowing through the predetermined portion.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange pipeline includes a first water outlet pipeline and a second water outlet pipeline, the first water outlet pipeline is located upstream of the second water outlet pipeline along the water flow direction, and the predetermined position is located on the second water outlet pipeline.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the second water outlet pipeline includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is connected to the first water outlet pipeline, and the outlet is connected to the outlet of the inner tank.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet pipeline is not equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet pipeline.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first fin is discontinuously connected to the inner surface of the shell.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, a nucleating agent is dispersed in the phase change material, and at least a portion of the nucleating agent is dispersed between the first fins.

[0032] On the other hand, the embodiment of this specification also provides a water heater, including the water heater inner tank provided by the above technical solution, and further comprising:

[0033] Water tank for storing water;

[0034] A heating element for heating the water in the water tank;

[0035] A switching device is used to adjust the ratio of water flowing out of the water supply pipeline into the inner tank and the water tank.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device has at least one of a first state, a second state, and a third state, or a combination thereof;

[0037] When the switching device is in the first state, the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water;

[0038] When the switching device is in the second state, the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water;

[0039] When the switching device is in the third state, the water inlet of the inner pot is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner pot outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, when the water heater starts to supply water, the switching device is controlled to be in the first state so that the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank drops to a first preset temperature, a heating device is started to heat the water in the outlet water portion of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank is reduced to a second preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in a third state so that the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, when the outlet water temperature of the water heater drops to a third preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in the second state so that the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water until the draining is completed.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the water heater also includes a constant temperature device, which includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet, the hot water inlet is used to receive water flowing out of the inner tank and / or the water tank, the cold water inlet is used to receive water from the water supply pipeline, and the mixed water outlet is used to mix the water from the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet and supply it to the water use pipeline.

[0045] By adopting the above technical scheme, a water heater tank and a water heater are provided in the embodiments of the present specification. During the energy storage process of the phase change material, the phase change material is heated by a heating device; during the water discharge process, when the outlet water temperature in the heat exchange pipeline decreases, the outlet water can be supplemented with heat by the heating device, thereby improving the outlet water temperature, which is beneficial to increase the amount of hot water and extend the water use time, and is beneficial to improving the user experience; the heating device can heat the phase change material and supplement the outlet water of the heat exchange pipeline, and there is no need to set up an additional heating device to supplement the outlet water, which makes the structure of the water heater tank simpler and reduces the overall cost of the water heater.

[0046] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of this specification more obvious and easy to understand, the following specifically cites preferred embodiments and describes them in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater tank provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0049] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another water heater tank provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0050] Figure 3 It shows a schematic structural diagram of the end surface of the inner tank of the water heater in the embodiment of this specification;

[0051] Figure 4 The figure shows the assembly diagram of the heating device and the heat exchange pipeline in the embodiment of this specification;

[0052] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the assembly of the heating device, the heat conducting structure and the heat exchange pipeline in the embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0053] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another water heater tank provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0054] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another water heater tank provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first fin in the embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0056] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the nucleating agent between the first fins in the embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0057] Fig.10 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater when the switching device in the embodiment of this specification is in the first state;

[0058] Fig.11 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater when the switching device in the embodiment of this specification is in the second state;

[0059] Fig.12 The schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater when the switching device in the embodiment of this specification is in the third state is shown.

[0060] 100, liner;

[0061] 10. Shell;

[0062] 20. Heat exchange pipeline;

[0063] 21. Export;

[0064] 22. Import;

[0065] 23. The first water outlet pipeline;

[0066] 24. Second water outlet pipeline;

[0067] 30. First fin;

[0068] 31. Solder;

[0069] 32. Gap;

[0070] 40. Heating device;

[0071] 41. Casing;

[0072] 42. Heating element;

[0073] 50. Heat conducting structure;

[0074] 51, second fin;

[0075] 60. Phase change materials;

[0076] 70. Nucleating agent;

[0077] 200, water gall;

[0078] 300, switching device;

[0079] 400, water supply pipeline;

[0080] 500. Constant temperature device;

[0081] 510, hot water inlet;

[0082] 520, cold water inlet;

[0083] 530, mixed water outlet;

[0084] A, B, C, D, heat exchange tubes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0086] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in this specification and claims and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this specification described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, device, product or equipment that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or equipment.

[0087] In order to solve the above problems, the embodiments of this specification provide a water heater tank and a water heater, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water heater tank may include:

[0088] The shell 10 is filled with a phase change material; the phase change material is a material whose material state changes. Specifically, when the phase change material changes from a solid state to a liquid state, it absorbs heat and stores energy; when the phase change material changes from a liquid state to a solid state, it releases energy.

[0089] A heat exchange pipeline 20, wherein the water to be heated flows through the heat exchange pipeline 20, and the water to be heated exchanges heat with the phase change material through the heat exchange pipeline 20;

[0090] The first fin 30 is arranged in the shell 10 and contacts the phase change material. The heat exchange pipeline 20 passes through the first fin 30. The heat conduction function of the first fin 30 can realize efficient energy storage of the phase change material. The first fin 30 can also conduct the heat stored in the phase change material to the heat exchange pipeline 20 to heat the water flowing therein, thereby increasing the temperature of the water in the heat exchange pipeline 20.

[0091] The heating device 40 is at least partially located inside the shell 10 and extends into the phase change material. The heating device 40 can heat the phase change material in a working state, including direct heating and / or indirect heating of the phase change material; the heating device 40 can heat the water in the shell before the water flows out of the heat exchange pipeline 20. For example, the heating device can heat the outlet water when the outlet water temperature of the water heater tank decreases, which is beneficial to increase the outlet water temperature of the water heater tank.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present specification, a water heater tank is provided. During the phase change material energy storage process, the phase change material is heated by a heating device. During the water discharge process, when the outlet water temperature in the heat exchange pipeline decreases, the outlet water can be supplementally heated by the heating device, thereby increasing the outlet water temperature, which is beneficial to increasing the amount of hot water and extending the water use time, and is beneficial to improving the user experience. The heating device can heat the phase change material and supplement the outlet water of the heat exchange pipeline. There is no need to set up an additional heating device to supplement the outlet water, which makes the structure of the water heater tank simpler and reduces the overall cost of the water heater.

[0093] It should be noted that in the embodiment of this specification, the heating device 40 can be provided with one or more. The embodiment of this specification does not specifically limit the number of the heating devices 40, and the number of the heating devices 40 can be set according to actual usage.

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this specification, the heating device heats the water by heating a predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline, that is, the heating device heats the water flowing through the predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline. The predetermined portion is close to the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline, or the predetermined portion includes the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0095] It should be noted that in certain embodiments of this specification, the predetermined position close to the heat exchange pipeline outlet means that the predetermined position is closer to the heat exchange pipeline outlet than to the heat exchange pipeline inlet. Thus, the outlet water temperature is increased by supplementing the heat of the outlet water, thereby increasing the amount of hot water.

[0096] In other feasible embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the predetermined position is one or more sections of the heat exchange pipes of the heat exchange pipe 20 close to the outlet 21 , or the predetermined position is a section of the heat exchange pipe including the outlet of the heat exchange pipe 20 .

[0097] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the predetermined portion may include heat exchange tube A, heat exchange tube B, heat exchange tube C and heat exchange tube D, wherein heat exchange tube C is connected to outlet 21. Heat exchange tube A, heat exchange tube B, heat exchange tube C and heat exchange tube D are all close to the heating device 40, so that the heating device can heat the predetermined portion. In other words, the predetermined portion may include a section of heat exchange tube (e.g. Figure 3 The heat exchange tube D in the outlet may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes close to the outlet (for example, heat exchange tube A, heat exchange tube B and heat exchange tube D), or a section of heat exchange tube including the outlet (for example, heat exchange tube C).

[0098] Figure 3The connection lines between the heat exchange tubes indicate the connection order when multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series. For a section of heat exchange tube (for example, heat exchange tube B), one end is the water inlet end and the other end is the water outlet end. When connected in series, the water inlet end of this section of heat exchange tube (heat exchange tube B) is connected to the water outlet end of another heat exchange tube (heat exchange tube A), and the water outlet end of this section of heat exchange tube (heat exchange tube B) is connected to the water inlet end of another heat exchange tube (heat exchange tube D); thus, the connection structure for connecting two sections of heat exchange tubes in series can be centrally arranged at the end plates on both sides of the shell, which can simplify the layout of the heat exchange tubes and save the space required for the layout of the heat exchange tubes. Figure 3 That is, it shows the connection structure between the heat exchange tubes located at the end plate on one side of the shell. Finally, multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in series to obtain a heat exchange pipeline, and the distance between the outlet 21 of the heat exchange pipeline and the heating device 40 is closer than the distance between its inlet 22 and the heating device 40. It should be noted that Figure 3 What is shown is only one feasible series connection sequence between the heat exchange tubes. In specific implementation, the heat exchange tubes may have other series connection sequences.

[0099] The heat exchange pipeline 20 can be a heat exchange tube, for example, Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchange pipe 20 is a bent and coiled heat exchange pipe, so that the length of the heat exchange pipe in the shell 10 can be increased and the water storage capacity can be increased. Figure 2 The direction indicated by the middle arrow is the flow direction of the water to be heated in the heat exchange pipeline. The heat exchange pipeline 20 can also be a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected in series, for example, Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange pipeline 20 is obtained by connecting a plurality of heat exchange tubes in series.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, in some other feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline 20 includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes are arranged in parallel ( Figure 4 The connection structure for connecting the heat exchange tubes in parallel is not shown. Figure 4 As shown, heat exchange tube A, heat exchange tube B, heat exchange tube C and heat exchange tube D are all close to the heating device 40, so the water in at least one of the heat exchange tubes can be heated by the heating device 40; or the predetermined portion of at least one of the heat exchange tubes is a section of the heat exchange tube that is heated by the heating device.

[0101] Therefore, for heat exchange pipelines composed of different numbers of heat exchange tubes or composed of multiple heat exchange tubes connected in different ways, the heating device in the embodiments of this specification can achieve heating and supplementary heat to the predetermined parts thereof.

[0102] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the heat generated by the heating device is conducted upward, and at least part of the predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline 20 is located above the heating device 40 to improve the utilization efficiency of the heat generated by the heating device.

[0103] In some feasible embodiments, the predetermined portion is in direct contact with the heating device, that is, the heating device is in direct contact with one or more sections of heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange pipeline close to the outlet or with a section of heat exchange tube including the outlet, thereby reducing heat conduction losses and being beneficial to improving the efficiency of heating and replenishing water in the predetermined portion.

[0104] In some preferred embodiments, the heating device heats the water in the predetermined part through a heat-conducting structure, that is, the heating device indirectly heats the water in the predetermined part through the heat-conducting structure, which can avoid direct contact between the predetermined part and the heating device, resulting in thermal deformation and damage to the predetermined part.

[0105] In some preferred embodiments, the heat-conducting structure at least partially extends into the phase change material. During the phase change material energy storage process, the heat-conducting structure quickly conducts the heat of the heating device to the phase change material. During the water discharge process, when the outlet water temperature of the heat exchange pipeline decreases, the heat-conducting structure quickly conducts the heat of the heating device to a predetermined part of the heat exchange pipeline, heats the outlet water, and increases the outlet water temperature of the heat exchange pipeline. Therefore, there is no need to set up an additional heating device to heat the outlet water, making the structure of the inner tank of the water heater simpler and reducing the overall cost of the water heater.

[0106] In some feasible embodiments, at least a portion of the heat-conducting structure 50 is located between the heating device 40 and the predetermined portion, and is in contact with the predetermined portion.

[0107] That is Figure 5 As shown, the predetermined part includes heat exchange tube C and heat exchange tube D, and the heat conduction structure 50 is located between the heat exchange tube C, the heat exchange tube D and the heating device 40. The heat conduction structure 50 is in direct contact with the heat exchange tube C and the heat exchange tube D in the predetermined part for heat conduction. Through the heat conduction effect of the heat conduction structure 50, the heat of the heating device can be quickly transferred to the heat exchange tube C and the heat exchange tube D, so as to heat the outlet water in the heat exchange tube C and the heat exchange tube D.

[0108] In some possible embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the contact area between the heat-conducting structure 50 and at least part of the heat exchange tube at the predetermined position may be provided with a groove, the groove is adapted to the heat exchange tube, and at least part of the heat exchange tube is accommodated in the groove. The groove can increase the contact area between the heat-conducting structure 50 and the heat exchange tube, which is beneficial to heat conduction.

[0109] In other feasible embodiments, the heat-conducting structure may wrap the predetermined portion, thereby further increasing the contact area between the heat-conducting structure 50 and the heat exchange tube included in the predetermined portion, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heating device and the predetermined portion.

[0110] In the embodiment of this specification, the heat-conducting structure includes a second fin. The second fin can be set to any shape according to actual needs.

[0111] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heating device 40 is penetrated by the second fin 51. Specifically, the second fin 51 is provided with a through hole, and the heating device 40 is penetrated on the second fin through the through hole; through the through hole, the second fin 51 can be stably installed on the heating device 40.

[0112] like Figure 6 As shown, there are a plurality of first fins 30 , and the heating device 40 is provided with at least a portion of the first fins 30 ; the first fins 30 and the second fins 51 are placed alternately.

[0113] In the embodiment of the present specification, at least part of the first fins 30 through which the heating device 40 passes can not only conduct the heat generated by the heating device 40, but also support the installation of the heating device 40 in the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the heating device 40 allows it to pass through all the first fins 30 to transfer heat to all the first fins 30, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0114] In other preferred embodiments, a plurality of first fins 30 are evenly and evenly distributed vertically along the axial direction of the heating device 40, that is, the first fins 30 are parallel to the two side end plates of the shell 10, so as to more fully utilize the space inside the shell 10, which is beneficial to increase the number of first fins 30 arranged in the shell 10, thereby facilitating improving the heat exchange efficiency with the phase change material.

[0115] Similar to the first fin 30, a plurality of second fins 51 are also provided, and the plurality of second fins 51 are evenly and evenly arranged on the outer surface of the heating device 40 along the length direction of the heating device 40 to conduct the heat on the surface of the heating device to the phase change material more evenly and quickly, which is beneficial to reducing the power density on the surface of the heating device, improving the uniformity of the temperature of the phase change material near the outer surface of the heating device, and avoiding over-temperature failure of the phase change material near the outer surface of the heating device due to heat accumulation.

[0116] Preferably, the second fins 51 are evenly and evenly distributed vertically along the axial direction of the heating device 40, that is, the second fins 51 are parallel to the first fins 30, so that the space inside the shell 10 can be more fully utilized, which is beneficial to increase the number of second fins 51 arranged in the shell 10, thereby facilitating the conduction effect of the heat generated by the heating device.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, the first fins 30 and the second fins 51 are staggered so that the heat generated along the heating device is quickly transferred to the phase change material to prevent heat accumulation, thereby facilitating reducing the power density on the surface of the heating device.

[0118] Furthermore, the vertical distance between the outer edge of the first fin 30 and the surface of the heating device 40 is greater than the vertical distance between the outer edge of the second fin 51 and the surface of the heating device 40. Figure 6 As shown, the size of the second fin 51 is smaller than the size of the first fin 30. In the embodiment of this specification, the second fin 51 is smaller in size, which can reduce the overall weight and manufacturing cost of the water heater tank while ensuring better thermal conductivity to the outer surface of the heating device, and reduce interference with the flow of the phase change material.

[0119] Preferably, Figure 6 As shown, in the embodiment of this specification, the heating device 40 includes a sleeve 41 and a heating element 42 ( Figure 6 The sleeve 41 at least partially extends into the interior of the shell 10, the heating element 42 at least partially extends into the interior of the sleeve 41, and the first fins 30 and the second fins 51 are alternately placed on the outer surface of the sleeve 41.

[0120] The sleeve 41 can prevent the change in volume of the phase change material due to phase change and the flow caused by the phase change from possibly causing damage to the heating element when the phase change material is heated, thereby protecting the heating element 42. At the same time, after the sleeve 41 and the heating element 42 are assembled into a heating device 40, it is easy to install and disassemble the heating device 40 at at least part of the first fins 30, thereby preventing damage to the heating element during the installation and disassembly process.

[0121] Preferably, a heat-conducting layer (not shown in the figure) is filled between the heating element 42 and the sleeve 41. The heat-conducting layer may be thermal grease. The thermal grease has high thermal conductivity and thermal stability, and can facilitate the transfer of heat generated by the heating element 42 to the sleeve 41.

[0122] The sleeve 41 is detachably connected to the heating element 42 .

[0123] For example, the heating element can be detachably inserted and connected in the sleeve through a flange or a thread, which can facilitate the installation, disassembly, maintenance or replacement of the heating element.

[0124] The heating device at least partially extends into the predetermined portion, and is used to directly heat the water flowing through the predetermined portion, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the water flowing through the predetermined portion, increasing the outlet water temperature, and improving the user experience.

[0125] Specifically, if Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the heat exchange pipeline 20 includes a first water outlet pipeline 23 and a second water outlet pipeline 24, and the first water outlet pipeline 23 is located upstream of the second water outlet pipeline 24 along the water flow direction, that is, the first water outlet pipeline 23 is close to the inlet 22 of the heat exchange pipeline, and the second water outlet pipeline 24 is close to the outlet 21 of the heat exchange pipeline; the predetermined position is located on the second water outlet pipeline 24, so that the predetermined position is closer to the outlet 21 relative to the inlet 22.

[0126] The second water outlet pipeline 24 includes a second water outlet pipeline inlet and a second water outlet pipeline outlet, the second water outlet pipeline inlet is connected to the first water outlet pipeline 23, and the second water outlet pipeline outlet is connected to the outlet of the inner pot. Similarly, the first water outlet pipeline 23 also includes a first water outlet pipeline inlet and a first water outlet pipeline outlet, the first water outlet pipeline inlet is connected to the inlet of the inner pot, and the first water outlet pipeline outlet is connected to the second water outlet pipeline 24.

[0127] In some feasible embodiments, the first water outlet pipeline 23 and the second water outlet pipeline 24 are integrally formed; in other feasible embodiments, the first water outlet pipeline 23 and the second water outlet pipeline 24 are connected in series to form the heat exchange pipeline 20 .

[0128] In some feasible embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet pipeline is not equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet pipeline. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet pipeline 24 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the heating device so that the heating device 40 can extend into at least a portion of the second water outlet pipeline 24, so that the heating device 40 can directly heat the water flowing in the second water outlet pipeline 24, which is beneficial to increase the outlet water temperature and improve the utilization efficiency of thermal energy. There is no need to set a heating device in the first water outlet pipeline, so the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet pipeline can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet pipeline.

[0129] When the heating device 40 extends into at least a portion of the second water outlet pipe 24, the sleeve 41 can prevent the heating element 42 from directly contacting the water to be heated, thereby preventing the heating element 42 from being damaged by the flow of water, thereby protecting the heating element 42. Figure 7 As shown, at this time, the second fin 42 is arranged on the outer surface of the second water outlet pipe 24, and the heating device 40 is arranged on the first fin ( Figure 7 not shown).

[0130] like Figure 8 As shown, the first fin 30 is discontinuously connected to the inner surface of the housing 10 .

[0131] The connection between the first fin 30 and the shell 10 can be used to apply solder 31. The solder 31 melts during high-temperature welding to achieve welding of the first fin 30 and the shell 10, which is beneficial to improving the convenience of welding connection between the first fin 30 and the shell 10 and strengthening the welding strength between the first fin 30 and the shell 10.

[0132] A gap 32 is formed at the discontinuity between the first fin 30 and the shell 10, and the gap 32 can be used to improve the assembly performance of the first fin 30; it can also make the space inside the shell 10 connected, which is convenient for the flow of phase change material and the balance of pressure at various points; in addition, it can also increase the exhaust space and the overflow space of the phase change material when filling the phase change material, thereby improving the injection efficiency of the phase change material.

[0133] like Fig. 9 As shown, a nucleating agent 70 is dispersed in the phase change material, and at least a portion of the nucleating agent 70 is dispersed between the first fins 30. The nucleating agent is used to assist the phase change of the phase change material.

[0134] In the embodiment of this specification, preferably, the spacing between two adjacent first fins 30 is 2-3 times the size of the nucleating agent 70, so that the nucleating agent 70 does not settle under the action of van der Waals force, thereby ensuring the dispersion of the nucleating agent in the phase change material, thereby ensuring the promotion of the phase change of the phase change material.

[0135] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the embodiment of this specification also provides a phase change water heater, including the water heater inner tank 100 provided by the above technical solution, and also including:

[0136] A water tank 200 for storing water;

[0137] A heating element (not shown in the figure) for heating the water in the water tank 200;

[0138] The switching device 300 is used to adjust the ratio of water flowing out of the water supply pipeline 400 into the inner tank 100 and the water tank 200 .

[0139] The phase change water heater provided in the embodiment of the present specification includes an inner tank and a water tank for storing water, which greatly improves the water storage capacity; and the inner tank and the water tank are respectively equipped with a heating device and a heating element, which can heat the water stored in the inner tank and the water tank respectively, which is beneficial to improving the heating efficiency, and ultimately greatly improves the hot water output of the phase change water heater, which is beneficial to improving the user experience; in addition, the ratio of water flowing into the inner tank and the water tank is adjusted according to different scene requirements through a switching device, which is applicable to various scenarios and has a wide range of applications.

[0140] Further, in the embodiment of this specification, the switching device 300 has at least one of the first state, the second state, and the third state or a combination thereof;

[0141] like Fig.10 As shown, when the switching device 300 is in the first state, the water inlet of the inner tank 100 is connected to the water supply pipeline 400, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water. That is, when the switching device 300 is in the first state, the water stored in the inner tank is preheated under the heating and supplementary heat effect of the heating device and the heat exchange effect of the phase change material, and is mixed with the water in the water supply pipeline and then output for use by the user.

[0142] like Fig.11 As shown, when the switching device 300 is in the second state, the water inlet of the water tank 200 is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water. That is, when the switching device 300 is in the second state, the water stored in the water tank is heated by the heating element and the water is mixed with the cold water from the water supply pipeline and then output for the user.

[0143] like Fig.12 As shown, when the switching device 300 is in the third state, the water inlet of the inner tank 100 is connected to the water supply pipeline 400, and the water outlet of the inner tank 100 outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank 200 is connected to the water supply pipeline 400, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water. That is, when the switching device 300 is in the third state, the water stored in the inner tank and the water stored in the water tank are heated by the heating device and the heating element respectively, and then mixed with the water in the water supply pipeline and then output, which greatly increases the hot water output.

[0144] The phase change water heater provided in the embodiment of this specification can flexibly adjust the inflow direction of the water supply pipeline through the different states of the switching device, which can simplify the operation and facilitate user use; at the same time, the switching device has a simple structure, which is conducive to simplifying the water circuit of the phase change water heater, reducing the number of parts during the manufacture of the phase change water heater, thereby reducing costs.

[0145] Furthermore, when the water heater starts to supply water, the switching device 300 is controlled to be in the first state, so that the water inlet of the inner tank 100 is connected to the water supply pipeline 400, and the water outlet of the inner tank 100 outputs hot water. When the water heater starts to supply water, all the hot water is provided by the inner tank. The heating device and phase change material in the inner tank can preheat the internal stored water when the water heater does not supply water, and quickly output it for use when the water heater starts to supply water, thereby improving the response speed of hot water output.

[0146] Furthermore, when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank drops to a first preset temperature, the heating device is started to heat the water in the outlet water portion of the heat exchange pipeline.

[0147] In the embodiment of this specification, the heating device in the inner tank can provide supplementary heat at a predetermined position of the heat exchange pipeline of the inner tank of the water heater to increase the outlet water temperature. Therefore, when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank is lower than a first preset temperature (for example, the first preset temperature can be set to 80°C), the heating device in the inner tank can be activated to provide supplementary heat to the outlet water of the inner tank.

[0148] Furthermore, when the outlet water temperature of the inner tank is reduced to a second preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in a third state so that the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water.

[0149] Exemplarily, the second preset temperature may be 35°C. When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank is lower than the second preset temperature, it indicates that even if the preheated water is heated by the heating device, it is not enough to output hot water that meets the user's set temperature. Therefore, the heating element in the water tank is operated, and the switching device is controlled to be in the third state so that the stored water heated by the heating element in the water tank is output from its water outlet to be mixed with the outlet water of the inner tank for use by the user, and hot water is continuously output to meet the user's water demand.

[0150] Furthermore, when the outlet water temperature of the water heater drops to a third preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in the second state so that the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water until the draining is completed.

[0151] Exemplarily, the third preset temperature may be 45°C. When the outlet water temperature of the water heater (i.e., the temperature after the outlet water of the inner tank and the outlet water of the water tank are mixed) is lower than the third temperature, it can be indicated that the water preheated by the heating device and the phase change material in the inner tank has been basically used up, and the water output from the inner tank is still at a relatively low temperature due to the supplementary heat of the heating device. After mixing the inner tank outlet water with the water outlet water heated by the heating element, it is still difficult to reach the temperature set by the user. Therefore, the switching device is in the second state, and at this time, all the hot water output is provided by the water in the water tank heated by the heating element, and no water is discharged from the inner tank outlet.

[0152] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, in the embodiment of the present specification, the water heater also includes a thermostat 500, and the thermostat 500 includes a hot water inlet 510, a cold water inlet 520 and a mixed water outlet 530. The hot water inlet 510 is used to receive water flowing out of the inner tank 100 and / or the water tank 200, the cold water inlet 520 is used to receive water from the water supply pipeline 400, and the mixed water outlet 530 is used to mix the water from the hot water inlet 510 and the cold water inlet 520 and supply it to the water use pipeline.

[0153] When the hot water from the inner tank 100 and / or the water tank 200 is higher than the user's set temperature, the thermostat mixes the hot water with the cold water from the water supply pipeline 400 to reach the user's set temperature and outputs it from the mixed water outlet 530 .

[0154] In order to more clearly explain the phase change water heater provided in the embodiment of this specification, the specific method of use is briefly introduced below:

[0155] Before using water, the heating device is controlled to work, and the heat generated by the heating device is conducted to the phase change material through the first fin, or is conducted to the phase change material through the first fin and the second fin, so that the phase change material absorbs heat and stores energy.

[0156] When water use starts, the control switching device is in the first state, and the water in the inner tank preheated by the heating device and the phase change material is mixed with the water in the water supply pipeline and then output from the water outlet; when the water temperature output from the inner tank water outlet is higher than the user's set temperature, the control thermostat device is operated to further mix the hot water output from the inner tank water outlet with an appropriate amount of cold water in the water supply pipeline and reach the user's set temperature output.

[0157] At the same time, the water temperature of the hot water at the water outlet of the inner tank is detected; when the water temperature at the water outlet of the inner tank is lower than the first preset temperature (80°C), the heating device is started, and the heating device supplements heat to a predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline close to or including its outlet, so that the temperature of the water output from the water outlet of the inner tank is increased.

[0158] When the water temperature at the water outlet of the inner tank is still low and lower than the second preset temperature (35°C) after the heating device continues to heat, the control switching device is in the third state, and the heating element in the water tank is controlled to work to heat the water stored in the water tank, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water; the hot water output from the water tank outlet is mixed with the hot water output from the inner tank outlet and then output. When the water temperature of the mixed water output from the water tank and the inner tank is higher than the user's set temperature, the thermostatic device works to mix the hot water output from the inner tank and the water tank with an appropriate amount of cold water from the water supply pipeline to reach the user's set temperature and then output it.

[0159] At the same time, the water temperature at the mixed water outlet of the thermostatic device is detected. When the water temperature at the mixed water outlet is lower than the third preset temperature (45°C), the control switching device is in the second state, and the inner tank no longer outputs hot water. The thermostatic device mixes all the hot water from the water tank with an appropriate amount of cold water from the water supply pipeline, and outputs it after reaching the user's set temperature.

[0160] The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present specification is provided with a heating device and a phase change material in the inner tank. When no water is discharged from the inner tank, the heating device heats the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material. When water is discharged from the inner tank, the heating device can also be used to supplement heat to a predetermined part of the heat exchange pipeline. At the same time, a water tank equipped with a heating element is also provided to provide hot water together with the water discharged from the inner tank, which ultimately greatly improves the hot water output of the phase change water heater, meets the water demand of the user, and is conducive to improving the user experience.

[0161] Specific embodiments are used in this specification to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this specification. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the methods and core ideas of this specification. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of this specification, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on this specification.

Claims

1. A water heater tank, characterized in that: The liner comprises: A shell, wherein the interior of the shell is filled with a phase change material; A heat exchange pipeline, wherein the water to be heated flows through the heat exchange pipeline, and the water to be heated exchanges heat with the phase change material through the heat exchange pipeline; a first fin, wherein the first fin is arranged in the housing and in contact with the phase change material, and the heat exchange pipeline passes through the first fin; A heating device, wherein the heating device is at least partially located inside the shell, and the heating device can heat the phase change material in a working state; the heating device can heat the water in the shell before the water flows out of the heat exchange pipeline.

2. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device heats the water flowing through a predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline to supplement heat.

3. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The predetermined position is close to the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline, or the predetermined position includes the outlet of the heat exchange pipeline.

4. The water heater inner tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: The predetermined position is a section of the heat exchange pipe close to the outlet of the heat exchange pipe or the predetermined position is a section of the heat exchange pipe including the outlet of the heat exchange pipe.

5. The water heater inner tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat exchange pipeline includes one heat exchange tube or a plurality of heat exchange tubes connected in series.

6. The water heater inner tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange pipeline includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, which are arranged in parallel; water in at least one of the heat exchange tubes is heated by the heating device, and the predetermined portion of at least one of the heat exchange tubes is a section of the heat exchange tube that is heated by the heating device.

7. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least part of the predetermined portion of the heat exchange pipeline is located above the heating device.

8. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The predetermined portion is in direct contact with the heating device.

9. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating device heats the water in the predetermined portion through a heat-conducting structure.

10. The water heater inner tank according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least part of the heat-conducting structure is located between the heating device and the predetermined portion and is in contact with the predetermined portion; Alternatively, the heat conductive structure wraps the predetermined portion.

11. The water heater inner tank according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heat conducting structure includes a second fin.

12. The water heater inner tank according to claim 11, characterized in that: The heating device is provided with the second fin.

13. The water heater inner tank according to claim 11, characterized in that: There are a plurality of the first fins, and the heating device is provided with at least a portion of the first fins; the first fins and the second fins are arranged alternately.

14. The water heater inner tank according to claim 12, characterized in that: A vertical distance between an outer edge of the first fin and the surface of the heating device is greater than a vertical distance between an outer edge of the second fin and the surface of the heating device.

15. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating device at least partially extends into the predetermined portion, and is used to directly heat water flowing through the predetermined portion.

16. The water heater inner tank according to claim 15, characterized in that: The heat exchange pipeline includes a first water outlet pipeline and a second water outlet pipeline, the first water outlet pipeline is located upstream of the second water outlet pipeline along the water flow direction, and the predetermined position is located on the second water outlet pipeline.

17. The water heater inner tank according to claim 16, characterized in that: The second water outlet pipeline includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet is communicated with the first water outlet pipeline, and the outlet is communicated with the outlet of the inner tank.

18. The water heater inner tank according to claim 16, characterized in that: The cross-sectional area of ​​the second water outlet pipeline is not equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first water outlet pipeline.

19. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fin is discontinuously connected to the inner surface of the shell.

20. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: A nucleating agent is dispersed in the phase change material, and at least a portion of the nucleating agent is dispersed between the first fins.

21. A water heater, characterized in that The water heater tank according to any one of claims 1 to 20 further comprises: Water tank for storing water; A heating element for heating the water in the water tank; A switching device is used to adjust the ratio of water flowing out of the water supply pipeline into the inner tank and the water tank.

22. The water heater according to claim 21, characterized in that The switching device has at least one of a first state, a second state, and a third state, or a combination thereof; When the switching device is in the first state, the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water; When the switching device is in the second state, the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water; When the switching device is in the third state, the water inlet of the inner pot is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner pot outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water.

23. The water heater according to claim 22, characterized in that When the water heater starts to supply water, the switching device is controlled to be in the first state so that the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water.

24. The water heater according to claim 23, characterized in that When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank drops to a first preset temperature, the heating device is started to heat the water in the outlet water portion of the heat exchange pipeline.

25. The water heater according to claim 24, characterized in that When the outlet water temperature of the inner tank is reduced to a second preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in a third state so that the water inlet of the inner tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the inner tank outputs hot water, and the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water.

26. The water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that When the outlet water temperature of the water heater drops to the third preset temperature, the switching device is controlled to be in the second state so that the water inlet of the water tank is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the water tank outputs hot water until the water discharge is completed.

27. The water heater according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that: The water heater also includes a constant temperature device, which includes a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet. The hot water inlet is used to receive water flowing out of the inner tank and / or the water tank, the cold water inlet is used to receive water from a water supply pipeline, and the mixed water outlet is used to mix the water from the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet and supply them to the water supply pipeline.

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