Water heater

Abstract

The water heater comprises a machine body, a blow-down valve, an air inlet valve and a control assembly, the machine body is provided with a water storage cavity, a blow-down port and an air inlet, the blow-down port and the air inlet are communicated with the water storage cavity, and the air inlet is higher than the blow-down port; the blow-down valve is installed on the machine body and used for controlling opening and closing of the blow-down opening. The air inlet valve is installed on the machine body and used for controlling opening and closing of the air inlet. The control assembly is configured to control the air inlet valve to be opened when the liquid level of the water storage cavity descends to the position lower than the air inlet valve. According to the water heater, when the blow-down valve is opened to clean the water storage cavity, the air inlet valve can be controlled to be opened, air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity is balanced, the drainage time is effectively shortened, and the cleaning efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical appliances, and particularly to a water heater. Background Art

[0002] After a water heater operates for a long time, the magnesium slag generated after the surface of the magnesium rod is corroded will deposit at the bottom of the inner tank. At the same time, water scale is formed on the inner wall of the inner tank, and after the water scale falls off, it deposits at the bottom of the inner tank. The long-term deposition of magnesium slag and water scale in the inner tank will affect the water quality and thus affect the health of users. For this reason, existing electric water heaters are generally provided with a drain valve, and users can clean the magnesium slag, water scale and stale water by opening the drain valve. However, since the inner tank is sealed, the drainage will be unsmooth during the drainage process, which takes a long time and is not convenient for cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a water heater, which can control the intake valve to open when the drain valve is opened to clean the water storage cavity, so that the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity is balanced, effectively shortening the drainage time and improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0004] The water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a body provided with a water storage cavity, a drain port and an air inlet communicating with the water storage cavity, wherein the height position of the air inlet is higher than that of the drain port; a drain valve installed on the body and used to control the opening and closing of the drain port; an intake valve installed on the body and used to control the opening and closing of the air inlet; and a control component configured to control the intake valve to open when the liquid level in the water storage cavity drops below the position of the intake valve.

[0005] The water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: When it is necessary to clean the water storage cavity, the drain valve is opened, and the liquid level in the water storage cavity drops. After the liquid level drops below the intake valve, the control component controls the intake valve to open, without the need for additional operations by users or maintenance personnel to open the intake valve, and the operation is simple. The air outside the water heater enters the water storage cavity through the intake valve, making the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity balanced, so that the drain valve drains more smoothly, effectively shortening the drainage time, and thus facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag and water scale in the water storage cavity and improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drain port is located at the bottom of the body, and the air inlet is located at the top of the body.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the intake valve is configured as an electric valve, the control component includes a control module and a sensor, the control module is connected to the sensor and the electric valve signal, the sensor is arranged in the water storage chamber or the sewage valve, and the control module is configured to control the electric valve to open when it receives a signal from the sensor that the liquid level of the water storage chamber drops below that of the electric valve.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor is configured as a pressure sensor or a liquid level sensor.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor is disposed in the water storage chamber, and in the height direction of the fuselage, the sensor is close to the air intake valve and the height position of the sensor is not higher than the height position of the air intake valve.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor is disposed at the sewage outlet or the sewage valve and is used to detect the water flow of the sewage valve.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake valve is provided with an air intake channel, which is connected to the water storage chamber. The control component includes a float, which is floated in the air intake channel. The float is configured to float up under the buoyancy of water to block the air intake channel, and move downward under the action of its own gravity to connect the air intake channel with the water storage chamber.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake passage includes an air intake hole and a accommodating chamber connected in sequence from top to bottom, the air intake valve includes a partition arranged at one end of the accommodating chamber away from the air intake hole, the partition is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes respectively connect the accommodating chamber with the water storage chamber, the float floats in the accommodating chamber and is used to block or open the air intake hole.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the accommodating cavity is cylindrical, and the inner diameter of the accommodating cavity increases from top to bottom, and the air inlet is connected to the small end of the accommodating cavity.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the float is configured as a spherical shape, and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity includes a first sealing wall surface, which is located on the peripheral side of the accommodating cavity near one end of the air inlet hole, and the first sealing wall surface is sealed with the outer wall surface of the float.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the float is configured as a rotating body structure and the outer diameter of the float increases from top to bottom, the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity includes a second sealing wall surface, the second sealing wall surface is located on the peripheral side of the accommodating cavity and close to the air inlet hole, and the second sealing wall surface is sealed with the outer wall of the float.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wall of the accommodation cavity includes a third sealing wall surface, the third sealing wall surface is located at an end of the accommodation cavity close to the air inlet hole, one end of the floating body facing the air inlet hole is provided with an end surface, and the end surface is in sealing cooperation with the third sealing wall surface.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the floating body is of a hollow structure.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments, where: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the sensor is disposed in the water storage cavity and the intake valve is closed in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the sensor is disposed in the water storage cavity and the intake valve is open in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the sensor is disposed in the drain valve and the intake valve is closed in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the sensor is disposed in the drain valve and the intake valve is open in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the control component is a floating body and the intake valve is closed in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged view of part A in Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the control component is a floating body and the intake valve is open in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part B in Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the control component is a floating body and the intake valve is closed in some other embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 is Figure 9 an enlarged view of part C in Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater when the control component is a floating body and the intake valve is open in some other embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 is Figure 11 an enlarged view of part D in

[0020] Reference Numerals: Airframe 100; water storage chamber 110; sewage outlet 120; air inlet 130; water inlet pipe 140; water outlet pipe 150; water inlet connector 160; water outlet connector 170; heating element 180; Sewage valve 200; Air inlet valve 300; air inlet passage 310; air inlet hole 311; accommodation chamber 312; first sealing wall surface 3121; second sealing wall surface 3122; third sealing wall surface 3123; partition 320; through hole 321; Sensor 400; Floating body 500; end face 510. Detailed Embodiment

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only for explaining the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that for orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., the orientation or positional relationship indicated is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for convenience in describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, the meaning of several is one or more, the meaning of multiple is two or more, greater than, less than, exceeding, etc. are understood not to include the present number, and above, below, within, etc. are understood to include the present number. If there is a description of first and second, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the sequence relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, words such as setting, installing, connecting, assembling, and fitting should be understood in a broad sense, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above words in the present invention in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0025] After the electric water heater runs for a long time, the magnesium slag generated after the surface of the magnesium rod is corroded will deposit at the bottom of the inner tank. At the same time, water scale will form on the inner wall of the inner tank, and after the water scale falls off, it will deposit at the bottom of the inner tank. The long-term deposition of magnesium slag and water scale in the inner tank will affect the water quality and thus affect the health of users. For this reason, existing electric water heaters generally are provided with a drain valve, and users can clean the magnesium slag, water scale and stale water by opening the drain valve. However, since the inner tank is sealed, the drainage will be unsmooth during the drainage process, which takes a long time and is not convenient for cleaning.

[0026] For this reason, referring to Figures 1 to 12 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water heater, including a body 100, a drain valve 200, an air inlet valve 300 and a control component. Referring to Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that the body 100 is generally cylindrical and horizontally arranged, that is, the central axis of the cylindrical body 100 is horizontally arranged. The body 100 is provided with a water storage cavity 110 and a drain port 120. The water storage cavity 110 is the inner tank and is used to store hot water. The drain port 120 is used to clean stale water, water scale and magnesium slag, etc. The drain port 120 is arranged at the bottom of the body 100 and communicates with the water storage cavity 110 to better clean foreign matters such as stale water, water scale and magnesium slag. The drain valve 200 is installed at the bottom of the body 100 and connected to the drain port 120 to control the opening and closing of the drain port 120. The drain valve 200 can be a valve body such as a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a cock valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, etc. When the drain valve 200 is opened, foreign matters such as stale water, water scale and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 can be cleaned out through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200. It is easy to understand that during the working process of the water heater, the drain valve 200 is in a closed state to avoid water leakage.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that generally, a heating element 180 is installed in the water storage cavity 110, and the heating element 180 is used to heat the water in the water storage cavity 110. The body 100 is also provided with a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet and the water outlet are located on one side of the drain port 120. The water inlet and the water outlet are both arranged at the bottom of the body 100 and communicate with the water storage cavity 110. Among them, a water inlet pipe 140 extending upward is installed at the water inlet, and a water outlet pipe 150 extending upward is installed at the water outlet. The upper end of the water inlet pipe 140 extends to the middle height position of the water storage cavity 110, and the upper end of the water outlet pipe 150 extends to a position close to the top of the water storage cavity 110, and the upper end of the water outlet pipe 150 is higher than the upper end of the water inlet pipe 140.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1As shown, it can be understood that an inlet connector 160 and an outlet connector 170 are also installed at the bottom of the body 100. Among them, the inlet connector 160 is located at the water inlet and is connected to the inlet pipe 140, and the outlet connector 170 is located at the water outlet and is connected to the outlet pipe 150. The inlet connector 160 is used to connect to the tap water supply end, and the outlet connector 170 is used to connect to the faucets, showers, etc. of the user side. Therefore, cold water can be supplied into the water storage cavity 110 through the inlet connector 160 and the inlet pipe 140, and hot water can be delivered to the faucets, showers, etc. of the user side through the outlet pipe 150 and the outlet connector 170 to realize the supply of hot water.

[0029] It is easy to understand that during the normal operation of the water heater, the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 remains unchanged. When the water heater supplies hot water to the user side, the hot water in the water storage cavity 110 is output to the user side through the outlet pipe 150 and the outlet connector 170. At the same time, cold water is conveyed into the water storage cavity 110 through the inlet connector 160 and the inlet pipe 140, so that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 remains unchanged.

[0030] Generally speaking, only when the water storage cavity 110 needs to be cleaned, the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 will drop. Specifically, when the water storage cavity 110 needs to be cleaned, the water heater stops running. Usually, at this time, the inlet valve located outside the body 100 and connected to the inlet connector 160 is closed, and the drain valve 200 is opened. Foreign matters such as stale water, scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 are discharged through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200. At this time, the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 gradually drops until the water in the water storage cavity 110 is emptied.

[0031] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, it can be understood that an air inlet 130 is also provided on the body 100. Specifically, in the height direction of the body 100, the height position of the air inlet 130 is higher than the height position of the drain port 120, that is, the air inlet 130 is located above the drain port 120. To improve the space utilization rate of the water storage cavity 110 and avoid water leakage, in this embodiment, the air inlet 130 is provided at the top of the body 100. Therefore, the entire space of the water storage cavity 110 can store water and will not leak from the air inlet 130. An air inlet valve 300 is installed on the body 100 and connected to the air inlet 130 to control the opening and closing of the air inlet 130. Similarly, the air inlet valve 300 can be a valve body such as a ball valve, butterfly valve, cock valve, gate valve, or globe valve. When the air inlet valve 300 is opened, the air outside the body 100 can enter the water storage cavity 110 through the air inlet valve 300 and the air inlet 130 to balance the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity 110. When the air inlet valve 300 is closed, it can prevent water leakage and heat loss at the same time to ensure the normal use of the water heater.

[0032] It can be understood that the control component is configured to control the intake valve 300 to open when the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops below the position of the intake valve 300. That is to say, during the process of cleaning the water storage cavity 110, the user or maintenance personnel open the drain valve 200, and foreign matters such as stale water, scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 are discharged through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200, and the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops. When the liquid level drops below the lowest position of the intake valve 300, the control component controls the intake valve 300 to open.

[0033] In this embodiment, since the air inlet 130 is arranged at the top of the fuselage 100, that is, the intake valve 300 is connected to the top of the fuselage 100. After the drain valve 200 is opened for a short period of time, the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops below the lowest position of the intake valve 300, and the control component then controls the intake valve 300 to open. This short period of time can be several seconds, so that a part of the water in the water storage cavity 110 is discharged, so that the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops below the lowest position of the intake valve 300.

[0034] Since the intake valve 300 is controlled to open by the control component, during the process of cleaning the water storage cavity 110, after the user or maintenance personnel open the drain valve 200, there is no need to perform an additional operation of opening the intake valve 300, and the operation is simple. After the intake valve 300 is opened, the air outside the water heater enters the water storage cavity 110 through the intake valve 300, so that the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity 110 is balanced, thereby making the drainage of the drain valve 200 smoother, effectively shortening the drainage time, and then facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag, and scale in the water storage cavity 110, and effectively improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0035] It is easy to understand that during the normal operation of the water heater, the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 is generally higher than the lowest position of the intake valve 300, and the control component controls the intake valve 300 to close, so as to avoid water leakage and heat loss in the water storage cavity 110, and ensure the normal operation of the water heater.

[0036] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the intake valve 300 is configured as an electric valve, such as a solenoid valve, an electric air valve, etc., that is, a valve body that controls the opening and closing of the valve through an electric actuator. The control component includes a control module and a sensor 400. Among them, the control module can be a part of the control system of the water heater. The control module is signal-connected to the sensor 400 and the intake valve 300. Therefore, the control module can receive the electrical signal from the sensor 400 and control the intake valve 300 to open or close according to the electrical signal. Of course, the intake valve 300 and the sensor 400 are also electrically connected to the power supply module (generally low-voltage electricity) of the control system of the water heater to supply power to the intake valve 300 and the sensor 400.

[0037] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it can be understood that the sensor 400 is configured as a pressure sensor or a liquid level sensor. Among them, when the pressure sensor is submerged in water, the detection end of the pressure sensor is in contact with the water and can detect the water pressure, that is, the water pressure is not zero, and the detected data is sent to the control module in the form of an electrical signal (such as a high-level signal); when the pressure sensor is not submerged in water, the detection end of the pressure sensor is not in contact with the water, the pressure sensor detects that the water pressure value is zero, and the pressure sensor sends the detected data to the control module in the form of another electrical signal (such as a low-level signal). Of course, when the pressure sensor detects that the water pressure is not zero, it can send a low-level signal, and when the pressure sensor detects that the water pressure is zero, it sends a high-level signal.

[0038] When the liquid level sensor is submerged in water, the detection end of the liquid level sensor is in contact with the water and can detect that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 is equal to or higher than the height where the liquid level sensor is located. The liquid level sensor then sends the detected data to the control module in the form of an electrical signal (such as a high-level signal); when the liquid level sensor is not submerged in water, the detection end of the liquid level sensor is not in contact with the water, and the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 is lower than the height where the liquid level sensor is located. The liquid level sensor then sends the detected data to the control module in the form of another electrical signal (such as a low-level signal). Of course, when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 is equal to or higher than the height where the liquid level sensor is located, it can send a low-level signal, and when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 is lower than the height where the liquid level sensor is located, it sends a high-level signal.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it can be understood that the sensor 400 is installed on the fuselage 100 and is located inside the water storage cavity 110, and the sensor 400 is located at the top of the water storage cavity 110 and at a position lower than the lowest position of the intake valve 300. For example, the sensor 400 is installed on the upper end wall of the water storage cavity 110 or on the upper end of the side wall of the water storage cavity 110. That is to say, the sensor 400 is located inside the water storage cavity 110 and close to the intake valve 300.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it can be understood that the control module is configured to control the intake valve 300 to open when receiving a signal that the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 fed back by the sensor 400 drops below the intake valve 300. Specifically, during the normal operation of the water heater, the water in the water storage cavity 110 submerges the sensor 400. In an embodiment where the sensor 400 is a pressure sensor, when the water heater is operating normally, the pressure sensor detects the water pressure, that is, the water pressure is not zero. When it is necessary to clean the water storage cavity 110, the user or maintenance personnel open the drain valve 200, and foreign matters such as stale water, water scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 are discharged through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200. The liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 drops. When the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 drops below the height where the pressure sensor is located, at this time, the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 must also be lower than the lowest position of the intake valve 300. The pressure sensor detects that the water pressure is zero, and the pressure sensor sends the data of zero water pressure to the control module in the form of an electrical signal. That is to say, the pressure sensor feeds back the signal that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 drops and is lower than the intake valve 300 to the control module, and the control module then controls the intake valve 300 to open, so that the air outside the water heater enters the water storage cavity 110 through the intake valve 300, making the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity 110 balanced, thereby making the drainage of the drain valve 200 smoother, effectively shortening the drainage time, and then facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag, and water scale in the water storage cavity 110, and effectively improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0041] It can be understood that during the normal operation of the water heater, the pressure sensor detects the water pressure, that is, the water pressure is not zero. The pressure sensor sends the data of non-zero water pressure to the control module in the form of an electrical signal, and the control module controls the intake valve 300 to close, thereby avoiding water leakage and heat dissipation in the water storage cavity 110 and ensuring the normal operation of the water heater.

[0042] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it can be understood that in the embodiment where the sensor 400 is a liquid level sensor, when the water heater is operating normally, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 is equal to or greater than the height where the liquid level sensor is located. When it is necessary to clean the water storage chamber 110, the user or maintenance personnel open the drain valve 200, and foreign matters such as stale water, scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage chamber 110 are discharged through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200. The liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 drops. When the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 drops below the height where the liquid level sensor is located, at this time, the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 must also be lower than the lowest position of the intake valve 300. The liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 is less than the height where the liquid level sensor is located, and the liquid level sensor sends the data that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 is less than the height where the liquid level sensor is located to the control module in the form of an electrical signal. That is to say, the liquid level sensor feeds back the signal that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 drops and is lower than the intake valve 300 to the control module, and the control module controls the intake valve 300 to open, so that the air outside the water heater enters the water storage chamber 110 through the intake valve 300, making the air pressure inside and outside the water storage chamber 110 balanced, thereby making the drainage of the drain valve 200 smoother, effectively shortening the drainage time, and then facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag, and scale in the water storage chamber 110, and effectively improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0043] It can be understood that during the normal operation of the water heater, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 is equal to or greater than the height where the liquid level sensor is located, and the liquid level sensor sends the data that the liquid level of the water storage chamber 110 is equal to or greater than the height where the liquid level sensor is located to the control module in the form of an electrical signal, and the control module controls the intake valve 300 to close, so as to avoid water leakage and the heat dissipation in the water storage chamber 110, and ensure the normal operation of the water heater.

[0044] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, it can be understood that in some other embodiments, the sensor 400 is configured as a water flow sensor, which is installed at the sewage outlet 120 or in the flow-through channel of the sewage discharge valve 200. Installing the water flow sensor at the sewage outlet 120 can also be understood as the water flow sensor being located in the water storage cavity 110. The water flow sensor is used to detect the water flow rate of the sewage discharge valve 200. When the water is stationary at the detection end of the water flow sensor, the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is zero, indicating that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 has not dropped. The water flow sensor sends the detected data to the control module in the form of an electrical signal (such as a high-level signal). When water flows through the detection end of the water flow sensor, the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is not zero, indicating that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 has dropped. The water flow sensor then sends the detected data to the control module in the form of another electrical signal (such as a low-level signal). Of course, when the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is zero, it can send a low-level signal, and when the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is not zero, it sends a high-level signal.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it can be understood that during the normal operation of the water heater, the water at the sewage outlet 120 and in the flow-through channel of the sewage discharge valve 200 is usually in a static state, and the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is zero. When it is necessary to clean the water storage cavity 110, the user or maintenance personnel open the sewage discharge valve 200, and foreign matters such as stale water, water scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 are discharged through the sewage outlet 120 and the sewage discharge valve 200. The water at the sewage outlet 120 and in the flow-through channel of the sewage discharge valve 200 is in a flowing state, and the water flow sensor detects that the water flow rate value is not zero. The liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 drops, and the water flow sensor sends the data with a non-zero water flow rate value to the control module in the form of an electrical signal. Since the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 is lower than the lowest position of the air intake valve 300 only after draining for a period of time, when the control module receives the signal that the water flow rate value detected by the water flow sensor is not zero, after a delay period, the control module considers that it has received the signal that the liquid level of the water storage cavity 110 has dropped and is lower than the air intake valve 300. This period of time can be 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc., and can be set according to actual needs. The control module then controls the air intake valve 300 to open, so that the air outside the water heater enters the water storage cavity 110 through the air intake valve 300, making the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity 110 balanced, thereby making the sewage discharge valve 200 drain more smoothly, effectively shortening the drainage time, and then facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag, and water scale in the water storage cavity 110, and effectively improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0046] It can be understood that during the normal operation of the water heater, when the water flow sensor detects that the water flow value is zero, the water flow sensor sends the data with a water flow value of zero to the control module in the form of an electrical signal, and the control module controls the intake valve 300 to close, thereby avoiding water leakage and heat dissipation in the water storage cavity 110, ensuring the normal operation of the water heater.

[0047] It is easy to understand that since the water flow sensor is installed at the sewage outlet 120 or in the flow-through channel of the sewage valve 200, there is no need to additionally drill holes in the body 100 to install the sensor 400, making the overall sealing performance of the water heater better and the reliability higher.

[0048] Refer to Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it can be understood that in some other embodiments, the control component includes a floating body 500, and the floating body 500 is configured to float under the buoyancy of water and move downward under the action of gravity. That is to say, in water, the buoyancy of water is greater than the gravity of the floating body 500, and the floating body 500 floats. After the buoyancy of water is removed, the floating body 500 moves downward under its own gravity.

[0049] Refer to Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it can be understood that the intake valve 300 is provided with an intake passage 310, and the intake passage 310 is arranged in the up-down direction. The lower end of the intake passage 310 is connected to the water storage cavity 110, and the upper end of the intake passage 310 is connected to the external space of the body 100. Specifically, the intake passage 310 includes an intake hole 311 and a receiving cavity 312 that are communicated with each other from top to bottom. Among them, one end of the intake hole 311 facing away from the receiving cavity 312 is connected to the external space of the body 100. The intake valve 300 further includes a partition plate 320, and the partition plate 320 is detachably installed at one end of the receiving cavity 312 facing away from the intake hole 311. The partition plate 320 is provided with a plurality of through holes 321, and the plurality of through holes 321 respectively communicate the receiving cavity 312 and the water storage cavity 110.

[0050] Refer to Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it can be understood that the floating body 500 is floatingly arranged in the receiving cavity 312, that is to say, the floating body 500 can move up and down in the receiving cavity 312, that is, there is a gap between the outer wall of the floating body 500 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 312. The maximum outer diameter of the floating body 500 is greater than the inner diameter of the intake hole 311. Therefore, the floating body 500 can be limited at the end of the intake hole 311 to block the intake hole 311, so as to block the intake hole 311 and the receiving cavity 312, that is, the intake valve 300 is closed, realizing the blocking of the water storage cavity 110 and the external space of the body 100. It is easy to understand that when the floating body 500 disengages from the end of the intake hole 311, the intake hole 311 is opened, and the intake hole 311 communicates with the water storage cavity 110 through the gap between the floating body 500 and the receiving cavity 312 and the through hole 321, that is, the intake valve 300 is opened, making the water storage cavity 110 communicate with the external space of the body 100.

[0051] During the normal use of the water heater, the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 is relatively high. The water in the water storage cavity 110 enters the accommodation cavity 312 through the through hole 321 and causes the floating body 500 to float. Under the buoyancy of the water, the floating body 500 is limited at the end of the air inlet hole 311 and blocks the air inlet hole 311. At this time, the air inlet valve 300 is closed, thus avoiding water leakage and heat loss in the water storage cavity 110 and ensuring the normal operation of the water heater.

[0052] When it is necessary to clean the water storage cavity 110, the user or maintenance personnel open the drain valve 200. Foreign matters such as stale water, water scale, and magnesium slag in the water storage cavity 110 are discharged through the drain port 120 and the drain valve 200. The liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops, and the liquid level in the accommodation cavity 312 also gradually drops. The floating body 500 moves downward as the liquid level drops. The floating body 500 disengages from the end of the air inlet hole 311, and the air inlet valve 300 opens. When the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops below the partition plate 320, at this time, the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 must be lower than the air inlet valve 300, and there is no water in the accommodation cavity 312. The floating body 500 is not affected by the buoyancy of the water, and the floating body 500 moves downward to the partition plate 320 under the action of gravity. At this time, the air inlet valve 300 is fully opened. That is to say, when the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 drops and is lower than the air inlet valve 300, the floating body 500 controls the air inlet valve 300 to open, so that the air outside the water heater enters the water storage cavity 110 through the air inlet channel 310 of the air inlet valve 300, making the air pressure inside and outside the water storage cavity 110 balanced. Thus, the drain valve 200 drains water more smoothly, effectively shortening the drainage time, and then facilitating the cleaning of foreign matters such as stale water, magnesium slag, and water scale in the water storage cavity 110 and effectively improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0053] Refer to Figures 5 to 8 As shown, it can be understood that the accommodation cavity 312 is cylindrical and the inner diameter of the accommodation cavity 312 increases from top to bottom. For example, the inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312 is a conical surface, the side surface of a frustum of a cone, etc., and the air inlet hole 311 is connected to the small end of the accommodation cavity 312. Therefore, when the liquid level in the water storage cavity 110 rises and water enters the accommodation cavity 312, the floating body 500 moves upward as the liquid level rises. The inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312 has the function of guiding the floating body 500 to the air inlet hole 311, so that the floating body 500 can accurately block the air inlet hole 311, improving the reliability when the air inlet valve 300 is closed, and the outer wall of the floating body 500 can press against the inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312, improving the sealing performance when the air inlet valve 300 is closed and avoiding water leakage and heat loss.

[0054] Refer to Figures 5 to 8As shown, it can be understood that the floating body 500 is configured to be spherical, and the cavity wall of the accommodation cavity 312 includes a first sealing wall surface 3121, and the first sealing wall surface 3121 is the part of the inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312 that is close to the air inlet hole 311. When the air inlet valve 300 is closed, the outer peripheral wall of the spherical floating body 500 abuts against the first sealing wall surface 3121 and is in sealing cooperation with the first sealing wall surface 3121, that is, the outer peripheral wall of the spherical floating body 500 presses against the first sealing wall surface 3121, so that the outer peripheral wall of the floating body 500 is in contact with the first sealing wall surface 3121 in the circumferential direction of the air inlet hole 311, which is beneficial to improving the sealing performance when the air inlet valve 300 is closed and avoiding water leakage and heat dissipation.

[0055] Referring to Figures 9 to 12 As shown, it can be understood that the floating body 500 is configured as a rotating body structure and the outer diameter of the floating body 500 increases from top to bottom. For example, the floating body 500 is a conical structure or a frustum structure.

[0056] Referring to Figures 9 to 12 As shown, it can be understood that in this embodiment, the floating body 500 is a frustum structure, and the small end of the floating body 500 faces upward. An end surface 510 is provided at one end (i.e., the upper end) of the frustum-structured floating body 500 facing the air inlet hole 311. The inner diameter of one end of the accommodation cavity 312 close to the air inlet hole 311 is larger than the inner diameter of the air inlet hole 311, and the inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312 is arranged around the outer periphery of the air inlet hole 311, so that a stepped surface facing downward is formed between the accommodation cavity 312 and the air inlet hole 311, and the stepped surface is the third sealing wall surface 3123 of the accommodation cavity 312. The accommodation cavity 312 further includes a second sealing wall surface 3122, and the second sealing wall surface 3122 is the part of the inner peripheral wall of the accommodation cavity 312 that is close to the air inlet hole 311, and the second sealing wall surface 3122 matches the outer peripheral wall of the frustum-structured floating body 500. Therefore, when the air inlet valve 300 is closed, the end surface 510 of the floating body 500 abuts against the third sealing wall surface 3123 and is in sealing cooperation with the third sealing wall surface 3123, and the outer peripheral wall of the floating body 500 abuts against the second sealing wall surface 3122 and is in sealing cooperation with the second sealing wall surface 3122, so as to realize the floating body 500 blocking the air inlet hole 311, which can increase the sealing area between the floating body 500 and the cavity wall of the accommodation cavity 312, further improve the sealing performance when the air inlet valve 300 is closed, and avoid water leakage and heat dissipation.

[0057] It can be understood that in some other embodiments, the floating body 500 has a conical structure, and the small end of the floating body 500 faces upward. The inner diameter of one end of the accommodating cavity 312 close to the air inlet hole 311 is equal to the inner diameter of the air inlet hole 311. Similarly, the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity 312 includes a second sealing wall surface 3122. When the intake valve 300 is closed, the outer peripheral wall of the conical floating body 500 abuts against the second sealing wall surface 3122 and is in sealing cooperation with the second sealing wall surface 3122, so as to realize that the floating body 500 blocks the air inlet hole 311, and a small end portion of the floating body 500 extends into the air inlet hole 311. In this way, the outer peripheral wall of the floating body 500 can also be attached to the second sealing wall surface 3122 in the circumferential direction of the air inlet hole 311, which is beneficial to improving the sealing performance when the intake valve 300 is closed and avoiding water leakage and heat dissipation.

[0058] It is easily understandable that since the control component is the floating body 500, the characteristics of the floating body 500 floating in water are utilized to control the opening or closing of the intake valve 300. The structure is simpler and there is no need for signal control, etc., which is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, it can be understood that the floating body 500 has a hollow structure, which is beneficial to increasing the buoyancy of the floating body 500 on the water surface, pressing the outer peripheral wall of the floating body 500 against the inner peripheral wall of the accommodating cavity 312, which is beneficial to improving the sealing performance when the intake valve 300 is closed and avoiding water leakage and heat dissipation.

[0060] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention within the scope of knowledge possessed by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that: include: The fuselage is provided with a water storage cavity and a sewage outlet and an air inlet connected to the water storage cavity, wherein the height of the air inlet is higher than the height of the sewage outlet; A sewage valve, installed on the machine body and used to control the opening and closing of the sewage outlet; An air intake valve, mounted on the fuselage and used to control the opening and closing of the air intake; The control component is configured to control the air intake valve to open when the liquid level of the water storage chamber drops to a position lower than that of the air intake valve.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sewage outlet is located at the bottom of the fuselage, and the air inlet is located at the top of the fuselage.

3. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air intake valve is configured as an electric valve, and the control component includes a control module and a sensor. The control module is connected to the sensor and the electric valve signal. The sensor is arranged in the water storage chamber or the sewage valve. The control module is configured to control the electric valve to open when receiving a signal from the sensor that the liquid level in the water storage chamber drops below that of the electric valve.

4. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor is configured as a pressure sensor or a liquid level sensor.

5. The water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensor is arranged in the water storage chamber. In the height direction of the fuselage, the sensor is close to the air intake valve and the height position of the sensor is not higher than the height position of the air intake valve.

6. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sensor is arranged at the sewage outlet or the sewage valve and is used to detect the water flow of the sewage valve.

7. The water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air intake valve is provided with an air intake channel, which is connected to the water storage chamber. The control component includes a float, which is floated in the air intake channel. The float is configured to float up under the buoyancy of water to block the air intake channel, and move down under its own gravity to connect the air intake channel with the water storage chamber.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air intake passage includes an air intake hole and a accommodating chamber connected in sequence from top to bottom. The air intake valve includes a partition arranged at one end of the accommodating chamber away from the air intake hole. The partition is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the plurality of through holes respectively connect the accommodating chamber with the water storage chamber. The float floats in the accommodating chamber and is used to block or open the air intake hole.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: The accommodating cavity is cylindrical, and the inner diameter of the accommodating cavity increases from top to bottom, and the air inlet is connected to the small end of the accommodating cavity.

10. The water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: The float is configured as a sphere, and the cavity wall of the accommodating cavity includes a first sealing wall surface, which is located on the peripheral side of the accommodating cavity near one end of the air inlet, and the first sealing wall surface is sealed with the outer wall surface of the float.

11. The water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: The float is configured as a rotating body structure and the outer diameter of the float increases from top to bottom. The cavity wall of the accommodating cavity includes a second sealing wall surface, which is located on the peripheral side of the accommodating cavity and close to the air inlet hole. The second sealing wall surface is sealed with the outer wall of the float.

12. The water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cavity wall of the accommodating cavity includes a third sealing wall surface, and the third sealing wall surface is located at the end of the accommodating cavity close to the air inlet hole. The end of the float facing the air inlet hole is provided with an end surface, and the end surface is sealed with the third sealing wall surface.

13. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The floating body is a hollow structure.

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