Water heater and inner container thereof

Abstract

The inner container comprises a barrel, a first end cover and a second end cover, the first end cover and the second end cover are arranged at the two ends of the barrel, the first end cover and the second end cover are connected with the barrel, and the first end cover and the second end cover protrude in the direction away from the barrel; the first end cover is provided with at least one mounting hole for assembling a functional part; an open hole is formed in the second end cover, and the open hole is used for allowing enamel spraying equipment to stretch into the inner container in the inner container manufacturing process so as to conduct enamel spraying treatment on the inner surface of the inner container; a plugging piece fixedly connected with the open hole is arranged at the open hole; the inner surface of the inner container is provided with an enamel coating, and the enamel coating is formed through enamel spraying treatment. The material utilization rate of the inner container can be effectively increased, the cost is reduced, and for the inner container with the preset length and section size, the volume of the inner container can be increased; or for the inner container with the preset volume and section size, the length of the inner container can be shortened, and the use reliability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater and an inner tank thereof. Background Art

[0002] Existing water heaters primarily include gas, solar, electric, and heat pump water heaters. Electric water heaters use electricity as a power source for heating. Among these electric water heaters, enamel inner tanks are widely used due to their excellent corrosion resistance, long service life, and low production cost.

[0003] Currently, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the enamel inner tank 1 of the electric water heater usually adopts an end cover 19 with a convex and a concave structure. Overall, the enamel inner tank 1 is long, which leads to the lengthening of the entire machine size, which in turn leads to problems such as low material utilization and easy installation restrictions.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water heater and an inner tank thereof to solve at least one of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the defects of the existing technology, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water heater and its inner tank using a spray-enameling process, which can effectively improve the material utilization rate of the inner tank and reduce costs. For an inner tank with a predetermined length and cross-sectional size, it can increase the volume of the inner tank; or for an inner tank with a predetermined volume and cross-sectional size, it can shorten the length of the inner tank and has high reliability during use.

[0006] The specific technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0007] A water heater inner tank, the water heater inner tank comprising: a cylinder, and a first end cover and a second end cover arranged at both ends of the cylinder, the first end cover and the second end cover are respectively connected to the cylinder, and the first end cover and the second end cover protrude in a direction away from the cylinder; the first end cover is provided with at least one mounting hole for assembling functional components; the second end cover is provided with an opening, the opening being used for allowing an enameling device to extend into the inner tank during the manufacturing process of the inner tank to perform enameling treatment on the inner surface of the inner tank; a sealing member fixedly connected to the opening is provided at the opening; the inner surface of the inner tank has an enamel coating, and the enamel coating is formed by the enameling treatment.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the functional component includes an electric heating element, and the electric heating element is installed at the installation hole.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the electric heating element includes a first electric heating element and a second electric heating element, and the first electric heating element and the second electric heating element are staggered.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the functional component further includes at least one of the following: an electronic anode, a physical anode, a temperature detection element, and a high-temperature protection element.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the opening has a flange bent toward the outside of the inner container; the blocking member is sealed and fixed to the opening via the flange.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking member is a cover body protruding toward the interior of the water heater tank. The surface of the cover body facing the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge of the cover body is higher than the flange.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a first welding portion is formed between an outer edge portion of the cover body that is higher than the flange and the flange.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking member is a cover body protruding toward the interior of the water heater tank, the surface of the cover body facing the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge of the cover body is flush with the flange.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a first welding portion is formed on the flush end surfaces of the outer edge of the cover and the flange.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the first welding portion and the enamel coating on the inner surface of the liner near the opening is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone; the distance between the first welding portion and the enamel coating on the surface of the cover body near the outer edge of the cover is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder and the first end cover and / or the second end cover are integrally formed.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder is fixedly connected to the first end cover and / or the second end cover.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a second welding portion is formed between the cylinder and the first end cover and / or between the cylinder and the second end cover.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the position where the first end cover and / or the second end cover are welded to the cylinder has a partially overlapping overlapped structure, and the second welding portion is located at the overlapped structure.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the end of the first end cover and / or the second end cover is smaller than the inner diameter at the corresponding end of the cylinder, and the first end cover and / or the second end cover are partially inserted into the corresponding end of the cylinder to form the overlapping structure.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the second welding portion is formed on the outer surface of the inner container at the overlapping structure.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the second welding portion is formed at the end of the cylinder to weld the end of the cylinder to the outer surface of the first end cover and / or the second end cover adjacent to the end.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder is provided with a step portion near the end portion so that the inner diameters at both ends of the cylinder are larger than the inner diameter of the middle portion of the cylinder.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the opening is located at the center of the second end cover.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a matching groove for matching with an inner liner assembly tool is provided at the center of the blocking member.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the aperture of the opening is between 60 mm and 90 mm.

[0028] A water heater comprises any one of the above-mentioned water heater inner tanks.

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0030] The water heater liner provided in the embodiment of the present application is an liner with an enamel coating made by a spray pond process, and the liner includes a cylinder and a first end cover and a second end cover located at both ends of the cylinder. The first end cover is convexly arranged in a direction away from the cylinder; the second end cover is also convexly arranged in a direction away from the cylinder. When both end covers of the liner are convexly arranged downwardly away from the cylinder, the material utilization rate of the liner can be effectively improved, and the cost can be reduced. For an liner with a predetermined length and cross-sectional size, it can increase the volume of the liner; or for an liner with a predetermined volume and cross-sectional size, it can shorten the length of the liner and has high reliability during use.

[0031] On the second end cover of the inner liner where no functional components are provided, an opening for spraying enamel is provided, and a sealing member with a partial enamel layer is provided on the opening. The inner liner structure formed has an ingenious structural design, which enables the manufacturing process and cost to be controlled within a relatively low range, while at the same time ensuring the high reliability of the inner liner.

[0032] With reference to the following description and drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail, indicating the manner in which the principles of the present invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope thereby. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the embodiments of the present invention include many variations, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components in the drawings are merely illustrative and are used to help understand the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportional dimensions of the various components of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can select various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the present invention according to specific circumstances under the guidance of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater inner tank provided in the prior art;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater inner tank provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at the middle BB;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of another water heater inner tank provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Cross-sectional view at CC;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of point D in the middle;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of point F in the middle;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 9A partial enlarged view of the EE in the middle;

[0044] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Right view in.

[0045] Description of the accompanying drawings in the prior art:

[0046] 1. Enamel liner;

[0047] 19. End cap;

[0048] Description of the accompanying drawings in this application:

[0049] 10. Cylinder;

[0050] 11. First end cover;

[0051] 12. Second end cover;

[0052] 110, mounting hole;

[0053] 120, opening;

[0054] 121, turning edge;

[0055] 1211, first flanging portion;

[0056] 1212, second flange portion;

[0057] 13. Sealing parts;

[0058] 130, matching groove;

[0059] 131. Central blocking part;

[0060] 132. The outer edge of the cover;

[0061] 14. First welding part;

[0062] 141. Welding heat affected zone;

[0063] 15. Second welding part;

[0064] 101, step part;

[0065] 21. a first electric heating element;

[0066] 22. a second electric heating element;

[0067] 23. Electronic anode;

[0068] 24. Physical anode;

[0069] 25. Temperature detection components;

[0070] 26. High temperature protection element;

[0071] 27. Water inlet assembly;

[0072] 28. Water outlet assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, modifications of various equivalent forms of the present invention by those skilled in the art all fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0074] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an element centered thereon. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementations.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, a water heater and an inner tank thereof using a spray-enameling process are provided, which can effectively improve the material utilization rate of the inner tank and reduce costs. For an inner tank with a predetermined length and cross-sectional size, it can increase the volume of the inner tank; or for an inner tank with a predetermined volume and cross-sectional size, it can shorten the length of the inner tank and has high reliability during use.

[0077] Please refer to the comprehensive Figures 3 to 11In an embodiment of the present application, a water heater inner tank is provided, which may include: a cylinder 10, and a first end cover 11 and a second end cover 12 arranged at both ends of the cylinder 10, the first end cover 11 and the second end cover 12 are respectively connected to the cylinder 10, and the first end cover 11 and the second end cover 12 are protruded in a direction away from the cylinder 10; the first end cover 11 is provided with at least one mounting hole 110 for assembling functional components; the second end cover 12 is provided with an opening 120, the opening 120 is used for allowing an enameling device to extend into the inner tank during the manufacturing process of the inner tank to perform enameling treatment on the inner surface of the inner tank; a blocking member 13 fixedly connected to the opening 120 is provided at the opening 120; the inner surface of the inner tank has an enamel coating, and the enamel coating is formed by the enameling treatment.

[0078] In the embodiments of the present application, the inner tank body of the water heater can be made of a relatively low-cost material such as low-carbon steel. An enamel coating is provided on the inner surface of the inner tank, which can be formed by the aforementioned spray-enameling process. The enamel coating protects the inner tank, preventing corrosion of the low-carbon steel from direct contact with the water in the inner tank.

[0079] The inner tank of the water heater can be a horizontal tank with its axis roughly parallel to the horizontal plane, or a vertical tank with its axis roughly parallel to the direction of gravity. In the embodiments of the present application, the description is mainly based on the horizontal tank.

[0080] The inner liner includes a cylindrical body 10 and a first end cap 11 and a second end cap 12 located at both ends of the cylindrical body 10. The first end cap 11 is arranged to protrude away from the cylindrical body 10; the second end cap 12 is also arranged to protrude away from the cylindrical body 10. When both end caps of the inner liner are arranged to protrude away from the cylindrical body 10, the material utilization rate of the inner liner can be effectively improved, and the cost can be reduced. For an inner liner with a predetermined length and cross-sectional dimensions, the inner liner volume can be increased; for an inner liner with a predetermined volume and cross-sectional dimensions, the inner liner length can be shortened, and the reliability during use is high.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first end cap 11 is used to mount the functional components of the water heater. The first end cap 11 is provided with at least one mounting hole 110 for mounting the functional components. The specific form, size, and number of the mounting hole 110 may vary depending on the functional components to be mounted.

[0082] Specifically, the functional component may include an electric heating element, and the electric heating element is installed at the installation hole 110 .

[0083] The electric heating element is a component that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The electric heating element contacts the water in the inner pot, transferring the heat energy generated by the element to the water, thereby heating the water. One end of the electric heating element is fixed to the first end cap 11 through the mounting hole 110, and the other end extends into the water in the inner pot.

[0084] The water heater is provided with a controller. Specifically, the controller can be in the form of a main control board, which can be integrated into the water heater housing. Of course, the specific form and location of the controller are not limited to the above examples, and those skilled in the art can adapt it according to actual design requirements. The electric heating element is electrically connected to the controller. When an unexpected situation occurs, the controller receives an electrical signal and can control the electric heating element to stop working, preventing dry burning.

[0085] The electric heating elements can be divided into metal electric heating elements and non-metal electric heating elements according to their materials. The materials of the metal electric heating elements may be: nickel-chromium wire (Ni-Cr), iron-chromium-aluminum wire (Fe-Cr-Al), nickel-iron wire (Ni-Fe), nickel-copper wire (Ni-Cu), etc. The non-metallic electric heating elements may be: silicon carbide, silicon-molybdenum rod, PTC electric heating element, electric heating coating, etc. The specific material of the electric heating element is not limited in this application. For example, the electric heating element may be a metal heating rod or a tubular electric heating tube. The metal electric heating tube is a sealed electric heating element that is widely used, simple in structure, reliable in performance, and has a long service life among all the electric heating elements currently.

[0086] In addition, the number of the electric heating elements can be one or more.

[0087] In one embodiment, the electric heating element includes: a first electric heating element 21 and a second electric heating element 22 , and the first electric heating element 21 and the second electric heating element 22 are staggered.

[0088] When there are multiple electric heating elements, this application takes two as an example for illustration.

[0089] like Figure 11As shown, when the inner tank is a horizontal inner tank, the two electric heating elements can be staggered and distributed along the direction of gravity, and multiple electric heating elements are electrically connected to the controller. The controller can control the position and number of the electric heating elements to be turned on, so as to meet the different water output requirements of the water heater. For example, when the first electric heating element 21 and the second electric heating element 22 are turned on at the same time, the rapid heating requirement can be met; when the water temperature in the inner tank is close to the preset water outlet temperature set by the user, only one of the electric heating elements can be controlled to work; when the water temperature in the inner tank has reached the preset water outlet temperature set by the user, but the user currently has no water demand, one of the electric heating elements can be controlled to heat intermittently to maintain the water temperature in the inner tank above a certain temperature.

[0090] When the electric heating element includes a first electric heating element 21 and a second electric heating element 22, the mounting hole 110 includes a first mounting hole for mounting the first electric heating element 21 and a second mounting hole for mounting the second electric heating element 22. The specific positions of the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole can be determined comprehensively based on the required spacing distance between the electric heating elements, and the present application does not impose any specific restrictions thereon.

[0091] In some embodiments, the functional component further includes at least one of the following: an electronic anode 23 , a physical anode 24 , a temperature detection element 25 , and a high-temperature protection element 26 .

[0092] The functional component may also include an electronic anode 23. When this functional component includes the electronic anode 23, the mounting hole 110 further includes a third mounting hole for mounting the electronic anode 23. The electronic anode 23 is mounted on the first end cap 11 through the third mounting hole and extends into the inner tank of the water heater. For example, if the inner tank is a horizontal tank, the position of the electronic anode 23 in the inner tank of the water heater is higher than the electric heating element in the direction of gravity.

[0093] The electronic anode 23 can be in the shape of a tube or other shapes as a whole, with one end fixed on the first end cover 11 and the other end extending into the water in the inner tank. The end of the electronic anode 23 fixed to the inner tank is electrically connected to the controller. The position of the electronic anode 23 in the inner tank is higher than the position of the electric heating element in the vertical direction. This helps to ensure that when the electronic anode 23 is exposed to the water surface, the electric heating element is at least not completely exposed to the water surface. Furthermore, the electronic anode 23 extends in the same direction or towards the electric heating element. When the electronic anode 23 extends in the same direction or towards the electric heating element, it is helpful to control the height difference between the electronic anode 23 and the electric heating element, thereby ensuring the reliability of the installation process and the working process of the electric water heater.

[0094] The electronic anode 23 can be used to prevent corrosion of the inner container. Based on existing experiments and theories, the electronic anode 23 has a longer service life than the existing physical anode 24, such as a magnesium rod, and has a better anti-corrosion effect.

[0095] The electronic anode 23 can not only prevent the inner container from corrosion, but also detect the change of the water level in the inner container, which is equivalent to the function of a liquid level sensor. The specific principle of the electronic anode 23 detecting the change of the water level in the inner container is as follows:

[0096] The controller is electrically connected to the electronic anode 23. When the electronic anode 23 is working, if the electronic anode 23 contacts the water in the inner tank, it will continue to undergo electrochemical reactions to form a current loop. A certain voltage will be generated on the electronic anode 23 accordingly, which can be detected by the controller. If the electronic anode 23 is separated from the water surface, the voltage immediately fed back to the controller by the electronic anode 23 will have a sudden change from high to low or even from presence to absence, or in other words, the current fed back to the controller by the electronic anode 23 will also have a sudden change from large to small or even from presence to absence. When the controller receives the voltage / current change signal when the electronic anode 23 is separated from the water surface, it sends an electrical signal to the electric heating element, which can control the electric heating element to stop working, thereby having anti-dry burning and anti-explosion functions and high safety performance.

[0097] The inner tank can also be equipped with a liquid level sensor to detect water level changes. However, liquid level sensors are prone to scaling during use and can fail after a period of use. The present invention uses an electronic anode 23 to detect water level changes. Because its surface is acidic and not susceptible to scaling, scaling-induced failure during use is less likely. Furthermore, the electronic anode 23 can simultaneously achieve corrosion protection and water level detection, simplifying the structure and saving costs.

[0098] In some embodiments, the functional component may further include a physical anode 24 .

[0099] The material of the physical anode 24 can be a low-potential metal material, specifically magnesium, magnesium alloy, pure zinc, zinc alloy, aluminum alloy, etc. When the electric water heater is powered off, the physical anode 24 in the water can continue to undergo electrochemical reaction, thereby preventing the inner tank from being corroded.

[0100] When the functional component includes a physical anode 24, the mounting hole 110 may further include a fourth mounting hole for mounting the physical anode 24. The physical anode 24 is mounted on the first end cover 11 through the fourth mounting hole and extends into the water heater tank.

[0101] In some embodiments, the functional components may further include a high-temperature protection element 26. This high-temperature protection element 26 can be used to control the on / off relationship between the power cord and the controller. When the temperature inside the inner tank exceeds a preset safety temperature, the high-temperature protection element 26 can disconnect the circuit between the power cord and the main control board, effectively stopping power to the water heater. The specific value of this preset safety temperature may vary depending on the detection location and detection principle within the water heater, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions.

[0102] In an embodiment of the present application, an opening 120 with a predetermined aperture is provided on the second end cover 12. The opening 120 is used to allow an enameling device to extend into the inner liner during the inner liner manufacturing process to perform an enameling treatment on the inner surface of the inner liner. The opening 120 can be located at the center of the second end cover 12, or can be located at a non-center position of the second end cover 12. When the opening 120 is located at the center of the second end cover 12, after the enameling device extends through the center position, the enameling device and the inner liner rotate relative to each other in a circumferential direction. For example, the inner liner remains stationary while the enameling device rotates in a circumferential direction, thereby uniformly enameling the interior of the inner liner. In addition, when the opening 120 is located at the center of the second end cover 12, the sealing member 13 fixedly connected to the opening 120 is also located at the center of the second end cover 12. The fixed connection method can be welding or other connection methods. In the embodiment of the present application, the fixed connection method is mainly illustrated by welding.

[0103] When the sealing piece 13 is welded at the position of the opening 120 after the spraying is completed, a supporting force can be applied to the inner liner at the center of the two end covers along the axial direction of the inner liner, and the inner liner can be rotated circumferentially around the axis as the rotation axis, thereby achieving circumferentially uniform welding of the sealing piece 13 and the inner liner.

[0104] In some embodiments, the aperture of the opening 120 is between 60 mm and 90 mm.

[0105] In order to smoothly extend the enameling equipment through the opening 120 into the inner liner, the aperture of the opening 120 needs to be set to at least 60 mm; when the aperture of the opening 120 is appropriately enlarged on the basis of 60 mm, the aperture of the opening 120 can be appropriately increased without affecting the strength of the entire second end cover 12, the welding reliability and increasing the welding workload too much, so that there is still a certain adjustment margin after the enameling equipment is extended into the inner liner through the opening 120.

[0106] The sealing member 13 can be a cover structure that matches the opening 120. Specifically, the sealing member 13 is a cover that protrudes into the interior of the water heater tank, and the surface of the cover facing the interior of the tank has an enamel coating. Because the tank is a pressure-bearing structure, the sealing member 13 provided on the opening 120 is also a pressure-bearing structure. Therefore, the thickness of the sealing member 13 must meet certain strength requirements. Specifically, the thickness of the sealing member 13 can be at least 2 mm.

[0107] Theoretically, the thickness of the blocking piece 13 is proportional to the volume of the inner liner, and the thickness of the blocking piece 13 is proportional to the diameter of the blocking piece 13. The larger the volume of the inner liner (primarily the larger the diameter of the inner liner), the greater the deformation near the blocking piece 13, the higher the strength requirement for the blocking piece 13, and the thicker the wall of the blocking piece 13. The larger the diameter of the blocking piece 13, the weaker the strength, and the thicker the wall required.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 6 The center of the sealing member 13 is provided with a mating groove 130 for mating with the inner liner assembly tool. The center of the sealing member 13 is formed with a conical groove protruding into the inner liner. The conical groove can mate with the tip of the inner liner assembly tool, thereby facilitating the subsequent welding of the sealing member 13 to the inner liner wall at the opening 120.

[0109] The embodiment of the present application provides a water heater inner tank using a spraying process, wherein the first end cover 11 and the second end cover 12 of the inner tank protrude in a direction away from the cylinder 10; wherein the first end cover 11 is used for installing functional components, and the second end cover 12 is provided with an opening 120 for allowing the spraying equipment to extend into the inner tank to spray the inner surface of the inner tank, and a blocking member 13 is fixedly connected to the opening 120. Overall, the water heater inner tank using the above structure can effectively improve the material utilization rate of the inner tank and reduce costs. For an inner tank with a predetermined length and cross-sectional size, it can increase the volume of the inner tank; or for an inner tank with a predetermined volume and cross-sectional size, it can shorten the length of the inner tank and has high reliability during use.

[0110] In some embodiments, the opening 120 has a flange 121 bent toward the outside of the inner container; the blocking member 13 is sealed and fixed to the opening 120 via the flange 121 .

[0111] In this embodiment, the second end cap 12 may be provided with a flange 121 at the opening 120, and the flange 121 is used to seal and fix with the blocking member 13. Specifically, when the sealing and fixing method is welding, the flange 121 cooperates with the blocking member 13, and welding can be performed without affecting the enamel coating on the inner surface.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the flange 121 forms an annular cavity structure. The cross-section of the annular cavity structure can be a variable cross-section structure with a smaller cross-section in the middle and larger cross-sections at both ends. The variable cross-section structure can be used to form a matching structure between the sealing member 13 and the interior of the annular cavity structure, which is conducive to position limiting and sealing. The flange 121 can be specifically a bent structure formed by the bladder wall of the second end cap 12 at the opening 120 outward. The bent structure includes a first flange portion 1211 connected to the curved surface of the second end cap 12 and a second flange portion 1212 connected to the first flange portion 1211.

[0113] The second flange portion 1212 is used to cooperate with the blocking member 13, and the second flange portion 1212 can be used to limit the travel of the blocking member 13. Specifically, part of the inner wall of the second flange portion 1212 can be used to abut against part of the outer wall of the blocking member 13. For example, when the blocking member 13 is mounted on the inner liner through the flange 121, when part of the outer wall of the blocking member 13 contacts part of the inner wall of the second flange portion 1212, it indicates that the two are assembled in place. The inner wall that the second flange portion 1212 abuts against the blocking member 13 can be the portion where the second flange portion 1212 and the first flange portion 1211 intersect.

[0114] In one specific embodiment, the second flange portion 1212 can have a certain inclination angle; accordingly, the outer edge 132 of the cover of the blocking member 13 also has a certain inclination angle, and the inclination angle of the second flange portion 1212 matches (is the same as) the inclination angle of the cover outer edge 132. When the blocking member 13 is assembled with the flange 121, due to the matching inclination angles, the blocking member 13 automatically fits into the flange 121.

[0115] In order to prevent the enamel coating at the flange 121 from being damaged when the blocking member 13 cooperates with the flange 121, the inner container may be provided with a partial enamel coating at the flange 121. The surface of the cover of the blocking member 13 facing the inner container may also be partially provided with an enamel coating.

[0116] Specifically, the first flange portion 1211 can be a hollow annular structure as a whole, and the cross-sectional structure of a single side of the first flange portion 1211 can include at least one arc. The second flange portion 1212 can also be a hollow annular structure as a whole, and the cross-sectional structure of a single side of the second flange portion 1212 can be a straight, inclined, extended structure, a structure formed by connecting multiple arcs of different diameters, or a structure composed of a straight, inclined, extended structure and a structure connected by arcs, etc.

[0117] Since the blocking piece 13 and the flange 121 abut against each other after assembly, a boundary between the inner and outer parts is formed at the abutting portion. To ensure that the enamel coating within the boundary is not damaged when the blocking piece 13 and the flange 121 are engaged, the enamel coating can be applied only to the blocking piece 13 and the flange 121 within the boundary.

[0118] Specifically, when the sealing member 13 and the flange 121 are assembled in place, the outer edge 132 of the cover of the sealing member 13 abuts against the flange 121 (for example, the second flange portion 1212). At this time, the boundary position of the enamel coating on the flange 121 is exactly in contact with the boundary position of the enamel coating on the sealing member 13 or there is a small gap, that is, the enamel coating on the sealing member 13 can be in contact with or close to the enamel coating at the flange 121, thereby avoiding contact between the sealing member 13 and the enamel coating of the flange 121 and damaging the enamel coating; in addition, the inner surface of the liner can be completely covered or almost completely covered with the enamel coating, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of the liner.

[0119] Please refer to Figures 3 and 4 In one embodiment, the blocking member 13 is a cover body that protrudes toward the interior of the water heater tank. The surface of the cover body facing the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge 132 of the cover body is flush with the flange 121.

[0120] In this embodiment, the outer edge 132 of the cover can be flush or nearly flush with the flange 121. When welding the sealing member 13 to the flange 121 of the inner container, the welding gun can be directly aligned with the junction of the outer edge 132 of the cover and the flange 121. A first welding portion 14 is formed on the end surface of the cover where the outer edge 132 and the flange 121 are flush. Because the first welding portion 14 is formed away from the enamel coating of the cover and the inner container, the impact of the enamel coating on the cover and the inner container during the formation of the first welding portion 14 can be significantly reduced.

[0121] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6 In one embodiment, the blocking member 13 is a cover body that protrudes toward the interior of the water heater tank. The surface of the cover body facing the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge 132 of the cover body is higher than the flange 121.

[0122] For the structure in which the outer edge 132 of the cover is higher than the flange 121, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a first welding portion 14 is formed between the outer edge portion of the cover body that is higher than the flange 121 and the flange 121 .

[0123] In this embodiment, the enamel coatings on the sealing member 13 and the flange 121 are located within the abutment interface between the two. Welding is performed between the outer edge of the flange 121 and the outer edge of the sealing member 13, which is higher than the flange 121. This welding position is at a certain distance from both the flange 121 and the enamel coating on the sealing member 13, ensuring that less heat generated during welding is radiated to the enamel coating.

[0124] In a specific embodiment, the distance between the first welding portion 14 and the enamel coating on the inner surface of the inner tank near the opening 120 is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone 141, and the distance between the first welding portion 14 and the enamel coating on the surface of the cover body near the second end cover 12 is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone 141.

[0125] During welding, a heat-affected zone 141 is formed outward from the welding position. For specific welding equipment, the heat-affected zone 141 generated during welding has a predetermined radius. To ensure that the enamel coating is not affected during the formation of the first weld 14, the distance between the first weld 14 and the enamel coating on the inner surface of the liner near the opening 120 is greater than the radius of the heat-affected zone 141. Furthermore, the distance between the first weld 14 and the enamel coating on the surface of the cover body near the second end cap 12 is greater than the radius of the heat-affected zone 141.

[0126] In some embodiments, the barrel 10 is integrally formed with the first end cap 11 and / or the second end cap 12. The barrel 10 may be integrally formed with at least one of the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12. For example, the barrel 10 may be integrally formed with the first end cap 11 and fixedly connected to the second end cap 12; or the barrel 10 may be integrally formed with the second end cap 12 and fixedly connected to the first end cap 11; or the barrel 10 may be integrally formed with both the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12.

[0127] In other embodiments, the barrel 10 is fixedly connected to the first end cap 11 and / or the second end cap 12. The barrel 10 may be fixedly connected to at least one of the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12. For example, the barrel 10 may be fixedly connected to the first end cap 11, or the barrel 10 may be fixedly connected to the second end cap 12, or the barrel 10 may be fixedly connected to both the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12.

[0128] The fixed connection method may be welding. Of course, the specific method of the fixed connection may be other methods and is not limited to the above description. Those skilled in the art may make other changes based on the technical essence of this application. However, as long as the functions and effects achieved are the same or similar to those of this application, they shall be included in the scope of protection of this application.

[0129] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, a second welding portion 15 is formed between the cylinder 10 and the first end cover 11 and / or between the cylinder 10 and the second end cover 12 .

[0130] When the cylinder 10 is welded to the first end cap 11, a second weld 15 is formed at the welding position between the cylinder 10 and the first end cap 11. Similarly, when the cylinder 10 is welded to the second end cap 12, a second weld 15 is formed at the welding position between the cylinder 10 and the second end cap 12. When the second weld 15 is formed between the cylinder 10 and the first end cap 11 and / or between the cylinder 10 and the second end cap 12, the positions where the first end cap 11 and / or the second end cap 12 are welded to the cylinder 10 have a partially overlapping overlap structure, and the second weld 15 is located at the overlap structure.

[0131] Among them, the specific methods of welding the cylinder 10 to the first end cover 11 and the second end cover 12 can refer to each other. In the embodiment of the present application, the welding of the cylinder 10 and the first end cover 11 is mainly used as an example for explanation. The implementation method of welding the cylinder 10 and the second end cover 12 can refer to the implementation method of welding the cylinder 10 and the first end cover 11.

[0132] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the end of the first end cover 11 and / or the second end cover 12 is smaller than the inner diameter at the corresponding end of the cylinder 10, and the first end cover 11 and / or the second end cover 12 are partially inserted into the corresponding end of the cylinder 10 to form the overlap structure.

[0133] In this embodiment, taking the first end cover 11 as an example, the outer diameter of the end of the first end cover 11 is smaller than the inner diameter of the end of the cylinder 10 where it cooperates with the first end cover 11, so that part of the first end cover 11 can be inserted into the end of the cylinder 10, thereby forming a lap joint structure.

[0134] Taking the second end cover 12 as an example, the outer diameter of the end of the second end cover 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the end of the cylinder 10 where it cooperates with the second end cover 12, so that part of the second end cover 12 can be inserted into the end of the cylinder 10, thereby forming a lap joint structure.

[0135] Specifically, the second welding portion 15 is formed on the outer surface of the inner container at the overlap structure. This second welding portion 15 is formed at the overlap structure and is located on the outer surface of the inner container. This arrangement facilitates welding between the inner container and the first end cap 11 and the second end cap 12. Furthermore, since the surface shape of a welding structure is generally difficult to control, when this welding structure is provided on the outer surface of the inner container, it facilitates the subsequent formation of a stable enamel coating structure on the inner surface of the inner container, facilitating welding operations and preventing water in the inner container from directly contacting and corroding the second welding portion.

[0136] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second welding portion 15 is formed at the end of the cylinder 10 to weld the end of the cylinder 10 to the outer surface of the first end cover 11 and / or the second end cover 12 adjacent to the end.

[0137] When the second welding portion 15 is formed at the end of the cylinder 10 , welding can be performed between the end of the cylinder 10 and the outer surface of the end cover to be welded, thereby improving the reliability of the welding position and reducing the difficulty of the welding operation.

[0138] In a specific embodiment, the cylindrical body 10 is provided with a step portion 101 near an end thereof, so that the inner diameters of the two ends of the cylindrical body 10 are larger than the inner diameter of the middle portion of the cylindrical body 10 .

[0139] In this embodiment, a step portion 101 can be provided near the end of the cylinder 10, and the inner diameter of the step portion 101 is larger than the inner diameter of the middle portion of the cylinder 10. By providing the step portion 101 near the end of the cylinder 10, the inner diameter of the cylinder 10 near the end can be enlarged, allowing the end cap to be inserted into the end of the cylinder 10. In addition, the provision of the step portion 101 can apply a pre-tightening force to the end cap, so that when the end cap is inserted into the cylinder 10 for welding, the mating position of the two is relatively stable and less likely to shift, thereby ensuring welding accuracy.

[0140] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 The present application also provides a water heater in an embodiment. The water heater mainly includes the above-mentioned water heater inner tank. By providing the water heater inner tank, the water heater can achieve the technical effects achieved by the water heater inner tank embodiment. For details, please refer to the detailed description of the above-mentioned embodiment, and this application will not repeat them here. In addition, the water heater is also equipped with a water inlet assembly 27 for supplying external water to the inner tank, and a water outlet assembly 28 for outputting the heated water in the inner tank.

[0141] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used solely for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects. There is no order of precedence between the two, nor should they be understood to indicate or imply relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0142] The above-mentioned various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0143] The above are only a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are as above, the contents are only embodiments adopted to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art of the present invention may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in the present invention. However, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall still be based on the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water heater liner, characterized in that: The inner container comprises: a cylinder, and a first end cover and a second end cover provided at both ends of the cylinder, wherein the first end cover and the second end cover are respectively connected to the cylinder, and the first end cover and the second end cover are protruded in a direction away from the cylinder; The first end cover is provided with at least one mounting hole for assembling a functional component; The second end cover is provided with an opening, which is used for allowing the enameling equipment to extend into the inner liner to perform enameling treatment on the inner surface of the inner liner during the manufacturing process of the inner liner; a sealing member fixedly connected to the opening is provided at the opening; the inner surface of the inner liner has an enamel coating, which is formed by the enameling treatment.

2. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The functional component includes an electric heating element, and the electric heating element is installed at the installation hole.

3. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electric heating element includes a first electric heating element and a second electric heating element, and the first electric heating element and the second electric heating element are staggered.

4. The water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The functional components further include at least one of the following: an electronic anode, a physical anode, a temperature detection component, and a high-temperature protection element.

5. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening has a flange bent toward the outside of the inner container; the blocking piece is sealed and fixed to the opening through the flange.

6. The water heater inner tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The blocking member is a cover body that protrudes toward the interior of the water heater tank. The surface of the cover body that faces the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge of the cover body is higher than the flange.

7. The water heater inner tank according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first welding portion is formed between an outer edge portion of the cover body that is higher than the flange and the flange.

8. The water heater inner tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The blocking member is a cover body that protrudes toward the interior of the water heater tank. The surface of the cover body that faces the interior of the tank has an enamel coating, and the outer edge of the cover body is flush with the flange.

9. The water heater inner tank according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first welding portion is formed on the flush end surfaces of the outer edge of the cover body and the flange.

10. The water heater inner tank according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that: The distance between the first welding portion and the enamel coating on the inner surface of the liner near the opening is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone; the distance between the first welding portion and the enamel coating on the surface of the cover body near the outer edge of the cover is greater than the radiation radius of the welding heat affected zone.

11. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cylinder body is integrally formed with the first end cover and / or the second end cover.

12. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder is fixedly connected to the first end cover and / or the second end cover.

13. The water heater inner tank according to claim 12, wherein: A second welding portion is formed between the cylinder and the first end cover and / or between the cylinder and the second end cover.

14. The water heater inner tank according to claim 13, wherein: The position where the first end cover and / or the second end cover are welded to the cylinder has an overlapping structure with partial structural overlap, and the second welding portion is located at the overlapping structure.

15. The water heater inner tank according to claim 14, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the end of the first end cover and / or the second end cover is smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding end of the cylinder, and the first end cover and / or the second end cover are partially inserted into the corresponding end of the cylinder to form the overlapping structure.

16. The water heater inner tank according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second welding portion is formed on the outer surface of the inner container at the overlapping structure.

17. The water heater inner tank according to claim 14, wherein: The second welding portion is formed at the end of the cylinder to weld the end of the cylinder to the outer surface of the first end cover and / or the second end cover adjacent to the end.

18. The water heater inner tank according to claim 15, wherein: The cylinder is provided with a step portion near the end portion so that the inner diameters of the two ends of the cylinder are larger than the inner diameter of the middle portion of the cylinder.

19. The water heater inner tank according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is located at the center of the second end cover.

20. The water heater inner tank according to claim 19, wherein: The center of the blocking piece is provided with a matching groove for matching with the inner liner assembly tool.

21. The water heater inner tank according to claim 19, wherein: The aperture of the opening is between 60 mm and 90 mm.

22. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater inner tank comprises the water heater inner tank described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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