Gas water heater

Abstract

The invention discloses a gas water heater, and relates to the field of water heating equipment, the gas water heater comprises: a condensation heat exchanger, the condensation heat exchanger is provided with a heat exchange chamber and a condensation heat exchange pipeline located in the heat exchange chamber; the atomization assembly comprises a containing cavity, and condensed water in the heat exchange cavity can flow into the containing cavity; the atomizing part can atomize the condensed water in the accommodating cavity; the smoke exhaust pipe is communicated with the heat exchange cavity, and a first flow channel is formed from the atomization piece to the smoke exhaust pipe; and the blocking mechanism is arranged in the first flow channel and is used for blocking small liquid drops which are generated by the atomization piece and flow to the smoke exhaust pipe. The problem that water drips on the outdoor side of the external smoke exhaust pipeline connected with the gas water heater can be solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of water heating equipment, in particular to a gas water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the development process of gas water heater, improving energy conversion efficiency has always been one of the core directions of industry research and development. In order to achieve this goal, through the strengthening of flue gas waste heat recovery to reduce energy waste, it has become the current mainstream technical improvement path. Among them, the condensing heat exchanger is added downstream of the main heat exchanger of the gas water heater, and the waste heat is recovered by using the secondary heat exchange of flue gas and water flow. When cold water flows through the condensing heat exchanger, it will fully exchange heat with the high-temperature flue gas discharged by the main heat exchanger. In this process, the temperature of the flue gas is greatly reduced, and the water vapor contained in it is condensed and separated out when it reaches saturation state due to cold, forming condensate on the surface of the condensing heat exchanger. If this part of condensate is not treated in time, it may not only cause corrosion to the internal components of the equipment, but also affect the heat exchange efficiency, so effective drainage measures must be taken. In order to avoid the problems of complex installation and cost increase caused by laying external drainage pipe, the condensate atomizing device is usually configured inside the gas water heater in the prior art. The core design idea is to change the condensate into fine mist through the atomizing piece, so that the water mist can be discharged to the outdoor environment with the flue gas flow through the external flue gas exhaust pipe connected with the gas water heater, thereby realizing the condensate discharge without external pipeline.

[0003] However, the existing condensate atomizing device has obvious defects in actual operation. While the atomizing device produces a large amount of water mist, a certain amount of small droplets will also be generated. These small droplets will enter the external flue gas exhaust pipe connected with the gas water heater along with the flue gas flow, and will eventually be discharged to the outdoor environment along with the flue gas. After the above-mentioned small droplets are discharged, they will accumulate into water in the external flue gas exhaust pipe, thereby forming a dripping water phenomenon at the outdoor port of the external flue gas exhaust pipe. This dripping water problem will affect the use experience of the gas water heater, and will also cause continuous erosion to the outdoor wall surface, resulting in negative effects such as wall surface staining, moisture return and even wall structure damage, so a technical solution to solve this problem is urgently needed. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present application is to provide a gas water heater which can solve the problem of dripping water at the outdoor side of the external flue gas exhaust pipe connected with the gas water heater.

[0005] The specific technical scheme of the embodiments of the present application is:

[0006] A gas water heater, the gas water heater comprising:

[0007] a condensing heat exchanger, the condensing heat exchanger having a heat exchange chamber and a condensing heat exchange pipeline located in the heat exchange chamber;

[0008] an atomizing assembly, comprising: a containing cavity, into which the condensed water in the heat exchange chamber can flow; an atomizing member, which can atomize the condensed water in the containing cavity;

[0009] an exhaust pipe, which is in communication with the heat exchange chamber, and the atomizing member forms a first flow channel to the exhaust pipe;

[0010] a blocking mechanism, which is arranged in the first flow channel, for blocking the small droplets generated by the atomizing member and flowing to the exhaust pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the blocking mechanism is located upstream of the exhaust pipe or in the exhaust pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the water mist output part of the atomizing member is located upstream of the blocking mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, the water mist output part of the atomizing member is located in the containing cavity, the exhaust pipe is in communication with the containing cavity; the atomizing assembly comprises a shell forming the containing cavity, the shell has a mist outlet; the condensing heat exchanger comprises an outer shell forming the heat exchange chamber, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the outer shell.

[0014] Preferably, the gas water heater comprises: an extraction pipeline, which connects the mist outlet of the shell and the exhaust pipe in communication.

[0015] Preferably, at least part of the extraction pipeline is located in the heat exchange chamber, one end of the extraction pipeline is connected to the mist outlet of the shell, and the other end of the extraction pipeline is in communication with the exhaust pipe.

[0016] Preferably, in the vertical direction, the projection of the extraction pipeline is completely located within the projection of the exhaust pipe.

[0017] Preferably, in the vertical direction, the extraction pipeline is coaxially arranged with the exhaust pipe.

[0018] Preferably, in the vertical direction, the ratio of the diameter of the extraction pipeline to the diameter of the exhaust pipe is between 0.55 and 0.75.

[0019] Preferably, the uppermost end of the extraction pipeline is lower than the lowermost end of the exhaust pipe.

[0020] Preferably, the height difference between the uppermost end of the extraction pipeline and the lowermost end of the exhaust pipe is between 2mm and 10mm.

[0021] Preferably, the blocking mechanism is located in the containing cavity or in the extraction pipeline.

[0022] Preferably, the blocking mechanism is located in the containing cavity.

[0023] Preferably, at least part of the blocking mechanism is located directly above the atomizing component.

[0024] Preferably, the gas water heater comprises a liquid level detection assembly, the liquid level detection assembly having a detection liquid level for liquid level alarm.

[0025] When the blocking mechanism is located in the containing cavity, the height of the blocking mechanism is higher than the detection liquid level.

[0026] Preferably, when the blocking mechanism is located in the containing cavity, the projection of the blocking mechanism in the vertical direction at least blocks between 1 / 2 and 2 / 3 of the projection of the outlet pipeline.

[0027] Preferably, when the blocking mechanism is located in the containing cavity, the blocking mechanism is arranged in an inclined manner to form a guide surface for guiding the water mist generated by the atomizing component to the mist outlet and blocking the small droplets generated by the atomizing component from flowing to the mist outlet.

[0028] Preferably, the gas water heater comprises a combustion device for providing heat energy.

[0029] A main heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the combustion device in the flue gas flow direction, and the condensing heat exchanger is arranged downstream of the main heat exchanger in the flue gas flow direction.

[0030] A flow guide component is arranged on the shell, the flow guide component is used to communicate the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber or the flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger with the containing cavity, and the flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger or the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber flows into the containing cavity after flowing through the flow guide component.

[0031] In the vertical direction, the height of the blocking mechanism is higher than the height of the outlet of the flow guide component.

[0032] Preferably, the blocking mechanism is located on the other side of the containing cavity relative to the flow guide component.

[0033] Preferably, the blocking mechanism comprises a baffle.

[0034] Preferably, the baffle has a hollow structure.

[0035] Preferably, the baffle has at least two blocks, the two blocks of the baffle are arranged in a spaced manner, and the hollow structures on the adjacent two blocks of the baffle are distributed in a staggered manner.

[0036] Preferably, the atomizing assembly comprises a shell forming the containing cavity, and the shell has a mist outlet.

[0037] The housing has opposing front and rear side walls, left and right side walls, and the blocking mechanism is connected to three of the four side walls. There is a flow gap between the blocking mechanism and the fourth side wall, so that the lower part of the blocking mechanism communicates with the mist outlet through the flow gap.

[0038] Preferably, in the same horizontal direction, the area of ​​the smallest flow gap is between 0.1 and 0.4 of the area of ​​the receiving cavity.

[0039] Preferably, the gas water heater further includes:

[0040] A heating assembly for heating the condensate in the receiving cavity.

[0041] Preferably, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component; or, a windproof component 12 may be installed inside the exhaust pipe 6.

[0042] When the heating component is in the heating state, the blocking mechanism is used to block the water vapor generated by the condensate in the receiving cavity so that it turns into condensate and falls back to the bottom of the receiving cavity.

[0043] Preferably, the blocking mechanism is located within the receiving cavity.

[0044] Preferably, the gas water heater further includes:

[0045] A temperature detection element, wherein the temperature detection element is used to detect the temperature of the condensate in the receiving cavity, the ambient temperature, or the temperature of the water in the water circuit;

[0046] The control unit is electrically connected to the heating component and the temperature detection element, and is used to control the start and stop of the heating component according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection element.

[0047] Preferably, the control unit is used to control the heating assembly to operate when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a first preset temperature.

[0048] Preferably, when the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component, the windproof component includes: a pipe body; a rotating shaft installed inside the pipe body; a first flap and a second flap rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the first flap and the second flap being located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft and capable of rotating toward the outlet of the windproof component.

[0049] Preferably, when the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component,

[0050] The distance between the opening and closing mechanism in the windproof component and the outlet of the smoke exhaust pipe is within 200mm;

[0051] or,

[0052] The distance between the opening and closing mechanism in the windproof component and the outer casing of the gas water heater is within 300mm.

[0053] Preferably, the heating component is disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity; or, the atomizing component includes a housing forming the receiving cavity, and the heating component is fitted onto the outer wall surface of the housing.

[0054] Preferably, the atomizing component includes at least one of the following: an ultrasonic atomizing structure, a pressure atomizing structure, a centrifugal atomizing structure, or a pneumatic atomizing structure.

[0055] Preferably, the receiving cavity and the heat exchange chamber are the same chamber; or, the receiving cavity and the heat exchange chamber are two independent chambers.

[0056] The technical solution of the present invention has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0057] In this gas water heater, when flue gas passes through the heat exchange chamber of the condenser heat exchanger, heat exchange occurs between the flue gas and the condenser heat exchange pipes. Condensate forms on the condenser heat exchange pipes, and the condensate drips into the heat exchange chamber and flows into the receiving cavity. An atomizing element in the receiving cavity atomizes the condensate into water mist. Simultaneously, the atomizing element also atomizes some of the condensate into small droplets that splash out. The water mist, mixed with small liquid droplets, is discharged outside the exhaust pipe through the first flow channel formed by the atomizing element and the exhaust pipe. During this process, a blocking mechanism is installed in the first flow channel. This mechanism can block the small droplets generated by the atomizing element from flowing towards the exhaust pipe, while most of the water mist can still bypass the blocking mechanism and be discharged from the exhaust pipe. The blocked small droplets are intercepted on the blocking mechanism and flow back, unable to be discharged from the exhaust pipe. This significantly reduces the adhesion of small droplets to the inside of the external exhaust pipe, lowering the possibility of dripping at the outdoor port of the external exhaust pipe, thereby reducing the degree of damage to the outer wall structure of the external exhaust pipe.

[0058] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail below with reference to the description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for 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. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser heat exchanger and atomizing component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser heat exchanger and atomizing component in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the exhaust pipe connected to the windproof component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a pressure-type atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a centrifugal atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0068] 1. Combustion device; 2. Main heat exchanger; 3. Fan; 4. Condensing heat exchanger; 41. Heat exchange chamber; 42. Shell; 43. Exhaust port; 44. Condensing heat exchange pipeline; 5. Atomizing assembly; 51. Shell; 52. Receiving cavity; 53. Mist outlet; 54. Atomizing element; 541. Atomizing rotating component; 542. Liquid supply unit; 543. Gas source unit; 544. Gas-liquid mixing nozzle; 545. High-pressure liquid supply unit; 546. Atomizing nozzle; 6. Exhaust pipe; 7. Blocking mechanism; 71. Baffle; 8. Outlet pipeline; 9. Liquid level detection assembly; 10. Flow guiding component; 101. Connecting port; 102. Flow guiding channel; 11. Heating assembly; 12. Windproof assembly; 13. Flow guiding pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on the invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal communication between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0070] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0071] In order to solve the problem of water dripping from the external exhaust pipe connected to the gas water heater on the outdoor side, this application proposes a gas water heater. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the condenser heat exchanger and atomizing component in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the condenser heat exchanger and atomizing component in another embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a gas water heater may include: a condensing heat exchanger 4, which has a heat exchange chamber 41 and a condensing heat exchange pipe 44 located in the heat exchange chamber 41; an atomizing assembly 5, which includes: a receiving cavity 52, through which condensate in the heat exchange chamber 41 can flow into the receiving cavity 52; an atomizing element 54 that can atomize the condensate in the receiving cavity 52; a flue pipe 6, which is connected to the heat exchange chamber 41, and a first flow channel is formed between the atomizing element 54 (the water mist output part of the atomizing element) and the flue pipe 6; and a blocking mechanism 7, which is disposed in the first flow channel to block small droplets generated by the atomizing element 54 that flow towards the flue pipe 6.

[0072] In this application, when the flue gas passes through the heat exchange chamber 41 of the condenser heat exchanger 4, heat exchange occurs between the flue gas and the condenser heat exchange pipe 44, causing condensation to form on the condenser heat exchange pipe 44. The condensate drips into the heat exchange chamber 41 and then flows into the receiving chamber 52. The atomizing element 54 in the receiving chamber 52 atomizes the condensate into water mist. Simultaneously, the atomizing element 54 also atomizes some of the condensate into small droplets that splash out. The water mist, mixed with the small liquid droplets, is discharged from the exhaust pipe 6 through the first flow channel formed by the atomizing element 54. During this process, a blocking mechanism 7 is installed in the first flow channel. This blocking mechanism 7 can block the small droplets generated by the atomizing element 54 that flow towards the exhaust pipe 6, while most of the water mist can still bypass the blocking mechanism 7 and be discharged from the exhaust pipe 6. The blocked small droplets are intercepted on the blocking mechanism 7 and flow back, unable to be discharged from the exhaust pipe 6. This significantly reduces the amount of small droplets adhering to the inside of the external exhaust duct, lowering the likelihood of water dripping from the outside of the duct and thus reducing the extent of damage to the outer wall structure of the external exhaust duct.

[0073] To better understand the gas water heater in this application, further explanation and description will be provided below. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a gas water heater may include: a condenser heat exchanger 4, an atomizing assembly 5, a flue pipe 6, and a baffle mechanism 7. The condenser heat exchanger 4 has a heat exchange chamber 41 and a condenser heat exchange pipe 44 located within the heat exchange chamber 41. The heat exchange chamber 41 is used to receive the flue gas discharged from the main heat exchanger 2 for secondary heat exchange, thereby improving heat utilization efficiency. At least a portion of the cold water input to the gas water heater passes through the condenser heat exchange pipe 44 for preheating. Generally, all the cold water input to the gas water heater may first pass through the condenser heat exchange pipe 44.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 3As shown, the atomizing assembly 5 may include: a receiving cavity 52, into which condensate from the heat exchange chamber 41 flows; and an atomizing element 54 that atomizes the condensate in the receiving cavity 52. ​​The receiving cavity 52 is connected to the heat exchange chamber 41, allowing condensate formed on the condensation heat exchange pipe 44 to drip into the heat exchange chamber 41 and then flow into the receiving cavity 52. ​​The exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the heat exchange chamber 41 and the receiving cavity 52. ​​After the flue gas enters the condensation heat exchanger 4 and exchanges heat with the condensation heat exchange pipe 44, it can be discharged from the exhaust pipe 6. The atomizing element 54 atomizes the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 to form a water mist, which is then discharged from the receiving cavity 52 through the first flow channel formed by the atomizing element 54 and the exhaust pipe 6. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 52 and the heat exchange chamber 41 can be the same chamber. The atomizing element 54 can directly atomize the condensate in the heat exchange chamber 41 to form water mist, which is then discharged from the exhaust pipe 6 along with the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber 41. In another embodiment, the receiving cavity 52 and the heat exchange chamber 41 are two independent chambers. In this embodiment, the water mist output portion of the atomizing element 54 is located in the receiving cavity 52, and the exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the receiving cavity 52. ​​The atomizing assembly 5 may include a housing 51 forming the receiving cavity 52, and the housing 51 has a mist outlet 53. The condensing heat exchanger 4 may include a shell 42 forming the heat exchange chamber 41, and the exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the exhaust outlet 43 of the shell 42. The receiving cavity 52 can be connected to the heat exchange chamber 41 through a connecting structure. Furthermore, the gas water heater may include: a lead-out pipe 8, which connects the mist outlet 53 of the housing 51 to the flue pipe 6, thereby guiding the water mist discharged from the mist outlet 53 of the housing 51 to the inlet of the flue pipe 6. To accelerate the flow of water mist generated in the receiving cavity 52 to the flue pipe 6 and its discharge from the gas water heater, the gas water heater may include: a flow guide component 10 disposed on the housing 51, which connects the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber 41 or the flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger 2 to the receiving cavity 52. ​​The flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger 2 or the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber 41 flows into the receiving cavity 52 after passing through the flow guide component 10. In this way, the flue gas can carry the water mist and discharge it from the gas water heater through the flue pipe 6, thus greatly increasing the speed of water mist discharge.

[0075] For the flow guiding component 10, as feasible, a flow guiding channel 102 with a connecting port 101 is formed within the flow guiding component 10, and the connecting port 101 communicates with the atomizing chamber. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the inlet of the flow guide channel 102 can be connected to the heat exchange chamber 41, such as... Figure 3As shown, the flue gas discharged from the main heat exchanger 2 can also be connected through the guide pipe 13, that is, the inlet of the guide pipe 13 can be located between the outlet of the main heat exchanger 2 and the inlet of the heat exchange chamber 41. Furthermore, the guide component 10 can be composed of a portion of the side of the shell 51 and a guide shroud disposed on the first side of the shell 51. The guide shroud extends downward from the inlet of the guide channel 102, and a connecting port 101 is disposed on the guide component 10. The connecting port 101 is formed by the end of the guide shroud and a guide plate disposed at the lower part of the end of the guide shroud. This structure allows the flue gas entering the guide component 10 to diffuse evenly within the guide component 10, so that it can be stably and evenly output from the connecting port 101 and flow towards the water surface above the atomizing element 54 to generate water mist.

[0076] The area of ​​the connecting port 101 is larger than the area of ​​the inlet of the guide channel 102 in order to disperse the airflow flowing in from the inlet of the guide channel 102.

[0077] The atomizing element 54 is used to atomize condensed water into a water mist, and small droplets are generated during the atomization process. The atomizing element 54 can employ various atomization structures available in the prior art, and this application does not impose any limitations on it. As feasible, the atomizing element 54 may include at least one of the following: an ultrasonic atomization structure, a pressure atomization structure, a centrifugal atomization structure, a pneumatic atomization structure, etc. Considering that the atomizing element 54 can adopt different structural forms, the water mist output section of the atomizing element 54 is located upstream of the blocking mechanism 7, and the placement of the remaining components is not limited. For example, the ultrasonic atomization structure uses an ultrasonic transducer to atomize the condensed water. The ultrasonic transducer may include a piezoelectric ceramic plate; when a high-frequency electrical signal is applied, the piezoelectric ceramic plate will undergo high-frequency mechanical vibration to atomize the condensed water. For another example... Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a pressure-type atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the pressure atomizing structure utilizes high-pressure liquid to form water mist through an atomizing nozzle 546. The atomizing nozzle 546 has a guide channel and a nozzle orifice inside, allowing the high-pressure liquid output from the high-pressure liquid supply unit 545 to enter the guide channel of the atomizing nozzle 546 and then be ejected from the nozzle orifice to form water mist. For example, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifugal atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the centrifugal atomizing structure relies on the centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation to atomize condensed water. It may include a power drive unit, an atomizing rotating component 541, and a liquid supply unit 542. The power drive unit drives the atomizing rotating component 541 to rotate at high speed, and the liquid supply unit 542 delivers condensed water to the high-speed rotating atomizing component 541. The atomizing rotating component 541, under high-speed rotation, disperses the condensed water to form a water mist. For example, Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic atomizing structure in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the pneumatic atomizing structure utilizes the shearing force of a high-speed airflow to break up liquid into droplets. It may include an air source unit 543, a gas-liquid mixing nozzle 544, and a liquid supply unit 542. The air source unit 543 supplies compressed air to the gas-liquid mixing nozzle 544, while the liquid supply unit 542 supplies condensate to the nozzle. When the gas-liquid mixing nozzle 544 is an internal mixing type, the condensate and high-pressure airflow mix inside the nozzle, forming a two-phase gas-liquid flow before being ejected to form a water mist. When the gas-liquid mixing nozzle 544 is an external mixing type, the condensate flows out from the central nozzle, and the high-pressure airflow is ejected from the surrounding annular channel, shearing the condensate outside the nozzle to form a water mist.

[0078] The blocking mechanism 7 can be disposed in the first flow channel to block small droplets generated by the atomizing element 54 flowing towards the exhaust pipe 6. When the atomizing element 54 includes an ultrasonic atomizing structure, the blocking mechanism 7 can be located upstream of or within the exhaust pipe 6. For example, the blocking mechanism 7 can be disposed in the receiving cavity 52, in the exhaust pipe 6, or between the exhaust port 53 of the housing 51 and the exhaust pipe 6. Preferably, to facilitate the blocking mechanism 7 intercepting the small droplets and allowing them to flow directly back into the receiving cavity 52, the blocking mechanism 7 can be located upstream of the exhaust pipe 6. For example, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the blocking mechanism 7 can be located within the receiving cavity 52 or within the outlet pipe 8. Since the small droplets generated during atomization by the atomizing element 54 first appear within the atomizing assembly 5, the blocking mechanism 7 can achieve the best blocking effect by blocking the small droplets within the atomizing assembly 5, without affecting the emission of flue gas from the condenser heat exchanger 4. When the atomizing element 54 includes at least one of the following: ultrasonic atomization structure, pressure atomization structure, centrifugal atomization structure, or pneumatic atomization structure, the atomizing element 54 and the blocking mechanism 7 can be located within the exhaust pipe 6.

[0079] Since the exhaust port 53 on the housing 51 is located on the upper end face of the housing 51, the flue gas entering the receiving cavity 52 flows upward, thus carrying the flue gas and small liquids from the exhaust port 53 into the outlet pipe 8. Additionally, a large portion of the small droplets generated during atomization by the atomizing element 54 splashes towards the directly upward area. Therefore, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least part of the blocking mechanism 7 can be located directly above the atomizing element 54, thereby increasing the possibility of blocking small amounts of liquid generated by the atomizing element 54.

[0080] As a feasible option, when the blocking mechanism 7 is located within the receiving cavity 52, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the vertical direction, the projection of the blocking mechanism 7 blocks at least 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the projection of the outlet pipe 8. In this way, most of the small droplets that splash upwards during atomization by the atomizing element 54 are blocked by the blocking mechanism 7, preventing them from further entering the outlet pipe 8.

[0081] The water mist output section of the atomizing element can be an ultrasonic transducer, atomizing nozzle, atomizing rotating component, gas-liquid mixing nozzle, etc., in different ways.

[0082] As a feasible option, when the blocking mechanism 7 is located within the receiving cavity 52, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the blocking mechanism 7 can be inclined to form a guide surface that directs the water mist generated by the atomizing element 54 to the mist outlet 53 and blocks the small droplets generated by the atomizing element 54 flowing towards the mist outlet 53. By setting the guide surface, the effect of blocking small droplets can be guaranteed, and the guiding effect of the water mist generated by the atomizing element 54 towards the mist outlet 53 can be improved, thus accelerating the discharge of water mist.

[0083] In the vertical direction, the height of the blocking mechanism 7 is higher than the height of the outlet of the guide component 10, thereby allowing the flue gas flowing out of the outlet of the guide component 10 to carry water mist around the blocking mechanism 7 and be discharged from the mist outlet 53, ensuring the efficiency of water mist discharge. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the blocking mechanism 7 can be located on the opposite side of the flow guide 10 in the receiving cavity 52, thereby minimizing the dead angle below the blocking mechanism 7. The flue gas flowing out of the outlet of the flow guide 10 can flow through most of the area below the blocking mechanism 7 to carry water mist out.

[0084] Alternatively, the gas water heater may include: a liquid level detection component 9, which has a liquid level detection function for liquid level alarm. When the blocking mechanism 7 is located within the receiving cavity 52, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the height of the blocking mechanism 7 needs to be higher than the detection liquid level; otherwise, the blocking mechanism 7 may interfere with the condensate accumulated in the receiving cavity 52, affecting the blocking mechanism 7's function of blocking small droplets and also affecting the atomization work of the atomizing component 54.

[0085] In one feasible implementation, the blocking mechanism 7 may include a baffle 71. The baffle 71 effectively intercepts small droplets generated by the atomizing element 54 that are directed towards the baffle 71. Furthermore, the baffle 71 may have a perforated structure. Although the perforated structure reduces the possibility of intercepting small droplets, it helps the flue gas carrying water mist to pass directly through the blocking mechanism 7 and be discharged without bypassing it, thus increasing the amount of water mist discharged to some extent. Furthermore, the baffle 71 may consist of at least two baffles 71, spaced apart, with the perforated structures on adjacent baffles 71 staggered. In this method, the two baffles 71 are staggered by their hollowed-out structures. Since the mass of the small droplets is much greater than that of the water mist, they cannot make a sharp turn like water mist. Therefore, the two baffles 71 can ensure the interception of most of the small droplets facing the baffles 71. After passing through the hollowed-out structure of the first baffle 71, the small droplets will be intercepted by the non-hollowed-out part of the second baffle 71. The flue gas carrying water mist can make a sharp turn after passing through the hollowed-out structure of the first baffle 71 and then pass through the hollowed-out structure of the second baffle 71. Therefore, the amount of flue gas carrying water mist discharged will not be greatly affected.

[0086] More specifically, the housing 51 may have opposing front and rear side walls, left and right side walls. The blocking mechanism 7 is connected to three of the four side walls, and a flow gap exists between the blocking mechanism 7 and the fourth side wall, allowing the lower part of the blocking mechanism 7 to communicate with the mist outlet 53 through the flow gap. At least a portion of the water mist generated by the atomizing element 54 can bypass the blocking mechanism 7 through the flow gap and then be discharged from the mist outlet 53. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the smallest point of the flow gap in the same horizontal direction can be between 0.1 and 0.4 of the area of ​​the receiving cavity 52. ​​This method ensures that most of the small droplets splashing upwards during atomization by the atomizing element 54 are blocked by the blocking mechanism 7, preventing them from further entering the outlet pipe 8, while also ensuring that the water mist generated by the atomizing element 54 can smoothly pass through the flow gap between the blocking mechanism 7 and the housing 51 and be discharged from the outlet pipe 8 to the exhaust pipe 6, thereby ensuring timely discharge of condensate and preventing accumulation.

[0087] When the exhaust port 53 of the shell 51 is connected to the flue pipe 6 via the lead-out pipe 8, at least a portion of the lead-out pipe 8 can be located in the heat exchange chamber 41. One end of the lead-out pipe 8 is connected to the exhaust port 53 of the shell 51, and the other end is connected to the flue pipe 6. When the flue gas carrying water mist from the receiving chamber 52 enters the flue pipe 6 through the lead-out pipe 8, in order to minimize the impact of the water mist on the inner wall of the flue pipe 6 during its upward flow, thus preventing the water mist from condensing back into liquid water, the projection of the lead-out pipe 8 can be completely located within the projection of the flue pipe 6 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the lead-out pipe 8 can be coaxially arranged with the flue pipe 6, which can minimize the impact of water mist on the inner wall of the flue pipe 6, thus preventing the water mist from condensing back into liquid water.

[0088] In the above embodiment, in the vertical direction, the ratio of the diameter of the outlet pipe 8 to the diameter of the exhaust pipe 6 can be controlled within the range of 0.55-0.75. This allows the outlet pipe 8 to have a relatively large diameter to ensure efficient discharge of the flue gas carrying water mist, and also greatly reduces the possibility of water mist impacting the inner wall of the exhaust pipe 6 during the upward flow.

[0089] In the above embodiment, to ensure that the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber 41 of the condenser heat exchanger 4 can enter the exhaust pipe 6 at a large flow rate through the gap between the upper end of the vertical outlet pipe 8 and the lower end of the exhaust pipe 6, the uppermost end of the outlet pipe 8 is lower than the lowermost end of the exhaust pipe 6. Preferably, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the height difference between the uppermost end of the outlet pipe 8 and the lowermost end of the flue gas pipe 6 can be controlled between 2mm and 10mm. This ensures that the flue gas discharged from the outlet pipe 8 carries water mist and flows directly into the flue gas pipe 6 as much as possible to increase the discharge speed of the water mist, while also ensuring that the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber 41 of the condenser heat exchanger 4 can be discharged into the flue gas pipe at a large flow rate with relatively low resistance.

[0090] As a feasible option, such as Figure 1As shown, a gas water heater may include: a combustion device 1, which provides heat energy; a main heat exchanger 2, which is located downstream of the combustion device 1 along the flue gas flow direction; and a condensing heat exchanger 4, which is also located downstream of the main heat exchanger 2 along the flue gas flow direction. The main heat exchanger 2 is used to exchange heat with the high-temperature flue gas output from the combustion device 1, thereby heating the water flowing through the main heat exchanger 2. After passing through the main heat exchanger 2, the high-temperature flue gas is transformed into flue gas with a relatively lower temperature. The gas water heater may also include: a fan 3, which drives the high-temperature flue gas generated by the combustion device 1 to flow sequentially through the main heat exchanger 2 and the condensing heat exchanger 4. The flue gas, after being heated by the main heat exchanger 2, is input into the condensing heat exchanger 4 by the fan 3 for further heat exchange, thereby heating the water in the condensing heat exchange pipe 44 flowing through the condensing heat exchanger 4. The preheated water then flows back into the main heat exchanger 2 for further heating to reach the user-set temperature.

[0091] Generally, the atomizing element 54 can only operate after the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 reaches its minimum rated volume. If the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 is too low, the atomizing element 54 cannot work, and therefore cannot completely atomize the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 without any residue. In another possible scenario, the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 may not have been atomized, leaving some residue. When the gas water heater is not in use, if there is residual condensate in the receiving cavity 52, and the weather temperature drops below the freezing point, the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 may freeze. This freezing may damage the atomizing element 54, affecting its service life or causing direct damage, or may cause the shell 51 forming the receiving cavity 52 to freeze and crack. Therefore, the gas water heater may include a heating element 11, which is used to heat the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 to prevent the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 from freezing when the weather temperature drops below the freezing point.

[0092] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heating component 11 can be disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity 52, thereby directly heating the condensate in the receiving cavity 52. ​​Alternatively, the heating component 11 can also be disposed in close contact with the outer wall of the housing 51, thereby heating the condensate by transferring heat to the outer wall of the housing 51 and then to the condensate in the receiving cavity 52.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the exhaust pipe connected to the windproof component in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 4As shown, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 6 of the gas water heater can be connected to a windproof component 12; or, a windproof component 12 can be installed inside the exhaust pipe 6. When the gas water heater is running, the generated flue gas can open the windproof component 12, allowing the flue gas to be discharged to the outside through the windproof component 12. When the gas water heater is not running, the windproof component 12 is closed to prevent outdoor wind from flowing back into the house through the windproof component 12. When the gas water heater is not in use, there is residual condensate in the containment cavity 52. ​​When the weather temperature drops below the freezing point, the heating component 11 will heat the condensate in the containment cavity 52. ​​The heated condensate will turn into water vapor, which will rise from the exhaust pipe 6 to the windproof component 12. Because the temperature at the windproof component 12 is low (the outside of the windproof component is connected to the outdoor air), the water vapor will freeze directly into ice. As the frozen ice gradually increases, it will freeze the windproof component 12, preventing it from opening. This would cause the gas water heater to shut down when it is turned on, as the flue gas produced by the gas water heater cannot be discharged outdoors through the windproof component 12. Therefore, the outlet of the flue pipe 6 of the gas water heater in this application is connected to the windproof component 12. When the heating component 11 is in the heating state, the blocking mechanism 7 can be used to block the water vapor generated by the condensate in the receiving cavity 52, causing it to turn into condensate and fall back to the bottom of the receiving cavity 52. ​​This reduces the amount of water vapor rising to the windproof component 12, which could cause the windproof component 12 to freeze.

[0094] To reduce the possibility of the windproof component 12 being completely frozen, when the outlet of the exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the windproof component 12, the windproof component 12 may include: a pipe body; a rotating shaft installed inside the pipe body; and a first flap and a second flap rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. The first flap and the second flap are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft and can rotate towards the outlet of the windproof component 12. With the above structure, even if one of the flaps is frozen, the windproof component 12 can still be opened. When the windproof component 12 is installed inside the exhaust pipe 6, the flaps and the rotating shaft can be installed inside the exhaust pipe 6.

[0095] To reduce the risk of freezing of the windproof component 12 due to cold air exposure, the opening and closing mechanism (including the pivot, first flap, and second flap) of the windproof component 12 is positioned close to the outlet of the exhaust pipe 6. Actual testing revealed that when the outlet of the exhaust pipe 6 is connected to the windproof component 12, keeping the distance between the opening and closing mechanism of the windproof component 12 and the outlet of the gas water heater's exhaust pipe 6 within 200mm effectively reduces the likelihood of freezing of components such as the pivot, first flap, and second flap. Alternatively, the distance between the opening and closing mechanism and the outer casing of the gas water heater can be kept as close as possible to 300mm.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the blocking mechanism 7 can preferably be disposed in the receiving cavity 52. ​​In this way, after the condensate in the receiving cavity 52 is heated and the water vapor is generated, the water vapor is blocked by the blocking mechanism 7 and turns into condensate, which immediately falls back to the bottom of the receiving cavity 52.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the gas water heater may include: a temperature detection element, used to detect the temperature of the condensate in the receiving cavity 52, the ambient temperature, or the water temperature in the water circuit; and a control unit, electrically connected to the heating assembly 11 and the temperature detection element, used to control the start and stop of the heating assembly 11 according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection element. Alternatively, the control unit may control the heating assembly 11 to operate when the temperature detected by the temperature detection element is lower than or equal to a first preset temperature. Alternatively, the first preset temperature may be a temperature slightly higher than or equal to zero degrees Celsius.

[0098] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified element, component, part, or step, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute “may” include is optional. Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “an” used to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0099] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas water heater, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes: A condensing heat exchanger having a heat exchange chamber and condensing heat exchange piping located in the heat exchange chamber; An atomizing assembly, comprising: a receiving cavity into which condensate in the heat exchange chamber can flow; and an atomizing element capable of atomizing the condensate in the receiving cavity; A flue pipe is connected to the heat exchange chamber, and a first flow channel is formed between the atomizing element and the flue pipe. A blocking mechanism is disposed in the first flow channel to block small droplets generated by the atomizing element that flow towards the exhaust pipe.

2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism is located upstream of the exhaust pipe or inside the exhaust pipe.

3. The gas water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water mist output section of the atomizing element is located upstream of the blocking mechanism.

4. The gas water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water mist output portion of the atomizing element is located in the receiving cavity, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the receiving cavity; the atomizing assembly includes a housing forming the receiving cavity, and the housing has a mist outlet; the condenser heat exchanger includes an outer shell forming the heat exchange chamber, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust outlet of the outer shell.

5. The gas water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes: an outlet pipe that connects the mist outlet of the housing to the flue pipe.

6. The gas water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least a portion of the outlet pipe is located in the heat exchange chamber, one end of the outlet pipe is connected to the mist outlet of the shell, and the other end of the outlet pipe is connected to the flue pipe.

7. The gas water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the projection of the outlet pipe is completely within the projection of the exhaust pipe.

8. The gas water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the outlet pipe is coaxially arranged with the exhaust pipe.

9. The gas water heater according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the ratio of the diameter of the outlet pipe to the diameter of the exhaust pipe is between 0.55 and 0.

75.

10. The gas water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The uppermost end of the outlet pipe is lower than the lowermost end of the exhaust pipe.

11. The gas water heater according to claim 10, characterized in that, The height difference between the uppermost end of the outlet pipe and the lowermost end of the exhaust pipe is between 2mm and 10mm.

12. The gas water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism is located inside the receiving cavity or inside the outlet pipe.

13. The gas water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism is located within the receiving cavity.

14. The gas water heater according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, At least a portion of the blocking mechanism is located directly above the atomizing element.

15. The gas water heater according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes: a liquid level detection component, the liquid level detection component having a liquid level detection function for liquid level alarm; When the blocking mechanism is located inside the receiving cavity, the height of the blocking mechanism is higher than the detected liquid level.

16. The gas water heater according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the blocking mechanism is located within the receiving cavity, in the vertical direction, the projection of the blocking mechanism obscures at least 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the projection of the outlet pipe.

17. The gas water heater according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, When the blocking mechanism is located within the receiving cavity, the blocking mechanism is inclined to form a guide surface that directs the water mist generated by the atomizing element to the mist outlet and blocks the small droplets generated by the atomizing element flowing toward the mist outlet.

18. The gas water heater according to claim 17, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes: a combustion device, which is used to provide heat energy; The main heat exchanger is located downstream of the combustion device along the flue gas flow direction, and the condensing heat exchanger is located downstream of the main heat exchanger along the flue gas flow direction. A flow guiding component is provided on the housing. The flow guiding component is used to connect the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber or the flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger with the receiving cavity. The flue gas flowing out of the main heat exchanger or the flue gas in the heat exchange chamber flows into the receiving cavity after passing through the flow guiding component. In the vertical direction, the height of the blocking mechanism is higher than the height of the outlet of the flow guiding component.

19. The gas water heater according to claim 18, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism is located on the opposite side of the receiving cavity relative to the flow guiding component.

20. The gas water heater according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism includes a baffle.

21. The gas water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that, The baffle has a hollow structure.

22. The gas water heater according to claim 21, characterized in that, The baffle has at least two pieces, which are arranged at intervals, and the hollow structures on adjacent baffles are staggered.

23. The gas water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that, The atomizing assembly includes a housing forming the receiving cavity, and the housing has a mist exhaust port; The housing has opposing front and rear side walls, left and right side walls, and the blocking mechanism is connected to three of the four side walls. There is a flow gap between the blocking mechanism and the fourth side wall, so that the lower part of the blocking mechanism communicates with the mist outlet through the flow gap.

24. The gas water heater according to claim 23, characterized in that, In the same horizontal direction, the area of ​​the minimum flow gap is between 0.1 and 0.4 of the area of ​​the receiving cavity.

25. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas water heater also includes: A heating assembly for heating the condensate in the receiving cavity.

26. The gas water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that, The outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component; or, a windproof component is installed inside the exhaust pipe. When the heating component is in the heating state, the blocking mechanism is used to block the water vapor generated by the condensate in the receiving cavity so that it turns into condensate and falls back to the bottom of the receiving cavity.

27. The gas water heater according to claim 26, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism is located within the receiving cavity.

28. The gas water heater according to claim 26, characterized in that, The gas water heater also includes: A temperature detection element, which is used to detect the temperature of the condensate in the containment cavity, the ambient temperature, or the temperature of the water in the water circuit; The control unit is electrically connected to the heating component and the temperature detection element, and is used to control the start and stop of the heating component according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection element.

29. The gas water heater according to claim 28, characterized in that, The control unit is used to control the heating assembly to operate when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a first preset temperature.

30. The gas water heater according to claim 26, characterized in that, When the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component, the windproof component includes: a pipe body; a rotating shaft installed inside the pipe body; a first flap and a second flap rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the first flap and the second flap being located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft and capable of rotating toward the outlet of the windproof component.

31. The gas water heater according to claim 26, characterized in that, When the outlet of the exhaust pipe is connected to a windproof component, The distance between the opening and closing mechanism in the windproof component and the outlet of the smoke exhaust pipe is within 200mm; or, The distance between the opening and closing mechanism in the windproof component and the outer casing of the gas water heater is within 300mm.

32. The gas water heater according to claim 27, characterized in that, The heating component is disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity; or, the atomizing component includes a housing forming the receiving cavity, and the heating component is attached to the outer wall surface of the housing.

33. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing component includes at least one of the following: ultrasonic atomizing structure, pressure atomizing structure, centrifugal atomizing structure, and pneumatic atomizing structure.

34. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving cavity and the heat exchange chamber are the same chamber; or, the receiving cavity and the heat exchange chamber are two independent chambers.

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