Water heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater which comprises a water temperature sensor, a thermal circuit breaker and a heating device switch, and the thermal circuit breaker and the heating device switch are connected to a working circuit of a heating device in series. The water temperature sensor is arranged on the heat exchange structure and used for detecting the water temperature of water in the heat exchange structure, and the heating device switch is used for disconnecting and / or connecting the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor; the thermal circuit breaker is arranged on the heat exchange structure and used for disconnecting the working circuit when the temperature of water in the heat exchange structure exceeds the standard. By monitoring the water temperature of the water heater and controlling the working circuit of the heating device through the thermal circuit breaker and the heating device switch, the possibility of overtemperature of the phase-change material can be reduced, and the thermal circuit breaker can directly disconnect the working circuit of the heating device when the temperature sensor, the heating device switch or the working circuit breaks down, so that the working circuit of the heating device is not damaged. Therefore, the safe use of the water heater is further ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Affected by the size of the user's bathroom and the installation environment, the volume of the commonly used water heater tank is generally not more than 100L. For example, the capacity of household water heaters sold on the market is generally 60L. The ability of water heaters of the above capacity to supply hot water is limited. Especially in winter, users have problems with insufficient hot water or long heating time when taking a bath. In addition to ordinary electric heating storage water heaters, some water heaters are phase change heat water heaters. Phase change water heaters use heat exchange tubes and phase change materials to heat water by exchanging heat and storing energy. Before using the water, the phase change material absorbs heat from the heat source and stores energy. If the water temperature is too high, it will cause uneven heating of the phase change material and prone to local overheating. The existing technology uses a temperature sensor to monitor the operation of the water heater, but it may still face the problem of temperature sensor failure and damage to the phase change material due to overheating.

[0003] How to solve the problem of over-temperature damage of phase change materials when single temperature monitoring fails in the existing technology is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] To solve the problems in the prior art, an embodiment of this specification provides a water heater that solves the problems of temperature monitoring failure and phase change material over-temperature damage in the prior art by utilizing a dual protection method of a heating device switch and a thermal circuit breaker.

[0005] The present invention provides a water heater comprising a heating device and an inner tank having a phase change material, wherein the inner tank further comprises a heat exchange structure. The heating device is used to heat water, and the water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure.

[0006] The water heater further comprises a water temperature sensor, a thermal circuit breaker, and a heating device switch, wherein the heating device switch and the thermal circuit breaker are connected in series to a working circuit of the heating device;

[0007] The water temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure for detecting the water temperature of the water in the heat exchange structure, and the heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor;

[0008] The thermal circuit breaker is provided on the heat exchange structure and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure exceeds a standard.

[0009] As a further aspect of this specification, the water temperature sensor and the thermal circuit breaker are both located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure, or the water temperature sensor is at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure, and the thermal circuit breaker is located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure, or the water temperature sensor and the thermal circuit breaker are both at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure.

[0010] As another further aspect of this specification, the heating device is located in the heat exchange structure;

[0011] In the height direction, the thermal circuit breaker and the water temperature sensor are both located above the heating device.

[0012] As another further aspect of the present specification, the water heater further includes a pump, which pumps the water heated by the heating device into the heat exchange structure.

[0013] As another further aspect of this specification, the pump is a circulation pump, the water inlet end of the pump is connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchange structure, and the water outlet end of the pump is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchange structure.

[0014] As another further aspect of the present specification, the heat exchange structure is at least partially located inside the inner tank, and the heating device is at least partially arranged at the lower part or bottom of the heat exchange structure, and the water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material in the heat exchange structure through natural convection.

[0015] As another further aspect of this specification, the heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange box body, which is at least partially located inside the inner tank. The water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material in the heat exchange box body through natural convection.

[0016] As another further aspect of the present specification, the heat exchange box body extends along the height and length direction of the inner liner, and the heat exchange box body has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the inner liner.

[0017] As another further aspect of this specification, the heating device is located at the lower part of the heat exchange box body;

[0018] In the height direction of the heat exchange box, the water temperature sensor is located above the heating device, and the thermal circuit breaker is located above the water temperature sensor.

[0019] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater also includes a phase change material temperature sensor, which is in contact with the phase change material and is located in the inner tank away from the heating device to detect the temperature of the phase change material.

[0020] As another further aspect of the present specification, the thermal circuit breaker includes a bimetallic thermal circuit breaker.

[0021] As another further aspect of the present specification, the water heater further comprises a shell, a water container, and a valve body, wherein the inner container, the water container, and the valve body are all located within the shell, and the valve body is in communication with the inner container and / or the water container;

[0022] In the length direction of the water heater, the length of the water tank is greater than the length of the inner tank, so as to form an accommodating space for accommodating the valve body in the shell.

[0023] By using the embodiments of this specification, the possibility of phase change material overheating can be reduced by monitoring the water temperature of the water heater and controlling the working circuit of the heating device through the thermal circuit breaker and the heating device switch. In addition, the thermal circuit breaker can directly disconnect the working circuit of the heating device when the temperature sensor, heating device switch or working circuit fails, thereby further ensuring the safe use of the water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the water heater structure according to an embodiment of this specification;

[0026] Figure 2 Shown is a circuit diagram of the working circuit of the heating device according to the embodiment of this specification;

[0027] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Shown is a schematic structural diagram of the heat exchange structure of an embodiment of this specification;

[0028] Figure 4a Shown is a schematic diagram of water flow in the energy storage stage of the embodiment of this specification;

[0029] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of water flow during the energy release phase of the embodiment of this specification;

[0030] Figure 5 Shown is another structural schematic diagram of the water heater according to the embodiment of this specification;

[0031] Figure 6 Shown is another structural schematic diagram of the water heater according to the embodiment of this specification;

[0032] Figure 7 Shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0033] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0034] 101. Inner tank; 102. Heat dissipation fins; 103. Heating device; 104. Heat exchange structure; 1041. Heat exchange box; 1042. Heat exchange tube; 105. Water temperature sensor; 106. Thermal circuit breaker; 107. Heating device switch; 108. Connecting structure;

[0035] 301, heat exchange box; 302, heating cavity;

[0036] 401, liner; 4011, phase change material; 4012, heat exchange box; 4013, heat exchange tube; 402, heating device; 403, end cover; 4031, communication structure; 4032, water inlet; 4033, water outlet;

[0037] 501, liner; 502, phase change material; 503, heating device; 504, heat exchange structure; 505, water temperature sensor; 506, thermal circuit breaker; 507, heating device switch; 508, pump;

[0038] 601, liner; 602, heat dissipation fins; 603, heating device; 604, heat exchange structure; 605, water temperature sensor; 606, thermal circuit breaker; 608, communication structure; 609, phase change material temperature sensor;

[0039] 701, shell; 702, water bladder; 703, valve body; 704, liner; 705, accommodation space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0041] The water heater of the embodiment of this specification includes a heating device and an inner tank with a phase change material, wherein the heating device is used to generate heat and directly or indirectly transfer the heat to the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material, wherein the heating device can be built into the inner tank to directly transfer heat to the phase change material to complete energy storage, or the heating device can be used to heat water, and then the heated water is used to store energy in the phase change material in the inner tank; or the water can be heated outside the inner tank, and the heated water is used to store energy in the phase change material in the inner tank. The control method of the heating device during the energy storage process is executed by a device such as a controller, a processor or a single-chip microcomputer of the water heater, such as Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater of an embodiment of this specification. In this figure, a water temperature sensor is set in the inner tank to obtain the water temperature of the water used for energy storage, and a thermal circuit breaker is set to prevent the phase change material from being damaged when the water temperature is overheated. The structure specifically includes: inner tank 101, heat dissipation fins 102, heating device 103, heat exchange structure 104, heat exchange box body 1041, heat exchange tube 1042, water temperature sensor 105, thermal circuit breaker 106, heating device switch (not shown), and connecting structure 108.

[0042] The water heater includes a heating device 103 and an inner tank 101 having a phase change material. The inner tank 101 also has a heat exchange structure 104. The heat exchange structure in this embodiment is only a schematic structure. The heating device 103 is used to heat water. The water heated by the heating device 103 can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure 104 and the heat dissipation fins 102. In other embodiments, the heat dissipation fins 102 can be omitted and heat can be directly transferred to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure 104; the thermal circuit breaker 106 and the heating device switch are connected in series to the working circuit of the heating device 103.

[0043] The water temperature sensor 105 is provided in the heat exchange structure 104 for detecting the water temperature of the water in the heat exchange structure 104 . The heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 105 .

[0044] The thermal circuit breaker 106 is provided in the heat exchange structure 104 and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure 104 exceeds a standard.

[0045] Among them, the water temperature sensor 105 and the thermal circuit breaker 106 are both located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure 104, which can stably, reliably and accurately obtain the water temperature of the water heated by the heating device 103 during the energy storage stage; or, the water temperature sensor 105 is at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 104, and the thermal circuit breaker 106 is located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure 104. When the water temperature sensor 105 is at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 104, the water temperature of the water heated by the heating device 103 obtained by the water temperature sensor 105 is more accurate; or, the water temperature sensor 105 and the thermal circuit breaker 106 are both at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 104. At this time, the water temperature of the water heated by the heating device 103 obtained by the water temperature sensor 105 and the thermal circuit breaker 106 is more accurate.

[0046] The heating device 103 is located at the bottom of the heat exchange structure 104. In the height direction of the heat exchange structure 104, the water temperature sensor 105 is located above the heating device 103, and the thermal circuit breaker 106 is located above the water temperature sensor 105. With this structure, if the water temperature sensor 105 and the heating device switch are not invalid, the water temperature sensor 105 and the heating device switch will disconnect the working circuit of the heating device before the thermal circuit breaker 106. This prevents the thermal circuit breaker 106 from disconnecting the working circuit of the heating device when the water temperature sensor 105 or the heating device switch is not invalid. Only when the water temperature sensor 105 or the heating device switch fails and the water temperature detected by the thermal circuit breaker 106 exceeds the standard will the working circuit of the heating device be disconnected, thereby providing dual protection for the water heater.

[0047] The water heater structure of the embodiment of this specification monitors the temperature of the water used for energy storage within the inner tank. If it exceeds a preset value, the heater switch disconnects the operating circuit, thereby controlling the heater to stop heating. A thermal circuit breaker monitors the water temperature and, if it exceeds the specified temperature, directly disconnects the heater circuit, thereby stopping the heater from continuing to heat. This dual safety control of the heater circuit by both the heater switch and the thermal circuit breaker further ensures safe operation of the water heater and prevents damage to the phase change material caused by excessive water temperature.

[0048] like Figure 2The figure shows a circuit diagram of the operating circuit of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present specification. The figure includes a heating device 103, a heating device switch 107, and a thermal circuit breaker 106. The heating device switch 107 can open and close the operating circuit based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 105. When the heating device switch 107 is connected in series with the operating circuit of the heating device, when the water temperature reaches or exceeds a preset temperature value, the heating device switch 107 can control the heating device 103 to stop heating by disconnecting the operating circuit. When the water temperature does not reach or is less than the preset temperature value, the heating device switch 107 can control the heating device 103 to continue heating by connecting the operating circuit of the heating device 103. The heating device switch 107 can be, for example, a relay.

[0049] Thermal breaker 106 comprises, for example, a bimetallic thermal breaker. If the water temperature detected by thermal breaker 106 exceeds a specified temperature, the bimetallic thermostat deforms, disconnecting the operating circuit and thereby severing the operating circuit of heating device 103, thereby stopping heating by heating device 103. When the water temperature drops, thermal breaker 106 deforms again, connecting the operating circuit. In this embodiment, thermal breaker 106 physically disconnects the operating circuit. This allows it to disconnect the operating circuit and stop heating by heating device 103 if either water temperature sensor 105 or heating device switch 107 fails, further enhancing the safety of the water heater.

[0050] In another embodiment, in the above Figure 1 The heat exchange structure in the illustrated embodiment further includes a heat exchange box 1041 and / or a heat exchange tube 1042 .

[0051] During the energy release stage when the water heater is used to output hot water, the heat exchange tube 1042 absorbs the heat of the phase change material in the inner tank when the water with lower temperature flows through the heat exchange tube 1042, and the temperature of the water is increased before it is output to the user. Among them, the heat of the phase change material in the inner tank can be transferred to the water in the heat exchange tube 1042 more quickly and fully through the heat dissipation fins 102; hot water can also be injected into the heat exchange tube 1042 during the energy storage stage, and the hot water in the heat exchange tube 1042 can transfer heat to the phase change material near the heat exchange tube 1042, thereby storing energy. Similarly, the heat of the hot water in the heat exchange tube 1042 can be transferred to the phase change material in the inner tank more quickly through the heat dissipation fins 102.

[0052] The heat exchange box 1041 is filled with water. In the energy storage stage, the heating device 103 heats the water in the heat exchange box 1041. The heated water naturally convects in the heat exchange box 1041, and the heat exchange box 1041 transfers the heat to the phase change material in the inner tank. The heat dissipation fins 102 can transfer the heat of the water in the heat exchange box 1041 to the phase change material in the inner tank more quickly; in the energy release stage, the heat exchange box 1041 can also serve as a part of the heat exchange tube 1042, and the water flowing in the heat exchange box 1041 will exchange heat with the phase change material, that is, the heat of the phase change material will be transferred to the water, and the hot water will be finally output to the user for use.

[0053] In another embodiment, if multiple heat exchange box bodies 1041 are included, two adjacent heat exchange box bodies 1041 can be connected through a connecting structure 108, and multiple heat exchange tubes 1042 can also be connected in series through the connecting structure 108. The heat exchange tubes 1042 and the heat exchange box body 1041 can also be connected through the connecting structure 108, so that the water used in the energy storage stage or the hot water used in the energy release stage can flow naturally in at least part of the heat exchange tubes 1042 and the heat exchange box body 1041.

[0054] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The figure shows the heat exchange structure of the embodiment of this specification. Figure 3a and Figure 3b The text describes three heat exchange boxes connected by a connecting structure, and the natural flow of water within the three heat exchange boxes during the energy storage phase. In this embodiment, the heat exchange structure is a heat exchange box 301, which is located inside the inner tank. The heating device extends into the heating cavity 302 of the heat exchange box 301. The heat exchange box 301 is filled with water for energy storage. The water heated by the heating device naturally circulates within the heat exchange box 301, transferring heat to the phase change material surrounding the heat exchange box 301.

[0055] Among them, taking three heat exchange boxes 301 as an example, the heat exchange boxes 301 on both sides are respectively connected to the middle heat exchange box 301 through a connecting structure (not shown in the figure), so that the water by natural convection in the middle heat exchange box 301 can flow into the heat exchange boxes 301 on both sides, and flow back from the heat exchange boxes 301 on both sides to the lower part of the middle heat exchange box 301. Specifically, the water in the middle heat exchange box 301 is heated by the heating device located at the bottom of the heat exchange box 301. The volume of the heated water changes, generating an upward lift, and flows upward along the inside of the middle heat exchange box 301 in the direction of the dotted arrow. Under the action of the lift, the water with a lower temperature in the middle heat exchange box 301 flows along the dotted arrows in the figure to the heat exchange boxes 301 on both sides. The water with a lower temperature originally located in the heat exchange boxes 301 on both sides is pushed to flow downward along the dotted arrows, and flows back to the heating cavity 302 of the middle heat exchange box 301 through the lower connecting structure, and continues to be heated by the heating device, thus forming a natural convection process. In this process, the heated water transfers heat to the surface of the heat exchange box 301, and the phase change material absorbs the heat transferred by the heat exchange box 301 to store energy. Through natural convection, the flow of hot water in the heat exchange structure can be completed by the natural convection of water, avoiding the use of additional devices to drive the water flow in the water heater, thereby reducing manufacturing costs; and, due to the simple structure, the reliability of the water heater is also improved; combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment improves the safety of the water heater during the energy storage and heating stage through a dual water temperature control structure.

[0056] and Figure 3a and Figure 3b The process of water flowing in the heat exchange structure during the corresponding energy storage and release process can be referred to Figure 4a and Figure 4b . Figure 4a The figure shows the water flow diagram in the energy storage stage of the embodiment of this specification. Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of water flow in the energy release stage of an embodiment of this specification, which includes an inner tank 401 with a phase change material 4011, a heat exchange box body 4012 and a heat exchange tube 4013, a heating device 402, an end cover 403, a connecting structure 4031 on the end cover 403, a water inlet 4032, and a water outlet 4033.

[0057] Figure 4aThe three heat exchange boxes 4012 contain water for energy storage. The heating device 402 located at the bottom of the heat exchange box 4012 heats the water in the middle heat exchange box 4012. According to the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, the heated water naturally flows upward and flows to the heat exchange boxes 4012 on the left and right sides through the connecting structure 4031 located at the upper side of the middle heat exchange box 4012 and the heat exchange boxes on both sides. The water with lower temperature in the heat exchange boxes 4012 on the left and right sides flows downward and flows back to the middle heat exchange box 4012 through the connecting structure 4031 located at the bottom side of the middle heat exchange box 4012 and the heat exchange boxes on both sides, and continues to be heated by the heating device 402, thereby forming natural convection in the three heat exchange boxes 4012 to complete the energy storage of the phase change material 4011 in the inner tank 401. As can be seen from the figure, the top of the middle heat exchange box body 4012 is slightly lower than the top of the heat exchange box bodies 4012 on the left and right sides, and the bottom of the middle heat exchange box body 4012 is slightly lower than the bottom of the heat exchange box bodies 4012 on the left and right sides, so that the natural convection of the heated water can be fully utilized to make it flow in the three heat exchange boxes 4012.

[0058] Figure 4b The water with lower temperature flows into the heat exchange tube 4013 from the water inlet 4032, and flows in different heat exchange tubes 4013 through the connecting structure 4031 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. During the flow, the water with lower temperature absorbs heat from the phase change material in contact with the heat exchange tube 4013, and then flows to the heat exchange tube 4013. Figure 4b When the water is on the lower left side, it flows into the left heat exchange box 4012 and the middle heat exchange box 4012 through the connecting structure 4031. The water flows through the three heat exchange boxes 4012, and after reaching the right heat exchange box 4012, it flows out of the inner tank 401 through the water outlet 4033 on the end cover 403. The pipeline design in this example can fully utilize more of the heat stored in the phase change material 4011 in the inner tank 401. In some embodiments, by controlling the heating device 402, it continues to heat the water during the energy release phase, thereby providing additional heat to the outlet water and increasing the outlet water temperature.

[0059] like Figure 5 The figure shows another structural schematic diagram of the water heater according to an embodiment of the present specification. The water heater according to this embodiment includes an inner tank 501, a phase change material 502, a heating device 503, a heat exchange structure 504, a water temperature sensor 505, a thermal circuit breaker 506, a heating device switch 507, and a pump 508.

[0060] The embodiment described in this figure is Figure 1The main difference between the illustrated embodiment and the illustrated embodiment lies in that the heating device 503 is disposed outside the inner tank 501; the water heater further includes a pump 508, which pumps the water heated by the heating device 503 into the heat exchange structure 504. A water temperature sensor 505 is disposed within the heat exchange structure 504 for detecting the temperature of the water within the heat exchange structure 504. The heating device switch 507 is configured to disconnect and / or connect the operating circuit of the heating device 503 based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 505. A thermal circuit breaker 506 is disposed within the heat exchange structure 504, downstream of the water temperature sensor 505 in the direction of water flow, and configured to disconnect the operating circuit of the heating device 503 when the water temperature within the heat exchange structure 504 exceeds a specified temperature. The pump 508 may be a circulation pump, with its water inlet connected to the water outlet of the heat exchange structure 504, and its water outlet connected to the water inlet of the heat exchange structure 504 via the heating device 503.

[0061] In other embodiments, the heating device 503 may be disposed inside the inner tank 501, and water may be pumped into the heating device 503 by a pump 508. The heated water then flows into the heat exchange structure 504. The water temperature sensor 505, thermal circuit breaker 506, and heating device switch 507 may also be disposed in other locations.

[0062] like Figure 6 Shown is another structural schematic diagram of the water heater of an embodiment of this specification. In this figure, a water temperature sensor is set in the inner tank to obtain the water temperature of the water used for energy storage, and a thermal circuit breaker is set to prevent the phase change material from being damaged when the water temperature is overheated. A phase change material temperature sensor is also set to obtain the temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank. Specifically, it includes: inner tank 601, heat dissipation fins 602, heating device 603, heat exchange structure 604, water temperature sensor 605, thermal circuit breaker 606, heating device switch (not shown), connecting structure 608, and phase change material temperature sensor 609.

[0063] The embodiment described in this figure is Figure 1 The main difference between the illustrated embodiments is that a phase change material temperature sensor 609 is added to the inner liner 601. The phase change material temperature sensor 609 is in contact with the phase change material and is located in the inner liner 601 away from the heating device 603 (for example, it can be located near the wall of the inner liner 601) to detect the temperature of the phase change material. When the temperature of the phase change material reaches the phase change material warning temperature, the heating device switch is disconnected and / or connected to the working circuit of the heating device 603.

[0064] The temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank can be obtained through the phase change material temperature sensor. The temperature of the phase change material can be used to more flexibly control the changes in the working state of the heating device during the energy storage process of the water heater, such as when to heat and when to stop heating.

[0065] like Figure 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater according to an embodiment of the present specification, which includes a shell 701, a water tank 702, a valve body 703, an inner tank 704, and an accommodating space 705; the water tank 702 and the valve body 703 are both located in the shell 701, and the valve body 703 is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet of the inner tank 704, and / or the valve body 703 is connected to the water inlet on the water tank 702 and the water outlet on the water tank.

[0066] In the length direction (L) of the water heater, the water tank is larger than the inner tank, forming a receiving space 705 within the housing 701 for accommodating the valve body 703. This receiving space 705 can accommodate the valve body 703 as well as other components such as pipelines and connectors. In other embodiments, it can also accommodate components such as a heating device or its operating circuit, as well as components such as a controller that controls the operation of the heating device. This can reduce the size of the water heater and, since all water heater components are concentrated in the receiving space, reduce maintenance costs.

[0067] Through the water heater structure of the embodiment of this specification, the water temperature of the water used for energy storage in the inner tank can be monitored. If it exceeds the preset value, the working circuit is disconnected by the heating device switch to control the heating device to stop heating. The water temperature is monitored by the thermal circuit breaker. If the water temperature exceeds the standard, the working circuit of the heating device is directly disconnected. The dual safety control of the heating device working circuit by the heating device switch and the thermal circuit breaker can further ensure the safe operation of the water heater and prevent the phase change material from being damaged by excessive water temperature. The temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank can be obtained by the phase change material temperature sensor. The temperature of the phase change material can be used to more flexibly control the changes in the working state of the heating device during the energy storage process of the water heater, such as when to heat and when to stop heating.

[0068] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this specification, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this specification generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0070] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or can be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0071] Specific embodiments are used in this specification to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this specification. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the methods and core ideas of this specification. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, based on the ideas of this specification, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be understood as limiting this specification.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater includes a heating device and an inner tank with a phase change material, the inner tank also having a heat exchange structure, the heating device is used to heat water, and the water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure; The water heater further comprises a water temperature sensor, a thermal circuit breaker, and a heating device switch, wherein the heating device switch and the thermal circuit breaker are connected in series to a working circuit of the heating device; The water temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure for detecting the water temperature of the water in the heat exchange structure, and the heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor; The thermal circuit breaker is provided on the heat exchange structure and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure exceeds a standard.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that The water temperature sensor and the thermal circuit breaker are both located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure, or the water temperature sensor is at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure, and the thermal circuit breaker is located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure, or the water temperature sensor and the thermal circuit breaker are both at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure.

3. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The heating device is located in the heat exchange structure; In the height direction, the thermal circuit breaker and the water temperature sensor are both located above the heating device.

4. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The water heater further comprises a pump, which pumps the water heated by the heating device into the heat exchange structure.

5. The water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that The pump is a circulation pump, the water inlet end of the pump is connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchange structure, and the water outlet end of the pump is connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchange structure.

6. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchange structure is at least partially located inside the inner tank, and the heating device is at least partially arranged at the lower part or bottom of the heat exchange structure. Water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material in the heat exchange structure through natural convection.

7. The water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that The heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange box body, which is at least partially located inside the inner tank. Water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material in the heat exchange box body through natural convection.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that The heat exchange box body extends along the height and length direction of the inner container, and has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the inner container.

9. The water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that The heating device is located at the lower part of the heat exchange box body; In the height direction of the heat exchange box, the water temperature sensor is located above the heating device, and the thermal circuit breaker is located above the water temperature sensor.

10. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The water heater further comprises a phase change material temperature sensor, which contacts the phase change material and is located in the inner tank at a position away from the heating device, and is used to detect the temperature of the phase change material.

11. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The thermal circuit breaker includes a bimetal thermal circuit breaker.

12. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The water heater further comprises a shell, a water container, and a valve body, wherein the inner container, the water container, and the valve body are all located in the shell, and the valve body is in communication with the inner container and / or the water container; In the length direction of the water heater, the length of the water tank is greater than the length of the inner tank, so as to form an accommodating space for accommodating the valve body in the shell.

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