Water pipe mounting structure of water heater inner container and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water pipe installation structure of a water heater inner container and a water heater, the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner container comprises a water pipe and a flange plate, one end of the water pipe is arranged on the flange plate in a penetrating mode; the positioning connecting unit is at least partially clamped between the water pipe and the flange plate; the supporting pipe is arranged in the positioning connecting unit in a penetrating mode in the axial direction of the positioning connecting unit and provides radial supporting force for the positioning connecting unit to support the positioning connecting unit on the flange plate. According to the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner container, the positioning connection unit provides radial supporting force for supporting the positioning connection unit on the flange plate through the supporting pipe, so that radial fixation between the positioning connection unit and the flange plate is enhanced, and the problems that the connecting position is loosened, and the water pipe shakes are solved; and noise generated in the using process of the water heater is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a water pipe installation structure of a water heater inner tank and a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Electric water heaters are among the most commonly used household appliances. Depending on the material of the inner tank, the inlet and outlet pipes of electric water heaters require different installation methods. For non-metallic tanks, the inlet and outlet pipes are generally installed side-in and side-out. To simplify installation, the inlet and outlet pipes are typically welded to the flange used to secure the heating pipe. The flange is then fixed to the side wall of the inner tank to secure the inlet and outlet pipes and the heating pipe.

[0003] In the single-tank, side-outlet water heater category, the filter module is generally integrated into the heating pipe flange due to the size and cost limitations of the water heater. Since the inlet and outlet water pipes and temperature measuring tubes must be reserved on the heating pipe, the installation space left for the filter module is very limited, with only one mounting hole. Therefore, the filter module is only fixed on one side of the heating pipe flange in the entire water heater, and the fixing method is very weak. When users actually use the water heater, especially at the moment of turning the water on and off, the filter pipe vibrates significantly, and the noise generated is very noticeable in the bathroom. In severe cases, the outlet pipe of the filter module will hit the inner tank wall, causing damage.

[0004] The Chinese invention patent application number 202310602786.3 discloses an electric water heater, which includes an inner tank, a flange, a heating pipe, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe and a water purification assembly. The flange is installed on the side mounting portion of the inner tank, and the heating pipe, water inlet pipe, water outlet pipe and water purification assembly are all placed in the inner tank. The electric water heater reduces the difficulty of installing the inlet and outlet pipes by detachably connecting the inlet and outlet pipes to the flange, alleviates the situation where the installation of the heating pipe is restricted, and because the outlet pipe is connected to the flange through a positioning connection unit, the outlet end of the outlet pipe can be maintained in an installation state facing the highest point of the inner tank, avoiding insufficiently heated water from entering the outlet pipe and improving the water outlet stability of the electric water heater. This application has a very obvious technical defect: the radial fixation between the positioning connection unit and the flange is only performed by a sealing ring, which is an elastic part and will produce a large deformation especially when it comes into contact with water. Therefore, it will cause the radial displacement of the outlet pipe to be very obvious, and there will be a large shaking.

[0005] In view of this, the present utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a water pipe installation structure for the inner tank of a water heater and a water heater. The connection between the water pipe of the inner tank of the water heater and the flange plate provides radial supporting force for the positioning connection unit on the flange plate through a support pipe to form a radial fastening support between the positioning connection unit and the flange plate.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water pipe installation structure for a water heater inner tank, comprising: a water pipe, and a flange, wherein one end of the water pipe is passed through the flange;

[0009] It also includes: a positioning connection unit, at least partially sandwiched between the water pipe and the flange;

[0010] The support tube is provided in the interior of the positioning and connecting unit along the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit, and provides radial supporting force for the positioning and connecting unit to support the flange.

[0011] Furthermore, the support tube moves along the axial direction of the positioning connection unit, and the pressure of the positioning connection unit abutting against the flange is changed by adjusting the relative position of the support tube in the axial direction of the positioning connection unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning connection unit is provided with at least three supporting claws in the circumference, and the at least three supporting claws are evenly distributed on the circumference of the positioning connection unit;

[0013] By adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube in the space surrounded by at least three support claws, the pressure of the at least three support claws against the flange is changed simultaneously.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the support claws can move in a direction deviating from the axis of the positioning connection unit; by adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube in the space surrounded by at least three of the support claws, the distance that the support claw deviates from the axis of the positioning connection unit is changed.

[0015] Furthermore, at least three of the supporting claws are protruded along the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit at an end portion of the positioning and connecting unit located inside the flange.

[0016] Furthermore, the free end of each supporting claw has a certain deformation amount, and expands radially outward under the action of the supporting tube to abut against the flange.

[0017] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the space formed by at least three supporting claws gradually decreases in the direction of the inner shell, forming a tapered space.

[0018] Furthermore, a first conical section is provided at the abutment point between the support tube and the support claw, and the first conical section applies a radial supporting force to the support claw.

[0019] Furthermore, the inclination of the outer peripheral wall of the first tapered section is smaller than the inclination of the inner periphery of the space surrounded by the supporting claws.

[0020] Furthermore, the flange is provided with a mounting hole and a mounting sleeve, and the mounting sleeve is arranged on the outer wall surface of the flange around the mounting hole;

[0021] The positioning connection unit is inserted into the mounting sleeve and the mounting hole;

[0022] The support tube provides radial supporting force for the positioning connection unit to support the mounting sleeve.

[0023] The second aspect of the present invention provides a water heater, comprising the water pipe mounting structure of the water heater inner tank mentioned above, further comprising: an inner tank, the flange being mounted on one end of the inner tank; and the other end of the water pipe extending in the inner tank.

[0024] After adopting the above technical solution, the utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0025] 1. The water pipes in the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank of the utility model are detachably installed through the positioning connection unit and the flange, and the radial supporting force of the positioning connection unit on the flange is provided by the support pipe, thereby strengthening the radial fixation between the positioning connection unit and the flange, reducing problems such as loose connection and shaking of the water inlet pipe, thereby reducing the noise generated during the use of the water heater, especially the noise generated at the water pipe connection.

[0026] 2. In the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank of the utility model, the positioning connection unit for connecting the water pipe and the flange is provided with a supporting claw, and under the action of the supporting pipe, it can expand radially outward and tightly abut against the flange, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection and increasing the sealing of the connection, effectively preventing the loosening of the connection.

[0027] 3. In the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank of the utility model, the positioning connection unit for connecting the water pipe and the flange is provided with at least three evenly distributed support claws, which can enhance the stability of the overall structure. At the same time, it also ensures the uniform transmission of radial support force and reduces the risk of damage to the support claws due to stress concentration.

[0028] 4. The free end of the supporting claw provided on the positioning connection unit for connecting the water pipe and the flange in the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank of the utility model has a certain deformation amount, which can expand radially outward under the action of the support pipe, so as to better adapt to installation sleeves of different sizes and improve the flexibility and compatibility of installation.

[0029] 5. In the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank of the present invention, the inner periphery of the space enclosed by the support claws provided in the positioning connection unit for connecting the water pipe and the flange has a greater inclination than the outer periphery of the support pipe, so that during the assembly process, the support pipe can more effectively push the support claws to expand outward, forming a tighter abutment with the flange, thereby improving the reliability and sealing of the connection.

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive work. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the water heater provided by the utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 AA side cross-sectional view;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater of the utility model located inside the inner tank at a certain viewing angle;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater of the utility model located inside the inner tank from another perspective;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the water heater of the utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 This utility model Figure 5 BB side cross-sectional view;

[0038] Figure 7 This utility model Figure 6 The enlarged schematic diagram of point C in the middle;

[0039] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the utility model water heater and the positioning connection unit after installation at a certain viewing angle;

[0040] Figure 9 This utility model Figure 8 DD side section diagram;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the positioning connection unit of the utility model;

[0042] Figure 11 This utility model Figure 10 EE side cross-sectional view.

[0043] In the figure: 100, inner tank; 110, mounting base; 120, inner cavity; 200, flange; 210, mounting sleeve; 300, heating tube; 400, water outlet pipe; 500, water inlet pipe; 600, filter tube;

[0044] 10. Positioning connection unit; 11. Support claw; 20. Support tube; 21. First tapered section.

[0045] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0047] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water pipe installation structure for a water heater inner tank, comprising: a water pipe, a flange 200, one end of the water pipe being passed through the flange 200;

[0050] It also includes: a positioning connection unit 10, at least partially sandwiched between the water pipe and the flange 200;

[0051] The support tube 20 is provided in the interior of the positioning and connecting unit 10 along the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit 10 , and provides radial supporting force for the positioning and connecting unit 10 to support the flange 200 .

[0052] The water pipes in the water heater tank can be divided into an inlet pipe 500 and an outlet pipe 400. The water pipe installation structure here is for water pipes that can be disassembled for maintenance or replacement of accessories. The specific structure description is given here using the outlet pipe 400 as an example.

[0053] In this embodiment, the water pipe mounting structure of the water heater inner tank includes: a water outlet pipe 400 and a flange 200. The flange 200 is a disc-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the flange 200 is a circular disc. The water outlet pipe 400 is a curved pipe and includes two ends: a water outlet end and a connecting end. The opening at the water outlet end is the water outlet. The connecting end is detachably connected to the flange 200 via a positioning connection unit 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, the positioning connection unit 10 is a tubular structure, in which a support tube 20 is axially passed through. The positioning connection unit 10 can be a high-strength plastic part (such as PA12+glass fiber) or a pipe fitting of other materials. A first positioning annular surface is provided on the inner wall surface of the positioning connection unit 10, and a positioning ring edge is provided radially outwardly protruding from the circumference of the connection end of the water outlet pipe 400. The water outlet pipe 400 passes through the positioning connection unit 10 from the outside to the inside, and the first positioning annular surface and the positioning ring edge are limitedly abutted, so that the water outlet pipe 400 cannot continue to move toward one end of the water heater inner tank 100. The water outlet pipe 400 and the positioning connection unit 10 can be fixed by interference fit, gluing, or a connector to ensure that the water outlet pipe 400 and the positioning connection unit 10 do not rotate relative to each other after installation.

[0055] The support tube 20 is installed within the positioning and connection unit 10 and is located outside the outlet pipe 400. The support tube 20 is detachably connected to the positioning and connection unit 10. The support tube 20 can be used to limit the positioning and connection unit 10, preventing it from moving toward the mounting end of the outlet pipe 400. Furthermore, the support tube 20 provides radial support for the positioning and connection unit 10 against the flange 200, thereby achieving radial fixation between the positioning and connection unit 10 and the flange 200, reducing problems such as loose connections and wobbling of the outlet pipe 400.

[0056] Furthermore, the support tube 20 moves along the axial direction of the positioning connection unit 10 , and the pressure of the positioning connection unit 10 abutting against the flange 200 is changed by adjusting the relative position of the support tube 20 in the axial direction of the positioning connection unit 10 .

[0057] In this embodiment, the support tube 20 moves axially along the positioning and connecting unit 10. By adjusting the relative position of the support tube 20 in the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit 10, the pressure of the positioning and connecting unit 10 against the flange 200 can be changed. Specifically, the positioning and connecting unit 10 and the support tube 20 can be moved by some form of adjustment mechanism, such as thread adjustment, snap lock, etc. When the support tube 20 moves axially toward the water heater inner tank 100, the support tube 20 pushes the positioning and connecting unit 10 to abut more tightly against the flange 200, thereby increasing the pressure between the two and enhancing the stability of the connection. Conversely, when the support tube 20 moves away from the water heater inner tank 100, the support tube 20 moves out of the positioning and connecting unit 10, reducing the pressure of the positioning and connecting unit 10 against the flange 200, facilitating disassembly or adjustment. By adjusting the position of the support tube 20, it can ensure that the positioning and connecting unit 10 can maintain optimal close contact with the flange 200 under various operating conditions, preventing loosening due to vibration or pressure changes.

[0058] Furthermore, the positioning connection unit 10 is provided with at least three supporting claws 11 in the circumference direction, and the at least three supporting claws 11 are evenly distributed on the circumference of the positioning connection unit 10;

[0059] By adjusting the relative position of the support tube 20 in the axial direction in the space surrounded by at least three support claws 11 , the pressure of the three support claws 11 against the flange 200 is changed simultaneously.

[0060] In this embodiment, at least three support claws 11 are provided around the circumference of the positioning and connection unit 10 to ensure stable and balanced support for the overall structure in multiple directions. These support claws 11 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the positioning and connection unit 10, ensuring that the positioning and connection unit 10 is subjected to balanced force in all directions, thereby avoiding damage caused by localized stress concentration. By adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube 20 within the space enclosed by the at least three support claws 11, the pressure exerted by all support claws 11 on the flange 200 can be simultaneously varied. This interlocking adjustment mechanism ensures uniformity and consistency in the connection state, allowing the flange 200 to be evenly stressed when under pressure, reducing the risk of damage caused by stress concentration.

[0061] Furthermore, each of the support claws 11 can move in a direction deviating from the axis of the positioning connection unit 10; by adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube 20 in the space surrounded by at least three of the support claws 11, the distance that each of the support claws 11 deviates from the axis of the positioning connection unit 10 is changed.

[0062] In this embodiment, each support claw 11 is equipped with a flexible deflection mechanism, which may be a spring, slide rail, or other mechanical structure. This mechanism allows the support claw 11 to deflect a certain amount toward the deflection axis when subjected to radial thrust from the support tube 20. This deflection capability allows the support claw 11 to better adapt to surface irregularities or minor deformations of the flange 200, ensuring a tight and secure connection. The elasticity of the support claw 11 itself is utilized here.

[0063] By adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube 20 within the space enclosed by at least three support claws 11, the distance that the support claws 11 deviate from the axis of the positioning connection unit 10 can be indirectly controlled. When the support tube 20 moves forward, that is, toward the water heater inner tank 100, the support tube 20 pushes the support claws 11 to apply greater pressure to the flange 200, and may increase the amount of deviation from the axis (depending on the surface condition of the flange 200 and the characteristics of the offset mechanism). Conversely, when the support tube 20 moves backward, that is, away from the water heater inner tank 100, the support force of the support tube 20 on the support claws 11 will decrease, causing the support claws 11 to retract under the action of their own restoring force, reducing the pressure on the flange 200.

[0064] During the docking or tightening process between the support tube 20 and the positioning connection unit 10, the support tube 20 interacts with the support claws 11 of the positioning connection unit 10 to generate a radial support force. This radial support force is perpendicular to the axis of the pipe and pushes the support claws 11 to closely contact the flange 200. As a result, the support claws 11 form a tight abutment with the flange 200. The tight connection between the support claws 11 and the flange 200 effectively prevents loosening between the positioning connection unit 10 and the flange 200 or shaking of the outlet pipe 400 due to external factors such as vibration, temperature changes, or pressure fluctuations, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0065] Furthermore, at least three supporting claws 11 are protruded along the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit 10 at an end portion of one end of the positioning and connecting unit 10 located inside the flange 200 .

[0066] Furthermore, the free end of each supporting claw 11 has a certain deformation amount, and under the action of the supporting tube 20 , it expands radially outward to abut against the flange 200 .

[0067] In this embodiment, the support claw 11 is configured as a strip-shaped rib, protruding from the end of the positioning and connecting unit 10 located inside the flange 200 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit 10. Optionally, the support claw 11 can also be configured as an L-shaped rib to further increase the flexibility and adaptability of the structure. The free end of the support claw 11 has a certain amount of deformation. When the support tube 20 is installed on the positioning and connecting unit 10, as the support tube 20 is installed, the support tube 20 will exert a certain force on the support claw 11, causing the free end of the support claw 11 to expand outward. This not only increases the contact area between the support claw 11 and the flange 200, but also produces an additional support effect through the close abutment effect. This allows the support claw 11 to fit tightly against the flange 200, reducing the gap between the positioning and connecting unit 10 and the flange 200, enhancing the radial fixing force between the two, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection.

[0068] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the space enclosed by at least three supporting claws 11 gradually decreases in the direction of the inner liner 100 to form a tapered space.

[0069] Furthermore, a first conical section 21 is provided at the contact point between the support tube 20 and the support claw 11 , and the first conical section 21 applies a radial supporting force to the support claw 11 .

[0070] Furthermore, the inclination of the outer peripheral wall of the first tapered section 21 is smaller than the inclination of the inner periphery of the space surrounded by the supporting claws 11 .

[0071] In this embodiment, in order to optimize the fastening effect and sealing performance during the installation process, the inner diameter of the space enclosed by the supporting claws 11 gradually increases along the water outlet direction of the outlet pipe 400 to form a conical space; the design of the conical space can not only enhance the stability of the connection, but also improve the convenience and sealing of the installation.

[0072] Furthermore, to provide better support for the support claws 11, the support tube 20 is equipped with a matching first tapered section 21. This tapered section interacts with the tapered space formed by the support claws 11, enabling the first tapered section 21 to exert precise radial support force on the support claws 11. When the support tube 20 is connected to the positioning connection unit 10, the first tapered section 21 smoothly inserts into the tapered space formed by the support claws 11, exerting a radial support force on the support claws 11 in the process. This support force allows the support claws 11 to fit more tightly against the flange 200, further enhancing the stability of the connection.

[0073] It is worth noting that the taper of the first tapered section 21 is designed to be smaller than the taper of the space enclosed by the support claws 11. This ensures that when the first tapered section 21 is inserted into the tapered space, it can generate sufficient radial expansion force to fully expand the support claws 11 and tightly fit the flange 200. At the same time, due to the difference in taper, the first tapered section 21 gradually causes the support claws 11 to expand radially outward during insertion, creating a wedge-like locking effect, improving the reliability and sealing of the connection.

[0074] In summary, the conical space enclosed by the support claws 11, the first conical section 21 of the support tube 20, and their different tapers and tilted design together form an efficient, stable, and well-sealed connection structure. This design not only improves the reliability and durability of the connection between the outlet pipe 400 and the flange 200, but also provides users with a more convenient and safe experience.

[0075] More specifically, the positioning connection unit 10 is sequentially provided with a water outlet pipe mounting section, a second threaded section, and a support claw 11 along the outlet direction of the water outlet pipe 400. The space enclosed by the support claw 11 is conical, and the interior of the second threaded section is internally threaded. The support tube 20 is sequentially provided with a first threaded section, a first conical section 21, and a nut along the outlet direction of the water outlet pipe 400. The first threaded section is provided with external threads that match the second threaded section. When the support tube 20 is rotated onto the positioning connection unit 10, the internal and external threads interlock, forming a stable threaded connection. This connection is not only secure and reliable, but also provides a certain sealing performance, helping to prevent fluid leakage.

[0076] Furthermore, the flange 200 is provided with a mounting hole and a mounting sleeve 210, and the mounting sleeve 210 surrounds the mounting hole and is provided on the outer wall of the flange 200;

[0077] The positioning connection unit 10 is inserted into the mounting sleeve 210 and the mounting hole;

[0078] The support tube 20 provides radial support force for the positioning connection unit 10 to support the mounting sleeve 210 .

[0079] In this embodiment, a mounting hole is provided on the flange 200 along the thickness direction, and the mounting hole connects the water outlet pipe 400 and the water outlet assembly. The water outlet assembly is the external water pipe of the water heater, so that the hot water in the inner tank 100 heated by the heating tube 300 can enter the external water pipe through the water outlet pipe 400 and the flange 200.

[0080] To facilitate the connection of various pipe fittings, a mounting sleeve 210 is provided around the mounting hole on the flange 200, providing more space for installing various pipe fittings and improving installation strength and stability. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve 210 is integrally formed with the main structure of the flange 200 and is protruded from the outer wall surface of the main structure of the flange 200. In some other embodiments, the mounting sleeve 210 and the main structure of the flange 200 are independent structures, and the mounting sleeve 210 is inserted into the mounting hole or fixedly connected to the outer wall surface of the main structure of the flange 200.

[0081] The positioning connection unit 10 is inserted into the mounting hole and the mounting sleeve 210. Specifically, the positioning connection unit 10 is inserted into the mounting sleeve 210 and the mounting hole from the outside to the inside. Here, "from the outside to the inside" refers to inserting the unit from the outside of the inner liner 100 toward the inner cavity 120 of the inner liner 100. A second positioning annular surface is provided on the inner wall surface of the mounting hole of the flange 200, and a third positioning annular surface is provided on the outer wall surface of the positioning connection unit 10. The third positioning annular surface and the second positioning annular surface abut against each other to limit the positioning connection unit 10 from further moving into the inner cavity 120 of the inner liner 100.

[0082] After the support tube 20 and the positioning connection unit 10 are installed, the support tube 20 provides radial support force for the positioning connection unit 10, squeezing the part of the positioning connection unit 10 located between the support tube 20 and the mounting sleeve 210 and adjacent to the mounting sleeve 210, thereby realizing radial fixation between the positioning connection unit 10 and the mounting sleeve 210, enhancing the radial tightness and stability between the positioning connection unit 10 and the mounting sleeve 210, and ensuring a firm connection of the overall structure.

[0083] The second aspect of the present invention provides a water heater, including the water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank mentioned above; the water heater also includes: an inner tank 100, the flange 200 is installed at one end of the inner tank 100; the other end of the water pipe 400 extends in the inner tank 100.

[0084] In this embodiment, the water heater includes an inner tank 100, a flange 200, a heating tube 300, a water outlet pipe 400, a water inlet pipe 500, and a water purification assembly. The inner tank 100 has an inner cavity 120 for storing water and accommodating components such as the heating tube 300, the water outlet pipe 400, the water inlet pipe 500, and the water purification assembly. One end of the inner tank 100 (either the left or right side of the inner tank 100 when the electric water heater is installed) has a mounting base 110, to which the flange 200 is detachably connected. In some embodiments, the inner tank 100 is non-metallic, such as a plastic or crystal tank.

[0085] The flange 200 is used to uniformly mount components such as the heating tube 300, the water outlet pipe 400, and the water inlet pipe 500 to the mounting seat 110 of the inner tank 100. The flange 200 has a disc-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the flange 200 is a circular disc, and the mounting seat 110 is an annular boss with a plurality of first mounting holes circumferentially disposed on the annular boss. The flange 200 also has a plurality of second mounting holes circumferentially disposed on the flange 200. Multiple connectors are inserted through the first and second mounting holes to achieve a detachable connection between the flange 200 and the mounting seat 110. Of course, other methods can also be used to achieve a detachable connection between the flange 200 and the mounting seat 110, and this is not limited here.

[0086] One end of the heating tube 300 is connected to the flange 200, and the other end of the heating tube 300 extends substantially to the other end of the inner tank 100 away from the mounting base 110. This improves the heating efficiency of the heating tube 300. In some embodiments, the connection between the heating tube 300 and the flange 200 is substantially located in the middle of the flange 200, thereby providing sufficient installation space for the water outlet pipe 400 and the water inlet pipe 500 on the flange 200. In some embodiments, the heating tube 300 and the flange 200 are welded; in other embodiments, the heating tube 300 and the flange 200 are detachably connected, including but not limited to threaded connection, plug-in connection, or snap-on connection.

[0087] The water outlet pipe 400 is a curved pipe having two ends: a water outlet end and a connecting end. The opening at the water outlet end is the water outlet, through which hot water in the inner tank 100 can enter the water outlet pipe 400. The connecting end is detachably connected to the flange 200 via a positioning connection unit 10. The positioning connection unit 10 and the flange 200 cooperate with and limit each other, so that the water outlet end of the water outlet pipe 400 is maintained in an installed state facing the highest point of the inner cavity 120 of the inner tank 100.

[0088] When installing the water pipe mounting structure of the water heater inner tank on the flange 200, the specific installation process is as follows: before starting installation, first tighten the filter tube 600 provided together with the water outlet pipe 400 to the positioning connection unit 10, and make an interference fit between the water outlet pipe 400 and the interior of the positioning connection unit 10. After the corresponding filter tube 600 and water outlet pipe 400 are installed, screw the support tube 20, i.e., the hexagonal bolt, into the positioning connection unit 10 1 to 2 turns. Then, insert the entire module assembly into the mounting sleeve 210 and the mounting hole of the flange 200, and the positioning connection unit 10 and the flange 200 are locked into place. Next, continue to tighten the support tube 20. While tightening the support tube 20, the support tube 20 moves toward the water heater inner tank 100. Since the taper of the conical space surrounded by the first conical section 21 and the support claw 11 is different, specifically, the taper of the first conical section 21 set on the support tube 20 is smaller than the taper of the conical space surrounded by the support claw 11, the multiple support claws 11 set on the positioning connection unit 10 will expand outward under the external radial support force applied by the first conical section 21 until a large area of ​​​​the inner circumferential wall of the mounting sleeve 210 on the flange 200 is contacted to form a fastening support, and the installation is completed at this time.

[0089] When removing the water pipe mounting structure of the water heater inner tank from the flange 200, the disassembly process is as follows: When starting to disassemble, first loosen the support tube 20, but be careful not to completely unscrew it. At this time, the support tube 20 moves to the side away from the inner tank 100. Due to the taper of the first tapered section 21 on the positioning connection unit 10 and the conical space formed by the support claw 11, the support claw 11 will rebound, thereby no longer contacting the inner circumferential wall of the mounting sleeve 210, releasing the fastening support between the two. Then, use an appropriate tool to clamp the support tube 20 and pull the entire unit outward from the mounting hole of the flange 200 and the mounting sleeve 210 to achieve the removal of the entire module, and the disassembly is completed at this time.

[0090] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes using the above-mentioned technical contents without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water pipe installation structure for a water heater inner tank, comprising: A water pipe, a flange (200), one end of the water pipe being passed through the flange (200); characterized in that it further comprises: a positioning connection unit (10), at least partially sandwiched between the water pipe and the flange (200); A support tube (20) is provided inside the positioning and connecting unit (10) along the axial direction of the positioning and connecting unit (10) to provide a radial supporting force for the positioning and connecting unit (10) to support the flange (200).

2. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support tube (20) moves along the axial direction of the positioning connection unit (10), and the pressure of the positioning connection unit (10) abutting against the flange (200) is changed by adjusting the relative position of the support tube (20) in the axial direction of the positioning connection unit (10).

3. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning connection unit (10) is provided with at least three supporting claws (11) in the circumferential direction, and the at least three supporting claws (11) are evenly distributed on the circumference of the positioning connection unit (10); By adjusting the relative axial position of the support tube (20) in the space surrounded by at least three support claws (11), the pressure of the at least three support claws (11) against the flange (200) is changed simultaneously.

4. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the supporting claws (11) can move in a direction deviating from the axis of the positioning connection unit (10); by adjusting the relative axial position of the supporting tube (20) in the space surrounded by at least three of the supporting claws (11), the distance that each of the supporting claws (11) deviates from the axis of the positioning connection unit (10) is changed.

5. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least three of the supporting claws (11) are protruded along the axial direction of the positioning connection unit (10) at an end portion of the positioning connection unit (10) located inside the flange (200).

6. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the space formed by at least three supporting claws (11) gradually decreases in the direction of the inner liner (100), forming a tapered space.

7. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first conical section (21) is provided at the abutment portion between the support tube (20) and the support claw (11), and the first conical section (21) applies a radial supporting force to the support claw (11).

8. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inclination of the outer peripheral wall of the first tapered section (21) is smaller than the inclination of the inner periphery of the space surrounded by the supporting claws (11).

9. The water pipe installation structure of the water heater inner tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The flange (200) is provided with a mounting hole and a mounting sleeve (210), and the mounting sleeve (210) surrounds the mounting hole and is arranged on the outer wall surface of the flange (200); The positioning connection unit (10) is inserted into the mounting sleeve (210) and the mounting hole; The support tube (20) provides radial supporting force for the positioning connection unit (10) on the mounting sleeve (210).

10. A water heater, characterized in that: The water pipe installation structure comprising the water heater inner tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprises: An inner container (100), wherein the flange (200) is mounted on one end of the inner container (100); The other end of the water pipe extends into the inner container (100).

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