Hot water module

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hot water module which comprises a shell, a water tank and a heat exchanger. A cavity is defined by the shell. The water tank is arranged in the cavity; the heat exchanger is arranged in the cavity and located on the side, close to the bottom plate of the shell in the vertical direction, of the water tank. The water tank and the heat exchanger are integrated in the cavity defined by the shell, the heat exchanger is located on the side, close to the bottom plate of the shell, of the water tank in the vertical direction, the space below the water tank can be fully utilized for arranging the heat exchanger, and the hot water module reasonable in layout and compact in structure is formed. The hot water module can serve as an optional accessory of heating and ventilation equipment and can be installed, transported, moved and the like independent of an outdoor host, and a user can independently select and match the domestic hot water module according to actual requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of domestic hot water storage technology, and in particular to a hot water module. Background Technology

[0002] In energy-saving design of HVAC systems, heat pumps are selected as a highly efficient heat source system. Heat pumps primarily utilize abundant renewable, low-grade energy resources found in nature as heat sources, such as surface water, solar energy, atmosphere, and geothermal energy. Through the operation of a compressor, heat energy is extracted from the heat source, its temperature is increased, and then transferred to a high-temperature heat source. A heat pump hot water system is a system that uses heat pump technology to produce hot water. It can be integrated into HVAC equipment to provide domestic hot water to users. Some existing heat pump devices include domestic hot water production functionality. One form integrates the domestic hot water tank and heat recovery heat exchanger into the heat pump unit, meaning the domestic hot water module is integrated with the heat pump unit. Alternatively, another form places the domestic hot water tank independently outside the heat pump unit, but the heat recovery heat exchanger is still located inside the heat pump unit; that is, a portion of the domestic hot water module (the heat recovery heat exchanger) is integrated with the heat pump unit. However, in both of these forms, the domestic hot water module is partially or completely integrated with the heat pump unit, preventing users from flexibly selecting a separate domestic hot water module according to their actual needs. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a hot water module, which addresses at least one defect in the related technologies mentioned in the background section.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to provide a hot water module, which includes a shell, a water tank and a heat exchanger; the shell is enclosed to form a cavity and includes at least a bottom plate; the water tank is disposed in the cavity; the heat exchanger is disposed in the cavity and is located on the side of the water tank close to the bottom plate in the vertical direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is annular; the horizontal dimension of the heat exchanger is substantially the same as the horizontal dimension of the water tank; or, the length of the heat exchanger is 70% to 110% of the length of the water tank; or, the width of the heat exchanger is 60% to 110% of the width of the water tank.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a water pump unit disposed within the cavity; wherein the water pump unit is located on one side of the heat exchanger along a horizontal direction, the horizontal direction including a first horizontal direction, the housing further includes two long side panels spaced apart from each other along the first horizontal direction, the water pump unit is at least partially disposed on one side of the heat exchanger along the first horizontal direction; and / or, the water pump unit is at least partially disposed on the side of the water tank along a vertical direction near the bottom plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a support unit disposed on the base plate, the water tank abutting against the support unit, the support unit defining a first clearance space; the heat exchanger is at least partially disposed within the first clearance space.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support unit includes at least two support seats disposed on the base plate for supporting the water tank; the support seats are spaced apart, and the interval between the support seats defines the first clearance space.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes an electrical control box disposed within the cavity; the electrical control box is located on one side of the end of the water tank; or, the water tank includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being provided with a cover; the electrical control box and the cover are located on the same side of the water tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, the projections of the electrical control box and the cover in the vertical direction at least partially overlap.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first short side panel and a second short side panel disposed opposite to each other, the first short side panel being located on one side of a first end of the water tank, and the electrical control box being disposed on the first short side panel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first short side panel has at least one access port, and the housing further includes at least one access cover; the access cover is disposed on the first short side panel, is detachably or rotatably connected to the first short side panel, and can cover the access port; the cover and the electrical control box can be exposed through at least one access port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of the inspection cover is one, and the inspection cover completely covers the inspection port.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a piping assembly, the outer circumferential surface of the water tank includes a first semicircular surface and a second semicircular surface connected to each other, the first semicircular surface being closer to the base plate than the second semicircular surface; the piping assembly includes a plurality of pipes connected to the water tank, the interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank being located on the first semicircular surface.

[0015] This utility model also provides a heat pump water heating system, which includes an outdoor unit and a hot water module as described in any one of the above. The hot water module is independently installed outside the outdoor unit and is connected to the outdoor unit through a pipeline.

[0016] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: It integrates the water tank and heat exchanger within a cavity formed by the outer shell. The heat exchanger is located on the side of the water tank along the vertical direction near the bottom plate, making full use of the space below the water tank to arrange the heat exchanger, thus forming a rationally laid out and compact hot water module. This hot water module can be used as an optional accessory for HVAC equipment, and can be installed, transported, and moved independently of the outdoor unit. Users can select a domestic hot water module separately according to their actual needs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, the following will further describe this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the hot water module in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the hot water module with part of its outer casing hidden.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a front view of the hot water module.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a top view of the hot water module.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the hot water module with the water tank hidden.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the hot water module with the water tank hidden in some embodiments of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the hot water module shown from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the hot water module along the AA direction. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, it should be understood that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or a connection within two elements or an interaction between two elements. When an element is referred to as being "on" or "below" another element, the element can be located "directly" or "indirectly" on the other element, or there may be one or more intermediary elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for the convenience of describing this technical solution and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Firstly, in some embodiments, this utility model provides a heat pump water heating system, which includes an outdoor unit (not shown) and a hot water module, the hot water module being independently installed outside the outdoor unit. Furthermore, the hot water module and the outdoor unit are connected by pipes.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This utility model discloses a hot water module comprising a housing 1, a water tank 2, and a heat exchanger 3. The housing 1 encloses a cavity. The water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3 are both disposed within this cavity. The heat exchanger 3 is connected to the outdoor unit via a pipeline. The water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3 are also connected via a pipeline. The water tank 2 is in fluid communication with a cold water source (e.g., a tap) via an external pipeline to receive cold water. The principle of the hot water module in preparing hot water is roughly as follows: the external high-temperature refrigerant provided by the outdoor unit enters the heat exchanger 3, and the cold water in the water tank 2 enters the heat exchanger 3. The cold water undergoes heat exchange heating with the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger 3. The heated hot water returns to the water tank 2, and the refrigerant, after releasing heat, returns to the outdoor unit. Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 5The arrows in the diagram indicate mutually perpendicular directions A, B, and C. Directions A and B together form a horizontal direction. The horizontal direction described in this article includes a first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction. The first horizontal direction can be referenced to direction A, and the second horizontal direction can be referenced to direction B. The vertical direction described in this article can be referenced to direction C.

[0029] Please see Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, the outer casing 1 includes connected side panels and a bottom plate 13, and a top cover plate 14 spaced parallel to and relative to the bottom plate 13. The side panels include two long-side side panels 12 spaced apart along a first horizontal direction and two short-side side panels spaced apart along a second horizontal direction. When the hot water module is naturally placed on the ground, the bottom plate 13 is in contact with the ground, the bottom plate 13 and the top cover plate 14 are parallel to the ground, and the long-side side panels 12 and the short-side side panels are perpendicular to the ground and to each other. The maximum side length of the long-side side panel 12 is greater than the maximum side length of the short-side side panel. The top cover plate 14, the bottom plate 13, the long-side side panels 12, and the short-side side panels, when connected, together enclose a cuboid cavity. At least two adjacent components of the top cover plate 14, the bottom plate 13, the long-side side panels 12, and the short-side side panels can be independent, separable components, or they can be an integral, non-separable structure. As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the base plate 13 and one of the short side panels are a single integrated structure. The two ends of the water tank 2 along its length face the two short side panels respectively.

[0030] The heat exchanger 3 is located on the side of the water tank 2 closest to the base plate 13 in the vertical direction. That is, the heat exchanger 3 is positioned on one side of the water tank 2 in the vertical direction, and is closer to the base plate 13 than the water tank 2. In other words, the heat exchanger 3 is located below the water tank 2. The vertical projections of the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 2 at least partially overlap. It should be noted that when the hot water module is in operation, it can be placed entirely on the ground; alternatively, the hot water module can be placed on top of the outdoor unit, i.e., the hot water module and the outdoor unit are stacked vertically. Therefore, when the hot water module is in operation, the surface on which it is placed can be the ground or other surfaces used to place the hot water module. The water pump unit 4 is located on the side of the heat exchanger 3 in the horizontal direction.

[0031] In summary, this utility model integrates the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3 within the cavity formed by the outer shell 1. The heat exchanger 3 is located on the side of the water tank 2 along the vertical direction near the bottom plate 13, making full use of the space below the water tank 2 to arrange the heat exchanger 3, thus forming a reasonably laid out and compact hot water module. This hot water module can be used as an optional accessory for HVAC equipment and can be installed, transported, and moved independently of the outdoor unit. Users can select a domestic hot water module separately according to their actual needs.

[0032] Furthermore, the heat exchanger 3 is located on the side of the water tank 2 that is close to the base plate 13 in the vertical direction, which helps to reduce the horizontal dimension of the outer casing 1. After the horizontal dimension of the outer casing 1 is reduced, it can be adapted to the external dimensions of the outdoor unit. That is, the external dimensions of the hot water module and the outdoor unit can be made consistent, thereby ensuring good alignment between the two when the hot water module and the outdoor unit are stacked vertically.

[0033] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a water pump unit 4 disposed within a cavity. The water pump unit 4 is connected to the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3 via pipelines. The water pump unit 4 is used at least to power the water circulation between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3. The water pump unit 4 is located on one side of the heat exchanger 3 in the horizontal direction.

[0034] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, the water pump unit 4 is at least partially disposed on the side of the water tank 2 closest to the base plate 13 in the vertical direction. That is, the water pump unit 4 is at least partially disposed on the side of the water tank 2 in the vertical direction, and the water pump unit 4 is closer to the base plate 13 than the water tank 2. In other words, the water pump unit 4 is at least partially located below the water tank 2. The vertical projections of the water pump unit 4 and the water tank 2 are at least partially coincident. Thus, the water pump unit 4 and the heat exchanger 3 are both arranged below the water tank 2, which makes full use of the space below the water tank 2 to arrange the water pump unit 4 and the heat exchanger 3. This further helps to reduce the horizontal dimension of the outer casing 1, thereby ensuring good alignment between the hot water module and the outdoor unit when they are stacked vertically. In addition, since the bottom of the water tank 2 has the support unit 5 and the heat exchanger 3, arranging the water pump unit 4 closer to the base plate 13 makes full use of the space at the bottom of the water tank 2, which helps to reduce the vertical dimension of the outer casing 1.

[0035] Please see Figures 2 to 5 ,as well as Figure 8 In some embodiments, the pump unit 4 is at least partially disposed on one side of the heat exchanger 3 along the first horizontal direction (i.e., direction A). In other words, the projections of the pump unit 4 and the heat exchanger 3 in the first horizontal direction are at least partially coincident.

[0036] Please see Figures 2 to 7 The heat exchanger 3 is annular. Specifically, the heat exchanger 3 has a flat annular structure, meaning that the vertical height of the heat exchanger 3 is much smaller than its dimensions along the first or second horizontal direction. The heat exchanger 3 is located below the water tank 2. Specifically, the heat exchanger 3 can be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger has a concentric circular tube structure, typically consisting of two concentric tubes, with an annular space formed between the inner and outer tubes for heat exchange.

[0037] Please see Figures 2 to 5 Furthermore, in some embodiments, the horizontal dimensions of the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 2 can be substantially the same. In other words, the length and / or width of the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 2 in the horizontal direction are substantially the same. Specifically, the horizontal length of the heat exchanger 3 can be referenced to its dimension along direction B; the horizontal width of the heat exchanger 3 can be referenced to its dimension along direction A; the horizontal length of the water tank 2 can be referenced to its dimension along direction B; and the horizontal width of the water tank 2 can be referenced to its dimension along direction A. It should be noted that the width of the water tank 2 refers to its maximum horizontal width; that is, if the water tank 2 is cylindrical, the maximum width refers to the diameter of the cylindrical water tank 2. In other embodiments, the horizontal dimensions of the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 2 can also be equivalent to the horizontal cross-sectional areas of the heat exchanger 3 and the water tank 2. Alternatively, the horizontal dimension of heat exchanger 3 can be slightly smaller than the horizontal dimension of water tank 2. That is, heat exchanger 3 should not protrude horizontally relative to water tank 2 as much as possible, but should be completely covered by water tank 2 below water tank 2. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, from a top-down view, the water tank 2 completely covers the heat exchanger 3 and the water pump unit 4, and the horizontal dimensions of the outer casing 1 largely depend on the horizontal dimensions of the water tank 2. In summary, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the horizontal dimension of the heat exchanger 3 can be smaller than the horizontal dimension of the water tank 2, thereby reserving an area below the water tank 2 for arranging the water pump unit 4.

[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the length of the heat exchanger 3 can be 70% to 110% of the length of the water tank 2. For example, please refer to... Figures 2 to 5 As indicated by the orientation markings, the dimension of heat exchanger 3 along direction B can be 70% to 110% of the dimension of water tank 2 along direction B. For example, the length of heat exchanger 3 can be 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or 110% of the length of water tank 2, etc. This helps to reduce the height of the hot water module in the vertical direction.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width of the heat exchanger 3 can be 60% to 110% of the width of the water tank 2. For example, please refer to... Figures 2 to 5As indicated by the orientation markings, the dimension of heat exchanger 3 along direction A can be 60% to 110% of the dimension of water tank 2 along direction A. For example, the width of heat exchanger 3 can be 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or 110% of the width of water tank 2. This helps to reduce the vertical height of the hot water module. In some embodiments, the hot water module also includes a piping assembly comprising multiple pipes connected to water tank 2. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 In some embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of the water tank 2 includes a first semicircular surface 24 and a second semicircular surface 25 connected to each other, with the first semicircular surface 24 being closer to the base plate 13 than the second semicircular surface 25; the interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank 2 are located on the first semicircular surface 24. In other words, the interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank 2 are all located on the side of the water tank 2 facing the base plate 13. Therefore, the pipes connected to the water tank 2 can be centrally arranged below the water tank 2, making full use of the space below the water tank 2, avoiding pipe bends, and reducing the horizontal dimension of the outer casing 1.

[0040] Please see Figures 2 to 7 In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a support unit 5 disposed on the base plate 13. The support unit 5 supports the water tank 2 and defines a first clearance space. The heat exchanger 3 is at least partially inserted into the first clearance space. That is, the heat exchanger 3 may be partially or entirely inserted into the first clearance space. The water pump unit 4 is at least partially located in the first clearance space. That is, the water pump unit 4 may be partially or entirely inserted into the first clearance space. Thus, the water tank 2 can be fixed to the base plate 13 by the support unit 5, and the support unit 5 used to support and fix the water tank 2 can also provide the first clearance space for the heat exchanger 3 and the water pump unit 4, which can make full use of the space below the water tank 2 to place the heat exchanger 3 and the water pump unit 4 without hindering the support and fixation of the water tank 2. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, only the heat exchanger 3 may be at least partially inserted into the first clearance space; or only the water pump unit 4 may be at least partially inserted into the first clearance space.

[0041] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, the support unit 5 includes four support seats 50 and two support frames 53. Each support seat 50 is mounted on the base plate 13. One support frame 53 is mounted on two adjacent support seats 50 along direction A and connected to those two support seats 50 respectively; the other support frame 53 is mounted on two other adjacent support seats 50 along direction A and connected to those two other support seats 50 respectively. The support frame 53 is located on the side of the heat exchanger 3 away from the base plate 13 in the vertical direction, that is, above the heat exchanger 3. The support seats 50 and support frames 53 together support the water tank 2. For example... Figures 2 to 5,as well as Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the water tank 2 rests against each support frame 53. Each support frame 53 has an arc-shaped surface conforming to the outer circumference of the water tank 2, and the arc-shaped surface of the support frame 53 contacts the water tank 2. In this case, the support base 50 does not directly contact the water tank 2; the support base 50 only provides support for the support frame 53 and the water tank 2. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the support base 50 used to support the water tank 2 may be in direct contact with the water tank 2. Specifically, an arc-shaped surface conforming to the outer circumference of the water tank 2 can be designed on the support base 50, so that the support base 50 contacts the water tank 2 with its arc-shaped surface. The support bases 50 are spaced apart, and the interval between the support bases 50 defines a first clearance space. Specifically, the first clearance space includes the interval between two adjacent support bases 50 along direction A and the interval between two adjacent support bases 50 along direction B. Figures 2 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is at least partially disposed within the gap between two adjacent support seats 50 along direction A, and the water pump unit 4 is at least partially disposed within the gap between two adjacent support seats 50 along direction B. Each support seat 50 can be bolted to the base plate 13. The four support seats 50 are arranged diagonally. In some other embodiments, the number of support seats 50 can be two, three, five, etc. That is, the number of support seats 50 is at least two. The number of support frames 53 can be one, three, four, etc. That is, the number of support frames 53 is at least one. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the support unit 5 can also be an indivisible whole, which has through slots, through holes, etc., to define a first clearance space.

[0042] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes at least one first fastener 51 connected between the base plate 13 and the heat exchanger 3 for fixing the heat exchanger 3 to the base plate 13.

[0043] Please see Figures 2 to 7 In some embodiments, the pump unit 4 includes a first pump 41 and a second pump 42. Of course, in other embodiments, the pump unit 4 may also include one or more pumps. In some embodiments, the first pump 41 may be a circulating pump, and the second pump 42 may be a zero-cooling-water pump. When the pump unit 4 includes only one pump, that pump is a circulating pump, used to power the circulating flow of water between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 3.

[0044] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 6In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes at least one second fastener 52, which is connected between the water pump unit 4 and the base plate 13 for fixing the heat exchanger 3 to the base plate 13. Specifically, the hot water module further includes two second fasteners 52, one of which is connected between the first water pump 41 and the base plate 13 for fixing the first water pump 41 to the base plate 13; the other second fastener 52 is connected between the second water pump 42 and the base plate 13 for fixing the second water pump 42 to the base plate 13.

[0045] Please see Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the water tank 2 is placed horizontally within the cavity. That is, the water tank 2 is arranged horizontally within the cavity. Specifically, the water tank 2 is generally cylindrical, and its length is parallel to the surface where the hot water module is located; in other words, the length of the water tank 2 is parallel to the base plate 13 and is consistent with the length direction of the base plate.

[0046] Please continue reading. Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes an electrical control box 7 disposed within the cavity. The electrical control box 7 is located on one side of the end of the water tank 2. Specifically, the end of the water tank 2 can be the end of the water tank 2 along direction B. The water tank 2 includes a first end 21 and a second end 22 opposite each other along its length, and the electrical control box 7 can be located on one side of either the first end 21 or the second end 22 of the water tank 2.

[0047] Furthermore, the first end 21 of the water tank 2 is provided with a cover 23, and the electrical control box 7 and the cover 23 are located on the same side of the water tank 2. Figures 2 to 4 Taking the orientation shown in the illustration as a reference, the electrical control box 7 is located on the side of the first end 21 of the water tank 2 away from its second end 22, that is, the cover 23 is located at the first end 21 of the water tank 2, and the electrical control box 7 is located on the right side of the first end 21 of the water tank 2. The cover 23 can be a cover for sealing the water tank 2, or it can be a cover for at least partially covering electrical components located at the end of the water tank 2.

[0048] Furthermore, the vertical projections of the control box 7 and the cover 23 at least partially overlap. That is, the control box 7 and the cover 23 are at least partially aligned vertically. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrical control box 7 is located directly below the cover 23. That is, the electrical control box 7 is closer to the base plate 13 than the cover 23. Thus, the electrical control box 7 can be placed precisely in the gap between the first end 21 of the water tank 2 and the outer casing 1, resulting in a compact structure that helps reduce the horizontal dimensions of the outer casing 1.

[0049] Please continue reading. Figures 2 to 7For ease of distinction, the two short side panels of the outer casing 1 are defined as the first short side panel 111 and the second short side panel 112, respectively. In some embodiments, the first short side panel 111 is located on one side of the first end 21 of the water tank 2. Specifically, the first short side panel 111 may be closer to the first end 21 of the water tank 2 than the second short side panel 112. That is, the first end 21 of the water tank 2 faces the first short side panel 111 along direction B, and the second end 22 of the water tank 2 faces the second short side panel 112 along direction B. The electrical control box 7 is mounted on the first short side panel 111. Specifically, the electrical control box 7 can be fastened to the first short side panel 111 by bolts, clips, or other means.

[0050] Please continue reading. Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, the first short side panel 111 has at least one access port 15, and the housing 1 also includes at least one access cover 16. The access cover 16 is disposed on the first short side panel 111 and covers the access port 15; the cover 23 and the electrical control box 7 can be exposed through at least one access port 15. That is, the number of access ports 15 can be one or more. The cover 23 and the electrical control box 7 can be exposed through the same access port 15; or, the cover 23 and the electrical control box 7 can be exposed through different access ports 15. The number of access cover 16 can be one or more. The same access cover 16 can cover multiple different access ports 15 simultaneously, or multiple access cover 16 and multiple access ports 15 can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, the access cover 16 is detachably or rotatably connected to the first short side panel 111. After personnel move the inspection cover 16, the electrical components and wiring terminals inside the electrical control box 7 are exposed through the inspection port 15, and the cover 23 of the water tank 2 is also exposed for maintenance. Therefore, maintenance of both the water tank 2 and the electrical control box 7 can be performed on the same side of the outer casing 1, making maintenance more convenient. The second short side panel 112, opposite the first short side panel 111, can be installed against a wall, eliminating the need for maintenance space on both sides and saving installation space.

[0051] For further information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, there is only one inspection cover 16, which completely covers the inspection port 15. Thus, the water tank 2 and the electrical control box 7 share one inspection cover 16. One inspection cover 16 can cover both the cover 23 of the water tank 2 and the electrical control box 7 at the same time, which can save the number of inspection covers 16 (sheet metal parts) to the greatest extent and reduce production, manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the first short side panel 111 has multiple pipe interfaces 60. Please refer to the following: Figures 2 to 7In some embodiments, the hot water module further includes a piping assembly connected to at least one of the water tank 2, heat exchanger 3, and water pump unit 4. That is, the piping assembly includes multiple pipes connected to at least one of the water tank 2, heat exchanger 3, and water pump unit 4, or connected to any two or three of them. The piping assembly at least partially passes through the pipe interface 60. That is, the pipe interface 60 is used to pass through the piping assembly, which extends out of the cavity through the interface 60 to connect to external equipment such as the outdoor unit and water-using terminals. Depending on the specific number and arrangement of pipes in the piping assembly, in different embodiments, some pipes of the piping assembly may pass through the pipe interface 60, or all pipes of the piping assembly may pass through the pipe interface 60. Meanwhile, the second short side panel 112 does not have the aforementioned pipe interface 60. The long side panel 12, bottom plate 13, and top cover 14 also do not have the aforementioned pipe interface 60. In other words, the outer casing 1, except for the first short side panel 111, does not have any pipe interface 60. That is, the pipes used to connect the equipment inside and outside the cavity all pass through one side of the first short side panel 111, and the second short side panel 112 opposite to the first short side panel 111 does not have any interface. Thus, the pipes used to connect the equipment inside and outside the cavity can be arranged centrally on one of the short sides of the outer casing 1, avoiding pipe bends; when installing the hot water module, only the arrangement relationship between the first short side panel 111 where the pipe interface 60 is located and the outdoor unit needs to be considered. According to different arrangement requirements, the hot water module can be flexibly flipped for installation. When installing the hot water module, the second short side panel 112, which does not have any interface, can be set against the wall, which helps to save installation space.

[0053] Please refer to the following: Figures 2 to 7 In some embodiments, the piping assembly includes a refrigerant inlet pipe 82, a refrigerant outlet pipe 81, a heat exchanger inlet pipe 83, a heat exchanger outlet pipe 84, a zero-cold water inlet pipe 85, a zero-cold water outlet pipe 86, a cold water inlet pipe 87, a hot water outlet pipe 88, and a drain pipe 89. The connection relationships and functions of each pipe are as follows:

[0054] The refrigerant inlet pipe 82 and the refrigerant outlet pipe 81 are each connected at one end to the heat exchanger 3, and the other end of each extends out of the cavity through two pipe interfaces 60 for connecting to the outdoor unit. The refrigerant inlet pipe 82 is used to input the refrigerant from the outdoor unit into the heat exchanger 3, and the refrigerant outlet pipe 81 is used to output the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 3 into the outdoor unit.

[0055] The heat exchanger inlet pipe 83 and the heat exchanger outlet pipe 84 are each connected at one end to the heat exchanger 3 and at the other end to the water tank 2. A first water pump 41 (circulating water pump) is connected to the heat exchanger inlet pipe 83. The main body of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 83 is the heat exchanger 3, and it is used to input water from the water tank 2 into the heat exchanger 3 for heat exchange. The main body of the heat exchanger outlet pipe 84 is the heat exchanger 3, and it is used to output the water that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 to the water tank 2.

[0056] One end of the cold water inlet pipe 87 is connected to the water tank 2, and the other end extends out of the cavity through one of the pipe interfaces 60 and is used to connect to a cold water source such as tap water. One end of the hot water outlet pipe 88 is connected to the water tank 2, and the other end extends out of the cavity through one of the pipe interfaces 60 and is used to connect to a water-using device (such as a shower head, faucet, etc.).

[0057] Taking the second water pump 42 as an example of a zero-cold-water pump, one end of the zero-cold-water inlet pipe 85 is connected to the second water pump 42, and the other end extends out of the cavity through one of the pipe interfaces 60 and can be used to connect to the pipe at the water end. One end of the zero-cold-water outlet pipe 86 is connected to the second water pump 42, and the other end is connected to the water tank 2. Alternatively, the other end of the zero-cold-water outlet pipe 86 can also be connected to the same tap water inlet pipe as the water tank 2. Cold water in the pipe at the water end is sent to the water tank 2 for reheating via the zero-cold-water inlet pipe 85. In embodiments without a zero-cold-water pump, but only a circulating water pump, the piping assembly may not include the zero-cold-water inlet pipe 85 and the zero-cold-water outlet pipe 86.

[0058] One end of the drain pipe 89 is connected to the water tank 2, and the other end extends out of the cavity through one of the pipe interfaces 60 to empty the water tank 2.

[0059] The principle of the corresponding hot water module for preparing hot water is roughly as follows: the external high-temperature refrigerant provided by the outdoor unit enters the heat exchanger 3 through the refrigerant inlet pipe 82; the cold water in the water tank 2 is driven by the power provided by the circulating water pump and outputs into the heat exchanger 3 through the heat exchanger inlet pipe 83. The cold water is heated by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger 3. The heated hot water comes out through the heat exchanger outlet pipe 84 and returns to the water tank 2. The refrigerant that has released heat returns to the outdoor unit through the refrigerant outlet pipe 81.

[0060] Correspondingly, such as Figures 2 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the refrigerant inlet pipe 82, refrigerant outlet pipe 81, zero cold water inlet pipe 85, zero cold water outlet pipe 86, cold water inlet pipe 87, and hot water outlet pipe 88 are respectively installed in the corresponding pipe interfaces 60.

[0061] In some embodiments, a second clearance space is defined between at least a portion of the piping assembly and the first short-side panel 111, and the electrical control box 7 is located within the second clearance space. Specifically, the second clearance space may be defined between a portion of the piping assembly and the first short-side panel 111; or, the second clearance space may be jointly defined between all the piping of the piping assembly and the first short-side panel 111. This allows for a reserved space between the piping assembly and the first short-side panel 111 to accommodate the electrical control box 7, avoiding physical interference between the piping assembly and the electrical control box 7. For example, please refer to... Figures 5 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the gap between the refrigerant inlet pipe 82 and the first short side panel 111 defines the second clearance space; that is, the refrigerant inlet pipe 82 bends twice along its extension path to avoid the electrical control box 7. In other words, the electrical control box 7 is located between the refrigerant inlet pipe 82 and the first short side panel 111.

[0062] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the center of the pipes connected to the water tank 2 (which may include at least one of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 83, heat exchanger outlet pipe 84, cold water inlet pipe 87, hot water outlet pipe 88, and drain pipe 89) is aligned with the center of the cross-section of the water tank 2 along direction A, and extends from the bottom of the water tank 2. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the water tank 2 includes a first semicircular surface 24 and a second semicircular surface 25 connected to each other. Figure 8 The dashed line shown is the boundary line between the first semicircular surface 24 and the second semicircular surface 25. The first semicircular surface 24 is closer to the base plate 13 than the second semicircular surface 25. The interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank 2 (including at least one of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 83, heat exchanger outlet pipe 84, cold water inlet pipe 87, hot water outlet pipe 88, and drain pipe 89) on the water tank 2 are located on the first semicircular surface 24. In other words, the interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank 2 are all located on the side of the water tank 2 facing the base plate 13. Therefore, the pipes connected to the water tank 2 can be centrally arranged below the water tank 2, making full use of the space below the water tank 2, avoiding pipe bends, and reducing the horizontal dimension of the outer casing 1.

[0063] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the interior of the water tank 2 is provided with a heating element (not shown) that can be electrically heated. The heating element is in direct contact with the water stored inside the water tank 2. The heating element serves as an auxiliary heating element for directly heating the water inside the water tank 2.

[0064] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, since both the heat exchanger 3 and the water pump unit 4 are located below the water tank 2, a space can be left on one side of the water tank 2 along the horizontal direction for arranging the piping assembly. The piping assembly can thus be centrally arranged on one side of the water tank 2 along the horizontal direction, largely avoiding pipe bends.

[0065] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model patent. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, the above technical features can be freely combined, and several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present utility model should fall within the coverage of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hot water module, characterized in that, include: The outer shell (1) is enclosed to form a cavity and includes at least a bottom plate (13); Water tank (2), wherein the water tank (2) is disposed within the cavity; A heat exchanger (3) is disposed in the cavity and located on the side of the water tank (2) in the vertical direction near the bottom plate (13).

2. The hot water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (3) is annular; wherein, The dimensions of the heat exchanger (3) in the horizontal direction are basically the same as those of the water tank (2) in the horizontal direction; Alternatively, the length of the heat exchanger (3) is 70% to 110% of the length of the water tank (2); Alternatively, the width of the heat exchanger (3) is 60% to 110% of the width of the water tank (2).

3. The hot water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water module further includes: a water pump unit (4), which is disposed within the cavity; wherein, The water pump unit (4) is located on one side of the heat exchanger (3) along a horizontal direction, the horizontal direction including a first horizontal direction, and the outer casing (1) further includes two long side panels (12) arranged at relatively intervals along the first horizontal direction. The water pump unit (4) is at least partially disposed on one side of the heat exchanger (3) along the first horizontal direction; and / or, The water pump unit (4) is at least partially disposed on the side of the water tank (2) in the vertical direction near the bottom plate (13).

4. The hot water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water module also includes a support unit (5) disposed on the base plate (13), the water tank (2) abuts against the support unit (5), and the support unit (5) defines a first clearance space; The heat exchanger (3) is at least partially inserted into the first recessed space.

5. The hot water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water module also includes an electrical control box (7) installed inside the cavity; The electrical control box (7) is located on one side of the end of the water tank (2); or, The water tank (2) includes a first end (21) and a second end (22) opposite to each other, and the first end (21) is provided with a cover (23); the electrical control box (7) and the cover (23) are located on the same side of the water tank (2).

6. The hot water module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The projections of the electrical control box (7) and the cover (23) in the vertical direction at least partially overlap.

7. The hot water module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer casing (1) includes a first short side panel (111) and a second short side panel (112) arranged opposite to each other. The first short side panel (111) is located on one side of the first end (21) of the water tank (2), and the electrical control box (7) is disposed on the first short side panel (111).

8. The hot water module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first short side panel (111) has at least one access port (15), and the housing (1) also includes at least one access cover (16); The inspection cover (16) is disposed on the first short side panel (111), and is detachably or rotatably connected to the first short side panel (111), and can cover the inspection port (15). The cover (23) and the electrical control box (7) can be exposed through at least one of the access ports (15).

9. The hot water module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of the inspection cover (16) is one, and the inspection cover (16) completely covers the inspection port (15).

10. The hot water module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water module also includes a piping assembly. The outer circumferential surface of the water tank (2) includes a first semicircular surface (24) and a second semicircular surface (25) connected to each other. The first semicircular surface (24) is closer to the bottom plate (13) than the second semicircular surface (25). The piping assembly includes multiple pipes connected to the water tank (2), and the interfaces of the pipes connected to the water tank (2) are located on the first semicircular surface (24).

Images