Heat exchanger and water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heat exchanger which comprises a heat exchange piece assembly and a heat exchange pipe. The heat exchange tube comprises a first heat exchange tube part and a second heat exchange tube part which penetrate through the heat exchange sheet assembly and are communicated with each other, the first heat exchange tube part is located on the inner side of the second heat exchange tube part, and the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube part is lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube part in the vertical direction. According to the technical scheme, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a heat exchanger and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Water heaters are an indispensable appliance in modern homes. In terms of the energy they use, they can be broadly classified into gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and solar water heaters, among which gas water heaters are widely used by the public.

[0003] As a commonly used household appliance, the energy efficiency of gas water heaters is a crucial factor for users when choosing one. The energy efficiency of a gas water heater is often closely related to its internal heat exchanger; therefore, improving the heat exchanger's efficiency is a pressing technical challenge. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a heat exchanger and a water heater, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a heat exchanger, which includes a heat exchange plate assembly and a heat exchange tube; the heat exchange tube includes a first heat exchange tube section and a second heat exchange tube section that pass through the heat exchange plate assembly and are connected to each other, wherein the first heat exchange tube section is located inside the second heat exchange tube section, and in the vertical direction, the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section is lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section.

[0006] In some embodiments, both the first heat exchange tube section and the second heat exchange tube section are U-shaped tubes.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange tube section includes two first straight pipe sections passing through the heat exchange fin assembly, with the bottom ends of the two first straight pipe sections located on the same horizontal plane.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange tube section includes two second straight tube sections passing through the heat exchange fin assembly, with the bottom ends of the two second straight tube sections located on the same horizontal plane.

[0009] In some embodiments, two end plates are also included, the first heat exchange tube section having a water inlet and the second heat exchange tube section having a water outlet, the water inlet and the water outlet being located on the same end plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the heat exchanger assembly corresponds to a region of the first heat exchanger tube portion that is lower than the region of the second heat exchanger tube portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lower surface of the heat exchanger assembly is wavy.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of heat exchangers arranged at intervals, the lower edges of the plurality of heat exchangers forming the lower surface;

[0013] The lower edge of the heat exchange plate includes a first arc-shaped portion corresponding to the first heat exchange tube portion and a second arc-shaped portion corresponding to the second heat exchange tube portion, wherein the bottom end of the first arc-shaped portion is lower than the bottom end of the second arc-shaped portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the area on the upper surface of the heat exchanger assembly corresponding to the first heat exchanger section is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchanger section.

[0015] Secondly, this application provides a water heater, which includes a shell, a burner, a heat exchanger as described in any of the above, and a pipe assembly; the burner is disposed inside the shell, and the burner includes a plurality of burners arranged side by side, and a plurality of fire holes are provided on the burners, the fire outlet direction of the plurality of fire holes facing upward; the pipe assembly includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the inlet pipe is connected to the first heat exchange tube section through the inlet port, and the outlet pipe is connected to the second heat exchange tube section through the outlet port.

[0016] In some embodiments, the piping assembly further includes a bypass pipe with its two ends connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, respectively, and the bypass pipe is located at the end of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe away from the heat exchange tube.

[0017] The heat exchanger based on the embodiments of this application has heat exchange tubes inserted into the heat exchange fin assembly to increase the heat exchange area and improve heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchange tubes include a first heat exchange tube section and a second heat exchange tube section that are connected to each other. By placing the first heat exchange tube section inside the second heat exchange tube section, and designing the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section, it facilitates fluid flow inside the heat exchanger, ensuring uniform fluid flow through the heat exchange tubes and further improving the heat exchange effect. The height difference between the first and second heat exchange tube sections makes the water flow distribution inside the heat exchanger more uniform, reducing water stagnation and dead zones inside the heat exchanger. This allows the water flow to better fill the heat exchange tubes, thereby improving water flow and heat exchange efficiency.

[0018] Furthermore, since the second heat exchange tube section is located outside the first heat exchange tube section, that is, in the front-back direction, it is relatively far away from the flame gathering area in the middle. The bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section is higher than the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section, that is, in the vertical direction, it is relatively far away from the heat source. After the heat reaches the first heat exchange tube section located inside, it will be guided to the second heat exchange tube section located outside, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange tube sections on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of one embodiment of the heat exchanger.

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The exploded view of the heat exchanger is shown in the figure.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger along plane AA.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the heat exchange tube.

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the heat exchanger assembly.

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the smoke hood.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100. Heat exchanger; 10. End plate; 20. Heat exchanger fin assembly; 21. Lower surface; 211. First peak; 212. Second peak; 22. Heat exchanger fin; 221. First arc-shaped section; 222. Second arc-shaped section; 223. Through hole; 23. Upper surface; 30. Heat exchanger tube; 31. First heat exchanger tube section; 311. Inlet; 312. First straight pipe section; 32. Second heat exchanger tube section; 321. Outlet; 322. Second straight pipe section; 33. 1. Bend; 200. Shell; 300. Burner; 400. Pipe assembly; 401. Inlet pipe; 402. Outlet pipe; 403. Bypass pipe; 500. Fume hood; 501. Fume hood body; 5011. Front panel; 5012. Rear panel; 5013. Top panel; 5014. Exit; 5015. Opening; 502. Positioning ring; 503. Wind baffle; 5031. Airflow channel; 504. Fume vent; 1000. Water heater.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Water heaters are an indispensable appliance in modern homes. In terms of the energy used, they can be roughly divided into gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and solar water heaters. Among them, gas water heaters are devices that use the heat generated by the combustion of gas to heat water. The gas is completely burned in the combustion chamber to produce high-temperature flue gas. This flue gas flows through a heat exchanger to heat the cold water flowing through it, thereby achieving the purpose of producing hot water.

[0035] The basic working principle of a gas water heater is as follows: cold water enters the water heater and flows through the water-gas linkage valve. Under the action of a certain pressure difference of the flowing water, the water-gas linkage valve is pushed, and at the same time, the DC power micro switch is activated to connect the power supply and start the pulse igniter. Simultaneously, the gas supply solenoid valve is opened, and the pulse igniter continues to automatically ignite until it successfully ignites and enters normal working condition. This process lasts for about 5 to 10 seconds. When the gas water heater experiences malfunctions such as water shortage, insufficient water pressure, power shortage, gas shortage, excessively high hot water temperature, or accidental flameout during operation or ignition, the pulse igniter will automatically cut off the power supply through the signal fed back by the detection needle. In the event of a power shortage, the gas supply solenoid valve immediately returns to its original normally closed state, meaning that the gas supply has been cut off, shutting off the gas water heater for safety protection and preventing further gas outflow. It cannot automatically reopen unless the above malfunctions are manually resolved and the gas water heater is restarted to return to normal working condition. Therefore, its working performance is relatively safe and reliable.

[0036] Gas water heaters can be classified according to the energy source they use, such as manufactured gas water heaters, water gas water heaters, biogas water heaters, or liquefied petroleum gas mixed with air water heaters; and according to their structure, they can be classified as direct-vent water heaters, flue-type water heaters, or forced-draft water heaters.

[0037] Gas water heaters are widely used due to their instant-on functionality, high safety, and small footprint. When choosing a gas water heater, energy efficiency is a crucial factor for consumers. The energy efficiency of a gas water heater is closely related to its internal heat exchanger; therefore, improving the heat exchanger's efficiency is a pressing technical challenge.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 This application proposes a water heater 1000, specifically a flue-type water heater 1000, which has low production costs and is relatively easy to install. The water heater 1000 includes a shell 200, a burner 300, a heat exchanger 100, and a piping assembly 400. The burner 300 is disposed within the shell 200, and the piping assembly 400 includes an inlet pipe 401 and an outlet pipe 402. The shell 200 can have a rectangular cross-section to facilitate installation on an indoor wall. Of course, the shape of the shell 200 can be adapted to specific installation requirements, and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0039] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 2 to 4 This application proposes a heat exchanger 100, which in this embodiment includes a heat exchange fin assembly 20 and a heat exchange tube 30.

[0040] The heat exchanger 100 is positioned above the burner 300. The high-temperature flue gas generated by the combustion gas in the burner 300 rises upwards and flows through the heat exchanger 100, exchanging heat with it to heat the water flowing inside the heat exchange tube 30, thus achieving the purpose of heating the water. When the burner 300 adopts a structure with multiple burners arranged in parallel, the burner 300 includes multiple burners arranged side by side, each with multiple flame holes facing upwards. Each burner includes an ejector, a mixing section, an airflow distribution section, an ignition plate, and other accessories. Depending on the direction of the ejector and the form of the mixing section, burners are further divided into co-current type (including T-type and Y-type) and baffle type (U-type). The U-type burner, also known as a harmonica-type burner, has its ignition plate and distribution plate riveted to the main body as a single unit.

[0041] The gas is ejected from the central burner hole, while the surrounding air passages supply air. This design may lead to an imbalance in airflow dynamics, causing the flame to tend to concentrate in the central part. At the same time, the heat generated by the flame in the central part may heat the surrounding gas and air, making the combustion in the central part more intense. This attracts more gas and air to concentrate in the center, forming a positive feedback loop. As a result, the flame in the center of the burner 300 concentrates, making the central temperature relatively higher. This can easily lead to local overheating in the central part of the heat exchanger 100 opposite to the burner 300, affecting the stability of the outlet water temperature.

[0042] The heat exchanger 100 also includes two end plates 10, with heat exchange fin assemblies 20 disposed between the two end plates 10. This facilitates the diffusion of flue gas generated during combustion to the periphery of the heat exchange fin assembly 20, enabling sufficient heat exchange between the high-temperature flue gas and the heat exchange fin assembly 20. After being heated by the high-temperature flue gas, the heat exchange fin assembly 20 can contact the heat exchange tube 30 for heat exchange. Simultaneously, the high-temperature flue gas also flows through the tube wall of the heat exchange tube 30, directly heating the water flowing inside the heat exchange tube 30. This achieves efficient heat exchange in the heat exchanger 100, meeting the user's needs. The end plates 10 can be made of metals with high thermal conductivity and strong heat resistance, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and their shape can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, etc. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0043] One end of the inlet pipe 401 is connected to the first heat exchange tube section 31 through the inlet 311, and the other end of the inlet pipe 401 is connected to the external water circuit and used to introduce cold water; one end of the outlet pipe 402 is connected to the second heat exchange tube section 32 through the outlet 321, and the other end of the outlet pipe 402 is connected to the external water circuit and used to output hot water. The technical solution of this application increases the heat exchange area and improves the heat exchange efficiency by using heat exchange tubes 30 inserted into the heat exchange plate assembly 20. The heat exchange tubes 30 include a first heat exchange tube section 31 and a second heat exchange tube section 32 connected to each other. The first heat exchange tube section 31 has a water inlet 311 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 has a water outlet 321. When water flows into the heat exchange tubes 30 from the water inlet pipe 401, it first flows through the first heat exchange tube section 31. In the vertical direction, the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section 31 is lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section 32, which allows the first heat exchange tube section 31 to be relatively closer to the burner 300 in the vertical direction, thereby absorbing more heat. At the same time, the first heat exchange tube section 31 is located inside the second heat exchange tube section 32. With this arrangement, the first heat exchange tube section 31 is positioned in the flame gathering area in the middle of the burner 300, so that the cold water that just enters the first heat exchange tube section 31 can be heated more quickly, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0044] By placing the first heat exchange tube section 31 inside the second heat exchange tube section 32, an effective temperature gradient can be formed between cold and hot water inside the heat exchanger 100, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Simultaneously, the design of the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section 31 being lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section 32 facilitates fluid flow within the heat exchanger 100, ensuring uniform fluid flow through the heat exchange tubes 30 and further enhancing the heat exchange effect. The height difference between the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 results in a more uniform distribution of water flow within the heat exchanger 100, reducing water stagnation and dead zones, thereby improving water flow and heat exchange efficiency.

[0045] Furthermore, since the second heat exchange tube section 32 is located outside the first heat exchange tube section 31, that is, in the front-back direction, it is relatively far away from the flame gathering area in the middle of the burner 300. The bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section 32 is higher than the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section 31, that is, in the vertical direction, it is relatively far away from the burner 300. This makes the second heat exchange tube section 32 absorb less heat, avoids the water temperature output from the outlet 321 of the second heat exchange tube section 32 from being too hot, avoids the user from being scalded, thereby improving the user experience and the safety performance of the water heater 1000.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the description of orientation in this application, it can be understood that, during specific installation and use, the left-right direction refers to the direction on the left and right sides of the water heater 1000 when the user is facing the water heater 1000 and standing directly in front of it. The front-back direction can be understood as the direction in which the water heater 1000 faces the user during operation, and the opposite direction is the back direction. The up-down direction refers to the height of the water heater 1000. Therefore, in the up-down direction, the burner 300 and the heat exchanger 100 are arranged from bottom to top, and the direction in which the burner 300's burner plate points is the same as the installation direction of the heat exchanger 100, that is, the heat exchanger 100 is located above the burner 300.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Both the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 are U-shaped tubes, which allows the heat exchange tube 30 to have a longer heat exchange path and increase the heat exchange area, thus helping to improve the heat transfer performance. Furthermore, the symmetrical center lines of the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 are located inside the heat exchange plate assembly 20 along the front-back direction, so that the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 are evenly arranged above the flame gathering area in the middle of the burner 300, ensuring that the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 are heated evenly, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0048] In one structural configuration, the first heat exchange tube section 31 includes two first straight pipe sections 312 passing through the heat exchange plate assembly 20, with the bottom ends of the two first straight pipe sections 312 located on the same horizontal plane. Similarly, the second heat exchange tube section 32 includes two second straight pipe sections 322 passing through the heat exchange plate assembly 20, with the bottom ends of the two second straight pipe sections 322 located on the same horizontal plane. That is, both the two first straight pipe sections 312 and the two second straight pipe sections 322 are located between the two end plates 10. With this configuration, the high-temperature flue gas generated by the combustion of the lower burner 300 accumulates in the middle and rises upwards. The accumulated flue gas passes through the bottom ends of the two first straight pipe sections 312 and undergoes heat exchange, then diffuses to the opposite sides in the forward and backward direction to the bottom ends of the two second straight pipe sections 322 and undergoes heat exchange again. This results in the heat at the first straight pipe section 312 being greater than the heat at the second straight pipe section 322, allowing the first straight pipe section 312 to absorb more heat and heat the cold water more rapidly, thus improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0049] Since the bottom end of the first straight pipe section 312 is located on the same horizontal plane and is lower than the bottom end of the second straight pipe section 322 which is also on the same horizontal plane, this reduces the heating of the second straight pipe section 322. Furthermore, due to the height difference, the high-temperature flue gas, during its ascent, can be guided upwards along the bottom end of the first straight pipe section 312 to the bottom end of the second straight pipe section 322, improving heat conduction and ensuring that the second straight pipe section 322 can also absorb sufficient heat, thus guaranteeing heat exchange efficiency. Compared to a design where the bottom ends of both first straight pipe sections 312 and both second straight pipe sections 322 are parallel and located on the same horizontal plane, this application utilizes the height difference between the bottom ends of the two first straight pipe sections 312 and the two second straight pipe sections 322 to achieve a flue gas guiding effect. This avoids the phenomenon of poor heating effect in the outer second straight pipe section 322, which is located far from the central flue gas accumulation area due to horizontal placement, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0050] At this point, the heat exchange tube 30 also includes multiple bends 33, which are sequentially connected to two first straight pipe sections 312 and a second straight pipe section 322 in the direction of water flow, thereby forming a U-shaped tube structure of the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32. The first heat exchange tube section 31 is located inside the second heat exchange tube section 32, and in the vertical direction, the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section 31 is lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section 32. That is, in the vertical direction, the second heat exchange tube section 32 is connected downstream of the first heat exchange tube section 31 and surrounds the first heat exchange tube section 31 above and outside, avoiding excessive pipe stacking in the vertical direction, and also increasing the heat exchange area between the high-temperature flue gas and the heat exchange tube 30, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0051] In another structural form, since the burner 300 is located below the heat exchanger 100, during the combustion process, space needs to be reserved between the burner 300 and the heat exchanger 100 for flame combustion. The high-temperature flue gas therefore has a minimum travel distance. When the first heat exchange tube section 31 is a U-shaped tube, and the second heat exchange tube section 32 is configured with a multi-layer structure and extends and stacked above the first heat exchange tube section 31, the water heater 1000 will occupy too much volume in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the form of a multi-layer structure, the second heat exchange tube section 32 is stacked in two layers in the vertical direction, which reduces the space occupied in the vertical direction and can further increase the flow of the second heat exchange tube section 32, thereby increasing the heat exchange area and further improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 3 to 6The first heat exchange tube section 31 has an inlet 311, and the second heat exchange tube section 32 has an outlet 321. The inlet 311 and the outlet 321 are located on the same end plate 10, and the two first straight pipe sections 312 and the second straight pipe section 322 are located between the two end plates 10. Multiple bends 33 are located outside the end plate 10 so that the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 pass through the end plate 10. This arrangement simplifies the pipe connection and makes installation and maintenance more convenient. Since the inlet 311 is relatively low, when cold water flows into the heat exchange tube 30 from the inlet 311, it will naturally fill the entire heat exchange tube 30, reducing flow deviation and dead zones, and preventing water from vaporizing at the top of the heat exchanger 100, thus reducing the heat exchange effect.

[0053] When the inlet 311 and outlet 321 are located on the same end plate 10, and the central axis of the inlet 311 is lower than that of the outlet 321 in the vertical direction, a low-inlet, high-outlet effect can be achieved. That is, cold water flows into the heat exchange tube 30 through the lower inlet 311 and then flows out of the heat exchange tube 30 through the higher outlet 321. Throughout the entire process of the heat exchange tube 30, the cold water exchanges heat with the high-temperature flue gas and the heat exchange fin assembly 20, which can better control the temperature of the outlet fluid and help to control the temperature of the outlet fluid more accurately. When the machine is stopped, due to gravity, the heated water in the heat exchange tube 30 can still be retained in the heat exchange tube 30 and will not leak from the outlet 321. This ensures that the heat exchanger 100 is full of water, avoids damage to the equipment caused by the heat exchanger 100 drying out due to the complete outflow of fluid, and extends the service life of the water heater 1000.

[0054] The first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 can be U-shaped tubes. The inlet 311 is set on one of the end plates 10. After the heat exchange tube 30 is coiled in two layers in the vertical direction, the outlet 321 can be located on the same end plate 10 as the inlet 311. This reduces the space occupied in the vertical direction. Since the inlet 311 and the outlet 321 are located on the same end plate 10, it is convenient to arrange the water circuit on the same side of the water heater 1000. The layout is simple and convenient for production and installation.

[0055] It is understandable that the inlet 311 and outlet 321 may not be located on the same end plate 10, but rather on two opposite end plates 10. In this case, the first heat exchange tube section 31 is a U-shaped tube, while the second heat exchange tube section 32 is configured with a multi-layer structure and extends and stacks above the first heat exchange tube section 31. That is, after the heat exchange tube 30 is coiled in three layers in the vertical direction, the inlet 311 and outlet 321 are located on two opposite end plates 10. This provides sufficient space for operation at each interface, facilitating cleaning, maintenance, and pipe replacement. This layout also helps reduce stress during pipe connections, making the pipe connections more stable.

[0056] In some embodiments, the area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube 31 is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchange tube 32. This arrangement, with a relative height difference between the area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube 31 and the area corresponding to the second heat exchange tube 32, allows the high-temperature flue gas to generate different flow velocities and directions when passing through the heat exchanger 100. This design helps to enhance the turbulence of the flue gas, increase the heat exchange between the flue gas and the heat exchanger assembly 20, improve the heat transfer coefficient, and thus improve the heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the height difference between the different areas of the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 can provide additional support and reduce structural stress caused by thermal expansion or pressure changes.

[0057] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube 31 is relatively lower, it ensures that the first heat exchange tube 31 can obtain more heat and improve the heating efficiency of the cold water introduced into the first heat exchange tube 31. And since the area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the second heat exchange tube 32 is relatively higher, when the high-temperature flue gas gathers towards the center and rises, when it flows through the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20, it can be guided from the lower surface 21 corresponding to the area of ​​the first heat exchange tube 31 to the lower surface 21 corresponding to the area of ​​the second heat exchange tube 32. This ensures that the second heat exchange tube 32, which is relatively located on the outside, obtains enough heat for heat exchange, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. It also ensures that the second heat exchange tube 32 does not obtain too much heat, which would cause the water temperature at the outlet 321 to be too high.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 is wavy and extends along opposite sides in the front-to-back direction. The lowest point of the region corresponding to the first heat exchange tube section 31 is the first wave peak 211 of the wavy shape, and the lowest point corresponding to the second heat exchange tube section 32 is the second wave peak 212 of the wavy shape. In the vertical direction of the heat exchanger 100, the position of the first wave peak 211 is lower than the position of the second wave peak 212, thereby achieving that the region of the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube section 31 is lower than the region corresponding to the second heat exchange tube section 32. The wavy shape of the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 also increases the heat exchange area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20. The wavy surface can change the heat transfer boundary layer through turbulence, making heat exchange more complete. This turbulence effect helps to break the boundary layer and enhance the heat exchange between the fluid and the heat exchange surface, making heat transfer easier and thus improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger assembly 20 includes a plurality of heat exchanger plates 22 spaced apart between two end plates 10. The lower edges of the plurality of heat exchanger plates 22 form a lower surface 21. The lower edge of the heat exchanger plate 22 includes a first arcuate portion 221 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube portion 31 and a second arcuate portion 222 corresponding to the second heat exchange tube portion 32. The bottom end of the first arcuate portion 221 is lower than the bottom end of the second arcuate portion 222. When the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 is wavy, the position of the first wave crest 211 is lower than the position of the second wave crest 212, that is, the bottom end of the first arcuate portion 221 is lower than the bottom end of the second arcuate portion 222. This achieves that the area of ​​the lower surface 21 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube portion 31 is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchange tube portion 32.

[0060] Each heat exchange fin 22 is provided with a through hole 223 for the first heat exchange tube section 31 and the second heat exchange tube section 32 to pass through. Multiple heat exchange fins 22 are evenly spaced, with airflow gaps between adjacent fins 22. This allows for more effective absorption of heat from the high-temperature flue gas, improving energy utilization efficiency and heat exchange efficiency. The design of multiple heat exchange fins 22 increases the heat exchange area of ​​the heat exchange fin assembly 20, thereby increasing the total heat exchange area of ​​the heat exchanger 100, which helps to transfer heat more effectively and improve heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, multiple heat exchange fins 22 can accommodate a larger heat exchange area within a limited space, making the heat exchanger 100 more compact, with a smaller footprint, lighter weight, and easier installation.

[0061] Furthermore, the area of ​​the upper surface 23 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube 31 is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchange tube 32. This can limit and fix the upper parts of the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32, preventing the first heat exchange tube 31 and the second heat exchange tube 32 from shifting in the vertical direction. It can also reduce the manufacturing material of the heat exchanger assembly 20, thereby reducing the production and manufacturing cost. Moreover, since the area of ​​the upper surface 23 of the heat exchanger assembly 20 corresponding to the first heat exchange tube 31 is lower, it can also save the space occupied above the heat exchanger 100, making the space layout inside the heat exchanger 100 more compact, thereby reducing the overall volume of the water heater 1000 and achieving a thinner and lighter design to meet the installation and use needs of different users.

[0062] It should be noted that during actual use, even after the water is turned off for a short period, a significant amount of high-temperature flue gas remains inside the water heater 1000, continuously heating the heat exchanger 100. The casing 200 of the water heater 1000 itself is also continuously heated by the high-temperature flue gas, and the casing 200 and the heat exchanger 100 continue to exchange heat, keeping the water stored in the heat exchanger 100 constantly heated. When the water heater is turned on again, the temperature of the hot water output from the outlet pipe 402 of the water heater 1000 rises, significantly impacting the user experience and greatly reducing the safety of the water heater 1000.

[0063] Therefore, the piping assembly 400 of the water heater 1000 of this application also includes a bypass pipe 403. The two ends of the bypass pipe 403 are connected to the inlet pipe 401 and the outlet pipe 402, respectively. The bypass pipe 403 is located at the end of the inlet pipe 401 and the outlet pipe 402 furthest from the heat exchange tube 30. This allows a small portion of the cold water flowing into the inlet pipe 401 to be diverted to the outlet pipe 402. By mixing the water, the temperature of the hot water output from the outlet pipe 402 is neutralized to a certain extent, avoiding the risk of scalding due to a sudden increase in water temperature, thus improving comfort and safety. Furthermore, the bypass pipe 403 is located outside the heat exchanger 100, facilitating connection and fixation with the inlet pipe 401 and the outlet pipe 402. It also helps ensure that the water in the bypass pipe 403 is not heated by the heat exchanger 100, facilitating temperature control and effectively preventing temperature rise during water outages.

[0064] The bypass pipe 403, being a bypass route, has a smaller diameter than the main pipe. This facilitates control of the diversion flow within the bypass pipe 403, avoiding interference with the heat exchange efficiency and water consumption of the main pipe, and simplifying temperature control. Furthermore, the smaller diameter of the bypass pipe 403 reduces its space requirements, allowing for a more efficient internal layout and reducing the overall size of the water heater 1000. It should be noted that the main pipe includes the heat exchange pipe 30 and the pipe assembly 400. Pipes of the same diameter are used throughout the main pipe to ensure stable water flow.

[0065] The bypass pipe 403 simplifies the installation and maintenance of the water heater 1000 by using mechanical means to regulate water flow and temperature without the need for a complex electronic control system. Of course, in addition to setting the bypass pipe 403, this application can also solve the problem of temperature rise during water outages through an electronic control system or by setting a water flow servo; this application does not limit this to any particular method.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7The water heater 1000 also includes a fume hood 500, which is mounted on the housing 200 and covers the heat exchanger 100. The fume hood 500 includes a hood body 501, a positioning ring 502, and a baffle plate 503. The hood body 501 is connected to the housing 200, and the positioning ring 502 is connected to the hood body 501. The flue gas generated after combustion by the burner 300 can rise and converge to the hood body 501, and then be discharged to the outside through the positioning ring 502 and the flue pipe, preventing flue gas from leaking into the room and causing safety hazards.

[0067] The main body 501 of the fume hood includes a front side plate 5011, a rear side plate 5012, and a top plate 5013. The top plate 5013 has a trapezoidal structure. The top plate 5013 is connected to the front side plate 5011 and the rear side plate 5012 on opposite sides in the front-rear direction, respectively. A smoke exhaust port 504 is provided on the top plate 5013. A positioning ring 502 is provided along the edge of the smoke exhaust port 504. The positioning ring 502 is located at the position of the smoke exhaust port 504 to form a flue. The top plate 5013 has a trapezoidal structure. The front side plate 5011 and the rear side plate 5012 are located on both sides of the top plate 5013, and the three together constitute the main body 501 of the fume hood.

[0068] Specifically, the baffle plate 503 is located below the exhaust port 504. The baffle plate 503 is connected to the main body of the fume hood 501 and extends in the front-to-back direction, with one end connected to the front side plate 5011 and the other end connected to the rear side plate 5012. Both the front side plate 5011 and the rear side plate 5012 have openings 5014. The two ends of the baffle plate 503 are respectively located at the edges of the openings 5014 and below the openings 5014 to form an airflow channel 5031 in the front-to-back direction. A small amount of air can enter the fume hood 500 through this airflow channel 5031. When the flue is blocked, the flue gas can also be discharged from the water heater 1000 through this airflow channel 5031, achieving a better smoke extraction effect.

[0069] The baffle 503 can be curved, allowing flue gas to pass more easily through the curved baffle 503 and exit from the exhaust port 504. The curved baffle 503 also better gathers backflow air and allows it to be discharged more smoothly outside the water heater 100 through the airflow channel 5031, thus preventing outside air from flowing back into the water heater 1000 through the exhaust hood 500, ensuring safety and combustion efficiency. Of course, the baffle 503 can also be other shapes, such as a V-shaped cross-section, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0070] Furthermore, the baffle plate 503 extends in the front-to-back direction and is located in the middle in the left-to-right direction, allowing the flue gas gathered in the middle to diffuse to the opposite sides of the fume hood body 501. This blocks and disperses the flue gas, preventing the flame of the burner 300 from being unstable due to the flue gas rushing up and down, thus ensuring safety and combustion efficiency. Correspondingly, both sides of the fume hood body 501 in the left-to-right direction are provided with openings 5015. When air is blown back into the flue through the exhaust port 504, the baffle plate 503 diverts the air to both sides and guides the air out through the openings, thereby reducing the impact of backflow on the burner 300.

[0071] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0072] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Heat exchanger assembly; as well as The heat exchange tube includes a first heat exchange tube section and a second heat exchange tube section that pass through and are connected to the heat exchange plate assembly, wherein the first heat exchange tube section is located inside the second heat exchange tube section, and in the vertical direction, the bottom end of the first heat exchange tube section is lower than the bottom end of the second heat exchange tube section.

2. The heat exchanger as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first heat exchange tube section and the second heat exchange tube section are U-shaped tubes.

3. The heat exchanger as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first heat exchange tube section includes two first straight pipe sections passing through the heat exchange plate assembly, and the bottom ends of the two first straight pipe sections are located on the same horizontal plane.

4. The heat exchanger as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second heat exchange tube section includes two second straight pipe sections that pass through the heat exchange plate assembly, and the bottom ends of the two second straight pipe sections are located on the same horizontal plane.

5. The heat exchanger as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes two end plates, the first heat exchange tube section has a water inlet and the second heat exchange tube section has a water outlet, and the water inlet and the water outlet are located on the same end plate.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The lower surface of the heat exchanger assembly corresponds to the area of ​​the first heat exchanger tube section, which is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchanger tube section.

7. The heat exchanger as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The lower surface of the heat exchanger assembly is wavy.

8. The heat exchanger as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of heat exchangers arranged at intervals, and the lower edges of the plurality of heat exchangers constitute the lower surface; The lower edge of the heat exchange plate includes a first arc-shaped portion corresponding to the first heat exchange tube portion and a second arc-shaped portion corresponding to the second heat exchange tube portion, wherein the bottom end of the first arc-shaped portion is lower than the bottom end of the second arc-shaped portion.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The area on the upper surface of the heat exchanger assembly corresponding to the first heat exchanger tube section is lower than the area corresponding to the second heat exchanger tube section.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: case; A burner is disposed within the housing. The burner includes multiple fire bars arranged side by side, and multiple fire holes are provided on the fire bars, with the fire holes facing upwards. The heat exchanger as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchanger is disposed within the housing; and The piping assembly includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is connected to the first heat exchange tube section through the inlet port, and the outlet pipe is connected to the second heat exchange tube section through the outlet port.

11. The water heater as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The piping assembly also includes a bypass pipe, the two ends of which are connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, respectively, and the bypass pipe is located at the end of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe away from the heat exchange pipe.

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