Drainage mechanism and water heater applying same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a drainage mechanism which comprises a machine shell, a water inlet pipe set, a water outlet pipe set and a switching structure, and a heat exchanger is arranged in the machine shell. The water inlet pipe set comprises a water inlet pipeline, a pressure difference pipeline and a first connecting pipeline. The pressure difference pipeline and the second connecting pipeline can convey fluid to the heat exchanger through the water inlet pipeline. The heat exchanger can convey fluid to the water outlet pipe set. The switching structure is installed on the machine shell and can select one of the pressure difference pipeline and the first connecting pipeline to be connected with the water inlet pipeline. When drainage operation needs to be carried out, the differential pressure pipeline can be connected with the water inlet pipeline through the switching structure, and the first connecting pipeline is in a closed state. Therefore, water in the heat exchanger can be pushed by conveying gas to the differential pressure pipeline or directly pushing the water through atmospheric pressure, and the water in the heat exchanger can flow out from the water outlet pipe group, so that the drainage effect can be smoothly and conveniently achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a drainage mechanism and a water heater using the same. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, gas water heaters typically contain a heat exchanger, which consists of tubing or a water tank for heat exchange. In cold weather, the water in the tubing or tank may freeze, necessitating timely drainage. Currently, drainage is mainly achieved by disassembling the pressure relief valve, draining the water, and then reinstalling it. However, frequent disassembly of the pressure relief valve not only leads to poor sealing and potential leaks but also makes reconnecting the drain pipe inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a drainage mechanism that can facilitate drainage operations.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a water heater having the above-mentioned drainage mechanism.

[0005] A drainage mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a housing, an inlet pipe assembly, an outlet pipe assembly, and a switching structure. A heat exchanger is disposed within the housing. The inlet pipe assembly includes an inlet pipe, a differential pressure pipe, and a first connecting pipe. Both the differential pressure pipe and the first connecting pipe can supply fluid to the heat exchanger through the inlet pipe. The heat exchanger can supply fluid to the outlet pipe assembly. The switching structure is installed in the housing and can selectively connect to the inlet pipe from either the differential pressure pipe or the first connecting pipe.

[0006] The drainage mechanism according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: the first connecting pipe is used to connect to the water supply-related pipes, and the outlet pipe assembly is used to connect to the water-related components. When the water heater is in normal use, the first connecting pipe can be connected to the inlet pipe by switching the structure. Water flows from the first connecting pipe into the heat exchanger and is heated, and then flows out from the outlet pipe assembly to supply water to the water-using components.

[0007] When drainage is required, the differential pressure pipeline can be connected to the inlet pipeline by switching the structure, and the first connecting pipeline can be kept closed. This allows the water in the heat exchanger to be pushed through the differential pressure pipeline or directly through atmospheric pressure, enabling the water to flow out from the outlet pipe assembly, thus achieving drainage smoothly and conveniently.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the differential pressure pipeline and the first connecting pipeline are both connected to the water inlet pipeline, and the water inlet pipeline is connected to the heat exchanger; the differential pressure pipeline is provided with an air inlet, which is located above the heat exchanger and the water outlet pipeline group, and the air inlet is connected to the atmosphere.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching structure includes a first solenoid valve disposed in the differential pressure pipeline, the first solenoid valve being capable of controlling the connection or closure of the differential pressure pipeline.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching structure includes a water inlet valve disposed on the first connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe being provided with a water inlet connector, and the water inlet valve being able to close or connect the water inlet connector and the water heater.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchanger is located in the middle of the casing, the first connecting pipe is connected to the water inlet pipe from the lower part of the casing, the differential pressure pipe is connected to the water inlet pipe from the upper part of the casing, and the air inlet is located at the top of the differential pressure pipe.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the water outlet pipe assembly includes a water outlet pipe, a drainage pipe, and a second connecting pipe. The drainage pipe and the second connecting pipe are both connected to the water outlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe is connected to the heat exchanger.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching structure includes a second solenoid valve disposed in the drainage pipe, the second solenoid valve being capable of controlling the connection or closure of the drainage pipe.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching structure includes a water outlet valve disposed on the second connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe being provided with a water outlet connector, and the water outlet valve being able to close or connect the water outlet connector and the water heater.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drain pipe and the second connecting pipe are both connected to one end of the outlet pipe, and the heat exchanger is connected to the other end of the outlet pipe; the drain pipe and the second connecting pipe are both located below the outlet pipe.

[0016] The water heater according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a drainage mechanism according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0017] The water heater according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: the first connecting pipe is used to connect to the water supply-related pipes, and the outlet pipe assembly is used to connect to the water-related components. When the water heater is in normal use, the first connecting pipe can be connected to the inlet pipe by switching the structure. Water flows from the first connecting pipe into the heat exchanger and is heated, then flows out through the outlet pipe assembly to supply water to the water-using components.

[0018] When drainage is required, the differential pressure pipeline can be connected to the inlet pipeline by switching the structure, and the first connecting pipeline can be kept closed. This allows the water in the heat exchanger to be pushed through the differential pressure pipeline or directly through atmospheric pressure, enabling the water to flow out from the outlet pipe assembly, thus achieving drainage smoothly and conveniently.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the inlet pipe assembly of the drainage mechanism is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the outlet pipe assembly of the drainage mechanism is shown;

[0025] Reference numerals: Inlet pipe assembly 100; Differential pressure pipeline 110; Air inlet 113; First solenoid valve 115; First connecting pipeline 120; Inlet valve 125; Inlet connector 129; Outlet pipe assembly 200; Drainage pipeline 210; Second solenoid valve 215; Second connecting pipeline 220; Outlet valve 225; Outlet connector 229; Switching structure 230; Heat exchanger 300; Inlet pipe 510; Outlet pipe 520; Casing 900; Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0030] Reference Figure 1A drainage mechanism includes: a housing 900, an inlet pipe assembly 100, an outlet pipe assembly 200, and a switching structure 230. A heat exchanger 300 is disposed inside the housing 900. The inlet pipe assembly 100 includes an inlet pipe 510, a differential pressure pipe 110, and a first connecting pipe 120. Both the differential pressure pipe 110 and the first connecting pipe 120 can deliver fluid to the heat exchanger 300 through the inlet pipe 510. The heat exchanger 300 can deliver fluid to the outlet pipe assembly 200. The switching structure 230 is installed on the housing 900. The switching structure 230 can be selectively connected to the inlet pipe 510 from either the differential pressure pipe 110 or the first connecting pipe 120. The switching structure 230 can also be selectively connected to the inlet pipe 510 from either the drain pipe 210 or the second connecting pipe 220. The first connecting pipe 120 is used to connect to water supply-related pipes, while the outlet pipe assembly 200 is used to connect to water-related components. When the water heater is in normal use, the first connecting pipe 120 can be connected to the inlet pipe 510 via the switching structure 230. Water flows from the first connecting pipe 120 into the heat exchanger 300 and is heated, then flows out through the outlet pipe assembly 200 to supply water to the water-using components. When drainage is required, the differential pressure pipe 110 can be connected to the inlet pipe 510 via the switching structure 230, and the first connecting pipe 120 can be closed. Therefore, by supplying air to the differential pressure pipe 110 or directly using atmospheric pressure to push the water in the heat exchanger 300, the water in the heat exchanger 300 can flow out from the outlet pipe assembly 200, thus achieving drainage smoothly and conveniently.

[0031] It is conceivable that the heat exchanger 300 can achieve the heating effect through heat exchange via different tube assemblies, and the tube assemblies are connected to the inlet water pipe 510 and the outlet water pipe 520; the heat exchanger 300 can also achieve the heating effect through heat exchange via a water tank, and the water tank is connected to the inlet water pipe 510 and the outlet water pipe 520; the specific implementation method is not unique, but can be adjusted according to the actual situation, and is not limited here.

[0032] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2 The differential pressure pipeline 110 and the first connecting pipeline 120 are both connected to the inlet water pipeline 510, which is connected to the heat exchanger 300. The differential pressure pipeline 110 is provided with an air inlet 113, which is located above the heat exchanger 300 and the outlet water pipe group 200, and is connected to the atmosphere. The differential pressure pipeline 110 can input airflow through the air inlet 113, thereby creating a high air pressure at the differential pressure pipeline 110, and using the high air pressure to push the water in the inlet water pipeline 510 and the heat exchanger 300. As a result, the water in the inlet water pipeline 510 and the heat exchanger 300 can flow out smoothly through the drain pipeline 210 under the push of the high air pressure, thus effectively achieving the purpose of drainage.

[0033] It is conceivable that the air inlet 113 can directly generate high air pressure through atmospheric pressure, or it can achieve the same effect by connecting an external fan or similar component. The specific implementation method is not unique and can be adjusted according to actual circumstances; therefore, no restrictions are imposed here.

[0034] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 The switching structure 230 includes a first solenoid valve 115 disposed in the differential pressure pipeline 110. The first solenoid valve 115 can control the opening or closing of the differential pressure pipeline 110. The first solenoid valve 115 can achieve the switching effect of the differential pressure pipeline 110 being closed or open through electrical control. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the differential pressure pipeline 110 to a closed state when the water heater is in use, and to adjust it to an open state when the water heater is draining, offering the advantage of convenient control.

[0035] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 The switching structure 230 includes an inlet valve 125 disposed on the first connecting pipe 120. The first connecting pipe 120 is provided with an inlet connector 129. The inlet valve 125 can close or open the connection between the inlet connector 129 and the water heater. The inlet valve 125 can close or unclose the first connecting pipe 120, thereby allowing water to be input through the first connecting pipe 120 when the water heater is in normal use, and closing the first connecting pipe 120 during drainage to prevent backflow, thus enabling the drainage operation to be completed smoothly.

[0036] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 1 The heat exchanger 300 is located in the middle of the casing 900. The first connecting pipe 120 is connected from the lower part of the casing 900 to the water inlet pipe 510, and the differential pressure pipe 110 is connected from the upper part of the casing 900 to the water inlet pipe 510. The air inlet 113 is located at the top of the differential pressure pipe 110. Because the air inlet 113 is located at the top of the differential pressure pipe 110, when the differential pressure pipe 110 is connected to the heat exchanger 300 through the water inlet pipe 510, the water in the heat exchanger 300 can flow out of the heat exchanger 300 more quickly and smoothly under its own weight, thus ensuring that the drainage operation can be carried out smoothly.

[0037] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2The water outlet pipe assembly 200 includes a water outlet pipe 520, a drain pipe 210, and a second connecting pipe 220. Both the drain pipe 210 and the second connecting pipe 220 are connected to the water outlet pipe 520, which is connected to the heat exchanger 300. Normal water use is achieved through the second connecting pipe 220, while drainage is performed through the drain pipe 210. This separates the pipes used for drainage from those used for normal water use, preventing confusion when users clean the water heater's interior by draining the water.

[0038] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 4 The switching structure 230 includes a second solenoid valve 215 disposed in the drain pipe 210. The second solenoid valve 215 can control the opening or closing of the drain pipe 210. The second solenoid valve 215 can achieve the switching effect of the drain pipe 210 being closed or open through electrical control. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the drain pipe 210 to the closed state when the water heater is in use, and to adjust the drain pipe 210 to the open state when the water heater is draining, offering the advantage of convenient control.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 4 The switching structure 230 includes a water outlet valve 225 disposed on the second connecting pipe 220. The second connecting pipe 220 is provided with a water outlet connector 229. The water outlet valve 225 can close or open the connection between the water outlet connector 229 and the water heater. The water outlet valve 225 can close or unclose the second connecting pipe 220, thereby allowing water to be output through the first water outlet connecting pipe when the water heater is in normal use, and closing the first water outlet connecting pipe during drainage operations to prevent water from accidentally flowing into the water-using components, thus enabling the drainage operation to be completed smoothly and orderly.

[0040] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2 The drain pipe 210 and the second connecting pipe 220 are both connected to one end of the outlet pipe 520, and the heat exchanger 300 is connected to the other end of the outlet pipe 520. Both the drain pipe 210 and the second connecting pipe 220 are located below the outlet pipe 520. Since both the drain pipe 210 and the second connecting pipe 220 are located below, when either one is in use, water can flow out more quickly and conveniently from the drain pipe 210 or the second connecting pipe 220 under its own weight, resulting in better water use or drainage.

[0041] The second aspect of this utility model provides an embodiment of a water heater, including the drainage mechanism described above. A first connecting pipe 120 is used to connect to water supply-related pipes, and an outlet pipe assembly 200 is used to connect to water-related components. During normal use of the water heater, a switching structure 230 connects the first connecting pipe 120 to the inlet pipe 510. Water flows from the first connecting pipe 120 into the heat exchanger 300 and is heated, then flows out through the outlet pipe assembly 200 to supply water to the water-using components. When drainage is required, the switching structure 230 connects the differential pressure pipe 110 to the inlet pipe 510, and the first connecting pipe 120 is closed. Thus, by supplying air to the differential pressure pipe 110 or directly using atmospheric pressure, the water in the heat exchanger 300 can be pushed, allowing the water in the heat exchanger 300 to flow out from the outlet pipe assembly 200, thereby achieving a smooth and convenient drainage effect.

[0042] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0043] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A drainage mechanism, characterized in that, include: A housing (900) is provided with a heat exchanger (300) inside the housing (900). The water inlet pipe assembly (100) includes a water inlet pipe (510), a differential pressure pipe (110), and a first connecting pipe (120). Both the differential pressure pipe (110) and the first connecting pipe (120) can deliver fluid to the heat exchanger (300) through the water inlet pipe (510). The heat exchanger (300) is capable of supplying fluid to the outlet pipe assembly (200); A switching structure (230) is installed on the housing (900). The switching structure (230) can be connected to the water inlet pipe (510) by choosing between the differential pressure line (110) and the first connecting line (120).

2. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The differential pressure pipeline (110) and the first connecting pipeline (120) are both connected to the water inlet pipeline (510), and the water inlet pipeline (510) is connected to the heat exchanger (300); the differential pressure pipeline (110) is provided with an air inlet (113), which is located above the heat exchanger (300) and the water outlet pipeline (200), and the air inlet (113) is connected to the atmosphere.

3. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The switching structure (230) includes a first solenoid valve (115) disposed in the differential pressure line (110), the first solenoid valve (115) being able to control the connection or closure of the differential pressure line (110).

4. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The switching structure (230) includes an inlet valve (125) disposed on the first connecting pipe (120), the first connecting pipe (120) is provided with an inlet connector (129), and the inlet valve (125) can close or connect the inlet connector (129) and the heat exchanger (300).

5. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchanger (300) is located in the middle of the housing (900), the first connecting pipe (120) is connected from the lower part of the housing (900) to the water inlet pipe (510), the differential pressure pipe (110) is connected from the upper part of the housing (900) to the water inlet pipe (510), and the air inlet (113) is located at the top of the differential pressure pipe (110).

6. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water outlet pipe assembly (200) includes a water outlet pipe (520), a drainage pipe (210), and a second connecting pipe (220). The drainage pipe (210) and the second connecting pipe (220) are both connected to the water outlet pipe (520), and the water outlet pipe (520) is connected to the heat exchanger (300).

7. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The switching structure (230) includes a second solenoid valve (215) disposed in the drainage pipe (210), which can control the connection or closure of the drainage pipe (210).

8. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The switching structure (230) includes an outlet valve (225) disposed on the second connecting pipe (220), the second connecting pipe (220) is provided with an outlet connector (229), and the outlet valve (225) can close or connect the outlet connector (229) and the heat exchanger (300).

9. The drainage mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The drain pipe (210) and the second connecting pipe (220) are both connected to one end of the outlet pipe (520), and the heat exchanger (300) is connected to the other end of the outlet pipe (520); the drain pipe (210) and the second connecting pipe (220) are both located below the outlet pipe (520).

10. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the drainage mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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