A gas-electric dual-purpose motor home water heater and motor home
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG YINUAN THERMAL ENERGY EQUIPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images

Figure CN224302307U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of RV technology, and in particular to a gas-electric dual-use RV water heater and RV. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the most common water heaters in RVs are storage-type electric water heaters and instantaneous gas water heaters, each with its own significant drawbacks. Storage-type electric water heaters rely entirely on electricity for heating, resulting in a slow heating process and users often having to wait a considerable amount of time for hot water, which is extremely inconvenient. Crucially, even when free electricity is available at RV campsites, this resource cannot be fully utilized, leading to waste. While instantaneous gas water heaters offer the advantage of rapid heating and can provide hot water quickly, they have high requirements for the operating environment. At high altitudes, due to reduced air pressure, the gas cannot burn completely, causing a sharp decline in the water heater's efficiency, or even rendering it completely unusable.
[0003] Therefore, adopting a single energy mode has obvious shortcomings in terms of energy efficiency and adaptability to different environments, limiting its scope of use and failing to meet the needs of RV users for efficient and stable hot water supply in various scenarios. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a gas-electric dual-use RV water heater and RV, which adopts a series heating method of electric water heater and gas water heater to meet the user's hot water supply needs in various scenarios.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is:
[0006] A gas-electric dual-use RV water heater includes:
[0007] An electric water heater, the electric water heater having a first heating chamber and a first heating element, the first heating chamber having a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water inlet being used to guide water flow in, and the first water outlet being used to guide water flow out; the first heating element being used to heat the first heating chamber.
[0008] A gas water heater, wherein the gas water heater has a second heating chamber and a second heating element, the second heating chamber has a second water inlet and a second water outlet, the second water inlet is connected to the first water outlet via a first water pipe, and the second water outlet is used to guide water flow out; the second heating element is used to heat the second heating chamber.
[0009] A temperature detection device, comprising a first temperature detector, which is used to detect the water temperature at the second inlet.
[0010] Furthermore, the electric water heater has an insulation layer that extends along the inner wall of the first heating chamber.
[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a three-way valve, which has a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. The first interface is connected to the RV water tank via a second water pipe and is used to guide the water flow in; the second interface is connected to the first water inlet via a third water pipe.
[0012] The second heating chamber is also provided with a third water inlet, and a fourth water pipe is provided at the third water inlet, and the fourth water pipe is connected to the third interface.
[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a third heating element, which is used to heat the water flow at the second water pipe; the third heating element is a ceramic heating tube.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a water pump used to drive the water flow.
[0015] Furthermore, a filter screen is also provided inside the third water pipe, and the filter screen is used for filtration.
[0016] Furthermore, a second temperature detector is also provided at the third water inlet, which is used to detect the water temperature at the third water inlet.
[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a flow valve and a check valve, which are respectively connected to the third water pipe, and the flow valve is used to control the water flow rate.
[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a mixing valve and at least two water flow sensors, wherein the mixing valve is located at the second outlet and is connected to the second outlet;
[0019] At least two of the water flow sensors are used to detect the water flow rate at the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively.
[0020] A motorhome includes a water tank and a gas-electric dual-use motorhome water heater.
[0021] In summary, the gas-electric dual-use RV water heater and RV provided by this utility model have the following technical effects:
[0022] When in use, when the RV is at a campsite with electricity, the electric water heater can utilize the campsite's power to preheat the water in the first heating chamber via the first heating element. Once the preheated water enters the second heating chamber of the gas water heater through the first water pipe, the second heating element of the gas water heater can quickly raise the water temperature to the user's desired temperature, achieving rapid hot water supply and improving overall energy efficiency. In high-altitude areas, the electric water heater can heat the water to a certain level. If the gas water heater is still partially operational, it can further heat the water. If the gas water heater is completely unavailable, the electric water heater can still meet some water needs that are not particularly demanding in terms of temperature, thus satisfying the user's hot water supply needs in different scenarios.
[0023] In addition, when the first temperature detector detects that the water temperature at the second inlet is high, the gas water heater can appropriately reduce the heating power, reduce gas consumption, and improve energy efficiency; when the detected water temperature is low, the gas water heater increases the heating power and adjusts the water temperature in real time to provide users with a stable and comfortable hot water experience and improve user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric water heater in this utility model;
[0026] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:
[0027] 10. Electric water heater; 11. First heating chamber; 111. First water inlet; 112. First water outlet; 12. First heating element; 20. Gas water heater; 21. Second heating chamber; 211. Second water inlet; 212. Second water outlet; 213. Third water inlet; 22. Second heating element; 30. First temperature detector; 31. Second temperature detector; 40. First water pipe; 41. Second water pipe; 42. Third water pipe; 421. Filter screen; 43. Fourth water pipe; 50. Three-way valve; 60. Water pump; 70. Flow valve; 80. Check valve; 90. Water flow sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation 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.
[0030] 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 invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
[0031] Example 1,
[0032] See Figures 1 to 2 This utility model discloses a gas-electric dual-use RV water heater, including an electric water heater 10, a gas water heater 20, and a temperature detection element. The electric water heater 10 has a first heating chamber 11 and a first heating element 12. The first heating chamber 11 has a first inlet 111 and a first outlet 112. The first inlet 111 is used to guide water flow in, and the first outlet 112 is used to guide water flow out. The first heating element 12 is used to heat the first heating chamber 11. The gas water heater 20 has a second heating chamber 21 and a second heating element 22. The second heating chamber 21 has a second inlet 211 and a second outlet 212. The second inlet 211 is connected to the first outlet 112 via a first water pipe 40. The second outlet 212 is used to guide water flow out. The second heating element 22 is used to heat the second heating chamber 21. The temperature detection element includes a first temperature detector 30, which is used to detect the water temperature at the second inlet 211.
[0033] Based on the above structure, during assembly, the first water inlet 111 is connected to an external water system, such as a water tank on a motorhome or a pool or water tank in an outdoor location, to guide water flow into the first heating chamber 11. Since the first water outlet 112 is connected to the second water inlet 211 via the first water pipe 40, the water in the first heating chamber 11 can flow into the second heating chamber 21. At this time, the second water outlet 212 can serve as the final water outlet, exporting the water flow introduced into the second heating chamber 21 to the outside for user use.
[0034] In practical use, when the RV is at a campsite with free electricity, the electric water heater 10 can utilize the campsite's electricity to preheat the water in the first heating chamber 11 via the first heating element 12, gradually raising the water temperature and making full use of the free electricity resources to heat the water for the user's subsequent use. When the RV leaves the campsite, the first heating element 12 can stop working. At this time, the hot water in the first heating chamber 11 has been heated to a certain temperature. If the user needs water later, they only need to start the gas water heater 20 as a supplement for subsequent heating. At this time, the preheated water in the first heating chamber 11 is introduced into the second heating chamber 21 through the first water pipe 40. Since the water already has a certain temperature, the second heating element 22 only needs to consume a small amount of gas to quickly raise the preheated water to the user's required temperature, achieving rapid supply of hot water, improving overall energy efficiency, and saving the user some electricity.
[0035] When the RV is at a high altitude, the performance of the gas water heater 20 will be affected, but the electric water heater 10 is not affected by air pressure and can still work normally. At this time, starting the electric water heater 10 to heat the water to a certain level may not reach the user's ideal high temperature, but it can provide a basic temperature for subsequent use. If the gas water heater 20 can still work partially, it can be further heated to quickly raise the water temperature to the user's required temperature. If the gas water heater 20 cannot work at all, the water heated by the electric water heater 10 can still meet some water needs that are not particularly high in terms of water temperature, thus enhancing the adaptability of the water heater in different environments.
[0036] More specifically, since a first temperature detector 30 is also installed at the second water inlet 211, when the first temperature detector 30 detects that the water temperature at the second water inlet 211 is high, the gas water heater 20 can appropriately reduce the heating power to reduce gas consumption; when the water temperature is low, the gas water heater 20 increases the heating power to quickly raise the water temperature to the temperature required by the user and meet the user's needs. In this way, by setting up the first temperature detector 30, not only is energy utilization efficiency improved, but users can also be provided with a stable and comfortable hot water experience.
[0037] It should be noted that the casing of the electric water heater 10 can be made of materials with heat-insulating properties, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. This allows the water in the first heating chamber 11 to be heated and kept warm for a short period when there is sufficient power, so that it can be used by the user later. Simultaneously, because the electric water heater 10 has heat-insulating properties, even if the power is cut off, the water in the first heating chamber 11 will still have a certain temperature after entering the second heating chamber 21. This allows the second heating element 22 to raise the water temperature to the user's desired temperature more quickly, saving heating time and reducing the gas consumption of the second heating element 22, thus saving energy.
[0038] Preferably, the first heating element 12 in this example can be an existing electric heating tube, PTC heating element, etc., while the second heating element 22 can be an existing burner; the first temperature detector 30 can be an existing thermistor temperature sensor or thermocouple temperature sensor, etc.
[0039] Furthermore, the electric water heater 10 has an insulation layer that extends along the inner wall of the first heating chamber 11.
[0040] Specifically, by extending the insulation layer along the inner wall of the first heating cavity 11, the insulation layer conforms to the shape of the first heating cavity 11, achieving a good insulation effect in a limited space without taking up too much internal space of the water heater, making the structure of the water heater more compact.
[0041] Meanwhile, the insulation layer minimizes heat loss from the hot water in the first heating chamber 11 to the outside, allowing the hot water to remain at a high temperature for an extended period. Thus, when the RV is on free electricity, the user can heat the water in the first heating chamber 11 to a suitable temperature using the first heating element 12, and then turn off the first heating element 12. At this time, due to the presence of the insulation layer, the water in the first heating chamber 11 can be maintained at a certain temperature for a long time, reducing the number of subsequent heating cycles of the first heating element 12, lowering energy consumption, and saving energy.
[0042] It should be noted that the insulation layer can be made of existing insulation cotton (such as glass wool or rock wool), polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam, etc., and is installed in the first heating cavity 11 by means of bonding or spraying.
[0043] Furthermore, it also includes a three-way valve 50, which has a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. The first interface is connected to the RV water tank via a second water pipe 41 and is used to guide the water flow. The second interface is connected to the first water inlet 111 via a third water pipe 42. The second heating chamber 21 is also provided with a third water inlet 213, and a fourth water pipe 43 is provided at the third water inlet 213. The fourth water pipe 43 is connected to the third interface.
[0044] Based on this structure, when water needs to be supplied from the RV water tank to the first heating chamber 11, the three-way valve 50 can be adjusted to make the first interface and the second interface connected. At this time, the water in the RV water tank will flow through the second water pipe 41 to the third water pipe 42, and finally flow through the first water inlet 111 to the first heating chamber 11.
[0045] Furthermore, since the second water outlet 212 located inside the second heating chamber 21 is the final water outlet for the user, when the water temperature inside the second heating chamber 21 is too high, the user may need to adjust the final water temperature. At this time, the three-way valve 50 can be adjusted to connect the first interface and the third interface, so that the water in the RV water tank flows through the second water pipe 41 to the fourth water pipe 43, and finally is directly introduced into the second heating chamber 21 through the third water inlet 213 to mix with the hot water in the second heating chamber 21, adjust the water temperature, and provide it to the user.
[0046] Meanwhile, when the electric water heater 10 is unusable, water can be introduced into the second heating chamber 21 through the third water inlet 213. At this time, the user can also heat water for use by using the gas water heater 20. Thus, by setting the three-way valve 50, the user can flexibly choose the direction of water flow according to actual needs to meet different water use scenarios.
[0047] Furthermore, it also includes a third heating element, which is used to heat the water flow at the second water pipe 41. The third heating element is a ceramic heating tube.
[0048] Specifically, when the RV is in a cold environment, the water in the pipes may freeze, obstructing the flow of water and causing blockages, which affects the normal operation of the electric water heater 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, a third heating element is provided. When the RV is in a cold environment, the third heating element can be activated to heat the water flow at the second water pipe 41, so that the water introduced into the third water pipe 42, the fourth water pipe 43 or the first water pipe 40 maintains a certain temperature, so that even in a low-temperature environment, the water in the water system can circulate normally and maintain the normal operation of the entire hot water supply system.
[0049] In addition, since the first heating chamber 11 and the second heating chamber 21 of the electric water heater 10 may have limited heating capacity in some cases, or hot water needs to be obtained quickly, the third heating element can also preheat the water flow from the RV water tank through the second water pipe 41. By preheating the water flow before it enters the heating chamber through the third heating element, the heating efficiency of the entire hot water supply system can be improved, and the user's hot water needs can be met more quickly.
[0050] It should be noted that, compared to metal heating tubes which are prone to corrosion and rust, the third heating element in this embodiment is an existing ceramic heating tube. Since ceramics can resist the erosion of various chemicals, the ceramic heating tube will not rust and corrode as easily as metal heating tubes in environments where the third heating element may come into contact with corrosive media, such as heating scenarios containing acidic or alkaline components, thus improving the performance and service life of the third heating element.
[0051] More specifically, this embodiment also includes a water pump 60, which provides power to drive water to flow throughout the water system, so that water flows from the RV water tank through the second water pipe 41 to the first heating chamber 11 or the second heating chamber 21, and after being heated, it flows to the user end, such as the faucet or shower head in the vehicle, forming a complete water circulation path so that hot water can be supplied normally.
[0052] When installing the water pump 60, as long as it can be connected to a water pipe that requires water circulation or supply, it can transport water from the water source to the required location, ensuring that each water point receives sufficient water pressure and flow. The water pump 60 can be connected to the first water pipe 40, the second water pipe 41, the third water pipe 42, or the fourth water pipe 43. For example, when using multiple hot water devices simultaneously, the water pump 60 can be connected to the third water pipe 42 and the fourth water pipe 43 at the same time to increase the water flow to these devices and meet the needs of multiple devices using water at the same time. When only water needs to be added to the water tank, the water pump 60 can be connected to the first water pipe 40 to focus on supplying water to the water tank, improving the speed and efficiency of water addition. Specifically, it can be connected to different water pipes according to the actual water usage to optimize water flow efficiency.
[0053] Furthermore, a filter screen 421 is also provided inside the third water pipe 42, so that when water is introduced through the third water pipe 42, some visible impurities in the water can be filtered out by the filter screen 421, making the flowing water clearer, improving the quality of water use, and allowing users to enjoy cleaner water.
[0054] Of course, filters 421 can be installed in both the second water pipe 41 and the fourth water pipe 43 so that the water can be filtered when it is introduced, so that the user can use cleaner water later.
[0055] Furthermore, a second temperature detector 31 is also provided at the third water inlet 213, which is used to detect the water temperature at the third water inlet 213.
[0056] Specifically, the second temperature detector 31 can detect the temperature of the water flow introduced through the third inlet 213. When the temperature is detected to be too high, the second heating element 22 can appropriately reduce the heating power to reduce gas consumption. When the water temperature is detected to be too low, the gas water heater 20 increases the heating power to quickly raise the water temperature to the temperature required by the user, meet the user's needs, and help improve energy efficiency.
[0057] Preferably, the second temperature detector 31 can be selected from existing thermistor temperature sensors or thermocouple temperature sensors, etc.
[0058] Furthermore, it also includes a flow valve 70 and a check valve 80, which are respectively connected to the third water pipe 42. The flow valve 70 is used to control the water flow rate.
[0059] In practical use, if the water flow introduced into the second heating chamber 21 through the third water pipe 42 is too large, the second heating element 22 may not be able to heat the water to the set temperature; if the water flow is too small, the water in the second heating chamber 21 may overheat or even dry-burn, affecting the normal use and lifespan of the gas water heater 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow valve 70 can adjust the water flow rate entering the second heating chamber 21 to avoid the water heater operating at high load for a long time due to excessive water flow, reducing energy waste. At the same time, it can also prevent the water inside the second heating element 22 from overheating or dry-burning due to insufficient water flow, ensuring stable operation of the equipment.
[0060] In addition, the one-way valve 80 can prevent the heated hot water in the second heating chamber 21 from flowing back into the third water pipe 42, and prevent the hot water from circulating and cooling in the pipe, causing heat loss. This helps to maintain the temperature of the hot water in the second heating chamber 21, so that users can quickly obtain hot water of sufficient temperature when they need it, thus improving the efficiency of hot water use.
[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the flow valve 70 can be an existing speed control valve, throttle valve, or proportional flow valve 70, etc. The check valve 80 can be an existing ball check valve 80 or lift check valve 80, etc.
[0062] Furthermore, it also includes a mixing valve and at least two water flow sensors 90. The mixing valve is located at the second outlet 212 and is connected to the second outlet 212. The at least two water flow sensors 90 are used to detect the water flow rate at the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 211, respectively.
[0063] Based on this structure, a mixing valve is installed at the second outlet 212 (i.e., the final water outlet). By adjusting the opening of the mixing valve, the hot water introduced through the second inlet 211 is mixed with the cold water introduced through the third inlet 213 to adjust the water temperature to meet the user's needs, thereby obtaining water with a suitable temperature and satisfying the user's water temperature requirements in different scenarios.
[0064] Meanwhile, the two water flow sensors 90 can detect the water flow rate at the first inlet 111 and the second inlet 211 in real time, and measure the amount of water passing through the pipe per unit time. This helps users understand the water flow usage of different water sources, so as to make reasonable arrangements for water use and avoid water waste.
[0065] It should be noted that the mixing valve can be an existing thermostatic mixing valve or a manual mixing valve. The water flow sensor 90 can be an existing electromagnetic water flow sensor 90 or a mechanical water flow sensor 90, etc.
[0066] Example 2,
[0067] A motorhome includes a water tank and the gas-electric dual-use motorhome water heater of Example 1.
[0068] In practical use, the RV's water tank is connected to the first heating chamber 11 and the second heating chamber 21 of the electric water heater 10 through the three-way valve 50, the second water pipe 41, the third water pipe 42 and the fourth water pipe 43, respectively, so that the water in the water tank can be introduced into the first heating chamber 11 and the second heating chamber 21 respectively to meet the user's water needs.
[0069] When the RV is at a campsite with free electricity, the electric water heater 10 can utilize the campsite's electricity to preheat the water in the first heating chamber 11 via the first heating element 12, gradually raising the water temperature. This fully utilizes the free electricity resources to heat the water for the user's subsequent use. When the RV leaves the campsite, the electric water heater 10 can stop working. At this time, the hot water in the first heating chamber 11 has been heated to a certain temperature. If the user needs water later, they only need to start the gas water heater 20 as a supplement for subsequent heating. In this case, the preheated water in the first heating chamber 11 is introduced into the second heating chamber 21 through the first water pipe 40. Since the water already has a certain temperature, the second heating element 22 only needs to consume a small amount of gas to quickly raise the preheated water to the user's required temperature, achieving rapid hot water supply, improving overall energy efficiency, and saving the user some electricity.
[0070] When the RV is at a high altitude, the performance of the gas water heater 20 will be affected, but the electric water heater 10 is not affected by air pressure and can still work normally. At this time, starting the electric water heater 10 to heat the water to a certain level may not reach the user's ideal high temperature, but it can provide a basic temperature for subsequent use. If the gas water heater 20 can still work partially, it can be further heated to quickly raise the water temperature to the user's required temperature. If the gas water heater 20 cannot work at all, the water heated by the electric water heater 10 can still meet some water needs that are not particularly high in terms of water temperature, thus enhancing the adaptability of the water heater in different environments.
[0071] More specifically, since a first temperature detector 30 is also installed at the second water inlet 211, when the first temperature detector 30 detects that the water temperature at the second water inlet 211 is high, the gas water heater 20 can appropriately reduce the heating power to reduce gas consumption; when the water temperature is low, the gas water heater 20 increases the heating power to quickly raise the water temperature to the temperature required by the user and meet the user's needs. In this way, by setting up the first temperature detector 30, not only is energy utilization efficiency improved, but users can also be provided with a stable and comfortable hot water experience.
[0072] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A gas-electric dual-use RV water heater, characterized in that, include: An electric water heater, the electric water heater having a first heating chamber and a first heating element, the first heating chamber having a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water inlet being used to guide water flow in, and the first water outlet being used to guide water flow out; the first heating element being used to heat the first heating chamber. A gas water heater, wherein the gas water heater has a second heating chamber and a second heating element, the second heating chamber has a second water inlet and a second water outlet, the second water inlet is connected to the first water outlet via a first water pipe, and the second water outlet is used to guide water flow out; the second heating element is used to heat the second heating chamber. A temperature detection device, comprising a first temperature detector, which is used to detect the water temperature at the second inlet.
2. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater has an insulation layer that extends along the inner wall of the first heating chamber.
3. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a three-way valve, which has a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. The first interface is connected to the RV water tank via a second water pipe and is used to guide the water flow in. The second interface is connected to the first water inlet via a third water pipe. The second heating chamber is also provided with a third water inlet, and a fourth water pipe is provided at the third water inlet, and the fourth water pipe is connected to the third interface.
4. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a third heating element, which is used to heat the water flow at the second water pipe; the third heating element is a ceramic heating tube.
5. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump used to drive the water flow.
6. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The third water pipe is also equipped with a filter screen, which is used for filtration.
7. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A second temperature detector is also provided at the third water inlet, which is used to detect the water temperature at the third water inlet.
8. The gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a flow valve and a check valve, which are respectively connected to the third water pipe. The flow valve is used to control the water flow rate.
9. The gas-electric dual-purpose RV water heater as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a mixing valve and at least two water flow sensors, wherein the mixing valve is located at the second outlet and is connected to the second outlet; At least two of the water flow sensors are used to detect the water flow rate at the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively.
10. A motorhome, characterized in that, Includes a water tank and a gas-electric dual-use RV water heater as described in any one of claims 1-9.