Energy storage tank system of water heater and water heater

Abstract

The water heater energy storage box system provided by the utility model solves the problem of flexible connection between two energy storage boxes to realize heat supplement. The principle is to realize detachable connection of the first and second energy storage boxes by using a quick-connection fluid passage component. The component comprises an outer shell arranged in a hollow inner cavity of an inner sealing part of the first energy storage box, an inner shell arranged in a contact part of the second energy storage box, and an automatic opening and closing mechanism. The sealing connector of the automatic opening and closing mechanism separates the hollow inner cavity, and the telescopic part makes the sealing connector seal with the inner sealing part in a normal state. The inner shell enters the outer shell, the contact part pushes the sealing connector, and a fluid passage is formed. When the inner shell exits, the telescopic part resets the connector. This scheme avoids the problem of increasing the compatibility of the energy storage box, can connect two energy storage boxes to supplement heat as needed, and improves the flexibility and practicality of the hot water supply system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a water heater energy storage tank system and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] In today's hot water supply systems, water heater storage tanks play a crucial role, storing heat and providing a stable supply of hot water when needed. However, existing water heater storage tanks face numerous challenging problems in practical applications.

[0003] In many scenarios, especially in large commercial venues (such as hotels and bathhouses) or environments with large families and high hot water usage, the storage tank capacity is often insufficient, resulting in inadequate heat storage capacity. This makes it difficult for the hot water supply to meet user needs. For example, during peak water usage periods, the hot water supply may be suddenly interrupted or the water temperature may drop rapidly, severely impacting the user experience.

[0004] However, most water heaters on the market have a single, non-removable storage tank, or the ability to add a storage tank.

[0005] Therefore, given the insufficient capacity and thermal storage capabilities of energy storage boxes, and the potential for compatibility issues when adding more energy storage boxes, it is particularly urgent to explore new technologies and solutions to improve the thermal storage efficiency of energy storage boxes and optimize heat replenishment methods. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model proposes a water heater storage box system to solve the problem that water heaters on the market are all single storage boxes that cannot be disassembled or that compatibility issues easily arise when adding storage boxes.

[0007] In a first aspect, a water heater energy storage tank system includes:

[0008] A first energy storage tank and a second energy storage tank are detachably connected via a quick-connect fluid channel component. The quick-connect fluid channel component includes: an outer shell disposed in the first energy storage tank, the outer shell having a hollow inner cavity with an inner seal; an inner shell disposed in the second energy storage tank, having an abutment portion extending along its axis; an automatic opening and closing mechanism comprising: a sealing connector axially slidably disposed within the hollow inner cavity, the sealing connector dividing the hollow inner cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity communicating with the first energy storage tank; and a telescopic member located between the inner wall of the outer shell and the sealing connector, normally pushing the sealing connector to form a sealing fit with the inner seal; when the inner shell enters the outer shell, the abutment portion pushes the sealing connector away from the inner seal to compress the telescopic member, thereby forming a fluid channel connecting the first cavity and the second cavity; when the inner shell exits the outer shell, the telescopic member resets, pushing the sealing connector to re-engage with the inner seal, and the fluid channel is blocked.

[0009] Furthermore, the sealing connector includes a base, and the base has a sealing ring on the side facing the abutment portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the other side of the base has a connecting rod, and the telescopic member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the automatic opening and closing mechanism includes: a positioning ring having a first central hole; the inner sidewall having a second central hole; the first central hole and the second central hole being axially connected to form a slide for the connecting rod to slide along a predetermined direction.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one first through hole is arranged radially around the first central hole;

[0013] With the second central hole as the center, at least one second through hole is arranged radially;

[0014] The first through hole and the second through hole are axially connected to form part of the fluid channel.

[0015] Furthermore, the automatic opening and closing mechanism also includes:

[0016] A retaining ring is disposed between the positioning ring and the inner sidewall.

[0017] Furthermore, the components of the quick-connect fluid channel also include:

[0018] A deformation compensation seal is disposed in a groove in the outer wall of the inner housing, and at least a portion of the deformation compensation seal is exposed from the groove.

[0019] Furthermore, either the first energy storage box or the second energy storage box is equipped with a heating element.

[0020] Furthermore, the first energy storage box or the second energy storage box is provided with an inlet and an outlet.

[0021] In addition, a water heater is proposed, including a housing, within which a control system and an energy storage tank system as described above are provided.

[0022] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0023] This utility model provides a water heater storage tank system that solves the problem of flexible connection and heat replenishment between two storage tanks when supplementing heat by adding or expanding the storage tank. The principle lies in achieving a detachable connection between the first and second storage tanks through a quick-connect fluid channel component. This component includes an outer shell with an inner sealing portion and a hollow cavity disposed in the first storage tank, an inner shell with an abutment portion disposed in the second storage tank, and an automatic opening and closing mechanism. The sealing connector in the automatic opening and closing mechanism divides the hollow cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber. Under normal conditions, a telescopic component pushes the sealing connector to seal against the inner sealing portion. When the inner shell enters the outer shell, the abutment portion pushes the sealing connector away from the inner sealing portion and squeezes the telescopic component, forming a fluid channel connecting the two chambers. When the inner shell exits the outer shell, the telescopic component pushes the sealing connector back to its original position. This solution avoids compatibility issues caused by adding storage tanks and allows for heat replenishment by connecting two storage tanks when needed, meeting hot water supply demands and improving the flexibility and practicality of the hot water supply system. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0025] 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, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0027] Figure 1A structural diagram of the energy storage tank system of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell structure of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inner shell structure of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is the assembly structure of the outer shell and inner shell of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the assembly structure of multiple energy storage boxes according to another embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning ring structure in this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the inner wall structure of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater described in this application;

[0035] Figure label explanation:

[0036] 1-First energy storage box, 2-Second energy storage box, 3-Quick-connect fluid channel component, 31-Outer shell, 311-Inner sealing part, 312-Hollow inner cavity, 3121-First cavity, 3122-Second cavity, 313-Inner side wall, 3131-Second central hole, 3132-Second through hole, 32-Inner shell, 321-Abutting part, 322-Groove, 33-Automatic opening and closing mechanism, 331-Sealing connector, 3311-Base, 3312-Sealing ring, 3313-Connecting rod, 333-Positioning ring, 3331-First central hole, 3332-First through hole, 334-Retaining ring, 34-Fluid channel, 35-Slide rail, 36-Deformation compensation seal, 37-Through port, 4-Heating element, A-Inlet, B-Outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0039] To address the issue that existing water heaters use single, non-removable storage tanks or that adding storage tanks can lead to compatibility problems.

[0040] The inventors provide a water heater energy storage tank system, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first energy storage tank 1 and the second energy storage tank 2 are detachably connected through the quick-connect fluid channel component 3. When the first energy storage tank 1 and the second energy storage tank 2 are assembled, the fluids in the first energy storage tank 1 and the second energy storage tank 2 can communicate with each other.

[0041] In detail, the quick-connect fluid channel component 3 includes: an outer shell 31 disposed in the first energy storage tank 1, the outer shell 31 having a hollow inner cavity 312 with an inner sealing portion 311; an inner shell 32 disposed in the second energy storage tank 2, having an abutment portion 321 extending along the axis; an automatic opening and closing mechanism 33, including: a sealing connector 331 axially slidably disposed in the hollow inner cavity 312, the sealing connector 331 dividing the hollow inner cavity 312 into a first cavity 3121 and a second cavity 3122, the first cavity 3121 communicating with the first energy storage tank 1; and a telescopic member 332 located in the outer shell 31. The inner wall 313 and the sealing connector 331 normally push the sealing connector 331 to form a sealing fit with the inner sealing part 311; when the inner shell 32 enters the outer shell 31, the abutment part 321 pushes the sealing connector 331 to separate from the inner sealing part 311 to squeeze the telescopic member 332, thereby forming a fluid channel 34 that connects the first cavity 3121 and the second cavity 3122; when the inner shell 32 exits the outer shell 31, the telescopic member 332 resets and pushes the sealing connector 331 to re-engage with the inner sealing part 311, and the fluid channel 34 is blocked.

[0042] It should be noted that the outer shell 31 is not limited to being mounted on the first energy storage box 1 as described in this embodiment, but can also be mounted on the second energy storage box 2 according to actual usage needs. The actual mounting positions of the outer shell 31 and the inner shell 32 can be mounted on either the first energy storage box 1 or the second energy storage box 2 according to actual usage requirements. It should also be noted that the telescopic member 332 is a spring member.

[0043] In use, when the inner housing 32 is inserted into the second cavity 3122 so that its abutment portion 321 contacts the sealing connector 331, and with further pushing of the inner housing 32 by external force, the abutment portion 321 can push the sealing connector 331 to separate the sealing connector 331 from the inner sealing portion 311, thereby opening the fluid channel 34. At this time, the fluid in the first energy storage tank 1 can flow from the fluid channel 34 to the second energy storage tank 2. This design enables the second energy storage tank 2 to be replenished with fluid from the first energy storage tank 1 when the fluid in the second energy storage tank 2 is insufficient.

[0044] In summary, this technical solution provides a water heater energy storage tank system that enables flexible connection and heat replenishment between two energy storage tanks. This solution avoids compatibility issues arising from adding more energy storage tanks, and allows for heat replenishment by connecting two energy storage tanks when needed, thus meeting hot water supply demands and improving the flexibility and practicality of the hot water supply system.

[0045] In practical use, this technical solution allows for the provision of multiple quick-connect fluid channel components 3 according to actual needs, thereby increasing the tightness of the connection between different energy storage boxes and increasing the fluid flow rate.

[0046] On the other hand, the actual number of energy storage boxes used is not limited to the two mentioned above. Multiple energy storage boxes can be spliced ​​together according to actual usage needs, as long as adjacent energy storage boxes are equipped with the quick-connect fluid channel component 3 mentioned above. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, at least one inner shell 32 needs to be provided on each side of the energy storage box located in the middle connection position so that the outer shell 31 in the energy storage boxes on both sides can be adapted and spliced.

[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3As shown, the sealing connector 331 includes a base 3311, and the base 3311 has a sealing ring 3312 on the side facing the abutment portion 321. That is, the sealing ring 3312 is located between the base 3311 and the abutment portion 321. It should also be noted that the sealing ring 3312 is made of elastic silicone material, and the projected area of ​​the sealing ring 3312 is sufficient to cover the through opening 37 at the connection between the first cavity 3121 and the second cavity 3122. When the sealing ring 3312 is placed between the abutment portion and the base 3311, it facilitates the sealing connector 331 to resume contact with the inner sealing portion 311 under the counter-pushing action of the telescopic member 332 when the inner housing 32 is withdrawn from the outer housing 31, thereby blocking the through port 37. This effectively prevents the fluid remaining in the first cavity 3121 from entering the second cavity 3122, thus effectively solving the problem of fluid leakage from the first energy storage tank 1.

[0048] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the other side of the base 3311 has a connecting rod 3313, and the telescopic member 332 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod 3313.

[0049] It should be understood that the connecting rod 3313 is provided so that when the telescopic member 332 is compressed, it can only extend and retract along the length of the connecting rod 3313, thus preventing the telescopic member 332 from falling off the compressed area and enabling the normal use of the automatic opening and closing mechanism 33.

[0050] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the automatic opening and closing mechanism 33 includes: a positioning ring 333 having a first central hole 3331; the inner sidewall 313 having a second central hole 3131; the first central hole 3331 and the second central hole 3131 are axially connected to form a slide rail 35 for the connecting rod 313 to slide along a predetermined direction.

[0051] It should be understood that this design provides a clear sliding path for the connecting rod 313, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the sliding of the connecting rod 313, reducing the possibility of equipment failure or performance degradation caused by deviation in the sliding direction, improving the reliability and stability of the entire automatic opening and closing mechanism 33, and ensuring that the first energy storage box 1 and the second energy storage box 2 can be assembled in a predetermined manner and realize the flow of fluid between them.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, at least one first through hole 3332 is radially arranged with the first central hole 3331 as the center; at least one second through hole 3122 is radially arranged with the second central hole 3131 as the center; the first through hole 3332 and the second through hole 3122 are axially connected to form part of the fluid channel 34. This design mainly solves the problem of fluid flow path in the outer casing 31, especially in establishing an effective fluid channel 34 in the structure related to the aforementioned positioning ring 333 and inner sidewall 313. This design allows fluid to flow along the axially connected path of the first through hole 3332 and the second through hole 3122, effectively ensuring the smoothness and stability of fluid delivery.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the automatic opening and closing mechanism 33 further includes a retaining ring 334, which is disposed between the positioning ring 333 and the inner sidewall 313.

[0054] It should be noted that the retaining ring 334 is also made of an elastic material, such as silicone, and has a circular structure. The circular structure of the retaining ring 334 allows fluid to smoothly enter the outer shell 31 from the first energy storage tank 1. Furthermore, the design of the retaining ring 334 can simultaneously prevent the positioning ring 333 and the inner sidewall 313 from misaligning due to mutual compression or fluid flow.

[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the component 3 of the quick-connect fluid channel further includes a deformation compensation seal 36, which is disposed in a groove 322 on the outer wall of the inner housing 32, and at least a portion of the deformation compensation seal 36 is exposed from the groove 322.

[0056] In this embodiment, the deformation compensation seal 36 is an O-ring with elastic properties. When the inner housing 32 is inserted into the outer housing 31, the exposed deformation compensation seal 36 deforms due to compression, thereby filling the gap between the inner housing 32 and the outer housing 31. This effectively improves the sealing performance of the quick-connect fluid channel component 3, prevents fluid leakage, and ensures stable fluid transmission within the fluid channel 34.

[0057] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first energy storage box 1 or the second energy storage box 2 is equipped with a heating element 4.

[0058] For example, when the heating element 4 is provided in the first energy storage box 1, after the first energy storage box 1 and the second energy storage box 2 are assembled and connected, the heat of the fluid in the first energy storage box 1 can be transferred to the fluid in the second energy storage box 2 by utilizing the thermal conductivity between fluids. In this embodiment, the heating element 4 can also be provided in the second energy storage box 2, or it can exist in both energy storage boxes simultaneously. The key is to ensure that the energy storage boxes can be easily connected to a power source to heat the heating element 4.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first energy storage box 1 or the second energy storage box 2 is provided with an inlet A and an outlet B.

[0060] It should be understood that this design is intended to connect to an external water supply source, allowing the external water supply source to enter the first energy storage tank 1 or the second energy storage tank 2 from the water inlet A, so that the water heater can have a continuous supply of water flowing out from the water outlet B for the user's use.

[0061] In addition, a water heater is proposed, such as Figure 8 As shown, it includes a housing 100, within which a control system 200 and a storage tank system 300 of a water heater as described above are located.

[0062] When the fluid stored in the storage tank of this type of water heater is insufficient for the user's needs, another storage tank can be added to meet the user's demand for a large amount of fluid; however, when the user does not need that much fluid, the excess storage tank can be removed.

[0063] This solution avoids compatibility issues caused by adding energy storage tanks, and can supplement heat by connecting two energy storage tanks when needed to meet hot water supply requirements, thus improving the flexibility and practicality of the hot water supply system.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0065] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0066] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0067] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0068] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Since these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, this application also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0069] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water heater energy storage tank system, characterized in that... include: The first and second energy storage boxes are detachably connected via a quick-connect fluid channel component. The quick-connect fluid channel component includes: The outer shell of the first energy storage box has a hollow inner cavity with an inner sealing part; The inner shell of the second energy storage tank has an abutment portion extending along the axis; Automatic opening and closing mechanism, including: A sealing connector is axially slidably disposed within the hollow inner cavity, the sealing connector dividing the hollow inner cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being connected to the first energy storage box; The telescopic component is located between the inner wall of the outer shell and the sealing connector, and normally pushes the sealing connector to form a sealing fit with the inner sealing part; When the inner housing enters the outer housing, the abutting part pushes the sealing connector to separate from the inner sealing part to squeeze the telescopic member, thereby forming a fluid channel that connects the first cavity and the second cavity; When the inner housing retracts from the outer housing, the telescopic member resets and pushes the sealing connector to re-engage with the inner seal, thus blocking the fluid passage.

2. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing connector includes a base, and the base has a sealing ring on the side facing the abutment portion.

3. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The other side of the base has a connecting rod, and the telescopic member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod.

4. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automatic opening and closing mechanism includes: A positioning ring having a first central hole; The inner sidewall has a second central hole; The first central hole and the second central hole are axially connected to form a slide for the connecting rod to slide along a predetermined direction.

5. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least one first through hole is arranged radially around the first central hole; With the second central hole as the center, at least one second through hole is arranged radially; The first through hole and the second through hole are axially connected to form part of the fluid channel.

6. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The automatic opening and closing mechanism also includes: A retaining ring is disposed between the positioning ring and the inner sidewall.

7. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The components of the quick-connect fluid channel also include: A deformation compensation seal is disposed in a groove in the outer wall of the inner housing, and at least a portion of the deformation compensation seal is exposed from the groove.

8. A water heater energy storage tank system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The first energy storage box or the second energy storage box is equipped with a heating element.

9. The energy storage tank system for a water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first energy storage box or the second energy storage box is provided with an inlet and an outlet.

10. A water heater, characterized in that: It includes a housing, within which is a control system and an energy storage tank system for a water heater as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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