A duct assembly and heat pump water heater

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of household appliances, disclose a kind of air pipe assembly and heat pump water heater. Air pipe assembly includes exhaust pipe and air supplement pipe, exhaust pipe is arranged in the air inlet end of air supplement pipe, the air inlet end of exhaust pipe is used to connect with the air outlet of water heater body, and the inner wall between exhaust pipe and air supplement pipe forms air supplement passage, and air supplement fan is arranged in air supplement pipe. Air is supplemented to indoor using the air supplement passage formed between exhaust pipe and air supplement pipe, to balance the air pressure inside and outside, it is beneficial to fan to maintain normal air volume, so that the internal heat pump water heater can be fully heat exchanged, ensure that heat pump water heater can normally execute heating work, and avoid the situation of frequent frost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a duct assembly and a heat pump water heater including the duct assembly. Background Technology

[0002] To avoid affecting the building's aesthetics, noise pollution, and meeting the machine's anti-freezing requirements, more and more users are installing air source heat pump water heaters in unused spaces such as basements, garages, and storage rooms. However, these spaces are relatively airtight with poor air circulation, and it's difficult to pre-drill holes for the water heater in most basements, garages, and storage rooms. The usual practice is to install a duct on the small hole corresponding to the exhaust fan, connecting the air outlet of the air source heat pump water heater to the outside through the duct, while leaving the air inlet of the air source heat pump water heater open indoors to meet ventilation needs.

[0003] However, air source heat pump water heaters require a fan to draw in indoor air for heating and heat exchange, then exhaust the heated air outdoors through ducts. As the air source heat pump water heater operates, the indoor air volume gradually decreases, and the pressure difference between indoors and outdoors increases. Once this pressure difference exceeds the range under which the fan can operate stably, the fan's airflow will drop rapidly, causing frequent frosting of the heat pump water heater, or even preventing it from performing its heating function properly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The first technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a duct assembly that can effectively solve the problem in the prior art where heat pump water heaters frequently frost and cannot perform heating work normally due to a rapid decrease in the fan's air volume.

[0005] The second technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a heat pump water heater that can effectively solve the problem in the prior art where the heat pump water heater frequently frosts and cannot perform heating work normally due to the rapid decrease in the fan's air volume.

[0006] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0007] A duct assembly for installation on a water heater body includes an exhaust duct and a makeup air duct. The exhaust duct's outlet end passes through the makeup air duct's inlet end, and the exhaust duct's inlet end is connected to the water heater body's air outlet. A makeup air channel is formed between the inner walls of the exhaust duct and the makeup air duct, and a makeup air fan is installed inside the makeup air duct.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the duct assembly of this utility model has the following advantages: By setting an exhaust duct and a make-up air duct, the make-up air duct is inserted into a pre-reserved small hole in the wall for the exhaust fan, and the exhaust duct is inserted into the make-up air duct and connected to the air outlet of the water heater body. This allows the make-up air duct and the exhaust duct to share the same mounting hole, eliminating the need for separate holes in the wall for installing the exhaust duct or make-up air duct in the heat pump water heater equipped with this duct assembly. During the operation of the heat pump water heater, the exhaust duct can be used to exhaust the air that has participated in heat exchange to the outside. At the same time, the make-up air channel formed between the exhaust duct and the make-up air duct replenishes the indoor air to balance the indoor and outdoor air pressure. Because the indoor air is replenished in a timely manner, it helps the fan maintain a normal air volume, allowing for sufficient heat exchange inside the heat pump water heater, ensuring that the heat pump water heater can perform heating work normally, and avoiding frequent frosting.

[0009] In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe includes an exhaust pipe body and a pipe connector. The exhaust pipe body is coaxially disposed inside the make-up air pipe. One end of the pipe connector is detachably connected to the exhaust pipe body, and the other end is inserted into the pipe wall of the make-up air pipe and used to connect to the air outlet of the water heater body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the make-up air pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are detachably connected. The exhaust pipe body is disposed in the second pipe section, the pipe joint is inserted into the pipe wall of the first pipe section, and an annular groove for installing the make-up air fan is provided on the inner wall of the first pipe section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the first pipe segment is greater than the wall thickness of the second pipe segment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first pipe segment includes two interlocking pipe segments that are detachably connected, and one of the pipe segments has a insertion hole for inserting the pipe connector.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the pipe segments is provided with a protrusion, and the other pipe segment is provided with a groove, wherein the protrusion is inserted into and fixed to the groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one end of the air supply duct is provided with a protective net.

[0015] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0016] A heat pump water heater includes a water heater body and a duct assembly. The water heater body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to an indoor space, and the air outlet is connected to an exhaust pipe in the duct assembly.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the heat pump water heater of this utility model has the following advantages: By installing a duct assembly on the water heater body, the duct assembly includes an exhaust duct and a make-up air duct. The make-up air duct passes through a pre-reserved exhaust fan hole in the wall, and the exhaust duct passes through the make-up air duct and connects to the air outlet of the water heater body. This allows the make-up air duct and the exhaust duct to share the same mounting hole, eliminating the need for separate holes in the wall for installing the exhaust duct or the make-up air duct. During operation, the exhaust duct can be used to exhaust the air that has undergone heat exchange outdoors. Simultaneously, the make-up air channel formed between the exhaust duct and the make-up air duct replenishes the indoor air to balance the indoor and outdoor air pressure. Because the indoor air is replenished in a timely manner, the fan can maintain a normal airflow, allowing for sufficient heat exchange inside the heat pump water heater, ensuring normal heating operation, and preventing frequent frosting.

[0018] In one embodiment, the air supply pipe in the duct assembly includes an installation part, which is inserted and fixed to the water heater body. The water heater body includes a gas outlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the gas outlet, and the other end passes through the installation part and is inserted and fixed to the exhaust pipe.

[0019] In one embodiment, the air inlet is located away from the outlet end of the make-up air pipe in the duct assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat pump water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water heater body according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the first pipe section and pipe joint of this utility model embodiment.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 1. Water heater body; 11. Shell; 12. Mounting base; 13. Gas outlet pipe; 14. Evaporator; 15. Exhaust fan; 2. Duct assembly; 21. Exhaust pipe; 211. Pipe connector; 212. Exhaust pipe body; 22. Make-up air pipe; 220. Make-up air channel; 221. First pipe section; 2211. Pipe section split; 2212. Protrusion; 2213. Groove; 2214. Annular groove; 222. Second pipe section; 223. Insertion hole; 224. Mounting part; 2241. Mounting hole; 23. Make-up air fan; 24. Protective net;

[0026] 100. Indoors; 200. Walls. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment provides a duct assembly 2 for installation on the water heater body 1, and is suitable for use in building spaces with high airtightness, such as basements, garages, and storage rooms. The building space includes a sealed wall 200, with the interior of the wall 200 being the indoor space 100 and the exterior being the outdoor space. The duct assembly 2 eliminates the need for subsequent drilling into the wall 200 by inserting a makeup air pipe 22 through a pre-drilled hole in the wall 200 and installing an exhaust pipe 21 for exhausting air to the outside within the makeup air pipe 22. While enabling the heat pump water heater to exhaust air to the outside through the exhaust pipe 21, it also allows the makeup air channel 220 between the exhaust pipe 21 and the makeup air pipe 22 to replenish air to the indoor space 100, thus solving the problems of increased pressure difference between the indoor space 100 and the outside, and a rapid decrease in fan suction volume, which can lead to frosting and inability to heat properly in the heat pump water heater.

[0032] Specifically, the duct assembly 2 provided in this embodiment is used to transport air. On the one hand, it exhausts the air after heat exchange with the water heater body 1 to the outside, and on the other hand, it transports outdoor air to the room 100 to supply gas to the water heater body 1. The duct assembly 2 includes an exhaust duct 21, a makeup air duct 22, and a makeup air fan 23. The makeup air duct 22 is installed in a reserved hole in the wall 200. The air inlet end of the makeup air duct 22 can extend to the outside or be flush with the outer surface of the wall 200, and the air outlet end of the makeup air duct 22 is located in the room 100. That is, the air outlet end of the makeup air duct 22 is connected to the indoor space, and the air inlet end of the makeup air duct 22 is connected to the outdoor space, so that outdoor air can enter the room 100 through the makeup air duct 22. The exhaust duct 21 is installed at the air inlet end of the makeup air duct 22, and the air outlet end of the exhaust duct 21 is connected to the outdoor space. The outlet of the exhaust duct 21 can extend to the outside of the make-up air duct 22, or be flush with the inlet of the make-up air duct 22. The inlet of the exhaust duct 21 is connected to the air outlet of the water heater body 1, so that the air that has participated in heat exchange in the water heater body 1 can be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust duct 21. A make-up air channel 220 is formed between the inner walls of the exhaust duct 21 and the make-up air duct 22 to allow outdoor air to enter the room 100, so as to supplement the air in the room 100, balance the air pressure between the inside and outside, and ensure that the water heater body 1 has sufficient air intake. The make-up air fan 23 is installed in the make-up air duct 22, and the make-up air fan 23 is used to drive the air to flow from the outside to the room 100.

[0033] Specifically, the make-up air duct 22 is a straight pipe, with its inlet end mounted on the wall 200, and the make-up air fan 23 mounted on its outlet end. The exhaust duct 21 includes an exhaust duct body 212 and a pipe connector 211. The exhaust duct body 212 is a straight pipe, located inside the make-up air duct 22, and is coaxial with the make-up air duct 22. The coaxial arrangement of the exhaust duct body 212 and the make-up air duct 22 creates a circular air supply channel 220 between their inner walls, promoting smooth airflow and facilitating the fixation of the make-up air duct 22. To improve the installation stability of the exhaust duct body 212, a bracket with a perforated area can be installed between the inner walls of the exhaust duct body 212 and the make-up air duct 22 to fix the exhaust duct body 212 and prevent strong vibrations during exhaust. The pipe connector 211 is a bend to accommodate the exhaust path of the exhaust pipe 21. Located inside the make-up air pipe 22, one end of the pipe connector 211 is detachably connected to the exhaust pipe body 212, and the other end is inserted into the wall of the make-up air pipe 22 and fixedly connected to the water heater body 1. Because the exhaust pipe 21 has a bend, detachably connecting the pipe connector 211 to the exhaust pipe body 212 facilitates installation, allowing the exhaust pipe 21 to be installed inside the make-up air pipe 22. Specifically, the pipe connector 211 and the exhaust pipe body 212 are connected and fixed by a plug-in connection for easy installation. Of course, in some embodiments, threaded connections or welding can also be used for installation and fixation without affecting operation.

[0034] In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 21 is installed inside the make-up air pipe 22 to share a pre-drilled hole on the wall 200, avoiding the need for a separate opening. Therefore, in some embodiments, the air inlet of the exhaust pipe 21 can also pass through the air outlet of the make-up air pipe 22 and then be connected to the water heater body 1. This structure ensures that the portion of the exhaust pipe 21 located inside the make-up air pipe 22 is coaxial with the make-up air pipe 22.

[0035] Specifically, the make-up air duct 22 includes a first pipe section 221 and a second pipe section 222. Both the first pipe section 221 and the second pipe section 222 are straight pipes. The first pipe section 221 is installed on the water heater body 1, and the second pipe section 222 passes through the wall 200. The first pipe section 221 and the second pipe section 222 are detachably connected to facilitate the installation of the exhaust duct 21 into the make-up air duct 22. Specifically, one end of the first pipe section 221 and one end of the second pipe section 222 are connected and fixed by a plug-in connection to facilitate installation. Of course, in some embodiments, threaded connection or welding can also be used for installation and fixation without affecting operation. The exhaust duct body 212 is disposed inside the second pipe section 222, and the two are coaxial. The pipe connector 211 is installed inside the first pipe section 221, and the inlet end of the pipe connector 211 is inserted into the pipe wall of the first pipe section 221. During installation, the first pipe section 221 can be assembled with the pipe connector 211 first, and then the exhaust pipe body 212 and the second pipe section 222 can be inserted and fixed in sequence.

[0036] Specifically, the wall thickness of the first pipe section 221 is greater than that of the second pipe section 222. The first pipe section 221 has a larger wall thickness to provide sufficient installation space for the pipe fitting 211, so that the pipe fitting 211 can be securely inserted into the pipe wall of the first pipe section 221.

[0037] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the first pipe section 221 has a split structure. The first pipe section 221 includes two interlocking pipe sections 2211, one of which has an insertion hole 223 for inserting a pipe fitting 211. The two pipe sections 2211 can be detachably connected by insertion, snap-fit, or screw fastening. As a preferred embodiment, the two pipe sections 2211 are fixed by insertion. Correspondingly, one pipe section 2211 has a protrusion 2212, and the other pipe section 2211 has a groove 2213. Both the protrusion 2212 and the groove 2213 are located on the connecting surface of the corresponding pipe section 2211, and their shapes and sizes are mutually compatible. During installation, the two pipe sections 2211 are simply interlocked. By making the first pipe section 221 a split structure, the installation of the pipe fitting 211 can be easily facilitated. Especially when the pipe connector 211 cannot be directly inserted into the first pipe section 221, the pipe connector 211 can be first inserted and fixed to the insertion hole 223 on one of the pipe section parts 2211, and then the other pipe section part 2211 can be installed, thus completing the assembly of the first pipe section 221 and the pipe connector 211.

[0038] Specifically, the make-up air fan 23 is installed inside the first pipe section 221, and the make-up air fan 23 drives air to flow from the outside to the inside 100. An annular groove 2214 is provided on the inner wall of the first pipe section 221, and the periphery of the make-up air fan 23 is inserted into the annular groove 2214 to realize the installation and fixation of the make-up air fan 23.

[0039] Specifically, the duct assembly 2 also includes a protective net 24, which is installed at the air outlet or air inlet of the make-up air duct 22. Of course, in some embodiments, protective nets 24 can also be installed at both ends of the make-up air duct 22. The protective net 24 can protect the make-up air channel 220 and prevent debris or small animals from entering the make-up air duct 22 and causing blockage.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a heat pump water heater suitable for installation in well-sealed building spaces such as basements, garages, and storage rooms. The building space includes a sealed wall 200, with the interior of the wall 200 being the interior 100 and the exterior being the exterior. By inserting a make-up air pipe 22 through a pre-drilled hole in the wall 200 and installing an exhaust pipe 21 for venting air to the outside inside the make-up air pipe 22, no subsequent drilling of the wall 200 is required. While allowing the heat pump water heater to vent air to the outside through the exhaust pipe 21, air can also be supplied to the interior 100 via the make-up air channel 220 between the exhaust pipe 21 and the make-up air pipe 22. This solves the problems of increased pressure difference between the interior 100 and the outside, and a rapid decrease in fan suction volume, which can lead to frosting and inability to heat properly in the heat pump water heater.

[0041] Specifically, the heat pump water heater provided in this embodiment includes a water heater body 1 and a duct assembly 2. The water heater body 1 is the main part of the heat pump water heater and is used to perform heat exchange. The water heater body 1 is installed indoors 100. In practical applications, the water heater body 1 can be installed on a wall 200 using a support frame. The water heater body 1 is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet communicates with the indoor space, and the air outlet communicates with the air inlet end of the exhaust duct 21.

[0042] Specifically, the second section 222 of the make-up air pipe 22 is installed on the wall 200, and the first section 221 of the make-up air pipe 22 is installed on the water heater body 1 to improve the installation stability of the make-up air pipe 22. To facilitate the installation of the first section 221 onto the water heater body 1, an installation part 224 is provided on the outer wall of the pipe section 2211, and an installation hole 2241 is provided on the installation part 224. The installation hole 2241 communicates with the insertion hole 223, so that the installation hole 2241 is used for both installing and fixing the first section 221 and for air supply. Since the installation part 224 is used to connect to the water heater body 1, it is only necessary to provide the installation part 224 on one of the pipe section 2211. In this embodiment, the insertion hole 223 and the installation part 224 are located on the same pipe section 2211.

[0043] The water heater body 1 includes a shell 11, a mounting base 12, an exhaust pipe 13, an evaporator 14, and an exhaust fan 15. The mounting base 12 is located on the top of the shell 11 and is used to connect with the mounting hole 2241 to secure the first pipe section 221 to the water heater body 1. The evaporator 14 is located inside the shell 11 and performs heat exchange. An air inlet and an air outlet are located on the shell 11, allowing air from the room 100 to enter the water heater body 1 through the air inlet on the shell 11. The mounting base 12 is located on the top of the shell 11. The exhaust pipe 13 is used to discharge the air that has undergone heat exchange to the outside and passes through the mounting base 12. One end of the exhaust pipe 13 extends into the shell 11, and the exhaust fan 15 is located at the end of the exhaust pipe 13 inside the shell 11. The exhaust fan 15 drives air from inside the shell 11 into the exhaust pipe 13. The other end of the vent pipe 13 extends to the outside of the housing 11, and the external end of the vent pipe 13 is used to connect with the pipe connector 211 so that the air inside the water heater body 1 flows sequentially through the vent pipe 13, the pipe connector 211 and the exhaust pipe body 212 and is discharged to the outside. When installing the first pipe section 221, the mounting part 224 at the bottom of the first pipe section 221 is inserted and fixed to the mounting base 12 on the housing 11. At the same time, the outlet end of the vent pipe 13 passes through the mounting hole 2241 and the insertion hole 223 and is inserted and fixed to the pipe connector 211.

[0044] Specifically, the air inlet on the water heater body 1 is located away from the air outlet of the air supply pipe 22. In this embodiment, the air supply pipe 22 is located at the top of the water heater body 1, and the air outlet of the air supply pipe 22 is located on the left side of the water heater body 1. Correspondingly, the air inlet is located on the right side of the water heater body 1, so that the air inlet is away from the air outlet of the air supply pipe 22. When the outdoor air temperature is much lower than the indoor temperature of 100°C, this method allows the low-temperature outdoor air to enter the indoor temperature of 100°C through the air supply pipe 22, and the low-temperature outdoor air can be fully mixed with the high-temperature indoor air, so as to avoid the low-temperature air from quickly entering the water heater body 1 and causing frost.

[0045] The air movement process of this heat pump water heater is referenced Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The arrows indicate the direction of airflow. When the heat pump water heater is running, indoor air enters the water heater body 1 through the air inlet. After heat exchange, the air enters the exhaust pipe 21, which discharges the heat-treated air to the outside. When the indoor and outdoor air pressure difference exceeds a threshold, the makeup air fan 23 starts, and outdoor air enters indoor air 100 through the makeup air pipe 22 (makeup air channel 220).

[0046] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A duct assembly for installation on a water heater body (1), characterized in that, It includes an exhaust pipe (21) and a make-up air pipe (22). The air outlet of the exhaust pipe (21) passes through the air inlet of the make-up air pipe (22). The air inlet of the exhaust pipe (21) is used to connect to the air outlet of the water heater body (1). A make-up air channel (220) is formed between the inner wall of the exhaust pipe (21) and the make-up air pipe (22). A make-up air fan (23) is installed inside the make-up air pipe (22).

2. The duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (21) includes an exhaust pipe body (212) and a pipe connector (211). The exhaust pipe body (212) is coaxially disposed inside the make-up air pipe (22). One end of the pipe connector (211) is detachably connected to the exhaust pipe body (212), and the other end is inserted into the pipe wall of the make-up air pipe (22) and used to connect to the air outlet of the water heater body (1).

3. The duct assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The make-up air pipe (22) includes a first pipe section (221) and a second pipe section (222) that can be detachably connected. The exhaust pipe body (212) is disposed in the second pipe section (222). The pipe joint (211) is inserted into the pipe wall of the first pipe section (221). The inner wall of the first pipe section (221) is provided with an annular groove (2214) for installing the make-up air fan (23).

4. The duct assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the first pipe section (221) is greater than the wall thickness of the second pipe section (222).

5. The duct assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first pipe segment (221) includes two interlocking pipe segments (2211), which are detachably connected. One of the pipe segments (2211) is provided with a insertion hole (223) for inserting the pipe connector (211).

6. The duct assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the pipe segments (2211) is provided with a protrusion (2212), and the other pipe segment (2211) is provided with a groove (2213). The protrusion (2212) and the groove (2213) are inserted and fixed together.

7. The duct assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one end of the air supply pipe (22) is provided with a protective net (24).

8. A heat pump water heater, characterized in that, It includes a water heater body (1) and a duct assembly (2) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The water heater body (1) is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the indoor space, and the air outlet is connected to the exhaust pipe (21) in the duct assembly.

9. The heat pump water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air supply pipe (22) in the air duct assembly (2) includes an installation part (224), which is inserted and fixed to the water heater body (1). The water heater body (1) includes an exhaust pipe (13), one end of which is connected to the exhaust port, and the other end passes through the installation part (224) and is inserted and fixed to the exhaust pipe (21).

10. The heat pump water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air inlet is located away from the outlet end of the make-up air pipe (22) in the air duct assembly (2).

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