Heat exchanger and water heater

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of water heater technology, specifically relating to a heat exchanger and a water heater. The heat exchanger includes: a heat exchanger body; a water flow connector disposed on the heat exchanger body and communicating internally with the heat exchanger body; a rotating component rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector; and a sensing component disposed on the water flow connector, configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating component when it rotates due to the impact of water flow, thereby reflecting the water flow rate. The heat exchanger and water heater provided by this application can solve the problem of cumbersome on-site installation of heat exchangers in scenarios requiring monitoring of water flow within the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of water heater technology, specifically relating to a heat exchanger and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] The heat exchanger is the core component of a water heater. Typically, a water flow switch is used to monitor the water flow rate entering the heat exchanger.

[0003] In related technologies, water flow switches require the use of a tee fitting for installation. Specifically, the inlet pipe of the heat exchanger is connected to the user's water pipe via a tee fitting, and the water flow switch is installed on the tee fitting to monitor the water flow.

[0004] However, the installation of the heat exchanger requires the additional use of a tee fitting to install the water flow switch at the installation site, making the on-site installation process of the heat exchanger quite complicated. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a heat exchanger and a water heater that can solve the problem of cumbersome on-site installation of the heat exchanger in scenarios where it is necessary to monitor the water flow rate inside the heat exchanger.

[0006] On one hand, this application provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0007] Heat exchanger body;

[0008] A water flow connector is provided on the heat exchanger body and is in communication with the interior of the heat exchanger body;

[0009] A rotating component, which is rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector;

[0010] A sensor is disposed on the water flow connector. The sensor is configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating component when the rotating component rotates due to the impact of the water flow, thereby reflecting the flow rate of the water flow.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the water flow connector is detachably provided with a mounting bracket, and the rotating component includes an impeller, which is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket;

[0012] The sensing element includes a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the impeller to reflect the flow rate of the water.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the mounting bracket is inserted inside the water flow connector, and at least two limiting members are provided on the inner sidewall of the water flow connector. Each limiting member is located on both sides of the mounting bracket in the extension direction of the water flow connector to restrict the mounting bracket inside the water flow connector. The limiting member located on at least one side in the extension direction of the water flow connector is detachably connected to the water flow connector.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the limiting member detachably connected to the water flow connector includes an elastic clamp, and an installation groove is provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector. The elastic clamp is engaged in the installation groove and abuts against the side of the mounting bracket.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the distance between the sensor and the impeller is less than 2 mm.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the mounting bracket has a first guide member located in front of the impeller in the direction of water flow, so as to guide the water flow to impact the impeller.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the mounting bracket also has a second guide member located behind the impeller in the direction of water flow, so as to guide the water flow smoothly into the interior of the heat exchanger body.

[0018] In one possible implementation, a limiting bracket is also included, which is disposed on the heat exchanger body, and a limiting groove is provided on the outer side wall of the water flow connector, and the limiting bracket is engaged with the limiting groove.

[0019] In one possible implementation, a support frame is also included, on which the heat exchanger body is mounted.

[0020] On the other hand, this application provides a water heater, including a heating element and a heat exchanger as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the heating element is used to heat the heat exchanger body in the heat exchanger.

[0021] This application provides a heat exchanger and a water heater. The heat exchanger includes: a heat exchanger body; a water flow connector disposed on the heat exchanger body and communicating with the interior of the heat exchanger body; a rotating component rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector; and a sensing component disposed on the water flow connector. The sensing component is configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating component when it is impacted by water flow, thereby reflecting the water flow rate. Therefore, during use, when the rotating component is impacted by water flow and rotates, the sensing component detects the rotational speed of the rotating component, thereby achieving the purpose of monitoring the water flow rate and reflecting the water flow state within the heat exchanger body. During on-site installation, simply install the rotating component into the water flow connector and the sensing component onto the water flow connector. Then, connect the water flow connector to the user's water pipe to complete the on-site installation of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to spend a lot of time purchasing tee fittings, greatly improving the convenience of the on-site installation process and saving installation space. It also solves the problem of the cumbersome on-site installation process for heat exchangers in scenarios where monitoring the water flow inside the heat exchanger is required. Attached Figure Description

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the medium-flow connector;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the rotating component;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a medium-elastic clamp;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the support frame in the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the middle support frame;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the middle limit bracket;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A structural diagram showing the location of the middle limit card slot.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 100 - Heat exchanger body;

[0033] 200 - Water flow connector; 210 - Ring platform; 220 - Limiting part; 230 - Mounting slot; 240 - Limiting slot;

[0034] 300 - Rotating component; 310 - Shaft; 320 - Rotating blade;

[0035] 400 - Sensor;

[0036] 500 - Mounting bracket; 510 - First flow guide; 511 - First intermediate connector; 512 - First flow guide plate; 520 - Second flow guide; 521 - Second intermediate connector; 522 - Second flow guide plate;

[0037] 600 - Limiting component; 610 - Elastic clamp; 620 - Clearance hole;

[0038] 700 - Support frame; 710 - Mounting hole; 720 - Support plate;

[0039] 800 - Limit bracket; 810 - Limit plate.

[0040] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions 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.

[0042] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0043] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] The heat exchanger is a core component of a water heater. Typically, a flow switch is used to monitor the water flow rate entering the heat exchanger. When installing the heat exchanger at the user's site, a T-fitting fitting needs to be purchased separately to allow the flow switch to be installed. Specifically, the inlet pipe of the heat exchanger is connected to the user's water pipe via the T-fitting fitting, and the flow switch is installed on the T-fitting fitting.

[0045] However, at the heat exchanger installation site, additional tee fittings need to be purchased. Furthermore, the dimensions of the tee fittings must be compatible with the pipe fittings on the heat exchanger and the dimensions of the water flow switch, so that the water flow switch can be installed on the heat exchanger using the tee fittings. Therefore, in scenarios where monitoring the water flow inside the heat exchanger is required, the on-site installation process is quite cumbersome, and the additional cost of purchasing tee fittings is also added.

[0046] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a heat exchanger and a water heater. The heat exchanger includes: a heat exchanger body; a water flow connector disposed on the heat exchanger body and communicating internally with the heat exchanger body; a rotating component rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector; and a sensing component disposed on the water flow connector. The sensing component is configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating component when it rotates due to the impact of water flow, thereby reflecting the water flow rate. Thus, during use, when the rotating component rotates due to the impact of water flow, the sensing component detects the rotational speed of the rotating component, thereby achieving the purpose of monitoring the water flow rate and reflecting the water flow state within the heat exchanger body. During on-site installation, simply install the rotating component into the water flow connector and the sensing component onto the water flow connector. Then, connect the water flow connector to the user's water pipe to complete the on-site installation of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to spend a lot of time purchasing tee fittings, greatly improving the convenience of the on-site installation process and saving installation space. It also solves the problem of the cumbersome on-site installation process for heat exchangers in scenarios where monitoring the water flow inside the heat exchanger is required.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the medium-flow connector; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the rotating component; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a medium-elastic clamp; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the support frame in the heat exchanger provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the middle support frame; Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the middle limit bracket; Figure 8 for Figure 5 A structural diagram showing the location of the middle limit card slot.

[0048] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0049] Heat exchanger body 100;

[0050] A water flow connector 200 is provided on the heat exchanger body 100 and is connected to the interior of the heat exchanger body 100.

[0051] Rotating component 300 is rotatably disposed inside water flow connector 200;

[0052] The sensor 400 is disposed on the water flow connector 200. The sensor 400 is configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating member 300 when the rotating member 300 is rotated due to the impact of the water flow, and thus reflect the flow rate of the water flow.

[0053] It should be noted that the heat exchanger body 100 has an inlet end and an outlet end. In use, water is introduced into the heat exchanger body 100 through the inlet end and then discharged from the outlet end, thereby achieving the purpose of heat exchange between the water and the surrounding environment. The heat exchanger body 100 can be an existing product, such as a plate heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, or other forms, and its specific structure is not limited.

[0054] The water flow connector 200 is a tubular structure and can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, other metals, or alloys. The water flow connector 200 is installed on the heat exchanger body 100, and its interior is connected to the interior of the heat exchanger body 100. The water flow connector 200 is used to connect to the user's water pipes. During manufacturing, an external thread can be provided at the end of the water flow connector 200 away from the heat exchanger body 100 to facilitate connection to the user's water pipes at the heat exchanger installation site.

[0055] The rotating component 300 is rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector 200, so that the rotating component 300 will rotate when impacted by water flow. The sensing component 400 is disposed on the water flow connector 200, specifically, the sensing component 400 is installed on the outside of the water flow connector 200.

[0056] During use, when the rotating part 300 is impacted by the water flow and rotates, the rotation speed of the rotating part 300 is sensed by the sensing element 400, thereby achieving the purpose of monitoring the water flow rate and reflecting the water flow status inside the heat exchanger body 100.

[0057] During on-site installation, simply install the rotating part 300 into the water flow connector 200 and the sensing part 400 onto the water flow connector 200. Then, connect the water flow connector 200 to the user's water pipe to complete the on-site installation of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to spend a lot of time purchasing tee fittings, greatly improving the convenience of the on-site installation process and saving installation space. It also solves the problem of the cumbersome on-site installation process of heat exchangers in scenarios where it is necessary to monitor the water flow rate inside the heat exchanger.

[0058] In this embodiment, the water flow connector 200 can be connected to the inlet end of the heat exchanger body 100 by welding, threaded connection, or other means. In other embodiments, the water flow connector 200 can also be connected to the outlet end of the heat exchanger body 100. It can be understood that by detecting the water flow rate at the inlet or outlet end of the heat exchanger body 100, the water flow state inside the heat exchanger body 100 can be reflected.

[0059] It should be noted that the water flow connector 200 can be welded to the heat exchanger body 100 during the production process, reducing the steps required for on-site installation and greatly improving on-site installation efficiency. To facilitate welding of the water flow connector 200 to the heat exchanger body 100, a stepped annular portion 210 is provided at the end of the water flow connector 200 facing the heat exchanger body 100. The annular portion 210 is coaxial with the water flow connector 200, and its smaller end faces the heat exchanger body 100. During installation, the annular portion 210 can be inserted into the inlet or outlet end of the heat exchanger body 100 for better positioning of the water flow connector 200. The two are then welded together, thereby improving the stability and ease of installation of the water flow connector 200.

[0060] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the water flow connector 200 is detachably provided with a mounting bracket 500, and the rotating component 300 includes an impeller, which is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 500.

[0061] The sensing element 400 includes a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the impeller to indicate the flow rate of the water.

[0062] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 500 has a cylindrical structure, allowing it to be adapted to the water flow connector 200. The mounting bracket 500 has an internal water flow channel that communicates with the interior of the water flow connector 200, and the extension direction of the water flow channel is consistent with the extension direction of the water flow connector 200. That is, the water flowing through the water flow connector 200 flows through the water flow channel.

[0063] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating component 300 includes an impeller, which includes a rotating shaft 310 and a plurality of rotating blades 320 fixed on the rotating shaft 310. The plurality of rotating blades 320 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the rotating shaft 310. In practice, the rotating blades 320 and the rotating shaft 310 can be integrally formed, or the rotating blades 320 can be connected to the rotating shaft 310 by welding, bonding or other means. The rotating blades 320 can be two, three, four or other numbers.

[0064] During production, the rotating shaft 310 can be rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 500 so that the rotating shaft 310 and the water flow channel (i.e., the water flow connector 200) are on the same axis.

[0065] The sensing element 400 includes a sensor, which can be an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an eddy current sensor, an inductive sensor, or other sensors, as long as it can detect the rotational speed of the impeller. There are no restrictions on the model or type of sensor.

[0066] The sensor 400 can be fixed to the outer wall of the water flow connector 200 by bonding, screwing, or other means. In addition, during the production of the water flow connector 200, a mounting surface can be provided on the outer wall of the water flow connector 200 to provide an installation position for the sensor 400, thereby improving the convenience of installing the sensor 400 at the heat exchanger application site.

[0067] During on-site installation, simply install the mounting bracket 500 inside the water flow connector 200 to complete the installation of the rotating component 300 on the water flow connector 200. Secondly, simply fix the sensing element 400 to the outer wall of the water flow connector 200 to complete the installation. This makes the on-site installation of both the rotating component 300 and the sensing element 400 quite convenient. During operation, when the rotating blade 320 is impacted by the water flow, the impeller will rotate as a whole. The sensor then detects the impeller's rotational speed, thereby reflecting the flow rate of the water inside the heat exchanger body 100, and thus reflecting the water flow status inside the heat exchanger body 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the water flow connector 200 can be controlled during production. For example, the wall thickness of the part of the water flow connector 200 corresponding to the sensor can be set to less than 2mm. This ensures that after the impeller and sensor are installed, the distance between the sensor and the impeller is less than 2mm, thereby ensuring that the sensor can effectively sense the impeller speed and ensuring detection accuracy, so as to more accurately reflect the water flow state inside the heat exchanger body 100.

[0069] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 500 has a first guide member 510, which is located in front of the impeller in the direction of water flow, so as to guide the water flow to impact the impeller.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first guide member 510 is located within the water flow channel, and is positioned in front of the impeller in the water flow direction. Specifically, the first guide member 510 includes a first intermediate connector 511 and a plurality of first guide vanes 512. Each first guide vane 512 can be connected to the first intermediate connector 511 by bonding, welding, integral molding, or other means, and is evenly spaced along the circumference of the first intermediate connector 511. The number of first guide vanes 512 can be two, three, four, or other quantities. The first intermediate connector 511 is coaxially arranged with the water flow channel, and the end of the first guide vane 512 away from the first intermediate connector 511 is connected to the mounting bracket 500.

[0071] For example, in this embodiment, the rotating blade 320 can be configured as a planar plate structure, and the first guide vane 512 can be configured as a curved plate structure. In other embodiments, the rotating blade 320 can also be configured as a curved plate structure, and the first guide vane 512 can be configured as other shapes.

[0072] In use, the water flow passing through the water flow connector 200 can be guided by the first guide vanes 512 on the first guide vane 510, so that the water flow can impact the impeller more stably, thereby ensuring that the impeller has a better rotation effect, which makes it easier for the sensor 400 to detect its speed.

[0073] Understandably, during use, water flows through the impeller and enters the heat exchanger body 100. At this time, the water flowing through the impeller is prone to forming eddies and entering the heat exchanger body 100, causing the water inlet end of the heat exchanger body 100 to vibrate. After long-term use, this can easily cause significant damage to the heat exchanger body 100.

[0074] In this regard, combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 500 also has a second guide member 520, which is located behind the impeller in the water flow direction, so as to guide the water flow smoothly into the heat exchanger body 100 through the second guide member 520.

[0075] In this embodiment, the second guide member 520 is located within the water flow channel, and is positioned behind the impeller in the water flow direction. Specifically, the second guide member 520 includes a second intermediate connector 521 and a plurality of second guide vanes 522. The second guide vanes 522 have a planar plate structure, and each second guide vane 522 can be connected to the second intermediate connector 521 by bonding, welding, integral molding, or other means, and is evenly spaced along the circumference of the second intermediate connector 521. The number of second guide vanes 522 can be two, three, four, or other quantities. The second intermediate connector 521 is coaxially arranged with the water flow channel, and the end of the second guide vane 522 away from the second intermediate connector 521 is connected to the mounting bracket 500.

[0076] Therefore, the water flowing through the impeller will enter the heat exchanger body 100 more smoothly after being guided by each of the second guide vanes 522, thereby reducing the impact of the water flow on the heat exchanger body 100 and reducing the damage to the heat exchanger body 100.

[0077] It should be noted that during production, the two ends of the impeller shaft 310 can be inserted and rotatably connected to the first intermediate connector 511 and the second intermediate connector 521, respectively. Understandably, during use, the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 are fixed, while the impeller rotates under the impact of the water flow.

[0078] To facilitate impeller installation, at least one of the first guide member 510 and the second guide member 520 can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket 500 by snap-fit, screw-fit, or other means.

[0079] For example, the first flow guide 510 can be integrally formed with the mounting bracket 500; the second flow guide 520 can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket 500 by snap-fit, screw-fit, or other means. Alternatively, the second flow guide 520 can be integrally formed with the mounting bracket 500, and the first flow guide 510 can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket 500 by snap-fit, screw-fit, or other means. Or, both the first flow guide 510 and the second flow guide 520 can be detachably connected to the mounting bracket 500 by snap-fit, screw-fit, or other means.

[0080] It should be noted that the mounting bracket 500, impeller, first guide member 510, and second guide member 520 can all be made of plastic, or other materials. In other embodiments, a mounting portion can be extended inward from the mounting bracket 500, and then the rotating shaft 310 can be rotatably connected to the mounting portion.

[0081] It should be noted that during the production process, the mounting bracket 500, the first guide element 510, the second guide element 520, and the impeller can be assembled into a whole. Then, when installing the heat exchanger at the application site, the mounting bracket 500 only needs to be installed into the water flow connector 200 to complete the installation of the impeller, the first guide element 510, and the second guide element 520. The installation process is relatively convenient.

[0082] To address this, in order to allow the mounting bracket 500 to be detachably installed within the water flow connector 200, and simultaneously improve the ease of installation of the mounting bracket 500, in conjunction with... Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 500 is inserted inside the water flow connector 200, and at least two limiting members 600 are provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector 200. Each limiting member 600 is located on both sides of the mounting bracket 500 in the extending direction of the water flow connector 200, so as to restrict the mounting bracket 500 inside the water flow connector 200. The limiting member 600 located on at least one side in the extending direction of the water flow connector 200 is detachably connected to the water flow connector 200.

[0083] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 As shown, two limiting members 600 are provided. One of the limiting members 600 is a limiting part 220, which can be located at the end of the water flow connector 200 facing the heat exchanger body 100. The other limiting member 600 is detachably connected to the end of the water flow connector 200 away from the heat exchanger body 100, so that a mounting cavity for accommodating the mounting bracket 500 is formed between the limiting part 220 and the limiting member 600.

[0084] Specifically, the limiting part 220 includes an annular boss, which is coaxially fixed to the inner sidewall of the end of the water flow connector 200 facing the heat exchanger body 100. The annular boss can be integrally formed by the water flow connector 200, or it can be fixed to the inner sidewall of the water flow connector 200 by welding or other means. In other embodiments, a plurality of protrusions can also be provided on the inner sidewall of the water flow connector 200 to form the limiting part 220.

[0085] During on-site installation, simply insert the mounting bracket 500 into the end of the water flow connector 200 furthest from the heat exchanger body 100. Once the mounting bracket 500 abuts against the limiting part 220, install another limiting member 600 into the water flow connector 200, ensuring that the limiting member 600 abuts against the mounting bracket 500. This allows for a relatively quick completion of the installation steps for the mounting bracket 500, impeller, first guide member 510, and second guide member 520.

[0086] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting member 600 detachably connected to the water flow connector 200 includes an elastic clamp 610. An installation groove 230 is provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector 200. The elastic clamp 610 is engaged in the installation groove 230 and abuts against the side of the mounting bracket 500.

[0087] In this embodiment, the elastic clamp 610 is annular and has an open-loop structure. The elastic clamp 610 can be made of stainless steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, or other materials, and there are no restrictions on this, as long as the elastic clamp 610 itself has a certain elastic deformation capability.

[0088] The inner wall of the water flow connector 200 is provided with a mounting groove 230. The mounting groove 230 is located on the side of the mounting bracket 500 away from the limiting part 220. The mounting groove 230 is annular and coaxial with the water flow connector 200. The width of the mounting groove 230 is adapted to the width of the elastic clamp 610.

[0089] During on-site installation, after the mounting bracket 500 is inserted into the water flow connector 200 and abuts against the limiting part 220, the elastic clamp 610 is pressed and, under its own rebound, snaps into the mounting slot 230. Simultaneously, the elastic clamp 610 abuts against the side of the mounting bracket 500 opposite to the limiting part 220. Thus, the mounting bracket 500 is fixed to the water flow connector 200 from both sides via the limiting part 220 and the elastic clamp 610, making the installation process extremely convenient.

[0090] Furthermore, in combination Figure 4 As shown, clearance holes 620 can also be provided at both ends of the elastic clamp 610. When installing the elastic clamp 610, tweezers or other tools can be inserted into the clearance holes 620 to control the pressing of the elastic clamp 610, thereby improving the ease of installation. The clearance hole 620 can be a round hole, a square hole, or other shapes, without limitation; of course, it can also be a groove-shaped structure.

[0091] In other embodiments, the limiting member 600 may be set to other quantities; elastic clamps 610 and mounting slots 230 may also be provided on both sides of the mounting bracket 500, so that the mounting bracket 500 can be restricted within the water flow connector 200 by sequentially installing two elastic clamps 610 at the installation site.

[0092] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor may also be added to the water flow connector 200. For example, a groove may be provided on the outer wall of the water flow connector 200, and a sleeve may be installed on the plane within the groove by welding, screwing, or other means. Then, the temperature sensor simply needs to be installed inside the sleeve. Thus, the water flow temperature can be monitored during use, optimizing the performance.

[0093] Combination Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes a support frame 700, and the heat exchanger body 100 is disposed on the support frame 700.

[0094] Specifically, the heat exchanger body 100 can be fixed to the support frame 700 using multiple bolts or screws. In this regard, combined with... Figure 6 As shown, during production, mounting holes 710 can be pre-drilled on the support frame 700 at the locations corresponding to mounting bolts or screws, eliminating the need for additional drilling at the installation site and improving the convenience of on-site installation. Furthermore, the support frame 700 provides a support platform for the installation of the heat exchanger body 100 at the installation site, ensuring the convenience, stability, and safety of the heat exchanger body 100 installation.

[0095] In addition, combined Figure 6 As shown, a support plate 720 can also be provided on the support frame 700, so that the support plate 720 can support the bottom of the heat exchanger body 100. When fastening the heat exchanger body 100 to the support frame 700, the heat exchanger body 100 can be first placed on the support plate 720 to achieve a pre-positioning effect on the heat exchanger body 100, making the subsequent installation process of bolts or screws easier.

[0096] The support plate 720 can be formed by bending a portion of the support frame 700, or it can be fixed to the support frame 700 by welding, screwing or other means.

[0097] In some embodiments, several clearance openings may be provided on the support plate 720 so that the water flow connector 200 installed on the heat exchanger body 100 can be located within the clearance openings, thereby reducing the possibility of mutual interference between the support plate 720 and the water flow connector 200.

[0098] When the user's water pipes are connected to the water flow connector 200 via threaded connections or other methods at the installation site, a large torque can easily be generated on the water flow connector 200, which can affect the stability of the connection between the water flow connector 200 and the heat exchanger body 100. If the water flow connector 200 is threaded onto the heat exchanger body 100, the water pipe installation process has an even greater impact on the stability of the connection between the water flow connector 200 and the heat exchanger body 100.

[0099] In this regard, combined with Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes a limiting bracket 800, which is disposed on the heat exchanger body 100. The outer side wall of the water flow connector 200 is provided with a limiting groove 240, and the limiting bracket 800 is engaged with the limiting groove 240.

[0100] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 7 As shown, the limiting bracket 800 can be a U-shaped plate structure, so that the limiting bracket 800 has two spaced-apart limiting plates 810. Combined with... Figure 8 As shown, the outer wall of the water flow connector 200 is provided with a limiting groove 240, and there are two limiting grooves 240, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the water flow connector 200.

[0101] After the water flow connector 200 is installed on the heat exchanger body 100, the limiting bracket 800 can be snapped onto the water flow connector 200, so that the water flow connector 200 is located between the two limiting plates 810, and the two limiting plates 810 are respectively snapped into the two limiting slots 240. Next, the limiting bracket 800 is fixed to the support frame 700 with multiple screws or bolts.

[0102] Therefore, the rotation tendency of the water flow connector 200 can be limited by the limiting bracket 800, so as to effectively reduce the load on the connection between the water flow connector 200 and the heat exchanger body 100 during the installation of water pipes, and ensure the stability of the connection between the water flow connector 200 and the heat exchanger body 100.

[0103] Understandably, through holes or threaded holes for mounting bolts or screws can be pre-set on the limit bracket 800 and the support bracket 700 to improve the convenience of on-site installation.

[0104] In other embodiments, the limiting bracket 800 may be connected to the heat exchanger body 100; the limiting bracket 800 may also be configured in other shapes, without limitation, such as: two separate limiting plates 810; or a limiting slot 240 may be provided on the limiting bracket 800 and a limiting plate 810 may be provided on the water flow connector 200; or a buckle.

[0105] In summary, the heat exchanger provided in this application allows for the monitoring of water flow rate by sensing the rotation speed of the rotating component 300 when it is impacted by water flow during use. This monitoring is achieved by sensing the rotation speed of the rotating component 300 through the sensing element 400, thus reflecting the water flow status within the heat exchanger body 100. During on-site installation, the rotating component 300 is simply installed into the water flow connector 200, and the sensing element 400 is also installed on the water flow connector 200. The water flow connector 200 can then be connected to the user's water pipe, completing the on-site installation of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to spend considerable time purchasing tee fittings, significantly improving the convenience of on-site installation and saving installation space. It also solves the problem of cumbersome on-site installation of heat exchangers in scenarios requiring monitoring of internal water flow rate.

[0106] This application provides a water heater, which may be an electric water heater, an air source water heater, a gas water heater, a solar water heater or other water heaters, including a heating element and a heat exchanger in any of the above embodiments, wherein the heating element is used to heat the heat exchanger body 100 in the heat exchanger.

[0107] The heat exchanger has been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here. The heating element is in contact with the heat exchanger body 100 to heat the water flow inside the heat exchanger body 100. The heating element (not shown in the figure) can be an electric heating element, a gas burner, or other device capable of heating the heat exchanger body 100, and there are no limitations on this. Furthermore, other structures of the water heater can adopt structures in the prior art, and may also include: a shell, a display panel, a controller, etc.

[0108] In summary, the water heater provided in this application, after the heat exchanger is installed, can monitor the water flow rate by sensing the rotation speed of the rotating component 300 through the sensor 400, thereby reflecting the water flow status inside the heat exchanger. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to spend a significant amount of time purchasing tee fittings, greatly improving the convenience of on-site installation of the heat exchanger, while also saving installation space. This solves the problem of the cumbersome on-site installation process for heat exchangers in scenarios requiring monitoring of internal water flow.

[0109] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Heat exchanger body (100); A water flow connector (200) is provided on the heat exchanger body (100) and the water flow connector (200) is in communication with the interior of the heat exchanger body (100); A rotating component (300) is rotatably disposed inside the water flow connector (200); A sensor (400) is disposed on the water flow connector (200). The sensor (400) is configured to sense the rotational speed of the rotating member (300) when the rotating member (300) is rotated due to the impact of the water flow, and thus reflect the flow rate of the water flow.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow connector (200) is detachably provided with a mounting bracket (500), and the rotating component (300) includes an impeller, which is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket (500); The sensing element (400) includes a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the impeller to reflect the flow rate of the water.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (500) is inserted inside the water flow connector (200). At least two limiting members (600) are provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector (200). Each limiting member (600) is located on both sides of the mounting bracket (500) in the extension direction of the water flow connector (200) to restrict the mounting bracket (500) inside the water flow connector (200). The limiting member (600) located on at least one side in the extension direction of the water flow connector (200) is detachably connected to the water flow connector (200).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting member (600) detachably connected to the water flow connector (200) includes an elastic clamp (610). An installation groove (230) is provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector (200). The elastic clamp (610) is engaged in the installation groove (230) and abuts against the side of the mounting bracket (500).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting member (600) detachably connected to the water flow connector (200) includes an elastic clamp (610). An installation groove (230) is provided on the inner side wall of the water flow connector (200). The elastic clamp (610) is engaged in the installation groove (230) and abuts against the side of the mounting bracket (500).

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (500) has a first guide (510) located in front of the impeller in the direction of water flow, so as to guide the water flow to impact the impeller.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (500) also has a second guide (520), which is located behind the impeller in the direction of water flow, so as to guide the water flow smoothly into the interior of the heat exchanger body (100) through the second guide (520).

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting bracket (800), which is disposed on the heat exchanger body (100). The outer side wall of the water flow connector (200) is provided with a limiting groove (240), and the limiting bracket (800) is engaged with the limiting groove (240).

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a support frame (700), on which the heat exchanger body (100) is mounted.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, It includes a heating element and a heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the heating element is used to heat the heat exchanger body (100) in the heat exchanger.

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