Foot bath equipment
By using die-casting and tube shrinking technology to form a tightly connected thermally conductive and insulating layer in the foot bath equipment, the problems of low thermal conductivity and poor insulation of the heating components are solved, achieving rapid heating and improved safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN XINGMAN INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing foot bath equipment has heating components with low thermal conductivity and poor insulation, resulting in insufficient heating efficiency.
The heater and the outer shell are integrated using a die-casting process. A tightly connected thermal insulation layer is formed by combining high thermal conductivity thermal insulation powder, ensuring a seamless connection between the heater and the water pipe. The density of the thermal insulation layer is increased through a tube shrinking process, which enhances the thermal conductivity and insulation effect.
The heating element achieves high thermal conductivity and thermal insulation, enabling rapid water heating, improving heating efficiency, and ensuring safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224572663U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of foot bathing equipment, and in particular to a foot bathing device. Background Technology
[0002] Existing foot bath devices, such as foot bath machines, use heating components that include internally flowing metal water pipes. A heating element, wrapped around the outer circumference of the metal water pipe, heats the water flowing through it. To achieve water-electricity isolation, some heating components use thermally conductive insulating powder as an insulating layer, typically embedding the heating element within this layer. However, because the thermally conductive insulating powder is a powdery material and is usually loosely packed to encase the heating element, gaps exist between the granular powder and the heating element, preventing a tight bond. Consequently, the heat transfer efficiency of the thermally conductive insulating powder layer is low, resulting in low heating efficiency of the heating element. To achieve water-electricity isolation, other heating components use mica sheets as an insulating layer. However, mica sheets have poor thermal conductivity, hindering heat transfer from the heating element to the water. Furthermore, mica sheets are relatively flexible compared to metal, making them prone to deformation and resulting in poor insulation. Utility Model Content
[0003] To at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, one objective of this utility model is to provide a foot bath device whose heating component has the advantages of high thermal conductivity, rapid water heating, and good thermal insulation.
[0004] The foot bath device of this utility model includes a heating assembly, which includes a water pipe, a heating shell assembly, and a thermally conductive insulating layer. The water pipe is made of metal and has a pipe hole for water flow. The heating shell assembly includes a heater and a shell. The shell is formed by die casting of metal material to enclose the heater. The shell and the heater are integrally formed. At least a portion of the heater is located inside the shell. The heating shell assembly is sleeved on the outer periphery of the water pipe. The thermally conductive insulating layer is disposed between the heating shell assembly and the water pipe to achieve electrical insulation between the heater and the water pipe.
[0005] In this embodiment of the invention, the heater is encased during the die-casting process of the outer shell, making the outer shell and the heater an integral unit. This creates a seamless connection between the outer shell and the heater, allowing the outer shell to quickly transfer the heat from the heater to the water in the water pipe. This results in high thermal conductivity and rapid water heating. Therefore, the heating component of the foot bath device of this application has the advantages of high thermal conductivity, rapid water heating, and excellent thermal insulation.
[0006] In some embodiments, the heating assembly further includes: a metal tube sleeved between the water pipe and the heating shell assembly, and a thermally conductive insulating layer disposed between the outer wall of the metal tube and the water pipe.
[0007] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive insulating powder is compacted by performing a tube shrinking process on the metal tube to form the thermally conductive insulating layer, wherein the compacted density of the thermally conductive insulating layer is greater than the bulk density of the thermally conductive insulating powder under normal conditions.
[0008] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive insulating powder is magnesium oxide powder, the thermally conductive insulating layer is a magnesium oxide powder layer, and the compacted density of the magnesium oxide powder layer is 2.5–3.5 g / cm³. 3 .
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one end of the thermally conductive insulating layer is provided with a sealing member, the sealing member being used to seal the end of the thermally conductive insulating layer, and the sealing member being at least partially submerged in the metal tube.
[0010] In some embodiments, along the length of the water pipe, the lengths of both ends of the thermally conductive insulating layer are longer than the lengths of both ends of the outer casing.
[0011] In some embodiments, the heating assembly further includes a temperature sensing element embedded within the thermally conductive insulating layer.
[0012] In some embodiments, the heating assembly further includes a temperature sensing element disposed on the housing.
[0013] In some embodiments, a mounting base is integrally formed on the surface of the housing, and the temperature sensing element is mounted on the mounting base.
[0014] In some embodiments, the mounting base includes a first mounting base and a second mounting base. The first mounting base has a cavity, and the second mounting base has a groove. The temperature sensing element includes a thermostat and a temperature fuse. The thermostat is disposed in the cavity, and the temperature fuse is disposed in the groove.
[0015] In some embodiments, the heater is a spiral tubular structure, the heater includes a heating body and terminals at both ends, the heating body is located inside the housing, the terminals are exposed on the upper side of the housing, and the mounting base is also located on the upper side of the housing.
[0016] In some embodiments, the foot bath device has a basin and a massage component. A water-filled foot bath cavity is formed in the basin. The foot bath cavity is connected to the water pipe. The water in the foot bath cavity flows through the water pipe, is heated by the heater, and then flows back to the foot bath cavity. The massage component is used to massage the feet placed in the foot bath cavity.
[0017] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of a foot bath device.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foot bath device according to one embodiment.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating assembly according to one embodiment.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heating assembly according to one embodiment.
[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a heating assembly according to one embodiment.
[0023] Figure label:
[0024] Heating component 1, massage component 2, basin body 3, foot bath cavity 4, water inlet 5, water outlet 6
[0025] Water pipe 11, metal pipe 12, thermally conductive insulation layer 13, heater 14, heating body 141, terminal block 142, outer shell 15, sealing component 16, thermostat 17, second electrical wiring 171, first mounting base 18, cavity 181, fixing ear 19, second mounting base 20, groove 201, temperature fuse 21 Detailed Implementation
[0026] Although the present invention can be readily embodied in various forms of implementation, only some specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in this specification. It is also understood that this specification should be regarded as an exemplary description of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to what is described herein.
[0027] Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to describe one feature of one embodiment of the present invention, and does not imply that every embodiment of the present invention must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.
[0028] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, inside, outside, left, right, front, back, etc.) used to explain the structure and movement of the various components of this invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these components are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these components change, these directional indications also change accordingly.
[0029] It should also be noted that when the connection between components is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, the component can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is described as "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component.
[0030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided to make the description of the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.
[0031] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0032] This utility model relates to a foot bath device, which can be a foot bath machine, foot massager, or similar product. The following description uses a foot bath machine as an example. (Reference) Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the foot bath includes a heating assembly 1, which includes a water pipe 11, a heating shell assembly, and a thermally conductive insulating layer 13. The water pipe 11 is made of metal and has a pipe hole for water to flow through. The heating shell assembly includes a heater 14 and a shell 15. The shell 15 is formed by die casting of metal to enclose the heater 14. That is, at least a part of the heater 14 is enclosed in the shell 15 during the die casting process, so that the heater 14 and the shell 15 are formed into a heating shell assembly. At least a part of the heater 14 is located inside the shell 15. The heating shell assembly is sleeved on the outer periphery of the water pipe 11. The thermally conductive insulating layer 13 is provided between the heating shell assembly and the water pipe 11 to achieve electrical insulation between the heater 14 and the water pipe.
[0033] The heater 14 may include a heating body 141 and terminals 142 at both ends. The heating body 141 is typically enclosed within a housing 15, ensuring that most of the heat-generating portion of the heater 14 is within the housing 15. This prevents heat loss and allows most of the heat to be absorbed by the housing 15 before being conducted to the metal pipe 12 and ultimately to the water in the water pipe 11, enabling rapid water heating. The terminals 142 are exposed outside the housing 15, facilitating connection to a power board or other electrical components via a first electrical connection.
[0034] Die casting typically involves pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to cool before forming the final product. In this embodiment, a heater is first placed inside the mold, and then molten metal is poured into the mold. The molten metal completely encapsulates the heater, and after the liquid metal cools and solidifies into an outer shell, the outer shell and heater become one unit. The outer shell is often made of aluminum or aluminum alloy through die casting.
[0035] The heater is encased in the outer shell during die casting, making the outer shell and heater an integral unit. This creates a seamless connection between the outer shell and heater, allowing the outer shell to quickly transfer the heat from the heater to the water in the pipe. This high thermal conductivity enables rapid water heating.
[0036] The thermally conductive and insulating powder is formed from a material powder with high thermal conductivity and high insulation, such as any one of magnesium oxide powder, boron nitride, silicon carbide, etc.
[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the heating assembly further includes a metal tube 12, which is sleeved between the water pipe 11 and the heating shell assembly, and a thermally conductive insulating layer 13 is disposed between the outer wall of the metal tube 12 and the water pipe 11.
[0038] By filling the space between the metal pipe and the water pipe with thermally conductive insulating powder, the outer side of the thermally conductive insulating layer is wrapped by the metal pipe. The high strength of the metal pipe provides support for the thermally conductive insulating layer, effectively protecting it and preventing damage or deformation that could affect its insulation performance, thus ensuring the safety of the foot bath equipment.
[0039] A thermally conductive insulating layer 12 is formed by compacting the thermally conductive insulating powder through a tube-shrinking process on the metal tube 12. The compacted density of the thermally conductive insulating layer 13 is greater than the bulk density of the thermally conductive insulating powder under normal conditions. This can be achieved by applying external force to compress the metal tube, reducing its diameter. The force of this diameter reduction compacts the thermally conductive insulating powder into a denser thermally conductive insulating layer 13. For example, the bulk density of the thermally conductive insulating powder under normal conditions is 2.0 g / cm³. 3 After being compacted by external force, the thermally conductive insulating powder has a compaction density of 3.0 g / cm³. 313. Thermally conductive insulating layer. The thermally conductive insulating powder is deposited under normal conditions, which refers to the state of the thermally conductive insulating powder when it is deposited normally without being subjected to external forces such as pressure.
[0040] Because the compacted thermal insulation layer reduces or even eliminates the gaps between powder particles, the powder particles are tightly bonded together. This gives the thermal insulation layer a stronger thermal conductivity, allowing more and faster heat to be transferred from the heater to the water pipe, thus heating the water flowing through the pipe more quickly.
[0041] Magnesium oxide possesses excellent insulation properties and high thermal conductivity. In some preferred embodiments, the thermally conductive insulating powder is selected from magnesium oxide powder, and the thermally conductive insulating layer 13 is a magnesium oxide powder layer with a compacted density of 2.5–3.5 g / cm³. 3 .
[0042] Magnesium oxide is an excellent thermal conductor and insulator. The density of magnesium oxide powder in its bulk state under normal pressure is approximately 0.2–0.5 g / cm³. 3 After compaction, the density increases to 2.5–3.5 g / cm³. 3 The density range within this range not only meets the requirements for relatively rapid heat conduction, but also facilitates processing, as it can be formed without requiring a long pressing time, thus ensuring the manufacturing efficiency of the heating component.
[0043] In some preferred embodiments, the metal tube 12 is compacted using a tube shrinking process to compact the thermally conductive insulating powder. This tube shrinking process compacts the thermally conductive insulating powder filled within the metal tube. This method facilitates the assembly of the thermally conductive insulating powder using the metal tube, and also achieves compaction by reducing the diameter of the metal tube. This not only makes the assembly of the thermally conductive insulating powder easier but also makes the process of forming a compact thermally conductive insulating layer very convenient and efficient. For example, if the diameter of the metal tube before shrinking is 6mm (tube thickness 1mm, hollow cavity 4mm), the amount of thermally conductive metal powder that can be filled is 4mm. At this point, the thermally conductive insulating powder is in a relatively loosely packed state under normal pressure, with a bulk density of 0.5g / cm³. 3 By reducing the diameter of the metal tube to 4.5mm using a tube shrinking process, the thickness of the thermally conductive insulation layer becomes 2.5mm, and the compaction density of the thermally conductive insulation layer is 3.5g / cm³. 3 .
[0044] At least one end of the thermally conductive insulating layer 13 is provided with a sealing member 16, which is used to seal the end of the thermally conductive insulating layer 13, and the sealing member 16 is at least partially submerged in the metal tube 12.
[0045] This involves a metal tube sleeved over the outside of a water pipe, with at least one end open. This facilitates the filling of thermally conductive insulating powder between the water pipe and the metal pipe. After filling and compaction, the two ends of the thermally conductive insulating layer are sealed using a plug. The plug is made of insulating material, preferably an adhesive material such as hydrogel. Liquid silicone, after curing, bonds to both the water pipe and the metal component, achieving a sealing effect. Ideally, the plug should be submerged within the metal pipe, allowing for circumferential positioning and simplifying the assembly structure.
[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, along the length of the water pipe 11, the lengths of both ends of the thermally conductive insulating layer 13 are longer than those of both ends of the outer casing 15.
[0047] That is, along the length of the water pipe 11, the end of the thermally conductive insulating layer 13 protrudes beyond the end of the outer casing 15, as shown in the figure. The thermally conductive insulating layer 13 and the sealing member 16 at each end protrude by a predetermined length d relative to the end of the outer casing 15. Of course, the protruding length at each end can be the same or different, as long as the length meets the creepage distance requirement. By extending the thermally conductive insulating layer to protrude beyond both ends of the outer casing, the creepage distance between the outer casing and the water pipe can be increased, achieving a better insulation effect and preventing the water flowing through the water pipe from becoming electrified.
[0048] The heating assembly 1 also includes a temperature sensing element embedded within a thermally conductive insulation layer 13. This means the temperature sensing element is partially or completely embedded within the thermally conductive insulation layer 13; preferably, the entire temperature sensing element is embedded within the thermally conductive insulation layer 13, which provides better fixation and protection. The temperature sensing element embedded within the thermally conductive insulation layer is a thermostat 17 used for controlling the water temperature. The second electrical wiring 171 of the temperature sensing element extends from the sealing member 16 to the outside of the thermally conductive insulation layer 13. By embedding the temperature sensing element within the thermally conductive insulation layer, which is in direct contact with the water pipe, the measured temperature is closer to the water temperature, resulting in more accurate temperature measurement.
[0049] The heating assembly 1 also includes a temperature sensing element, which is mounted on the housing 15. This temperature sensing element can be a single thermostat 17 used for indirect water temperature measurement; alternatively, it can consist of two components: a thermostat 17 for measuring water temperature and a temperature fuse 21 for overheat protection. The temperature fuse can cut off the heater's operation in abnormal conditions such as dry burning, preventing scalding of the user's feet by steam generated from excessively high temperatures. Mounting the temperature sensing element on the housing surface facilitates its assembly.
[0050] A mounting base is integrally formed on the surface of the housing 15, and the temperature sensing element is mounted on the mounting base. Since the mounting base and housing are integrally formed, the temperature detected by the temperature sensing element is the housing temperature, avoiding heat loss due to assembly issues such as gaps between the mounting base and housing, thus improving temperature measurement accuracy. Furthermore, the mounting base with its recessed cavity allows for a more secure mounting of the temperature sensing element.
[0051] The mounting base includes a first mounting base 18 and a second mounting base 20. The first mounting base 18 has a cavity 181, and the second mounting base 20 has a groove 201. The temperature sensing element includes a thermostat 17 and a temperature fuse 21. The thermostat 17 is located in the cavity 181, and the temperature fuse 21 is located in the groove 201. Both the thermostat and the temperature fuse are integrally formed on the first and second mounting bases, which are also integrally molded with the housing, resulting in more accurate temperature measurement and easier assembly.
[0052] The heater 14 has a spiral tube structure, with the wiring terminal 142 exposed on the upper side of the housing 15, and the mounting base 18 is also located on the upper side of the housing 15.
[0053] The temperature sensing element is assembled in the recess 181 of the mounting base 18, and is also located on the upper side of the outer shell 15. That is, the wiring terminal 142 of the heater 14 and the temperature sensing element are both arranged on the same side (upper side) of the outer shell, which facilitates the assembly and connection of the first electrical wiring of the heater and the second electrical wiring 171 of the temperature sensing element to the power board. Specifically, when the heating assembly is assembled on the foot bath through the fixing ear 19, the lower side is covered by the bottom shell of the foot bath, and the upper side of the outer shell faces upward, which facilitates the assembly of the temperature sensing element on the upper side of the outer shell, and at the same time facilitates the connection of the temperature sensing element and the heater to the power board through electrical wiring. Alternatively, it can also facilitate the wiring assembly. For example, wire clips can be set directly on the upper side of the outer shell or other parts of the foot bath equipment, and the electrical connection wires of the heater and the temperature sensing element are arranged along the upper side of the outer shell and clipped on the wire clips.
[0054] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the foot bath device has a basin 3 and a massage component 2. A water-filled foot bath cavity 4 is formed within the basin 3, and the foot bath cavity 4 is connected to a water pipe 11. Figure 1 The middle arrow indicates the water circulation loop. Water enters the foot bath cavity 4 from the inlet 5, flows through the heating component 11, is heated by the heater 14, and then flows back to the foot bath cavity 4 from the outlet 6. The massage component 2 is used to massage the feet placed in the foot bath cavity 4.
[0055] Because of its high heating efficiency, this heating element can quickly heat the foot bath water, allowing for a faster foot bath experience. It also maintains the temperature within the set range better under heat preservation conditions. Simultaneously, the massage element provides a foot massage during the foot bath, enhancing the user experience.
[0056] Although this application has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is descriptive and exemplary, and not restrictive. Because this application can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A foot bath device, characterized in that, Includes a heating assembly, the heating assembly comprising: A water pipe, the water pipe being made of metal, having a pipe hole inside for water to flow through; A heating shell assembly includes a heater and a shell. The shell is formed by die casting of a metal material to enclose the heater. The shell and the heater are integrally formed. At least a portion of the heater is located inside the shell. The heating shell assembly is fitted around the outer periphery of the water pipe. A thermally conductive insulating layer is disposed between the heating shell assembly and the water pipe to provide electrical insulation between the heater and the water pipe.
2. The foot bath device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly also includes a metal tube, which is sleeved between the water pipe and the heating shell assembly, and the thermally conductive insulating layer is disposed between the outer wall of the metal tube and the water pipe.
3. The foot bath device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermally conductive insulating layer is formed by compacting the thermally conductive insulating powder through a tube shrinking process. The compacted density of the thermally conductive insulating layer is greater than the bulk density of the thermally conductive insulating powder under normal conditions.
4. The foot bath device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thermally conductive insulating powder is magnesium oxide powder, the thermally conductive insulating layer is a magnesium oxide powder layer, and the compacted density of the magnesium oxide powder layer is 2.5–3.5 g / cm³. 3 .
5. The foot bath device according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one end of the thermally conductive insulating layer is provided with a sealing element, which is used to seal the end of the thermally conductive insulating layer, and the sealing element is at least partially submerged in the metal tube.
6. The foot bath device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the length of the water pipe, the lengths of both ends of the thermally conductive insulating layer are longer than those of both ends of the outer casing.
7. The foot bath device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly also includes a temperature sensing element, which is embedded in the thermally conductive insulating layer.
8. The foot bath device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly also includes a temperature sensing element, which is disposed on the outer casing.
9. The foot bath device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A mounting base is integrally formed on the surface of the housing, and the temperature measuring element is assembled on the mounting base.
10. The foot bath device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a first mounting base and a second mounting base. The first mounting base has a cavity, and the second mounting base has a groove. The temperature sensing element includes a temperature controller and a temperature fuse. The temperature controller is located in the cavity, and the temperature fuse is located in the groove.
11. The foot bath device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heater has a spiral tubular structure and includes a heating body and terminals at both ends. The heating body is located inside the housing, and the terminals are exposed on the upper side of the housing. The mounting base is also located on the upper side of the housing.
12. The foot bath device according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The foot bath device has a basin and a massage component. A foot bath cavity containing water is formed in the basin. The foot bath cavity is connected to the water pipe. The water in the foot bath cavity flows through the water pipe, is heated by the heater, and then flows back to the foot bath cavity. The massage component is used to massage the feet placed in the foot bath cavity.