End cover for water heater and water heater

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and discloses an end cap for a water heater and a water heater. The end cap includes a cap body with an installation opening for installing the inner tank of the water heater. The cap body also has multiple grooves radially distributed around the center of the installation opening. By providing multiple radially distributed grooves on the cap body, during injection molding, the grooves can mutually restrain each other, greatly reducing the probability of defects such as out-of-roundness or deformation in the molded end cap, thus ensuring accurate and quick assembly between the outer shell and the end cap. Furthermore, the multiple grooves also increase the structural strength of the entire end cap, providing sufficient strength to support the inner tank and foaming pressure, ensuring the appearance quality of the water heater and reducing safety hazards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an end cap for a water heater and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a household or commercial electrical appliance used to heat water. Its core function is to heat cold water to the temperature set by the user using electricity, gas, solar energy or other energy sources to meet people's hot water needs for bathing, kitchen washing, heating and other purposes.

[0003] Water heaters typically consist of end caps, an outer shell, and an inner tank assembly. The inner tank assembly is housed within the outer shell, and the end caps seal the end openings of the outer shell. During the water heater manufacturing process, high-pressure technology is typically used to inject materials such as polyurethane into the space between the inner tank assembly and the outer shell, forming an insulation layer with excellent heat insulation properties to reduce heat loss. However, water heaters using this technology often suffer from the following problems: 1) The end caps are prone to deformation and whitening under foaming pressure, affecting the appearance of the water heater and increasing safety hazards; 2) The end caps in this technology are made from a modified composite material formed by mixing polypropylene (PP) and 10% glass fiber (GF) through injection molding. However, end caps made from PP+10%GF material are prone to defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation after injection molding, making assembly between the end cap and the outer shell more difficult and affecting production line efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose an end cap for a water heater and a water heater in order to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an end cap and a water heater that have sufficient strength to support the inner tank and foaming pressure, ensure the appearance quality of the water heater, reduce safety hazards, and avoid defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation of the end cap after molding, thus ensuring the assembly efficiency of the production line.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An end cap for a water heater includes a cap body, the cap body having an installation port for installing the inner tank opening of the water heater, and the cap body also having a plurality of grooves radially distributed around the center of the installation port.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heaters provided by this utility model, the distance L between two adjacent grooves is less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, the groove width gradually increases along the direction away from the center of the mounting opening;

[0010] And / or, the groove depth gradually decreases along the direction away from the center of the mounting opening.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heater provided by this utility model, the groove width at the end of the groove near the center of the mounting opening is 8mm to 15mm;

[0012] And / or, the groove width at the end furthest from the center of the mounting opening is 18mm to 30mm.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heaters provided by this utility model, the groove wall is arc-shaped.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, the first side of the cap body is recessed towards its second side to form the groove on the first side, while a convex ridge is formed on the second side corresponding to each of the grooves;

[0015] In this configuration, one of the first side and the second side faces the inner liner, while the other faces away from the inner liner.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, the cap body includes:

[0017] An annular inner wall surface, the annular inner wall surface being configured to form the mounting opening;

[0018] An annular end face is circumferentially arranged around the mounting port;

[0019] A first annular connecting surface is disposed around the outer periphery of the annular end face, and the first annular connecting surface and the annular end face enclose an electrical chamber for mounting components, and at least a portion of the first annular connecting surface has the groove.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, a first auxiliary reinforcing structure is also provided on the first annular connecting surface.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, the electrical compartment is provided with a mounting slot extending axially along the annular end face, and the mounting slot is used to install the power supply board.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heater provided by this utility model, at least one limiting hole is provided around the mounting slot in the electrical compartment, a limiting member is inserted through the limiting hole, and the end portion of the limiting member abuts against the top of the power board.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, the cap body includes:

[0024] An annular inner wall surface, two annular inner wall surfaces are spaced apart, and each annular inner wall surface surrounds and forms an installation opening;

[0025] The mounting surface and the second annular connecting surface are provided on the outer periphery of each of the inner annular walls, and the groove is provided on the second annular connecting surface. The mounting surface is located between the two inner annular walls and is connected to the second annular connecting surface.

[0026] The third annular connecting surface is disposed around the outer periphery of the mounting surface and the second annular connecting surface, and is connected to both the mounting surface and the second annular connecting surface. The mounting surface, the second annular connecting surface and the third annular connecting surface enclose an electrical compartment for mounting components.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heaters provided by this utility model, a filling port is provided on the mounting surface, and a second auxiliary reinforcing structure is provided around the filling port.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, a third auxiliary reinforcing structure is provided on the mounting surface.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for water heater provided by this utility model, an annular limiting rib is also provided on the inner side of the cap body. The annular limiting rib is provided around the outer side of each annular inner wall. The annular limiting rib is spaced apart from the corresponding annular inner wall, and multiple connecting ribs arranged circumferentially along the mounting opening are connected between the two.

[0030] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap for a water heater provided by this utility model, an electrical compartment is formed on the side of the cap body opposite to the inner tank, and the electrical compartment is provided with:

[0031] Thermostat mounting slot, used for mounting thermostats;

[0032] And / or, cable trays, used for arranging wire harnesses;

[0033] And / or, a wire clamping structure, used to secure the power cord.

[0034] This utility model also provides a water heater, including a shell, an inner tank, and an end cap for the water heater as described above. The inner tank is housed in the shell, and the end cap for the water heater is used to seal the end opening of the shell.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0036] The water heater end cap provided by this utility model has multiple radially distributed grooves on the cap body. On the one hand, during the injection molding process of the water heater end cap, the multiple grooves can restrain each other, greatly reducing the probability of defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation after molding. This ensures accurate and quick assembly between the outer shell and the water heater end cap, effectively solving the technical problem of out-of-roundness and deformation caused by using PP+10%GF material to manufacture water heater end caps in related technologies. On the other hand, the setting of multiple grooves can also increase the structural strength of the entire water heater end cap, so that it has sufficient strength to support the inner tank and foaming pressure, ensuring the appearance quality of the water heater and reducing safety hazards.

[0037] The water heater provided by this utility model, by applying the above-mentioned end cap for water heaters, can ensure the appearance quality of the water heater, avoid the end cap from deforming and whitening under foaming pressure, reduce safety hazards, and avoid defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation of the molded end cap, thus ensuring the assembly efficiency of the production line. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the end cap for a water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion at point A;

[0041] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the end cap for the water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial structural diagram;

[0043] Figure 5This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the end cap for the water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial structural diagram;

[0045] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the end cap for a water heater provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the end cap for a water heater provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 10. Cover body; 1001. First side; 1002. Second side; 101. Groove; 102. Raised ridge; 103. Electrical compartment; 1031. Thermostat mounting slot; 1032. Cable management groove; 1033. Cable clamping structure; 1034. Mounting slot; 1035. Limiting hole; 11. Annular inner wall; 110. Mounting port; 12. Annular end face; 13. First annular connecting surface; 14. Mounting surface; 141. Injection port; 15. Second annular connecting surface; 16. Third annular connecting surface; 17. Annular limiting rib; 18. Connecting rib;

[0049] 20. External surface; 201. Annular groove;

[0050] 30. First auxiliary reinforcing structure; 31. Circular reinforcement; 32. Strip reinforcement;

[0051] 40. Second auxiliary reinforcing structure; 41. Strip groove; 42. Strip-shaped protrusion;

[0052] 50. Third auxiliary reinforcement structure; 51. Horizontal reinforcement; 52. Vertical reinforcement. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.

[0054] In this invention, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0055] In this invention, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Additionally, in this invention, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.

[0056] In this invention, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0057] In this invention, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the value and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values ​​not using relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values ​​with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.

[0058] In this invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.

[0059] In this utility model, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this utility model. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when one element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent the direct orientation but can also be understood as the lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the end cap for a water heater provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater. In some embodiments, the water heater may be an electric water heater.

[0062] Specifically, the water heater provided in this embodiment includes an outer shell, an inner tank, and an end cap for the water heater. The outer shell has a receiving chamber, and the inner tank is housed in the receiving chamber of the outer shell. The end cap for the water heater has an installation port 110, which seals the end opening of the receiving chamber. The inlet of the inner tank is installed at the installation port 110, thereby realizing the housing, limiting, and protection of the inner tank.

[0063] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion at point A. (See image below.) Figure 2 and combined Figure 1 As shown, the end cap for a water heater includes a cap body 10. The cap body 10 has an installation opening 110 for installing the inner tank of the water heater. The cap body 10 also has multiple grooves 101 radially distributed around the center of the installation opening 110. By providing multiple radially distributed grooves 101 on the cap body 10, on the one hand, during the injection molding process of the end cap for the water heater, the multiple grooves 101 can restrain each other, greatly reducing the probability of defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation in the molded end cap. This ensures accurate and rapid assembly between the outer shell and the end cap, effectively solving the technical problem of out-of-roundness and deformation defects caused by using PP+10%GF material to manufacture end caps for water heaters in related technologies. On the other hand, the multiple grooves 101 can also increase the structural strength of the entire end cap for the water heater, giving it sufficient strength to support the inner tank and foaming pressure, ensuring the appearance quality of the water heater and reducing safety hazards.

[0064] Optionally, the distance L between two adjacent grooves 101 is less than or equal to 3.0 mm. Multiple grooves 101 within this distance range can achieve the best restraining effect to further ensure the appearance quality of the end cap for the finished water heater and have high structural strength.

[0065] In this embodiment, the distance L between two adjacent grooves 101 can be 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, 2.0mm, 2.2mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.8mm, 3.0mm, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the distance L between two adjacent grooves 101 is not limited to the above ranges, and designers can adjust the specific value of L according to actual product requirements.

[0066] In this embodiment, the end cap for the water heater is made of a modified composite material of PP + 10% GF. GF is an inorganic filler with high rigidity and hardness. When combined with PP, it effectively reduces the shrinkage rate of PP while improving its strength, stiffness, temperature resistance, and flame retardant properties. This ensures the end cap has sufficient strength to stably support the inner tank and is less prone to deformation. Compared to the prior art using PS material to mold the end cap, PP + 10% GF has lower material costs, significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of the end cap. Of course, in other embodiments, designers can adjust the GF filling amount according to actual product requirements; this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the GF filling amount can also be 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, etc.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the end cap for the water heater provided in this embodiment. (See attached diagram.) Figure 3 and combined Figure 1As shown, the first side 1001 of the cover body 10 is recessed towards its second side 1002 to form the aforementioned groove 101 on the first side 1001, while a ridge 102 is formed on the second side 1002 corresponding to each groove 101. This arrangement ensures that the end cap for the water heater has a uniform wall thickness at all locations, resulting in a more uniform stress distribution when subjected to external impact, and reducing the likelihood of localized deformation or breakage. In this embodiment, the first side 1001 specifically refers to the side of the cover body 10 away from the inner tank, i.e., the outer side of the cover body 10; the second side 1002 specifically refers to the side of the cover body 10 facing the inner tank, i.e., the inner side of the cover body 10. That is, in this embodiment, the outer side of the cover body 10 is provided with multiple radially distributed grooves 101, and the inner side of the cover body 10 is provided with multiple radially distributed ridges 102. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple grooves 101 can be disposed on the inner side of the cover body 10, and multiple protrusions 102 can be disposed on the outer side of the cover body 10. This arrangement can also achieve the above-mentioned effect.

[0068] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the width of the groove 101 gradually increases along the direction away from the center of the mounting opening 110, meaning that the cross-sectional shape of the groove 101 is approximately fan-shaped. This structure can match the stress gradient on the end cap of the water heater, thereby further improving its overall structural strength. In this embodiment, the width of the groove 101 at the end near the center of the mounting opening 110 is 8mm to 15mm; the width of the groove 101 at the end away from the center of the mounting opening 110 is 18mm to 30mm. The groove 101 structure within this width range can, on the one hand, ensure that the end cap of the water heater has sufficient pressure-bearing strength, and on the other hand, ensure the restraining effect between multiple grooves 101, so as to further reduce the probability of defects such as out-of-roundness and deformation during the molding process of the end cap of the water heater. For example, the groove width of the end of the groove 101 near the center of the mounting opening 110 can be 8.0mm, 8.5mm, 9.0mm, 9.5mm, 10.0mm, 10.5mm, 11.0mm, 11.5mm, 12.0mm, 12.5mm, 13.0mm, 13.5mm, 14.0mm, 14.5mm, 15.0mm, etc.; the groove width of the end of the groove 101 away from the center of the mounting opening 110 can be 18.0mm, 18. The groove widths are 5mm, 19.0mm, 19.5mm, 20.0mm, 20.5mm, 21.0mm, 21.5mm, 22.0mm, 22.5mm, 23.0mm, 23.5mm, 24.0mm, 24.5mm, 25.0mm, 25.5mm, 26.0mm, 26.5mm, 27.0mm, 27.5mm, 28.0mm, 28.5mm, 29.0mm, 29.5mm, 30.0mm, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the groove width of the groove 101 is not limited to the above ranges, and designers can adjust it according to actual product requirements.

[0069] Optionally, the groove depth of the groove 101 gradually decreases in the direction away from the center of the mounting port 110 to match the stress gradient on the end cover of the water heater, optimize the stress distribution on the groove 101 and / or the ridge 102, and reduce stress concentration.

[0070] Optionally, the groove wall of the groove 101 is arc-shaped, which can match multi-directional loads. Under the same load, it has a smaller amount of deformation, higher structural stability, and a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

[0071] like Figures 1-3As shown, the end cap for a water heater provided in this embodiment is specifically an end cap for a single-tank water heater, meaning that the number of inner tanks provided inside the outer shell is one, and the number of mounting openings 110 is one. Specifically, the cap body 10 includes an annular inner wall 11, an annular end face 12, and a first annular connecting surface 13. The annular inner wall 11 surrounds and forms the aforementioned mounting opening 110; the annular end face 12 is circumferentially arranged around the mounting opening 110; the first annular connecting surface 13 is arranged around the outer periphery of the annular end face 12, and the first annular connecting surface 13 and the annular end face 12 together form an electrical chamber 103 for installing components. At least a portion of the first annular connecting surface 13 has a groove 101. By providing the annular inner wall 11, the annular end face 12, and the first annular connecting surface 13, a mounting opening 110 for installing the inner tank opening and an electrical chamber 103 for installing components can be formed, thereby realizing the installation and limiting of the inner tank opening and the installation and protection of components.

[0072] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a local structure. (For example...) Figure 4 and combined Figure 1 As shown, the electrical compartment 103 is provided with a mounting slot 1034 extending axially along the annular end face 12. The mounting slot 1034 is used to mount the power board. By providing the mounting slot 1034 extending axially along the annular end face 12, the power board can be inserted into the mounting slot 1034 axially along the annular end face 12, thereby saving the installation space of the power board and improving the space utilization rate of the end cover of the water heater.

[0073] Optionally, at least one limiting hole 1035 is provided around the mounting slot 1034 within the electrical compartment 103. A limiting member passes through the limiting hole 1035, and the end portion of the limiting member abuts against the top of the power board. By providing the limiting member, the power board installed in the mounting slot 1034 can be limited to ensure that the power board does not loosen or shift, which is beneficial for maintaining the stability and reliability of the electrical connection. In this embodiment, the limiting hole 1035 is a threaded hole, and the limiting member can be a limiting screw. The limiting screw is threaded into the limiting hole 1035, and the screw head of the limiting screw is limited and abuts against the top of the power board. The structure is simple and easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0074] Figure 5 The third schematic diagram shows the structure of the end cap for the water heater provided in this embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 and combined Figure 1 As shown, the electrical compartment 103 is also equipped with a thermostat mounting slot 1031 for installing a thermostat, thereby enabling the installation and limiting of the thermostat.

[0075] Optionally, a cable management channel 1032 is provided in the electrical compartment 103 for arranging wire harnesses to ensure the neatness of the end cover for the water heater. Optionally, there are at least two cable management channels 1032, which are arranged around the mounting opening 110. This embodiment does not limit the specific number of cable management channels 1032; designers can adjust the number and arrangement of the cable management channels 1032 according to actual installation requirements. For example, the number of cable management channels 1032 can be two, three, four, or even more.

[0076] Optionally, a wire clamping structure 1033 is also provided in the electrical compartment 103. The wire clamping structure 1033 is used to fix and constrain the power cord to ensure that the power cord does not loosen or shift, which helps to maintain the stability and reliability of the electrical connection.

[0077] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a groove 101 is provided on a portion of the first annular connecting surface 13, and the position where the groove 101 is not provided is used to arrange the thermostat mounting groove 1031, the wire pressing structure 1033, the mounting slot 1034 and the limiting hole 1035.

[0078] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a local structure. (For example...) Figure 6 and combined Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, a first auxiliary reinforcing structure 30 is also provided on the first annular connecting surface 13 to further improve the structural strength of the end cap for the water heater. Specifically, the first auxiliary reinforcing structure 30 includes annular ribs 31 and / or strip ribs 32. The annular ribs 31 can match multi-directional loads, thereby increasing the structural stability of the entire end cap for the water heater; the strip ribs 32 have a simpler structure, are easier to process, and provide better reinforcement. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first auxiliary reinforcing structure 30 is disposed on the second side 1002 of the cover body 10. Specifically, a plurality of annular ribs 31 are disposed on the inner side of the first annular connecting surface 13, and the plurality of annular ribs 31 are arranged radially at intervals along the mounting opening 110; a plurality of strip ribs 32 are disposed on the inner side of the first annular connecting surface 13 at the position corresponding to the thermostat mounting groove 1031, and the plurality of strip ribs 32 are arranged circumferentially at intervals along the mounting opening 110 and are intersected with the plurality of annular ribs 31. This design can simplify the processing technology and reduce the processing difficulty while ensuring that the end cover for the water heater has sufficient strength. Of course, in other embodiments, designers can also make adaptive adjustments to the shape and placement of the first auxiliary reinforcing structure 30 according to the actual product and assembly requirements.

[0079] like Figure 1As shown, the end cap for the water heater also includes an outer surface 20, which is arranged around the first annular connecting surface 13 and connected to the end of the first annular connecting surface 13 facing away from the mounting port 110. The water heater also includes a maintenance cover (not shown in the figure), which is detachably connected to the outer surface 20 and covers the opening of the electrical compartment 103. The maintenance cover can protect the components inside the electrical compartment 103, and when a component inside the electrical compartment 103 malfunctions, the operator can remove the maintenance cover to repair the corresponding component.

[0080] Optionally, an annular groove 201 is formed on the outer surface 20, and the outer edge of the maintenance cover is inserted into the annular groove 201 to improve the waterproof sealing of the water heater.

[0081] Optionally, the end cap of the water heater is integrally injection molded, that is, the thermostat mounting groove 1031, the cable management groove 1032, the cable pressing structure 1033, the mounting slot 1034, the limiting hole 1035 and the first auxiliary reinforcing structure 30 can all be integrated into the cap body 10 during injection molding. This setting method only requires the design of one injection mold, which greatly reduces the manufacturing cost and can improve the assembly efficiency of the production line.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] Figure 7 One of the structural schematic diagrams of the end cap for a water heater provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram showing the structure of the end cap for the water heater provided in this embodiment. For example... Figures 7-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater. The difference between this water heater and the water heater provided in Embodiment 1 is that: in this embodiment, there are two inner tanks, that is, the water heater is a double-tank water heater; the cover body 10 is provided with an installation port 110 corresponding to the inner tank for installation and positioning of the corresponding inner tank.

[0084] like Figures 7-8 As shown, the cover body 10 includes an annular inner wall surface 11, a mounting surface 14, a second annular connecting surface 15, and a third annular connecting surface 16. The two annular inner wall surfaces 11 are spaced apart, and each annular inner wall surface 11 forms a mounting opening 110. The outer periphery of each annular inner wall surface 11 is surrounded by a second annular connecting surface 15, and the second annular connecting surface 15 is provided with the aforementioned groove 101. The mounting surface 14 is located between the two annular inner wall surfaces 11 and is connected to the second annular connecting surface 15. The third annular connecting surface 16 is surrounded by the outer periphery of the mounting surface 14 and the second annular connecting surface 15 and is connected to both the mounting surface 14 and the second annular connecting surface 15. The mounting surface 14, the second annular connecting surface 15, and the third annular connecting surface 16 form an electrical chamber 103 for mounting components.

[0085] In this embodiment, the second annular connecting surface 15 includes two connected semi-circular connecting surfaces. A groove 101 is provided on the outer side of the semi-circular connecting surface near the mounting surface 14, and a protruding ridge 102 is provided on the inner side of each groove 101 corresponding to the inner side of the semi-circular connecting surface near the mounting surface 14. Similarly, a groove 101 is provided on the inner side of the semi-circular connecting surface away from the mounting surface 14, and a protruding ridge 102 is provided on the outer side of each groove 101 corresponding to the outer side of the semi-circular connecting surface away from the mounting surface 14. This arrangement not only ensures a more uniform stress distribution on the end cap of the water heater when subjected to external impact, but also optimizes the stress distribution of the grooves 101 and / or the protruding ridges 102, preventing localized deformation or breakage of the end cap of the water heater.

[0086] Of course, in other embodiments, grooves 101 can be provided on the entire outer surface of the second annular connecting surface 15, and protrusions 102 can be provided on the entire inner surface of the second annular connecting surface 15 corresponding to each groove 101; or grooves 101 can be provided on the entire inner surface of the second annular connecting surface 15, and protrusions 102 can be provided on the entire outer surface of the second annular connecting surface 15 corresponding to each groove 101. Both of these arrangements can achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, a thermostat mounting slot 1031, a cable management channel 1032, and a cable clamping structure 1033 are provided inside the electrical compartment 103 (specifically on the mounting surface 14). The specific structures of the thermostat mounting slot 1031, cable management channel 1032, and cable clamping structure 1033 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. The quantity and arrangement of the thermostat mounting slot 1031, cable management channel 1032, and cable clamping structure 1033 are not described in detail in this embodiment; designers can adjust them according to actual installation requirements.

[0088] Optionally, the end cap for the water heater also includes an outer surface 20, which is circumferentially disposed on the third annular connecting surface 16 and connected to the end of the third annular connecting surface 16 away from the mounting surface 14. The connection method between the outer surface 20 and the maintenance cover can be referred to in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0089] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, an injection port 141 is provided on the mounting surface 14. The injection port 141 is used to inject foaming material from the side of the cover body 10 near the maintenance cover into the receiving chamber of the outer shell. That is, after the cover body 10 and the outer shell are assembled, the foaming material can be injected from the outside of the receiving chamber through the injection port 141 into the space between the cavity wall and the inner liner of the receiving chamber. This allows the foaming material to be conveniently injected into the receiving chamber in the optimal injection method using a spray gun or other auxiliary tools, filling the space between the cavity wall and the inner liner of the receiving chamber, thereby effectively preventing overflow. In this embodiment, there is one injection port 141. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the specific number of injection ports 141. Designers can adjust the number and arrangement of injection ports 141 according to actual injection requirements. For example, the number of injection ports 141 can be two, three, four, or even more.

[0090] A second auxiliary reinforcing structure 40 is provided on the mounting surface 14. The second auxiliary reinforcing structure 40 is located around the injection port 141 to reinforce the structure around the injection port 141 and prevent the end cap of the water heater from turning white or deforming under foaming pressure.

[0091] In this embodiment, the inner side of the mounting surface 14 is recessed outward, and multiple parallel strip-shaped grooves 41 are formed on the inner side of the mounting surface 14. Simultaneously, strip-shaped protrusions 42 are formed on the outer side of the mounting surface 14 corresponding to each strip-shaped groove 41. These multiple strip-shaped grooves 41 and multiple strip-shaped protrusions 42 are arranged around the injection port 141, serving as a second auxiliary reinforcing structure 40. This design not only provides a better structural reinforcement effect but also ensures a uniform wall thickness around the injection port 141, making the stress distribution of the water heater end cap more uniform when subjected to external impact. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the specific shape of the second auxiliary reinforcing structure 40; any second auxiliary reinforcing structure 40 that can strengthen the structure around the injection port 141 is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, a third auxiliary reinforcing structure 50 is also provided on the mounting surface 14 to further improve the structural strength of the cover body 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the third auxiliary reinforcing structure 50 includes intersecting horizontal ribs 51 and vertical ribs 52. The horizontal ribs 51 and vertical ribs 52 cooperate to match multi-directional loads, thereby giving the end cover for the water heater a more stable structural performance. Of course, this embodiment does not limit the specific shape of the third auxiliary reinforcing structure 50. Any third auxiliary reinforcing structure 50 that can strengthen the structure of the cover body 10 is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0093] Continue as Figure 8As shown, annular limiting ribs 17 are also provided on the inner side of the cover body 10. Annular limiting ribs 17 are provided around the outer side of each annular inner wall 11. The annular limiting ribs 17 and the corresponding annular inner wall 11 are spaced apart, and multiple connecting ribs 18 are arranged circumferentially along the mounting opening 110 to connect the two. Specifically, a sponge strip is attached to the outside of the inner tank. When the inner tank is assembled with the end cap of the water heater, the side of the sponge strip away from the inner tank can fit with the annular limiting ribs 17, thereby ensuring the stability of the sponge strip attachment. The setting of the connecting ribs 18 can provide a limit for the sponge strip and prevent the sponge strip from shifting along the axial direction of the inner tank during the use of the water heater.

[0094] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments do not limit this utility model in any way, and all technical solutions obtained by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An end cap for a water heater, characterized in that, Includes a cover body (10), on which an installation port (110) for installing the inner tank opening of the water heater is provided, and the cover body (10) is also provided with a plurality of grooves (101) radially distributed with the center of the installation port (110) as the center.

2. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance L between two adjacent grooves (101) is less than or equal to 3.0 mm.

3. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the groove (101) gradually increases in the direction away from the center of the mounting opening (110); And / or, the groove depth of the groove (101) gradually decreases in the direction away from the center of the mounting port (110).

4. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The groove width of the groove (101) at the end near the center of the mounting port (110) is 8mm to 15mm; And / or, the groove width of the end of the groove (101) away from the center of the mounting port (110) is 18mm to 30mm.

5. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove wall of the groove (101) is arc-shaped.

6. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first side (1001) of the cover body (10) is recessed toward its second side (1002) to form the groove (101) on the first side (1001), while a ridge (102) is formed on the second side (1002) corresponding to each groove (101); Of these, one of the first side (1001) and the second side (1002) is disposed facing the inner liner, and the other is disposed away from the inner liner.

7. The end cap for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cover body (10) includes: An annular inner wall (11) surrounds and forms the mounting opening (110); An annular end face (12) is circumferentially arranged around the mounting port (110); A first annular connecting surface (13) is disposed around the outer periphery of the annular end face (12), and the first annular connecting surface (13) and the annular end face (12) surround to form an electrical chamber (103) for mounting components, and at least a portion of the first annular connecting surface (13) has the groove (101).

8. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first auxiliary reinforcing structure (30) is also provided on the first annular connecting surface (13).

9. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrical compartment (103) is provided with a mounting slot (1034) extending axially along the annular end face (12), the mounting slot (1034) being used to mount the power board.

10. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrical compartment (103) has at least one limiting hole (1035) around the mounting slot (1034), and a limiting member is inserted through the limiting hole (1035), with the end portion of the limiting member abutting against the top of the power board.

11. The end cap for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cover body (10) includes: An annular inner wall (11), two annular inner wall surfaces (11) are spaced apart, and each annular inner wall surface (11) surrounds and forms an installation opening (110); Mounting surface (14) and second annular connecting surface (15), the outer periphery of each of the annular inner wall surfaces (11) is provided with the second annular connecting surface (15), and the second annular connecting surface (15) is provided with the groove (101). The mounting surface (14) is located between the two annular inner wall surfaces (11) and is connected to the second annular connecting surface (15). The third annular connecting surface (16) is arranged around the outer periphery of the mounting surface (14) and the second annular connecting surface (15), and is connected to both the mounting surface (14) and the second annular connecting surface (15). The mounting surface (14), the second annular connecting surface (15) and the third annular connecting surface (16) together form an electrical chamber (103) for mounting components.

12. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that, The mounting surface (14) is provided with a filling port (141), and a second auxiliary reinforcing structure (40) is provided around the filling port (141).

13. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that, A third auxiliary reinforcing structure (50) is provided on the mounting surface (14).

14. The end cap for a water heater according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner side of the cover body (10) is also provided with an annular limiting rib (17). Each annular inner wall (11) is surrounded by the annular limiting rib (17). The annular limiting rib (17) is spaced apart from the corresponding annular inner wall (11), and multiple connecting ribs (18) are arranged circumferentially along the mounting opening (110) between them.

15. The end cap for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, An electrical chamber (103) is formed on the side of the cover body (10) opposite to the inner liner, and the electrical chamber (103) is provided with: Thermostat mounting slot (1031) is used to install a thermostat; And / or, cable trays (1032), used for arranging cable bundles; And / or, a wire clamping structure (1033) for securing the power cord.

16. A water heater, characterized in that, The device includes an outer shell, an inner tank, and an end cap for a water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the inner tank is housed within the outer shell, and the end cap for the water heater is used to seal the end opening of the outer shell.

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