Split type solar water heater water tank and collector connecting structure
By employing a dual-sealing structure of connector pipe and main pipe in the split-type solar water heater, the leakage problem caused by the aging of sealing materials is solved, achieving efficient and reliable connection and improving system stability and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUNNAN HUANBA ENERGY SCI & TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
In split-type solar water heaters, the connection structure between the storage tank and the collector is prone to aging of the sealing material due to thermal expansion and contraction, water hammer impact, and environmental changes, leading to problems such as leakage, system pressure imbalance, and frequent maintenance.
The joint pipe and the pipeline adopt a dual sealing structure, including a first sealing ring in the connecting slot and a second sealing ring on the outer wall of the pipe body. Combined with an interference fit semi-ring and an O-ring, it achieves dual axial and radial sealing, avoiding reliance on auxiliary materials such as PTFE tape.
It significantly improves the pressure resistance and anti-aging ability of the connection parts, reduces the risk of leakage, simplifies the installation process, improves installation efficiency and the safety and reliability of the whole machine operation, and reduces maintenance costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224593472U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solar water heater technology, and in particular to a connection structure between the water tank and the collector of a split-type solar water heater. Background Technology
[0002] A split-type solar water heater is a solar water heating system in which the collector and storage tank are installed separately. The collector is typically installed in a sunny location such as on the roof or outside a balcony, while the storage tank can be flexibly placed indoors or in an equipment room. The two are connected by pipes, and heat is transferred from the collector to the tank via a circulating heat transfer medium, which then heats the water through a heat exchanger. This system offers advantages such as flexible installation, good pressure resistance, high thermal efficiency, and an aesthetically pleasing design. It is particularly suitable for high-rise buildings and locations with limited installation space, while effectively avoiding the roof load and safety hazards associated with the excessive weight of the tank in traditional integrated water heaters.
[0003] In split-type solar water heaters, the storage tank and collector are typically connected by metal pipes to circulate the heat transfer medium. Current technologies often use threaded connections with sealing materials such as PTFE tape and sealant, and tighten nuts to achieve mechanical connection and sealing. However, during long-term operation, this connection structure is susceptible to aging, cracking, or creep failure of the sealing materials due to frequent thermal expansion and contraction, water hammer impacts, and changes in external temperature and humidity. This leads to gradual loosening and leakage at the threaded connections. Furthermore, uneven wrapping of the sealing material or improper pre-tightening during installation can exacerbate the decline in sealing performance, resulting in problems such as refrigerant leakage, system pressure imbalance, and reduced heat exchange efficiency. These issues not only affect the normal operation of the water heater but may also damage indoor equipment or pose safety hazards, leading to frequent maintenance, significantly increased repair costs, and cumbersome disassembly and replacement processes, which are detrimental to user experience and product reliability. Therefore, improvements are necessary. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a connection structure between the water tank and the collector of a split solar water heater.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A split-type solar water heater tank and collector connection structure includes a connector pipe and a pipe connected to the connector pipe; one end of the connector pipe connected to the pipe is called the left end, and the other end opposite it is called the right end; the connector pipe includes a pipe body, a connecting pipe fitted onto the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body, the connecting pipe and the pipe body having a gap to form a connecting slot, the right end of the connecting pipe being sealed to the pipe body, and having an external thread on its outer wall; a first sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the connecting slot, and an annular groove is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body, with a second sealing ring embedded in the annular groove; when the pipe is connected to the connector pipe, its right end extends into the connecting slot; an annular connecting groove is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe, with two semi-rings embedded in the annular connecting groove, and a connecting sleeve is fitted onto the right end of the pipe, with the semi-rings located inside the connecting sleeve; the connecting sleeve includes a sleeve portion and an annular portion located at the left end of the sleeve portion, the inner diameter of the annular portion being smaller than the outer diameter of the semi-rings; the inner wall of the sleeve portion is provided with an internal thread adapted to the external thread on the connecting pipe.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the semi-ring is fitted into the annular connecting groove with an interference fit.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the second sealing ring is an O-ring.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the left end of the tube extends out of the left end of the connecting tube, and the annular groove is located outside the connecting tube.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a chamfer is provided at the left end face of the tube body.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, the outer wall of the sleeve is provided with a clamping surface.
[0012] The above technical solution has the following advantages:
[0013] This utility model adopts a reliable sealing structure. Through optimized sealing design, it significantly improves the pressure resistance, heat cycle resistance, and aging resistance of the connection parts, effectively avoiding leakage problems caused by thermal expansion and contraction and vibration, and effectively enhancing the long-term stability and service life of the sealing structure. At the same time, the structure is reasonably designed, and no auxiliary sealing materials such as Teflon tape are needed during installation, simplifying the operation process, achieving quick alignment and convenient fastening, improving installation efficiency and consistency, reducing the skill requirements of construction personnel, reducing the frequency and cost of later maintenance, and improving the safety of the overall machine operation and the user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1This is a structural diagram of one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view along the middle AA;
[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B;
[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view;
[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section C;
[0019] In the picture:
[0020] 1-Connector pipe, 2-Pipe, 3-First sealing ring, 4-Annular groove, 5-Second sealing ring, 6-Half ring, 7-Connecting sleeve, 8-Chamfer, 9-Clamping surface;
[0021] 11-Pipe body, 12-Connecting pipe;
[0022] 71-Casing section, 72-Annular section. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these descriptions are for the purpose of aiding understanding of this utility model, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0024] Example 1
[0025] As attached Figure 1-5As shown, a split-type solar water heater tank and collector connection structure includes a connector pipe 1 and a pipe 2 connected to the connector pipe 1; one end of the connector pipe 1 connected to the pipe 2 is called the left end, and the other end opposite it is called the right end; the connector pipe 1 includes a pipe body 11, and a connecting pipe 12 fitted onto the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body 11, with a gap between the connecting pipe 12 and the pipe body 11 forming a connecting slot (not shown in the figure, the rest is the same), the right end of the connecting pipe 12 is sealed to the pipe body 11, and an external thread is provided on the outer wall (not shown in the figure, the rest is the same); a first sealing ring 3 is provided at the bottom of the connecting slot, and a sealing ring 3 is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body 11. The pipe 2 has an annular groove 4, in which a second sealing ring 5 is embedded. When the pipe 2 is connected to the connector pipe 1, its right end extends into the connecting slot. An annular connecting groove (not shown in the figure, but the same applies) is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe 2. Two semi-rings 6 are embedded in the annular connecting groove. A connecting sleeve 7 is fitted on the right end of the pipe 2, and the semi-rings 6 are located inside the connecting sleeve 7. The connecting sleeve 7 includes a sleeve part 71 and an annular part 72 located at the left end of the sleeve part 71. The inner diameter of the annular part 72 is smaller than the outer diameter of the sleeve part 71 of the semi-rings 6. The inner wall of the sleeve part 71 is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread on the connecting pipe 12 (not shown in the figure, but the same applies). The inner wall of the sleeve portion 71 can confine the half-ring 6 within the annular connecting groove, preventing the half-ring 6 from disengaging from the annular connecting groove. Simultaneously, the annular portion 72 abuts against the half-ring 6, and the connecting sleeve 7 is threadedly connected to the connecting pipe 12. Axial thrust is transmitted sequentially to the pipe 2 through the annular portion 72 and the half-ring 6, achieving an effective connection between the pipe 2 and the connector pipe 1. When the connecting sleeve 7 disengages from the half-ring 6, the annulus formed by the two half-rings 6 provides radial confinement, allowing separation from the annular connecting groove. The operation is simple and convenient.
[0026] When pipe 2 is inserted into the connecting slot of connector pipe 1, the first sealing ring 3 achieves axial sealing between pipe body 11 and the outer wall of pipe 2, while the second sealing ring 5 forms an auxiliary seal in the radial direction. The double sealing structure effectively prevents leakage of heat transfer medium and improves connection reliability. At the same time, the fixed sealing structure between connecting pipe 12 and pipe body 11 avoids the problem of aging and failure of sealing material caused by traditional threaded direct connection, and significantly extends service life.
[0027] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, the semi-ring 6 is fitted into the annular connecting groove with an interference fit. The interference fit ensures that the semi-ring 6 is firmly fixed to the pipe 2, preventing it from shifting or falling off during installation. When the connecting sleeve 7 is screwed into the connector pipe 1, the annular part 72 of the connecting sleeve 7 squeezes the semi-ring 6, causing it to contract radially, thereby tightly gripping the outer wall of the pipe 2, forming a firm mechanical lock, effectively transmitting axial force and preventing loosening, thus improving the stability and vibration resistance of the connection.
[0028] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, the second sealing ring 5 is an O-ring. O-rings have a mature structure and excellent sealing performance. During the insertion of the pipe 2, they rely on elastic deformation to fill the tiny gap between the pipe body 11 and the pipe 2, achieving a reliable radial seal. They are also easy to install, have good pressure and temperature resistance, and are suitable for the frequent thermal cycling working environment of solar energy systems, enhancing the durability and safety of the seal.
[0029] As a preferred embodiment, the left end of the pipe body 11 extends beyond the left end of the connecting pipe 12, and the annular groove 4 is located outside the connecting pipe 12. This structural design facilitates the installation and replacement of the second sealing ring 5, while exposing the sealing position to prevent the connecting pipe 12 from obstructing it. This facilitates the smooth insertion of the pipe 2, reduces assembly resistance, improves installation efficiency, and ensures that the sealing ring is subjected to uniform force during compression, thereby improving sealing reliability.
[0030] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, a chamfer 8 is provided at the left end face of the pipe body 11. The chamfer 8 plays a guiding role during the insertion of the pipe 2, reducing the difficulty of assembly, preventing the edge of the pipe 2 from scratching the first or second sealing ring 5, protecting the integrity of the sealing structure, reducing the risk of early leakage caused by installation damage, and improving the assembly success rate and product yield.
[0031] As a preferred technical solution in this embodiment, a clamping surface 9 is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve portion 71. The clamping surface 9 facilitates the tightening or loosening of the connecting sleeve 7 using tools such as wrenches, provides good friction and force-bearing surface, avoids slippage, and makes the connection operation more labor-saving and quick, especially suitable for installation and maintenance scenarios at height or in confined spaces, improving the convenience and efficiency of on-site construction.
[0032] When using the connection structure of this utility model, one end of the connector pipe 1 is fixed to the water tank or collector, and common connection methods such as welding can be used. This utility model adopts a reliable double sealing structure. Through optimized sealing design, a first sealing ring 3 is set at the bottom of the connection slot of the connector pipe 1 to achieve axial sealing. At the same time, a second sealing ring 5 is set in the annular groove 4 on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body 11 to form a radial auxiliary seal. The two work together to effectively prevent leakage of heat transfer medium, significantly improving the pressure resistance, heat cycle resistance and long-term sealing stability of the connection part. This structure avoids the aging, creep and installation uncertainty problems caused by traditional connection methods that rely on auxiliary sealing materials such as PTFE tape. It effectively enhances the resistance to thermal expansion and contraction and vibration, and extends the service life. During installation, after the pipe 2 is inserted into the connection slot, it can be quickly aligned and conveniently tightened by tightening the connecting sleeve 7. The operation is simple, requires no special skills, improves installation efficiency and consistency, reduces construction difficulty and later maintenance frequency, and improves the safety of the whole machine operation and user experience.
[0033] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this utility model is not limited to the described embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, and these variations still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A split-type solar water heater tank and collector connection structure, comprising a connector pipe (1) and a pipe (2) connected to the connector pipe (1); one end of the connector pipe (1) connected to the pipe (2) is called the left end, and the other end opposite to it is called the right end; characterized in that: The connector pipe (1) includes a pipe body (11) and a connecting pipe (12) fitted onto the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body (11). A gap exists between the connecting pipe (12) and the pipe body (11), forming a connecting slot. The right end of the connecting pipe (12) is sealed to the pipe body (11), and an external thread is provided on its outer wall. A first sealing ring (3) is provided at the bottom of the connecting slot, and an annular groove (4) is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe body (11). A second sealing ring (5) is embedded in the annular groove (4). When the pipe (2) is connected to the connector pipe (1), The right end of the pipe (2) extends into the connecting slot; an annular connecting groove is provided on the outer wall of the left end of the pipe (2), and two half rings (6) are embedded in the annular connecting groove. A connecting sleeve (7) is fitted on the right end of the pipe (2), and the half rings (6) are located in the connecting sleeve (7); the connecting sleeve (7) includes a sleeve part (71) and an annular part (72) located at the left end of the sleeve part (71). The inner diameter of the annular part (72) is smaller than the outer diameter of the half rings (6); the inner wall of the sleeve part (71) is provided with an internal thread that is compatible with the external thread on the connecting pipe (12).
2. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The semi-ring (6) is fitted into the annular connecting groove with an interference fit.
3. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second sealing ring (5) is an O-ring.
4. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The left end of the tube body (11) extends out of the left end of the connecting tube (12), and the annular groove (4) is located outside the connecting tube (12).
5. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left end of the tube body (11) extends out of the left end of the connecting tube (12), and the annular groove (4) is located outside the connecting tube (12).
6. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A chamfer (8) is provided at the left end face of the tube (11).
7. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: A chamfer (8) is provided at the left end face of the tube (11).
8. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: A chamfer (8) is provided at the left end face of the tube (11).
9. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A clamping surface (9) is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve part (71).
10. The connection structure between the water tank and the collector of the split-type solar water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: A clamping surface (9) is provided on the outer wall of the sleeve part (71).