A tubular heater

Abstract

This application discloses a tubular heater, including a housing with opposing inlet and outlet. A heating tube and a distribution pipe are installed inside the housing. The heating tube is fitted over the distribution pipe, and a water flow channel is formed between the inner wall of the heating tube and the outer wall of the distribution pipe. One end of the channel is connected to the inlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet. The distribution pipe directs water to the inner wall of the heating tube, and the heating tube heats the water within the channel. This fitted design of the distribution pipe and heating tube achieves efficient and uniform heat exchange, while the compact structural design improves the system's integration and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heating device technology, and more specifically to a tubular heater. Background Technology

[0002] Tubular heaters are devices that convert electrical energy into heat energy, widely used in various industrial and civil fields, such as heating systems, hot water supply, and heating of chemical reaction vessels. The core function of a tubular heater is to generate heat through resistive elements (such as resistance wires or heating films) to heat flowing liquids or gases. Traditional resistance wire heaters primarily transfer heat to the liquid or gas flowing through the heating tube through heat conduction, convection, and radiation. When resistance wire heaters are directly applied inside water tanks, the surface of the heating tube easily attracts free substances in the water, such as calcium and magnesium ions. After long-term operation, impurities in the water accumulate on the surface of the heating tube, forming a thick scale layer. This scale layer has poor thermal conductivity, significantly reducing the heat transfer efficiency of the heating tube and resulting in poor heating performance. The scale layer can also react chemically with the surface of the heating tube, accelerating corrosion. Severe scaling can lead to localized overheating of the heating tube, or even tube rupture, posing a safety hazard.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a utility model patent with authorization announcement number CN222925743U discloses an electric heating element, a water tank, and an electric water heater, comprising: a heating element, which includes a resistance wire and a connecting pipe, the connecting pipe having a receiving cavity, the resistance wire being disposed within the receiving cavity for generating heat when energized; a wiring assembly, connected to the connecting pipe, the resistance wire being electrically connected to an external power source through the wiring terminals of the wiring assembly to supply power to the resistance wire; and a vibration assembly, disposed within the receiving cavity, the vibration assembly including a driving component and a shaking block, the driving component being fixed to the inner wall of the connecting pipe, the driving component driving the shaking block to move within the receiving cavity, causing the shaking block to shake during movement; when the shaking block shakes, it collides with the inner wall of the connecting pipe, thereby causing the connecting pipe to vibrate. In this technical solution, the collision between the shaking block within the receiving cavity and the pipe wall causes the pipe wall to vibrate, thereby shaking off impurities and dust adhering to the surface of the electric heating element, preventing the accumulation of impurities and dust that form scale. However, when the electric heating element is statically heating in the water tank, the water flow rate in the tank is relatively slow, which may cause the heat to concentrate near the heating element, while the temperature in the area away from the heating element is lower, forming a temperature gradient. Even during dynamic heating, the water flow distribution may be uneven, resulting in some areas having excessively high water temperatures and others having excessively low water temperatures. On the other hand, the vibration component has a complex structure involving many parts, which increases manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty. Moreover, its overall size is large, which limits its practical use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a tubular heater that achieves efficient and uniform heat exchange through the assembly design of water distribution pipes and heating pipes, while the compact structural design improves the system's integration and reliability.

[0005] This application provides a tubular heater, including a housing with opposing inlet and outlet. A heating tube and a water distribution pipe are installed inside the housing. The heating tube is fitted over the water distribution pipe, and a water flow channel is formed between the inner wall of the heating tube and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe. One end of the channel is connected to the inlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet. The water distribution pipe is used to flow water to the inner wall of the heating tube, and the heating tube is used to heat the water in the channel.

[0006] In this technical solution, the inlet allows unheated water to enter the channel, while the outlet allows heated water to exit. The channel is formed between the inner wall of the heating pipe and the outer wall of the distribution pipe. One end of the channel connects to the inlet, and the other end connects to the outlet, ensuring smooth water flow, reducing flow resistance, and improving heat exchange efficiency. The heating pipe heats the water in the channel, transferring heat to the water through heat conduction to raise its temperature. Water enters the channel from the inlet, is heated, and then exits from the outlet, facilitating the collection and distribution of heated water. The distribution pipe evenly distributes the water to the inner wall of the heating pipe, ensuring uniform water flow and avoiding local overheating or uneven heating. The inner wall of the heating pipe is in direct contact with the water flow, improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing energy loss. The modular design of the heating pipe and distribution pipe makes the entire device compact, space-saving, and easy to install and maintain. This design supports modular expansion, allowing the number of heating pipes to be increased or decreased as needed. The uniform water flow distribution and efficient heat transfer reduce heating time and energy consumption.

[0007] As an improvement, an inlet cap and an outlet cap are also included. The inlet cap is sealed to the inlet of the housing, and the outlet cap is sealed to the outlet of the housing. In this technical solution, the inlet cap is sealed to the inlet of the housing to close the inlet and ensure that water can only enter the heater through a predetermined channel. The outlet cap is sealed to the outlet of the housing to close the outlet and ensure that heated water can only exit the heater through a predetermined channel, thus avoiding water flow confusion and improving system safety.

[0008] As an improvement, a first sealing gasket is installed between the water inlet cap and the water inlet, and a second sealing gasket is installed between the water outlet cap and the water outlet. In this technical solution, the first sealing gasket is installed between the water inlet cap and the water inlet to ensure the sealing at the water inlet, and the second sealing gasket is installed between the water outlet cap and the water outlet to ensure the sealing at the water outlet. This effectively avoids safety problems and energy waste caused by leakage. The sealing gasket can absorb a certain amount of mechanical vibration, reducing the risk of leakage caused by mechanical stress. The sealing gasket can also compensate for thermal expansion, reducing the risk of leakage caused by temperature changes.

[0009] As an improvement, the heating element is either a thick-film heating element or a resistance wire heating element. In this technical solution, the thick-film heating element is typically made by printing a thick-film resistive material (such as metal oxide) onto a ceramic substrate. A resistive layer is formed through high-temperature sintering. When current passes through the thick-film resistive layer, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, generating heat. This is suitable for applications requiring rapid heating and precise temperature control. The thick-film material has excellent high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, resulting in a long service life. The resistance wire heating element consists of resistance wire (such as nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum, etc.) wound inside a metal tube. When current passes through the resistance wire, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, generating heat. The resistance wire can be evenly distributed within the heating element, ensuring uniform heat distribution and preventing localized overheating. Water flows within the channel formed between the inner wall of the heating element and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe, directly contacting the inner wall of the heating element without contacting the outer wall, reducing scale formation and extending the service life of the heating element.

[0010] As an improvement, a heating element is installed inside the water distribution pipe, which heats the water in the channel. In this technical solution, the heating element converts electrical energy into heat energy and transfers the heat to the water in the channel through the outer wall of the water distribution pipe. Installing the heating element inside the water distribution pipe makes the heating process more concentrated, the entire heating system more compact, reduces space occupation, and facilitates installation and maintenance. Furthermore, both the heating element and the heating pipe have heating functions, enabling simultaneous dual heating of the water flow in the channel. This improves heat transfer efficiency, reduces heating time, and enhances the overall heating effect. The heating pipe transfers heat through its inner wall, while the heating element transfers heat through the outer wall of the water distribution pipe, ensuring a more uniform temperature of the water flow in the channel, further improving heating efficiency and avoiding problems such as localized overheating or uneven heating.

[0011] As an improvement, the water distribution pipe is a carbon fiber heating pipe. In this technical solution, the water distribution pipe uses a carbon fiber heating pipe, with a heating element embedded inside. It converts electrical energy into heat energy to heat the water flow. Carbon fiber has excellent thermal conductivity, which can quickly transfer heat to the water flow, improving heat transfer efficiency. The carbon fiber heating pipe can generate heat evenly, ensuring a more uniform water temperature and avoiding problems such as local overheating or uneven heating.

[0012] As an improvement, a mounting base adapted to the water distribution pipe is installed between the water inlet end cap and the water inlet. The mounting base cooperates with the water outlet end cap to position and install the water distribution pipe. In this technical solution, the mounting base is used to install and position the water distribution pipe. The mounting base cooperates with the water outlet end cap to ensure the stable installation and accurate positioning of the water distribution pipe within the housing, avoiding water flow obstruction or leakage due to improper installation, improving the structural stability of the entire heating system, and reducing component displacement caused by water flow impact or thermal expansion.

[0013] As an improvement, the mounting base is equipped with a mounting cover adapted to the water distribution pipe. This mounting cover is used to seal the heating element inside the water distribution pipe. In this technical solution, the mounting cover ensures the sealing of the heating element within the water distribution pipe, preventing water from entering the heating element and also preventing heat loss. The matching design between the mounting cover and the water distribution pipe ensures stable installation of the heating element and improves the overall performance of the system. Furthermore, both the mounting cover and the inlet cap are provided with through holes for the heating element's wires to pass through. A sealing design is used between the through holes and the wires to ensure that water leakage does not occur when the wires pass through the mounting cover. This can be achieved through a sealing ring or sealing material.

[0014] As an improvement, the mounting base is provided with multiple partition structures to divert water flowing through the inlet. In this technical solution, the partition structures divide the inlet into multiple inlets, ensuring that the water flow is evenly distributed before entering the heating tube, avoiding local overheating or uneven heating, and improving the overall heating effect. Furthermore, the mounting cover can be fixed to the mounting base through the partition structures, ensuring a stable connection between the mounting cover and the mounting base.

[0015] As an improvement, the mounting base is provided with a mounting opening adapted to the first sealing gasket, and the first sealing gasket is installed in the mounting opening. In this technical solution, the mounting opening is used to accurately install the first sealing gasket, ensuring the correct position and sealing effect of the sealing gasket. The first sealing gasket, installed in the mounting opening, can tightly fit the mounting base and the water inlet end cap, ensuring the sealing performance at the water inlet and preventing water leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tubular heater in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the tubular heater in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tubular heater in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the tubular heater in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the tubular heater in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting base and the first sealing gasket in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0022] The figure shows: 1. Housing; 11. Inlet cap; 12. Outlet cap; 2. Heating tube; 3. Water distribution pipe; 4. Channel; 5. First sealing gasket; 6. Second sealing gasket; 7. Temperature control switch; 8. Heating element; 9. Mounting base; 91. Mounting cover; 92. Separation structure; 93. Mounting port. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To better understand this application, various aspects of this application will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these detailed descriptions are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, size, and shape of the objects have been slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale.

[0025] It should also be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," and "including," when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and constructions may be the same or different) and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "installation," "setting," "equipped with," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components; they can refer to a direct installation on another component or the possible presence of another intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application discloses a tubular heater, including a housing 1. The housing 1 has opposing inlets and outlets. A heating tube 2 and a water distribution pipe 3 are installed inside the housing 1. The heating tube 2 is fitted over the water distribution pipe 3. A water flow channel 4 is formed between the inner wall of the heating tube 2 and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe 3. One end of the channel 4 is connected to the inlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet. The water distribution pipe 3 is used to divert water to the inner wall of the heating tube 2. The heating tube 2 is used to heat the water in the channel 4. The inlet is used to allow unheated water to enter the channel 4, and the outlet is used to allow heated water to exit the channel 4. The channel 4 is formed between the inner wall of the heating tube 2 and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe 3. One end of the channel 4 is connected to the inlet, and the other end is connected to the outlet, ensuring smooth water flow and reducing water flow resistance. To improve heat exchange efficiency, heating tube 2 heats the water in channel 4, transferring heat to the water through heat conduction to raise its temperature. Water flows into channel 4 from the inlet, is heated, and then discharged from the outlet, facilitating the collection and distribution of heated water. Water is evenly distributed to the inner wall of heating tube 2 through water distribution pipe 3, ensuring uniform water flow and avoiding local overheating or uneven heating. The inner wall of heating tube 2 is in direct contact with the water flow, improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing energy loss. The packaged design of heating tube 2 and water distribution pipe 3 makes the entire device compact, space-saving, and easy to install and maintain. This design supports modular expansion, allowing the number of heating tubes 2 to be increased or decreased as needed. The uniform water flow distribution and efficient heat transfer reduce heating time and lower energy consumption.

[0028] More specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, it also includes an inlet cap 11 and an outlet cap 12. The inlet cap 11 is sealed to the inlet of the housing 1, and the outlet cap 12 is sealed to the outlet of the housing 1. The inlet cap 11 is sealed to the inlet of the housing 1 to close the inlet and ensure that the water flow can only enter the heater through the predetermined channel 4. The outlet cap 12 is sealed to the outlet of the housing 1 to close the outlet and ensure that the heated water flow can only exit the heater through the predetermined channel 4, thus avoiding water flow confusion and improving system safety.

[0029] More specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a first sealing gasket 5 is installed between the water inlet cap 11 and the water inlet, and a second sealing gasket 6 is installed between the water outlet cap 12 and the water outlet. The first sealing gasket 5 is installed between the water inlet cap 11 and the water inlet to ensure the sealing at the water inlet, and the second sealing gasket 6 is installed between the water outlet cap 12 and the water outlet to ensure the sealing at the water outlet. This can effectively avoid safety problems and energy waste caused by leakage. The sealing gasket can absorb a certain amount of mechanical vibration, reducing the risk of leakage caused by mechanical stress. The sealing gasket can also compensate for thermal expansion, reducing the risk of leakage caused by temperature changes.

[0030] More specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, heating element 2 is either a thick-film heating element 2 or a resistance wire heating element 2. The thick-film heating element 2 is usually made by printing thick-film resistive material (such as metal oxide) on a ceramic substrate and forming a resistive layer through high-temperature sintering. When current passes through the thick-film resistive layer, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, generating heat. It is suitable for applications requiring rapid heating and precise temperature control. The thick-film material has good high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, and a long service life. The resistance wire heating element 2 is made by winding resistance wire (such as nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum, etc.) inside a metal tube. When current passes through the resistance wire, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, generating heat. The resistance wire can be evenly distributed inside the heating element 2 to ensure uniform heat distribution and avoid local overheating. The water flows in the channel 4 formed between the inner wall of the heating element 2 and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe 3, directly contacting the inner wall of the heating element 2 without contacting the outer wall, reducing scale formation and extending the service life of the heating element 2.

[0031] More specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a temperature control switch 7 is also installed on the housing 1 to monitor and control the water temperature in the heater. The temperature control switch 7 can automatically cut off or restore the power supply according to the preset temperature threshold to ensure that the water temperature is kept within the set range, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature control. The automatic control function of the temperature control switch 7 reduces the error of human operation and improves the overall reliability of the system.

[0032] Example 2 like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a tubular heater based on Embodiment 1, with the same structure. A heating element 8 is installed inside the water distribution pipe 3. The water distribution pipe 3 heats the water in the channel 4 through the heating element 8. The heating element 8 converts electrical energy into heat energy and transfers the heat to the water in the channel 4 through the outer wall of the water distribution pipe 3. Installing the heating element 8 inside the water distribution pipe 3 makes the heating process more concentrated, the entire heating system more compact, reduces space occupation, and facilitates installation and maintenance. Furthermore, both the heating element 8 and the heating pipe 2 have heating functions, enabling simultaneous dual heating of the water flow in the channel 4. This improves heat transfer efficiency, reduces heating time, and enhances the overall heating effect. The heating pipe 2 transfers heat through its inner wall, while the heating element 8 transfers heat through the outer wall of the water distribution pipe 3, ensuring a more uniform temperature of the water flow in the channel 4, further improving heating efficiency and avoiding problems such as localized overheating or uneven heating.

[0033] More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the water distribution pipe 3 is a carbon fiber heating pipe. The water distribution pipe 3 uses a carbon fiber heating pipe with a heating element 8 embedded inside. It converts electrical energy into heat energy to heat the water flow. Carbon fiber has excellent thermal conductivity and can quickly transfer heat to the water flow, improving heat transfer efficiency. The carbon fiber heating pipe can generate heat evenly, ensuring a more uniform water temperature and avoiding problems such as local overheating or uneven heating.

[0034] More specifically, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a mounting base 9 adapted to the water distribution pipe 3 is installed between the water inlet end cap 11 and the water inlet. The mounting base 9 cooperates with the water outlet end cap 12 to position and install the water distribution pipe 3. The mounting base 9 is used to install and position the water distribution pipe 3. The mounting base 9 cooperates with the water outlet end cap 12 to ensure the stable installation and accurate positioning of the water distribution pipe 3 in the housing 1, avoid water flow obstruction or leakage caused by improper installation, improve the structural stability of the entire heating system, and reduce component displacement caused by water flow impact or thermal expansion.

[0035] More specifically, such as Figures 4 to 6As shown, the mounting base 9 is equipped with a mounting cover 91 that is compatible with the water distribution pipe 3. The mounting cover 91 is used to seal the heating element 8 inside the water distribution pipe 3. The mounting cover 91 ensures the airtightness of the heating element 8 inside the water distribution pipe 3, preventing water from entering the heating element 8 and also preventing heat loss. The matching design between the mounting cover 91 and the water distribution pipe 3 ensures the stable installation of the heating element 8 and improves the overall performance of the system. On the other hand, both the mounting cover 91 and the water inlet end cover 11 are provided with through holes for the wires of the heating element 8 to pass through. The through holes and the wires are sealed to ensure that water leakage does not occur when the wires pass through the mounting cover 91. This can be achieved through a sealing ring or sealing material.

[0036] More specifically, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the mounting base 9 is provided with multiple partition structures 92. The partition structures 92 are used to divert the water flowing through the inlet, dividing the inlet into multiple inlets to ensure that the water flow is evenly distributed before entering the heating tube 2, avoiding local overheating or uneven heating, and improving the overall heating effect. On the other hand, the mounting cover 91 can be fixed to the mounting base 9 through the partition structures 92, ensuring a stable connection between the mounting cover 91 and the mounting base 9.

[0037] More specifically, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the mounting base 9 is provided with a mounting port 93 that is adapted to the first sealing gasket 5. The first sealing gasket 5 is installed in the mounting port 93. The mounting port 93 is used to accurately install the first sealing gasket 5, ensuring the correct position and sealing effect of the sealing gasket. The first sealing gasket 5 installed in the mounting port 93 can fit tightly against the mounting base 9 and the water inlet end cap 11, ensuring the sealing at the water inlet and preventing water leakage.

[0038] This application is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Anyone can derive other products in various forms under the guidance of this application. However, regardless of any changes made to their shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to that of this application falls within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A tubular heater, characterized in that, Includes a housing (1), which has a corresponding inlet and outlet. A heating tube (2) and a water distribution pipe (3) are installed inside the housing (1). The heating tube (2) is fitted outside the water distribution pipe (3). A water supply channel (4) is formed between the inner wall of the heating tube (2) and the outer wall of the water distribution pipe (3). One end of the channel (4) is connected to the inlet, and the other end of the channel (4) is connected to the outlet. The water distribution pipe (3) is used to flow water to the inner wall of the heating tube (2), and the heating tube (2) is used to heat the water in the channel (4).

2. A tubular heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inlet cap (11) and an outlet cap (12), wherein the inlet cap (11) is sealed to the inlet of the housing (1), and the outlet cap (12) is sealed to the outlet of the housing (1).

3. A tubular heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first sealing gasket (5) is installed between the water inlet cap (11) and the water inlet, and a second sealing gasket (6) is installed between the water outlet cap (12) and the water outlet.

4. A tubular heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating tube (2) is a thick film heating tube (2) or a resistance wire heating tube (2).

5. A tubular heater according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The water distribution pipe (3) is equipped with a heating element (8), and the water distribution pipe (3) heats the water in the channel (4) through the heating element (8).

6. A tubular heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water distribution pipe (3) is a carbon fiber heating pipe.

7. A tubular heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, A mounting base (9) adapted to the water distribution pipe (3) is installed between the water inlet end cap (11) and the water inlet. The mounting base (9) cooperates with the water outlet end cap (12) to position and install the water distribution pipe (3).

8. A tubular heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base (9) is equipped with a mounting cover (91) that is compatible with the water distribution pipe (3). The mounting cover (91) is used to seal the heating element (8) inside the water distribution pipe (3).

9. A tubular heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base (9) is provided with multiple partition structures (92), which are used to divert water flowing through the inlet.

10. A tubular heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting base (9) is provided with a mounting port (93) that is adapted to the first sealing gasket (5), and the first sealing gasket (5) is installed in the mounting port (93).

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