Flange of electric water heater and electric water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flange of electric water heater and electric water heater, wherein the part of the flange of electric water heater for installing anode rod is inclined to one side. The electric water heater is a horizontal and vertical universal electric water heater, comprising an inner container and the above-mentioned flange of electric water heater, the flange is installed at one end of the inner container in the axial direction, the anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and located at the convex side or the concave side of the first boss, and is inclined in the inner container. The heating pipe is installed on the flange and extends obliquely and then extends in the axial direction, and the oblique extension section of the heating pipe is close to the end wall of the end of the flange mounting end of the inner container of the electric water heater. Another electric water heater is a vertical electric water heater, the anode rod and the heating pipe are installed on the flange of the electric water heater and are inclined to one side from the middle part of the inner container upward, which can reduce the volume of the inner container that is not easy to heat, promote the water flow in the inner container to make the water in the inner container heat evenly, the bending heating pipe meets the power requirement, and the anode rod is located in the space enclosed by the heating pipe, so that the space required for the overall installation is intensive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electric water heaters and components, specifically, it relates to a flange for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] In existing horizontal electric water heaters, the heating element and anode rod are mounted on the same flange. The flange's mounting surface for the heating element and anode rod is vertical, not inclined. Since the anode rod needs periodic replacement due to wear and tear during use, it is detachably fixed to the flange with a nut. To ensure a good seal, the anode rod's mounting hole is a straight hole. This ensures good contact between the anode rod, nut, and flange mounting surface for a stable connection and a good seal. Furthermore, to avoid interference between the heating element and anode rod, the heating element's mounting hole is also a straight hole. The portion of the heating element inside the tank near the inner tank's mounting flange is designed as a horizontal section connecting to a downward-sloping section extending towards the center of the inner tank. This horizontal section of the heating element connects to the vertical surface of the flange. However, due to the presence of a horizontal section and the absence of a heating wire on the section adjacent to the flange, coupled with the fact that the heating pipe has a certain diameter preventing excessively sharp bends, the distance between the downward-sloping section of the heating pipe extending towards the middle of the inner tank and the end wall of the flange on the inner tank is relatively large. Despite the large bend angle of the heating pipe, a significant volume of cold water within this distance range in the inner tank cannot be directly heated. Furthermore, since the cold water is at the bottom and the hot water is at the top in the inner tank, and the water within this distance range is located in the lower corner of the water heater's inner tank, the circulation of hot and cold water during the heating process has little effect on this part. Therefore, this part of the cold water can only be gradually heated through indirect heat conduction, resulting in a low temperature for this part of the water, unstable overall water temperature from the water heater, and a decrease in the volume of hot water dispensed.

[0003] In a vertical electric water heater, the heating element is installed at the bottom of the inner tank via a flange, and the heating element is located vertically upwards in the middle of the inner tank. During the heating process, hot water moves towards the top of the inner tank, while cold water concentrates at the bottom. This heating method causes the hot water to move upwards along the center height, while the cold water on both sides moves downwards, forming a circulating flow on both sides of the heating element to complete heat exchange. However, the circulation on both sides requires the hot water to split into two streams to push the cold water on both sides. During the heating process, the water in the inner tank is all cold water, which is gradually heated. Therefore, in the initial period of heating, the cold water occupies a large volume and has a high density, making it difficult to push the cold water to form a circulation after the hot water splits in two. After a long period of heating, the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the water heater will continue to increase. Since the hot water output rate is affected by the outlet water temperature, excessively high outlet water temperatures will reduce the hot water output rate and affect the overall performance of the water heater. Furthermore, the mounting surface of the flange used to install the heating element and anode rod is a horizontal plane, and the mounting holes for the heating element and anode rod are all straight holes.

[0004] In view of this, this utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a flange for an electric water heater, which can make the heating tube and anode rod of the electric water heater more inclined after installation and prevent them from interfering with each other, reduce the volume of the inner tank that is not easy to heat, and promote the flow of water in the inner tank so that the water in the inner tank is heated evenly.

[0006] The second objective of this utility model is to propose an electric water heater.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] The flange of the electric water heater has a portion for mounting the anode rod that protrudes to one side to form a first bevel, and the first bevel has mounting holes for the anode rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the inclined surfaces of the first boss all protrude beyond the flange portion connected to the first boss at its periphery, or the inclined surfaces of the first boss gradually protrude from the flange portion connected to the first boss at its periphery.

[0010] Furthermore, the portion outside the first boss is provided with mounting holes for other components.

[0011] Furthermore, the mounting holes for other components are angled holes, and the inclination direction of the mounting holes for other components is consistent with or similar to the axial direction of the mounting holes for the anode rod.

[0012] Furthermore, multiple other component mounting holes are located on the lower side of the protruding surface of the first boss.

[0013] By setting a portion of the flange of the electric water heater as an inclined structure to form a first boss, the anode rod of the electric water heater can be installed on this inclined part, and the anode rod also tilts. Furthermore, the mounting holes for other components such as the heating element and temperature sensor on the flange are angled holes, and the tilt direction of these mounting holes is consistent with or close to the axial direction of the anode rod mounting hole. This ensures that the heating element, temperature sensor, and anode rod do not interfere with each other after installation. Since the inclined surface of the first boss is a tilted plane, the anode rod can be stably installed on the first boss through a threaded connection with a nut, ensuring its installation seal. Moreover, because the heating element is installed at an angle through the angled hole, the angle between it and the flange can be further reduced. When the flange is installed in the inner tank of the electric water heater, the heating element is closer to the end wall of the flange in the inner tank, reducing the volume of water between the heating element and this end wall of the inner tank. Therefore, the heating element can heat the water near this end wall of the inner tank, avoiding the problem of water not being heated in this area in existing electric water heaters, thereby improving the water heating efficiency and effect of the electric water heater.

[0014] Furthermore, the flange is provided with a parallel protruding second boss, and the first boss and other components are mounted on the second boss. The first boss and the second boss protrude to the same side of the flange or to the front and back sides of the flange respectively.

[0015] To allow the flange to protrude into the inner liner, a parallel protruding second boss is provided on the flange. The outer circumference of the second boss is smaller than the opening on the inner liner used for flange installation, and the second boss is embedded in this opening. The parallel protrusion of the second boss means that its protruding surface protrudes uniformly relative to the flange base surface, rather than protruding at an angle like the first boss. The first and second bosses protrude towards the same side of the flange or towards opposite sides of the flange, respectively. When the first and second bosses protrude towards the same side of the flange, the anode rod is installed on the convex side of the first boss; when the first and second bosses protrude towards opposite sides of the flange, the anode rod is installed on the concave side of the first boss.

[0016] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater, including an inner tank and the flange of the electric water heater described above. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank, and the anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and located on the convex side or concave side of the first boss, and the anode rod is inclined in the inner tank.

[0017] This type of electric water heater is suitable for both horizontal and vertical installations; it can be installed horizontally or vertically. In a horizontal electric water heater, the inner tank is horizontally positioned, and a flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank. The portion of the flange used to install the anode rod is inclined inwards towards the inner tank and downwards. That is, the top of the inclined surface used to install the anode rod protrudes more into the inner tank along the axial direction, while the bottom of the inclined surface protrudes less. This results in the portion of the flange used to install the anode rod being inclined inwards and downwards. In this case, the anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located on the convex side of the first boss. Alternatively, the portion of the flange used to install the anode rod is inclined outwards towards the inner tank and downwards. That is, the top of the inclined surface used to install the anode rod protrudes less outwards towards the inner tank along the axial direction, while the bottom of the inclined surface protrudes more outwards towards the inner tank along the axial direction. This results in the portion of the flange used to install the anode rod being inclined outwards and downwards. In this case, the anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located on the concave side of the first boss. In vertical electric water heaters, the inner tank is placed vertically, and the flange is installed at the bottom of the inner tank.

[0018] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a heating element. The heating element is installed in the mounting holes of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from these holes before extending axially. That is, the heating element includes an oblique extension from the mounting point and a subsequent axial extension. The oblique extension of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange at one end of the inner tank of the electric water heater. Because the mounting holes of the other components containing the heating element are oblique holes, the oblique extension of the heating element can be closer to the end wall of the flange at one end of the inner tank of the electric water heater.

[0019] In existing horizontal electric water heaters, the heating element mounting surface of the flange is vertical rather than inclined. Therefore, to ensure a stable installation of the heating element on the flange, and to ensure the portion of the heating element inside the tank is close to the end wall of the flange mounting end, the heating element is designed with a horizontal section extending into the tank and then connecting to a downward-sloping section extending towards the center of the tank. The horizontal section of the heating element connects to the vertical surface of the flange. However, due to the presence of the horizontal section and the fact that the heating element's diameter limits its bending angle, the distance between the downward-sloping section extending towards the center of the tank and the end wall of the flange mounting end is relatively large. Furthermore, since cold water is at the bottom and hot water is at the top of the tank, a significant volume of cold water within this aforementioned distance cannot be directly heated. This results in this portion of water only being heated through indirect heat transfer, leading to a low temperature in this volume and unstable overall water temperature from the water heater. In this invention, when the electric water heater is a horizontal type, the mounting holes for other components on the flange used to install the heating element are angled holes. The portion connecting the heating element to the angled hole does not have the aforementioned horizontal section; instead, it connects directly to the angled hole of the flange via an angled extension that slopes downwards and towards the center of the inner tank. Therefore, the heating element extends directly downwards from its connection point with the flange. Consequently, the angled extension of the heating element in this invention can be closer to the end wall of the flange on the inner tank, thereby reducing or eliminating the problem of cold water in the inner tank not being directly heated, and ensuring the stability of the water heater's outlet temperature. The heating element is fixed to the flange using a welding method.

[0020] Because the heating element is installed at an angle, to avoid interference between the heating element and the anode rod, a first beveled boss is provided on the flange for mounting the anode rod, and an anode rod mounting hole is provided on the first boss. Furthermore, the inclination direction of the mounting holes for other components used to mount the heating element is consistent with or close to the axial direction of the anode rod mounting hole. In this way, the downwardly extending section of the heating element is parallel to the anode rod without intersecting or interfering with it.

[0021] In existing vertical electric water heaters, the heating element and anode rod are vertically arranged. However, in this invention, when the water heater is installed vertically, the flange is installed at the bottom of the inner tank. The heating element is installed in the mounting holes of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from these holes before extending axially. That is, the heating element includes an oblique extension section from the mounting point and a subsequent axial extension section. The oblique extension section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange on the inner tank, i.e., close to the bottom wall of the inner tank. This allows more of the heating element to heat the water at the bottom of the inner tank, improving the heating efficiency of the water heater. Furthermore, because the heating element is biased to one side, hot water diffuses to the other side, forcing cold water to move downwards. After being heated by the heating element, cold water moves upwards, forming a circulation. Since cold water descends from one side and hot water rises from one side, a large volume of water circulation is formed, which significantly reduces the temperature difference inside the inner tank and significantly improves the hot water output rate.

[0022] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a temperature sensing tube, which is installed in the mounting hole of other components. The temperature sensing tube is installed at an angle and is parallel or nearly parallel to the oblique extension of the heating element.

[0023] Similarly, the mounting holes for other components installed on the temperature measuring tube are angled holes, and the temperature measuring tube is parallel and inclined to the anode rod.

[0024] This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, which is a vertical electric water heater, including an inner tank and the flange of the electric water heater mentioned above. The flange is installed in the middle of the lower end of the inner tank. The anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located in the inner tank on the convex side or concave side of the first boss. The anode rod is inclined upward and to one side from the middle of the inner tank.

[0025] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a heating element, which is installed in the mounting holes of other components of the flange and slopes upwards and to one side from the middle of the inner tank. The heating element includes multiple parallel straight pipes and multiple elbows that connect adjacent straight pipes end to end in sequence. The first and last heating pipes serve as connecting pipes to the flange, with their ends in the same direction connected to two mounting holes of other components of the flange, respectively. The multiple straight pipes enclose a space in which the anode rod is located. The axial angle β between the straight pipe of the heating element and the inner tank ranges from 0° to 50°, with a preferred angle of 20°.

[0026] In this utility model, when the electric water heater is a vertical electric water heater, the anode rod is on the inclined surface of the flange at the bottom of the inner tank, and the anode rod is inclined upward from the middle of the inner tank and towards the upper end of the inner tank.

[0027] The mounting holes for other components of the heating element are angled holes. The heating element extends upwards from the middle of the inner tank and tilts towards the upper side. This tilt significantly improves the circulation of hot and cold water during heating. When hot water accumulates directly above the heating element, it diffuses to the other side due to the tilt, forcing cold water downwards. After being heated by the heating element, the cold water moves upwards, creating circulation. Because cold water descends from one side and hot water rises from the other, a large volume of water circulates, significantly reducing the temperature difference inside the inner tank and greatly increasing the hot water output rate. Furthermore, the multiple straight heating elements enclose a space within which the anode rod is located. This structure prevents the anode rod from contacting the heating element, achieving mutual avoidance, and allows for a compact arrangement of the anode rod and heating element. Compared to having the anode rod outside the heating element, this reduces the overall area occupied on the flange, thus reducing the flange area and consequently the opening of the inner tank flange, improving the strength of both the flange and the inner tank.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0029] This utility model relates to a flange and an electric water heater, wherein the portion of the flange used for mounting the anode rod is inclined to one side. This utility model proposes an electric water heater that can be used both horizontally and vertically, including an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank. The anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of a first boss and is located on either the convex or concave side of the first boss, and is inclined within the inner tank. The heating element is installed on the flange and extends obliquely before extending axially, with the obliquely extended section of the heating element close to the end wall of the flange-mounted end of the inner tank. This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, a vertical electric water heater, where the anode rod is installed on the flange and is inclined upwards and to one side from the middle of the inner tank. The flange for mounting the anode rod is designed with an angled structure, and the holes for mounting the heating element are angled. When the flange is installed in the inner tank of the water heater and the heating element is fixed, the angle of the heating element after installation is better, which reduces the volume of the inner tank that is difficult to heat, and promotes water flow in the inner tank so that the water in the inner tank is heated evenly. The bent heating element meets the power requirements, and the anode rod is located in the space enclosed by the heating element, which makes the space required for the overall installation more compact.

[0030] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a side half-sectional view of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the anode rod, heating element, and temperature measuring tube when the electric water heater of this utility model is horizontal;

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0038] Figure 7 This utility model provides a schematic diagram of the installation of the heating element and temperature measuring element, as well as a schematic diagram of water circulation when the electric water heater is vertical.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a half-sectional view of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model when the first and second protrusions of the flange protrude to both sides of the flange respectively.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the heating element structure when the electric water heater of this utility model is vertical;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the heating element, anode rod, and temperature measuring tube in a vertical electric water heater according to this utility model.

[0042] 1. Flange; 2. First boss; 3. Anode rod mounting hole; 4. Connecting part; 5. Second boss; 6. Mounting holes for other components; 7. Connecting hole; 8. Anode rod; 9. Heating tube; 91. Connecting end; 92. Straight tube; 93. Elbow; 10. Temperature measuring tube; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Inner tank.

[0043] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0045] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this utility model of an electric water heater, the flange 1, the part used to install the anode rod 8, is tilted to one side, such as... Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, this inclined structure protrudes to one side to form a first protrusion 2 on an inclined surface. An anode rod mounting hole 3 is provided on the first protrusion 2. Figure 4 , 5 As shown, the anode rod 8 of the electric water heater is installed on the inclined surface of the first boss 2, and the anode rod 8 is also tilted.

[0048] Combination Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, the flange 1 of the electric water heater has mounting holes 6 for other components outside the first boss 2 for installing the heating element 9 and the temperature measuring element 10. These mounting holes 6 are angled holes. The inclination direction of the mounting holes 6 is consistent with or close to the axial direction of the anode rod mounting hole 3. (Combined with...) Figure 1 , 2As shown, the three other component mounting holes 6 are arranged in a triangle, with the two holes located at the top near the first boss used to install the heating tube, and the other hole used to install the temperature measuring tube.

[0049] The inclined surfaces of the first boss 2 all protrude beyond the outer periphery of the first boss and the flange portion connected to the first boss, or the inclined surfaces of the first boss gradually protrude from the outer periphery of the first boss and the flange portion connected to the first boss, and the starting point of the inclined surfaces of the first boss does not directly protrude beyond the outer periphery of the first boss and the flange portion connected to the first boss. This embodiment adopts the former scheme. The outer periphery of the first boss is circular, and the inclined surfaces of the first boss are connected to the protruding flange portion through the outer periphery.

[0050] Because the first boss 2 is an inclined first boss, when viewed from the side facing the inner liner when the first boss is installed, the height of the first boss 2 protruding relative to the flange base surface is inconsistent. One side of the first boss 2 is lower than the flange base surface, while the other side, the opposite side, is higher. (Reference) Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 4, when the first boss is installed on the inner liner facing the inner liner, the bottom protruding surface of the first boss 2 is lower than the flange base surface on which it is located, while the top protruding surface of the first boss 2 is higher than the flange base surface on which it is located. Multiple mounting holes 6 for other components are located on the side where the protruding surface of the first boss 2 is lower, and when viewed from the convex side of the first boss, the axes of the mounting holes 6 for other components are inclined away from the first boss towards this side. Figure 4 As shown, the axis of the mounting hole 6 for other components is inclined downwards and away from the first boss above. When mounting the anode rod to the first boss, it should be mounted on the convex side of the first boss.

[0051] Alternatively, in other embodiments, when mounting the anode rod to the first boss, the anode rod may also be mounted to the concave side of the first boss. Similar to the above scheme, refer to... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the three mounting holes 6 for other components are arranged in a triangle. The two holes located at the top, near the first boss, are used to mount the heating element, and the other hole is used to mount the temperature sensing element. (Reference) Figure 8 As shown, and viewed from the concave side of the first boss, the axis of the mounting holes 6 of other components is inclined toward this side in a direction away from the first boss, as shown. Figure 8 As shown, the axis of the mounting hole 6 for other components is inclined downwards and away from the first boss above.

[0052] By setting a portion of flange 1 as an inclined structure to form a first boss 2, the anode rod 8 of the electric water heater can be installed on this inclined portion, and the anode rod 8 also tilts. Furthermore, the mounting holes 6 on flange 1 for installing heating tube 9, temperature measuring tube 10, and other components are angled holes. The inclination direction of the mounting holes 6 is parallel or close to the axial direction of the anode rod mounting hole 3, thus ensuring that the inclination directions of the heating tube 9, temperature measuring tube 10, and anode rod 8 are parallel or close, preventing interference. Since the inner and outer inclined surfaces of the first boss 2 are inclined planes, and one end of the anode rod has a thread and is a small-diameter end, after passing through the anode rod mounting hole 3 and being installed on the first boss 2 through its own thread and nut, the nut can press the sealing gasket between the first boss and the nut, ensuring the sealing of the installation. Moreover, if... Figure 5 As shown, since the heating tube 9 is installed at an angle through the oblique hole, the included angle θ between it and the flange 1 can be further reduced. When the flange 1 is installed in the inner tank 13 of the electric water heater, the heating tube 9 is brought closer to the end wall of the flange 1 installed in the inner tank 13 of the electric water heater, reducing the volume of water between the heating tube 9 and this end wall of the inner tank 13. Therefore, the heating tube 9 can heat the water close to this end wall of the inner tank 13, avoiding the problem in existing electric water heaters where the water at this point cannot be directly heated and a lot of water with a low temperature remains, thereby improving the water heating efficiency and effect of the electric water heater.

[0053] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 4, a second boss 5, protruding parallel to one side, is first set on the base surface of the flange 1 of the electric water heater. The second boss 5 is a conical platform, and its height is uniform, meaning the protruding surface protrudes the same amount relative to the base surface of the flange used for connecting with the inner tank. A first boss 2, protruding at an angle to the same side, is then set on the second boss 5. An anode rod mounting hole 3 is provided on the first boss 2 for installing the anode rod 8. When installing the anode rod, it is installed on the convex side of the first boss. (Refer to...) Figure 1 As shown, the anode rod is mounted on the left side of the first boss 2 of the flange. Other component mounting holes 6 are provided on the top plane of the second boss 5, which is outside the first boss 2. Multiple other component mounting holes 6 are located on the side of the first boss 2 with the lower protrusion surface, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the second boss 5 protrudes from the front of the flange, then from... Figure 1 Looking at the flange from the front, the upper protruding surface of the first boss is higher, while the lower protruding surface of the first boss is lower. Therefore, the mounting holes of other components are located on the lower side of the first boss. The base surface of the flange 1 surrounding the second boss 5 is used as the connecting part 4, and a connecting hole 7 is provided on the connecting part 4. The flange 1 is connected to the inner liner 13 by means of a connecting device through the connecting hole 7.

[0054] In other embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, a first boss 2 with a laterally inclined protrusion is provided on the second boss 5, but the first boss 2 and the second boss protrude to the front and back sides of the flange 1 respectively. An anode rod mounting hole 3 is provided on the first boss 2 for mounting the anode rod 8. When mounting the anode rod, the anode rod is mounted on the concave side of the first boss, as shown. Figure 8 As shown, the anode rod will be installed on the left side of the first boss 2. A mounting hole 6 for other components is provided on the top plane of the second boss 5, which is outside the first boss 2. The mounting hole 6 for other components is an angled hole. The inclination direction of the mounting hole 6 is consistent with or close to the axial direction of the anode rod mounting hole 3. Similar to the above scheme, refer to... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the three mounting holes 6 for other components are arranged in a triangle, with the two holes located at the top near the first boss used for mounting the heating element, and the other hole used for mounting the temperature measuring element. Figure 8 As shown, the second boss 5 protrudes from the front of the flange, then from... Figure 8 Looking at the flange from the front, the upper part of the first boss 2 protrudes lower towards the back of the flange, while the lower part of the first boss 2 protrudes higher towards the back of the flange. Multiple mounting holes 6 for other components are located on the side of the first boss 2 that protrudes higher towards the back of the flange, i.e., the mounting holes for other components are located on the lower side of the first boss. The base surface of the flange 1 surrounding the second boss 5 is used as the connecting part 4, and connecting holes 7 are provided on the connecting part 4. A connecting device is used to connect the flange 1 as a whole to the inner liner 13 through the connecting holes 7. Since the boss is formed by stamping, during stamping, the surface of the boss may be pushed up to the convex side, forming a certain arc. Therefore, when the anode rod is installed on the convex side of the boss, the convex side of the boss does not easily form a three-point coplanar support surface to stably support the end face of the anode rod and the nut fixing the anode rod. However, when the anode rod is installed on the concave side of the boss, the concave side of the boss more easily forms a three-point coplanar support surface to support the end face of the anode rod and the nut fixing the anode rod, making the installation of the anode rod more stable.

[0055] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater, which is a universally applicable horizontal and vertical electric water heater. It can be a horizontal or vertical electric water heater, including an inner tank, a heating element, an anode rod, a temperature measuring tube, and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank. The anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located on either the convex or concave side of the first boss, and is inclined within the inner tank. The heating element is installed in the mounting hole of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole before extending axially. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange end of the inner tank of the electric water heater. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is parallel or nearly parallel to the anode rod. The temperature measuring tube is installed in the mounting hole of other components, and is installed at an angle, parallel or nearly parallel to the obliquely extended section of the heating element.

[0056] When this type of electric water heater is used as a horizontal electric water heater, combined with Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the device includes an inner tank 13, an anode rod 8, a heating element 9, a temperature measuring tube 10, and the flange 1 of the aforementioned electric water heater. The inner tank 13 is horizontally positioned, and the flange 1 is installed at one axial end of the inner tank 13.

[0057] When a horizontal electric water heater uses the aforementioned anode rod mounted on the flange on the convex side of the first boss, refer to... Figure 1-4 The flange shown has a portion of flange 1 used for mounting the anode rod 8 that slopes inward and downward towards the inner liner 13. Specifically, the portion of flange 1 used for mounting the anode rod 8, namely the inclined first boss 2, slopes inward and downward towards the inner liner 13. That is, the top of the inclined surface of the first boss 2 protrudes more along the axial direction of the inner liner 13, while the bottom of the inclined surface protrudes less along the axial direction of the inner liner 13. This results in the portion of flange 1 used for mounting the anode rod 8 being inclined inward and downward. In this configuration, the anode rod is mounted in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located on one side of the convex surface of the first boss, and is inclined within the inner liner.

[0058] When a horizontal electric water heater uses the aforementioned anode rod mounted on the flange on the concave side of the first boss, refer to... Figure 8 The flange 1 shown has a portion, specifically the first boss 2, used for mounting the anode rod 8, which slopes outwards and downwards towards the inner liner 13. The anode rod is mounted in the anode rod mounting hole 3 of the first boss and is located on the concave side of the first boss, and is inclined within the inner liner, meaning the anode rod is located... Figure 8 The left side of the flange shown.

[0059] Regardless of the type of flange used, the flange 1 has multiple downward-sloping mounting holes 6 on the part outside the first boss 2. The heating tube 9 and the temperature measuring tube 10 are respectively installed in the mounting holes 6 of the other components.

[0060] In a horizontal electric water heater, the heating element is installed in the mounting hole of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole before extending axially. This refers to the heating element 9 being installed in the mounting hole 6 of other components on the flange 1 and extending obliquely downwards towards the middle of the inner tank 13 before extending laterally along the axial direction of the inner tank. For simplicity, the obliquely downward extension of the heating element 9 towards the middle of the inner tank 13 is called the oblique extension section of the heating element 9. The oblique extension section of the heating element 9 is located near the end wall of the flange 1 mounting end of the inner tank 13 of the electric water heater. In this application, the downward-sloping extension of the heating pipe 9 towards the middle of the inner tank 13, viewed from the side of the inner tank mounting flange, can mean that the heating pipe 9 extends directly downwards, to the lower left, or to the lower right. Since the heating pipe is connected to one side of the inner tank, to better heat the water in the inner tank, the heating pipe should extend towards the opposite side of the inner tank. However, because this section of the heating pipe is close to the end wall of the inner tank mounting flange, this section, from the inner tank mounting flange side to the middle of the inner tank, is therefore, for ease of description, referred to as the heating pipe extending towards the middle of the inner tank 13. The downward-sloping extension of the heating pipe 9 towards the middle of the inner tank 13 means that the heating pipe has both a downward tendency and a tendency to extend towards the middle of the inner tank from the inner tank mounting flange side.

[0061] In existing electric water heaters, the mounting surfaces of the heating element and anode rod on the flange are vertical, and the mounting holes are straight. To ensure the heating element is securely mounted on the flange without interfering with the anode rod, and to better heat the water near the flange end of the inner tank, the heating element is designed with a horizontal section connecting to a downward-sloping section extending towards the middle of the inner tank. This horizontal section connects to the vertical surface of the flange. However, due to the presence of the horizontal section and the absence of a heating wire near the flange, and because the heating element's diameter limits its bending angle, the distance between the downward-sloping section extending towards the middle of the inner tank and the flange end is relatively large. Furthermore, since cold water is at the bottom and hot water at the top of the inner tank, a significant volume of cold water within this distance cannot be directly heated. This water is heated only through indirect heat transfer, resulting in a low temperature and unstable overall water temperature from the water heater. In this invention, the heating tube 9 does not have the aforementioned horizontal section. Instead, it is directly connected to the oblique hole of the flange 1 through an obliquely downward extension section extending towards the middle of the inner tank 13. Therefore, the heating tube 9 extends obliquely downward directly from the connection point with the flange 1. Consequently, the obliquely downward extension section of the heating tube 9 in this invention can be closer to the end wall of the flange 1 at the end of the inner tank 13, thereby reducing or eliminating the problem that cold water in the inner tank 13 cannot be directly heated, and ensuring the stability of the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0062] The downwardly extending sections of the anode rod 8, temperature sensing tube 10, and heating tube 9 are parallel or nearly parallel to each other to avoid mutual interference. After the flange 1 is installed, the temperature sensing tube 10 and heating tube 9 are installed in the mounting holes 6 of other components and located below the anode rod 8.

[0063] When this type of electric water heater is used as a vertical electric water heater, the inner tank is vertically positioned, and the flange is installed at the bottom of the inner tank. Similarly, the two types of flanges mentioned above can be used: a flange with the anode rod installed on the convex side of the first boss, and a flange with the anode rod installed on the concave side of the first boss. Regardless of the type of flange used, in a vertical electric water heater, the heating element is installed in the mounting hole of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole before extending axially. This means that the heating element 9 is installed in the mounting hole 6 of other components on the flange 1 and extends obliquely radially towards the center of the inner tank 13 before extending axially upwards along the inner tank. The flange is installed at the bottom of the inner tank, and the heating element is installed in the mounting hole of other components on the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole before extending axially. That is, the heating element includes an oblique extension section from the installation point and a subsequent axial extension section. The oblique extension section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange mounting end of the inner tank, that is, close to the bottom end wall of the inner tank. This allows more of the heating element to heat the water at the bottom of the inner tank, improving the heating efficiency of the electric water heater. Furthermore, because the heating element is biased to one side, the hot water diffuses to the other side, forcing the cold water to move downwards. After being heated by the heating element, the cold water moves upwards, forming a circulation. As the cold water descends from one side and the hot water rises from one side, a large volume of water circulation is formed, which significantly reduces the temperature difference inside the inner tank and significantly improves the hot water output rate.

[0064] This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, a vertical electric water heater, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device includes an inner tank 13, an anode rod 8, a heating element 9, a temperature measuring tube 10, and a flange 1 of any of the above-mentioned electric water heaters. The flange 1 is installed in the middle of the lower end of the inner tank 13. The first boss 2 of the flange 1 for installing the anode rod 8 is inclined inward toward the inner tank 13 and toward the upper end of the inner tank 13. The heating element 9 and the temperature measuring tube 10 are installed in the mounting holes 6 of other components on the flange 1 and are inclined upward from the middle of the inner tank 13 toward the upper end of the inner tank 13.

[0065] In this type of vertical electric water heater, combined with Figure 1 , 8As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10, the heating pipe 9 includes multiple parallel straight pipes 92 and multiple elbows 93 that connect adjacent straight pipes end to end. The first and last heating pipes serve as connecting pipes to the flange. The unconnected ends 91 of the connecting pipes, which run in the same direction, connect to two other component mounting holes 6 on the flange. These elbows extend towards the first boss, forming a space enclosed by the multiple straight pipes. This space covers the space on the first boss where the anode rod is mounted, ensuring that the anode rod is located within this space when mounted on the flange. Because the multiple straight pipes of the heating pipe form a cylindrical space, and the anode rod is located within this space parallel to the straight pipes of the heating pipe, this structure not only prevents the anode rod from contacting the heating pipe, achieving avoidance between them, but also makes the arrangement of the anode rod and heating pipe on the flange and in the inner liner compact. Compared to the case where the anode rod is located outside the heating pipe, this reduces the overall area occupied on the flange, thus reducing the flange area and consequently reducing the opening of the flange for mounting the inner liner, thereby improving the strength of the flange and the inner liner. The axial angle β between the heating element's straight pipe and the inner tank ranges from 0° to 50°, with β preferably being 20°. In this embodiment, the heating element 9 includes six straight pipes 92 and five bends 93. In other embodiments, the straight pipes and corresponding bends can be added or removed. Because the heating element is bent back and forth, the length of the heating element is increased within a limited length range, thereby increasing the heating power. This satisfies the power requirements of the electric water heater while also creating an enclosure for the anode rod's installation space.

[0066] The top of heating element 9 is close to the circumferential wall of the inner tank 13. With heating element 9 offset to one side, the circulation of hot and cold water during heating is significantly improved. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the water in the inner tank 13 rises after being heated by the heating pipe 9. After the hot water accumulates directly above the heating pipe 9, it diffuses towards the water inlet 11 away from the top of the heating pipe 9, forcing the cold water to move downwards and fall near the bottom of the heating pipe 9. After being heated by the heating pipe 9, it moves upwards, forming a large-scale, large-volume circulation. In addition, the inclination of the heating pipe 9 and the fact that the middle and lower part of the heating pipe is close to the inner tank 13 reduce or eliminate the volume of water that is difficult to be directly heated between the two. Compared with the vertical setting of the heating pipe 9, it can better heat the water between the heating pipe 9 and the side wall of the inner tank 13, which can significantly reduce the temperature difference inside the inner tank 13 and significantly improve the hot water output rate.

[0067] The inner tank has an inlet and an outlet at the top, located on both sides.

[0068] In this embodiment, the inner tank is relatively small. Compared to a larger inner tank, in a small-tank water heater, the tip of the heating element is closer to the top of the inner tank. If the heating element is tilted towards the outlet at the top of the inner tank, with the tip of the heating element close to the outlet, the water that has just been heated by the heating element will accumulate at the outlet. This would result in a poor user experience due to the water being too hot when the user uses the water. Therefore, the heating element is tilted towards the inlet 11 at the top of the inner tank, thereby using the large circulation within the inner tank to mix the water, resulting in a suitable water temperature when discharged from the outlet 12. Correspondingly, the anode rod 8 and the temperature measuring tube 10 are also tilted towards the inlet.

[0069] In other embodiments, if the inner tank is large, the top of the heating tube is far from the top of the inner tank. The water directly heated by the heating tube is also far from the top of the inner tank, requiring the water at the top to be mixed through circulation. Therefore, the water temperature near the outlet of the inner tank will not be too high. Thus, the heating tube can be tilted towards either the inlet or outlet of the inner tank, as long as a large circulation is formed when tilted to one side. Correspondingly, the anode rod 8 and the temperature measuring tube 10 are also tilted in the direction of the heating tube.

[0070] This utility model relates to a flange and a water heater, wherein the portion of the flange used for mounting the anode rod is inclined to one side. This utility model water heater is a universal horizontal and vertical water heater, comprising an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank. The anode rod is installed in the anode rod mounting hole of a first boss, located on either the convex or concave side of the inner tank, and is inclined within the inner tank. The heating element is installed on the flange through an oblique hole and extends obliquely before extending axially. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange-mounted end of the inner tank. The anode rod, the obliquely extended section of the heating element, and the temperature measuring tube are all inclined in the same direction to avoid mutual interference, optimizing the heating effect of the heating element, improving the uniformity of hot water in the inner tank, and increasing the hot water output rate of the water heater. This utility model also proposes another type of water heater, a vertical water heater, where the anode rod is installed on the flange and tilts upwards and to one side from the middle of the inner tank. The flange for mounting the anode rod is designed with an angled structure, and the heating element is installed on the flange through an angled hole. When the flange is installed in the inner tank of the water heater, it allows for a better inclination of the heating element after installation, reducing the volume of water that is difficult to heat in the inner tank and promoting water flow in the inner tank to ensure uniform heating. Furthermore, the anode rod, heating element, and temperature measuring tube are all angled in the same direction to avoid mutual interference. The bent heating element meets the power requirements, and the anode rod is located within the space enclosed by the heating element, making the overall installation space more compact, optimizing the heating of the heating element, improving the uniformity of hot water in the inner tank, and increasing the hot water output rate of the water heater.

[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flange for an electric water heater, characterized in that: The part used for mounting the anode rod protrudes to one side to form a first protrusion with an inclined surface, and the first protrusion is provided with an anode rod mounting hole.

2. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclined surface of the first boss protrudes from the outer periphery of the first boss and the flange portion connected to the first boss, or the inclined surface of the first boss gradually protrudes from the outer periphery of the first boss and the flange portion connected to the first boss.

3. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The portion outside the first boss is provided with mounting holes for other components. These mounting holes are angled holes, and the inclination direction of the mounting holes for other components is consistent with or similar to the axial direction of the mounting holes for the anode rod.

4. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flange is provided with a parallel protruding second boss, and the first boss and other components are mounted on the second boss. The first boss and the second boss protrude to the same side of the flange or to the front and back sides of the flange respectively.

5. An electric water heater, characterized in that: It includes an inner liner and a flange as described in any one of claims 1-4, the flange being installed at one axial end of the inner liner, the anode rod being installed in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and located on the convex side or concave side of the first boss, and inclined in the inner liner.

6. The electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a heating element, which is mounted on the flange through other component mounting holes and extends obliquely from the mounting holes before extending axially. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange at one end of the inner tank of the electric water heater.

7. The electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: The oblique extension of the heating tube is parallel or nearly parallel to the anode rod.

8. The electric water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature measuring tube, which is installed in the mounting hole of other components. The temperature measuring tube is installed at an angle and is parallel or nearly parallel to the oblique extension of the heating tube.

9. An electric water heater, characterized in that: The water heater is a vertical type, comprising an inner tank and a flange as described in any one of claims 1-4. The flange is installed in the middle of the lower end of the inner tank. The anode rod is installed in the inner tank in the anode rod mounting hole of the first boss and is located on the convex side or concave side of the first boss, and is inclined upward and to one side from the middle of the inner tank.

10. The electric water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a heating element, which is installed in the mounting holes of other components on the flange and slopes upwards and to one side from the middle of the inner liner. The heating element comprises multiple parallel straight pipes and multiple bends that connect adjacent straight pipes end to end. The first and last heating pipes serve as connecting pipes to the flange, with their ends in the same direction connected to two other component mounting holes of the flange. The multiple straight pipes enclose a space in which the anode rod is located. The axial angle β between the heating element and the inner liner is in the range of 0° < β ≤ 50°, with a preferred angle of 20°.

Images