Water heater

Abstract

The application provides a water heater, which comprises an inner container, the inner container comprising a container body and a ring-shaped pressing edge, the ring-shaped pressing edge being protruded on the outside of the container body and forming a ring to define a container opening; and a flange structure, the flange structure being arranged around the side of the ring-shaped pressing edge away from the container opening, and the flange structure being non-detachably connected to at least one of the container body and the ring-shaped pressing edge to form an integral body with the inner container. In the water heater provided by the application, the flange structure is non-detachably connected to the inner container, so that the flange structure forms an integral body with the inner container, which can avoid the loosening of the flange structure, thereby ensuring the stable structural strength of the container opening of the water heater and improving the sealing effect of the container opening, and further improving the safety of the water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electric water heater technology, and specifically relates to a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Storage-type electric water heaters are now standard equipment in countless households. Typically, these water heaters have a flange structure at the inlet of the inner tank. This flange structure not only secures and supports the heating element but also, through a sealing gasket, effectively prevents leaks and ensures electrical safety. Simultaneously, the flange structure significantly enhances the pressure-bearing capacity of the inlet area, ensuring long-term stable operation of the water heater. However, for ease of replacement and maintenance, the flange structure is usually detachable, meaning it is removably connected to the inner tank. After prolonged use, due to factors such as temperature changes and vibration, the flange structure may loosen, potentially leading to safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a water heater, the water heater comprising: The inner liner includes a liner body and an annular pressing edge, the annular pressing edge protruding from the outer side of the liner body, and the annular pressing edge being ring-shaped to define the liner outlet; and A flange structure is provided around the annular pressure edge on the side opposite to the liner opening, and the flange structure is non-detachably connected to at least one of the liner body and the annular pressure edge to form an integral part with the inner liner.

[0004] In one embodiment, the flange structure includes a flange member and a reinforcing member, both of which are annular in shape. The reinforcing member covers the outer surface of the flange member and is non-detachably connected to the flange member.

[0005] In one embodiment, the flange includes a support body, an inlet connector, and an outlet connector, wherein both the inlet connector and the outlet connector protrude from the support body. The inner tank also includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, both of which protrude from the outside of the tank body and are connected to the tank body; The water inlet pipe is inserted into the water inlet connector, and the water outlet pipe is inserted into the water outlet connector.

[0006] In one embodiment, the flange includes a support body and a plurality of threaded components, which are disposed on the support body and arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the support body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the support body has a cavity, the threaded member includes a connected head and a rod, the rod is threaded and passes through the support body and the reinforcement, and the head is located in and confined within the cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water heater further includes a heating assembly, which includes a mounting plate and a heating element. The mounting plate is disposed inside the tank opening, and the heating element is disposed on the mounting plate and extends from the tank opening into the inner tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, the water heater further includes a seal disposed between the annular pressure edge and the mounting plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water heater further includes a pressure plate, which is disposed opposite to and connected to the flange structure, and the outer periphery of the mounting plate is located between the pressure plate and the annular pressure edge. In one embodiment, the water heater further includes a wrapping layer wrapped around the outside of the inner tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wrapping layer is wrapped around the outer periphery of the flange structure.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In the water heater provided in this application, the flange structure and the inner tank are non-detachably connected, making the flange structure and the inner tank an integral unit. This avoids the flange structure from becoming loose, thereby ensuring that the tank opening of the water heater has stable structural strength and improving the sealing effect at the tank opening, thus enhancing the safety of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows an exploded view of the water heater after the hidden packaging layer.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the inner tank of a water heater.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the flange structure in the water heater is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a flange component in the flange structure.

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The flange shown is a cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The water heater shown is a cross-sectional view after the concealed packaging layer.

[0021] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial view of area B in the water heater shown.

[0022] Explanation of key figure labels: Water heater 100; Inner tank 11; Tank body 111; Annular pressing edge 112; Tank opening X1; Inlet pipe body 113; Outlet pipe body 114; Flange structure 12; Flange part 121; Bracket body 1211; Cavity X2; Inlet connector 1212; Outlet connector 1213; Threaded part 1214; Head 1214a; Rod part 1214b; Reinforcing part 122; Heating assembly 13; Mounting plate 131; Heating tube 132; Sealing part 14; Pressure plate 15; Wrapping layer 16. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0025] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" 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, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a water heater 100 for heating cold water to a set temperature to provide users with a continuous and stable supply of hot water. This water heater 100 can also be referred to as an electric water heater 100.

[0029] The water heater 100 includes an inner tank 11 and a flange structure 12. The inner tank 11 is a container for storing water. The inner tank 11 includes a tank body 111 and an annular pressing edge 112. The annular pressing edge 112 protrudes from the outer side of the tank body 111 and is annular in shape to define a tank opening X1. The flange structure 12 is arranged around the annular pressing edge 112 on the side opposite to the tank opening X1. The flange structure 12 is non-detachably connected to at least one of the tank body 111 and the annular pressing edge 112, forming an integral part with the inner tank 11.

[0030] The inner liner 11 can be made of metal (such as stainless steel) or non-metallic materials (such as PB, PE, PPR, PP). When the inner liner 11 is made of plastic, it can be manufactured using a one-piece blow molding process. This process can reduce potential leakage points, improve airtightness and watertightness, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0031] Flange structure 12, also known as flange assembly, serves to assist in the installation of other components. Flange structure 12 and inner liner 11 can be, but are not limited to, formed into a non-removable integral structure by blow molding, hot melt, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or other methods.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flange structure 12 forms a non-detachable connection with the bladder body 111.

[0033] In another embodiment, the flange structure 12 and the annular pressure edge 112 form a non-detachable connection.

[0034] In another embodiment, the flange structure 12 is non-detachably connected to the inner body 111, and the flange structure 12 is non-detachably connected to the annular pressure edge 112.

[0035] It is understandable that the flange structure 12 and the inner tank 11 are non-detachable, making the flange structure 12 and the inner tank 11 an integral unit. This avoids the flange structure 12 from becoming loose, thereby ensuring that the tank opening X1 of the water heater 100 has stable structural strength and improving the sealing effect at the tank opening X1, thus improving the safety of the water heater 100.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the flange structure 12 includes a flange member 121 and a reinforcing member 122, both of which are annular. The reinforcing member 122 covers the outer surface of the flange member 121, and the reinforcing member 122 is non-detachably connected to the flange member 121.

[0037] The phrase "the reinforcing member 122 covers the outer surface of the flange member 121" means that "the flange member 121 is connected to the inner tank 11, and at least part of the reinforcing member 122 covers the surface of the flange member 121 facing away from the inner tank 11." It can be understood that covering the outer surface of the flange member 121 with the reinforcing member 122 effectively increases the strength of the flange member 121. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 122 is non-detachably connected to the flange member 121, preventing it from loosening. This ensures good overall consistency of the flange structure 12, resulting in higher structural strength. This, in turn, helps ensure stable structural strength and a better sealing effect at the inlet X1 of the water heater 100.

[0038] Flange 121 and reinforcement 122 may, but are not limited to, be formed into an integral, non-removable structure by blow molding, hot melting, laser welding, ultrasonic welding or other means.

[0039] In one embodiment, the flange 121 forms a non-detachable connection with the inner liner 11.

[0040] In another embodiment, the reinforcing member 122 is connected to the inner liner 11 in a non-detachable manner.

[0041] In another embodiment, the flange 121 is non-detachably connected to the inner liner 11, and the reinforcing member 122 is non-detachably connected to the inner liner 11.

[0042] During the manufacturing process, flange 121 and reinforcing member 122 can be prepared separately first, and then flange 121 and reinforcing member 122 can be connected together (for example, by laser or ultrasonic welding) to form flange structure 12. Finally, flange structure 12 can be connected to inner liner 11 (for example, by laser or ultrasonic welding).

[0043] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the flange 121 includes a support body 1211, an inlet connector 1212, and an outlet connector 1213, both of which protrude from the support body 1211. Both the inlet connector 1212 and the outlet connector 1213 are hollow structures. The inner liner 11 also includes an inlet pipe 113 and an outlet pipe 114, both of which protrude from the outer side of the liner 111 and communicate with it. The inlet pipe 113 is inserted into the inlet connector 1212, and the outlet pipe 114 is inserted into the outlet connector 1213.

[0044] The support body 1211 can be made of metal or plastic. Similarly, the water inlet connector 1212 and the water outlet connector 1213 can be made of plastic or metal. The water inlet connector 1212 and the water outlet connector 1213 can be arranged symmetrically on the support body 1211.

[0045] The inlet connector 1212 is used to directly or indirectly connect to an external water inlet pipe, so that the inlet pipe body 113 is connected to the external water inlet pipe. The outlet connector 1213 is used to directly or indirectly connect to an external water outlet pipe, so that the outlet pipe body 114 is connected to the external water outlet pipe.

[0046] During use, cold water from the outside enters the inner tank 11 through the external water inlet pipe and the water inlet pipe body 113 in sequence. After being heated in the inner tank 11, it forms hot water, which is then discharged to the outside through the water outlet pipe body 114 and the external water outlet pipe in sequence.

[0047] In one embodiment, the water inlet connector 1212 is provided with an external thread, and the external water inlet pipe is provided with an internal thread. The water inlet connector 1212 and the external water inlet pipe are screwed together by the threads.

[0048] In one embodiment, the water outlet connector 1213 is provided with an external thread, and the external water outlet pipe is provided with an internal thread. The water outlet connector 1213 and the external water outlet are screwed together by the threads.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 5In one embodiment, the flange 121 includes a support body 1211 and a plurality of threaded members 1214. Each threaded member 1214 is a threaded connector used to establish a stable connection between other components and the flange structure 12. The plurality of threaded members 1214 are disposed on the support body 1211 and are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the support body 1211. That is, the plurality of threaded members 1214 are arranged to surround the flange opening X1. The number of threaded members 1214 may be, but is not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment, the threaded part 1214 is fixedly disposed on the bracket body 1211, that is, the threaded part 1214 cannot move relative to the bracket body 1211.

[0051] In another embodiment, the threaded part 1214 is movably disposed on the support body 1211, that is, the threaded part 1214 can move relative to the support body 1211.

[0052] It should be noted that the bracket body 1211 and the threaded part 1214 can be made of the same material or different materials, and no limitation is made here.

[0053] Please refer to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the support body 1211 has a cavity X2, and the threaded component 1214 includes a connected head 1214a and a rod 1214b. The rod 1214b is threaded and passes through the support body 1211 and the reinforcing member 122. The head 1214a is located in and confined within the cavity X2. That is, the support body 1211 and the reinforcing member 122 have through holes, the rod 1214b passes through the through holes, and the diameter of the through holes is smaller than the size of the head 1214a, thereby confining the head 1214a within the cavity X2. In this embodiment, the threaded component 1214 can be a standard bolt. Furthermore, the support body 1211 can be made of plastic, and the flange 121 can be manufactured using blow molding.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7In one embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a heating assembly 13, which includes a mounting plate 131 and a heating element 132. The mounting plate 131 is disposed within the inlet X1. The outer diameter of the mounting plate 131 is larger than the diameter of the inlet X1, thus preventing the mounting plate 131 from falling into the inner tank 11 from the inlet X1. The heating element 132 is disposed on the mounting plate 131 and extends from the inlet X1 into the inner tank 11. The heating element 132, also referred to as a heating tube, is used to provide heat to heat cold water into hot water. The number of heating elements 132 can be one, two, three, etc.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heating assembly 13 may further include a temperature sensing tube, which is disposed on the mounting plate 131 and extends from the tank opening X1 into the inner tank 11. The temperature sensing tube is used to detect the water temperature.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a sealing element 14, which is annular and disposed between the annular pressing edge 112 and the mounting plate 131. This seals the gap between the annular pressing edge 112 and the mounting plate 131, preventing water leakage from the inner tank 11. The sealing element 14 may be elastic, allowing for better filling of gaps and improved sealing performance. The material of the sealing element 14 may be, but is not limited to, rubber.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 In one embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a pressure plate 15, which may be annular. The pressure plate 15 is disposed opposite to and connected to the flange structure 12, and the outer periphery of the mounting plate 131 is located between the pressure plate 15 and the annular pressure edge 112.

[0058] The pressure plate 15 can be stably connected to the flange structure 12 through the aforementioned threaded part 1214. The rod of the threaded part 1214 passes through the pressure plate 15, and a nut is screwed onto the rod on the side of the pressure plate 15 away from the inner liner 11, thus locking the pressure plate 15.

[0059] Understandably, since the outer periphery of the mounting plate 131 is between the pressure plate 15 and the annular pressure edge 112, the pressure plate 15 and the annular pressure edge 112 will jointly squeeze the seal 14, thereby enabling the seal 14 to fill the gap better and ensure a good sealing effect.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 1In one embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a wrapping layer 16, which is wound around the outside of the inner tank 11. Wrapping the inner tank 11 with the wrapping layer 16 effectively increases the structural strength of the inner tank 11, giving it greater resistance to deformation. The wrapping layer 16 can be, but is not limited to, glass fiber, which may be impregnated with epoxy resin. For a water heater 100 with a wrapping layer 16, the inner tank 11 can be made of plastic (e.g., PB material). Plastic inner tanks have advantages such as light weight and low cost. The wrapping layer 16 can prevent the plastic inner tank 11 from experiencing a significant decrease in mechanical properties and failing to meet strength requirements after being exposed to high temperatures.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wrapping layer 16 is wrapped around the outer periphery of the flange structure 12. This arrangement further prevents the flange structure 12 from loosening, thereby ensuring stable structural strength at the inlet X1 of the water heater 100 and improving the sealing effect at the inlet X1.

[0062] The technical means disclosed in this application are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized by, The water heater (100) includes: The inner liner (11) includes a liner body (111) and an annular pressing edge (112), the annular pressing edge (112) protruding from the outside of the liner body (111), and the annular pressing edge is ring-shaped to define the liner opening (X1); and A flange structure (12) is arranged around the annular pressure edge (112) on the side opposite to the bladder opening (X1), and the flange structure (12) is non-detachably connected to at least one of the bladder body (111) and the annular pressure edge (112) to form an integral part with the inner bladder (11).

2. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flange structure (12) includes a flange (121) and a reinforcing member (122) that are both annular. The reinforcing member (122) covers the outer surface of the flange (121) and the reinforcing member (122) is non-detachably connected to the flange (121).

3. The water heater of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to: The flange (121) includes a support body (1211), a water inlet connector (1212), and a water outlet connector (1213), wherein the water inlet connector (1212) and the water outlet connector (1213) are both protruding from the support body (1211); The inner liner (11) also includes an inlet pipe (113) and an outlet pipe (114), both of which protrude from the outside of the liner (111) and are connected to the liner (111). The water inlet pipe (113) is inserted into the water inlet connector (1212), and the water outlet pipe (114) is inserted into the water outlet connector (1213).

4. The water heater of claim 2, wherein the heater is a gas burner. The flange (121) includes a support body (1211) and a plurality of threaded parts (1214), which are disposed on the support body (1211) and are arranged at intervals along the annular direction of the support body (1211).

5. The water heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The support body (1211) has a cavity (X2), and the threaded member (1214) includes a connected head (1214a) and a rod (1214b), the rod (1214b) being threaded and passing through the support body (1211) and the reinforcing member (122), and the head (1214a) being located in and confined within the cavity (X2).

6. The water heater of claim 1, wherein The water heater (100) also includes a heating assembly (13), which includes a mounting plate (131) and a heating tube (132). The mounting plate (131) is disposed inside the inlet (X1), and the heating tube (132) is disposed on the mounting plate (131) and extends from the inlet (X1) into the inner tank (11).

7. The water heater of claim 6, wherein the heater is a gas burner. The water heater (100) also includes a seal (14) disposed between the annular pressure edge (112) and the mounting plate (131).

8. The water heater as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water heater (100) also includes a pressure plate (15), which is disposed opposite to and connected to the flange structure (12), and the outer periphery of the mounting plate (131) is located between the pressure plate (15) and the annular pressure edge (112).

9. The water heater of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heater is a gas heater. The water heater (100) also includes a wrapping layer (16) wrapped around the outside of the inner tank (11).

10. The water heater of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to: At least part of the wrapping layer (16) is wrapped around the outer periphery of the flange structure (12).

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