Water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a water heater, comprising a shell, a heating assembly, a mixed energy management device and a multiple safety protection device; the shell comprises a cover with a control panel and a bottom shell; the heating assembly is arranged in the shell and connected with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe; the mixed energy management device is used for providing intelligent power supply and energy distribution for the water heater, and comprises a switching controller, a mains power supply loop and an energy storage module; the multiple safety protection device comprises an intelligent monitoring module and a safety response module. A microprocessor of the intelligent monitoring module is connected with a temperature sensor, a smoke detector and a current detector, and is used for monitoring the state of the water heater in real time; a circuit breaker and an integrated fire sprinkler of the safety response module are connected with the microprocessor, and can quickly cut off the power supply and start directional fire extinguishing when danger occurs. The application significantly improves the product safety and heating efficiency through the highly integrated intelligent monitoring module, the fast response safety response module and the efficient energy management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Existing water heaters have shortcomings in terms of safety and energy efficiency. Specifically, in terms of safety, they rely only on basic protection devices and lack active monitoring and suppression mechanisms for risks such as internal fires and thermal runaway. In terms of energy efficiency, poor heating element structure and insulation design lead to large heat loss, and the energy management is too simple to adapt to diverse scenarios such as peak and off-peak electricity use or emergency power supply, making it difficult to meet the ever-increasing demands for safety and intelligence. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a water heater that solves the problems of traditional water heaters lacking effective fire protection measures and having low energy efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A water heater, comprising: The housing includes a bottom shell and a cover detachably connected to the bottom shell, the cover being provided with a control panel; A heating assembly, disposed within the housing, includes a hot water chamber and a heating element for heating the hot water chamber, wherein the top of the hot water chamber is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; A hybrid energy management device includes a switching controller, a mains power supply circuit and an energy storage module that are electrically connected to the switching controller, and the heating component is electrically connected to the mains power supply circuit and the energy storage module through the switching controller; The system includes multiple safety protection devices, including an intelligent monitoring module and a safety response module electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module; the intelligent monitoring module includes a microprocessor, and a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, and a current detector respectively connected to the microprocessor; the safety response module includes a circuit breaker and an integrated fire sprinkler head, the integrated fire sprinkler head including a sprinkler head body and a fire inlet pipe connected to the sprinkler head body, the fire inlet pipe being provided with a fire inlet and a normally closed solenoid valve connected to the microprocessor. The energy storage module is fixed to the bottom shell by a support component, and a mounting plate and mounting bracket are provided on its outer side; the heating component is detachably mounted to the mounting plate by a fixing bracket, and the multiple safety protection devices are detachably fixed to the mounting bracket. Furthermore, the energy storage module includes a battery pack and a charge / discharge management circuit electrically connected to the battery pack, wherein the charge / discharge management circuit integrates a bidirectional DC / AC converter.

[0005] Furthermore, the switching controller and the charge / discharge management circuit are centrally located on the outside of the battery pack; the switching controller is used to control the power supply switching between the mains power supply circuit and the energy storage module according to load demand and grid status; the mains power supply circuit can also charge the battery pack through the charge / discharge management circuit.

[0006] Furthermore, there are multiple temperature sensors, which are respectively disposed on the surface of the water inlet, water outlet, heating element, and battery pack.

[0007] Furthermore, the inner layer of the hot water cavity is a stainless steel layer, and the outer layer is covered with a heat insulation layer.

[0008] Furthermore, a pressure sensor for monitoring the internal water pressure is also installed inside the hot water chamber, and the pressure sensor is connected to the microprocessor of the intelligent monitoring module.

[0009] Furthermore, the heating element is a metal tubular heating element, which is coiled and its coiling axis is coaxial with the central axis of the hot water cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the nozzle body has a multi-stage turbulent flow channel inside, and the end of the nozzle body has a swirling atomizing nozzle.

[0011] Furthermore, the spray direction of the integrated fire sprinkler head is set towards the energy storage module.

[0012] Furthermore, the support assembly includes a buffer support pad and fasteners. The buffer support pad is disposed between the energy storage module and the bottom shell, and the fasteners fix the energy storage module to the buffer support pad.

[0013] The water heater provided by this utility model achieves multiple safety protections by integrating an intelligent monitoring module and a safety response module. Specifically, the intelligent monitoring module, composed of a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, and a current detector, can sense the operating status of the water heater in real time. Once an abnormality is detected, the linked safety response module can quickly cut off the power supply and activate the integrated fire sprinkler head. Through precise and targeted fire extinguishing, it effectively prevents safety hazards such as dry burning and localized overheating of the water heater, significantly improving product safety. In terms of energy efficiency, this utility model effectively reduces heat loss and improves heating efficiency by optimizing the structure of the heating element and the insulation layer. At the same time, whether using mains power or battery power, this utility model can guarantee a strong and stable rapid heating effect, greatly shortening the user's waiting time. Combined with the real-time monitoring of the battery pack by multiple safety protection devices, it effectively prevents the risk of thermal runaway, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of use while ensuring safe and reliable use throughout. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance structure of the water heater provided by this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the water heater provided by this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the water heater provided by this utility model from another angle; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the hybrid energy management device and the multiple safety protection devices in the water heater provided by the utility model; The components are as follows: 11. Bottom shell; 12. Cover; 121. Control panel; 13. Foot pad; 14. Heating component; 15. Inlet pipe; 151. Inlet pipe clamp; 16. Outlet pipe; 161. Outlet pipe clamp; 17. Hybrid energy management device; 171. Switching controller; 172. Mains power supply circuit; 1721. AC power socket; 173. Energy storage module; 1731. Battery pack; 1732. Charge and discharge management circuit; 18. Intelligent monitoring module; 181. Microprocessor; 182. Temperature sensor; 183. Smoke detector; 184. Current detector; 19. Safety response module; 191. Circuit breaker; 192. Integrated fire sprinkler head; 1921. Sprinkler head body; 20. Fire inlet pipe; 201. Fire inlet pipe clamp; 21. Mounting plate; 22. Mounting bracket; 23. Fixing bracket; 24. Buffer support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0017] See Figures 1 to 3This embodiment provides a water heater, including an outer shell consisting of a bottom shell 11 and a cover 12 detachably connected to the bottom shell 11. The cover 12 is provided with a control panel 121, and the bottom shell 11 is provided with foot pads 13 at each of the four corners of the bottom. A heating component 14 is disposed inside the outer shell. The heating component 14 includes a hot water chamber and a heating element for heating the hot water chamber. The top of the hot water chamber is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to an inlet pipe 15, and the outlet is connected to an outlet pipe 16. The inlet pipe 15 and the outlet pipe 16 are detachably and fixedly connected to the cover 12 by an inlet pipe clamp 151 and an outlet pipe clamp 161, respectively.

[0018] See Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, a hybrid energy management device 17 for supplying power to the heating assembly 14 and managing energy distribution includes a switching controller 171, a mains power supply circuit 172 and an energy storage module 173, both electrically connected to the switching controller 171. The mains power supply circuit 172 is connected to AC power via an AC power socket 1721. The energy storage module 173 includes a battery pack 1731 and a charge / discharge management circuit 1732 electrically connected to the battery pack 1731. The heating assembly 14 is electrically connected to the mains power supply circuit 172 and the energy storage module 173 via the switching controller 171. The control panel 121 is electrically connected to the switching controller 171 and is used to control the water heater's on / off state and temperature settings. It is understood that the battery pack in this application can be a lithium battery pack or a lithium iron phosphate battery pack.

[0019] See Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment of this utility model, the switching controller 171 and the charge / discharge management circuit 1732 are centrally located on the outside of the battery pack 1731. The switching controller 171 controls the power supply switching between the mains power supply circuit 172 and the energy storage module 173 according to load demand and grid conditions. The mains power supply circuit 172 can also charge the battery pack 1731 through the charge / discharge management circuit 1732. This layout makes production, debugging, and subsequent maintenance very convenient. If a fault occurs, the integrated module can be directly tested or replaced, significantly reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0020] In one embodiment of this utility model, the energy storage module 173 includes a battery pack 1731 and a charge / discharge management circuit 1732 electrically connected to the battery pack 1731. The charge / discharge management circuit 1732 integrates a bidirectional DC / AC converter. This structure enables bidirectional conversion of electrical energy between direct current and alternating current, allowing the water heater to be used for charging and discharging, achieving economic energy saving, and even providing emergency power during power outages.

[0021] See Figures 1 to 4The water heater also includes multiple safety protection devices, including an intelligent monitoring module 18 and a safety response module 19 electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module 18. The intelligent monitoring module 18 includes a microprocessor 181, and a temperature sensor 182, a smoke detector 183, and a current detector 184, which are respectively signal-connected to the microprocessor 181. The safety response module 19 includes a circuit breaker 191 and an integrated fire sprinkler head 192. The integrated fire sprinkler head 192 includes a sprinkler body 1921 and a fire inlet pipe 20 connected to the sprinkler body 1921. The fire inlet pipe 20 is provided with a fire inlet and a normally closed solenoid valve, which is signal-connected to the microprocessor 181. The energy storage module 173 is fixed to the bottom shell 11 by a support assembly. An installation plate 21 and a mounting bracket 22 are provided on the outside of the energy storage module 173. The heating component 14 is detachably installed on the installation plate 21 by a fixing bracket 23, and the multiple safety protection devices are detachably fixed on the mounting bracket 22.

[0022] Specifically, when the water heater is running, cold water flows into the hot water chamber of the heating element 14 through the inlet pipe 15. The user, by operating the control panel 121 on the casing 12, such as pressing the hot water button, issues a command. The switching controller then controls the energy storage module to rapidly discharge at a rate of 5C (5 times the battery's rated capacity) or the mains power supply circuit to power the heating element, causing it to heat up quickly, thus heating the water in the hot water chamber. During the heating process, a temperature sensor continuously monitors the operating status and feeds the data back to the control module. When the water temperature reaches the set value (e.g., 50℃), the switching controller commands the battery pack 1731 to stop discharging, the heating element stops working, and hot water is output to the user through the outlet pipe 16.

[0023] When the temperature sensor 182 in the water heater's intelligent monitoring module 18 detects an abnormal temperature, the smoke detector 183 inside the casing detects an abnormal smoke, or the current detector 184 on the line detects an arc fault, and the values ​​exceed the preset threshold of the microprocessor 181, the threshold is set based on the normal operating temperature range of the heating element and battery and the fire risk. For example, if the temperature threshold is set to 150°C, the multiple safety protection devices will activate the safety protection process: Upon receiving an abnormal signal, the microprocessor 181 immediately compares it with a preset threshold. Once it is confirmed that the safety limit has been exceeded, the microprocessor 181 will simultaneously execute multiple protection actions: first, it sends a command to the switching controller 171 to stop the discharge and triggers a short-circuit protection mechanism to cut off the main power supply; at the same time, it controls the normally closed fire solenoid valve to open, allowing external fire water to flow through the fire inlet pipe and finally spray out from the atomizing nozzle of the sprinkler head, thereby achieving directional explosion suppression, cooling and fire extinguishing functions.

[0024] In one embodiment of this invention, multiple temperature sensors 182 are respectively disposed at the water inlet, water outlet, heating element surface, and battery pack surface. These temperature sensors can monitor the temperature changes of water at different locations in real time and comprehensively, as well as the temperature of the heating element and battery pack. Specifically, the temperature sensor on the heating element surface directly monitors the temperature of the heating element itself, preventing dry burning and localized overheating; the temperature sensor on the battery pack surface monitors the thermal state of the energy storage module in real time, preventing battery thermal runaway; the water outlet temperature sensor monitors the final output water temperature, serving as a final guarantee against scalding users due to excessively high water temperatures. By comparing the temperature difference between the water inlet and outlet, the microprocessor of the multiple safety protection devices can accurately calculate the actual thermal efficiency of the heating component and determine whether the water flow is normal. Combined with the heating element surface temperature, the heating power can be optimized to avoid overheating or insufficient heat, achieving energy-saving operation. Through mutual verification of multi-point temperature data collected by multiple temperature sensors, the malfunction or failure of the multiple safety protection devices due to the failure of a single temperature sensor can be effectively avoided. For example, if only the water outlet temperature is abnormal while the heating element temperature is normal, it may only be a sensor malfunction rather than actual overheating. By analyzing the trends and correlations of temperature changes at different points, early fault diagnosis can be performed, enabling predictive maintenance.

[0025] In one embodiment of this utility model, the heating element is a metal tubular heating element, which is coiled and its coiling axis is coaxial with the central axis of the hot water chamber. The coaxial coiled layout can achieve uniform and efficient heat exchange, so that the heat generated by the heating element can be uniformly and quickly transferred to the water, thereby significantly improving the heating efficiency.

[0026] In one embodiment of this utility model, the inner layer of the hot water chamber is a stainless steel layer, and its outer layer is covered with a heat insulation layer. The stainless steel inner layer ensures durability and hygiene in long-term contact with water, while the outer heat insulation layer minimizes heat loss, thereby further improving heating efficiency.

[0027] In one embodiment of this utility model, pressure sensors for monitoring the internal water pressure are also provided in the inlet pipe 15 and outlet pipe 16 inside the hot water chamber. When the pressure sensor detects no water pressure or abnormal water pressure, it can link the microprocessor to control the circuit breaker to cut off the heating, effectively avoiding dry burning accidents and protecting the equipment.

[0028] In one embodiment of this invention, the nozzle body is provided with a high-temperature resistant plastic outer layer, and its interior has a multi-stage turbulent flow channel. The end of the nozzle body is provided with a swirling atomizing nozzle. The high-temperature resistant outer layer ensures the survivability of the nozzle in a fire, while the unique internal flow channel and nozzle design converts water into droplets with the largest heat absorption area, thereby achieving the best effect of rapid cooling and suffocation of flames with the least amount of water.

[0029] In one embodiment of this invention, to further ensure that the installation angle and position of the fire sprinkler head can achieve the maximum fire extinguishing coverage area and improve fire extinguishing efficiency, the spray direction of the integrated fire sprinkler head is set towards the battery pack. It is understood that, to further improve fire extinguishing efficiency, multiple integrated fire sprinklers can be installed around the battery pack.

[0030] In one embodiment of this utility model, to improve the reliability and safety of the water heater, the support assembly between the battery pack 1731 and the bottom shell 11 includes a buffer support plate 24 and fasteners. The fasteners fix the battery pack 1731 to the buffer support plate 24, which can be used to absorb vibration energy and achieve electrical isolation. It is understood that the fasteners can be at least one of bolts, studs, screws, nuts, washers, and pins.

[0031] In summary, the water heater provided in this application achieves multiple safety protections by integrating an intelligent monitoring module and a safety response module. Specifically, the intelligent monitoring module, composed of a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, and a current detector, can sense the operating status of the water heater in real time. Once an abnormality is detected, the linked safety response module can quickly cut off the power supply and activate the integrated fire sprinkler head. Through precise and targeted fire extinguishing, it effectively prevents safety hazards such as dry burning and localized overheating of the water heater, significantly improving product safety. In terms of energy efficiency, this utility model effectively reduces heat loss and improves thermal efficiency by optimizing the structure of the heating element and the insulation layer. At the same time, whether using mains power or battery power, this utility model can guarantee a strong and stable rapid heating effect, greatly shortening the user's waiting time. Combined with the real-time monitoring of the battery pack by multiple safety protection devices, it effectively prevents the risk of thermal runaway, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of use while ensuring safe and reliable operation throughout the entire process.

[0032] The above are merely optional embodiments of this utility model and do not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent component transformations made based on the contents of this utility model specification and drawings under the utility model concept, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a bottom shell and a cover detachably connected to the bottom shell, the cover being provided with a control panel; A heating assembly, disposed within the housing, includes a hot water chamber and a heating element for heating the hot water chamber, wherein the top of the hot water chamber is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; A hybrid energy management device includes a switching controller, a mains power supply circuit and an energy storage module that are electrically connected to the switching controller, and the heating component is electrically connected to the mains power supply circuit and the energy storage module through the switching controller; The system includes multiple safety protection devices, including an intelligent monitoring module and a safety response module electrically connected to the intelligent monitoring module; the intelligent monitoring module includes a microprocessor, and a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, and a current detector respectively connected to the microprocessor; the safety response module includes a circuit breaker and an integrated fire sprinkler head, the integrated fire sprinkler head including a sprinkler head body and a fire inlet pipe connected to the sprinkler head body, the fire inlet pipe being provided with a fire inlet and a normally closed solenoid valve connected to the microprocessor. The energy storage module is fixed to the bottom shell by a support component, and a mounting plate and mounting bracket are provided on its outer side; the heating component is detachably mounted to the mounting plate by a fixing bracket, and the multiple safety protection devices are detachably fixed to the mounting bracket.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage module includes a battery pack and a charge / discharge management circuit electrically connected to the battery pack, wherein the charge / discharge management circuit integrates a bidirectional DC / AC converter.

3. The water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching controller and the charge / discharge management circuit are centrally located on the outside of the battery pack. The switching controller is used to control the power supply switching between the mains power supply circuit and the energy storage module according to load demand and grid status. The mains power supply circuit can also charge the battery pack through the charge / discharge management circuit.

4. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature sensors are multiple and are respectively installed on the surface of the water inlet, water outlet, heating element, and battery pack.

5. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner layer of the hot water chamber is made of stainless steel, and the outer layer is covered with a heat insulation layer.

6. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water chamber is also equipped with a pressure sensor for monitoring the internal water pressure, and the pressure sensor is connected to the microprocessor of the intelligent monitoring module.

7. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is a metal tubular heating element, which is coiled and its coiling axis is coaxial with the central axis of the hot water cavity.

8. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle body has a multi-stage turbulent flow channel inside, and the end of the nozzle body has a swirling atomizing nozzle.

9. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated fire sprinkler head is oriented towards the energy storage module.

10. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly includes a buffer support pad and fasteners. The buffer support pad is disposed between the energy storage module and the bottom shell, and the fasteners fix the energy storage module to the buffer support pad.

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