expansion tank

Abstract

The application relates to an inflation tank, which comprises a tank body, a cover piece, a capsule body and fasteners. The tank body is internally provided with a cavity, and the bottom of the tank body is provided with an open mouth communicating with the cavity. The periphery of the open mouth extends outward to form an annular flange. The cover piece comprises a cover part covering the open mouth and a connecting body below the annular flange. The periphery of the cover part is connected with the connecting body. A through hole is formed in the connecting body along the thickness direction of the connecting body. A channel for fluid inlet and outlet is formed in the cover part. The capsule body is arranged in the cavity. The capsule body is internally provided with a containing cavity. The bottom of the capsule body is provided with a communicating port communicating the containing cavity and the channel. The periphery of the communicating port extends outward to form a ring-shaped connecting part. At least part of the connecting part is located between the annular flange and the connecting body. The surface of the connecting part is provided with a protruding part. Part of the fasteners is arranged in the through hole to make the annular flange abuttingly fit with the connecting body, so that the sealing property of the inflation tank is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application specifically relates to an expansion tank. Background Technology

[0002] An expansion tank is an industrial device that regulates pressure through a pressure balance mechanism between compressed gas and fluid media within the tank. Its core structure includes a tank body, a bladder, and inlets / outlets. The working process is as follows: When fluid media leaks from the system, causing a pressure drop, the original pressure inside the bladder is greater than the current system pressure. Under the pressure differential, the fluid media inside the bladder is squeezed out and replenishes the system. When pressurized fluid media enters the system, the system pressure rises. At this point, the current system pressure is greater than the pressure inside the bladder. Under the pressure differential, the fluid media is refilled into the bladder, compressed, and stored until pressure balance is achieved. This equipment is widely used in HVAC, solar thermal systems, fire-fighting water supply, and other applications.

[0003] Most existing expansion tank bladder connections employ a planar compression structure, where the flange and the lower tank body of the expansion tank are pressed together by axial bolt pressure against the planar annular sealing surface of the bladder connection. However, because the planar annular sealing surface of the connection is a flat annular plane, when it is compressed by the flange and the lower tank body, it forms a surface contact seal with both the lower tank body and the flange. This surface contact seal disperses the applied axial compression force across the entire annular contact surface, resulting in a smaller compression force per unit area of ​​the connection. Consequently, the pressure that the bladder can withstand is lower, meaning the sealing performance is worse, making the expansion tank prone to leakage. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an expansion tank that can improve sealing performance.

[0005] An expansion tank, comprising:

[0006] The tank has an internal cavity and an opening at the bottom, with an annular convex edge extending radially outward from the periphery of the opening.

[0007] The cover includes a cover portion that covers the opening and a connector that is connected to the annular protrusion. The outer periphery of the cover portion is connected to the connector. The connector has a through hole along its thickness direction. The cover portion has a channel for fluid to enter and exit.

[0008] The capsule is made of a flexible material and is disposed within the cavity. The capsule has a cavity, and the bottom of the capsule has a connecting port that connects the cavity and the channel. The periphery of the connecting port extends radially outward to form an annular connecting portion. At least a portion of the connecting portion is located between the annular protrusion and the connecting body, and the surface of the connecting portion has a protrusion.

[0009] Fasteners, some of which are inserted into the through hole, so that the annular protrusion abuts against the connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the connector is provided with the protrusion facing away from the connector body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting portion includes a first portion located between the annular protrusion and the connecting body and a second portion located outside the first portion. The upper surfaces of both the first portion and the second portion are provided with the protrusion, and the fastener abuts against the protrusion located on the second portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the connector is provided with the protrusion facing away from the upper surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, along the thickness direction of the connection portion, the protrusions on the upper surface and the protrusions on the lower surface are aligned or misaligned.

[0014] In one embodiment, the protrusion is an annular flange extending circumferentially along the connecting portion, and the annular flange is concentrically disposed with the edge of the connecting portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the height of the protrusion is H, where H satisfies: 0.3mm ≤ H ≤ 1mm;

[0016] And / or, the height of the protrusion is H, and the width of the protrusion is W, where W satisfies: 3H ≤ W ≤ 6H.

[0017] In one embodiment, there are at least two annular flanges, and a plurality of annular flanges are arranged at intervals along the radial direction of the connection portion, and the plurality of annular flanges are arranged concentrically.

[0018] In one embodiment, the distance between adjacent protrusions is L, and the width of the protrusion is W, where L and W satisfy: L≥1 / 2W.

[0019] In one embodiment, the spacing gradually increases from the center of the connection to the edge.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the expansion tank provided in this application uses an abutment member to tightly engage the annular convex edge of the tank body with the connecting body of the cover member, thereby pressing the connecting part of the bladder between the annular convex edge and the connecting body, thus sealing the communication port of the expansion tank. This application also provides a raised portion on the surface of the connecting part of the bladder. When the annular convex edge and the connecting body are tightly engaged, the annular convex edge and the connecting body will naturally abut against the connecting part and the raised portion on its surface. Due to the raised portion, the annular convex edge and the connecting body can apply a larger clamping force to the raised portion, avoiding insufficient sealing pressure between the fastener and the connecting part, thereby improving the sealing performance of the expansion tank's bladder. Furthermore, during the operation of the expansion tank, internal fluid pressure fluctuations (such as thermal expansion and contraction) cause the bladder and sealing member to be repeatedly subjected to force. The raised portion not only provides mechanical restraint or anti-slip function, offering a more stable abutment point for the fastener, but also reduces local deformation of the connecting part at the fastening point, thereby ensuring the long-term stable transmission of the sealing pressure applied by the fastener to the connecting part, thus improving the sealing performance of the expansion tank's bladder. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology 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.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an expansion tank according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 In another embodiment, the expansion tank and Figure 2 Structural diagrams of the corresponding parts shown;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the capsule in one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 6 In another embodiment, the capsule and Figure 5 Structural diagrams of the corresponding parts shown;

[0028] Figure 7 In another embodiment, the capsule and Figure 5 Structural diagrams of the corresponding parts shown;

[0029] Figure 8 In another embodiment, the capsule and Figure 5 The corresponding structural diagrams are shown.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1. Expansion tank; 10. Tank body; 101. Cavity; 110. Annular protrusion; 20. Cover; 201. Through hole; 210. Cover part; 220. Connector; 230. Channel; 30. Bag body; 301. Receptacle; 302. Connecting port; 310. Connecting part; 311. First part; 312. Second part; 320. Protrusion; 40. Fastener; 410. Connecting rod; 420. Abutment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 8 This application provides an expansion tank 1, including a tank body 10, a cover 20, a bladder 30, and fasteners 40. The tank body 10 has an internal cavity 101, and the bottom of the tank body 10 has an opening communicating with the cavity 101. The periphery of the opening extends radially outward to form an annular protrusion 110. The cover 20 includes a cover portion 210 covering the opening and a connector 220 that engages with the annular protrusion 110. The outer periphery of the cover portion 210 is connected to the connector 220. The connector 220 has a through hole 201 extending along its thickness direction. The cover portion 210 has a formwork for fluid entry and exit. Channel 230; a soft material capsule 30 is disposed in cavity 101, the capsule 30 is provided with a cavity 301, and the bottom of the capsule 30 is provided with a connecting port 302 connecting the cavity 301 and channel 230. The periphery of the connecting port 302 extends radially outward to form an annular connecting portion 310; at least part of the connecting portion 310 is located between the annular protrusion 110 and the connector 220; a portion of the fastener 40 is inserted into the through hole 201 so that the annular protrusion 110 and the connector 220 are tightly fitted together.

[0037] It is understood that by using fasteners 40 to make the annular protrusion 110 of the tank body 10 abut against the connector 220 of the cover 20, the connecting part 310 of the bladder 30 is pressed between the annular protrusion 110 and the connector 220, thereby sealing the communication port 302 of the expansion tank 1 to prevent leakage of the cavity 101 and the fluid in the container.

[0038] Schematic, the annular protrusion 110 of the tank body 10 is provided with a blind hole corresponding to the through hole 201. In this way, some fasteners 40 are inserted into the through hole 201 and the blind hole so that the annular protrusion 110 and the connector 220 are tightly fitted together.

[0039] In other embodiments, the fastener 40 includes a connecting rod 410 passing through the through hole 201. The connecting rod 410 is located outside the connecting portion 310, and the connecting rod 410 is equipped with an abutment member 420 that abuts against the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220. It is understood that the abutment member 420 abuts against the connecting body 220 of the cover member 20, thereby pressing the connecting portion 310 of the bladder 30 between the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220, thus sealing the opening 302 of the expansion tank 1 to prevent leakage of fluid from the cavity 101 and the container. Schematic, each connecting rod 410 is provided with at least two abutment members 420, and these two abutment members 420 are respectively provided on the upper surface of the annular protrusion 110 and the lower surface of the connecting body 220, so that the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220 abut against each other.

[0040] In this embodiment, the surface of the connecting portion 310 is provided with a protrusion 320. Thus, when the fastener 40 abuts the annular protrusion 110 against the connecting body 220, since at least part of the connecting portion 310 is located between the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220, that is, the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220 can press the connecting portion 310 together. Furthermore, due to the provision of the protrusion 320, the pressing force that the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220 can apply to the protrusion 320 is increased, which avoids insufficient sealing pressure between the fastener 40 and the connecting portion 310, thereby improving the sealing performance of the bladder 30 of the expansion tank 1.

[0041] Specifically, in the phrase "the surface is provided with a protrusion 320", "surface" refers to the upper and / or lower surfaces of the connecting part 310, that is, the surface facing the annular protrusion 110 of the tank body 10 and / or the surface facing the connecting body 220 of the cover member 20.

[0042] Further, see Figure 3The upper surface of the connecting portion 310 has a protrusion 320 protruding towards the connecting body 220. Thus, when the fastener 40 tightens the annular protrusion 110 against the connecting body 220, the contact area between the fastener 40 and the protrusion 320 is smaller than the contact area between the fastener 40 and the connecting portion 310. This allows the fastener 40 to apply a larger clamping force to the protrusion 320, preventing insufficient sealing pressure between the fastener 40 and the connecting portion 310, thereby improving the sealing performance of the bladder 30 of the expansion tank 1. Furthermore, during the operation of the expansion tank 1, internal fluid pressure fluctuations (such as thermal expansion and contraction) cause repeated stress on the bladder 30 and the seal. The protrusion 320 not only provides mechanical restraint or anti-slip function, offering a more stable contact point for the fastener 40, but also reduces local deformation of the connecting portion 310 at the fastening point. This ensures the long-term stable transmission of the sealing pressure applied by the fastener 40 to the connecting portion 310, further improving the sealing performance of the bladder 30 of the expansion tank 1.

[0043] Further, see Figure 2 The connecting portion 310 includes a first portion 311 located between the annular protrusion 110 and the connecting body 220, and a second portion 312 located outside the first portion 311. Both the upper surfaces of the first portion 311 and the second portion 312 are provided with protrusions 320, and the fastener 40 abuts against the protrusions 320 on the second portion 312. In other words, the connecting portion 310 in this embodiment has at least two protrusions 320, and these protrusions 320 can all abut against the components above them (i.e., the annular protrusion 110 of the can 10 or the connecting body 220 of the fastener 40), thus improving the sealing performance of the protrusions 320 on the internal cavity 301 of the bladder 30.

[0044] Specifically, in an embodiment where at least two abutting members 420 are provided on the connecting rod 410, and these two abutting members 420 are respectively provided on the upper surface of the annular protrusion 110 and the lower surface of the connecting body 220, the protrusion 320 located on the second part 312 and the abutting member 420 located on the upper surface of the annular protrusion 110 abut each other.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lower surface of the connecting portion 310 is provided with a protrusion 320 facing away from the upper surface. It is understood that if fluid leaks from the cavity 301, the leak will inevitably begin at the connection between the lower surface of the connecting portion 310 and the connecting body 220. This embodiment also provides a protrusion 320 on the lower surface of the connecting portion 310, which further improves the sealing performance of the cavity 301 inside the bladder 30. Furthermore, during the operation of the expansion tank 1, the connecting portion 310 of the bladder 30 is repeatedly subjected to force and tension. The protrusion 320 on the lower surface of the connecting portion 310 can further serve as a mechanical limiter or anti-slip element, providing a more stable contact point for the fastener 40, and reducing local deformation of the connecting portion 310 at the fastening point, thus improving the service life of the bladder 30.

[0046] Further, see Figures 5 to 8 Along the thickness direction of the connecting portion 310, the protrusions 320 on the upper surface and the protrusions 320 on the lower surface are aligned. It can be understood that when the abutment member 420 and the cover member 20 work together to compress the connecting portion 310 of the bladder 30, the force points of the relatively aligned protrusions 320 on the upper surface and the protrusions 320 on the lower surface are on the same straight line in the thickness direction of the connecting portion 310. In this way, the pressing force at the force point can be increased, thereby improving the sealing performance of the connecting portion 310 on the bladder 30.

[0047] In one embodiment, the protrusion 320 is an annular flange extending circumferentially along the connecting portion 310, and the annular flange is concentrically disposed with the edge of the connecting portion 310. Schematic, the annular flange can be a circular ring, an elliptical ring, or other rings such as a wavy ring coiled around the connecting portion 310, and this application does not limit it in this way.

[0048] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 The height of the protrusion 320 is H, where H satisfies the condition: 0.3mm ≤ H ≤ 1mm. It is understood that if the height of the protrusion 320 is less than 0.3mm, its function cannot be fully realized; if the height of the protrusion 320 is greater than 1mm, a height difference may easily occur between the area of ​​the protrusion 320 that abuts against the abutment 420 and the area that does not abut against the abutment 420, potentially leading to poor sealing. Therefore, the height of the protrusion 320 in this embodiment is very suitable, effectively improving the sealing performance of the bladder 30. Schematic, the height H is 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, or any other value within the range of 0.3mm ≤ H ≤ 1mm.

[0049] In one embodiment, the width of the protrusion 320 is W, where W satisfies: 3H ≤ W ≤ 6H. It is understood that if W is less than 3H, the protrusion 320 will be too thin and easily compressed to the point of collapse, thus failing to provide a sealing effect. If W is greater than 6H, the protrusion 320 will be too thick, making it difficult to deform in the height direction when compressed, also failing to provide a sealing effect. Therefore, the height of the protrusion 320 in this embodiment is very suitable, effectively improving the sealing performance of the bladder 30. It should be noted that the width here refers to the distance of the end of the protrusion 320 closest to the surface of the connecting portion 310.

[0050] In one embodiment, there are at least two annular flanges, and multiple annular flanges are arranged radially and spaced apart from each other along the connecting portion 310, and the multiple annular flanges are arranged concentrically. Due to the spacing between adjacent annular flanges, there is a certain gap between the two annular flanges, which is filled with air when the expansion tank 1 is assembled. In this way, when the fluid in the cavity 301 of the bladder 30 leaks, the air in the gap can provide pressure to compress the annular flange on the side away from the cavity 301, thereby reducing the probability of fluid leakage.

[0051] Furthermore, the distance between adjacent protrusions 320 is L, and the width of the protrusion 320 is W, where L and W satisfy: L ≥ 1 / 2 W. It is understandable that if the distance is too small, it would be equivalent to increasing the thickness of the connecting portion 310, rather than reserving space for air filling at that distance. Thus, the distance in this embodiment is moderate.

[0052] In one embodiment, the spacing gradually increases from the center to the edge of the connecting portion 310. The larger the spacing, the more air is filled in the spacing, and the greater the pressure that the air in the gap can provide. Therefore, it can better compress the protrusion 320 on the side away from the cavity 301, thereby improving the sealing performance of the expansion tank 1.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion 320 along the thickness direction is parabolic (see [reference]). Figure 5 Trapezoid (see reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 ), triangle (see Figure 6 One of the following. It is understood that, in the thickness direction, since the widths of the two ends of the protrusion 320 are different, different shapes of protrusions can improve the flexibility of the connection, allowing the user to set it according to their needs. This application does not limit the shape of the protrusion 320, as long as the protrusion 320 can improve the sealing performance of the connection 310. It should be noted that when there are multiple protrusions 320 on the connection 310, the shapes of the multiple protrusions 320 can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0054] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An expansion tank, characterized in that, include: The tank (10) has an internal cavity (101) and an opening at the bottom of the tank (10). The periphery of the opening extends radially outward to form an annular convex edge (110). The cover (20) includes a cover part (210) that covers the opening and a connector (220) that is connected to the annular protrusion (110). The outer periphery of the cover part (210) is connected to the connector (220). The connector (220) has a through hole (201) along its own thickness direction. The cover part (210) has a channel (230) for fluid to enter and exit. The capsule (30) is made of flexible material and is disposed in the cavity (101). The capsule (30) has a cavity (301) inside and a connecting port (302) connecting the cavity (301) and the channel (230) at the bottom. The periphery of the connecting port (302) extends radially outward to form an annular connecting part (310). At least part of the connecting part (310) is located between the annular protrusion (110) and the connecting body (220), and the surface of the connecting part (310) is provided with a protrusion (320). Fastener (40), some of the fasteners (40) are inserted into the through hole (201) so that the annular protrusion (110) abuts against the connector (220).

2. The expansion tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the connecting part (310) is provided with the protrusion (320) in a direction away from the connecting body (220).

3. The expansion tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part (310) includes a first part (311) located between the annular protrusion (110) and the connecting body (220) and a second part (312) located outside the first part (311). The upper surfaces of the first part (311) and the second part (312) are provided with the protrusion (320), and the fastener (40) abuts against the protrusion (320) located on the second part (312).

4. The expansion tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower surface of the connecting part (310) is provided with the protrusion (320) in a direction away from the upper surface.

5. The expansion tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the thickness direction of the connecting portion (310), the protrusion (320) on the upper surface and the protrusion (320) on the lower surface are aligned or staggered.

6. The expansion tank according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The protrusion (320) is an annular flange extending circumferentially along the connecting portion (310), and the annular flange is concentrically disposed with the edge of the connecting portion (310).

7. The expansion tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, The height of the protrusion (320) is H, where H satisfies: 0.3mm≤H≤1mm; And / or, the height of the protrusion (320) is H, and the width of the protrusion (320) is W, where W satisfies: 3H ≤ W ≤ 6H.

8. The expansion tank according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are at least two annular flanges, and the plurality of annular flanges are arranged sequentially at intervals along the radial direction of the connecting portion (310), and the plurality of annular flanges are arranged concentrically.

9. The expansion tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, There are at least two annular flanges, and the plurality of annular flanges are arranged sequentially at intervals along the radial direction of the connecting portion (310), and the plurality of annular flanges are arranged concentrically.

10. The expansion tank according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent protrusions (320) is L, and the width of the protrusion (320) is W. L and W satisfy: L≥1 / 2W.

11. The expansion tank according to claim 10, characterized in that, The spacing gradually increases from the center of the connecting portion (310) to the edge.

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