Flange of electric water heater and electric water heater

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flange and electric water heater of electric water heater, wherein the flange of electric water heater is inclined and protrudes to two sides to form a first boss of inclined plane together, or is provided with the first boss of inclined plane formed by being inclined and protruding to one side of the flange. The utility model discloses electric water heater is general electric water heater of horizontal and vertical, and the flange is installed at the axial one end of the inner bag, and the first boss of the flange for installing anode rod is inclined to the inner bag inside as a whole. The heating pipe is installed on the flange and extends obliquely and then extends along the axial direction of the inner bag. Another electric water heater is vertical electric water heater, after anode rod, heating pipe and temperature measuring tube are installed on the flange, anode rod is convenient to seal and install and will not interfere with heating pipe and temperature measuring tube, the inclination of heating pipe after installation is better, can reduce the volume in the inner bag that is not easy to heat, promotes the flow of water in the inner bag to make the water in the inner bag heat evenly, the bending type heating pipe satisfies the power requirement, and anode rod is located in the space enclosed by the heating pipe, so that the space required for 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 hereby 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 is provided with a first inclined boss that protrudes to both sides of the flange, or the flange is provided with a first inclined boss that protrudes to one side of the flange; the first boss is provided with mounting holes.

[0009] Furthermore, both the front and back sides of the first boss are flat.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting hole is located on the flat part of the first boss. The mounting hole for mounting the anode rod is set separately from other mounting holes. A connecting part is provided on the outer periphery of the first boss of the flange, and the connecting part is provided with a connecting hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the first boss is circular, and the inclined surface of the first boss is connected to the flange through the connection part of the outer periphery.

[0012] A first inclined boss is formed by a portion of the flange protruding at an angle to both sides of the flange, or a first inclined boss is provided on the flange, which is formed by a portion of the flange protruding at an angle to one side of the flange. Multiple mounting holes are provided on the first boss for installing the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube of the electric water heater. Since the first boss is inclined, the heating tube, temperature measuring tube, and anode rod are all inclined after installation. Furthermore, since they are installed on the same inclined surface, the heating tube, temperature measuring tube, and anode rod are parallel or nearly parallel and do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, since both sides of the inclined surface of the first boss are sloping planes, the anode rod can be stably installed by passing through the mounting hole and connecting with the nut via threaded connection. The sealing gasket between the anode rod and the flange, and / or between the nut and the flange, ensures a tight seal. Moreover, due to the inclined design of the first boss, the heating element can be installed at an angle, further reducing the angle between it and the flange connection. When the flange is installed in the inner tank of the electric water heater through the connection hole, the heating element is closer to the end wall of the flange in the inner tank, reducing the water volume between the heating element and that end wall. Therefore, the heating element can heat the water near that end wall, avoiding the problem of water not being heated in this area in existing electric water heaters, thus improving the water heating efficiency and effect of the electric water heater. The first boss of the flange is inclined to both sides of the flange. Compared to only inclining to one side, with the same slope of the first boss, the inclined structure on both sides reduces the amount of flange protrusion stretching, avoiding excessive stretching that reduces flange strength. The outer circumference of the first boss is circular, which better facilitates the stamping of the first boss and improves the strength of the flange. When a first boss with an inclined surface protruding towards one side of the flange is provided on the flange, the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube can be installed either on the convex side or the concave side of the first boss.

[0013] Furthermore, a second inclined boss is provided on the first boss. The inclined direction of the second boss is the same as that of the first boss, but the inclination angle of the second boss is smaller than that of the first boss. The mounting hole for mounting the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second boss. Through the structural design of the second boss, the tilting amount of the anode rod during installation is compensated in the opposite direction, allowing the anode rod to better avoid the heating tube and preventing contact between the anode rod and the heating tube due to installation errors.

[0014] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater, including an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank, and the first boss of the flange is inclined inwards towards the inside of the inner tank. The outer diameter of the first boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner tank for installing the flange.

[0015] This type of electric water heater is suitable for both horizontal and vertical installations. When it's a horizontal water heater, the inner tank is horizontally positioned, and the flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank. When the flange only has a first boss structure, the upper part of the first boss slopes inwards towards the inner tank, and the entire surface of the first boss slopes downwards. That is, the top of the sloped surface of the first boss protrudes into the inner tank along the axial direction, and the bottom of the sloped surface protrudes outwards along the axial direction. This creates a downward-sloping first boss on the flange. The heating element, anode rod, and temperature measuring tube are installed on the first boss, forming a parallel, unidirectional slope. When the flange has both a first boss and a second boss structure, the structure of the first boss is the same as above. The slope of the second boss slightly offsets the slope of the first boss, so that when the anode rod is installed on the second boss, it extends slightly away from the heating element. This avoids contact between the anode rod and the heating element due to installation or manufacturing errors, achieving a clearance between the two. In a vertical electric water heater, the inner tank is vertically positioned, and the flange is installed at the lower end of the inner tank. The entire surface of the first boss faces upward and is inclined towards the upper end of the inner tank. It uses two types of flanges, and the effect is the same as that of installing the same type of flange in a horizontal electric water heater.

[0016] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a heating element. Due to the inclination of the first boss, the heating element is installed in the mounting hole on the flange and extends obliquely before extending axially along the inner tank. That is, the oblique extension section is followed by the transverse extension section. Since the heating element is installed obliquely, the oblique extension section of the heating element can be closer to the end wall of the inner tank mounting flange of the electric water heater.

[0017] When this electric water heater is a horizontal type, the upper part of the first protrusion of the flange is inclined towards the inside of the inner tank and the entire surface of the first protrusion is inclined downward. That is, the top of the inclined surface of the first protrusion protrudes into the inner tank along the axial direction of the inner tank, and the bottom of the inclined surface protrudes outward along the axial direction of the inner tank. Therefore, the entire surface of the inclined surface of the first protrusion of the flange is inclined inward and downward.

[0018] 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 first boss on the flange for installing the heating element is a sloping first boss. The portion connecting the heating element to the first boss does not have the aforementioned horizontal section; instead, it is directly connected to the mounting hole of the flange's first boss via a downward-sloping extension section that extends towards the center of the inner tank. Therefore, the heating element extends directly downwards from the connection point with the flange. Consequently, the sloping extension section of the heating element in this invention can be closer to the end wall of the flange mounting end of the inner tank, thereby reducing or eliminating the problem of cold water in the inner tank not being directly heated, ensuring the stability of the water heater's outlet temperature. The heating element is fixed to the flange by welding.

[0019] Because multiple mounting holes are provided on the same inclined surface of the first boss to install the heating tube, anode rod, and temperature measuring tube respectively, the inclined extensions of the anode rod, temperature measuring tube, and heating tube are parallel or nearly parallel, and there will be no cross-interference. Alternatively, to further ensure that the anode rod avoids the heating tube, the flange adopts a structure with a second boss on the first boss.

[0020] To ensure a secure and sealed installation of the flange within the inner liner, the outer diameter of the first flange boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner liner at the flange mounting end. This allows the first flange boss to be embedded in the inner liner opening, preventing the anode rod, temperature measuring tube, and heating tube from touching the edge of the inner liner.

[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 hole on the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole and then 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, 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 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, it moves upwards, forming a circulation. As 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] This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, a vertical electric water heater, including an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at the lower middle of the inner tank. A first boss on the flange is used to install an anode rod, heating element, or temperature measuring tube, or an anode rod can be installed on a second boss. The first boss is inclined towards the inside of the inner tank and towards the upper end of the inner tank. The heating element includes multiple parallel straight pipes and multiple elbows 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 on 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 tank ranges from 0° to 50°, preferably 20°.

[0023] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a heating element, a temperature measuring element, and an anode rod, all installed in the mounting holes of the flange, and inclined upwards from the middle of the inner tank towards the upper end of the inner tank. The anode rod, temperature measuring element, and heating element are inclined parallel or nearly parallel to each other, so there will be no cross-interference.

[0024] Because the first protruding surface of the heating element is sloped, and the heating element tilts upwards from the middle of the inner tank towards the upper end, the circulation of hot and cold water during heating is significantly improved. After hot water accumulates directly above the heating element, it diffuses to the other side due to the tilt of the heating element, forcing cold water to move downwards. After being heated by the heating element, the cold water moves upwards, forming a circulation. Since cold water descends from one side and hot water rises from the other, a large volume of water circulation is formed, significantly reducing the temperature difference inside the inner tank and significantly increasing the hot water output rate. Furthermore, the multiple straight heating elements form a space within which the anode rod is located. This structure not only prevents the anode rod from contacting the heating element, achieving avoidance, but also 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.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0026] This utility model relates to a flange and an electric water heater. The flange, used for mounting the anode rod, protrudes obliquely to both sides to form a first inclined boss. Alternatively, the flange has a first inclined boss protruding to one side. This utility model is a universal electric water heater suitable for both horizontal and vertical orientations. It includes an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank, and the first boss of the flange is inclined inwards towards the inner tank. The heating element is installed on the first boss of the flange and extends obliquely before extending axially along the inner tank. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the inner tank where the flange is installed. This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, a vertical electric water heater, where the heating element, anode rod, and temperature measuring tube are installed on the flange and inclined upwards from the middle of the inner tank towards the upper end of the inner tank. The first boss of the flange is set with an inclined structure. When the flange is installed in the inner tank of the water heater, the inclination of the heating tube of the electric water heater can be better, which can reduce the volume of the inner tank that is not easy to heat, promote the water flow in the inner tank and make the water in the inner tank heat evenly. In addition, the anode rod is easy to seal and will not interfere with the heating tube and temperature measuring tube. The bent heating tube meets the power requirements, and the anode rod is located in the space enclosed by the heating tube, which makes the space required for the overall installation more compact.

[0027] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a side view of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view;

[0032] Figure 4 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;

[0033] Figure 5 This utility model electric water heater is a vertical type, and the installation diagram of the heating element and temperature measuring element and the water flow circulation diagram are shown.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating element structure when the electric water heater of this utility model is vertical;

[0035] Figure 7 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.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flange of the electric water heater of this utility model, which has a first boss and a second boss.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] The flange of this utility model electric water heater, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the middle part of flange 1 protrudes obliquely to both sides of the flange to form a first beveled boss 2. The first bevel 2 has multiple mounting holes. These mounting holes are divided into anode rod mounting holes 3 and other component mounting holes. Anode rod mounting holes 3 are used to install the anode rod, while the other component mounting holes are used to install the heating element and temperature measuring element, respectively. Since the anode rod is a consumable part and needs to be replaced as needed, the anode rod mounting holes 3 are arranged separately from the other component mounting holes for ease of replacement. The front and back of the first bevel 2 are both flat. One end of the anode rod 8 has a thread and is a small-diameter end. Figure 4 As shown, after the anode rod 8 passes through the anode rod mounting hole 3 and is installed on the first boss 2 by its own thread and nut, since the surface of the first boss is flat, the nut can press the sealing gasket between the first boss and the nut to ensure the sealing of the installation.

[0044] The first boss of the flange is inclined to both sides. Compared to only inclining to one side, with the same slope of the first boss, the inclined structure on both sides divides the stretching required to form the first boss from one place to two. This reduces the stretching required for the flange to bulge outwards to form the first boss, i.e., the stretching at the connection between the inclined surface of the first boss and other parts of the flange, avoiding excessive stretching that would reduce the flange strength. The outer perimeter of the first boss is circular, and the inclined surface of the first boss is connected to the flange through the outer perimeter. The outer perimeter is the edge located on the outer perimeter of the inclined surface of the first boss that connects the inclined surface to the flange connection. When the first boss is formed by stamping, this outer perimeter is the part of the flange that is stretched due to the formation of the inclined surface.

[0045] Combination Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the flange 1 is fitted with the anode rod 8, the heating tube 9, and the temperature measuring tube 10 on the same inclined surface of the first boss 2.

[0046] Since the first boss 2 protrudes from both sides of the flange on the same inclined plane, when viewed from the side facing the inner liner when the first boss is installed, the height of the first boss 2 protruding from the flange base surface (i.e., the flange connection part 4) 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. Figure 1 As shown, when the first boss is installed on the inner liner, it is viewed from the side facing the inner liner. The bottom of the first boss 2 does not protrude towards this side of the flange but protrudes towards the other side. The protruding surface at the bottom of the first boss 2 is lower than the flange base surface on which it is located, and the protruding surface at the top of the first boss 2 is higher than the flange base surface on which it is located. The anode rod mounting hole 3 is located on the side of the higher protruding surface of the first boss 2, and the mounting holes 6 of multiple other components are located on the side of the lower protruding surface of the first boss 2.

[0047] As for the amount by which the first boss protrudes to both sides of the flange, it can be the same or different. In the case of different protrusions, it is acceptable which side of the flange protrudes more, as long as the tilt angle requirement is met. All of the above solutions are within the protection scope of this application.

[0048] By setting a portion of flange 1 to form a first boss 2 with an inclined structure, the anode rod 8, heating element 9, and temperature measuring element 10 of the electric water heater can all be inclined after being installed on this inclined portion. This ensures that the inclined directions of the heating element 9, temperature measuring element 10, and anode rod 8 are parallel or nearly parallel, preventing interference. Furthermore, since both sides of the inclined surface of the first boss 2 are inclined planes, the anode rod 8 can be stably installed on the first boss 2 through a threaded connection with a nut, ensuring its installation seal. Moreover, if... Figure 4As shown, because the heating tube 9 is installed at an angle, the 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 closer to the end wall of the flange 1 installed in the inner tank 13 of the electric water heater, which reduces the volume of water stored between the heating tube 9 and this end wall of the inner tank 13. Therefore, the heating tube 9 can heat the water near 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. This improves the water heating efficiency and effect of the electric water heater.

[0049] In this embodiment, the base surface on the outer periphery of the first boss of flange 1 serves as the connecting part, and connecting holes 7 are provided at the four corners of the connecting part. When the flange is installed in the inner liner, the connecting device connects the flange 1 to the inner liner 13 as a whole through the connecting holes 7. The outer periphery of the first boss is circular, which can better realize the stamping of the first boss and improve the strength of the flange.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] The flange of the electric water heater proposed in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that: Figure 8 As shown, a second inclined boss 5 is provided on the first boss 2. The inclined direction of the second boss 5 is the same as that of the first boss 2, but the inclined angle of the second boss 5 is smaller than that of the first boss 2. The mounting hole for mounting the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second boss 5. Through the structural design of the second boss, the tilting amount of the anode rod during installation is compensated in the opposite direction, allowing the anode rod to better avoid the heating tube and preventing contact between the anode rod and the heating tube due to installation errors.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] The flange of the electric water heater proposed in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1 in that: the flange is provided with a first protrusion on an inclined surface that protrudes to one side of the flange.

[0054] When the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube are installed, the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube as a whole can be located on either the convex side or the concave side of the first boss.

[0055] During anode rod installation, one end passes through the mounting hole and is connected to the nut via a threaded connection on this end, mounting it onto the first boss of the flange. Since the boss is formed by stamping, the surface of the boss may be pushed up towards the convex side during stamping, creating a certain curvature. Therefore, when the anode rod is installed on the convex side of the boss, the convex surface does not easily form a three-point coplanar support surface to stably support the end face of the anode rod and the nut securing it. However, when the anode rod is installed on the concave side of the boss, the concave side more easily forms a three-point coplanar support surface to support the end face of the anode rod and the nut securing it, making the anode rod installation more stable.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] The flange of the electric water heater proposed in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 3 in that: a second inclined boss 5 is provided on the first boss 2. The inclined direction of the second boss 5 is the same as that of the first boss 2, but the inclined angle of the second boss 5 is smaller than that of the first boss 2. The mounting hole for installing the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second boss 5. The second boss 5 is located on the convex side of the first boss 2.

[0058] By using the structure of the second boss, the tilt of the anode rod during installation is compensated in the opposite direction, which allows the anode rod to better avoid the heating tube and prevents the anode rod from contacting the heating tube due to installation errors.

[0059] Example 5

[0060] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater that is universally applicable to both horizontal and vertical configurations. It can be a horizontal electric water heater or a vertical electric water heater, including an inner tank 13, an anode rod 8, a heating element 9, a temperature measuring tube 10, and the flange 1 described in the first embodiment above.

[0061] When this type of electric water heater is used as a horizontal electric water heater, the flange in Example 1 is applied, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the inner liner 13 is horizontally positioned, and the flange 1 is installed at one axial end of the inner liner 13. The upper part of the first protrusion 2 on the inclined surface of the flange 1 is inclined inward toward the inner liner 13, and the entire surface of the first protrusion 2 is inclined downward. That is, the top of the inclined surface of the first protrusion 2 protrudes into the inner liner along the axial direction of the inner liner, and the bottom of the inclined surface protrudes outward along the axial direction of the inner liner. Therefore, the entire surface of the inclined surface of the first protrusion of the flange is inclined inward and downward.

[0062] The mounting holes provided on the inclined surface of the first boss 2 of flange 1 are used to install the anode rod 8, the heating tube 9, and the temperature measuring tube 10.

[0063] The heating element 9 is mounted on the flange 1 and extends obliquely downwards towards the middle of the inner tank 13 before extending laterally. For simplicity, this obliquely downward extension of the heating element 9 towards the middle of the inner tank 13 is referred to as the obliquely downward extension section of the heating element 9. The obliquely downward extension section of the heating element 9 is located near the end wall of the flange 1 at the end of the inner tank 13. In this application, the obliquely downward extension of the heating element 9 towards the middle of the inner tank 13, viewed from the flange side, can extend directly downwards, to the lower left, or to the lower right. Since the heating element is connected to one side of the inner tank, to better heat the water in the inner tank, the heating element should extend to the opposite side of the inner tank. However, because this section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the flange side, this section extends from the flange side to the middle of the inner tank. Therefore, for ease of description, it is referred to as the heating element extending towards the middle of the inner tank 13. The downward and inward extension of heating tube 9 towards the middle of inner liner 13 means that the heating tube has both a downward extension tendency from the inner liner mounting flange side and a tendency to extend towards the middle of inner liner.

[0064] 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 mounting hole on the first boss slope of the flange 1 via a downward-sloping extension section towards the middle of the inner tank 13. Therefore, the heating tube 9 extends directly downward from the connection point with the flange 1. Consequently, the downward-sloping 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.

[0065] The downwardly extending sections of the anode rod 8, temperature measuring 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 mounting holes for other components on the flange used to install the heating tube and temperature measuring tube are located below the first boss. The temperature measuring tube 10 and heating tube 9 are installed in the mounting holes 6 of other components and are located below the anode rod 8.

[0066] To ensure a secure and sealed installation of the flange within the inner liner, the outer diameter of the first flange boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner liner at the flange mounting end. This allows the first flange boss to be embedded in the inner liner opening, preventing the anode rod, temperature measuring tube, and heating tube from touching the edge of the inner liner.

[0067] When this type of electric water heater is used as a vertical electric water heater, the inner tank is vertically positioned, and any of the aforementioned flanges is installed at the bottom of the inner tank. 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 at the inner tank of the electric water heater, 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, and after being heated by the heating element, it moves upwards, forming a circulation. Because cold water descends from one side and hot water rises from one side, a large volume of water circulation is formed, which can significantly reduce the temperature difference inside the inner tank and significantly improve the hot water output rate.

[0068] This utility model also proposes another type of electric water heater, a vertical electric water heater, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes an inner liner 13, an anode rod 8, a heating tube 9, a temperature measuring tube 10, and a flange 1 of any one of the above embodiments one or two.

[0069] Flange 1 is installed at the lower middle of the inner liner 13. The first boss 2 of flange 1 is inclined inward towards the inner liner 13 and towards the upper end of the inner liner 13. The outer diameter of the first boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner liner used to install the flange, and the first boss is embedded in the opening of the inner liner. The anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube are installed on the inclined surface of the first boss of the flange at the bottom of the inner liner, inclined upward from the middle of the inner liner and towards the upper end of the inner liner. The anode rod, temperature measuring tube, and heating tube are inclined parallel or nearly parallel to each other, without crossing interference.

[0070] In this type of vertical electric water heater, combined with Figure 1, 6 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, 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 are connected to the mounting holes 6 of two other components of the flange. The connection extends through the elbows and 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 installed, thus placing the anode rod within this space when it is installed 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 the two, but also makes the arrangement of the anode rod and the heating pipe on the flange and in the inner liner compact. Compared to the case where the anode rod is placed outside the heating pipe, the overall area occupied on the flange is reduced, thereby reducing the flange area and the opening of the flange for the inner liner installation, thus 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.

[0071] 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 5 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.

[0072] The inner tank has an inlet and an outlet at the top, located on both sides.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Example 6

[0076] The electric water heater described in this embodiment differs from the electric water heater in Embodiment 5 in that it uses the flange of the electric water heater described in Embodiment 2.

[0077] When the electric water heater uses the flange in Embodiment 2, a second inclined boss 5 is provided on the first boss 2 of the flange. The inclined direction of the second boss 5 is the same as the inclined direction of the first boss 2. Since the inclined angle of the second boss 5 is smaller than that of the first boss 2, the mounting hole for installing the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second boss 5. Through the structural setting of the second boss, after the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube are installed on the flange, compared with the flange in Embodiment 1 of the electric water heater, the second boss compensates for the inclination of the anode rod during installation in the opposite direction to the original anode rod installation inclination direction. This allows the anode rod to better avoid the heating tube and prevents the anode rod from contacting the heating tube due to installation errors during installation.

[0078] Other technical features and component installation of the electric water heater are described in Example 5.

[0079] Example 7

[0080] The electric water heater described in this embodiment differs from the electric water heater in Embodiment 5 in that it uses the flange of the electric water heater described in Embodiment 3.

[0081] When using this type of flange, the anode rod, heating tube, and temperature measuring tube can be installed either on the convex side of the first boss or on the concave side of the first boss.

[0082] During anode rod installation, one end passes through the mounting hole and is connected to the nut via a threaded connection on this end, mounting it onto the first boss of the flange. Since the boss is formed by stamping, the surface of the boss may be pushed up towards the convex side during stamping, creating a certain curvature. Therefore, when the anode rod is installed on the convex side of the boss, the convex surface does not easily form a three-point coplanar support surface to stably support the end face of the anode rod and the nut securing it. However, when the anode rod is installed on the concave side of the boss, the concave side more easily forms a three-point coplanar support surface to support the end face of the anode rod and the nut securing it, making the anode rod installation more stable.

[0083] Other technical features and component installation of the electric water heater are described in Example 5.

[0084] Example 8

[0085] The electric water heater described in this embodiment differs from the electric water heater in Embodiment 7 in that it uses the flange of the electric water heater described in Embodiment 4.

[0086] A second, inclined boss 5 is provided on one side of the convex surface of the first boss 2 of the flange. The inclined direction of the second boss 5 is the same as that of the first boss 2, but the inclined angle of the second boss 5 is smaller than that of the first boss 2. The mounting hole for installing the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second boss 5. When the flange is installed on the inner liner, the structure of the second boss compensates for the tilt of the anode rod during installation in the opposite direction, allowing the anode rod to better avoid contact with the heating tube due to installation errors.

[0087] Other technical features and component installation of the electric water heater are described in Example 5.

[0088] This utility model relates to a flange and a water heater, wherein the flange of the water heater has a central section that protrudes obliquely to both sides of the flange to form a first inclined boss. This utility model water heater is suitable for both horizontal and vertical orientations, including an inner tank and the aforementioned flange. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner tank, and the first boss of the flange is inclined inwards towards the inner tank. The heating element is installed on the flange and extends obliquely before extending axially along the inner tank. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the inner tank where the flange is installed. 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, thus 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 center of the inner tank. By using the inclined structure of the first flange boss, when the flange is installed in the inner tank of the water heater, the inclination of the heating element of the electric water heater can be improved. This reduces the volume of water that is difficult to heat in the inner tank and promotes water flow in the inner tank, resulting in more uniform heating of the water. The anode rod is easy to install in a sealed manner, and the anode rod, heating element, and temperature measuring tube are inclined 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. This optimizes the heating of the heating element, improves the uniformity of hot water in the inner tank, and increases the hot water output rate of the water heater.

[0089] 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 flange is provided with a first inclined boss that protrudes at an angle to both sides of the flange, or the flange is provided with a first inclined boss that protrudes at one side of the flange. The first boss has mounting holes.

2. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both sides of the first boss are flat.

3. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting holes are located on the flat part of the first boss. The mounting holes for mounting the anode rod are set separately from the other mounting holes. A connecting part is provided on the outer periphery of the first boss of the flange, and the connecting part is provided with connecting holes.

4. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the first boss is circular, and the inclined surface of the first boss is connected to the flange connection part through the outer periphery.

5. The flange of the electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second inclined surface is provided on the first protrusion. The inclined surface of the second protrusion is inclined in the same direction as the inclined surface of the first protrusion, but the inclined angle of the second protrusion is smaller than that of the first protrusion. The mounting hole for mounting the anode rod is located on the inclined surface of the second protrusion.

6. An electric water heater, characterized in that: The device includes an inner liner and a flange as described in any one of claims 1-5. The flange is installed at one axial end of the inner liner, and the first boss of the flange is inclined inwards towards the inside of the inner liner. The outer circumferential diameter of the first boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner liner at the end where the flange is installed.

7. The electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a heating element, which is installed in the mounting hole of the first boss of the flange and extends obliquely from the mounting hole and then extends axially. The obliquely extended section of the heating element is close to the end wall of the mounting flange of the inner tank of the electric water heater.

8. The electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes an anode rod, which is parallel or nearly parallel to the oblique extension of the heating tube; It also includes a temperature measuring tube, which is installed in the mounting hole of the first boss, and the temperature measuring tube 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 electric water heater, including an inner tank and a flange as described in any one of claims 1-5. The flange is installed at the middle of the lower end of the inner tank. The first boss of the flange faces the inside of the inner tank and is inclined to the upper end of the inner tank. The outer diameter of the first boss is smaller than the opening diameter of the inner tank for installing the flange.

10. The electric water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes heating tubes and anode rods, which are installed on the flange and tilted upwards from the middle of the lower end of the inner liner and towards the upper end of the inner liner. The heating element consists of 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. The ends of the connecting pipes that run in the same direction are connected to the mounting holes of two other components 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 tank is in the range of 0°<β≤50°.

11. The electric water heater according to claim 10, characterized in that: The angle β between the straight heating element and the inner liner is 20°.

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