A water heater end cap assembly and a water heater

Abstract

The utility model relates to domestic appliance technical field especially relates to a water heater end cover assembly and water heater. The water heater end cover assembly includes electric appliance room, end cover structure, sealing element and fastener, and the outer edge of electric appliance room extends outward and forms first flanging, end cover structure ring is equipped outside electric appliance room, and the inner edge of end cover structure extends inward and forms the second flanging corresponding with first flanging, sealing element integrative injection molding is formed on the second flanging, and is located between first flanging and second flanging, and fastener is used to connect first flanging on the second flanging. The water heater end cover assembly, through integrative injection molding of sealing element on the second flanging of end cover structure, one side can make sealing element and second flange between no assembly gap, can avoid sealing element from falling off simultaneously, to improve the sealing reliability between both, on the other hand can omit the link of assembling between sealing element and end cover structure, improves assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to an end cap assembly for a water heater and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a household or commercial electrical appliance used to heat water. Its core function is to heat cold water to the temperature set by the user using electricity, gas, solar energy or other energy sources to meet people's hot water needs for bathing, kitchen washing, heating and other purposes.

[0003] Water heaters typically consist of an end cap assembly, an outer shell, and an inner tank. The inner tank is housed within the outer shell, and the end cap assembly seals the end openings of the outer shell. The end cap assembly includes an end cap structure and an electrical compartment, which houses electrical components such as the power supply board. In related technologies, the end cap structure and the electrical compartment are usually connected by snap-fit ​​connections and sealed with foam material. After the end cap structure and electrical compartment are connected by the snap-fit ​​structure, fasteners are still required for connection. This assembly process is cumbersome, requires high dimensional accuracy, and carries the risk of foam material overflow.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an end cap assembly for water heaters and a water heater in order to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an end cap assembly for a water heater and a water heater in general, which has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, and has good sealing performance.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An end cap assembly for a water heater, comprising:

[0008] An electrical compartment, wherein the outer edge of the electrical compartment extends outward to form a first flange;

[0009] An end cap structure is arranged around the outside of the electrical appliance, and the inner edge of the end cap structure extends inward to form a second flange corresponding to the first flange;

[0010] The sealing element is integrally injection molded on the second flange and is located between the first flange and the second flange;

[0011] Fasteners for connecting the first flange to the second flange.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, one of the second flange and the sealing member is provided with a limiting groove, and the other is provided with a limiting protrusion corresponding to the limiting groove, and the limiting protrusion is limited to the limiting groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove is T-shaped or trapezoidal, and the shape of the limiting protrusion is adapted to the shape of the limiting groove.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, the second flange is provided with a plurality of first protrusions arranged in an array.

[0015] And / or, the seal is provided with a plurality of second protrusions arranged in an array on the side opposite to the second flange.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, the end cap structure and the sealing element are formed by a two-material injection molding process.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heater provided by this utility model, the first flange has a first connecting hole, the sealing member has a second connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole, the second flange has a third connecting hole corresponding to the first connecting hole, and the fastener is sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole and the third connecting hole.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, the thickness of the sealing element is 1.0mm~2.5mm.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, a sealant is applied between the first flange and the sealing element.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model, the end cap assembly for water heaters further includes a maintenance cover, which is connected to the end cap structure and is used to seal the maintenance opening of the electrical compartment.

[0021] This utility model also provides a water heater, including a shell, an inner tank, and an end cap assembly for water heaters as described above, wherein the inner tank is housed in the shell, and the end cap assembly for water heaters is used to seal the end opening of the shell.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] The end cap assembly for water heaters provided by this utility model separates the electrical chamber and the end cap structure, eliminating the need for complex molds during processing, thus reducing mold manufacturing difficulty and processing costs. By incorporating a seal between the electrical chamber and the end cap structure, a tight seal is ensured, preventing moisture from entering the electrical chamber through gaps and causing malfunctions in the electrical components, thereby affecting the safety of the water heater. Furthermore, by integrally injection molding the seal onto the second flange of the end cap structure, there is no assembly gap between the seal and the second flange, preventing the seal from detaching and improving the sealing reliability. This also avoids the risk of foam material overflow during assembly and eliminates the need for assembly between the seal and the end cap structure, improving assembly efficiency.

[0024] The water heater provided by this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to assemble, has good sealing performance, and is highly safe to use, which can greatly improve the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial structural diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical compartment provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial structural diagram;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing element provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the maintenance cover provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 10. Water heater end cap assembly; 11. Electrical compartment; 110. Mounting port; 111. First flange; 1110. First connecting hole; 12. End cap structure; 120. Slot; 121. Second flange; 1210. Third connecting hole; 13. Seal; 130. Second connecting hole; 14. Maintenance cover; 141. Buckle; 15. Fastener;

[0034] 20. Outer shell; 201. Receiving chamber;

[0035] 30. Inner liner; 31. Middle tube; 32. End cap. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts or parts having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature 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 includes the first feature 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.

[0039] Figure 1 A partial explosion diagram of the water heater provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater. In some embodiments, the water heater may be an electric water heater.

[0040] Specifically, the water heater provided in this embodiment includes an outer shell 20, an inner tank 30, and a water heater end cap assembly 10. The outer shell 20 has a receiving chamber 201. The inner tank 30 serves as a water storage container and is housed in the receiving chamber 201 of the outer shell 20. The water heater end cap assembly 10 has an installation port 110, which covers the end opening of the receiving chamber 201. The inlet of the inner tank 30 is installed at the installation port 110, thereby achieving the housing, limiting, and protection of the inner tank 30.

[0041] In some embodiments, a foamed insulation layer is provided between the outer shell 20 and the inner liner 30 to slow down the loss of water temperature inside the inner liner 30.

[0042] In some embodiments, the number of inner tanks 30 is at least two, and the at least two inner tanks 30 are arranged side by side. The installation port 110 provided on the end cap assembly 10 of the water heater is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the inner tanks 30, thereby realizing the limiting function of all inner tanks 30 and ensuring the safety of the water heater.

[0043] In some embodiments, each inner liner 30 includes a middle cylinder 31 and end caps 32 fixed at both ends of the middle cylinder 31. The middle cylinder 31 is a cylindrical body with openings at both ends, and the end caps 32 are outwardly protruding half shells. There are two end cap assemblies 10 for water heaters, and the two end caps 32 are respectively fixed at the mounting openings 110 of the end cap assemblies 10 for water heaters on the corresponding sides.

[0044] It should be explained that the end cap assembly 10 for the water heater provided in this embodiment is specifically the right end cap of the water heater, which has an electrical compartment 11. In addition, this embodiment does not limit the left end cap that does not have an electrical compartment, and designers can select any model of left end cap from related technologies according to actual assembly requirements.

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the end cap structure 12 provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A partial structural diagram. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the electrical compartment 11 provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a local structure. (For example...) Figures 2-5 and combined Figure 1As shown, the water heater end cap assembly 10 includes an electrical chamber 11, an end cap structure 12, a seal 13, and a fastener 15. The outer edge of the electrical chamber 11 extends outward to form a first flange 111. The end cap structure 12 is connected to the end opening of the housing 20 and is arranged around the electrical chamber 11. The inner edge of the end cap structure 12 extends inward to form a second flange 121 corresponding to the first flange 111. The seal 13 is integrally injection molded on the second flange 121 and is located between the first flange 111 and the second flange 121. The fastener 15 is used to connect the first flange 111 to the second flange 121.

[0046] The water heater end cap assembly 10 provided in this embodiment separates the electrical chamber 11 and the end cap structure 12, eliminating the need for complex molds during processing, thus reducing mold manufacturing difficulty and processing costs. By providing a sealing element 13 between the electrical chamber 11 and the end cap structure 12, a sealed connection is ensured, preventing moisture from entering the electrical chamber 11 through gaps and causing malfunctions in the electrical components, thus affecting the safety of the water heater. By integrally injection molding the sealing element 13 onto the second flange 121 of the end cap structure 12, there is no assembly gap between the sealing element 13 and the second flange 121, preventing the sealing element 13 from falling off and improving the sealing reliability. This also avoids the risk of foam material overflow during assembly. Furthermore, the assembly step between the sealing element 13 and the end cap structure 12 is eliminated, improving assembly efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, the separate arrangement of the electrical compartment 11 and the end cap structure 12 allows them to be made of different materials during manufacturing. For example, the electrical compartment 11 is made of foam, which helps to improve the heat insulation effect at the end of the inner tank 30; the end cap structure 12 is made of plastic, which facilitates its connection with the outer shell 20 and has high structural strength, thus extending the service life of the water heater.

[0048] In this embodiment, the seal 13 and the end cap structure 12 are formed using a two-material injection molding process. The two-material injection molding process is a technique that involves injecting two different types of plastic into a mold sequentially and then forming the product. It offers advantages such as high sealing reliability, high production efficiency, and long product lifespan.

[0049] In some embodiments, a limiting groove is provided on the second flange 121, and a limiting protrusion is provided on the sealing member 13 corresponding to the limiting groove, with the limiting protrusion confined within the limiting groove. By providing the limiting groove and limiting protrusion that cooperate in limiting, a mechanical interlocking structure can be formed between the second flange 121 and the sealing member 13, thereby preventing peeling, misalignment, or cracking between the two. Of course, in other embodiments, the limiting groove can also be provided on the sealing member 13, and the limiting protrusion can be provided on the second flange 121, achieving the same effect.

[0050] In some embodiments, the number of limiting grooves is at least two, and the at least two limiting grooves are arranged at circumferential intervals along the second flange 121, with each limiting groove corresponding to a limiting protrusion. This design can further improve the stability of the connection between the second flange 121 and the seal 13, and ensure the uniformity of the force on the end cap structure 12 and the seal 13 along their respective circumferential directions.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove is T-shaped or trapezoidal, and the shape of the limiting protrusion matches the shape of the limiting groove. The T-shaped or trapezoidal limiting groove has a better limiting effect on the corresponding limiting protrusion, which can improve the peeling force along the interface between the two and further improve the stability of the connection between the second flange 121 and the seal 13.

[0052] In other embodiments, the second flange 121 is provided with a plurality of first protrusions arranged in an array. This design can increase the surface roughness of the second flange 121 and increase the actual contact area between the second flange 121 and the seal 13, thereby improving the friction and adhesion of the connection interface between the two, and further ensuring the stability of the connection between the second flange 121 and the seal 13.

[0053] In some embodiments, the seal 13 has a plurality of second protrusions arranged in an array on the side opposite to the second flange 121. This design can increase the surface roughness of the seal 13 and increase the actual contact area between the first flange 111 and the seal 13, thereby improving the friction and adhesion of the mating interface between the two, and further ensuring the sealing performance between the first flange 111 and the seal 13.

[0054] In some embodiments, the thickness of the seal 13 is 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm. This thickness range allows for reduced material usage and lower material costs while ensuring sealing performance. For example, the thickness of the seal 13 can be 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, etc. Of course, the thickness of the seal 13 is not limited to the above ranges, and designers can adapt the thickness of the seal 13 according to actual sealing requirements.

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the seal 13 provided in this embodiment is shown. Figure 6 and combined Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the first flange 111 has a first connecting hole 1110, the sealing member 13 has a second connecting hole 130 corresponding to the first connecting hole 1110, and the second flange 121 has a third connecting hole 1210 corresponding to the first connecting hole 1110. Fasteners 15 are sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole 1110, the second connecting hole 130, and the third connecting hole 1210, thereby achieving a stable connection between the electrical compartment 11 and the end cover structure 12. In this embodiment, the fastener 15 is a fastening screw, and at least one of the first connecting hole 1110, the second connecting hole 130, and the third connecting hole 1210 is a threaded hole. Screw connections have the advantages of simple structure, tight connection, and convenient assembly and disassembly.

[0056] Optionally, there are multiple first connecting holes 1110, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first flange 111. Each first connecting hole 1110 corresponds to a second connecting hole 130, a third connecting hole 1210, and a fastener 15, so as to further improve the stability of the connection between the electrical chamber 11 and the end cover structure 12, and ensure the uniformity of the force on the electrical chamber 11 and the end cover structure 12 in their own circumferential direction.

[0057] Optionally, the seal 13 is made of rubber and is compressible. When the fastener 15 is connected to the electrical chamber 11 and the end cap structure 12, the seal 13 can be compressed, thereby further ensuring the sealing performance between the electrical chamber 11 and the end cap structure 12.

[0058] In some embodiments, a sealant is applied between the first flange 111 and the seal 13. The sealant can serve as a sealing supplement to fill the microscopic gaps between the first flange 111 and the seal 13, further improving the waterproof sealing level.

[0059] like Figure 1As shown, the water heater end cover assembly 10 also includes a maintenance cover 14, which is connected to the end cover structure 12 and seals the maintenance opening of the electrical compartment 11 to shield and protect the electrical components in the electrical compartment 11, preventing external moisture, dust, etc. from entering the electrical compartment 11 and causing damage to the electrical components.

[0060] Optionally, the maintenance cover 14 is detachably mounted on the end cover structure 12 to facilitate disassembly by operators for inspection and maintenance of electrical components installed in the electrical compartment 11. In this embodiment, the maintenance cover 14 is provided with a buckle 141, and the end cover structure 12 is provided with a slot 120. The buckle 141 and the slot 120 engage to achieve a detachable connection between the maintenance cover 14 and the end cover structure 12. The structure is simple, easy to assemble and disassemble, and the connection is secure. Of course, in other embodiments, the buckle 141 can be provided on the end cover structure 12, and the slot 120 can be provided on the maintenance cover 14, achieving the same effect. Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the detachable connection method between the maintenance cover 14 and the end cover structure 12; they can also be connected by screws, plugs, or other methods.

[0061] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. An end cap assembly for a water heater, characterized in that, include: Electrical compartment (11), the outer edge of which extends outward to form a first flange (111). An end cap structure (12) is arranged around the outside of the electrical compartment (11), and the inner edge of the end cap structure (12) extends inward to form a second flange (121) corresponding to the first flange (111). The sealing element (13) is integrally injection molded on the second flange (121) and located between the first flange (111) and the second flange (121); Fastener (15) for connecting the first flange (111) to the second flange (121).

2. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the second flange (121) and the sealing member (13) is provided with a limiting groove, and the other is provided with a limiting protrusion corresponding to the limiting groove, and the limiting protrusion is limited to the limiting groove.

3. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove is T-shaped or trapezoidal, and the shape of the limiting protrusion is adapted to the shape of the limiting groove.

4. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second flange (121) is provided with a plurality of first protrusions arranged in an array; And / or, the seal (13) is provided with a plurality of second protrusions arranged in an array on the side opposite to the second flange (121).

5. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap structure (12) and the sealing element (13) are formed by a two-material injection molding process.

6. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flange (111) has a first connecting hole (1110), the sealing member (13) has a second connecting hole (130) corresponding to the first connecting hole (1110), the second flange (121) has a third connecting hole (1210) corresponding to the first connecting hole (1110), and the fastener (15) is sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole (1110), the second connecting hole (130) and the third connecting hole (1210).

7. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the seal (13) is 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm.

8. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealant is applied between the first flange (111) and the sealant (13).

9. The end cap assembly for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The water heater end cap assembly also includes a maintenance cover (14), which is connected to the end cap structure (12) and is used to cover the maintenance opening of the electrical compartment (11).

10. A water heater, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (20), an inner tank (30), and an end cap assembly for a water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner tank (30) is housed within the housing (20), and the end cap assembly for a water heater is used to seal the end opening of the housing (20).

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