Heizblock

Abstract

Heating block (300) for use in a water heater for heating water, comprising a heating block body, in particular made of plastic, for forming a cavity for conducting the water and for receiving at least one heating element, wherein - the heating block body includes: o a first partial shell (1, 510) with a first partial cavity and o a second partial shell (100, 520) with a second partial cavity, wherein - the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shells are assembled in a joining area and form the cavity between them from the two partial cavities, and the joining area is at least partially not formed in a joining plane (90, 190, 191), and / or - the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shells are welded together by the supply of heat via a medium, in particular by a substantially abrasion-free and / or vibration-free welding process, and / or - the first partial cavity has a greater depth than the second partial cavity, or vice versa, wherein a third partial shell (200, 530) is provided with a third partial cavity, which is assembled with the first or second partial shell (100, 520) in such a way that the first or second (100, 520) and the third (200, 530) partial shell form an insulation channel (560) for creating an insulation gap between them, wherein the insulation channel (560) is in particular free of heating elements.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating block for use in a water heater, a water heater for heating a liquid medium, and a partial shell prepared for use in manufacturing a heating block.

[0002] A water heater can generate hot water in a variety of ways. For example, hot water can be produced using an instantaneous water heater. Such a water heater has a heating block made of an electrically insulating material, which can accommodate at least one heating element with a conductor carrying an electric current. This heating block with an inserted electrical conductor is referred to as a heating block. Cold water is fed into the heating block at an inlet and flows out as hot water at an outlet. The water is heated in the flow paths or channels arranged within the heating block, which are designed as channel sections or channels with bends. In a bare-wire heating system, for example, the current-carrying heating element is located directly in the water to be heated.Compared to, for example, tubular heating systems, such bare-wire heating systems exhibit a relatively high flow pressure loss. If the flow pressure drops significantly, the result can be very little water flow or even no water at all. Furthermore, such bare-wire instantaneous water heaters can be large and bulky due to their numerous bends.

[0003] Document DE 196 51 087 A1 describes a heating block for an electrically heated instantaneous water heater, wherein the housing of the heating block is formed by two housing shells which, with corresponding contact surfaces, are tightly connected to each other and form the water flow channel between them.

[0004] Document DE 10 2009 048 585 A1 describes a hydraulic module made of plastic and having a first and second wall.

[0005] Document DE 38 17 441 A1 shows an electric instantaneous water heater which has a back wall, the back wall consisting of a lower half and an upper half which are welded together.

[0006] Document DE 100 63 851 A1 discloses an electric instantaneous water heater with a water flow path formed within a body. The body consists of a back plate and a front plate, such that the water flow path is formed as a channel in the back plate or the front plate.

[0007] The heating block body is typically assembled by friction welding from two halves with corresponding contact surfaces or joining surfaces. In friction welding, the two halves are placed against each other at their contact surfaces and moved relative to one another. The resulting mechanical friction generates heat, which causes the material to plasticize. The two halves are then joined under pressure. The friction produces a so-called abrasion, which is not firmly bonded to the weld seam. This abrasion can detach during operation and contaminate the flowing medium. Furthermore, the abrasion negatively affects the flow characteristics of the heating block by increasing the pressure drop. Additionally, the two halves to be joined must have joining surfaces in a two-dimensional plane to be able to be connected during friction welding.

[0008] The two halves of the heating block body are typically manufactured using an injection molding process. Depending on the design of the component being produced, material accumulations can occur, specifically areas where the material thickness is greater than in other areas due to the shape of the component. Such material accumulations cause warping during cooling when the heating block is removed from the injection mold. This makes assembling the individual, corresponding parts of the heating block extremely difficult, or even impossible if the warping is too severe, rendering the individual parts unusable. Furthermore, the slower cooling behavior of these material accumulations can lead to internal stresses, which can cause cracks at corners and edges. Additionally, external sink marks and internal voids can occur at these points.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of solving or reducing at least one of the aforementioned problems; in particular, the flow rate of the water in a water heater, especially in a heating element, should be kept as constant as possible during use of the water heater, and in particular, the flow pressure loss should be reduced. Furthermore, material build-up should be avoided. At least one alternative solution should be proposed.

[0010] According to the invention, a heating block for use in a water heater for heating water according to claim 1 is proposed. The heating block comprises a heating block body, in particular made of plastic, for forming a cavity for conducting the water and for receiving at least one heating element. The heating block body comprises at least a first partial shell with a first partial cavity and a second partial shell with a second partial cavity. The first and the second partial shells are joined in a joint area, and the two partial cavities between them form the cavity.The joining area is at least partially not formed in a joining plane and / or the first and second partial shells are welded together by the supply of heat via a medium, in particular by a substantially abrasion-free and / or vibration-free welding process and / or the first partial cavity advantageously has a greater depth than the second partial cavity or vice versa.

[0011] The cavity is designed to hold water that is passed through it. Cold water is supplied to the cavity, heated by heating elements located within it as it flows through, and then exits the cavity warmed for further use.

[0012] Here, a cavity is understood to be a hollow space, particularly in the form of channel sections and / or channels. These channel sections and / or channels are designed, or connected to each other by deflections, in such a way that the water to be heated flows through them in a meandering pattern. To form such a cavity or channel section and / or channel, the first and second shell sections are joined together in a joint area. The first and second shell sections each have a first and second contact surface, respectively, which is equivalent to a first and second joining surface. The joining surface is not limited to a two-dimensional joining plane. It can have a first section within a two-dimensional joining plane and another, second section outside this two-dimensional joining plane.Thus, the joining surface deviates from the two-dimensional joining plane, for example, in the second section, by being curved, angled relative to this plane, running parallel to the first section in the second or a subsequent section, and / or by having a shape that cannot be represented in a two-dimensional plane. The joining surface can be meandering and may partially lie within the two-dimensional joining plane. This allows channel sections to rise and fall, enabling at least two of the water-carrying channel sections or channels to be arranged one above the other. The joining surface can therefore be chosen essentially freely, without being restricted to a two-dimensional plane.This also facilitates the design of the joining surface in such a way that material accumulations are avoided during assembly and / or that the minimum material thickness between two channel sections or channels is not undercut.

[0013] The first and second shell sections are preferably welded together by supplying heat via a medium. Such a medium is, in particular, air or another gas. A laser beam, plasma beam, or other energy beam is also suitable. The heat is thus transported to the areas to be welded, namely, in particular, the joining surfaces. The heat is therefore not generated at the joining surfaces by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy. In particular, no friction welding takes place. Due to the abrasion-free and / or vibration-free welding process, no abrasion is generated that could remain in the shell sections or cavities and thus cause problems. Such abrasion is generated, in particular, during friction welding. Therefore, friction welding should be avoided.A protective gas, such as nitrogen or another inert gas, is used as the welding medium to virtually prevent oxidation of the molten metal during the plasticization of the joining area. This type of welding process allows for the joining of partial shells that have sections in the joining surfaces lying outside the two-dimensional joining plane. Examples of such welding processes include laser welding and hot gas welding.

[0014] The first partial cavity preferably has a greater depth than the second partial cavity, or vice versa. The depths of the partial cavities are thus unequal. The first partial cavity essentially forms, for example, the channel section and / or channel through which the water flows, and the second partial cavity acts as a kind of lid covering the first partial cavity. A uniform wall thickness can thus be achieved. In an embodiment where the two partial cavities have approximately the same depth, a thicker wall thickness typically occurs in the areas where the two partial cavities are joined. This can be avoided by using different depths.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second shell sections are each provided as injection-molded plastic parts and can be manufactured with correspondingly high precision. The shell sections each have corresponding contact surfaces or joining surfaces for welding by applying heat via a medium. The combination of injection-molded parts and welding allows the shell sections to be adapted to a wide variety of shapes.

[0016] According to the invention, a third partial shell with a third partial cavity is provided, which is assembled with the first or second partial shell in such a way that the first or second and the third partial shell form an insulating channel for creating an insulating gap between them. The insulating channel is, in particular, free of heating elements. The insulating channel is arranged as an upstream or downstream section of the channel sections and / or channels equipped with heating elements and has a channel section between the inlet and / or outlet of the water. These upstream and downstream sections, as well as the channel sections and / or channels with heating elements, are arranged in the heating block, with the upstream and downstream sections forming an electrical resistance for insulation between the inlet or outlet and the heating element.

[0017] Preferably, the cavity forms a heating channel for receiving at least one heating element, and the heating channel is arranged between the first and second partial shells in a first channel guidance plane, and the insulation channel is arranged between the second and third partial shells in a second channel guidance plane, particularly such that the first, second, and third partial shells form a sandwich structure. A channel guidance plane is understood to mean, in the following, a plane in which the respective channel sections or channels are substantially arranged. The various channel guidance planes are arranged one above the other, so that the channel sections or channels partially overlap and can intersect. Thus, for example, it is not necessary to provide the insulation channels together with the heating channels in the first channel guidance plane.Instead of arranging the insulation channels side-by-side in the first channel level, they are primarily located in the second channel level. This allows for a compact design of the heating block, in which the channel sections or channels are stacked on top of each other in different channel levels and are easily accessible from the side. This enables, for example, a control unit or other components to be directly connected to the heating block.

[0018] In another embodiment, the heating channel has meandering sections and / or the insulation channel has straight sections connected at approximately right angles. By using these right-angled sections, a 180° bend can be divided into two 90° bends with an additional transverse channel section in between. The channel length thus increases by the length of this at least one transverse channel section. This reduces the number of flow direction changes by up to approximately 40%. Alternatively, the heating block has fewer 180° bends for the same flow length and available surface area, thereby reducing the flow pressure loss.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second partial shells, and optionally the third partial shell, are assembled and firmly joined by hot gas welding. In this process, the first and second partial shells, and optionally the third partial shell, are plasticized by hot gas and then joined together. The gas flows directly into the joining area without contact. The use of a protective gas, such as nitrogen, virtually eliminates oxidation of the melt during plasticization. The partial shells are prepared by hot gas welding to be joined in a three-dimensional joining surface or contour. Joining the partial shells by hot gas welding creates a highly resilient joint, particularly stronger than a joint produced by friction welding.

[0020] Welding can be carried out, for example, by supplying hot gas to the two surfaces to be joined using a heating tool. The heating tool can be adapted to the shape of the respective joining surface. In a single heating step, the two shells to be joined are brought close together at the joining surface, with a gap sufficient to allow the heating tool to be positioned between them, thus heating the shells with the hot gas. Once the joining surfaces are sufficiently heated, the heating tool is removed and the two shells are pressed together, fusing in the heated area and becoming firmly joined upon cooling.

[0021] Preferably, at least one insulation channel has an inlet for supplying water and an outlet for discharging water, and / or the inlet or outlet is permanently connected to one of the partial shells. The inlet or outlet is, for example, designed as a connection nozzle with a channel section configured as a ramp. The ramp allows the channel to exit the channel level of the channel section carrying the heated water. The inlet or outlet can therefore be entirely integrated into the first or second partial shell. When using hot gas welding, the ramp can be formed as part of the channel section or channel itself, or fused to it.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the at least one heating element comprises a component, in particular a heating coil, through which an electric current flows. The heating coil is located directly in the water to be heated and is, in particular, designed as an uninsulated bare wire or heating wire. This achieves high efficiency with short reaction and heating times.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the cavity has at least one meandering heating channel. The heating channel includes at least one heating section with the heating element for heating the water, and in the first and second partial shells, a first and second channel half of the heating channel, respectively, is formed as a first and second meandering groove or channel. The first meandering groove or channel has a greater depth than the second meandering groove or channel, or vice versa.

[0024] In the following, a channel half is understood to be a part of two parts that together form a channel, wherein the individual channel halves are specifically designed as open channels or grooves that are assembled to form a closed, preferably tubular or round, channel. The two channel halves are specifically different in size, particularly not the same, with one being deeper than the other. The water flows essentially through the deeper groove or channel. The shallower groove or channel is essentially designed to close or cover the channel.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the meandering heating channel has a substantially uniform wall thickness throughout, particularly in its circumferential direction. To achieve a uniform wall thickness, the channel halves are preferably of different thicknesses and depths. Specifically, the thinner channel half has a shallower depth. When the two channel halves are joined, the thinner half covers the thicker half and fuses with it, resulting in a channel with a nearly uniform wall thickness. This avoids variations in wall thickness in the joining area. The two joined channel halves together form the heating channel. The uniform wall thicknesses, in particular, prevent the elements from warping during or after manufacturing.

[0026] Preferably, the meandering heating channel has heating sections arranged parallel to one another, which may have opposite flow directions. Preferably, at least one intermediate channel is arranged between the heating sections to separate the electrical potentials of adjacent heating elements. This intermediate channel is connected to a heating section at a bend and, in particular, does not contain a heating element. Each heating section has a heating element, in particular a heating coil, inside the channel section. A heating system designed in this way also exhibits substantially low equalizing currents in direct contact with the water at the inlet and outlet points.

[0027] In another embodiment, the intermediate channel has a smaller channel circumference and / or smaller channel inner diameter than one or all of the deflection points.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the heating block has water connections for use in both over-counter and under-counter installations, between which the user can select or switch. The water connections for over-counter installations are located at the bottom, and those for under-counter installations are located at the top, based on intended use. The upstream and downstream sections, or insulation sections, are arranged so that they are suitable for both over-counter and under-counter installations. The water connections can be subsequently opened and closed. This allows for flexible use of the heating block in both over-counter and under-counter configurations.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention, a water heater for heating a liquid medium, comprising a heating block according to at least one of the above embodiments, is proposed. Here, a water heater is preferably understood to be an instantaneous water heater, in particular with a bare wire heating system. In the instantaneous water heater, cold water is heated via the heating block. Due to the redirection of the water in the heating block over more than one channel level, the instantaneous water heater has a compact design.

[0030] Preferably, the water heater has an enclosure, in particular a housing. The enclosure comprises a back wall, a front wall, a first and a second side wall, a lid, and a base. Preferably, a partial shell, in particular the third partial shell, of the heating block, as described above in some embodiments, is formed as part of the back wall. The contour of the back wall is designed such that the partial shell can be integrated into the back wall. This allows for a compact design of the water heater.

[0031] In another embodiment, the water heater is designed for use in an over-counter and / or under-counter installation. The water heater has corresponding water connection options. An under-counter installation is, for example, an open water heater located under a work table or similar surface for the washbasin or sink. An over-counter installation is, for example, a closed instantaneous water heater, in particular a water heater for supplying multiple draw-off points.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the invention, a partial shell is prepared for use in the manufacture of a heating block according to at least one of the above embodiments. The partial shell comprises a joining surface prepared for welding with another partial shell. The joining surface is at least partially not arranged in a two-dimensional joining plane. Thus, the joining surface can have a section in a two-dimensional joining plane and another section outside the two-dimensional joining plane. The partial shell has two joining surfaces.

[0033] Preferably, a partial shell is prepared for use in the manufacture of a heating block according to one of the above embodiments. The partial shell comprises two water connections. One water connection forms a water inlet, and the other forms a water outlet, wherein at least one water connection is located at least outside one of the joining planes and is formed from one of the partial shells, and wherein, in particular, the water inlet and / or the water outlet defines a flow direction that is substantially parallel to the joining plane.

[0034] The water connections are thus formed in the partial shell and are intended as part of the injection-molded part. The water connections are shaped in such a way that the water flows in and out essentially parallel to, but outside of, the joining plane. Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a first partial shell in a top view of an outer surface. Fig. 1a shows the first partial shell of the Fig. 1 in a top view of the joining side for attaching to a second partial shell. Fig. Figures 1b to 1e show the first partial shell made of Fig. 1 in different side views. Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a second partial shell in a top view. Fig. 2a shows the second partial shell made of Fig. 2 in a top view of another side. Fig. 2b shows the second partial shell made of Fig. 2 in a side view. Fig. 2c shows the second partial shell made of Fig. 2 in another side view. Fig. 2d shows the second partial shell made of Fig. 2 in another side view. Fig. 2e shows the second partial shell made of Fig. 2 in another side view. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a third partial shell in a perspective view. Fig. 3a shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in a top view. Fig. 3b shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in another top view. Fig. 3c shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in a side view. Fig. 3D shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in another side view. Fig. 3e shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in another side view. Fig. 3f shows the third partial shell made of Fig. 3 in another side view. Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an instantaneous water heater without a lid in a top view. Fig. 4a shows the instantaneous water heater. Fig. 4 in a side view. Fig. 4b shows the instantaneous water heater. Fig. 4 in another side view. Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a channel system of a heating block in a top view. Fig. 5a shows the canal system from Fig. 5 in a side view. Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of three interconnected partial shells in a perspective view. Fig. 6a shows the three interconnected partial shells made of Fig. 6 in a sectional view.

[0035] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first partial shell 1 in a top view of the outer surface. The first partial shell 1 has a heating channel half 13, which comprises three heating sections in the form of first grooves or channels 2 and an intermediate channel section 3. The three heating sections are connected to each other via deflection points 4 and are designed to accommodate a heating element and to conduct water. The intermediate channel section 3 is not intended to accommodate a heating element and serves as an electrical insulation gap between the two heating sections. The first grooves or channels 2 are arranged parallel to each other and run together in a meandering pattern. The intermediate channel section 3 is located between two of the first grooves or channels 2. The intermediate channel section 3 has a smaller channel diameter than the first grooves or channels 2 and is connected at each end to a first groove or channel 2 via a deflection point 4.After being assembled with another partial shell corresponding to the first partial shell 1 and having a heating channel half formed there, the heating channel half 13 forms a heating channel in which heating elements, in particular heating wires designed as heating coils, are inserted.

[0037] The first grooves or channels 2 preferably have round recesses 11 at one end for electrical connections for contacting a heating coil in the respective heating section 2. In addition, Fig. Openings 12 for connecting a temperature sensor or similar device are visible. A thermostat, preferably in the form of a temperature limiter, monitors a fixed or preset temperature.

[0038] The first sub-shell 1 has two insulation channel sections 6, which are arranged parallel to the first grooves or channels 2. The insulation channel sections 6, the heating channel section 2, and the intermediate channel section 3 are arranged in a first channel guide plane. Each insulation channel section 6 has an opening 8 through which the insulation channel sections 6 are guided into a further, second channel guide plane or into another sub-shell. At each end of one of the two insulation channel sections 6, an outlet 5 is arranged. The water heated in the heating block is discharged through the outlet 5. Because the first sub-shell 1 has two outlets 5, it is suitable for use in both under-counter and over-counter installations. The outlets 5 can be opened or closed as desired.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1a shows the inside of the first partial shell 1 made of Fig. 1. The first partial shell 1 has a joining surface 9 on its inner side, which is prepared for welding to another partial shell. The joining surface 9 is located at the outer edge of the first partial shell 1 and between the individual channel sections. The entire joining surface 9 is thus labyrinthine. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first grooves or channels 2 have a larger channel diameter than the deflection points 4. The deflection points 4 have approximately the same channel diameter as the first channel section of the intermediate channel 3. In the transition area, the channel diameter of the first grooves or channels 2 is reduced to the channel diameter of the deflection points 4.

[0040] The Fig. Figures 1b to 1e show the first partial shell 1 in different side views. It can be seen that the outlets 5 are arranged in a different plane than the channel sections. From the insulating channel sections 6, a ramp 10 leads from a first channel guide plane 70 to the outlet 5, where the water flows out. The insulating channel sections 6 and the deflection points 4 have a smaller channel diameter than the first grooves or channels 2. In other embodiments, the diameters of the deflection points are not smaller. In particular, a proposed welding method that does not use friction welding eliminates the need for deflection points with a reduced diameter.

[0041] Furthermore, in the Fig. 1b to 1e reveal a joining plane 90. In joining plane 90, the first partial shell 1 is joined to a corresponding partial shell via the joining surface 9. Fig. 1d and Fig. Figure 1e shows that the joining surface 9 has three sections 9a, 9b, and 9c, which are arranged in the joining plane 90, and two sections 9d and 9e, which are arranged outside the joining plane 90. The sections 9d and 9c outside the joining plane 90 are arranged below the openings 12 for connecting a temperature sensor or similar device. Thus, the partial shell 1 is adapted to the opening 12. The opening 12 therefore has a constant wall thickness. No material accumulations or reductions in the minimum wall thickness occur at this point, since the joining surface 9 does not have to lie in the joining plane 90.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second partial shell 100 in a top view. The second partial shell 100 has insulation channel sections 106, which include straight sections 116 and approximately right-angled sections 117. The insulation channel sections 106 begin or end in an opening 108, which forms a connection to another partial shell. A joining surface 119 for welding to another partial shell is also visible. The joining surface 119 is arranged around the insulation channel sections 106 and is designed in an approximately labyrinthine manner. After joining the second partial shell 100 to another partial shell, the insulation channel sections 106, together with corresponding channel sections in the other partial shell, form the insulation channel.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 2 shows two inlet points 107 into which cold water can flow. These two inlet points 107 prepare the sub-bowl 100 for use in both countertop and under-counter installations. For this purpose, one of the two inlet points 107 is selected for use, and the other is or remains closed.

[0044] Fig. 2a shows the second partial shell 100 made of Fig. 2 from the other side. Three parallel second grooves or channels 102 are visible, connected to each other via deflection points 104. An intermediate channel section 103 is arranged between two of the second grooves or channels 102, each of which is connected at its ends to a second groove or channel 102 via deflection points 104. Furthermore, two insulating channel sections 106 are visible, arranged parallel to the second grooves or channels 102. The insulating channel sections 106 each have openings 108 through which the insulating channel sections 106 are connected to another partial shell or further channel sections in another channel guidance plane. A joining surface 109 is also visible, arranged around the individual channel sections and forming an approximately labyrinthine pattern. The second partial shell 100 thus has a joining surface 109, 119 on each side.This makes it ready to be joined to two other partial shells.

[0045] Fig. 2b to 2e show the second partial shell 100 made of Fig. 2 in different side views. A ramp 110 can be seen, which is formed, for example, by hot gas welding with a connecting nozzle, preferably from the first partial shell.

[0046] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2b to 2e reveal a joining plane 190. In the joining plane 190, the second partial shell 100 is joined to a corresponding partial shell, in particular to the partial shell of the Fig. 1, joined via the joining surface 109.

[0047] Furthermore, another joining plane 191 can be identified. In joining planes 190 and 191, a joining surface 109 or 119 is arranged in sections. In two sections, the joining surfaces 109 and 119 each have a corresponding curvature 120. Due to the curvature 120, the joining surface 109 or 119 is not located in the respective joining plane 190 or 191 at these points.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third partial shell 200 in a perspective view. This third partial shell 200 has two insulation channel sections 206, which are partially formed as straight sections 216 and partially as sections 217 arranged approximately at right angles to them. The channel sections are created by deflecting the material twice by 90° instead of by 180°, namely in the deflection sections 215, which can also deflect stepwise, e.g., by approximately 45° twice. A joining surface 219 for welding to another partial shell is arranged around the insulation channel sections 206. The joining surface 219 is partially formed within a joining plane 291 and partially outside the joining plane 291. The joining surface 219 has a bulge 220 in four areas, each of which projects out of the joining plane 291. The bulges 220 correspond to the bulges 120 of the second partial shell, which is connected to the third partial shell 200.

[0049] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b shows the third partial shell 200 made of Fig. 3 in a top view from above or below.

[0050] Fig. Figures 3c to 3f show the third partial shell 200 made of Fig. 3 in different side views. The joining surface 219 can be seen here. In Fig. In 3D, it can be seen that the joining surface 219 lies outside the joining plane 291 in the area of ​​the bulges 220. Furthermore, a section 221 is shown between the bulges 220, which is parallel to the joining plane 291 and thus located outside of it.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of an instantaneous water heater 600 without a cover. The instantaneous water heater 600 has a housing 315 in which a first partial shell 310 and a second partial shell 320 are arranged, forming part of a heating block 300. The first partial shell 310 and the second partial shell 320 are connected to each other. Three first grooves or channels 302 of the first partial shell 310, running parallel to each other and connected via a deflection point 304, are visible. The insulation channel sections 306 are also shown. The inlet points 307 and the outlet points 305 are connected to water connections 325 for the water inlet and water outlet, respectively. The water connections 325 are located outside the housing 315. Because the instantaneous water heater 600 has four such water connections 325, it is suitable for both under-counter and over-counter installations.

[0052] The Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows the 600 instantaneous water heater. Fig. 4 in different side views.

[0053] Fig. Figure 5 shows a channel system 400 of a heating block such as the heating block 300 of the Fig. 4. The arrows indicate the direction of water flow. Initially, cold water is introduced into the system at an inlet 407. The water first flows through the insulating channel 406 through a straight channel section 416 in a first channel guidance level 470. At the end of this straight channel section 416, the channel leads from the first channel guidance level 470 to a second channel guidance level 480 in a transition area 418. There, the water flows through two transversely oriented channel sections 427 and one longitudinally oriented channel section 426. Between these sections, deflection sections 425 provide approximately right-angled deflections. These channel sections can be considered an inlet-side insulating channel, which now ends approximately at a transition back to the first channel guidance level 470. The heating channel with heating channel sections 402 and the intermediate channel section 403 follows, all of which are arranged in the first channel guidance level 470.The water then reaches an outlet-side insulation channel, which is essentially located again in the second channel guidance level 480. There, it essentially comprises two longitudinally oriented channel sections 426 and two transversely oriented channel sections 427. The following channel section in the second channel guidance level 480 runs in an approximately right-angled channel section 427 to another straight channel section 426. After another approximately right-angled channel section 427 and another straight channel section 426, the channel section leads back into the first channel guidance level 470 in a further transition area 428. Here, the water flows in a meandering pattern through the heating channel 402 or the intermediate channel 403. The channel then leads back into the second channel guidance level 480 via another transition area 419.The next channel section initially runs via a straight channel section 426 over three channel sections 427 arranged approximately at right angles to each other. This outlet-side isolation channel essentially extends to the outlet point 405, which is not located in either of the two channel guide planes. Alternatively, the water can flow in through an inlet point 407' and out through an outlet point 405', both of which are shown in the diagram. Fig. 5 are shown above.

[0054] Out of Fig. Figure 5 shows that the meandering heating channels 402 and the intermediate channel 403 are arranged in the first channel guidance level 470 and the straight insulation channels 406, which run at approximately right angles to each other, are essentially arranged in the second channel guidance level 480.

[0055] Fig. 5a shows the canal system from Fig. 5 in a side view. The first channel guidance level 470 and a second channel guidance level 480 can be seen there.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 shows three interconnected partial shells, namely a first, second and third partial shell 510, 520 and 530, such as the first partial shell of the Fig. 1, the second partial shell of the Fig. 2 and the third partial shell of the Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view. The second sub-shell 520 is positioned between the first sub-shell 510 and the third sub-shell 530 and is firmly connected to each of them. Two openings 512 for connecting a thermostat or similar device are also visible.

[0057] Fig. 6a shows a section AA of the three connected partial shells made of Fig.6. The first partial shell 510, the second partial shell 520, and the third partial shell 530 can be identified. The first partial shell 510 has three first grooves or channels 512, an intermediate channel half 513 arranged between two of the first grooves or channels 512, and three insulating channel halves 516. The second partial shell 520 has corresponding second grooves or channels 522, a second intermediate channel half 523, and second insulating channel halves 526. The first grooves or channels 512, the intermediate channel half 513, and the insulation channel halves 516 each have a greater depth than the corresponding grooves or channels 522, intermediate channel halves 523, and insulation channel halves 523 in the second partial shell 520. The second grooves or channels 522, which are combined with the first grooves or channels 512, together form the heating channel 540, the intermediate channel halves 513 and 523 form an intermediate channel 550, and the insulation channel halves 516 and 523 form the insulation channel halves 516 and 523, respectively.526 an insulation channel 560. The channels are all located in a first channel guidance level 570. All channels in the first channel guidance level 570 are formed by the connection of the first partial shell 510 and the second partial shell 520. The connection is formed via the joining surfaces 509, preferably by welding. The third partial shell 530 is not connected to the first partial shell 510.

[0058] In a second channel guidance level 580, three further insulation channels 560 are visible. The insulation channels 560 are formed from the connected second partial shell 520 and third partial shell 530. The second partial shell 520 has three insulation channel halves 526 facing the third partial shell 530. The third partial shell 530 has three corresponding insulation channel halves 536, which together form the insulation channels 560. The insulation channels 560 are arranged in the second channel guidance level 580. The second partial shell 520 and the third partial shell 530 are connected to each other at the joining surfaces 519, preferably by welding.

Claims

[1] Heating block (300) for use in a water heater for heating water, comprising a heating block body, in particular made of plastic, for forming a cavity for conducting the water and for receiving at least one heating element, wherein - the heating block body includes: o a first partial shell (1, 510) with a first partial cavity and o a second partial shell (100, 520) with a second partial cavity, wherein - the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shells are assembled in a joining area and form the cavity between them from the two partial cavities, and the joining area is at least partially not formed in a joining plane (90, 190, 191), and / or - the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shells are welded together by the supply of heat via a medium, in particular by a substantially abrasion-free and / or vibration-free welding process, and / or - the first partial cavity has a greater depth than the second partial cavity, or vice versa, wherein a third partial shell (200, 530) is provided with a third partial cavity, which is assembled with the first or second partial shell (100, 520) in such a way that the first or second (100, 520) and the third (200, 530) partial shell form an insulation channel (560) for creating an insulation gap between them, wherein the insulation channel (560) is in particular free of heating elements. [2] Heating block (300) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shell are each designed as a plastic injection molded part. [3] Heating block (300) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the cavity forms a heating channel (540) for receiving at least one heating element and the heating channel (540) is arranged between the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shell in a first channel guidance plane (470, 570), and the insulation channel (560) is arranged between the second (100, 520) and the third (200, 530) partial shell in a second channel guidance plane (470, 570), in particular such that the first, second (100, 520) and third (200, 530) partial shells form a sandwich structure. [4] Heating block (300) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that the heating channel (540) has meandering and / or the insulation channel (560) has straight channel sections connected approximately at right angles to each other. [5] Heating block (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shell and the third (200, 530) partial shell are assembled and firmly joined by means of hot gas welding. [6] Heating block (300) according to claim 5, characterized by , that at least one insulation channel (516, 560) has an inlet point (107, 507) for supplying the medium and at least one insulation channel (516, 560) has an outlet point (105, 505) for removing the medium and / or the inlet point (107, 507) and outlet point (105, 505) are firmly connected to one of the partial shells. [7] Heating block (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one heating element has a component through which an electric current flows, in particular a heating coil. [8] Heating block (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cavity has at least one meandering heating channel (540), wherein - the heating channel (540) has at least one heating section with the heating element for heating the water and wherein - in the first (1, 510) and the second (100, 520) partial shell, a first and second channel half of the heating channel is formed as a first (2, 512) and second (102, 522) meandering channel or groove, wherein - the first meandering groove or channel (2, 512) has a greater depth than the second meandering groove or channel (102, 522) or vice versa. [9] Heating block (300) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the meandering heating channel (540) has a substantially uniform wall thickness, in particular a uniform wall thickness in the circumferential direction of the heating channel. [10] Heating block (300) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by, that the meandering heating channel (540) has heating sections arranged parallel to each other with opposite flow directions and that at least one intermediate channel (550) is arranged between the heating sections arranged parallel to each other for separating the potentials, wherein the at least one intermediate channel (550) is connected to a heating section at a deflection point (4, 504) and the intermediate channel (550) in particular does not have a heating element. [11] Heating block (300) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the heating channel 540) has a larger channel circumference in straight sections than in one or all of the deflection points (4, 504) and / or in the intermediate channel (550). [12] Heating block (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the heating block (300) has two inlet points (107) and two outlet points (5) for use in over-counter and under-counter arrangements, wherein the inlet points (107) and the outlet points (5) can be selectively opened or closed. [13] Water heater for heating a liquid medium comprising a heating block (300) according to one of the preceding claims. [14] Water heater according to claim 13, characterized by , that the water heater has a casing (315), in particular a housing, comprising a rear wall, a front wall, a first and a second side wall, a lid and a bottom, wherein a partial shell, in particular the third partial shell (200, 530), of the heating block (300) is formed as part of the rear wall. [15] Water heater according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized bythat the water heater has four water connections (325) and is prepared for use in an over-counter and / or under-counter arrangement. [16] Partial shell (1, 100, 200, 510, 520, 530) of the heating block according to claim 1, comprising two joining surfaces (9, 109, 119, 519, 509) prepared for welding with each of a further joining surface (9, 109, 119, 519, 509) of a further partial shell, wherein at least one joining surface (9, 109, 119, 519, 509) is at least partially not arranged in a joining plane.

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