Water tank assembly and gas water heater

Abstract

A water tank assembly and a gas water heater are disclosed. The water tank assembly includes a tank body and a heat exchanger. The tank body includes side plates connected to each other to form a flue gas chamber, in which the heat exchanger is arranged. The heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubes. At least one of the side plates includes a first stamping plate and a second stamping plate connected to the first stamping plate. The first stamping plate forms a first stamping groove, and the second stamping plate forms a second stamping groove. After the first stamping plate is connected to the second stamping plate, the first stamping groove communicates with the second stamping groove to form a first water box, and at least one of the heat exchange tubes is threaded through the first stamping plate to communicate with the first water box.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411103714.5, titled “WATER TANK ASSEMBLY AND GAS WATER HEATER” and filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on Aug. 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a gas water heater, and more particularly, to a water tank assembly and a gas water heater having the water tank assembly.BACKGROUND

[0003] High-temperature flue gas generated by a burner of a gas water heater may exchange heat with a heat exchange liquid in a heat exchange tube to heat the heat exchange liquid.

[0004] However, in related technologies, water boxes communicating with the heat exchange tubes are generally formed by stamping single-piece plates. However, when the water flow rate is high, the degree of stamping is typically extensive when the water boxes having required volumes are formed by stamping the single-piece plates, which is prone to cause deformation of the plates during stamping to exceed their shaping limits, thus leading to fracture of the plates in stress concentration regions.SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a water tank assembly and a gas water heater, which can improve the yield of side plate products and facilitate the manufacturing and production in workshops.

[0006] In the first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a water tank assembly applicable to a gas water heater, where the water tank assembly includes a tank body and a heat exchanger. The tank body includes a plurality of side plates connected to each other to form a flue gas chamber, the heat exchanger is arranged inside the flue gas chamber, and the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes. At least one of the plurality of side plates includes a first stamping plate and a second stamping plate.

[0007] The second stamping plate is connected to the first stamping plate, where the first stamping plate is recessed in a direction away from the second stamping plate to form a first stamping groove, and the second stamping plate is recessed in a direction away from the first stamping plate to form a second stamping groove.

[0008] After the first stamping plate is connected to the second stamping plate, the first stamping groove communicates with the second stamping groove to form a first water box, and at least one or more of the heat exchange tubes are threaded through the first stamping plate to communicate with the first water box.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first stamping groove has a first notch facing toward the second stamping plate, and the second stamping groove has a second notch facing toward the first stamping groove.

[0010] A plate surface of the first stamping plate where the first notch is formed hermetically abuts against a plate surface of the second stamping plate where the second notch is formed.

[0011] In some embodiments, when viewed along a direction from the second stamping plate toward the first stamping plate, the projection of the second stamping groove is positioned within the first stamping groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, a depth of the second stamping groove is not greater than that of the first stamping groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of side plates include a first side plate and a second side plate arranged oppositely, where each of the first side plate and the second side plate includes the first stamping plate and the second stamping plate.

[0014] Each of at least one or more of the plurality of heat exchange tubes has two ends respectively communicating with the first water box of the first side plate and the first water box of the second side plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tank body also has a flue gas inlet communicating with the flue gas chamber; the first water box of the first side plate includes a first primary heat exchange water box and a first condensing heat exchange water box, and the first water box of the second side plate includes a second primary heat exchange water box and a second condensing heat exchange water box. The plurality of heat exchange tubes include a first primary heat exchange tube bundle and a condensing heat exchange tube bundle.

[0016] The first primary heat exchange tube bundle includes a plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes, where two ends of each of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes respectively communicate with the first primary heat exchange water box and the second primary heat exchange water box.

[0017] The condensing heat exchange tube bundle includes a plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes, where two ends of each of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes respectively communicate with the first condensing heat exchange water box and the second condensing heat exchange water box.

[0018] The condensing heat exchange tube bundle is positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle facing away from the flue gas inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, a plurality of first primary heat exchange water boxes and a plurality of second primary heat exchange water boxes are provided, and one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes correspondingly communicates with one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange water boxes and one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange water boxes, such that the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes are connected in series to form a series-connected water circuit.

[0020] In some embodiments, a plurality of first condensing heat exchange water boxes and a plurality of second condensing heat exchange water boxes are provided.

[0021] At least two of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes correspondingly communicate with one of the plurality of first condensing heat exchange water boxes and one of the plurality of second condensing heat exchange water boxes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first water box of the second side plate also includes a first cross-layer water box.

[0023] The first cross-layer water box communicates with one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes and one of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes.

[0024] In some embodiments, the water tank assembly also includes two water box components, which are connected to an outer side of the first side plate and an outer side of the second side plate respectively and each of which is formed with a second water box.

[0025] The first primary heat exchange tube bundle also includes a plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes positioned on a side of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes facing toward the flue gas inlet.

[0026] One end of a given one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes is threaded through the first side plate and communicates with the second water box, and other end of the given second primary heat exchange tube is threaded through the second side plate and communicates with the second water box.

[0027] In some embodiments, along an arrangement direction of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes, the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes and the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes are alternately arranged.

[0028] In some embodiments, each of the water box components includes a cover plate and a third stamping plate.

[0029] The cover plate is connected to the outer side of the first side plate or the second side plate, and the third stamping plate is recessed in a direction away from the cover plate to form a third stamping groove.

[0030] The cover plate covers the third stamping plate, and a plate surface of the cover plate facing toward the third stamping plate fits with a groove wall surface of the third stamping groove to form the second water box. In some embodiments, the second water box of the water box component connected to the first side plate includes a third primary heat exchange water box and a second cross-layer water box.

[0031] The third primary heat exchange water box communicates with one end of the second primary heat exchange tube, the second cross-layer water box communicates with one end of a given one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate and communicates with one end of a given one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first water box of the first side plate also includes at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes, and the first water box of the second side plate also includes a fifth primary heat exchange water box.

[0033] The plurality of heat exchange tubes also include a second primary heat exchange tube bundle positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle facing toward the flue gas inlet, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes also include a plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes, where at least two of the plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes form a parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle.

[0034] The two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles are provided, where two ends of one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles respectively communicate with one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes and the fifth primary heat exchange water box, and two ends of the other one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles respectively communicate with the other one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes and the fifth primary heat exchange water box. The two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles are spaced apart along a direction from the first side plate towards the second side plate and are arranged adjacent to the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second water box of the water box component connected to the first side plate also includes a third cross-layer water box.

[0036] One of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles is further threaded through the second stamping plate of the first side plate to communicate with the third cross-layer water box, and one end of one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate communicates with the third cross-layer water box.

[0037] In some embodiments, the condensing heat exchange tubes are corrugated tubes.

[0038] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger also includes a heat exchange fin comprising a fin body and collars.

[0039] The fin body has a thickness direction, and the collars are connected to a side surface of the fin body in the thickness direction, and fit with the fin body to form a plurality of tube pass-through openings, where a given one of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is correspondingly threaded through a given one of the plurality of tube pass-through openings.

[0040] Each of the collars has a solder pass-through opening communicating with the given tube pass-through opening, where the solder pass-through opening is configured to allow solder to flow into a gap between the given tube pass-through opening and the given heat exchange tube.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of solder pass-through openings are provided, and the plurality of solder pass-through openings are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of each collar.

[0042] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange fins are provided, the plurality of heat exchange fins are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, and each of the plurality of heat exchange fins are provided with solder receiving openings communicating with the solder pass-through openings.

[0043] The solder receiving openings of the plurality of heat exchange fins are aligned with each other along the thickness direction, for placing the solder.

[0044] In some embodiments, for a same heat exchange fin, one of the solder receiving openings and one of the solder pass-through openings are positioned in a same radial direction of the given tube pass-through opening.

[0045] In some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange fins are provided, the plurality of heat exchange fins are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, and each of the collars of the plurality of heat exchange fins is provided with a limiting part.

[0046] Along an arrangement direction of the plurality of heat exchange fins, the limiting parts of any given one of the plurality of heat exchange fins are configured to limit and abut against the heat exchange fin adjacent to the given heat exchange fin.

[0047] In some embodiments, the limiting part is a limiting flange formed at an edge of the collar away from the fin body along the thickness direction.

[0048] An angle is formed between the limiting flange and the collar, and in the radial direction of the tube pass-through opening, the limiting flange extends in a direction away from the tube pass-through opening.

[0049] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gas water heater, which includes a housing, the water tank assembly as described above, and a burner.

[0050] The water tank assembly is arranged inside the housing, and the burner is arranged inside the housing and is configured to generate heat exchange flue gas flowing towards the flue gas chamber.

[0051] In the water tank assembly and the gas water heater based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first stamping groove is formed on the first stamping plate, the second stamping groove is formed on the second stamping plate, and the first stamping groove communicates with the second stamping groove to form the first water box. In this way, the water tank assembly of this embodiment at least has the following technical effects.

[0052] First, the first stamping groove and the second stamping groove can be formed on the first stamping plate and the second stamping plate, respectively. In this way, on the basis of obtaining the first water box having a larger volume, two stamping grooves can be separately formed on two plates, and then the two stamping grooves fit with each other to form the first water box. This prevents the occurrence of forming the first water box on a single-piece plate, increases the probability of producing the side plates, and helps to improve the yield rate. Second, obtaining the first water box having a larger volume can also increase the overall water output of the water tank assembly, to better meet the larger water output requirements for the gas water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] To describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure or those of the prior art more clearly, the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure. To those of ordinary skills in the art, other accompanying drawings may also be derived from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a water tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along Section A-A in FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of Point B in FIG. 2;

[0057] FIG. 4 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a side plate in FIG. 1 from a viewing angle;

[0058] FIG. 5 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the side plate in FIG. 4 from another viewing angle;

[0059] FIG. 6 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the water tank assembly in FIG. 1;

[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a water tank assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the water tank assembly in FIG. 7 from another viewing angle;

[0062] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along Section C-C in FIG. 7;

[0063] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger in FIG. 7;

[0064] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange fin in FIG. 10;

[0065] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of Point D in FIG. 11;

[0066] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of connection between a plurality of heat exchange fins in FIG. 10; and

[0067] FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged view of Point E in FIG. 13.

[0068] Description of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings:

[0069] water tank assembly 1;

[0070] tank body 10; flue gas chamber 10A; flue gas inlet 10B; flue gas outlet 10C; water inlet 10D; water outlet10E;

[0071] side plate 11; first water box 11A;

[0072] first side plate 111; first primary heat exchange water box 111A; first condensing heat exchange water box 111B; fourth primary heat exchange water box 111C;

[0073] second side plate 112; second primary heat exchange water box 112A; second condensing heat exchange water box 112B; first cross-layer water box 112C; fifth primary heat exchange water box 112D;

[0074] heat-insulating plate 113;

[0075] first stamping plate 114; first stamping groove 114A; first notch 114B;

[0076] second stamping plate 115; second stamping groove 115A; second notch 115B;

[0077] heat exchanger 20;

[0078] heat exchange fin 21; tube pass-through opening 21A;

[0079] fin body 211; solder receiving opening 211A;

[0080] collar 212; solder pass-through opening 212A; limiting part 2121; limiting flange 2122;

[0081] heat exchange tube 22;

[0082] first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221; first primary heat exchange tube 2211; second primary heat exchange tube 2212;

[0083] condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222; condensing heat exchange tube 2221;

[0084] second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223; third primary heat exchange tube 2231; parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle 2232;

[0085] water box component 30; second water box 30A; third primary heat exchange water box 30B; second cross-layer water box 30C; third cross-layer water box 30D;

[0086] cover plate 31; third stamping plate 32; and third stamping groove 32A.

[0087] Further description of realization of the objectives and functional characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will be made with reference to the drawings and in combination with the embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] When the accompanying drawings are mentioned in the following descriptions, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements, unless otherwise represented. The implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects related to the present disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0090] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms such as “first” and “second” are used only for purposes of description and should be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The specific significations of the above terms in the present disclosure may be understood in the light of specific conditions by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, “a plurality of” refers to two or more. The “and / or” used for describing an association relationship between associated objects represents the presence of three relationships. For example, A and / or B may represent the presence of A only, the presence of both A and B, and the presence of B only. Character “ / ”generally indicates that an “or”relationship is present between the associated objects.

[0091] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms employed herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms employed in the specification of the present disclosure are merely for the purpose of describing some embodiments and are not intended for limiting the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0092] The present disclosure proposes a gas water heater. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the gas water heater can obtain high-temperature flue gas with a higher temperature through combustion heating. Next, by exchanging heat between the high-temperature flue gas and cold water, the heat of the high-temperature flue gas can be transferred to the cold water, such that the temperature of the cold water is raised and thus hot water is prepared, that is, required bathroom water is prepared.

[0093] As can be understood, the gas water heater can mix gas with air and use the mixed gas as a fuel to achieve full combustion of the fuel. Specifically, the gas and the air may be premixed according to a specific combustion ratio to become the required fuel, which is then ignited to produce the high-temperature flue gas. In this way, a combustion process characterized by more efficient energy conversion and lower flue gas emission can be achieved, which is commonly known as a fully premixed technology. Of course, the fuel may also be solely gas, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the gas water heater includes a housing (not shown in the figure), a water tank assembly 1, and a burner (not shown in the figure). The housing is used to carry and install various components of the gas water heater. The water tank assembly 1 and the burner are respectively arranged inside the housing, and the water tank assembly 1 has a flue gas chamber 10A.

[0095] The fuel can be fed into the burner and ignited by the burner to obtain the high-temperature flue gas. Next, the high-temperature flue gas can flow into the flue gas chamber 10A to exchange heat with water flowing through the water tank assembly 1, causing the temperature of the water to rise, and thus preparing the required hot water.

[0096] The high-temperature flue gas generated by the burner of the gas water heater can exchange heat with a heat exchange liquid in a heat exchange tube 22 to heat the heat exchange liquid.

[0097] However, in related technologies, water boxes communicating with the heat exchange tube 22 are generally formed by stamping single-piece plates. However, when the water flow rate is high, the degree of stamping is typically extensive when the water boxes having required volumes are stamped from the single-piece plates, which is prone to cause deformation of the plates during stamping to exceed their shaping limits, thus leading to fracture of the plates in stress concentration regions.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, on this basis, in some embodiments, the water tank assembly 1 includes a tank body 10 and a heat exchanger 20. The tank body 10 may be made of stainless steel material, which has the advantages of better resistance to corrosion, better resistance to scaling, and lower costs. Of course, the tank body 10 may also be made of copper material, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. The tank body 10 may be constructed as a cuboid or cube to make it more regular in shape so as to facilitate manufacturing and production. The tank body 10 has the flue gas chamber 10A, and the heat exchanger 20 is arranged inside the flue gas chamber 10A.

[0099] The tank body 10 includes a plurality of side plates 11 connected to each other to form the flue gas chamber 10A. At least one of the plurality of side plates 11 includes a first stamping plate 114 and a second stamping plate 115 connected to each other, that is, the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115 separately serve as independent plates, and the first stamping plate 114 is positioned on an inner side of the second stamping plate 115. The first stamping plate 114 is recessed in a direction away from the second stamping plate 115 to form a first stamping groove 114A. The second stamping plate 115 is recessed in a direction away from the first stamping plate 114 to form a second stamping groove 115A.

[0100] As can be understood, in the actual process of forming the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A, cooperation of a press machine with a stamping die can be utilized to apply a deformation force to the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115, respectively, to separately form the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A on the plate surface of the first stamping plate 114 and the plate surface of the second stamping plate 115. In this way, dimensional and shape accuracy of the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A can be ensured, making it easy to directly form the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0101] After the first stamping plate 114 is connected to the second stamping plate 115, the first stamping groove 114A communicates with the second stamping groove 115A to form a first water box 11A, which has a certain volume to play a certain role in water storage. For example, the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115 can be connected by means of welding, screwing, or the like. After the connection, the first stamping groove 114A can be opposite to the second stamping groove 115A, thereby achieving communication.

[0102] The heat exchanger 20 includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 22. The heat exchange tubes 22 may be made of metal materials such as stainless steel or copper. Taking the stainless steel as an example, the heat exchange tubes 22 have the advantages of better resistance to corrosion, better resistance to scaling, and lower costs, etc. Liquid flow channels are formed inside the heat exchange tubes 22 to facilitate the flow of the heat exchange liquid. At least one or more of the heat exchange tubes 22 are threaded through the first stamping plate 114 to communicate with the first water box 11A. For example, the first stamping plate 114 is provided with first through-penetration openings, and the heat exchange tubes 22 are threaded through the first through-penetration openings and thus threaded through the first stamping plate 114.

[0103] As can be understood, the high-temperature flue gas can come into contact with the heat exchange tubes 22 when passing through the heat exchange tubes 22, to transfer heat to the heat exchange tubes 22, and then the heat exchange tubes 22 exchange heat with the heat exchange liquid, such that the heat is finally transferred to the heat exchange liquid.

[0104] According to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the first stamping groove 114A is formed on the first stamping plate 114, and the second stamping groove 115A is formed on the second stamping plate 115, where the first stamping groove 114A communicates with the second stamping groove 115A to form the first water box 11A. In this way, the water tank assembly 1 of this embodiment at least has the following technical effects.

[0105] First, the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A can be formed on the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115, respectively. In this way, on the basis of obtaining the first water box 11A having a larger volume, the two stamping grooves can be separately formed using the two plates, and then the two stamping grooves fit with each other to form the first water box 11A. This prevents the occurrence of forming the first water box 11A on a single-piece plate, increases the probability of producing the side plates 11, and helps to improve the yield rate. Second, obtaining the first water box 11A having a larger volume can also increase the overall water output of the water tank assembly 1, to better meet the larger water output requirements of the gas water heater, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, in some embodiments, the first stamping groove 114A has a first notch 114B facing toward the second stamping plate 115, and the second stamping groove 115A has a second notch 115B facing toward the first stamping groove 114A. For example, when viewed along a direction from the second stamping plate 115 toward the first stamping plate 114, a projection of the second stamping groove 115A is positioned within the first stamping groove 114A, or the projection of the second stamping groove 115A is partially positioned within the first stamping groove 114A.

[0107] A plate surface of the first stamping plate 114 where the first notch 114B is formed hermetically abuts against a plate surface of the second stamping plate 115 where the second notch 115B is formed. In this way, it can reduce probability of the heat exchange liquid flowing out of a gap between the plate surface of the first stamping plate 114 where the first notch 114B is formed and the plate surface of the second stamping plate 115 where the second notch 115B is formed, avoiding the occurrence of water leakage and improving the product quality of the water tank assembly 1. Moreover, by directly using the hermetical abutment between these two plate surfaces, there is no need to specially provide a sealing element for sealing, which not only reduces the number of structures, but also reduces assembly steps.

[0108] Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the sealing element may also be provided in the gap between the plate surface of the first stamping plate 114 facing toward the second stamping plate 115 and the second stamping plate 115 facing toward the first stamping plate 114.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3, further, when viewed along the direction from the second stamping plate 115 toward the first stamping plate 114, the projection of the second stamping groove 115A is positioned within the first stamping groove 114A, which facilitates the alignment between the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A during the connection of the first stamping plate 114 to the second stamping plate 115, reduces difficulty of connection, and facilitates the connection between the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115 in a workshop.

[0110] Moreover, compared to the form where the projection of the second stamping groove 115A is partially positioned within the first stamping groove 114A, in the form of this embodiment, a corresponding area between the first stamping groove 114A and the second stamping groove 115A is larger, which effectively increases the volume of the first water box 11A to meet the high water output requirements for the gas water heater.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 3, alternatively, a depth of the second stamping groove 115A is not greater than that of the first stamping groove 114A, that is, the depth of the second stamping groove 115A may be equal to or less than that of the first stamping groove 114A.

[0112] Because the second stamping plate 115 is positioned on an outer side of the first stamping plate 114, when the depth of the second stamping groove 115A is greater than that of the first stamping groove 114A, the second stamping groove 115A may be deeper and may protrude further outward, which may result in a larger overall size of the water tank assembly 1, making it unable to fit to smaller gas water heaters. Therefore, in this embodiment, the depth of the second stamping groove 115A is limited, such that the overall size of the water tank assembly 1 can be appropriately reduced, which is beneficial for the water tank assembly 1 to meet requirements of gas water heaters of different sizes.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, in some embodiments, the plurality of side plates 11 include a first side plate 111 and a second side plate 112 arranged oppositely. Each of the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 includes the first stamping plate 114 and the second stamping plate 115, so each of the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112 have the first water box 11A.

[0114] Each of at least one or more of the heat exchange tubes 22 has two ends respectively communicating with the first water box 11A of the first side plate 111 and the first water box 11A of the second side plate 112. In this way, each of the first water box 11A of the first side plate 111 and the first water box 11A of the second side plate 112 is formed by fitting the first stamping groove 114A with the second stamping groove 115A, resulting in a higher probability of producing the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112, which is conducive to improving the yield rate of the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 1, in some structural forms, the plurality of side plates 11 also include two heat-insulating plates 113 arranged opposite to and spaced apart from each other, and each of the two heat-insulating plates 113 is connected between the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112, such that the two heat-insulating plates 113, the first side plate 111, and the second side plate 112 fit with each other to form at least part of the flue gas chamber 10A.

[0116] In this way, by providing the two heat-insulating plates 113, the heat of the flue gas escaping outward can be reduced, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the tank body 10 further has a flue gas inlet 10B and a flue gas outlet 10C, where both the flue gas inlet 10B and the flue gas outlet 10C communicate with the flue gas chamber 10A. For example, the flue gas inlet 10B and the flue gas outlet 10C are the same opening. That is, after the flue gas flows into the flue gas chamber 10A from the flue gas inlet 10B, the flue gas may change its flow direction and turn back when reaching the bottom wall of the flue gas chamber 10A, and then the flue gas flows out through the flue gas outlet 10C. In this case, the flue gas inlet 10B and the flue gas outlet 10C are the same opening. For another example, the flue gas inlet 10B and the flue gas outlet 10C are positioned on two opposite sides of the tank body 10. In this case, after the flue gas flows into the flue gas chamber 10A through the flue gas inlet 10B, the flow direction may not change, and the flue gas may flow out through the flue gas outlet 10C. Therefore, the flue gas inlet 10B and the flue gas outlet 10C are different openings in this case.

[0118] The first water box 11A of the first side plate 111 includes a first primary heat exchange water box 111A and a first condensing heat exchange water box 111B, and the first water box 11A of the second side plate 112 includes a second primary heat exchange water box 112A and a second condensing heat exchange water box 112B.

[0119] A plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 are provided, including a first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 and a condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222. The first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 includes a plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, where two ends of each of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 respectively communicate with the first primary heat exchange water box 111A and the second primary heat exchange water box 112A. The condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222 includes a plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes 2221, where two ends of each of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 respectively communicate with the first condensing heat exchange water box 111B and the second condensing heat exchange water box 112B. The plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 may adopt a series-connected or parallel-connected water circuit, and the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 of the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222 may adopt a series-connected or parallel-connected water circuit, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0120] As can be understood, after flowing into the flue gas chamber 10A from the flue gas inlet 10B, the flue gas may first exchange heat with the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 to heat up the heat exchange liquid flowing through the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211. After the heat exchange is completed, although the temperature of the flue gas has decreased, the flue gas still contains a certain amount of heat. Therefore, as the flue gas continues to flow, it may further exchange heat with the heat exchange liquid flowing through the condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 when flowing through the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222, thereby transferring the remaining heat (the heat released when water vapor in the flue gas condenses) in the flue gas to the heat exchange liquid flowing through the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222, to heat up the heat exchange liquid flowing through the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222. In this way, most of the heat from the flue gas can be utilized as much as possible to heat up the heat exchange liquid, which effectively improves the efficiency of heat exchange to achieve energy-saving and environment protection effects.

[0121] In some structural forms, the condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 are corrugated tubes. As can be understood, a wrinkled structure is formed on a tube wall of each corrugated tube, where the wrinkled structure can increase the heat exchange area between the corrugated tube and the high-temperature flue gas, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the corrugated tube and the high-temperature flue gas. In addition, the corrugated tube is lighter in weight and lower in material costs.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, further, a plurality of first primary heat exchange water boxes 111A and a plurality of second primary heat exchange water boxes 112A are provided, where one of the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 correspondingly communicates with one of the first primary heat exchange water boxes 111A and one of the second primary heat exchange water boxes 112A, such that the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 are connected in series to form a series-connected water circuit.

[0123] Compared to the parallel-connected water circuit, the series-connected water circuit can avoid the occurrence of a phenomenon of incomplete water filling or water flow stagnation in some of the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 caused by a lower flow rate and a slower flow velocity of the heat exchange liquid in the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, which thereby can slow down vaporization and scaling of water in the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, effectively reduce the risk of causing damage to the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, extend the service life of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221, avoid the occurrence of explosion of the water tank assembly 1, and thus ensure safety in use of the water tank assembly 1.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, further, a plurality of first condensing heat exchange water boxes 111B and a plurality of second condensing heat exchange water boxes 112B are provided. At least two condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 correspondingly communicate with one of the first condensing heat exchange water boxes 111B and one of the second condensing heat exchange water boxes 112B.

[0125] Compared to the series-connected water circuit, in this embodiment, the flow rate of the heat exchange liquid can be increased by means of the at least two condensing heat exchange tubes 2221, thereby improving the water output of the gas water heater.

[0126] Moreover, based on the fact that the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222 is positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 facing away from the flue gas inlet 10B, the temperature of the flue gas has already decreased after the flue gas flows through the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221. Therefore, even though the heat exchange liquid in some condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 is lower in flow rate and slower in flow velocity, adverse effects of the flue gas on the condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 can be reduced. In this way, the requirements of a larger water output can be met, and meanwhile the risk of damage to the condensing heat exchange tubes 2221 can be reduced.

[0127] To improve utilization efficiency of the heat from the flue gas, referring to FIGS. 7 to 8, in some embodiments, the first water box 11A of the second side plate 112 also includes a first cross-layer water box 112C communicating with one of the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 and one of the condensing heat exchange tubes 2221.

[0128] In this way, the heat exchange liquid in the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222 can flow, through the first cross-layer water box 112C, to the first primary heat exchange tube 2211 of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat from the flue gas and enhancing the efficiency of the flue gas in heating the heat exchange liquid.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the water tank assembly 1 also includes two water box components 30, which are connected to an outer side of the first side plate 111 and an outer side of the second side plate 112 respectively and each of which is formed with a second water box 30A having a certain volume to play a certain role in water storage.

[0130] The first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 also includes a plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212, which are positioned on a side of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 facing toward the flue gas inlet 10B. Wherein, one end of a given one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 is threaded through the first side plate 111 and communicates with the second water box 30A, and other end of the given second primary heat exchange tube 2212 is threaded through the second side plate 112 and communicates with the second water box 30A. For example, the second stamping plate 115 is provided with second through-penetration openings, and in this case, the second primary heat exchange tubes2212 may be sequentially threaded through the first through-penetration openings of the first stamping plate 114 and the second through-penetration openings of the second stamping plate 115, and then communicate with the second water boxes 30A.

[0131] As can be understood, the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 are positioned on a side of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 facing toward the flue gas inlet 10B, so part of the flue gas may first flow to the second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 and then flow to the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211. Therefore, generally the temperature of the flue gas in contact with the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 is higher. When the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 communicates with the first water box 11A, the flue gas may flow through a connection between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the first water box 11A. For example, the high-temperature flue gas may flow through a welding portion, which may cause fusion of the solder at the welding portion between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the first water box 11A, and thus posing a risk of separation between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the first water box 11A.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, a component (i.e. the water box component 30) independent of the side plate 11 is provided, and the water box component 30 is arranged on the outer side of the side plate 11. In this way, the high-temperature flue gas can be prevented from flowing to the connection between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the second water box 30A, thereby effectively reducing the risk of separation between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the second water box 30A.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, further, along the arrangement direction of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 and the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 are alternately arranged. Specifically, part of the flue gas can flow through the gap between the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 closer to the flue gas inlet 10B, and then can directly flow towards the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211. In this way, the second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 can be prevented from blocking out the first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, allowing the flue gas to smoothly flow to the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, thereby ensuring uniformity of heat exchange and improving utilization efficiency of the flue gas. It is worth mentioning that compared to a staggered arrangement, the alternate arrangement prevents oversized dimensions of the tank body 10 in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211, to appropriately reduce the overall size of the tank body 10.

[0134] Of course, in other embodiments, along the arrangement direction of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 in each row, the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 and the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 are arranged in a staggered manner, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 9, in some structural forms, the water box component 30 includes a cover plate 31 and a third stamping plate 32. The cover plate 31 is connected to the outer side of the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112. The third stamping plate 32 is recessed in a direction away from the cover plate 31 to form a third stamping groove 32A.

[0136] As can be understood, in the actual forming process of the third stamping groove 32A, cooperation of a press machine with a stamping die can be utilized to apply a deformation force to the third stamping plate 32, to form the third stamping groove 32A on the plate surface of the third stamping plate 32. In this way, dimensional and shape accuracy of the third stamping groove 32A can be ensured, making it easy to directly form the third stamping groove 32A.

[0137] The cover plate 31 covers the third stamping plate 32, and a plate surface of the cover plate 31 facing toward the third stamping plate 32 fits with a groove wall surface of the third stamping groove 32A to form the second water box 30A. In this way, the plate surface of the cover plate 31 is relatively regular, making it easy to directly connect to the outer side of the first side plate 111 or the second side plate 112. Furthermore, the plate surface of the cover plate 31 can fit with the third stamping groove 32A of the third stamping plate 32 to form the second water box 30A, making it convenient for manufacturing and processing.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in some embodiments, for the water box component 30 connected to the first side plate 111, its second water box 30A includes a third primary heat exchange water box 30B and a second cross-layer water box 30C.

[0139] The third primary heat exchange water box 30B communicates with one end of the second primary heat exchange tube 2212, and the second cross-layer water box 30C communicates with one end of one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 away from the second side plate 112, and communicates with one end of one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 away from the second side plate 112. In this way, the heat exchange liquid of the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 can flow towards the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat from the flue gas and enhancing the efficiency of the flue gas in heating the heat exchange liquid.

[0140] It is worth mentioning that the connection between one first primary heat exchange tube 2211 and the water box component 30 is positioned on the outer side of the first side plate 111, which prevents the high-temperature flue gas from flowing to the connection between the first primary heat exchange tube 2211 and the water box component 30, thus effectively reducing the risk of separation between the first primary heat exchange tube 2211 and the second water box 30A.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in some embodiments, the first water box 11A of the first side plate 111 also includes at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes 111C, and the first water box 11A of the second side plate 112 also includes a fifth primary heat exchange water box 112D.

[0142] The plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 also include a second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223 positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 facing toward the flue gas inlet 10B, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 also include a plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes 2231, where at least two of the plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes 2231 form a parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle 2232.

[0143] Two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 are provided, where two ends of one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 respectively communicate with one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes 111C and the fifth primary heat exchange water box 112D, and two ends of the other one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 respectively communicate with the other one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes 111C and the fifth primary heat exchange water box 112D. Wherein, the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 are spaced apart along a direction from the first side plate 111 towards the second side plate 112, and are arranged adjacent to the first side plate 111 and the second side plate 112, respectively.

[0144] As can be understood, the flue gas flows in from the flue gas inlet 10B, where part of the flue gas may flow towards the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223, and then sequentially flow towards the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 and the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222. Whereas another part of the flue gas may flow towards the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 through the gap between the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232, and then flow from the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221 to the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222.

[0145] In this way, the overall efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchanger 20 and the flue gas can be improved by additionally providing the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223. Moreover, by providing the parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle 2232, the heat exchange liquid flowing through the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223 can flow back and forth, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange liquid flowing through the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223 and the flue gas.

[0146] Moreover, the spaced arrangement of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 ensures that the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223 does not cause excessive obstruction to the flue gas flowing towards the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221, thereby effectively ensuring the overall efficiency of the heat exchange between the heat exchanger 20 and the flue gas.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, further, for the water box component 30 connected to the first side plate 111, its second water box 30A also includes a third cross-layer water box 30D.

[0148] One of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles 2232 is further threaded through the second stamping plate 115 of the first side plate to communicate with the third cross-layer water box 30D, and one end of one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 away from the second side plate 112 communicates with the third cross-layer water box 30D. In this way, the heat exchange liquid of the first group of heat exchange tubes 22 can flow, through the third cross-layer water box 30D, to the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the heat from the flue gas and enhancing the efficiency of the flue gas in heating the heat exchange liquid.

[0149] Moreover, both the connection between one of the second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 and the third cross-layer water box 30D and the connection between one parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle 2232 and the third cross-layer water box 30D are positioned on the outer side of the first side plate 111. Therefore, based on a fact that the high-temperature flue gas does not flow through these connections, the risk of separation between the parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle 2232 and the second water box 30A and the risk of separation between the second primary heat exchange tube 2212 and the second water box 30A can be effectively reduced.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, further, the tank body 10 also has a water inlet 10D and a water outlet 10E, where the water inlet 10D communicates with the first condensing heat exchange water box 111B, and the water outlet 10E communicates with the third primary heat exchange water box. In this way, the heat exchange liquid can flow through the water inlet 10D, the condensing heat exchange tube bundle 222, the first primary heat exchange tube bundle 221, the second primary heat exchange tube bundle 223, and the water outlet 10E in sequence, thereby achieving circulation of the heat exchange liquid in the plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 to improve the utilization efficiency of the heat from the flue gas.

[0151] Alternatively, the water inlet 10D may also communicate with the second condensing heat exchange water box 112B. In this case, the water inlet 10D and the water outlet 10E are positioned on different sides of the tank body 10, making it convenient to connect pipelines of the water inlet 10D and the water outlet 10E, and providing enough disassembly and assembly space to facilitate disassembly and assembly.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger 20 also includes heat exchange fins 21, which may be made of copper materials to have advantages of better thermal conductivity. Of course, the heat exchange fins 21 may also be made of other metal materials such as stainless steel, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0153] Each of the heat exchange fins 21 includes a fin body 211 and collars 212. As a main body of the heat exchange fin 21, the fin body 211 may be roughly rectangular in shape. Therefore, the fin body 211 may have a thickness direction, a width direction, and a length direction perpendicular to each other.

[0154] Each of the collars 212 may be arranged in a ring shape to enclose the heat exchange tube 22. Specifically, the collars 212 are connected to one side surface of the fin body 211 in the thickness direction, and fit with the fin body 211 to form a plurality of tube pass-through openings 21A, where one heat exchange tube 22 is correspondingly threaded through one tube pass-through opening 21A. As can be understood, the solder can fill the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, such that an outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 22 can be welded to a wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A, to achieve welding between the heat exchange fin 21 and the heat exchange tube 22.

[0155] However, it is found during production and manufacturing processes that the solder cannot better fill the gap between the heat exchange tube 22 and the tube pass-through opening 21A, which may lead to a decrease in the connection area between the heat exchange tube 22 and the tube pass-through opening 21A, thereby in one aspect resulting in lower efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21, and in another aspect resulting in poorer stability of connection between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21.

[0156] On this basis, in this embodiment, each collar 212 has a solder pass-through opening 212A communicating with the tube pass-through opening 21A, where the solder pass-through opening 212A may be an opening provided on an edge of the collar 212 or an opening provided on an outer side face of the collar 212, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. The solder pass-through opening 212A is configured to allow the solder to flow into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22. In this way, the solder can first flow towards the collar 212, and then continue flowing through the solder pass-through opening 212A of the collar 212 to reach the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22. Next, by means of high-temperature heating, the solder positioned in the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 is fused. After subsequent cooling and solidification, the solder may be connected to the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 22, thereby achieving the welding between the heat exchange fin 21 and the heat exchange tube 22.

[0157] According to the technical solutions of this embodiment, the fin body 211 fits with each collar 212 to form the tube pass-through opening 21A, and the collar 212 has the solder pass-through opening 212A, such that the heat exchange fin 21 of this embodiment at least has the following technical effects.

[0158] First, based on the presence of the fin body 211, the collar 212 connected to the fin body 211 is provided, and the fin body 211 fits with the collar 212 to form the tube pass-through opening 21A. This increases the depth of the tube pass-through opening 21A, thereby increasing the connection area between the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 22. In this way, the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21 can be increased, and the stability of connection between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21 can be improved.

[0159] Second, by providing the solder pass-through opening 212A on the collar 212, the solder can flow, through the solder pass-through opening 212A, into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22. This can allow the solder to fill the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 as much as possible, thereby reducing probability that the gap is not filled with the solder locally. As a result, the connection area between the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 22 can be increased, the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21 can be increased, and the stability of connection between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21 can be improved.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, in some embodiments, the number of the solder pass-through openings 212A may be more than one, such as two, three or four, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. Wherein, the plurality of solder pass-through openings 212A are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of each collar 212.

[0161] In this way, the solder can flow, through the plurality of solder pass-through openings 212A, into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, to increase the probability of the solder filling the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 fully and increase the connection area between the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the outer tube wall of the heat exchange tube 22, thereby further improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21, and enhancing the stability of the connection between the heat exchange tube 22 and the heat exchange fin 21.

[0162] As can be understood, if there are too many solder pass-through openings 212A (such as four, five or more), this may make the area of the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A formed by the collar 212 too small, resulting in an insufficient contact area between the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, and thus resulting in lower efficiency of heat exchange and poorer stability of connection between the collar 212 and the heat exchange tube 22.

[0163] On this basis, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, further, two solder pass-through openings 212A are provided, and the two solder pass-through openings 212A are distributed in an axially symmetric manner. In this embodiment, the solder can flow, through the two solder pass-through openings 212A, into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, and the two solder pass-through openings 212A distributed in an axially symmetric manner can promote the solder to flow towards each other in the circumferential direction of the tube pass-through opening 21A, such that the solder fills the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 as much as possible. On this basis, the arrangement of two solder pass-through openings 212A does not lead to too many solder pass-through openings, which can avoid the occurrence of a smaller contact area between the wall of the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 caused by the arrangement of too many solder pass-through openings 212A. Therefore, providing two solder pass-through openings 212A is conducive to ensuring the efficiency of heat exchange and the stability of connection between the collar and the heat exchange tube 22.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12, in some embodiments, each solder pass-through opening 212A is arranged, along the thickness direction, on the edge of a side of the collar 212 away from the fin body 211. Compared to a scheme where the solder pass-through opening 212A is arranged on the edge of a side of the collar 212 close to the fin body 211, this can facilitate processing and manufacturing of the heat exchange fins 21, thus effectively reducing the processing and manufacturing costs.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12, in some embodiments, the solder pass-through opening 212A does not extend to an intersecting line between the collar 212 and the fin body 211. In this way, it can be ensured that the collars 212 are continuously arranged on the whole, rather than partially disconnected, which can achieve a flow interception effect and ensure that the solder flows into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, rather than directly flows, through the solder pass-through opening 212A, to regions other than the gap.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12, in some embodiments, the solder pass-through opening 212A is an arc-shaped opening formed by recessing in a direction facing towards the fin body 211 along the thickness direction. In this way, the shape of the solder pass-through opening 212A is relatively regular, making it easy to process. Moreover, the design in which the solder pass-through opening 212A is recessed in the direction facing toward the fin body 211 can provide a larger opening area of the solder pass-through opening 212A. That is, the solder pass-through opening 212A is provided with a flared opening, which can increase the flow rate of the solder flowing from the solder pass-through opening 212A into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, thereby increasing the probability of the solder filling the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 fully.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12, in some embodiments, the solder pass-through opening 212A does not extend to the intersecting line between the collar 212 and the fin body 211. In this way, it is ensured that the collars 212 are continuously arranged on the whole, rather than are partially disconnected, which can achieve the flow interception effect and ensure that the solder flows into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, rather than directly flows, through the solder pass-through opening 212A, to the regions other than the gap.

[0168] Moreover, the solder pass-through opening 212A is an arc-shaped opening formed by recessing in the direction facing towards the fin body 211 along the thickness direction. In this way, the shape of the solder pass-through opening 212A is relatively regular, making it easy to process. Moreover, the design in which the solder pass-through opening 212A is recessed in the direction facing toward the fin body 211 can provide a larger opening area of the solder pass-through opening 212A. That is, the solder pass-through opening 212A is provided with a flared opening, which can increase the flow rate of the solder flowing from the solder pass-through opening 212A into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22, thereby increasing the probability of the solder filling the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22 fully.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 14, in some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are provided, and the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction. Each of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 is provided with solder receiving openings 211A communicating with the solder pass-through openings 212A.

[0170] The solder receiving openings 211A of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are aligned with each other along the thickness direction, for placing the solder. As can be understood, the solder is shaped as a strip. Based on a fact that the solder receiving openings 211A of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 fit with each other, the strip-shaped solder can be directly placed on each solder receiving opening 211A of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21, such that as the heat exchanger 20 enters a welding furnace, subsequently the solder can also at least partially flow, through the solder pass-through opening 212A, into the gap between the tube pass-through opening 21A and the heat exchange tube 22.

[0171] Further, for the same heat exchange fin 21, one solder receiving opening 211A and one solder pass-through opening 212A are positioned in the same radial direction of the tube pass-through opening 21A. In this way, the solder placed at the solder receiving opening 211A can flow from the solder receiving opening 211A to the solder pass-through opening 212A in a shorter path, which effectively reduces the flow path length of the solder, and thus can effectively reduce the probability of the solder failing to flow into the gap between the tube pass-through opening and the heat exchange tube 22 because the solder is likely solidified in advance due to heat loss in a too long flow path.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, a plurality of collars 212 are provided. As can be understood, the fin body 211 fits with the plurality of collars 212 to form the plurality of tube pass-through openings 21A. Correspondingly, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 are threaded through the plurality of tube pass-through openings 21A one by one.

[0173] The plurality of collars 212 may be arranged in two rows at most, that is, the plurality of collars 212 may be arranged in one or two rows. The at most two rows of collars 212 are arranged at intervals along the width direction, and each row of collars 212 include the plurality of collars 212 arranged at intervals along the length direction. For example, the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes 2211 are threaded through the plurality of tube pass-through openings 21A in one row, and the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes 2212 are threaded through the plurality of tube pass-through openings 21A in the other row.

[0174] A plurality of solder receiving openings 211A are provided, where one solder receiving opening 211A corresponds to one collar 212. In this way, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 22 can be threaded through a single heat exchange fin 21, thereby improving the overall efficiency of heat exchange. Furthermore, by providing the plurality of solder receiving openings 211A and the plurality of collars 212, the solder placed at different solder receiving openings 211A can separately flow to the corresponding solder pass-through openings 212A, thereby ensuring that the solder can fill the gap between each heat exchange tube 22 and its corresponding tube pass-through opening 21A as much as possible.

[0175] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 14, in some embodiments, a plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are provided, where the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, and each of the collars 212 of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 is provided with a limited part 2121.

[0176] Along the arrangement direction of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21, the limiting parts 2121 of any given heat exchange fin 21 are configured to limit and abut against the heat exchange fin 21 adjacent to the given heat exchange fin 21.

[0177] In this way, on the basis of limiting and abutment, it can be ensured as much as possible that the fin bodies 211 of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are distributed at the same spacing, such that in each region along the arrangement direction of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21, the efficiency of heat exchange between the heat exchange tubes 22 threaded through the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 and the high-temperature flue gas is equal as much as possible, thereby improving uniformity of heat exchange effects.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 12, further, the limiting part 2121 is a limiting flange 2122 formed at an edge of the collar 212 away from the fin body 211 along the thickness direction. As can be understood, the limiting flange 2122 may be formed by stamping and folding a part of the collar 212 itself, which can reduce assembly steps for the limiting flange 2122 and the collar 212. Moreover, on the basis that the limiting flange 2122 and the collar 212 are integrally formed, strength of connection between the limiting flange 2122 and the collar 212 can be effectively ensured.

[0179] An angle (such as a 90-degree angle) is formed between each limiting flange 2122 and the collar 212. In this case, the limiting flange 2122 is perpendicular to the collar 212. In the radial direction of the tube pass-through opening 21A, the limiting flange 2122 extends in a direction away from the tube pass-through opening 21A, to avoid interference with the heat exchange tube 22 being threaded through the tube pass-through opening 21A. In this way, each limiting flange 2122 abuts against one heat exchange fin 21, ensuring that the fin bodies 211 of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 are distributed at the same spacing. Furthermore, the limiting flange 2122 is simple in structure, and is convenient for manufacturing and producing.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 12, alternatively, one collar 212 is provided with a plurality of limiting parts 2121 arranged at intervals. For example, there are provided a plurality of limiting flanges 2122 arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the collar 212. In this embodiment, by providing the plurality of limiting parts 2121, the adjacent heat exchange fin 21 can be limited in the circumferential direction of the collar 212, thereby further ensuring that the fin bodies 211 of the plurality of heat exchange fins 21 can be distributed at the same spacing.

[0181] The same or similar reference numbers in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that if there are terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the language used to describe the positional relationships in the accompanying drawings is only for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as a limitation of this patent. For those ordinarily skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the terms may be understood according to specific situations.

[0182] The embodiments set forth above are only illustrated as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. All modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A water tank assembly applicable to a gas water heater, wherein the water tank assembly comprises a tank body and a heat exchanger, the tank body comprising a plurality of side plates connected to each other to form a flue gas chamber, the heat exchanger being arranged inside the flue gas chamber and comprising a plurality of heat exchange tubes; wherein at least one of the plurality of side plates comprises:a first stamping plate; anda second stamping plate connected to the first stamping plate, the first stamping plate being recessed in a direction away from the second stamping plate to form a first stamping groove, and the second stamping plate being recessed in a direction away from the first stamping plate to form a second stamping groove; whereinafter the first stamping plate is connected to the second stamping plate, the first stamping groove communicates with the second stamping groove to form a first water box, and at least one or more of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are threaded through the first stamping plate to communicate with the first water box.

2. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stamping groove has a first notch facing toward the second stamping plate, and the second stamping groove has a second notch facing toward the first stamping groove; andwherein a plate surface of the first stamping plate where the first notch is formed hermetically abuts against a plate surface of the second stamping plate where the second notch is formed.

3. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein viewed along a direction from the second stamping plate toward the first stamping plate, a projection of the second stamping groove is positioned within the first stamping groove; orwherein a depth of the second stamping groove is not greater than a depth of the first stamping groove.

4. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of side plates comprise a first side plate and a second side plate arranged oppositely, each of the first side plate and the second side plate comprises the first stamping plate and the second stamping plate; andwherein each of at least one or more of the plurality of heat exchange tubes has two ends respectively communicating with the first water box of the first side plate and the first water box of the second side plate.

5. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tank body further has a flue gas inlet communicating with the flue gas chamber; the first water box of the first side plate comprises a first primary heat exchange water box and a first condensing heat exchange water box, and the first water box of the second side plate comprises a second primary heat exchange water box and a second condensing heat exchange water box; and the plurality of heat exchange tubes comprise:a first primary heat exchange tube bundle comprising a plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes, wherein two ends of each of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes respectively communicate with the first primary heat exchange water box and the second primary heat exchange water box; anda condensing heat exchange tube bundle comprising a plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes, wherein two ends of each of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes respectively communicate with the first condensing heat exchange water box and the second condensing heat exchange water box;wherein the condensing heat exchange tube bundle is positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle facing away from the flue gas inlet.

6. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of first primary heat exchange water boxes and a plurality of second primary heat exchange water boxes are provided, and one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes correspondingly communicates with one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange water boxes and one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange water boxes, such that the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes are connected in series to form a series-connected water circuit.

7. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of first condensing heat exchange water boxes and a plurality of second condensing heat exchange water boxes are provided; andat least two of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes correspondingly communicate with one of the plurality of first condensing heat exchange water boxes and one of the plurality of second condensing heat exchange water boxes.

8. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first water box of the second side plate further comprises:a first cross-layer water box communicating with one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes and one of the plurality of condensing heat exchange tubes.

9. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 5, further comprising two water box components, which are connected to an outer side of the first side plate and an outer side of the second side plate respectively and each of which is formed with a second water box;the first primary heat exchange tube bundle further comprises a plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes positioned on a side of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes facing toward the flue gas inlet; whereinone end of a given one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes is threaded through the first side plate and communicates with the second water box for the first side plate, and other end of the given second primary heat exchange tube is threaded through the second side plate and communicates with the second water box for the second side plate.

10. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein along an arrangement direction of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes, the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes and the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes are alternately arranged; orwherein each of the water box components comprises:a cover plate connected to the outer side of the first side plate or the second side plate; anda third stamping plate recessed in a direction away from the cover plate to form a third stamping groove; whereinthe cover plate covers the third stamping plate, and a plate surface of the cover plate facing toward the third stamping plate fits with a groove wall surface of the third stamping groove to form the second water box.

11. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second water box of the water box component connected to the first side plate comprises:a third primary heat exchange water box communicating with one end of the second primary heat exchange tube; anda second cross-layer water box, wherein the second cross-layer water box communicates with one end of a given one of the plurality of first primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate and communicates with one end of a given one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate.

12. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first water box of the first side plate further comprises at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes, and the first water box of the second side plate further comprises a fifth primary heat exchange water box;the plurality of heat exchange tubes further comprise a second primary heat exchange tube bundle positioned on a side of the first primary heat exchange tube bundle facing toward the flue gas inlet, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes further comprise a plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes, at least two of the plurality of third primary heat exchange tubes forming a parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundle; andtwo parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles are provided, wherein two ends of one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles respectively communicate with one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes and the fifth primary heat exchange water box, wherein two ends of the other one of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles respectively communicate with the other one of the at least two fourth primary heat exchange water boxes and the fifth primary heat exchange water box, wherein the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles being spaced apart along a direction from the first side plate towards the second side plate and being arranged adjacent to the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively.

13. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second water box of the water box component connected to the first side plate further comprises a third cross-layer water box; andone of the two parallel-connected heat exchange tube bundles is further threaded through the second stamping plate of the first side plate to communicate with the third cross-layer water box, and one end of one of the plurality of second primary heat exchange tubes away from the second side plate communicates with the third cross-layer water box.

14. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the condensing heat exchange tubes are corrugated tubes.

15. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the heat exchanger further comprises a heat exchange fin, the heat exchange fin comprises:a fin body having a thickness direction; andcollars connected to a side surface of the fin body in the thickness direction, the collars fitting with the fin body to form a plurality of tube pass-through openings, a given one of the plurality of heat exchange tubes being correspondingly threaded through a given one of the plurality of tube pass-through openings; whereineach of the collars has a solder pass-through opening communicating with the given tube pass-through opening, and the solder pass-through opening is configured to allow solder to flow into a gap between the given tube pass-through opening and the given heat exchange tube.

16. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of solder pass-through openings are provided, and the plurality of solder pass-through openings are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of each collar.

17. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of heat exchange fins are provided, the plurality of heat exchange fins being arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, each of the plurality of heat exchange fins being provided with solder receiving openings communicating with the solder pass-through openings; whereinthe solder receiving openings of the plurality of heat exchange fins are aligned with each other along the thickness direction, for placing the solder.

18. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein for a same heat exchange fin, one of the solder receiving openings and one of the solder pass-through openings are positioned in a same radial direction of the given tube pass-through opening.

19. The water tank assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of heat exchange fins are provided, the plurality of heat exchange fins being arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, and each of the collars of the plurality of heat exchange fins being provided with a limiting part; andwherein, along an arrangement direction of the plurality of heat exchange fins, the limiting parts of any given one of the plurality of heat exchange fins are configured to limit and abut against a heat exchange fin adjacent to the given heat exchange fin;wherein the limiting part is a limiting flange formed at an edge of the collar away from the fin body along the thickness direction; andan angle is formed between the limiting flange and the collar, and in a radial direction of the tube pass-through opening, the limiting flange extends in a direction away from the tube pass-through opening.

20. A gas water heater comprising:a housing;the water tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, the water tank assembly being arranged inside the housing; anda burner arranged inside the housing and configured to generate heat exchange flue gas flowing towards the flue gas chamber.

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