Water heater

Abstract

A water heater, comprising: a water tank assembly, which comprises a first housing (210) and a water tank body (220), wherein the water tank body (220) is arranged in the first housing (210), and the water tank body (220) is provided with a water intake pipe (221), the water intake pipe (221) extending to the outside of the first housing (210) and the water intake pipe (221) being provided with a switching valve (222); a water pan (100), which is configured to receive water leaking from the water tank assembly; a water leakage detection device (300), which is arranged at the end of the first housing (210) close to the water pan (100) and is configured to detect whether there is water in the water pan (100); and an electrical control module (420), which is electrically connected to the switching valve (222) and the water leakage detection device (300), and is configured to control the switching valve (222) to close in response to the water leakage detection device (300) detecting that there is water in the water pan (100).

Description

A water heater

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on August 31, 2023, with application number 2023111231634 and invention name "A Water Heater", and the Chinese patent application filed with the Patent Office of China on August 31, 2023, with application number 2023223731985 and invention name "A Water Heater", the contents of which should be understood as incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to but is not limited to the field of household electrical appliances, and specifically refers to a water heater. Background Art

[0003] Air-source heat pump water heaters are energy-efficient water heaters, and their use is gradually increasing with the promotion of environmental regulations. In overseas regions such as North America and Europe, due to the high labor and installation costs, integrated heat pump water heaters are generally used. Due to the heat pump's heating requirements, heat pump water heaters are equipped with a large water tank. However, as a pressure vessel, the water tank is often prone to leakage during use due to production fluctuations and water pressure surges.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] The water heater provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a water tank assembly, including a first shell and a water tank body, the water tank body is arranged in the first shell, the water tank body is provided with a water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe extends to the outside of the first shell, and the water inlet pipe is provided with a switch valve; a water receiving tray, configured to receive water leaked from the water tank assembly; a water leakage detection device, provided at one end of the first shell adjacent to the water receiving tray, and configured to detect whether there is water in the water receiving tray; and an electronic control module, electrically connected to the switch valve and the water leakage detection device, and configured to control the switch valve to close in response to the water leakage detection device detecting water in the water receiving tray.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the water leakage detection device includes at least one of a humidity sensing probe, a resistance change detection line, and a float water level switch.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, a water storage space is provided between the bottom wall of the first shell and the water receiving tray, and the water leakage detection device is provided through the bottom wall of the first shell and corresponds to the water storage space.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the water leakage detection device is connected to a first docking line, and the first docking line is at least partially provided between the first shell and the water tank body.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the water leakage detection device is hung outside the side wall of the first shell.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the water leakage detection device is connected to a first docking line, and the first docking line is at least partially arranged outside the first shell.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the water inlet pipe is passed through the side wall of the first shell, and the water tank assembly further includes: a mounting bracket located outside the first shell and hung on the water inlet pipe, and the water leakage detection device is arranged on the mounting bracket.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, a first hole is provided at one end of the mounting frame away from the water receiving tray, the first hole is sleeved on the water inlet pipe, the switch valve presses the hole wall of the first hole to the first shell, a buckle plate is provided at one end of the mounting frame adjacent to the water receiving tray, the buckle plate is buckled on the mounting frame, the water leakage detection device is positioned between the buckle plate and the mounting frame, and the mounting frame is further provided with a wire groove and a wire buckle, the wire groove and the wire buckle are located between the buckle plate and the first hole.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, a second set of holes is provided at one end of the mounting frame away from the water receiving tray, and the second set of holes is sleeved on the switch valve. A mounting groove is provided at one end of the mounting frame adjacent to the water receiving tray, and the water leakage detection device is arranged in the mounting groove. The mounting frame is also provided with a wire buckle, and the wire buckle is located between the mounting groove and the second set of holes.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic control module is connected to a first connecting line and a second connecting line, the switch valve is connected to a second docking line, the first shell is also provided with an installation port, the first connecting line and the first docking line both extend to the installation port and are docked at the installation port, and the second connecting line and the second docking line both extend to the installation port and are docked at the installation port.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the water heater further includes: a head assembly, the electric control module is disposed in the head assembly, and the first connecting line and the second connecting line both extend from between the first shell and the water tank body to the installation port.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the water heater further includes: an alarm module electrically connected to the electronic control module, and in response to the water leakage detection device detecting water in the water receiving tray, the electronic control module further controls the alarm module to output an alarm message.

[0018] According to the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present invention, the water leakage detection device detects in real time whether there is water in the water receiving pan, and when the water leakage detection device detects that there is water in the water receiving pan, the electronic control module controls the switch valve to close to cut off the communication path between the municipal water supply source and the water tank body, so as to promptly deal with the water leakage problem of the water heater.

[0019] Still other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0020] Summary of the Figures

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a water heater provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main structure of the water heater shown in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the chassis and the water leakage detection device in FIG1 after being assembled;

[0024] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of water heaters provided in other embodiments of the present application;

[0025] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mounting frame and the water leakage detection device in FIG4 after being assembled;

[0026] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a water heater provided in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0027] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mounting frame and the water leakage detection device in FIG6 after being assembled.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the list of components represented by each reference numeral is as follows: 100 water receiving tray, 110 water storage space, 210 first shell, 211 sewage outlet, 212 installation port, 213 threading port, 214 chassis, 220 water tank body, 221 water inlet pipe, 222 switch valve, 223 second docking line, 230 cover, 300 water leakage detection device, 301 humidity sensor probe, 302 water leakage detection device, 310 first docking line, 410 second shell, 420 electronic control module, 421 first connecting line, 422 second connecting line, 500 mounting frame, 510 first set of holes, 520 wire trough, 530 wire buckle, 540 buckle plate, 550 second set of holes, 560 installation slot.

[0029] Details

[0030] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The present application provides a water heater that can promptly handle water leaks.

[0032] The water heater provided in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, includes: a water receiving tray 100; a water tank assembly provided in the water receiving tray 100, the water tank assembly including a first shell 210 and a water tank body 220, the water tank body 220 being provided in the first shell 210, the water tank body 220 being provided with a water inlet pipe 221, the water inlet pipe 221 extending out of the first shell 210, and the water inlet pipe 221 being provided with a switch valve 222, the switch valve 222 being configured to open or close the water inlet pipe 221; and a water leakage detection device. 300, a water leakage detection device 300 is disposed at one end of the first housing 210 adjacent to the water receiving tray 100 (i.e., the water leakage detection device 300 is disposed at the lower end of the first housing 210). The water leakage detection device 300 is configured to detect whether there is water in the water receiving tray 100; and an electronic control module 420. The electronic control module 420 is electrically connected to the on-off valve 222 and the water leakage detection device 300 and is configured to control the on-off valve 222 to close in response to the water leakage detection device 300 detecting the presence of water in the water receiving tray 100. Reference numeral 214 denotes the bottom plate of the first housing 210.

[0033] In this water heater, the water leakage detection device 300 detects in real time whether there is water in the water receiving tray 100, and when the water leakage detection device 300 detects that there is water in the water receiving tray 100, the electronic control module 420 controls the switch valve 222 to close, so as to cut off the communication path between the municipal water supply source and the water tank body 220, so as to promptly deal with the water leakage problem of the water heater.

[0034] A drain outlet 211 is provided at the lower portion of the side wall or the bottom wall of the first shell 210 , and the drain outlet 211 is configured to discharge the water contained in the water tank body 220 .

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 6, the water tank assembly further includes a cover 230, the first housing 210 further includes a mounting opening 212, the water leakage detection device 300 is connected to a first docking line 310, and the free end of the first docking line 310 extends to the mounting opening 212; the water heater further includes a head assembly, an electronic control module 420 disposed within the head assembly, the head assembly being disposed at an end of the first housing 210 away from the water receiving tray 100 (i.e., the head assembly is disposed at the upper end of the first housing 210), the electronic control module 420 being connected to a first connecting line 421, the free end of the first connecting line 421 extending from between the first housing 210 and the water tank body 220 to the mounting opening 212, and being plugged into and connected to the first docking line 310 at the mounting opening 212. This solution has better operability and higher production efficiency, and facilitates maintenance and repair of the water leakage detection device 300 at the mounting opening 212. The cover 230 is configured as a lower electric heating cover.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the head assembly includes a second shell 410, the electronic control module 420 is installed in the second shell 410, the free end of the first connecting line 421 extends from the second shell 410 into the first shell 210, and extends from between the first shell 210 and the water tank body 220 to the installation port 212, and is plugged and connected to the first docking line 310 at the installation port 212.

[0037] In some examples, as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 6, the switch valve 222 is connected to the second docking line 223, the free end of the second docking line 223 extends to the installation port 212, and the electronic control module 420 is also connected to the second connection line 422, the free end of the second connection line 422 extends from between the first shell 210 and the water tank body 220 to the installation port 212, and is plugged and connected to the second docking line 223 at the installation port 212. This solution also has better operability and higher production efficiency, and is convenient for maintenance and inspection of the switch valve 222 at the installation port 212.

[0038] The water heater further includes an alarm module electrically connected to the electronic control module 420. In response to the water leakage detection device 300 detecting water in the water receiving tray 100, the electronic control module 420 controls the alarm module to output an alarm message, promptly alerting the user so that the user can promptly address the water leakage. The alarm message can be an alarm tone emitted by a speaker or an alarm pattern displayed on a display screen, etc., all of which achieve the purpose of this application. Such purpose does not deviate from the design concept of this application and will not be further described here. All such information should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, a water storage space 110 is defined between the bottom wall of the first housing 210 and the water receiving tray 100. The water leakage detection device 300 is disposed through the bottom wall of the first housing 210 and corresponds to the water storage space 110. The free end of the first docking line 310 extends from between the first housing 210 and the water tank body 220 to the mounting opening 212. When the water tank body 220 leaks, the water leaking from the water tank body 220 leaks from the first housing 210 into the water receiving tray 100 and is stored in the water storage space 110. The water leakage detection device 300 can promptly detect the water in the water storage space 110.

[0040] It can be, as shown in Figure 3, that the water leakage detection device 300 is configured as a humidity sensing probe 301, and a seal is provided between the humidity sensing probe 301 and the bottom wall of the first shell 210, and the seal can be set as a silicone sleeve or a rubber sleeve, etc.; or it can be that the water leakage detection device 300 is configured as a resistance change detection line, and a seal is provided between the resistance change detection line and the bottom wall of the first shell 210, and the seal can be set as a silicone sleeve or a rubber sleeve, etc.; all of the above can achieve the purpose of this application, and its purpose does not deviate from the design concept of this application, and will not be repeated here, and should all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0041] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the water leakage detection device 300 is disposed outside the first housing 210 and on the side of the water inlet pipe 221 facing the water receiving tray 100, that is, the water leakage detection device 300 is disposed below the water inlet pipe 221. A threading opening 213 is formed between the cover 230 and the wall of the mounting opening 212, and the first docking line 310 extends from the outside of the first housing 210 into the first housing 210 through the threading opening 213. By opening the cover 230, the first docking line 310 and the first connecting line 421 can be plugged and connected at the mounting opening 212. The second docking line 223 and the second connecting line 422 can also be plugged and connected at the mounting opening 212. This solution not only facilitates on-site assembly of the water heater, but also facilitates maintenance and repair of the switch valve 222 and the water leakage detection device 300.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the water tank assembly also includes a mounting frame 500, which is fixed to the water inlet pipe 221, and the water leakage detection device 300 is provided on the mounting frame 500, that is, the water leakage detection device 300 is indirectly mounted on the first shell 210 through the mounting frame 500.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper portion of the mounting frame 500 is provided with a first set of holes 510, and the mounting frame 500 is fixed to the water inlet pipe 221 through the first set of holes 510 (such as the hole wall of the first set of holes 510 is pressed and fixed between the switch valve 222 and the first shell 210), and the lower portion of the side of the mounting frame 500 is provided with a wire groove 520, a wire buckle 530 and a buckle plate 540, and the part of the first docking line 310 on the mounting frame 500 is connected through the wire groove 520 and the wire buckle 530. The buckle 530 is used for positioning, and the water leakage detection device 300 is configured as a humidity sensing probe 301. The humidity sensing probe 301 is provided at the lower part of the mounting frame 500. One end of the buckle plate 540 is flexibly connected to the mounting frame 500. The buckle plate 540 is rotated so that the buckle plate 540 is buckled onto the mounting frame 500. The humidity sensing probe 301 is positioned between the buckle plate 540 and the lower part of the mounting frame 500. The buckle plate 540 plays a role in positioning and protecting the humidity sensing probe 301.

[0044] The water leakage detection method using the humidity sensing probe 301 is as follows: the humidity sensing probe 301 obtains the actual humidity S in the water receiving tray 100 in real time. When S≥the preset humidity threshold S1, the electronic control module 420 closes the switch valve 222 and controls the alarm module to output an alarm message.

[0045] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the switch valve 222 is an electronic water inlet ball valve, which is located outside the first shell 210, and the second docking line 223 extends into the first shell 210 from the wire threading port 213 outside the first shell 210. A second set of holes 550 is provided on the upper part of the mounting bracket 500, and the mounting bracket 500 is fixed to the electronic water inlet ball valve through the second set of holes 550. A wire buckle 530 and a mounting groove 560 are provided on the lower part of the side of the mounting bracket 500, and the mounting groove 560 passes through downward. The part of the first docking line 310 on the mounting bracket 500 is positioned by the wire buckle 530, and the water leakage detection device 300 is configured as a float water level switch 302, which is fixed in the mounting groove 560. The groove wall of the mounting groove 560 plays a role in positioning and protecting the float water level switch 302.

[0046] The float water level switch 302 detects leaks as follows: When the water level in the water tray 100 reaches a preset level, triggering the float water level switch 302, the electronic control module 420 closes the on-off valve 222 and controls the alarm module to output an alarm. Compared to the humidity sensor 301, the float water level switch 302 and the resistance change detection line provide higher leak detection accuracy and are less likely to cause false positives.

[0047] To sum up, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present invention is that the water leakage detection device detects in real time whether there is water in the water receiving tray, and when the water leakage detection device detects that there is water in the water receiving tray, the electronic control module controls the switch valve to close to cut off the communication path between the municipal water supply source and the water tank body, so as to timely deal with the water leakage problem of the water heater, and has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, high reliability, convenient inspection and maintenance, etc.

[0048] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0053] Although the embodiments disclosed in this application are as described above, the contents described are merely embodiments adopted to facilitate understanding of this application and are not intended to limit this application. It should be noted that the above embodiments or implementations are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the contents specifically shown and described herein. Various modifications, replacements, or omissions may be made to the forms and details of the implementation without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A water heater, comprising: A water tank assembly, comprising a first shell and a water tank body, wherein the water tank body is arranged in the first shell, the water tank body is provided with a water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe extends out of the first shell, and the water inlet pipe is provided with a switch valve; A water receiving tray, configured to receive water leaking from the water tank assembly; A water leakage detection device is provided at one end of the first housing adjacent to the water receiving tray and is configured to detect whether there is water in the water receiving tray; and The electric control module is electrically connected to the switch valve and the water leakage detection device, and is configured to control the switch valve to close in response to the water leakage detection device detecting water in the water receiving tray.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The water leakage detection device includes at least one of a humidity sensing probe, a resistance change detection line and a float water level switch.

3. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: A water storage space is provided between the bottom wall of the first shell and the water receiving tray, and the water leakage detection device is arranged through the bottom wall of the first shell and corresponds to the water storage space.

4. The water heater according to claim 3, wherein: The water leakage detection device is connected to a first docking line, and the first docking line is at least partially arranged between the first shell and the water tank body.

5. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The water leakage detection device is hung outside the side wall of the first shell.

6. The water heater according to claim 5, wherein: The water leakage detection device is connected to a first docking line, and the first docking line is at least partially arranged outside the first shell.

7. The water heater according to claim 5, wherein: The water inlet pipe is disposed through the side wall of the first shell, and the water tank assembly further includes: The mounting frame is located outside the first shell and is hung on the water inlet pipe. The water leakage detection device is arranged on the mounting frame.

8. The water heater according to claim 7, wherein: A first set of holes is provided at one end of the mounting frame away from the water receiving tray, the first set of holes is sleeved on the water inlet pipe, the switch valve presses the hole wall of the first set of holes to the first shell, a buckle plate is provided at one end of the mounting frame adjacent to the water receiving tray, the buckle plate is buckled on the mounting frame, the water leakage detection device is positioned between the buckle plate and the mounting frame, the mounting frame is also provided with a wire groove and a wire buckle, the wire groove and the wire buckle are located between the buckle plate and the first set of holes.

9. The water heater according to claim 7, wherein: A second set of holes is provided at one end of the mounting frame away from the water receiving tray, and the second set of holes is sleeved on the switch valve. A mounting groove is provided at one end of the mounting frame adjacent to the water receiving tray, and the water leakage detection device is arranged in the mounting groove. The mounting frame is also provided with a wire buckle, and the wire buckle is located between the mounting groove and the second set of holes.

10. The water heater according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: The electronic control module is connected to a first connecting line and a second connecting line, the switch valve is connected to a second docking line, the first shell is also provided with an installation port, the first connecting line and the first docking line both extend to the installation port and are docked at the installation port, the second connecting line and the second docking line both extend to the installation port and are docked at the installation port.

11. The water heater according to claim 10 further comprises: The head assembly, the electric control module is arranged in the head assembly, and the first connecting line and the second connecting line both extend from between the first shell and the water tank body to the installation port.

12. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: The alarm module is electrically connected to the electric control module. In response to the water leakage detection device detecting that there is water in the water receiving tray, the electric control module also controls the alarm module to output alarm information.

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