Integrated heating module of ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube

By installing electric heating tubes and immersive ultrasonic generators on the connection flange of the small instant electric water heater, the ultrasonic scale removal function is realized, which solves the problem of scale being unable to be removed, extends the service life of the electric heating tubes and inner vessels, and ensures the quality and safety of the product.

WO2025129842A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-26GUANGDONG AINI INTELLIGENT HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/084738
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-21
Filing Date
2024-03-29
Publication Date
2025-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The electric heating pipes of existing small instant electric water heaters cannot be installed with workpieces with descaling function, resulting in the scale being unable to be removed, reducing the service life of the electric heating pipes and water heater inner vessels.

Method used

An integrated heating module of ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube is designed. By installing electric heating tubes and immersed ultrasonic generator components on the connecting flange, the ultrasonic scale removal function is realized, and the installation requirements of narrow inner liner are adapted.

Benefits of technology

It effectively extends the service life of the electric heating tube and water heater inner liner, and ensures the quality, service life and safety of the electric heating products.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of electric water heater accessories. Disclosed is an integrated heating module of an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube. The integrated heating module comprises a connecting flange, an electric heating tube, and an immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly. The electric heating tube and the immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly are fixedly arranged on the connecting flange to form an integrated heating module. According to the integrated heating module of an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube, by mounting the electric heating tube and the immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly on the connecting flange and utilizing ultrasonic waves to remove limescale, the service life of the electric heating tube and the inner tank of the water heater can be effectively extended.
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Description

An integrated heating module with ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric water heater accessories, and in particular to an integrated heating module comprising an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube. Background Art

[0002] In the field of traditional water heaters, the electric heating tube is mainly a separate heating element. When heated, the calcium, magnesium, salts and other components in the water will decompose due to heat, and will be converted from water-soluble substances to substances that are difficult to dissolve in water. In addition, the water in the container will continue to evaporate and concentrate due to heating, and the content of dissolved salts in the water will continue to increase. When it exceeds its solubility, it will form solids. Therefore, after a long period of heating, these substances will attach to the electric heating tube and the inner tank of the water heater to form scale. The scale will cause serious damage to the heating efficiency and service life of the electric heating tube, affecting the quality, service life and safety of the inner tank of the water heater.

[0003] An instant electric water heater rapidly heats running water through an electric heating element. Circuitry controls the water temperature, flow rate, and power, ultimately bringing the water to a suitable temperature for bathing. Heating typically starts within milliseconds, achieving instant heating. Small instant electric water heaters typically utilize a single, high-powered heating element mounted on a threaded screw head to accommodate the narrow installation space within the inner tank (less than 40mm in diameter). This prevents the installation of scale removal components within the inner tank, preventing the removal of scale deposits from the heating element and the inner wall of the water heater, thus reducing its service life. Technical issues

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an integrated heating module of an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube by installing an electric heating tube and an immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly on a connecting flange. The module has a compact structure, can meet the installation requirements of an inner tank with a narrow pipe diameter, uses ultrasonic waves to remove scale, and can effectively extend the service life of the electric heating tube and the inner tank of the water heater. Technical Solutions

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A heating module integrating an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube comprises a connecting flange, an electric heating tube and an immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly. The electric heating tube and the immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly are fixedly arranged on the connecting flange to form an integrated heating module.

[0007] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0008] The electric heating tube and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly are detachably connected to the connecting flange.

[0009] The electric heating tube and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly are both located in an imaginary cylinder with the rotating shaft of the connecting flange as the central axis and the outer diameter of the connecting flange as the diameter.

[0010] The submerged ultrasonic wave generating assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer vibrator and a stainless steel rod connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator for generating ultrasonic waves.

[0011] The stainless steel rod includes a head, an abutment portion and a water-immersion rod portion integrally formed from top to bottom, the head is fixedly connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator, and the water-immersion rod portion is arranged through the connecting flange so that the water-immersion rod portion and the electric heating tube are located on the relative inner sides of the connecting flange, and the ultrasonic transducer vibrator and the head are located on the relative outer sides of the connecting flange.

[0012] A mounting through hole is provided on the connecting flange, and a countersunk position is formed on the side of the mounting through hole away from the electric heating tube. The immersion rod is passed through the mounting through hole, and the abutting portion is accommodated in the countersunk position. A fixing plate is detachably connected to the connecting flange, and the fixing plate abuts against the top surface of the abutting portion so that the abutting portion is confined to the countersunk position.

[0013] A sealing ring is sleeved on the immersion rod portion, and the bottom surface of the abutting portion abuts against the sealing ring, so that the sealing ring is pressed tightly between the abutting portion and the countersunk hole position.

[0014] It also includes a main controller, which is electrically connected to the immersion type ultrasonic generating component and the electric heating tube. Beneficial effects

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0016] The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention includes a connecting flange. By installing the electric heating tube and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly on the connecting flange, a new heating module with an integrated structure consisting of the electric heating tube and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly is realized, which replaces the independent structure of the single electric heating tube in the prior art. It has the advantages of compact structure and small size, can meet the installation requirements of the inner tank of a small instant electric water heater, especially the narrow inner tank with a diameter of less than 40 mm, realizes the ultrasonic scale removal function in the narrow space of the inner tank, can effectively extend the service life of the electric heating tube and the water heater inner tank, and ensure the quality, service life and safety of the electric heating product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heating module integrated with an ultrasonic generator and an electric heating tube according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly.

[0019] FIG3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure of the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly.

[0020] FIG4 is a front view of the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention.

[0021] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a half-section structure of the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention.

[0022] FIG6 is an enlarged view of a half-section structure of the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention.

[0023] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled state of FIG6 .

[0024] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric control module of the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 is a block diagram of the operating logic flow of the immersion type ultrasonic generating component.

[0026] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module and the inner tank of the present invention.

[0027] Legend:

[0028] 100. Inner tank; 1. Connecting flange; 101. Mounting through hole; 102. Countersunk hole; 2. Electric heating tube; 3. Immersed ultrasonic generating assembly; 301. Ultrasonic transducer vibrator; 302. Stainless steel rod; 3021. Head; 3022. Abutment portion; 3023. Immersed rod portion; 4. Fixing plate; 5. Sealing ring. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of this embodiment includes a connecting flange 1, an electric heating tube 2 and an immersion type ultrasonic generating assembly 3. The electric heating tube 2 and the immersion type ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are fixedly arranged on the connecting flange 1 to form an integrated heating module. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module includes a connecting flange 1. By installing the electric heating tube 2 and the immersion type ultrasonic generating assembly 3 on the connecting flange 1, a new heating module with an integrated structure of the electric heating tube 2 and the immersion type ultrasonic generating assembly 3 is realized. It replaces the independent structure of a single electric heating tube in the prior art. It has the advantages of compact structure and small size. It can meet the installation requirements of small instant electric water heater tanks, especially narrow tanks with a diameter of less than 40mm. It realizes the ultrasonic descaling function in the narrow space of the tank, can effectively extend the service life of the electric heating tube 2 and the water heater tank, and ensure the quality, service life and safety of the electric heating product.

[0031] Preferably, the electric heating pipe 2 and the submersible ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are detachably connected to the connecting flange 1. In this embodiment, the electric heating pipe 2 and the submersible ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are both detachably connected to the connecting flange 1. When any component is damaged, the damaged component can be removed and replaced separately without replacing the entire integrated heating module, which can greatly reduce maintenance costs and make it more convenient to use. In other embodiments, the electric heating pipe 2 and the submersible ultrasonic generating assembly 3 can also be connected to the connecting flange 1 in a non-detachable manner, not limited to this embodiment.

[0032] Preferably, the electric heating tube 2 and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are both located in an imaginary cylinder with the rotating shaft of the connecting flange 1 as the central axis and the outer diameter of the connecting flange 1 as the diameter. In this embodiment, the connecting flange 1 is used to connect to the water heater inner tank so that the electric heating tube 2 and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 enter the inner tank of the water heater. An imaginary cylinder with the rotating shaft of the connecting flange 1 as the central axis and the outer diameter of the connecting flange 1 as the diameter is imagined. The electric heating tube 2 and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are both located in the installation space of the imaginary cylinder. Then, the integrated heating module of the present invention can be installed on a water heater inner tank with an inner diameter at least equal to the outer diameter of the connecting flange 1, so that the integrated heating module of the present invention greatly reduces the installation requirements of the water heater inner tank, has a wide range of applications, and can be adapted to water heater inner tanks of various sizes and specifications. It is especially suitable for installation in small instant electric water heater inner tanks with a pipe diameter of less than 40 mm and a narrow inner tank space.

[0033] Preferably, the submersible ultrasonic generating assembly 3 includes an ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 and a stainless steel rod 302 connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 for generating ultrasonic waves. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 is an energy conversion device that converts input electrical power into mechanical power (i.e., ultrasonic waves) and then transmits it. The stainless steel rod 302 is fixedly connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 so that the stainless steel rod 302 operates by ultrasonic mechanical vibration, emitting energy in a 360-degree radial direction. This prevents insoluble compound particles such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide from easily depositing on the surfaces of the electric heating tube 2 and the water heater inner tank, achieving a descaling effect and effectively extending the service life of the electric heating tube 2 and the water heater inner tank.

[0034] Specifically, ultrasonic descaling primarily utilizes an ultrasonic power source to generate ultrasonic energy on a corresponding ultrasonic transducer. This energy continuously creates cavitation within the liquid, dispersing, loosening, breaking, destroying, and removing dirt under the action of ultrasound. This action prevents dirt from adhering to the pipe wall, thereby achieving the desired ultrasonic descaling effect. The principles of ultrasonic descaling are primarily embodied in the following aspects: 1. Cavitation: The ultrasonic energy directly generates a large number of cavities and bubbles within the treated fluid medium. When the sound pressure or intensity reaches a certain level, the bubbles rapidly expand and then suddenly close, generating strong pressure peaks within a certain range, with local pressure peaks reaching thousands of atmospheres. Under the action of these pressure peaks, scale-forming materials are broken up and suspended in the water, destroying the natural scale layer and making it easier to fall off. 2. Shearing: Ultrasonic radiation acts on the scale layer, pipe wall, and water body. Due to their different responses to the ultrasonic frequency, the three generate asynchronous vibrations, resulting in high-speed relative motion. The speed difference generates relative shear forces at the interface between the oxide scale layer, the electric heating tube 2, and the inner wall of the water heater tube, causing the oxide scale layer to fatigue and loosen, thereby achieving the purpose of ultrasonic descaling. 3. Inhibition: Ultrasonic waves alter the fluid's physical and chemical properties, inhibiting the nucleation and growth of ions in the water on the tube walls. Consequently, the amount of fouling ions adhering to the surfaces of the heating tube 2 and the inner tube of the water heater is reduced. In summary, the ultrasonic generator and heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention has a cleaning and anti-scaling effect anywhere that can be immersed in liquid and present an acoustic field.

[0035] Preferably, the stainless steel rod 302 includes a head portion 3021, an abutting portion 3022, and a water-immersing rod portion 3023 integrally formed from top to bottom. The head portion 3021 is fixedly connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301, and the water-immersing rod portion 3023 is disposed through the connecting flange 1 such that the water-immersing rod portion 3023 and the electric heating tube 2 are located on opposite inner sides of the connecting flange 1, while the ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 and the head portion 3021 are located on opposite outer sides of the connecting flange 1. In this embodiment, the first and second ends of the electric heating tube 2 are U-shaped, side-by-side, and bent. The water-immersing rod portion 3023 extends along the length of the electric heating tube 2, thereby partially overlapping the water-immersing rod portion 3023 and being located between the first and second ends of the electric heating tube 2. This further enhances the cleaning and anti-scaling effects on the electric heating tube 2.

[0036] Preferably, a mounting through hole 101 is provided on the connecting flange 1, and a countersunk position 102 is formed on the side of the mounting through hole 101 away from the electric heating tube 2. The immersion rod portion 3023 is passed through the mounting through hole 101, and the abutting portion 3022 is accommodated in the countersunk position 102. A fixing plate 4 is detachably connected to the connecting flange 1, and the fixing plate 4 abuts against the top surface of the abutting portion 3022 so that the abutting portion 3022 is limited to the countersunk position 102. In this embodiment, the fixing plate 4 is provided with an inwardly extending slot for inserting the stainless steel rod 302. Screw holes are provided on both sides of the fixing plate 4 corresponding to the slot. When installing the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 on the connecting flange 1, the submerged rod portion 3023 is first passed through the mounting through-hole 101, and then the abutment portion 3022 is accommodated in the countersunk portion 102. Finally, the fixing plate 4 is slid on the connecting flange 1, so that the stainless steel rod 302 is inserted into the slot. Two sets of screws are passed through the screw holes and threadedly connected to the connecting flange 1 to fix it so that the abutment portion 3022 is pressed tightly in the countersunk portion 102. This has the advantages of convenient and quick installation and removal and good connection stability. Specifically, the installation of the electric heating pipe 2 on the connecting flange 1 is a common existing technology in the field of electric heating equipment, and its specific structure and installation process will not be repeated here.

[0037] Preferably, a sealing ring 5 is sleeved on the immersion rod portion 3023, and the bottom surface of the abutting portion 3022 abuts against the sealing ring 5, so that the sealing ring 5 is pressed tightly between the abutting portion 3022 and the countersunk portion 102. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 5 is pressed tightly between the abutting portion 3022 and the countersunk portion 102 to form a water sealing structure, which can achieve water sealing at the connection between the stainless steel rod 302 and the connecting flange 1, and has a good sealing effect.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, preferably, the ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention also includes a main controller, and the main controller is electrically connected to the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 and the electric heating tube 2. In this embodiment, the integrated heating module of the present invention is assembled in the inner tank of a water heater as an example for explanation. The present invention is small in size and can meet the installation requirements of the inner tank of a small instant electric water heater, especially the inner tank with a narrow space of less than 40mm in diameter, and realizes the descaling function in the narrow space of the inner tank. During installation, the electric heating tube 2 and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 are extended into the inner tank of the water heater, and the connecting flange 1 is threadedly connected to the inner tank of the water heater. The connecting wire harness of the electric heating tube 2 and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 can pass through the connecting flange 1 and be electrically connected to the external main controller. A water flow sensor and a hot water temperature sensor are installed in the inner tank of the water heater, and the water flow sensor and the hot water temperature sensor are electrically connected to the main controller. The main controller controls the operation of the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 according to the operation logic shown in FIG9 . Step 1 detects the water flow rate, and compares the real-time flow rate data sent by the water flow sensor with the preset water flow rate value. If the real-time flow rate data is less than or equal to the preset value, the water flow rate is continuously detected. If the real-time flow rate data is greater than the preset value, the process jumps to step 2. Step 2 detects the water temperature, and compares the real-time water temperature data sent by the hot water temperature sensor with the preset water temperature value. If the real-time water temperature data is less than or equal to the preset value, the process jumps to step 1. If the real-time water temperature data is greater than the preset value, the process jumps to step 3. Step 3 calculates the ultrasonic working power and starts the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly 3 to operate according to the calculated ultrasonic working power. Specifically, the main controller controls the operation of the electric heating tube 2, which is a common existing technology in the field of electric water heaters, and its specific control logic will not be described here.

[0039] As shown in FIG10 , in actual application, the inner tank 100 of a small instant electric water heater has a narrow space. During assembly, the ultrasonic generator and the electric heating tube integrated heating module of the present invention have a compact structure and a small size, and can be directly placed in the inner tank 100, especially meeting the installation requirements of narrow inner tanks with a tube diameter of less than 40 mm. After assembly, the inner tank 100, the electric heating tube 2, and the immersion rod portion 3023 are located in the same water body. The ultrasonic transducer vibrator 301 causes the stainless steel rod 302 to operate with ultrasonic mechanical vibration, so that the energy is emitted 360° along the radial direction of the immersion rod portion 3023. This prevents insoluble compound particles such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide on the surface of the electric heating tube 2 and the water heater inner tank from easily depositing on the surface of the electric heating tube 2 and the water heater inner tank. The scale will flow out of the inner tank 100 with the water flow, thereby achieving the purpose of protecting the electric heating tube 2 and the inner tank 100 and effectively extending the service life of the electric heating tube 2 and the inner tank 100.

[0040] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For those skilled in the art, improvements and modifications obtained without departing from the technical concept of the present invention should also be considered as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module, characterized in that: It comprises a connecting flange (1), an electric heating pipe (2) and an immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly (3); the electric heating pipe (2) and the immersion-type ultrasonic generating assembly (3) are fixedly arranged on the connecting flange (1) to form an integrated heating module.

2. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric heating tube (2) and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly (3) are detachably connected to the connecting flange (1).

3. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electric heating tube (2) and the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly (3) are both located in an imaginary cylinder having the rotating shaft of the connecting flange (1) as the central axis and the outer diameter of the connecting flange (1) as the diameter.

4. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The submersible ultrasonic wave generating assembly (3) comprises an ultrasonic wave transducer vibrator (301) and a stainless steel rod (302) connected to the ultrasonic wave transducer vibrator (301) and used for generating ultrasonic waves.

5. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stainless steel rod (302) comprises a head (3021), an abutment portion (3022) and a water-immersing rod portion (3023) which are integrally formed from top to bottom, the head (3021) being fixedly connected to the ultrasonic transducer vibrator (301), and the water-immersing rod portion (3023) passing through the connecting flange (1) so that the water-immersing rod portion (3023) and the electric heating tube (2) are located on relatively inner sides of the connecting flange (1), and the ultrasonic transducer vibrator (301) and the head (3021) are located on relatively outer sides of the connecting flange (1).

6. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting flange (1) is provided with a mounting through hole (101), a countersunk hole position (102) is formed on a side of the mounting through hole (101) away from the electric heating tube (2), the water immersion rod portion (3023) is inserted into the mounting through hole (101), the abutting portion (3022) is accommodated in the countersunk hole position (102), and a fixing plate (4) is detachably connected to the connecting flange (1), the fixing plate (4) abuts against a top surface of the abutting portion (3022) so that the abutting portion (3022) is limited in the countersunk hole position (102).

7. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing ring (5) is sleeved on the immersion rod portion (3023), and the bottom surface of the abutment portion (3022) abuts against the sealing ring (5), so that the sealing ring (5) is pressed tightly between the abutment portion (3022) and the countersunk hole position (102).

8. The ultrasonic generator and electric heating tube integrated heating module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also comprises a main controller, which is electrically connected to the submerged ultrasonic generating assembly (3) and the electric heating pipe (2).

Citation Information

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