Instantaneous water heater having ceramic heating element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element in which a cap structure surrounding a heat-generating part is adopted, thus making it possible to increase the efficiency with which a fluid passing through the heat-generating part can be heated. The instantaneous water heater comprises: a housing including flow passages for a fluid; the heat-generating part which is disposed in the inner space of the housing, includes a ceramic material, and has a cavity; a cap that is spaced a certain distance from the inner surface of the housing and surrounds the heat-generating part; and a fixing member for fixing the heat-generating part. The space between the heat-generating part and the cap and the space between the housing and the heat-generating part communicate with each other and are connected to one of the fluid passages.

Description

Instantaneous water heater with ceramic heating element

[0001] The present invention relates to a ceramic instantaneous water heater, and more specifically, to a ceramic instantaneous water heater capable of increasing the heating efficiency of a fluid passing through a heating unit by applying a cap structure surrounding a heating unit having a hollow shape.

[0002] In general, instantaneous water heaters generate heat energy through an energy source, then heat the water that flows in with the generated heat energy and discharge it. They are used when hot water is needed in a short period of time.

[0003] These instantaneous water heaters are made up of various devices that use gas, oil, electricity, etc. depending on the energy source used. They are installed above the sink or on the wall of the bathroom and connected to the water tap, water supply pipe, and drain pipe.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose an instantaneous water heater capable of shortening the heating time of a fluid.

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problem, an instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element according to the present invention comprises: a housing including a passage for moving fluid; a heating element disposed in an inner space of the housing, the heating element including a ceramic material and having a hollow cavity; a cap disposed at a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the housing and in a posture for surrounding the heating element; and a fixing member for fixing the heating element; wherein a space between the heating element and the cap and a space between the housing and the heating element are communicated with each other and connected to one of the fluid passages.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cap is characterized in that a vent hole is formed.

[0007] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole is characterized in that it is formed on one surface of the cap so as to face the hollow portion of the heating part.

[0008] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole is characterized in that it is formed on one surface of the cap so as to face one of the fluid passages of the housing.

[0009] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the open surface of the cap is formed at a certain distance from the fixing member.

[0010] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a support member is formed between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the housing.

[0011] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member is characterized in that it includes an inclined surface.

[0012] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the heating part is characterized in that it is inserted into the fixing member.

[0013] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is characterized in that a sealing member is formed at a portion where the heating part is inserted into the fixing member.

[0014] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member is characterized in that an inlet is formed so that fluid can flow into the hollow space of the heating part.

[0015] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit is characterized by including a hollow cylindrical body part; and a heating sheet attached to an outer surface of the body part and capable of generating heat by receiving power supply.

[0016] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a heating pattern and a terminal connection portion extended from the heating pattern are formed on one side of the heating sheet, and a terminal portion connected to the terminal connection portion is formed on the opposite side.

[0017] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating pattern is characterized in that it is formed of a tungsten material.

[0018] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, one side of the heating sheet on which the heating pattern is formed is characterized in that it is bonded to the outer surface of the body part.

[0019] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal connection portion and the terminal portion are characterized in that they are inserted into the insertion portion of the fixing member.

[0020] According to the present invention, the time for heating a fluid can be shortened by applying a cap structure that surrounds the heating part.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line AA' shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the X area shown in Figure 2.

[0024] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view cut along the BB' line shown in Fig. 1, showing a portion of the housing and cap cut away.

[0026] Fig. 6 (a) is a drawing showing one side of the heating sheet, and Fig. 6 (b) is a drawing showing the other side of the heating sheet.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the process of forming a heating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the flow direction of fluid in an instantaneous water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element according to a preferred embodiment will be described in detail. Herein, identical components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions or detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention will be omitted. The embodiments of the invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer description.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an instantaneous water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line AA' shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an area X shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line BB' shown in FIG. 1, with a housing and a part of a cap cut away.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (100), a heating element (130), and a cap (140).

[0032] The housing (100) may have a shape that accommodates the cap (120) and the heating element (130) in its internal space. In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer shape or internal space of the housing (100) is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, but there is no limitation on the shape.

[0033] A housing cover (101) can be coupled to the housing (100) to cover the upper side of the housing (100). The housing cover (101) can be detachably coupled to the housing (100).

[0034] A first connection part (102) and a second connection part (103) may be formed on the upper and lower sides of the housing (100), respectively. The first connection part (102) and the second connection part (103) may be passages for fluid movement that connect the inside and the outside of the housing (100). A first flow path part (106) may be connected to the first connection part (102), and a second flow path part (107) may be connected to the second connection part (103). The first flow path part (102) and the second flow path part (103) may have various shapes such as hoses, pipes, and tubes so that the fluid can move. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second flow path parts (102, 103) may be connected to each other through various detachable methods such as a screw method with the first and second connection parts (106, 107), respectively.

[0035] A partition wall (108) may be formed in the interior space of the housing (100). A chamber (109) may be formed between the second connecting portion (103) and the partition wall (108). The chamber (109) may be a space in which a fluid introduced into the housing (100) through the second connecting portion (103) may be stored.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a fixing member (110) may be formed in the internal space of the housing (100). The fixing member (110) is a member capable of fixing the heating unit (130) and may be fixed at a specific location in the internal space of the housing (100). The fixing member (110) may perform the function of functionally dividing the internal space of the housing (100). That is, with respect to the fixing member (100), one side of the internal space of the housing (100) may be a space in which a fluid is heated, and the other side may be a space in which heating of the fluid is prepared.

[0037] The fixing member (110) may have a roughly circular shape to define the internal space of the housing (100). In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the fixing member (110) may be formed to be the same as or similar to the inner diameter of the housing (100). In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the fixing member (110) may be bent and extended and then inserted into the inner wall of the housing (100). However, the fixing member (110) may be fixed to the housing (100) in various ways.

[0038] An insertion portion (112) into which at least a portion of the heating portion (130) can be inserted may be formed on the inside of the fixing member (110). The insertion portion (112) may be formed along a circumferential direction based on the center of the fixing member (110). The insertion portion (112) may be formed to extend in one direction from the fixing member (110). The insertion portion (112) may include a groove (112a) into which one end of the heating portion (130) can be inserted.

[0039] A sealing member (117-1, 117-2) may be formed between the insertion part (112) and the heating part (130). The sealing member (117-1, 117-2) may have a ring shape and may be composed of a sealing member (117-1) located on the outside of the groove (112a) formed in the insertion part (112) and a sealing member (117-2) located on the inside thereof. The sealing member (117-1) located on the outside may seal between the outer surface of the heating part (130) and the insertion part (112), and the sealing member (117-2) located on the inside may seal between the inner surface of the heating part (130) and the insertion part (112). The sealing members (117-1, 117-2) may be composed of various sealing materials such as rubber.

[0040] The fixed member (110) may be formed with an inlet (114) having a hole or tube shape to allow fluid to flow in. The inlet (114) may be located on the inside of the insertion portion (112) and may be connected to the chamber (109).

[0041] Meanwhile, a third connection part (104) connected to the inlet part (114) may be formed on one side of the housing (100). A control part (120) may be rotatably connected to the third connection part (104). The control part (120) may control the amount or temperature of fluid discharged through the housing (100) depending on rotation, and a lever (122) that can be held by a user may be formed on the control part (120).

[0042] Fig. 6 (a) is a drawing showing one side of a heating sheet, Fig. 6 (b) is a drawing showing the other side of the heating sheet, and Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a process of forming a heating part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The heating unit (130) is for heating the fluid flowing into the housing (100), and includes a body unit (132) and a heating sheet (134).

[0044] The body portion (132) may have a hollow cylindrical shape. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the body portion (132). For example, the body portion (132) may have a hollow hexahedral shape. In this case, the shape of the insertion portion (112) formed in the fixing member (110) so that one end of the body portion (132) can be inserted may also be changed.

[0045] The body (132) can be made of a ceramic material with excellent heat transfer and heat dissipation.

[0046] The heating sheet (134) is configured to generate heat depending on the power supply. Referring to FIG. 6, one side and the other side of the heating sheet (134) may have different configurations.

[0047] As illustrated in (a) of Fig. 6, a first region (A) and a second region (B) may be formed on one side of the heating sheet (134). A heating pattern (134-1) may be formed in the first region (A). Here, the heating pattern (135) may have various shapes. For example, the heating pattern (135) may include a pattern that is formed long in a first direction, then bent in a second direction, and then formed long again in the first direction, as illustrated in (a) of Fig. 6. However, the heating pattern (135) is not limited to the above-described example, and may include a pattern that is formed long in the second direction, then bent in the first direction, and then formed long again in the second direction, or a pattern formed in a direction different from the first and second directions, or a pattern having various shapes such as a circle, a triangle, or a polygon that is not a straight line.

[0048] In the second region (B), first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed. The first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed by extending from the heating pattern (135), respectively. At this time, the formation positions of the first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2) may vary depending on the shape of the heating pattern (135). For example, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 6, the first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed by extending in the first direction from both sides of the heating pattern (135) in the second direction and then facing each other. However, this is not limited thereto, and the terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed by extending from various points where the heating pattern (135) ends, and there is no limitation on the position of each terminal connection portion (136-1, 136-2) formed in the second region (B).

[0049] The heating pattern (135) or the first and second terminal connecting portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed of a tungsten material, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of various conductive materials. Meanwhile, the heating pattern (135) and the first and second terminal connecting portions (136-1, 136-2) may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials.

[0050] As illustrated in (b) of FIG. 6, first and second terminal portions (137-1, 137-2) may be formed on the other surface of the heating sheet (134). The first terminal portion (137-1) may be connected to the first terminal connection portion (136-1), and the second terminal portion (137-2) may be connected to the second terminal connection portion (136-2). On the other surface of the heating sheet (134), the first and second terminal portions (137-1, 137-2) may be formed at positions corresponding to the first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2). When power is supplied to the first and second terminal portions (137-1, 137-2), the heating pattern (134) may be heated through the first and second terminal connection portions (136-1, 136-2).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, a heating unit (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be sintered by bonding a heating sheet (134) to the outer surface of a body portion (132). At this time, one surface of the heating sheet (134), that is, the surface where the first region (A) and the second region (B) are formed, may be bonded to the outer surface of the body portion (132), and thus, the other surface of the heating sheet (134) may be exposed to the outside.

[0052] Meanwhile, the length (L1) of the body part (132) and the first direction length (L2) of the heating sheet (134) may be the same, and the outer diameter of the body part (132) and the second direction length (L3) of the heating sheet (134) may be the same. In this case, the heating sheet (134) may completely wrap the outer circumference of the body part (132). However, there is no limitation on the respective direction lengths (L2, L3) of the heating sheet (1).

[0053] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, as described above, the heating part (130) is inserted into the fixing member (110), and at this time, the terminal connection parts (136-1, 136-2) and terminal parts (137-1, 137-2) of the heating sheet (134) can be completely inserted into the insertion groove (112a), and the area where the heating pattern (135) is formed among the heating parts (130) can be located on the upper side of the fixing member (110). The terminal parts (137-1, 137-2) of the heating sheet (134) can be sealed by the sealing member (117-1, 117-2) within the insertion groove (112a), so that they can be electrically safe. In this way, the heating sheet (134) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be designed considering that the heating pattern (135) and terminal portions (137-1, 137-2) are arranged in the above-described positions when the heating portion (130) and the fixing member (110) are combined.

[0054] Meanwhile, in a state where the heating part (130) is inserted into the fixing member (112), the inlet part (114) can be located within the hollow space of the heating part (130).

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 2, the cap (140) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (100) and may have a shape that surrounds the heating unit (130). Specifically, the upper and side portions of the cap (140) may be closed, and the lower portion thereof may be open. Accordingly, the heating unit (130) may be positioned in the internal space of the cap (140) through the lower portion of the cap (140).

[0056] A support member (144) may be formed in the cap (140) to support and fix the cap (140) within the housing (100). The support member (144) is formed between the outer surface of the cap (140) and the inner surface of the housing, and may be formed in multiple pieces along the outer surface of the cap (140). However, there is no limitation on the number of support members (144) and their formation positions.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support member (144) may include an inclined surface. In a state where the cap (140) is supported on the housing (100), the inclined surface of the support member (144) may be formed so as to move away from the longitudinal axis (y) of the housing (100) or the cap (144) as it goes upwards of the support member (144). That is, the inclined surface of the support member (144) may be formed in a direction in which a fluid located downwards can easily move upwards.

[0058] Meanwhile, the cap (140) can be fixed to the upper side of the fixing member (110). At this time, the upper surface and side surface of the cap (140) can be formed to surround the area where the heating pattern (135) is formed among the heating parts (130).

[0059] A vent hole (147) may be formed in the cap (140). The vent hole (147) is for discharging bubbles generated when the fluid is heated by the operation of the heating unit (130) within the cap (140) to the outside. In one embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole (147) may be formed on the upper portion of the cap (140), and preferably, may be formed at a position facing the first connecting portion (102) of the housing (100). However, there is no limitation on the position at which the vent hole (147) is formed.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating unit (130) and the cap (140) may be positioned to maintain a certain distance between them. That is, the outer surface of the heating unit (130) and the inner surface of the cap (140) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (D1), and the upper surface of the heating unit (130) and the upper lower surface of the cap (140) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. Meanwhile, the lower surface of the cap (140) and the upper surface of the fixing member (110) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (D2).

[0061] Additionally, the cap (140) and the housing (100) may be positioned to maintain a certain distance between them. That is, the outer surface of the cap (140) and the inner surface of the housing (100) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (D3), and the upper surface of the cap (140) and the upper lower surface of the housing (100) may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance.

[0062] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the flow direction of fluid in an instantaneous water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the process of moving the heated fluid after the fluid introduced into the instantaneous water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention is heated while the heating unit (130) is in operation will be examined.

[0064] A fluid supplied from the outside of the housing (100) (supplied through the first flow path (107)) can be introduced into the housing (100) through the second connection (103). At this time, the fluid is introduced into the chamber (109) and stored, and then flows into the hollow of the heating unit (130) through the inlet (114). At this time, the fluid that has flowed into the hollow of the heating unit (130) can be heated primarily by the operation of the heating unit (130). The primarily heated fluid moves upward along the hollow of the heating unit (130), then hits the upper lower surface of the cap (140), moves laterally, and then moves downward along the space between the cap (140) and the heating unit (130). At this time, the fluid that flows along the outer peripheral surface of the heating unit (130) can be heated secondarily by the operation of the heating unit (130). That is, the cap (140) can function to help heat the fluid multiple times while moving inside and outside the heating element (130). Thereafter, the fluid moves in one direction along the space between the lower surface of the cap (140) and the upper surface of the fixing member (110), and then moves upward along the space between the cap (140) and the housing (100). At this time, the fluid may pass through the support member (), and since the support member (144) has an inclined surface as described above, it is easy for the fluid to move along the inclined surface. The fluid heated in this way can move to the outside through the first connecting portion (102) formed on the upper portion of the housing (100).

[0065] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be determined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A housing including a passage for moving a fluid; A heating element disposed in the internal space of the housing, comprising a ceramic material and having a hollow cavity; A cap positioned so as to surround the heating element at a certain distance from the inner surface of the housing; and Including a fixing member for fixing the above heating part; The space between the heating unit and the cap and the space between the housing and the heating unit are characterized in that they are connected to one of the passages for moving the fluid. Instantaneous water heater with ceramic heating element.

2. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that a vent hole is formed in the cap.

3. In paragraph 2, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the vent hole is formed on one side of the cap so as to face the hollow portion of the heating element.

4. In paragraph 2, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the vent hole is formed on one surface of the cap so as to face one of the fluid passages of the housing.

5. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the open surface of the cap is formed at a certain distance from the fixing member.

6. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that a support member is formed between the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the housing.

7. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the support member includes an inclined surface.

8. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that one end of the heating part is inserted into the fixed member.

9. In paragraph 8, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that a sealing member is formed at a portion where the heating element is inserted into the fixed member.

10. In paragraph 1, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the above-mentioned fixed member has an inlet formed therein so that fluid can flow into the hollow interior of the heating element.

11. In paragraph 1, The above heating part, A cylindrical body having a hollow cavity; and An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized by including a heating sheet attached to the outer surface of the body and capable of generating heat by receiving power supply.

12. In paragraph 11, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that a heating pattern and a terminal connection portion extended from the heating pattern are formed on one side of the heating sheet, and a terminal portion connected to the terminal connection portion is formed on the opposite side.

13. In paragraph 12, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the above heating pattern is formed of a tungsten material.

14. In paragraph 12, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that one side of the heating sheet on which the heating pattern is formed is bonded to the outer surface of the body.

15. In paragraph 12, An instantaneous water heater having a ceramic heating element, characterized in that the terminal connection portion and the terminal portion are inserted into the insertion portion of the fixing member.

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