Expansion tank assembly and unit

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application disclose an expansion tank assembly and a unit. The expansion tank assembly comprises: an expansion tank, comprising a tank body and a connection port connected to the tank body; and a valve assembly, comprising a main body portion, wherein the main body portion comprises a first port, a second port and a third port, a first flow channel and a second flow channel communicated with the first flow channel are formed inside the main body portion, the first port and the second port are located at two ends of the first flow channel, the third port is located at one end of the second flow channel, and the third port is connected to the connection port, so that the first flow channel is communicated with the interior of the tank body by means of the second flow channel and the connection port in sequence; and a flow baffle, wherein the flow baffle runs through the second flow channel so as to divide the second flow channel into two sub-flow channels, one end of the flow baffle extends into the first flow channel, and the other end of the flow baffle extends into the tank body.

Description

Expansion tank components and units

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024109481354, filed on July 16, 2024, entitled "Expansion Tank Assembly and Unit", and to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024220382065, filed on August 21, 2024, entitled "Expansion Tank Assembly and Unit", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of expansion tank technology, and in particular to an expansion tank assembly and unit. Background Technology

[0003] An expansion tank is a component connected to a water system, serving to balance the water pressure. Typically, an expansion tank has an inlet and an outlet, which are connected to the water system's piping. When the pressure in the water system exceeds the pressure in the expansion tank, liquid from the system flows into the expansion tank; conversely, when the pressure in the water system falls below the pressure in the expansion tank, liquid from the expansion tank replenishes the water system's piping. This process helps control pressure fluctuations in the water system within a reasonable range.

[0004] However, when the water system is working normally, the range of water pressure changes is relatively small, the amount of water entering and leaving the expansion tank is not large, and the water entering and leaving the tank each time is only replaced at the tank opening. This means that most of the water in the tank is not replaced and becomes stagnant water. This stagnant water stays in the tank for a long time, which can easily breed bacteria and thus bring safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an expansion tank assembly and unit. The liquid within the expansion tank of this assembly can flow, thereby reducing the probability of stagnant water forming due to prolonged lack of flow. This improves the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an expansion tank assembly, comprising: an expansion tank, including a tank body and an interface portion connected to the tank body; a valve assembly, including a main body having a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein a first flow channel and a second flow channel communicating with the first flow channel are formed inside the main body, the first port and the second port are located at both ends of the first flow channel, the third port is located at one end of the second flow channel, the third port is connected to the interface portion, and the first flow channel communicates with the interior of the tank body through the second flow channel and the interface portion; and a flow baffle plate, wherein the flow baffle plate is disposed through the second flow channel to divide the second flow channel into two sub-flow channels, one end of the flow baffle plate extends into the first flow channel, and the other end extends into the tank body.

[0007] By using the expansion tank assembly of this application, the liquid inside the expansion tank can flow regardless of whether the pressure inside the tank is greater than the pressure of the water system, less than the pressure inside the tank, or balanced or nearly balanced with the pressure of the water system. This reduces the probability of stagnant water forming inside the expansion tank due to prolonged lack of flow. Therefore, it improves the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the length of the baffle plate extending into the first flow channel is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the first flow channel, and less than the diameter of the first flow channel.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the length of the baffle plate extending into the first flow channel is less than or equal to 4 / 5 of the diameter of the first flow channel.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the baffle plate passes through the central axis of the second flow channel to divide the second flow channel into two sub-flow channels.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the central axis of the first flow channel is perpendicular to the central axis of the second flow channel.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the angle between the baffle plate and the central axis of the first flow channel is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the baffle plate is perpendicular to the central axis of the first flow channel.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the interface portion has an inlet and outlet water flow channel formed inside, and the baffle plate passes through the inlet and outlet water flow channel; the inner wall of the second flow channel is provided with a limiting groove for limiting the baffle plate, and the two opposite edges of the baffle plate are respectively located in one of the corresponding limiting grooves.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the tank body has an inner cavity, the expansion tank assembly further includes a mounting baffle, the mounting baffle is installed in the tank body and located in the inner cavity, and one end of the flow baffle is fixedly connected to the mounting baffle.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, a connecting flange is provided at the bottom of the tank body, the interface portion is connected to the bottom surface of the connecting flange, the mounting baffle is located on the top surface of the connecting flange, one of the mounting baffle and the connecting flange is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the other of the mounting baffle and the connecting flange is provided with a groove, the positioning protrusion and the groove cooperate to restrict the rotational freedom of the mounting baffle relative to the tank body.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting flange is provided with a through hole, the flow baffle passes through the through hole, the mounting baffle covers the through hole, the mounting baffle is provided with a plurality of water passage holes, the water passage holes communicate with the through hole, and the inlet and outlet flow channels communicate with the inner cavity through the through hole and the water passage holes; wherein, the sum of the flow areas of the plurality of water passage holes is less than the flow area of ​​the through hole.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the interface portion is a threaded tube, and the third port is provided with a rotatable nut, which engages with the threaded tube.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the interface portion is located at the bottom of the tank; a third flow channel is also formed inside the main body portion, the third flow channel extends along the height direction of the tank and communicates with the first flow channel, the main body portion also has a fourth port, the fourth port is located at the lower end of the third flow channel; the valve assembly further includes a drain valve disposed at the fourth port.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the valve assembly further includes a first shut-off valve and a second shut-off valve, wherein the first shut-off valve is disposed at the first port and the second shut-off valve is disposed at the second port.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the first shut-off valve includes a first inlet end and a first outlet end, the first outlet end being connected to the first port, and the first inlet end being provided with an external thread; the second shut-off valve includes a second inlet end and a second outlet end, the second inlet end being connected to the second port, and the second outlet end being provided with an external thread.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a unit including a liquid pipeline and an expansion tank assembly as described in the first aspect, wherein the first port and the second port are connected to the liquid pipeline.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the unit is a heat pump unit, an air conditioner, a gas water heater, or an electric water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an expansion tank assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the expansion tank assembly provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an expansion tank assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a valve assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a valve assembly and a flow baffle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the water flow of the expansion tank assembly and liquid pipeline provided in an embodiment of this application (the arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow);

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the water flow of the expansion tank assembly and liquid pipeline provided in another embodiment of this application (the arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow);

[0031] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the valve assembly, flow baffle, and mounting baffle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram (front view) of the assembly of the valve assembly and connecting flange provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 is a side view of the assembly of the valve assembly and connecting flange provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the valve assembly provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Unit; 10-Expansion tank assembly; 20-Liquid piping; 100-Expansion tank; 110-Tank body; 111-Inner cavity; 112-Connecting flange; 1121-Through hole; 113-Groove; 120-Interface; 121-Inlet / outlet water channels; 200-Valve assembly; 210-Main body; 211-First port; 212-Second port; 213-Third port; 2131-Internal thread; 214-Fourth port; 215-First flow channel; 216-Second flow channel; 2161-Limiting groove; 2162-First sub-flow channel; 2163-Second sub-flow channel; 217-Third flow channel; 218-Nut; 230-Drain valve; 240-First shut-off valve; 2401-First inlet; 2402-First outlet; 250-Second shut-off valve. 2501 - Second water inlet end; 2502 - Second water outlet end; 310 - Baffle plate; 320 - Mounting baffle; 321 - Positioning protrusion; 322 - Water passage hole. The realization of the purpose, functional characteristics, and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] An expansion tank is a component connected to a water system, serving to balance the water pressure. Typically, an expansion tank has an inlet and an outlet, which are connected to the water system's piping. When the pressure in the water system exceeds the pressure in the expansion tank, liquid from the system flows into the expansion tank; conversely, when the pressure in the water system falls below the pressure in the expansion tank, liquid from the expansion tank replenishes the water system's piping. This process helps control pressure fluctuations in the water system within a reasonable range.

[0041] However, when the water system is working normally, the range of water pressure changes is relatively small, the amount of water entering and leaving the expansion tank is not large, and the water entering and leaving the tank each time is only replaced at the tank opening. This means that most of the water in the tank is not replaced and becomes stagnant water. This stagnant water stays in the tank for a long time, which can easily breed bacteria and thus bring safety hazards.

[0042] Based on the above, this application provides an expansion tank assembly and unit, which aims to improve the problem of stagnant water easily forming inside the expansion tank.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an expansion tank assembly provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another expansion tank assembly provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an expansion tank assembly provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a valve assembly proposed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a valve assembly and a baffle plate proposed in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of water flow between the expansion tank assembly and the liquid pipeline when the pressure inside the tank reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the water system, as proposed in one embodiment of this application.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an expansion tank assembly 10. The expansion tank assembly 10 includes an expansion tank 100, a valve assembly 200, and a baffle plate 310. The expansion tank 100 includes a tank body 110 and an interface portion 120 connected to the tank body 110. The valve assembly 200 includes a main body 210, which has a first port 211, a second port 212, and a third port 213. A first flow channel 215 and a second flow channel 216 communicating with the first flow channel 215 are formed inside the main body 210. The first port 211 and the second port 212 are located at both ends of the first flow channel 215, and the third port 213 is located at one end of the second flow channel 216. The third port 213 is connected to the interface portion 120. The first flow channel 215 communicates with the interior of the tank body 110 through the second flow channel 216 and the interface portion 120. The baffle plate 310 is installed through the second flow channel 216 to divide the second flow channel 216 into two sub-flow channels. One end of the baffle plate 310 extends into the first flow channel 215, and the other end extends into the tank body 110.

[0045] In this application, the expansion tank assembly 10 includes an expansion tank 100, a valve assembly 200, and a baffle plate 310. The expansion tank 100 is connected to a water system via the valve assembly 200, allowing the expansion tank 100 to balance the pressure within the water system. The expansion tank 100 includes a tank body 110 and an interface portion 120. The tank body 110 can be made of carbon steel to ensure it has sufficient strength. An air bladder is provided inside the tank body 110, storing gas. The space outside the air bladder in the inner cavity 111 of the tank body 110 is a water storage chamber, and the interface portion 120 communicates with the water storage chamber inside the tank body 110.

[0046] The valve assembly 200 includes a main body 210. The main body 210 is the main structure of the valve assembly 200, and can be integrally formed from materials such as stainless steel or copper. A first flow channel 215 is formed inside the main body 210, and a first port 211 and a second port 212 are located at both ends of the first flow channel 215.

[0047] Thus, as shown in Figure 6, the first port 211 and the second port 212 can be connected in series to the liquid pipeline 20 of the water system. Furthermore, the main body 210 also has a second flow channel 216 connected to the first flow channel 215, and a third port 213 is located at one end of the second flow channel 216. Specifically, the third port 213 is located at the end of the second flow channel 216 away from the first flow channel 215, and the third port 213 is connected to the interface 120. In this way, the liquid in the water system can also sequentially communicate with the water storage chamber inside the tank 110 through the first flow channel 215, the second flow channel 216, the third port 213, and the interface 120.

[0048] The baffle plate 310 has a plate-like structure and can partially block the liquid in the first flow channel 215. That is, the axis of the baffle plate 310 intersects with that of the first flow channel 215, but they are not parallel. The baffle plate 310 can also be made of materials such as stainless steel or copper. The baffle plate 310 extends through the second flow channel 216 to divide it into two sub-flow channels, and these two sub-flow channels are not interconnected. One end of the baffle plate 310 extends into the first flow channel 215, and the other end extends into the tank body 110.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the two sub-channels that the baffle plate 310 divides into inlets and outlets are designated as the first sub-channel 2162 and the second sub-channel 2163. Assuming that the first port 211 is the inlet, the first sub-channel 2162 is closer to the first port 211 (inlet) than the second sub-channel 2163.

[0050] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the working principle of the expansion tank assembly 10 of this application on the liquid pipeline 20 of the water system is explained below: When the pressure of the water system rises, the pressure in the liquid pipeline 20 will be greater than the pressure inside the tank 110. Under the action of the pressure difference, a portion of the pressurized liquid in the liquid pipeline 20 enters the first flow channel 215 through the first port 211, and then enters the tank 110 through the second flow channel 216. At this time, the water volume in the liquid pipeline 20 decreases, and the water pressure drops; while the water volume in the tank 110 increases, and the water pressure increases. At the same time, the gas chamber inside the tank 110 is compressed, and the gas pressure also increases. In this dynamic pressure regulation process, the pressure inside the tank 110 gradually reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the water system.

[0051] When the pressure in the water system decreases, the pressure in the liquid pipeline 20 becomes lower than the pressure inside the tank 110. Under this pressure difference, pressurized liquid inside the tank 110 flows sequentially through the second flow channel 216 and the first flow channel 215 of the valve assembly 200 into the liquid pipeline 20. At this time, the water volume in the liquid pipeline 20 increases, and the water pressure increases; while the water volume in the tank 110 decreases, and the water pressure decreases. Simultaneously, the air chamber inside the tank 110 expands, and the gas pressure also decreases. During this dynamic pressure regulation process, the pressure inside the tank 110 gradually reaches equilibrium with the pressure in the liquid pipeline 20.

[0052] When the pressure inside the tank 110 reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the water system, or when the pressure inside the tank 110 is slightly less than the pressure of the water system, as shown in Figure 6, a portion of the liquid in the liquid pipeline 20 will enter the first flow channel 215 through the first port 211. Part of the liquid entering the first port 211 flows along the first flow channel 215 and flows out through the second port 212, thus returning to the liquid pipeline 20. The other part, under the action of the baffle plate 310, enters the tank 110 of the expansion tank 100 along the first sub-flow channel 2162. At the same time, a portion of the liquid inside the tank 110 flows out through the second sub-flow channel 2163 to the first flow channel 215, and then further flows out through the second port 212. During this process, the liquid flowing into the tank 110 through the first sub-channel 2162 and the liquid flowing out of the tank 110 through the second sub-channel 2163 create disturbances within the tank 110. This can agitate the liquid inside the tank 110 to flow, reducing the probability of stagnant water forming due to lack of flow within the tank 110.

[0053] As can be seen from the above process, by using the expansion tank assembly 10 of this application, the liquid in the expansion tank 100 can flow regardless of whether the pressure inside the tank 110 is greater than the pressure of the water system, less than the pressure of the water system, or balanced or nearly balanced with the pressure of the water system. This reduces the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly 10.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the first flow channel 215, and less than the diameter of the first flow channel 215.

[0055] Since a portion of the baffle plate 310 extends into the first flow channel 215, the length of the baffle plate 310 within the first flow channel 215 refers to the length of the portion of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215. In this embodiment, the length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 is limited. The length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 is less than the diameter of the first flow channel 215. This ensures that the first flow channel 215 is not completely blocked by the baffle plate 310, allowing normal fluid flow in the first flow channel 215 and preventing flow interruption. Furthermore, the length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 is greater than or equal to half the diameter of the first flow channel 215. This ensures that a significant amount of liquid within the first flow channel 215 is blocked by the baffle plate 310, reducing the probability of the blocked liquid directly flowing downstream through the first flow channel 215. At this time, the liquid in the first flow channel 215 can more easily enter the tank 110 through the first sub-flow channel 2162 of the second flow channel 216, and the amount of liquid entering the tank 110 will also increase, thereby allowing the liquid in the tank 110 to flow sufficiently. This helps to further reduce the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow, while ensuring normal liquid flow in the first flow channel 215, thus further improving the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly 10.

[0056] Optionally, the length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 can be 1 / 2, 2 / 3, 3 / 4, etc. of the diameter of the first flow channel 215, and can be flexibly designed according to the actual situation.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the length of the baffle plate 310 extending into the first flow channel 215 is less than or equal to 4 / 5 of the diameter of the first flow channel 215. This ensures sufficient liquid flow within the tank 110, further reducing the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow. Simultaneously, it also ensures that the first flow channel 215 retains a certain liquid flow rate even after being blocked by the baffle plate 310, thus maintaining its function as a liquid flow channel.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the baffle plate 310 passes through the central axis of the second flow channel 216 to divide the second flow channel 216 into two sub-flow channels.

[0059] In this embodiment, the baffle plate 310 is disposed through the second flow channel 216, and the baffle plate 310 passes through the central axis of the second flow channel 216. That is, the baffle plate 310 is located in the middle of the second flow channel 216, and the baffle plate 310 equally divides the second flow channel 216 to form a first sub-flow channel 2162 and a second sub-flow channel 2163, so that the flow area of ​​the first sub-flow channel 2162 and the flow area of ​​the second sub-flow channel 2163 are equal. This configuration ensures that when the pressure inside the tank 110 is balanced with the pressure of the water system, or when the pressure difference between the tank 110 and the water system is not significant, the flow rates of the liquid entering the tank 110 from the first sub-flow channel 2162 and the liquid flowing out of the tank 110 from the second sub-flow channel 2163 are the same. This further ensures that the liquid inside the tank 110 can flow sufficiently, reducing the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow, and thus further improving the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly 10.

[0060] In some embodiments, the central axis of the first flow channel 215 forms an angle of 45° to 135° with the central axis of the second flow channel 216. This allows the second flow channel 216 to be inserted obliquely into the first flow channel 215, or to be inserted vertically into the first flow channel 215. Thus, by appropriately setting the position of the second flow channel 216, the installation position of the expansion tank 100 after the expansion tank assembly 10 is fixed can be adjusted, thereby preventing interference between the expansion tank 100 and other structures within the unit 1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the baffle plate 310 passes through the central axis of the second flow channel 216, the central axis of the first flow channel 215 is perpendicular to the central axis of the second flow channel 216, and the angle between the baffle plate 310 and the central axis of the first flow channel 215 is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90°.

[0062] In this embodiment, the central axis of the first flow channel 215 is perpendicular to the central axis of the second flow channel 216, making the fabrication of the flow channels within the main body 210 easiest, thereby improving the ease of manufacturing the main body 210 and enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the baffle plate 310 passes through the central axis of the second flow channel 216, and the angle between the baffle plate 310 and the central axis of the first flow channel 215 is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90°. This allows the baffle plate 310 to effectively block the liquid within the first flow channel 215. When the pressure inside the tank 110 reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the water system, or when the pressure difference between the tank 110 and the water system is not significant, the liquid in the first flow channel 215 can flow into the tank 110 through the first sub-flow channel 2162 under the obstruction of the baffle plate 310. This ensures sufficient flow of the liquid inside the tank 110, reducing the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the expansion tank assembly 10. Optionally, the angle between the baffle plate 310 and the central axis of the first flow channel 215 can be 45°, 60°, 90°, etc., and this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0063] Optionally, in one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the baffle plate 310 is perpendicular to the central axis of the first flow channel 215. In this way, the baffle plate 310 maximizes its blocking effect on the liquid in the first flow channel 215, thereby further ensuring sufficient flow of liquid in the tank 110, and thus further improving the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments, an inlet / outlet water channel 121 is formed inside the interface portion 120, and a baffle plate 310 passes through the inlet / outlet water channel 121. In this way, the fluidity of the liquid in the tank 110 can be further improved, and the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to long-term lack of flow can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner wall of the inlet / outlet water channel 121 is provided with a limiting groove (not shown in the figure) for limiting the position of the baffle plate 310. In this way, the limiting groove on the inner wall of the inlet / outlet water channel 121 can limit the position of the baffle plate 310. When the interface 120 is connected to the third port 213, the baffle plate 310 will not move under the impact of the liquid, thus improving the reliability of the baffle plate 310.

[0066] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the valve assembly provided in one embodiment of this application. As shown in Figures 4 and 11, in some other embodiments, the inner wall of the second flow channel 216 is provided with a limiting groove 2161 for limiting the flow baffle 310. That is, in this embodiment, the limiting groove 2161 is provided on the inner wall of the second flow channel 216. In this way, the flow baffle 310 can also be limited, thereby improving the reliability of the flow baffle 310.

[0067] Optionally, the inner wall of the second flow channel 216 is provided with two limiting grooves 2161, and the two opposite edges of the baffle plate 310 are respectively located in one of the corresponding limiting grooves 2161. This helps to maintain the relative position of the main body 210 of the valve assembly 200 and the baffle plate 310, preventing the main body 210 from rotating relative to the tank 110. As a result, a stable phase position relationship can be ensured between the first flow channel 215, the second flow channel 216 and the baffle plate 310, thereby enabling the baffle plate 310 to stably perform its flow-blocking function.

[0068] It should be noted that in this application, the third port 213 on one side of the second flow channel 216 is connected to the interface portion 120, and the two can be connected by a threaded connection. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer surface of the interface portion 120 is provided with an external thread, and the inner surface of the second flow channel 216 near the interface portion 120 is provided with an internal thread 2131, and the interface portion 120 is located inside the second flow channel 216. In this case, a part of the second flow channel 216 will be connected to the interface portion 120, and the interface portion 120 will occupy a part of the second flow channel 216. At this time, the flow baffle 310 dividing the second flow channel 216 into two sub-flow channels means that after the third port 213 is connected to the interface portion 120, the flow baffle 310 divides the remaining section of the second flow channel 216 into two sub-flow channels.

[0069] Alternatively, the inner surface of the inlet / outlet channel 121 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer surface of the third port 213 near the interface portion 120 is provided with an external thread. The third port 213 is located inside the inlet / outlet channel 121. In this case, the interface portion 120 will not occupy the second channel 216, and the baffle plate 310 divides the entire second channel 216 into two sub-channels.

[0070] Of course, it is easy to understand that, regardless of whether the interface 120 is located in the second flow channel 216 or the third port 213 is located in the inlet / outlet flow channel 121, the limiting groove 2161 can be located on the inner wall of the inlet / outlet flow channel 121 or on the inner wall of the second flow channel 216. This application does not limit this.

[0071] Optionally, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, an internal thread 2131 is provided on the inner surface of the second flow channel 216 near the interface portion 120, and a limiting groove 2161 is provided on the inner wall of the second flow channel 216 and located on the side of the internal thread 2131 away from the interface portion 120. In this way, the second flow channel 216 can both connect to the interface portion 120 and limit the flow baffle 310 without requiring special design for the interface portion 120.

[0072] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, in some embodiments, the interface portion 120 is located at the bottom of the tank body 110, and a third flow channel 217 is formed inside the main body portion 210. The third flow channel 217 extends along the height direction of the tank body 110 and communicates with the first flow channel 215. The main body portion 210 also has a fourth port 214, which is located at the lower end of the third flow channel 217. The valve assembly 200 also includes a drain valve 230 disposed at the fourth port 214.

[0073] In this embodiment, the valve assembly 200 further includes a drain valve 230 disposed at the fourth port 214 of the main body 210. The drain valve 230 can be used to discharge liquid from the expansion tank 100 and / or the liquid pipeline 20 to facilitate subsequent inspection, maintenance and other work.

[0074] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, in some embodiments, the valve assembly 200 further includes a first shut-off valve 240 and a second shut-off valve 250. The first shut-off valve 240 is located at the first port 211, and the second shut-off valve 250 is located at the second port 212. In this embodiment, the valve assembly 200 also includes a first shut-off valve 240 and a second shut-off valve 250. The first shut-off valve 240 and the second shut-off valve 250 can control the flow of fluid in the first flow channel 215. Thus, when the first shut-off valve 240 and the second shut-off valve 250 are closed, the liquid in the expansion tank 100 can be discharged through the drain valve 230, and then the expansion tank 100 can be removed for maintenance, thereby improving the convenience of maintaining the expansion tank assembly 10.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the first shut-off valve 240 includes a first inlet end 2401 and a first outlet end 2402. The first outlet end 2402 is connected to the first port 211, and the first inlet end 2401 is provided with external threads. In this way, the first shut-off valve 240 is connected to the main body 210, and the liquid pipeline 20 can also be connected to the first inlet end 2401 of the first shut-off valve 240 through a threaded structure.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the second shut-off valve 250 includes a second inlet end 2501 and a second outlet end 2502. The second inlet end 2501 is connected to the second port 212, and the second outlet end 2502 is provided with external threads. In this way, the second shut-off valve 250 is connected to the main body 210, and the liquid pipeline 20 can also be connected to the second outlet end 2502 of the second shut-off valve 250 through a threaded structure.

[0077] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction of the expansion tank assembly provided in another embodiment of this application during operation (the arrows in the figure indicate the direction of water flow), and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the valve assembly, baffle plate and mounting baffle provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figures 1, 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the expansion tank assembly 10 further includes a mounting baffle 320, the tank body 110 has an inner cavity 111, the mounting baffle 320 is installed in the tank body 110 and located in the inner cavity 111, one end of the baffle plate 310 is fixedly connected to the mounting baffle 320, the baffle plate 310 passes through the second flow channel 216 and the other end extends into the first flow channel 215.

[0078] In this embodiment, the expansion tank assembly 10 is also provided with a mounting baffle 320, which is used to install the flow baffle 310 onto the tank body 110 so that the flow baffle 310 is fixed relative to the tank body 110.

[0079] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram (front view) of the assembly of the valve assembly and connecting flange provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram (side view) of the assembly of the valve assembly and connecting flange provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figures 1, 8, 9 and 10, in some embodiments, a connecting flange 112 is provided at the bottom of the tank body 110, and the interface portion 120 is connected to the bottom surface of the connecting flange 112. The mounting baffle 320 is located on the top surface of the connecting flange 112. One of the mounting baffle 320 and the connecting flange 112 is provided with a positioning protrusion 321, and the other of the mounting baffle 320 and the connecting flange 112 is provided with a groove 113. The positioning protrusion 321 cooperates with the groove 113 to restrict the rotational freedom of the mounting baffle 320 relative to the tank body 110.

[0080] In one specific example, the bottom surface of the mounting baffle 320 is provided with a positioning protrusion 321, and the top surface of the connecting flange 112 is provided with a groove 113. The positioning protrusion 321 of the mounting baffle 320 is located in the groove 113, thereby preventing the mounting baffle 320 from rotating relative to the tank body 110. Furthermore, under the weight of the baffle plate 310 and the mounting baffle 320, the baffle plate 310 and the mounting baffle 320 are also fixed relative to the tank body 110 in the height direction. In other examples, the top surface of the connecting flange 112 may also have a positioning protrusion 321, and the bottom surface of the mounting baffle 320 may have a groove 113. The positioning protrusion 321 of the connecting flange 112 may be located in the groove 113, preventing the mounting baffle 320 from rotating relative to the tank body 110.

[0081] The rotational freedom of the mounting baffle 320 relative to the tank body 110 is restricted by the engagement of the positioning protrusion 321 and the groove 113. Then, the gravity of the baffle plate 310 and the mounting baffle 320 is used to fix them relative to the tank body 110 in the height direction. This achieves the assembly of the baffle plate 310 and the mounting baffle 320 with the tank body 110. This installation method is relatively simple, easy to implement, and helps ensure installation accuracy.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, in one embodiment, the connecting flange 112 is provided with a through hole 1121, a baffle plate 310 passes through the through hole 1121, and a mounting baffle 320 covers the through hole 1121. The mounting baffle 320 is provided with multiple water passage holes 322, which communicate with the through hole 1121. The inlet and outlet flow channels 121 communicate with the inner cavity 111 of the tank body 110 through the through hole 1121 and the water passage holes 322. The total flow area of ​​the multiple water passage holes 322 is less than the flow area of ​​the through hole 1121.

[0083] When the water system pressure is too low, liquid inside tank 110 will replenish the water system, and the air bladder inside tank 110 will expand. If the water system pressure is too low, more liquid will flow out of tank 110, and the air bladder will expand to a greater extent. In this case, part of the air bladder structure may be squeezed into the inlet and outlet channels, thus posing a risk of blockage. To avoid this risk, a baffle 320 is used to cover the through hole 1121 on the connecting flange 112. Multiple water passage holes 322 are provided on the baffle 320. The total flow area of ​​all water passage holes 322 is less than the area of ​​the through hole 1121; that is, the size of each water passage hole 322 is significantly smaller than the size of the through hole 1121. Thus, by using the baffle 320 to block the air bladder, the risk of blockage caused by part of the air bladder structure being squeezed into the inlet and outlet channels during expansion is reduced.

[0084] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the interface 120 is a threaded tube, and the third port 213 is provided with a rotatable nut 218, which engages with the threaded tube.

[0085] The third port 213 can be connected to the interface portion 120 by the engagement of the nut 218 with the threaded tube. Furthermore, since the nut 218 can rotate relative to the third port 213, the main body 210 of the valve assembly 200 does not rotate with the nut 218 during the tightening process. In other words, when connecting the valve assembly 200 to the expansion tank 100, the edge of the baffle plate 310 can first be inserted into the limiting groove 2161 of the second flow channel 216, and then the nut 218 can be connected to the threaded tube. During the tightening of the nut 218, the main body 210 of the valve assembly 200 will not rotate, thus preventing torque from being applied to the baffle plate 310.

[0086] Secondly, this application proposes a unit 1. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the unit 1 includes a liquid pipeline 20 and an expansion tank assembly 10 as described in the first aspect, with a first port 211 and a second port 212 connected to the liquid pipeline 20.

[0087] The unit 1 of this application uses the expansion tank assembly 10 described in the first aspect. This ensures that the liquid in the tank 110 can flow regardless of whether the pressure inside the tank 110 is greater than the pressure of the water system, less than the pressure of the water system, or balanced or nearly balanced with the pressure of the water system. This reduces the probability of stagnant water forming in the expansion tank 100 due to prolonged lack of flow. Therefore, it improves the safety and reliability of using the expansion tank assembly 10, and consequently improves the safety and reliability of the unit 1.

[0088] In some embodiments, unit 1 is a heat pump unit, an air conditioner, a gas water heater, or an electric water heater. Since temperature changes occur in the liquid lines of the aforementioned units, the expansion tank assembly 10 can regulate the liquid pressure changes in the liquid lines 20 caused by temperature variations in the heat pump unit, air conditioner, gas water heater, or electric water heater, while also preventing stagnant water from forming in the expansion tank 100. This improves the safety and reliability of the aforementioned units.

[0089] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only set as exemplary illustrations and should not be construed as limitations on this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0090] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An inflation tank assembly, wherein, The expansion tank comprises: an expansion tank body and an interface part connected to the tank body; a valve assembly comprising a main body part having a first port, a second port and a third port, a first flow channel and a second flow channel in communication with the first flow channel formed inside the main body part, the first port and the second port located at two ends of the first flow channel, the third port located at one end of the second flow channel, the third port connected to the interface part, the first flow channel in communication with the inside of the tank body through the second flow channel and the interface part; a flow blocking plate provided through the second flow channel to divide the second flow channel into two sub-flow channels, one end of the flow blocking plate extending into the first flow channel and the other end extending into the tank body.

2. The expansion tank assembly of claim 1, wherein, The length of the flow blocking plate extending into the first flow channel is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the diameter of the first flow channel and less than the diameter of the first flow channel.

3. The expansion tank assembly of claim 2, wherein, The length of the flow blocking plate extending into the first flow channel is less than or equal to 4 / 5 of the diameter of the first flow channel.

4. The keg assembly of claim 1, wherein, The flow blocking plate passes through the central axis of the second flow channel to equally divide the second flow channel into two sub-flow channels.

5. The expansion tank assembly of claim 4, wherein, The central axis of the first flow channel is perpendicular to the central axis of the second flow channel. The angle between the flow blocking plate and the central axis of the first flow channel is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90°.

6. The inflation tank assembly of claim 5, wherein, The flow blocking plate is perpendicular to the central axis of the first flow channel.

7. The expansion tank assembly of any of claims 1-6, wherein, The inside of the interface part is formed with an inlet and outlet water flow channel, and the flow blocking plate passes through the inlet and outlet water flow channel. The inner wall of the second flow channel is provided with a limiting groove for limiting the flow blocking plate, and the opposite two edges of the flow blocking plate are located in the corresponding limiting groove.

8. The expansion tank assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the tank body has an inner cavity, the expansion tank assembly further comprises a mounting flake mounted on the tank body and located in the inner cavity, and one end of the flow blocking plate is fixedly connected to the mounting flake.

9. The keg assembly of claim 8, wherein, The bottom of the tank body is provided with a connecting flange, and the interface part is connected to the bottom surface of the connecting flange. The mounting flake is located on the top surface of the connecting flange, one of the mounting flake and the connecting flange is provided with a positioning protrusion, and the other one is provided with a groove, the positioning protrusion and the groove are matched to limit the rotational freedom of the mounting flake relative to the tank body.

10. The expansion tank assembly of claim 9, wherein, The connecting flange is provided with a through hole, the flow blocking plate is arranged in the through hole, and the mounting flake covers the through hole, the mounting flake is provided with a plurality of water passing holes, the water passing holes are in communication with the through hole, and the inlet and outlet flow channel is in communication with the inner cavity through the through hole and the water passing holes. The sum of the flow areas of the plurality of water passing holes is less than the flow area of the through hole.

11. The keg assembly of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The interface part is a threaded pipe, the third port is provided with a rotatable nut matched with the threaded pipe.

12. The keg assembly of claim 1, wherein, The interface part is located at the bottom of the tank body. The inside of the main body part is further formed with a third flow channel extending along the height direction of the tank body and communicating with the first flow channel, and the main body part further has a fourth port located at the lower end of the third flow channel; The valve assembly further comprises a drain valve arranged at the fourth port.

13. The keg assembly of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The valve assembly further comprises a first stop valve arranged at the first port and a second stop valve arranged at the second port.

14. The keg assembly of claim 13, wherein, The first stop valve comprises a first water inlet end and a first water outlet end, the first water outlet end is connected with the first port, and the first water inlet end is provided with external threads; The second stop valve comprises a second water inlet end and a second water outlet end, the second water inlet end is connected with the second port, and the second water outlet end is provided with external threads.

15. A machine set wherein, Comprise: a liquid line; and The expansion tank assembly according to any one of claims 1-14, the first port and the second port access the liquid line.

16. The machine group of claim 15, wherein, The machine set is a heat pump machine set, an air conditioner, a gas water heater or an electric water heater.

Images