CN218179234U

CN218179234U - Water heater

Info

Publication number: CN218179234U
Application number: CN202221987767.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李水清; 王�华; 姚振虎
Original assignee: AO Smith China Water Heater Co Ltd
Current assignee: AO Smith China Water Heater Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-29
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2022-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-29

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water heater, it relates to the water heater field, water heater includes: the first inner container is used for storing water; a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner container; a second inner container for containing phase change material; the second heating element is used for heating the phase change material in the second inner container; the heat exchanger is arranged in the second inner container and used for exchanging heat with the phase change material, and the heat exchanger is provided with an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet; the inlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container. This application can promote the hot water volume of water heater by a wide margin under the prerequisite that does not increase the size at least.

Description

Water heater

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a water heater field, in particular to water heater.

Background

The existing water heater mainly includes: gas water heaters, solar water heaters, air energy heat pump water heaters, electric water heaters and the like. The electric water heater is a water heater which takes electricity as energy source for heating. Most electric water heaters all adopt water storage formula heating, and it mainly includes: the inner container, an anode bar for preventing the inner container from being corroded, an electric heating element for heating water in the inner container and other matched equipment.

At present, the volume of an inner container of a common electric water heater is generally not more than 100L under the influence of the size of a toilet of a user and the installation environment. For example, the more common household electric water heater on the market is a 60L capacity electric water heater. However, the capacity of an electric water heater of the above capacity is limited, and particularly in winter, the user is generally in a problem of insufficient hot water when bathing.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In order to overcome the above-mentioned defect of the prior art, the utility model discloses the technical problem that the embodiment will be solved provides a water heater, and it can promote the hot water volume of water heater by a wide margin under the prerequisite that does not increase the size at least.

The utility model discloses embodiment's concrete technical scheme is:

a water heater, comprising: the first inner container is used for storing water; a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner container; a second inner container for containing phase change material; the second heating element is used for heating the phase change material in the second inner container; the heat exchanger is arranged in the second inner container and used for exchanging heat with the phase change material, and the heat exchanger is provided with an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet; the inlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container.

In a preferred embodiment, the inlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with the water supply pipeline, the outlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container, and the water outlet of the first inner container is communicated with the temperature control valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a water path switching device which can be communicated with the heat exchanger outlet, the water inlet of the first inner container and the temperature control valve;

the waterway switching device at least has a first state and a second state;

when the waterway switching device is in a first state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow into the first inner container;

when the waterway switching device is in a second state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with the temperature control valve, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow to the temperature control valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchanger;

when the temperature detection piece detects that the temperature of water flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the waterway switching device is in a first state;

when the temperature detection piece detects that the temperature of water flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchanger is lower than a first preset temperature, the waterway switching device is in a second state.

In a preferred embodiment, the water path switching device comprises a first interface communicated with the water supply pipeline, a second interface communicated with the outlet of the heat exchanger, a third interface communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container and a fourth interface communicated with a temperature control valve;

when the waterway switching device is in a first state, the second interface is communicated with the third interface, the first interface is communicated with the fourth interface, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner container;

when the waterway switching device is in a second state, the first interface is communicated with the third interface, the second interface is communicated with the fourth interface, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the temperature control valve, is mixed with water flowing out of the first inner container at the temperature control valve and then flows to a water using terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the waterway switching device includes any one of the following: the combination of a four-way valve, a plurality of electromagnetic valves and pipelines.

In a preferred embodiment, the waterway switching device comprises a first communication port communicated with the outlet of the heat exchanger, a second communication port communicated with the water inlet of the first liner, and a third communication port communicated with the temperature control valve;

when the water path switching device is in a first state, the first communication port is communicated with the second communication port, the first communication port is not communicated with the third communication port, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner container;

when the waterway switching device is in a second state, the first communication port is communicated with the second communication port and the third communication port at the same time, one part of water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner container, and the other part of water flows to the temperature control valve and is mixed with the water flowing out of the first inner container at the temperature control valve to flow to a water using terminal.

In a preferred embodiment, the waterway switching device includes any one of the following: a combination of a three-way valve, a plurality of solenoid valves and a pipeline.

In a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a communication device communicated with the heat exchanger outlet, the water inlet of the first inner container and the thermostatic valve, so that a part of water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet flows into the first inner container, and the other part of water flows to the thermostatic valve and flows to a water using terminal after being mixed with the water flowing out of the first inner container at the thermostatic valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication device is a three-way joint, and the three-way joint is provided with a first inlet communicated with the outlet of the heat exchanger, a first outlet communicated with the water inlet of the first liner, and a second outlet communicated with the temperature control valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic valve is located at the water outlet of the first inner container and downstream of the water path switching device, and the thermostatic valve is arranged inside or outside the water heater shell.

In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the outer wall of the second inner container surrounds a portion of the first inner container.

In a preferred embodiment, a part of the outer wall surface of the second inner container is bonded to a part of the outer wall surface of the first inner container.

In a preferred embodiment, the first heating element and the second heating element are both electric heating elements, the first heating element is arranged at the middle lower part of the first inner container, and the second heating element is arranged at the middle lower part of the second inner container.

In a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the temperature of water in the first tank; the temperature control device comprises a first temperature probe assembly and a controller, wherein the first temperature probe assembly is used for acquiring the temperature of a phase change material in a first inner container, the controller is electrically connected with the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly, and the controller controls the working states of the first heating element and the second heating element according to temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly.

A water heater, comprising: the first inner container is used for storing water; a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner container; a second inner container for containing phase change material; the second heating element is used for heating the phase change material in the second inner container; the heat exchanger is arranged in the second inner container and used for exchanging heat with the phase change material, and the heat exchanger is provided with an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet; the water inlet of the first inner container is communicated with the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the first inner container is used for outputting hot water; and/or the inlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is used for outputting hot water.

In a preferred embodiment, the water inlet of the first inner container can be communicated with the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the first inner container is communicated with the temperature control valve; and/or the inlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with a temperature control valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the water heater further comprises a water inlet switching device, the water inlet switching device comprises a water supply inlet, a third outlet communicated with the heat exchanger inlet and a fourth outlet communicated with the water inlet of the first liner, and when the water inlet switching device is in a first state, the water supply inlet is communicated with the third outlet so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet flows to the temperature control valve; when the water inlet switching device is in a second state, the water supply inlet is communicated with the fourth outlet, so that water flowing out of the water outlet of the first inner container flows to the temperature control valve.

The technical scheme of the utility model following beneficial effect is shown to have:

the utility model combines the second inner container provided with the phase-change material with the first inner container used for containing water, thereby forming a phase-change and water tank hybrid system, fully utilizing the energy of the phase-change material which is lower than 15% -20% below 40 ℃, and improving the hot water quantity by more than 75% compared with an electric water heater with the same volume; moreover, compared with a pure phase change complete machine, the cost of the phase change complete machine can be reduced by at least 30%. In addition, the second inner container provided with the phase-change material is not required to be provided with an anode rod, and only the first inner container can be provided with the electronic anode, so that the inner container of the water heater can be ensured to have a longer service life.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, which specify the manner in which the principles of the invention may be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not so limited in scope. The embodiments of the invention include many variations, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments, in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

Drawings

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. In addition, the shapes, the proportional sizes, and the like of the respective members in the drawings are merely schematic for helping the understanding of the present invention, and do not specifically limit the shapes, the proportional sizes, and the like of the respective members of the present invention. The skilled person in the art can, under the teaching of the present invention, choose various possible shapes and proportional dimensions to implement the invention according to the specific situation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the water circuit switching device in the water heater provided in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a first state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the water circuit switching device in the water heater provided in the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a second state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a second water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the water circuit switching device in the water heater provided in the embodiment of FIG. 4 in a first state;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the water circuit switching device in the water heater provided in the embodiment of FIG. 4 in a second state;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a third water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a relative position relationship between a first inner container and a second inner container of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the variation of the water discharge time, the hot water temperature, the inlet water temperature and the mixing water temperature of an electric water heater during the water discharge process;

fig. 11 is a graph showing the water discharge time and temperature variation of the electric water heater in fig. 10 after 40 degrees when the power is turned off for water discharge.

Reference numbers to the above figures:

1. a first inner container;

10. a first heating element;

2. a second inner container;

20. a second heating element;

3. a heat exchanger;

31. an inlet;

32. an outlet;

4. a temperature control valve;

5. a waterway switching device;

51. a first interface;

52. a second interface;

53. a third interface;

54. a fourth interface;

55. a first communication port;

56. a second communication port;

57. a third communication port;

6. a temperature detection member;

7. a water supply line;

8. a communication device;

81. a first inlet;

82. a first outlet;

83. a second outlet;

9. a water inlet switching device;

90. a water supply inlet;

91. a third outlet;

92. and a fourth outlet.

Detailed Description

The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for the purpose of explanation only, and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Given the teachings of the present invention, the skilled person can conceive of any possible variants based on the invention, which should all be considered as belonging to the scope of the invention. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly and may include, for example, mechanical or electrical connections, communications between two elements, direct connections, indirect connections through intermediaries, and the like. As used herein, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and the like are for purposes of illustration only and do not denote a single embodiment.

Unless defined otherwise, 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 in the description of the present application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In order to solve the problem that the conventional electric water heater with the conventional capacity has limited capacity of supplying hot water, particularly in winter, hot water is not enough when a user bathes, the application provides the water heater.

Referring to fig. 1 to 7, the water heater includes: a first inner container 1 for storing water; a first heating element 10 for heating the water in the first inner container 1; a second inner container 2 for containing phase change material; a second heating element 20 for heating the phase change material in the second inner container 2; a heat exchanger 3 arranged in the second inner container 2 and used for exchanging heat with the phase-change material, wherein the heat exchanger 3 is provided with an inlet 31 for water inlet and an outlet 32 for water outlet; the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 can be communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container 1.

In the embodiment of the present application, a double-liner water heater is taken as an example for illustration, and of course, the water heater may also include a form of more liners, and the present application is not expanded one by one here.

Taking a double-liner water heater as an example, the water heater may include a first liner 1 and a second liner 2, where the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 may both be long-tube-shaped liners, and both may be parallel (length directions are parallel, and are also generally referred to as axial parallel arrangement of an upper liner and a lower liner), and are arranged up and down. When the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 are arranged up and down, the first inner container 1 may be called an upper inner container, and the second inner container 2 may be called a lower inner container. Of course, the specific distribution of the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 is not limited to the above examples, and they may be located at the same height, or may be distributed in a staggered manner, and the application is not limited in this respect.

Along the length direction of the first inner container 1, end covers can be welded at two ends of the first inner container 1 respectively, and a water storage space is formed inside the first inner container. Along the length direction of the second liner 2, end covers can be welded at two ends of the cylinder body of the second liner 2 respectively, and a space for storing the phase-change material is formed inside the cylinder body. The lengths of the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 may be substantially equal, but the present application is not limited thereto, and the volumes and the lengths of the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 may be different from each other.

As shown in fig. 9, a part of the outer wall surface of the second inner container 2 wraps a part of the first inner container 1. The outer wall of the second inner container 2 facing the first inner container 1 can wrap the first inner container 1, so that the gap space between the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 can be fully utilized, for example, the gap space between the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 can be converted into the volume of the second inner container 2 containing the phase-change material.

Taking the structure shown in fig. 9 as an example, the cross section of the first liner 1 may be circular, the cross section of the second liner 2 may be saddle-shaped, and the upper surface of the second liner 2 shown in the figure is consistent with the shape of the outer arc surface of the first liner 1, so that the first liner 1 can be partially wrapped, and the gap between the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 is small enough, i.e. the gap between the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 can be fully utilized. In addition, when part of the outer wall surface of the second inner container 2 wraps part of the first inner container 1, the phase-change material in the second inner container 2 can be used for absorbing heat radiated by the first inner container 1, and the energy efficiency is improved.

Alternatively, referring to fig. 9 as well, a part of the outer wall surface of the second liner 2 is bonded to a part of the outer wall surface of the first liner 1. When a part of the outer wall surface of the second liner 2 is attached to a part of the outer wall surface of the first liner 1, firstly, the shape and structure of the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 can refer to the above-mentioned partial wrapping form, and the two main differences are: when the partial outer wall surface of the first inner container 1 and the partial outer wall surface of the second inner container 2 are attached to each other, the gap between the first inner container and the second inner container can be zero at the attachment position, and the purpose of more reasonably utilizing the space can be achieved. When a part of the outer wall surface of the second inner container 2 is attached to a part of the outer wall surface of the first inner container 1, the phase change material in the second inner container 2 can absorb the heat transferred from the first inner container 1, thereby improving energy efficiency.

The first inner container 1 is provided with a first heating element 10 for heating water in the first inner container 1, and the second inner container 2 is provided with a second heating element 20 for heating a phase change material in the second inner container 2.

Specifically, the forms of the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 20 may be different according to actual usage scenarios. For example, when the water heater is an electric water heater, the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 20 may each be an electric heating element, for example, in the form of an electric heating rod.

When the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 20 are in the form of electric heating rods, one end of each electric heating rod can be fixed on the liner, and the other end of each electric heating rod extends into the liner.

Wherein, the first heating element 10 can be arranged at the middle lower part of the first inner container 1, and the second heating element 20 is arranged at the middle lower part of the second inner container 2, so as to improve the heating efficiency and shorten the time period for the user to wait for water.

Taking the first inner container 1 as an example, in the process of heating the water in the first inner container 1 by the first heating element 10, the water temperature in the inner container is layered along the height direction. Specifically, along the height direction, the temperature gradually decreases from top to bottom, that is, the water with higher temperature is located at the upper part of the first inner container 1, the water with lower temperature is located at the lower part of the first inner container 1, and when the first heating element 10 is located in the middle lower part area with lower temperature, the water can be heated in time, so that the average water temperature of the whole inner container water is close to the target water temperature efficiently.

Further, the power of the first heating element 10 is at least 3KW, and the power of the second heating element 20 is at least 3KW. When the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 10 are both high-power with at least 3KW, the heating efficiency can be further effectively improved by starting the first heating element 10 or the second heating element 20, and the time period for the user to wait for water usage is shortened. The subsequent control of combining the heat exchanger 3 of first inner bag 1 and second inner bag 2 to go out water can promote the hot water volume of water heater by a wide margin, can reach the effect of the unlimited play water of first inner bag 1 even.

The heat exchanger 3 is arranged in the second inner container 2 and used for exchanging heat with the phase-change material. The heat exchanger 3 may in particular be in the form of a heat exchange coil, inside which water to be heated flows. Of course, the specific form of the heat exchanger 3 is not specifically limited in this application. Other modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, but are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as the functions and effects achieved by the present disclosure are the same or similar to those achieved by the present disclosure.

The heat exchanger 3 has an inlet 31 for inlet water and an outlet 32 for outlet water. Wherein, the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container 1.

When the water heater is used, water flowing into the heat exchanger 3 from the water supply pipeline 7 exchanges heat with the phase-change material through the heat exchanger 3, and after heat in the phase-change material is absorbed, the water can flow into the water inlet of the first inner container 1 through the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, and after the temperature of outlet water of the heat exchanger 3 is further reduced, the water is directly supplied to the temperature control valve 4, so that heat energy of the phase-change material, which is lower than the temperature (for example, 40 ℃) set by a user, can be fully utilized, and the hot water quantity of the water heater is greatly increased on the premise of not increasing the size.

In order to better understand the water heater provided in the embodiments of the present application, it will be further explained and illustrated in conjunction with different embodiments.

In some embodiments, the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is in communication with the water supply line 7, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 can be in communication with the water inlet of the first liner 1, and the water outlet of the first liner 1 is in communication with the thermostatic valve 4.

The thermo valve 4 is generally disposed at a position where cold and hot water meet each other, and is used to control a ratio of the cold water to the hot water, thereby outputting outlet water satisfying a set outlet water temperature requirement to a user terminal. Specifically, the form of the thermo-valve 4 is not specifically limited herein.

The thermostatic valve 4 can be positioned at the water outlet of the first liner 1 and downstream of the waterway switching device 5, and the thermostatic valve 4 is arranged inside or outside the water heater shell.

The thermostatic valve 4 may be located at the water outlet of the first inner container 1 and downstream of the water path switching device 5 in the flow direction of the water flow, and is used for receiving the hot water provided by the first inner container 1 and the water supplied by the water path switching device 5. Specifically, the water heater further comprises a shell used for covering the first inner container 1, the second inner container 2 and other matching components.

Wherein the thermo valve 4 can be arranged inside the housing; of course, the thermo valve 4 may be provided outside the housing. When the thermo-valve 4 is provided inside the housing, it may be provided near the waterway switching device 5, or both may be integrally provided. When the thermo-valve 4 is provided outside the housing, the thermo-valve 4 can utilize the thermo-valve 4 existing in the user's toilet.

Referring to fig. 2 or 5, when the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the water supply pipe 7, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the water inlet of the first inner container 1, and the water outlet of the first inner container 1 is connected to the temperature control valve 4, at this time, the heat exchanger 3 of the second inner container 2 is connected in series with the first inner container 1, and the outlet water of the heat exchanger 3 in the second inner container 2 is directly supplied to the first inner container 1, so as to ensure the inlet water temperature of the first inner container 1, and then the hot water is outputted to the temperature control valve 4, so that the hot water is mixed with the cold water flowing into the temperature control valve 4, and then the water meeting the requirement of the outlet water temperature set by the user is continuously supplied to the user terminal.

Further, referring to fig. 2 to 6, the water heater may further include a water path switching device 5 capable of communicating with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water inlet of the first inner container 1, and the thermostat valve 4. The waterway switching device 5 at least has a first state and a second state; when the waterway switching device 5 is in a first state, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container 1, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can at least partially flow into the first inner container 1; when the waterway switching device 5 is in the second state, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the thermostatic valve 4, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can at least partially flow to the thermostatic valve 4.

In the present embodiment, the communication relationship between the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water inlet of the first inner container 1, and the temperature control valve 4 can be realized by the water passage switching device 5. Specifically, the waterway switching device 5 may include a first state and a second state.

When the waterway switching device 5 is in the first state, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the inlet of the first inner container 1, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can partially or completely flow into the first inner container 1. As shown in fig. 2 or 5, when the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is connected to only the water inlet of the first inner container 1, all the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can flow into the first inner container 1. As shown in fig. 6, when the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is simultaneously connected to the water inlet of the first inner container 1 and the thermo valve 4, part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1, and part of the water flows into the thermo valve 4.

When the waterway switching device 5 is in the second state, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the thermo-valve 4, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can partially or completely flow to the thermo-valve 4. As shown in fig. 3, when the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 communicates only with the thermo valve 4, all the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 can flow to the thermo valve 4. As shown in fig. 6, when the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is simultaneously connected to the water inlet of the first inner container 1 and the thermo valve 4, part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1, and part of the water flows toward the thermo valve 4.

In the present embodiment, the switching between different states of the water path switching device 5 can be derived comprehensively according to the temperature of the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, or a parameter or a plurality of combinations equivalent to the temperature of the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, such as the flow rate of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water supply time, and the like.

In order to simply, efficiently and accurately obtain the outlet water temperature of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water heater may further comprise a temperature detection element 6 for obtaining the temperature of the outlet water 32 of the heat exchanger 3. When the temperature detecting element 6 detects that the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the waterway switching device 5 is in a first state; when the temperature detecting element 6 detects that the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is lower than a first preset temperature, the water path switching device 5 is in a second state.

Wherein, the first preset temperature is less than the water outlet temperature set by the user. For example, when the outlet water temperature is set to 40 degrees celsius by the user, the first preset temperature may be 25 degrees celsius, although the specific value of the first preset temperature is not specifically limited in the present application, and the above-mentioned value is merely a simple example and does not limit the scope of the first preset temperature.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 3, in the first embodiment, the water path switching device 5 may include a first port 51 for communicating with the water supply line 7, a second port 52 for communicating with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, a third port 53 for communicating with the water inlet of the first liner 1, and a fourth port 54 for communicating with the thermo valve 4. When the waterway switching device 5 is in the first state, the second port 52 is communicated with the third port 53, the first port 51 is communicated with the fourth port 54, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1; when the waterway switching device 5 is in the second state, the first port 51 communicates with the third port 53, the second port 52 communicates with the fourth port 54, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows to the thermo-valve 4, is mixed with the water flowing out of the first inner container 1 at the thermo-valve 4, and then flows to a water-using terminal.

In this embodiment, the waterway switching device 5 may include four interfaces, which are: a first port 51 communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, a second port 52 communicated with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, a third port 53 communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container 1 and a fourth port 54 communicated with the temperature control valve 4.

The waterway switching device 5 includes any one of the following: the combination of a four-way valve, a plurality of electromagnetic valves and pipelines. Of course, the water path switching device 5 may be in other forms capable of switching the communication relationship among the water supply line 7, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water inlet of the first liner 1, and the thermo valve 4, and the specific form of the water path switching device 5 is not specifically limited in this application. Other modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, but are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as the functions and effects achieved by the present disclosure are the same or similar to those achieved by the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 2, when the waterway switching device 5 is in the first state, the temperature of the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, at this time, the second port 52 is communicated with the third port 53, the first port 51 is communicated with the fourth port 54, the water flowing out from the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first liner 1, which is equivalent to that the water flowing out from the heat exchanger 3 in the second liner 2 directly enters the first liner 1, and the two are connected in series, so that the first liner 1 is ensured to have a higher water inlet temperature, and the water outlet amount of the first liner 1 is further increased.

As shown in fig. 3, when the waterway switching device 5 is in the second state, the temperature of the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is lower than the first preset temperature, at this time, the first port 51 is communicated with the third port 53, the second port 52 is communicated with the fourth port 54, the heat exchangers 3 in the first liner 1 and the second liner 2 are connected in parallel to form water, the water flowing out from the first liner 1 continues to flow to the thermostatic valve 4, the water flowing out from the heat exchanger 3 directly flows to the thermostatic valve 4 and flows to the water using terminal after being mixed with the water flowing out from the first liner 1 at the thermostatic valve 4, so as to increase the temperature of the mixed water, prolong the heating time of the first liner 1, and utilize the stored energy of the phase change material in the second liner 2 to the maximum extent.

Referring to fig. 4, 5 and 6, in two embodiments, the water path switching device 5 may include a first communication port 55 for communicating with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, a second communication port 56 for communicating with the water inlet of the first liner 1, and a third communication port 57 for communicating with the thermo valve 4. As shown in fig. 5, when the water passage switching device 5 is in the first state, the first communication port 55 and the second communication port 56 are communicated with each other, the first communication port 55 and the third communication port 57 are not communicated with each other, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1; as shown in fig. 6, when the water passage switching device 5 is in the second state, the first communication port 55 communicates with the second communication port 56 and the third communication port 57 at the same time, and a part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first tank 1, and the other part of the water flows toward the thermo valve 4 and is mixed with the water flowing out of the first tank 1 at the thermo valve 4 to flow to the water use terminal.

In the present embodiment, the water path switching device 5 may include three communication ports, which are: a first communication port 55 communicated with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, a second communication port 56 communicated with the water inlet of the first liner 1, and a third communication port 57 communicated with the temperature control valve 4.

Wherein, the waterway switching device 5 comprises any one of the following components: a combination of a three-way valve, a plurality of solenoid valves and a pipeline. When the water switching device is a three-way valve, the three-way valve may be a PSG valve with adjustable flow rate, or a valve with constant flow rate output, etc. Of course, the water path switching device 5 may be in another form capable of switching the communication relationship among the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the inlet of the first liner 1, and the thermo valve 4, and the specific form of the water path switching device 5 is not specifically limited in this application. Other modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, but are intended to be covered by the present disclosure as long as the functions and effects of the present disclosure are the same or similar.

As shown in fig. 5, when the water path switching device 5 is in the first state, the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is equal to or higher than the first preset temperature, and at this time, the first communication port 55 and the second communication port 56 are communicated with each other, the first communication port 55 and the third communication port 57 are not communicated with each other, the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 is equivalent to the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 in the second inner container 2 directly flowing into the first inner container 1, and the water flowing out of the first inner container 1 and the water flowing out of the second inner container 2 are connected in series, so that the first inner container 1 has a high temperature of the water. It should be noted that the thermo valve 4 may be connected to the water supply line 7 so as to supply cold water required for mixing water to the thermo valve through the water supply line 7.

As shown in fig. 6, when the water passage switching device 5 is in the second state, the temperature of the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is lower than the first preset temperature, the first communication port 55 is communicated with the second communication port 56 and the third communication port 57 at the same time, and the heat exchangers 3 in the first and

second liners

1 and 2 form both series water discharge and parallel water discharge. The water flowing out of the first inner container 1 continues to flow to the thermostat valve 4, a part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 3 flows to the first inner container 1, and the other part of the water flows to the thermostat valve 4 and flows to the water using terminal after being mixed with the water flowing out of the first inner container 1 at the thermostat valve 4, so that the temperature of mixed water is increased, the heating time of the first inner container 1 is prolonged, and the stored energy of the phase change material in the second inner container 2 is utilized to the maximum extent.

Referring to fig. 7, in three embodiments, the water heater may further include a communication device 8 in communication with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the water inlet of the first inner container 1 and the thermostat 4, so that a part of water flowing out of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 flows into the first inner container 1, and another part of water flows to the thermostat 4 and flows to a water using terminal after being mixed with water flowing out of the first inner container 1 at the thermostat 4.

In the present embodiment, the water heater may be provided with a communication device 8 for communicating the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, the inlet of the first liner 1, and the thermo valve 4.

Specifically, the communication device 8 may be a three-way joint having a first inlet 81 communicated with the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3, a first outlet 82 communicated with the water inlet of the first liner 1, and a second outlet 83 communicated with the temperature control valve 4.

Wherein, by setting the cross-sectional area ratio of the first outlet 82 and the second outlet 83 in the communication device 8, the water flow rate flowing to the water inlet of the first inner container 1 and the water flow rate flowing to the thermostat 4 can be distributed in proportion. For example, the ratio of the sectional areas of the first outlet 82 and the second outlet 83 may be set to be greater than 1, that is, the flow area of the first outlet 82 is greater than the flow area of the second outlet 83, so as to ensure that more hot water supplied through the heat exchanger 3 in the second liner 2 is supplied into the first liner 1, raise the water inflow temperature of the first liner 1, and fully utilize the stored energy of the phase change material in the second liner 2. Of course, in some situations, according to actual requirements, the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the first outlet 82 and the second outlet 83 may be set to be smaller than 1, that is, the flow area of the first outlet 82 is smaller than the flow area of the second outlet 83, so as to ensure that more hot water supplied by the heat exchanger 3 in the second liner 2 is supplied to the thermostatic valve 4 for mixing, or the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the first outlet 82 and the second outlet 83 is set to be equal to 1, that is, the flow area of the first outlet 82 is equal to the flow area of the second outlet 83. Referring to fig. 8, in a fourth embodiment, the water heater may include: a first inner container 1 for storing water; a first heating element 10 for heating the water in the first inner container 1; a second inner container 2 for containing a phase change material; a second heating element 20 for heating the phase change material in the second inner container 2; and the heat exchanger 3 is arranged in the second inner container 2 and used for exchanging heat with the phase change material, and the heat exchanger 3 is provided with an inlet 31 for water inlet and an outlet 32 for water outlet. A water inlet of the first inner container 1 is communicated with a water supply pipeline 7, and a water outlet of the first inner container 1 is used for outputting hot water; and/or the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is used for outputting hot water.

The specific structural forms of the first inner container 1, the first heating element 10, the second inner container 2, the second heating element 20, the heat exchanger 3, and the like can refer to the detailed description of the above embodiments, and the detailed description of the present application is omitted here.

The present embodiment differs from the above embodiments mainly in that: the heat exchangers 3 of the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 are connected in parallel to output hot water or respectively and independently output hot water. When the first inner container 1 and the second inner container 2 are connected in parallel to discharge water, a water inlet of the first inner container 1 is communicated with a water supply pipeline 7, and a water outlet of the first inner container 1 is used for outputting hot water; while the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is in communication with the water supply line 7 and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is for outputting hot water. When only the first inner container 1 outputs hot water, the water inlet of the first inner container 1 is communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the water outlet of the first inner container 1 is used for outputting hot water. When only the heat exchanger 3 of the second inner container 2 outputs hot water, the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is used for outputting hot water.

Specifically, the water inlet of the first inner container 1 can be communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the water outlet of the first inner container 1 is communicated with the temperature control valve 4; and/or the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 can be communicated with the water supply pipeline 7, and the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 is communicated with the temperature control valve 4.

In the present embodiment, the outlet port of the first inner tank 1 and/or the outlet port 32 of the heat exchanger 3 may communicate with the thermo valve 4 when outputting hot water. When in use, the communication relation between the water outlet of the first inner container 1, the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 and the temperature control valve 4 can be comprehensively determined according to the program setting, the water temperature detection and the like in the water heater. For example, when the hot water temperature output by the first inner container 1 and the heat exchanger 3 is high, one of the first inner container and the second inner container can be selected to be communicated with the temperature control valve 4, and subsequently, when the hot water temperature output by the first inner container 1 and the heat exchanger 3 is low, the water output by the first inner container and the second inner container can be connected in parallel and communicated with the temperature control valve 4, so that the phase change energy storage of the second inner container 2 is fully utilized.

It should be noted that: the specific functions, positions, etc. of the thermostat valve 4 can be described in detail in the above embodiments, and are not described herein again.

Further, the water heater further comprises an inlet water switching device 9, the inlet water switching device 9 comprises a water supply inlet 90, a third outlet 91 communicated with the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 and a fourth outlet 92 communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container 1, when the inlet water switching device 9 is in the first state, the water supply inlet 90 is communicated with the third outlet 91, so that the water flowing out of the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 flows to the temperature control valve 4; when the water inlet switching device 9 is in the second state, the water supply inlet 90 is communicated with the fourth outlet 92, so that the water flowing out of the water outlet of the first inner container 1 flows to the temperature control valve 4.

In this embodiment, the water heater may further include a water inlet switching device 9, and the water inlet switching device 9 may be used to switch the communication relationship between the water supply inlet 90 and the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3 and the water inlet of the first inner container 1. Specifically, the water inlet switching device 9 may include: a water supply inlet 90, a third outlet 91 communicating with the inlet 31 of the heat exchanger 3, and a fourth outlet 92 communicating with the water inlet of the first liner 1.

When the water inlet switching device 9 is in the first state, the water supply inlet 90 is communicated with the third outlet 91, the tap water supplied from the water supply inlet 90 flows into the heat exchanger 3 through the third outlet 91, the water heated in the heat exchanger 3 is ejected out from the outlet 32 thereof, and the water flowing out from the outlet 32 of the heat exchanger 3 flows to the temperature control valve 4. When the water inlet switching device 9 is in the second state, the water supply inlet 90 is communicated with the fourth outlet 92, the tap water supplied from the water supply inlet 90 flows into the first liner 1 through the fourth outlet 92, the heated water in the first liner 1 is ejected out from the water outlet thereof, and the water flowing out from the water outlet of the first liner 1 flows to the temperature control valve 4.

The switching between different states of the water inlet switching device 9 can be judged according to the water temperature conditions of the first inner container 1 and the heat exchanger 3, and certainly can be judged by combining other factors, and the person skilled in the art can make adaptive design according to the requirements of actual products, and the application is not specifically limited herein.

In one embodiment, the water heater may further comprise a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the temperature of the water in the first liner 1; the temperature control device comprises a second temperature probe assembly used for acquiring the temperature of the phase change material in the second inner container 2, and a controller electrically connected with the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly, wherein the controller controls the working states of the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 20 according to temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly.

In the present embodiment, a first temperature probe unit for acquiring the water temperature in the first inner container 1 may be provided in the first inner container 1. In particular, the first temperature probe assembly may include a first temperature probe and a second temperature probe. The first temperature probe and the second temperature probe may be disposed in the first inner container 1 at an interval in the height direction. Through the temperature data obtained by the first temperature probe and the second temperature probe, the controller can determine the current water temperature condition in the first inner container 1, thereby controlling the working state of the first heating element 10. The operating state of the first heating element 10 mainly comprises starting heating or stopping heating.

A second temperature probe assembly may be disposed in the second inner container 2, and the second temperature probe assembly is used to acquire the temperature of the phase change material in the second inner container 2. In particular, the second temperature probe assembly may include a third temperature probe and a fourth temperature probe. The third temperature probe and the fourth temperature probe may be disposed in the second inner container 2 at intervals in the height direction. Through the temperature data obtained by the third temperature probe and the fourth temperature probe, the controller can determine the current temperature condition of the phase change material in the second inner container 2, thereby controlling the working state of the second heating element 20. The operating state of the second heating element 20 mainly comprises starting heating or stopping heating.

For example, in a certain application scenario, after the water temperature of the first inner container 1 and the temperature of the phase change material in the second inner container 2 are both heated to a preset temperature, both the first heating element 10 and the second heating element 20 are in a heating-stopped state. Subsequently, if a water using signal of the user is received, temperature detection is continuously carried out by utilizing the temperature probe assembly. If the second temperature probe detects that the water temperature is reduced by a first preset temperature difference, the second heating element 20 can be started to heat; if the first temperature probe detects that the water temperature is reduced by a second preset temperature difference, the first heating element 10 can be started to heat.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11 in combination, the utility model of the present application finds: in the existing electric water heater, if water is fed at a flow rate of 7L/min and at a temperature of 10 ℃, water is continuously discharged under the condition that a user sets the water outlet temperature to be 40 ℃, the energy which can be discharged by the electric water heater is obtained in an area pointed by the final arrow A, but the energy cannot be used by the user.

The utility model combines the second inner container 2 provided with the phase-change material with the first inner container 1 used for containing water to form a phase-change and water tank hybrid system, can fully utilize the energy of the phase-change material which is 15 to 20 percent below 40 degrees, and can improve the hot water quantity by more than 75 percent compared with an electric water heater with the same volume; moreover, compared with a pure phase change complete machine, the cost of the phase change complete machine can be reduced by at least 30%. In addition, the second inner container 2 provided with the phase change material does not need to be provided with an anode rod, and only the first inner container 1 can be provided with the electronic anode, so that the inner container of the water heater can be ensured to have longer service life.

All articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of 8230comprises the elements, components or steps identified and other elements, components or steps which do not materially affect the basic novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of such elements, components, or steps. By using the term "may" herein, it is intended to indicate that any of the described attributes that "may" include are optional. A plurality of elements, components, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part or step may be divided into separate plural elements, components, parts or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose other elements, ingredients, components or steps.

The embodiments in the present specification are described in a progressive manner, each embodiment focuses on differences from other embodiments, and the same and similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and the purpose of the embodiments is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the contents of the present invention and to implement the present invention, which cannot limit the protection scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater, comprising:

the first inner container is used for storing water;

a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner container;

the second inner container is used for containing the phase change material;

the second heating element is used for heating the phase change material in the second inner container;

the heat exchanger is arranged in the second inner container and used for exchanging heat with the phase change material, and the heat exchanger is provided with an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet;

the inlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with the water inlet of the first inner container.

2. The water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water supply line, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water inlet of the first inner container, and the water outlet of the first inner container is connected to the thermo-valve.

3. The water heater of claim 2, further comprising a waterway switching device communicable with the heat exchanger outlet, the water inlet of the first liner, and the thermo-valve;

the waterway switching device at least has a first state and a second state;

4. The water heater as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of water flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchanger;

5. The water heater of claim 3, wherein said water path switching means includes a first port for communicating with said water supply line, a second port for communicating with said heat exchanger outlet, a third port for communicating with said first tank water inlet, and a fourth port for communicating with a thermostatic valve;

6. The water heater of claim 5, wherein the water path switching device comprises any one of: the combination of a four-way valve, a plurality of electromagnetic valves and pipelines.

7. The water heater as claimed in claim 3, wherein said water path switching means includes a first communication port for communicating with said heat exchanger outlet, a second communication port for communicating with said first inner container water inlet, a third communication port for communicating with a thermostat valve;

when the water channel switching device is in a first state, the first communication port is communicated with the second communication port, the first communication port is not communicated with the third communication port, and water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner container;

8. The water heater of claim 7, wherein the water path switching device comprises any one of: a combination of a three-way valve, a plurality of solenoid valves and a pipeline.

9. The water heater as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communication means communicating with the heat exchanger outlet, the water inlet of the first inner container and the thermostatic valve, so that a part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet flows into the first inner container, and another part of the water flows to the thermostatic valve and is mixed with the water flowing out of the first inner container at the thermostatic valve and then flows to a water terminal.

10. The water heater of claim 9, wherein the communication means is a three-way fitting having a first inlet in communication with the heat exchanger outlet, a first outlet in communication with the water inlet of the first tank, and a second outlet in communication with the temperature control valve.

11. The water heater as claimed in claim 3, wherein said thermostatic valve is located at the outlet of said first bladder and downstream of said waterway switching device, said thermostatic valve being disposed inside or outside said water heater case.

12. The water heater as recited in claim 1 wherein a portion of the outer wall of said second bladder surrounds a portion of said first bladder.

13. The water heater as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of the outer wall surface of the second inner container is attached to a portion of the outer wall surface of the first inner container.

14. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein said first heating element and said second heating element are both electric heating elements, said first heating element is disposed at a middle lower portion of said first inner container, and said second heating element is disposed at a middle lower portion of said second inner container.

15. The water heater as recited in claim 1 further comprising a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the temperature of water in said first tank; the temperature control device comprises a first temperature probe assembly used for acquiring the temperature of a phase change material in a first inner container, a second temperature probe assembly used for acquiring the temperature of the phase change material in a second inner container, and a controller electrically connected with the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly, wherein the controller controls the working states of the first heating element and the second heating element according to temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly and the second temperature probe assembly.

16. A water heater, comprising:

the first inner container is used for storing water;

a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner container;

the second inner container is used for containing the phase change material;

the water inlet of the first inner container is communicated with the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the first inner container is used for outputting hot water;

and/or the inlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is used for outputting hot water.

17. The water heater of claim 16, wherein the water inlet of the first inner container can be communicated with the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet of the first inner container is communicated with the temperature control valve;

and/or the inlet of the heat exchanger can be communicated with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the heat exchanger is communicated with a temperature control valve.

18. The water heater as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a water inlet switching device, wherein the water inlet switching device comprises a water supply inlet, a third outlet communicated with the heat exchanger inlet, and a fourth outlet communicated with the water inlet of the first liner, and when the water inlet switching device is in a first state, the water supply inlet is communicated with the third outlet, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet flows to the temperature control valve; when the water inlet switching device is in a second state, the water supply inlet is communicated with the fourth outlet, so that water flowing out of the water outlet of the first inner container flows to the temperature control valve.