US20240044517A1 - Expansion assembly and hot water tank - Google Patents
Expansion assembly and hot water tank Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240044517A1 US20240044517A1 US18/267,159 US202118267159A US2024044517A1 US 20240044517 A1 US20240044517 A1 US 20240044517A1 US 202118267159 A US202118267159 A US 202118267159A US 2024044517 A1 US2024044517 A1 US 2024044517A1
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- Prior art keywords
- expansion tank
- half shell
- expansion
- tank half
- hot water
- Prior art date
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 151
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 2
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 i.e. Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000019738 Limestone Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012634 fragment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006028 limestone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D17/00—Domestic hot-water supply systems
- F24D17/0089—Additional heating means, e.g. electric heated buffer tanks or electric continuous flow heaters, located close to the consumer, e.g. directly before the water taps in bathrooms, in domestic hot water lines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/08—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating
- F24D19/082—Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating for water heating systems
- F24D19/083—Venting arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
- F24D3/10—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system
- F24D3/1008—Feed-line arrangements, e.g. providing for heat-accumulator tanks, expansion tanks ; Hydraulic components of a central heating system expansion tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
- F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
- F24H1/201—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes using electric energy supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
- F24H1/20—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
- F24H1/201—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes using electric energy supply
- F24H1/202—Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes using electric energy supply with resistances
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
- F24D2200/08—Electric heater
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2220/00—Components of central heating installations excluding heat sources
- F24D2220/08—Storage tanks
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an expansion assembly and an associated hot water tank.
- Hot water tanks for domestic use have been generally known.
- EP 2 827 077 discloses a water container for receiving water to be heated and an inelastic expansion tank for receiving an amount of water which is provided at the tap stop in a fitting connected to the outlet, and for receiving an amount of water which corresponds to an amount of expansion when the cold water in the water container is being heated.
- the expansion tank is hermetically closed to an outer environment of the hot water tank and is in fluid communication with a feed line sided water jet pump such that the water jet pump allows for a negative pressure to be created in the expansion tank.
- Hermetic expansion tanks have several disadvantages, e.g., it is difficult to provide for safe and reliable emptying of the expansion tank. Disclosed herein and discussed in detail below are hot water tanks having improved expansion assemblies.
- an expansion assembly for use in a hot water device in particular in a hot water tank for domestic use, wherein the hot water device has a water container for receiving water to be heated, wherein the expansion assembly comprises an expansion tank, the expansion tank comprises a lower expansion tank half shell and an upper expansion tank half shell, the lower expansion tank half shell has a coupling portion for coupling to the water container of the hot water tank, the upper expansion tank half shell is configured to be coupled to a cold water feed line, and the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are connected hermetically at circumferential edges, forming the expansion tank.
- the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell may each have a circumferential friction welding edge to create a vibration friction welding connection of the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell.
- the expansion assembly may be embodied by the functional integration of the coupling portion with the lower expansion tank half shell to be directly mounted onto the water container or storage tank. Hence, there is no need for an additional coupling piece, making a reduction of the number of parts possible.
- the expansion assembly consists of two tank half shells, which may be produced by injection molding.
- the invention also allows for a further simplification and reduction of the number of parts by the functional integration of the seat emptying component into the expansion tank.
- a seat for an emptying component e.g., a nozzle of a water jet pump
- a nozzle of a water jet pump is integrated with the lower and/or the upper expansion tank half shell, wherein the nozzle of the water jet pump is fixed between the connected expansion tank half shells.
- the emptying component allows for a negative pressure to be created within the expansion tank by the water jet of the water flowing into the hot water tank, which negative pressure then results in the emptying of the contents of the expansion tank into the hot water tank.
- the expansion assembly may further include an emptying component, the emptying component having a nozzle for sucking expansion water off the expansion tank.
- the venturi nozzle may have a parabolically tapering cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape results in a linearly narrowing cross-sectional area. Thus, the increase of the flow rate inside the venturi nozzle is achieved with a particularly low loss of pressure.
- the nozzle may be comprised of a different material than the material of the expansion tank, e.g., brass and/or bronze.
- Brass and bronze may have an increased cavitation resistance.
- the nozzle may be formed integrally with, and integrated into, the upper expansion tank half shell or the lower expansion tank half shell. In other words, the nozzle is then appropriately formed onto the tank half shell.
- the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell may be embodied as easily demoldable plastics parts.
- easily deformable means that the number of undercuts, and the complexity of the parts, are as low as possible.
- an opening between the emptying component and the expansion tank is sealed by a sealing unit which, may include a ball resting on a sealing element when the expansion tank is empty such that a negative pressure within the expansion tank is prevented.
- the sealing unit may have a ball and a vertical guide for guiding the ball onto the sealing element and away from the same, respectively.
- the expansion assembly further comprises a venting component, wherein the venting component is arranged at the upper expansion tank half shell and allows for air to be exchanged between expansion tank and atmosphere.
- the venting component may have a blocking element, e.g., a swelling disk, wherein the blocking element is configured to prevent water from leaking out of the expansion tank via the venting component.
- a blocking element e.g., a swelling disk
- the blocking element may also be a further check valve such as a ball valve.
- the blocking element can block the water leakage. This does impede the drip protection function, yet the dripping fitting is also signaling the user that the hot water tank is not working optimally. Thus, the user is able to detect the case of failure quickly.
- an expansion assembly for use in a hot water device, in particular in a hot water tank for domestic use, wherein the hot water device has a water container for receiving water to be heated, wherein the expansion assembly comprises an expansion tank and a venting component, wherein the venting component allows for air to be exchanged between expansion tank and atmosphere.
- the venting component has a blocking element, e.g., a swelling disk, wherein the blocking element is configured to prevent water from leaking out of the expansion tank via the venting component.
- venting component offers the advantages explained in the above embodiments in combination with the expansion tank formed by two expansion tank half shells.
- a hot water tank such as for domestic use, may comprise a storage tank, a cold water feed line for connection to a water supply network, a hot water outlet for providing hot water at a fitting connectable thereto, and an expansion assembly according to the invention.
- the hot water tank according to the invention may be combined with all of the embodiments of the expansion assembly described above while offering the same advantages.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank
- FIG. 2 schematically shows the exemplary hot water tank without a housing for illustrative purposes
- FIG. 3 schematically shows the exemplary hot water tank of FIG. 2 in cross-sectional view
- FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in detailed view
- FIG. 5 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 6 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 7 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 8 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 9 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in exploded view
- FIG. 10 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in exploded view
- FIG. 11 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 12 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view
- FIG. 13 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view.
- FIG. 1 shows a hot water tank 1 in perspective view.
- the storage tank is arranged within a housing composed of two housing half shells 2 , 3 and is enclosed by a thermal insulation.
- In the storage tank there is drinking water which is usually heated to a desired temperature by an electric heating element to be provided at a tap as hot water.
- an operating element 4 is arranged which serves to adjust the temperature of the water in the storage tank.
- the hot water tank 1 has a cold water connection 6 and a hot water connection 8 .
- Cold water is introduced into the storage tank via the cold water connection 6 and, via the hot water connection 8 , the heated water flows to the tap.
- the hot water tank 1 is usually not pressurized during operation, i.e., the pressure within the storage tank is simply atmospheric pressure and not a line pressure usual for a water line. This means that a tapping process is introduced by opening a valve or the like provided in the pipe section connected to the cold water connection 6 . Due to a then positive pressure at the cold water connection 6 , the inflowing cold water pushes the heated water out of the hot water connection 8 .
- a venting assembly 80 is arranged at the top side.
- the venting assembly 80 is in fluid communication with an expansion assembly 70 which will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures.
- the venting assembly 80 allows for permanent negative pressure to be prevented inside the storage tank, and, in particular, in an expansion tank connected thereto, which might damage or destroy the hot water tank 1 .
- the venting group 80 is adapted to prevent leakage of liquids, i.e., water, from within the storage tank, as will be described in more detail in the following as well.
- FIG. 2 shows the exemplary hot water tank 1 without insulation and housing half shells 2 , 3 in schematic view (compare FIG. 1 ).
- the expansion assembly 70 is shown at a top side of the proper storage tank 10 .
- it comprises an expansion tank composed of an upper expansion tank half shell 72 and a lower expansion tank half shell 74 .
- the lower half shells of the expansion tank are connected by vibration friction welding.
- the upper expansion tank half shell 72 and the lower expansion tank half shell 74 have circumferential friction welding edges 73 , 75 .
- the friction welding edges 73 , 75 are configured to be accessed via an appropriate machine. Vibration friction welding provides for a particularly cost effective and reliable, permanent connection between the two half shells. It is also possible to connect second half shells differently.
- FIG. 3 shows the exemplary hot water tank 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in schematic cross-sectional view so that a heating element 12 arranged inside the storage tank 10 as well as a temperature sensor 16 are visible.
- the heating element 12 embodied as electric heating element with a plurality of coils is only exemplary, other variants for heating the water within the storage tank 10 are also conceivable.
- the heating element 12 is electrically connected to a power supply via connections 13 and 14 formed on top of, and outside of, the storage tank.
- the temperature sensor 16 exemplarily embodied as integral temperature sensor is likewise connected to a control electronics via a connection 17 .
- control electronics are not shown in any of the figures, with the configuration necessary for controlling and/or regulating a hot water tank 1 being known to the person skilled in the art.
- a cold water pipe 20 in fluid communication with the cold water inlet 6 has its opening 22 in the lower region of the storage tank 10 .
- cold water flows into the bottom region of the storage tank 10 , is heated by the heating element 12 and exits the storage tank 10 via an opening 32 of the hot water pipe 30 arranged in the upper region of the storage tank.
- FIG. 4 shows the exemplary expansion assembly 70 of FIG. 3 in schematic enlarged view.
- the cold water feed line 6 and the venting assembly are connected to the expansion assembly 70 , while the hot water pipe 30 to the hot water connection 8 bypasses the expansion assembly 70 in a recess.
- an undesirable heat transfer from the hot water pipe 30 to the inside of the expansion tank can be prevented.
- connection portion 76 of the lower expansion tank half shell 74 can also be seen.
- This connection portion 76 may be formed integrally with the lower expansion tank half shell 74 and is provided for connection to a corresponding connection portion 18 (compare FIG. 12 ) of the storage tank 10 .
- the cold water pipe 20 is mounted to the connection portion 18 inside the storage tank.
- FIGS. 5 to 7 sections along planes A-A ( FIG. 5 ), B-B ( FIG. 6 ) and C-C ( FIG. 7 ) are shown so that the interior components of the expansion assembly 70 can be seen.
- Cover caps 42 , 44 , 46 are provided at the top side of the housing of the hot water tank for covering purposes. Further, a plurality of clips 48 a - 48 d and gaskets 50 a - 50 i are provided for mounting and sealing purposes.
- the gaskets may be O-ring gaskets.
- Different pipe sections 62 , 30 and 82 have flanges 63 , 33 , 83 and 84 to provide for a safe attachment of the further components of the pipe sections 62 , 30 and 82 in longitudinal direction.
- a sieve 64 is arranged in the cold water connection 6 to prevent contaminations included in the water such as limestone fragments from entering into the storage tank 10 .
- the cold water connection 6 is coupled to the pipe section 62 via a coupling 66 .
- the cold water Before the cold water enters into the storage tank 10 via the cold water pipe 20 , it flows through an emptying component 90 which is configured to suck the contents off the expansion tank if any expansion water is present therein.
- venturi nozzle 92 which results in a cross-sectional tapering to increase flow rate.
- the venturi nozzle 92 may be made of a metallic material, e.g., copper, and may be clamped between the upper expansion tank half shell 72 and the lower expansion tank half shell 74 in a seat 76 provided therefor.
- the particular ingenious configuration of the expansion tank allows for the functional integration of the emptying component.
- venturi nozzle 92 is configured as separate metal part in this embodiment, the cross-sectional tapering may also be integrated directly with the expansion tank half shell, such as the upper expansion tank half shell 72 , with no undercuts or the like making its demolding difficult.
- the cross-section becomes larger again before the water enters into the storage tank 10 .
- the venturi nozzle 92 When water is flowing in, the venturi nozzle 92 provides for sucking of water off the expansion tank via an opening 100 , which is particularly well shown in FIG. 7 .
- the opening 100 connects the venturi nozzle 92 to a sealing portion 98 on which a ball 96 rests sealingly when all of the water has been sucked off the expansion tank.
- the ball 96 has a small density so that it floats when water is flowing in and does not rest on the sealing portion 98 any longer. Thus, the water in the connection can again be sucked off the expansion tank via the venturi nozzle 92 .
- a guiding element 94 which is open towards the expansion tank restricts the movement of the ball 96 to be substantially in vertical direction.
- An arrangement similar to the one of the emptying component 90 is provided in the region of the venting assembly 80 .
- a ball 86 is guided along a guiding element 95 in vertical direction, depending on a water level in the expansion tank. When a certain level has been reached, the ball 86 seals to a sealing portion 88 so that no water can exit the hot water tank 1 from the venting opening.
- FIG. 8 shows a further section along plane A-A without the hot water pipe 30 and further pipes.
- elements 78 for introducing and fixing the clips are shown at the upper end of the upper expansion tank half shell 72 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show exploded views of the expansion assembly 70 , with FIG. 10 additionally showing a cross-section along plane A-A.
- FIG. 11 a further section is depicted in FIG. 11 lying between section A-A and section B-B.
- the opening 100 can be provided between the sealing portion 98 and the venturi nozzle 92 .
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective cross-sectional view similar to the view shown in FIG. 4 but with one section further backwards in the reference plane across the venturi nozzle 92 .
- connection of the connecting portion 76 of the lower expansion tank half shell 74 to the corresponding connecting portion 18 of the storage tank 10 as well as the connection of the hot water pipe 30 to a corresponding connecting portion 19 at the storage tank 19 which also forms the hot water connection 32 .
- a venting cap 81 can be seen in this view which forms one part of the venting assembly 80 and is adapted to ensure the closing of the venting opening when water is leaking.
- the venting cap 81 may preferably have at least one swelling disk. When the at least one swelling disk comes into contact with water, it swells such that the venting opening will be closed reliably.
- a user will detect the malfunction of the hot water tank 1 given a dripping fitting, e.g., since no expansion water, and also no dripping water in the fitting, can be received in the expansion tank when the swelling disk closes the venting opening.
- FIG. 13 shows an exemplary schematic detailed view of the upper storage tank portion as well as the expansion assembly 70 in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 .
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- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)
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Abstract
An expansion assembly for use in a hot water device, having a water container for receiving water to be heated, includes an expansion tank with a lower expansion tank half shell and an upper expansion tank half shell. The lower expansion tank half shell has a coupling portion for coupling to the water container of the hot water device. The upper expansion tank half shell is configured to be coupled to a cold water feed line. The upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are hermetically connected at circumferential edges forming the expansion tank.
Description
- This application is a U.S. National Phase of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2021/079971 filed Oct. 28, 2021, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102020134297.7 filed Dec. 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to an expansion assembly and an associated hot water tank.
- Hot water tanks for domestic use have been generally known.
- For example,
EP 2 827 077 discloses a water container for receiving water to be heated and an inelastic expansion tank for receiving an amount of water which is provided at the tap stop in a fitting connected to the outlet, and for receiving an amount of water which corresponds to an amount of expansion when the cold water in the water container is being heated. The expansion tank is hermetically closed to an outer environment of the hot water tank and is in fluid communication with a feed line sided water jet pump such that the water jet pump allows for a negative pressure to be created in the expansion tank. - Hermetic expansion tanks have several disadvantages, e.g., it is difficult to provide for safe and reliable emptying of the expansion tank. Disclosed herein and discussed in detail below are hot water tanks having improved expansion assemblies.
- According to one or more embodiments, an expansion assembly for use in a hot water device is disclosed, in particular in a hot water tank for domestic use, wherein the hot water device has a water container for receiving water to be heated, wherein the expansion assembly comprises an expansion tank, the expansion tank comprises a lower expansion tank half shell and an upper expansion tank half shell, the lower expansion tank half shell has a coupling portion for coupling to the water container of the hot water tank, the upper expansion tank half shell is configured to be coupled to a cold water feed line, and the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are connected hermetically at circumferential edges, forming the expansion tank.
- The upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell may each have a circumferential friction welding edge to create a vibration friction welding connection of the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell.
- The expansion assembly may be embodied by the functional integration of the coupling portion with the lower expansion tank half shell to be directly mounted onto the water container or storage tank. Hence, there is no need for an additional coupling piece, making a reduction of the number of parts possible. In its simplest configuration, the expansion assembly consists of two tank half shells, which may be produced by injection molding.
- In an alternative configuration of the connection of the expansion tank half shells, the invention also allows for a further simplification and reduction of the number of parts by the functional integration of the seat emptying component into the expansion tank.
- For example, a seat for an emptying component, e.g., a nozzle of a water jet pump, is integrated with the lower and/or the upper expansion tank half shell, wherein the nozzle of the water jet pump is fixed between the connected expansion tank half shells.
- The emptying component allows for a negative pressure to be created within the expansion tank by the water jet of the water flowing into the hot water tank, which negative pressure then results in the emptying of the contents of the expansion tank into the hot water tank.
- The expansion assembly may further include an emptying component, the emptying component having a nozzle for sucking expansion water off the expansion tank.
- The venturi nozzle may have a parabolically tapering cross-sectional shape. This cross-sectional shape results in a linearly narrowing cross-sectional area. Thus, the increase of the flow rate inside the venturi nozzle is achieved with a particularly low loss of pressure.
- The nozzle may be comprised of a different material than the material of the expansion tank, e.g., brass and/or bronze.
- Brass and bronze may have an increased cavitation resistance.
- Alternatively, the nozzle may be formed integrally with, and integrated into, the upper expansion tank half shell or the lower expansion tank half shell. In other words, the nozzle is then appropriately formed onto the tank half shell.
- The upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell may be embodied as easily demoldable plastics parts. Here, easily deformable means that the number of undercuts, and the complexity of the parts, are as low as possible.
- In one or more embodiments, an opening between the emptying component and the expansion tank is sealed by a sealing unit which, may include a ball resting on a sealing element when the expansion tank is empty such that a negative pressure within the expansion tank is prevented.
- In addition to the negative pressure, the introduction of air from the expansion tank into the storage tank is avoided. The sealing unit may have a ball and a vertical guide for guiding the ball onto the sealing element and away from the same, respectively.
- In one or more embodiments, the expansion assembly further comprises a venting component, wherein the venting component is arranged at the upper expansion tank half shell and allows for air to be exchanged between expansion tank and atmosphere.
- Thereby, a damaging negative pressure within the expansion tank can be prevented.
- The venting component may have a blocking element, e.g., a swelling disk, wherein the blocking element is configured to prevent water from leaking out of the expansion tank via the venting component.
- The blocking element may also be a further check valve such as a ball valve.
- In case of failure, i.e., when water from the venting component is leaking out of the hot water tank, the blocking element can block the water leakage. This does impede the drip protection function, yet the dripping fitting is also signaling the user that the hot water tank is not working optimally. Thus, the user is able to detect the case of failure quickly.
- In another aspect, an expansion assembly for use in a hot water device, in particular in a hot water tank for domestic use, is suggested, wherein the hot water device has a water container for receiving water to be heated, wherein the expansion assembly comprises an expansion tank and a venting component, wherein the venting component allows for air to be exchanged between expansion tank and atmosphere. The venting component has a blocking element, e.g., a swelling disk, wherein the blocking element is configured to prevent water from leaking out of the expansion tank via the venting component.
- No matter how the tank is implemented, the venting component offers the advantages explained in the above embodiments in combination with the expansion tank formed by two expansion tank half shells.
- In another aspect, a hot water tank, such as for domestic use, may comprise a storage tank, a cold water feed line for connection to a water supply network, a hot water outlet for providing hot water at a fitting connectable thereto, and an expansion assembly according to the invention.
- The hot water tank according to the invention may be combined with all of the embodiments of the expansion assembly described above while offering the same advantages.
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank, -
FIG. 2 schematically shows the exemplary hot water tank without a housing for illustrative purposes, -
FIG. 3 schematically shows the exemplary hot water tank ofFIG. 2 in cross-sectional view, -
FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in detailed view, -
FIG. 5 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, -
FIG. 6 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, -
FIG. 7 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, -
FIG. 8 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, -
FIG. 9 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in exploded view, -
FIG. 10 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in exploded view, -
FIG. 11 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, -
FIG. 12 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view, and -
FIG. 13 schematically shows an exemplary hot water tank in sectional view. -
FIG. 1 shows a hot water tank 1 in perspective view. The storage tank is arranged within a housing composed of twohousing half shells - At the front side, an
operating element 4 is arranged which serves to adjust the temperature of the water in the storage tank. - At its top side, the hot water tank 1 has a
cold water connection 6 and ahot water connection 8. Cold water is introduced into the storage tank via thecold water connection 6 and, via thehot water connection 8, the heated water flows to the tap. - The hot water tank 1 is usually not pressurized during operation, i.e., the pressure within the storage tank is simply atmospheric pressure and not a line pressure usual for a water line. This means that a tapping process is introduced by opening a valve or the like provided in the pipe section connected to the
cold water connection 6. Due to a then positive pressure at thecold water connection 6, the inflowing cold water pushes the heated water out of thehot water connection 8. - Further, a venting
assembly 80 is arranged at the top side. The ventingassembly 80 is in fluid communication with anexpansion assembly 70 which will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures. The ventingassembly 80 allows for permanent negative pressure to be prevented inside the storage tank, and, in particular, in an expansion tank connected thereto, which might damage or destroy the hot water tank 1. Moreover, theventing group 80 is adapted to prevent leakage of liquids, i.e., water, from within the storage tank, as will be described in more detail in the following as well. -
FIG. 2 shows the exemplary hot water tank 1 without insulation andhousing half shells FIG. 1 ). Theexpansion assembly 70 is shown at a top side of theproper storage tank 10. In particular, it comprises an expansion tank composed of an upper expansiontank half shell 72 and a lower expansiontank half shell 74. - Preferably, the lower half shells of the expansion tank are connected by vibration friction welding. To this end, the upper expansion
tank half shell 72 and the lower expansiontank half shell 74 have circumferential friction welding edges 73, 75. The friction welding edges 73, 75 are configured to be accessed via an appropriate machine. Vibration friction welding provides for a particularly cost effective and reliable, permanent connection between the two half shells. It is also possible to connect second half shells differently. -
FIG. 3 shows the exemplary hot water tank 1 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 in schematic cross-sectional view so that aheating element 12 arranged inside thestorage tank 10 as well as atemperature sensor 16 are visible. - The
heating element 12 embodied as electric heating element with a plurality of coils is only exemplary, other variants for heating the water within thestorage tank 10 are also conceivable. Theheating element 12 is electrically connected to a power supply viaconnections - The
temperature sensor 16 exemplarily embodied as integral temperature sensor is likewise connected to a control electronics via aconnection 17. - For the sake of simplicity, the control electronics are not shown in any of the figures, with the configuration necessary for controlling and/or regulating a hot water tank 1 being known to the person skilled in the art.
- As shown, a
cold water pipe 20 in fluid communication with thecold water inlet 6 has itsopening 22 in the lower region of thestorage tank 10. Thus, when a tap at a fitting (not shown) is being operated, cold water flows into the bottom region of thestorage tank 10, is heated by theheating element 12 and exits thestorage tank 10 via anopening 32 of thehot water pipe 30 arranged in the upper region of the storage tank. -
FIG. 4 shows theexemplary expansion assembly 70 ofFIG. 3 in schematic enlarged view. The coldwater feed line 6 and the venting assembly are connected to theexpansion assembly 70, while thehot water pipe 30 to thehot water connection 8 bypasses theexpansion assembly 70 in a recess. Thus, an undesirable heat transfer from thehot water pipe 30 to the inside of the expansion tank can be prevented. - A
connection portion 76 of the lower expansiontank half shell 74 can also be seen. Thisconnection portion 76 may be formed integrally with the lower expansiontank half shell 74 and is provided for connection to a corresponding connection portion 18 (compareFIG. 12 ) of thestorage tank 10. Thecold water pipe 20 is mounted to theconnection portion 18 inside the storage tank. - In the following
FIGS. 5 to 7 , sections along planes A-A (FIG. 5 ), B-B (FIG. 6 ) and C-C (FIG. 7 ) are shown so that the interior components of theexpansion assembly 70 can be seen. - Cover caps 42, 44, 46 are provided at the top side of the housing of the hot water tank for covering purposes. Further, a plurality of clips 48 a-48 d and gaskets 50 a-50 i are provided for mounting and sealing purposes. The gaskets may be O-ring gaskets.
-
Different pipe sections flanges pipe sections - A
sieve 64 is arranged in thecold water connection 6 to prevent contaminations included in the water such as limestone fragments from entering into thestorage tank 10. - The
cold water connection 6 is coupled to thepipe section 62 via acoupling 66. Before the cold water enters into thestorage tank 10 via thecold water pipe 20, it flows through anemptying component 90 which is configured to suck the contents off the expansion tank if any expansion water is present therein. - To this end, a
venturi nozzle 92 is provided which results in a cross-sectional tapering to increase flow rate. Theventuri nozzle 92 may be made of a metallic material, e.g., copper, and may be clamped between the upper expansiontank half shell 72 and the lower expansiontank half shell 74 in aseat 76 provided therefor. Thus, the particular ingenious configuration of the expansion tank allows for the functional integration of the emptying component. - While the
venturi nozzle 92 is configured as separate metal part in this embodiment, the cross-sectional tapering may also be integrated directly with the expansion tank half shell, such as the upper expansiontank half shell 72, with no undercuts or the like making its demolding difficult. - After having exited the
venturi nozzle 92, the cross-section becomes larger again before the water enters into thestorage tank 10. - When water is flowing in, the
venturi nozzle 92 provides for sucking of water off the expansion tank via anopening 100, which is particularly well shown inFIG. 7 . - The
opening 100 connects theventuri nozzle 92 to a sealingportion 98 on which aball 96 rests sealingly when all of the water has been sucked off the expansion tank. Theball 96 has a small density so that it floats when water is flowing in and does not rest on the sealingportion 98 any longer. Thus, the water in the connection can again be sucked off the expansion tank via theventuri nozzle 92. A guidingelement 94 which is open towards the expansion tank restricts the movement of theball 96 to be substantially in vertical direction. - An arrangement similar to the one of the emptying
component 90 is provided in the region of the ventingassembly 80. Here, also aball 86 is guided along a guiding element 95 in vertical direction, depending on a water level in the expansion tank. When a certain level has been reached, theball 86 seals to a sealingportion 88 so that no water can exit the hot water tank 1 from the venting opening. -
FIG. 8 shows a further section along plane A-A without thehot water pipe 30 and further pipes. In this section,elements 78 for introducing and fixing the clips are shown at the upper end of the upper expansiontank half shell 72. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 show exploded views of theexpansion assembly 70, withFIG. 10 additionally showing a cross-section along plane A-A. - In addition to section B-B shown in
FIG. 6 , a further section is depicted inFIG. 11 lying between section A-A and section B-B. Here, theopening 100 can be provided between the sealingportion 98 and theventuri nozzle 92. -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective cross-sectional view similar to the view shown inFIG. 4 but with one section further backwards in the reference plane across theventuri nozzle 92. - Further shown are the connection of the connecting
portion 76 of the lower expansiontank half shell 74 to the corresponding connectingportion 18 of thestorage tank 10 as well as the connection of thehot water pipe 30 to a corresponding connectingportion 19 at thestorage tank 19 which also forms thehot water connection 32. - In addition, a venting
cap 81 can be seen in this view which forms one part of the ventingassembly 80 and is adapted to ensure the closing of the venting opening when water is leaking. To this end, the ventingcap 81 may preferably have at least one swelling disk. When the at least one swelling disk comes into contact with water, it swells such that the venting opening will be closed reliably. - Then, a user will detect the malfunction of the hot water tank 1 given a dripping fitting, e.g., since no expansion water, and also no dripping water in the fitting, can be received in the expansion tank when the swelling disk closes the venting opening.
-
FIG. 13 shows an exemplary schematic detailed view of the upper storage tank portion as well as theexpansion assembly 70 in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 12 . -
-
- 1 hot water tank
- 2, 3 housing half shell
- 4 operating element
- 6 cold water connection
- 8 hot water connection
- 10 storage tank
- 12 heating element
- 13, 14 connections of the heating element
- 16 temperature sensor
- 17 connection of the temperature sensor
- 18, 19 connecting portion
- 20 cold water pipe
- 22 opening of the cold water pipe
- 30 hot water pipe
- 32 opening of the hot water pipe
- 33 flange
- 42, 44, 46 cover cap
- 48 a,b,c,d clip
- 50 a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i gasket
- 62 pipe section
- 63 flange
- 64 sieve
- 66 coupling
- 70 expansion assembly
- 72 upper expansion tank half shell
- 73 circumferential friction welding edge
- 74 lower expansion tank half shell
- 75 circumferential friction welding edge
- 76 seat
- 78 elements
- 80 venting assembly
- 81 venting cap
- 82 pipe section
- 83 flange
- 84 flange
- 85 guiding element
- 86 ball
- 88 sealing portion
- 90 emptying component
- 92 venturi nozzle
- 94 guiding element
- 96 ball
- 98 sealing portion
- 100 opening
Claims (20)
1. An expansion assembly for use in a hot water device having a water container for receiving water to be heated, the expansion assembly comprising:
an expansion tank including a lower expansion tank half shell and an upper expansion tank half shell; wherein
the lower expansion tank half shell has a coupling portion configured to couple to the water container of the hot water device,
upper expansion tank half shell is configured to be coupled to a cold water feed line, and
the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are connected hermetically at circumferential edges, forming the expansion tank.
2. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell each have a circumferential friction welding edge to create a vibration friction welding connection of the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell.
3. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the lower and/or the upper expansion tank half shell include a seat for a nozzle of a water jet pump, wherein the water jet pump is formed between the connected expansion tank half shells.
4. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an emptying component having a venturi nozzle configured to drain expansion water from the expansion tank.
5. The expansion assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the nozzle has a parabolically tapering cross-sectional shape.
6. The expansion assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the nozzle is comprised of a different material than the material of the expansion tank.
7. The expansion assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the nozzle is formed integrally with, and integrated into, the upper expansion tank half shell, or the lower expansion tank half shell.
8. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are embodied as easily demoldable plastics parts.
9. The expansion assembly according to claim 4 , wherein an opening between the emptying component and the expansion tank is sealed by a sealing unit that includes a ball resting on a sealing element when the expansion tank is empty such that a negative pressure within the expansion tank is prevented.
10. The expansion assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the sealing unit has a second ball and a vertical guide for guiding the second ball onto the sealing element and away from the same, respectively.
11. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a venting component arranged at the upper expansion tank half shell and configured to allow air to be exchanged between the expansion tank and the atmosphere.
12. The expansion assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the venting component has a blocking element configured to prevent water from leaking out of the expansion tank via the venting component.
13. (canceled)
14. The expansion assembly according to claim 12 , wherein the blocking element is a swelling disk.
15. The expansion assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an emptying component.
16. The expansion assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the lower and/or the upper expansion tank half shell include a seat for the emptying component, wherein the seat is formed between the expansion tank half shells.
17. A hot water tank comprising:
a storage tank;
a cold water feed line coupled to the storage tank and configured to connect to a water supply network;
a hot water outlet coupled to the storage tank and configured to provide hot water at a fitting connectable thereto; and
an expansion assembly including an expansion tank having a lower expansion tank half shell and an upper expansion tank half shell, wherein the lower expansion tank half shell has a coupling portion configured to couple to the water container of the hot water device, wherein the upper expansion tank half shell is configured to be coupled to a cold water feed line, and wherein the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell are connected hermetically at circumferential edges, forming the expansion tank.
18. The hot water tank according to claim 17 , wherein the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell each have a circumferential friction welding edge to create a vibration friction welding connection of the upper expansion tank half shell and the lower expansion tank half shell.
19. The hot water tank according to claim 17 , wherein the lower and/or the upper expansion tank half shell include a seat for a nozzle of a water jet pump, wherein the water jet pump is formed between the connected expansion tank half shells.
20. The hot water tank according to claim 17 , wherein the expansion assembly further includes a venting component arranged at the upper expansion tank half shell and configured to allow air to be exchanged between the expansion tank and the atmosphere.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102020134297.7 | 2020-12-18 | ||
DE102020134297.7A DE102020134297A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2020-12-18 | Compensation assembly and hot water tank |
PCT/EP2021/079971 WO2022128222A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2021-10-28 | Compensation assembly and hot water storage tank |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240044517A1 true US20240044517A1 (en) | 2024-02-08 |
Family
ID=78516805
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/267,159 Pending US20240044517A1 (en) | 2020-12-18 | 2021-10-28 | Expansion assembly and hot water tank |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240044517A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4264135A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021402032A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102020134297A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022128222A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4008026A1 (en) * | 1990-03-10 | 1991-09-12 | Otto Geb Kg | Pressure buffer for water supply etc. - consists of outer container moulded in two halves joined together and inner pressurised nitrogen reservoir enclosed in diaphragm |
DE4422746A1 (en) * | 1994-06-29 | 1996-01-04 | Stiebel Eltron Gmbh & Co Kg | Boiler for heating water |
CA2175537A1 (en) * | 1996-02-15 | 1997-08-16 | George M. Celorier, Jr. | Corrosion resistant expansion tank |
DE102013214156A1 (en) | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Hot water storage |
DE102013225179A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Hot water storage |
-
2020
- 2020-12-18 DE DE102020134297.7A patent/DE102020134297A1/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-10-28 AU AU2021402032A patent/AU2021402032A1/en active Pending
- 2021-10-28 WO PCT/EP2021/079971 patent/WO2022128222A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-10-28 US US18/267,159 patent/US20240044517A1/en active Pending
- 2021-10-28 EP EP21802273.9A patent/EP4264135A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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DE102020134297A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
EP4264135A1 (en) | 2023-10-25 |
WO2022128222A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
AU2021402032A1 (en) | 2023-06-15 |
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