Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a field of water heater technology, in particular, to a gas distribution device, and a combustor having the same, and a water heater.

A combustor, , as an important device in a water heater or a wall-mounted furnace, is mainly powered by fuel gas, to provide domestic hot water or heating for users through flame combustion. The heating rate and continuous heating steadiness of a combustor mainly depend on the flame combustion condition of a flame distributor, the flame combustion temperature and flame height of a flame distributor are related directly to the gas supply condition of a gas distribution device. The gas distribution pipes of existing gas distribution devices are independent from each other, and are also supplied with gas through their respective gas supply pipelines, thus, uneven gas supply in gas distribution pipes is prone to occur. Moreover, the above gas distribution device is relatively large in size, and may occupy spaces in the water heater or the wall-mounted furnace reserved for other components. In addition, after a long-term operation, gas leakage or breakage and the like may easily occur at a position where the gas supply pipeline and the gas distribution pipe connect. <CIT> discloses a spray nozzle support of a low-nitrogen combustor. The spray nozzle support of the low-nitrogen combustor comprises a gas inlet connector. The gas inlet connector is provided with a galvanized thin-walled tube. <CIT> discloses a gaseous fuel burner in which an undiluted stream of gas is issued from an injector into a burner mixing head. <CIT> discloses a burner for heating or melting, adapted to consume weak gaseous mixtures, comprising a tube perforated at the top and enclosing a tube with holes in the lower side, which is supplied through a retarding-chamber.

The above information disclosed in the background is only used to render a better understanding of the background of the present invention.

To solve or alleviate technical problems in the existing technology and provide at least one beneficial option, embodiments of the present invention provide a gas distribution device, and a combustor having the same, and a water heater.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a gas distribution device, including: a plurality of gas distribution pipes arranged in parallel and at intervals, each of the gas distribution pipes being provided with a plurality of gas nozzles; and at least one gas delivery pipes communicated with each of the gas distribution pipes, to connect the gas distribution pipes into an integral structure, the gas delivery pipes being used for supplying gas into each of the gas distribution pipes; the gas delivery pipes are provided with a gas delivery interface for connecting a gas inlet valve.

The gas distribution pipes are integrally formed with the gas delivery pipes through a die casting process.

In some embodiments, the gas distribution device further includes connectors provided on two sides of each of the gas delivery pipes, respectively, to connect end portions of each of the gas distribution pipes at corresponding positions into an integral structure.

In some embodiments, a mounting platform is provided on the connectors for connecting and fixing a required device.

In some embodiments, the gas delivery pipes are arranged perpendicular to each of the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, the gas delivery pipes run through a middle portion of each of the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, a blocking member is provided at an end portion of each of the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, the gas distribution pipes are provided with a pressure detection port for connecting a pressure detection device, to detect a pressure of gas flowing into the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, the pressure detection device is detachably connected to the pressure detection port, and the pressure detection port is detachably provided with a sealing cover; the sealing cover is used for sealing the pressure detection port, when the pressure detection device is detached from the pressure detection port.

In some embodiments, the pressure detection port is integrally arranged on the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, the gas delivery interface is provided with a fixed mounting seat, a plurality of mounting holes are circumferentially arranged at intervals on the fixed mounting seat, and the mounting holes are adapted to the gas inlet valve.

In some embodiments, on the fixed mounting seat, at least one set of first mounting holes are symmetrically arranged along a direction of a first diameter of the gas delivery interface, at least one set of second mounting holes are symmetrically arranged along a direction of a second diameter of the gas delivery interface, and the first diameter is perpendicular to the second diameter.

In some embodiments, on the fixed mounting seat, at least one set of third mounting holes are symmetrically arranged along a direction of a third diameter of the gas delivery interface, the third diameter being between the first diameter and the second diameter.

In some embodiments, a hole spacing between holes in the set of first mounting holes, a hole spacing between holes in the set of second mounting holes, and a hole spacing between holes in the set of third mounting holes that are symmetrically arranged are greater than an outer diameter of the gas distribution pipes.

In some embodiments, the fixed mounting seat is integrally arranged with the gas delivery interface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a combustor including the gas distribution device as described in above embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is provided a water heater including the combustor as described in above embodiments.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to same or similar components or elements throughout the several drawings unless otherwise specified. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

In the following, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature rather than restrictive.

As shown in <FIG>, embodiments of the present invention provide a gas distribution device <NUM> including a plurality of gas distribution pipes <NUM> and at least one gas delivery pipe <NUM>. The respective gas distribution pipes <NUM> are in parallel and arranged at intervals. Each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is provided with a plurality of gas nozzles <NUM>. The gas nozzles <NUM> are used for supplying gas upwards to corresponding ejection pipes of a flame distributor (not shown). The gas delivery pipes <NUM> are in communication with each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. The gas delivery pipes <NUM> connect respective gas distribution pipes <NUM> into an integral structure. The gas delivery pipes <NUM> are used for supplying gas into each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. The gas delivery pipes <NUM> are provided with a gas delivery interface <NUM> for connecting a valve.

The number of gas distribution pipes <NUM> depends mainly on the number of ejection pipes arranged on the flame distributor, the number of gas distribution pipes <NUM> required to be deployed is adjusted according to the number of the ejection pipes deployed on the flame distributor.

In an embodiment, to better realize a fixation of the three gas distribution pipes <NUM>, and to enable an integral structure formed by the gas delivery pipes <NUM> and the gas distribution pipes <NUM> to be more stable, ends, on the same side of the gas delivery pipes <NUM>, of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> may be connected into an integral structure through connectors <NUM>, so that the connectors <NUM>, the gas distribution pipes <NUM> and the gas delivery pipes <NUM> form a grid structure together. A mounting platform <NUM> may be provided on the connectors <NUM>, to facilitate a fixation of the gas distribution device <NUM> with other devices required.

In a specific example, as shown in <FIG>, three gas distribution pipes <NUM> are provided, the three gas distribution pipes <NUM> are arranged in parallel and at intervals. The gas delivery pipes <NUM> are arranged perpendicular to middle portions of the three gas distribution pipes <NUM>, and the gas delivery pipes <NUM> run through a middle portion of each of the gas distribution pipes, and are communicated with each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. The ends, on one side of the gas delivery pipes <NUM>, of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are connected into an integral structure through one connector <NUM>, and the ends, on the other side of the gas delivery pipes <NUM>, of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are connected into an integral structure through another connector <NUM>. Three gas distribution pipes <NUM> together with one gas delivery pipe <NUM> and two connectors <NUM> form a crisscross frame-shaped grid structure. Since the gas delivery pipe <NUM>, the gas distribution pipes <NUM> and the connectors <NUM> are in the same plane, the space occupied by the gas distribution device <NUM> is effectively saved. Meanwhile, since the gas delivery pipe <NUM> is integrally connected to middle portions of the three gas distribution pipes <NUM>, the same amount of gas may be synchronously delivered to each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>.

In order to smoothly deliver gas in the gas delivery pipes <NUM> to each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, the gas delivery pipes <NUM> are preferably arranged perpendicular to each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the communication of the gas delivery pipes <NUM> with the gas distribution pipes <NUM> may be understood as a direct spatial communication between the two, or as a gas flow communication between the two.

In a specific implementation, when the communication of the gas delivery pipes <NUM> with the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is a direct spatial communication, as shown in <FIG>, the gas delivery pipe <NUM> may run through sequentially, and communicate the middle portions of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, so that an interior of each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is communicated with the interior of the gas delivery pipe <NUM>, thereby forming a gas delivery passage. Alternatively, each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> run through the gas delivery pipe <NUM>, so that the interior of each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is communicated with the interior of the gas delivery pipe <NUM>, thereby forming a gas delivery passage.

In an alternative implementation, when the communication of the gas delivery pipe <NUM> with the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is a gas flow communication, the gas delivery pipe <NUM> may be arranged on one side (e.g., above, or below) of the plane where the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are located, and be communicated with the middle portion of the each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. That is, a pipe wall of the gas delivery pipe <NUM> is directly communicated with a joint of the pipe wall at the middle portion of each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, so that gas in the gas delivery pipe <NUM> may flow into each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> through the communication position.

It should be noted that in above embodiments, the position where the gas delivery pipe <NUM> and the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are connected may be adaptively adjusted according to operation requirements, the gas delivery pipe <NUM> is not necessarily to communicate with the gas distribution pipes <NUM> only at the middle portion, instead, the gas delivery pipe <NUM> may also communicate with the gas distribution pipes 1at any positions thereon. When the gas delivery pipe <NUM> communicates with the gas distribution pipes <NUM> at a position other than the middle portion, the specific arrangement manner (including, but not limited to, connections and deployments) may be the same as the arrangement manner of the gas delivery pipe <NUM> described in above embodiments, and thus it is not repeated herein in detail, it may be implemented with reference to above embodiments.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, to obtain a better gas tightness of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, a blocking member <NUM> may be provided at an end of each gas distribution pipe <NUM>. Preferably, the blocking member <NUM> employs a structure of a sealing cap or a sealing plug structure inserted at a port of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are integrally formed with the gas delivery pipes <NUM> through a die casting process, to form an integral structure. In this way, the strength of the overall structure of the gas distribution device <NUM> may be improved, while the manufacturing process is simple. The integrally formed gas distribution device <NUM> has better gas tightness, free of gas leakage, thereby improving safety.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the gas distribution device <NUM> is provided with a pressure detection port <NUM>. The pressure detection port <NUM> is used for connecting with a pressure detection device. The pressure detection device may be used not only for detecting the pressure of gas flowing into the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, but also for detecting the pressure of gas in the gas distribution pipe <NUM> before it is ejected through the gas nozzles <NUM>. Since gas will experience pressure loss when entering the gas distribution device <NUM> (for example, the pressure loss occurring when the gas delivery pipe <NUM> supplies gas into the gas distribution pipes <NUM>), the pressure and the flow rate of gas ejected from the gas nozzle <NUM> may be regulated by detecting the pressure of gas in the gas distribution pipe <NUM> before it enters into the gas nozzle <NUM>. For example, the size of the diameter of the gas nozzles <NUM> or the magnitude of the gas pressure in the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is regulated.

The pressure detection port <NUM> may be provided at any position of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, it may be selected according to requirements and manufacturing processes. For example, it may be provided at both ends, at the middle portion, or in the vicinity of any of the gas nozzles <NUM> of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. The number of the pressure detection ports <NUM> may also be adaptively adjusted according to operation requirements or structures of the gas distribution device <NUM>. For example, in the case that the interiors of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> communicate with each other, it may be possible to provide a pressure detection port <NUM> on only one of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>. In the case that the interiors of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> are not communicated with each other, instead, they are independent from each other, it is also possible to provide a pressure detection port 11on each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, so that the gas pressure loss in each of the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is monitored.

In an embodiment, a pressure detection device is provided detachably on the pressure detection port <NUM>. A sealing cover <NUM> for sealing the pressure detection port <NUM> is detachably provided on the pressure detection port <NUM>. When the pressure detection is not required to be performed, the sealing cover <NUM> is arranged on the pressure detection port <NUM>, and when the pressure in the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is required to be detected, the sealing cover <NUM> is detached and the pressure detection device is installed, so that the pressure loss of the gas flowing into the gas distribution pipes <NUM> is detected.

Any sealing means in the existing technology may be employed as the sealing cover <NUM>. For example, a sealing plug or a sealing cap may be employed as the sealing cover <NUM>. Bolts and gaskets may also be used to seal the pressure detection port <NUM>. The specific manner for sealing the pressure detection port <NUM> may be selected as desired, which is not limited to embodiments described herein, as long as a complete seal may be achieved when the pressure detection device is detached from the pressure detection port <NUM>.

In order to improve the strength and gas tightness of the pressure detection port <NUM> provided on the gas distribution pipes <NUM>, the pressure detection port <NUM> may be integrally formed and die-casted on the gas distribution pipes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the gas delivery interface <NUM> is provided with a fixed mounting seat <NUM>. A plurality of mounting holes <NUM> are circumferentially arranged at intervals on the fixed mounting seat <NUM>, and each mounting hole <NUM> is adapted to a gas inlet valve (to be described later).

Because the number and arrangement manner of holes required for connecting and fixing various valves are different, a corresponding number of mounting holes <NUM> at corresponding positions may be selected from the fixed mounting holes <NUM> for connection according to requirements, to meet the connection and installation requirements of various models and types of valves.

In an embodiment, the valve may be any valve known in the existing technology. For example, the valve may be an electronic thermostatic valve (as shown in <FIG>), a mechanical thermostatic valve (as shown in <FIG>), or a water-gas linkage valve (as shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, in the case of an electronic thermostatic valve interface <NUM>, to realize a connection, four mounting holes <NUM> on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> are required. Assembly holes <NUM> are provided on the diagonal line of the electronic thermostatic valve interface <NUM>, respectively, to connect with four mounting holes <NUM> at corresponding positions, so that the gas delivery interface <NUM> is connected with the electronic thermostatic valve.

As shown in <FIG>, in the case of a mechanical thermostatic valve interface <NUM>, to realize a connection, two mounting holes <NUM> on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> are required. Two assembly holes <NUM> are symmetrically provided on the mechanical thermostatic valve interface <NUM>, to connect with two mounting holes <NUM> at corresponding positions, so that the gas delivery interface <NUM> is connected with the mechanical thermostatic valve.

As shown in <FIG>, in the case of a water-gas linkage valve interface <NUM>, to realize a connection, two mounting holes <NUM> on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> are required. Two assembly holes <NUM> are symmetrically provided on the mechanical thermostatic valve interface <NUM>, to connect with two mounting holes <NUM> at corresponding positions, so that the gas delivery interface <NUM> is connected with the water-gas linkage valve.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting holes <NUM> may include at least one set of first mounting holes <NUM>, which are symmetrically arranged on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> along a direction of a first diameter <NUM> of the gas delivery interface <NUM>, and at least one set of second mounting holes <NUM>, which are symmetrically arranged along a direction of a second diameter <NUM> of the gas delivery interface <NUM>. The first diameter <NUM> is perpendicular to the second diameter <NUM>. The arrangement manner of the first mounting holes <NUM> and the second mounting holes <NUM> on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> in the present embodiment may at least meet the mounting requirements of a valve requiring two or four mounting holes. For example, it is an electronic thermostatic valve, a mechanical thermostatic valve, or a water-gas linkage valve.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting holes <NUM> include at least one set of first mounting holes <NUM> symmetrically arranged along a direction of the first diameter <NUM> of the gas delivery interface <NUM>, at least one second set of mounting holes <NUM> symmetrically arranged along a direction of the second diameter <NUM> of the gas delivery interface <NUM>, and at least one set of third mounting holes <NUM> symmetrically arranged along a direction of the third diameter <NUM> of the gas delivery interface <NUM>. The first diameter <NUM> is perpendicular to the second diameter <NUM>. Preferably, the third diameter <NUM> is located between the first diameter <NUM> and the second diameter <NUM>. The arrangement manner of the first mounting holes <NUM>, the second mounting holes <NUM>, and the third mounting hole <NUM> on the fixed mounting seat <NUM> in the present embodiment may at least meet the mounting requirements of a valve requiring six or less mounting holes. For example, it is an electronic thermostatic valve, a mechanical thermostatic valve, or a water-gas linkage valve.

It should be noted that the arrangement manner and number of the mounting holes <NUM> may be adaptively adjusted depending on various shapes and sizes of the fixed mounting seat <NUM>, and is not limited to the number and arrangement manner of the mounting holes <NUM> described in above embodiments. With respect to the arrangement manner and number of mounting holes <NUM>, the types of valve to be connected should also be considered.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, to facilitate connection of the gas delivery interface <NUM> with a valve without interfering with the gas distribution pipe <NUM>, a hole spacing between two mounting holes symmetrically disposed, such as the hole spacing between the first mounting holes <NUM>, between the second mounting holes <NUM>, or between the two third mounting holes <NUM> is at least greater than an outer diameter of the gas distribution pipes <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fixed mounting seat <NUM> may be die-cast integrally with the gas delivery interface <NUM>, to simplify the process and ensure strength and gas tightness of the gas delivery interface <NUM>.

To adapt to different valves, part of or all of the mounting holes <NUM> may be set as threaded holes, to facilitate a firm connection with the valve.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a combustor including the gas distribution device <NUM> according to any of the embodiments described above.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a water heater including the above-described combustor.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wall-mounted furnace including the above-described combustor.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the orientations or position relationships indicated by terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like are based on the orientations or position relationships shown in the drawings for ease of description and simplicity of description only, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or assembly referred to must have a particular orientation, or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation. It is therefore not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless specifically defined otherwise.

In the present invention, the terms "mounted", "coupled", "connected", "fixed", and the like are to be construed broadly, for example, as fixed or detachable connections, or as a single unit, unless expressly stated and defined otherwise. It can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication; it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary, or two components may be interconnected inside or in an interactive relationship with each other. The specific meaning of the terms in the present invention will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, as the case may be.

In this application, unless expressly stated and defined otherwise, reference to a first feature as being "above" or "below" a second feature may include reference to the first and second features being in direct contact, and reference to the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact by additional features therebetween. Furthermore, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "underneath" and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

Claim 1:
A gas distribution device (<NUM>), characterized by comprising: a plurality of gas distribution pipes (<NUM>) arranged in parallel and at an interval, each of the gas distribution pipes (<NUM>) being provided with a plurality of gas nozzles (<NUM>); and at least one gas delivery pipe(<NUM>) communicated with each of the gas distribution pipes (<NUM>), each of the gas distribution pipes (<NUM>) being connected into an integral structure; the gas delivery pipe (<NUM>) being used for supplying gas into each of the gas distribution pipes (<NUM>); the gas delivery pipe (<NUM>) being provided with a gas delivery interface (<NUM>), and the gas delivery interface (<NUM>) being configured to connect a gas inlet valve, characterized in that the gas distribution pipes (<NUM>) are integrally formed with the gas delivery pipes (<NUM>) through a die casting process.