HEATING UNIT WITH BOTTOM MOUNTED BLOWER UNIT

Abstract

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a lower unit. The tank defines top and bottom ends and includes an outer wrap, an inner wrap, and a cooling chamber. The outer wrap extends along an axial centerline defined by the tank. The inner wrap is disposed within the outer wrap. The cooling chamber is defined in-part by and is disposed between the inner and outer wraps along a radial direction of the tank. The burner element is disposed on the top end of the tank. The blower unit is disposed on the bottom end of the tank and is in fluid communication with the burner element via the cooling chamber. An outlet of the blower unit is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to heating units. In particular, the present disclosure relates to heating units for use in high pressure washers.

Existing heating units for high-pressure washers can include large sizes with fan units mounted at various locations around the heating unit (e.g., side mounted blowers or side air vented). Such existing designs have low efficiency levels as well as uneven cooling which can present the risk of burning the hands of a user.

Additionally, existing designs of heating units include large assembly sizes, multiple weldment joints, large parts count, low efficiency levels, and non-uniform cooling patterns within heating units.

The inventors have recognized that there is a need for an improved system that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of large and less efficient heating units.

SUMMARY

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a lower unit. The tank defines top and bottom ends and includes an outer wrap, an inner wrap, and a cooling chamber. The outer wrap extends along an axial centerline defined by the tank. The inner wrap is disposed within the outer wrap. The cooling chamber is defined in-part by and is disposed between the inner and outer wraps along a radial direction of the tank. The burner element is disposed on the top end of the tank. The blower unit is disposed on the bottom end of the tank and is in fluid communication with the burner element via the cooling chamber. An outlet of the blower unit is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a bottom mounting plate. The tank defines a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end. The tank includes an outer wrap, an inner wrap, a cooling chamber, a bottom cover, and a bottom mounting plate. The outer wrap extends along an axial centerline defined by the tank. The outer wrap defines a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The inner wrap is disposed within the outer wrap. The cooling chamber is defined by and is disposed between the inner wrap and the outer wrap along a radial direction of the tank. The bottom cover is connected to the bottom end of the inner wrap. The bottom cover is configured to direct a flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover. The bottom mounting plate is affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap and defines an inlet hole passing through the bottom mounting plate. The burner element is disposed on the top end of the tank. The blower unit is disposed on the bottom end of the tank. An outlet of the blower unit is in fluid communication with the inlet hole defined by the bottom mounting plate.

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a blower unit. The tank defines a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end. The tank includes an inner wrap disposed within the outer wrap and an outer wrap extending along an axial centerline defined by the tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a heating unit of a pressure washer.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of the heating unit taken along 1-1 from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows a first isolated cross-section view of an inner wrap and a conic bottom of the heating unit taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B shows a second isolated cross-section view of the inner wrap and the conic bottom of the heating unit taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A shows a third isolated cross-section view of a bottom of the heating unit with a bottom plate, a bottom cap, and the conic bottom taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B shows a fourth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of the heating unit with the bottom plate, the bottom cap, and the conic bottom taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A shows a fifth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of the heating unit with the bottom plate, the bottom cap, the conic bottom, and a fan unit taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B shows a sixth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of the heating unit with the bottom plate, the bottom cap, the conic bottom, and a fan unit taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows an isolated cross-section view of a top of the tank with a top mounting plate and a burner element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In existing heating assemblies for pressure washers, fan units are mounted in various different locations around the heating unit. However, side mounted fan units can cause an uneven or non-uniform flow patterns within the heating unit causing irregular heating and cooling patterns. Such irregular airflow and cooling patterns can cause risk of injury in the form of burning hands and fingers of a user.

The inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved with existing heating units is providing more even cooling of the outer wrapping of the tank in order to avoid the risk of burn injuries to users. Additionally, higher levels of cooling efficiency can be achieved with the following proposed heating unit designs.

The present subject matter can help provide a solution to these and other problems such as large assembly sizes, multiple weldment joints, and large parts count.

The proposed disclosure presents a new design for a heating unit with a top mounted burner element and a bottom mounted blower unit for cooling air. The present disclosure also includes a bottom plate with a center hole through which air from the blower fan is pushed. After passing through the center hole of the bottom plate, the cooling air spreads evenly around the heating unit and cools the heating chamber before the cooling air is pressed through the burner unit on top of the heating unit.

The embodiments disclosed herein enable a more even cooling effect upon all areas around the heating unit to obtain a lowest possible surface temperature on outer wrapping of the heating unit. Another advantage of the present disclosure is to save material, tools, and production process for funnels on outer wrapping of the heating unit to mount the fan unit and guide air into a cooling channel between the inner and outer walls of the heating unit.

In this way, the embodiments of the present disclosure avoid uneven airflow caused by side-mounted blowers which often leave uneven hot areas, such as opposite an air funnel of the heating unit. The features and characteristics of the present disclosure provide for a more compact unit (e.g., both physically and visually) that achieves a higher rate of efficiency than existing heating unit designs.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of heating unit 10. Heating unit 10 includes tank 12 (with top mounting plate 14, outer wrap 16, and bottom mounting plate 18), platform 20, burner element 22, and blower unit 24. Tank 12 is a cylindrical shaped vessel for the containment and thermal energy management of one or more fluids. As shown in FIG. 2, tank 12 is disposed to define a top end (e.g., toward the upward direction shown in FIG. 1) and a bottom end (e.g., toward the downward direction shown in FIG. 1).

Top mounting plate 14 is a top endcap of tank 12. Outer wrap 16 is layer of solid material extending circumferentially around tank 12. Bottom mounting plate 18 is a bottom endcap of tank 12. Platform 20 is mounting surface or frame. In an embodiment, platform 20 can be a portion of a mounting frame that is part of a pressure washing system. Burner element 22 is a flame producing element such as an igniter. Blower unit 24 is a fan assembly.

In an embodiment, heating unit 10 can be connected to and/or integrated with a pressure washer system. For example, an outlet of tank 12 can be in fluid communication with a component of a pressure washing system (not shown in FIG. 1). In an embodiment, can be connected to a spray gun and/or nozzle for dispensing pressurized hot water.

Top mounting plate 14 is attached onto a top end of tank 12. In an embodiment, top mounting plate 14 can be attached to tank 12 such that a collar of top mounting plate 14 extends around and connects to an outer portion of outer wrap 16. In other embodiment, top mounting plate 14 may be affixed to outer wrap 16 via other mechanical means, such as clamps, fasteners, press-fit, etc. Outer wrap 16 is connected to and extends between top mounting plate 14 and bottom mounting plate 18.

Bottom mounting plate 18 is attached onto a bottom end of tank 12. In an embodiment, bottom mounting plate 18 can be attached to tank 12 such that a collar of bottom mounting plate 18 extends around and connects to an outer portion of outer wrap 16. Platform 20 is underneath bottom mounting plate 18 and is positioned between bottom mounting plate 18 and blower unit 24. In an embodiment, platform 20 can be affixed to bottom mounting plate 18.

Blower unit 24 is connected to bottom mounting plate 18 across platform 20. In an embodiment, blower unit 24 is fluidly connected to a compartment disposed inside of tank 12 (as will be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 2-6).

In an embodiment, heating unit 10 can provide a pressure washing system with a source of a hot fluid (e.g., water, cleaning solution, etc.). During operation of heating unit 10, tank 12 contains various fluids and components configured for managing thermal energy of the fluids contained therein (to be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 2-6).

Top mounting plate 14 provides a mounting feature for burner element 22 to be mounted to tank 12. Outer wrap 16 contains a fluid or fluids within tank 12 as well as provides tank 12 with structural support along a length of heating unit 10.

Bottom mounting plate 18 provides an interface between tank 12 and blower unit 24. In an embodiment, bottom mounting plate 18 interacts with platform 20 to mount and affix tank 12 to platform 20. Platform 20 provides a mounting frame to which tanks 12 can be braced with. In an embodiment, platform 20 can be a portion of a larger framework used in combination with tank 12, and can include components such as housings, paneling, wheels, and other components for facilitating heating unit 10 as part of a pressure washing system. In an embodiment, burner element 22 is disposed to produce a flame directed downward into a portion of tank 12. Blower unit 24 draws air into blower unit 24 and into a portion of tank 12.

As will be discussed further with respect to FIGS. 2-6, locating blower unit 24 at the bottom of tank 12 enables cooling air from blower unit 24 to pass evenly from the bottom of tank 12 through to the top of tank 12. Given this bottom mounting location of blower unit 24, heating unit 10 avoids uneven airflow that occurs with existing heating units with a side-mounted blower unit which can cause uneven hot areas (e.g., in locations opposite an air funnel of the heating unit).

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of heating unit 10 taken along 1-1 from FIG. 1. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows heating unit 10 as additionally including inner wrap 26, cooling chamber 28, first layer of windings 30, second layer of windings 32, bottom endcap 34, and bottom cover 36. In FIG. 2, heating unit 10 is shown also to include axial centerline C_A, airflow F, and bottom mounting plate 18 as including inlet hole 38.

Tank 12 defines axial centerline C_A passing through a centerpoint of tank 12 in an axial direction (shown as up and down in FIG. 2) of tank 12. Inner wrap 26 is a tube of solid material that is disposed inside of (e.g., radially inward from) outer wrap 16. Cooling chamber 28 is a cavity configured for containing a fluid (such as cooling air). In an embodiment, cooling chamber 28 is in-part defined by and disposed between outer wrap 16 and inner wrap 26. In another embodiment, cooling chamber 28 can be referred to as a fluid flowpath or fluid flowpath 28. First layer of windings 30 and second layer of windings 32 are layers of coiled tubes. Bottom endcap 34 is a cap or plug.

Bottom cover 36 is a cap or cover. In an embodiment, a portion of bottom cover 36 includes a conical shape. Inlet hole 38 is an opening or hole disposed in a portion of bottom mounting plate 18. In an embodiment, bottom mounting plate 18 defines inlet hole 38 passing through bottom mounting plate 18. Airflow F_A is a flow of air. In an embodiment airflow F_A is a flow of cooling air.

As shown in FIG. 2, top mounting plate 14 is affixed to the top end of outer wrap 16. Burner element 22 is mounted to top mounting plate 14. In an embodiment, burner element 22 is disposed along axial centerline C_A of tank 12. Inner wrap 26 is disposed within outer wrap 16 and is connected to bottom endcap 34. In an embodiment, inner wrap 26 is disposed between cooling chamber 28 and second layer of windings 32 along a radial direction of tank 12.

In an embodiment, cooling chamber 28 extends from blower unit 24, through tank 12 via a gap between bottom mounting plate 18 and bottom cover 36, through a gap between outer wrap 16 and inner wrap 26, along a portion of top mounting plate 14, and to burner element 22. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of cooling chamber 28 extends from bottom mounting plate 18 to top mounting plate 14.

First layer of windings 30 is fluidly connected to an external source (not shown in FIG. 2) of fluid. First layer of windings 30 is also fluidly connected to second layer of winding 32. Second layer of windings 32 is fluidly connected to first layer of windings 30 and is disposed between first layer of windings 30 and inner wrap 26. In an embodiment, second layer of windings 32 can include a staggered pattern (as shown in FIG. 2). In another embodiment, second layer of windings 32 can be configured such that each winding is aligned along an axial direction of tank 12 (shown as up and down in FIG. 2). Additionally or alternatively, first layer of windings 30 can also include a staggered pattern or an aligned orientation.

Bottom endcap 34 is disposed partially within a portion of inner wrap 26. In an embodiment, bottom endcap 34 provides insulation to prevent the flame from burning a hole in inner wrap 26 and in a bottom of the combustion chamber (e.g., formed within inner wrap 26). In another embodiment, bottom endcap 34 forms a fluidic seal at an interface between bottom endcap 34 and inner wrap 26. Bottom cover 36 fits onto and is connected to an end of inner wrap 26.

Inlet hole 38 of bottom mounting plate 18 is disposed at a centerpoint of bottom mounting plate 18. In an embodiment, a center of inlet hole 38 of bottom mounting plate 18 is disposed along axial centerline C_A of tank 12. In another embodiment, inlet hole 38 of bottom mounting plate 18 is located co-axially with bottom mounting plate 18. In another embodiment, a center of inlet hole 38 of bottom mounting plate 18 is aligned along an axial direction of tank 12 with a center of bottom cover 36.

Airflow F_A is disposed throughout heating unit 10. In an embodiment, airflow F_A passes from blower unit 24, through tank 12 via a gap between bottom mounting plate 18 and bottom cover 36, through a gap between outer wrap 16 and inner wrap 26, along a portion of top mounting plate 14, and to burner element 22.

In an embodiment, the configuration of top mounting plate 14 can be the same as bottom mounting plate 18. Inner wrap 26 provides structural support for tank 12 as well as defines, with outer wrap 16, cooling chamber 28 through which airflow F_A is communicated from blower unit 24 to burner element 22. Cooling chamber 28 provides a conduit through which airflow F_A is transported from blower unit 24 to burner element 22.

First layer of windings 30 and second layer of windings 32 transport a flow of fluid (e.g., a liquid such as water) through a tortuous pathway through tank 12. When exposed to heat from a flame of burner element 22, the liquid inside of first layer of windings 30 and second layer of windings 32 absorbs thermal energy from the flame thereby increasing a temperature of the liquid within first layer of windings 30 and second layer of windings 32. Bottom endcap 34 seals a bottom end of inner wrap 26 to contain a fluid or fluids within inner wrap 26.

In an embodiment, the conical shape of bottom cover 36 is configured to direct airflow F_A in a radially outward direction (shown as to the left of and to the right of axial centerline C_A in FIG. 2) as airflow F_A comes into contact with bottom cover 36. Inlet hole 38 enables airflow F_A to pass from blower unit 24, through bottom mounting plate 18, and into tank 12.

During operation of heating unit 10, airflow F_A is pushed through inlet hole 38 by blower unit 24 and spreads evenly around tank 12 (e.g., evenly through cooling chamber 28). For example, bottom cover 36 directs airflow F_A radially outward and into cooling chamber 28 such that an amount of flow, a velocity, or a combination thereof is approximately uniform across a full 360° of cooling chamber 28.

Airflow F_A provides a fluid medium into which and through thermal energy can be absorbed and transferred between portions of heating unit 10. In an embodiment, airflow F provides a buffer layer between the hot internal cavities of tank 12 and outer wrap 16 so as to provide a cooling effect to outer wrap 16. In this way, airflow F_A cools portions of tank 12 before airflow F_A is pressed through burner element 22 on the top end of tank 12.

Benefits of the present disclosure include uniform cooling distribution around heating unit 10 to provide a low surface temperature of outer wrap 16. For example, the combination of outer wrap 16 and an internal heating chamber formed within inner wrap 26 provides for a more even cooling of outer wrap 16 to avoid risk of burn injuries.

With blower unit 24 being directly connected to tank 12 via inlet hole 38 in bottom mounting plate 18, airflow F_A is delivered directly into cooling chamber 28 of tank 12. The even distribution of airflow F_A into cooling chamber 28 avoids uneven airflow occurring with existing heating units incorporating a side-mounted blower unit configuration which leave uneven hot areas across the existing heating units.

Heating unit 10 also enables reductions in materials, tooling, and production processes for outer wrap 16 to mount blower unit 24 onto tank 12 and guide airflow F_A into cooling chamber 28 between outer wrap 16 and inner wrap 26. Likewise, with the same configuration of top mounting plate 14 being able to be used as bottom mounting plate 18, top mounting plate 14 can be used as both top mounting plate 14 and bottom mounting plate 18 thereby enabling a reduction in part variability.

FIG. 3A shows a first isolated cross-section view of a bottom of tank 12 taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2 and includes inner wrap 26, bottom cover 36 (with collar 40, outer portion 42, intermediate portion 44, and center portion 46), and spacers 48. FIG. 3B shows a second isolated cross-section view of a bottom of tank 12 taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A and 3B will be discussed in tandem.

In an embodiment, bottom cover 36 includes separate portions distinguished by changes in angle at meeting points therebetween. For example, bottom cover 36 can include collar 40, outer portion 42, intermediate portion 44, and center portion 46. Collar 40 is a short tube of solid material extending around a circumference of bottom cover 36. Outer portion 42 is a flat ring of solid material. In other embodiments, outer portion 42 can include a curved surface along a radial direction of tank 12. Intermediate portion 44 is a frustoconical portion of bottom cover 36. In other embodiments, intermediate portion 44 can include a curved surface along a radial direction of tank 12. Center portion 46 is a is a flat disk of solid material. In other embodiments, center portion 46 can include a conical, round, pointed, or some other non-flat shape.

Spacers 48 are standoffs or feet of solid material. In an embodiment there can be two spacers 48. In other embodiments, there can more or less than two spacers 48.

Collar 40, outer portion 42, intermediate portion 44, and center portion 46 of bottom cover 36 are continuously connected from each piece to the next and form a single piece of solid material. In an embodiment, collar 40 is disposed around an outer surface of inner wrap 26 (when tank 12 is in an assembled position, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-5B). Spacers 48 are connected to and extend from bottom cover 36. In an embodiment, spacers 48 are connected to outer portion 42 of bottom cover 36.

Collar 40 of bottom cover 36 positions and holds bottom cover 36 to inner wrap 26. Center portion 46, intermediate portion 44, and outer portion 42 of bottom cover 36 deflect airflow F_A from blower unit 24 (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in a radially outward direction.

FIG. 4A shows a third isolated cross-section view of a bottom of tank 12 taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2 and includes outer wrap 16, bottom mounting plate 18 (with inlet hole 38, collar 50, disk 52, and lip 54), inner wrap 26, cooling chamber 28, first layer of windings 30, second layer of windings 32, bottom endcap 34, bottom cover 36 (with center portion 46), and spacers 48. FIG. 4B shows a fourth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of tank 12 taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 4A and 4B will be discussed in tandem.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, bottom mounting plate 18 is shown as including collar 50, disk 52, and lip 54. Collar 50 is a circular strip or ribbon of solid material. Disk 52 is a flat piece of solid material. Lip 54 is a curved collar or flange of solid material. Collar 50, disk 52, and lip 54 are all continuously connected to form a singular piece of material that is bottom mounting plate 18. Collar 50 is connected to an outer perimeter of disk 52 and extends approximately perpendicular from disk 52. Lip 54 is connected to disk 52 around a perimeter of inlet hole 38.

Collar 50 is configured to engage with a lower end of outer wrap 16 to affix bottom mounting plate 18 to outer wrap 16. Disk 52 provides structural support for bottom mounting plate 18 and encapsulates the bottom end of outer wrap 16 to prevent fluids passing across bottom mounting plate 18. Lip 54 provides a surface to which a portion of blower unit 24 (not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) can be engaged.

FIG. 5A shows a fifth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of heating unit 10 with tank 12, bottom mounting plate 18, bottom endcap 34, bottom cover 36, and blower unit 24 taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5B shows a sixth isolated cross-section view of the bottom of heating unit 10 with bottom mounting plate 18, bottom endcap 34, bottom cover 36, and blower unit 24 (with outlet 56) taken along 2-2 shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 5A and 5B will be discussed in tandem.

Here, FIGS. 5A and 5B provide a view of heating unit 10 with blower unit 24 attached to tank 12 at bottom mounting plate 18. Other element shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B include tank 12, outer wrap 16, bottom mounting plate 18 (inlet hole 38), blower unit 24, inner wrap 26, cooling chamber 28, first layer of windings 30, second layer of windings 32, bottom endcap 34, bottom cover 36 (with intermediate portion 44 and center portion 46),

In an embodiment, adapter 58 can be used to secure a connection between outlet 56 of blower unit 24 and lip 54 of bottom mounting plate 18. In another embodiment, blower unit 24 can be directly mounted to a portion of bottom mounting plate 18. In an embodiment, outlet 56 of blower unit 24 is in fluid communication with inlet hole 38 defined by bottom mounting plate 18.

In an embodiment, intermediate portion 44 (e.g., the conical or frustoconical portion) of bottom cover 36 is configured to direct airflow F_A radially outward as airflow F_A comes into contact with bottom cover 36. For example, as airflow F_A is blown out of blower unit 24 via outlet 56, airflow F_A comes into contact with and is deflected by center portion 46 and intermediate portion 44 of bottom cover 36. After airflow F is deflected and directed by center portion 46 and intermediate portion 44 of bottom cover 36, airflow F_A is guided radially outward toward and into cooling chamber 28.

Due to a center of inlet hole 38 and center portion 46 being positioned along axial centerline C_A, bottom cover 36 radially displaces airflow F_A such that the flow of air around cooling chamber 28 is consistent and uniform. In this way, heating unit with a bottom mounted blower unit 24 allows for a longer residence time of cooling air and a more uniform cooling envelope (e.g., thermal energy profile) relative to existing heating units with side mounted fan units.

FIG. 6 shows an isolated cross-section view of a top of the tank with a top mounting plate and a burner element. In this isolated view of a top of tank 12, a clear view of cooling chamber 28 and of airflow F_A into burner element 22 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, tank 12 includes top cover 60 and burner element 22 includes igniter 62 and flame tube 64. Top mounting plate 14 is mounted onto an end of outer wrap 16. Top cover 60 is mounted onto an end of inner wrap 26. Igniter 62 is connected to top mounting plate 14 and extends downward into and through a portion of flame tube 64. Igniter 62 is in fluid communication with cooling chamber 28 via flame tube 64 and a gap disposed between top mounting plate 14 and top cover 60. Flame tube 64 is connected to and coupled with a portion of top cover 60.

As airflow F_A reaches the top of cooling chamber 28, airflow F_A is directed radially inward toward burner element 22. As airflow F_A reaches burner element 22, airflow F_A is directed downward through top cover 60 and into flame tube 64. During certain sages of operation of heating unit 10, igniter 62 can be lit to create a flame thereby igniting airflow F_A passing through flame tube 64. Ignited airflow F_A is propelled downward into and through an internal chamber formed inside of inner wrap 26. In this way, liquid passing through outer first layer of windings 30 and second layer of windings 32 receives thermal energy from the flame of burner element 22 as the flame of burner element 22 is directed downward though tank 12.

As proposed in the present disclosure, heating unit 10 with the combination of a top mounter burner element 22 with the bottom mounted blower unit 24 enables heating unit to provide a more uniform cooling pattern about outer wrap 16 and enables a higher efficiency rate than existing heating unit designs.

Various Notes & Examples

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a lower unit. The tank defines top and bottom ends and includes an outer wrap, an inner wrap, and a cooling chamber. The outer wrap extends along an axial centerline defined by the tank. The inner wrap is disposed within the outer wrap. The cooling chamber is defined in-part by and is disposed between the inner and outer wraps along a radial direction of the tank. The burner element is disposed on the top end of the tank. The blower unit is disposed on the bottom end of the tank and is in fluid communication with the burner element via the cooling chamber. An outlet of the blower unit is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a bottom cover connected to the bottom end of the inner wrap and/or a bottom mounting plate affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap, wherein the bottom mounting plate can define an inlet hole passing through the bottom mounting plate.

Optionally, the outlet of the blower unit can be in fluid communication with the inlet hole defined by the bottom mounting plate.

Optionally, the bottom cover can be configured to direct a flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover.

Optionally, the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate can be located co-axially with the bottom mounting plate, wherein a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate can be aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

Optionally, a center of the blower outlet can be aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap, wherein the burner element can be mounted to the top mounting plate, wherein the burner element can be disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap and a bottom mounting plate affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap, wherein a portion of the cooling chamber can extend from the bottom mounting plate to the top mounting plate.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a spacer connecting to and disposed between the bottom mounting plate and the bottom cover.

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a bottom mounting plate. The tank defines a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end. The tank includes an outer wrap, an inner wrap, a cooling chamber, a bottom cover, and a bottom mounting plate. The outer wrap extends along an axial centerline defined by the tank. The outer wrap defines a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end. The inner wrap is disposed within the outer wrap. The cooling chamber is defined by and is disposed between the inner wrap and the outer wrap along a radial direction of the tank. The bottom cover is connected to the bottom end of the inner wrap. The bottom cover is configured to direct a flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover. The bottom mounting plate is affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap and defines an inlet hole passing through the bottom mounting plate. The burner element is disposed on the top end of the tank. The blower unit is disposed on the bottom end of the tank. An outlet of the blower unit is in fluid communication with the inlet hole defined by the bottom mounting plate.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

Optionally, a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate can be disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

Optionally, the bottom cover can comprise a conical portion configured to direct the flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover.

Optionally, the bottom mounting plate can comprise a disk, a collar connected to an outer perimeter of the disk and extending approximately perpendicular from the disk, and a lip connected to the disk around a perimeter of the inlet hole.

Optionally, the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate can be located co-axially with the bottom mounting plate, wherein a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate can be aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

Optionally, a center of the blower outlet can be aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap, wherein the burner element can be mounted to the top mounting plate, wherein the burner element can be disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

A heating unit for heating a fluid includes a tank, a burner element, and a blower unit. The tank defines a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end. The tank includes an inner wrap disposed within the outer wrap and an outer wrap extending along an axial centerline defined by the tank.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

Optionally, the tank can comprise a bottom cover disposed along the fluid flowpath, wherein the bottom cover can be configured to direct a flow of fluid in a radially outward direction.

Optionally, a portion of the bottom cover can comprise a conical shape, wherein the conical shape can be configured to direct the flow of fluid in a radially outward direction.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A heating unit for heating a fluid, the heating unit comprising: a tank defining a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end, the tank comprising: an outer wrap extending along an axial centerline defined by the tank;an inner wrap disposed within the outer wrap; anda cooling chamber defined in-part by and disposed between the inner wrap and the outer wrap along a radial direction of the tank; anda burner element disposed on the top end of the tank; anda blower unit disposed on the bottom end of the tank, wherein an outlet of the blower unit is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank, wherein the blower unit is in fluid communication with the burner element via the cooling chamber.

2. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises: a bottom cover connected to the bottom end of the inner wrap; anda bottom mounting plate affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap, wherein the bottom mounting plate defines an inlet hole passing through the bottom mounting plate.

3. The heating unit of claim 2, wherein the outlet of the blower unit is in fluid communication with the inlet hole defined by the bottom mounting plate.

4. The heating unit of claim 2, wherein the bottom cover is configured to direct a flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover.

5. The heating unit of claim 2, wherein the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate is located co-axially with the bottom mounting plate, wherein a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate is aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

6. The heating unit of claim 2, wherein a center of the blower outlet is aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

7. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises: a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap;wherein the burner element is mounted to the top mounting plate;wherein the burner element is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

8. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises: a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap; anda bottom mounting plate affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap;wherein a portion of the cooling chamber extends from the bottom mounting plate to the top mounting plate.

9. The heating unit of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises a spacer connecting to and disposed between the bottom mounting plate and the bottom cover.

10. A heating unit for heating a fluid, the heating unit comprising: a tank defining a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end, the tank comprising: an outer wrap extending along an axial centerline defined by the tank, the outer wrap defining a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end;an inner wrap disposed within the outer wrap;a cooling chamber defined by and disposed between the inner wrap and the outer wrap along a radial direction of the tank;a bottom cover connected to the bottom end of the inner wrap, wherein the bottom cover is configured to direct a flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover; anda bottom mounting plate affixed to the bottom end of the outer wrap, wherein the bottom mounting plate defines an inlet hole passing through the bottom mounting plate;a burner element disposed on the top end of the tank; anda blower unit disposed on the bottom end of the tank, wherein an outlet of the blower unit is in fluid communication with the inlet hole defined by the bottom mounting plate.

11. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

12. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein the bottom cover comprises a conical portion configured to direct the flow of fluid radially outward as the flow of fluid comes into contact with the bottom cover.

13. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein the bottom mounting plate comprises: a disk;a collar connected to an outer perimeter of the disk and extending approximately perpendicular from the disk; anda lip connected to the disk around a perimeter of the inlet hole.

14. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate is located co-axially with the bottom mounting plate, wherein a center of the inlet hole of the bottom mounting plate is aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

15. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein a center of the blower outlet is aligned along an axial direction of the tank with a center of the bottom cover.

16. The heating unit of claim 10, wherein the tank further comprises: a top mounting plate affixed to the top end of the outer wrap;wherein the burner element is mounted to the top mounting plate;wherein the burner element is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank.

17. A heating unit for heating a fluid, the heating unit comprising: a tank defining a top end and a bottom end disposed on an opposite end of the tank from the top end, the tank comprising: an outer wrap extending along an axial centerline defined by the tank; andan inner wrap disposed within the outer wrap; anda burner element disposed on the top end of the tank; anda blower unit disposed on the bottom end of the tank, wherein an outlet of the blower unit is disposed along the axial centerline of the tank;wherein the tank defines a fluid flowpath extending from the outlet of the blower unit to the burner element, wherein the fluid flowpath is defined in-part by and disposed between the inner wrap and the outer wrap along a radial direction of the tank, wherein the blower unit is in fluid communication with the burner element via the fluid flowpath.

18. The heating unit of claim 17, the tank further comprising a bottom cover disposed along the fluid flowpath, wherein the bottom cover is configured to direct a flow of fluid in a radially outward direction.

19. The heating unit of claim 17, wherein a portion of the bottom cover comprises a conical shape, wherein the conical shape is configured to direct the flow of fluid in a radially outward direction.