Waterproof housing and electric water heater

Abstract

The present invention discloses a housing with a waterproof function and an electric water heater. The housing with a waterproof function has an electrical installation area formed therein, a water retaining structure is further provided in the housing, the water retaining structure is arranged at the upper part of the electrical installation area, and a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the housing. By providing the water retaining structure inside the housing, water entering the housing is prevented from flowing onto the electrical components, thereby improving the waterproof effect and the reliability of the electric water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a housing with a waterproof function and an electric water heater. Background Art

[0002] At present, water heaters are household appliances commonly used in people's daily lives. Water heaters are divided into electric water heaters, electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters and solar water heaters. Electric water heaters are widely used because of their convenience. Among them, electric water heaters can be divided into storage electric water heaters and instant electric water heaters according to the size of heating power. Storage electric water heaters are equipped with a water tank, which has the characteristics of large water output and stable water temperature, and are purchased and used by more families.

[0003] The water heater in conventional technology usually has an outer shell, an inner tank, an insulation layer and an electric control box. Among them, the electric control box is generally located at the end of the outer shell and integrated inside the outer shell. With the promotion and use of non-cylindrical electric water heaters, the installation position of the electric control box has also changed. For example, Chinese Patent No. 201920635175.8 discloses an electric water heater whose inner tank adopts an oblate tube type, and electrical components such as a display screen and a control panel are installed on the front of the outer shell.

[0004] However, electric water heaters are generally installed in bathrooms. During use, the shell is easily wetted, and water enters the shell through the gaps in the shell and easily flows to the electrical components, causing damage to the electrical components. In view of this, how to design an electric water heater technology with good waterproof effect to improve the reliability of use is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a shell with waterproof function and an electric water heater. A water retaining structure is arranged inside the shell to prevent water entering the shell from flowing onto the electrical components, thereby improving the waterproof effect and the use reliability of the electric water heater.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a housing with a waterproof function, wherein an electrical installation area is formed in the housing, a water retaining structure is further provided in the housing, the water retaining structure is arranged on the upper part of the electrical installation area, and a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the water retaining structure includes a plurality of sub-water retaining structures, and the plurality of sub-water retaining structures are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the middle portion of the sub-water retaining structure is higher than the two end portions.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the housing comprises:

[0011] Back shell;

[0012] A lining plate, wherein the outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guiding ribs, the plurality of first water guiding ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the lining plate is also provided with the electrical installation area;

[0013] A front shell, wherein a plurality of second water-guiding ribs are disposed on the inner surface of the front shell, and the plurality of second water-guiding ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom;

[0014] The lining plate and the rear shell are connected together to form an installation cavity, the front shell is arranged on the lining plate and covers the lining plate, and the first water guide rib and the second water guide rib cooperate to form the sub-water retaining structure.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the first water guiding rib is located below the second water guiding rib.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, water guide grooves are respectively provided at two ends of the lining plate located at the first water guide rib, and the water guide grooves extend toward the outside.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the water guide groove is arranged to be inclined downward toward the outside.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the front housing includes:

[0019] A front panel, on which the second water-guiding rib is arranged;

[0020] A shell, wherein the middle portion of the shell is a hollow area, and the inner edge of the shell is provided with a water guide plate for cooperating with the water guide groove;

[0021] Wherein, the shell is arranged on the lining plate, the water guide plate is located in the water guide groove, and the front panel is arranged on the shell and covers the hollow area of ​​the shell.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, a guide groove for cooperating with the first water guide rib is provided on the lining plate, the guide groove is located above the corresponding first water guide rib, and the second water guide rib is inserted in the corresponding guide groove.

[0023] In one aspect, the present invention provides an electric water heater comprising the above-mentioned housing.

[0024] By arranging a water retaining structure inside the shell, the water retaining structure is arranged above the electrical installation area for installing electrical components. During actual use, when water enters the shell due to bath water spraying onto the electric water heater, the water entering the shell flows downward due to gravity and is blocked by the water retaining structure, thereby preventing water from directly flowing into the electrical installation area and causing damage to the electrical components. Moreover, under the guidance of the water retaining structure, the water flows down from both sides of the electrical installation area and is finally discharged from the outside of the shell through the drain hole, thereby improving the waterproof effect and improving the reliability of the electric water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a housing with a waterproof function according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a housing with a waterproof function of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the middle M region;

[0029] Figure 4 An exploded view of an embodiment of a housing with a waterproof function according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a lining plate in an embodiment of a housing with a waterproof function of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a shell in an embodiment of a shell with waterproof function of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the front panel of an embodiment of a housing with waterproof function of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electric water heater of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the middle A area;

[0035] Fig.10 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the middle B area;

[0036] Fig.11 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the C area in the middle.

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] Shell 1;

[0039] Electrical installation area 10;

[0040] The rear housing 11, the first screw hole 111, the mounting platform 112, the second positioning groove 113, the step surface 114, and the retaining rib 115;

[0041] The lining plate 12, the first through hole 121, the first clamping portion 122, the second screw hole 123, the first guide slot 124, the second guide slot 125, the positioning rib 126, and the extension edge 127;

[0042] A card slot 1221 and a first positioning slot 1222;

[0043] First water guide rib 1201, water guide groove 1202, guide groove 1203;

[0044] The front shell 13, the second clamping portion 130, the housing 131, the front panel 132, the second through hole 133, the groove 134, the slot 135, the second inserting tongue 136, and the extending portion 137;

[0045] The claw 1301, the first plug tongue 1302, the drainage hole 1303, the water guide plate 1311, and the second water guide rib 1321;

[0046] Installation opening 101, annular shielding portion 102;

[0047] Liner 2;

[0048] Flange connection port 201, connection frame 202;

[0049] Electric heating element 3;

[0050] Electronic control device 4;

[0051] Hanger 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "install", "connect", "connect", "fix" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0055] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0056] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to realize different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention can repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples, and this repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, which itself does not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides various specific examples of processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0057] An electric water heater uses electricity as its main energy source. The high-temperature heat generated after power is turned on directly heats the water stored in the electric water heater to prepare hot water.

[0058] An electric water heater usually includes a water tank, an electric heating component, an electronic control device and other components, wherein a water storage cavity is formed in the water tank to store the water to be heated, the electric heating component is inserted into the water storage cavity formed by the water tank, and the electronic control device is used to control the on and off operation of the electric heating component so that the water in the water tank is heated to a set temperature.

[0059] For the water tank of an electric water heater, the water tank generally includes an outer shell and an inner tank, and an insulation layer is formed between the outer shell and the inner tank. Among them, the outer shell is generally made of plastic material to meet the design requirements of beautiful and diverse shapes; the inner tank can be made of metal or plastic according to needs.

[0060] In addition, the insulation layer formed between the outer shell and the inner liner, commonly used insulation materials include: asbestos, sponge, foam plastic, polyurethane foam, etc. In conventional technology, in order to obtain a good insulation effect, the insulation layer is usually formed by foaming.

[0061] Among them, for the inner tank using a metal tank body, the interior of the inner tank is prone to corrosion due to the influence of water quality. For this reason, a magnesium rod is also configured on the water tank, and the magnesium rod is inserted into the water storage cavity inside the water tank.

[0062] Since magnesium is the metal with the lowest potential in the electrochemical series and is physiologically non-toxic, it is ideal for making magnesium rods to protect the inner liner. The size of the magnesium rod is directly related to the length of time the inner liner is protected and the size of the protective effect. The larger the magnesium rod, the better the protective effect and the longer the protection time.

[0063] The water tank is also provided with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe is used to transport cold water to the water storage cavity formed in the water tank, while the hot water in the water storage cavity is output from the water outlet pipe.

[0064] For the electric heating component, electric heating methods such as electric heating wire, magnetic energy or silicon tube heating can be used to heat the water stored in the water storage cavity.

[0065] As for the electronic control device, it is used to receive the detection signals sent by relevant sensors (such as water temperature sensors, flow sensors), and at the same time, control the power on and off operation of the electric heating components.

[0066] When the electric water heater is working, the electric control device controls the electric heating component to be powered on for heating. When the water temperature in the water tank reaches the set value, the electric control device controls the electric heating component to be powered off.

[0067] Embodiment 1: Figure 1-Figure 11 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a shell 1 for an electric water heater is used to install an inner tank 2 and an electronic control device 4, wherein the electronic control device 4 may include but is not limited to a power board, a thermostat, a display screen, an operation panel and other components.

[0068] In order to meet the waterproof installation requirements of the electronic control components, an electrical installation area 10 may be formed in the housing. A water retaining structure is also provided in the housing. The water retaining structure is arranged on the upper part of the electrical installation area 10. A drainage hole 1303 is provided at the bottom of the housing.

[0069] Specifically, during the actual assembly process, the electronic control device 4 is installed in the electrical installation area 10 set in the housing 1. Since a water retaining structure is arranged above the electrical installation area 10, the water retaining structure can be used to protect the electronic control device 4 below from water.

[0070] In actual use, the electric water heater using the housing 1 is generally hung on the wall of a bathroom. When the user is bathing, some water will fall onto the housing 1 due to splashing of bath water, and then the water will enter the interior of the housing 1 through the connection gap on the housing 1.

[0071] As for the water that penetrates into the top of the shell 1, during its downward flow, the water will first flow to the water retaining structure. The water will be blocked by the water retaining structure and will flow toward both sides, thereby preventing the water from flowing directly to the electronic control device 4 installed under the water retaining structure, thereby improving the waterproof effect of the shell 1 on the electronic control device 4.

[0072] In some embodiments, in order to better improve the waterproof effect, the water retaining structure includes a plurality of sub-water retaining structures, and the plurality of sub-water retaining structures are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0073] Specifically, a plurality of sub-water retaining structures are arranged above the electrical installation area 10, and the plurality of sub-water retaining structures can achieve multiple waterproof effects above the electrical control device 4. At the same time, the sub-water retaining structures located at different heights can also better provide waterproof protection for water seepage at different heights of the housing 1.

[0074] In a certain embodiment, in order to allow the water entering the housing 1 to be smoothly drained to the two sides of the electronic control device 4, the middle portion of the sub-water retaining structure is higher than the two end portions.

[0075] Specifically, the middle part of the sub-water retaining structure forms an arched structure, and the heights of the two ends of the sub-water retaining structure are relatively low. For water flowing onto the sub-water retaining structure, it can flow from the two ends to the two sides of the shell 1 through the sub-water retaining structure to allow the water to be discharged smoothly.

[0076] In some other embodiments, the housing comprises:

[0077] Back shell 11;

[0078] A lining plate 12, wherein the outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guide ribs 1201, the plurality of first water guide ribs 1201 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and the lining plate is also provided with an electrical installation area 10;

[0079] A front shell 13, wherein a plurality of second water guiding ribs 1321 are disposed on the inner surface of the front shell, and the plurality of second water guiding ribs 1321 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom;

[0080] The lining plate and the rear shell are connected together to form an installation cavity, the front shell is arranged on the lining plate and covers the lining plate, and the first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 cooperate to form the sub-water retaining structure.

[0081] Specifically, the outer shell 1 is assembled from a rear shell 11, a lining plate 12 and a front shell 13, wherein the electrical installation area 10 is formed on the lining plate 12. When the electric water heater is assembled, the inner tank 2 is located in the installation cavity formed by the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12, the electronic control device 4 is installed on the lining plate, and the front shell 13 is installed in the lining plate 12 and covers the electronic control device 4.

[0082] After the front shell 13 is mounted on the lining plate, the first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 cooperate to form a sub-water retaining structure. Preferably, an overlapping area is formed between the first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 in the vertical direction, for example, the first water guide rib 1201 can be located below the second water guide rib 1321. When water seeps into the shell, the water will be blocked by the second water guide rib 1321 and the first water guide rib 1201 in turn, so as to minimize the water from flowing directly onto the electric control device at the bottom.

[0083] In another embodiment, in order to better drain water to both sides of the housing 1, the lining plate is provided with water guide grooves 1202 at both ends of the first water guide rib 1201, and the water guide grooves 1202 extend toward the outside.

[0084] Specifically, water guide grooves 1202 are respectively arranged at the two ends of the first water guide rib 1201. Water is guided into the water guide grooves 1202 through the first water guide rib 1201, and then the water is drained to the two sides of the liner 12 through the water guide grooves 1202. Finally, the water flows to the bottom of the shell 1 under the action of gravity.

[0085] As for the water guide groove 1202, it is arranged to be inclined downward toward the outside. Specifically, the water guide groove 1202 arranged for cleaning can guide the water to flow obliquely downward, which is more conducive to allowing the water flowing downward to avoid the electronic control device.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the front shell comprises:

[0087] A front panel 132, on which a second water guide rib 1321 is disposed;

[0088] A shell 131, wherein the middle of the shell is a hollow area, and the inner edge of the shell is provided with a water guide plate 1311 for cooperating with the water guide groove 1202;

[0089] The shell is arranged on the lining plate, the water guide plate 1311 is located in the water guide groove 1202, and the front panel is arranged on the shell and covers the hollow area of ​​the shell.

[0090] Specifically, after the front shell is assembled on the lining plate, the water guide plate 1311 is arranged in the water guide groove 1202, and the water guide plate 1311 and the water guide groove 1202 cooperate with each other so that water can flow from both sides of the lining plate and the shell, respectively, to improve the drainage efficiency. As for the water guide plate 1311 in the water guide groove 1202, the water guide plate 1311 overlaps below the end of the first water guide rib 1201 at the corresponding height position. In this way, part of the water flowing down from the end of the first water guide rib 1201 will flow directly onto the water guide plate 1311, so that the water flows downward along both sides of the inner wall of the shell; the remaining part of the water flows downward smoothly along both sides of the outer wall of the lining plate through the water guide groove 1202, so as to disperse the water flow and improve the drainage effect.

[0091] In one embodiment, the lining plate is provided with a guide groove 1203 for cooperating with the first water guide rib 1201 , the guide groove 1203 is located above the corresponding first water guide rib 1201 , and the second water guide rib 1321 is inserted into the corresponding guide groove 1203 .

[0092] Specifically, the guide groove 1203 is recessed inwardly relative to the outer wall of the liner, so that the guide groove 1203 is used to further guide the flow direction of water and, at the same time, can further play a role in blocking water.

[0093] By arranging a water retaining structure inside the shell, the water retaining structure is arranged above the electrical installation area for installing electrical components. During actual use, when water enters the shell due to bath water spraying onto the electric water heater, the water entering the shell flows downward due to gravity and is blocked by the water retaining structure, thereby preventing water from directly flowing into the electrical installation area and causing damage to the electrical components. Moreover, under the guidance of the water retaining structure, the water flows down from both sides of the electrical installation area and is finally discharged from the outside of the shell through the drain hole, thereby improving the waterproof effect and improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0094] Based on the above-mentioned first embodiment, it should be noted that the housing of the embodiment of the present invention can be installed on a wall extending in a vertical direction or on a wall extending in a horizontal direction.

[0095] For the convenience of description, the structure of the shell is described below by taking the shell installed on a vertical wall as an example.

[0096] Embodiment 2: Figure 2-Figure 7 As shown, the housing 1 in the first embodiment above adopts a flat design, and the overall design adopts a curved surface to achieve a good appearance design effect.

[0097] In order to achieve a screw-free design from the front, the following structural design is adopted for the housing 1.

[0098] The edge of the rear housing 11 is provided with a first screw hole 111, and the back of the rear housing 11 forms a mounting surface;

[0099] A first through hole 121 is provided on the edge of the lining plate 12, a first clamping portion 122 is further provided on the outer surface of the lining plate 12, a mounting opening 101 is formed on the lining plate 12, and an annular shielding portion 102 is provided on the inner wall of the lining plate 12;

[0100] The inner surface of the front shell 13 is provided with a second clamping portion 130;

[0101] The lining plate 12 is connected to the rear shell 11 , the screw passes through the first through hole 121 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding first screw hole 111 , the front shell 13 covers the lining plate 12 , and the first clamping portion 122 is connected to the corresponding second clamping portion 130 .

[0102] The rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 in the outer shell 1 are connected by screws, and a mounting cavity is formed between the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 to mount the inner liner through the mounting cavity. The rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 are connected and fixed by screws, so that the two have sufficient structural connection strength to meet the structural strength requirements of the later foaming insulation layer between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner.

[0103] The connection process between the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 is as follows: after the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 are butted together, the first through hole 121 is aligned with the corresponding first screw hole 111, and then the screw is passed through the first through hole 121 and threaded into the first screw hole 111. In this way, the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 are firmly and reliably fastened together by the screw.

[0104] In order to achieve an appearance without exposed screws, the front shell 13 is mounted on the lining plate 12 by means of a clamping method. Specifically, after the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 are fixedly connected together, since the first through hole 121 on the lining plate 12 can be seen from the front of the housing 1, in order to prevent the first through hole 121 and the screw from being exposed in the overall appearance, the first through hole 121 is shielded by the front shell 13.

[0105] The connection process between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 is specifically as follows: the second clamping portion 130 on the front shell 13 is clamped together with the first clamping portion 122 at the corresponding position on the lining plate 12 to realize the clamping of the front shell 13 on the lining plate 12. At the same time, the first through hole 121 is shielded by the front shell 13, so that the first through hole 121 is not visible from the outside of the housing assembly, achieving an overall appearance effect of no exposed screws. In addition, due to the clamping method, the clamping connection part is shielded by the front shell 13 to optimize the appearance effect.

[0106] In some embodiments, the specific entities of the first clamping portion 122 and the second clamping portion 130 may adopt various structural forms, which are described below by way of example.

[0107] The second clamping portion 130 includes a clamping claw 1301 , and the first clamping portion 122 includes a clamping slot 1221 . The clamping claw 1301 is clamped in the clamping slot 1221 .

[0108] Specifically, when the front shell 13 is connected to the lining plate 12 by snap-fitting, the claw 1301 is inserted into the slot 1221 , and the claw 1301 cooperates with the slot 1221 to connect the front shell 13 to the lining plate 12 .

[0109] In order to improve the connection strength, the second clamping portion 130 further includes a first inserting tongue 1302 , and the first clamping portion 122 further includes a first positioning groove 1222 , and the first inserting tongue 1302 is inserted into the first positioning groove 1222 .

[0110] Specifically, during assembly, the first inserting tongue 1302 will first be inserted into the first positioning groove 1222 to pre-position the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12, and then the claw 1301 will be clamped in the clamping groove 1221 to complete the assembly between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12.

[0111] The opening directions of the first positioning groove 1222 and the slot 1221 are arranged in opposite directions. In this way, the connection part formed by the latch tongue and the slot 1221 and the connection part formed by the first plug tongue 1302 and the first positioning groove 1222 cooperate with each other, so that the front shell 13 can be more firmly and reliably installed and fixed on the outer wall of the liner 12.

[0112] In another embodiment, since the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302 are both located on the inner wall of the front shell 13, during assembly, the inner wall of the front shell 13 cooperates with the outer wall of the lining plate 12, making it difficult for the operator to accurately insert the first tongue 1302 into the positioning groove.

[0113] To this end, a first guide slot 124 and a second guide slot 125 may be provided on the outer surface of the lining plate 12 , wherein the first guide slot 124 extends to the clamping slot 1221 , and the second guide slot 125 extends to the positioning slot.

[0114] Specifically, during assembly, the operator may first place the claw 1301 in the first guide slot 124 , and at the same time place the first inserting tongue 1302 in the second guide slot 125 .

[0115] Then, the operator slides the front housing 13 along the first guide slot 124 and the second guide slot 125 , so that the first inserting tongue 1302 is accurately inserted into the first positioning slot 1222 , and finally the claw 1301 is clamped in the clamping slot 1221 .

[0116] Under the guiding action of the first guiding slot 124 and the second guiding slot 125 , the guiding slot can cooperate with the first inserting tongue 1302 and the claw 1301 to guide the front shell 13 to slide.

[0117] Furthermore, in the initial stage of installation, the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 can be at a greater distance to facilitate the operator to observe the positions of the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302, thereby ensuring that the claw 1301 and the first tongue 1302 are accurately placed in the corresponding guide slots.

[0118] Then, during the sliding process along the guide slot, the distance between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 gradually decreases, and the operator relies on the guiding effect of the guide slot to ensure that the first inserting tongue 1302 is inserted into the first positioning slot 1222 first.

[0119] Finally, the claw 1301 is locked in the slot 1221 so that the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 are firmly connected together.

[0120] In other embodiments, in order to further improve the connection strength between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12, the following structural improvements are made to the front shell 13.

[0121] A second clamping portion 130 is provided on the shell 131, and a second through hole 133 is also provided on the shell 131; wherein, a second screw hole 123 is also provided on the lining plate 12, the screw passes through the second through hole 133 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding second screw hole 123, and the front panel 132 covers the second through hole 133 and is provided on the front panel 132.

[0122] Specifically, the front shell 13 adopts a split design, and the shell 131 as the main body is mounted on the lining plate 12 through the second clamping portion 130 and the first clamping portion 122. At the same time, the shell 131 and the lining plate 12 are further firmly connected together by screws. As for the screws connecting the shell 131 and the lining plate 12, they are shielded by the front panel 132 to meet the appearance design requirement that no screws are exposed on the front of the housing 1.

[0123] In one embodiment, the housing 131 is provided with a groove 134 , the second through hole 133 is located in the groove 134 , and the front panel 132 is disposed in the groove 134 .

[0124] Specifically, a groove 134 is provided on the front of the housing 131, and the front panel 132 is placed in the groove 134, so that the front of the housing 1 is flatter. At the same time, for the second through hole 133, the second through hole 133 is located in the groove 134, so that after the front panel 132 is assembled into the groove 134, the second through hole 133 can be covered by the front panel 132.

[0125] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate and securely mount the front panel 132 on the housing 131 , a slot 135 is further provided in the groove 134 , and a second inserting tongue 136 is provided on the front panel 132 , and the inserting tongue is disposed in the corresponding slot 135 .

[0126] Specifically, after the housing 131 is mounted on the liner 12, the front panel 132 is inserted into the corresponding slot 135 through the tongues configured thereon to complete the installation. The tongues and slots 135 cooperate with each other, so that the front of the housing 1 achieves an appearance effect of no exposed screws.

[0127] Among them, in order to further improve the connection reliability of the front panel 132, an extension portion 137 extending toward the lining plate 12 is provided on the front panel 132, and a third screw hole (not shown) is provided on the extension portion 137, and a countersunk hole (not shown) is provided on the shell 131, and the screw passes through the countersunk hole and is threadedly connected in the third screw hole.

[0128] Specifically, in order to meet the requirements of the appearance design, the extension part 137 can be arranged at the upper part or the lower part of the front panel 132 according to the different installation positions of the housing 1. The extension part 137 is formed at the bottom of the front panel 132, and correspondingly, a countersunk hole is provided at the bottom of the housing 131. After the front panel 132 is connected by the insertion tongue and the slot 135, it is further connected and fixed from the bottom by screws.

[0129] Preferably, a removable plug (not shown) can also be provided on the countersunk hole. After the front panel 132 is fixed to the shell 131 by screws, the plug is used to cover the screws in the countersunk hole, further satisfying the design of no exposed screws on the front appearance of the shell 1.

[0130] In some embodiments, in order to facilitate operators to quickly assemble the liner 12 and the rear shell 11 on site, a mounting platform 112 is provided on the inner wall of the rear shell 11 , and the first threaded hole is provided on the mounting platform 112 .

[0131] Specifically, during the assembly process, the mounting platform 112 can support and position the lining plate 12 to facilitate operators to quickly connect and assemble the lining plate 12 and the rear shell 11 together.

[0132] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate the positioning and assembly of the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 , a second positioning groove 113 may be provided on the mounting platform 112 , and the edge of the lining plate 12 is stuck in the second positioning groove 113 .

[0133] Specifically, during the process of assembling the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 , the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 may be pre-assembled together by first inserting the edge of the lining plate 12 into the second positioning groove 113 .

[0134] Then, the relative position between the rear housing 11 and the backing plate 12 is adjusted so that the first through hole 121 is aligned with the first screw hole 111 .

[0135] Finally, the screw is passed through the first through hole 121 and threaded into the first screw hole 111 , so that the rear housing 11 and the liner plate 12 are firmly and reliably assembled together.

[0136] In order to accurately locate the positional relationship between the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 to improve assembly accuracy, a step surface 114 may be provided on the inner wall of the rear shell 11 , and a positioning rib 126 may be provided on the outer wall of the lining plate 12 , and the positioning rib 126 abuts against the step surface 114 .

[0137] Specifically, during the process of assembling the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12, the process of pre-positioning through the positioning groove is referred to so that the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12 are pre-assembled together. At the same time, after the edge of the lining plate 12 is inserted into the positioning groove, the positioning rib 126 on the lining plate 12 will abut against the step surface 114, thereby accurately positioning the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12, so as to improve the overall assembly quality of the housing assembly.

[0138] In one embodiment, a retaining rib 115 is further provided on the edge of the rear shell 11 , and the retaining rib 115 is located outside the step surface 114 . An extended edge 127 is provided on the edge of the front shell 13 , and the extended edge 127 surrounds the outside of the retaining rib 115 .

[0139] Specifically, the front shell 13 can cover the entire outer surface of the lining plate 12, and the front shell 13 can block the lining plate 12 as a whole outside the lining plate 12, thereby optimizing the visual effect of the appearance. At the same time, for the retaining ribs 115 formed on the edge of the rear shell 11, on the one hand, during assembly, the retaining ribs 115 can be pre-positioned in cooperation with the extended edge 127 to improve assembly efficiency and accuracy; on the other hand, the retaining ribs 115 are blocked by the extended edge 127 formed on the edge of the front shell 13, which is more conducive to improving the overall appearance effect.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, for the docking area between the front shell 13 and the rear shell 11, the edge of the front shell 13 is designed to be aligned with the edge of the rear shell 11, thereby reducing the size of the connection gap generated in the docking area between the front shell 13 and the rear shell 11.

[0141] In addition, the number of connection points between the rear shell 11 and the lining plate 12, as well as the number of connection points between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12, are mainly designed in accordance with the overall size of the outer shell assembly.

[0142] For example, a plurality of mounting platforms 112 may be disposed on the edge of the rear shell 11 , and the plurality of mounting platforms 112 are distributed along the edge of the rear shell 11 .

[0143] Correspondingly, the backing plate 12 is provided with first through holes 121 of a number corresponding to the mounting platforms 112 , so that the rear housing 11 and the backing plate 12 can be connected and fixed by a plurality of screws.

[0144] Similarly, there are multiple snap-fit ​​connections between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12, which are not limited here.

[0145] The front shell and the rear shell are indirectly connected together by using a lining plate, and the lining plate and the rear shell are tightly connected together by screws to meet the overall structural strength requirements of the shell. The front shell is connected to the lining plate by a snap-on method, and the front shell covers the lining plate and then covers the screws, so that the overall effect of the shell achieves an appearance effect without exposed screws, thereby optimizing the overall appearance of the shell to improve user experience.

[0146] Embodiment 3: Based on the flat structure shell 1 in the above embodiment 2, the present invention also provides an electric water heater, which uses a water tank with a flat design to reduce the effective space occupied by the electric water heater in the room, and the water tank includes a shell 1, an inner tank 2 and an electric heating component 3 assembled together.

[0147] Among them, since the outer shell 1 and the inner pot 2 are both flat structures, the following structural improvements are made to the outer shell 1, the inner pot 2 and the electric heating component 3 accordingly.

[0148] A mounting opening 101 is provided on the front of the housing 1 , and an annular shielding portion 102 is further provided on the inner wall of the housing 1 . The annular shielding portion 102 is arranged around the mounting opening 101 .

[0149] Inner liner: A flange connection port 201 is provided on the front of the inner liner 2.

[0150] The inner tank 2 is located in the outer shell 1 , the annular shielding portion 102 surrounds the outer side of the flange connection port 201 , an insulation layer (not shown) is arranged between the outer shell 1 and the inner tank 2 , and the electric heating component 3 is arranged on the flange connection port 201 and extends into the interior of the inner tank 2 .

[0151] Specifically, the water tank as a whole adopts a flat design, and its thickness dimension is smaller than the height and length dimensions. In order to meet the installation requirements of the electric heating component 3, and at the same time, also meet the later maintenance requirements of the electric heating component 3, an installation port 101 is arranged at the front of the outer shell 1, and correspondingly, a flange connection port 201 is arranged at the front of the inner tank 2.

[0152] When the electric heating component 3 needs to be assembled, the electric heating component 3 can be inserted from the installation opening 101 and extended into the inner pot 2 through the flange connection opening 201 to complete the assembly. Similarly, when the electric heating component 3 is later repaired and replaced, the electric heating component 3 can be disassembled from the inner pot 2 through the installation opening 101 and easily taken out.

[0153] Meanwhile, for a water tank with a flat structure, the electric heating component 3 is installed at the front of the inner tank 2 to fully utilize the area of ​​the front surface of the inner tank 2 to firmly and reliably install the electric heating component 3 .

[0154] More importantly, during foaming, in order to reduce or avoid the foaming material from overflowing around the flange connection port 201 of the inner liner 2, an annular shielding portion 102 extending toward the flange connection port 201 is formed on the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The annular shielding portion 102 is a cylindrical structure as a whole and surrounds the periphery of the installation port 101. After the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the annular shielding portion 102 will surround the periphery of the flange connection port 201, thereby forming an area between the annular shielding portion 102 and the flange connection port 201 for blocking the leakage of the foaming material.

[0155] A foaming cavity is formed between the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2. After the foaming material is injected into the foaming cavity, when the foaming material flows to the flange connection port 201, the foaming material can be blocked by the annular shielding portion 102, thereby reducing the leakage of the foaming material from the flange connection port 201.

[0156] In some embodiments, in order to improve the effect of preventing overflow, the edge of the annular shielding portion 102 is pressed against the outer wall of the inner container 2.

[0157] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is loaded into the outer shell 1 , the edge of the annular shielding portion 102 will be attached to the outer wall of the inner liner 2 , so that during the foaming process, the annular shielding portion 102 can better prevent the foaming material from leaking from the flange connection port 201 .

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, for ease of assembly, a gap is formed between the edge of the annular shielding portion 102 and the outer wall of the liner 2. Further, in order to reduce the leakage of the foaming material from the gap, a first flexible sealing portion (not shown) may be provided outside the annular shielding portion 102, and the first flexible sealing portion shields the gap.

[0159] Specifically, during the assembly process, the first flexible sealing portion is firstly wrapped around the outside of the annular shielding portion 102 and extended to the edge of the annular shielding portion 102. After the liner 2 is installed into the outer shell 1, since the first flexible sealing portion is elastic and can be deformed, the first flexible sealing portion will be tightly pressed against the outer wall of the liner 2, so as to effectively seal the gap formed between the annular shielding portion 102 and the liner 2 through the first flexible sealing portion.

[0160] Similarly, a second flexible sealing portion may be provided outside the flange connection port 201 , and the second flexible sealing portion covers the gap.

[0161] Specifically, during the assembly process, a second flexible sealing portion is firstly wound around the flange connection port 201 on the inner liner 2. After the inner liner 2 is installed into the outer shell 1, since the second flexible sealing portion is elastic and can be deformed, the annular shielding portion 102 is pressed on the second flexible sealing portion, so that the gap formed between the annular shielding portion 102 and the inner liner 2 is effectively sealed by the second flexible sealing portion.

[0162] In actual use, the specific entity of the flexible sealing part may be a rubber cotton or a sealing gasket, etc., which will not be limited or elaborated herein.

[0163] In another embodiment, in order to better block the foaming material flowing toward the flange connection port 201 through the annular shielding portion 102 , the outer diameter of the annular shielding portion 102 gradually decreases along the direction from the installation port 101 to the flange connection port 201 .

[0164] Specifically, the cross-section of the annular shielding portion 102 is a trumpet-mouth structure, and the port size of the annular shielding portion 102 relative to the inner liner 2 is relatively small. The outer wall of the annular shielding portion 102 forms an inclined surface. On the one hand, the smaller port is used to prevent the foaming material from overflowing, and on the other hand, the inclined outer wall is used to ensure that the foaming material can flow along it to evenly distribute the foaming material outside the inner liner 2.

[0165] In some embodiments, in order to effectively locate the position of the inner liner 2 in the outer shell 1 before foaming, so as to avoid the inner liner 2 from shifting in the outer shell 1 during the foaming process, a connecting frame 202 is provided on the back of the inner liner 2, and a threaded hole (not marked) is provided on the connecting frame 202. Correspondingly, a hanging frame 100 is provided on the back of the outer shell 1, and a mounting hole (not marked) is provided on the hanging frame 100; the bolt passes through the mounting hole and extends into the inner thread of the outer shell 1 to be connected to the threaded hole, and the connecting frame 202 abuts against the inner wall of the outer shell 1.

[0166] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is loaded into the outer shell 1 , the inner liner 2 is fixed to the outer shell 1 via the connecting frame 202 . Meanwhile, the connecting frame 202 is connected to the hanger 100 via bolts and serves to install the hanger 100 .

[0167] In another embodiment, the installation opening 101 is formed on the front of the housing 1. In order to optimize the appearance, the installation opening 101 can be shielded by a front panel 132 configured on the front of the housing 1. During normal use, the front panel 132 is fixed to the front of the housing 1 to shield the installation opening 101, and when the electric heating component 3 needs to be repaired, the front panel 132 is removed.

[0168] By configuring a mounting port at the front of the shell to meet the requirements of installation and subsequent maintenance of the electric heating component, at the same time, an annular shielding portion extending inward is formed around the mounting port inside the shell, and the annular shielding portion surrounds the periphery of the flange connection port of the inner tank. Since the annular shielding portion cooperates with the front surface of the inner tank, the outer periphery of the flange connection port can be better prevented from overflowing. In this way, during the foaming process, after the foaming material flows into between the shell and the inner tank, the foaming material flows to the flange connection port of the inner tank and can be blocked by the annular shielding portion to reduce overflow of the foaming material, thereby improving the foaming quality and improving the product quality.

[0169] Based on the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, the embodiment of the present invention further has the following structural design for the housing 1 .

[0170] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0171] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing with waterproof function, characterized in that: An electrical installation area is formed in the housing, a water retaining structure is also provided in the housing, the water retaining structure is arranged on the upper part of the electrical installation area, and a drainage hole is provided at the bottom of the housing; The water retaining structure comprises a plurality of sub-water retaining structures, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the middle part of the sub-water retaining structure is higher than the two end parts; The housing comprises: Back shell; A lining plate, wherein the outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guiding ribs, the plurality of first water guiding ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the lining plate is also provided with the electrical installation area; A front shell, wherein a plurality of second water-guiding ribs are disposed on the inner surface of the front shell, and the plurality of second water-guiding ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom; The lining plate and the rear shell are connected together to form an installation cavity, the front shell is arranged on the lining plate and covers the lining plate, and the first water guide rib and the second water guide rib cooperate to form the sub-water retaining structure.

2. The housing with waterproof function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first water guiding rib is located below the second water guiding rib.

3. The housing with waterproof function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lining plate is provided with water guide grooves at both ends of the first water guide rib, and the water guide grooves extend outward.

4. The housing with waterproof function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water guide groove is arranged to be inclined downward toward the outside.

5. The housing with waterproof function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front shell comprises: A front panel, on which the second water-guiding rib is arranged; A shell, wherein the middle portion of the shell is a hollow area, and the inner edge of the shell is provided with a water guide plate for cooperating with the water guide groove; Wherein, the shell is arranged on the lining plate, the water guide plate is located in the water guide groove, and the front panel is arranged on the shell and covers the hollow area of ​​the shell.

6. The housing with waterproof function according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The lining plate is provided with a guide groove for cooperating with the first water guide rib, the guide groove is located above the corresponding first water guide rib, and the second water guide rib is inserted in the corresponding guide groove.

7. An electric water heater, characterized in that: It comprises a shell with waterproof function as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images