Housing for electric water heater and electric water heater

Abstract

The present invention discloses a housing for an electric water heater and the electric water heater. The housing comprises a front housing, the inner wall of which is provided with a water retaining rib; a rear housing; and a cover housing containing an electronic control device. The cover housing is provided on the inner wall of the front housing, and the water retaining rib covers the upper edge of the cover housing. This simplifies the assembly process and improves waterproof performance, thereby enhancing the reliability of the electric water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a housing for an electric water heater and the 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.

[0003] Electric water heaters in conventional technology usually adopt a cylindrical structure, with an electric heating tube installed at the end of the inner tank, and a foaming material is filled between the outer shell and the inner tank to form an insulation layer. With the continuous advancement of technology, flat water tanks have been widely promoted and used due to their small space occupation. For example, Chinese Patent No. 201920635175.8 discloses an electric water heater, both the outer shell and the inner tank adopt a flat structure. In order to facilitate the operator to operate the electric water heater, usually, an independent operation panel is additionally configured on the outer shell. The independently configured operation panel is assembled from the outside of the outer shell to the outer shell during the assembly structure. During use, it is easy for the outer shell to be wetted by water, which in turn causes the circuit board in the operation panel to short-circuit and malfunction.

[0004] In view of this, how to design an electric water heater technology that is easy to assemble and has improved waterproof performance is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a housing for an electric water heater and the electric water heater, which simplifies the assembly process and improves the waterproof performance, thereby improving the 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 for an electric water heater, comprising:

[0008] A front shell, wherein the inner wall of the front shell is provided with a water retaining rib;

[0009] Back shell;

[0010] a cover housing in which an electric control device is disposed;

[0011] Wherein, the cover shell is arranged on the inner wall of the front shell, and the water retaining rib covers the upper edge of the cover shell.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, both ends of the water retaining rib are respectively provided with ribs extending toward each other, and the ribs are located on the outside of the cover shell.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, a positioning slot is provided on the water retaining rib, and an upwardly protruding positioning protrusion is provided on the upper edge of the cover shell, and the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning slot.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the front shell includes a shell and a front panel, the middle part of the shell is a hollow area, and the front panel is arranged on the shell and covers the hollow area; the water retaining rib is arranged on the front panel, and the cover shell is arranged on the front panel.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the front panel is provided with a button area and a display area;

[0016] The electronic control device includes a touch button and a display. The touch button is arranged in the button area, and the display is located in the display area.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, a partition is provided in the housing, and the partition separates the housing into a first electrical installation area and a second electrical installation area;

[0018] The touch buttons and the display are arranged in the first electrical installation area. The electronic control device further includes a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is arranged in the second electrical installation area.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the following further comprises:

[0020] a lining plate, wherein a first through hole is provided on the lining plate;

[0021] A mounting platform is provided on the inner wall of the rear shell, and a first screw hole is provided on the mounting platform;

[0022] The rear shell is butted against the lining plate, a screw passes through the first through hole and is threadedly connected to the first screw hole, and the shell is clamped on the outside of the lining plate.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the lining plate is provided with a mounting groove, and a power board is provided in the mounting groove;

[0024] The outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guide ribs, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the first water guide ribs are located above the installation groove;

[0025] The inner wall of the front panel is provided with a plurality of second water guide ribs, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The second water guide ribs are located above the water retaining ribs, and the first water guide ribs and the second water guide ribs form an overlapping area.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, 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.

[0027] In one aspect, the present invention provides an electric water heater comprising the above-mentioned housing.

[0028] By setting the cover shell on the inner wall of the front shell and arranging the electronic control device between the cover shell and the front shell, the user can perform touch operations on the outside of the front shell. In this way, there is no need to assemble an operation panel on the outside of the shell, so as to simplify the assembly process; at the same time, by setting water retaining ribs on the inner wall of the front shell, during actual use, even if the shell is splashed with water and water seeps into the inside of the shell, the water retaining ribs can be used to block the water flowing down from the top of the front shell to prevent water from entering the cover shell, thereby waterproofing the electronic control device, improving the waterproof performance, and improving the reliability of the electric water heater. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to 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 any creative labor.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a housing for an electric water heater according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 An exploded view of an embodiment of a housing for an electric water heater according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a second structural diagram of an embodiment of a housing for an electric water heater according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the middle M region;

[0034] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the front shell and the cover shell in one embodiment of the housing for an electric water heater of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Assembly exploded view in ;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a housing in one embodiment of an electric water heater housing of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the front panel of an embodiment of the housing for an electric water heater of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9This is a schematic structural diagram of a lining plate in an embodiment of a housing for an electric water heater of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electric water heater of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of area A in the middle;

[0041] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in the middle;

[0042] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the middle C area.

[0043] Description of reference numerals:

[0044] Shell 1;

[0045] Back cover 11, first screw hole 111, mounting platform 112, second positioning groove 113, step surface 114, retaining rib 115;

[0046] Lining plate 12, first through hole 121, first clamping portion 122, second screw hole 123, first guide slot 124, second guide slot 125, positioning rib 126, extension edge 127, mounting slot 128;

[0047] Card slot 1221, first positioning slot 1222;

[0048] First water guide rib 1201, water guide groove 1202, guide groove 1203;

[0049] Front shell 13, second clamping portion 130, housing 131, front panel 132, second through hole 133, groove 134, slot 135, second inserting tongue 136, extension portion 137, water retaining rib 138;

[0050] The claw 1301, the first inserting tongue 1302, the drainage hole 1303, the water guide plate 1311, the second water guide rib 1321, the rib 1381, the positioning slot 1382, the button area 1322 and the display area 1323;

[0051] Cover 14;

[0052] Positioning protrusion 141, partition 142;

[0053] Mounting port 101, annular shielding portion 102;

[0054] Liner 2;

[0055] Flange connection port 201, connection frame 202;

[0056] Electric heating component 3;

[0057] Electronic control device 4;

[0058] Power board 41, display 42, touch button 43, wireless communication module 44;

[0059] Hanger 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only 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 making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for ease of description and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components described must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, these terms may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0063] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being 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 the first feature being directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0064] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0065] An electric water heater uses electricity as its main energy source. The high-temperature heat generated when powered on directly heats the water stored in the electric water heater to prepare hot water.

[0066] An electric water heater usually consists of a water tank, an electric heating component, and an electronic control device. 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. 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 the set temperature.

[0067] The water tank of an electric water heater generally consists of an outer shell and an inner tank, with an insulation layer between the outer shell and the inner tank. The outer shell is usually made of plastic to meet the requirements of aesthetic and diverse design. The inner tank can be made of metal or plastic depending on the needs.

[0068] In addition, the insulation layer formed between the outer shell and the inner liner is made of commonly used insulation materials such as 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.

[0069] Among them, for the inner tank with a metal 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.

[0070] Because magnesium has the lowest potential in the electrochemical series and is physiologically non-toxic, it is ideal for use as a magnesium rod to protect the inner liner. The size of the magnesium rod directly affects the duration and effectiveness of the protective effect. The larger the magnesium rod, the better the protection and the longer the protection lasts.

[0071] The water tank is also provided with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe is used to deliver 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Example 1: Figures 1-9 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 41, a thermostat, a display 42, a touch button 43 and other components.

[0076] Among them, in order to simplify the assembly process of the shell 1 and provide waterproof protection for the electronic control device 4, the shell 1 includes a rear shell 11, a front shell 13 and a cover shell 14, and the inner wall of the front shell is provided with a water retaining rib 138; wherein, the cover shell 14 is arranged on the inner wall of the front shell, the water retaining rib 138 covers the upper edge of the cover shell 14, and the display 42 and the touch button 43 are arranged in the cavity structure formed between the cover shell 14 and the front shell 13.

[0077] Specifically, during the assembly process, the display 42 and the touch buttons 43 are pre-installed in the cover 14, and then the cover 14 is installed on the inner wall of the front shell 13. Then, the rear shell 11 and the front shell 13 are assembled together to complete the assembly process.

[0078] In this way, there is no need to additionally install fixed components such as an operation panel and a display on the outside of the housing 1, thereby effectively simplifying the assembly process.

[0079] In actual use, the electric water heater using the housing 1 is generally hung on the wall of a bathroom. When the user takes a bath, some water splashes onto the housing 1 due to the splashing of the bath water, and then the water enters the interior of the housing 1 through the connection gap on the housing 1.

[0080] When water falls on the housing 1 and enters the interior of the housing 1, the water flowing downward on the inner wall of the front housing 13 will be blocked by the water retaining ribs 138 and flow toward the sides, thereby bypassing the cover 14 below the water retaining ribs 138, thereby reducing or preventing water from entering the cover 14 and causing damage to the display 42 and touch buttons 43.

[0081] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate quick assembly by operators, a positioning slot 1382 is provided on the water retaining rib 138 , and an upwardly protruding positioning protrusion 141 is provided on the upper edge of the cover shell 14 , and the positioning protrusion 141 is inserted into the positioning slot 1382 .

[0082] Specifically, during assembly, after installing the display 42 and touch buttons 43 in the housing 14, the operator first inserts the positioning protrusions 141 on the upper portion of the housing 14 into the corresponding positioning slots 1382 to pre-position the housing 14. The housing 14 is then secured to the front housing with screws. The water retaining ribs 138 and the ribs 1381 on both sides further position the housing 14, making it easier for the operator to accurately install the housing 14.

[0083] In some embodiments, in order to prevent water from entering the housing 14 from the side, both ends of the water retaining rib 138 are respectively provided with ribs 1381 extending toward each other, and the ribs 1381 are located on the outside of the housing 14 .

[0084] Specifically, after the water flowing down from the top of the front shell 13 is blocked by the water retaining ribs 138, the water will flow to the sides of the water retaining ribs 138, and then continue to flow along the ribs 1381 on both sides. Under the action of the ribs 1381, water will not enter the inside of the cover 14 from the side, thereby better waterproof protection.

[0085] In one embodiment, in order to facilitate subsequent maintenance operations, the front shell includes a shell 131 and a front panel 132. The middle part of the shell 131 is a hollow area. The front panel 132 is arranged on the shell 131 and covers the hollow area; the water retaining rib 138 is arranged on the front panel 132, and the cover shell 14 is arranged on the front panel 132.

[0086] Specifically, the front panel 132 and the shell 131 are installed in a detachable manner. When the electric water heater in the user's home has an electrical control failure and needs to be repaired, the front panel 132 can be removed from the shell 131, and then the cover 14 can be opened to repair the display 42 and touch buttons 43 on the cover 14.

[0087] In addition, for the convenience of users' actual operation, the front panel 132 is provided with a button area 1322 and a display area 1323 ; the touch button 43 is provided in the button area 1322 , and the display 42 is located in the display area 1323 .

[0088] Specifically, the inner wall of the front panel 132 forms a corresponding button area 1322 and a display area 1323, and the image or text displayed on the display 42 can be viewed by the user through the front panel 132. At the same time, the user can touch the corresponding position on the outer side of the front panel 132 to operate the touch button 43 in the button area 1322, thereby meeting the user's requirements for controlling the electric water heater.

[0089] In a certain embodiment, a partition 142 is provided in the cover 14, and the partition 142 separates the cover 14 into a first electrical installation area and a second electrical installation area; the touch button 43 and the display 42 are arranged in the first electrical installation area, and the electronic control device also includes a wireless communication module 44, which is arranged in the second electrical installation area.

[0090] Specifically, with the continuous development of smart home appliance technology, electric water heaters have also participated in the smart home scenario, and the wireless communication module 44 is arranged on the front panel 132 to meet the requirements of smooth signal transmission and reception of the wireless communication module 44. The wireless communication module 44 can be a conventional WIFI module, GPRS module, or Bluetooth module, etc., and is not limited here.

[0091] Example 2: Figures 1-9 As shown, in order to meet the waterproof installation requirements of the electronic control device 4, an electrical installation area can be formed in the shell, and a water retaining structure is also provided in the shell. The water retaining structure is arranged on the upper part of the electrical installation area, and a drainage hole 1303 is provided at the bottom of the shell.

[0092] Specifically, during the actual assembly process, the power board 41, display 42, touch button 43, and wireless communication module 44 are installed in the electrical installation area set in the shell 1. Since a water retaining structure is arranged above the electrical installation area, the water retaining structure can be used to provide water protection for the electronic control device 4 below.

[0093] As for the water that seeps 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 onto 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Specifically, multiple sub-water retaining structures are arranged above the electrical installation area, and the use of multiple sub-water retaining structures can achieve multiple waterproof effects above the electronic control device 4. At the same time, the sub-water retaining structures located at different heights can also better protect the housing 1 from water seepage at different heights.

[0096] In one embodiment, in order to allow the water entering the housing 1 to be smoothly drained to both sides of the electronic control device 4 , the middle portion of the sub-water retaining structure is higher than the two end portions.

[0097] 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 diversion of the sub-water retaining structure, so that the water can be discharged smoothly.

[0098] Among them, in order to facilitate the installation of the power board 41, the shell 1 also includes: a lining plate 12, which is provided with a first through hole 121; a mounting platform 112 is provided on the inner wall of the rear shell, and a first screw hole 111 is provided on the mounting platform; wherein, the rear shell and the lining plate are docked together, the screw passes through the first through hole and is threadedly connected in the first screw hole, and the shell 131 is clamped on the outside of the lining plate.

[0099] The lining plate is provided with a mounting groove 128, in which a power supply board 41 is provided; the outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guide ribs 1201, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the first water guide ribs are located above the mounting groove 128;

[0100] The inner wall of the front panel 132 is provided with multiple second water guide ribs 1321, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The second water guide ribs are located above the water retaining rib 138. The first water guide rib and the second water guide rib form an overlapping area. The first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 cooperate to form the sub-water retaining structure.

[0101] Specifically, after the front housing 13 is mounted on the lining, the first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 cooperate to form a sub-water retaining structure. The first water guide rib 1201 and the second water guide rib 1321 vertically overlap, for example, so that the first water guide rib 1201 is positioned below the second water guide rib 1321. When water seeps into the housing, it is blocked by both the second water guide rib 1321 and the first water guide rib 1201, minimizing the risk of water flowing directly onto the electronic control components at the bottom.

[0102] 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 outward.

[0103] 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 both 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.

[0104] As for the water guide groove 1202, it is arranged downwardly and tilted 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.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, a water guide plate 1311 for cooperating with the water guide groove 1202 is provided on the inner edge of the shell 131 ; after the shell 131 is set on the lining plate 12 , the water guide plate 1311 is located in the water guide groove 1202 .

[0106] Specifically, after the front shell is assembled onto the lining plate, the water guide plate 1311 is arranged in the water guide groove 1202. 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 131, respectively, to improve 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 a corresponding height position. In this way, part of the water flowing 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 the inner walls of the shell 131; the remaining water flows smoothly downward along the outer walls of the lining plate through the water guide groove 1202, thereby dispersing the water flow and improving the drainage effect.

[0107] 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 .

[0108] Specifically, the guide groove 1203 is recessed inward relative to the outer wall of the lining plate. In this way, the guide groove 1203 is used to further guide the flow direction of water and, at the same time, further play a role in blocking water.

[0109] 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 to the outside of the shell from the drain hole, thereby improving the waterproof effect and improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0110] Based on the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, 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.

[0111] For the convenience of description, the structure of the housing is described below by taking the housing installed on a vertical wall as an example.

[0112] Example 3: Figures 1-13 As shown, the housing 1 in the first embodiment adopts a flat design, and the entire housing adopts a curved surface design to achieve a good appearance design effect.

[0113] In order to achieve a screw-free design from the front, the following structural design is adopted for the housing 1.

[0114] 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;

[0115] 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;

[0116] The inner surface of the front shell 13 is provided with a second clamping portion 130;

[0117] Among them, the lining plate 12 is connected to the rear shell 11, the screw passes through the first through hole 121 and is threadedly connected to 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.

[0118] The rear shell 11 and liner 12 of the outer shell 1 are connected by screws, forming a mounting cavity between the two, through which the inner liner is installed. The screw connection between the rear shell 11 and liner 12 ensures sufficient structural connection strength to meet the structural strength requirements of the foaming insulation layer formed between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner.

[0119] The connection process between the rear housing 11 and the lining plate 12 is as follows: after the rear housing 11 and the lining plate 12 are butted together, the first through holes 121 are aligned with the corresponding first screw holes 111, and then the screws are passed through the first through holes 121 and screwed into the first screw holes 111. In this way, the rear housing 11 and the lining plate 12 are firmly and reliably fastened together by the screws.

[0120] To achieve a visual effect without exposed screws, the front housing 13 is mounted on the backing plate 12 by means of a clip-on method. Specifically, after the rear housing 11 and the backing plate 12 are fixedly connected together, since the first through hole 121 on the backing 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, the first through hole 121 is shielded by the front housing 13.

[0121] The connection between the front housing 13 and the backing plate 12 is specifically as follows: the second snap-fitting portion 130 on the front housing 13 snaps into place with the first snap-fitting portion 122 at the corresponding position on the backing plate 12, thereby securing the front housing 13 to the backing plate 12. Simultaneously, the front housing 13 obscures the first through-hole 121, preventing it from being visible from the outside of the housing assembly, resulting in a visually appealing, screw-free appearance. Furthermore, due to the snap-fitting design, the snap-fitting connection is concealed by the front housing 13, optimizing the appearance.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first clamping portion 122 and the second clamping portion 130 may be specifically implemented in a variety of structural forms, which are described below with examples.

[0123] The second engaging portion 130 includes a latching claw 1301 , and the first engaging portion 122 includes a latching slot 1221 . The latching claw 1301 is latched in the latching slot 1221 .

[0124] Specifically, when the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 are connected by being snap-fitted, the claw 1301 will be snapped into the slot 1221 , and the claw 1301 and the slot 1221 cooperate with each other to connect the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 together.

[0125] 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 .

[0126] Specifically, during assembly, the first 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 groove 1221 to complete the assembly between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12.

[0127] The openings of the first positioning groove 1222 and the latching groove 1221 are arranged in opposite directions. This allows the connection between the latching tongue and the latching groove 1221 to cooperate with the connection between the first inserting tongue 1302 and the first positioning groove 1222, so that the front shell 13 can be more firmly and reliably fixed to the outer wall of the lining plate 12.

[0128] 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 and the outer wall of the lining plate 12 cooperate with each other, making it difficult for the operator to accurately insert the first tongue 1302 into the positioning groove.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Specifically, during assembly, the operator may first place the claw 1301 in the first guide slot 124 , while placing the first inserting tongue 1302 in the second guide slot 125 .

[0131] 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 locked in the slot 1221 .

[0132] Under the guidance of the first guide slot 124 and the second guide slot 125 , the guide slot can cooperate with the first inserting tongue 1302 and the latch 1301 to guide the front housing 13 to slide.

[0133] 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.

[0134] Then, during the sliding process along the guide slot, the distance between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12 gradually becomes smaller, and the operator relies on the guiding effect of the guide slot to ensure that the first tongue 1302 is inserted into the first positioning slot 1222 first.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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 to 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.

[0138] Specifically, the front housing 13 employs a split design. The housing 131, as the main body, is mounted on the lining plate 12 via the second engaging portion 130 and the first engaging portion 122. Furthermore, screws securely connect the housing 131 to the lining plate 12. The screws connecting the housing 131 and the lining plate 12 are concealed by the front panel 132, meeting the design requirement of no exposed screws on the front of the housing 1.

[0139] 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 .

[0140] 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 made flatter. At the same time, the second through hole 133 is located in the groove 134. In this way, after the front panel 132 is assembled into the groove 134, the second through hole 133 can be covered by the front panel 132.

[0141] 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 tongue 136 is provided on the front panel 132 , which is disposed in the corresponding slot 135 .

[0142] Specifically, after the housing 131 is mounted on the backing plate 12, the front panel 132 is installed by inserting the tongues provided thereon into the corresponding slots 135. The tongues and slots 135 cooperate with each other to achieve an appearance without exposed screws on the front of the housing 1.

[0143] 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 to the third screw hole.

[0144] Specifically, to meet the requirements of the exterior design, the extension 137 can be arranged at the upper or lower portion of the front panel 132 depending on the installation position of the housing 1. The extension 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 snap-fitted together by the engagement of the tongue with the slot 135, it is further secured from the bottom with screws.

[0145] Preferably, a detachable 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.

[0146] 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 .

[0147] Specifically, during the assembly process, the mounting platform 112 can support and position the lining plate 12 to facilitate the operator to quickly connect and assemble the lining plate 12 and the rear shell 11 together.

[0148] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate the positioning and assembly of the rear housing 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 clamped in the second positioning groove 113 .

[0149] 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 by first inserting the edge of the lining plate 12 into the second positioning groove 113 .

[0150] Then, the relative positions between the rear housing 11 and the backing plate 12 are adjusted so that the first through holes 121 are aligned with the first screw holes 111 .

[0151] Finally, a screw is passed through the first through hole 121 and screwed into the first screw hole 111 , so that the rear housing 11 and the lining plate 12 are firmly and reliably assembled together.

[0152] In order to accurately position the rear housing 11 and the lining plate 12 to improve assembly accuracy, a stepped surface 114 may be provided on the inner wall of the rear housing 11 , and a positioning rib 126 may be provided on the outer wall of the lining plate 12 , the positioning rib 126 resting against the stepped surface 114 .

[0153] Specifically, during the assembly of the rear housing 11 and the liner 12, the aforementioned pre-positioning process using the positioning grooves is referred to, so that the rear housing 11 and the liner 12 are pre-assembled together. At the same time, after the edge of the liner 12 is inserted into the positioning groove, the positioning ribs 126 on the liner 12 will abut against the stepped surface 114, thereby ensuring accurate positioning between the rear housing 11 and the liner 12, thereby improving the overall assembly quality of the housing assembly.

[0154] 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 .

[0155] Specifically, the front shell 13 can cover the entire outer surface of the lining plate 12, completely obscuring the lining plate 12 from the outside of the front shell 13, thereby optimizing the visual appearance. Furthermore, the retaining ribs 115 formed on the edge of the rear shell 11 can, during assembly, cooperate with the extended edges 127 for pre-positioning, improving assembly efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the retaining ribs 115 are obscured by the extended edges 127 formed on the edge of the front shell 13, further enhancing the overall appearance.

[0156] 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 by the front shell 13 and the rear shell 11 in the docking area.

[0157] 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 according to the overall size of the shell assembly.

[0158] For example, a plurality of mounting platforms 112 may be provided on the edge of the rear housing 11 , and the plurality of mounting platforms 112 may be distributed along the edge of the rear housing 11 .

[0159] Correspondingly, the backing plate 12 is provided with a number of first through holes 121 corresponding to the number of the mounting platforms 112 , so as to connect and fix the rear housing 11 and the backing plate 12 by a plurality of screws.

[0160] Similarly, there are multiple snap-fit ​​connections between the front shell 13 and the lining plate 12, and there is no limitation on the number of the connections.

[0161] By using a lining plate to indirectly connect the front shell and the rear shell, the lining plate and the rear shell are tightly connected together by screws to meet the overall structural strength requirements of the shell, and the front shell is connected to the lining plate by a snap-on method. The front shell will cover the lining plate and then cover the screws, so that the overall effect of the shell achieves an appearance effect without exposed screws, optimizing the overall appearance of the shell to improve user experience.

[0162] Example 4: Based on the flat structure of the shell 1 in the above-mentioned Example 3, 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. The water tank includes a shell 1, an inner tank 2 and an electric heating component 3 assembled together.

[0163] Among them, since the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2 are both flat structures, the following structural improvements are made to the outer shell 1, the inner shell 2 and the electric heating component 3 accordingly.

[0164] 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 .

[0165] Inner liner: A flange connection port 201 is provided on the front of the inner liner 2.

[0166] Among them, the inner liner 2 is located in the outer shell 1, the annular shielding portion 102 surrounds the outside of the flange connection port 201, an insulation layer (not shown) is arranged between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner 2, and the electric heating component 3 is arranged on the flange connection port 201 and extends into the interior of the inner liner 2.

[0167] Specifically, the water tank adopts a flat design as a whole, and its thickness is smaller than its height and length. In order to meet the installation requirements of the electric heating component 3 and at the same time meet the later maintenance requirements of the electric heating component 3, an installation port 101 is provided at the front of the outer shell 1, and correspondingly, a flange connection port 201 is provided at the front of the inner tank 2.

[0168] When the electric heating element 3 needs to be assembled, it can be inserted from the mounting opening 101 and extended into the inner pot 2 through the flange connection opening 201 to complete the assembly. Similarly, when the electric heating element 3 is later repaired or replaced, the electric heating element 3 can be removed from the inner pot 2 through the mounting opening 101 and easily removed.

[0169] At the same time, 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.

[0170] More importantly, to reduce or prevent foaming material from overflowing from around the flange connection opening 201 of the inner liner 2 during foaming, an annular shielding portion 102 is formed on the inner wall of the outer shell 1, extending toward the flange connection opening 201. The annular shielding portion 102 has an overall cylindrical structure and surrounds the periphery of the installation opening 101. After the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the annular shielding portion 102 surrounds the periphery of the flange connection opening 201, thereby forming an area between the annular shielding portion 102 and the flange connection opening 201 to prevent foaming material from leaking.

[0171] A foaming cavity is formed between the outer shell 1 and the inner liner 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 leakage of the foaming material from the flange connection port 201.

[0172] 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.

[0173] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the edge of the annular shielding portion 102 will be attached to the outer wall of the inner liner 2. In this way, during the foaming process, the annular shielding portion 102 can better prevent the foaming material from leaking from the flange connection port 201.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, to facilitate assembly, a gap is formed between the edge of the annular shielding portion 102 and the outer wall of the inner container 2. Furthermore, to reduce leakage of the foaming material through the gap, a first flexible sealing portion (not shown) can be provided on the outside of the annular shielding portion 102 to block the gap.

[0175] Specifically, during assembly, the first flexible sealing portion is first wrapped around the outside of the annular shielding portion 102 and extends to the edge of the annular shielding portion 102. After the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the first flexible sealing portion, due to its elasticity and deformability, will tightly abut against the outer wall of the inner liner 2, thereby effectively sealing the gap between the annular shielding portion 102 and the inner liner 2.

[0176] Similarly, a second flexible sealing portion may be provided outside the flange connection port 201 , and the second flexible sealing portion covers the gap.

[0177] Specifically, during assembly, a second flexible sealing portion is first wrapped around the flange connection port 201 on the inner liner 2. After the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the annular shielding portion 102 is pressed against the second flexible sealing portion due to its elasticity and deformability, effectively sealing the gap between the annular shielding portion 102 and the inner liner 2 through the second flexible sealing portion.

[0178] In actual use, the flexible sealing portion may be specifically formed by using components such as cotton wool or a sealing gasket, which will not be limited or elaborated herein.

[0179] 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 .

[0180] 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 smaller. 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.

[0181] In certain embodiments, to effectively position the inner liner 2 within the outer shell 1 before foaming and prevent it from shifting during foaming, a connecting bracket 202 is provided on the back of the inner liner 2. The connecting bracket 202 has threaded holes (not labeled). Correspondingly, a hanging bracket 100 is provided on the back of the outer shell 1. The hanging bracket 100 has mounting holes (not labeled). Bolts pass through these mounting holes and extend into the inner shell 1, where they are threaded into these holes. The connecting bracket 202 rests against the inner wall of the outer shell 1.

[0182] Specifically, after the inner liner 2 is installed in the outer shell 1, the inner liner 2 is fixed to the outer shell 1 through the connecting frame 202. At the same time, the connecting frame 202 is connected to the hanging bracket 100 through bolts and serves to install the hanging bracket 100.

[0183] In another embodiment, the mounting opening 101 formed on the front of the housing 1 can be shielded by a front panel 132 disposed on the front of the housing 1 to optimize the appearance. During normal use, the front panel 132 is fixed to the front of the housing 1 to shield the mounting opening 101. When the electric heating component 3 needs to be repaired, the front panel 132 is removed.

[0184] By configuring a mounting port on 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 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 the overflow of the foaming material, thereby improving the foaming quality and thus improving the product quality.

[0185] 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 .

[0186] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "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 that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative use of these terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0187] 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 with 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 for an electric water heater, characterized in that: include: A front shell, wherein the inner wall of the front shell is provided with a water retaining rib, the front shell comprises a shell body and a front panel, and the water retaining rib is provided on the front panel; Back shell; A cover shell is provided with an electronic control device, the cover shell is provided on the front panel, and the two ends of the water retaining rib are respectively provided with ribs extending downward, and the ribs are located on the outside of the cover shell; Wherein, the cover shell is arranged on the inner wall of the front shell, and the water retaining ribs cover the upper edge of the cover shell; The housing for the electric water heater further includes: a lining plate, the lining plate being provided with a first through hole; a mounting platform being provided on the inner wall of the rear housing, the mounting platform being provided with a first screw hole; the rear housing and the lining plate being butted together, a screw passing through the first through hole and being threadedly connected in the first screw hole, and the housing being clamped on the outside of the lining plate; The lining plate is provided with an installation groove, and a power board is provided in the installation groove; the outer wall of the lining plate is provided with a plurality of first water guide ribs, and the plurality of first water guide ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the first water guide ribs are located above the installation groove; the inner wall of the front panel is provided with a plurality of second water guide ribs, and the plurality of second water guide ribs are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the second water guide ribs are located above the water retaining ribs, and the first water guide ribs and the second water guide ribs form an overlapping area.

2. The housing for an electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein: A positioning slot is provided on the water retaining rib, and an upwardly protruding positioning protrusion is provided on the upper edge of the cover shell, and the positioning protrusion is inserted into the positioning slot.

3. The housing for an electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The middle portion of the shell is a hollow area, and the front panel is arranged on the shell and covers the hollow area.

4. The housing for an electric water heater according to claim 3, wherein: The front panel is provided with a button area and a display area; The electronic control device includes a touch button and a display. The touch button is arranged in the button area, and the display is located in the display area.

5. The housing for an electric water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: A partition is provided in the housing, and the partition divides the housing into a first electrical installation area and a second electrical installation area; The touch buttons and the display are arranged in the first electrical installation area. The electronic control device further includes a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is arranged in the second electrical installation area.

6. The housing for an electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein: 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.

7. An electric water heater, characterized in that: The utility model comprises a housing for an electric water heater as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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