An electric water heater

Abstract

This invention discloses an electric water heater. The water heater includes a housing and a control panel module. The housing includes a rearwardly inclined flat section formed on the front side. The control panel module includes a glass plate assembly and a backplate support frame. The backplate support frame is mounted on the rearwardly inclined flat section, and the glass plate assembly is mounted on the backplate support frame, located on the side of the backplate support frame opposite to the rearwardly inclined flat section. The glass plate assembly is isolated from the housing by the backplate support frame, achieving decoupling of the movement between the glass plate assembly and the housing, reducing the risk of deformation and warping of the glass plate assembly, and improving quality and service life. Using the glass plate assembly gives the control panel module a glossy appearance, improving its aesthetics and style. By placing the control panel module in the rearwardly inclined flat section, the overall height of the electric water heater is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] An electric water heater is a storage-type device that heats water using electricity, maintaining the water temperature at a set level to meet domestic hot water needs such as bathing and kitchen washing. Electric water heaters have a control panel module, which is typically mounted directly onto the outer casing. However, the casing is usually thin-walled, posing a significant risk of deformation during assembly. For example, injecting foam material into the foaming space between the casing and the inner tank can easily cause the casing to deform. Therefore, directly mounting the control panel module onto the casing makes it susceptible to deformation, potentially leading to warping or lifting of the control panel module. Furthermore, the outer components of the control panel module in existing electric water heaters are generally made of plastic, resulting in poor aesthetics and a lack of modern style. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric water heater that can solve the problems of warped control panel modules and poor aesthetics.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An electric water heater includes: a housing, the housing including a rearwardly inclined straight portion formed on the front side; a control panel module, the control panel module including a glass panel assembly and a back panel support frame, the back panel support frame being mounted on the rearwardly inclined straight portion, the glass panel assembly being mounted on the back panel support frame and located on the side of the back panel support frame opposite to the rearwardly inclined straight portion; wherein the glass panel assembly is isolated from the housing by the back panel support frame to achieve motion decoupling between the glass panel assembly and the housing.

[0006] Preferably, the glass panel assembly includes a glass panel and a glass back panel, with the glass back panel disposed between the glass panel and the back panel support frame.

[0007] Preferably, the glass panel assembly includes a glass back panel, the control panel module further includes a display panel assembly, the outer casing is provided with a first mounting hole, the back panel support frame is provided with a second mounting hole, the glass back panel is provided with a third mounting hole, the first mounting hole, the second mounting hole and the third mounting hole communicate with each other to form a display panel mounting hole, the display panel assembly passes through the display panel mounting hole, and the display panel assembly is detachably connected to the glass back panel.

[0008] Preferably, the glass back panel includes a plurality of display panel clips circumferentially spaced around the third mounting hole, each display panel clip extending along a first direction, and a plurality of protruding structures circumferentially provided on the annular sidewall of the display panel assembly, with the plurality of display panel clips corresponding to and engaging with the plurality of protruding structures; and / or, the glass back panel includes a display panel connecting portion protruding into the third mounting hole, the display panel connecting portion having a display panel connecting hole, and a display panel connector passing through the display panel connecting hole to connect with the display panel assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the glass panel assembly includes a glass back panel, the glass back panel includes a first snap-fit ​​member extending along a first direction, the back panel support frame includes an adjacent second snap-fit ​​member and a first through hole, the second snap-fit ​​member extending along the first direction, the outer shell has a second through hole, the second snap-fit ​​member passes through the second through hole, and the first snap-fit ​​member snaps into the second snap-fit ​​member after passing through the first through hole and the second through hole; and / or, the glass panel assembly includes a glass back panel, the glass back panel has a back panel buckle, the back panel support frame has a bracket buckle hole, the back panel buckle passes through the bracket buckle hole along the first direction and can move along the second direction and be engaged with the frame wall of the back panel support frame, the outer shell has an avoidance hole to avoid the back panel buckle; and / or, the outer shell has a back panel buckle hole, the back panel support frame has a sliding buckle, the sliding buckle passes through the back panel buckle hole along the first direction and can move along the second direction and be engaged with the shell wall of the outer shell.

[0010] Preferably, the electric water heater further includes a baffle box, which is installed on the inside of the housing and blocks the first mounting hole, the second through hole, the back plate snap hole, and the clearance hole on the housing. The first mounting hole is used to install the display panel assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the electric water heater further includes a baffle box, and the outer shell is provided with a flange structure along the circumference of the first mounting hole. The flange structure extends along a first direction and is provided with a slot structure. The slot structure includes a vertically connected docking section and a snap-fit ​​section. The baffle box is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure, which can enter the snap-fit ​​section from the docking section and achieve sliding snap-fit.

[0012] Preferably, the glass back plate is slidably engaged with the back plate support frame, the outer shell is slidably engaged with the back plate support frame, and the baffle box is slidably engaged with the flange structure, and the engagement direction is the second direction.

[0013] Preferably, the electric water heater further includes a wiring conduit and an electrical compartment. The display panel assembly includes a display panel. The wiring conduit is installed inside the housing and located in the electrical compartment. The back panel support frame and the glass back panel are both provided with a wiring channel communicating with the wiring conduit. The signal line of the display panel passes through the wiring channel and the wiring conduit into the electrical compartment.

[0014] Preferably, the electric water heater further includes an external pipe and a flange. The external pipe connects the electrical room to the external space. The display panel assembly further includes a warning light. The warning light includes a lamp body, a first wire, and a second wire. Both the first wire and the second wire pass through the conduit. The end of the first wire away from the lamp body is fixed to the flange. The end of the second wire away from the lamp body passes through the external pipe and is grounded.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0016] The electric water heater provided by this invention includes a housing and a control panel module. The housing includes a rearwardly inclined flat portion formed on the front side. The control panel module includes a glass plate assembly and a backplate support frame. The backplate support frame is mounted on the rearwardly inclined flat portion, and the glass plate assembly is mounted on the backplate support frame, located on the side of the backplate support frame opposite to the rearwardly inclined flat portion. The glass plate assembly of this electric water heater is isolated from the housing by the backplate support frame, achieving decoupling of the movement between the glass plate assembly and the housing, reducing the risk of deformation and warping of the glass plate assembly, and improving quality and service life. Using the glass plate assembly gives the control panel module a glossy appearance, improving its aesthetics and style. By placing the control panel module in the rearwardly inclined flat portion, the overall height of the electric water heater is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electric water heater described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electric water heater described in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of the electric water heater described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the outer casing described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view of the cylindrical body according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dimensions of the cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical body and inner liner as described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the cylinder and control panel module described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of the cylinder and control panel module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a partial assembly diagram of the cylinder and control panel module described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical body described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the control panel module described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An exploded view of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical body described in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Enlarged view of section A;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the inner liner, inner liner support, and outer shell as described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the inner tube support and outer shell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the hanging bracket, inner liner support, and inner liner connector described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective;

[0036] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Exploded view of the structure shown;

[0037] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of removing the concealed cover of the electric water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Side view of the structure shown;

[0039] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the inlet and outlet water pipe structure and the concealed cover described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical body described in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0041] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the tube support structure described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the filter support member described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the concealment cover described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the concealment cover described in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 29 This is an exploded view of the concealment cover described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 30 yes Figure 27 Enlarged view of section B;

[0047] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the material blocking part of the material blocking box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the picture:

[0049] 100. Outer shell; 110. Cylinder body; 111. Flat bottom section; 112. Arc-shaped top section; 113. Flat rear section; 114. Flat front section; 115. Arc-shaped rear section; 116. Inclined flat rear section; 117. First transition arc-shaped section; 118. Second transition arc-shaped section; 119. Third transition arc-shaped section; 1110. Fourth transition arc-shaped section; 120. Cover; 121. Left cover; 1211. Left end cover plate; 1212. Left foam padding layer; 1213. Inner tube support; 122. Right cover; 1221. Right end cover plate; 1222. Right foam padding layer; 1223. Padding layer through hole; 130. Flanged structure; 131. Slot structure; 1311. Butt joint section; 1312. Snap-fit ​​section;

[0050] 101. First mounting hole; 102. Second through hole; 103. Back plate locking hole; 104. Clearance hole; 105. Cover mounting hole; 106. Tube mounting hole; 107. Magnesium rod hole;

[0051] 200. Control panel module; 210. Glass panel assembly; 211. Glass panel; 212. Glass back panel; 2121. Third mounting hole; 2122. Display panel clip; 2123. Display panel connecting part; 21231. Display panel connecting hole; 2124. First snap-fit ​​part; 2125. Back panel buckle; 220. Back panel support frame; 221. Second mounting hole; 222. Second snap-fit ​​part; 223. First through hole; 224. Sliding buckle; 225. Bracket snap hole; 230. Display panel assembly; 231. Display panel component; 232. Display panel shell component; 2321. Snap-fit ​​structure; 240. Material retainer box; 241. Snap-fit ​​structure; 242. Material retainer part; 250. Cable routing conduit; 260. External pipe;

[0052] 300. Concealed cover; 310. Front cover component; 311. Cover latching component; 3111. First cover latching part; 3112. Second cover latching part; 312. Recessed fitting part; 313. First slot; 314. Outward protruding structure; 315. Second slot; 316. Horizontal stop plate; 320. Rear cover component; 321. Protruding fitting part; 322. First insert plate; 323. Through hole structure; 324. Second insert plate; 325. Vertical stop plate; 330. Anti-slip structure;

[0053] 400. Inlet / outlet pipe structure; 410. Inlet insulating pipe; 411. Horizontal inlet pipe; 412. First vertical pipe; 420. Outlet insulating pipe; 421. Horizontal outlet pipe; 422. Second vertical pipe; 430. Pipe support structure; 431. First pipe support component; 432. Second pipe support component; 433. Arc-shaped support part; 434. First flanged connection part; 435. Second flanged connection part; 440. Water flow sensor; 450. Safety valve; 460. First clamp;

[0054] 500. Filter element; 510. Filter support; 511. Ring part; 5111. Annular part; 5112. Ring connection part; 5113. Convex support part; 512. Plate connection part;

[0055] 600. Inner liner components; 610. Flange components;

[0056] 700. Inner liner support; 710. Support component; 711. Support plate; 712. Support arm; 7121. First wall panel; 7122. Second wall panel; 720. Elastic snap-fit ​​component; 721. Elastic snap-fit ​​groove; 722. Assembly straight part; 723. Snap-fit ​​connection part; 724. Elastic snap-fit ​​part; 725. Elastic claw plate;

[0057] 800. Hanger; 810. Support block; 820. Inner liner connector; 801. First assembly plane;

[0058] 910. First longitudinal water passage component; 920. Second longitudinal water passage component; 930. Vertical inlet pipe; 940. Vertical outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0060] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0062] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 31 As shown, the present invention provides an electric water heater, which includes a shell 100, a control panel module 200, a concealed cover 300, an inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400, a filter element 500, and an inner tank 600. The shell 100 is the main exterior and mounting component of the electric water heater. As the main mounting component, the inner tank 600 is installed inside the shell 100, and the control panel module 200, the concealed cover 300, and the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 are installed outside the shell 100.

[0064] The outer casing 100 includes a cylindrical body 110 and a cover 120. The cylindrical body 110 is a sheet metal part, and an opening is formed at the end of the cylindrical body 110. The cover 120 covers the opening of the cylindrical body 110. The cylindrical body 110 is formed by connecting multiple arc-shaped portions and multiple straight portions. The cylindrical body 110 includes a bottom straight portion 111 formed at the bottom and a top arc-shaped portion 112 formed at the top. The maximum vertical distance H between the bottom straight portion 111 and the top arc-shaped portion 112 is less than the diameter of the top arc-shaped portion 112.

[0065] Compared to the monolithic cylindrical sheet metal shells of existing electric water heaters, the shell 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention has a cylindrical body 110 formed by connecting multiple arc-shaped portions and multiple straight portions. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but also, through the design combining the top arc-shaped portion 112 and the bottom straight portion 111, the top arc-shaped portion 112 makes the space inside the shell 100 suitable for installing the cylindrical inner tank 600, while the bottom straight portion 111 provides a relatively flat mounting surface, making it more suitable for installing external components, such as the concealed cover 300 and the inlet / outlet water pipe structure 400. Furthermore, existing electric water heaters have cylindrical sheet metal shells, which include an arc-shaped top and an arc-shaped bottom. The height dimension is generally the diameter of the arc-shaped top or the arc-shaped bottom. However, the electric water heater shell 100 provided by the present invention combines a top arc-shaped portion 112 and a bottom flat portion 111, and limits the maximum vertical distance H between the bottom flat portion 111 and the top arc-shaped portion 112 to be less than the diameter of the top arc-shaped portion 112. This reduces the overall height of the shell 100, making it suitable for installation spaces with smaller heights without significantly affecting the volume of the installation space, thus improving installation flexibility.

[0066] The cylinder 110 also includes a rear flat portion 113 formed on the rear side, which is used to contact the mounting surface of the electric water heater. Since the electric water heater needs to be wall-mounted, the mounting surface is generally the wall surface. By designing the rear side of the cylinder 110 to be flat and forming the rear flat portion 113, the rear flat portion 113 contacts the wall surface when the electric water heater is mounted, which helps improve the mounting stability of the electric water heater. Furthermore, by forming the rear flat portion 113 on the rear side of the cylinder 110, the width of the electric water heater in the front-to-back direction is reduced, making the electric water heater flatter and facilitating installation in narrow spaces.

[0067] The cylinder 110 also includes a front straight portion 114 formed on the front side, and a top arc-shaped portion 112 connected between the rear straight portion 113 and the front straight portion 114. By making the front side of the cylinder 110 straight and forming the front straight portion 114, the front straight portion 114 and the rear straight portion 113 are arranged opposite to each other in the front-rear direction of the electric water heater, which makes the electric water heater more flattened and more conducive to the installation of the electric water heater in narrow spaces with limited width.

[0068] The cylinder 110 also includes a rear arc-shaped portion 115 formed on the rear side, which connects the bottom straight portion 111 and the rear straight portion 113. The rear straight portion 113 is formed on the upper rear side of the electric water heater, and the rear arc-shaped portion 115 is formed on the lower rear side and the rear bottom side of the electric water heater. The rear arc-shaped portion 115 is disposed opposite to a portion of the top arc-shaped portion 112. In the side view of the electric water heater, the edge line of the inner tank 600 is circular. Any straight line passing through the center of the circle of the edge line of the inner tank 600 intersects the rear arc-shaped portion 115 and the top arc-shaped portion 112. The distance between the two intersection points is greater than the diameter of the inner tank 600, and the distance between the outer wall surface of the inner tank 600 and the top arc-shaped portion 112 and the rear arc-shaped portion 115 is approximately the same. The rear arc-shaped part 115 provides more installation space at the bottom rear of the housing 100, making it easier to install the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500.

[0069] The cylinder 110 also includes a rearwardly inclined straight portion 116 formed on the front side and connected between the bottom straight portion 111 and the front straight portion 114. The rearwardly inclined straight portion 116 is inclined from front to back in the top-to-bottom direction and is used to install the control panel module 200 of the electric water heater. The control panel module 200 is used to indicate the working status of the electric water heater and to allow the user to operate and control the working status of the electric water heater. Compared to the existing cylindrical sheet metal shells with curved surfaces throughout, which are inconvenient for installing control panel modules, and which generally require adding a control panel mounting bracket to the sheet metal shell before installing the control panel module, the shell 100 provided in this embodiment of the invention, by providing the rearwardly inclined straight portion 116, allows the control panel module 200 to be directly installed onto the rearwardly inclined straight portion 116, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner and lighter electric water heater and also helps to reduce costs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 110 further includes a first transition arcuate portion 117, which connects the bottom straight portion 111 and the rearward-sloping straight portion 116. The cylindrical body 110 also includes a second transition arcuate portion 118, which connects the front straight portion 114 and the rearward-sloping straight portion 116. The cylindrical body 110 further includes a third transition arcuate portion 119, which connects the front straight portion 114 and the top arcuate portion 112. The cylindrical body 110 also includes a fourth transition arcuate portion 1110, which connects the top arcuate portion 112 and the rear straight portion 113.

[0071] A cylindrical body 110 is formed by connecting the top arc-shaped part 112, the fourth filter arc-shaped part, the rear straight part 113, the rear arc-shaped part 115, the bottom straight part 111, the first transition arc-shaped part 117, the rear inclined straight part 116, the second transition arc-shaped part 118, the front straight part 114, and the third transition arc-shaped part 119 end to end. The cylindrical body 110 has an opening on its left and right sides, and each opening is provided with a cover 120. The cover 120 on the left side is defined as the left cover 121, and the cover 120 on the right side is defined as the right cover 122. The two openings have the same shape, and the shapes of the left cover 121 and the right cover 122 are adapted to the shape of the opening. In the embodiments of this application, the outer shell 100, composed of the cylinder 110, the left cover 121, and the right cover 122, is shaped like a lemon-shaped irregular sheet metal shell. As an irregular sheet metal shell, it is formed in three stages: stamping, rolling, and punching and bending. This not only fills the market gap for irregular sheet metal shells in electric water heaters, providing users with more choices and improving aesthetics, but also reduces the overall height of the unit, making installation more flexible. It also provides ample space for the installation of external components and provides conditions for the fully concealed installation of electric water heaters.

[0072] Regarding the specific structure of the cover 120, both the left cover 121 and the right cover 122 include end cover plates and foam pads. Specifically, the left cover 121 includes a left end cover plate 1211 and a left foam pad 1212, and the right cover 122 includes a right end cover plate 1221 and a right foam pad 1222. One end of the inner liner 600 forms an opening for the mounting flange 610, and the other end is closed. One of the left cover 121 and the right cover 122 is located at the closed end of the inner liner 600, and the other of the left cover 121 and the right cover 122 is located at the open end of the inner liner 600.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, an opening for mounting a flange 610 is formed on the right side of the inner liner 600, and a through hole 1223 is formed in the middle of the right foam padding 1222. The flange 610 is installed in the through hole 1223. The flange 610, the right foam padding 1222, and the right end cover 1221 enclose an electrical chamber for mounting electrical components.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the left side of the inner liner 600 is closed. Optionally, a plurality of liner supports 1213 are provided on the left foam pad layer 1212. The plurality of liner supports 1213 are arranged circumferentially about the inner liner 600 and form a support space supporting the left end of the inner liner 600.

[0075] In some embodiments, the electric water heater is a single-tank water heater, meaning that there is only one inner tank 600 disposed within the outer casing 100. The inner tank 600 is installed within the outer casing 100 and serves to accommodate water and a heating element, providing space for the heating element to heat the water. In some embodiments, the middle portion of the inner tank 600 is cylindrical, and the ends are hemispherical. In one specific embodiment, the diameter RO of the longitudinal section of the inner tank 600 is 350 mm. Of course, in other embodiments, the shape of the inner tank 600 can be adjusted as needed, and the diameter RO of the longitudinal section of the inner tank 600 can also be adjusted as needed.

[0076] The vertical height H of the outer shell 100 is approximately equal to the front-to-back width W of the outer shell 100.

[0077] In some embodiments, the height H of the housing 100 is 390mm-400mm. In a specific embodiment, the height H of the housing 100 is 390mm, 391mm, 392mm, 393mm, 394mm, 395mm, 396mm, 397mm, 398mm, 399mm, or 400mm. Of course, the height H of the housing 100 can also be other values ​​within the range of 390mm-400mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0078] In some embodiments, the width W of the housing 100 is 390mm-400mm. In one specific embodiment, the width W of the housing 100 is 390mm, 391mm, 392mm, 393mm, 394mm, 395mm, 396mm, 397mm, 398mm, 399mm, or 400mm. Of course, the width W of the housing 100 can also be other values ​​within the range of 390mm-400mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0079] In one specific embodiment, the height H of the housing 100 is 400mm and the width of the housing 100 is 400mm.

[0080] In some embodiments, the length L1 of the bottom flat portion 111 along the front-to-back direction is 70mm-80mm. In a specific embodiment, the length L1 of the bottom flat portion 111 is 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm. Of course, the length L1 of the bottom flat portion 111 can also be other values ​​within the range of 70mm-80mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0081] In some embodiments, the radius R1 of the top arc-shaped portion 112 is 260mm-270mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R1 of the top arc-shaped portion 112 is 260mm, 261mm, 262mm, 263mm, 264mm, 265mm, 266mm, 267mm, 268mm, 269mm, or 270mm. Of course, the radius R1 of the top arc-shaped portion 112 can also be other values ​​within the range of 260mm-270mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0082] In some embodiments, the length L2 of the rear straight portion 113 is 105mm-115mm. In one specific embodiment, the length L2 of the rear straight portion 113 is 105mm, 106mm, 107mm, 108mm, 109mm, or 110mm. Of course, the length L2 of the rear straight portion 113 can also be other values ​​within the range of 105mm-110mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0083] In some embodiments, the length L3 of the front straight portion 114 is 120mm-130mm. In a specific embodiment, the length L3 of the front straight portion 114 is 120mm, 121mm, 122mm, 123mm, 124mm, 125mm, 126mm, 127mm, 128mm, 129mm, or 130mm. Of course, the length L3 of the front straight portion 114 can also be other values ​​within the range of 120mm-130mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0084] In some embodiments, the radius R2 of the rear arc-shaped portion 115 is 190mm-200mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R2 of the rear arc-shaped portion 115 is 190mm, 191mm, 192mm, 193mm, 194mm, 195mm, 196mm, 197mm, 198mm, 199mm, or 200mm. Of course, the radius R2 of the rear arc-shaped portion 115 can also be other values ​​within the range of 190mm-200mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0085] In some embodiments, the length L4 of the sloping straight portion 116 is 85mm-95mm. In a specific embodiment, the length L4 of the sloping straight portion 116 is 85mm, 86mm, 87mm, 88mm, 89mm, 90mm, 91mm, 92mm, 93mm, 94mm, or 95mm. Of course, the length L4 of the sloping straight portion 116 can also be other values ​​within the range of 85mm-95mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0086] In some embodiments, the radius R3 of the first transition arc portion 117 is 70mm-80mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R3 of the first transition arc portion 117 is 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm. Of course, the radius R3 of the first transition arc portion 117 can also be other values ​​within the range of 70mm-80mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0087] In some embodiments, the radius R4 of the second transition arc portion 118 is 70mm-80mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R4 of the second transition arc portion 118 is 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm. Of course, the radius R4 of the second transition arc portion 118 can also be other values ​​within the range of 70mm-80mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0088] In some embodiments, the radius R5 of the third transition arc portion 119 is 70mm-80mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R5 of the third transition arc portion 119 is 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm. Of course, the radius R5 of the third transition arc portion 119 can also be other values ​​within the range of 70mm-80mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0089] In some embodiments, the radius R6 of the fourth transition arcuate portion 1110 is 70mm-80mm. In a specific embodiment, the radius R6 of the fourth transition arcuate portion 1110 is 70mm, 71mm, 72mm, 73mm, 74mm, 75mm, 76mm, 77mm, 78mm, 79mm, or 80mm. Of course, the radius R6 of the fourth transition arcuate portion 1110 can also be other values ​​within the range of 70mm-80mm, and is not limited to the examples above.

[0090] A rearward-tilting straight section 116 is formed on the front side of the housing 100 and is tilted rearward. The control panel module 200 is mounted on the rearward-tilting straight section 116. The control panel module 200 includes a glass plate assembly 210 and a back support frame 220. The back support frame 220 is mounted on the rearward-tilting straight section 116, and the glass plate assembly 210 is mounted on the back support frame 220. The glass plate assembly 210 is located on the side of the back support frame 220 opposite to the rearward-tilting straight section 116. The glass plate assembly 210 is isolated from the housing 100 by the back support frame 220 to achieve motion decoupling between the glass plate assembly 210 and the housing 100. Specifically, the motion decoupling between the glass plate assembly and the housing means that deformation of the housing will not be transmitted to the glass plate assembly.

[0091] Compared to existing electric water heater control panels, which typically use in-mold injection molded parts or acrylic parts, the control panel module 200 of the electric water heater provided in this embodiment uses a glass plate assembly 210 made of glass. This results in a better gloss and a more high-end appearance for the control panel module 200. Furthermore, unlike existing electric water heater control panels which are directly mounted on the outer casing, causing deformation of the casing due to foaming to be directly transmitted to the control panel, potentially leading to gaps or detachment, the glass plate assembly 210 of the electric water heater provided in this embodiment is mounted on the rearward-sloping straight portion 116 of the outer casing 100 via a backplate support frame 220. Since the backplate support frame 220 isolates the glass plate assembly 210 from the outer casing 100, it extends the deformation transmission distance between the outer casing 100 and the glass plate assembly 210, achieving decoupling of movement between the glass plate assembly 210 and the outer casing 100. This reduces the probability of deformation of the glass plate assembly 210 due to deformation of the outer casing 100, thereby reducing the likelihood of the glass plate assembly 210 warping. Furthermore, because the rearward tilted straight portion 116 of the control panel module 200 is tilted backward, compared to the vertical setting, while ensuring sufficient space for installing the control panel module 200, its vertical dimension is reduced, resulting in a smaller overall height of the electric water heater. This also avoids the electric water heater appearing bulky overall, improving the overall integrity and aesthetic competitiveness of the electric water heater.

[0092] In some embodiments, the backplate support frame 220 is detachably mounted on the tilting straight portion 116, and the glass plate assembly 210 is detachably mounted on the backplate support frame 220. The assembly point between the backplate support frame 220 and the tilting straight portion 116 has an assembly allowance that allows for relative displacement, and / or, the assembly point between the glass plate assembly 210 and the backplate support frame 220 has an assembly allowance that allows for relative displacement. This not only improves the ease of maintenance of the control panel module 200, facilitating future repairs and replacements, but also further ensures the decoupling effect of the movement between the glass plate assembly 210 and the housing 100.

[0093] To achieve a detachable connection between the backplate support frame 220 and the outer shell 100, in some embodiments, the outer shell 100 is provided with multiple backplate locking holes 103, and the backplate support frame 220 is provided with multiple sliding buckles 224. The multiple sliding buckles 224 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple backplate locking holes 103. After passing through the corresponding backplate locking hole 103 in a first direction, the sliding buckle 224 can move in a second direction and lock onto the shell wall of the outer shell 100. The first direction is as follows: Figure 9 As shown in direction a, the second direction is as follows. Figure 10 As shown in direction b. In a specific embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are set perpendicularly.

[0094] In some parallel embodiments, a first back plate connection hole is provided on the back plate support frame 220, and a second back plate connection hole is provided on the outer casing 100. The electric water heater also includes a back plate connector that passes through the first and second back plate connection holes, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the back plate support frame 220 and the outer casing 100. Optionally, the back plate connector is a screw or bolt, the second back plate connection hole is a threaded hole, and the first back plate connection hole is either a threaded hole or a smooth hole.

[0095] In some parallel embodiments, the backplate support frame 220 and the housing 100 are assembled using both snap-fit ​​and backplate connector connections to improve assembly stability.

[0096] The glass panel assembly 210 includes a glass panel 211 and a glass back panel 212, with the back panel 212 disposed between the glass panel 211 and the back panel support frame 220. In some embodiments, the glass panel assembly 210 is generally a rectangular plate structure, and correspondingly, the glass panel 211 and the glass back panel 212 are also rectangular sheet structures. Of course, in other embodiments, the glass panel assembly 210 can also be configured with other shapes as needed. In some embodiments, the glass panel 211 is bonded to the side of the glass back panel 212 facing away from the back panel support frame 220. It should be noted that the glass panel 211 is a sheet structure made of glass, which has high gloss. The glass back panel 212 can be made of metal or plastic, etc., as needed.

[0097] The control panel module 200 also includes a display panel assembly 230, which is mounted on the housing 100 and assembled with the glass back panel 212. Specifically, the display panel assembly 230 includes a display panel 231 and a display panel housing 232. The display panel housing 232 is a box-shaped structure with an opening on one side, and the display panel 231 is a plate-shaped structure. The display panel 231 is placed inside the display panel housing 232. After the display panel assembly 230 is assembled with the housing 100 and the glass back panel 212, the display panel 231 presses against the glass panel 211. The light emitted by the light-emitting element on the display panel 231 can be transmitted through the glass panel 211 to form information indicating the status of the electric water heater. Optionally, the display panel housing 232 is a rectangular box structure in the shape of a cube, and the display panel 231 is a rectangular plate-shaped structure.

[0098] To allow the display panel 231 to press against the glass panel 211, a second mounting hole 221 is provided on the back support frame 220, and a third mounting hole 2121 is provided on the glass back panel 212. The third mounting hole 2121 communicates with and is directly opposite the second mounting hole 221, and the display panel assembly 230 is disposed through the second mounting hole 221 and the third mounting hole 2121. Optionally, the second mounting hole 221 and the third mounting hole 2121 are rectangular holes of the same shape and size.

[0099] In some embodiments, the thickness of the display panel assembly 230 is greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the glass back plate 212 and the back plate support frame 220. For example, the thickness of the display panel assembly 230 is 15 mm, and the sum of the thicknesses of the glass back plate 212 and the back plate support frame 220 is 10 mm. For mounting the display panel assembly 230, a first mounting hole 101 is also provided on the housing 100. The first mounting hole 101, the second mounting hole 221, and the third mounting hole 2121 communicate to form a display panel mounting hole, in which the display panel assembly 230 passes. Optionally, the first mounting hole 101 is a rectangular hole with the same shape and size as the second mounting hole 221 and the third mounting hole 2121.

[0100] The display panel assembly 230 is detachably connected to the glass back panel 212. To achieve this detachable connection, in some embodiments, the glass back panel 212 includes a plurality of display panel clips 2122 circumferentially spaced around the third mounting hole 2121. Each display panel clip 2122 extends along a first direction. The annular sidewall of the display panel assembly 230 is provided with a plurality of protruding structures 2321 circumferentially, and the plurality of display panel clips 2122 and the plurality of protruding structures 2321 are engaged one-to-one. Specifically, multiple protruding structures 2321 are provided on the annular sidewall of the display panel housing 232, and multiple display panel clips 2122 are arranged around the circumference of the display panel housing 232. The display panel assembly 230 and the glass back plate 212 are brought closer to each other from the inner and outer sides of the outer shell 100 along the first direction, so that the multiple display panel clips 2122 and the multiple protruding structures 2321 are engaged one-to-one. This arrangement not only enables the rapid assembly of the display panel assembly 230 and the glass back plate 212, but also improves the stability after assembly.

[0101] In one specific embodiment, the third mounting hole 2121 is a rectangular hole, which includes two sidewalls spaced apart in the second direction and two sidewalls spaced apart in the third direction. Multiple display board clips 2122 are arranged in two groups on both sides of the third mounting hole 2121 in the third direction. Figure 10 As shown in direction c. In another specific embodiment, the plurality of display board cards 2122 are divided into three groups and respectively disposed on both sides of the third mounting hole 2121 in the third direction and on one side of the third mounting hole 2121 in the second direction.

[0102] In some parallel embodiments, the glass back panel 212 includes a display panel connecting portion 2123 protruding into the third mounting hole 2121. The display panel connecting portion 2123 has a display panel connecting hole 21231, through which a display panel connector passes and connects to the display panel assembly 230. Optionally, multiple display panel connecting portions 2123 are provided, and multiple display panel connectors are correspondingly provided. In one specific embodiment, three display panel connecting portions 2123 are provided, arranged in a triangular pattern to form a stable connection.

[0103] In some parallel embodiments, the glass back plate 212 and the display panel housing 232 are connected by both snap-fit ​​and display panel connector, thereby achieving bidirectional positioning of the display panel assembly 230 in the first direction and improving assembly stability.

[0104] Since the glass panel 211 is bonded to the glass back plate 212, in order to achieve a detachable connection between the glass panel assembly 210 and the back plate support frame 220, the glass back plate 212 and the back plate support frame 220 are detachably connected. To achieve this detachable connection, in some embodiments, the glass back plate 212 includes a first snap-fit ​​member 2124 extending along a first direction. The back plate support frame 220 includes adjacent second snap-fit ​​members 222 and a first through hole 223. The second snap-fit ​​members 222 both extend along the first direction. The outer casing 100 has a second through hole 102 through which the second snap-fit ​​members 222 pass. The first snap-fit ​​member 2124 passes through the first through hole 223 and the second through hole 102 and then snaps into the second snap-fit ​​member 222.

[0105] Optionally, the glass back panel 212 includes a plurality of first snap-fit ​​members 2124, each of which extends along a first direction. The back panel support frame 220 includes a plurality of second snap-fit ​​members 222 and a plurality of first through holes 223, each of which extends along the first direction and is adjacent to a first through hole 223. The outer shell 100 is provided with a plurality of second through holes 102. The plurality of first snap-fit ​​members 2124, the plurality of first through holes 223 and the plurality of second through holes 102 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The second snap-fit ​​members 222 pass through the corresponding second through holes 102. The first snap-fit ​​members 2124 pass through the corresponding first through holes 223 and second through holes 102 and then snap-fit ​​with the second snap-fit ​​members 222.

[0106] Optionally, the second snap-fit ​​member 222 is a snap-fit ​​plate extending along the first direction, and the first snap-fit ​​member 2124 is a snap hook, which includes a first snap plate and a second snap plate connected at an acute angle. The first snap plate extends along the first direction, and the snap-fit ​​plate can snap into the snap hook groove formed by the first snap plate and the second snap plate. The snap hook groove extends along the second direction and forms a slot for the snap-fit ​​plate to enter.

[0107] In some parallel embodiments, a backplate buckle 2125 is provided on the glass backplate 212, and a bracket locking hole 225 is provided on the backplate support frame 220. After passing through the bracket locking hole 225 in a first direction, the backplate buckle 2125 can move in a second direction and lock onto the frame wall of the backplate support frame 220. Since the backplate support frame 220 is attached to the outer shell 100, in order to avoid the backplate buckle 2125, an avoidance hole 104 is provided on the outer shell 100. The size of the avoidance hole 104 is larger than the size of the bracket locking hole 225 and completely covers the range of the bracket locking hole 225, thereby allowing part of the frame wall to be exposed, so that the backplate locking hole 103 can be smoothly locked onto the exposed frame wall.

[0108] Optionally, the backplate latch 2125 includes a first backplate latch and a second backplate latch connected at right angles, the first backplate latch extending along a first direction and the second backplate latch extending along a second direction. Of course, the first backplate latch and the second backplate latch can also be connected at an obtuse angle.

[0109] Optionally, multiple backplate buckles 2125 and multiple bracket locking holes 225 are provided, with each backplate buckle 2125 corresponding to a different bracket locking hole 225. In a specific embodiment, multiple backplate buckles 2125 are arranged circumferentially around the third mounting hole 2121, and multiple bracket locking holes 225 are arranged circumferentially around the first mounting hole 101 to improve locking stability.

[0110] In some parallel embodiments, the glass backplate 212 is provided with both a first snap-fit ​​member 2124 and a backplate buckle 2125, while the backplate support frame 220 is provided with both a second snap-fit ​​member 222, a first through hole 223, and a bracket buckle hole 225, thereby achieving double snap-fit, which improves assembly stability and reduces the occurrence of accidental detachment of the glass plate assembly 210 due to a single fixing method. Further, the backplate buckle 2125 is located on three sides of the third mounting hole 2121, specifically on both sides in the third direction and one side in the second direction (the front side that slides along the second direction), and all the first snap-fit ​​members 2124 are located on the other side in the second direction (the rear side that slides along the second direction).

[0111] To avoid interference between the two snap-fit ​​methods, the dimensions of the first through hole 223 and the second through hole 102 in the second direction are both set to be larger than the dimensions of the first snap-fit ​​member 2124 in the second direction. Thus, during the snap-fit ​​process between the glass back plate 212 and the back plate support frame 220, when the first snap-fit ​​member 2124 passes through the first through hole 223 and the second through hole 102, the first snap-fit ​​member 2124 and the second snap-fit ​​member 222 are offset in the third direction. At this time, the back plate buckle 2125 is also inserted into the bracket buckle hole 225. Subsequently, the glass back plate 212 is moved along the second direction until the first snap-fit ​​member 2124 and the second snap-fit ​​member 222 are directly opposite each other in the third direction. The second snap-fit ​​member 222 enters the buckle groove of the first snap-fit ​​member 2124. At the same time, the back plate buckle 2125 is snapped onto the frame wall of the back plate support frame 220 located at the bracket buckle hole 225.

[0112] The electric water heater also includes a baffle box 240, which is installed inside the housing 100 and blocks the first mounting hole 101, the second through hole 102, the back plate locking hole 103, and the clearance hole 104 on the housing 100. The baffle box 240 can prevent the foaming material from overflowing from the first mounting hole 101, the second through hole 102, the back plate locking hole 103, and the clearance hole 104. By using the baffle box 240 to block the first mounting hole 101, the second through hole 102, the back plate locking hole 103, and the clearance hole 104, it helps to improve the heat preservation performance of the electric water heater and prevents the foaming material from overflowing to the display panel assembly 230 and affecting the service life of the display panel 231.

[0113] In some embodiments, the baffle box 240 is connected to the back plate support frame 220 and the outer shell 100. A third back plate connection hole is provided on the baffle box 240. A back plate connector passes through the first and second back plate connection holes and is fixed to the third back plate connection hole, thereby allowing the baffle box 240 and the back plate support frame 220 to be fixed to the inner and outer sides of the rearward-sloping straight portion 116 of the outer shell 100. Optionally, multiple first, second, and third back plate connection holes are provided, and they are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Multiple back plate connectors are provided, with one back plate connector connected to each group of first, second, and third back plate connection holes.

[0114] In one specific embodiment, the first backplate connection hole and the second backplate connection hole are both smooth holes, the third backplate connection hole is a threaded hole, and the backplate connector is a screw. The screw passes through the first backplate connection hole and the second backplate connection hole and is threaded into the third backplate connection hole.

[0115] In another specific embodiment, the first back plate connection hole provided on the back plate support frame 220 is a first screw hole, and the second back plate connection hole provided on the outer shell 100 is a second screw hole. The screw passes through the first screw hole and the second screw hole and is screwed to the baffle box 240. The baffle box 240 is shielded by the inner side of the outer shell 100 from the first screw hole and the second screw hole.

[0116] Because the display panel assembly 230 is relatively large, a first mounting hole 101 needs to be provided through the outer casing 100 to allow the display panel assembly 230 to be smoothly installed. However, providing the first mounting hole 101 on the rearward-sloping straight portion 116 of the outer casing 100 results in insufficient strength at the opening, making it prone to deformation later. To improve the strength of the outer casing 100, a flange structure 130 is provided around the first mounting hole 101, extending inward in a first direction. The flange structure 130 helps improve the structural strength of the outer casing 100, making it less prone to deformation later and improving the overall quality of the electric water heater.

[0117] It should be noted that the outer casing 100 is manufactured by punching holes and flanging after the process. The mold for the outer casing 100 is divided into three parts. The first part is to punch holes other than rectangular holes. The second part is to bend the outer casing 100 and extrude it to form the opening. The third part is to punch the first mounting hole 101, which is large and rectangular, and then flanging it to form the flanged structure 130.

[0118] In some embodiments, the retaining box 240 is installed inside the housing 100 and blocks the first mounting hole 101, and the retaining box 240 is detachably connected to the flange structure 130. Assembling the retaining box 240 and the flange structure 130 can avoid opening more holes (e.g., opening a second screw hole) on the housing 100, which can ensure the structural strength of the housing 100 and reduce the probability of deformation of the housing 100.

[0119] To achieve a detachable connection between the baffle box 240 and the flange structure 130, one of the flange structure 130 and the baffle box 240 is provided with a slot structure 131, and the other is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 241. The slot structure 131 includes a mating section 1311 and a snap-fit ​​section 1312 connected at an angle. The snap-fit ​​structure 241 can slide into the snap-fit ​​section 1312 from the mating section 1311 to achieve a sliding snap-fit. The sliding snap-fit ​​method is not only simple to operate during assembly and has good stability after assembly, but also facilitates subsequent disassembly.

[0120] In some embodiments, the flange structure 130 is provided with a slot structure 131, and the baffle box 240 is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 241. The snap-fit ​​structure 241 can enter the snap-fit ​​section 1312 from the docking section 1311 and achieve sliding snap-fit.

[0121] In some parallel embodiments, the flange structure 130 is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure 241, and the baffle box 240 is provided with a slot structure 131. The snap-fit ​​structure 241 can enter the snap-fit ​​section 1312 from the docking section 1311 and achieve sliding snap-fit.

[0122] In some parallel embodiments, the flange structure 130 is provided with both a slot structure 131 and a snap-fit ​​structure 241, and the baffle box 240 is also provided with both a slot structure 131 and a snap-fit ​​structure 241. The slot structure 131 on the flange structure 130 is slidably snapped with the snap-fit ​​structure 241 on the baffle box 240, and the snap-fit ​​structure 241 on the flange structure 130 is slidably snapped with the slot structure 131 on the baffle box 240.

[0123] In one specific embodiment, the mating section 1311 and the snap-fit ​​section 1312 are vertically connected. For example, the snap-fit ​​structure 131 is an L-shaped structure or a T-shaped structure. This arrangement makes the snap-fit ​​structure 131 not only easy to process, but also facilitates the snap-fit ​​structure 241 to enter the mating section 1311 and snap onto the snap-fit ​​section 1312.

[0124] In one specific embodiment, the mating section 1311 extends along a first direction, and the snap-fit ​​section 1312 extends along a second direction. The snap-fit ​​structure 241 can move along the first direction into the mating section 1311 and move along the second direction to achieve snap-fit. This arrangement ensures that the installation sequence of the baffle box 240 to the flange structure 130 is consistent with the installation sequence of the back plate support frame 220 to the outer shell 100 and the installation sequence of the glass back plate 212 to the back plate support frame 220. In all cases, the components are first inserted along the first direction and then slid and snapped together along the second direction. Assemblers can complete the sequential installation of the three components by following a fixed operating sequence. There is no need to reconfirm before installing each component, which helps to improve assembly efficiency and reduce assembly difficulty.

[0125] In one specific embodiment, multiple slot structures 131 and multiple snap-fit ​​structures 241 are provided, with each snap-fit ​​structure 241 correspondingly snapping into one of the multiple slot structures 131. This arrangement improves the stability of the assembly between the housing 100 and the retaining box 240, reducing the probability of the retaining box 240 accidentally detaching.

[0126] In one specific embodiment, the first mounting hole 101 is a rectangular hole, and the flange structure 130 includes two first flanges spaced apart in a second direction and two second flanges spaced apart in a third direction. Each second flange is provided with a slot structure 131 and / or a snap-fit ​​structure 241. The second flanges extend along the second direction, and by moving the baffle box 240 along the second direction, all the slot structures 131 and snap-fit ​​structures 241 can be snapped together, resulting in high assembly efficiency.

[0127] Optionally, a gap is formed between the first flange and the second flange. When processing to form the flange structure 130, a cut is first made at the edge of the first mounting hole 101 in the outer shell 100 to form a gap, and then the flange operation is performed. The setting of the gap helps to reduce the difficulty of the flange operation and also makes it less likely for the first flange and the second flange to be twisted or stretched during the flange process, so that the structural strength of the first flange and the second flange can be guaranteed.

[0128] The electric water heater also includes a flange 610, which forms an electrical compartment with the corresponding cover 120. The electric water heater also includes a conduit 250, which is installed inside the housing 100 and located within the electrical compartment. Both the back panel support frame 220 and the glass back panel 212 have wiring channels communicating with the conduit 250. The signal wires of the display panel 231 pass through the wiring channels and the conduit 250 into the electrical compartment.

[0129] The electric water heater also includes an external pipe 260, which connects the electrical room to the external space of the water heater. The display panel assembly 230 also includes a warning light, which includes a lamp body, a first wire, and a second wire. Both the first and second wires pass through the conduit 250. The end of the first wire away from the lamp body is fixed to the flange 610, and the end of the second wire away from the lamp body passes through the external pipe 260 and is grounded. It should be noted that the glass panel 211, glass back panel 212, display panel 231, display panel housing 232, and warning light are assembled into a single assembly. After the back panel support frame 220 is pre-installed on the outer casing 100, foaming material is injected between the outer casing 100 and the inner tank 600. The assembly is then installed after the foaming material is injected, which helps to improve the overall assembly efficiency.

[0130] The inner tank 600 is disposed within the outer casing 100. To fix the inner tank 600 within the outer casing 100, the electric water heater also includes an inner tank support 700. The inner tank support 700 is disposed between the outer casing 100 and the inner tank 600, and between the rear side of the inner tank 600 and the rear straight portion 113. One end of the inner tank support 700 is connected to the inner tank 600, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the rear straight portion 113. The inner tank 600 can be fixed within the outer casing 100 by the inner tank support 700. Specifically, the electric water heater also includes an inner tank connector 820. The inner tank support 700 includes a mounting straight portion 722. The outer wall of the mounting straight portion 722 contacts the inner wall of the rear straight portion 113. The inner tank connector 820 is disposed through the mounting straight portion 722 and the rear straight portion 113 to achieve the fixation of the inner tank support 700 to the outer casing 100.

[0131] By forming a rear flat portion 113 on the rear side of the outer shell 100 and providing an assembly flat portion 722 on the inner tank support 700, a surface-to-surface contact is formed between the outer shell 100 and the inner tank support 700, increasing the contact area, facilitating positioning, and simplifying the installation of the inner tank connector 820. The inner tank connector 820 passes through the assembly flat portion 722 and the rear flat portion 113 to fix the inner tank support 700 to the outer shell 100, resulting in high assembly stability. This electric water heater uses the inner tank support 700 to provide rear support for the inner tank component 600 and fix the inner tank component 600 to the rear of the outer shell 100, reducing the pressure exerted by the inner tank component 600 on the bottom of the outer shell 100. Furthermore, the surface fit between the assembly flat portion 722 and the rear flat portion 113 reduces the assembly difficulty of the outer shell 100 and the inner tank support 700, improving assembly stability. It should be noted that, especially for existing single-tank water heaters, the assembly of the outer shell and inner tank using traditional connectors is quite difficult due to the fact that both the outer shell and inner tank are cylindrical. The electric water heater provided by this invention, through the surface contact and cooperation of the rear straight part 113 and the assembly straight part 722, and the assembly of the inner tank connector 820, can easily, quickly, and stably assemble the inner tank component 600 into the outer shell 100. This not only solves the problem of excessive pressure on the bottom of the outer shell 100 when assembling the inner tank component 600 into the outer shell 100 in single-tank water heaters, but also solves the problem of the difficulty in assembling the inner tank component 600 with the inner tank support 700, thus reducing the assembly difficulty of the inner tank component 600 and improving the assembly stability.

[0132] In some embodiments, the inner liner support 700 is in surface contact with and fixedly connected to the inner liner component 600. Regarding the connection method, bonding or welding can be selected depending on the requirements.

[0133] In some embodiments, the inner liner connector 820 is a bolt, with a threaded hole on the assembly flat portion 722 and a shell connection hole on the outer shell 100. The stud of the bolt passes through the shell connection hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.

[0134] In some embodiments, the inner liner support 700 includes a detachably connected support member 710 and an elastic snap-fit ​​member 720. An elastic snap-fit ​​groove 721 is formed on the elastic snap-fit ​​member 720. The elastic snap-fit ​​member 720 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the rear straight portion 113. The support member 710 is fixedly connected to the inner liner 600, and a portion of the structure of the support member 710 is snapped into the elastic snap-fit ​​groove 721.

[0135] During assembly, the elastic snap-fit ​​component 720 is first fixed to the inner wall of the rear straight portion 113, so that the opening of the elastic slot 721 faces one side to form a transverse opening. Then, the bracket component 710 is installed on the outer wall of the inner liner component 600. Finally, the inner liner component 600 is placed inside the outer shell 100 through the end opening of the cylinder 110. During the movement, since the direction of movement is consistent with the opening direction of the elastic slot 721, as the inner liner component 600 is moved laterally to the outer shell 100, part of the structure of the bracket component 710 can be simultaneously snapped into the elastic slot 721, thereby realizing the assembly of the inner liner component 600 and the outer shell 100. By setting the inner liner bracket 700 as a detachable connection between the bracket component 710 and the elastic snap-fit ​​component 720, the assembly difficulty of the inner liner component 600 and the outer shell 100 is reduced, and the assembly efficiency of the inner liner component 600 and the outer shell 100 is improved.

[0136] In some embodiments, the support member 710 is generally U-shaped. The support member 710 also includes a support plate 711 and two support arms 712. The two support arms 712 are connected to both ends of the support plate 711, and the ends of the support arms 712 away from the support plate 711 are supported on the inner liner 600. The support member 710 has a simple structure, good support stability, and good compatibility with the elastic snap-fit ​​member 720. In one specific embodiment, the support member 710 is a one-piece molded part; in another specific embodiment, the two support arms 712 and the support plate 711 are separate structures, connected together by welding or other methods.

[0137] To improve the support strength of the bracket 710, a reinforcing structure can be provided between the support plate 711 and the support arm 712. The reinforcing structure can be a reinforcing rib or a reinforcing bar, etc.

[0138] To increase the support area for the inner liner 600, the support arm 712 includes a first wall plate 7121 and a second wall plate 7122 connected at an angle. The first wall plate 7121 is connected to the support plate 711 at an obtuse angle, and the second wall plate 7122 is also connected to the first wall plate 7121 at an obtuse angle. The second wall plate 7122 and the support plate 711 are located on both sides of the first wall plate 7121, and the second wall plate 7122 is in surface contact with the outer wall surface of the inner liner 600. The two support arms 712 and the support plate 711 are roughly in a "U" shape. Optionally, the support surface of the second wall plate 7122 is an arc-shaped surface that fits against the outer wall surface of the inner liner 600.

[0139] Optionally, the end of the support arm 712 away from the support plate 711 is in surface contact with the outer wall surface of the inner liner 600 and is fixed by welding. In a specific embodiment, the second wall plate 7122 is in surface contact with the outer wall surface of the inner liner 600 and is welded.

[0140] In one embodiment, the two support arms 712 have different lengths. One support arm 712 supports the upper part of the inner liner 600, and the other support arm 712 supports the middle part of the inner liner 600. Specifically, the length of the support arm 712 supporting the upper part of the inner liner 600 is greater than the length of the support arm 712 supporting the middle part of the inner liner 600. This arrangement allows the bracket 710 to be located in the upper-middle part of the inner liner 600, with the bottom of the inner liner 600 supported by the first longitudinal water passage component 910 and the second longitudinal water passage component 920. The distance between the bracket 710 located in the upper-middle part and the first longitudinal water passage component 910 and the second longitudinal water passage component 920 is relatively large, resulting in a greater distance between the two support points and better support stability for the inner liner 600.

[0141] The elastic snap-fit ​​component 720 includes a U-shaped assembly flat portion 722, a snap-fit ​​connection portion 723, and an elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724. The support plate 711 of the bracket component 710 is snapped between the assembly flat portion 722 and the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724. The inner liner connector 820 is disposed through the assembly flat portion 722, the support plate 711, and the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724. The inner wall surfaces of the assembly flat portion 722, the snap-fit ​​connection portion 723, and the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724 form an elastic snap groove 721. The assembly flat portion 722 and the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724 are arranged opposite to each other and form an opening in the elastic snap groove 721 for the support plate 711 to enter. Under the action of external force, the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724 can undergo slight displacement, and the support plate 711 enters between the assembly flat portion 722 and the elastic snap-fit ​​portion 724 by compression. The elastic snap-fit ​​component 720 has a simple structure, a large contact area with the rear flat portion 113 of the housing 100, high assembly efficiency with the bracket component 710, and low assembly difficulty.

[0142] To prevent the support member 710 from detaching from the elastic slot 721, the elastic engaging portion 724 is provided with an elastic claw plate 725. The elastic claw plate 725 abuts against the side wall of the support arm 712 of the support member 710 to limit the support plate 711 within the elastic slot 721. The elastic claw plate 725 is connected to the upper end face and / or lower end face of the elastic engaging portion 724. The opening direction of the limiting slot formed between the elastic claw plate 725 and the elastic engaging portion 724 is opposite to the opening direction of the elastic slot 721. After the support plate 711 enters the elastic slot 721, one side of the support arm 712 enters the limiting slot, and the elastic claw plate 725 abuts against the side wall of the support plate 711, thereby limiting the support plate 711 within the elastic slot 721. The flexible snap-fit ​​part 724 improves the stability of the bracket 710 and the flexible snap-fit ​​part 720 after assembly, and reduces the probability of the bracket 710 and the flexible snap-fit ​​part 720 accidentally disengaging.

[0143] Multiple inner liner supports 700 are provided, and the multiple inner liner supports 700 are spaced apart along the length of the inner liner 600, and simultaneously support the inner liner 600. In one specific embodiment, there are two inner liner supports 700; of course, in other embodiments, there may be three or more inner liner supports 700 as needed.

[0144] To fix the electric water heater to the wall, the water heater also includes a bracket 800, which is fixed to the outer casing 100 and hung on the wall. In some embodiments, the bracket 800 has a first assembly plane 801, and the outer wall surface of the rear straight portion 113 is formed as a second assembly plane. The second assembly plane is in surface contact with the first assembly plane 801. The inner tank connector 820 is disposed by passing through the bracket 800 and the rear straight portion 113 in sequence. The surface contact between the bracket 800 and the rear straight portion 113 increases the contact area between the two, which is beneficial to improving the stability after assembly. By using the inner tank connector 820 to pass through the bracket 800 and the rear straight portion 113 in sequence, it is possible to assemble the bracket 800, the outer casing 100, and the inner tank support 700 using only one inner tank connector 820. This results in high assembly efficiency, low cost, and reduces the need for holes in the outer casing 100, which helps to ensure the structural strength of the outer casing 100. The bracket 800 is also provided with a hanging hole, which is located above the inner liner connector 820. The hanging hole can be hooked onto a hook riveted to the wall.

[0145] Multiple wall mounts 800 are provided, spaced apart along the length of the outer casing 100, and all are fixed to the outer casing 100. The multiple wall mounts 800 help improve the stability of the electric water heater when mounted on the wall, and also distribute the weight of the water heater, reducing the force on each wall mount 800 and each inner tank connector 820, thus helping to ensure the service life of the wall mounts 800 and the inner tank connector 820. In one specific embodiment, two wall mounts 800 are provided.

[0146] The electric water heater also includes a support block 810, which is installed on the lower part of the outer casing 100. A wall mount 800 is installed on the upper part of the outer casing 100. The wall mount 800 is used to hang the electric water heater on the wall, and the support block 810 is used to support it on the wall. Using the support block 810 to assist in supporting the electric water heater improves the stability of the water heater installed on the wall and prevents it from sliding. In one specific embodiment, the support block 810 is designed as a hollow structure, making it lightweight.

[0147] Multiple support blocks 810 are provided, and the support blocks 810 are spaced apart along the length of the electric water heater. In one specific embodiment, two support blocks 810 are provided, and the two support blocks 810 are respectively provided directly below the two brackets 800. Furthermore, the end face of the support block 810 away from the outer casing 100 is flush with the end face of the bracket 800 away from the outer casing 100, so as to further improve the support stability.

[0148] The electric water heater also includes an inlet / outlet pipe structure 400, which is located outside the outer casing 100 and installed at the bottom of the outer casing 100. The inlet end of the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 is connected to a tap water source, through which tap water can be supplied to the inner tank 600. The outlet end of the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 is connected to a water-using structure, through which hot water can be supplied to the water-using structure to provide hot water to the user.

[0149] The electric water heater also includes a vertical inlet pipe 930 and a vertical outlet pipe 940. The inlet end of the vertical inlet pipe 930 and the outlet end of the vertical outlet pipe 940 are both connected to the inlet and outlet pipe structure 400. Tap water entering the inlet and outlet pipe structure 400 enters the inner tank 600 through the vertical inlet pipe 930, and hot water in the inner tank 600 enters the inlet and outlet pipe structure 400 through the vertical outlet pipe 940.

[0150] In one specific embodiment, the top of the vertical inlet pipe 930 is lower than the top of the vertical outlet pipe 940, so that the tap water entering the inner tank 600 first enters the bottom of the inner tank 600, and after being heated, its density decreases and it flows upward, and then enters from the top opening of the vertical outlet pipe 940.

[0151] Two spaced-apart pipe mounting holes 106 are provided at the bottom of the outer casing 100. A first longitudinal water passage component 910 and a second longitudinal water passage component 920 are respectively installed in the two pipe mounting holes 106. The first longitudinal water passage component 910 is used to connect the vertical water inlet pipe 930 and the water inlet / outlet pipe structure 400, and the second longitudinal water passage component 920 is used to connect the vertical water outlet pipe 940 and the water inlet / outlet pipe structure 400. Specifically, the bottom end of the vertical water inlet pipe 930 is connected to the outlet of the first longitudinal water passage component 910, and the bottom end of the vertical water outlet pipe 940 is connected to the inlet of the second longitudinal water passage component 920. Optionally, the bottom end of the vertical water inlet pipe 930 is threadedly connected to the first longitudinal water passage component 910; and the bottom end of the vertical water outlet pipe 940 is threadedly connected to the second longitudinal water passage component 920.

[0152] The inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 includes an inlet insulating pipe 410 and an outlet insulating pipe 420. The inlet insulating pipe 410 includes a transverse inlet pipe 411 extending along the first transverse direction toward the rear of the outer casing 100. Optionally, the first transverse direction is the direction of the electric water heater from front to back. The outlet end of the transverse inlet pipe 411 is directly connected to the inlet of the first longitudinal water passage component 910. The outlet insulating pipe 420 includes a transverse outlet pipe 421 extending along the rear of the first transverse outer casing 100. The inlet end of the transverse outlet pipe 421 is directly connected to the outlet of the second longitudinal water passage component 920.

[0153] By setting a horizontal inlet pipe 411 and a horizontal outlet pipe 421 that extend laterally and rearward, and making the horizontal inlet pipe 411 directly connected to the first longitudinal water passage component 910 and the horizontal outlet pipe 421 directly connected to the second longitudinal water passage component 920, the inlet and outlet pipe structure 400 is set at the bottom of the outer casing 100 with a small gap or even no gap. This helps to reduce the overall height of the electric water heater and facilitates the fully concealed installation of the electric water heater.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first longitudinal water passage component 910 includes a first transverse interface end, and the outlet end of the transverse water inlet pipe 411 is rotatably inserted into the first transverse interface end, with the rotation axis of the transverse water inlet pipe 411 being its central axis. In a specific embodiment, the outlet end of the transverse water inlet pipe 411 is connected to the first transverse interface end via a first clamp 460. Specifically, a first annular groove is provided circumferentially on the first transverse interface end, and first snap-fit ​​holes are provided on both sides of the outlet end of the transverse water inlet pipe 411, which are oppositely arranged and interconnected. The first clamp 460 includes a first clamp arm, which passes through one first snap-fit ​​hole, one side of the first annular groove, and the other first snap-fit ​​hole to achieve connection. Optionally, the first clamp 460 has a U-shaped structure, which includes two first clamp arms and a first connecting rod connected to the two first clamp arms. Correspondingly, two sets of first snap-fit ​​holes are provided at the outlet end of the transverse water inlet pipe 411, and the two sets of first snap-fit ​​holes are located on both sides of the first transverse interface end. This design allows the horizontal water inlet pipe 411 to rotate freely, facilitating after-sales installation.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second longitudinal water passage component 920 includes a second transverse interface end, into which the inlet end of the transverse water outlet pipe 421 is rotatably inserted, and the rotation axis of the transverse water outlet pipe 421 is its central axis. In a specific embodiment, the inlet end of the transverse water outlet pipe 421 is connected to the second transverse interface end via a second clamp. Specifically, a second annular groove is provided circumferentially on the second transverse interface end, and second snap-fit ​​holes are provided on both sides of the inlet end of the transverse water outlet pipe 421, which are oppositely arranged and interconnected. The second clamp includes a second clamp arm, which passes through one second snap-fit ​​hole, one side of the second annular groove, and the other second snap-fit ​​hole to achieve connection. Optionally, the second clamp is a U-shaped structure, which includes two second clamp arms and a second connecting rod connected to the two second clamp arms. This arrangement allows the transverse water outlet pipe 421 to rotate freely, facilitating after-sales installation.

[0156] The inlet insulating pipe 410 also includes a first vertical pipe 412, one end of which is connected to the inlet end of the horizontal inlet pipe 411, and the other end is connected to a pipe embedded in the wall via a special pipe connector. The outlet insulating pipe 420 also includes a second vertical pipe 422, one end of which is connected to the outlet end of the horizontal outlet pipe 421, and the other end can also be connected to a pipe embedded in the wall via a special pipe connector.

[0157] Because the inlet insulating pipe 410 and the outlet insulating pipe 420 have a large extension length in the first horizontal direction, there is a risk of downward tilting during long-term use, which will also require the connection to bear a large force and easily cause water leakage. In order to avoid the pipe tilting and water leakage at the connection, the electric water heater also includes a pipe support structure 430, which is used to support the horizontal inlet pipe 411 and / or the horizontal outlet pipe 421.

[0158] In some embodiments, the pipe support structure 430 includes a first pipe support 431 and a second pipe support 432, which are respectively suspended on the outer casing 100. A transverse inlet pipe 411 is supported by the first pipe support 431, and a transverse outlet pipe 421 is supported by the second pipe support 432. Using two pipe supports facilitates subsequent maintenance. Of course, in other embodiments, a single pipe support can be used to simultaneously support both the transverse inlet pipe 411 and the transverse outlet pipe 421.

[0159] Optionally, the pipe support structure 430 includes an arc-shaped support portion 433, a first flanged connecting portion 434, and a second flanged connecting portion 435. The first flanged connecting portion 434 and the second flanged connecting portion 435 are respectively connected to both ends of the arc-shaped support portion 433. Both the first flanged connecting portion 434 and the second flanged connecting portion 435 are fixed to the outer casing 100. The transverse water inlet pipe 411 and / or the transverse water outlet pipe 421 overlap the inner side of the arc-shaped support portion 433. This pipe support structure 430 provides good support for the pipe and is convenient for assembly with the outer casing 100. It should be noted that the first pipe support member 431 and the second pipe support member 432 can both adopt the above-described structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the pipe support structure 430 can also be configured as a strap structure or a support sleeve structure, etc., as needed.

[0160] The electric water heater also includes a filter element 500, which filters the tap water entering the inner tank 600 to improve the water quality and prevent foreign matter from accumulating inside the inner tank 600, affecting water quality and heating efficiency. Specifically, an installation space is formed between the outer casing 100 and the horizontal inlet pipe 411 and the horizontal outlet pipe 421. The filter element 500 is located within this installation space and installed on the horizontal inlet pipe 411 along a second horizontal direction. Optionally, the second horizontal direction is the left-right direction of the electric water heater. This arrangement makes reasonable use of the space between the outer casing 100 and the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400. Compared to installing the filter element 500 below the horizontal inlet pipe 411 or on the first vertical pipe 412, installing the filter element 500 within the installation space formed between the outer casing 100 and the horizontal inlet pipe 411 and the horizontal outlet pipe 421 helps reduce the overall height of the electric water heater, making it easier to install in narrow spaces and facilitating fully concealed installation.

[0161] In some embodiments, the pipe mounting hole 106 is provided on the bottom flat portion 111 of the housing 100, and the transverse water inlet pipe 411 and the transverse water outlet pipe 421 extend from the bottom flat portion 111 of the housing 100 to the lower part of the rear arc portion 115. Due to the arrangement of the rear arc portion 115, the longitudinal dimension of the installation space increases from front to back. The filter element 500 is placed below the rear arc portion 115, providing ample installation space and making operation more convenient.

[0162] Because the filter element 500 is relatively heavy, to prevent it from crushing the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and causing leakage at the pipe connection due to excessive force, the electric water heater also includes a filter support 510. The filter support 510 is installed on the outer casing 100 and is used to support the filter element 500. By using the filter support 510 to support the filter element 500, the outer casing 100 can bear most of the weight of the filter element 500, which helps to reduce the downward pressure on the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400, helps to maintain the horizontal state of the horizontal inlet pipe 411 and the horizontal outlet pipe 421, improves the service life of the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400, and reduces the maintenance rate of the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400.

[0163] In some embodiments, the filter support 510 includes an interconnected collar portion 511 and a plate connecting portion 512. The filter element 500 passes through the collar portion 511, and the plate connecting portion 512 is connected to the housing 100. This filter support 510 provides good support for the filter element 500 and facilitates assembly with the housing 100. Optionally, multiple plate connecting portions 512 are provided, spaced apart on the collar portion 511, and all are connected to the housing 100. The connection methods include, but are not limited to, welding, bonding, and screw connections. Of course, in other embodiments, the filter support 510 may also employ a strap or other structure.

[0164] In one specific embodiment, the collar portion 511 is provided with multiple perforated structures. The perforated structures help to reduce the weight of the filter support 510, thereby reducing the burden on the outer casing 100 and the overall weight of the electric water heater.

[0165] In one specific embodiment, the collar portion 511 includes multiple annular portions 5111 and multiple ring connecting portions 5112. The multiple annular portions 5111 are spaced apart, and adjacent annular portions 5111 are connected by ring connecting portions 5112. This arrangement makes the collar portion 511 resemble a mesh sleeve, resulting in good weight reduction and facilitating observation of whether the filter element 500 is properly installed within the collar portion 511.

[0166] In one specific embodiment, the collar portion 511 includes a convex support portion 5113 protruding towards the outer casing 100. The convex support portion 5113 has a support surface that fits and is shaped to conform to the outer wall surface of the outer casing 100. By designing the convex support portion 5113 and the support surface that fits to the outer wall surface of a portion of the rear arc-shaped portion 115, the contact area between the filter support member 510 and the outer casing 100 is increased, facilitating the positioning of the filter support member 510 on the outer casing 100. Furthermore, the convex support portion 5113 is fixedly connected to the outer casing 100, providing an additional assembly point for the assembly of the filter support member 510 and the outer casing 100, which helps to improve the stability of the filter support member 510 after assembly with the outer casing 100.

[0167] In one specific embodiment, the plate connecting portion 512 has a connecting surface that fits and is shaped to conform to the outer wall surface of the housing 100. This arrangement increases the contact area between the filter support 510 and the housing 100, making it easier to position the filter support 510 on the housing 100 and also facilitating the assembly of the plate connecting portion 512 and the housing 100.

[0168] The electric water heater also includes a water flow sensor 440, which is integrated into the horizontal inlet pipe 411 and used to obtain the water flow rate in the horizontal inlet pipe 411. The integration of the water flow sensor 440 into the horizontal inlet pipe 411 helps simplify the assembly process and reduce costs. The electric water heater also includes a safety valve 450, which is integrated into the horizontal inlet pipe 411. The integration of the safety valve 450 into the horizontal inlet pipe 411 also helps simplify the assembly process and reduce costs.

[0169] Furthermore, by placing both the water flow sensor 440 and the safety valve 450 above the horizontal inlet pipe 411, both are located within the installation space. This helps reduce the overall height of the water heater, making it easier to install in confined spaces and facilitating fully concealed installation. Alternatively, the water flow sensor 440 and safety valve 450 can also be placed to the side of the horizontal inlet pipe 411, achieving the same effect.

[0170] The outer shell 100 is also provided with a magnesium rod hole 107, which is located near the pipe mounting hole 106. The magnesium rod is installed in the inner liner 600 through the magnesium rod hole 107. The magnesium rod has the effect of protecting the inner liner and heating components from corrosion.

[0171] The electric water heater also includes a concealed cover 300, which is installed on the bottom of the outer casing 100. The concealed cover 300 is a split structure and can be detachably connected. Part of the concealed cover 300 is in an assembled state before leaving the factory, installed on the outer casing 100 to cover and protect the perforated structure. The remaining part of the concealed cover 300 is in a detached state after leaving the factory, so as to reserve installation space for installing the inlet / outlet water pipe structure 400 and / or filter element 500. After being assembled onto the outer casing 100, the concealed cover 300 can cover at least part of the inlet / outlet water pipe structure 400 and / or filter element 500. It should be noted that the perforated structure includes pipe mounting holes 106 and magnesium rod holes 107.

[0172] By setting up the concealed cover 300, the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500 can be completely concealed. This not only protects the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500, but also facilitates the fully concealed installation of the electric water heater, improving its aesthetics. Furthermore, it should be noted that the lemon-shaped outer shell 100 and the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400, which is directly installed at the bottom flat portion 111 of the outer shell 100 and extends rearward along the first lateral direction, allow the overall height of the concealed cover 300 to be smaller. Compared to existing electric water heaters with anti-electric shock covers, the electric water heater with the concealed cover 300 provided in this embodiment of the invention has a reduced overall height.

[0173] Furthermore, compared to the traditional anti-electric shock wall cover used in the existing technology, the hidden cover 300 and the outer shell 100 are directly assembled, and the hidden cover 300 is set as a split structure. This allows part of the structure of the hidden cover 300 to be installed on the outer shell 100 in advance and to protect the hole structure, reducing the probability of foreign objects entering the outer shell 100 through the hole structure and the probability of damage to the outer shell 100. The remaining part of the hidden cover 300 is separated from the outer shell 100, leaving installation space, which makes it easier to assemble the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500 under the outer shell 100. Furthermore, the separate concealed cover 300 facilitates installation and disassembly. Specifically, the aforementioned inlet / outlet water pipe structure 400 and filter element 500 are shipped separately from the outer casing 100 and require assembly during on-site assembly. By making the concealed cover 300 a separate structure, after-sales personnel can easily assemble the inlet / outlet water pipe structure 400 and filter element 500 onto the outer casing 100, and it also facilitates repair and replacement in case of future malfunctions. In short, by making the concealed cover 300 a separate structure, this electric water heater achieves both protection of the perforated structure and ease of reassembly.

[0174] The rear arc-shaped portion 115 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the rear side of the flat bottom portion 111, and the concealed cover 300 extends from the flat bottom portion 111 to the rear arc-shaped portion 115. This arrangement allows the concealed cover 300 to cover a large area in the front-to-back direction of the bottom of the electric water heater, achieving full coverage of the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500, improving the protection effect of the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500, and also improving the aesthetics of the electric water heater.

[0175] In some embodiments, the concealment cover 300 includes a front cover 310 and a rear cover 320 that are separately configured. The front cover 310 is configured to have an assembled state that is installed on the housing 100 before leaving the factory to cover the hole structure formed on the housing 100 of the electric water heater. The rear cover 320 is configured to have a separated state that is separated from the housing 100 after leaving the factory to reserve installation space for installing the inlet and outlet water pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500. Since the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 extends from the flat bottom portion 111 to the rear arc-shaped portion 115 in the front-to-back direction, and the filter element 500 is located below the rear arc-shaped portion 115, the concealment cover 300 is configured as a front cover 310 and a rear cover 320, which are separate units. This not only provides protection for the perforated structure before actual assembly, preventing foreign objects from entering the perforated structure, but also provides sufficient installation space for after-sales personnel to install the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500. After installation, the rear cover 320 is assembled, thus completing the protection and concealment of the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 and the filter element 500. When it is necessary to replace or maintain the filter element 500 and the inlet / outlet pipe structure 400 in the future, only the rear cover 320 needs to be removed, without removing the front cover 310, which is more convenient and efficient. Of course, in other embodiments, the rear cover 320 can also be configured as a separate structure, for example, divided into a left rear cover and a right rear cover.

[0176] The front cover 310 is installed on the bottom flat part 111. The bottom flat part 111 has high flatness, which ensures high stability when the front cover 310 is installed on the bottom flat part 111.

[0177] The front cover 310 is mounted to the bottom flat portion 111 by a sliding snap-fit ​​mechanism to improve installation efficiency. In some embodiments, a cover mounting hole 105 is provided at the bottom of the housing 100, and a cover snap-fit ​​member 311 is provided on the front cover 310. The cover snap-fit ​​member 311 is inserted into the cover mounting hole 105 and can achieve a sliding snap-fit, so that the cover snap-fit ​​member 311 can be snapped onto the shell plate of the housing 100 located next to the cover mounting hole 105. During the assembly of the front cover 310, the cover snap-fit ​​member 311 is first moved vertically upward and inserted into the cover mounting hole 105, and then moved laterally to snap onto the shell plate. The entire assembly process is highly efficient and has good stability after assembly. In a specific embodiment, the cover mounting hole 105 extends along a second direction, and the cover snap-fit ​​member 311 moves laterally along the second direction.

[0178] In one specific embodiment, the cover latching member 311 includes a first cover latching portion 3111 and a second cover latching portion 3112 that are vertically connected. The end of the first cover latching portion 3111 away from the second cover latching portion 3112 is connected to the front cover body of the front cover member 310. The second cover latching portion 3112 and the front cover body can be positioned on the inner and outer sides of the shell plate of the outer casing 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the first cover latching portion 3111 and the second cover latching portion 3112 may also be connected at an obtuse angle.

[0179] Optionally, two cover mounting holes 105 are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction of the electric water heater. Correspondingly, two cover clips 311 are provided, and the two cover clips 311 are installed in the two cover mounting holes 105 one-to-one. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of cover mounting holes 105 can also be set to other numbers as needed, such as one, three or more.

[0180] In some embodiments, the baffle box 240 is shielded by the inner side of the housing 100 to prevent the foaming material from overflowing from the cover mounting hole 105. In one specific embodiment, the baffle box 240 includes an elongated baffle portion 242, which has an arc-shaped structure that fits the first transition arc-shaped portion 117 and extends to the cover mounting hole 105, thus shielding the cover mounting hole 105. The baffle portion 242 is provided with a clearance groove for the cover latching member 311. It should be noted that the number of baffle portions 242 corresponds to the hole structure provided on the bottom flat portion 111, including the aforementioned cover mounting hole 105. In one specific embodiment, three baffle portions 242 are provided, spaced apart in the left-right direction of the electric water heater.

[0181] The rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 are detachably connected. In some embodiments, the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 are fitted together with a concave-convex engagement and are detachably connected. Specifically, the concave-convex engagement means that one of the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 has a convex engagement portion 321, and the other has a concave engagement portion 312, with the convex engagement portion 321 fitting into the concave engagement portion 312. The concave-convex engagement increases the contact area between the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310, which helps to improve the stability after assembly.

[0182] In one specific embodiment, the convex fitting portion 321 is provided on the rear cover 320, and the concave fitting portion 312 is provided on the front cover 310; in another specific embodiment, the convex fitting portion 321 is provided on the front cover 310, and the concave fitting portion 312 is provided on the rear cover 320.

[0183] To improve the stability of the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 after they are fitted together, a first slot 313 is provided on one of the edges of the convex fitting part 321 and the edge of the concave fitting part 312, and a first insert plate 322 is provided on the other. The bottom surface of the slot of the first slot 313 is provided with an outward protrusion structure 314, and the first insert plate 322 is provided with a through hole structure 323. The first insert plate 322 is inserted into the first slot 313, and the outward protrusion structure 314 is inserted into the through hole structure 323. By inserting the first insert plate 322 into the first slot 313, the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 can be externally connected. By inserting the protruding structure 314 into the through hole structure 323, the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 can be internally connected. The dual connection of external and internal connection enables the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310 to be detachably connected. The assembly process is simple and quick, the stability after assembly is good, the probability of accidental detachment is low, the disassembly process is simple and quick, and repeated disassembly can be achieved, so that the rear cover 320 can be reused and the cost of use is low.

[0184] In order to facilitate the smooth insertion of the rear cover 320 and the front cover 310, sufficient insertion space needs to be left between the first insert plate 322 and the first slot 313. For example, a gap at least greater than the thickness of the first insert plate 322 needs to be left above the inner and outer protruding structures 314 of the first slot 313. While the reserved gap facilitates installation, it also makes the rear cover 320 tend to flip downward. A second slot 315 and a horizontal stop plate 316 formed above the second slot 315 are provided on one of the edges of the protruding fitting part 321 and the edge of the concave fitting part 312, and a second insert plate 324 is provided on the other. A vertical stop plate 325 protrudes from the second insert plate 324. The second insert plate 324 is inserted into the second slot 315, and the top of the vertical stop plate 325 abuts against the horizontal stop plate 316. The mutual limiting between the horizontal stop plate 316 and the vertical stop plate 325 can solve the problem of the rear cover 320 flipping downwards, and also ensure that the front cover 310 and the rear cover 320 will not be uneven, thus improving the stability of the rear cover 320 when it is inserted into the front cover 310.

[0185] Optionally, an anti-slip structure 330 is provided on the outer bottom surface of the concealed cover 300, allowing the rear cover 320 to be smoothly inserted into the front cover 310 by contacting the anti-slip structure 330. Optionally, the anti-slip structure 330 is an anti-slip groove on the outer bottom surface of the rear cover 320, allowing after-sales personnel to easily disassemble the rear cover 320 by applying force to the anti-slip groove, making disassembly more convenient.

[0186] Electric water heaters also include a control mechanism, which can be a centralized or distributed controller. For example, the controller can be a single microcontroller or a combination of multiple distributed microcontrollers. The microcontroller can run a control program to control the control panel module 200, heating components, etc., to perform their respective functions.

[0187] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric water heater, characterized in that, include: The housing (100) includes a rearwardly inclined straight portion (116) formed on the front side and disposed at a rearward angle. The control panel module (200) includes a glass plate assembly (210) and a back support frame (220). The back support frame (220) is mounted on the tilting straight section (116). The glass plate assembly (210) is mounted on the back support frame (220) and is located on the side of the back support frame (220) away from the tilting straight section (116). The glass plate assembly (210) is separated from the outer shell (100) by the back plate support frame (220) to achieve motion decoupling between the glass plate assembly (210) and the outer shell (100).

2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass panel assembly (210) includes a glass panel (211) and a glass back panel (212), with the glass back panel (212) disposed between the glass panel (211) and the back panel support frame (220).

3. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass panel assembly (210) includes a glass back panel (212), and the control panel module (200) also includes a display panel assembly (230). The outer shell (100) is provided with a first mounting hole (101), the back panel support frame (220) is provided with a second mounting hole (221), and the glass back panel (212) is provided with a third mounting hole (2121). The first mounting hole (101), the second mounting hole (221) and the third mounting hole (2121) are connected to form a display panel mounting hole. The display panel assembly (230) passes through the display panel mounting hole, and the display panel assembly (230) is detachably connected to the glass back panel (212).

4. The electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The glass back plate (212) includes a plurality of display panel clips (2122) arranged circumferentially around the third mounting hole (2121). Each display panel clip (2122) extends along a first direction. The annular sidewall of the display panel assembly (230) is provided with a plurality of snap-fit ​​structures (2321) along the circumferential direction. The plurality of display panel clips (2122) and the plurality of snap-fit ​​structures (2321) are snapped together one by one. And / or, the glass back panel (212) includes a display panel connecting part (2123) protruding in the third mounting hole (2121), the display panel connecting part (2123) is provided with a display panel connecting hole (21231), and the display panel connector passes through the display panel connecting hole (21231) to connect with the display panel assembly (230).

5. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass panel assembly (210) includes a glass back panel (212), the glass back panel (212) includes a first snap-fit ​​member (2124), the first snap-fit ​​member (2124) extends along a first direction, the back panel support frame (220) includes a second snap-fit ​​member (222) and a first through hole (223) arranged adjacently, the second snap-fit ​​member (222) extends along the first direction, the outer shell (100) is provided with a second through hole (102), the second snap-fit ​​member (222) is disposed through the second through hole (102), and the first snap-fit ​​member (2124) is snapped with the second snap-fit ​​member (222) after passing through the first through hole (223) and the second through hole (102); And / or, the glass panel assembly (210) includes a glass back panel (212), the glass back panel (212) is provided with a back panel buckle (2125), the back panel support frame (220) is provided with a bracket hole (225), the back panel buckle (2125) passes through the bracket hole (225) in a first direction and can move in a second direction and be locked on the frame wall of the back panel support frame (220), and the outer shell (100) is provided with a clearance hole (104) to avoid the back panel buckle (2125). And / or, the outer shell (100) is provided with a back plate slot (103), and the back plate support frame (220) is provided with a sliding buckle (224). The sliding buckle (224) passes through the back plate slot (103) in a first direction and can move in a second direction and lock onto the shell wall of the outer shell (100).

6. The electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a baffle box (240), which is installed on the inside of the housing (100) and blocks the first mounting hole (101), the second through hole (102), the back plate snap hole (103), and the clearance hole (104) on the housing (100). The first mounting hole (101) is used to install the display panel assembly (230).

7. The electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a baffle box (240). The outer shell (100) is provided with a flange structure (130) along the circumference of the first mounting hole (101). The flange structure (130) extends along a first direction. The flange structure (130) is provided with a slot structure (131). The slot structure (131) includes a vertically connected docking section (1311) and a snap-fit ​​section (1312). The baffle box (240) is provided with a snap-fit ​​structure (241). The snap-fit ​​structure (241) can enter the snap-fit ​​section (1312) from the docking section (1311) and achieve sliding snap-fit.

8. The electric water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The glass back plate (212) is slidably engaged with the back plate support frame (220), the outer shell (100) is slidably engaged with the back plate support frame (220), and the baffle box (240) is slidably engaged with the flange structure (130), and the engagement direction is the second direction.

9. The electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a conduit (250) and an electrical compartment. The display panel assembly (230) includes a display panel (231). The conduit (250) is installed inside the housing (100) and located in the electrical compartment. The back panel support frame (220) and the glass back panel (212) are both provided with a cable passage that communicates with the conduit (250). The signal lines of the display panel (231) pass through the cable passage and the conduit (250) into the electrical compartment.

10. The electric water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes an external pipe (260) and a flange (610), the external pipe (260) connecting the electrical room to the external space, and the display panel assembly (230) also includes a warning light, the warning light including a lamp body, a first wire and a second wire, the first wire and the second wire both passing through the conduit (250), the end of the first wire away from the lamp body is fixed to the flange (610), and the end of the second wire away from the lamp body passes through the external pipe (260) and is grounded.

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