Water heater shell and water heater

Abstract

The utility model provides a water heater shell and a water heater, relates to the technical field of heat pump heating equipment, and aims to solve the problems that dust and impurities are easy to enter and the aesthetic property is affected as a connecting structure for fixedly connecting a top cover and a side coaming in the conventional water heater shell is exposed outside. The water heater shell comprises a top cover, a base plate and a side surrounding plate, the upper edge of the side surrounding plate is provided with a first lap joint edge and a first assembling edge, the first lap joint edge roughly extends towards an inner cavity of the water heater shell in the horizontal direction, and an angle is formed between the first assembling edge and the first lap joint edge; the edge of the top cover is provided with a second lap joint edge and a second assembly edge, the second lap joint edge roughly extends towards the inner cavity in the horizontal direction, an angle is formed between the second assembly edge and the second lap joint edge, and the second lap joint edge is in lap joint with the first lap joint edge; the second assembling edge is opposite to and connected with the first assembling edge. The connecting structure of the top cover and the side coaming is hidden in the shell of the water heater, so that dust and impurities are prevented from entering the shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of heat pump heating equipment, and more specifically, to a water heater casing and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A water heater is a high-efficiency heat energy lifting and transfer device based on the reverse Carnot cycle. It uses a small amount of electricity as power and refrigerant as a carrier. It absorbs low-grade heat energy from the air, converts it into usable high-grade heat energy, and then releases the high-grade heat energy into the water that needs to be heated to produce domestic hot water, which is finally delivered to users through hot water pipes.

[0003] Typically, the outer casing of a water heater is a cuboid structure, including a top cover and a base that are spaced apart and positioned opposite each other along the vertical direction, as well as side panels connecting the top cover and the base. The top cover and side panels are fixed together with screws. However, the existing connection structure for fixing the top cover and side panels is exposed, which not only makes it easy for dust and impurities to enter through the connection point, but also affects the aesthetics of the water heater casing. Utility Model Content

[0004] The first objective of this utility model is to provide a water heater housing to solve the technical problem that the connection structure used to fix the top cover and side panel of the existing water heater housing is exposed, which makes it easy for dust and impurities to enter and affects the aesthetics.

[0005] The water heater housing provided by this utility model includes a top cover and a chassis that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a side panel connected between the top cover and the chassis. The upper edge of the side panel is provided with a first overlapping edge and a first mounting edge. The first overlapping edge extends into the inner cavity of the water heater housing in a generally horizontal direction, and the first mounting edge is at an angle to the first overlapping edge. The edge of the top cover is provided with a second overlapping edge and a second mounting edge. The second overlapping edge extends into the inner cavity in a generally horizontal direction, and the second mounting edge is at an angle to the second overlapping edge. The second overlapping edge overlaps with the first overlapping edge. The second mounting edge is opposite to the first mounting edge and is connected to the first mounting edge.

[0006] When it is necessary to assemble the top cover to the side panel, the top cover can be installed to the side panel with the second overlapping edge facing the inner cavity; when the top cover is installed in place on the side panel, the second overlapping edge set at the lower edge of the top cover will overlap with the first overlapping edge at the upper edge of the side panel. At this time, the second assembly edge of the top cover is opposite to the first assembly edge of the side panel in the horizontal direction and is assembled and connected.

[0007] As can be seen, the water heater casing, through the above-mentioned arrangement, places the first and second assembly edges used for connection and fixation within the inner cavity. Thus, when the first and second assembly edges are connected together using the connecting structure, the connecting structure can be hidden within the inner cavity of the water heater casing. This effectively improves the situation where the connection structure between the top cover and the side panel is exposed in the prior art. It not only prevents dust and impurities from entering at the connection location, but also ensures the aesthetics of the water heater casing.

[0008] Furthermore, the overlapping fit between the first and second overlapping edges provides support for the top cover during assembly, eliminating the need for workers to constantly hold the top cover, thus reducing assembly difficulty. Moreover, the first assembly edge located on the first overlapping edge and the second assembly edge located on the second overlapping edge form a labyrinth seal structure at the joint between the top cover and the side panel, extending the path from the outside of the water heater casing to the inner cavity, thereby further reducing the ingress of external impurities.

[0009] Furthermore, the first mounting edge is located on the side of the first overlapping edge facing the inner cavity, and the second mounting edge is located on the side of the second overlapping edge facing the inner cavity. This arrangement, where the first and second mounting edges mate below the joint between the top cover and the side panel, allows for connection of the first and second mounting edges using screws, providing ample working space and improving assembly efficiency. Alternatively, the first overlapping edge and the first mounting edge are formed by bending the upper edge of the side panel. This configuration makes the side panel a single-piece structure, reducing the number of components used to assemble the side panel and increasing the structural strength of the side panel at its upper edge. Alternatively, the second overlapping edge and the second mounting edge are formed by bending the edge of the top cover. This configuration makes the top cover a single-piece structure, reducing the number of components used to assemble the top cover and increasing the structural strength of the top cover at its edge, thus suppressing deformation of the top cover.

[0010] Furthermore, the side panel includes a first side panel and a second side panel that are opposite and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a front panel and a back panel that are opposite and spaced apart in the front-back direction. The first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel are sequentially connected to form a structure with a front opening. The first overlapping edge and the first assembly edge are formed on the first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel. The front panel is connected to the first side panel and the second side panel. This arrangement allows the top cover to be fixedly connected to the first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel at its three edges, respectively, with a wide distribution of the connection area, thus ensuring the reliability of the connection between the top cover and the side panel. In addition, by dividing the side panel into two parts, during assembly, the front panel can be left uninstalled, allowing the front opening to remain open before assembling the top cover to the first side panel, the back panel, and the second side panel. This allows workers to directly perform assembly work through the front opening, improving assembly convenience.

[0011] Furthermore, the front panel is snapped into both the first side panel and the second side panel. This snap-fit ​​design improves the connection efficiency between the front panel and the first and second side panels, and the snap-fit ​​configuration also provides positioning for the front panel assembly process.

[0012] Furthermore, the first side panel has a first side flange folding towards the inner cavity near its edge adjacent to the front panel, and the second side panel has a second side flange folding towards the inner cavity near its edge adjacent to the front panel. Both the first and second side flanges have locking holes, and the front panel has a buckle that engages with the locking holes. By placing the locking holes on the first and second side flanges, the front panel covers the locking holes after it is installed onto the first and second side panels, thus preventing the locking structure between the front panel and the first and second side panels from being exposed.

[0013] Furthermore, the lower edge of the first side plate is provided with a first flange that folds towards the inner cavity in a generally horizontal direction, and the first flange has a first mounting hole. The lower edge of the second side plate is provided with a second flange that folds towards the inner cavity in a generally horizontal direction, and the second flange has a second mounting hole. One side of the chassis is provided with a first mounting edge that folds towards the inner cavity in a generally horizontal direction, and the first mounting edge has a first chassis fixing hole that mates with the first mounting hole. The other side of the chassis is provided with a second mounting edge that folds towards the inner cavity in a generally horizontal direction, and the second mounting edge has a second chassis fixing hole that mates with the second mounting hole. The first flange is supported by the first mounting edge, and the first mounting hole is opposite to the first chassis fixing hole. The second flange is supported by the second mounting edge, and the second mounting hole is opposite to the second chassis fixing hole. This arrangement ensures that the connection structure between the chassis and both the first and second side plates is located inside the water heater casing, achieving a concealed connection structure between the chassis and both the first and second side plates.

[0014] Furthermore, the first mounting edge is folded upward to form a first limiting edge, and the second mounting edge is folded upward to form a second limiting edge. The first folded edge engages with the first limiting edge, and the second folded edge engages with the second limiting edge. This design enables the side panel to be positioned during assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the chassis has a first vertical connecting edge near the back panel. This first vertical connecting edge is located on the side of the back panel closest to the inner cavity. A third chassis fixing hole is provided on the first vertical connecting edge, through which the first vertical connecting edge connects to the back panel. By providing this first vertical connecting edge, after the chassis and side panel are assembled, the first vertical connecting edge can restrict the forward movement of the back panel, thereby achieving forward limiting of the side panel. Simultaneously, by providing the third chassis fixing hole on this first vertical connecting edge for connection with the back panel, not only is the chassis fixed to the side panel at its rear edge, but the fixing structure is also hidden inside the water heater casing, avoiding exposure of the connecting structure.

[0016] And / or, the chassis has a second vertical connecting edge near the front panel. This second vertical connecting edge is located on the side of the front panel closest to the inner cavity. The second vertical connecting edge has a fourth chassis fixing hole, through which it connects to the front panel. By providing the aforementioned second vertical connecting edge and having a fourth chassis fixing hole for connection to the front panel, the front panel is not only snapped together with the first and second side panels but also fixedly connected to the chassis, effectively improving the installation reliability of the front panel. Furthermore, the placement of this connection structure ensures that, in the operating environment of the water heater (located in a relatively low position), the connection structure between the front panel and the chassis is not visible to the naked eye, thus achieving a visually concealed design.

[0017] Furthermore, the first side panel includes a first plate and a second plate arranged sequentially in a front-to-back direction. The first plate has a first notch and a first intermediate flange folded towards the inner cavity near its edge to the second plate. The second plate has a second notch and a second intermediate flange folded towards the inner cavity near its edge to the first plate. The first notch and the second notch align to form a pipe routing area for a pipe to pass through from the first side of the water heater casing. The first intermediate flange and the second intermediate flange are fitted together and connected, and the second mounting edge is supported by the first intermediate flange and the second intermediate flange. This design not only utilizes the pipe routing area between the first and second plates to facilitate pipe routing on this side, but also achieves a concealed connection structure between the first and second plates by connecting the first and second plates using the aforementioned first and second intermediate flanges, ensuring the integrity of the first side panel's appearance. Additionally, the first and second intermediate flanges also provide support to one side of the top cover, improving the stress on the first overlapping edge.

[0018] The second side panel includes a third plate and a fourth plate arranged sequentially in a front-to-back direction. The third plate has a third notch and a third intermediate flange folded towards the inner cavity near its edge to the fourth plate. The fourth plate has a fourth notch and a fourth intermediate flange folded towards the inner cavity near its edge to the third plate. The third and fourth notches align to form a pipe routing area for pipes to pass through from the second side of the water heater casing. The third and fourth intermediate flanges are fitted together and connected, and the second mounting edge is supported by the third and fourth intermediate flanges. This design not only utilizes the pipe routing area between the third and fourth plates to facilitate pipe routing on this side, but also achieves a concealed connection structure between the third and fourth plates by connecting them using the aforementioned third and fourth intermediate flanges, ensuring the integrity of the second side panel's appearance. In addition, the third and fourth intermediate flanges can also provide support to the other side of the top cover from above, further improving the stress on the first overlapping edge.

[0019] Furthermore, the first side plate also includes a first valve plate, which is disposed in the pipe-carrying area formed by the mating of the first notch and the second notch. The first valve plate has a first half-hole near the edge of the first plate body and a second half-hole near the edge of the second plate body. The first half-hole and the second half-hole are mated to form a first support hole for supporting the pipe. This design allows the pipe to be installed on the first side plate by radially inserting and removing it from the first and second half-holes, eliminating the need to axially insert the pipe into the first support hole, significantly reducing the difficulty of installation and disassembly.

[0020] And / or, the second side plate further includes a second valve plate, which is disposed in the pipe-carrying area formed by the mating of the third notch and the fourth notch. The second valve plate has a third half-hole near the edge of the third plate and a fourth half-hole near the edge of the fourth plate. The third half-hole and the fourth half-hole mat together to form a second support hole for supporting the pipe. This arrangement allows the pipe to be installed on the second side plate by radially inserting and removing it from the third and fourth half-holes, eliminating the need to axially insert the pipe into the second support hole, greatly reducing the difficulty of installation and disassembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the second plate, the fourth plate, and the back plate are integrally formed. This design not only reduces the number of components that make up the water heater casing, thus improving assembly efficiency, but also enhances the stability at the connection points between the back plate and the second and fourth plates.

[0022] Furthermore, the front panel is provided with reinforcing ribs. This feature increases the structural strength of the front panel.

[0023] The second objective of this utility model is to provide a water heater that solves the technical problem that the connection structure for fixing the top cover and the side panel in the outer casing of existing water heaters is exposed, which makes it easy for dust and impurities to enter and affects the aesthetics.

[0024] The water heater provided by this utility model includes an electrical control box and the aforementioned water heater housing. The electrical control box is installed at the front open position and is connected to the first side plate, the top cover, and the second side plate. The front panel covers the electrical control box, and the reinforcing rib provided on the front panel protrudes from the surface of the front panel facing the inner cavity and abuts against the electrical control box.

[0025] By incorporating the aforementioned water heater casing into the water heater, the water heater consequently possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned water heater casing, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0026] In addition, by having the reinforcing ribs on the front panel abut against the electrical control box, the electrical control box can be limited to ensure its installation stability. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater casing provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure of the water heater housing after the side panel is hidden from the front panel, as provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater housing after the side panel is hidden from the front panel, as provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4A schematic diagram showing the installation of the top cover of the water heater casing on the side panel, provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater housing after the top cover and side panels are assembled together, according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the installation of the chassis of the water heater casing provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater casing after the chassis is installed in place, according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the chassis of the water heater housing provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater housing after the front panel is hidden, according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater casing after the electrical control box is installed, according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the structure of the water heater provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0042] 010 - Water heater casing; 011 - Inner cavity; 020 - Electrical control box;

[0043] 100 - Top cover; 200 - Chassis; 300 - Side panel; 301 - First overlapping edge; 302 - First assembly edge; 3021 - First assembly hole;

[0044] 110 - Second lap edge; 120 - Second assembly edge; 121 - Second assembly hole; 130 - Lug;

[0045] 210 - First mounting edge; 211 - First chassis fixing hole; 220 - Second mounting edge; 221 - Second chassis fixing hole; 230 - First limiting edge; 240 - Second limiting edge; 250 - First vertical connecting edge; 251 - Third chassis fixing hole; 260 - Second vertical connecting edge; 261 - Fourth chassis fixing hole; 270 - Drain hole; 280 - Drain connector; 290 - Bottom corner;

[0046] 310 - First side panel; 320 - Second side panel; 330 - Front panel; 331 - Reinforcing rib; 340 - Back panel; 350 - Clip hole;

[0047] 311-First side flange; 312-First flange; 3121-First mounting hole; 313-First plate; 314-Second plate; 315-First intermediate flange; 316-Second intermediate flange; 317-First valve plate; 3171-First half hole; 318-Second half hole;

[0048] 321-Second side flange; 322-Second flange; 3221-Second mounting hole; 323-Third plate; 324-Fourth plate; 3241-Insertion hole; 325-Third middle flange; 326-Fourth middle flange; 327-Second valve plate; 3271-Third half hole; 3272-Insertion block; 328-Fourth half hole. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this utility model and are not intended to limit it.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a water heater housing 010, including a top cover 100 and a chassis 200 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a side panel 300 connected between the top cover 100 and the chassis 200.

[0051] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the upper edge of the side panel 300 is provided with a first overlapping edge 301 and a first mounting edge 302. The first overlapping edge 301 extends approximately horizontally toward the inner cavity 011 of the water heater housing 010, and the first mounting edge 302 forms an angle with the first overlapping edge 301. The edge of the top cover 100 is provided with a second overlapping edge 110 and a second mounting edge 120. The second overlapping edge 110 extends approximately horizontally toward the inner cavity 011, and the second mounting edge 120 forms an angle with the second overlapping edge 110. The second overlapping edge 110 overlaps with the first overlapping edge 301. The second mounting edge 120 is opposite to the first mounting edge 302 and is connected to the first mounting edge 302.

[0052] When it is necessary to assemble the top cover 100 to the side panel, the top cover 100 can be installed to the side panel 300 with the second overlapping edge 110 facing the inner cavity 011. When the top cover 100 is installed in place on the side panel 300, the second overlapping edge 110 located at the lower edge of the top cover 100 will overlap with the first overlapping edge 301 at the upper edge of the side panel 300. At this time, the second mounting edge 120 of the top cover 100 is opposite to the first mounting edge 302 of the side panel 300 in the horizontal direction and is assembled and connected.

[0053] As can be seen, the water heater housing 010, through the above-mentioned arrangement, places the first mounting edge 302 and the second mounting edge 120, which are used for connection and fixation, within the inner cavity 011. Thus, when the first mounting edge 302 and the second mounting edge 120 are connected together using the connecting structure, the connecting structure can be hidden within the inner cavity 011 of the water heater housing 010. This effectively improves the situation where the connection structure between the top cover 100 and the side panel 300 is exposed in the prior art. It not only prevents dust and impurities from entering at the connection position, but also ensures the aesthetics of the water heater housing 010.

[0054] Furthermore, the overlapping fit between the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110 provides support for the top cover 100 during assembly, eliminating the need for operators to constantly hold the top cover 100, thus reducing assembly difficulty. Moreover, the first assembly edge 302 located on the first overlapping edge 301 and the second assembly edge 120 located on the second overlapping edge 110 form a labyrinth seal structure at the joint between the top cover 100 and the side panel 300, extending the path from the outside of the water heater casing 010 to the inner cavity 011, thereby further reducing the ingress of external impurities.

[0055] It should be noted that in this embodiment, "generally along the horizontal direction" includes both the case where the direction is horizontal and the case where the direction forms a certain angle with the horizontal direction, and the angle can be between 0 and 30°. Specifically, for the two mating edges that extend generally along the horizontal direction, for example, for the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110 that extend generally along the horizontal direction, when both the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110 form a certain angle with the horizontal direction, it can be that both the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110 form an angle with the horizontal plane in the same direction, that is, the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110 are parallel to each other. This arrangement can ensure the fitting effect of the first overlapping edge 301 and the second overlapping edge 110, thereby improving assembly stability.

[0056] Please continue to refer to Figure 5In this embodiment, a first mounting hole 3021 can be opened on the first mounting edge 302, and a second mounting hole 121 corresponding to and cooperating with the first mounting hole 3021 can be opened on the second mounting edge 120. By using the fastening effect of the threaded connection assembly on the first mounting hole 3021 and the second mounting hole 121, the relative fixation of the first mounting edge 302 and the second mounting edge 120 can be achieved, thereby achieving the purpose of fixing the top cover 100 to the side panel 300.

[0057] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first overlapping edge 301 and the first assembly edge 302 are formed by bending the upper edge of the side panel 300.

[0058] The forming form of the first overlapping edge 301 and the first assembly edge 302 makes the side panel 300 an integral structure, which not only reduces the number of parts used to compose the side panel 300, but also increases the structural strength of the side panel 300 at the upper edge.

[0059] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, similarly, the second overlapping edge 110 and the second mounting edge 120 are formed by bending the edge of the top cover 100.

[0060] The forming form of the second overlapping edge 110 and the second assembly edge 120 makes the top cover 100 an integral structure, which not only reduces the number of parts used to compose the top cover 100, but also increases the structural strength of the top cover 100 at the edge, so as to suppress the deformation of the top cover 100.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first mounting edge 302 is located on the side of the first overlapping edge 301 facing the inner cavity 011, and the second mounting edge 120 is located on the side of the second overlapping edge 110 facing the inner cavity 011. That is, the first mounting edge 302 is formed by bending the first overlapping edge 301 downward, and the second mounting edge 120 is formed by bending the second overlapping edge 110 downward.

[0062] This arrangement, where the first assembly edge 302 and the second assembly edge 120 mate below the joint between the top cover 100 and the side panel 300, allows for the connection of the first assembly edge 302 and the second assembly edge 120 using screws, which provides ample working space and improves assembly efficiency.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the side panel 300 may include a first side panel 310 and a second side panel 320 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a front panel 330 and a back panel 340 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the front-back direction. The first side panel 310, the back panel 340 and the second side panel 320 are connected in sequence to form a ∩-shaped structure with a front opening. A first overlapping edge 301 and a first mounting edge 302 are formed on the first side panel 310, the back panel 340 and the second side panel 320. The front panel 330 is connected to the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320.

[0064] This design allows the top cover 100 to be fixedly connected to the first side panel 310, the back panel 340, and the second side panel 320 at three edges, respectively. The wide distribution of the connection area ensures the reliability of the connection between the top cover 100 and the side panels 300. Furthermore, by dividing the side panel 300 into two parts, the front panel 330 can be left uninstalled during assembly, allowing the front opening to remain open before assembling the top cover 100 to the first side panel 310, the back panel 340, and the second side panel 320. This allows workers to directly perform assembly work through the front opening, improving assembly convenience.

[0065] In this embodiment, the front panel 330 is snapped together with the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320.

[0066] This snap-fit ​​design, which attaches the front panel 330 to the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320, improves the connection efficiency between the front panel 330 and the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320. Moreover, the snap-fit ​​design can also provide a positioning function for the assembly process of the front panel 330.

[0067] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first side plate 310 is provided with a first side flange 311 folded towards the inner cavity 011 at the edge near the front panel 330, and the second side plate 320 is provided with a second side flange 321 folded towards the inner cavity 011 at the edge near the front panel 330. Both the first side flange 311 and the second side flange 321 are provided with a locking hole 350, and the front panel 330 is provided with a buckle (not shown in the figure) that engages with the locking hole 350.

[0068] By setting the snap hole 350 on the first side flange 311 and the second side flange 321, the front panel 330 covers the snap hole 350 after the front panel 330 is installed on the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320, so that the snap-fit ​​structure between the front panel 330 and the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320 will not be exposed.

[0069] In addition, by setting the card hole 350 on the first side flange 311 and the second side flange 321, on the one hand, the manufacturing difficulty of the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320 is reduced, and on the other hand, the two sides of the front opening are relatively flat after the front panel 330 is removed, and there is no protruding structure.

[0070] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the lower edge of the first side plate 310 is provided with a first flange 312 that folds towards the inner cavity 011 in a generally horizontal direction, and the first flange 312 has a first mounting hole 3121. The lower edge of the second side plate 320 is provided with a second flange 322 that folds towards the inner cavity 011 in a generally horizontal direction, and the second flange 322 has a second mounting hole 3221. One side of the chassis 200 is provided with a first mounting edge 210 that folds towards the inner cavity 011 in a generally horizontal direction, and the first mounting edge 210 has a mounting hole 3121. The chassis 200 has a first mounting hole 211 for use with the chassis 200. On the other side of the chassis 200, there is a second mounting edge 220 that is folded into the inner cavity 011 in a roughly horizontal direction. The second mounting edge 220 has a second mounting hole 221 for use with the second mounting hole 3221. The first flange 312 is supported on the first mounting edge 210, and the first mounting hole 3121 is opposite to the first chassis mounting hole 211. The second flange 322 is supported on the second mounting edge 220, and the second mounting hole 3221 is opposite to the second chassis mounting hole 221.

[0071] When assembling the chassis 200, the chassis 200 can be positioned below the inner cavity 011. Then, the chassis 200 and the side panel 300 are moved in opposite directions in the vertical direction to place the first flange 312 of the lower edge of the first side panel 310 onto the first mounting edge 210 on one side of the chassis 200, and place the second flange 322 of the lower edge of the second side panel 320 onto the second mounting edge 220 on the other side of the chassis 200. At this time, the first mounting hole 3121 of the first flange 312 is opposite to the first chassis fixing hole 211 of the first mounting edge 210, and the second mounting hole 3221 of the second flange 322 is opposite to the second chassis fixing hole 221 of the second mounting edge 220. The first mounting hole 3121 and the first chassis fixing hole 211 can be fastened together with screws, and the second mounting hole 3221 and the second chassis fixing hole 221 can be fastened together with screws, thereby achieving relative fixation between the chassis 200 and the side panel 300.

[0072] This design allows the connection structures between the chassis 200 and both the first side panel 310 and the second side panel 320 to be located inside the water heater housing 010, thus achieving a concealed connection structure. The first mounting edge 210 and the second mounting edge 220 not only provide a base for the first chassis fixing hole 211 and the second chassis fixing hole 221, respectively, but also provide support for the side panel 300 during the connection and fixing process between the side panel 300 and the chassis 200. This allows workers to fix the side panel 300 without manual assistance, reducing assembly difficulty.

[0073] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first mounting edge 210 is folded upward to form the first limiting edge 230, and the second mounting edge 220 is folded upward to form the second limiting edge 240. The first folded edge 312 is limited and engaged with the first limiting edge 230, and the second folded edge 322 is limited and engaged with the second limiting edge 240.

[0074] The aforementioned first limiting edge 230 and second limiting edge 240 can, on the one hand, position the side panel 300 during assembly, and on the other hand, limit the side panel 300 in the left and right directions after assembly, preventing the side panel 300 from sliding relative to the chassis 200 in the left and right directions.

[0075] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 and combined Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this embodiment, the chassis 200 is provided with a first vertical connecting edge 250 near the back plate 340. The first vertical connecting edge 250 is located on the side of the back plate 340 near the inner cavity 011. The first vertical connecting edge 250 is provided with a third chassis fixing hole 251. The first vertical connecting edge 250 is connected to the back plate 340 through the third chassis fixing hole 251.

[0076] By providing the first vertical connecting edge 250, after the chassis 200 and the side panel 300 are assembled together, the first vertical connecting edge 250 can restrict the forward movement of the back panel 340, thereby achieving forward limiting of the side panel 300. Simultaneously, by providing a third chassis fixing hole 251 for connecting with the back panel 340 in the first vertical connecting edge 250, not only is the chassis 200 fixed to the side panel 300 at its rear edge, but the fixing structure is also hidden inside the water heater housing 010, avoiding exposure of the connecting structure.

[0077] Please continue to refer to Figures 7 to 10 and combined Figures 11 to 13In this embodiment, the chassis 200 is provided with a second vertical connecting edge 260 near the front panel 330. The second vertical connecting edge 260 is located on the side of the front panel 330 near the inner cavity 011. The second vertical connecting edge 260 is provided with a fourth chassis fixing hole 261. The second vertical connecting edge 260 is connected to the front panel 330 through the fourth chassis fixing hole 261.

[0078] By setting the aforementioned second vertical connecting edge 260 and opening a fourth chassis fixing hole 261 therein for connecting with the front panel 330, the front panel 330 is not only snapped into place with the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320, but also fixedly connected to the chassis 200, effectively improving the installation reliability of the front panel 330. Furthermore, the placement of this connecting structure ensures that, in the operating environment of the water heater (located in a relatively low position), the connection structure between the front panel 330 and the chassis 200 is not visible to the naked eye, thus achieving a visually concealed design.

[0079] Specifically, the front panel 330 and the second vertical connecting edge 260 can be connected by screws.

[0080] Please continue to refer to Figure 9 In this embodiment, the chassis 200 is provided with a drain hole 270 on the plate body and a drain connector 280 on the side. This arrangement allows the water heater casing 010 to open the drain hole 270 or the drain connector 280 as needed during actual use, so as to drain the condensate collected by the chassis 200.

[0081] Please continue to refer to Figure 9 In this embodiment, the chassis 200 is provided with bottom corners 290. These bottom corners 290 allow for the installation and fixation of the water heater.

[0082] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first side plate 310 includes a first plate 313 and a second plate 314 arranged sequentially in the front-back direction. The first plate 313 is provided with a first notch and a first intermediate flange 315 folded towards the inner cavity 011 near the edge of the second plate 314. The second plate 314 is provided with a second notch and a second intermediate flange 316 folded towards the inner cavity 011 near the edge of the first plate 313. The first notch and the second notch are connected to form a pipe passage area for the pipeline to pass through the first side of the hot water heater housing 010. The first intermediate flange 315 and the second intermediate flange 316 are attached and connected, and the second mounting edge 120 is supported on the first intermediate flange 315 and the second intermediate flange 316.

[0083] This arrangement of the first side panel 310 not only utilizes the pipe routing area between the first plate 313 and the second plate 314 to facilitate pipe placement and support, thus simplifying pipe routing on this side, but also achieves a concealed design of the connection structure between the first plate 313 and the second plate 314 by connecting the first intermediate flange 315 and the second intermediate flange 316, ensuring the integrity of the first side panel 310's appearance. Furthermore, the first intermediate flange 315 and the second intermediate flange 316 also provide support to one side of the top cover 100 from above, improving the stress on the first overlapping edge 301.

[0084] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, similarly, the second side plate 320 includes a third plate 323 and a fourth plate 324 arranged sequentially in the front-back direction. The third plate 323 is provided with a third notch and a third intermediate flange 325 folded towards the inner cavity 011 near the edge of the fourth plate 324. The fourth plate 324 is provided with a fourth notch and a fourth intermediate flange 326 folded towards the inner cavity 011 near the edge of the third plate 323. The third notch and the fourth notch are connected to form a pipe passage area for the pipeline to pass through the second side of the hot water heater housing 010. The third intermediate flange 325 and the fourth intermediate flange 326 are attached and connected, and the second mounting edge 120 is supported on the third intermediate flange 325 and the fourth intermediate flange 326.

[0085] This arrangement of the second side panel 320 not only utilizes the pipe routing area between the third panel 323 and the fourth panel 324 to facilitate pipe routing and support, thus simplifying pipe placement on this side, but also achieves a concealed design of the connection structure between the third panel 323 and the fourth panel 324 by connecting the third intermediate flange 325 and the fourth intermediate flange 326, ensuring the integrity of the second side panel 320's appearance. Furthermore, the third intermediate flange 325 and the fourth intermediate flange 326 also provide support to the other side of the top cover 100 from above, further improving the stress on the first overlapping edge 301.

[0086] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the first side plate 310 may further include a first valve plate 317, wherein the first valve plate 317 is disposed in the pipe-carrying area formed by the connection of the first notch and the second notch, and the first valve plate 317 is provided with a first half hole 3171 near the edge of the first plate body 313 and the edge of the first valve plate 314 near the edge of the second plate body 314, and the first half hole 318 is provided with a second half hole 318 near the edge of the first plate body 313 and the edge of the second plate body 314 near the first valve plate 317, and the first half hole 3171 and the second half hole 318 are connected to form a first support hole for supporting the pipeline.

[0087] This configuration allows for the following steps when installing a pipe onto the first side plate 310: First, fix the second plate 314, insert the pipe into the second half-hole 318 of the second plate 314, and then install the first valve plate 317 onto the second plate 314. The first half-hole 3171 of the first valve plate 317 and the second half-hole 318 are aligned to form a first support hole for supporting the pipe. Similarly, depending on the pipe layout requirements, after installing the first valve plate 317, the pipe can be inserted into the first half-hole 3171 on the other side of the first valve plate 317. Then, install the first plate 313 onto the first valve plate 317. The second half-hole 318 of the first plate 313 and the first half-hole 3171 are aligned to form a first support hole for supporting the pipe.

[0088] This design allows the installation of the pipeline on the first side plate 310 to be achieved by radially inserting and withdrawing the pipeline into the first half-hole 3171 and the second half-hole 318, without having to insert the pipeline axially into the first support hole, thus greatly reducing the difficulty of installation and disassembly.

[0089] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the second side plate 320 may further include a second valve plate 327. The second valve plate 327 is disposed in the pipe-carrying area formed by the connection of the third notch and the fourth notch. The second valve plate 327 is provided with a third half hole 3271 near the edge of the third plate 323 and near the edge of the fourth plate 324. The third plate 323 is provided with a fourth half hole 328 near the edge of the second valve plate 327 and near the edge of the fourth plate 324. The third half hole 3271 and the fourth half hole 328 are connected to form a second support hole for supporting the pipeline.

[0090] This configuration allows for the following steps when installing a pipe on the second side plate 320: First, fix the fourth plate 324, insert the pipe through the fourth half-hole 328 of the fourth plate 324, and then install the second valve plate 327 onto the fourth plate 324. The third half-hole 3271 of the second valve plate 327 connects with the fourth half-hole 328 to form a second support hole for supporting the pipe. Similarly, depending on the pipe layout requirements, after installing the second valve plate 327, insert the pipe through the third half-hole 3271 on the other side of the second valve plate 327, and then install the third plate 323 onto the second valve plate 327. The fourth half-hole 328 of the third plate 323 connects with the third half-hole 3271 to form a second support hole for supporting the pipe.

[0091] This design allows the installation of the pipeline on the second side plate 320 to be achieved by radially inserting and withdrawing the pipeline into and out of the third half-hole 3271 and the fourth half-hole 328, without having to insert the pipeline axially into the second support hole, thus greatly reducing the difficulty of installation and disassembly.

[0092] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the second valve plate 327 is provided with a plug 3272, and the fourth plate 324 is provided with a socket 3241. The plug 3272 and the socket 3241 are inserted into each other to connect the second valve plate 327 and the fourth plate 324. The connection structure between the first valve plate 317 and the second plate 314 is similar to the connection structure between the second valve plate 327 and the fourth plate 324 described above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0093] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the edges adjacent to the first plate 313 and the first valve plate 317 are each provided with a flange, so that the first plate 313 and the first valve plate 317 can be fixedly connected through the flange; similarly, the edges adjacent to the third plate 323 and the second valve plate 327 are also provided with flanges, so that the third plate 323 and the second valve plate 327 can be fixedly connected through the flange. This arrangement makes the connection structure between the first plate 313 and the first valve plate 317 and the connection structure between the third plate 323 and the second valve plate 327 both concealed designs.

[0094] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the second plate 314, the fourth plate 324 and the back plate 340 are integrally formed.

[0095] This design not only reduces the number of components that make up the water heater housing 010 to improve assembly efficiency, but also improves the stability of the connection between the back plate 340 and the second plate 314 and the fourth plate 324.

[0096] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In this embodiment, the front panel 330 is provided with reinforcing ribs 331. This feature increases the structural strength of the front panel 330.

[0097] In addition, this embodiment also provides a water heater, including an electrical control box 020 and the aforementioned water heater housing 010. Specifically, the electrical control box 020 is installed at the front open position, and the electrical control box 020 is connected to the first side plate 310, the top cover 100 and the second side plate 320. The front panel 330 covers the electrical control box 020, and the reinforcing rib 331 provided on the front panel 330 protrudes from the surface of the front panel 330 facing the inner cavity 011, and the reinforcing rib 331 abuts against the electrical control box 020.

[0098] By incorporating the aforementioned water heater housing 010 into the water heater, the water heater accordingly possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned water heater housing 010, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0099] In addition, by having the reinforcing rib 331 on the front panel 330 abut against the electrical control box 020, the electrical control box 020 can be limited to ensure the installation stability of the electrical control box 020.

[0100] A buffer pad can be provided between the reinforcing rib 331 and the electrical control box 020 to isolate the vibration transmission between the front panel 330 and the electrical control box 020.

[0101] Please continue to refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 In this embodiment, the top cover 100 may also be provided with a hanging ear 130, so that the electrical control box 020 of the water heater can be hung on the top cover 100 through the hanging ear 130, and the left and right sides of the electrical control box 020 are fixed to the first side plate 310 and the second side plate 320 by screws.

[0102] The aforementioned hanging ear 130 allows the electrical control box 020 to be temporarily hung on the water heater casing 010 after the screws used to fix the electrical control box 020 are removed, preventing it from falling off during after-sales disassembly.

[0103] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

[0104] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0105] In the above embodiments, descriptions of directions such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", and "side" are all based on the accompanying drawings.

[0106] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A water heater casing, comprising a top cover (100) and a chassis (200) spaced apart and facing each other in a vertical direction, and a side panel (300) connected between the top cover (100) and the chassis (200), characterized in that, The upper edge of the side panel (300) is provided with a first overlapping edge (301) and a first mounting edge (302). The first overlapping edge (301) extends approximately horizontally toward the inner cavity (011) of the water heater housing, and the first mounting edge (302) is at an angle to the first overlapping edge (301). The edge of the top cover (100) is provided with a second overlapping edge (110) and a second mounting edge (120). The second overlapping edge (110) extends approximately horizontally toward the inner cavity (011), and the second mounting edge (120) is at an angle to the second overlapping edge (110). The second overlapping edge (110) overlaps with the first overlapping edge (301). The second mounting edge (120) is opposite to the first mounting edge (302) and is connected to the first mounting edge (302).

2. The water heater casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting edge (302) is located on the side of the first overlapping edge (301) facing the inner cavity (011), and the second mounting edge (120) is located on the side of the second overlapping edge (110) facing the inner cavity (011); and / or, the first overlapping edge (301) and the first mounting edge (302) are formed by bending the upper edge of the side panel (300); and / or, the second overlapping edge (110) and the second mounting edge (120) are formed by bending the edge of the top cover (100).

3. The water heater housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side panel (300) includes a first side panel (310) and a second side panel (320) that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction, and a front panel (330) and a back panel (340) that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the front-back direction. The first side panel (310), the back panel (340) and the second side panel (320) are connected in sequence to form a structure with a front opening. The first overlapping edge (301) and the first mounting edge (302) are formed on the first side panel (310), the back panel (340) and the second side panel (320). The front panel (330) is connected to the first side panel (310) and the second side panel (320).

4. The water heater housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front panel (330) is engaged with both the first side panel (310) and the second side panel (320).

5. The water heater housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first side panel (310) has a first side flange (311) folded towards the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the front panel (330), and the second side panel (320) has a second side flange (321) folded along the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the front panel (330). Both the first side flange (311) and the second side flange (321) are provided with a locking hole (350), and the front panel (330) is provided with a buckle that engages with the locking hole (350).

6. The water heater housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower edge of the first side plate (310) is provided with a first flange (312) that folds toward the inner cavity (011) in a generally horizontal direction, and the first flange (312) has a first mounting hole (3121). The lower edge of the second side plate (320) is provided with a second flange (322) that folds toward the inner cavity (011) in a generally horizontal direction, and the second flange (322) has a second mounting hole (3221). One side of the chassis (200) is provided with a first mounting edge (210) that folds toward the inner cavity (011) in a generally horizontal direction, and the first mounting edge (210) has a first mounting hole (3121) that works in conjunction with the first mounting hole (3121). The first chassis fixing hole (211) is provided on the other side of the chassis (200), and a second mounting edge (220) is provided that is generally folded towards the inner cavity (011) in the horizontal direction. The second mounting edge (220) has a second chassis fixing hole (221) that is used in conjunction with the second mounting hole (3221). The first flange (312) is supported on the first mounting edge (210), and the first mounting hole (3121) is opposite to the first chassis fixing hole (211). The second flange (322) is supported on the second mounting edge (220), and the second mounting hole (3221) is opposite to the second chassis fixing hole (221).

7. The water heater housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first mounting edge (210) is folded upward to form a first limiting edge (230), and the second mounting edge (220) is folded upward to form a second limiting edge (240). The first folded edge (312) is in a limiting engagement with the first limiting edge (230), and the second folded edge (322) is in a limiting engagement with the second limiting edge (240).

8. The water heater housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The chassis (200) has a first vertical connecting edge (250) near the back plate (340). The first vertical connecting edge (250) is located on the side of the back plate (340) near the inner cavity (011). The first vertical connecting edge (250) has a third chassis fixing hole (251). The first vertical connecting edge (250) is connected to the back plate (340) through the third chassis fixing hole (251). And / or, the chassis (200) is provided with a second vertical connecting edge (260) near the front panel (330), the second vertical connecting edge (260) is located on the side of the front panel (330) near the inner cavity (011), the second vertical connecting edge (260) is provided with a fourth chassis fixing hole (261), and the second vertical connecting edge (260) is connected to the front panel (330) through the fourth chassis fixing hole (261).

9. The water heater housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first side plate (310) includes a first plate (313) and a second plate (314) arranged sequentially in the front-back direction. The first plate (313) has a first notch and a first intermediate flange (315) folded toward the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the second plate (314). The second plate (314) has a second notch and a second intermediate flange (316) folded toward the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the first plate (313). The first notch and the second notch are connected to form a pipe running area for the pipe to pass through from the first side of the water heater housing. The first intermediate flange (315) and the second intermediate flange (316) are attached and connected. The second mounting edge (120) is supported on the first intermediate flange (315) and the second intermediate flange (316). The second side plate (320) includes a third plate (323) and a fourth plate (324) arranged sequentially in the front-back direction. The third plate (323) has a third notch and a third intermediate flange (325) folded toward the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the fourth plate (324). The fourth plate (324) has a fourth notch and a fourth intermediate flange (326) folded toward the inner cavity (011) near the edge of the third plate (323). The third notch and the fourth notch are connected to form a pipe running area for the pipe to pass through from the second side of the water heater housing. The third intermediate flange (325) and the fourth intermediate flange (326) are attached and connected, and the second mounting edge (120) is supported on the third intermediate flange (325) and the fourth intermediate flange (326).

10. The water heater housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first side plate (310) further includes a first valve plate (317), which is disposed in the pipe-carrying area formed by the connection of the first notch and the second notch. The first valve plate (317) near the edge of the first plate body (313) and near the edge of the second plate body (314) are provided with a first half hole (3171). The first plate body (313) near the edge of the first valve plate (317) and near the edge of the second plate body (314) are provided with a second half hole (318). The first half hole (3171) and the second half hole (318) are connected to form a first support hole for supporting the pipeline. And / or, the second side plate (320) further includes a second valve plate (327), the second valve plate (327) being disposed in the pipe-running area formed by the docking of the third notch and the fourth notch, the second valve plate (327) having a third half-hole (3271) near the edge of the third plate (323) and the second valve plate (327) having a fourth half-hole (328) near the edge of the third plate (323) and the fourth plate (324), the third half-hole (3271) and the fourth half-hole (328) docking to form a second support hole for supporting the pipeline.

11. The water heater housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front panel (330) is provided with reinforcing ribs (331).

12. A water heater, characterized in that, The device includes an electrical control box (020) and a water heater housing as described in any one of claims 3-11. The electrical control box (020) is installed at the front open position and is connected to the first side plate (310), the top cover (100), and the second side plate (320). The front panel (330) covers the electrical control box (020). A reinforcing rib (331) provided on the front panel (330) protrudes from the surface of the front panel (330) facing the inner cavity (011) and abuts against the electrical control box (020).

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