Housing structure and water heater

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of water heaters, and particularly discloses a housing structure and a water heater. The housing structure is used for covering the host and comprises a top cover plate, a bottom supporting plate and a side shell body which are detachably connected with one another, the side shell body surrounds the top cover plate and the bottom supporting plate and comprises a front shell and at least two side surrounding plates, the front shell and the at least two side surrounding plates are gathered in the horizontal direction to form a barrel structure, the front shell is provided with a control panel, and the control panel is arranged on the control panel. The control panel is in communication connection with the host. According to the housing structure disclosed by the utility model, the independent and rapid disassembly and assembly of any one of the front shell and the side coaming which form the side shell in the horizontal direction and the rapid maintenance of the control panel can be realized, the housing structure is not limited by the height of an installation space, and the maintenance convenience of the water heater with the housing structure is favorably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to the casing structure and water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump water heater is a device that uses heat pump technology to extract hot water from the air. The main unit of a heat pump water heater includes components such as an evaporator, compressor, and condenser. To protect the main unit, existing heat pump water heaters typically have an outer casing, on which a control panel for setting the main unit's operating parameters is installed. The main unit is placed on a base plate, and the outer casing covers it from top to bottom. When repairing the main unit or control panel during use, the entire outer casing must be disassembled from bottom to top. In environments where installation space is limited in height, the outer casing cannot be removed. Furthermore, for large heat pump water heaters, the large size and weight of the outer casing make disassembly and assembly difficult for a single person, even if the height allows. Utility Model Content

[0003] The first technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a casing structure that avoids the problems of existing heat pump water heaters having an integral casing that is limited by the installation space height and cannot be disassembled from bottom to top, as well as the large size and heavy weight of the casing, making it difficult for a single person to operate and inconvenient to disassemble and assemble.

[0004] The second technical problem solved by this utility model is to provide a water heater with a casing structure that avoids the problems of existing heat pump water heaters having an integral casing that is limited by the installation space height and cannot be disassembled from bottom to top, as well as the large size and heavy weight of the casing, making it difficult for a single person to operate and inconvenient to disassemble and assemble.

[0005] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0006] A casing structure is provided for covering a main unit. The casing structure includes a top cover plate, a bottom support plate, and side shells that are detachably connected to each other. The side shells surround the top cover plate and the bottom support plate. The side shells include a front shell and at least two side panels. The front shell and at least two side panels are closed to form a cylindrical structure. Either the front shell or the side panels can be independently disassembled and assembled relative to the top cover plate and the bottom support plate in a horizontal direction. The front shell is provided with a control panel, which is electrically connected to the main unit.

[0007] The casing structure described in this utility model, compared with the prior art, has the following advantages: The casing structure includes a top cover plate, a bottom support plate, and side shells that are detachably connected to each other. The side shells surround the top cover plate and the bottom support plate, and include a front shell and at least two side panels. The front shell and at least two side panels are horizontally converged to form a cylindrical structure. The front shell is provided with a control panel, which is communicatively connected to the host computer. Because the side shells are detachably connected between the top cover plate and the bottom support plate, and any one of the front shells and at least two side panels can be independently disassembled and assembled relative to the top cover plate and the bottom support plate in the horizontal direction, on the one hand, horizontal disassembly and assembly are not limited by the height restriction of the installation space, and on the other hand, they do not affect adjacent structural components. When the control panel needs to be inspected, only the front shell needs to be disassembled, without the need to remove the entire side shell. When it is necessary to inspect the internal components of the enclosure structure, one or more of the front shell and side panels can be disassembled. Moreover, the side shell is formed into at least three blocks, which greatly reduces the individual weight of the front shell and side panels. Even when the overall size and weight of the enclosure structure are large, disassembly and assembly can still be carried out quickly and conveniently, improving the ease of disassembly and assembly of the enclosure structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least one of the top cover plate and the bottom support plate is engaged with the side shell by a snap-fit ​​structure, the snap-fit ​​structure including a snap-fit ​​groove and a snap-fit ​​protrusion, the snap-fit ​​protrusion extending horizontally, the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove extending horizontally, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion being inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove when the front shell and the side shell are closed together horizontally.

[0009] In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​groove includes a first snap-fit ​​groove formed on the top cover plate and a second snap-fit ​​groove formed on the bottom support plate, the openings of the first snap-fit ​​groove and the second snap-fit ​​groove both facing outwards. The snap-fit ​​protrusion includes a first folded edge formed on the top of the side housing and extending radially inwards, and a second folded edge formed on the bottom of the side housing and extending radially inwards. The first folded edge snaps into the first snap-fit ​​groove, and the second folded edge snaps into the second snap-fit ​​groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first slot ring is disposed on the periphery of the top cover plate, the second slot ring is disposed on the periphery of the bottom support plate, and the front shell and each of the side panels are provided with the first folded edge and the second folded edge.

[0011] In one embodiment, the front housing and at least two of the side panels are screwed together with the bottom support plate and the top cover plate via a second fastener located on the inner side of the side housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the side housing has a receiving cavity for accommodating the main unit. The side housing includes two side panels, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the front housing. One of the two side panels has an air inlet communicating with the receiving cavity, and the other has an air outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. An air inlet channel is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, one of the two side panels has a first grille with mesh openings forming the air inlet, and the other of the two side panels has a second grille with mesh openings forming the air outlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first grille includes a plurality of mutually parallel first horizontal bars, and the first horizontal bars are inclined downward relative to the horizontal plane from the inside to the outside of the side panel; and / or,

[0015] The second grille includes a plurality of parallel second horizontal bars that extend horizontally.

[0016] In one embodiment, the central angles corresponding to the front shell and the side panels are both θ, where θ = 360° / (N+1), and N is the number of the side panels.

[0017] In one embodiment, the side panel and the front shell and / or two adjacent side panels are detachably connected by a first fastener, the side shell having a mounting groove, the first fastener being located in the mounting groove and not protruding from the outer contour of the side shell.

[0018] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0019] A water heater is provided, including the aforementioned housing structure, and the water heater further includes a main unit, the housing structure being disposed outside the main unit.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the water heater described in this utility model has the following advantages: Through the casing structure in any of the above embodiments, the water heater allows any one of the front shell and side panels that make up the side shell to be independently disassembled and assembled in the horizontal direction relative to the top cover and bottom support plate. Without being limited by the height of the installation space, the control panel or the components inside the casing structure can be quickly inspected and repaired. Moreover, the side shell is formed into at least three blocks, which greatly reduces the individual weight of the front shell and side panels, making it easier to disassemble and assemble quickly and conveniently, and improving the maintenance convenience of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of the casing structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural disassembly diagram of the casing structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the casing structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model with one side panel removed;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the casing structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the top cover plate snap-fit ​​side shell provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the bottom support plate snap-fit ​​side shell provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the first grille provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the second grille provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the casing structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model from one perspective;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the casing structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model from another perspective.

[0031] Label Explanation:

[0032] 1. Top cover plate; 11. First slot; 2. Bottom support plate; 21. Second slot; 3. Side shell; 31. Front shell; 32. Side panel; 321. Air inlet; 322. Air outlet; 323. First grille; 324. Second grille; 325. First folded edge; 326. Second folded edge; 4. Control panel; 5. Second fastener; 6. First fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model embodiment first provides a cover structure, which is used to cover the main unit. The main unit includes, but is not limited to, a main unit structure for a water heater.

[0038] The casing structure includes a top cover plate 1, a bottom support plate 2, and a side shell 3, which are detachably connected to each other. The side shell 3 surrounds the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2. The side shell 3 includes a front shell 31 and at least two side panels 32. The front shell 31 and the at least two side panels 32 are closed to form a cylindrical structure. Either the front shell 31 or the side panels 32 can be independently disassembled and installed horizontally relative to the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2. The front shell 31 is equipped with a control panel 4, which is electrically connected to the main unit. Because the side shell 3 is detachably connected between the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2, and because either the front shell 31 or the side panels 32 can be independently disassembled and installed horizontally relative to the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2, horizontal disassembly and installation are not limited by the height of the installation space, and do not affect adjacent structural components. When the control panel 4 needs to be inspected, only the front shell 31 needs to be disassembled; it is not necessary to remove the entire side shell 3. When it is necessary to inspect the internal components of the cover structure, one or more of the front shell 31 and the multiple side panels 32 can be disassembled. Moreover, the side shell 3 forms at least three blocks, which greatly reduces the individual weight of the front shell 31 and the side panels 32. Even when the overall size and weight of the cover structure are large, the disassembly and assembly work can still be carried out quickly and conveniently, improving the ease of disassembly and assembly of the cover structure.

[0039] In one embodiment, the central angles corresponding to the front shell 31 and the side panels 32 are both θ, where θ = 360° / (N+1), and N is the number of side panels 32. This arrangement facilitates mold making and ensures that the front shell 31 and individual side panels 32 are not too large, thus facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0040] At least one of the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2 is interlocked with the side shell 3 via a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap-fit ​​groove and a snap-fit ​​protrusion. The snap-fit ​​protrusion extends horizontally, and the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove extends horizontally. When the front shell 31 and the side shell 32 are closed together horizontally, the snap-fit ​​protrusion is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove, realizing a detachable connection between the side shell 3 and the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2, improving the convenience of disassembly and assembly.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​groove includes a first snap-fit ​​groove 11 formed on the top cover plate 1 and a second snap-fit ​​groove 21 formed on the bottom support plate 2. The openings of the first snap-fit ​​groove 11 and the second snap-fit ​​groove 21 both face outwards. The snap-fit ​​protrusion includes a first flange 325 provided on the top of the side housing 3 and extending radially inwards, and a second flange 326 formed on the bottom of the side housing 3 and extending radially inwards. The first flange 325 snaps into the first snap-fit ​​groove 11, and the second flange 326 snaps into the second snap-fit ​​groove 21. The snap-fit ​​structure is easy to install and remove, and does not require additional fasteners or tools.

[0042] The first slot 11 is arranged around the periphery of the top cover plate 1, and the second slot 21 is arranged around the periphery of the bottom support plate 2. The front shell 31 and each side panel 32 are provided with a first folded edge 325 and a second folded edge 326. When the front shell 31 and the side panel 32 are closed together in the horizontal direction, the first folded edge 325 and the second folded edge 326 are respectively engaged in the first slot 11 and the second slot 21. In this way, both ends of the front shell 31 and both ends of the side panel 32 are reliably limited, improving the stability of the cover structure. Moreover, the front shell 31 and each side panel 32 can be independently disassembled and assembled in the horizontal direction. If only the front shell 31 and at least two of the side panels 32 are disassembled, it will not affect the top cover plate 1, and the top cover plate 1 will still be installed on the side shell 3.

[0043] In addition to the snap-fit ​​structure, the front shell 31 and at least two of the side panels 32 are screwed together with the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1 by a second fastener 5, which is located on the inside of the side shell 3. The second fastener 5 is a screw, and the screwed connection structure further improves the connection reliability of the shell structure. In order to ensure the appearance integrity of the shell structure and the safety of the water heater, the second fastener 5 is located on the inside of the side shell 3 and needs to be disassembled and assembled from the inside of the side shell 3.

[0044] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, one side panel 32 is snapped onto the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1 only by the first folded edge 325 and the second folded edge 326 respectively; the front shell 31, the other side panels 32, the bottom support plate 2, and the top cover plate 1 simultaneously form snap-fit ​​connections and screw connections. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, taking the side shell 3, which includes a front shell 31 and two side panels 32, as an example, one side panel 32 is connected to the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1 only through a snap-fit ​​structure. The front shell 31 and the other side panel 32 are simultaneously connected to the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1 through both snap-fit ​​and screw-fit connections. A second fastener 5 is provided between the left and right sides of the front shell 31 and the bottom support plate 2, and a second fastener 5 is provided between the left and right sides of the front shell 31 and the top cover plate 1. Similarly, a second fastener 5 is provided between the upper and lower sides of the side panel 32 and the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1. This improves the reliability of the shell structure while also providing good ease of assembly and disassembly. When assembling the side shell 3, the front shell 31, the other side panel 32, and the second fasteners 5 between the bottom support plate 2 and the top cover plate 1 are installed from the inside. Finally, the snap-fit ​​side panel 32 is installed. Figure 3 The diagram shows the assembly of one side panel 32, the bottom support plate 2, and the top cover plate 1 completed, but the side panel 32 has not yet been installed. The disassembly process is the reverse of the assembly process described above, which does not affect the horizontal disassembly and assembly and results in better structural strength.

[0045] In one embodiment, for the casing structure applied to a heat pump water heater, the casing structure needs to have air circulation functionality with the external environment. The side shell 3 includes two side panels 32, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the front shell 31. The two symmetrically arranged side panels 32 have the same central angle, making the overall structure of the casing structure relatively simple and stable. One of the two side panels 32 has an air inlet 321 communicating with the accommodating cavity, and the other has an air outlet 322 communicating with the accommodating cavity, forming an air intake channel between the air inlet 321 and the air outlet 322. Air from the external environment enters the accommodating cavity through the air inlet 321, providing heat energy to the main unit, and flows out through the air outlet 322, facilitating a continuous flow of air into the accommodating cavity, forming a circulating flow.

[0046] Specifically, one of the two side panels 32 has a first grille 323, the mesh of the first grille 323 forming an air inlet 321, and the other of the two side panels 32 has a second grille 324, the mesh of the second grille 324 forming an air outlet 322, which facilitates smooth air intake.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, the first grille 323 includes several parallel horizontal bars, which are inclined downwards from the inside to the outside of the side panel 32 relative to the horizontal plane, forming a louver structure. The louver structure of the first grille 323 provides rain protection; water droplets falling on the first grille 323 will slide off along the upper surface of the first grille 323 towards the outside of the side panel 32, without entering the receiving cavity, thus avoiding interference with the normal operation of the main unit. Furthermore, the louver structure of the first grille 323 also provides a shielding effect, preventing the internal structure from being seen from the outside of the casing structure, resulting in better aesthetics.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the first grille 323 can also be formed by vertically arranged vertical strips, which are inclined relative to the vertical surface, that is, at an angle to the radial direction of the side panel 32, and can also form a blocking effect.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the second grille 324 includes several parallel second horizontal bars that extend horizontally, forming an air outlet 322 between adjacent second horizontal bars. This results in lower air resistance and smoother airflow from the second grille 324. In other embodiments, when the first grille 323 is formed of vertical strips, the second grille 324 can also be structured with multiple parallel vertical strips extending vertically, further improving airflow between the air inlet 321 and the air outlet 322.

[0050] The side panels 32 and the front shell 31, as well as two adjacent side panels 32, are detachably connected by a first fastener 6, and the first fastener 6 does not protrude from the outer contour of the side shell 3, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. The first fastener 6 is a screw. A recessed mounting groove is provided on the outer side of the side panel 32 or the outer side of the front shell 31. The mounting groove is used to accommodate the first fastener 6, preventing the first fastener 6 from protruding from the outer contour of the side shell 3 and maintaining the aesthetics of the shell structure. Both sides of the side panel 32 and the front shell 31 have side flanges facing inward. Two adjacent side flanges can fit together, and the first fastener 6 is screwed to two adjacent side flanges. This facilitates the installation and removal of the first fastener 6 from the outside, and the installation and removal of the first fastener 6 and the second fastener 5 do not affect each other.

[0051] This utility model embodiment also provides a water heater, which includes the casing structure as described above, and a main unit. The casing structure covers the main unit. The side shell 3 of the casing structure is detachably connected between the top cover plate 1 and the bottom support plate 2. Moreover, the front shell 31 and the side panels 32 that make up the side shell 3 can be gathered together in the horizontal direction to form a cylindrical structure. Similarly, the front shell 31 and the side panels 32 can be dispersed and moved away in the horizontal direction. In this way, the front shell 31 and any one of the at least two side panels 32 can be independently disassembled and installed in the horizontal direction. On the one hand, the horizontal disassembly and installation is not limited by the height of the installation space, and on the other hand, it will not affect adjacent structural components. When the control panel 4 needs to be repaired, only the front shell 31 needs to be disassembled, without removing the entire side shell 3. When the main unit needs to be inspected, one or more of the front shell 31 and side panels 32 can be disassembled. Moreover, the side shell 3 is formed into at least three blocks, which greatly reduces the individual weight of the front shell 31 and side panels 32. Even when the overall size and weight of the casing structure are large, the disassembly and assembly work can still be carried out quickly and conveniently, improving the convenience of water heater maintenance.

[0052] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0053] The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A casing structure for covering the outside of a main unit, characterized in that, The casing structure includes a top cover plate (1), a bottom support plate (2), and a side shell (3) that are detachably connected to each other. The side shell (3) surrounds the top cover plate (1) and the bottom support plate (2). The side shell (3) includes a front shell (31) and at least two side panels (32). The front shell (31) and the at least two side panels (32) are closed to form a cylindrical structure. Either the front shell (31) or the side panels (32) can be independently disassembled and assembled relative to the top cover plate (1) and the bottom support plate (2) in the horizontal direction. The front shell (31) is provided with a control panel (4), which is electrically connected to the host.

2. The housing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the top cover plate (1) and the bottom support plate (2) and the side shell (3) are interlocked by a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap-fit ​​groove and a snap-fit ​​protrusion. The snap-fit ​​protrusion extends horizontally, and the depth of the snap-fit ​​groove extends horizontally. When the front shell (31) and the side shell (32) are closed together horizontally, the snap-fit ​​protrusion is inserted into the snap-fit ​​groove.

3. The housing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​groove includes a first snap-fit ​​groove (11) formed on the top cover plate (1) and a second snap-fit ​​groove (21) formed on the bottom support plate (2). The openings of the first snap-fit ​​groove (11) and the second snap-fit ​​groove (21) both face outward. The snap-fit ​​protrusion includes a first flange (325) formed on the top of the side housing (3) and extending radially inward, and a second flange (326) formed on the bottom of the side housing (3) and extending radially inward. The first flange (325) snaps into the first snap-fit ​​groove (11), and the second flange (326) snaps into the second snap-fit ​​groove (21).

4. The housing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first slot (11) is arranged around the periphery of the top cover plate (1), and the second slot (21) is arranged around the periphery of the bottom support plate (2). The front shell (31) and each of the side panels (32) are provided with the first folded edge (325) and the second folded edge (326).

5. The housing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front shell (31) and at least two of the side panels (32) are connected to the bottom support plate (2) and the top cover plate (1) by a second fastener (5), which is located on the inside of the side shell (3).

6. The housing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side housing (3) has a cavity for accommodating the host. The side housing (3) includes two side panels (32). The two side panels (32) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the front housing (31). One of the two side panels (32) has an air inlet (321) communicating with the cavity, and the other has an air outlet (322) communicating with the cavity. An air inlet channel is formed between the air inlet (321) and the air outlet (322).

7. The housing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the two side panels (32) has a first grille (323) with mesh openings forming the air inlet (321), and the other of the two side panels (32) has a second grille (324) with mesh openings forming the air outlet (322).

8. The housing structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first grille (323) includes a plurality of parallel first horizontal bars, and the first horizontal bars are inclined downward relative to the horizontal plane from the inside to the outside of the side panel (32); and / or, The second grille (324) includes a plurality of parallel second horizontal bars that extend horizontally.

9. The housing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central angles corresponding to the front shell (31) and the side panels (32) are both θ, where θ = 360° / (N+1), and N is the number of the side panels (32).

10. The housing structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The side panel (32) and the front shell (31) and / or two adjacent side panels (32) are detachably connected by a first fastener (6). The side shell (3) has an installation groove, and the first fastener (6) is located in the installation groove and does not protrude from the outer contour of the side shell (3).

11. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a housing structure as described in any one of claims 1-10, and further includes a main unit, the housing structure being disposed outside the main unit.

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