An electric water heater external component assembly and an electric water heater

Abstract

This utility model discloses an external component assembly for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. The external component assembly includes an integrated front-facing exterior component and display panel bracket, and a rear-facing retaining box, which are fastened together to form a chamber. It also includes an integrated display panel and power board assembly located inside the aforementioned chamber. A display panel bracket is integrally formed on the rear side of the integrated exterior component and display panel bracket, contacting the front side of the integrated display panel and power board assembly. A conduit is integrally formed on the rear side of the retaining box and communicates with the aforementioned chamber. Because the integrated display panel and power board assembly combines the display panel and power board into a single device, eliminating the need for a separate display panel bracket component, it reduces mold costs and manufacturing processes, as well as component size, assembly costs, and processes. This utility model provides an electric water heater with the aforementioned external component assembly, which reduces installation steps, lowers equipment costs and space requirements, and facilitates maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electric water heaters, specifically, it relates to an external component assembly for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] In existing electric water heaters, the display panel 13 and the power supply board 16 are separate, combined Figure 1-4 As shown, the display panel 13 is located in the first external component 19, while the power board 16 is installed in the electrical chamber formed by the recess of one end cap of the electric water heater. The first external component 19 is installed on the outer shell of the electric water heater. The display panel 13 is connected to the power board 16 through a connecting wire passing through the bottom and gap of the aforementioned end cap to obtain power. The power board 16 has two first heating tube connecting wires 18 connected to the heating tubes. The first external component 19 includes an outer appearance component 11 located on the front side and a first baffle box 15 located on the rear side. The outer appearance component 11 and the first baffle box 15 are fastened together to form a cavity. The first external component 19 also includes the display panel 13, the first display panel bracket 12, and the first rear shell 14, all located in the cavity. The first rear shell 14 is provided on the rear side of the display panel. The first display panel bracket 12 is a separate plastic part installed on the front side of the display panel. A square clearance hole is opened on the outer appearance component 11. During installation, the first baffle box 15 is first installed on the outer casing, the display panel 13 (with the first display panel bracket 12) is installed on the outer casing 11, and then the first rear casing 14 is also installed on the outer casing 11, secured with clips, and then tightened with screws. The display panel 13 (with the first display panel bracket 12) is fixed to the outer casing 11 by screws and by the clamping action of the first rear casing 14 and the outer casing 11. Then, the outer casing 11, display panel 13 (with the first display panel bracket 12), and first rear casing 14 are assembled into a single unit on the baffle box. Since the first display panel bracket 12 is a separate component, it requires a separate mold for manufacturing. Because the power board 16 is electrically connected to the display panel via a display panel connecting wire 17, this connecting wire 17 needs to pass through the foam filling area of ​​the water heater casing, and therefore will be adhered and fixed by the foam, making disassembly and replacement difficult when needed. Furthermore, the large number of these components results in high manufacturing costs and low manufacturing and assembly efficiency.

[0003] In view of this, this utility model is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an external component assembly for an electric water heater, which can reduce the cost of parts and manufacturing, improve manufacturing and assembly efficiency, and facilitate maintenance.

[0005] The second objective of this utility model is to provide an electric water heater.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] An external component assembly for an electric water heater includes an exterior component and a display panel bracket integrated assembly located on the front side, and a baffle box located on the rear side. The baffle box and the exterior component and the display panel bracket integrated assembly are fastened together to form a cavity. The assembly also includes a display panel and a power board integrated assembly located inside the aforementioned cavity.

[0008] The rear side of the integrated component of the exterior parts and the display panel bracket is integrally provided with a display panel bracket, which contacts the front side of the integrated component of the display panel and the power board.

[0009] A conduit is integrally installed on the rear side of the baffle box, and one end of the conduit is connected to the aforementioned chamber.

[0010] By integrating the power board and display board into a single unit and installing them in an external component assembly, and replacing the wiring between the power board and display board with integrated circuitry, the overall component size and number of components are reduced, thus lowering costs, due to the elimination of the power board as a separate component and its individual wiring.

[0011] By integrating the display panel bracket into the rear of the front exterior component and the display panel bracket assembly, and since the exterior component and the display panel bracket assembly are integrally injection molded, the original separate display panel bracket component is eliminated compared to existing products. This reduces the cost of a mold and a manufacturing process, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, it also reduces assembly steps and time in the overall installation of the external component assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the external component assembly also includes a rear shell, which is located within the cavity formed by the baffle box, the outer component, and the display panel bracket integration, and is located behind the display panel and power board integration. The rear shell, the outer component, and the display panel bracket integration clamp the display panel and power board integration.

[0013] Furthermore, the exterior components and the display panel bracket integration, as well as the display panel and the power board integration, are fastened together; the exterior components and the display panel bracket integration, as well as the rear shell, are fastened together.

[0014] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater, including a shell and a heating element, and also includes the aforementioned external component assembly. The external component assembly is integrally disposed on the shell, and the display panel of the external component assembly is electrically connected to the heating element via a power board integrated component.

[0015] Furthermore, the outer casing of the electric water heater is provided with a first through hole, the baffle box of the external component passes through the first through hole, and the conduit is located in the inner cavity of the outer casing.

[0016] Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes an end cap, which is installed on one axial end of the outer casing. A heating tube is provided on this end cap, and the other end of the conduit is connected to a second through hole provided on this end cap, thereby connecting to the space of the end cap where the heating tube is located.

[0017] Furthermore, the heating element connecting wires pass through the conduit and are respectively connected to the display board and power board integration components and the heating element.

[0018] Furthermore, a third through hole is provided on the rear cover, through which the wiring terminals of the display panel and power board integration component pass and are connected to the heating tube connecting wire.

[0019] A conduit is integrally installed on the rear side of the baffle box. One end of the conduit connects to the cavity formed by the baffle box and the outer casing, while the other end connects to a second through hole on the end cover, thus connecting to the space of the end cover where the heating element is located. This conduit serves as a wiring channel for the heating element's connecting wire. Since the conduit passes through the foam filling area inside the water heater's outer casing, it is bonded and fixed by the foam. The heating element's connecting wire, however, passes through the inside of the conduit and is not bonded by the foam. This allows for easy disassembly and replacement of the heating element's connecting wire, saving time and avoiding the need to disassemble the outer casing, damage the foam, or refill it. Because the conduit is only a wiring channel and will not malfunction during normal use, it does not need to be replaced. Therefore, the bonding between the conduit and the foam does not hinder use or maintenance.

[0020] Furthermore, the other end of the conduit is connected to a second through hole provided on the end cap, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection.

[0021] By setting a sealing ring, the foam material is prevented from entering the electrical chamber of the end cap through the gap between the conduit and the second through hole of the end cap.

[0022] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided between the baffle box and the first through hole of the outer shell. By providing the sealing ring, the foaming material is prevented from flowing out of the outer shell through the gap between the baffle box and the first through hole of the outer shell.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0024] This utility model discloses an external component assembly for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. The external component assembly includes an integrated front-facing exterior component and a display panel bracket, and a rear-facing retainer box. The retainer box and the integrated front-facing exterior component and the integrated display panel bracket form a cavity. It also includes an integrated display panel and a power board assembly located inside the aforementioned cavity. A display panel bracket is integrally formed on the rear side of the integrated front-facing exterior component and the integrated display panel bracket, and the display panel bracket contacts the front side of the integrated display panel and the power board assembly. A conduit is integrally formed on the rear side of the retainer box, with one end of the conduit communicating with the aforementioned cavity. Because the integrated display panel and the power board assembly integrates the display panel and the power board into a single device, they are connected via circuit board wiring, eliminating the need for separate connecting wires. This also eliminates the need for a separate display panel bracket component, reducing mold costs and manufacturing processes, and decreasing component size, assembly costs, and procedures.

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a side view of an existing electric water heater;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the power supply board, heating element, and display board of an existing electric water heater.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first external component of an existing electric water heater;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the wiring layout for the display panel of an existing electric water heater;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection between the external component assembly and the heating element of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the end cap and conduit of the electric water heater of this utility model, as well as the arrangement of the connecting wires to the heating element.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the external component assembly of the electric water heater according to this utility model;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the exterior of the external component assembly of the electric water heater and the inner side of the integrated component of the display panel bracket;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the conduit and the end cap of the external component assembly of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the setting of the second through hole on the right end cover of the electric water heater of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a front view of the exploded view of the integrated display panel and power board and the rear shell of the external component assembly of the electric water heater of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the exploded view of the integrated display panel and power board of the external component assembly of the electric water heater of this utility model, and the rear shell.

[0039] In the diagram: 11. Exterior component; 12. First display panel bracket; 13. Display panel; 14. First rear shell; 15. First baffle box; 16. Power board; 17. Display panel connecting wire; 18. First heating tube connecting wire; 19. First external component; 21. Integrated component of exterior component and display panel bracket; 211. Display panel bracket; 212. First buckle; 213. Protruding edge; 214. Fastening hole; 22. Integrated component of display panel and power board; 221. First fastening hole; 222. Terminal block; 23. Rear shell; 231. Second buckle; 232. Third through hole; 24. Baffle box; 25. Conduit; 26. Heating tube connecting wire; 27. Sealing ring; 28. External component assembly; 31. Outer shell; 32. Right end cover; 321. Second through hole; 33. Electrical compartment; 34. Inner liner.

[0040] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only to facilitate the description of this utility model and simplify 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 utility model.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] This utility model relates to an external component assembly for an electric water heater, combined with... Figure 5-9 As shown, it includes an integrated component 21 for the exterior parts and display board bracket, an integrated component 22 for the display board and power board, a rear shell 23 and a baffle box 24, and a conduit 25.

[0045] The exterior component and display panel bracket integration 21 are located on the front side, and the baffle box 24 is located on the rear side. The baffle box 24 and the exterior component and display panel bracket integration 21 are fastened together to form a cavity.

[0046] A conduit 25 is integrally provided on the rear side of the baffle box 24. The conduit 25 communicates with the cavity formed by the aforementioned baffle box 24 and the integrated component 21 of the outer part and the display panel bracket.

[0047] The display panel and power board integration 22 and the rear shell 23 are located within the cavity formed by the retaining box 24 and the outer part and display panel bracket integration 21, with the rear shell 23 located behind the display panel and power board integration 22. The rear shell 23 and the outer part and display panel bracket integration 21 are fastened together by snap-fitting to hold the display panel and power board integration 22. Figure 11 As shown, multiple second latches 231 are provided around the rear cover 23, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a rearwardly protruding convex edge 213 is provided on the rear side of the integrated component 21 of the outer shell and the display panel bracket. The convex edge 213 is provided with a plurality of fastening holes 214 that cooperate with the second buckle 231, thereby connecting the rear shell 23 and the outer shell to the integrated component 21 of the display panel bracket.

[0048] The rear side of the exterior component and the display panel bracket integration 21 is integrally provided with a rearwardly protruding display panel bracket 211, which contacts the front side of the display panel and power board integration 22. The display panel bracket 211 is located within the area enclosed by the aforementioned protruding edge 213.

[0049] Multiple first buckles 212 are provided along the outer periphery of the display panel bracket 211. The first buckles 212 extend backward beyond the display panel bracket 211 in the front-back direction along the external component assembly 28. The first buckle 212 includes a straight rod portion and a wedge shape provided at the end of the straight rod portion.

[0050] like Figure 11 As shown, a first engaging hole 221 is provided on the integrated display panel and power board 22 to mate with the first latch 212. Figure 8 , 11 As shown in Figure 12, during installation, after the wedge-shaped first buckle 212 on the display panel bracket 211 passes through the first fastening hole 221 on the display panel and power board integration 22, the wide end of the wedge-shaped first buckle 212 can form a limiting surface to prevent the display panel and power board integration 22 from separating backward from the appearance component and the display panel bracket integration 21. The display panel bracket 211 on the rear side of the appearance component and the display panel bracket integration 21 can abut against the display panel and power board integration 22 from the front side, thereby realizing the connection between the appearance component and the display panel bracket integration 21, and the display panel and power board integration 22. Furthermore, the display panel bracket 211 can maintain a certain distance between the front side of the appearance component and the display panel bracket integration 21.

[0051] By integrating the display panel bracket 211 onto the rear side of the outer component and the display panel bracket integration 21, and since the outer component and the display panel bracket integration 21 are integrally injection molded, compared to existing products, the two components are integrated into one part, thus eliminating the need for a separate display panel bracket 211 component. This reduces mold costs and manufacturing steps, thereby lowering costs. Furthermore, it reduces assembly steps and time in the overall installation of the external component assembly 28. Because the outer component and the display panel bracket integration 21 are integrally molded, the display panel bracket 211 on it has good stability. The appearance component and display panel bracket integration 21 and the display panel and power board integration 22 are directly connected through the engagement of the first buckle 212 and the first fastening hole. The connection is simple. Moreover, since the two components are directly connected, instead of being fixed by a third component and screws as in the prior art, where multiple components are stacked and fixed by screws, the middle component may accidentally fall off and be damaged after the screws are removed. In this application, the two adjacent components are directly connected, thus preventing damage caused by accidental detachment during disassembly. Specifically, the rear shell 23 and the outer part integrated with the display panel bracket 21 are fastened together by a snap fastener to hold the display panel and power board integrated 22. The two components, the outer part integrated with the display panel bracket 21 and the display panel and power board integrated 22, are directly connected through the cooperation of the first snap fastener 212 and the first fastening hole. Therefore, during maintenance and disassembly, after the rear shell 23 is disassembled, the display panel and power board integrated 22, which is sandwiched between the rear shell 23 and the outer part integrated with the display panel bracket 21, is still connected to the outer part integrated with the display panel bracket 21. Thus, the display panel and power board integrated 22 will not be detached or damaged.

[0052] Combination Figure 7 , 9 As shown in Figure 12, the rear shell 23 is provided with a third through hole 232, which communicates with the conduit 25. Figure 11 , 12 As shown, after installation, the wiring terminals 222 of the display panel and power board integration 22 pass through the third through hole 232 of the rear cover 23.

[0053] By integrating the power board and the display board into a single unit, namely the display board and power board integrated unit 22, and installing it in the external component assembly 28, and replacing the connection between the power board and the display board with integrated wiring, the overall component size and number of components are reduced, the cost is lowered, and the installation process is reduced, thus eliminating the power board as a separate component and the separate connection.

[0054] This utility model also proposes an electric water heater, combined with Figures 5 to 12As shown, it includes an outer shell 31, an inner liner 34, an end cap, a heating element, and the aforementioned external component assembly 28. The external component assembly 28 is integrally mounted on the outer shell 31.

[0055] The display panel and power board integrated component 22 are electrically connected to the heating element.

[0056] The electric water heater is provided with a left end cover and a right end cover 32 at its left and right ends respectively. The two end covers are installed at the two axial ends of the outer shell 31 respectively. In this embodiment, a heating tube is fixedly installed in the electrical chamber 33 formed by the recess of the right end cover 32 by a flange, and the heating tube extends into the inner tank 34.

[0057] A conduit 25 is integrally installed on the rear side of the baffle box 24. A first through hole is provided on the outer shell 31 of the electric water heater, through which the baffle box 24 passes. The conduit 25 is located in the inner cavity enclosed by the outer shell 31. One end of the conduit 25 communicates with the cavity formed by the aforementioned baffle box 24 and the integrated component 21 of the outer part and the display panel bracket. The other end of the conduit 25 communicates with a second through hole 321 provided on the right end cover 32. The second through hole 321 communicates with the electrical compartment 33, thereby realizing the communication between the conduit 25 and the electrical compartment 33.

[0058] The heating element connecting wire 26 passes through the conduit 25 and connects to the display board and power board integrated component 22 and the heating element respectively, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the heating element and the display board and power board integrated component 22.

[0059] Combination Figure 6 , 10 As shown, the rear cover 23 has a third through hole 232, which communicates with the conduit 25. The wiring terminal 222 of the display board and power board integrated component 22 passes through the third through hole 232 of the rear cover 23 and is connected to the heating tube connecting wire 26.

[0060] A conduit 25 is integrally installed on the rear side of the baffle box 24. One end of the conduit 25 communicates with the cavity formed by the baffle box 24 and the outer casing, while the other end communicates with the second through hole on the end cover, thus connecting to the electrical compartment 33. This allows the conduit 25 to serve as a wiring channel for the heating element connecting the wire 26. Since the conduit 25 passes through the foam filling area inside the water heater casing 31, it is bonded and fixed by the foam. The heating element connecting the wire 26, however, passes through the inside of the conduit 25 and is not bonded by the foam. This allows for easy disassembly and replacement of the heating element connecting the wire 26, saving time and avoiding the need to disassemble the casing 31, damage the foam, or refill it. Because the conduit 25 is merely a wiring channel and will not malfunction during normal use, it does not require replacement. Therefore, the bonding between the conduit 25 and the foam does not hinder use or maintenance.

[0061] Combination Figure 6 ,9 As shown in Figure 10, the other end of the conduit 25 is connected to the second through hole 321 provided on the right end cover 32, and a sealing ring 27 is provided at the connection.

[0062] A sealing ring is provided between the baffle box 24 and the first through hole of the outer casing 31.

[0063] By setting a sealing ring, the foaming material is prevented from entering the electrical chamber 33 of the end cap from the gap between the conduit 25 and the second through hole of the end cap, and the foaming material is prevented from flowing out of the outer shell 31 from the gap between the baffle box 24 and the first through hole of the outer shell 31.

[0064] This utility model discloses an external component assembly for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. The external component assembly includes an integrated front-facing exterior component and display panel bracket, and a rear-facing retainer box. The retainer box and the integrated front-facing exterior component and display panel bracket form a chamber. It also includes an integrated display panel and power board assembly located inside the aforementioned chamber. A display panel bracket is integrally formed on the rear side of the integrated front-facing exterior component and display panel bracket, contacting the front side of the integrated display panel and power board assembly. A conduit is integrally formed on the rear side of the retainer box, with one end of the conduit communicating with the aforementioned chamber. Because the integrated display panel and power board assembly integrates the display panel and power board into a single device, they are connected via circuit board wiring, eliminating the need for separate connecting wires. This also eliminates the need for a separate display panel bracket, reducing mold costs and manufacturing processes, as well as reducing component size, assembly costs, and processes. This utility model provides an electric water heater with the aforementioned external component assembly, which reduces installation steps, lowers equipment costs and space requirements, and facilitates maintenance.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An external component assembly for an electric water heater, characterized in that: The device includes an exterior component and a display panel bracket integrated assembly located on the front side, a baffle box located on the rear side, the baffle box and the exterior component and the display panel bracket integrated assembly being fastened together to form a cavity, and also includes a display panel and power board integrated assembly located inside the aforementioned cavity. The rear side of the integrated component of the exterior parts and the display board bracket is integrally provided with a display board bracket, which contacts the front side of the integrated component of the display board and the power board. A conduit is integrally installed on the rear side of the baffle box, and one end of the conduit is connected to the aforementioned chamber.

2. The external component assembly for an electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a rear housing, which is located within the cavity formed by the baffle box, the outer part, and the display panel bracket integration, and is located behind the display panel and power board integration. The back cover and exterior components are integrated with the display panel bracket, which clamps the display panel and the power board.

3. The external component assembly for an electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The exterior components and the display panel bracket integration, as well as the display panel and the power board integration, are fastened together. The exterior components, the display panel bracket integration, and the rear shell are also fastened together.

4. An electric water heater, characterized in that: It includes a housing and a heating element, and also includes the external component assembly as described in any one of claims 1-3. The external component assembly is mounted on the outer casing, and the display panel and power board of the external component assembly are electrically connected to the heating element.

5. The electric water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer casing of the electric water heater has a first through hole, the baffle box of the external component passes through the first through hole, and the conduit is located in the inner cavity of the outer casing.

6. The electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electric water heater also includes an end cap, which is installed on one axial end of the outer casing. A heating tube is installed on this end cap, and the other end of the conduit is connected to a second through hole on this end cap, thereby connecting to the space of the end cap where the heating tube is located.

7. The electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heating element connecting wires passes through the conduit and connects to the display board and power board integration components, respectively.

8. The electric water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rear cover has a third through hole, through which the wiring terminals of the integrated display board and power board pass and are connected to the heating tube wire.

9. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 4-8, characterized in that: The other end of the conduit is connected to the second through hole on the end cap, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection.

10. The electric water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the baffle box and the first through hole of the outer shell.

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