An electric water heater
By combining the control panel with decorative strips on the electric water heater, and utilizing different materials and a snap-fit structure, the problems of visual fatigue and low installation efficiency caused by the single material of the control panel are solved. This achieves an improved appearance and ease of assembly, while reducing production costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE HAIER WATER HEATER CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
The control panels of existing electric water heaters are made of a single material, which leads to visual fatigue and low installation efficiency, making it difficult to meet users' needs for appearance design and ease of installation.
The design combines a control panel with decorative strips, using decorative strips of different materials to combine with the control panel. Installation is achieved through a snap-fit structure, combined with a sliding positioning and snap-fit fixing structure, which improves installation efficiency and aesthetic design.
It enriches the visual hierarchy of the control panel, enhances the user experience and market competitiveness, while improving assembly efficiency and structural stability, and reducing production costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224593464U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular relates to an electric water heater. Background Technology
[0002] A currently disclosed electric water heater includes an outer casing, an anti-electric shock wall cover on the casing, and a control panel on the anti-electric shock wall cover. Because the control panel is in contact with the display panel, it is designed as a plastic panel to meet insulation requirements. The entire control panel is made of plastic, and this uniform material can cause visual fatigue for users. The control panel is fixed to the anti-electric shock wall cover using multiple screws, which is inconvenient and inefficient to install. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides an electric water heater with a control panel that integrates decorative strips. While meeting insulation requirements, it enhances the user's visual experience. The control panel is installed via a snap-fit mechanism, facilitating installation and improving installation efficiency.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] In some embodiments of this application, an electric water heater is provided, including a shell, an anti-electric shock wall cover, and a control panel assembly; the anti-electric shock wall cover is disposed on the shell and has an opening; the control panel assembly includes a control panel and a decorative strip; the control panel is snap-fitted onto the anti-electric shock wall cover and covers the opening; the decorative strip is disposed on the control panel and is made of a different material than the control panel.
[0006] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:
[0007] This invention combines a control panel assembly with a decorative strip, using different materials for the two components. This combination of materials enriches the visual appeal of the control panel, breaking away from the monotony of a single material and giving the electric water heater a more stylish and high-quality appearance. This effectively enhances the user's visual experience, prevents visual fatigue, and strengthens the product's market competitiveness.
[0008] In this invention, the control panel and the anti-electric shock wall cover are fixed together by a snap-fit structure. Specifically, multiple sliding positioning structures and multiple snap-fit fixing structures are provided between the control panel and the anti-electric shock wall cover. The sliding positioning structure provides precise positioning during assembly, guiding the control panel to quickly and accurately align with the anti-electric shock wall cover, reducing adjustment time and improving assembly efficiency. The snap-fit fixing structure ensures a stable connection after positioning, guaranteeing the connection strength and structural stability between the control panel and the anti-electric shock wall cover. The combination of these two features makes the assembly process of the control panel and the anti-electric shock wall cover more convenient and efficient, while ensuring the structural reliability after assembly, reducing assembly difficulty and production costs, and thus improving production efficiency.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the decorative strip is provided with an identification area.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the decorative strip is disposed on the upper edge of the control panel, and the decorative strip includes a first sub-decorative strip and a second sub-decorative strip. The first sub-decorative strip and the second sub-decorative strip extend along the length direction of the control panel, and the identification area is disposed on the second sub-decorative strip.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the first sub-decorative strip is provided with a first connecting portion, and the second sub-decorative strip is provided with a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the decorative strip includes a first decorative strip and a second decorative strip, and a step is formed between the first decorative strip and the second decorative strip.
[0013] One part of the decorative strip is located on the upper side of the control panel, the step abuts against the upper edge of the control panel, and the other part of the decorative strip is located on the inner side of the control panel and connected to the control panel.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the decorative strip is provided with multiple positioning holes on its two sides, and the control panel is provided with multiple positioning posts. The positioning posts are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes, and the positioning posts are heat-fused to fix the decorative strip to the control panel.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel is a non-metallic component, and the decorative strip is a metallic component.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel is provided with a plurality of positioning hooks, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a plurality of positioning openings, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a positioning protrusion near the positioning opening, the positioning hook is inserted into the positioning opening, and the control panel moves along a first direction to make the positioning hook engage with the positioning protrusion.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel is provided with a hook, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a snap-fit opening, and a snap-fit protrusion is provided on the side of the snap-fit opening. The hook engages with the snap-fit protrusion through the snap-fit opening, and the hook is located on the side opposite to the orientation of the positioning hook.
[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel is provided with a first screw hole, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a second screw hole, and a screw is passed through the first screw hole and the second screw hole. Attached Figure Description
[0019] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an electric water heater according to some embodiments;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a control panel assembly and an anti-electric shock wall cover according to some embodiments;
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A in the middle;
[0023] Figure 4 This is yet another structural diagram of a control panel assembly and an anti-electric shock wall cover according to some embodiments;
[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section B in the middle;
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section C;
[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a control panel component according to some embodiments;
[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of section D;
[0028] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a first sub-decorative strip according to some embodiments;
[0029] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a second sub-decorative strip according to some embodiments;
[0030] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a control panel according to some embodiments;
[0031] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of section E in the middle;
[0032] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of an anti-electric shock wall cover according to some embodiments;
[0033] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of section F in the middle.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 100. Outer shell;
[0036] 200, Anti-electric shock wall cover; 210, Opening; 220, Positioning opening; 230, Positioning protrusion; 240, Snap-fit protrusion; 250, Second screw hole; 260, Snap-fit opening;
[0037] 300. Control Panel Components;
[0038] 310. Control panel; 311. Positioning hook; 312. Clip; 313. First screw hole; 314. Positioning post;
[0039] 320. Decorative strip; 321. Identification area; 3211. First sub-decorative strip; 3212. Second sub-decorative strip; 3231. Decorative strip part 1; 3232. Decorative strip part 2; 324. Step; 3251. First connecting part; 3252. Second connecting part; 326. Positioning hole; 3271. First clearance notch; 3272. Second clearance notch;
[0040] 10. Sliding buckle positioning structure;
[0041] 20. Snap-fit fixing structure. Detailed Implementation
[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0043] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0044] In this utility model, 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0046] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.
[0047] An electric water heater is a type of water heater that uses electricity as its primary energy source. The high-temperature heat generated after the power is turned on directly heats the water stored in the water heater to produce hot water.
[0048] Electric water heaters typically consist of a water tank, an electric heating element, and an electronic control board. The water tank has a storage cavity to store water to be heated. The electric heating element is inserted into the storage cavity of the water tank. The electronic control board is used to control the electric heating element to operate by turning the power on and off, so that the water in the tank is heated to the set temperature.
[0049] For the water tank of an electric water heater, the tank generally consists of an outer shell and an inner tank, with an insulation layer between them. The outer shell is usually made of plastic to meet the requirements of aesthetic and diverse designs; the inner tank can be made of metal or plastic, depending on the needs.
[0050] In addition, the insulation layer formed between the outer shell and the inner liner is commonly made of materials such as asbestos, sponge, foam plastic, and polyurethane foam. In conventional technology, foaming is usually used to form the insulation layer in order to achieve good insulation effect.
[0051] For water tanks with metal inner liner, corrosion can easily occur inside due to water quality. Therefore, magnesium rods are installed on the water tank and inserted into the water storage cavity inside the tank.
[0052] Magnesium has the lowest electrochemical potential among metals and is physiologically non-toxic. Therefore, it is ideal for making magnesium rods to protect the inner liner. The size of the magnesium rod directly affects the duration and effectiveness of the protection; the larger the magnesium rod, the better the protection and the longer the protection time.
[0053] The water tank is also equipped with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe is used to deliver cold water into the water storage cavity formed inside the water tank, while the hot water in the water storage cavity is output from the outlet pipe.
[0054] For electric heating components, electric heating methods such as electric heating wires, magnetic energy, or silicon tube heating can be used to heat the water stored in the water storage chamber.
[0055] The control board is used to receive detection signals from relevant sensors (such as water temperature sensors and flow sensors) and control the power supply to and from the electric heating components.
[0056] When the electric water heater is working, the electric control board controls the electric heating element to be powered on and heated. When the water temperature in the tank reaches the set value, the electric control board controls the electric heating element to be powered off.
[0057] In some embodiments of this application, an electric water heater is provided, with reference to... Figure 1 The electric water heater includes a casing 100.
[0058] The electric water heater also includes an anti-electric shock wall cover 200. Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of an anti-electric shock wall cover 200. Figure 14 for Figure 13 Enlarged view of section F. The anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is fixedly installed on the outer casing 100 by means of clips, screws, etc. The anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is provided with an opening 210, which extends along the length of the anti-electric shock wall cover 200.
[0059] The electric water heater also includes a control panel assembly 300. Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of control panel component 300. Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of section D in the middle.
[0060] Control panel component 300 includes control panel 310. Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of control panel 310. Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of section E. The control panel 310 has a long, narrow structure.
[0061] The control panel component 300 also includes a decorative strip 320, which is mounted on the control panel 310. The control panel 310 and the decorative strip 320 are made of different materials.
[0062] The control panel 310 is connected to the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 to achieve fixed installation of the control panel assembly 300 on the anti-electric shock wall cover 200. For example, the control panel 310 is fixed to the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 by a snap-fit method, eliminating the need for multiple screws in the prior art. The snap-fit structure is more convenient and facilitates the installation of the control panel 310, thus improving installation efficiency.
[0063] For example, multiple sliding positioning structures 10 and multiple snap-fit fixing structures 20 are provided between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric wall cover 200 for assembly and fixing.
[0064] During installation, the decorative strip 320 is first installed onto the control panel 310 to form the control panel assembly 300. Then, the control panel 310 is installed onto the anti-electric wall cover 200 to achieve the fixed installation of the control panel assembly 300 on the anti-electric wall cover 200.
[0065] In existing technologies, the control panel of electric water heaters is entirely made of plastic, resulting in a monotonous material that can easily cause visual fatigue for users. This invention, however, incorporates a control panel assembly 300 that combines the control panel 310 with a decorative strip 320, using different materials from the control panel 310. This combination of different materials enriches the visual appeal of the control panel 310, breaking the monotony of a single material and giving the water heater a more stylish and high-quality appearance. This effectively enhances the user's visual experience, prevents visual fatigue, and strengthens the product's market competitiveness.
[0066] In this invention, multiple sliding positioning structures 10 and multiple engaging fixing structures 20 are provided between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200. The sliding positioning structures 10 provide precise positioning during assembly, guiding the control panel 310 to quickly and accurately align with the anti-electric shock wall cover 200, reducing adjustment time and improving assembly efficiency. The engaging fixing structures 20 ensure a stable connection after positioning, guaranteeing the connection strength and structural stability between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200. The combination of these two features makes the assembly process of the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 more convenient and efficient, while ensuring the structural reliability after assembly, reducing assembly difficulty and production costs, and ultimately improving production efficiency.
[0067] In summary, this utility model of electric water heater, through structural improvements to the control panel component 300 and optimization of the assembly structure, not only improves the product's visual appearance and enhances the user experience, but also increases the ease of assembly and the stability of the structure.
[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the control panel 310 is a non-metallic component, and the decorative strip 320 is a metallic component. For example, the control panel 310 is a plastic component, and the decorative strip 320 is an aluminum alloy component.
[0069] The control panel 310 uses non-metallic components (such as plastic) to meet the insulation requirements when in contact with the display panel, ensuring electrical safety during the use of the electric water heater and avoiding the risk of electric shock caused by the conductivity of the control panel 310.
[0070] The metallic decorative strip 320 (such as aluminum alloy parts) contrasts sharply with the non-metallic control panel 310 (such as plastic parts). The metallic decorative strip 320 has a unique metallic luster and texture, adding a sense of luxury and sophistication to the appearance of the electric water heater, while the plastic control panel 310 can be made into various shapes and colors through injection molding and other processes. The combination of the two makes the visual effect of the control panel 310 area richer and more three-dimensional, breaking the monotony of a single material and significantly improving the appearance quality and grade of the product, better meeting users' needs for the aesthetics of home appliances.
[0071] The combination of the metal decorative strip 320 and the non-metallic control panel 310 can also create a unique design style through the difference in materials, making the electric water heater more recognizable among similar products on the market. For example, the metallic texture of the aluminum alloy decorative strip 320 can highlight the product's technological and modern feel, contrasting and balancing with the soft texture of the plastic control panel 310, further enhancing the product's market competitiveness and meeting the diverse needs of different users for the appearance style of home appliances.
[0072] In addition, the metal decorative strip 320 is fixedly installed on the non-metallic control panel 310, and the decorative strip 320 also helps to improve the structural strength of the control panel 310.
[0073] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 The decorative strip 320 has a labeling area 321. For example, the labeling area 321 displays information such as the product's trademark and model number.
[0074] The trademark, model and other information are integrated into the identification area 321 of the decorative strip 320, which is coordinated with the different materials of the decorative strip 320 and the control panel 310. This ensures that the key information is clearly displayed without compromising the overall aesthetic appearance of the electric water heater.
[0075] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The decorative strip 320 is located on the upper edge of the control panel 310. The decorative strip 320 includes a first sub-decorative strip 3211 and a second sub-decorative strip 3212. Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the first sub-decorative strip 3211. Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the second sub-decorative strip 3212. The first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 extend along the length of the control panel 310, and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 is provided with an identification area 321.
[0076] The decorative strip 320 is located at the upper edge of the control panel 310, a position that aligns with users' visual habits when observing an electric water heater. When operating or viewing the water heater, users' eyes tend to focus first on the upper area of the control panel 310, allowing the decorative strip 320 to more directly fulfill its decorative function. The first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 extend along the length of the control panel 310, adapting to its overall shape. The combined design of the two sub-decorative strips 320 further enriches the visual hierarchy of the upper part of the control panel 310. For example, if the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 use different materials, colors, or surface treatments, their length-extending layout creates a horizontal visual contrast and harmony, enhancing the decorative effect while avoiding the monotony of a single decorative strip 320, making the electric water heater's appearance more stylish and refined.
[0077] The identification area 321 is positioned on the second sub-decorative strip 3212. Combined with the fact that the decorative strip 320 is located at the upper edge and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 extends along its length, the identification area 321 becomes more prominent. Users can quickly find the trademark, model number, and other information in the identification area 321 without having to search for it, further improving the efficiency of information transmission. Simultaneously, concentrating the identification area 321 on the second sub-decorative strip 3212 creates a functional distinction from the first sub-decorative strip 3211. The first sub-decorative strip 3211 primarily serves a decorative and aesthetic purpose, while the second sub-decorative strip 3212 combines decoration with information display. This division of labor ensures the independence and clarity of the identification area 321, while the coordinated operation of the two sub-decorative strips 320 makes the upper area of the control panel 310 visually more harmonious and unified.
[0078] The separate design of the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 allows for flexible selection of different processing techniques and installation methods according to actual production needs. For example, if the second sub-decorative strip 3212 requires special materials or processing (such as printing, engraving, etc.) to set up the marking area 321, the separate design can reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the overall decorative strip 320; in subsequent maintenance, if the marking area 321 is worn or damaged, the second sub-decorative strip 3212 can be replaced separately without replacing the entire decorative strip 320, reducing maintenance costs and operational complexity.
[0079] Furthermore, the layout extending along the length of the control panel 310 allows the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212 to form a more complete wrap or decoration around the upper edge of the control panel 310, enhancing the structural aesthetics of the edge of the control panel 310. At the same time, it can, to a certain extent, shield the connection edge between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric wall cover 200, improving the overall appearance and sophistication of the electric water heater.
[0080] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 The first sub-decorative strip 3211 is provided with a first connecting part 3251. (See reference...) Figure 10 The second sub-decorative strip 3212 is provided with a second connecting portion 3252. The first connecting portion 3251 is connected to the second connecting portion 3252 to realize the connection between the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212. For example, the first connecting portion 3251 is a slot and the second connecting portion 3252 is a hook.
[0081] The use of a slot and hook connection structure enables rapid docking and assembly of the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and the second sub-decorative strip 3212. During the production assembly process, the operator only needs to align the hook of the second sub-decorative strip 3212 with the slot of the first sub-decorative strip 3211 and apply appropriate pressure to complete the connection and fixation of the two. No additional tools are required, which simplifies the assembly process, improves assembly efficiency, and helps reduce production time and labor costs.
[0082] If the first sub-decorative strip 3211 or the second sub-decorative strip 3212 needs to be replaced or repaired in the future, the connection structure between the slot and the hook is easy to disassemble. Operators can use appropriate external force to disengage the hook from the slot, thus separating the two sub-decorative strips 320 without damaging the strip itself, reducing maintenance difficulty. For example, when the marking area 321 of the second sub-decorative strip 3212 shows wear and needs replacement, the second sub-decorative strip 3212 can be easily removed for replacement, while ensuring the integrity of the first sub-decorative strip 3211, reducing unnecessary material waste and lowering maintenance costs.
[0083] Furthermore, this connection structure ensures the integrity and aesthetics of the two sub-decorative strips 320 after connection. The slots and hooks fit tightly, minimizing noticeable gaps or protrusions at the joint of the two sub-decorative strips 320. This makes the decorative strips 320 look more harmonious and unified, matching the upper edge layout of the control panel 310, further enhancing the refined appearance of the electric water heater and improving the user's visual experience.
[0084] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 or Figure 10 The decorative strip 320 includes a first decorative strip 3231 and a second decorative strip 3232. The first decorative strip 3231 is located above the second decorative strip 3232, and a step 324 is formed between the first decorative strip 3231 and the second decorative strip 3232. The first decorative strip 3231 is located on the upper side of the control panel 310, and the step 324 abuts against the upper edge of the control panel 310. The second decorative strip 3232 is located on the inner side of the control panel 310 and is connected to the control panel 310.
[0085] The decorative strip 320 of this application includes a first part 3231 and a second part 3232, with a step 324 formed between them. The first part 3231 is located on the upper side of the control panel 310, the step 324 abuts against the upper edge of the control panel 310, and the second part 3232 is located on the inner side of the control panel 310 and connected to it.
[0086] The abutment structure between step 324 and the upper edge of control panel 310 provides precise positioning. During the assembly of decorative strip 320, operators can quickly determine the accuracy of its installation position by observing the fit between step 324 and the upper edge of control panel 310, reducing positional deviations and improving assembly precision. Simultaneously, decorative strip part 3232 is located inside and connected to control panel 310, forming a double-fixed structure with decorative strip part 3231 covering the outside. This structure firmly secures decorative strip 320 to control panel 310, effectively resisting external forces that may occur during use (such as accidental user touch or slight vibration), preventing loosening, displacement, or detachment of decorative strip 320, significantly improving the stability of the connection between decorative strip 320 and control panel 310, and ensuring the reliability of the overall structure.
[0087] The decorative strip 3231 is located on the upper side of the control panel 310, effectively covering the upper edge area of the control panel 310, while the step 324 abuts against the upper edge of the control panel 310, eliminating the gap between them. This design not only makes the connection between the decorative strip 320 and the control panel 310 tighter and the transition more natural, reducing the visual discontinuity, but also enhances the overall appearance and refinement.
[0088] The design of decorative strip part 3232 located inside the control panel 310 hides the connecting structure internally, preventing connecting parts (such as screws, clips, etc.) from being directly exposed and affecting the appearance. This concealed connection design, together with the external decoration of decorative strip part 3231, makes the control panel 310 area of the electric water heater present a simpler and more integrated visual effect.
[0089] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The decorative strip 3232 has multiple positioning holes 326, which are spaced apart along the length of the decorative strip 320. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The control panel 310 is provided with a plurality of positioning posts 314, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the control panel 310. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The positioning post 314 is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 326, and the positioning post 314 is heat-fused to fix the decorative strip 320 to the control panel 310.
[0090] Multiple positioning holes 326 are provided on the second part 3232 of the decorative strip, and multiple positioning posts 314 are provided on the control panel 310 accordingly. The decorative strip 320 is fixed to the control panel 310 by inserting the positioning posts 314 into the positioning holes 326 and fixing them by heat fusion.
[0091] The positioning holes 326 and positioning posts 314 work together to form a precise pre-positioning structure. During the initial assembly of the decorative strip 320 and control panel 310, the operator only needs to insert each positioning post 314 into the corresponding positioning hole 326 to quickly determine the accurate position of the second part of the decorative strip 3232 relative to the control panel 310, avoiding problems such as offset or skewing during assembly. This pre-positioning function, in conjunction with the step 324 positioning structure of the decorative strip 320 itself, further improves the overall assembly accuracy, ensuring that the relative positions of the first part of the decorative strip 3231, the second part of the decorative strip 3232, and the control panel 310 meet design requirements, laying the foundation for subsequent stable fixing.
[0092] The hot-melt fixing method after the positioning post 314 is inserted into the positioning hole 326 can achieve a rigid connection between the two. During the hot-melt process, the positioning post 314 melts and tightly bonds with the inner wall of the positioning hole 326. After cooling, it forms a strong integrated structure, which significantly improves the connection strength between the decorative strip 320 and the control panel 310.
[0093] The heat-fused fixing structure is hidden in the connection area between the decorative strip part 3232 and the control panel 310, leaving no obvious fixing marks (such as screw heads, buckle protrusions, etc.) on the outside of the control panel 310. Combined with the covering effect of the decorative strip part 3231 on the upper side of the control panel 310, the appearance of the entire control panel 310 area is more concise and flat, avoiding the visual damage caused by external fixing structures and improving the appearance quality of the product.
[0094] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The control panel 310 is equipped with multiple positioning hooks 311, each of which has an L-shaped latch structure. The latches of the multiple positioning hooks 311 face the same side. (Refer to...) Figure 13 and Figure 14 The anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is provided with multiple positioning openings 220, and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is provided with positioning protrusions 230 near the positioning openings 220. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The positioning hook 311 is inserted into the positioning opening 220, and the control panel 310 moves along the first direction to engage the positioning hook 311 with the positioning protrusion 230.
[0095] When installing the control panel component 300, the positioning hook 311 is inserted into the positioning opening 220, and then the control panel 310 is moved along the first direction, which is parallel to the length direction of the control panel 310. As the control panel 310 moves, the positioning hook 311 engages with the corresponding positioning protrusion 230, thereby achieving the pre-positioning of the control panel 310 on the anti-electric wall cover 200.
[0096] Reference Figure 8 The decorative strip 320 is provided with a first clearance notch 3271, which is used to clearance the positioning hook 311.
[0097] The engagement of the positioning hook 311 and the positioning opening 220 forms a preliminary guiding and positioning structure, namely the sliding positioning structure 10 mentioned above. When assembling the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200, the operator can quickly determine their relative positions by aligning the positioning hook 311 and inserting it into the positioning opening 220, avoiding significant positional deviations in the initial assembly stage. This preliminary positioning lays the foundation for subsequent snap-fit fixing, reducing adjustment steps during assembly and improving assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, the distributed layout of multiple positioning hooks 311 and positioning openings 220 enables positioning from multiple points, further ensuring the relative positional accuracy between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200, ensuring that the control panel 310 accurately covers the opening 210 on the anti-electric shock wall cover 200.
[0098] After the positioning hook 311 is inserted into the positioning opening 220, the control panel 310 moves in the first direction to engage the positioning hook 311 with the positioning protrusion 230, forming a reliable mechanical locking structure. The positioning protrusion 230 acts as a block and limiter for the positioning hook 311, effectively preventing the positioning hook 311 from disengaging from the positioning opening 220, thereby firmly fixing the control panel 310 to the anti-electric wall cover 200.
[0099] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 The control panel 310 is equipped with a latch 312. (See reference...) Figure 14 The anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is provided with a snap-fit opening 260, and a snap-fit protrusion 240 is provided on the side of the snap-fit opening 260. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The hook 312 engages with the hook protrusion 240 via the hook opening 260. (See reference...) Figure 8 The decorative strip 320 is provided with a second clearance notch 3272, which is a clearance for the hook 312.
[0100] The control panel 310 is provided with multiple hooks 312, which are located on the side opposite to the orientation of the positioning hook 311. The engagement between the hooks 312 and the engaging protrusion 240 constitutes the aforementioned engaging and fixing structure 20. During installation, the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 are initially positioned by the positioning hook 311 and the positioning opening 220. After the control panel 310 moves into place in the first direction, the positioning hook 311 engages with the positioning protrusion 230, and the hooks 312 then engage with the engaging protrusion 240, thus fixing the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200.
[0101] The "positioning first, then fixing" assembly sequence provides clear operational guidance. Operators first quickly achieve initial positioning using the positioning hook 311 and positioning opening 220. At this point, the control panel 310 is roughly in the correct position. Subsequently, simply engaging the latch hook 312 with the locking protrusion 240 completes the fixing process. This step-by-step operation reduces assembly difficulty and minimizes locking failures due to inaccurate positioning.
[0102] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 11 The control panel 310 is provided with a first screw hole 313. (Refer to...) Figure 14 The anti-electric shock wall cover 200 is provided with a second screw hole 250. (Refer to...) Figure 6 A screw is inserted between the first screw hole 313 and the second screw hole 250. After the hook 312 is connected to the snap-fit protrusion 240, the control panel 310 and the anti-electric wall cover 200 are further fixed by screws.
[0103] Reference Figure 11 In this embodiment, the control panel 310 is provided with two first screw holes 313, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the control panel 310.
[0104] The screw connection, along with the aforementioned positioning hooks 311 and snap-fit structures 312, forms a multi-layered fixing system. The snap-fit structure primarily achieves rapid positioning and initial fixing, while the screw connection further enhances the tightening effect. The two work together, complementing each other's strengths. The snap-fit structure can distribute some of the external force borne by the screw, reducing the load on the threaded connection; the screw connection can mitigate the risk of loosening that may occur in the snap-fit structure during long-term use, together constructing a comprehensive fixing defense. This multi-layered fixing design ensures that the connection between the control panel 310 and the anti-electric shock wall cover 200 remains stable under various operating conditions, significantly reducing the probability of failure due to connection failure.
[0105] In some embodiments of this application, multiple sliding positioning structures 10 are arranged at intervals around the opening 210. Multiple engaging fixing structures 20 are located on the same end side of the opening 210. Two screw fastening positions are distributed at opposite ends of the opening 210.
[0106] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0107] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by this utility model.
Claims
1. An electric water heater, characterized in that, Including: shell; An anti-electric shock wall cover is installed on the outer shell, and the anti-electric shock wall cover has an opening; Control panel components include: A control panel is snapped and fixed to the anti-electric shock wall cover, and the control panel covers the opening. A decorative strip is provided on the control panel, and the decorative strip is made of a different material than the control panel.
2. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative strip has an identification area.
3. The electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The decorative strip is disposed on the upper edge of the control panel. The decorative strip includes a first sub-decorative strip and a second sub-decorative strip. The first sub-decorative strip and the second sub-decorative strip extend along the length direction of the control panel. The identification area is disposed on the second sub-decorative strip.
4. The electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sub-decorative strip is provided with a first connecting part, and the second sub-decorative strip is provided with a second connecting part, and the first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part.
5. The electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decorative strip includes a first part and a second part, and a step is formed between the first part and the second part. One part of the decorative strip is located on the upper side of the control panel, the step abuts against the upper edge of the control panel, and the other part of the decorative strip is located on the inner side of the control panel and connected to the control panel.
6. The electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The decorative strip has multiple positioning holes on its two sides, and the control panel has multiple positioning posts. The positioning posts are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes, and the positioning posts are heat-fused to fix the decorative strip to the control panel.
7. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The control panel is a non-metallic component, while the decorative strip is a metallic component.
8. The electric water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The control panel is provided with multiple positioning hooks, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with multiple positioning openings, and the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a positioning protrusion near the positioning opening. The positioning hook is inserted into the positioning opening, and the control panel moves in a first direction to make the positioning hook engage with the positioning protrusion.
9. The electric water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control panel is provided with a hook, the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a snap-fit opening, and a snap-fit protrusion is provided on the side of the snap-fit opening. The hook engages with the snap-fit protrusion through the snap-fit opening, and the hook is located on the side opposite to the orientation of the positioning hook.
10. The electric water heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control panel is provided with a first screw hole, and the anti-electric wall cover is provided with a second screw hole, with a screw passing through the first screw hole and the second screw hole.