water heater

Abstract

To provide a technology which can create a structure, which may improve continuity between an operation panel and a decorative part located outside the operation panel to improve the appearance, more easily.SOLUTION: In a water heater, a front panel includes a body front surface part 80 having a front surface exposed to the front side, a recessed part 86 recessed to the rear side farther than the front surface, and an opening provided within the recessed part 86. An operation device 100 includes: an operation panel 110 having an operation surface exposed to the front side; and a device body part disposed behind the operation panel 110. A decorative sheet 170 is fixed supported by a supporting surface from the rear side in the recessed part 86, and at least a part of the opening is provided below the decorative sheet 170. In the operation device 100, an operation panel 110 is fixed so as to cover a peripheral edge of the opening from the front side with the device body part inserted into the opening. A center side decorative part is formed so that the decorative sheet 170 and the operation panel 110 vertically extend from the upper end side of the front panel to the lower end side while continuing vertically in the recessed part 86.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] The heat source machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a substrate case and an operation panel unit having a function as a remote control inside a housing. The operation panel unit includes an operation panel formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The operation panel includes an operation section composed of a plurality of operation switches for performing various settings and a display section for displaying various information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional configuration including Patent Document 1, an opening is provided in the main body portion of the front panel, and an operating device is arranged so as to be inserted through this opening. However, when the operating device is arranged in this way, frames constituting the frame opening of the main body portion exist on all of the top, bottom, left, and right of the operating device, so the opening of the front panel main body and the presence of the operating device are separately emphasized, and there is room for improvement in terms of aesthetics.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology that can more easily and simply realize a configuration capable of enhancing the continuity between an operation panel and a decorative portion outside the operation panel and improving the aesthetics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A water heater which is one of the present disclosures is a box body with an open front end side, and a front panel fixed to the box body from the front side, An operating device fixed to the front panel, Decorative panels and A water heater equipped with, The front panel comprises a main body front portion having a front surface exposed to the front, a recess that is recessed to the rear of the front surface of the main body front portion, and an opening provided within the recess. The operating device comprises an operating panel having an operating surface exposed to the front, and a device body positioned behind the operating panel. The front portion of the main body is positioned on both sides of the recess, Within the recess, a support surface facing forward is positioned at a location rearward from the front surface of the main body's front portion. The decorative panel is fixed within the recess while being supported from the rear by the support surface. At least a portion of the opening is provided on the lower side of the decorative panel, The operating device is fixed such that the main body of the device is inserted into the opening and the operating panel covers the peripheral edge of the opening from the front. The decorative panel and the control panel are arranged vertically within the recess, and the central decorative section is configured such that it extends vertically from the upper end to the lower end of the front panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The technology disclosed herein makes it easier to realize a configuration that can improve aesthetics by enhancing the continuity between the control panel and the decorative parts outside the control panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a water heater according to the first embodiment, in which parts other than the housing have been omitted. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view illustrating a water heater according to the first embodiment with the front panel omitted. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a housing portion in the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side and obliquely downward. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a configuration in which a decorative panel and an operation device are omitted from the configuration of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a configuration in which an operation panel is omitted from the configuration of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cut surface obtained by cutting the configuration of FIG. 3 at the center position in the left-right direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the configuration of FIG. 8 as viewed from the rear side and obliquely upward. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a front panel, an operation device, and a part of a housing main body as viewed from the rear side and obliquely downward. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a configuration in which an operation device is assembled to a front panel as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a part of FIG. 11 in an enlarged manner. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of a configuration in which an operation device is assembled to a front panel as viewed from the rear side and obliquely downward.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and exemplified. Note that the features exemplified below may be combined in any combination without contradiction.

[0010] 〔1〕A box body with an open front end side, A front panel fixed to the box body from the front side, An operation device fixed to the front panel, A decorative panel, A water heater including The front panel includes a main body front portion having a front surface exposed on the front side, a recess recessed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body front portion, and an opening provided in the recess. The operating device includes an operation panel having an operation surface exposed on the front side, and a device main body portion disposed on the rear side of the operation panel. On both sides of the recess, the main body front portions are respectively disposed. In the recess, a support surface facing the front side is disposed at a position rearward of the front surface of the main body front portion. The decorative plate is fixed while being supported from the rear side by the support surface in the recess. At least a part of the opening is provided below the decorative plate. The operating device is fixed such that the device main body portion is inserted into the opening and the operation panel covers the peripheral edge portion of the opening from the front side. The decorative plate and the operation panel constitute a central decorative portion so as to extend vertically from the upper end side to the lower end side of the front panel while being connected vertically in the recess of the front panel. A water heater.

[0011] The water heater according to [1] above constitutes a central decorative portion such that the decorative plate and the operation panel are connected vertically in the recess of the front panel and extend vertically from the upper end side to the lower end side of the front panel. Therefore, this water heater can constitute a continuous design extending vertically in the vicinity of the operation panel, and can enhance the aesthetic appearance. Moreover, since the operating device is fixed such that the device main body portion is inserted into the opening and the operation panel covers the peripheral edge portion of the opening from the front side, it is possible to suppress a decrease in aesthetic appearance caused by the exposure of the vicinity of the opening, and further enhance the aesthetic appearance.

[0012] (2) The recess extends to the lower end of the main body front portion. The lower end of the operation panel partially constitutes the lower end of the front portion of the water heater. The water heater according to [1].

[0013] In the water heater described in [2] above, the recess extends to the lower end of the front of the main unit, and the lower end of the control panel partially constitutes the lower end of the front of the water heater. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate frame or the like below the part of the control panel that constitutes the lower end of the front of the water heater, thus simplifying the configuration and enabling a design that utilizes the lower end of the control panel as the outer edge.

[0014] [3] The lower surface of the main body of the device is provided with a protruding portion that extends downward, The lower edge of the opening is inserted into the gap between the lower end portion of the control panel and the protruding portion. The water heater described in [2].

[0015] The water heater described in [3] above is designed to maintain a secure hold near the protruding part even when a forward force is applied to the lower edge of the control panel, thanks to the grip of the protruding part.

[0016] [4] The front surfaces of the front parts of the main body on both sides, the front surface of the decorative panel, and the operating surface are flush with each other. The water heater described in [1] or [2].

[0017] The water heater described in [4] above allows the front surfaces of the main body on both sides, the front surface of the decorative panel, and the control surface to be flush with each other. Compared to configurations where there are large steps between these surfaces, this reduces unintended impacts to each surface. In addition, it is possible to achieve a clean and streamlined design with an overall reduced sense of unevenness on the front of the water heater.

[0018] <First Embodiment> The following description relates to a water heater 1 according to the first embodiment. 1. Overall configuration of water heater 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the water heater 1 according to the first embodiment, with all parts except the housing 2 omitted. Figure 2 is a simplified front view illustrating a configuration of the water heater 1 with the front panel 2A removed from the housing 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water heater 1 comprises a housing 2, a combustion device 3, a heat exchanger 4, an exhaust unit 5, a blower 7, and the like. The water heater 1 is, for example, an indoor-installed water heater.

[0019] The housing 2 is a box-shaped case made mostly or entirely of metal material, and comprises a housing body 2B which is a box with an opening 2W at the front end and an open front as shown in Figure 2, and a front panel 2A which is attached to and detached from the housing body 2B. The front panel 2A is fixed to the housing body 2B so as to close the opening 2W from the front.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 houses the combustion device 3, heat exchanger 4, exhaust unit 5, and blower 7. The combustion device 3 is located near the center inside the housing 2. The heat exchanger 4 is located above the combustion device 3 inside the housing 2. The exhaust unit 5 is located above the heat exchanger 4 inside the housing 2. The gas distribution unit 10 is located between the combustion device 3 and the front panel 2A. The blower 7 is located below the combustion device 3 inside the housing 2.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the rectangular front panel 2A is the vertical direction, and for example, the vertical direction when the water heater 1 is installed is the vertical direction. The short direction of the front panel 2A is the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical and left-right directions is the front-back direction. As shown in Figure 4, the left side when the water heater 1 is viewed from the front is the left side of the water heater 1, and the right side when the water heater 1 is viewed from the front is the right side of the water heater 1.

[0022] The combustion device 3 shown in Figure 2 is a device that burns gas (fuel gas) supplied via the gas distribution unit 10 using the burner group described above, and includes a case 3A and the burner group. The case 3A is a rectangular box-shaped case that fits inside the housing unit 2. The heat exchanger 4 is a device to which combustion exhaust gas based on the combustion of gas in the combustion device 3 is supplied, and includes a metal casing 4A and heat transfer tubes that are at least partially housed inside the casing 4A. The heat exchanger 4 introduces the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the combustion device 3 and passes it through its interior, and heat exchanges between this combustion exhaust gas and the water flowing inside the heat transfer tubes, thereby heating the water inside the heat transfer tubes. The combustion exhaust gas that has passed through the heat exchanger 4 is discharged to the exhaust unit 5. The exhaust unit 5 includes an exhaust unit body 5A and an exhaust pipe 5B. The exhaust unit body 5A is a flow path that guides the combustion exhaust gas discharged from the heat exchanger 4 upwards, and the exhaust pipe 5B is a flow path that discharges the combustion exhaust gas from the exhaust unit body 5A to the outside of the water heater 1. The blower 7 is a fan that supplies combustion air. The blower 7 works by rotating, for example, the drive shaft of a motor (not shown) which rotates, causing multiple blades that are linked to this drive shaft to rotate and forcibly blow air upwards (towards the combustion device 3).

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the lower side of the housing 2 of the water heater 1 is provided with a gas inlet 191, which is an inlet for introducing gas from a gas pipe located outside the water heater 1; a water inlet 192, which is introducing water from a water pipe located outside the water heater 1; and a hot water outlet 193, which is an outlet for discharging hot water to the outside of the water heater 1. The gas introduced into the gas inlet 191 is supplied into the gas distribution unit 10 via a gas supply unit 194 equipped with a main valve and a proportional valve. The water introduced into the water inlet 192 is supplied to the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger 4 via a water supply pipe 195. A portion of the water supply pipe 195 is shown in Figure 2. The hot water guided by the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger 4 is discharged from the hot water outlet 193 via a hot water outlet pipe 196 connected to the downstream end of the heat transfer tubes.

[0024] 2. Detailed configuration of the enclosure 2 As shown in Figure 1, the main housing section 2B is positioned behind the front panel 2A. As shown in Figure 2, the main housing section 2B has an openable and closable structure with an opening 2W on the front side. The main housing section 2B comprises an integrated section 20, a back plate section 30, and a bottom plate section 40, and is positioned to cover the top, bottom, left, right, and rear of each housing component (combustion device 3, heat exchanger 4, exhaust section 5, blower 7, etc.) by the integrated section 20, back plate section 30, and bottom plate section 40. The main housing section 2B has a box-like shape that encloses the space covering each housing component on the top, bottom, left, right, and rear, and is open on the front side. The front end 51 of the top plate section 50, the front ends 61 and 71 of the pair of side plate sections 60 and 70, and the front end 41 of the bottom plate section 40 constitute the opening 2W of the main housing section 2B.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the back plate portion 30 is the part that constitutes the rear of the housing body portion 2B. The bottom plate portion 40 is the part that constitutes the bottom of the housing body portion 2B. The integrated portion 20 comprises a top plate portion 50 that constitutes the top of the housing body portion 2B and a pair of side plate portions 60, 70 that constitute a pair of side surfaces of the housing body portion 2B. For example, the integrated portion 20 is integrally constructed from the same material, with the top plate portion 50 and the pair of side plate portions 60, 70 being the same material.

[0026] The pair of side plates 60 and 70 both extend vertically, forming a long, vertical plate shape. The majority of the side plate 60 is composed of a vertically elongated flat plate 69, and the thickness direction of the flat plate 69 is in the left-right direction. The front end 61 of the side plate 60 is a bent portion that bends inward (to the right) from the front end of the flat plate 69. The majority of the side plate 70 is composed of a vertically elongated flat plate 79, and the thickness direction of the flat plate 79 is in the left-right direction. The front end 71 of the side plate 70 is a bent portion that bends inward (to the left) from the front end of the flat plate 79. The majority of the top plate 50 is composed of a horizontally elongated flat plate 59, and the thickness direction of the flat plate 59 is in the vertical direction. The front end 51 of the top plate 50 is a bent portion that bends downward from the front end of the flat plate 59. The bottom plate portion 40 is mostly composed of long, horizontal flat plate portions 49, with the thickness of the flat plate portions 49 running vertically. The front end portion 41 of the bottom plate portion 40 is a bent portion that bends upward from the front end of the flat plate portion 49. The back plate portion 30 is fixed to the portion near the rear end of the integrated portion 20 and the portion near the rear end of the bottom plate portion 40. Specifically, the back plate portion 30 is fixed to the rear ends of the top plate portion 50 and the pair of side plate portions 60 and 70, and to the rear end of the bottom plate portion 40, by connecting members such as screws. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bottom plate portion 40 is fixed to the portion near the lower ends of the pair of side plate portions 60 and 70 and to the portion near the lower end of the back plate portion 30, by connecting members such as screws.

[0027] The front panel 2A is a component that is fixed to the main body 2B (box) from the front. The front panel 2A is a lid to which the decorative panel 170 and the operating device 100, which will be described later, are fixed. As shown in Figure 4, the front panel 2A is composed of a plate portion made of metal plate, which forms the front of the main body 80. This front of the main body 80 includes an upper bend portion 16 that bends from the upper end, a left bend portion 14 that bends from the left end, a right bend portion 15 that bends from the right end, and a lower bend portion 18 that bends from the lower end. In the examples of Figures 1, 3, and 4, most of the front area of ​​the front panel 2A is composed of the main body front portion 80, and a part of the central area is composed of components other than the main body front portion 80 (decorative panel 170, operating panel 110). The front portion 80 of the main body, the upper bent portion 16, the left bent portion 14, the right bent portion 15, and the lower bent portion 18 of the front panel 2A are, for example, made of a metal plate material that has been painted.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the upper bent portion 16 constitutes the upper surface of the front panel 2A. The upper bent portion 16 comprises a long plate-shaped elongated portion 16C that constitutes the upper end surface of the front panel 2A, and protruding portions 16A and 16B that bend downward from the rear end of the elongated portion 16C. The elongated portion 16C is configured to extend in the left-right direction and with the vertical direction as the thickness direction, and is configured as a long, narrow plate. The protruding portion 16A is a plate piece that protrudes downward from a position near the left end of the elongated portion 16C. The protruding portion 16B is a plate piece that protrudes downward from a position near the right end of the elongated portion 16C.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the lower bent portion 18 constitutes the lower surface of the front panel 2A. The lower bent portion 18 comprises a long plate-shaped long plate portion 18C that constitutes the lower end surface of the front panel 2A, and protruding portions 18A and 18B that further protrude rearward from the rear end of the long plate portion 18C. The long plate portion 18C is configured to extend in the left-right direction and with the vertical direction as the thickness direction, and is configured in an elongated plate shape. The protruding portion 18A is a plate piece that protrudes rearward from a position near the left end of the long plate portion 18C. The protruding portion 18B is a plate piece that protrudes rearward from a position near the right end of the long plate portion 18C.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the left bent portion 14 constitutes the left side of the front panel 2A. When installed as shown in Figure 1, the rear end of the left bent portion 14 is in close proximity to and facing the front end 61 (bent piece) of the side plate portion 60. As shown in Figure 4, the right bent portion 15 constitutes the right side of the front panel 2A. When installed as shown in Figure 1, the rear end of the right bent portion 15 is in close proximity to and facing the front end 71 (bent piece) of the side plate portion 70.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a front view of the front panel 2A shown in Figure 3 with the decorative panel 170 and the operating device 100 removed. As shown in Figure 6, the main body front portion 80 is a plate-like part having a front surface 80A exposed on the front side. The main body front portion 80 and the recess 86 are integrally constructed from the same metal plate material, and the recess 86 is formed so as to be recessed to the rear side of the front surface 80A of the main body front portion 80 by bending or other processes applied to the metal plate material. In the example in Figure 6, the main body front portion 80 is positioned on both sides of the recess 86.

[0032] The main body front section 80 has a one-sided front section 81 positioned to one side of the recess 86 in the left-right direction (left side when viewed from the front in the example of Figure 6), and a other-sided front section 82 positioned to the other side of the recess 86 in the left-right direction (right side when viewed from the front in the example of Figure 6). Both the one-sided front section 81 and the other-sided front section 82 are plate sections mainly made of metal material and constructed in a plate shape. In the examples of Figures 4 and 6, the entire or almost entire front surface of the one-sided front section 81 is a flat surface. The one-sided front section 81 has a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the top. Similarly, the entire or almost entire front surface of the other-sided front section 82 is a flat surface. The other-sided front section 82 has a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from the top. The recess 86 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the main body front section 80. The recess 86 has a constant width W1 over its entire or most extensive area from the upper end to the lower end.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 6, the height of the upper end of the recess 86 coincides with the height of the upper end of the main body front section 80. The upper edge of one side front section 81 extends linearly in the left-right direction. The upper edge of the other side front section 82 also extends linearly in the left-right direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the upper edge of the decorative panel 170, which will be described later, also extends linearly in the left-right direction. The vertical position (height) of the upper edge of one side front section 81, the vertical position (height) of the upper edge of the other side front section 82, and the vertical position (height) of the upper edge of the decorative panel 170 are the same or approximately the same. Specifically, the upper edge of one side front section 81, the upper edge of the decorative panel 170, and the upper edge of the other side front section 82 continue linearly in the left-right direction.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 6, the height of the lower end of the recess 86 coincides with the height of the lower end of the main body front section 80. The lower edge of one side front section 81 extends linearly in the left-right direction. The lower edge of the other side front section 82 also extends linearly in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the lower edge of the operation panel 110, which will be described later, also extends linearly in the left-right direction. The vertical position (height) of the lower edge of one side front section 81, the vertical position (height) of the lower edge of the other side front section 82, and the vertical position (height) of the lower edge of the operation panel 110 are the same or approximately the same. Specifically, the lower edge of one side front section 81, the lower edge of the operation panel 110, and the lower edge of the other side front section 82 are continuously aligned in the left-right direction.

[0035] 3. Detailed configuration of the central decorative section 180 As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the front panel 2A is provided with a central decorative section 180. Specifically, the central decorative section 180 is configured such that the decorative panel 170 and the operation panel 110 are connected vertically within the recess 86, extending vertically from the upper end to the lower end of the front panel 2A.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the inner wall sections 86A and 86B on both the left and right sides within the recess 86 extend linearly vertically from the upper end to the lower end of the main body front section 80. The distance between the inner wall sections 86A and 86B in the left-right direction is a constant width W1 from the upper end to the lower end of the main body front section 80. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the central decorative section 180 is a decorative section positioned between the inner wall sections 86A and 86B. Near the central decorative section 180, the front surfaces 80A of the main body front sections 80 on both sides, the front surface 170A of the decorative panel 170, and the front surface (operating surface 110A) of the operation panel 110 are flush with each other so as to be located on a common virtual plane.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, a support surface 90A facing forward is positioned behind the front surface 80A within the recess 86. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the support surface 90A is the front surface of a stepped portion 90 that is provided in a stepped manner relative to one front surface 81 and the other front surface 82. The stepped portion 90 is integrally formed with the one front surface 81 and the other front surface 82 and is a plate-like portion positioned slightly behind the one front surface 81 and the other front surface 82. The thickness direction of the stepped portion 90 is the front-to-back direction. The direction perpendicular to the support surface 90A is the front-to-back direction. The distance in the front-to-back direction between the support surface 90A and the front surface 80A (each front surface of the one front surface 81 and the other front surface 82) is the length in the front-to-back direction of the inner wall portions 86A and 86B on both sides of the support surface 90A in the recess 86, and is approximately the same as the thickness of the decorative panel 170. The inner wall portions 86A and 86B each extend in the vertical direction. The inner wall portions 86A and 86B are configured to rise forward from the support surface 90A.

[0038] The decorative panel 170 is a member that is supported and fixed from the rear by the support surface 90A within the recess 86. In the example shown in Figure 6, the area in which the decorative panel 170 is placed is a predetermined area that includes the entire upper half of the entire vertical range of the recess 86. The decorative panel 170 is provided above the opening 96, which will be described later. The decorative panel 170 is bonded to the support surface 90A by an adhesive medium such as an adhesive. There are other methods for fixing the decorative panel 170 to the support surface 90A.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the decorative panel 170 has a rectangular shape that is elongated vertically when viewed from the front. The width of the decorative panel 170 in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the width W1 of the recess 86 in the left-right direction (Figure 6). The upper end of the decorative panel 170 forms an upper edge that extends horizontally. The left and right ends of the decorative panel 170 each form left and right edges that extend vertically. The left end of the decorative panel 170 faces the inner wall portion 86A while being in close proximity to it over its entire vertical range. The right end of the decorative panel 170 faces the inner wall portion 86B while being in close proximity to it over its entire vertical range. The lower end of the decorative panel 170 forms a lower edge that extends horizontally. The upper end of the operation panel 110 forms an upper edge that extends horizontally. The lower end of the decorative panel 170 and the upper end of the operation panel 110 are in close proximity to each other while facing each other vertically. The lower end of the decorative panel 170 and the upper end of the control panel 110 may be in contact with each other, or they may be facing each other with a small gap between them.

[0040] The operating device 100 is a component fixed to the front panel 2A. The operating device 100 comprises an operating panel 110 having an operating surface 110A exposed to the front, and a device body 120 positioned behind the operating panel 110. The operating device 100 is fixed to the front panel 2A such that the device body 120 is inserted into the opening 96 (described later), while the operating panel 110 covers the peripheral edge (support portion 98) of the opening 96 from the front. As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the device body 120 is fixed to fixing pieces 93 and 94 provided on the front panel 2A by connecting members such as screws. The fixing pieces 93 and 94 are provided so as to rise from the inner edge of the opening 96 and extend to the rear, and the rear ends of each fixing piece 93 and 94 support the operating device 100 from the rear.

[0041] An opening 96 is provided within the recess 86, below the stepped portion 90. The opening 96 is a portion that opens up within the recess 86, and specifically, it is configured as a through hole that penetrates the recess 86 from front to back. The opening 96 is provided in the region between the linearly vertically consecutive inner wall portions 86A and 86B. In the examples of Figures 3 and 6, the entire opening 96 is provided below the decorative panel 170. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a part of the opening 96 is provided below the decorative panel 170 is also possible. A frame-shaped support portion 98 for supporting the operation panel 110 is provided in the area surrounding the opening 96 (the peripheral portion that constitutes the vicinity of the periphery of the opening 96) between the inner wall portions 86A and 86B.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9, the main body of the device 120 comprises a housing 122 that functions as a case body constituting the outer shell of the main body of the device 120, and a substrate 128 disposed inside the housing 122. The housing 122 comprises a front outer shell portion 124 disposed on the front side and a rear outer shell portion 126 disposed further back than the front outer shell portion 124. The front outer shell portion 124 comprises a front component portion 130 that constitutes the front part of the main body of the device 120 and a protrusion 134 that protrudes rearward from the front component portion 130. The front component portion 130 is plate-shaped. Part of the front component portion 130 is configured as part of the button portions 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D, respectively. The protrusion 134 has an annular shape with an upper wall portion 134A, a pair of side wall portions 134B, 134C, and a lower wall portion 134D, and its rear end is open. The protrusion 134 is configured as a peripheral wall surrounding the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the base plate 128. The rear outer shell 126 is a plate-shaped lid that is fixed to close the opening at the rear end of the protrusion 134. Of the front components 130, the annular protrusions 131 that extend upward, downward, left, and right of the protrusion 134 are supported from the rear by the support 98 and make annular contact with the support 98. The protrusions 131 of the device body 120 are positioned in front of the peripheral edge of the opening 96 so as to cover the entire peripheral edge, and the operation panel 110 is positioned in front of the peripheral edge so as to cover the protrusions 131.

[0043] The control panel 110 is configured as a sheet or plate that covers the front of the main body 120 of the device. The front surface of the control panel 110 is configured as an operating surface 110A that receives contact operations (pressing operations) from the user. The control panel 110 is configured to be flexibly deformable. When a user pushes the operating surface 110A from the front to the back, if a button member is present behind the position where the user pushed, the pressing force on the operating surface 110A is transmitted to the button member, causing the button member to be pressed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, button portions 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D are provided on the front of the main body 120 of the device, and the front end of each of the button portions 132A, 132B, 132C, and 132D is displaceable so that it can be pushed to the rear. Therefore, when the front position of any of the buttons 132A, 132B, 132C, or 132D on the control panel 110 is pressed to the rear, the circuit board 128, which receives the pressing force of the button corresponding to the pressed position, generates a signal corresponding to the pressed position.

[0044] The control panel 110 is made of a light-transmitting material, either partially or entirely. Light irradiated from the front of the main body 120 is directed forward through the control panel 110. As shown in Figure 6, the front of the main body 120 is provided with a display unit 133 that is capable of emitting light and irradiating light forward. The control panel 110 is positioned to cover this display unit 133 from the front. When a display is made on the display unit 133, the display is visible from the front through the control panel 110. In the example in Figure 7, the display unit 133 is capable of displaying characters and symbols using, for example, a 7-segment display.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the lower end of the control panel 110 partially constitutes the lower end of the front surface of the water heater 1. In the examples of Figures 3 and 5, the lower end of the front surface of the water heater 1 forms a straight edge extending in the left-right direction, and a portion of this area is formed by the lower end of the control panel 110.

[0046] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lower surface of the main body 120 of the device is provided with protrusions 161 and 162 that project downward. Specifically, the protrusions 161 and 162 are provided so as to project downward from the lower surface of the lower wall portion 134D, which forms part of the convex portion 134. The height of the lower surface of the lower wall portion 134D is approximately the same as the height of the lower edge of the opening 96, and the height of the protrusions 161 and 162 is lower than the height of the lower edge of the opening 96. In other words, the protrusions 161 and 162 protrude to a position below the lower edge of the opening 96. The lower edge of the opening 96 (the part that constitutes the lower edge) is inserted into the gap between the lower end portion of the operation panel 110 (the portion below the lower edge of the opening 96) and the protrusions 161 and 162. Since the lower edge of the opening 96 is located in front of the protruding parts 161 and 162, even if a force is applied near the lower edge of the opening 96 that pulls the overhanging part 131 forward, or if a force is applied that pushes the lower end of the main body of the device 120 forward, the protruding parts 161 and 162 catch on the lower edge of the opening 96, thus preventing the lower end of the main body of the device 120 from moving too far forward.

[0047] 3. Examples of effects In the water heater 1, the decorative panel 170 and the control panel 110 are connected vertically within the recess 86 of the front panel 2A, and the central decorative section 180 extends vertically from the upper end to the lower end of the front panel 2A, thereby enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, in the operating device 100, the main body 120 of the device is inserted into the opening 96, and the control panel 110 is fixed so as to cover the periphery of the opening 96 from the front. This suppresses the deterioration of aesthetics caused by the exposure of the area around the opening 96, thereby further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

[0048] The water heater 1 has a recess 86 that extends to the lower end of the front part 80 of the main body, and the lower end of the control panel 110 partially forms the lower end of the front part of the water heater 1. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate frame or the like below the part of the control panel 110 that forms the lower end of the front of the water heater 1, thus simplifying the configuration and realizing a design that utilizes the lower end of the control panel 110 as the outer edge.

[0049] Even when a forward force is applied to the lower end of the control panel 110, the water heater 1 can easily maintain its holding position near the protrusions 161 and 162 due to the gripping action of the protrusions 161 and 162.

[0050] Because the front surfaces 80A of the main body front sections 80 on both sides, the front surface of the decorative panel 170, and the operating surface 112 of the water heater 1 can be made flush with each other, unintended impacts to each surface can be reduced compared to a configuration in which there are large steps between these surfaces. In addition to this, a clean design with a reduced overall sense of unevenness can be achieved on the front surface of the water heater 1.

[0051] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, any combination of the features of the embodiments described above or below is possible as long as it does not contradict each other. Furthermore, any feature of the embodiments described above or below may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. In addition, the embodiments described above may be modified as follows.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the front surfaces 80A of the main body front sections 80 on both sides, the front surface 170A of the decorative panel 170, and the operating surface 112 are flush with each other, but there may be slight steps (for example, very small steps).

[0053] In the above embodiment, the lower ends of the front surfaces 80A of the main body front sections 80 on both sides and the lower end of the operation panel 110 are flush with each other, but there may be a slight step (for example, an extremely small step).

[0054] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope set forth in the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1: Water heater 2: Enclosure 2A: Front Panel 2B: Main cabinet (box) 80: Front of the main unit 80A:Front 86: recess 90: Support surface 96: Opening 100: Operating device 110: Control Panel 112: Operation surface 120: Main body of the device 161:Protrusion 162:Protrusion 170: Decorative board 170A:Front 180: Central decorative section

Claims

1. A box-shaped body with the front end open, A front panel fixed to the box body from the front, An operating device fixed to the front panel, Decorative panels and A water heater equipped with, The front panel comprises a main body front portion having a front surface exposed to the front, a recess that is recessed to the rear of the front surface of the main body front portion, and an opening provided within the recess. The operating device comprises an operating panel having an operating surface exposed to the front, and a device body positioned behind the operating panel. The front portion of the main body is positioned on both sides of the recess, Within the recess, a support surface facing forward is positioned at a location rearward from the front surface of the main body's front portion. The decorative panel is fixed within the recess while being supported from the rear by the support surface. At least a portion of the opening is provided on the lower side of the decorative panel, The operating device is fixed such that the main body of the device is inserted into the opening and the operating panel covers the peripheral edge of the opening from the front. The decorative panel and the operation panel are connected vertically within the recess and the central decorative section is configured such that it extends vertically from the upper end to the lower end of the front panel. The recess extends to the lower end of the front part of the main body, The lower end of the control panel partially constitutes the lower end of the front of the water heater, The lower surface of the main body of the device is provided with a protruding portion that extends downward. The lower edge of the opening is inserted into the gap between the lower end portion of the control panel and the protruding portion. Water heater.

2. The front surfaces of the front parts of the main body on both sides, the front surface of the decorative panel, and the operating surface are flush with each other. The water heater according to claim 1.

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