Housing assembly and water heater

Abstract

A housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes an accommodating cavity, a first side wall, a protrusion, and a through hole extending through the first side wall in a first direction. The second housing includes a second side wall, a third side wall insertable into the through hole, and a first stop portion on the third side wall. The first stop portion includes a first part and a second part spaced from the third side wall and is elastically deformable relative to the third side wall to change a distance between the second part and the third side wall. In a locked state, the second side wall abuts the first side wall and the second part abuts the protrusion in the first direction. Pressing the first stop portion in a second direction switches the housing assembly to an unlocked state for disassembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims foreign priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202620363939.2, filed on March 23, 2026 in the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular, relates to a housing assembly and a water heater.BACKGROUND

[0003] A water heater is usually provided with a control panel. The control panel is provided with a knob or a button, with which people adjust a water temperature or a water flow rate at a water inlet. Due to frequent operation, the control panel is easily damaged and requires maintenance. When the maintenance personnel maintain the control panel, because a water inlet pipeline, a water outlet pipeline, a combustion chamber, and a heat exchange device are arranged in the water heater, it is difficult to maintain the control panel, and it is time-consuming.SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the above situation, it is necessary to provide a housing assembly. The housing assembly can be stably engaged with a water heater, and also can be quickly disassembled. It is convenient to maintain the water heater when the housing assembly is applied to the water heater.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a housing assembly, where the housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing; the first housing includes an accommodating cavity, a first side wall, and a protrusion that is arranged on the first side wall, the protrusion is located in the accommodating cavity and extends in a first direction, the first side wall is provided with a through hole penetrating through the first side wall in the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to a thickness direction of the first side wall; the second housing includes a second side wall, a third side wall, and a first stop portion, the third side wall is arranged on the second side wall, the first stop portion is arranged on the third side wall, the first stop portion includes a first part and a second part, the first part connects the second part and the third side wall, and the second part and the third side wall are arranged at intervals; the first stop portion is configured to elastically deform relative to the third side wall, so that a first distance between the second part and the third side wall changes; the housing assembly has a first locked state and an unlocked state; when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the second side wall abuts against a side that is of the first side wall and that faces away from the accommodating cavity, the third side wall is inserted into the through hole, the first stop portion is located in the accommodating cavity, the second part abuts against the protrusion in the first direction, and at this time, the first stop portion is pressed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly is capable of being switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state; and when the housing assembly is in the unlocked state, a projection of the protrusion does not overlap with a projection of the first stop portion in the first direction.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a water heater, where the water heater includes the housing assembly described above, the first housing is a shell of the water heater, the second housing is a housing of a panel assembly in the water heater, and the panel assembly is detachably connected to the shell.

[0007] In the housing assembly provided by the present disclosure, the second housing is detachably engaged with the first housing. Specifically, when the second housing and the first housing are engaged in the first locked state, the second side wall on the second housing abuts against an outer side of the first side wall, and the third side wall penetrates through the through hole. The first stop portion abuts against the protrusion on an inner side of the first side wall in the accommodating cavity in the first direction. At this time, the second housing is stably engaged with the first housing. When the second housing needs to be disassembled, the first part or the second part on the first stop portion can be pressed, so that the first stop portion elastically deforms. The first distance between the second part and the third side wall decreases. In this way, the second part is offset from the protrusion in the first direction. The housing assembly is in the unlocked state. At this time, the second housing can be withdrawn from the through hole.

[0008] When the housing assembly is applied to the water heater, the first housing can be a shell of the water heater, and the second housing can be a housing of a panel of the water heater, thereby facilitating disassembly and maintenance of the panel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of area A in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a separated state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a certain state in a process of switching from a separated state to a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a second locked state in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a housing assembly in a first locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where a cross section is perpendicular to a first direction.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of a panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Reference numerals

[0028] Water heater 100

[0029] Housing assembly 10

[0030] First housing 11

[0031] Accommodating cavity 111

[0032] First side wall 112

[0033] Protrusion 113

[0034] Second step portion 1131

[0035] Through hole 114

[0036] Notch portion 115

[0037] Second housing 12

[0038] Second side wall 121

[0039] Third side wall 122

[0040] First stop portion 123

[0041] First part 1231

[0042] First end 12311

[0043] Second end 12312

[0044] First surface 12313

[0045] Second part 1232

[0046] First step portion 12321

[0047] Second stop portion 124

[0048] First elastic member 125

[0049] Limit groove 126

[0050] Self-locking module 13

[0051] Lock block 131

[0052] Wedge surface 1311

[0053] Second elastic member 132

[0054] Panel assembly 20

[0055] Circuit board 21

[0056] Temperature control button 22

[0057] Switch button 23

[0058] Display 24

[0059] First unlocking member 31

[0060] Second unlocking member 32

[0061] First transmission assembly 41

[0062] Arcuate groove 411

[0063] Connecting rod 412

[0064] Second transmission assembly 42

[0065] Transmission gear 421

[0066] Rack 422

[0067] Motor 50

[0068] Water inlet pipeline 61

[0069] Water inlet 611

[0070] Water outlet pipeline 62

[0071] Water outlet 621

[0072] Combustion chamber 71

[0073] Heat exchange device 72

[0074] First direction X

[0075] Second direction Y

[0076] Third direction Z

[0077] The following detailed description will further illustrate the present disclosure with reference to the above drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0078] In the following, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0079] It should be noted that when an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, the element can be directly connected to another element, or there may be an intervening element at the same time. When an element is considered to be "arranged" on another element, the element can be directly arranged on another element, or there may be an intervening element at the same time. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "linking" and "fixing" should be broadly understood. For example, the terms can indicate fixed connection, detachable connection or integral connection; or direct connection, indirect connection through an intermediary, or internal connection of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific situations.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0081] In the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the technical terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish different objects, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number, the specific order or the primary-secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0082] In the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the term "perpendicular" is used to describe an ideal state between two components. In the actual production or use state, there may be a nearly perpendicular state between two components. For example, in combination with description of values, the term "perpendicular" may mean that an included angle between two straight lines ranges within 90±10°, or mean that a dihedral angle between two planar surfaces ranges within 90°±10°, or mean that an included angle between the straight lines and the planar surfaces ranges within 90±10°. The two components described as "perpendicular" may not be absolute straight lines or planar surfaces, but may also be generally straight lines or planar surfaces. From a macro perspective, the components can be considered as "straight lines" or "planar surfaces" if they are straight lines or planar surfaces in an overall extension direction.

[0083] The term "parallel" is used to describe an ideal state between two components. In the actual production or use state, there may be a nearly parallel state between two components. For example, in combination with description of values, the term "parallel" may mean that an included angle between two straight lines ranges within 180±10°, or mean that a dihedral angle between two planar surfaces ranges within 180°±10°, or mean that an included angle between the straight lines and the planar surfaces ranges within 180±10°. The two components described as "parallel" may not be absolute straight lines or planar surfaces, but may also be generally straight lines or planar surfaces. From a macro perspective, the components can be considered as "straight lines" or "planar surfaces" if they are straight lines or planar surfaces in an overall extension direction.

[0084] Reference to "an embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in combination with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. This phrase appears in different places in the specification, which does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. In case of no conflict, all embodiments in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0085] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a housing assembly 10, including a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 which are detachably connected to each other. The housing assembly 10 has a first locked state and an unlocked state. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the first housing 11 is stably engaged with the second housing 12. When the housing assembly 10 is in the unlocked state, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be separated by relative movement. The housing assembly 10 can be applied to a device requiring disassembly and maintenance, such as a water heater 100.

[0087] When the housing assembly 10 is applied to the water heater 100, the first housing 11 is a shell of the water heater 100, and the second housing 12 may be a housing of a panel assembly 20 in the water heater 100. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the water heater 100 is in an assembled state. When the housing assembly 10 is in the unlocked state, the panel assembly 20 may be separated from the shell by moving the second housing 12 relative to the first housing 11, thereby facilitating maintenance of the panel assembly 20. Of course, the housing assembly 10 may also be applied to other devices.

[0088] By way of example, further description is made below by taking the housing assembly 10 applied to the water heater 100 as an example.

[0089] The first housing 11 includes an accommodating cavity 111, a first side wall 112, and a protrusion 113 that is arranged on the first side wall 112. The protrusion 113 is located in the accommodating cavity 111 and extends in a first direction X, where the first direction X is parallel to a thickness direction of the first side wall 112. Moreover, the first side wall 112 is further provided with a through hole 114 penetrating through the first side wall in the first direction X. The through hole 114 communicates with the accommodating cavity 111.

[0090] The second housing 12 includes a second side wall 121, a third side wall 122, and a first stop portion 123. The third side wall 122 is arranged on the second side wall 121. The first stop portion 123 is arranged on the third side wall 122, and is arranged together with the second side wall 121 in the first direction X. The first stop portion 123 includes a first part 1231 and a second part 1232. The first part 1231 connects the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122, and the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122 are arranged at intervals.

[0091] The first stop portion 123 is configured to elastically deform relative to the third side wall 122, so that a first distance D between the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122 changes. For example, when the first part 1231 or the second part 1232 is pressed, the second part 1232 can move toward the third side wall 122, thereby reducing the first distance D.

[0092] When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the second side wall 121 abuts against a side that is of the first side wall 112 and that faces away from the accommodating cavity 111 (that is, an outer side of the first side wall 112). The third side wall 122 is inserted into the through hole 114. The first stop portion 123 is located in the accommodating cavity 111. The second part 1232 on the first stop portion 123 abuts against the protrusion 113 in the first direction X. At this time, if the first stop portion 123 is pressed in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, the first distance D may decrease until the first stop portion 123 does not abut against the protrusion 113 any longer in the first direction X. The housing assembly 10 is capable of being switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state.

[0093] When the housing assembly 10 is in the unlocked state, a projection of the protrusion 113 does not overlap with a projection of the first stop portion 123 in the first direction X. Further, the second housing 12 moves relative to the first housing 11. For example, the second housing 12 is pulled in the first direction X, so that the second housing 12 is withdrawn from the through hole 114 and is separated from the first housing 11.

[0094] When the housing assembly 10 provided by the present disclosure is in the first locked state, the second side wall 121 is located outside the first housing 11 and abuts against the first side wall 112, and the first stop portion 123 is located inside the first housing 11 and abuts against the protrusion 113. The second side wall 121 and the first stop portion 123 clamp the first side wall 112 in the first direction X, so that the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 are stably engaged. The first part 1231 or the second part 1232 of the first stop portion 123 is pressed, so that the housing assembly 10 can be switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state, thereby facilitating removal of the second housing 12 from the first housing 11 to maintain other components on the second housing 12, helping to reduce the difficulty of maintaining the panel assembly 20 of the water heater 100, and improving the operating efficiency.

[0095] In an embodiment, when the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 are in a separated state, if the second housing 12 needs to be assembled, the third side wall 122 may be inserted into the through hole 114, and the second side wall 121 and the first side wall 112 are close to each other. In this process, a side that is of the first stop portion 123 and that faces away from the second side wall 121 abuts against the first side wall 112 and slides relative to the first side wall. The first stop portion 123 elastically deforms due to an abutting force of the first side wall 112, and the first distance D decreases until at least part of the second part 1232 moves to a side that is of the protrusion 113 and that faces away from the first side wall 112. The second part 1232 and the protrusion 113 are engaged with each other due to a resilience force of the first stop portion 123. The second housing 12 and the first housing 11 are engaged with each other. At this time, the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, and the panel assembly 20 is assembled on the first housing 11. The assembly process can be completed simply by inserting the second housing 12 into the through hole 114. The operation is simple and efficient, thereby helping to reduce the difficulty of installing the panel assembly 20, and improving the operating efficiency.

[0096] In an embodiment, when the housing assembly 10 is in the unlocked state, the second housing 12 is configured to move relative to the first housing 11 to be withdrawn from the through hole 114.

[0097] In an embodiment, the first part 1231 includes a first end 12311 and a second end 12312. The first end 12311 is connected to the third side wall 122, and the second end 12312 is connected to the second part 1232. The second part 1232 is located between the second side wall 121 and the second end 12312 in the first direction X. In a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, the first part 1231 is in contact with the first side wall 112. An interaction force between the first side wall 112 and the first part 1231 causes the first stop portion 123 to elastically deform to avoid the protrusion 113 until the second part 1232 moves to a position where the protrusion 113 is engaged.

[0098] In an embodiment, the second end 12312 is located between the second part 1232 and the first end 12311 in the first direction X. The first part 1231 further includes a first surface 12313. The first surface 12313 is located between the first end 12311 and the second end 12312, and the first surface 12313 faces away from the second side wall 121. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the projection of the protrusion 113 overlaps with a projection of the first surface 12313 in the first direction X. In the process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, a first inclined surface is in contact with the first side wall 112. The first side wall 112 abuts against the first inclined surface and slides relative to the first inclined surface. An interaction force between the first side wall and the first inclined surface causes the first stop portion 123 to elastically deform to avoid the protrusion 113 until the second part 1232 moves to a position where the protrusion 113 is engaged. In this embodiment, the first inclined surface is arranged, thereby reducing a sliding friction force between the first stop portion 123 and the first side wall 112, and facilitating the first stop portion 123 to snap into the first side wall 112 for engagement with the protrusion 113.

[0099] In an embodiment, the first surface 12313 is a planar surface or an arcuate surface. When the first surface 12313 is in contact with the first side wall 112 and slides relative to the first side wall, the first surface 12313 which is a planar surface or an arcuate surface helps to reduce the sliding friction force and facilitates the first stop portion 123 to snap into the first side wall 112 for engagement with the protrusion 113.

[0100] In an embodiment, the second housing 12 is made of plastic. The second side wall 121, the third side wall 122, and the first stop portion 123 are integrally formed.

[0101] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first part 1231 is U-shaped, and the first end 12311 and the second end 12312 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. In a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, the U-shaped first part 1231 is in contact with the first side wall 112. The U-shaped first part abuts against the first side wall and slides relative to the first side wall. An interaction force between the U-shaped first part and the first side wall causes the first stop portion 123 to elastically deform to avoid the protrusion 113 until the second part 1232 moves to a position where the protrusion 113 is engaged. In this embodiment, the first part 1231 is designed to be U-shaped, thereby reducing a sliding friction force between the first stop portion 123 and the first side wall 112, and facilitating the first stop portion 123 to snap into the first side wall 112 for engagement with the protrusion 113.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the second part 1232 includes a plurality of first step portions 12321. The plurality of first step portions 12321 are arranged in the first direction X when the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, and the protrusion 113 abuts against one of the first step portions 12321 in the first direction X. A distance between any one of the first step portions 12321 and the third side wall 122 is a second distance in the second direction Y. In the first direction X toward the first side wall 112, the second distance between the different first step portions 12321 and the third side wall 122 gradually decreases, and a distance between the different first step portions 12321 and the second side wall 121 gradually decreases. In this embodiment, a plurality of first step portions 12321 are arranged on the second part 1232, so that the second housing 12 can be adapted to different application scenarios. For example, when the second side wall 121 abuts against the first side wall 112, the protrusion 113 can abut against one of the first step portions 12321, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11. When a gasket is arranged between the second side wall 121 and the first side wall 112 as needed, the distance between the second part 1232 and the first side wall 112 decreases. At this time, the protrusion 113 can abut against another first step portion 12321 that is slightly farther from the second side wall 121, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11. Moreover, the compatibility of the second housings 12 can be improved. For example, the same second housing 12 can be adapted to the first housing 11 in which the first side wall 112 has a different thickness or to the first housing 11 in which the protrusion 113 has a different height.

[0103] In addition, the plurality of first step portions 12321 are distributed in a stepped manner. In a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, after the first part 1231 exceeds the first side wall 112, the second part 1232 rebounds away from the third side wall 122 due to a resilience force of the first stop portion 123. One of the pluralities of first step portions 12321 that is adapted to the protrusion 113 is engaged with the protrusion 113, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11.

[0104] In an embodiment, projections of the plurality of first step portions 12321 overlap with a projection of the first part 1231 in the first direction X. In a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, the first part 1231 is first in contact with the first side wall 112. After the first part exceeds the first side wall 112, the second part 1232 rebounds away from the third side wall 122 due to the resilience force of the first stop portion 123. One of the pluralities of first step portions 12321 that is adapted to the protrusion 113 is engaged with the protrusion 113, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11.

[0105] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 113 includes a plurality of second step portions 1131. The plurality of second step portions 1131 are arranged in the first direction X when the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, and one of the second step portions 1131 abuts against the second part 1232 in the first direction X. A distance between any one of the second step portions 1131 and the third side wall 122 is a third distance in the second direction Y. The third distance between the different second step portions 1131 and the third side wall 122 gradually increases in the first direction X away from the first side wall 112. The distance between the different second step portions 1131 and the first side wall 112 gradually increases in the first direction X. In this embodiment, a plurality of second step portions 1131 are arranged on the protrusion 113, so that the first housing 11 can be adapted to different application scenarios. For example, when the second side wall 121 abuts against the first side wall 112, the second part 1232 can abut against one of the second step portions 1131, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11. When a gasket is arranged between the second side wall 121 and the first side wall 112 as needed, the distance between the second part 1232 and the first side wall 112 decreases. At this time, the second part 1232 can abut against another second step portion 1131 that is slightly closer to the second side wall 121, so that the second housing 12 is engaged with the first housing 11. Moreover, the compatibility of the first housing 11 can be improved. For example, the same first housing 11 can be adapted to the second housing 12 in which the second side wall 121 has a different thickness or to the second housing 12 in which a distance between the second part 1232 and the second side wall 121 is different.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the first housing 11 includes the plurality of protrusions 113, and the plurality of protrusions 113 are arranged at intervals in the third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The second housing 12 includes the plurality of first stop portions 123, and the plurality of first stop portions 123 are arranged at intervals in the third direction Z. Moreover, when the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, any one of the first stop portions 123 abuts against one of the protrusions 113 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 113 abut against the plurality of first stop portions 123, respectively, thereby helping to increase an engaging area between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11, and improving stability and reliability of connection between the second housing and the first housing. Moreover, when one of the first stop portions 123 or protrusions 113 is damaged, the other protrusions 113 and first stop portions 123 which abut against each other operate normally, thereby ensuring that the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 can be stably engaged.

[0107] In an embodiment, the first housing 11 includes two protrusions 113. The two protrusions 113 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y and are located on two sides of the through hole 114, respectively. The second housing 12 includes two third side walls 122 and two first stop portions 123. The two third side walls 122 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. One of the first stop portions 123 is arranged on one of the third side walls 122, and the other first stop portion 123 is arranged on the other third side wall 122. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the second part 1232 on one of the first stop portions 123 abuts against one of the protrusions 113 in the first direction X, and the second part 1232 on the other first stop portion 123 abuts against the other protrusion 113 in the first direction X.

[0108] In an embodiment, the first housing 11 includes four protrusions 113. Two of the protrusions 113 are arranged at intervals in the third direction Z to form a first group of protrusions, and the other two protrusions are arranged at intervals in the third direction Z to form a second group of protrusions. The first group of protrusions and the second group of protrusions are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y and are located on two sides of the through hole 114, respectively. The second housing 12 includes two third side walls 122 and four first stop portions 123. The two third side walls 122 are arranged at intervals in the second direction Y. Two of the first stop portions 123 are arranged on one of the third side walls 122 and are correspondingly engaged with the first group of protrusions. The other two first stop portions 123 are arranged on the other third side wall 122 and are correspondingly engaged with the second group of protrusions. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, four engaging combinations are formed, thereby helping to improve stability and reliability of connection between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in an embodiment, the second housing 12 further includes a second stop portion 124. The second stop portion 124 is arranged on the third side wall 122 and is arranged together with the first stop portion 123 in the third direction Z.

[0110] In addition to the first locked state, the housing assembly 10 further has a second locked state.

[0111] When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, a projection of the second stop portion 124 does not overlap with a projection of the first side wall 112 in the first direction X. At this time, the second housing 12 moves relative to the first housing 11 in the third direction Z, so that the housing assembly 10 is capable of being switched from the first locked state to the second locked state.

[0112] When the housing assembly 10 is in the second locked state, the protrusion 113 abuts against the second part 1232 in the first direction X, and a side that is of the first side wall 112 and that faces away from the second side wall 121 abuts against the second stop portion 124.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second stop portion 124 is arranged, and the housing assembly 10 has a second locked state. In this state, the protrusion 113 abuts against the second part 1232, and the first side wall 112 abuts against the second stop portion 124, thereby helping to improve stability and reliability of the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 in the engaged state, and reducing a risk of shaking or separation between the second housing and the first housing.

[0114] It can be understood that when the housing assembly 10 is in the second locked state, the second housing 12 moves in an opposite direction, so that the housing assembly 10 can be switched from the second locked state to the first locked state. At this time, the first stop portion 123 is pressed, so that the housing assembly 10 can be switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state.

[0115] In an embodiment, when the housing assembly 10 is in the second locked state or in a process of switching the housing assembly from the first locked state to the second locked state, a length of the second part 1232 in the third direction Z and a length of the protrusion 113 in the third direction Z both meet the requirement that the second part can abut against the protrusion in the first direction X, thereby helping to improve structural stability and reliability of the housing assembly 10 in the second locked state.

[0116] In an embodiment, a contact region between the second part 1232 and the protrusion 113 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm in the third direction Z, thereby helping to ensure an effective contact area between the second part 1232 and the protrusion 113, improving stability and reliability of mutual engagement between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11, and ensuring that the second part 1232 abuts against the protrusion 113 in the first locked state and the second locked state. In addition, the first stop portion 123 has a length of not less than 6 mm in the third direction Z, thereby helping to ensure structural strength of the first stop portion 123, and reducing a risk of damage or fracture of the first stop portion 123.

[0117] In an embodiment, in the third direction Z, a contact region between the second part 1232 and the protrusion 113 has a length selected from any one of 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.

[0118] In an embodiment, when the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state or the second locked state, a projection of the through hole 114 is located in a projection of the second side wall 121 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the size and the shape of the second side wall 121 are designed to cover the through hole 114 and shield the through hole 114 regardless of whether the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state or the second locked state, thereby helping to reduce a risk that the through hole 114 is exposed.

[0119] In an embodiment, the first housing 11 is further provided with a notch portion 115, and the notch portion 115 communicates with the through hole 114. In a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, the second stop portion 124 passes through the notch portion 115, thereby avoiding interference between the second stop portion 124 and the first side wall 112.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment, the second housing 12 further includes a first elastic member 125. The first elastic member 125 is located between the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122 and connects the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122. When being pressed, the first elastic member 125 can elastically deform and accumulate an elastic resilience force. Specifically, in a process of switching the housing assembly 10 from the separated state to the first locked state, the second distance decreases, and the first elastic member 125 undergoes elastic compression and deformation due to the pressure from the second part 1232. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the first elastic member 125 is in a compressed and deformed state and has a resilience force to drive the first distance to increase. When a user presses the second part 1232, both elasticity from the first stop portion 123 and elasticity from the first elastic member 125 should be overcome. It can be understood that the first elastic member 125 is arranged, thereby improving stability and reliability of the housing assembly 10 in the first locked state, and reducing a risk of relative shaking or separation between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11.

[0121] In an embodiment, the first elastic member 125 is a rubber block or a compression spring.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 12, in an embodiment, the housing assembly 10 further includes a self-locking module 13. The self-locking module 13 is arranged in the second housing 12 and includes a lock block 131 and a second elastic member 132 which are connected with each other. The lock block 131 is movably connected to the second housing 12 in the third direction Z. The second elastic member 132 is arranged on a side that is of the lock block 131 and that faces away from the second part 1232. The second elastic member 132 is configured to apply a pushing force to the lock block 131 toward the second part 1232. It can be understood that when the lock block 131 is subjected to an external force and moves away from the second part 1232 in the third direction Z from an initial position, the second elastic member 132 elastically deforms and accumulates a resilience force. When the external force applied to the lock block 131 disappears or decreases, the resilience force accumulated on the second elastic member 132 is applied to the lock block 131, so that the lock block 131 moves toward the initial position, that is, in the third direction Z toward the second part 1232.

[0123] Further, the lock block 131 includes a wedge surface 1311, and at least part of the wedge surface 1311 is located between the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122 and is arranged toward the second part 1232.

[0124] When the lock block 131 is in the initial position, at least part of the wedge surface 1311 is located between the second part 1232 and the third side wall 122. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the wedge surface 1311 abuts against the second part 1232. At this time, if the second part 1232 is pressed for unlocking, the first distance decreases, and the second part 1232 applies a pressure to the wedge surface 1311. The pressure generates a component in the third direction Z and drives the lock block 131 to move in the third direction Z toward the second elastic member 132, so that the second elastic member 132 is compressed and deformed.

[0125] In this embodiment, the self-locking module 13 consisting of the lock block 131 and the second elastic member 132 is arranged. When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the lock block 131 abuts against the second part 1232. The self-locking module 13 applies an acting force to the second part 1232 away from the third side wall 122 or provides support in a direction away from the third side wall 122, thereby helping to reduce a risk that the second distance decreases, improving stability and reliability of the housing in the first locked state gradually, and reducing a risk of relative shaking or separation between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11.

[0126] In an embodiment, the second housing 12 further includes a limit groove 126. The limit groove 126 extends in the third direction Z, and a part of the lock block 131 and the second elastic member 132 are arranged in the limit groove 126. The limit groove 126 is arranged to accommodate the lock block 131 and the second elastic member 132, thereby helping to improve stability and reliability of interconnection between various elements on the second housing 12, and reducing a risk that the lock block 131 or the second elastic member 132 falls off.

[0127] In an embodiment, a guide groove is arranged in the limit groove 126. The guide groove extends in the third direction Z. A part of the lock block 131 is located in the guide groove and can slide along the guide groove relative to the limit groove 126.

[0128] In an embodiment, the second elastic member 132 is a compression spring. One end of the compression spring abuts against a bottom wall of the limit groove 126, and the other end of the compression spring abuts against the lock block 131.

[0129] In an embodiment, in the third direction Z, a part of the lock block 131 is located between the second elastic member 132 and the second part 1232, and the projection of the lock block 131 overlaps with the projection of the second part 1232. In this way, the second part 1232 can be used as a stop structure of the lock block 131 to prevent the lock block 131 from disengaging under an action of the second elastic member 132.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a water heater 100. The water heater 100 includes the housing assembly 10 described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The first housing 11 is a shell of the water heater 100. The second housing 12 is a housing of a panel assembly 20 in the water heater 100. The second side wall 121 is a front panel of the panel assembly 20. The front panel is exposed from the housing for interaction with a user. Through a connection mode between the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the panel assembly 20 is detachably connected to the shell, thereby helping the maintenance personnel to remove the panel assembly 20 for maintenance, reducing maintenance difficulty of the panel assembly 20, and improving the operating efficiency.

[0131] In addition to the first side wall 112, the first housing 11 includes other side walls. Other side walls and the first side wall 112 enclose to form the shell of the water heater 100, which will not be described in detail in the present disclosure.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 15, in an embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a first unlocking member 31 and a first transmission assembly 41. The first unlocking member 31 is arranged on a surface of the first side wall 112 and is configured to be pressable. The first transmission assembly 41 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 111. One end of the first transmission assembly 41 is connected to the first unlocking member 31, and the other end of the first transmission assembly is connected to the first part 1231.

[0133] When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the first unlocking member 31 is pressed, and an acting force is applied to the first part 1231 through the first transmission assembly 41, so that the first stop portion 123 elastically deforms, the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly 10 is switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state. At this time, the panel assembly 20 can be removed from the first housing 11 by pulling the second housing 12. In this embodiment, the first unlocking member 31 and the first transmission assembly 41 are arranged, so that the panel assembly 20 can be disassembled without disassembling a back plate of the shell, thereby helping to simplify a disassembly mode of the panel assembly 20, and improving the maintenance efficiency.

[0134] In an embodiment, after the housing assembly 10 is switched to the unlocked state by the first unlocking member 31 and the first transmission assembly 41, further pressing the first unlocking member 31 can push out the panel assembly 20 via the pushing force applied by the first transmission assembly 41 to the first stop portion 123, thereby helping the maintenance personnel to remove the panel assembly 20 from the first housing 11.

[0135] In an embodiment, the first transmission assembly 41 includes an arcuate groove 411 and a connecting rod 412. The arcuate groove 411 is connected to the first unlocking member 31 and can move along with the first unlocking member 31. One end of the connecting rod 412 is connected to the arcuate groove 411 in a cooperation manner and can move along the arcuate groove 411, and the other end of the connecting rod 412 abuts against the first surface 12313. When the first unlocking member 31 moves inward in the first direction X, the connecting rod 412 swings in the case of being driven by the arcuate groove 411, and the other end of the connecting rod abuts against the first surface 12313, so that the first stop portion 123 elastically deforms, the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly 10 is switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 16, in an embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a second unlocking member 32, a motor 50, and a second transmission assembly 42. The second unlocking member 32 is arranged on a surface of the first side wall 112. The motor 50 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 111 and is electrically connected to the second unlocking member 32. The second transmission assembly 42 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 111. One end of the second transmission assembly 42 is connected to the motor 50, and the other end of the second transmission assembly is connected to the first part 1231.

[0137] When the housing assembly 10 is in the first locked state, the second unlocking member 32 is pressed or touched to trigger the motor 50 to operate. The motor 50 drives the second transmission assembly 42 to apply an acting force to the first part 1231, so that the first stop portion 123 elastically deforms, the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly 10 is switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state. At this time, the panel assembly 20 can be removed from the first housing 11 by pulling the second housing 12. In this embodiment, the second unlocking member 32, the motor 50, and the second transmission assembly 42 are arranged, so that the panel assembly 20 can be disassembled by an electronic control module without disassembling a back plate of the shell, thereby helping to simplify a disassembly mode of the panel assembly 20, and improving the maintenance efficiency.

[0138] In an embodiment, after the housing assembly 10 is switched to the unlocked state by the second unlocking member 32, the motor 50, and the second transmission assembly 42, the motor 50 continues to drive the second transmission assembly to operate, the panel assembly 20 can be pushed out via the pushing force applied by the second transmission assembly 42 to the first stop portion 123, thereby achieving automatic disassembly of the panel assembly 20, and improving the maintenance efficiency.

[0139] In an embodiment, the second transmission assembly 42 includes a transmission gear 421 and a rack 422. The transmission gear 421 is arranged on an output shaft of the motor 50 or is in transmission connection with the output shaft. The motor 50 operates to drive the transmission gear 421 to rotate. The rack 422 is movably arranged in the accommodating cavity 111 in the first direction X. The rack 422 is in meshing connection with the transmission gear 421. When the second unlocking member 32 triggers the motor 50 to operate, the transmission gear 421 rotates and drives the rack 422 to move in the first direction X toward the first part 1231. The pushing force applied by the rack 422 to the first part 1231 causes the first stop portion 123 to elastically deform, and the first distance decreases.

[0140] Further, when the motor 50 rotates a preset number of rotations, the motor may automatically reverse, thereby causing the rack 422 to reset to avoid interference when the panel assembly 20 is inserted into the through hole 114.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, in an embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a water inlet pipeline 61, a water outlet pipeline 62, a combustion chamber 71, and a heat exchange device 72. The combustion chamber 71 and the heat exchange device 72 are arranged in the accommodating cavity 111 and are connected with each other. The water inlet pipeline 61 communicates with the water outlet pipeline 62 through the heat exchange device 72. When the water heater 100 operates, the combustion chamber 71 operates and transfers heat to the heat exchange device 72. Cold water flows into the heat exchange device 72 through the water inlet pipeline 61 and exchanges heat with the heat exchange device 72. In this process, the cold water is heated to a set temperature and finally flows out through the water outlet pipeline 62.

[0142] In an embodiment, the water inlet 611 of the water inlet pipeline 61 is arranged at the bottom of the first housing 11 and is exposed.

[0143] In an embodiment, the water outlet 621 of the water outlet pipeline 62 is arranged on a bottom wall of the first housing 11 and is exposed.

[0144] In an embodiment, the water heater 100 further includes a circuit board 21. The circuit board 21 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 111 or in the panel assembly 20. As a control center of the water heater 100, the circuit board 21 is configured to control combustion intensity of the combustion chamber 71 to adjust the water temperature or control a flow rate of the water inlet 611.

[0145] In an embodiment, the panel assembly 20 includes a temperature control button 22. The temperature control button 22 is arranged on the second side wall 121 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 21. The temperature control button 22 is configured to send a temperature control signal to the circuit board 21 after being controlled by a pressing force or touch, thereby adjusting the water temperature.

[0146] In an embodiment, the panel assembly 20 further includes a switch button 23. The switch button 23 is arranged on the second side wall 121 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 21. The switch button 23 is configured to send a power-on signal or a power-off signal to the circuit board 21 after being controlled by a pressing force or touch, thereby turning on or turning off the water heater 100.

[0147] In an embodiment, the panel assembly 20 further includes a display 24. The display 24 is arranged on the second side wall 121 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 21. The display 24 is configured to display the operating state information of the water heater 100, such as water temperature information, mode information, network information, and the like.

[0148] The above is only the detailed description of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A housing assembly, wherein the housing assembly comprises a first housing and a second housing;the first housing comprises an accommodating cavity, a first side wall, and a protrusion that is arranged on the first side wall, the protrusion is located in the accommodating cavity and extends in a first direction, the first side wall is provided with a through hole penetrating through the first side wall in the first direction, and the first direction is parallel to a thickness direction of the first side wall;the second housing comprises a second side wall, a third side wall, and a first stop portion, the third side wall is arranged on the second side wall, the first stop portion is arranged on the third side wall, the first stop portion comprises a first part and a second part, the first part connects the second part and the third side wall, and the second part and the third side wall are arranged at intervals;the first stop portion is configured to elastically deform relative to the third side wall, so that a first distance between the second part and the third side wall changes;the housing assembly has a first locked state and an unlocked state;when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the second side wall abuts against a side that is of the first side wall and that faces away from the accommodating cavity, the third side wall is inserted into the through hole, the first stop portion is located in the accommodating cavity, the second part abuts against the protrusion in the first direction, and at this time, the first stop portion is pressed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly is capable of being switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state; andwhen the housing assembly is in the unlocked state, a projection of the protrusion does not overlap with a projection of the first stop portion in the first direction.

2. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinwhen the second housing and the first housing are in a separated state, the third side wall is inserted into the through hole, and the second side wall and the first side wall are close to each other, so that the first stop portion abuts against the protrusion in the first direction, the second housing and the first housing are engaged with each other, and at this time, the housing assembly is in the first locked state; andwhen the housing assembly is in the unlocked state, the second housing is configured to move relative to the first housing to be withdrawn from the through hole.

3. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe first part comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is connected to the third side wall, and the second end is connected to the second part; andthe second part is located between the second side wall and the second end in the first direction.

4. The housing assembly according to claim 3, whereinthe second end is located between the second part and the first end in the first direction;the first part further comprises a first surface, the first surface is located between the first end and the second end, and the first surface faces away from the second side wall;when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the projection of the protrusion overlaps with a projection of the first surface in the first direction; andthe first surface is a planar surface or an arcuate surface.

5. The housing assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first part is U-shaped, and the first end and the second end are arranged at intervals in the second direction.

6. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe second part comprises a plurality of first step portions, the plurality of first step portions are arranged in the first direction when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, and the protrusion abuts against one of the first step portions in the first direction;a distance between any one of the first step portions and the third side wall is a second distance in the second direction; andthe second distance between the different first step portions and the third side wall gradually decreases in the first direction toward the first side wall.

7. The housing assembly according to claim 6, wherein projections of the plurality of first step portions overlap with a projection of the first part in the first direction.

8. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe protrusion comprises a plurality of second step portions, the plurality of second step portions are arranged in the first direction when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, and one of the second step portions abuts against the second part in the first direction;a distance between any one of the second step portions and the third side wall is a third distance in the second direction; andthe third distance between the different second step portions and the third side wall gradually increases in the first direction away from the first side wall.

9. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second housing is made of plastic.

10. The housing assembly according to claim 9, wherein a contact region between the second part and the protrusion has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

11. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe first housing comprises the plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions are arranged at intervals in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;the second housing comprises the plurality of first stop portions, and the plurality of first stop portions are arranged at intervals in the third direction; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, any one of the first stop portions abuts against one of the protrusions in the first direction.

12. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe first housing comprises two protrusions, and the two protrusions are arranged at intervals in the second direction and are located on two sides of the through hole, respectively;the second housing comprises two third side walls and two first stop portions, and the two third side walls are arranged at intervals in the second direction;one of the first stop portions is arranged on one of the third side walls, and the other first stop portion is arranged on the other third side wall; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the second part on one of the first stop portions abuts against one of the protrusions in the first direction, and the second part on the other first stop portion abuts against the other protrusion in the first direction.

13. The housing assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe second housing further comprises a second stop portion, the second stop portion is arranged on the third side wall and is arranged together with the first stop portion in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;the housing assembly further has a second locked state;when the housing assembly is in the first locked state, a projection of the second stop portion does not overlap with a projection of the first side wall in the first direction, and at this time, the second housing moves in the third direction, so that the housing assembly is capable of being switched from the first locked state to the second locked state; andwhen the housing assembly is in the second locked state, the protrusion abuts against the second part in the first direction, and a side that is of the first side wall and that faces away from the second side wall abuts against the second stop portion.

14. The housing assembly according to claim 13, wherein when the housing assembly is in the first locked state or the second locked state, a projection of the through hole is located in a projection of the second side wall in the first direction.

15. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second housing further comprises a first elastic member, the first elastic member is located between the second part and the third side wall and connects the second part and the third side wall; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the first elastic member is in a compressed and deformed state, and has a resilience force to drive the first distance to increase.

16. The housing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing assembly further comprises a self-locking module, the self-locking module is arranged on the second housing and comprises a lock block and a second elastic member which are connected with each other, the lock block is movably connected to the second housing in the third direction, the second elastic member is arranged on a side that is of the lock block and that faces away from the second part, the second elastic member is configured to apply a pushing force to the lock block toward the second part, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction;the lock block comprises a wedge surface, and at least part of the wedge surface is located between the second part and the third side wall and is arranged toward the second part; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the wedge surface abuts against the second part, and at this time, if the second part is pressed so that the first distance decreases, the second part is configured to apply a pressure to the wedge surface and drive the lock block to move in the third direction toward the second elastic member.

17. The housing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second housing further comprises a limit groove, the limit groove extends in the third direction, and a part of the lock block and the second elastic member are arranged in the limit groove.

18. A water heater, wherein the water heater comprises the housing assembly according to claim 1, the first housing is a shell of the water heater, the second housing is a housing of a panel assembly in the water heater, and the panel assembly is detachably connected to the shell.

19. The water heater according to claim 18, wherein the water heater further comprises a first unlocking member and a first transmission assembly, the first unlocking member is arranged on a surface of the first side wall and is configured to be pressable, the first transmission assembly is arranged in the accommodating cavity, one end of the first transmission assembly is connected to the first unlocking member, and the other end of the first transmission assembly is connected to the first part; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the first unlocking member is pressed, and an acting force is applied to the first part through the first transmission assembly, so that the first stop portion elastically deforms, the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly is switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state.

20. The water heater according to claim 18, wherein the water heater further comprises a second unlocking member, a motor, and a second transmission assembly, the second unlocking member is arranged on a surface of the first side wall, the motor is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is electrically connected to the second unlocking member, the second transmission assembly is arranged in the accommodating cavity, one end of the second transmission assembly is connected to the motor, and the other end of the second transmission assembly is connected to the first part; andwhen the housing assembly is in the first locked state, the second unlocking member is pressed or touched to trigger the motor to operate, and the motor drives the second transmission assembly to apply an acting force to the first part, so that the first stop portion elastically deforms, the first distance decreases, and the housing assembly is switched from the first locked state to the unlocked state.

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