Heat pump water heater

Abstract

A heat pump water heater (1), comprising a housing (2); a water tank (3); a heat pump assembly (4), which comprises at least one compressor (5), an evaporator (6), a condenser (7), and a fan (8); wherein the housing (2) comprises a first housing portion (9) and a second housing portion (10), wherein the water tank (3) and the condenser (7) are housed within the first housing portion (9), and wherein the compressor (5), the evaporator (6), and the fan (8) are housed within the second housing portion (10), wherein the second housing portion (10) comprises a side wall (11) and an upper wall (12) connected to each other, wherein the side wall (11) is interposed between the first housing portion (9) and the upper wall (12), wherein the water tank (3) comprises a water inlet duct (17) and a water outlet duct (18) extending through the upper wall (12), wherein the upper wall (12) defines an air inlet opening (13) and an air outlet opening (14), for conveying an airflow through the second housing portion (10), so that the heat pump assembly (4) performs a heat exchange between the airflow and the water tank (3), wherein the heat pump water heater (1) comprises a covering panel (27) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), wherein the covering panel (27) is received in the second housing portion (10), and wherein the covering panel (27) is removable from and receivable in the second housing portion (10) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11), without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18).

Description

“Heat pump water heater”Description

[0001] Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a heat pump water heater, in particular to a monobloc air-water heat pump water heater.

[0003] Prior art

[0004] The heat pump water heater is a thermal machine configured to collect and transfer thermal energy. The thermal energy can be collected, for example, from air, soil or groundwater, and can be used, for example, for heating rooms or for domestic hot water.

[0005] There are different types of heat pump water heaters, including monobloc airwater heat pump water heaters, which allow the energy present in the air to be extracted and transferred to the water in the form of heat, by means of a single unit that contains all the components of the refrigerant circuit inside it, and which can be connected to the water system by pipes. Monobloc air-water heat pump water heaters offer several advantages, including reduced constructional complexity due to the fact that all components are gathered within the single unit.

[0006] Nevertheless, these water heaters still present some drawbacks. In particular, maintenance operations of such known water heaters are generally complex and timeconsuming, since in order to intervene on the components to be maintained or replaced it is necessary to disconnect the water heater from the water system and dismantle the entire housing to which the components of the heat pump of the water heater are connected or housed, in particular the components of the refrigerant assembly.

[0007] Consequently, there is a need to provide an improved heat pump water heater capable of solving the issues identified in the prior art.

[0008] Solution

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat pump water heater, in particular of the monobloc air-water type, capable of overcoming the issues identified in the prior art.

[0010] A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved heat pump water heater, which facilitates maintenance operations and in which the components of the heat pump of the water heater are more quickly and easily accessible for replacement or repair.

[0011] This and other purposes are achieved by means of a heat pump water heater according to claim 1.

[0012] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Drawings

[0014] To better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, someexemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat pump water heater, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] - Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the heat pump water heater shown in figure 1;

[0017] - Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the heat pump water heater shown in figure 1, in a first operating position;

[0018] - Figure 4 is a further top perspective view of the heat pump water heater shown in figure 3, in a second operating position;

[0019] - Figure 5 is a further top perspective view of the heat pump water heater shown in figure 3, in a third operating position;

[0020] - Figure 6 is a further top perspective view of the heat pump water heater shown in figure 5, in a fourth operating position.

[0021] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0022] In the following description, a heat pump water heater, in particular of the monobloc air-water type, is generally denoted by the reference number 1.

[0023] The heat pump water heater 1 comprises a housing 2, a water tank 3 and a heat pump assembly 4.

[0024] The heat pump assembly 4 comprises at least one compressor 5, an evaporator 6, a condenser 7 and a fan 8.

[0025] The housing 2 comprises a first housing portion 9 and a second housing portion 10.

[0026] The water tank 3 and the condenser 7 are housed inside the first housing portion 9.

[0027] The compressor 5, the evaporator 6 and the fan 8 are housed inside the second housing portion 10.

[0028] The second housing portion 10 comprises a side wall 11 and an upper wall 12 connected to each other. The side wall 11 is interposed between the first housing portion 9 and the upper wall 12.

[0029] According to an embodiment not shown, the side wall 11 comprises, preferably is made of, a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion removably connected to each other, for example by threaded means.

[0030] The water tank 3 comprises a water inlet duct 17 and a water outlet duct 18 extending through the upper wall 12. The water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18 are configured to transfer water between the water tank 3 and the outside of the heat pump water heater 1, for example a building water system.

[0031] The upper wall 12 defines an air inlet opening 13 and an air outlet opening 14, for conveying an airflow through the second housing portion 10, so that the heat pump assembly 4 performs a heat exchange between the airflow and the water tank 3. The air outlet opening 14 is distinct from the air inlet opening 13.

[0032] The heat pump water heater 1 comprises a covering panel 27. The covering panel 27 is positioned at the air inlet opening 13.

[0033] The covering panel 27 is housed in the second housing portion 10. In particular, the covering panel 27 is housed in the second housing portion 10 so as to be positioned in its operating position, that is, connected to the second housing portion 10.

[0034] Moreover, the covering panel 27 is removable from the second housing portion 10 and receivable in the second housing portion 10 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11, without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18.

[0035] Preferably, the covering panel 27 is removable and receivable in the second housing portion 10 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11 , without requiring disassembly of both the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0036] Advantageously, a heat pump water heater 1 thus configured allows maintenance or replacement operations of the components of the heat pump water heater 1, for example of the heat pump assembly 4, to be simplified and made quicker. Indeed, in order to perform such operations, the heat pump water heater 1 thus configured does not require disassembly of other parts of the heat pump water heater 1, and in particular does not require disassembly of the water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18 from the water system of a building, nor extraction or removal of the water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18 from the housing 2, but only an extraction and subsequent reinsertion of the covering panel 27 into its operating position in connection with the second housing portion 10.

[0037] Air filter panel 15

[0038] According to an embodiment, the covering panel 27 is an air filter panel 15.

[0039] The air filter panel 15 is positioned at the air inlet opening 13, so as to cover the air inlet opening 13, in particular to at least partially, preferably totally, cover the air inlet opening 13. The air filter panel 15 is configured to filter the air entering the second housing portion 10.

[0040] The upper wall 12 comprises a guide structure 16 positioned at the air inlet opening 13.

[0041] The air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16. In particular, when the air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16, the air filter panel 15 is in its operating position, that is, in the position in which the air filter panel 15 covers the air inlet opening 13.

[0042] Moreover, the air filter panel 15 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11, without requiring the disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18.

[0043] Preferably, the air filter panel 15 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11, without requiring the disassembly of both the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0044] Advantageously, a heat pump water heater 1 thus configured allows easy access to the air filter panel 15, so that the air filter panel 15 can be quickly and easily replaced, cleaned, maintained. Indeed, in order to perform such operations, the heat pump water heater 1 thus configured does not require disassembly of other parts of the heat pump water heater 1, and in particular does not require disassembly of the water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18 from the water system of a building nor removal or extraction of the water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18 from the housing 2, but only the extraction and subsequent reinsertion of the air filter panel 15 within the appropriate guide structure 16.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 has a substantially planar shape, preferably disc-shaped. According to an embodiment, the side wall 11 has a cylindrical shape.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 has a substantially planar shape.

[0047] The upper wall 12 comprises an upper surface 26 facing the outside of the heat pump water heater 1, in a direction opposite to the heat pump assembly 4.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the upper surface 26 extends along a plane, in particular transverse to the side wall 11.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises at least one insertion wall 24.

[0050] The insertion wall 24 is raised with respect to the upper surface 26 of the upper wall 12 and preferably extends along a direction substantially parallel to the upper wall 12. In particular, the insertion wall 24 defines an insertion slot 25 which spaces the insertion wall 24 from the upper surface 26.

[0051] In accordance with this embodiment, the air filter panel 15 is receivable in the guide structure 16 in a direction parallel to the upper surface 26 by insertion of the air filter panel 15 through the insertion slot 25.

[0052] Moreover, the at least one insertion wall 24 prevents removal of the air filter panel 15 in a direction transverse to the upper surface 26, that is, parallel to the side wall 11.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises two opposing insertion walls 24.

[0054] Preferably, each insertion wall 24 has a substantially arcuate shape, in particular in the shape of an arc of a circle, preferably converging.

[0055] Preferably, each insertion wall 24 is enclosed within the radial volume of the upper wall 12.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement with elastic deformation.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are configured to obtain a snap connection.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises two opposing containment walls 21 , preferably parallel to one another.

[0060] Moreover, the guide structure 16 comprises a stop wall 22. The stop wall 22 is positioned connected to the guide walls 21, interposed between the containment walls 21.

[0061] The containment walls 21 are configured to guide an insertion or removal of the air filter panel 15 from the guide structure 16, and to contain the air filter panel 15 in its operating position.

[0062] The stop wall 22 is configured to stop an insertion of the air filter panel 15 into the guide structure 16, in particular so as to stop the air filter panel 15 in its operating position.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the insertion walls 24 extend from the containment walls 21, in a direction opposite to the stop wall 22.

[0064] Preferably, from each containment wall 21 an insertion wall 24 extends.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 comprises a filter portion 19 and a grip portion 20. Preferably, the air filter panel 15 consists of a filter portion 19 and a grip portion 20.

[0066] The filter portion 19 has a substantially planar shape.

[0067] The grip portion 20 extends from the filter portion 19, preferably along a plane transverse to the plane along which the filter portion 19 extends.

[0068] When the air filter panel 15 is positioned in its operating position, that is, at the air inlet opening 13, inserted into the guide structure 16 so as to filter the air entering the second housing portion 10, the filter portion 19 is shaped so as to cover the air inlet opening 13, whereas the grip portion 20 is shaped so as not to cover the air inlet opening 13.

[0069] Advantageously, an air filter panel 15 thus configured is more easily handled, making its insertion or removal from the guide structure 16 easier and safer.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the grip portion 20 extends over a plane transverse to the upper wall 12 and also faces the side wall 11.

[0071] Advantageously, this configuration reduces the overall dimensions of the heat pump water heater 1.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the housing 2 comprises a safety grid 23.

[0073] The safety grid 23 is fixed to the second housing portion 10, at the air inlet opening 13.

[0074] The safety grid 23 prevents access of foreign objects into the air inlet opening 13, thus avoiding, for example, the undesired introduction of an operator's hand into the air inlet opening 13, while allowing the conveying of air through the air inlet opening 13.

[0075] According to an embodiment, when the air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16, the air filter panel 15 is positioned above the safety grid 23, so as to cover the safety grid 23.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11 , without requiring the disassembly of the safety grid 23.

[0077] In particular, the safety grid 23 is not directly connected to the air filter panel 15.

[0078] Advantageously, this configuration facilitates maintenance or replacement operations of the air filter panel 15, and at the same time allows theseoperations to be carried out safely, since the safety grid 23 remains in place when the air filter panel 15 is removed.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the safety grid 23 is screwed to the second housing portion 10.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the safety grid 23 is also removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11 , in a manner similar to what has been previously described with reference to the air filter panel 15, without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18, preferably without requiring disassembly of both the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0081] According to an embodiment not shown, the upper wall 12 comprises a peripheral panel. The peripheral panel is connected to the side wall 11, preferably to the second side wall portion. The peripheral panel is shaped so as to define the air inlet opening 13.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the peripheral panel is irremovably connected to the side wall 11 , for example by riveting.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and / or the safety grid 23 are removably connectable to the peripheral panel.

[0084] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the guide structure 16 is formed at the peripheral panel.

[0085] Preferably, the peripheral panel is substantially semi-circular in shape, so as to define the air inlet opening 13 and at least partially define the upper surface 26.

[0086] Removable panel 28

[0087] According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 comprises a removable panel 28. The removable panel 28 does not extend over the entire upper wall 12. Consequently, the removable panel 28 forms a sub-portion of the upper wall 12.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 comprises a first panel 34 and a removable panel 28. According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 consists of the combination of the first panel 34 and the removable panel 28.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the air outlet opening 14 is defined by the first panel 34.

[0090] In the operating position, the first panel 34 and the removable panel 28 are substantially coplanar.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first panel 34 is removably fixed to the side wall 11 by threaded means.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the first panel 34 is irremovably fixed to the side wall 11 or to the first side wall portion.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the first panel 34 is removably fixed to the side wall 11 or to the first side wall portion.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the first panel 34 is removably fixed to the removable panel 28.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the covering panel 27 is the removable panel 28.

[0096] The air inlet opening 13 is defined in the removable panel 28. Specifically, the air inlet opening 13 extends through the removable panel 28.

[0097] Advantageously, a heat pump water heater 1 thus configured allows easy access to the components of the heat pump water heater 1, for example to the components of the heat pump assembly 4, or to an air filter panel 15 positioned to cover the air inlet opening 13.

[0098] Moreover, the removable panel 28 is removable and insertable into the second housing portion 10 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11, without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18, preferably without requiring disassembly of both the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 is substantially semi-disc shaped.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the side wall 11 defines a receiving portion 29. The receiving portion 29 is configured to obtain a shape coupling with the removable panel 28.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 comprises a planar wall 30. In the operating position, the planar wall 30 is positioned substantially coplanar with the upper wall 12.

[0102] The air inlet opening 13 is defined by the planar wall 30 and extends through the planar wall 30.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 comprises a side edge 31.

[0104] The side edge 31 extends substantially transverse to the planar wall 30, so as to face the side wall 11 of the second housing portion 10.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the side edge 31 is configured to obtain a shape coupling with the side wall 11 , preferably with the second side wall portion.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28, preferably the side edge 31, and the side wall 11 , preferably the second side wall portion, are connectable to each other by threaded connection means.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 defines a pair of seats 32 for receiving, respectively, the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18 along a direction transverse to the side wall 11.

[0108] The seats 32 are open in the direction of the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0109] In particular, the seats 32 are configured to obtain a shape coupling with the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0110] Advantageously, such open seats 32 allow insertion and removal of the removable panel 28 into the operating position without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 comprises at least one abutment plate 33.

[0112] The at least one abutment plate 33 is configured so as to be overlapped with at least one portion of the removable panel 28, in a direction transverse to the upper wall 12, when the removable panel 28 is in the operating position.

[0113] Advantageously, the provision of the at least one abutment plate 33 prevents removal of the removable panel 28 along a direction parallel to the side wall 11.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the upper wall 12 comprises two abutment plates 33 fitted respectively around the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0115] Advantageously, according to such configuration, when the removable panel 28 is inserted and received in its operating position, the abutment plates 33 are overlapped with a portion of the removable panel 28 forming the seats 32, preventing removal of the removable panel 28 along a direction parallel to the side wall 11.

[0116] Removable panel 28 with air filter panel 15

[0117] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 comprises an air filter panel 15.

[0118] The air filter panel 15 is positioned at the air inlet opening 13, so as to cover the air inlet opening 13, in particular to at least partially, preferably totally, cover the air inlet opening 13. The air filter panel 15 is configured to filter the air entering the second housing portion 10.

[0119] The removable panel 28 comprises a guide structure 16 positioned at the air inlet opening 13. According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 is screwed to the removable panel 28.

[0120] The air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16. In particular, when the air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16, the air filter panel 15 is in its operating position, that is, in the position in which the air filter panel 15 covers the air inlet opening 13.

[0121] Moreover, the air filter panel 15 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction parallel to the removable panel 28, that is, transverse to the side wall 11 , without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18, preferably without requiring disassembly of both the water inlet duct 17 and the water outlet duct 18.

[0122] Advantageously, a heat pump water heater 1 thus configured allows easy access to the air filter panel 15, so that the air filter panel 15 can be quickly and easily replaced, cleaned, or maintained. Indeed, to perform such operations, the heat pump water heater 1 thus configured does not require disassembly of other parts of the heat pump water heater 1, and in particular does not require disassembly of the water inlet and outlet ducts 17, 18, but only extraction and subsequent reinsertion of the removable panel 28 from which the air filter panel 15 is removed.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 has a substantially planar shape, preferably circular. According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 has a substantially planar shape.

[0124] The removable panel 28 comprises an upper surface 26 facing the outside of the heat pump water heater 1, in a direction opposite to the heat pump assembly 4.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the upper surface 26 extends along a plane, in particular transverse to the side wall 11.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises at least one insertion wall 24.

[0127] The insertion wall 24 is raised with respect to the upper surface 26 of the removable panel 28 and preferably extends along a direction substantially parallel to the removable panel 28. In particular, the insertion wall 24 defines an insertion slot 25 which spaces the insertion wall 24 from the upper surface 26.

[0128] In accordance with this embodiment, the air filter panel 15 is receivable in the guide structure 16 in a direction parallel to the upper surface 26 by insertion of the air filter panel 15 through the insertion slot 25.

[0129] Moreover, the at least one insertion wall 24 prevents removal of the air filter panel 15 in a direction transverse to the upper surface 26, that is, transverse to the removable panel 28, or parallel to the side wall 11.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises two opposing insertion walls 24.

[0131] Preferably, each insertion wall 24 has a substantially arcuate shape, in particular in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0132] Preferably, each insertion wall 24 is enclosed within the radial volume of the removable panel 28.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are shaped so as to obtain a coupling with shape engagement.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement having elastic deformation.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 and the guide structure 16 are configured to obtain a snap connection.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the guide structure 16 comprises two opposing containment walls 21 , preferably parallel to one another.

[0137] Moreover, the guide structure 16 comprises a stop wall 22. The stop wall 22 is positioned connected to the guide walls 21, interposed between the containment walls 21.

[0138] The containment walls 21 are configured to guide an insertion into or removal of the air filter panel 15 from the guide structure 16, and to contain the air filter panel 15 in its operating position.

[0139] The stop wall 22 is configured to stop an insertion of the air filter panel 15 into the guide structure 16, in particular so as to stop the air filter panel 15 in its operating position.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the insertion walls 24 extend from the containment walls 21, in a direction opposite to the stop wall 22.

[0141] Preferably, from each containment wall 21 an insertion wall 24 extends.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 comprises a filter portion 19 and a grip portion 20.

[0143] The filter portion 19 has a substantially planar shape.

[0144] The grip portion 20 extends from the filter portion 19, preferably along a plane transverse to the plane along which the filter portion 19 extends.

[0145] When the air filter panel 15 is positioned in the operating position, that is, at the air inlet opening 13, inserted into the guide structure 16 so as to filter the air entering the second housing portion 10, the filter portion 19 is shaped so as to cover the air inlet opening 13, whereas the grip portion 20 is shaped so as not to cover the air inlet opening 13.

[0146] Advantageously, an air filter panel 15 thus configured is more easily handled, making its insertion or removal from the guide structure 16 easier and safer.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the grip portion 20 extends over a plane transverse to the removable panel 28 and also faces the side wall 11.

[0148] Advantageously, this configuration reduces the overall dimensions of the heat pump water heater 1.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the removable panel 28 comprises a safety grid 23.

[0150] The safety grid 23 is fixed to the removable panel 28, at the air inlet opening 13.

[0151] The safety grid 23 prevents the access of foreign objects into the air inlet opening 13, thus avoiding, for example, the undesired introduction of an operator’s hand into the air inlet opening 13, while allowing the air to be conveyed through the air inlet opening 13.

[0152] According to an embodiment, when the air filter panel 15 is received in the guide structure 16, the air filter panel 15 is positioned above the safety grid 23, so as to cover the safety grid 23.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the air filter panel 15 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 in a direction parallel to the removable panel 28, without requiring disassembly of the safety grid 23.

[0154] Advantageously, this configuration facilitates maintenance or replacement operations of the air filter panel 15, and at the same time allows these operations to be performed safely, since the safety grid 23 remains in place when the air filter panel 15 is removed.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the safety grid 23 is screwed to the removable panel 28.

[0156] According to an embodiment, the safety grid 23 is removable and insertable into the guide structure 16 of the removable panel 28 in a direction transverse to the side wall 11 without requiring disassembly of the water inlet duct 17 and / or the water outlet duct 18.

[0157] Naturally, the expert in the field will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the claims set outList of references1. Heat pump water heater2. Housing3. Water tank4. Heat pump assembly5. Compressor6. Evaporator7. Condenser8. Fan9. First housing portion10. Second housing portion11. Side wall12. Upper wall13. Air inlet opening14. Air outlet opening15. Air filter panel16. Guide structure17. Water inlet duct18. Water outlet duct19. Filter portion20. Grip portion21. Containment walls22. Stop wall23. Safety grid24. Insertion wall25. Insertion slot26. Upper surface27. Covering panel28. Removable panel29. Receiving portion30. Planar wall31. Side edge32. Seat33. Abutment plate34. First panel

Claims

Claims1. A heat pump water heater (1), in particular of the monobloc air-water type, comprising:- a housing (2);- a water tank (3);- a heat pump assembly (4), comprising at least one compressor (5), an evaporator (6), a condenser (7), and a fan (8); wherein the housing (2) comprises a first housing portion (9) and a second housing portion (10), wherein the water tank (3) and the condenser (7) are housed inside the first housing portion (9), and wherein the compressor (5), the evaporator (6), and the fan (8) are housed inside the second housing portion (10), wherein the second housing portion (10) comprises a side wall (11) and an upper wall (12) connected to each other, wherein the side wall (11) is interposed between the first housing portion (9) and the upper wall (12), wherein the water tank (3) comprises a water inlet duct (17) and a water outlet duct (18) extending through the upper wall (12), wherein the upper wall (12) defines an air inlet opening (13) and an air outlet opening (14), for conveying an airflow through the second housing portion (10), so that the heat pump assembly (4) performs a heat exchange between the airflow and the water tank (3), wherein the heat pump water heater (1) comprises a covering panel (27) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), wherein the covering panel (27) is received in the second housing portion (10), and wherein the covering panel (27) is removable from and receivable in the second housing portion (10) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11), without requiring the water inlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled.

2. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the covering panel (27) is an air filter panel (15) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), so as to cover the air inlet opening (13), wherein the upper wall (12) comprises a guide structure (16) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), wherein the air filter panel (15) is received in the guide structure (16), and wherein the air filter panel (15) is removable from and insertable into the guide structure (16) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11), without requiring the waterinlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled.

3. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 2, wherein the upper wall (12) comprises an upper surface (26) facing the outside of the heat pump water heater (1), in a direction opposite to the heat pump assembly (4), wherein the upper surface (26) extends along a plane transverse to the side wall (11), wherein the guide structure (16) comprises at least one insertion wall (24), wherein the insertion wall (24) is raised with respect to the upper surface (26) of the upper wall (12), and wherein the insertion wall (24) defines an insertion slot (25) which separates the insertion wall (24) from the upper surface (26), wherein the air filter panel (15) is receivable in the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the upper surface (26) by insertion of the air filter panel (15) through the insertion slot (25), and wherein the at least one insertion wall (24) prevents the air filter panel (15) from being removed in a direction transverse to the upper surface (26), wherein, optionally, the guide structure (16) comprises two opposing insertion walls (24), wherein, optionally, each insertion wall (24) is substantially arcuate in shape, in particular it has the shape of an arc of a circle, preferably converging, wherein, optionally, each insertion wall (24) is enclosed within the radial volume of the upper wall (12).

4. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are shaped so as to obtain a coupling with shape engagement, and / or wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement and elastic deformation, and / or wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are configured to obtain a snap connection.

5. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the guide structure (16) comprises two opposing containment walls (21) and a stop wall (22) positioned connected to the guide walls (21), interposed between the containment wallswherein the containment walls (21) are configured to guide an insertion or removal of the air filter panel (15) from the guide structure (16) and contain the air filter panel (15) in the operating position thereof, wherein the stop wall (22) is configured to stop an insertion of the air filter panel (15) into the guide structure (16), and wherein, optionally, the guide structure (16) comprises two insertion walls (24) raised with respect to an upper surface (26) of the upper wall (12), and wherein the insertion walls (24) define an insertion slot (25) which separates the insertion walls (24) from the upper surface (26), wherein the air filter panel (15) is receivable in the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the upper surface (26) by insertion of the air filter panel (15) through the insertion slot (25), wherein the insertion walls (24) prevent the air filter panel (15) from being removed in a direction transverse to the upper surface (26), and wherein the insertion walls (24) extend from the containment walls (21), in a direction opposite to the stop wall (22).

6. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the air filter panel (15) comprises a filter portion (19) and a grip portion (20), wherein the filter portion (19) is substantially planar in shape and wherein the grip portion (20) extends from the filter portion (19), and wherein, optionally, the grip portion (20) extends over a plane transverse to the upper wall (12) and faces the side wall (11).

7. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the housing (2) comprises a safety grid (23) secured to the second housing portion (10), at the air inlet opening (13), wherein, when the air filter panel (15) is received in the guide structure (16), the air filter panel (15) is positioned at the top of the safety grid (23), so as to cover the safety grid (23), and wherein the air filter panel (15) is removable and insertable into the guide structure (16) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11), without requiring the safety grid (23) to be disassembled, and wherein, optionally, the safety grid (23) is screwed to the second housing portion (10), and / or wherein the safety grid (23) is removable from and insertable into the guide structure (16) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11) without requiring the water inlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled,and wherein, optionally, the upper wall (12) comprises a peripheral panel connected to the side wall (11), wherein the peripheral panel is shaped so as to define the air inlet opening (13), wherein the peripheral panel is irremovably connected to the side wall (11), preferably by riveting, and wherein the air filter panel (15) and / or the safety grid (23) are removably connectable to the peripheral panel, and wherein the guide structure (16) is formed on the peripheral panel, and wherein the peripheral panel optionally is substantially semi-circular in shape.

8. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the upper wall (12) comprises a removable panel (28), wherein the removable panel (28) does not extend over the entire upper wall (12), wherein the covering panel (27) is the removable panel (28), wherein the air inlet opening (13) is defined in the removable panel (28), and wherein the removable panel (28) is removable and insertable into the second housing portion (10) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11), without requiring the water inlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled, and wherein, optionally, the removable panel (28) is substantially in the shape of a semi-disc.

9. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 8, wherein the side wall (11) defines a receiving portion (29) configured to obtain a shape coupling with the removable panel (28), and / or wherein the removable panel (28) comprises a planar wall (30), wherein the air inlet opening (13) is defined by the planar wall (30) and extends through the planar wall (30), and a side edge (31) extending substantially transverse to the planar wall (30), so as to face the side wall (11) of the second housing portion (10), and wherein the side edge (31) is configured to obtain a shape coupling with the side wall (11), and / or wherein the removable panel (28) is substantially in the shape of a semi-disc.

10. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the removable panel (28) defines a pair of seats (32) for receiving the water inlet duct (17) and the water outlet duct (18), respectively, along a direction transverse to the side wall (11), wherein the seats (32) are open in a direction towards the water inlet duct (17) and the water outlet duct (18), and wherein the seats (32) are configured to obtain a shape coupling with the water inletduct (17) and the water outlet duct (18).

11. . A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the upper wall (12) comprises at least one abutment plate (33) configured so as to overlap at least one portion of the removable panel (28), in a direction transverse to the upper wall (12), when the removable panel (28) is in the operating position, and wherein, optionally, the upper wall (12) comprises two abutment plates (33) fitted around the water inlet duct (17) and the water outlet duct (18), respectively, so that when the removable panel (28) is inserted into and received in the operating position thereof, the abutment plates (33) overlap a portion of the abutment panel (28) forming the seats (32), preventing the removable panel (28) from being removed along a direction parallel to the side wall (11).

12. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the removable panel (28) comprises an air filter panel (15) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), so as to cover the air inlet opening (13), wherein the removable panel (28) comprises a guide structure (16) positioned at the air inlet opening (13), wherein the air filter panel (15) is received in the guide structure (16) and wherein the air filter panel (15) is removable from and insertable into the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the removable panel (28), without requiring the water inlet duct (17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled.

13. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 12, wherein the removable panel (28) comprises an upper surface (26) facing the outside of the heat pump water heater (1), in a direction opposite to the heat pump assembly (4), and extending along a plane transverse to the side wall (11), wherein the guide structure (16) comprises at least one insertion wall (24) raised with respect to the upper surface (26) of the removable panel (28), and wherein the insertion wall (24) defines an insertion slot (25) which separates the insertion wall (24) from the upper surface (26), wherein the air filter panel (15) is receivable in the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the upper surface (26) by insertion of the air filter panel (15) through the insertion slot (25), and wherein the at least one insertion wall (24) prevents the air filter panel (15) from being removed in a direction transverse to the upper surface (26),wherein, optionally, the guide structure (16) comprises two opposing insertion walls (24), wherein, optionally, each insertion wall (24) is substantially arcuate in shape, in particular in the shape of an arc of a circle, preferably converging, wherein, optionally, each insertion wall (24) is enclosed within the radial volume of the removable panel (28).

14. A heat pump water heater (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement, and / or wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are shaped so as to obtain a coupling by shape engagement with elastic deformation, and / or wherein the air filter panel (15) and the guide structure (16) are configured to obtain a snap connection.

15. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the guide structure (16) comprises two opposing containment walls (21) and a stop wall (22) positioned connected to the guide walls (21), interposed between the containment walls (21), wherein the containment walls (21) are configured to guide an insertion into or removal of the air filter panel (15) from the guide structure (16) and contain the air filter panel (15) in the operating position thereof, wherein the stop wall (22) is configured to stop an insertion of the air filter panel (15) into the guide structure (16), and wherein, optionally, the guide structure (16) comprises two insertion walls (24) raised with respect to an upper surface (26) of the upper wall (12), and wherein the insertion walls (24) define an insertion slot (25) which separates the insertion walls (24) from the upper surface (26), wherein the air filter panel (15) is receivable in the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the upper surface (26) by insertion of the air filter panel (15) through the insertion slot (25), wherein the insertion walls (24) prevent the air filter panel (15) from being removed in a direction transverse to the upper surface (26), and wherein the insertion walls (24) extend from the containment walls (21), in a direction opposite to the stop wall (22).

16. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, wherein theair filter panel (15) comprises a filter portion (19) and a grip portion (20), wherein the filter portion (19) is substantially planar in shape and wherein the grip portion (20) extends from the filter portion (19), and wherein, optionally, the grip portion (20) extends over a plane transverse to the removable panel (28) and faces the side wall (11).

17. A heat pump water heater (1) according to one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the removable panel (28) comprises a safety grid (23) secured to the removable panel (28), at the air inlet opening (13), wherein, when the air filter panel (15) is received in the guide structure (16), the air filter panel (15) is positioned at the top of the safety grid (23), so as to cover the safety grid (23), and wherein the air filter panel (15) is removable from and insertable into the guide structure (16) in a direction parallel to the removable panel (28), without requiring the safety grid (23) to be disassembled, and wherein, optionally, the safety grid (23) is screwed to the removable panel (28), and / or wherein the safety grid (23) is removable and insertable into the guide structure(16) in a direction transverse to the side wall (11) without requiring the water inlet duct(17) and / or the water outlet duct (18) to be disassembled.

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