US20250297776A1

US20250297776A1 - Water heating appliance having a multi-component shroud mounting and top cover

Info

Publication number: US20250297776A1
Application number: US18/659,693
Authority: US
Inventors: Joshua Bultema; Benjamin De Jager; Michael Richards
Original assignee: Bradford White Corp
Current assignee: Bradford White Corp
Priority date: 2024-03-22
Filing date: 2024-05-09
Publication date: 2025-09-25
Also published as: US12359845B1; US20250297778A1; US20250321023A1; US20250297780A1; US20250297779A1; US20250297777A1

Abstract

A water heating appliance includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a heater that heats a fluid that is delivered to a fixture. First and second wall panels define a perimeter wall that extends around the heater. A first top panel is attached to the first wall panel and has a seat that partially defines a dividing edge. A second top panel is disposed on a second wall panel. The second top panel includes a mount that further defines the dividing edge. The mount engages the seat to define an enclosed position. The seat extends below the mount. The dividing edge defines a cutout portion. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet pass through the cutout portion. The second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the wall panels define a minor access aperture.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. 63/568,486, filed on Mar. 22, 2024, entitled “AIR FUNNEL FOR A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM OF A WATER HEATER,” the disclosure to which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to water heating appliances, and more specifically, to a water heating appliance that includes a shroud enclosure having a multi-part perimeter wall and a multi-part top cover that cooperate to enclose components of the water heating appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Water heating appliances are utilized within various structures for providing heated water for various uses. These water heating appliances include heating elements for heating water within a reservoir or within a conduit of water. These heating elements can include electrically resistive heating elements, gas heating elements, and heat pump systems. For maintaining water heating appliances, access panels are provided within an outer housing. These access panels open to provide maintenance access to certain portions of the water heating appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a water heating appliance includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A heating system operates to heat a fluid that is received via the fluid inlet to define a heated fluid that is delivered to an external fixture. A plurality of wall panels cooperates to selectively define a perimeter wall that extends around at least the heating system. A first top panel has a seat that partially defines a dividing edge. The first top panel is selectively attached to at least a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels. A second top panel is selectively disposed on at least a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, wherein the second top panel includes a mount that further defines the dividing edge. The mount is configured to selectively engage the seat to define an enclosed position of the first top panel and the second top panel. The seat extends below the mount. The dividing edge defines a cutout portion through which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet pass through the first top panel and the second top panel in the enclosed position. The second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heating system.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a water heating appliance includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A heat pump system operates to heat a fluid that is received via the fluid inlet to define a heated fluid that is delivered to an external fixture. A blower is in communication with the heat pump system. A perimeter wall extends around at least the heat pump system and the blower. A first top panel has a seat that partially defines a dividing edge, where the first top panel is selectively attached to the perimeter wall and the blower. A second top panel is selectively disposed on at least a second wall of a plurality of wall panels, where the second top panel includes a mount that further defines the dividing edge. The mount is configured to selectively attach to the seat via fasteners 180 to define an enclosed position of the first top panel and the second top panel, where the seat extends below the mount. The dividing edge defines a cutout portion through which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet pass through the first top panel and the second top panel in the enclosed position. The second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels to define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heat pump system.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a water heating appliance includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A heating system operates to heat a fluid that is received via the fluid inlet to define a heated fluid that is delivered to an external fixture. A blower is in thermal communication with the heating system. A plurality of wall panels cooperates to surround the heating system and the blower. A first top panel has a seat, where the first top panel is selectively attached to the plurality of wall panels. Aa second top panel has a mount that is selectively disposed on the seat and attached to the plurality of wall panels to define an enclosed position, where the seat and the mount define a dividing edge in the enclosed position. The dividing edge forms a first cutout that receives the fluid inlet and a second cutout that receives the fluid outlet. The first and second cutouts are located within interrupted portions of the seat and the mount. The second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels to define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heating system. The blower is accessible through a major access aperture that is defined by the plurality of wall panels with the first top panel and the second top panel removed.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a water heating appliance that incorporates an aspect of the multi-panel outer enclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a water heating appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is another side elevation view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is another side elevation view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heat pump portion of the water heating appliance of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a water heating appliance incorporating a heat pump system in an aspect of the outer enclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 8 and showing the control panel and a portion of the top cover removed;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a water heating appliance of FIG. 9 showing the front wall panel partially removed from the outer enclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 10 and showing the front wall panel removed for accessing the heat pump system;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the perimeter wall in the surrounding position;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 12 and showing the front wall panel partially separated from the rear wall panel;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the perimeter wall of FIG. 12 and showing the front wall panel removed to separate the sliding retainer of the attachment interface from the sliding receiver of the attachment interface;

FIG. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the water heating appliance of FIG. 8 and showing the top cover separated from the perimeter wall;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the top cover of the water heating appliance of FIG. 8 and shown in an enclosed position;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the top cover of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the top cover of FIG. 16 and showing the second top panel separated from the first top panel; and

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the top cover of FIG. 18 .

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 2 . However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a water heating appliance that includes an outer enclosure having a multi-component configuration with individual panels that can be removed for accessing various mechanical and electrical components of the water heating appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.
As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.
In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.
The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Referring to FIGS. 1-19 , reference numeral 10 generally designates a water heating appliance that includes a heating system 12 for heating water that is to be delivered to an exterior location or exterior fixture. According to the various aspects of the device, the water heating appliance 10 includes a fluid inlet 14 that receives fluid, typically in the form of water, from an external source, such as a well, a reservoir 84, or other municipal water supply. The water heating appliance 10 also includes a fluid outlet 16 that delivers water that has been heated to the external location or external fixture. A plurality of wall panels 18 cooperate to selectively define a perimeter wall 20 that extends around at least the heating system 12. A first top panel 22 includes a seat 24 that partially defines a dividing edge 26. The first top panel 22 selectively attaches to at least a rear wall panel 28 of the plurality of wall panels 18 for the perimeter wall 20. A second top panel 30 is selectively disposed on at least a front wall panel 32 of the plurality of wall panels 18. The second top panel 30 includes a mount 34 that further defines the dividing edge 26. The mount 34 is configured to selectively engage the seat 24 to define an enclosed position 36 of the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30. The seat 24 extends below the mount 34 in the enclosed position 36. The dividing edge 26 defines a cutout portion 38 through which the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 pass through the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 in the enclosed position 36. The second top panel 30 is selectively separable from the first top panel 22 and the plurality of wall panels 18 to define a minor access aperture 40 for accessing at least the heating system 12.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-19 , it is contemplated that the second top panel 30 can be removed from the first top panel 22 and the perimeter wall 20 to define the minor access aperture 40. Also, the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 can be removed to define a major access aperture 50 that is defined by the plurality of wall panels 18 with the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 removed. Moreover, after the second top panel 30 is removed, the front wall panel 32 can also be removed from the rear wall panel 28 to define an open area 52 through which the heating system 12, typically in the form of a heat pump system 60, can be accessed for repair and maintenance. Additionally, each of the first top panel 22, the second top panel 30, the front wall panel 32, and the rear wall panel 28 can be removed for fully revealing the heating system 12 and other components of the water heating appliance 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-7 , the water heating appliance 10 includes an outer enclosure 70 that surrounds portions of the water heating appliance 10 and components contained therein. The outer enclosure 70 can include multiple components for surrounding and protecting different aspects of the water heating appliance 10.
As exemplified in FIGS. 1-7 , the outer enclosure 70 can include a lower housing 80 and an upper housing 82. The lower housing 80 is configured to surround a reservoir 84 and certain heating components that may surround the reservoir 84. It is contemplated that these heating components can include resistive heating elements, gas-powered heating elements, and certain heat exchangers for providing heat to the water within the reservoir 84. The upper housing 82 can include the heat pump system 60 and a blower 86 that is in thermal communication with an evaporator 88 of the heat pump system 60. The heat pump system 60 can operate as the primary heat source for the water heating appliance 10. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the heat pump system 60 can act as a secondary or supplemental heat source for heating water to be delivered from the water heating appliance 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-7 , the outer enclosure 70 can include a plurality of panels that can be separable from the remainder of the outer enclosure 70 for providing access to certain locations of the water heating appliance 10. As described herein, the upper housing 82 includes the perimeter wall 20 that is made up of a plurality of wall panels 18. These wall panels 18 are typically made up of the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28. The upper housing 82 also includes the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 that can be attached to the plurality of wall panels 18 of the upper housing 82 to collectively form the top cover 100 of the upper housing 82.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-7 , during operation of the heat pump system 60 for the water heating appliance 10, an air inlet 110 is disposed within the second top panel 30, where the blower 86 draws ambient air into the upper housing 82 through the air inlet 110. This ambient air passes through a heat exchanger, typically in the form of the evaporator 88. Within the evaporator 88, heat is extracted from the ambient air and is directed into a thermal exchange media 112 or directly into the water to be heated. After leaving the evaporator 88, the now cooled air is directed through the blower 86, and the cooled air is expelled through an air outlet 114 that is defined within the first top panel 22. The air inlet 110 and the air outlet 114 can each include a grill 116 or other feature that provides support and structural integrity to each of the air inlet 110 and the air outlet 114, respectively. The air outlet 114 can also include an air filter 118 that can be used for capturing particulate within the cooled process air leaving the evaporator 88. This air filter 118 can be separated from a filter slot 120 defined within the grill 116 for the air outlet 114 for periodic cleaning and/or replacement.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-7 , the heat exchanger for the heat pump system 60 extracts heat from the ambient air and delivers this heat to the reservoir 84 of the water heating appliance 10 or to another area where water is heated. The water to be heated is delivered into the water heating appliance 10 through a fluid inlet 14. The heated water is then delivered from the water heating appliance 10 to an external location via a fluid outlet 16. The fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 each pass through the top cover 100 of the upper housing 82. As described herein, the top cover 100 of the outer housing includes the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 that combine to provide the top cover 100 for the upper housing 82. The fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 are typically in the form of a flexible conduit 132. This flexible conduit 132 can be a flexible plastic conduit, a flexible metal conduit, or a flexible conduit 132 that includes pasting and metallic components. It is contemplated that more rigid conduits can be used for the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16.
As exemplified in FIGS. 1-7 , the upper housing 82 can include a control panel 140 for operating the various components of the water heating appliance 10. A junction box 142 can also be included within an area of the upper housing 82 and mounted to a base plate 144. According to the various aspects of the device, the junction box 142 is separate from the wall panels 18 of the upper housing 82 such that removal of the various wall panels 18 of the upper housing 82 does not affect the operation, location, or placement of the junction box 142 or the wiring that extends into or out from the junction box 142.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-5 , the outer enclosure 70 of the water heating appliance 10 also includes a relief valve 150 that allows certain amounts of water from a reservoir 84 to be released for decreasing the pressure within the water heating appliance 10. The water heating appliance 10 can also include a drain 152 that is positioned within a bottom portion of the outer enclosure 70 to drain certain amounts of water from the reservoir 84.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the blower 86 and the heat pump system 60 can be mounted onto the base plate 144. This base plate 144 operates to separate the upper housing 82 from the lower housing 80 and to provide structural support for the blower 86 and the heat pump system 60. The components of the heat pump system 60 located within the upper housing 82 can include the heat exchanger, the compressor 160, at least one expansion device 162, and the blower 86. Various other components can also be included within the upper housing 82. A condensing portion 164 of the heat pump system 60 is typically positioned adjacent to or in thermal communication with the reservoir 84 or conduit where the water is heated for the water heating appliance 10.
During operation of the heat pump system 60, a thermal exchange media 112, such as a refrigerant, water, or other similar thermal exchange media 112, can be delivered from the compressor 160 and through a refrigerant loop 170. The heat exchange media leaving the compressor 160 is pressurized and heated, typically in the form of a gas. This form of a heat exchange media is then directed to the condensing portion 164 of the heat pump system 60 where heat is rejected into a separate media. In the case of the water heating appliance 10, this separate media is the water to be heated. The condensing portion 164 of the heat exchange system expels the heat from the thermal exchange media 112 and directs this heat into the water to be heated. As discussed herein, this water to be heated can be within the reservoir 84 or within a conduit of water that is heated as it moves through the condensing portion 164 of the heat pump system 60. After leaving the condensing portion 164 of the heat pump system 60, the heat exchange media is delivered to an expansion device 162. Within the expansion device 162, the heat exchange media, which is now cooled, is expanded into a liquid form. This cooled liquid form of the heat exchange media is then delivered to the evaporator 88 of the heat pump system 60. Within the evaporator 88, the heat exchange media absorbs heat from the ambient air moving through the evaporator 88 due to operation of the blower 86. The heat exchange media leaving the evaporator 88 is in the form of a heated gas that is then returned to the compressor 160 to begin this cycle of the refrigerant loop 170 again.
According to the various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-7 , various outer panels of the outer enclosure 70 are separable from the outer enclosure 70 for maintaining components of the heat pump system 60, the blower 86, and other components of the water heating appliance 10.
According to the various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-19 , the water heating appliance 10 includes the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16. The heat pump system 60 operates to heat the fluid that is received by the fluid inlet 14 to define the heated fluid that is delivered to the external fixture via the fluid outlet 16. The blower 86 is in thermal communication with the heat pump system 60. The perimeter wall 20 extends around at least the heat pump system 60 and the blower 86 to define the surrounding position 72. The first top panel 22 includes the seat 24 that partially defines the dividing edge 26. The first top panel 22 is selectively attached to the perimeter wall 20 and the blower 86. The second top panel 30 is selectively disposed on at least the front wall panel 32 of the plurality of wall panels 18. The second top panel 30 includes the mount 34 that further defines the dividing edge 26. The mount 34 is configured to selectively attach to the seat 24 of the first top panel 22 via fasteners 180 to define the enclosed position 36 of the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30. In the enclosed position 36, the seat 24 extends below the mount 34. The dividing edge 26 defines the cutout portion 38 through which the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 pass through the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 in the enclosed position 36. The second top panel 30 is separable from the first top panel 22 and the plurality of wall panels 18 to define the minor access aperture 40 for accessing at least the heat pump system 60.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-19 , the second top panel 30 is configured to engage the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16. In this manner, the cutout portion 38 of the dividing edge 26 is defined within the second top panel 30. Also, the mount 34 of the second top panel 30 is selectively attached to the seat 24 of the first top panel 22 via fasteners 180. Through this engagement, the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 define the cutout portion 38 for receiving the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16. The fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 are typically made from flexible conduit 132 such that the additional support provided by the cutout portion 38 maintains the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 in a static position relative to internal components of the water heating appliance 10 as well as external piping that leads to and from the water heating appliance 10.
As exemplified in FIGS. 6-19 , the blower 86 is in thermal communication with the heat pump system 60 and the first top panel 22 is positioned over the blower 86. The first top panel 22 defines the air outlet 114 that is engaged with a blower outlet 190 of the blower 86. Through this configuration, the blower outlet 190 can be attached to the underside 192 of the first top panel 22 to secure the blower 86 to the top cover 100, and in particular, the first top panel 22. The first top panel 22 includes a first vent aperture 194 that at least partially defines the air outlet 114 for the water heating appliance 10. The second top panel 30 includes the second vent aperture 196 that at least partially defines the air inlet 110 that draws air from the ambient environment and directs this air through the heat exchanger via operation of the blower 86.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-19 , when the second top panel 30 is in the enclosed position 36 relative to the first top panel 22, positioning of the second top panel 30 prevents removal of the first top panel 22 from the plurality of wall panels 18 that form the perimeter wall 20. Again, because the mount 34 of the second top panel 30 rests upon the seat 24 of the first top panel 22, the first top panel 22 is held in the enclosed position 36 by the second top panel 30. Additionally, the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 include a perimeter edge that engages a top edge 260 of the perimeter wall 20. To position the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 relative to the perimeter wall 20, the rear wall panel 28 includes notches 210 that receive portions of the seat 24 for the first cover panel. These notches 210 are located on the rear wall panel 28 relative to the position of the perimeter wall 20 with respect to and the blower 86 and the heat pump system 60. As will be described more fully below, certain locating features of a base plate 144 for the water heating appliance 10 also locates the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 of the perimeter wall 20 relative to the heat pump system 60 and the blower 86. Once the first top panel 22 is located on the perimeter wall 20 and positioned within the notches 210, the second top panel 30 can be positioned onto the top edge 260 of the perimeter wall 20 such that the mount 34 rests upon the seat 24. Once the mount 34 is located on the seat 24, fasteners 180 can be utilized for securing the second top panel 30 to the first top panel 22. Additionally, fasteners 180 can be used for securing the components of the top cover 100 to the perimeter wall 20 to define the enclosed position 36.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-14 , the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 form the plurality of wall panels 18 that define the perimeter wall 20. The front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 include an attachment interface 220 that includes a sliding retainer 222 of the front wall panel 32 and a sliding receiver 224 of the rear wall panel 28. The sliding retainer 222 and the sliding receiver 224 form an interlocking attachment 226 in the surrounding position 72 of the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28. The surrounding position 72 is characterized by the rear wall panel 28 being attached to the base panel. This surrounding position 72 is further characterized by the front wall panel 32 being attached to the base panel and the rear wall panel 28. As described herein, engagement between the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 is at least partially defined through the attachment interface 220. Selective vertical motion 228 of the front wall panel 32 separates the sliding receiver 224 from the sliding retainer 222 to remove the front wall panel 32 from the rear wall panel 28. Removal of the front wall panel 32 from the rear wall panel 28 defines the open area 52 for accessing the heating system 12 of the water heating appliance 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 8-14 , the water heating appliance 10 includes the junction box 142 that is attached to the base panel. Various electrical wiring are fed into the junction box 142. Selective vertical motion 228 of the front wall panel 32 separates the front wall panel 32 from the junction box 142. In this manner, the bottom edge 238 of the front wall panel 32 includes a junction box receiver 240 that matingly engages the outer surface 242 of the junction box 142 in the surrounding position 72. Removal of the front wall panel 32 from the rear wall panel 28 separates the front wall panel 32 from the junction box 142 to define the open area 52 for accessing the internal components of the water heating system 12. It is contemplated that removal of the front wall panel 32 is done in a way that does not disturb the position or location of the junction box 142. Accordingly, removal of the front wall panel 32 provides access to the internal components of the water heating system 12 without the need to move or adjust the positioning of the junction box 142 or the electrical components attached thereto. Through this configuration, the electrical system remains in a generally static position during removal of the front wall panel 32 for accessing the internal components of the water heating system 12.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-14 , the sliding retainer 222 of the front wall panel 32 includes a flange 250, and typically a pair of opposing flanges 250 that are defined within the front wall panel 32. These flanges 250 can be formed through a stamping operation such that flanges 250 are made from the same metallic component as the wall portion 252 of the front wall panel 32. The stamped components of the opposing flanges 250 are deflected inward to form a receiving space 254 that engages the sliding receiver 224 of the rear wall panel 28. In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the one or more flanges 250 can be attached to the wall portion 252 of the front wall panel 32 as a separate component.
As exemplified in FIGS. 6-14 , the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 define a cylindrical configuration of the perimeter wall 20. Through this configuration, the top cover 100 forms a circular shape that can rest upon the top edge 260 of the perimeter wall 20. Accordingly, the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 form a circular configuration that rests upon the top edge 260 of the perimeter wall 20. It is contemplated that the dividing edge 26 of the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 are generally across the middle section 262 of the top cover 100. Various undulations or angles can be formed within the dividing edge 26 to accommodate certain fixtures that are contained within the upper enclosure of the water heating appliance 10. These undulations also provide for a more robust engagement between the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30.
By way of example, and not limitation, these undulating portions can locate the dividing edge 26 to follow a profile of certain internal components, such as an evaporator 88 or blower housing 80 of the water heating appliance 10. The location of the dividing edge 26 can help to ensure that process air moving through the evaporator 88 of the heat pump system 60 does not escape to areas outside of the water heating appliance 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-15 , while the top cover 100 includes the dividing edge 26 that is generally along a middle area of the top cover 100, it is contemplated that the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 are divided in an asymmetrical fashion. Stated another way, the rear wall panel 28 extends more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the perimeter wall 20. Similarly, the front wall panel 32 extends less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the perimeter wall 20. Through this configuration, the front wall panel 32 can be removed from the rear wall panel 28 with only the second top panel 30 being separated from the first top panel 22. Accordingly, access to the heat pump system 60 for the water heating appliance 10 can be accomplished by removing only the second top panel 30, and where needed, the front wall panel 32. The first top panel 22 and the rear wall panel 28 can remain in place while the heat pump system 60 can be accessed for repair and maintenance. As discussed herein, the location of the notches 210 defined within the top edge 260 of the rear wall panel 28 help to position the first top panel 22 and, in turn, the second top panel 30.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-14 , the sliding receiver 224 of the rear wall panel 28 includes a top opening 270 that receives the pair of opposing flanges 250 when the front wall panel 32 is to be disposed on to the rear wall panel 28. A lower guide portion 272 of the sliding receiver 224 is angled to guide the pair of opposing flanges 250 into a lower slot 274 of the sliding receiver 224. The guide portion is angled toward the lower slot 274 that receives a pair of opposing flanges 250 and guides the pair of opposing flanges 250 downward to the surrounding position 72. The lower guide 272 includes an angled configuration that tapers inward toward the lower slot 274 from the top opening 270. Through this configuration, the top opening 270 has a first width 276 and a lower slot 274 has a second width 278, where the second width 278 is narrower than the first width 276. The lower slot 274 can be centrally located below the top opening 270. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the lower slot 274 can be offset or justified with respect to a side edge of the top opening 270 for the sliding receiver 224.
As exemplified in FIGS. 6-12 , the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 include the attachment interface 220 that is defined by two sliding retainers 222 and two corresponding sliding receivers 224. Through this configuration, multiple points of contact and multiple guides can be utilized for locating the front wall panel 32 on to the rear wall panel 28 to define the surrounding position 72. Additionally, the two sliding retainers 222 and the two sliding receivers 224 can be positioned at different heights relative to a base panel of the water heating appliance 10. Through this configuration, the sliding retainers 222 and respective sliding receivers 224 can act as a positive location tool for ensuring that the front wall panel 32 is properly positioned with respect to the rear wall panel 28.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-15 , the base panel can include a plurality of tabs 290 that receive slots 292 of the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28. These tabs 290 and slots 292 can be positioned in a regular spacing around the base panel and the perimeter wall 20. Alternatively, as a positioning mechanism, the various tabs 290 and corresponding slots 292 of the base panel and the perimeter wall 20, respectively, can be located in a predetermined pattern or configuration to ensure proper alignment of at least the rear wall panel 28 with respect to the base panel. Once the rear wall panel 28 is positioned, the positioning of the front wall panel 32 is determined by the location of the rear wall panel 28.
Referring again to FIGS. 5-19 , the water heating appliance 10 includes the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16. The heating system 12 operates to heat a fluid that is received by the fluid inlet 14 to define a heated fluid that is delivered to the external fixture via the fluid outlet 16. The blower 86 is in thermal communication with the heating system 12. The plurality of wall panels 18 form the perimeter wall 20 and cooperate to surround the heating system 12 and the blower 86. A first top panel 22 includes a seat 24. The first top panel 22 is selectively attached to the plurality of wall panels 18 and typically the rear wall panel 28. The second top panel 30 includes a mount 34 that is selectively disposed on a seat 24 and is attached to the plurality of wall panels 18, typically the front wall panel 32 to define an enclosed position 36. As described herein, it is contemplated that the second top panel 30 can be attached to each of the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28. Stated another way, the second top panel 30 extended over the entirety of the top edge 260 for the front wall panel 32, as well as a portion of the top edge 260 for the rear wall panel 28. Through this configuration, removal of the second top panel 30 exposes the entire top edge 260 of the front wall panel 32 such that the front wall panel 32 can be removed from the rear wall panel 28 without first separating the first top panel 22 from the rear wall panel 28.
Referring again to FIGS. 6-19 , the seat 24 and the mount 34 define the dividing edge 26 in the enclosed position 36 of the top cover 100. The dividing edge 26 forms a first cutout 310 that receives the fluid inlet 14 and a second cutout 312 that receives the fluid outlet 16. The first and second cutouts 310, 312 are located within interrupted portions 314 of the seat 24 and mount 34. These interrupted portions 314 form the cutouts such that the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 can pass through the dividing edge 26 and, also, the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30. As described herein, the second top panel 30 is separable from the first top panel 22 and the plurality of wall panels 18 to define a minor access aperture 40 for accessing at least the heating system 12 of the water heating appliance 10. The blower 86 is accessible through a major access aperture 50 that is defined by the plurality of wall panels 18 with the first top panel 22 and the second top panel 30 removed.
As exemplified in FIGS. 15-19 , the first cutout 310 and the second cutout 312 are partially defined in the first top panel 22. Additionally, the second top panel 30 is selectively attached to the seat 24 of the first top panel 22 via fasteners 180. It is contemplated that the first cutout 310 and the second cutout 312 are primarily defined within the second top panel 30. Accordingly, when the second top panel 30 is removed from the first top panel 22, the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16 can each be manipulated with respect to the first top panel 22 to allow for repair and replacement, as desired.
According to the various aspects of the device, to remove the top cover 100 from the perimeter wall 20, grills 116 of the air inlet 110, and the air outlet 114 can be removed depending upon whether the second top panel 30 is to remove or whether both the first and top covers are to be removed. The grill 116 positioned on the second top panel 30, which corresponds to the air inlet 110, also includes the air filter 118 that is positioned within the filter slot 120 defined within the grill 116 for the air inlet 110. The grill 116 for the air outlet 114 can be exposed to the surrounding environment or can be attached to an air conduit that provides a vent to the outside of the structure that houses the water heating appliance 10.
As exemplified in FIGS. 1-19 , the perimeter wall 20 that is formed by the front wall panel 32 and the rear wall panel 28 is located on to a base panel, and certain locating features are disposed on the front wall panel 32, rear wall panel 28, and the base panel to ensure proper positioning of these components. The top edge 260 of the rear wall panel 28 includes certain notches 210 that position the first top panel 22 on to the top edge 260 of the rear wall panel 28. Once the first top panel 22 is located, the second top panel 30 can be positioned over the front wall panel 32 and portions of the rear wall panel 28 to define the enclosed position 36 of the top cover 100. Cooperatively, these panels form both a surrounding position 72 and an enclosing position that enclose the internal components of the water heating appliance 10 therein. According to the various aspects of the device, the second top panel 30 and the front wall panel 32 can each be removed from the first top panel 22 and rear wall panel 28 to expose only portions of the mechanical systems of the water heating appliance 10 for repair and replacement. Other portions of the water heating appliance 10 remain substantially or generally enclosed. By keeping certain components enclosed within the rear wall panel 28 and the first top panel 22, components of the water heating appliance 10 remain undisturbed to prevent unwanted or unnecessary damage, as well as the unnecessary intrusion of particulate into certain mechanical systems of the water heating appliance 10. Accordingly, the outer enclosure 70 of the water heating system 12, as described herein, provides for selective access to the internal components of the water heating system 12 as needed or as desired, without exposing other components to the outer environment to an undue degree.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A water heating appliance comprising:

a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;

a heating system that operates to heat a fluid that is received via the fluid inlet to define a heated fluid that is delivered to an external fixture;

a plurality of wall panels that cooperate to selectively define a perimeter wall that extends around at least a portion of the heating system;

a first top panel having a seat that partially defines a dividing edge, wherein the first top panel is selectively attached to at least a first wall panel of the plurality of wall panels; and

a second top panel that is selectively disposed on at least a second wall panel of the plurality of wall panels, wherein

the second top panel includes a mount that further defines the dividing edge, the mount configured to selectively engage the seat to define an enclosed position of the first top panel and the second top panel, wherein the seat extends below the mount;

the dividing edge defines a cutout portion through which the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet pass through the first top panel and the second top panel in the enclosed position; and

the second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels to define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heating system.

2. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the second top panel is configured to engage the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

3. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the cutout portion of the dividing edge is defined within the second top panel.

4. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the mount of the second top panel is selectively attached to the seat of the first top panel via fasteners.

5. The water heating appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a blower that is in thermal communication with the heating system, wherein the heating system is a heat pump system, and wherein the first top panel is positioned above the blower.

6. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the first top panel defines an air outlet that is engaged with a blower outlet of a blower.

7. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the first top panel includes a first vent aperture that at least partially defines an air inlet.

8. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the second top panel includes a second vent aperture that at least partially defines an air inlet.

9. The water heating appliance of claim 1, wherein the second top panel in the enclosed position prevents removal of the first top panel from the plurality of wall panels.

10. The water heating appliance of claim 5, wherein the blower is accessible through a major access aperture that is defined by the plurality of wall panels with the first top panel and the second top panel removed.

11. A water heating appliance comprising:

a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;

a heat pump system that operates to heat a fluid that is received via the fluid inlet to define a heated fluid that is delivered to an external fixture;

a blower in thermal communication with the heat pump system;

a perimeter wall that extends around at least a portion of the heat pump system and the blower;

a first top panel having a seat that partially defines a dividing edge, wherein the first top panel is selectively attached to the perimeter wall and the blower; and

a second top panel that is selectively disposed on at least a second wall panel of a plurality of wall panels, wherein

the second top panel includes a mount that further defines the dividing edge, the mount configured to selectively attach to the seat via fasteners to define an enclosed position of the first top panel and the second top panel, wherein the seat extends below the mount;

the second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels to define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heat pump system.

12. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the second top panel is configured to partially surround and engage the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

13. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the cutout portion of the dividing edge is partially defined by the first top panel.

14. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the first top panel partially defines an air outlet that is engaged with a blower outlet of the blower.

15. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the first top panel includes a first vent aperture that at least partially defines an air outlet, and wherein the second top panel includes a second vent aperture that at least partially defines an air inlet.

16. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the second top panel in the enclosed position prevents removal of the first top panel from the plurality of wall panels.

17. The water heating appliance of claim 11, wherein the blower is accessible through a major access aperture that is defined by the plurality of wall panels with the first top panel and the second top panel removed.

18. A water heating appliance comprising:

a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;

a blower in thermal communication with the heating system;

a plurality of wall panels that cooperate to surround a portion of the heating system and the blower;

a first top panel having a seat, wherein the first top panel is selectively attached to the plurality of wall panels; and

a second top panel having a mount that is selectively disposed on the seat and attached to the plurality of wall panels to define an enclosed position, wherein

the seat and the mount define a dividing edge in the enclosed position, the dividing edge forming a first cutout that receives the fluid inlet and a second cutout that receives the fluid outlet, the first and second cutouts being located within interrupted portions of the seat and the mount;

the second top panel is separable from the first top panel and the plurality of wall panels to define a minor access aperture for accessing at least the heating system; and

the blower is accessible through a major access aperture that is defined by the plurality of wall panels with the first top panel and the second top panel removed.

19. The water heating appliance of claim 18, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout are partially defined within the first top panel.

20. The water heating appliance of claim 18, wherein the mount of the second top panel is selectively attached to the seat of the first top panel via fasteners.