Water Heating Appliance Having a Multi-Component Shroud Mounting and Top Cover

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.

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.

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.

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 fastenersto 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.

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

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. 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, reference numeralgenerally designates a water heating appliance that includes a heating systemfor 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 applianceincludes a fluid inletthat receives fluid, typically in the form of water, from an external source, such as a well, a reservoir, or other municipal water supply. The water heating appliancealso includes a fluid outletthat delivers water that has been heated to the external location or external fixture. A plurality of wall panelscooperate to selectively define a perimeter wallthat extends around at least the heating system. A first top panelincludes a seatthat partially defines a dividing edge. The first top panelselectively attaches to at least a rear wall panelof the plurality of wall panelsfor the perimeter wall. A second top panelis selectively disposed on at least a front wall panelof the plurality of wall panels. The second top panelincludes a mountthat further defines the dividing edge. The mountis configured to selectively engage the seatto define an enclosed positionof the first top paneland the second top panel. The seatextends below the mountin the enclosed position. The dividing edgedefines a cutout portionthrough which the fluid inletand the fluid outletpass through the first top paneland the second top panelin the enclosed position. The second top panelis selectively separable from the first top paneland the plurality of wall panelsto define a minor access aperturefor accessing at least the heating system.

Referring again to, it is contemplated that the second top panelcan be removed from the first top paneland the perimeter wallto define the minor access aperture. Also, the first top paneland the second top panelcan be removed to define a major access aperturethat is defined by the plurality of wall panelswith the first top paneland the second top panelremoved. Moreover, after the second top panelis removed, the front wall panelcan also be removed from the rear wall panelto define an open areathrough which the heating system, typically in the form of a heat pump system, can be accessed for repair and maintenance. Additionally, each of the first top panel, the second top panel, the front wall panel, and the rear wall panelcan be removed for fully revealing the heating systemand other components of the water heating appliance.

Referring again to, the water heating applianceincludes an outer enclosurethat surrounds portions of the water heating applianceand components contained therein. The outer enclosurecan include multiple components for surrounding and protecting different aspects of the water heating appliance.

As exemplified in, the outer enclosurecan include a lower housingand an upper housing. The lower housingis configured to surround a reservoirand certain heating components that may surround the reservoir. 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. The upper housingcan include the heat pump systemand a blowerthat is in thermal communication with an evaporatorof the heat pump system. The heat pump systemcan operate as the primary heat source for the water heating appliance. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the heat pump systemcan act as a secondary or supplemental heat source for heating water to be delivered from the water heating appliance.

Referring again to, the outer enclosurecan include a plurality of panels that can be separable from the remainder of the outer enclosurefor providing access to certain locations of the water heating appliance. As described herein, the upper housingincludes the perimeter wallthat is made up of a plurality of wall panels. These wall panelsare typically made up of the front wall paneland the rear wall panel. The upper housingalso includes the first top paneland the second top panelthat can be attached to the plurality of wall panelsof the upper housingto collectively form the top coverof the upper housing.

Referring again to, during operation of the heat pump systemfor the water heating appliance, an air inletis disposed within the second top panel, where the blowerdraws ambient air into the upper housingthrough the air inlet. This ambient air passes through a heat exchanger, typically in the form of the evaporator. Within the evaporator, heat is extracted from the ambient air and is directed into a thermal exchange mediaor directly into the water to be heated. After leaving the evaporator, the now cooled air is directed through the blower, and the cooled air is expelled through an air outletthat is defined within the first top panel. The air inletand the air outletcan each include a grillor other feature that provides support and structural integrity to each of the air inletand the air outlet, respectively. The air outletcan also include an air filterthat can be used for capturing particulate within the cooled process air leaving the evaporator. This air filtercan be separated from a filter slotdefined within the grillfor the air outletfor periodic cleaning and/or replacement.

Referring again to, the heat exchanger for the heat pump systemextracts heat from the ambient air and delivers this heat to the reservoirof the water heating applianceor to another area where water is heated. The water to be heated is delivered into the water heating appliancethrough a fluid inlet. The heated water is then delivered from the water heating applianceto an external location via a fluid outlet. The fluid inletand the fluid outleteach pass through the top coverof the upper housing. As described herein, the top coverof the outer housing includes the first top paneland the second top panelthat combine to provide the top coverfor the upper housing. The fluid inletand the fluid outletare typically in the form of a flexible conduit. This flexible conduitcan be a flexible plastic conduit, a flexible metal conduit, or a flexible conduitthat includes pasting and metallic components. It is contemplated that more rigid conduits can be used for the fluid inletand the fluid outlet.

As exemplified in, the upper housingcan include a control panelfor operating the various components of the water heating appliance. A junction boxcan also be included within an area of the upper housingand mounted to a base plate. According to the various aspects of the device, the junction boxis separate from the wall panelsof the upper housingsuch that removal of the various wall panelsof the upper housingdoes not affect the operation, location, or placement of the junction boxor the wiring that extends into or out from the junction box.

Referring again to, the outer enclosureof the water heating appliancealso includes a relief valvethat allows certain amounts of water from a reservoirto be released for decreasing the pressure within the water heating appliance. The water heating appliancecan also include a drainthat is positioned within a bottom portion of the outer enclosureto drain certain amounts of water from the reservoir.

Referring to, the blowerand the heat pump systemcan be mounted onto the base plate. This base plateoperates to separate the upper housingfrom the lower housingand to provide structural support for the blowerand the heat pump system. The components of the heat pump systemlocated within the upper housingcan include the heat exchanger, the compressor, at least one expansion device, and the blower. Various other components can also be included within the upper housing. A condensing portionof the heat pump systemis typically positioned adjacent to or in thermal communication with the reservoiror conduit where the water is heated for the water heating appliance.

During operation of the heat pump system, a thermal exchange media, such as a refrigerant, water, or other similar thermal exchange media, can be delivered from the compressorand through a refrigerant loop. The heat exchange media leaving the compressoris pressurized and heated, typically in the form of a gas. This form of a heat exchange media is then directed to the condensing portionof the heat pump systemwhere heat is rejected into a separate media. In the case of the water heating appliance, this separate media is the water to be heated. The condensing portionof the heat exchange system expels the heat from the thermal exchange mediaand directs this heat into the water to be heated. As discussed herein, this water to be heated can be within the reservoiror within a conduit of water that is heated as it moves through the condensing portionof the heat pump system. After leaving the condensing portionof the heat pump system, the heat exchange media is delivered to an expansion device. Within the expansion device, 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 evaporatorof the heat pump system. Within the evaporator, the heat exchange media absorbs heat from the ambient air moving through the evaporatordue to operation of the blower. The heat exchange media leaving the evaporatoris in the form of a heated gas that is then returned to the compressorto begin this cycle of the refrigerant loopagain.

According to the various aspects of the device, as exemplified in, various outer panels of the outer enclosureare separable from the outer enclosurefor maintaining components of the heat pump system, the blower, and other components of the water heating appliance.

According to the various aspects of the device, as exemplified in, the water heating applianceincludes the fluid inletand the fluid outlet. The heat pump systemoperates to heat the fluid that is received by the fluid inletto define the heated fluid that is delivered to the external fixture via the fluid outlet. The bloweris in thermal communication with the heat pump system. The perimeter wallextends around at least the heat pump systemand the blowerto define the surrounding position. The first top panelincludes the seatthat partially defines the dividing edge. The first top panelis selectively attached to the perimeter walland the blower. The second top panelis selectively disposed on at least the front wall panelof the plurality of wall panels. The second top panelincludes the mountthat further defines the dividing edge. The mountis configured to selectively attach to the seatof the first top panelvia fastenersto define the enclosed positionof the first top paneland the second top panel. In the enclosed position, the seatextends below the mount. The dividing edgedefines the cutout portionthrough which the fluid inletand the fluid outletpass through the first top paneland the second top panelin the enclosed position. The second top panelis separable from the first top paneland the plurality of wall panelsto define the minor access aperturefor accessing at least the heat pump system.

Referring again to, the second top panelis configured to engage the fluid inletand the fluid outlet. In this manner, the cutout portionof the dividing edgeis defined within the second top panel. Also, the mountof the second top panelis selectively attached to the seatof the first top panelvia fasteners. Through this engagement, the first top paneland the second top paneldefine the cutout portionfor receiving the fluid inletand the fluid outlet. The fluid inletand the fluid outletare typically made from flexible conduitsuch that the additional support provided by the cutout portionmaintains the fluid inletand the fluid outletin a static position relative to internal components of the water heating applianceas well as external piping that leads to and from the water heating appliance.

As exemplified in, the bloweris in thermal communication with the heat pump systemand the first top panelis positioned over the blower. The first top paneldefines the air outletthat is engaged with a blower outletof the blower. Through this configuration, the blower outletcan be attached to the undersideof the first top panelto secure the blowerto the top cover, and in particular, the first top panel. The first top panelincludes a first vent aperturethat at least partially defines the air outletfor the water heating appliance. The second top panelincludes the second vent aperturethat at least partially defines the air inletthat draws air from the ambient environment and directs this air through the heat exchanger via operation of the blower.

Referring now to, when the second top panelis in the enclosed positionrelative to the first top panel, positioning of the second top panelprevents removal of the first top panelfrom the plurality of wall panelsthat form the perimeter wall. Again, because the mountof the second top panelrests upon the seatof the first top panel, the first top panelis held in the enclosed positionby the second top panel. Additionally, the first top paneland the second top panelinclude a perimeter edge that engages a top edgeof the perimeter wall. To position the first top paneland the second top panelrelative to the perimeter wall, the rear wall panelincludes notchesthat receive portions of the seatfor the first cover panel. These notchesare located on the rear wall panelrelative to the position of the perimeter wallwith respect to and the blowerand the heat pump system. As will be described more fully below, certain locating features of a base platefor the water heating appliancealso locates the front wall paneland the rear wall panelof the perimeter wallrelative to the heat pump systemand the blower. Once the first top panelis located on the perimeter walland positioned within the notches, the second top panelcan be positioned onto the top edgeof the perimeter wallsuch that the mountrests upon the seat. Once the mountis located on the seat, fastenerscan be utilized for securing the second top panelto the first top panel. Additionally, fastenerscan be used for securing the components of the top coverto the perimeter wallto define the enclosed position.

Referring now to, the front wall paneland the rear wall panelform the plurality of wall panelsthat define the perimeter wall. The front wall paneland the rear wall panelinclude an attachment interfacethat includes a sliding retainerof the front wall paneland a sliding receiverof the rear wall panel. The sliding retainerand the sliding receiverform an interlocking attachmentin the surrounding positionof the front wall paneland the rear wall panel. The surrounding positionis characterized by the rear wall panelbeing attached to the base panel. This surrounding positionis further characterized by the front wall panelbeing attached to the base panel and the rear wall panel. As described herein, engagement between the front wall paneland the rear wall panelis at least partially defined through the attachment interface. Selective vertical motionof the front wall panelseparates the sliding receiverfrom the sliding retainerto remove the front wall panelfrom the rear wall panel. Removal of the front wall panelfrom the rear wall paneldefines the open areafor accessing the heating systemof the water heating appliance.

Referring again to, the water heating applianceincludes the junction boxthat is attached to the base panel. Various electrical wiring are fed into the junction box. Selective vertical motionof the front wall panelseparates the front wall panelfrom the junction box. In this manner, the bottom edgeof the front wall panelincludes a junction box receiverthat matingly engages the outer surfaceof the junction boxin the surrounding position. Removal of the front wall panelfrom the rear wall panelseparates the front wall panelfrom the junction boxto define the open areafor accessing the internal components of the water heating system. It is contemplated that removal of the front wall panelis done in a way that does not disturb the position or location of the junction box. Accordingly, removal of the front wall panelprovides access to the internal components of the water heating systemwithout the need to move or adjust the positioning of the junction boxor the electrical components attached thereto. Through this configuration, the electrical system remains in a generally static position during removal of the front wall panelfor accessing the internal components of the water heating system.

Referring again to, the sliding retainerof the front wall panelincludes a flange, and typically a pair of opposing flangesthat are defined within the front wall panel. These flangescan be formed through a stamping operation such that flangesare made from the same metallic component as the wall portionof the front wall panel. The stamped components of the opposing flangesare deflected inward to form a receiving spacethat engages the sliding receiverof the rear wall panel. In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the one or more flangescan be attached to the wall portionof the front wall panelas a separate component.

As exemplified in, the front wall paneland the rear wall paneldefine a cylindrical configuration of the perimeter wall. Through this configuration, the top coverforms a circular shape that can rest upon the top edgeof the perimeter wall. Accordingly, the first top paneland the second top panelform a circular configuration that rests upon the top edgeof the perimeter wall. It is contemplated that the dividing edgeof the first top paneland the second top panelare generally across the middle sectionof the top cover. Various undulations or angles can be formed within the dividing edgeto accommodate certain fixtures that are contained within the upper enclosure of the water heating appliance. These undulations also provide for a more robust engagement between the first top paneland the second top panel.

By way of example, and not limitation, these undulating portions can locate the dividing edgeto follow a profile of certain internal components, such as an evaporatoror blower housingof the water heating appliance. The location of the dividing edgecan help to ensure that process air moving through the evaporatorof the heat pump systemdoes not escape to areas outside of the water heating appliance.

Referring again to, while the top coverincludes the dividing edgethat is generally along a middle area of the top cover, it is contemplated that the front wall paneland the rear wall panelare divided in an asymmetrical fashion. Stated another way, the rear wall panelextends more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the perimeter wall. Similarly, the front wall panelextends less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the perimeter wall. Through this configuration, the front wall panelcan be removed from the rear wall panelwith only the second top panelbeing separated from the first top panel. Accordingly, access to the heat pump systemfor the water heating appliancecan be accomplished by removing only the second top panel, and where needed, the front wall panel. The first top paneland the rear wall panelcan remain in place while the heat pump systemcan be accessed for repair and maintenance. As discussed herein, the location of the notchesdefined within the top edgeof the rear wall panelhelp to position the first top paneland, in turn, the second top panel.

Referring again to, the sliding receiverof the rear wall panelincludes a top openingthat receives the pair of opposing flangeswhen the front wall panelis to be disposed on to the rear wall panel. A lower guide portionof the sliding receiveris angled to guide the pair of opposing flangesinto a lower slotof the sliding receiver. The guide portion is angled toward the lower slotthat receives a pair of opposing flangesand guides the pair of opposing flangesdownward to the surrounding position. The lower guideincludes an angled configuration that tapers inward toward the lower slotfrom the top opening. Through this configuration, the top openinghas a first widthand a lower slothas a second width, where the second widthis narrower than the first width. The lower slotcan be centrally located below the top opening. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the lower slotcan be offset or justified with respect to a side edge of the top openingfor the sliding receiver.

As exemplified in, the front wall paneland the rear wall panelinclude the attachment interfacethat is defined by two sliding retainersand two corresponding sliding receivers. Through this configuration, multiple points of contact and multiple guides can be utilized for locating the front wall panelon to the rear wall panelto define the surrounding position. Additionally, the two sliding retainersand the two sliding receiverscan be positioned at different heights relative to a base panel of the water heating appliance. Through this configuration, the sliding retainersand respective sliding receiverscan act as a positive location tool for ensuring that the front wall panelis properly positioned with respect to the rear wall panel.

Referring again to, the base panel can include a plurality of tabsthat receive slotsof the front wall paneland the rear wall panel. These tabsand slotscan be positioned in a regular spacing around the base panel and the perimeter wall. Alternatively, as a positioning mechanism, the various tabsand corresponding slotsof the base panel and the perimeter wall, respectively, can be located in a predetermined pattern or configuration to ensure proper alignment of at least the rear wall panelwith respect to the base panel. Once the rear wall panelis positioned, the positioning of the front wall panelis determined by the location of the rear wall panel.

Referring again to, the water heating applianceincludes the fluid inletand the fluid outlet. The heating systemoperates to heat a fluid that is received by the fluid inletto define a heated fluid that is delivered to the external fixture via the fluid outlet. The bloweris in thermal communication with the heating system. The plurality of wall panelsform the perimeter walland cooperate to surround the heating systemand the blower. A first top panelincludes a seat. The first top panelis selectively attached to the plurality of wall panelsand typically the rear wall panel. The second top panelincludes a mountthat is selectively disposed on a seatand is attached to the plurality of wall panels, typically the front wall panelto define an enclosed position. As described herein, it is contemplated that the second top panelcan be attached to each of the front wall paneland the rear wall panel. Stated another way, the second top panelextended over the entirety of the top edgefor the front wall panel, as well as a portion of the top edgefor the rear wall panel. Through this configuration, removal of the second top panelexposes the entire top edgeof the front wall panelsuch that the front wall panelcan be removed from the rear wall panelwithout first separating the first top panelfrom the rear wall panel.

Referring again to, the seatand the mountdefine the dividing edgein the enclosed positionof the top cover. The dividing edgeforms a first cutoutthat receives the fluid inletand a second cutoutthat receives the fluid outlet. The first and second cutouts,are located within interrupted portionsof the seatand mount. These interrupted portionsform the cutouts such that the fluid inletand the fluid outletcan pass through the dividing edgeand, also, the first top paneland the second top panel. As described herein, the second top panelis separable from the first top paneland the plurality of wall panelsto define a minor access aperturefor accessing at least the heating systemof the water heating appliance. The bloweris accessible through a major access aperturethat is defined by the plurality of wall panelswith the first top paneland the second top panelremoved.

As exemplified in, the first cutoutand the second cutoutare partially defined in the first top panel. Additionally, the second top panelis selectively attached to the seatof the first top panelvia fasteners. It is contemplated that the first cutoutand the second cutoutare primarily defined within the second top panel. Accordingly, when the second top panelis removed from the first top panel, the fluid inletand the fluid outletcan each be manipulated with respect to the first top panelto allow for repair and replacement, as desired.

According to the various aspects of the device, to remove the top coverfrom the perimeter wall, grillsof the air inlet, and the air outletcan be removed depending upon whether the second top panelis to remove or whether both the first and top covers are to be removed. The grillpositioned on the second top panel, which corresponds to the air inlet, also includes the air filterthat is positioned within the filter slotdefined within the grillfor the air inlet. The grillfor the air outletcan 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.

As exemplified in, the perimeter wallthat is formed by the front wall paneland the rear wall panelis located on to a base panel, and certain locating features are disposed on the front wall panel, rear wall panel, and the base panel to ensure proper positioning of these components. The top edgeof the rear wall panelincludes certain notchesthat position the first top panelon to the top edgeof the rear wall panel. Once the first top panelis located, the second top panelcan be positioned over the front wall paneland portions of the rear wall panelto define the enclosed positionof the top cover. Cooperatively, these panels form both a surrounding positionand an enclosing position that enclose the internal components of the water heating appliancetherein. According to the various aspects of the device, the second top paneland the front wall panelcan each be removed from the first top paneland rear wall panelto expose only portions of the mechanical systems of the water heating appliancefor repair and replacement. Other portions of the water heating applianceremain substantially or generally enclosed. By keeping certain components enclosed within the rear wall paneland the first top panel, components of the water heating applianceremain undisturbed to prevent unwanted or unnecessary damage, as well as the unnecessary intrusion of particulate into certain mechanical systems of the water heating appliance. Accordingly, the outer enclosureof the water heating system, as described herein, provides for selective access to the internal components of the water heating systemas 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.