CN109564017B

CN109564017B - Air conditioner power distribution panel

Info

Publication number: CN109564017B
Application number: CN201780046610.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 林洁钰
Original assignee: Daikin Research and Development Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Current assignee: Daikin Research and Development Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2016-08-12
Filing date: 2017-06-23
Publication date: 2021-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-23
Also published as: PH12019500133A1; CN109564017A; WO2018030892A1; MY185822A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an outdoor unit (100) for an air conditioner, comprising a base (101), a body panel (102) mounted on the base (101), and a top cover (103) mounted on the body panel (102), wherein the body panel (102) has at least one engaging groove (202, 203) to mount at least one engaging element of a power distribution panel (104), and the power distribution panel (104) is fastened on the body panel (102) by at least one fastening element, wherein the engaging element (201) is latched to the engaging groove (202, 203) correspondingly in such a manner that the power distribution panel (104) is fixed to the body panel (102) when the fastening element is removed.

Description

Air conditioner power distribution panel

Technical Field

The present invention relates to improvements in fittings for power distribution panels for air conditioning outdoor units. And in particular to a power distribution panel having engagement means to be securely mounted on a portion of the main body of the unit.

Background

Conventionally, the split type air conditioning unit operates by establishing a connection with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit includes a power line installation from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit and vice versa. In order to establish a connection at the outdoor unit, a mounting platform or a power distribution panel having terminals is required to install a connection such as an electric wire or a pipe connection from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

The removable power distribution panel is preferably a particularly simple power distribution panel on the rear side of the outdoor unit, which is placed on a platform to secure the terminals for connection. Especially when the outdoor unit is on an elevated platform.

If the fastening elements are removed, the existing demountable electrical distribution panel is free-falling and can cause injury to people or rescue personnel located beneath the air-conditioning outdoor unit. Often, the removable power distribution panel is required to be grasped during fastening and unfastening of the panel on the main body of the air conditioning unit, which introduces complexity to the person handling the unit.

To overcome the bias, one of the methods to solve the problem is: additional metal pieces or other mounting elements may be added to bind the power distribution panel to the body. However, the additional sheet metal parts (sheet metal parts) result in additional costs and do not contribute to the goal of reducing the material costs of the units in the production of air conditioning units.

Therefore, a solution is proposed in which the hooking mechanism is formed on the panel without adding a new sheet metal part for mounting or fastening the panel, in which the panel can be fastened without holding it by hand during or after maintenance (service), and the panel does not detach from the main body if the fastener is removed.

Disclosure of Invention

An aspect of the present invention relates to an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, including a base, a body panel mounted on the base, and a top cover mounted on the body panel, wherein the body panel has at least one engaging groove of a power distribution panel to mount at least one engaging element of the power distribution panel, and the power distribution panel is fastened to the body panel by at least one fastening element, wherein the engaging element is correspondingly latched to the engaging groove in such a manner that the power distribution panel is fixed to the body panel when the fastening element is removed.

Preferably, the engaging groove and the engaging member may be applied to any portion of the outdoor unit.

Preferably, the engagement groove and the engagement element are latched in such a way that the components of the outdoor unit remain intact if any other fastening means is removed.

Preferably, the engagement element protrudes from the power distribution panel.

Preferably, the engagement element extends from the power distribution panel via a rib.

Preferably, the engagement element is a bi-directional hook mechanism.

Preferably, the engagement element is a fin-like engagement element.

Preferably, the engagement elements are wing-like engagement elements.

And the engaging groove is an L-shaped groove.

Preferably, the engagement groove has at least two grooves placed alongside one another, one of which is shorter than the other.

Also, the engaging groove provides a sliding groove to accommodate the engaging element.

Preferably, the engagement slot of the body panel and the engagement element of the power distribution panel are latched to perform a hinge-door like function.

Preferably, the power distribution panel is latched to perform a hinged door-like function.

The invention comprises the combination of parts and features hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

Drawings

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

Fig. 2A illustrates an embodiment of an engaging member and an engaging groove of an air-conditioning outdoor unit.

Fig. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the engaging member and the engaging groove of the air-conditioning outdoor unit.

Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

Detailed Description

The invention relates to an assembly for a power distribution panel of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. And in particular to a power distribution panel having engagement means to be securely mounted on a portion of the main body of the unit.

The split type air conditioning unit is generally operated by connecting both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit includes arranging a power cord installed at the outdoor unit. Preferably, one surface of the side panel of the outdoor unit main body. The invention is particularly directed to outdoor unit panels, which are preferably manufactured from thin sheet metal panels.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to the outdoor unit 100 panel shown in fig. 1, and the outdoor unit 100 panel can be separated without free falling even if all the screws or fastening means have been removed by the sliding mechanism. The outdoor unit 100 for an air conditioner includes a base 101, a body panel 102 mounted on the base 101, and a top cover 103 mounted on the body panel 102. The body panel 102 includes a removable panel 104, wherein the removable panel 104 is preferably particularly easily accessible from the rear side of the outdoor unit 100 to the interior of the air conditioning unit, which rests on a platform 105 for servicing the air conditioning unit. Particularly when the outdoor unit 100 is on an elevated platform 105 remote from the ground or the outdoor unit 100 is located in a high-rise building. The removable panel 104 located near the area for servicing (servicing) the outdoor unit 100 is also referred to as a power distribution panel. The outdoor unit 100 panel has at least one slot to secure at least one hook or engagement element of the detachable panel 104, and the detachable panel 104 is fastened to the main body 102 of the outdoor unit 100 by at least one fastening element, wherein the engagement element is correspondingly latched or engaged to the engagement slot in such a manner that the power distribution panel 104 remains fixed to the main body 102 when the fastening element, such as a screw or bolt and nut, is removed. Preferably, the groove and engagement member mechanism may be applied to any portion of the outdoor unit 100. Preferably, the engaging member of the outdoor unit 100 remains intact if any other fastening means is removed. The engagement element has at least one extension protruding from the panel 104, wherein the engagement element is inserted (slotted) into

another panel

101, 103 or the body 102 of the outdoor unit 100. Also, the protruding portion of the panel 104 has at least one rib extending from panel to protruding portion to strengthen the engaging element.

Therefore, if the fastening member mounted on the panel of the air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 is removed, the detachable panel 104 can be prevented from free falling. Also, the removable panel 104 does not require to be grasped during fastening and unfastening of the panel to the main body 102 of the air conditioning unit since the engaging portions of the panel may be snug (binding). The abutting panel is gripped by means of an engagement element which can be disengaged from a slot to separate the panel 104 from the main body 102 or any

other panel

101, 103 of the air conditioning unit. The panel 104 is disengaged by removing the engaging member from the slot. The panel 104 is detached to facilitate access to perform an operation on the outdoor unit 100.

It is an object of the present invention to provide easy access to the power distribution panel 104 from the rear side of the unit on the elevated platform 105. Also, the present invention enables performing services in the outdoor unit 100 without separating the power distribution panel 104. Moreover, the use of the invention enables the product assembly to maintain its process without any further work.

Another embodiment of the invention includes an engagement member 201, such as a hook mechanism, particularly a bi-directional hook mechanism for mounting or securing a panel to a

channel

202, 203 as shown in fig. 2A and 2B. Preferably, the engagement element 201 has a fin-like end, a wing-like shape or any shape similar thereto. The

slots

202, 203 have at least two

slots

202, 203 placed alongside each other, wherein one

slot

202, 203 is shorter than the other. The first slot 202 is longer than the other slot 203, wherein the first slot 202 allows the engagement member 201 to slidably disengage or engage the panel, and the shorter slot 203 of the engagement member 201 securing the panel slides from the first slot 202. Also, the shorter or smaller groove 203 has a smaller side than the free end of the side (cross-section) of the engaging element 201. Also, the hook mechanism enables the panel to perform a hinged door-like function. Preferably, the catch mechanism comprises upper and lower locking mechanisms. Preferably, the

slots

202, 203 are L-shaped slots, inverted or inverted L-shaped slots. The L-shaped groove may be formed by one or two I-shaped grooves.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an outdoor unit panel 300 capable of performing a swing operation (swinging maneuver), as shown in fig. 3.

After all the screws or fastening means are removed, a swing operation can be performed on the face of the outdoor unit 300. The outdoor unit 300 for an air conditioner includes a base 301, at least one body or side panel 302 fixed to the base 301, and a top cover 303 fixed to the side panel 302. The side panels 302 further include a removable panel 304, wherein the removable panel 304 enables easy work to perform maintenance services on the air conditioning unit and easy access from one side of the outdoor unit 300, particularly the outdoor unit 300 placed on an elevated platform 305. Particularly when outdoor unit 300 is on a platform 305 remote from the ground or outdoor unit 300 is located on a high-rise building. The removable panel 304 is located in an area adjacent to the service outdoor unit 300.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a removable panel 304 having an end panel over an opening 306 of the removable panel 304, wherein the end panel has an engagement element 201, such as a hook mechanism, in particular a bi-directional hook mechanism, for mounting or securing the end panel in a

slot

202, 203 of the removable panel 304. Preferably, the engagement element 201 has a fin-like end, a wing-like shape, or any similar shape thereto. The

slots

202, 203 have at least two

slots

202, 203 placed alongside each other, wherein one slot 203 is shorter than the other 203. The first slot 202 and the other slot 203 are long, wherein the first slot 202 allows the engagement member 201 to slidably disengage or engage the terminal panel and slide from the first slot 202 with the shorter slot 203 of the engagement member 201 securing the power distribution panel. Also, the shorter or smaller groove 203 has a smaller side (cross-section) than the free end of the side of the engaging element 201. Also, the hook structure allows the end panel 306 to perform a hinged door-like function. Preferably, the catch mechanism comprises upper and lower locking mechanisms. Preferably, the

slots

202, 203 are L-shaped slots, inverted or inverted L-shaped slots. The L-shaped groove can be formed from one or two I-shaped grooves. The terminal panels can make it easy to perform air conditioning maintenance and can be easily accessed from one side of the outdoor unit 300, particularly the outdoor unit 300 placed on the elevated platform 305, wherein the engagement elements 201 are correspondingly latched or engaged to the

engagement grooves

202, 203 in such a way that when fastening elements such as screws or bolts or nuts are removed, the terminal panels 306 remain fixed on the detachable panels 304. Preferably, the engagement member of the outdoor unit 300 remains intact if any other fastening means is removed. The engagement element 201 has at least one extended part protruding from the terminal panel, wherein the engagement element 201 is inserted into the detachable panel 304 or the groove 202 of the main body of the outdoor unit 300. Also, the protruding part of the terminal panel 306 has at least one rib 204 extending from the terminal panel to the protruding part to reinforce the engagement element 201.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit (100) for an air conditioner including a base (101), a body panel (102) mounted on the base (101), and a top cover (103) mounted on the body panel (102), characterized in that the body panel (102) has at least one engaging groove (202, 203) formed by a first groove (202) and a second groove (203) which are integrated to receive at least one engaging element (201) of an electric distribution panel (104) and the electric distribution panel (104) is fastened to the body panel (102) by at least one fastening element; the second slot (203) is shorter than the first slot (202) and is placed vertically close to the first slot (202) to obtain a bidirectional hooking mechanism, wherein the engaging element (201) is engageable to the second slot (203) for closing the main panel (102) having the power distribution panel (104) fastened by the fastening element, and the engaging element (201) is engageable to the first slot (202) in such a manner that the power distribution panel (104) is rotatable and hooked by the first slot (202) of the main body panel (102) when the fastening element is removed.

2. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said engagement groove (202, 203) and said engagement element (201) are applicable to any portion of said outdoor unit (100).

3. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein said engagement groove (202, 203) and said engagement element (201) are latched in such a way that said any part of the outdoor unit (100) remains intact if any other fastening means is removed.

4. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the engagement element (201) protrudes from the power distribution panel (104).

5. An outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the engagement element (201) extends from the power distribution panel (104) via a rib.

6. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said engagement element (201) is a fin-like engagement element (201).

7. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said engagement element (201) is a wing-like engagement element (201).

8. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said engagement groove (202, 203) is an inverted L-shaped groove.

9. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said engagement groove (202, 203) provides a sliding groove (202, 203) to accommodate said engagement element (201).

10. Outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the engagement slots (202, 203) of the main body panel (102) and the engagement elements (201) of the power distribution panel (104) are latched to perform a hinge door like function.

11. An outdoor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the power distribution panel (104) is latched to perform a hinged door like function.