EP4610573A1

EP4610573A1 - Electrical component unit, outdoor unit, and refrigeration cycle device

Info

Publication number: EP4610573A1
Application number: EP22969200.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Natsumi ISHIKI; Kentaro NAGAKI
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2022-12-22
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: JP7829737B2; JPWO2024134814A1; EP4610573A4; WO2024134814A1

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical component unit included in a refrigeration cycle device, the electrical component unit includes a fixation wall that has a through hole formed so as to penetrate in a first direction, and a member to be fixed that is fixed to the fixation wall. The member to be fixed has a main body, and engagement parts that protrude in the first direction from the main body, and are inserted through the through hole. Each of the engagement parts has a base that protrudes to the first direction from the main body, an arm that extends in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and faces the main body in the first direction, and a claw that protrudes in a third direction which intersects both the first direction and the second direction from a tip of the arm. The claw has an opposing surface that faces a circumferential edge of the through hole in the fixation wall, in the first direction. The arm is elastically deformable in the third direction, with the base as a pivot point thereof. In each of the engagement parts, a curve portion is formed so as to continuously extend as a curve from an end on a side connected to the main body out of the base, to at least a portion of an edge of a side that faces the main body out of the arm, as seen from third direction.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical component unit, an outdoor unit, and a refrigeration cycle device.

Background Art

For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner (refrigeration cycle device) that is included in an electronic device unit (electrical component unit) is known.

Citation List

Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H10-220824

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In an electrical component unit as above, a case where an engagement part that uses elastic deformation and is able to engage is provided to fix, or temporarily fix, a member of an electrical components box or the like that is to be fixed to a fixation wall of the electrical component unit. Such engagement part elastically deforms when being inserted through a through hole formed on the fixation wall, and is able to engage with a circumferential edge of the through hole on the fixation wall. With such engagement part, there are cases where said engagement part is made longer in a direction of the through hole, so as to facilitate elastic deformation of the engagement part. However, in such cases, it is easy for such engagement part to protrude out from the through hole, and the electrical component unit overall needs to be enlarged or the like, due to fear of having such problem arise.
With respect to the above, by extending the engagement part in a direction which intersects a through hole direction, it is thought that suppressing the engagement part from protruding out from the through hole is possible. However, in such aforementioned case, there are cases where dissipating stresses that are generated when the engagement part elastically deforms is not sufficient, and a problem of stresses concentrating on a base of the engagement part exists.
The present disclosure is made with the above problem in mind, and an object is to provide an electrical component unit having a construction where stresses are suppressed from concentrating at an engagement part when the engagement part elastically deforms, an outdoor unit that includes such electrical component unit, and a refrigeration cycle device that includes such outdoor unit.

Means to Solve the Problem

An electrical component unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is an electrical component unit included in a refrigeration cycle device, the electrical component unit includes a fixation wall that has a through hole formed so as to penetrate in a first direction, and a member to be fixed that is fixed to the fixation wall. The member to be fixed has a main body, and engagement parts that protrude in the first direction from the main body, and are inserted through the through hole. Each of the engagement parts has a base that protrudes to the first direction from the main body, an arm that extends in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and faces the main body in the first direction, and a claw that protrudes in a third direction which intersects both the first direction and the second direction from a tip of the arm. The claw has an opposing surface that faces a circumferential edge of the through hole in the fixation wall, in the first direction. The arm is elastically deformable in the third direction, with the base as a pivot point thereof. In each of the engagement parts, a curve portion is formed so as to continuously extend as a curve from an end on a side connected to the main body out of the base, to at least a portion of an edge of a side that faces the main body out of the arm, as seen from third direction.
An outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an outdoor unit of a refrigeration cycle device and may include the electrical component unit mentioned above, a housing in which the electrical component unit is housed, a heat exchanger that is housed on an inside of the housing, and a blower that is housed on the inside of the housing. The electrical component unit may be located above the blower in a vertical direction, and the fixation wall may configure at least a portion of a wall on the bottom in the vertical direction, out of the electrical component box.
The outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an outdoor unit of a refrigeration cycle device and may include the electrical component unit mentioned above, and the housing in which the electrical component unit is housed.
The refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the outdoor unit mentioned above, and an indoor unit.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, in an electrical component unit of a refrigeration cycle device, it is possible to suppress stresses from concentrating on an engagement part when the engagement part elastically deforms.

Brief Description of Drawings

[FIG. 1] A schematic diagram that shows an outline configuration of a refrigeration cycle device in an embodiment.
[FIG. 2] A perspective view of an outdoor unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 3] A perspective view of a portion of the outdoor unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 4] A perspective view of an electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 5] A perspective exploded view of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 6] A perspective view that shows a part of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 7] A perspective view that shows an electrical component holding member in the embodiment.
[FIG. 8] A perspective view that shows the electrical component holding member and a heatsink in the embodiment.
[FIG. 9] A partial enlarged view of FIG. 6 that shows a perspective view of a part of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 10] A perspective view that shows an engagement part in the embodiment.
[FIG. 11] A view that shows the engagement part as seen from the left in the embodiment.
[FIG. 12] A view that shows the engagement part as seen from the other side of a first direction in the embodiment.
[FIG. 13] A cross-sectional view XIII-XIII of FIG. 11, and is a cross-sectional view that shows a part of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 14A] A cross-sectional view that shows a part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 14B] A cross-sectional view that shows another part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.
[FIG. 14C] A cross-sectional view that shows yet another part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit in the embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are explained with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below, and embodiments may be changes so long as the embodiments do not depart from the technical scope of the present disclosure. Scales and quantities or the like of the various embodiments in the drawings below may differ from actual scales and quantities, to facilitate better understanding of the various embodiments.
The drawings show an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis shows a side out of sides in a horizontal direction. The Y axis shows the other side out of sides in the horizontal direction. The Z axis shows a vertical direction. In the explanations below, the horizontal direction along the X axis is referred to as a "front-rear direction X", and a horizontal direction along the Y axis is referred to as a "left-right direction Y". A vertical direction along the Z axis is referred to as a "vertical direction Z". In the explanations below, a side out of sides of the vertical direction in which an arrow of the Z axis faces is a "top" (+Z side), and a side out of sides of the vertical direction which faces an opposite side the arrow of the Z axis faces is a "bottom" (-Z side). A side out of sides of the front-rear direction X in which an arrow of the X axis faces is a "front" (+X side), and a side out of sides of the front-rear direction X which faces an opposite side of the arrow of the X axis faces is a "rear" (-X side). The left-right direction Y is a left-right direction in a case where an outdoor unit 10 of the embodiment below is seen from the rear (-X side). In other words, a side out of sides of the left-right direction Y in which an arrow of the Y axis faces is a "left" side (+Y side), and a side out of sides of the left-right direction Y which faces an opposite side of the arrow of the Y axis faces is a "right" side (-Y side).
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that shows an outline configuration of a refrigeration cycle device 100 in a present embodiment. The refrigeration cycle device 100 is a device having a refrigeration cycle that utilizes circulation of a refrigerant 19. In the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 100 is an air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device 100 includes the outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a circulation pathway 18. The outdoor unit 10 is disposed outdoors. The indoor unit 20 is disposed indoors. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by the circulation pathway 18, which circulates the refrigerant 19. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are heat exchange units that conduct heat exchange with the air.
By having the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation pathway 18, and the indoor unit 20 conduct heat exchange with air indoors, it is possible for the air conditioner 100 to adjust a temperature of the air indoors. A refrigerant such as a fluorine based refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP: Global Warming Potential), or a hydrocarbon based refrigerant or the like may be mentioned as examples of the refrigerant 19.
The outdoor unit 10 has a housing 11, a compressor 12, a heat exchanger 13, a flow adjustment valve 14, a blower 15, a four-way valve 16, and the electrical component unit 30. The compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow adjustment valve 14, the blower 15, the four-way valve 16, and the electrical component unit 30 are housed on an inside of the housing 11.
Out of the circulation pathway 18, the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are provided on a portion located on the inside portion of the housing 11. Out of the circulation pathway 18, the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are connected by a portion located on the inside portion of the housing 11.
Out of the circulation pathway 18, the four-way valve 16 is provided on a part that is connected to a discharge side of the compressor 12. By exchanging a portion of the circulation pathway 18, it is possible for the four-way valve 16 to reverse a direction of flow of the refrigerant 19 within the circulation pathway 18. When the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by solid lines in FIG. 1, the refrigerant 19 within the circulation pathway 18 flows in the direction shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1. On the other hand, when the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1, the refrigerant 19 flows within the circulation pathway 18 in the direction shown by the dashed line arrow in FIG. 1.
The indoor unit 20 includes a housing 21, a heat exchanger 22, and a blower fan 23. The housing 21 houses the heat exchanger 22, and the blower fan 23 on an inside thereof. It is possible for the indoor unit 20 to have a cooling operation where the air of the room the indoor unit 20 is disposed in is cooled, and to have a heating operation where the air of the room the indoor unit 20 is disposed in is heated.
When the indoor unit 20 is operated in the cooling operation, the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation pathway 18 flows in the direction shown by solid lines in FIG. 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 20 is operated in the cooling operation, the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation pathway 18 circulates so as to return to the compressor 12 after passing through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 in such an order. During the cooling operation, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 functions as a condenser, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator.
On the other hand, when the indoor unit 20 is operated in the heating operation, the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation pathway 18 flows in the direction shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 20 is operated in the heating operation, the refrigerant 19 that flows within the circulation pathway 18 circulates so as to return to the compressor 12 after passing through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the heat exchanger 13 on an inside of the outdoor unit 10 in such an order. During the heating operation, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 functions as the evaporator, and the heat exchanger 22 on an inside of the indoor unit 20 functions as the condenser.
Next, the outdoor unit 10 is explained in more detail. FIG. 2 is a perspective view that shows the outdoor unit 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view that shows a portion of the outdoor unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the outdoor unit 10 is a long semi-rectangular shape in the left-right direction Y. The housing 11 is a long-semi square box shape in the left-right direction Y. As shown in FIG. 3, the blower 15 on the inside of the housing 11 is disposed on the front (+X direction) of the heat exchanger 13. The blower 15 takes in air from outside of the housing 11 through an inlet, which is formed on a wall on the rear (-X side) of the housing 11 and is not shown on the drawings, to the inside of the housing 11. Air that is taken in by the blower 15 to the inside of the housing 11 passes the heat exchanger 13, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 11 from an outlet 11b that is formed on a wall on the front (+X side) of the housing 11. Accordingly, by the blower 15 operating, air is sent to the heat exchanger 13.
The electrical component unit 30 in the present embodiment is located above the blower 15 in the vertical direction Z, on an inside of the housing 11. The electrical component unit 30 is a control unit that controls various parts of the outdoor unit 10. The electrical component unit 30 for example, is a system control that combines overall control of the refrigeration cycle device 100.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrical component unit 30. FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the electrical component unit 30. FIG. 6 is a perspective view that shows a part of the electrical component unit 30. As shown from FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the electrical component unit 30 extends in the left-right direction Y. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical component unit 30 includes an electrical component box 31, an electrical components 32, an electrical components holding member 33, a heatsink 34, and a cover member 35.
The electrical component box 31 is a box shaped member that is housed on an inside of the electrical components 32. The electrical component box 31 is made of metal. The electrical component box 31 in the present embodiment is made of sheet metal. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical component box 31 has an electrical component main body 31a, and a lid member 31b. The electrical component main body 31a is a box shape that is open from the top. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the electrical component main body 31a in the present embodiment is a pentagon shape, seen from the left-right direction Y. An opening on the top of the electrical component main body 31a is blocked by the lid member 31b.
The electrical component main body 31a has a fixation wall 31c. The fixation wall 31c is a wall that configures at least a portion of a wall on the bottom in the vertical direction Z, out of the electrical component box 31. The fixation wall 31c in the present embodiment configures a part of the wall on the bottom of the electrical component main body 31a. More specifically, the fixation wall 31c configures a part that is located on the rear (-X side) out of a wall on the bottom of the electrical component main body 31a. The fixation wall 31c is located in the top as the fixation wall 31c heads towards the rear. A surface on the bottom of the fixation wall 31c is an engagement surface 31e that diagonally inclines towards the horizontal direction. The engagement surface 31e faces the bottom and the rear.
As shown in FIG. 5, a through hole 36 that penetrates the fixation wall 31c is formed on the fixation wall 31c. The through hole 36 in the present embodiment is a semi-square shaped hole. The through hole 36 in the present embodiment is formed on a part on the left (+Y side) out of the fixation wall 31c. A direction in which the through hole 36 penetrates the fixation wall 31c is a direction that is orthogonal to the engagement surface 31e of the fixation wall 31c.
In the present embodiment, a direction in which the through hole 36 penetrates the fixation wall 31c is referred to as first direction D1, and is appropriately shown on the drawings as an axis D1. In the present embodiment, the direction D1 is a direction that diagonally inclines in the front-rear direction X and the vertical direction Z, and is a direction that is orthogonal to the left-right direction Y. More specifically, the first direction D1 in the present embodiment is a direction that approaches the front (+X direction) as the top is approached. A second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1 is appropriately shown on the drawings as axis D2. In the present embodiment, the second direction D2 is a direction that diagonally inclines in both the front-rear direction X and the vertical direction Z, and is a direction which intersects both the left-right direction Y and the first direction D1. More specifically, the second direction D2 in the present embodiment is a direction that approaches the bottom as the front is approached.
In the explanations below, a side out of sides in the first direction D1 in which the arrow of the D1 axis faces is referred to as a "one side in the first direction" (+D1 side). The other side out of sides in the first direction D1 which faces an opposite side the arrow of the first direction D1 faces is referred to the "other side in the first direction" (-D1 side). The one side in the first direction is a side that is formed in the top and the front, the other side in the first direction is formed in the bottom and the rear. A side out of sides in the second direction D2 in which the arrow of D2 axis faces is referred to as "one side in the second direction" (+D2 side). The other side out of sides in the second direction D2 which faces an opposite side the arrow of the second direction D2 faces is referred to as the "other side in the second direction" (-D2 side). The one side in the second direction is formed in the front and in bottom, and the other side in the second direction is formed in the rear and in the top.
Out of the fixation wall 31c, a plurality of fixing holes 31d that penetrate the fixation wall 31c in the first direction D1 are formed in a vicinity of the through hole 36. The plurality of fixing holes 31d are disposed so as to surround the through hole 36. Eight of the fixing hole 31d for example, are provided.
The electrical components 32 are fixed to the electrical component holding member 33, and are housed on an inside of the electrical component box 31. By having the electrical component holding member 33 be fixed to the electrical component box 31, the electrical components 32 are fixed to the electrical component box 31. The electrical components 32 have a base 32a, and electronic components that are attached to the base 32a, and are not shown on the drawings. The base 32a is a rectangular shape that expands along the fixation wall 31c. A plate surface of the base 32a is orthogonal with the first direction D1. The electronic components which are not shown are attached to a surface on the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction on the base 32a.
The electrical components holding member 33 is a member for holding the electrical components 32. The electrical components holding member 33 is long semi-rectangular plate that extends in the left-right direction Y. The electrical components holding member 33 is housed on the inside of the electrical component box 31. The electrical components holding member 33 is fixed to the surface on the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the fixation wall 31c. The electrical components holding member 33 in the present embodiment corresponds to the "member to be fixed", which is fixed to the fixation wall 31c. The electrical components holding member 33 is a member that has insulative properties. The electrical components holding member 33 in the present embodiment is made of resin.
Although omitted from the drawings, a seal member that surrounds the through hole 36, as seen from the first direction D1, is provided between the electrical components holding member 33 and the fixation wall 31c. Said seal member seals the entire surrounded circumference of the through hole 36, between the electrical components holding member 33 and the fixation wall 31c.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view that shows the electrical component holding member 33. FIG. 8 is a perspective view that shows the electrical component holding member 33 and the heatsink 34. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the electrical components holding member 33 has a main body 33p and engagement parts 40. The main body 33p has a main body wall 33a, which is a long semi-rectangular plate that extends in the left-right direction Y, and a frame wall 33b that protrudes from the main body wall 33a in the first direction D1.
As shown in FIG. 7, a depression 33c that depresses in the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction is formed on a surface on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the main body wall 33a. The depression 33c is a semi-square, as seen from the first direction D1. A hole 33d that penetrates a bottom 33f of the depression 33c in the first direction D1 is formed on the bottom 33f of the depression 33c. The hole 33d is a semi-circular hole. The bottom 33f is a wall that configures a surface which faces the other side in the first direction, out of inner surfaces of the depression 33c. The bottom 33f is formed as a square frame due to the hole 33d being formed.
A pair of attachment parts 33e are formed on both edges in the left-right direction Y out of the bottom 33f. The pair of attachment parts 33e protrude in the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from the bottom 33f, and extend in the second direction D2. Although omitted from the drawings, a surface of the other side in the first direction, of the bottom 33f, has a seal member that surrounds the hole 33d provided. Said seal member seals the entire surrounded circumference of the hole 33d, between the electrical components holding member 33 and the heatsink 34.
A plurality of thread holes 33m are formed on the main body wall 33a. The plurality of thread holes 33m depress to the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction, from a surface of the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction, of the main body wall 33a. The plurality of thread holes 33m are disposed so as to surround the depression 33c, having intervals therebetween. The plurality of thread holes 33m are each formed at locations that overlap with the plurality of fixing holes 31d that are formed in the fixation wall 31c, as seen from the first direction D1. For example, eight of the thread holes 33m are provided. In the present embodiment, threads are formed on an inside circumferential surface of each thread hole 33m by having a fastening member 37, which is a tapping screw to be mentioned later on, fastened thereto.
The frame wall 33b protrudes to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from a surface of the other side in the first direction of the main body wall 33a. More specifically, the frame wall 33b protrudes to the other side in the first direction from a circumferential edge of the depression 33c, out of a surface on the other side in the first direction of the main body wall 33a. The frame wall 33b in the present embodiment is a rectangular frame. More specifically, the frame wall 33b is a semi-rectangular frame. As shown in FIG. 8, the frame wall 33b surrounds the heatsink 34.
FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 6 that shows a perspective view of a part of the electrical component unit 30. As shown in FIG. 9 the frame wall 33b is inserted through the through hole 36 in the first direction D1, and protrudes to an outside of the electrical component box 31. The frame wall 33b in the present embodiment protrudes to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from the through hole 36.
The engagement parts 40 protrude to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from the main body 33p. The engagement parts 40 in the present embodiment protrude to the other side in the first direction from the frame wall 33b. The engagement parts 40 in the present embodiment is integrally formed with the frame wall 33b. The engagement parts 40 are inserted through the through hole 36 in the first direction D1 from the electrical component box 31, and are located on the outside of the electrical component box 31. The engagement parts 40 protrude to the other side in the first direction more than the through hole 36.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a plurality of the engagement parts 40 are provided. The engagement parts 40 in the present embodiment have engagement part 40a, engagement part 40b, engagement part 40c, and engagement part 40d, i.e. four engagement parts provided. The four engagement pars 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d each protrude to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from the four corners of the rectangular frame of the frame wall 33b. In other words, each of the engagement parts 40 in the present embodiment is formed on each of the four corners of the frame wall 33b.
The engagement part 40a is formed on the corner that is on the left (+Y side) and the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction, out of corners of the frame wall 33b. The engagement part 40b is formed on the corner that is on the left and the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction, out of corners of the frame wall 33b. The engagement part 40c is formed on the corner on the right (-Y side) and the other side in the second direction, out of corners of the frame wall 33b. The engagement part 40d is formed on the corner on the right and the one side in the second direction, out of corners of the frame wall 33b.
The engagement part 40a and the engagement part 40b are symmetrically disposed in the second direction D2. The engagement part 40c and the engagement part 40d are symmetrically disposed in the second direction D2. The engagement part 40a and the engagement part 40c are symmetrically disposed in the left-right direction Y. The engagement part 40b and the engagement pat 40d are symmetrically disposed in the left-right direction Y.
The engagement parts 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d are formed in corners out of the frame wall 33b that differ from one another, and besides the aspect of each being disposed on different corners, all parts have the same configuration. As such, in the explanations below, there are cases where explanations regarding only the engagement part 40a represent the remaining parts. When not differentiating between the engagement parts 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d, all parts are collectively and simply referred to as the "engagement parts 40".
FIG. 10 is a perspective view that shows an engagement part 40a. FIG. 11 is a view that shows the engagement part 40a as seen from the left (+Y side). FIG. 12 is a view that shows the engagement part 40a as seen from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view XIII-XIII of FIG. 11, and is a cross-sectional view that shows a part of the electrical component unit 30.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the corner of the frame wall 33b in which the engagement part 40a is formed in is a corner that is formed by an extension wall 33g that extends in the second direction D2 out of the frame wall 33b, and an extension wall 33h that extends in the left-right direction Y out of the frame wall 33b. The engagement part 40a has a base 41, an arm 42, and a claw 43.
As shown in FIG. 10 and in FIG. 11, the base 41 protrudes to the first direction D1 from the main body 33p. The base 41 in the present embodiment protrudes to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from the frame wall 33b, out of the main body 33p. As shown in FIG. 10, the base 41 has a first column 41a, and a second column 41b. The first column 41a protrudes to the other side in the first direction, from an end of the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction of the extension wall 33g. The first column 41a is a plate which has a plate surface that faces the left-right direction Y. The second column 41b protrudes to the other side in the first direction from an end on the left (+Y side) of the extension wall 33h. The second column 41b is a plate which has a plate surface that faces the second direction D2. An edge on the left of the second column 41b is connected to an edge on the other side in the second direction of the first column 41a. As shown in FIG. 12, by providing the first column 41a and the second column 41b, a shape of the base 41 in the present embodiment becomes an L shape, as seen from the other side in the first direction.
The arm 42 extends in the second direction D2 from the base 41. More specifically, the arm 42 extends in the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction from an end on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the base 41. The arm 42 in the present embodiment is a plate which has a plate surface that faces the left-right direction Y. More specifically, the arm 42 is a long semi-rectangular shape in the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 10, an end on the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction of the arm 42 is connected to the edge on the one side in the second direction, in the end on the other side in the first direction of the first column 41a. The arm 42 has an arm main body 42a. The arm main body 42a is a part that is located near to the base 41 side (-D2 side), more than the claw 43 in the second direction D2 out of the arm 42.
The arm 42 faces the main body 33p in the first direction D1. The arm 42 in the present embodiment is disposed on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the frame wall 33b, with an interval therebetween. As shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 12, the arm 42 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction Y, with the base 41 as a pivot point thereof. The dashed-dotted line shown in FIG. 12 shows an inside of the frame wall 33b out of the left-right direction Y with the base 41 as a pivot point of the arm 42, in other words, a state where elastic deformation takes place to the right (-Y side). By having the arm 42 elastically deform, the claw 43 elastically displaces in the left-right direction Y.
As shown in FIG. 11, a part that faces the arm 42 in the first direction D1 out of the frame wall 33b is a lower wall 33j, which has a height that is lower than other parts of the frame wall 33b that protrude from the main body wall 33a. The lower wall 33j that faces the arm 42 of the engagement part 40a is formed on an end of the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction of an extension wall 33g. A step 33k is formed between an edge of the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the lower wall 33j, and an edge of the other side in the first direction at a part that is located on the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction more than the lower wall 33j out of the extension wall 33g, in the second direction D2. The step 33k is a step that concaves to the one side in the first direction when moving from the one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction. The step 33k is located to the one side in the second direction, more than an end on the one side in the second direction of the arm 42.
As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the claw 43 protrudes from a tip of the arm 42 to the left-right direction Y. The left-right direction Y in the present embodiment corresponds to a "third direction" in which the claw 43 protrudes with respect to the arm 42. The claw 43 in the present embodiment protrudes to a direction that is towards an outside of the frame wall 33b out of the left-right direction Y. The claw 43 of the engagement part 40a protrudes to the left (+Y side) from an end in the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction of the arm 42. The claw 43 is located on the outside of the frame wall 33b, as seen from the first direction D1.
As shown in FIG. 10, the claw 43 has a first beam 43a, and a pair of second beams 43b. The first beam 43a is provided on an edge of the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction, at an end of the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction of the arm 42. The first beam 43a extends in the second direction D2. Each of the pair of second beams 43b extends to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction from both ends in the second direction D2 of the first beam 43a. The pair of second beams 43b are disposed so as to face one another having an interval therebetween in the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 13, a dimension of a second beam 43b in the left-right direction Y becomes larger as the one side in the first direction is approached. An edge on the left (+Y side) of the second beam 43b diagonally extends towards a direction that moves to the outside (+Y side) of the frame wall 33b in the left-right direction Y, as the one side in the first direction is approached.
The claw 43 has an opposing surface 43c that faces a circumferential edge of the through hole 36 in the fixation wall 31c in the first direction D1. The opposing surface 43c in the present embodiment is a surface of the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the first beam 43a. The opposing surface 43c opposes the circumferential edge of the through hole 36 in the engagement surface 31e, which is a surface of the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction D1 of the fixation wall 31c. The opposing surface 43c is disposed separately from the other side in the first direction of the circumferential edge of the through hole 36 in the engagement surface 31e. The opposing surface 43c is a flat surface that is orthogonal with the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 11, the opposing surface 43c is located on the other side in the first direction more than an end on the other side in the first direction of the frame wall 33b.
A curve portion 45 is formed on the engagement part 40a. The curve portion 45 continuously extends as a curve from an end on a side (+D1 side) connected to the main body 33p out of the base 41, to at least a portion of an edge of a side (+D1 side) that faces the main body 33p out of the arm 42, as seen from the left-right direction Y. The curve portion 45 in the present embodiment is formed so as to straddle the edge of the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction of the first column 41a in the base 41, and a part of an edge of the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the arm main body 42a in the arm 42.
The curve portion 45 in the present embodiment is a semi-elliptical shape that concaves in the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction, as seen from the left-right direction Y. The curve portion 45 has a first curve portion 45a, and a second curve portion 45b. The first curve portion 45a is a part out of the curve portion 45 that is formed on the base 41. The first curve portion 45a is a curve that concaves in an opposite direction (-D2 direction) to a direction that the arm 42 protrudes in with respect to the base 41, as seen from the left-right direction Y. The first curve portion 45a is smoothly connected to the main body 33p. More specifically, an end on the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the first curve portion 45a is smoothly connected to an end of the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction, on an edge of the other side in the first direction of the lower wall 33j.
The second curve portion 45b is a portion that is formed on the arm 42 of the curve portion 45. The second curve portion 45b is a curve that concaves to a direction (-D1 direction) that separates in the first direction D1 from the main body 33p, as seen from the left-right direction Y. An end of the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction of the second curve portion 45b is smoothly connected to an end on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the first curve portion 45a. A dimension of the part in which the second curve portion 45b is formed out of the arm 42 in the first direction D1, is smaller than a part that is located more in the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction than the second curve portion 45b out of the arm 42 in the first direction D1.
At least a portion of the second curve portion 45b is formed on the arm main body 42a. An end of the one side (+D2 side) in the second direction of the second curve portion 45b is located on the other side in the second direction, more than the claw 43. In other words, an entirety of the second curve portion 45b in the present embodiment is formed on the arm main body 42a. The second curve portion 45b is formed on an edge of the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the arm main body 42a. A dimension of the second curve portion 45b in the second direction D2 is greater than or equal to half the dimension of the arm main body 42a in the second direction D2. Except for the end on the one side in the second direction, the second curve portion 45b in the present embodiment is formed over an entirety of the edge of the one side in the first direction of the arm main body 42a.
As shown in FIG. 8, the heatsink 34 is fixed to the electrical components holding member 33. The heatsink 34 in the present embodiment is fixed to the main body wall 33a out of the main body 33p. The heatsink 34 is made of metal. As shown in FIG. 5, the heatsink 34 has a base 34a, a plurality of fins 34b, and a pair of flanges 34c. The base 34a is a thin semi-square in the first direction D1, which is long in the second direction D2. The base 34a is inserted from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction into the hole 33d formed in the electrical components holding member 33. A surface of the base 34a on the first side (+D1 side) in the first direction is thermally connected directly, or indirectly via a thermal conductive member to a surface on the other side in the first direction of the base 32a. Accordingly, the heatsink 34 is thermally connected to the electrical components 32.
In the present disclosure, so long as heat transfer between an object and another object is possible, the phrase "in other words, an object is thermally connected to another object" may refer to an object being directly connected to another object, or an object being indirectly connected to another object via a different object therebetween. In other words, so long as heat transfer between the heat sink 34 and the electrical components 32 is possible, the phrase "heatsink 34 is thermally connected to the electrical components 32" refers to the heatsink 34 and the electrical components 32 being directly, or indirectly connected. In the present embodiment, heat that is generated at the electrical components 32 is transmitted to the heatsink 34.
The plurality of fins 34b protrude to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction, from the base 34a. The fin 34b in the present embodiment is a rectangle which has a plate surface that faces the left-right direction Y, and extends in the second direction D2. The plurality of fins 34b are disposed in the left-right direction Y having intervals therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of fins 34b protrude to an outside of the electrical component box 31 via the through hole 36 formed on the fixation wall 31c. Accordingly, a part of the heatsink 34 in the present embodiment is inserted in the first direction D1 through the through hole 36 from the inside of the electrical component box 31 , and protrudes to the outside of the electrical component box 31. The plurality of fins 34b protrude to the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction, from the through hole 36. Heat is transmitted to the heatsink 34 from the electrical components 32, and is dissipated to the air outside of the electrical component unit 30 from the plurality of fins 34b.
The pair of flanges 34c protrude to the left-right direction Y from both ends in the left-direction Y of the base 34a. The flange 34c is rectangle that faces the first direction D1, and protrudes in the second direction D2. Each of the pair of flanges 34c is fixed to each of the pair of attachment parts 33e that is formed on the main body wall 33a by fastening members such as bolts or the like. Accordingly, the heatsink 34 is fixed to the main body 33p. The fastening members that fix the pair of flanges 34c to the pair of attachment parts 33e may be a tapping screw or the like of a threaded member. As shown in FIG. 13, the flange 34c is located on the inside of the frame wall 33b. The flange 34c is disposed so as to face the frame wall 33b with an interval therebetween in the left-right direction Y.
As shown in FIG. 4, the cover member 35 is a member that covers at least a portion of the heatsink 34 from the outside of the electrical component box 31. More specifically, the cover member 35 covers the plurality of fins 34b out of the heatsink 34 from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction. The cover member 35 is a member that has insulative properties. The cover 35 in the present embodiment is made of resin. The cover member 35 has a first cover 35a, a frame flange 35b, a second cover 35c, and a third cover 35d.
The first cover 35a is a part that covers the plurality of fins 34b from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction. The first cover 35a has a bottom plate 35e, and a pair of side plates 35f. The bottom plate 35e is a rectangular plate having a plate surface that faces the first direction D1. The bottom plate 35e is located on the other side in the first direction of the plurality of fins 34b. The bottom plate 35e covers the plurality of fins 34b from the other side in the first direction. The pair of side plates 35f protrudes to the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction, from both edges in the left-right direction Y of the bottom plate 35e. Each side plate 35f out of the side plates 35f has a plate surface that faces the left-right direction Y, and is a semi-rectangular plate that extends in the second direction D2.
The first cover 35a opens to both sides in the second direction D2. The plurality of fins 34b are exposed to the outside of the electrical component unit 30 via the opening in the second direction D2 of the first cover 35a. The plurality of fins 34b are housed on an inside thereof using the first cover 35a and the base 34a of the heatsink 34, and the fins 34b form air pathways that extend in the second direction D2. By having a portion of the flow of air that is generated on the inside of the housing 11 using the blower 15 pass through the air pathways, it is possible to suitably make the air flow between the plurality of fins 34b. Accordingly, it is possible to easily dissipate heat from the plurality of fins 34b to the air.
The second cover 35c is provided on each edge of the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction of the pair of side plates 35f. Each of the pair of second covers 35c covers a part located on each side out of both sides in the left-right direction Y of the frame wall 33b from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction. The pair of second covers 35c extend in the second direction D2.
The third cover 35d is formed on both ends in the second direction D2 of the pair of second covers 35c. In other words, a total of four third covers 35d are formed. The third covers 35d form a semi-square that opens to the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 13, each of the third covers 35d houses each of the engagement parts 40 on an inside, and covers each of the engagement parts 40 from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction.
As shown in FIG. 4, the frame flange 35b is rectangular frame that has a pair of sides which extend in the left-right direction Y, and a pair of sides which extend in the second direction D2. The frame flange 35b is a plate having a surface plate that faces the first direction D1. Each of the second cover 35c and the pair of third covers 35d are connected to both inside edges in the left-right direction Y of the frame flange 35b. The frame flange 35b contacts the engagement surface 31e, which is a surface of the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction of the fixation wall 31c.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of fixing holes 35g that penetrate the frame flange 35b in the first direction D1 are formed in the frame flange 35b. Each of the plurality of fixing holes 35g is formed in a location that overlaps with each of the plurality of fixing holes 31d that are formed on the fixation wall 31c, as seen from the first direction D1. The frame flange 35b is fixed to the fixation wall 31c by a plurality of fastening members 37. Eight fastening members 37 for example, are provided. The fastening member 37 in the present embodiment is a tapping screw. The fastening member 37 may be any threaded member other than a tapping screw, and may be a bolt.
As shown in FIG. 13, each of the fastening members 37 is inserted through each fixing hole 35g formed on the frame flange 35b, and each fixing hole 31d formed on the fixation wall 31c from the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction, and is fastened into each thread hole 33m that is formed on the main body wall 33a. Accordingly, the fixation wall 31c and the cover member 35 are fastened together to the electrical components holding member 33. In other words, the cover member 35 in the present embodiment is fixed to the electrical components holding member 33 together with the fixation wall 31c, using the fastening members 37 which penetrate the fixation wall 31c and are fastened to the main body 33p.
Next, assembly procedures of the electrical component unit 30 are explained. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view that shows a part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit 30. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view that shows another part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit 30. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view that shows yet another part of assembly steps of the electrical component unit 30. FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C for example, show a situation where work is conducted with the fixation wall 31c being located in a direction facing the electrical components holding member 33 from above in the vertical direction Z.
An operator assembling the electrical component unit 30 fixes the electrical components 32 and the heatsink 34 to the electrical components holding member 33. Next, the electrical components holding member 33, which is fixed to the electrical components 32 and the heat sink 34, is inserted to an inside of the electrical component main body 31a in a state where the lid member 31b is not yet been fixed, and the heatsink 34 is inserted through the through hole 36. At such time, the various engagement parts 40 are also inserted through the through hole 36.
As shown FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, as the electrical components holding member 33 is brought closer to the through hole 36, inside edges of the through hole 36 contact the second beam 43b in the claw 43 of the engagement parts 40. Since the second beam 43b diagonally extends in the direction that faces an outside (+Y side) of the frame wall 33b in the left-right direction Y as the second beam 43b approaches the one side (+D1 side) in the first direction, when the second beam 43b is depressed to the first side in the first direction by the inside edges of the through hole 36, the claw 43 receives a force directed to an inside (-Y side) of the frame wall 33b in the left-right direction Y. Accordingly, the arm 42 elastically deforms in the left-right direction Y, and the claw 43 elastically displaces in the left-right direction Y. Therefore, by bringing the electrical components holding member 33 closer to the fixation wall 31c, it is possible elastically displace the claw 43 to the inside of the through hole 36, and it is possible to insert the claw 43 through the through hole 36. Accordingly, it is possible to insert the engagement parts 40 through the through hole 36.
When an entirety of the claw 43 is inserted through the through hole 36, since the inside edges of the through hole 36 and the claw 43 are not in contact anymore, the arm 42 restores an original shape thereof, and the claw 43 restores an original displacement thereof, as shown in FIG. 14C. Accordingly, the claw 43 is in state of facing a circumferential edge of the through hole 36 out of the engagement surface 31e in the first direction D1. Therefore, the claw 43 engages with the circumferential edge of the through hole 36 in the first direction D1, and the engagement part 40 is suppressed from slipping out from the through hole 36. Accordingly, the electrical components holding member 33 is temporarily fixed to the electrical component box 31.
In FIG. 14A, and FIG. 14B, although an example where the electrical components holding member 33 is brought closer to the fixation wall 31c, and the engagement parts 40 are inserted through the through hole 36 is shown in a state where the electrical components holding member 33 is located below with respect to the fixation wall 31c, the location thereof is not limited thereto. The electrical components holding member 33 may be brought closer to the fixation wall 31c, and the engagement parts 40 may be inserted through the through hole 36 in a state where the electrical components holding member 33 is located above with respect to the fixation wall 31c, in other words a state where FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are inverted in the top-bottom direction.
The operator fixes the cover member 35 to the fixation wall 31c in a state where the electrical components holding member 33 is temporarily fixed to the electrical component box 31 using the engagement part 40. At such time, orientations of various members for example, are such that the electrical components holding member 33 is located so as to face the bottom in the vertical direction Z with respect to the fixation wall 31c, as shown in FIG. 14C. In such condition, the opposing surface 43c of the engagement parts 40 is in a state of being in contact with the engagement surface 31e, and the electrical components holding member 33 is in a state of being supported by the fixation wall 31c using the four engagement parts 40. In such state, the main body wall 33a of the electrical components holding member 33 is separately located below, from the fixation wall 31c. In such state, the frame wall 33b is separately located below, from the through hole 36.
The operator places the cover member 35 on the fixation wall 31c from above in the vertical direction Z, and covers the heatsink 34 using the cover member 35. In such situation, the operator inserts the fastening members 37 through the fixing holes 35g of the cover member 35 and the fixing holes 31d of the fixation wall 31c from above, and fastens the fastening members 37 to the thread holes 33m of the electrical components holding member 33. As the fastening members 37 are tightened to the thread holes 33m, the main body wall 33a of the electrical components holding member 33 comes closer to the fixation wall 31c. By completely fastening all the fastening members 37 to the thread holes 33m, the main body wall 33a contacts the fixation wall 31c as shown in FIG. 13, and the electrical components holding member 33 and the cover member 35 are fixed to the electrical component box 31. After the electrical components holding member 33 and the cover member 35 are fixed to the electrical component box 31, the operator attaches the lid member 31b to the electrical component main body 31a. Accordingly, the electrical component unit 30 is assembled.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 30 includes the fixation wall 31c having the through hole 36 which penetrates in the first direction D1 formed thereon, and the electrical components holding member 33 having been attached to the fixation wall 31c as the member to be fixed. The electrical components holding member 33 has the main body 33p, and the engagement parts 40 that protrude to the first direction D1 from the main body 33p, and are inserted through the through hole 36. The engagement parts 40 have the base 41 that protrudes in the first direction D1 from the electrical components holding member 33, the arm 42 which extends in the second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1 from the base 41, and that faces the main body 33p in the first direction D1, and the claw 43 that protrudes in the left-right direction Y which acts as a third direction which intersects with both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 from the arm 42. The claw 43 has the opposing surface 43c which opposes the circumferential edges of the through hole 36 on the fixation wall 31c in the first direction D1. The arm 42 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction Y, with the base 41 as the pivot point thereof. As such, when the engagement parts 40 are inserted through the through hole 36, by causing the arm 42 to elastically deform in the left-right direction Y, it is possible to insert the engagement parts 40 through the through hole 36. By having the arm 42 restore an original shape thereof after inserting the engagement parts 40 through the through hole 36, it is possible to have the opposing surface 43c of the claw 43 engage with the fixation wall 31c. Therefore, it is possible to fix, or temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the fixation wall 31c using the snap-fit construction of the engagement parts 40 and the through hole 36. As mentioned earlier, in the present embodiment, it is possible to temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the fixation wall 31c using the snap-fit construction of the engagement parts 40 and the through hole 36.
Since a direction in which the arm 42 extends in is the second direction D2 which intersects with the first direction D1, it is possible to make the arm 42 longer, without having to increase a dimension of the arm 42 in the first direction D1. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the arm 42 that has been inserted through the through hole 36 from largely protruding in the first direction D1, and it is possible to have the arm 42 elastically deform with ease. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the electrical component unit 30 from becoming larger in the first direction D1, and it is possible to insert the engagement parts 40 through the through hole 36 with ease.
According to the present embodiment, as seen from the left-right direction Y, the curve portion 45 which continuously extends as a curve to at least a part of an edge of a side that faces the main body 33p out of the arm 42, from the end of the side that connects to the main body 33p out of the base 41 is formed on the engagement parts 40. As such, it is possible to receive and dissipate stresses that are generated at the engagement parts 40 when the arm 42 elastically deforms using the curve portion 45, which straddles the base 41 and the arm 42. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress stresses from concentrating at the base 41 and the arm 42, and it is possible to suppress stresses from concentrating at the engagement parts, when the engagement parts 40 elastically deform. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 from being damaged.
Even in a case where the arm 42 elastically deforms in a direction that opposes the main body 33p in the first direction D1, stresses are easily received and dissipated by simply having the edge of the base 41 form a curve, which is U shaped or the like, as seen from the left-right direction Y. The above is due to the fact that the arm 42 deforms in a direction of opening and closing of the portion in which said curve is formed, and it is easy to receive and dissipate stresses using the portion said curve is formed on. On the other hand, in a case where the arm 42 elastically deforms in the left-right direction Y that intersects the first direction D1 which faces the main body 33p as in the present embodiment, if only an edge of the base 41 is made to be a curve when seen from the left-right direction Y, when the arm 42 elastically deforms, since the direction in which the arm 42 moves in is the direction that intersects the direction in which the portion the curve is formed on extends in, it becomes difficult to receive and dissipate stresses using the portion onto which the curve is formed. In contrast to the above, in the present embodiment, by having the curve portion 45 continuously extend as a curve not only to the base 41 but to the arm 42, using the curve portion 45, it is possible to suitably receive and dissipate stresses that are generated when the arm 42 elastically deforms in the left-right direction Y.
According to the present embodiment, out of the curve portion 45, the first curve portion 45a that is formed on the base 41 is a curve that concaves to a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the arm 42 protrudes in with respect to the base 41, and is smoothly connected to the main body 33p, as seen from the left-right direction Y. Accordingly, when stresses are generated in the base 41 due to elastic deformation of the arm 42, it is possible to suitably receive and dissipate the stresses using the first curve portion 45a formed on the base 41. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stress concentration at the engagement parts 40 when the engagement parts 40 elastically deform.
According to the present embodiment, out of the curve portion 45, the second curve portion 45b that is formed on the arm 42 is a curve that concaves in a direction that separates in the first direction D1 from the main body 33p, as seen from the left-right direction Y. As such, when stresses are generated in the arm 42 due to elastic deformation of the arm 42, the stresses are suitably received and dissipated using the second curve portion 45b that is formed on the arm 42. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress stresses from concentrating at the engagement parts 40, when the engagement parts 40 elastically deform.
According to the present embodiment, the arm 42 has the arm main body 42a that is located near to the base 41 side more than the claw 43, in the second direction D2. The arm main body 42a is formed on at least a portion of the second curve portion 45b. A dimension in the second direction D2 of the second curve portion 45b is greater than or equal to half a dimension in the second direction D2 of the arm main body 42a. As such, it is possible to suitably make the second curve portion 45b formed on the arm 42 out of the curve portion 45 longer, and it is possible to receive and dissipate stresses with ease at the second curve portion 45b. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress stresses from concentrating at the engagement parts 40, when the engagement parts 40 elastically deform.
According to the present embodiment, in the second direction D2 out of the arm 42, an entirety of the second curve portion 45b is formed on the arm main body 42a located near to the base 41 side, more than the claw 43. As such, it is possible to suppress a portion out of the arm 42 in which the second curve portion 45b is formed from becoming larger, and it is possible to suppress a large decrease in the strength of the arm 42. Also, by not having the curve portion 45 be formed on a portion in which the claw 43 out of the arm 42 is formed on, it is possible to easily make the claw 43 larger. Accordingly, it is possible to easily and stably have the claw 43 engage with the fixation wall 31c.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 30 includes the electrical component box 31 which has the fixation wall 31c, and the electrical components 32 that are housed on the inside of the electrical component box 31. The electrical components 32 are fixed to the electrical components holding member 33 as the members to be fixed. As such, when fixing the electrical components 32 to the electrical component box 31 via the electrical components holding member 33, it is possible to utilize the engagement parts 40 so as to fix or temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the electrical component box 31. Accordingly, it is possible to easily conduct fixing work of the electrical components 32 to the electrical component box 31. According to the present embodiment mentioned above, it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 from becoming larger in the first direction D1, and it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 that have been inserted through the through hole 36 from largely protruding to the outside of the electrical component box 31. As such, it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 from coming into contact with other parts or the like that are disposed in the vicinity of the electrical component unit 30. As in the present embodiment, where the blower 15 is disposed on the inside of the housing 11 in which the electrical component unit 30 is housed, it is possible to suppress the flow of air that is generated by the blower 15 from being obstructed by the engagement parts 40.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 30 includes the heatsink 34, which is fixed to the electrical components holding member 33 as the member to be fixed, and is thermally connected to the electrical components 32. At least a portion of the heatsink 34 is inserted through the through hole 36 in the first direction D1 from the inside of the electrical component box 31, and protrudes to the outside of the electrical component box 31. As such, heat of the electrical components 32 is discharged to the air on the outside of the electrical component unit 30 using the heatsink 34. It is also possible to engage the engagement parts 40 to the circumferential edge of the through hole 36 through which the heatsink 34 is inserted through. As such, in a state where the heatsink 34 is inserted through the through hole 36, it is possible to suitably fix or temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the fixation wall 31c using the engagement parts 40.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical components holding member 33, as the member to be fixed, is a member that has insulative properties. The main body 33p of the electrical components holding member 33 include the main body wall 33a to which the heatsink 34 is fixed to, and the frame wall 33b which protrudes in the first direction D1 from the main body wall 33a, and surrounds the heatsink 34. The frame wall 33b is inserted through the through hole 36 in the first direction D1, and protrudes to the outside of the electrical component box 31. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the frame wall 33b, which is a part of the electrical components holding member 33 that has insulative properties, is inserted between the heatsink 34 fixed to the main body wall 33a and the fixation wall 31c. Accordingly, even if current that is transmitted to the heatsink 34 from the electrical components 32 tries to flow towards the fixation wall 31c from the heatsink 34, said current would have flow over the frame wall 33b along an outer surface of the frame wall 33b, as shown by the dotted line pathway R in FIG. 13. Therefore, it is possible to suitably make a creeping distance from the heatsink 34 to the fixation wall 31c larger using the frame wall 33b, and it is possible to suitably have insulation between the heatsink 34 and the electrical component box 31.
The engagement parts 40 protrude in the first direction D1 from the frame wall 33b. Therefore, there is no need to have a portion of the frame wall 33b be discontinued or broken up in order to provide the engagement parts 40, and it is possible to suitably enlarge the creeping distance between the heatsink 34 and the fixation wall 31c, all around the heatsink 34, using the frame wall 33b. Therefore, it is possible to suitably have insulation between the heatsink 34 and the electrical component box 31. As mentioned earlier, since the arm 42 in the engagement parts 40 extends in the second direction D2 and not in the first direction D1, even if the engagement parts 40 protrude from the frame wall 33b in the first direction D1, it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 from becoming larger and protruding to the outside of the electrical component box 31.
According to the present embodiment, the frame wall 33b is a rectangular frame. The engagement parts 40 are formed on each of the four corners of the frame wall 33b. As such, using the four engagement parts 40, it is possible to more stably fix or temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the fixation wall 31c.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 30 includes the cover member 35, which covers at least a portion of the heatsink 34 from the outside of the electrical component box 31. The cover member 35 is fixed to the fixation wall 31c along with the electrical components holding member 33 as the member to be fixed, using the fastening members 37 that are inserted through the fixation wall 31c, and are fastened to the main body 33p. As such, by conducting work of fixing the cover member 35 to the fixation wall 31c, it is possible to fix the electrical components holding member 33 along with the cover member 35 to the fixation wall 31c. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the work steps needed to assemble the electrical component unit 30.
As mentioned above, when fixing the cover member 35, even if the electrical components holding member 33 is disposed so as to be located below the fixation wall 31c, by having the engagement parts 40 be engaged to the fixation wall 31c, it is possible to temporarily fix the electrical components holding member 33 to the fixation wall 31c. As such, it is possible to suppress having the electrical components holding member 33 being removed from the fixation wall 31c while conducting work of fixing the cover member 35 using the fastening members 37, and it is possible to conduct fixing work of the cover member 35 and the electrical components holding member 33 with ease. Since it is possible to suppress a dimension of the engagement parts 40 in the first direction D1 from becoming large, when fixing the cover member 35 as mentioned above, it is possible to prevent the electrical components holding member 33 from separating too much to the bottom from the fixation wall 31c. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress not having the fastening members 37 reach the thread hole 33m formed on the electrical components holding member 33, and it is possible to conduct fixing work of the cover member 35 and the electrical components holding member 33 with ease.
Also, as mentioned above, in the present embodiment, since it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 from largely protruding to the outside of the electrical component box 31 from the through hole 36, the third cover 35d that covers the engagement parts 40 out of the cover 35 is also suppressed from largely protruding from the electrical component box 31. Accordingly, when the blower 15 is disposed on the inside of the housing 11 in which the electrical component unit 30 is housed in, it is possible to suppress obstruction by the third cover 35d, of the air flow that is generated by the blower 15.
According to the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 30 is housed on the inside of the housing 11 of the outdoor unit 10. The blower 15 is housed on the inside of the housing 11. The electrical component unit 30 is located above the blower 15 in the vertical direction Z. The fixation wall 31c configures at least a portion of the wall below in the vertical direction Z out of the electrical component box 31. As such, it is easy for air that is sent by the blower 15 to flow close to the fixation wall 31c. Accordingly, it is possible to easily dissipate heat to the air that is sent using the blower 15 from the heatsink 34 which is inserted through the through hole 36 of the fixation wall 31c. Even in a case where the air that is sent by the blower 15 easily flows close to the fixation wall 31c, since it is possible to suppress the engagement parts 40 and the third cover 35d that covers the engagement parts 40 from largely protruding as mentioned above, it is possible to prevent the air flow that is generated by the blower 15 from being obstructed by the engagement parts 40 and the cover member 35. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a drop in an efficiency of the air flow of the blower 15.
Even if the air or the like that is sent by the blower 15 disperses rain water or the like towards the electrical component unit 30, by having at least a portion of the heatsink 34 covered using the cover member 35, it is possible to suppress rain water or the like from reaching in between the heatsink 34 and the electrical components holding member 33, and/or the through hole 36. Even if rain water or the like reaches in between the heatsink 34 and electrical components holding member 33, and/or the through hole 36, by having each of the aforementioned two sealing members provided, the rain water or the like is suppressed from infiltrating to the inside of the electrical component box 31.
Although embodiments of the present disclosure are explained above, the present disclosure is not only limited to the various configurations of the embodiments explained above, and it is possible to adopt the differing configurations and/or methods below.
So long as a curve portion that is formed on engagement parts continuously extends as a curve to at least a portion of an edge of a side that faces a main body of a member to be fixed out of an arm, from an end of a side that is connected to the main body out of a base thereof as seen from a third direction (left-right direction Y), the curve may be any shape. The curve portion may be formed on an entirety of the edge on the side that faces the main body of the member to be fixed out of the arm. So long as a number of the engagement parts is greater than or equal to one, the number thereof is not particularly limited. The member to be fixed may be fixed to a fixation wall using a snap-fit construction of the engagement parts and a through hole formed on the fixation wall. In such case, an opposing surface of a claw of the engagement parts is in contact with the fixation wall. So long as the member to be fixed and to which the engagement parts are formed is a part of an electrical component unit, the member may be any member. So long as the fixation wall to which the member to be fixed is a part of the electrical component unit, the fixation wall may be any part.
The electrical component unit of the present disclosure may be an electrical component unit included in a refrigeration cycle device, which may be included in an indoor unit, or may be provided separately in both the indoor unit and an outdoor unit thereof. The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure may be any device which utilizes a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant, and need not be limited to a device an air conditioner. The refrigeration cycle device may be a heat pump hot water heater.
The relative positional relationships and dimensions of the various aforementioned parts only serve as an example when explaining the aforementioned embodiments, and are not in any way limited, so long as the positional relationships and the dimensions are within the technical scope of the present disclosure. It is possible to suitably combine the various configurations and/or the various methods explained in the present description, so long as such configurations and/or methods are not mutually exclusive.

Reference Signs List

10...Outdoor Unit 11...Housing 13...Heat Exchanger 15...Blower 20...Indoor Unit 30...Electrical Component Unit 31... Electrical Component Box 31c...Fixation Wall 32...Electrical Components 33...Electrical Component Holding Member (member to be fixed) 33a...Main Body Wall 33b...Frame Wall 33p...Main Body 34...Heatsink 35... Cover Member 36... Through Hole 37...Fastening Member 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d...Engagement part 41...Base 42...Arm 42a...Arm Main Body 43...Claw 43c...Opposing Surface 45...Curve Portion 45a...First Curve Portion 45b... Second Curve Portion 100...Refrigeration Cycle Device D1...First Direction D2... Second Direction Y...Left-Right Direction (Third Direction) Z... Vertical Direction

Claims

An electrical component unit included in a refrigeration cycle device, the electrical component unit comprising:
a fixation wall that has a through hole formed so as to penetrate in a first direction; and

a member to be fixed that is fixed to the fixation wall;

wherein

the member to be fixed has
a main body, and

engagement parts that protrude in the first direction from the main body, and are inserted through the through hole,

each of the engagement parts has
a base that protrudes to the first direction from the main body,

an arm that extends in a second direction which intersects the first direction, and faces the main body in the first direction, and

a claw that protrudes in a third direction which intersects both the first direction and the second direction from a tip of the arm,

the claw has an opposing surface that faces a circumferential edge of the through hole in the fixation wall in the first direction,

the arm is elastically deformable in the third direction, with the base as a pivot point thereof, and

in each of the engagement parts, a curve portion is formed so as to continuously extend as a curve from an end on a side connected to the main body out of the base, to at least a portion of an edge of a side that faces the main body out of the arm, as seen from third direction.
The electrical component unit according to claim 1, wherein
out of the curve portion, a first curve portion that is formed on the base is a curve that concaves to a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the arm protrudes in with respect to the base, and is smoothly connected to the main body, as seen from the third direction.
The electrical component unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
out of the curve portion, a second curve portion that is formed on the arm is a curve that concaves in a direction that separates in the first direction from the main body, as seen from the third direction.
The electrical component unit according to claim 3, wherein
the arm has an arm main body that is located near to the base, more than the claw in the second direction,

at least a portion of the second curve portion is formed on the arm main body, and

a dimension in the second direction of the second curve portion is greater than or equal to half a dimension in the second direction of the arm main body.
The electrical component unit according to claim 4 wherein,
an entirety of the second curve portion is formed on the arm main body.
The electrical component unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising:
an electrical component box; and

electrical components that are housed on the inside of the electrical component box;

wherein

the electrical components are fixed to the member to be fixed.
The electrical component unit according to claim 6, further comprising:
a heatsink that is fixed to the member to be fixed, and is thermally connected to the electrical components; wherein

at least a portion of the heatsink is inserted through the through hole in the first direction from the inside of the electrical component box, and protrudes to an outside of the electrical component box.
The electrical component unit according to claim 7, wherein
the member to be fixed is a member that has insulative properties,

the main body has
a main body wall to which the heatsink is fixed to,

a frame wall that protrudes from the main body wall in the first direction, and surrounds the heatsink,

the frame wall is inserted through the through hole in the first direction, and protrudes to the outside of the electrical component box, and

the engagement parts protrude from the frame wall in the first direction.
The electrical component unit according to claim 8, wherein
the frame wall is a rectangular frame, and

each of the engagement parts is formed on each corner of four corners of the frame wall.
The electrical component unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising:
a cover member that covers at least a portion of the heatsink from the outside of the electrical component box; wherein

the cover member is fixed to the fixation wall along with the member to be fixed, using fastening members that are inserted through the fixation wall and are fastened to the main body wall.
An outdoor unit of the refrigeration cycle device, the outdoor unit comprising:
the electrical component unit according to claim 10;

a housing in which the electrical component unit is housed;

a heat exchanger that is housed on an inside of the housing; and

a blower that is housed on the inside of the housing;

wherein

the electrical component unit is located above the blower in a vertical direction, and

the fixation wall configures at least a portion of a wall on the bottom in the vertical direction, out of the electrical component box.
An outdoor unit of the refrigeration cycle device, the outdoor unit further comprising:
the electrical component unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and

a housing in which the electrical component unit is housed.
The refrigeration cycle device comprising:
the outdoor unit according to claim 11 or 12; and

an indoor unit.