JP2001225632A - Air-conditioning unit case - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air-conditioning unit case reusable even if a main fitting claw is broken. SOLUTION: A temporary fitting engagement claw 10, a main fitting movable claw 11 and a main fitting movable claw receiving part 17 for engaging the main fitting movable claw 11 are integrally molded in the vicinity of the connecting end surface 6 of a box 4. A substantially C-shaped clip to be installed to cover the main fitting claw 11 and a clip receiving part 12 engageable with one end part of the clip are integrally molded. A temporary fitting engagement claw receiving part 16 engageable with the temporary fitting engagement claw 10 and a chip receiving part 18 engageable with the other end of the clip are integrally molded in the vicinity of the connecting end surface 8 of a box 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air-conditioning unit case, and more particularly to an air-conditioning unit case for an automobile having two boxes connected to each other.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11A is a front view of a vehicle air conditioning unit using a conventional air conditioning unit case.
11B is a top view, FIG. 11C is a side view, and FIG.
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 1A, and FIG.
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state after the fitting.

The air-conditioning unit case includes a first box 40
4 and a second box 405 fitted to the first box 404.

[0004] On the coupling end surface 406 of the first box body 404,
The fitting projection 409 is formed integrally. A fitting groove 407 is formed in the coupling end face 408 of the second box 405.

In the conventional air conditioning unit case, an engaging claw (not shown) is integrally formed near the coupling end surface 406 in addition to the above-mentioned fitting protrusion 409 and fitting groove 407. A hook-shaped engaging claw receiving portion (not shown) that engages with the bracket is integrally formed in the vicinity of the coupling end face 408.

[0006] To assemble the air conditioning unit case, the fitting projection 409 of the first box 404 is connected to the second box 405.
Into the fitting groove 407. At this time, the tip of the engaging claw is pushed by the engaging claw receiving portion and bends. When the fitting protrusion 409 is further inserted, the entire fitting protrusion 409 is fitted into the fitting groove 407, and at the same time, the engaging claw is engaged with the engaging claw receiving portion.
In this manner, the first box 404 and the second box 405 are integrally connected.

[0007]

However, in the above-mentioned air-conditioning unit case, if the engaging claw is broken, the fitting state of the first box 404 and the second box 405 is surely maintained. There is a problem that the air conditioning unit case cannot be used.

Further, in the above-mentioned air-conditioning unit case, since a structure that can be temporarily fitted is not adopted, the first box 404 and the second box 405 are fitted immediately after resin molding, and heat shrinkage is performed. Deformation cannot be suppressed. Therefore, when assembling the automobile air conditioning unit, the first box 404
And the second box 405 cannot be integrally fitted.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an air-conditioning unit case which can be temporarily fitted and which can be reused even if a permanent fitting claw is broken. To provide.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning unit case, comprising: a first box having a first coupling end face; 1
A second box having a second coupling end surface corresponding to the coupling end surface of
A temporary fitting engagement claw integrally formed near one coupling end face of the second box, and a temporary fitting engagement claw integrally formed near the other coupling end face of the first and second boxes; A temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion engageable with a claw, and is formed near one of the coupling end surfaces of the first and second boxes to move the temporary fitting engagement claw in the disengagement direction. The main fitting movable claw that regulates and maintains the fitted state of the first box body and the second box body, and is integrally formed with the temporary fitting engagement claw, A substantially C-shaped, which is integrally molded with the movable engagement claw receiving portion capable of being engaged, and which is integrally formed near one of the coupling end surfaces of the first and second boxes, and is mounted so as to cover the movable engagement claw. A first clip receiving portion engageable with one end of the clip, and integrally formed near the other coupling end surface of the first and second boxes;
A second clip receiving portion engageable with the other end of the clip is provided.

A first clip receiving portion is integrally formed near one of the coupling end surfaces of the first and second boxes, and a second clip receiving portion is formed near the other coupling end surface of the first and second boxes. Are integrally formed, so that when the temporary engagement engagement claw or the permanent engagement movable claw is broken, the engagement state between the first box body and the second box body is determined using a C-shaped clip. Can be maintained.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning unit case according to the first aspect, the hinge portion of the main fitting movable claw extends along an opening edge of the first box. Features.

The first and second boxes can be completely fitted to each other by a simple operation of bending the movable fitting claw around the hinge portion along the opening edge of the first box as a center of rotation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the air conditioning unit case according to the first or second aspect, wherein a fitting groove formed on one of the connection end faces of the first and second boxes, And a fitting projection formed on the other coupling end face of the first and second boxes and fitted into the fitting groove.

Since the fitting protrusion is fitted into the fitting groove,
The first box and the second box are securely fitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning unit case according to the third aspect, the fitting groove includes a plurality of grooves, and the fitting protrusions correspond to the plurality of grooves. A high-pressure space is formed between a plurality of projections, and a plurality of walls formed when the fitting groove and the fitting projection are fitted to each other.

A high-pressure space is formed between the plurality of walls, and the high-pressure space is higher in pressure than the outside of the air conditioning unit case.
It is difficult for water to flow from the outside to the inside of the air conditioning unit case.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning unit case according to the first or second aspect, the first fitting groove formed in one of the connection end surfaces of the first and second boxes. A first fitting projection formed on one of the coupling end faces of the first and second boxes, and a first fitting formed on the other coupling end of the first and second boxes. A second fitting protrusion fitted into the mating groove; and a second fitting groove formed on the other coupling end face of the first and second box bodies and fitted with the first fitting protrusion. It is characterized by being.

The second fitting projection is fitted into the first fitting groove, and the first fitting projection is fitted into the second fitting groove.
The first box and the second box are securely fitted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioning unit case according to the fifth aspect, the first fitting groove and the second fitting projection are formed when fitted together. A high pressure space formed between a first wall, a second wall formed when the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting groove are fitted to each other, and the two walls; And a unit.

Since a high-pressure space is formed between the first wall and the second wall, and the high-pressure space has a higher pressure than the outside of the air conditioning unit case, it is difficult for water to flow from the outside of the air conditioning unit case to the inside.

An air conditioning unit case according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning unit case according to the fourth or sixth aspect, further comprising a discharge hole for discharging the liquid entering the high-pressure space to the outside. I do.

Even if a liquid such as water enters the high-pressure space, the liquid is discharged to the outside through the discharge hole, so that the liquid such as water hardly accumulates in the air conditioning unit case.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an automotive air conditioning unit using the air conditioning unit case according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the air conditioning unit case.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an assembling order of the air conditioning unit case, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exploded state of the air conditioning unit case before provisional fitting, and FIG. FIG. 3C shows a state before the temporary fitting is released, and FIG. 4D shows a state before the clip is attached after the movable fitting claw is engaged. FIG. 3E is a view showing a state after the clip is mounted, FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the air conditioning unit case at the time of temporary fitting, and FIG.
4B is a view taken in the direction of the arrow A, FIG. 4B is a view taken in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.

The air conditioning unit case includes a fan 1
And a motor 2 for driving the fan 1 and an evaporator 3 for cooling the air sent from the fan 1.

The air conditioning unit case includes a box (first box) 4 and a box (second box) 5 fitted to the box 4.
It is composed of The air conditioning unit case is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. A fitting groove 7 is formed over the entire circumference of the coupling end face (first coupling end face) 6 of the box body 4, and a coupling end face (second coupling end face) 8 of the box body 5 is formed.
Are formed with fitting projections 9 over the entire circumference.

In the vicinity of the coupling end face 6 of the box 4, a pair of temporary fitting engagement claws 10 for temporarily fitting the two boxes 4 and 5 (hereinafter referred to as “temporary fitting”) are provided. The main fitting movable claw 11 for more securely fitting the boxes 4 and 5 (hereinafter referred to as the full fitting), and the fitting of the two boxes 4 and 5 when the main fitting movable claw 11 is broken. A clip receiving portion (first clip receiving portion) 12 that engages with one end of a C-shaped clip 23 for maintaining the state is integrally formed.

The temporary fitting engagement claws 10 are parallel to each other,
The boxes 4 and 5 protrude in the direction in which they are fitted to each other. The temporary fitting engagement claw 10 is provided with a locking portion 15 for preventing the box body 4 from falling out of the box body 5 and a tip guide portion 14 for facilitating the temporary fitting, and when the main fitting is performed. Movable fitting claw 11
And a movable fitting claw receiving portion 17 for main fitting.
The temporary fitting engagement claw 10 is bendable. The movable claw receiving portion 17 for main fitting includes a movable claw holding portion 22 for preventing the movable claw 11 for main fitting from coming off, and a movable claw guide portion 21 for guiding the movable claw 11 for main fitting to the movable claw holding portion 22. It has.

The movable engagement claw 11 is temporarily engaged with the temporary engagement claw 10.
It is located between. This fitting movable claw 11 has an opening edge 4a.
The main hook 11 is held by a movable claw holder 22 of the main hook 17 in a bent state.

In the vicinity of the coupling end face 8 of the box 5, a pair of temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portions 16 which engage with the temporary fitting engagement claws 10 are provided.
And a clip receiving portion (second clip receiving portion) 18 which engages with the other end of the clip 23 are integrally formed.

The temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion 16 has a temporary fitting holding portion 20. The temporary fitting holding section 20 is engaged with the locking section 15.

Next, the order of assembling the air conditioning units will be described.

Prior to this assembly, as shown in FIG. 3A, the box 4 and the box 5 immediately after resin molding are temporarily fitted (temporary fitting step).

In the temporary fitting step, the fitting projection 9 of the box 5 is inserted into the fitting groove 7 of the first box 4. At this time, the distal end guide portion 14 of the temporary fitting engagement claw 10 is moved to the temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion 16.
, And both of the engagement claws 10 for temporary fitting bend in directions approaching each other. When the fitting projection 9 is further inserted, the locking portion 15 of the temporary fitting engagement claw 10 is moved to the temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion 16.
(See FIG. 3B). If the air-conditioning unit case immediately after resin molding is temporarily fitted, deformation due to heat shrinkage does not occur.
5 can be securely fitted.

In assembling the air conditioning unit case, first, the fan 1 and the motor 2 are mounted in the boxes 4 and 5 in the air conditioning unit case.
And the components such as the evaporator 3 are accommodated (accommodation step).

In the accommodating step, first, the temporary engaging claw 10
(See FIG. 3 (c)). As a result, the locking portion 15 of the temporary fitting movable claw 10 is moved to the temporary fitting holding portion 20 of the temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion 16.
Get off. Next, the box 4 is pulled away from the box 5 while the tip guide 14 is kept pressed. After that, parts such as the fan 1, the motor 2 and the evaporator 3 are assembled to the boxes 4 and 5.

Next, the temporary fitting is performed again, and the final fitting is performed (final fitting step).

In the present fitting step, first, the above-mentioned temporary fitting step is performed. Next, the movable fitting claw 11 is rotated toward the box 5 (see FIG. 4A). As a result, the movable fitting claw 1
After riding on the movable claw guide portion 21 of the full engagement movable claw receiving portion 17, it engages with the movable claw holding portion 22 of the full engagement movable claw receiving portion 17 (see FIG. 3D). At this time, the side end portion 11a of the movable fitting claw 11 and the engagement claw receiving portion 1
6 interposes the temporary fitting engagement claw 10 and regulates the movement of the temporary fitting engagement claw 10 in the disengagement direction (movement in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3C). The state of engagement between 10 and temporary fitting holding section 20 is maintained.

If the main fitting movable claw 11 is damaged during or after assembly, a C-shaped clip 23 is attached as shown in FIG. 3 (e). One end 26 of clip 23
Is engaged with the clip receiving portion 12, and the other end 27 of the clip 23 is engaged with the clip receiving portion 18. as a result,
The fitted state between the box 4 and the box 5 is maintained.

Further, the temporary fitting engagement claw 10, the full fitting movable claw 11, and the full fitting movable claw receiving portion 17 are formed integrally with the box 4, and the temporary fitting engaging claw receiving portion 16 is formed as a box. Since it is formed integrally with the body 4, it is not necessary to prepare connecting parts such as tapping screws and clips in addition to the boxes 4 and 5, as long as the movable fitting claw 11 is not damaged.

According to this embodiment, the movable fitting claw 1
When 1 is damaged, the fitting state between the box 4 and the box 5 can be maintained by using the C-shaped clip 23, so that the air conditioning unit case can be reused.

In addition to the engagement of the temporary engaging claw 10 and the temporary engaging engagement claw receiving portion 16, and the full engagement movable claw 11 and the full engagement movable claw receiving portion 17, the fitting is performed. Since the projection 9 is fitted into the fitting groove 7, the box 4 and the box 5 are securely fitted to each other, and a sealing property is obtained.

Further, since it is not necessary to prepare connecting parts such as tapping screws and clips in addition to the boxes 4 and 5, the manufacturing cost of the air conditioning unit case can be reduced.

Further, the box members 4 and 5 can be completely fitted to each other by a simple operation of bending the movable fitting claw 11 around the hinge portion 13 along the opening edge 4a of the box member 4. Automation of the main fitting process of the boxes 4 and 5 is easy.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an air conditioning unit using an air conditioning unit case according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state before fitting, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state after fitting, and FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged crushed sectional view of FIG. Parts common to the embodiment of FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the case where the fitting protrusion 9 is simply fitted into the fitting groove 7 has been described. In this embodiment, the outer wall 132 and the inner wall 133 of the air conditioning unit case are provided. A high-pressure space 125 was formed between them.

A fitting projection (projection) 126 and a fitting projection (projection) 127 are formed on the coupling end surface 106 of the box 104.

A fitting groove (groove) 130 and a fitting groove (groove) 131 are formed on the coupling end face 108 of the box 105.

The fitting protrusion 126 fits into the fitting groove 130 to form a wall 132, and the fitting protrusion 127 fits into the fitting groove 13.
1 to form walls 133, and these walls 133,
A high-pressure space 125 is formed between 132.

As shown in FIG. 8, notches 127a and 131a are formed in the fitting protrusion 127 and the fitting groove 131, respectively. When the fitting protrusion 127 and the fitting groove 131 are fitted, The notches 127a and 131a allow the air passage 2
Holes 136 and 137 are formed to pass through holes 5 and high-pressure space 125.

A part of the air sent from the fan 2 to the evaporator 3 passes through the holes 136 and 137,
Flow into 5. Since the pressure in the high-pressure space 125 is higher than the pressure outside the air conditioning unit case, it is difficult for water to flow into the air conditioning unit case from outside the air conditioning unit case. This prevents water from entering the air conditioning unit case.

According to this embodiment, the infiltration of water into the air conditioning unit case is more reliably suppressed, so that electric components such as the motor 2 housed in the air conditioning unit case are less likely to be flooded, and Malfunctions of parts and the like can be prevented.

In addition, since it is not necessary to apply a sealing material or attach a packing material to the walls 4 and 5 as a waterproof measure, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged sectional view of an air conditioning unit case according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a partial sectional view of the air conditioning unit case before fitting, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the air conditioning unit case after fitting. The configuration other than the air conditioning unit case is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

A first fitting projection 226 and a second fitting groove 231 are formed on the coupling end surface 206 of the box 204.

A second fitting protrusion 227 and a second fitting groove 230 are formed on the coupling end surface 208 of the box 205.

The first fitting protrusion 226 is formed in the second fitting groove 230
, A wall (second wall) 232 is formed, and the second fitting protrusion 227 is fitted in the first fitting groove 231 to form a wall (first wall) 233. 225 is formed between the walls 232 and 233 (see FIG. 9B).

According to this modification, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged sectional view of an air conditioning unit case according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10A is a partial sectional view of the air conditioning unit case before fitting, and FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the air-conditioning unit case after combination. The configuration other than the air conditioning unit case is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, a drain hole 337 for discharging a liquid such as water to the outside of the air conditioning unit case is formed in the joint end surface 306 of the box 304.

For example, even if the water enters the high-pressure space 325, the water is discharged to the outside of the air conditioning unit case through the discharge holes 337, so that the water hardly accumulates in the air conditioning unit case.

According to this embodiment, since liquid such as water hardly accumulates in the air conditioning unit case, the electric components such as the motor 2 housed in the air conditioning unit case do not flood, and the malfunction of the electric components can be reduced. It can be reliably prevented.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the air conditioning unit case of the air conditioning unit accommodating the fan 1, the motor 2 and the evaporator 3 has been described. The present invention can also be applied.

In the first embodiment, the fitting groove 7
Are formed on the coupling end face 6 and the fitting protrusions 9 are formed on the coupling end face 8, respectively.
May be formed on the coupling end face 8, and the fitting projection 9 may be formed on the coupling end face 6. This also applies to the other embodiments described above.

Further, the number of the engagement claws for temporary fitting and the movable claws for full fitting is not limited.

[0067]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the air-conditioning unit case can be reused even if the claw for the temporary fitting is broken.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, automation of the main fitting step is facilitated.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first box and the second box can be securely fitted.

According to the fourth or sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent water from entering the air conditioning unit case.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first box and the second box can be more securely fitted.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, accumulation of liquid such as water can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged perspective view of an air conditioning unit case.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle air conditioning unit using the air conditioning unit case according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an assembly order of the air conditioning unit case.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the air conditioning unit case at the time of temporary fitting.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4 (a).

FIG. 6 is a front view of an air conditioning unit using an air conditioning unit case according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged crushed sectional view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an air conditioning unit case according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged sectional view of an air conditioning unit case according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining an automotive air conditioning unit using a conventional air conditioning unit case.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11 (a).

[Explanation of symbols]

4, 104, 204, 304 box (first box) 5, 105, 205, 305 box (second box) 6, 106, 206, 306 coupling end face (first coupling end face) 7, 130, 131, 330, 331 Fitting groove 8, 108, 208, 308 Joining end face (second joining end face) 9, 126, 127, 326, 327 Fitting projection 10 Temporary fitting engaging claw 11 For fitting Movable claw 12 Clip receiving part (first clip receiving part) 16 Temporary fitting engaging claw receiving part 17 Full fitting movable claw receiving part 18 Clip receiving part (second clip receiving part) 23 Clip 125, 225, 325 High pressure space 132, 133, 332, 333 Wall 226 First fitting projection 227 Second fitting projection 231 First fitting groove 230 Second fitting groove 232 Wall (second wall) 233 Wall (first) Wall) 337 Outlet

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first box having a first connection end face, and a second box having a second connection end face corresponding to the first connection end face of the first box. In the air-conditioning unit case, a temporary fitting engagement claw integrally formed near one of the coupling end faces of the first and second boxes, and an integral claw near the other coupling end faces of the first and second boxes. A temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion capable of being engaged with the temporary fitting engagement claw; and a temporary fitting engagement claw receiving portion formed near one of the coupling end surfaces of the first and second boxes. A movable claw for full-fitting, which restricts the movement of the claw in the direction of disengagement to maintain a fitted state between the first box and the second box; And a main fitting movable claw receiving portion capable of engaging with the main fitting movable claw; and one of the first and second boxes is integrally formed near one coupling end face, and A first clip receiving portion engageable with one end of a substantially C-shaped clip mounted so as to cover the fitting movable claw; and a first clip receiving portion integrated with the other of the first and second boxes in the vicinity of the other coupling end surfaces. An air-conditioning unit case, comprising: a second clip receiving portion that is formed and is engageable with the other end of the clip. 2. The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion of the main fitting movable pawl extends along an opening edge of the first box body. 3. A fitting groove formed on one coupling end face of the first and second boxes, and the fitting groove formed on the other coupling end face of the first and second boxes. The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 1, further comprising: a fitting protrusion fitted into the air conditioner. 4. The fitting groove is configured by a plurality of grooves, the fitting protrusion is configured by a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the plurality of grooves, and the fitting groove and the fitting protrusion are The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 3, wherein a high-pressure space portion is formed between a plurality of walls formed when they are fitted to each other. 5. A first fitting groove formed on one coupling end face of the first and second boxes, and a first fitting groove formed on one coupling end face of the first and second boxes. A fitting protrusion; a second fitting protrusion formed on the other coupling end face of the first and second boxes and fitted into the first fitting groove; and the first and second boxes. The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second fitting groove formed on the other coupling end surface of the first fitting projection and into which the first fitting projection is fitted. 6. A first wall formed when the first fitting groove and the second fitting protrusion are fitted to each other, the first fitting protrusion and the second fitting groove. The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 5, further comprising: a second wall formed when the two are fitted to each other; and a high-pressure space formed between the two walls. 7. The air-conditioning unit case according to claim 4, further comprising a discharge hole for discharging the liquid that has entered the high-pressure space to the outside.