Panel assembly and outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a panel assembly and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and relates to the technical field of air conditioners. The panel assembly comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is provided with an assembly hole. The second panel comprises a panel body, an assembly part and a water guide part. The assembly part and the water guide part are arranged on the surface of the panel body facing the first panel. The assembly part and the water guide part are integrally formed. The assembly part is used for connecting and matching with the assembly hole. The water guide part comprises a connecting section and a water guide section. The connecting section is fixedly connected with the panel body. The water guide section is arranged above the assembly hole and is used for guiding water to the two side areas of the second panel relative to the assembly hole. The application can block the water flow process and prevent the water from flowing into the electric control box inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner from the side of the assembly hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and more specifically, to a panel assembly and an outdoor unit for an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners, as a household appliance, have long been a staple in homes. Typically, an air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit's casing includes a top cover and a front panel. Commonly, both the top cover and front panel of an outdoor unit are sheet metal parts. However, sheet metal parts present technical challenges in replacement. While plastic panels offer advantages such as quick assembly, aesthetic appeal, and ease of replacement, they are unsuitable for screws. Therefore, L-shaped clips are typically used for assembling plastic panels. This results in relatively large openings for the mounting holes, allowing rainwater to easily enter the electrical control box from the sides, potentially causing water ingress and malfunctions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a panel assembly to solve the technical problem that rainwater can easily enter the electrical control box from the side of the mounting hole.

[0004] The panel assembly provided by the present invention includes a first panel and a second panel.

[0005] The first panel has an assembly hole; the second panel includes a panel body, an assembly component, and a water guide component. The assembly component and the water guide component are both disposed on the surface of the panel body facing the first panel. The assembly component and the water guide component are integrally formed. The assembly component is used to connect and cooperate with the assembly hole. The water guide component includes a connecting section and a water guiding section. The connecting section is fixedly connected to the panel body, and the water guiding section is located above the assembly hole, used to guide water to the areas on both sides of the second panel at the assembly hole.

[0006] The following explanation uses a panel assembly in an air conditioner outdoor unit as an example. By setting up a panel assembly mainly composed of a first panel and a second panel, in the operational state, the first panel is fixedly connected to the top cover of the air conditioner outdoor unit; the second panel is connected to the first panel via mounting holes using fittings, achieving assembly connection with the first panel. In this state, the water-guiding section of the water-guiding component is located above the mounting holes. When water enters through the gap between the top cover and the second panel, it is blocked by the water-guiding section at its location, and the water is diverted to the areas on both sides of the mounting holes on the second panel, thus preventing water from flowing into the interior of the air conditioner outdoor unit through the mounting holes.

[0007] This panel assembly, by placing the fittings on the side of the second panel facing the first panel, ensures that no fittings are exposed after the second panel and the first panel are assembled and connected, thus maintaining the overall appearance of the outdoor unit and improving the user's visual experience. At the same time, by setting a water guide on the side of the second panel facing the first panel, and utilizing the water guide section located above the assembly hole, the water flow can be blocked, preventing water from flowing laterally into the electrical control box inside the outdoor unit, effectively solving the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] In addition, by making the fittings and water inlet components into a single molded structure, the mold processing is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0009] Furthermore, the free end of the water guide is bent towards the panel body to form the water guide section. The water guide contacts the first panel at the bent portion, and the dimension of the contact between the water guide and the first panel in the left-right direction is not less than the dimension of the mounting hole. This design, on the one hand, allows water flowing down the surface of the first panel to be blocked at the bent portion of the water guide, as well as water blocked by the water guide and flowing towards the bent portion, preventing water from entering the mounting hole along the surface of the first panel. On the other hand, the bent portion also provides support for the second panel, preventing abnormal noise caused by the impact between the second and first panels during the operation of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0010] Furthermore, the bend in the water-guiding component is inclined relative to the left-right direction. This design allows water to flow down the water-guiding section under its own weight, preventing it from accumulating and ensuring timely water intake, thus improving water intake efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, the bending angle of the water guide is α, where 10°≤α≤60°. This setting, on the one hand, avoids the situation where the angle between the water guide surface and the first panel is too small due to an excessively small bending angle, thus preventing the effective drainage of dripping water. On the other hand, it also avoids the situation where an excessively large bending angle of the water guide requires sufficient space between the first and second panels, thereby reducing the space requirements between the first and second panels.

[0012] Furthermore, the water guide component also includes a support section located between the connecting section and the water guide section, with the support section and the water guide section respectively positioned on opposite sides of the bend in the water guide component. The support section contacts the first panel. By utilizing the surface-to-surface contact between the support section and the first panel, the contact area between the water guide component and the first panel can be increased. On the one hand, this ensures the reliability of water flow obstruction, preventing water from entering the assembly hole from the bend due to poor local fit in the surface-to-surface contact. On the other hand, it also ensures the reliability of support for the panel body, thereby effectively preventing abnormal noise.

[0013] Furthermore, the support section is interference-fitted with the first panel. This arrangement can use the interference between the support section and the first panel to offset the deformation of the second panel body. On the one hand, it avoids the situation where the bent part caused by the deformation of the panel body cannot contact the surface of the first panel, thus preventing the water flow flowing down the surface of the first panel from being unable to be guided. On the other hand, it also avoids the water guide component failing to provide support to the panel body due to the deformation of the panel body.

[0014] Furthermore, the interference fit between the support section and the first panel is s, where 0.5mm ≤ s ≤ 5mm. This setting can, on the one hand, prevent the interference fit from being too small, which would not effectively offset the deformation of the panel body and thus fail to guarantee the water-blocking and support effects; on the other hand, it can also prevent the water-guiding component from being subjected to excessive stress due to the interference fit, which would cause it to break at the connection between the water-guiding component and the panel.

[0015] Furthermore, the edge of the mounting hole is provided with a flange, which is located on the side of the first panel facing the second panel. The flange is used to prevent water from the surface of the first panel from flowing into the mounting hole. This feature can block water flowing from the first panel to the mounting hole, thus forming a double waterproof protection at the location of the mounting hole in the panel assembly, preventing small amounts of water droplets from flowing along the surface of the first panel into the interior of the mounting hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the height of the flange is h, where h ≥ 3mm. This setting enhances the blocking effect against water droplets on the surface of the first panel.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting hole includes a snap-fit ​​hole, and the mounting accessory includes a snap-fit ​​fastener that engages with the snap-fit ​​hole. This configuration improves the efficiency of assembly and disassembly between the second panel and the first panel. And / or, the first panel is a sheet metal part, and the second panel is a plastic part. This configuration not only ensures the structural strength of the panel assembly but also reduces its weight. And / or, there are multiple mounting holes, which are distributed on the first panel. The number of mounting accessories is the same as the number of mounting holes, and the positions of the mounting accessories correspond to the positions of the mounting holes. Multiple mounting accessories are connected and engaged with multiple mounting holes, and the second panel has water-guiding components at at least some of the locations of the mounting accessories. This configuration, on the one hand, increases the number of connection points between the second panel and the first panel, preventing the second panel from detaching due to connection failure at a certain location. On the other hand, by setting water-guiding components at some easily water-enterable mounting hole locations, it achieves water blocking while also reducing costs.

[0018] The second objective of this invention is to provide an outdoor air conditioning unit that solves the technical problem that rainwater can easily enter the electrical control box from the side of the mounting hole.

[0019] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided by the present invention includes a housing, the housing including a top cover plate and the aforementioned panel assembly, the panel assembly being fixedly connected to the top cover plate via the first panel.

[0020] By installing the aforementioned panel assembly in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner accordingly possesses all the advantages of the aforementioned panel assembly, which will not be elaborated upon here. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an outdoor air conditioner unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of an outdoor air conditioner unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the second panel of the panel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A;

[0026] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an outdoor air conditioner unit from another perspective, provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the local structure at point B;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a bottom sectional view of a panel assembly at a mounting hole location provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of the local structure at point C;

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 5 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner from a specific perspective;

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of the local structure at point D.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100 - First panel; 200 - Second panel; 300 - Top cover; 400 - Gap; 500 - Electrical control components;

[0034] 110 - Assembly hole; 120 - Flanged edge;

[0035] 210 - Panel body; 211 - Panel area; 220 - Assembly parts; 230 - Water inlet components;

[0036] 231-Connecting section; 232-Water diversion section; 233-Bending section; 234-Supporting section. Detailed Implementation

[0037] One type of air conditioner outdoor unit, provided by related technologies, uses sheet metal parts and screws to fix the panel to ensure airtightness and prevent water ingress. This type of panel structure has a relatively simple appearance and exposed screws, resulting in a poor visual experience and failing to meet users' aesthetic requirements for air conditioner outdoor units. Another type of air conditioner outdoor unit provided by related technologies uses a plastic panel and clips for fixing. This type of panel structure has diverse appearances and does not have the problem of exposed screws, which can meet users' aesthetic requirements for air conditioner outdoor units. However, the plastic panel is prone to significant deformation, which cannot guarantee airtightness and makes the clip mating area susceptible to water ingress, which can easily damage internal electrical control components.

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner provided in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner provided in this embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, including a housing. Specifically, the housing includes a top cover plate 300 and a panel assembly, and the panel assembly is fixedly connected to the top cover plate 300 through a first panel 100.

[0040] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The panel assembly provided in this embodiment specifically includes a first panel 100 and a second panel 200, wherein the first panel 100 has an assembly hole 110.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second panel 200 of the panel assembly provided in this embodiment. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of the local structure at point A. (See image below.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second panel 200 includes a panel body 210, an accessory 220, and a water guide 230. Specifically, the accessory 220 and the water guide 230 are both disposed on the surface of the panel body 210 facing the first panel 100. The accessory 220 and the water guide 230 are integrally formed. The accessory 220 is used to connect and cooperate with the mounting hole 110. The water guide 230 includes a connecting section 231 and a water guide section 232. The connecting section 231 is fixedly connected to the panel body 210, and the water guide section 232 is located above the mounting hole 110 and is used to guide water to the areas on both sides of the second panel 200 at the mounting hole 110.

[0042] The following explanation uses a panel assembly in an air conditioner outdoor unit as an example. By setting up a panel assembly mainly composed of a first panel 100 and a second panel 200, in the operating state of the panel assembly, the first panel 100 is fixedly connected to the top cover 300 of the air conditioner outdoor unit; the second panel 200 is connected to the mounting hole 110 of the first panel 100 via a fitting 220, achieving an assembly connection with the first panel 100. In this state, the water-guiding section 232 of the water-guiding component 230 is located above the mounting hole 110. When water enters from the gap 400 between the top cover 300 and the second panel 200, it is blocked by the water-guiding section 232 when it reaches the position of the water-guiding section 232, and is guided by the water-guiding section 232 to the areas on both sides of the mounting hole 110 of the second panel 200, thus preventing water from flowing into the interior of the air conditioner outdoor unit from the mounting hole 110.

[0043] This panel assembly, by placing the fitting 220 on the side of the second panel 200 facing the first panel 100, ensures that the fitting 220 is not exposed after the second panel 200 and the first panel 100 are assembled and connected, thus maintaining the overall appearance of the outdoor unit and improving the user's visual experience. At the same time, by setting a water guide 230 on the side of the second panel 200 facing the first panel 100, and utilizing the water guide section 232 located above the mounting hole 110, the water flow can be blocked, preventing water from flowing laterally from the mounting hole 110 into the electrical control box inside the outdoor unit, effectively solving the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0044] In addition, by making the assembly 220 and the water inlet 230 into an integral molding structure, the mold processing is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second panel 200 is an injection-molded one-piece structure. This arrangement can reduce the number of parts constituting the second panel 200, simplify the assembly process, and improve production efficiency.

[0046] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the description of the orientation is based on the usage state of the panel assembly. The "usage state of the panel assembly" refers to the state when the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is used upright and the panel assembly is installed at the front opening of the outdoor unit. At this time, the first panel 100 is fixedly connected to the top cover plate 300, and the second panel 200 is connected to the mounting hole 110 of the first panel 100 through the mounting fitting 220.

[0047] It should also be noted that, generally speaking, the side of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner that faces the outdoor environment is the front side of the unit; while the side facing the wall is the back side. When a user stands in front of the outdoor unit and faces it, the user's left and right directions are the left and right directions of the outdoor unit, and the user's up and down directions are the up and down directions of the outdoor unit.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner provided in this embodiment from another perspective. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of the local structure at point B. Please continue referring to this. Figure 3 and Figure 4 and combined Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the free end of the water guide 230 is bent toward the panel body 210 to form a water guide section 232. The water guide 230 contacts the first panel 100 at the bent part 233, and the size of the water guide 230 in contact with the first panel 100 in the left-right direction is not less than the size of the mounting hole 110.

[0049] In this embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction indicated by the middle arrow ab is the left and right direction.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a bottom sectional view of the panel assembly provided in this embodiment at the location of a mounting hole 110. Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of the local structure at point C. (See image below.) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the dimensions of the water inlet 230 in contact with the first panel 100 in the left-right direction are determined by... Figure 8 L1 in the figure represents the width of the mounting hole 110, which is the dimension of the mounting hole 110 in the left-right direction. Figure 8 L2 in the diagram represents L2.

[0051] During use, when water flows down the panel assembly, the water guide section 232 blocks the water with its surface facing the first panel 100, allowing the water to flow laterally towards the mounting hole 110 and preventing it from directly flowing into the mounting hole 110. Specifically, by having the water guide 230 contact the first panel 100 at its bend 233, and ensuring that the contact dimension is not less than the width of the mounting hole 110, water flowing down the surface of the first panel 100 and reaching the bend 233, as well as water blocked by the water guide 230 and flowing towards the bend 233, are both blocked by the bend 233, preventing the water from entering the mounting hole 110 along the surface of the first panel 100. This ensures that the water flow is reliably guided to the side of the mounting hole 110.

[0052] In addition, by setting the water inlet 230 to contact the first panel 100 at the bend 233, the bend 233 can also support the second panel 200, preventing abnormal noises caused by the collision between the second panel 200 and the first panel 100 during the operation of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0053] Please continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the bend 233 of the water guide 230 is inclined relative to the left and right direction.

[0054] This design, which involves bending the free end of the water-guiding component 230 along an oblique line to form the water-guiding section 232, creates an inclined water-guiding surface in the water-guiding section 232 at the end of the water-guiding component 230. This arrangement allows water to flow down the water-guiding section 232 using its own gravity, preventing it from accumulating in the water-guiding section 232, thus ensuring timely water intake and improving water intake efficiency.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bending angle of the water guide 230 is α, where 10°≤α≤60°. That is, the angle between the water guide surface of the water guide 230 and the surface of the first panel 100 is between 10° and 60°.

[0056] By limiting the bending angle of the water guide 230 to the aforementioned range, on the one hand, it can avoid the water guide surface of the water guide 230 and the surface of the first panel 100 being too small due to the bending angle of the water guide 230 being too small, thus failing to effectively guide the dripping water. On the other hand, it can also avoid the need to reserve sufficient space between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200 due to the bending angle of the water guide 230 being too large, thereby reducing the space requirement between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200.

[0057] Please continue to refer to Figures 2 to 4In this embodiment, the panel body 210 has a panel area 211 opposite to the electronic control component 500 of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. In use, the fold line where the bending part 233 is located extends obliquely from top to bottom in a direction away from the panel area 211.

[0058] By setting the bend 233 of the water guide 230 in the above form, when water flows to the water guide section 232, the water flow can flow along the water guide section 232 towards the outer edge of the panel area 211, preventing the water flow from accumulating at the position of the panel area 211, thereby reducing the adverse effects on the electronic control component 500.

[0059] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the water guide 230 may also include a support section 234. Specifically, the support section 234 is located between the connecting section 231 and the water guide section 232, and the support section 234 and the water guide section 232 are respectively disposed on both sides of the bending portion 233 of the water guide 230. The support section 234 is in contact with the first panel 100.

[0060] By setting a support section 234 between the connecting section 231 and the water-guiding section 232, and using the support section 234 to form a surface-to-surface contact with the first panel 100, the contact area between the water-guiding component 230 and the first panel 100 can be increased. On the one hand, this can ensure the reliability of blocking the water flow and avoid the situation where water flows into the assembly hole 110 from the bend 233 due to poor local fit of the surface-to-surface contact. On the other hand, it can also ensure the reliability of supporting the panel body 210, thereby effectively preventing abnormal noise.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, the connecting section 231 is generally wavy. This shape of the connecting section 231 can reduce stress concentration in the connecting section 231, ensure the structural strength of the connecting section 231, and thus extend the service life of the water inlet 230.

[0062] Figure 9 for Figure 5 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner from a certain perspective. Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of the local structure at point D. (See image.) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the support segment 234 is interference-fitted with the first panel 100.

[0063] By setting the support section 234 to be in an interference fit with the first panel 100, the interference between the support section 234 and the first panel 100 can be used to offset the deformation of the panel body 210 of the second panel 200. On the one hand, this avoids the situation where the bent part 233 cannot contact the surface of the first panel 100 due to the deformation of the panel body 210, thus preventing the water flow that flows down the surface of the first panel 100 from being guided. On the other hand, it also avoids the situation where the water guide 230 cannot support the panel body 210 due to the deformation of the panel body 210.

[0064] In this embodiment, the interference fit between the support segment 234 and the first panel 100 is s, where 0.5mm≤s≤5mm.

[0065] By limiting the interference between the support section 234 and the first panel 100 within the aforementioned range, on the one hand, it can be avoided that the interference is too small, which would prevent the panel body 210 from being unable to effectively offset the deformation, thus failing to guarantee the water blocking and support effects. On the other hand, it can also be avoided that the water guide 230 is subjected to excessive force due to excessive interference, which would cause the water guide 230 to break at the connection between the water guide 230 and the panel.

[0066] It should be noted that "the interference fit between the support section 234 and the first panel 100" refers to the sum of the deformations of the support section 234 and the first panel 100 caused by the interference pressure when the support section 234 and the first panel 100 are in an interference fit.

[0067] Please continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, a flange 120 can also be provided at the edge of the mounting hole 110. Specifically, the flange 120 is provided on the side of the first panel 100 facing the second panel 200. The flange 120 is used to prevent water from the surface of the first panel 100 from flowing into the mounting hole 110.

[0068] The flange 120 serves two purposes: firstly, it blocks water flowing from the first panel 100 to the mounting hole 110, creating a double waterproof protection at the mounting hole 110 location to prevent small amounts of water droplets from flowing along the surface of the first panel 100 into the interior of the mounting hole 110; secondly, it strengthens the mounting hole 110 and suppresses deformation that may occur at the edge of the mounting hole 110.

[0069] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the flange 120 has a three-sided surrounding structure. Specifically, the flange 120 surrounds the left, upper and right sides of the mounting hole 110. This arrangement not only prevents water from flowing into the mounting hole 110 through the surface of the first panel 100, but also simplifies the structure of the flange 120 and reduces costs.

[0070] In other embodiments, the flange 120 can also be configured as a four-sided surrounding structure, that is, the flange 120 surrounds the left, upper, right and lower parts of the mounting hole 110, thereby achieving full circumferential enclosure of the mounting hole 110.

[0071] Please continue to refer to Figure 8 In this embodiment, the height of the flange 120 is h, where h ≥ 3 mm.

[0072] By setting the height of the flange 120 to no less than 3mm, the blocking effect on water droplets on the surface of the first panel 100 can be enhanced.

[0073] Please continue to refer to Figures 3 to 6 In this embodiment, the assembly hole 110 may include a snap hole, and the assembly part 220 includes a snap fastener that engages with the snap hole.

[0074] This method of using snap-fit ​​and snap-fit ​​to connect the second panel 200 and the first panel 100 not only improves the efficiency of assembly and disassembly between the second panel 200 and the first panel 100, but also has a simple structure.

[0075] In other embodiments, the mounting hole 110 can be configured as an insertion hole, and the mounting accessory 220 can be configured as a insertion post. This also allows for the assembly connection between the second panel 200 and the first panel 100 through the cooperation of the mounting accessory 220 and the mounting hole 110.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first panel 100 is a sheet metal part, and the second panel 200 is a plastic part. This arrangement not only ensures the structural strength of the panel assembly, but also reduces the weight of the panel assembly.

[0077] In other words, the water inlet 230 can utilize the elastic deformation of the plastic material itself to achieve contact with the surface of the first panel 100, and return to its unloaded state after the second panel 200 is removed from the first panel 100.

[0078] Please continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the number of mounting holes 110 can be multiple, and the multiple mounting holes 110 are distributed in a dispersed manner on the first panel 100. Please continue to refer to Figure 3 The number of fittings 220 is the same as the number of mounting holes 110, the position of fittings 220 corresponds to the number of mounting holes 110, multiple fittings 220 are connected and cooperated with multiple mounting holes 110 respectively, and the second panel 200 is provided with water guides 230 at least some of the positions of fittings 220.

[0079] With the above settings, on the one hand, the number of connection points between the second panel 200 and the first panel 100 can be increased, avoiding the second panel 200 from falling off due to connection failure at a certain location. On the other hand, by setting water guides 230 at some assembly holes 110 that are prone to water ingress, the purpose of blocking water can be achieved while also reducing costs.

[0080] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the use of the panel assembly in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is only used as an example. It is understood that the panel assembly can also be used in other electrical equipment that may be subject to water ingress.

[0081] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0083] In the above embodiments, descriptions of directions such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", and "side" are based on the accompanying drawings unless otherwise specified.

[0084] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A panel assembly, characterized in that, include: The first panel (100) has an assembly hole (110). as well as The second panel (200) includes a panel body (210), an assembly (220), and a water guide (230). The assembly (220) and the water guide (230) are both disposed on the surface of the panel body (210) facing the first panel (100). The assembly (220) and the water guide (230) are integrally formed. The assembly (220) is used to connect and cooperate with the mounting hole (110). The water guide (230) includes a connecting section (231) and a water guide section (232). The connecting section (231) is connected to the panel body (210). 0) Fixed connection, the water-guiding section (232) is located above the assembly hole (110) and is used to guide water to the second panel (200) in the areas on both sides of the assembly hole (110); the free end of the water-guiding component (230) is bent toward the panel body (210) to form the water-guiding section (232), wherein the water-guiding component (230) contacts the first panel (100) at the bent part (233) and along the left and right direction, the size of the water-guiding component (230) in contact with the first panel (100) is not less than the size of the assembly hole (110).

2. The panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bend (233) of the water guide (230) is inclined relative to the left and right directions.

3. The panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending angle of the water inlet (230) is α, where 10°≤α≤60°.

4. The panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-guiding component (230) further includes a support section (234), which is located between the connecting section (231) and the water-guiding section (232). The support section (234) and the water-guiding section (232) are respectively located on both sides of the bending portion (233) of the water-guiding component (230), and the support section (234) is in contact with the first panel (100).

5. The panel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support section (234) is interference-fitted with the first panel (100).

6. The panel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The interference fit between the support segment (234) and the first panel (100) is s, where 0.5mm≤s≤5mm.

7. The panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the mounting hole (110) is provided with a flange (120), which is provided on the side of the first panel (100) facing the second panel (200). The flange (120) is used to prevent water from the surface of the first panel (100) from flowing into the mounting hole (110).

8. The panel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height of the flange (120) is h, where h ≥ 3 mm.

9. The panel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting hole (110) includes a snap hole, and the mounting accessory (220) includes a snap fastener that engages with the snap hole; and / or, the first panel (100) is a sheet metal part, and the second panel (200) is a plastic part; and / or, the number of mounting holes (110) is multiple, the multiple mounting holes (110) are distributed on the first panel (100), the number of mounting accessories (220) is the same as the number of mounting holes (110), the position of the mounting accessories (220) corresponds to the position of the mounting holes (110), the multiple mounting accessories (220) are respectively connected and engaged with the multiple mounting holes (110), and the second panel (200) provides the water guide (230) at at least part of the positions of the mounting accessories (220).

10. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, which includes a top cover (300) and a panel assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, the panel assembly being fixedly connected to the top cover (300) via the first panel (100).

Images