Air conditioner external unit without bolts on appearance
By concealing the connecting bolts, the problems of corrosion and aesthetics caused by exposed bolts are solved, thus improving the appearance of the air conditioner outdoor unit.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING TICA AIR CONDITIONING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
When the support columns of the outdoor unit of a commercial central air conditioning system are connected to the inner frame, the bolts are exposed on the outer surface of the unit, which is prone to rust and affects the appearance.
The design incorporates components such as corner columns, chassis, frame structure, intermediate columns, box panels, and cover plates. The connecting bolts are concealed inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner through folded and bent structures, and the corner columns and intermediate columns are connected to the frame structure using folded and connecting edges.
This reduces bolt corrosion and improves the aesthetic appearance of the air conditioner outdoor unit.
Smart Images

Figure CN224175271U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the field of air conditioner technology, and more specifically to an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless exterior. Background Technology
[0002] Due to their large size, commercial central air conditioning outdoor units typically use bolts to secure the support columns to the inner frame to ensure structural strength. Currently, the outer surface of the support column is directly attached to the inner frame, and bolts pass through openings in the column and are tightened to nuts attached to the sheet metal of the inner frame.
[0003] However, when connecting the supporting columns and the inner frame using the above method, the following technical problems often arise:
[0004] Bolts exposed on the outer surface of the unit are prone to rust and will also affect the aesthetics of the overall appearance.
[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0006] The summary portion of this disclosure is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description portion. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.
[0007] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose boltless outdoor air conditioning units to address one or more of the technical problems mentioned in the background section above.
[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an external air conditioner unit without bolts. The external air conditioner unit includes corner columns, a chassis, a frame structure, a middle column, a box panel, a cover plate, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The corner columns have a first folded edge on their sides and a second folded edge at a predetermined position on the first folded edge. A fixed column is provided on the chassis, and the corner columns are fixed to the fixed column via the first folded edge. The corner columns are fixed to the frame structure via the second folded edge. The middle column has a snap-fit edge and a connecting edge, with the snap-fit edge located at the top of the middle column and the connecting edges located on both sides of the middle column. Both the box panel and the cover plate have bending structures, and the cover plate also has an opening at its bottom. The snap-fit edge snaps into the opening. Both the box panel and the cover plate are connected to the frame structure via the bending structures.
[0009] Optionally, both the first folded edge and the second folded edge are provided with screw holes; the first folded edge and the fixed column are fixed by bolts; the second folded edge is fixed to the frame structure by bolts.
[0010] Optionally, the chassis has a square structure; the fixed columns are located in the corner areas of the chassis.
[0011] Optionally, the above-mentioned frame structure includes a middle frame and a top frame.
[0012] Optionally, the connecting edge includes a middle connecting edge and a bottom connecting edge; both the middle connecting edge and the bottom connecting edge are provided with screw holes; the middle connecting edge is connected to the middle frame by bolts; and the bottom connecting edge is connected to the chassis by bolts.
[0013] Optionally, the bending structure on the cover plate includes an upper bend and a lower bend; both the upper bend and the lower bend are provided with screw holes; the cover plate is installed on the top frame by screws.
[0014] Optionally, the opening is located at the lower bend.
[0015] Optionally, the bending structure of the aforementioned box panel is disposed at the bottom of the aforementioned box panel; the aforementioned chassis is provided with mounting holes; the bending structure disposed on the aforementioned box panel engages with the aforementioned mounting holes.
[0016] Optionally, the orientation of the screw holes on the middle connecting edge is different from the orientation of the screw holes on the bottom connecting edge.
[0017] Optionally, the aforementioned boltless outdoor air conditioning unit also includes a water tray; the water tray is installed on the aforementioned central frame, and the edge of the water tray is provided with a bending piece; the bending piece is folded outward, and the bending piece is provided with a screw hole; the bottom surface of the water tray and the aforementioned central frame are both provided with screw holes; the water tray is installed on the aforementioned central frame through the screw hole on the bottom surface; the aforementioned panel is connected to the aforementioned bending piece through the aforementioned bending structure.
[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a boltless outdoor air conditioner unit, which can reduce bolt corrosion problems and improve the aesthetics of the outdoor unit. Specifically, the reason why the fixing bolts of most outdoor air conditioners are prone to corrosion is that the fixing bolts protrude from the surface of the outdoor unit and are easily damaged or peeled off due to impacts. Based on this, some embodiments of this disclosure provide an externally boltless air conditioner outdoor unit. The externally boltless air conditioner outdoor unit includes corner columns, a chassis, a frame structure, a middle column, a box panel, a cover plate, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The corner columns have a first folded edge on their sides and a second folded edge at a predetermined position on the first folded edge. A fixed column is provided on the chassis, and the corner columns are fixed to the fixed column via the first folded edge. The corner columns are fixed to the frame structure via the second folded edge. The middle column has a snap-fit edge and a connecting edge, with the snap-fit edge located at the top of the middle column and the connecting edges located on both sides of the middle column. Both the box panel and the cover plate have bending structures, and the cover plate also has an opening at its bottom. The snap-fit edge snaps into the opening. Both the box panel and the cover plate are connected to the frame structure via the bending structures. Because of the design of the second folded edge and the connecting edge, the connecting bolts between the corner columns and the middle column and the frame structure are hidden inside the air conditioner outdoor unit. This can reduce bolt corrosion to some extent and improve the aesthetics of the air conditioner outdoor unit. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner outdoor unit with no bolts in appearance, in a partially assembled state, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the middle column and cover plate snap-fit part of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance according to some embodiments of this disclosure;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, from another perspective.
[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, from another perspective. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.
[0027] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.
[0028] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.
[0029] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".
[0030] The names of messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of such messages or information.
[0031] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1 This includes a top frame 1, a cover plate 2, corner posts 3, a box panel 4, a chassis 5, and intermediate posts 6. It should be noted that, when assembled, the top frame 1 and cover plate 2 can be approximated as the cover plate 2 covering the outer perimeter of the top frame 1. Therefore, in... Figure 1 In the middle, the outer side of the air conditioning unit is the cover plate 2, and the inner side is the top frame 1.
[0033] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with no bolts in some embodiments of this disclosure, in an incompletely assembled state. Figure 2It includes corner posts 3, base 5, second folded edge 7, central frame 8, fixed posts 9, and first folded edge 10.
[0034] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the middle column and cover plate snap-fit part of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 Includes cover plate 2 and central column 6.
[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 4 Includes cover plate 2 and corner posts 3.
[0036] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, from another perspective. Figure 5 It includes corner posts 3, box panels 4, chassis 5, and intermediate posts 6.
[0037] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless appearance, representing some embodiments of this disclosure, from another perspective. Figure 6 Includes corner posts 3, box panels 4, and chassis 5.
[0038] In some embodiments, the aforementioned boltless outdoor air conditioning unit may include corner columns 3, a chassis 5, a frame structure, a central column 6, a box panel 4, a cover plate 2, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The corner columns 3 serve as the main support components at the four corners of the outdoor unit, bearing the weight of the entire unit and external loads (such as wind pressure and vibration), ensuring the stability of the outdoor unit frame to a certain extent. The corner columns 3 may be elongated structures with an arc-shaped cross-section. The chassis 5 provides bottom support for the outdoor unit, supporting heavy components such as the compressor and heat exchanger, and is connected to the corner columns 3 via fixed columns 9 to form a bottom support point. The chassis 5 may be a square sheet metal structure, and its side length can be designed according to the dimensions of the outdoor unit. The frame structure may be the internal support skeleton of the outdoor unit. The frame structure may be a square frame welded from horizontal and vertical sheet metal parts, with triangular reinforcing ribs in the middle to improve vibration resistance. The edges of the frame structure may have screw holes for connecting other components, and nuts may be pre-embedded below the screw holes. The aforementioned intermediate column 6 can be a long strip structure with a U-shaped cross-section. Its main function is to strengthen the support of the middle part of the outdoor unit and reduce the deformation of the box panel 4 and cover plate 2. The U-shaped structure can improve the longitudinal support of the intermediate column 6. The aforementioned box panel 4 and cover plate 2 can be square sheet metal parts of different sizes. They are named box panel 4 and cover plate 2 respectively because the two components are installed in different positions and have different functions. The aforementioned box panel 4 has a larger area and is mainly installed in the middle of the surface of the outdoor unit to cover the side of the outdoor unit and protect the internal components. The aforementioned box panel 4 can also hide the connecting bolts of the aforementioned corner column 3 and the aforementioned intermediate column 6 (the principle of hiding them will be explained when discussing the specific structure). The aforementioned cover plate 2 has a smaller area and is installed on the upper part of the side of the outdoor unit. Its main function is to cover the connecting bolts of the aforementioned corner column 3 and the aforementioned frame structure, and it can also assist in the installation of the aforementioned intermediate column 6 (the principle of which will be explained when discussing the specific structure). The compressor and heat exchanger mentioned above are both core functional components of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. They respectively compress the refrigerant, realize the air conditioning cooling cycle, and exchange heat with the outside air, releasing or absorbing heat. Different models of both the compressor and heat exchanger can be selected according to the operating environment of the air conditioner; no specific limitations are made here.
[0039] In some embodiments, the corner post 3 may have a first folded edge 10 on its side, and a second folded edge 7 may be provided at a predetermined position of the first folded edge 10. The first folded edge 10 may be a bent portion disposed on both sides of the corner post 3. If the corner post 3 mentioned above can be a long strip structure with an arc-shaped cross-section, then the first folded edge 10 may be an extension structure extending inward from the two ends of the arc, and the second folded edge 7 can be considered as an extension structure from the first folded edge 10 along a bending direction perpendicular to the first folded edge 10. See here for reference. Figure 2The aforementioned preset position can be the location where the corner column 3 contacts the frame structure. A fixed column 9 can be provided on the chassis 5, and the corner column 3 can be fixed to the fixed column 9 via the first flange 10. The fixed column 9 can be a cylindrical structure with screw holes. The fixed column 9 can be fixedly connected to the chassis 5, or it can be an integral structure with the chassis 5; no specific limitation is made here. The fixed column 9 is mainly used to connect the corner column 3 and the chassis 5. The fixed column 9 can be located in the corner area of the chassis 5 so that the corner column 3 can contact the fixed column 9. The first flange 10 can be pre-set to fit against the fixed column 9. The first flange 10 can also have screw holes. The first flange 10 and the fixed column 9 can be connected using bolts. It should be noted that since the aforementioned fixed column 9 is located in the corner area of the aforementioned chassis 5, and in the vertical direction, the aforementioned fixed column 9 is located inside the aforementioned chassis 5, the bolts connecting the aforementioned corner column 3 and the aforementioned fixed column 9 are located inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and there is no need to set up a special structure to hide the bolts.
[0040] In some embodiments, the corner post 3 can be fixed to the frame structure via the second folded edge 7. As mentioned above, the second folded edge 7 can be considered as an extension of the first folded edge 10 along a bending direction perpendicular to the first folded edge 10. That is, the second folded edge 7 can be considered as formed by a second outward bend of the first folded edge 10. See here for reference. Figure 2 The second folded edge 7 mentioned above is mainly used to connect the corner column 3 to the frame structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Specifically, it can be connected with screws or bolts, which is not specifically limited here.
[0041] In some embodiments, the intermediate column 6 may have a snap-fit edge and a connecting edge, with the snap-fit edge located at the top of the intermediate column 6 and the connecting edges located on both sides of the intermediate column 6. The snap-fit edge may be a sheet-like structure extending upwards from the top surface of the intermediate column 6. The snap-fit edge is primarily used to snap into the cover plate 2 to fix the top of the intermediate column 6 (as mentioned above, the cover plate 2 is installed on the upper part of the side of the air conditioner outdoor unit). Correspondingly, the cover plate 2 may have an opening. This opening needs to match the snap-fit edge. The connecting edge may be a sheet-like structure with screw holes, and the connecting edge may be an integral structure with the intermediate column 6 to ensure the connection strength between the connecting edge and the intermediate column 6. The connecting edge can be used to connect the intermediate column 6 to the frame structure and the chassis 5 respectively. Since the top of the intermediate column 6 is fixed by the cover plate 2, the middle and lower parts of the intermediate column 6 can be connected to the frame structure and the chassis 5, respectively. Specifically, the connecting edge (with an inward-facing screw hole) located in the middle of the intermediate column 6 and the connecting edge (with a downward-facing screw hole) located at the bottom of the intermediate column 6 can be connected to the frame structure and the chassis 5, respectively.
[0042] In some embodiments, both the box panel 4 and the cover plate 2 may have bending structures. Both the box panel 4 and the cover plate 2 may be square sheet metal parts. The bending structures on the box panel 4 and the cover plate 2 refer to bending or extending some corners of the sheet metal parts. The main function of the bending structures is to connect the box panel 4 to the chassis 5 and the frame structure. Different bending can be performed depending on the connection location, which will be explained when discussing the specific connection locations.
[0043] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, both the first folded edge 10 and the second folded edge 7 can be provided with screw holes. The first folded edge 10 and the fixed column 9 can be fixed with bolts to connect the corner column 3 and the chassis 5. The second folded edge 7 can be fixed to the frame structure with bolts through the screw holes to connect the corner column 3 and the frame structure.
[0044] Optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the chassis 5 can be a square structure. The fixing column 9 can be set in the corner area of the chassis 5. Because the corner column 3 needs to be installed at the corner of the chassis 5, this arrangement is to ensure that the corner column 3 can contact the fixing column 9.
[0045] Optionally, the aforementioned frame structure may include a middle frame 8 and a top frame 1. The middle frame 8 may be formed by cross-welding horizontal and vertical aluminum alloy profiles to create a grid-like support structure. The top frame 1 may be a ring-shaped frame used to support components (such as fans) installed on top of the air conditioner outdoor unit. Both the middle frame 8 and the top frame 1 may have pre-drilled screw holes for connecting the corner posts 3 and the cover plate 2.
[0046] Optionally, the aforementioned connecting edges may include a middle connecting edge and a bottom connecting edge. It should be noted that these connecting edges are not shown in the accompanying drawings. Both the middle connecting edge and the bottom connecting edge may have screw holes. Both the middle connecting edge and the bottom connecting edge may be sheet-like structures with screw holes, and both may be integrally formed with the intermediate column 6. The middle connecting edge is located in the middle of the intermediate column 6, and the screw hole thereon may face inwards towards the air conditioner outdoor unit. The bottom connecting edge may be located at the bottom of the intermediate column 6, and the screw hole thereon may face downwards. The middle connecting edge may be bolted to the intermediate frame 8. The bottom connecting edge may be bolted to the chassis 5.
[0047] Optionally, the bending structure on the cover plate 2 may include an upper bend and a lower bend. Both the upper and lower bends can be integral with the cover plate 2. The upper and lower bends can be considered as being obtained by folding the two long sides of a rectangular plate 90° in the same direction. Both the upper and lower bends may have screw holes. The cover plate 2 can be installed on the top frame 1 using screws. It should be noted that the cross-section of the cover plate 2 can also be roughly considered a U-shaped structure, with its opening horizontally engaging with the top frame 1, and the screws used for fixing can be installed from both the top and bottom directions. See here for reference. Figure 4 This design ensures that the screws do not protrude from the vertical surface of the air conditioner's outdoor unit, reducing the probability of them being bumped or knocked. Furthermore, since the corner post 3 is connected to the frame structure via the second fold 7 using bolts (nuts can be pre-embedded in the bolt holes on the frame structure), and the cover plate 2 can be a U-shaped plate structure, the bolts connecting the corner post 3 and the top frame 1 can be concealed within the space of the cover plate 2. (See reference here.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 .
[0048] Optionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the opening can be located at the lower bend. This is to allow the snap-fit edge of the intermediate post 6 to contact the opening, thus facilitating the installation of the top of the intermediate post 6.
[0049] Optionally, the bending structure of the aforementioned panel 4 can be provided at the bottom of the panel 4. The bending structure may include one folded edge each on the top, bottom, left, and right sides. These folded edges are similar to the structure obtained by bending the four sides of a square sheet of material in the same direction, and their function is to strengthen the edge area of the panel 4. In addition to the aforementioned folded edges, the bottom of the panel 4 also has a downward folded edge that is further bent downwards based on the aforementioned folded edges. The bending structure may also include the aforementioned downward folded edge. The aforementioned chassis 5 may be provided with mounting holes. These mounting holes may be holes formed on the chassis 5 that match the aforementioned downward folded edge. The aforementioned downward folded edge can engage with the aforementioned mounting holes to connect the lower part of the panel 4 to the chassis 5. (See reference here.) Figure 6 , Figure 6 The diagram shows the state when the aforementioned panel 4 is not connected to the aforementioned chassis 5. The upper folded edge of the aforementioned panel 4 may have screw holes. The upper part of the aforementioned panel 4 can be connected to the aforementioned middle frame 8 via screws. It should be noted that the connection of the aforementioned panel 4 to the aforementioned middle frame 8 via screws can be either a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., if other components are fixed to the middle frame, the panel is directly connected to those components via screws). No specific limitation is made here, and the design can be selected according to the model of the air conditioner outdoor unit. Furthermore, since the screw holes on the upper folded edge of the aforementioned panel 4 can face downwards, the connecting screws between the aforementioned panel 4 and the aforementioned middle frame 8 can be installed facing downwards (see reference). Figure 5 To avoid protruding from the vertical surface of the outdoor unit, the top of the aforementioned panel 4 can be higher than the aforementioned middle frame 8. Furthermore, since the top of the aforementioned panel 4 needs to be higher than the aforementioned middle frame 8, the installation of the aforementioned panel 4 will also cover the connecting bolts between the aforementioned corner posts 3 and the aforementioned middle posts 6 and the aforementioned middle frame 8 (see reference). Figure 5 It needs to be explained that... Figure 5 The middle frame is now covered by the box panels, so Figure 5 (The middle frame is marked).
[0050] Optionally, the orientation of the screw holes on the middle connecting edge can differ from that on the bottom connecting edge. The screw holes on the middle connecting edge can face inwards towards the air conditioner's outdoor unit, allowing the connecting bolts to be inserted horizontally into the screw holes, ensuring the bolts do not extend beyond the vertical surface of the outdoor unit in the horizontal direction, thus facilitating the later covering with the enclosure panel 4. The screw holes on the bottom connecting edge can face downwards, allowing the connecting bolts to pass vertically and connect to the chassis 5. This ensures the connecting bolts are completely within the vertical range of the chassis 5, making it easier for the enclosure panel 4 to cover them.
[0051] Optionally, the aforementioned boltless outdoor air conditioning unit may also include a water tray. It should be noted that the water tray is not shown in the accompanying drawings. The water tray collects condensate from the heat exchanger surface and drains it through a drain pipe, preventing water droplets from corroding the chassis 5. The water tray may be square or disc-shaped. The water tray may be made of stainless steel. The water tray may be installed on the central frame 8, and its edges may have bent tabs. The bent tabs may be sheet-like structures with the edges of the water tray folded outwards, and may have screw holes. Screw holes may be provided on the bottom surface of the water tray and on the central frame. The water tray can be installed on the central frame through the screw holes on the bottom surface. The housing panel can be connected to the bent tabs via the bent structure. Because the bent tabs are sheet-like structures folded outwards, the bent structure can overlap with the bent tabs by bending inwards towards the outdoor air conditioning unit for fixing with screws. Furthermore, the screw can be inserted into the screw hole from above to prevent the screw head from protruding from the vertical surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit.
[0052] The above-described optional embodiments, as an inventive point of this disclosure, solve the technical problem of "connecting screws on the panel protruding from the vertical surface of the air conditioning unit." The specific factors causing the connecting screws on the panel to protrude from the vertical surface of the air conditioning unit are as follows: Currently, most air conditioning units have their panels directly connected to the frame structure of the air conditioning unit using screws, which often results in the screw mounting holes facing horizontally. This causes the screws to protrude from the vertical surface of the air conditioning unit, making them susceptible to damage or detachment from the anti-rust layer due to impacts. Furthermore, since the panel material is generally thin, countersunk holes cannot be made in the panel, so using countersunk screws is not feasible. Solving these factors will prevent the connecting screws on the panel from protruding from the vertical surface of the air conditioning unit. To achieve this effect, this disclosure also provides a water tray with a bent plate. On one hand, the water tray is installed in the middle frame and has a bent plate with outward bending and screw holes at its edge. On the other hand, the panel also has a bent structure that changes the screw holes to a vertical orientation. This allows the panel to be fixed to the air conditioning unit with screws in the vertical direction. Furthermore, using screws with a diameter no greater than the width of the bent plate and the bent structure of the enclosure will yield better results. This ensures that the connecting screws on the enclosure do not protrude from the vertical surface of the air conditioning unit.
[0053] Optionally, a self-locking latch assembly may be provided on the inner side of the aforementioned panel 4. This self-locking latch assembly simplifies the installation of the panel 4, further reducing the use of bolts. The self-locking latch assembly may include an elastic latch and a matching slot. The elastic latch may be a bent sheet-like structure made of elastic material, and may be integrally formed into the bent structure of the panel 4. The matching slot may be an opening that matches the elastic latch, and may be formed within the frame structure. When the panel 4 is connected to the frame structure via the bent structure, the elastic latch contacts and deforms under pressure with the matching slot until it is fully embedded in the matching slot, forming a self-lock. The latching direction of the self-locking latch assembly may be perpendicular to the installation direction of the panel 4 to facilitate the loading and unloading of the panel 4.
[0054] The above-mentioned optional embodiments, as an inventive point of this disclosure, solve the technical problem of "difficult disassembly of the box panel". The specific factors leading to the difficulty in disassembling the box panel are as follows: the connection between the box panel and the frame structure relies excessively on bolts. The box panel needs to be fixed to the frame with multiple bolts, and disassembly requires the use of tools to unscrew them one by one, making the operation cumbersome. Especially when the bolts are exposed to the outdoor environment for a long time and become corroded, the threads strip, or deformed due to external forces, disassembly jamming or even bolt breakage is very likely, seriously affecting maintenance efficiency. If the above factors are solved, the box panel can be easily disassembled. To achieve this effect, this disclosure also provides a box panel with a self-locking buckle assembly. On the one hand, the snapping direction of the elastic latch is perpendicular to the installation direction of the box panel, so that during installation, the box panel only needs to be aligned with the frame structure and pushed. The latch is compressed and deformed, sliding into the slot, and automatically locking after elastic reset, without the need for tools. On the other hand, the buckle assembly is hidden inside the box panel, fully compatible with the boltless design, maintaining the simplicity of the overall appearance. Thus, the box panel is made easy to load and unload.
[0055] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a boltless outdoor air conditioner unit, which can reduce bolt corrosion problems and improve the aesthetics of the outdoor unit. Specifically, the reason why the fixing bolts of most outdoor air conditioners are prone to corrosion is that the fixing bolts protrude from the surface of the outdoor unit and are easily damaged or peeled off due to impacts. Based on this, some embodiments of this disclosure provide an externally boltless air conditioner outdoor unit. The externally boltless air conditioner outdoor unit includes corner columns, a chassis, a frame structure, a middle column, a box panel, a cover plate, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The corner columns have a first folded edge on their sides and a second folded edge at a predetermined position on the first folded edge. A fixed column is provided on the chassis, and the corner columns are fixed to the fixed column via the first folded edge. The corner columns are fixed to the frame structure via the second folded edge. The middle column has a snap-fit edge and a connecting edge, with the snap-fit edge located at the top of the middle column and the connecting edges located on both sides of the middle column. Both the box panel and the cover plate have bending structures, and the cover plate also has an opening at its bottom. The snap-fit edge snaps into the opening. Both the box panel and the cover plate are connected to the frame structure via the bending structures. Because of the design of the second folded edge and the connecting edge, the connecting bolts between the corner columns and the middle column and the frame structure are hidden inside the air conditioner outdoor unit. This can reduce bolt corrosion to some extent and improve the aesthetics of the air conditioner outdoor unit.
[0056] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.
Claims
1. An air conditioner outdoor unit with a boltless exterior, characterized in that, The boltless outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes corner columns, a chassis, a frame structure, intermediate columns, a casing, a cover plate, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The corner post has a first folded edge on its side, and a second folded edge is provided at a preset position of the first folded edge; The chassis is provided with a fixed column, and the corner column is fixed to the fixed column by the first folded edge; The corner column is fixed to the frame structure by the second folded edge; The intermediate column is provided with a snap-fit edge and a connecting edge, with the snap-fit edge located at the top of the intermediate column and the connecting edges located on both sides of the intermediate column. Both the box panel and the cover plate are provided with a bending structure, and the cover plate is also provided with an opening at the bottom; The snap-fit edge snaps into the opening; Both the box panel and the cover plate are connected to the frame structure via the bending structure.
2. The boltless outdoor unit for air conditioning as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first folded edge and the second folded edge are provided with screw holes; The first folded edge and the fixed column are fixed together by bolts; The second folded edge is fixed to the frame structure by bolts.
3. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chassis has a square structure; The fixed column is located in the corner area of the chassis.
4. The boltless outdoor unit for air conditioning as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame structure includes a middle frame and a top frame.
5. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting edge includes a middle connecting edge and a bottom connecting edge; Both the middle connecting edge and the bottom connecting edge are provided with screw holes; The central connecting edge is connected to the central frame by bolts; The bottom connecting edge is connected to the chassis by bolts.
6. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bending structure on the cover plate includes an upper bending and a lower bending; Both the upper and lower bends are provided with screw holes; The cover plate is mounted on the top frame with screws.
7. The boltless outdoor unit for air conditioning as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The opening is located at the lower bend.
8. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending structure of the box panel is located at the bottom of the box panel; The chassis is provided with mounting holes; The bending structure on the box plate engages with the mounting hole.
9. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The screw holes on the middle connecting edge face different from those on the bottom connecting edge face.
10. The boltless outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The boltless outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a water tray; The water tray is installed on the central frame, and the edge of the water tray is provided with bent pieces; The bent piece is folded outwards, and the bent piece is provided with a screw hole; Screw holes are provided on the bottom surface of the water tray and the middle frame; The water tray is mounted on the central frame through screw holes on the bottom surface; The box panel is connected to the bent piece via the bending structure.