Indoor unit for air conditioner

Abstract

This indoor unit for an air conditioner comprises: a cover member that can be moved between a cover position at which a portion of a wiring part is covered and an open position at which the wiring par

Description

Air conditioner indoor unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0002] The air conditioner indoor unit described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a lid that opens and closes a wiring section through which cables such as electric wires are passed. The lid has a notch and is fixed with a screw. To open or close the lid, the screw is loosened with a tool such as a screwdriver, and the lid is slid open.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-159525

[0004] In conventional air conditioner indoor units, opening and closing the lid required loosening and tightening screws using a tool such as a screwdriver, leaving room for improvement in terms of ease of use.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner that makes it easier to open and close the wiring section.

[0006] The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises a wire-passing section through which a cable is passed, a cover member movable between a cover position that covers at least a portion of the wire-passing section and an open position that leaves the wire-passing section open, a slide member movable in a sliding direction between a restricting position that restricts movement of the cover member and a release position that allows movement of the cover member, and a first support member having a head that supports the slide member in the restricting position from below and a shoulder portion having a diameter smaller than that of the head, wherein the cover member has a first locking portion having a first insertion hole formed therein through which the shoulder portion is inserted, and the first locking portion is located above the slide member, and wherein, in the vertical direction, when the dimension of the shoulder portion is La1, the thickness of the portion of the slide member supported by the head is Ta1, and the thickness of the first locking portion is Tb1, the relationship La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 is satisfied.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioner that can more easily open and close a wire-running section.

[0008] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an indoor unit according to an embodiment with a decorative panel attached. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the indoor unit of FIG. 2 with the decorative panel removed. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sliding member according to an embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 17 is a view of a sliding member according to an embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment when the cover member is in the covering position. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment when the sliding member is in the restricting position. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment when the slide member is in the releasing position. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the opening / closing mechanism according to an embodiment when the cover member is tilted downward. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the opening / closing mechanism when the cover member of FIG. 11 has been moved to the open position.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, to facilitate understanding, terms indicating directions (such as "up" and "down") will be used as appropriate. In the drawings, the up-down direction is represented by the Z axis. The +Z side is the upper side, and the -Z side is the lower side.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner A according to this embodiment. The air conditioner A comprises an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 200, a gas refrigerant piping 300, and a liquid refrigerant piping 400. The gas refrigerant piping 300 and the liquid refrigerant piping 400 respectively connect the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200. The outdoor unit 200 has a compressor 210, a four-way valve 220, an outdoor heat exchanger 230, and an expansion valve 240.

[0011] The compressor 210 compresses the drawn refrigerant and discharges it. The compressor 210 may be capable of varying its capacity (the amount of refrigerant discharged per unit time) by arbitrarily changing the operating frequency using, for example, an inverter circuit. The four-way valve 220 is a valve that switches the flow of refrigerant between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0012] The outdoor heat exchanger 230 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air (outdoor air). For example, during heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 230 functions as an evaporator to evaporate the liquid-phase refrigerant. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 230 functions as a condenser to condense the gas-phase refrigerant.

[0013] The expansion valve 240 is a flow control means capable of controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant. The expansion valve 240 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. For example, if the expansion valve 240 is electronic, the expansion valve 240 adjusts its opening based on instructions from a control device (not shown) or the like. The indoor heat exchanger 110 exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant. During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 110 functions as a condenser and condenses the refrigerant. During cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 110 functions as an evaporator and evaporates the refrigerant. By configuring the air conditioner A as described above and switching the flow of refrigerant using the four-way valve 220, heating operation and cooling operation can be achieved.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 100 according to the embodiment with a decorative panel 50 attached, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 100 with the decorative panel 50 removed. Here, as an example of the indoor unit 100, a four-way cassette type indoor unit that blows air into the room from each of four air outlets 52 is shown. However, the present disclosure can also be applied to indoor units 100 that are not four-way cassette types.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3 , the indoor unit 100 includes a housing 8 that opens downward. The housing 8 is formed, for example, from a heat insulating material. The decorative panel 50 is rectangular and covers the opening at the bottom of the housing 8. The indoor unit 100 is installed on the ceiling of a room, with most of the housing 8 and other components located behind the ceiling (above the ceiling surface) and the decorative panel 50 located in the indoor space. As shown in FIG. 2 , the decorative panel 50 has an air inlet 51 and four air outlets 52. The air inlet 51 is located in the center of the decorative panel 50 and is used to draw air into the indoor unit 100. The four air outlets 52 are located around the air inlet 51 and along each side (four sides) of the rectangular decorative panel 50. Each air outlet 52 is used to blow temperature-adjusted air into the room.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, when the decorative panel 50 is removed from the housing 8, the opening and closing mechanism 1 is exposed. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the opening and closing mechanism 1 as viewed from above. A wiring port 10 for inserting a cable C is provided directly below the pipe connection portion 9 of the gas refrigerant pipe 300 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 400. The opening and closing mechanism 1 is provided further below the wiring port 10. The cable C is, for example, a power line for supplying power to the indoor unit 100. The cable C may also be a communication line for communicating between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200. Although one cable C is shown in the figure, multiple cables C may be bundled together.

[0017] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the opening / closing mechanism 1 in this embodiment. The opening / closing mechanism 1 is configured to be able to open and close the wire-running section 5 of the indoor unit 100. The wire-running section 5 is provided to pass a cable C extending from the inside to the outside of the indoor unit 100. Although the wiring port 10 is not shown in Fig. 5, the cable C passes through the wire-running section 5 and the wiring port 10 and is pulled out from the inside to the outside of the indoor unit 100. The wire-running section 5 in this embodiment is a recessed portion recessed upward from the bottom surface of the housing 8. Note that the wire-running section 5 may be formed in a component of the indoor unit 100 other than the housing 8.

[0018] As shown in Figure 5, the opening / closing mechanism 1 includes a cover member 2, a fixed member 3, a sliding member 4, a first support member 6, and a second support member 7. The first support member 6 includes a head 6a, a shoulder portion 6b, and a threaded portion 6c. The second support member 7 includes a head 7a, a shoulder portion 7b, and a threaded portion 7c. In other words, the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 are so-called shoulder bolts. The first support member 6 and the second support member 7 may have the same shape, in which case the same components can be used.

[0019] The cover member 2 is positioned to cover the wire-running portion 5 from below. The cover member 2 has a cover main body 2a and two locking portions 2b. The cover main body 2a is plate-shaped and extends along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Two connection portions 2g are formed at the end of the cover main body 2a, protruding upward (toward the +Z direction). From the upper end of each connection portion 2g, each locking portion 2b extends away from the cover main body 2a. In other words, each connection portion 2g connects each locking portion 2b to the cover main body 2a. The two locking portions 2b are located above the slide member 4. When the slide member 4 is supported from below by the first support member 6 and the second support member 7, the two locking portions 2b are supported from below by the slide member 4. In other words, the two locking portions 2b are indirectly supported by the first support member 6 and the second support member 7.

[0020] The two locking portions 2b are located above the cover body 2a. A guide wall 2e is formed on each locking portion 2b. Each guide wall 2e protrudes downward from the end of each locking portion 2b opposite the connecting portion 2g. Each guide wall 2e faces the connecting portion 2g. One of the two locking portions 2b has a first insertion hole 2c, and the other has a second insertion hole 2d. In the following description, the locking portion 2b with the first insertion hole 2c may be referred to as the "first locking portion 2b1," and the locking portion 2b with the second insertion hole 2d may be referred to as the "second locking portion 2b2." A guide groove 2f is formed in the guide wall 2e of the first locking portion 2b1. The guide groove 2f penetrates the guide wall 2e and has an elongated shape extending in the direction in which the two locking portions 2b are arranged. The longitudinal direction of the guide groove 2f coincides with the sliding direction of the slide member 4. In this specification, the inner diameter of the first insertion hole 2c is referred to as "inner diameter Db1," and the inner diameter of the second insertion hole 2d is referred to as "inner diameter Db2." The inner diameter Db1 is larger than the inner diameter Db2.

[0021] The fixing member 3 is fixed to the housing 8. In this embodiment, the fixing member 3 is formed by processing sheet metal and is insert-molded into the housing 8. However, the fixing member 3 may be fixed to the housing 8 by a method other than insert molding (for example, screw fixing or adhesive fixing). A first screw hole 3a and a second screw hole 3b are formed in the fixing member 3. The first screw hole 3a is positioned so as to overlap with the first insertion hole 2c, and the second screw hole 3b is positioned so as to overlap with the second insertion hole 2d. The first support member 6 is fastened to the first screw hole 3a through the first insertion hole 2c, and the second support member 7 is fastened to the second screw hole 3b through the second insertion hole 2d.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the slide member 4 as viewed from below, and Fig. 7 is a view of the slide member 4 as viewed from above. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the slide member 4 has a notch 4a through which the shoulder portion 6b of the first support member 6 passes, and an elongated hole 4b through which the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 passes. The slide member 4 is slidable along the slide direction shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 6 and other drawings, the slide direction is represented by the Y-axis. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction (Z-axis) and the slide direction (Y-axis) is referred to as the "orthogonal direction," and is represented by the X-axis in Fig. 6 and other drawings.

[0023] The sliding direction is also the direction in which the notches 4a and the elongated holes 4b are aligned. The direction from the elongated holes 4b toward the notches 4a is referred to as the locking direction, and the direction from the notches 4a toward the elongated holes 4b is referred to as the opening direction. In Figure 6 and other figures, the opening direction is designated the +Y direction, and the locking direction is designated the -Y direction. A display unit indicating the locking and opening directions is provided on the underside of the sliding member 4. More specifically, the display unit displays the words "OPEN" and "LOCK" along with arrows indicating the respective directions. By sliding relative to the fixing member 3, the sliding member 4 can be switched between a state in which the movement of the cover member 2 is restricted and a state in which the movement of the cover member 2 is permitted. The position of the sliding member 4 in the state in which the movement of the cover member 2 is restricted is referred to as the "restricting position." The position of the sliding member 4 in the state in which the movement of the cover member 2 is permitted is referred to as the "releasing position."

[0024] The slide member 4 has a first area 4c with a notch 4a, a second area 4d with a slot 4b, and a bridge portion 4e connecting the first area 4c and the second area 4d. The second area 4d has a first restriction surface 4d1 and a second restriction surface 4d2 facing downward. The second restriction surface 4d2 is located below the first restriction surface 4d1. The second restriction surface 4d2 is located further in the open direction (+Y side) than the first restriction surface 4d1. The slot 4b is formed across the first restriction surface 4d1 and the second restriction surface 4d2. In other words, the slot 4b is formed so as to span a vertical step in the second area 4d.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7 , the notch 4a opens toward the −Y side (locking direction). A pair of side surfaces of the elongated hole 4b are each formed with a protrusion 4f. The “side surfaces of the elongated hole 4b” refer to surfaces extending along the sliding direction inside the elongated hole 4b. The pair of protrusions 4f are positioned facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction. In this specification, the width of the notch 4a in the orthogonal direction (X axis) is referred to as “width W1.” The distance between the side surfaces of the elongated hole 4b in the orthogonal direction is referred to as “width W2.” The distance between the pair of protrusions 4f in the orthogonal direction is referred to as “width Wt2.” The outer diameter of the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 is referred to as “outer diameter Dc2” (see FIG. 9 ). In this embodiment, Wt2<Dc2<W2.

[0026] When the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 is inserted into the elongated hole 4b, the pair of protrusions 4f function to restrict the slide member 4 from moving in the sliding direction relative to the second support member 7 unexpectedly (e.g., due to vibration, etc.). When an operator moves the slide member 4 between the restricted position and the released position, the protrusion 4f moves over the second support member 7 in the sliding direction. At this time, the protrusion 4f and the surrounding area elastically deform so as to widen the width W1 of the elongated hole 4b. By providing two protrusions 4f facing each other, the amount of this elastic deformation can be reduced. However, even if there is only one protrusion 4f, it is possible to perform the function of restricting the slide member 4 from moving unexpectedly.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 6 , an operating portion 4g is provided on each end of the slide member 4 in the sliding direction. The operating portion 4g is used by an operator when moving the slide member 4 in the sliding direction. For example, when moving the slide member 4 in the open direction, the operator presses the operating portion 4g located at the end in the locking direction (-Y side). Conversely, when moving the slide member 4 in the locking direction, the operator presses the operating portion 4g located at the end in the open direction (+Y side). In this embodiment, the operating portion 4g is located on both end surfaces of the slide member 4 in the sliding direction. However, the shape of the operating portion 4g can be changed as appropriate, and may be, for example, protrusion-shaped or ring-shaped. If an operating portion 4g is provided with a shape (e.g., protrusion-shaped or ring-shaped) that is easy for an operator to push or pull, the number of operating portions 4g provided on the slide member 4 can be reduced to one.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 6, a guide claw 4h is formed on the slide member 4. When viewed from the sliding direction, the guide claw 4h is L-shaped. As shown in Fig. 8, the guide claw 4h is inserted into the guide groove 2f of the cover member 2. The downwardly protruding portion of the guide claw 4h is engaged with the guide wall 2e from the -X side. The guide claw 4h and the guide groove 2f enable the slide member 4 to move in the sliding direction relative to the cover member 2, and also enable the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 to rotate together.

[0029] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism 1 when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position. The shoulder portion 6b of the first support member 6 passes through the notch 4a (see FIG. 7) of the slide member 4 and the first insertion hole 2c of the cover member 2. In this state, the threaded portion 6c of the first support member 6 is fastened to the first screw hole 3a. The shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 passes through the elongated hole 4b of the slide member 4 and the second insertion hole 2d of the cover member 2. In this state, the threaded portion 7c of the second support member 7 is fastened to the second screw hole 3b.

[0030] The first locking portion 2b1 of the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 are sandwiched between the head 6a of the first support member 6 and the fixed member 3. The second locking portion 2b2 of the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 are sandwiched between the head 7a of the second support member 7 and the fixed member 3. The head 7a of the second support member 7 overlaps with the second restriction surface 4d2 in the up-down direction when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position ( FIG. 9 ).

[0031] The outer diameter Da1 of the head 6a of the first support member 6 is larger than the width W1 of the notch 4a of the slide member 4 but smaller than the inner diameter Db1 of the first insertion hole. In other words, Db1 > Da1 > W1 is satisfied. The outer diameter Da2 of the head 7a of the second support member 7 is larger than the width W2 of the elongated hole 4b of the slide member 4 and larger than the inner diameter Db2 of the second insertion hole 2d of the cover member 2. In other words, Da2 > W2 and Da2 > Db2 are satisfied.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 9 , the vertical length of the shoulder portion 6b of the first support member 6 is represented by "dimension La1." The vertical thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 sandwiched between the head 6a of the first support member 6 and the first locking portion 2b1 is represented by "thickness Ta1." That is, thickness Ta1 is the vertical thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 in the restricted position that is supported from below by the head 6a. The vertical thickness (plate thickness) of the first locking portion 2b1 is represented by "thickness Tb1." The dimension La1 is greater than the sum of thickness Ta1 and thickness Tb1. In other words, La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 is satisfied. Therefore, even when the first support member 6 is fastened to the first screw hole 3a and the shoulder portion 6b is in contact with the fixing member 3, the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 are not compressed between the head 6a and the fixing member 3.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 9 , the vertical length of the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 is referred to as "dimension La2." Furthermore, when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position, the vertical thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 sandwiched between the head 7a of the second support member 7 and the second locking portion 2b2 is referred to as "thickness Ta2." That is, thickness Ta2 is the vertical thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 in the restricted position that is supported from below by the head 7a. The vertical thickness (plate thickness) of the second locking portion 2b2 is referred to as "thickness Tb2." The dimension La2 is greater than the sum of thickness Ta2 and thickness Tb2. In other words, La2 > Ta2 + Tb2 is satisfied. Therefore, even when the second support member 7 is fastened to the second screw hole 3b and the shoulder portion 7b is in contact with the fixed member 3, the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 are not compressed between the head 7a and the fixed member 3.

[0034] Satisfying La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 means that there is play (backlash) in the vertical direction between the head 6a of the first support member 6, the slide member 4, the first locking portion 2b1, and the fixed member 3. Similarly, satisfying La2 > Ta2 + Tb2 means that there is play between the head 7a of the second support member 7, the slide member 4, the second locking portion 2b2, and the fixed member 3. With this configuration, the slide member 4 is not completely fixed even when it is in the restricted position. Therefore, it is possible to move the slide member 4 in the sliding direction when it is in the restricted position. To reduce backlash of the opening / closing mechanism 1 when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position, it is desirable that the values ​​of La2 - (Ta2 + Tb2) and La1 - (Ta1 + Tb1)) be 1 mm or less.

[0035] When the slide member 4 is in the restricted position, the protrusion 4f (see FIG. 7) is located further in the locking direction (-Y side) than the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7. As described above, in this embodiment, Wt2 < Dc2 < W2 is satisfied. When a force in the opening direction is applied to the slide member 4 so as to move the slide member 4 to the released position, the protrusion 4f moves over the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 in the opening direction (+Y side). This causes the slide member 4 to move to the released position. In the released position, the protrusion 4f is located further in the opening direction than the center of the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7. At this time, in the first area 4c, the opening of the notch 4a passes over the shoulder portion 6b of the first support member 6 in the opening direction. This causes the notch 4a to move away from the first support member 6.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the slide member 4 after it has been moved to the release position in the sliding direction and then further shifted downward. When the slide member 4 is in the release position, the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 moves away from the second restriction surface 4d2 in the locking direction (-Y side). When the slide member 4 is in the release position, the vertical thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 sandwiched between the head 7a of the second support member 7 and the second locking portion 2b2 is referred to as "thickness Tc2." In this embodiment, thickness Tc2 is the plate thickness of the slide member 4 at the portion where the first restriction surface 4d1 is provided. Thickness Tc2 is smaller than the aforementioned thickness Ta2. Therefore, the vertical movement of the slide member 4 and the second locking portion 2b2 increases by the difference between thickness Ta2 and thickness Tc2. This allows the slide member 4 and the second locking portion 2b2 to be tilted significantly between the head 7a of the second support member 7 and the fixed member 3.

[0037] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the slide member 4 is tilted downward around a point near the second support member 7. Because the guide claws 4h are engaged with the guide grooves 2f, when the slide member 4 is tilted downward, the cover member 2 also tilts downward together with the slide member 4. When the cover member 2 is tilted as shown in FIG. 11, the first insertion hole 2c passes downward over the head 6a of the first support member 6, and the first locking portion 2b1 moves downward away from the first support member 6. This allows the cover member 2 to rotate in the vertical direction (Z-axis) around the second insertion hole 2d (second support member 7).

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the cover member 2 is rotated vertically around the second insertion hole 2d and the second support member 7 to separate the cover body 2a from the wire-running portion 5. As shown in FIG. 12 , the position of the cover member 2 when the wire-running portion 5 is open is referred to as the "open position." In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8 , the position of the cover member 2 when the cover member 2 covers at least a portion of the wire-running portion 5 is referred to as the "cover position." The cover member 2 is rotatable around the second insertion hole 2d and the second support member 7 between the cover position and the open position. Note that the guide claws 4h are engaged with the guide grooves 2f, allowing the slide member 4 to rotate integrally with the cover member 2. By separating the cover body 2a from the wire-running portion 5 and opening the wire-running portion 5, the cable C is exposed. This allows maintenance work on the cable C to be performed. At this time, the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 remain fixed to the fixing member 3. That is, the wire-passing portion 5 can be opened without operating the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 with tools or the like. Furthermore, the slide member 4 and the cover member 2 are supported by the head 7a of the fixed second support member 7 and will not come off the second support member 7. Therefore, there is no need to remove the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 and store them temporarily during maintenance work.

[0039] To return the opening / closing mechanism 1 to its original position after maintenance, rotate the cover member 2 around the second support member 7 until the cover body 2a overlaps the wire-running portion 5. Next, push up the first locking portion 2b1 to allow the head 6a of the first support member 6 to pass through the first insertion hole 2c. In this state, slide member 4 is slid in the locking direction from the release position to the restricted position. As a result, in the first area 4c, the shoulder portion 6b of the first support member 6 fits into the notch 4a, and the head 6a of the first support member 6 locks the slide member 4 and the first locking portion 2b1. At the same time, in the second area 4d, the protrusion 4f moves over the shoulder portion 7b of the second support member 7 in the locking direction (-Y side). Then, the second restricting surface 4d2 and the second locking portion 2b2 are locked by the head 7a of the second support member 7. This allows the cover member 2 to return to a state in which it covers the wire-running portion 5.

[0040] 9, when the slide member 4 returns to the restricted position, the play between the head 7a of the second support member 7 and the fixed member 3 becomes smaller. This prevents the cover member 2 and slide member 4 from tilting significantly between the head 7a and the fixed member 3. In this way, by returning the slide member 4 to the restricted position, the movement of the cover member 2 is restricted.

[0041] As described above, the opening / closing mechanism 1 is configured to allow the wire-passing portion 5 to be opened without loosening the first support member 6 and the second support member 7. In other words, no tools (such as a screwdriver) are required to loosen the first support member 6 and the second support member 7. However, it is possible that an operator may accidentally loosen the first support member 6 and the second support member 7. To prevent such an erroneous operation, the sliding member 4 in this embodiment is formed with a first blind 4i and a second blind 4j (see FIG. 6 , etc.).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the sliding member 4 is in the restricted position, the first blind 4i covers at least a portion of the first support member 6 from below. Similarly, when the sliding member 4 is in the restricted position, the second blind 4j covers at least a portion of the second support member 7 from below. This configuration makes it difficult for workers to see the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 and to loosen the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 using tools, etc. This reduces the risk of erroneous operations. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the sliding member 4 is moved to the released position, the first blind 4i and the second blind 4j separate from the first support member 6 and the second support member 7. This allows the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 to be easily fastened to the fixing member 3 when installing the indoor unit 100.

[0043] As described above, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner A according to this embodiment includes a wire-running section 5 through which a cable C is passed, a cover member 2 movable between a covered position that covers at least a portion of the wire-running section 5 and an open position that opens the wire-running section 5, a slide member 4 movable in a sliding direction between a restricted position that restricts movement of the cover member 2 and a released position that allows movement of the cover member 2, and a first support member 6 having a head 6a and a shoulder portion 6b with a diameter smaller than that of the head 6a that supports the slide member 4 from below when it is in the restricted position. The cover member 2 has a first locking portion 2b1 formed with a first insertion hole 2c through which the shoulder portion 6b is inserted. The first locking portion 2b1 is located above the slide member 4. In the vertical direction, when the dimension of the shoulder portion 6b is La1, the thickness of the portion of the slide member 4 supported by the head 6a is Ta1, and the thickness of the first locking portion 2b1 is Tb1, the relationship La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 is satisfied.

[0044] According to this configuration, when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position, the head 6a of the first support member 6 supports the slide member 4 from below. At the same time, the first locking portion 2b1, which is located above the slide member 4, is also supported. Therefore, the slide member 4 and the cover member 2 are prevented from sagging due to their own weight. Moving the slide member 4 to the released position allows the cover member 2 to move, allowing the cover member 2 to move from the covered position to the open position. This allows the cable routing portion 5 to be opened, exposing the cable C. Furthermore, since La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 is satisfied, even when the first support member 6 is fastened, the head 6a does not apply a force that compresses the slide member 4 and the first locking portion 2b1 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the slide member 4 can be easily moved from the restricted position to the released position. Furthermore, since a tool such as a screwdriver is not required to move the slide member 4, workability is improved compared to conventional methods.

[0045] Furthermore, the inner diameter Db1 of the first insertion hole 2c is larger than the outer diameter Da1 of the head 6a. With this configuration, when the slide member 4 is positioned at the release position, the cover member 2 can be moved so that the first insertion hole 2c passes downward through the head 6a. This releases the state in which the first locking portion 2b1 is supported by the head 6a, and the cover member 2 can be easily moved to the open position.

[0046] The slide member 4 is also formed with a notch 4a through which the shoulder portion 6b passes, and the notch 4a is open toward one side in the sliding direction (the -Y side). With this configuration, when the slide member 4 is slid to the release position, the shoulder portion 6b can be released from the notch 4a. Therefore, support of the slide member 4 by the head 6a can be easily released.

[0047] The indoor unit 100 also includes a second support member 7 that supports the slide member 4 from below when it is in the restricted position and the released position, and the cover member 2 has a second locking portion 2b2 formed with a second insertion hole 2d through which the second support member 7 is inserted, and the second locking portion 2b2 is located above the slide member 4. With this configuration, the slide member 4 and the cover member 2 are supported from below at two locations, the first support member 6 and the second support member 7. Therefore, the slide member 4 and the cover member 2 can be more effectively prevented from sagging under their own weight.

[0048] Further, the slide member 4 has an elongated hole 4b extending along the sliding direction, and the second support member 7 is inserted into the elongated hole 4b. With this configuration, the slide member 4 can be slid by sliding between the elongated hole 4b and the second support member 7.

[0049] Furthermore, the elongated hole 4b has a pair of side surfaces extending in the sliding direction, and a protrusion 4f is formed on at least one of the pair of side surfaces, protruding in an orthogonal direction (X-axis) perpendicular to both the sliding direction (Y-axis) and the up-down direction (Z-axis), so that when the sliding member 4 slides between the restricted position and the released position, the protrusion 4f climbs over the second support member 7 in the sliding direction. With this configuration, the protrusion 4f can prevent the sliding member 4 from unexpectedly moving between the restricted position and the released position.

[0050] Furthermore, when the distance between the pair of side surfaces in the orthogonal direction is W2, the width of the elongated hole 4b at the portion where the protrusion 4f is formed is Wt2, and the outer diameter of the portion of the second support member 7 inserted into the elongated hole 4b (shoulder portion 7b) is Dc2, the relationship Wt2 < Dc2 < W2 is satisfied. With this configuration, since Dc2 < W2, the second support member 7 can easily slide relative to the elongated hole 4b in areas other than the portion where the protrusion 4f is formed. Furthermore, since Wt2 < Dc2, the protrusion 4f can effectively prevent the slide member 4 from moving unexpectedly relative to the second support member 7.

[0051] Furthermore, the cover member 2 has a guide groove 2f extending along the sliding direction, and the slide member 4 has a guide claw 4h that engages with the guide groove 2f. With this configuration, when the cover member 2 is moved between the cover position and the open position, the slide member 4 also moves integrally with the cover member 2. In this way, by configuring the cover member 2 and the slide member 4 so that they do not separate, operability is improved. Furthermore, the slide member 4 can be slid by sliding the guide claw 4h along the guide groove 2f.

[0052] Furthermore, the slide member 4 is formed with a first blind 4i that covers at least a portion of the first support member 6 from below when the slide member 4 is in the restricted position. This configuration can prevent an operator from accidentally operating the first support member 6 with a tool.

[0053] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0054] For example, the fixing member 3 may be omitted, and the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 may be directly fixed to the housing 8. More specifically, the threaded portions 6c, 7c of the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 may be directly screwed to the housing 8. Furthermore, the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 do not have to be shoulder bolts. For example, the first support member 6 and the second support member 7 may be insert-molded into the housing 8.

[0055] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

[0056] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2...Cover member 2b...Latching portion 2b1...First locking portion 2b2...Second locking portion 2c...First insertion hole 2d...Second insertion hole 2f...Guide groove 4...Slide member 4a...Notch portion 4b...Elongated hole 4f...Protrusion 4h...Guide claw 4i...First blind 5...Wire-passing portion 6...First support member 6a...Head 6b...Shoulder portion 7...Second support member 100...Indoor unit A...Air conditioner C...Cable

Claims

1. An indoor unit for an air conditioner comprising: a wire-passing section through which a cable is passed; a cover member movable between a covered position that covers at least a portion of the wire-passing section and an open position that leaves the wire-passing section open; a slide member movable in a sliding direction between a restricting position that restricts movement of the cover member and a released position that allows movement of the cover member; and a first support member having a head that supports from below the slide member in the restricting position and a shoulder section having a diameter smaller than that of the head, wherein the cover member has a first locking section having a first insertion hole formed therein through which the shoulder section is inserted, and the first locking section is located above the slide member, wherein, in the vertical direction, when the dimension of the shoulder section is La1, the thickness of the portion of the slide member supported by the head is Ta1, and the thickness of the first locking section is Tb1, the relationship La1 > Ta1 + Tb1 is satisfied.

2. The indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the first insertion hole is larger than the outer diameter of the head.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the sliding member has a notch formed therein through which the shoulder portion is inserted, and the notch is open toward one side in the sliding direction.

4. An indoor unit of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second support member that supports from below the slide member when in the restricting position and the release position, the cover member having a second locking portion with a second insertion hole formed therein through which the second support member is inserted, and the second locking portion being positioned above the slide member.

5. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the sliding member has an elongated hole extending along the sliding direction, and the second support member is inserted into the elongated hole.

6. An indoor unit for an air conditioner as described in claim 5, wherein the long hole has a pair of side surfaces extending in the sliding direction, and at least one of the pair of side surfaces is formed with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to both the sliding direction and the up-down direction, and when the sliding member slides between the restricting position and the release position, the protrusion overcomes the second support member in the sliding direction.

7. An indoor unit for an air conditioner as described in claim 6, wherein, in the orthogonal direction, when the distance between the pair of side surfaces is W2, the width of the elongated hole at the portion where the protrusion is formed is Wt2, and the outer diameter of the portion of the second support member inserted into the elongated hole is Dc2, the relationship Wt2 < Dc2 < W2 is satisfied.

8. An indoor unit for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover member has a guide groove extending along the sliding direction, and the sliding member has a guide claw that engages with the guide groove.

9. An indoor unit of an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sliding member is formed with a first blind that covers at least a portion of the first support member from below when the sliding member is in the restricted position.

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