Outdoor machine of air conditioner and assembly method for outdoor machine of air conditioner

Abstract

To facilitate work for attaching a panel to a base part.SOLUTION: An outdoor machine comprises: a main body part 20 comprising a case 21 forming an outer shell, and a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the case 21; and an air blowing part provided above the main body part 20, and for making air passed through the heat exchanger, flow upward. The case 21 comprises: a base part 22; and a lower panel 30 defining a portion of a lateral part of the internal space, and detachably attached to the base part 22 from a predetermined direction. In the base part 22, a first slit 24 and a second slit 25 are formed. The lower panel 30 comprises: a first engagement claw 31 protruding in the predetermined direction, and engaged with the first slit 24; and a second engagement claw 32 provided below the first engagement claw 31, protruding in the predetermined direction, and engaged with the second slit 25. The second engagement claw 32 can be inserted into the second slit 25 when the first engagement claw 31 is engaged with the first slit 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and a method of assembling an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] As an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, an outdoor unit is known that has a fan provided at the top and a heat exchanger provided at the bottom, and blows out air upward after heat exchange in the heat exchanger (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes an outdoor unit of an upward-blowing air conditioner in which a blower chamber is located at the top of a rectangular parallelepiped housing and a mechanical chamber is located below it. This outdoor unit has four service panels on the front of the mechanical chamber that can be removed for maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-41571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such panels (service panels) attached to outdoor units are frequently attached and detached when installing or maintaining the outdoor unit. However, such outdoor unit panels are relatively large and heavy, making them difficult to handle and potentially making panel installation work complicated. In light of these issues, there is a demand for outdoor units equipped with panels that can be easily installed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an outdoor unit for an air conditioner and an assembly method for an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that can simplify the work of attaching a panel to a base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the outdoor unit of an air conditioner and the method of assembling the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure employ the following measures. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a housing forming an outer shell and a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing, and a blower section provided above the main body and circulating air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward, the housing having a base and a panel that defines a portion of the side of the internal space and is removably attached to the base from a predetermined direction, the base having a first engagement hole and a second engagement hole formed therein, the panel having a first engagement claw that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole, the second engagement claw being insertable into the second engagement hole with the first engagement claw engaged in the first engagement hole.

[0007] A method for assembling an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the outdoor unit comprising: a housing forming an outer shell; a main body having a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing; and a blower section provided above the main body and circulating air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward; the housing having a base and a panel that defines a portion of a side of the internal space and is removably attached to the base from a predetermined direction; the base having a first engagement hole and a second engagement hole formed therein; and the panel having a first engagement claw that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole; the method includes a first engagement step of engaging the first engagement claw with the first engagement hole; and a second engagement step of, after the first engagement step, inserting the second engagement claw into the second engagement hole with the first engagement claw engaged in the first engagement hole, thereby engaging the second engagement claw with the second engagement hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the process of attaching a panel to a base can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a lower panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic side view showing a first engagement claw of a lower panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a second engagement claw of the lower panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a third engagement claw of the lower panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a lower panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a lower panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a lower panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which an upper panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic side view showing a first engagement claw of an upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a second engagement claw of the upper panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a third engagement claw of the upper panel according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which an upper panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 14]1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which an upper panel is attached. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view showing a main body of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which an upper panel is attached. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an outdoor unit for an air conditioner and an assembly method for an outdoor unit for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The outdoor unit 1 according to this embodiment is used in an air conditioner.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 1 includes a main body 20 that houses a heat exchanger (not shown) therein, and a blower 10 that is provided above the main body 20. The blower 10 houses an axial fan 11 inside. The blower 10 discharges upward the air that has passed through the heat exchanger and flowed into the main body 20 from the sides and rear of the main body 20. The blower 10 is connected to the upper end of the main body 20.

[0013] The main body 20 has a housing 21 that forms an outer shell, and a heat exchanger (not shown) that is housed in an internal space formed inside the housing 21. In addition to the heat exchanger, the internal space also houses various devices (not shown) such as a compressor and an accumulator.

[0014] Next, details of the housing 21 will be described with reference to Figure 2 etc. In Figures 2 and 6 to 8, the drawings indicated by (a), (b) and (c) are enlarged views of the main parts, respectively, showing the (a), (b) and (c) portions of the entire housing 21. Similarly, in Figures 9 and 12 to 15, the drawings indicated by (d), (e) and (f) are enlarged views of the main parts, respectively, showing the (d), (e) and (f) portions of the entire housing 21.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 21 has a base 22 that defines the sides of the internal space, a lower panel (panel) 30 and an upper panel 40 that define the front of the internal space, and an ornament 50 provided above the upper panel 40. The base 22 has side walls 22a that define both ends in the width direction of the internal space (the direction in which the two outdoor units 1 are lined up), and a rear wall 22b that defines the rear end in the front-rear direction.

[0016] The side wall portion 22a and the rear wall portion 22b have a plurality of openings formed therein, through which external air can be taken into the interior space. A heat exchanger is provided along the inner circumferential surfaces of the side wall portion 22a and the rear wall portion 22b.

[0017] The lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40 are fixed to the front surface of the side wall portion 22a. A plurality of slits are formed in the front surface of the side wall portion 22a, with which engaging claws provided on the lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40 engage. Specifically, the side wall portion 22a is formed with a first slit (first engaging hole) 24, a second slit (second engaging hole) 25, a third slit (third engaging hole) 26, a fourth slit 27 (see FIG. 9), and a fifth slit 28 (see FIG. 9). Each slit is an opening that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and the longitudinal direction is the up-down direction.

[0018] [Bottom Panel 30] 2, the lower panel 30 defines the front lower portion of the interior space. The lower panel 30 is detachably attached to the base 22 from the front-to-rear direction (a predetermined direction). More specifically, the lower panel 30 is detachably attached to the side wall 22a of the base 22 from the front to the rear.

[0019] The lower panel 30 has a plurality of first engagement claws 31, a plurality of second engagement claws 32, and a plurality of third engagement claws 33. In addition, a flange slit (opening) 34 is formed at the upper end of the lower panel 30, through which a flange 41 of the upper panel 40 (described later) is inserted. The flange slit 34 is an opening that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0020] The first engagement claws 31 are provided at the upper end of both widthwise ends of the lower panel 30. The first engagement claws 31 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the lower panel 30. The first engagement claws 31 are plate-shaped members, and are inserted into the first slits 24 from the front.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first engagement claw 31 integrally includes a first support portion 31a extending linearly from the lower panel 30 and a first engagement portion 31b bending and extending downward from the rear end of the first support portion 31a. When the lower panel 30 is moved downward with the first engagement portion 31b inserted through the first slit 24, the lower end of the first support portion 31a comes into contact with the lower edge of the first slit 24. In this state, the first engagement portion 31b abuts against the rear surface of the lower panel 30, restricting movement of the lower panel 30 in the front-to-rear direction. In this manner, the first engagement portion 31b engages with the first slit 24. The first support portion 31a also supports the lower panel 30 relative to the base 22.

[0022] 2, the second engagement claws 32 are provided at both widthwise ends of the lower panel 30 and at the center in the up-down direction. The second engagement claws 32 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the lower panel 30. The second engagement claws 32 are plate-shaped members that are inserted into the second slits 25 from the front. The second engagement claws 32 can be inserted into the second slits 25 with the first engagement claws 31 engaged with the first slits 24.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4 , the second engagement claw 32 integrally includes a second support portion 32a extending linearly from the lower panel 30, a second engagement portion 32b bending and extending downward from the second support portion 32a, and a second protrusion 32c protruding rearward from the second engagement portion 32b. When the lower panel 30 is moved downward with the second engagement portion 32b inserted through the second slit 25, the lower end of the second support portion 32a contacts the lower edge of the second slit 25. In this state, the second engagement portion 32b abuts against the rear surface of the lower panel 30, restricting movement of the lower panel 30 in the front-to-rear direction. In this manner, the second engagement portion 32b engages with the second slit 25. The second support portion 32a supports the lower panel 30 relative to the base 22. The second protrusion 32c protrudes from an upper portion of the second engagement portion 32b. The lower end of the second protruding portion 32c is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the lower end of the second protruding portion 32c is inclined upward toward the rear.

[0024] 2, the third engagement claws 33 are provided on the lower portion of both widthwise ends of the lower panel 30. The third engagement claws 33 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the lower panel 30. The third engagement claws 33 are plate-shaped members, and are inserted into the third slits 26 from the front.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 , the third engagement claw 33 integrally includes a third support portion 33a extending linearly from the lower panel 30, a third engagement portion 33b bending and extending downward from the third support portion 33a, and a third protrusion 33c protruding rearward from the third engagement portion 33b. When the lower panel 30 is moved downward with the third engagement portion 33b inserted through the third slit 26, the lower end of the third support portion 33a contacts the lower edge of the third slit 26. In this state, the third engagement portion 33b abuts against the rear surface of the lower panel 30, restricting movement of the lower panel 30 in the front-to-rear direction. In this manner, the third engagement portion 33b engages with the third slit 26. The third support portion 33a supports the lower panel 30 relative to the base 22. The third protrusion 33c protrudes from an upper portion of the third engagement portion 33b. The rear end of the third protruding portion 33c is inclined. More specifically, the rear end of the third protruding portion 33c is inclined upward toward the rear.

[0026] The vertical length L1 (see FIG. 3) of the first engagement portion 31b of the first engagement claw 31 is longer than the vertical length L2 (see FIG. 4) of the second engagement portion 32b of the second engagement claw 32. Furthermore, the vertical length L1 (see FIG. 3) of the first engagement portion 31b of the first engagement claw 31 is longer than the vertical length L3 (see FIG. 5) of the third engagement portion 33b of the third engagement claw 33.

[0027] Furthermore, the length in the front-rear direction of the protrusion provided on each engagement claw is set to be longer as the protrusion is located farther from the first engagement claw 31. In the lower panel 30 of this embodiment, the third engagement claw 33 is located lower than the second engagement claw 32. That is, the third engagement claw 33 is located farther from the first engagement claw 31 than the second engagement claw 32. Therefore, the length D2 in the front-rear direction of the third protrusion 33c of the third engagement claw 33 (see FIG. 5) is longer than the length D1 in the front-rear direction of the second protrusion 32c of the second engagement claw 32 (see FIG. 4).

[0028] [Top panel 40] 9, the upper panel 40 defines the front upper portion of the interior space. The upper panel 40 is detachably attached to the base 22 from the front-to-rear direction (predetermined direction). More specifically, the upper panel 40 is detachably attached to the side wall 22a of the base 22 from the front to the rear.

[0029] The upper panel 40 has a plurality of flanges (protrusions) 41, a plurality of fourth engagement claws 42, and a plurality of fifth engagement claws 43.

[0030] The flange 41 is provided at the lower end of the upper panel 40. The multiple flanges 41 are arranged spaced apart in the width direction. The flanges 41 are provided so as to protrude downward from the upper panel 40. The flange 41 is a plate-shaped member, and is inserted from above into the flange slit 34 formed in the lower panel 30.

[0031] 10, the flange 41 is provided so as to protrude downward from the upper panel 40. The flange 41 is longer in the width direction than in the up-down direction.

[0032] 9, the fourth engagement claws 42 are provided at both widthwise ends of the upper panel 40 and at the center in the up-down direction. The fourth engagement claws 42 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the upper panel 40. The fourth engagement claws 42 are plate-shaped members and are inserted into the fourth slits 27 from the front.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 11 , the fourth engagement claw 42 integrally includes a fourth support portion 42a extending linearly from the upper panel 40, a fourth engagement portion 42b bending and extending downward from the fourth support portion 42a, and a fourth protrusion 42c protruding rearward from the fourth engagement portion 42b. When the upper panel 40 is moved downward with the fourth engagement portion 42b inserted through the fourth slit 27, the lower end of the fourth support portion 42a contacts the lower edge of the fourth slit 27. In this state, the fourth engagement portion 42b abuts against the rear surface of the upper panel 40, restricting movement of the upper panel 40 in the front-to-rear direction. In this manner, the fourth engagement portion 42b engages with the fourth slit 27. The fourth support portion 42a supports the upper panel 40 relative to the base 22. The fourth protrusion 42c protrudes from an upper portion of the fourth engagement portion 42b. The lower end of the fourth protrusion 42c is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. More specifically, the lower end of the fourth protrusion 42c is inclined upward toward the rear.

[0034] 9, the fourth engagement claws 42 are provided at the lower end of both widthwise ends of the upper panel 40. The fifth engagement claws 43 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the upper panel 40. The fifth engagement claws 43 are plate-shaped members, and are inserted into the fifth slits 28 from the front.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 , the fifth engagement claw 43 integrally includes a fifth support portion 43a extending linearly from the upper panel 40, a fifth engagement portion 43b bending and extending downward from the fifth support portion 43a, and a fifth protrusion 43c protruding rearward from the fifth engagement portion 43b. When the upper panel 40 is moved downward with the fifth engagement portion 43b inserted through the fifth slit 28, the lower end of the fifth support portion 43a contacts the lower edge of the fifth slit 28. In this state, the fifth engagement portion 43b abuts against the rear surface of the upper panel 40, restricting movement of the upper panel 40 in the front-to-rear direction. In this manner, the fifth engagement portion 43b engages with the fifth slit 28. The fifth support portion 43a supports the upper panel 40 relative to the base 22. The fifth protrusion 43c protrudes from an upper portion of the fifth engagement portion 43b. The lower end of the fifth protruding portion 43c is inclined. More specifically, the lower end of the fifth protruding portion 43c is inclined so as to slope upward toward the rear.

[0036] The vertical length L4 of the flange 41 (see FIG. 10) is longer than the vertical length L5 (see FIG. 11) of the fourth engagement portion 42b of the fourth engagement claw 42. In addition, the vertical length L4 of the flange 41 (see FIG. 10) is longer than the vertical length L6 of the fifth engagement portion 43b of the fifth engagement claw 43 (see FIG. 12).

[0037] Furthermore, the length of the protrusion provided on each engagement claw in the front-rear direction is set to be longer as the protrusion is located farther from the flange 41. In the upper panel 40 of this embodiment, the fifth engagement claw 43 is located higher than the fourth engagement claw 42. That is, the fifth engagement claw 43 is located farther from the flange 41 than the fourth engagement claw 42. Therefore, the length D4 (see FIG. 12) of the fifth protrusion 43c of the fifth engagement claw 43 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length D3 (see FIG. 11) of the fourth protrusion 42c of the fourth engagement claw 42.

[0038] [Assembly method] Next, a method for assembling the outdoor unit 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The method of attaching the lower panel 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the worker tilts the lower panel 30 and inserts the two first engagement claws 31 provided on the lower panel 30 into the first slits 24 formed in the base 22 (see (a)). This positions the lower panel 30 in the up-down and width directions relative to the base 22. In this state, the lower panel 30 is tilted so that it moves away from the base 22 toward its bottom end. Therefore, the second engagement claw 32 is not inserted into the second slit 25 (see (b)). Furthermore, the third engagement claw 33 is not inserted into the third slit 26 (see (c)).

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the worker moves the lower panel 30 downward to engage the first engagement claw 31 with the first slit 24 (see (a)). At this time, the worker moves the lower panel 30 so that the lower end approaches the base 22. As a result, the second protrusion 32c of the second engagement claw 32 is inserted into the second slit 25 (see (b)). Also, the third protrusion 33c of the third engagement claw 33 is inserted into the third slit 26 (see (c)). This positions the lower panel 30 in the width direction relative to the base 22. Note that in this state, the second engagement portion 32b of the second engagement claw 32 does not extend beyond the second slit 25, and therefore the second engagement claw 32 and the second slit 25 are not engaged. Similarly, in this state, the third engagement portion 33b of the third engagement claw 33 does not extend beyond the third slit 26, and therefore the third engagement claw 33 and the third slit 26 are not engaged.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the worker lifts the lower panel 30 slightly and moves it rearward. At this time, because the rear end of the second protrusion 32c of the second engagement claw 32 is inclined, the inclined portion of the second protrusion 32c slides forward and backward along the lower edge of the second slit 25, thereby assisting the upward movement of the lower panel 30. Similarly, the inclined portion of the third protrusion 33c slides forward and backward along the lower edge of the third slit 26, thereby assisting the upward movement of the lower panel 30.

[0041] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the worker moves the lower panel 30 rearward to engage the second engagement portion 32b of the second engagement claw 32 with the second slit 25. Also, the worker engages the third engagement portion 33b of the third engagement claw 33 with the third slit 26. This places the lower panel 30 in a predetermined position. In this state, the second engagement claw 32 and the third engagement claw 33 are covered by the lower panel 30 and cannot be seen (see (b) and (c)).

[0042] Next, the lower panel 30 is fixed to the frame base of the main body 20 with screws or the like. In detail, as shown in Fig. 8, the lower panel 30 is fastened with screws into three screw holes 30a formed in the lower end portion and two screw holes 30a formed in the upper end portion. The screws fixed into the two screw holes 30a formed in the upper end portion are covered by the upper panel 40 when the upper panel 40 is attached, and therefore cannot be seen from the outside.

[0043] Next, a method for attaching the upper panel 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 13 to 15. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 9, the worker tilts the upper panel 40 and inserts the two flanges 41 provided on the upper panel 40 into the flange slits 34 formed in the base 22 (see (f)). This positions the upper panel 40 in the vertical and width directions relative to the base 22. In this state, the upper panel 40 is tilted so that it moves away from the base 22 toward the upper end. Therefore, the fourth engagement claw 42 is not inserted into the fourth slit 27 (see (e)). Furthermore, the fifth engagement claw 43 is not inserted into the fifth slit 28 (see (d)).

[0044] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the worker moves the upper panel 40 so that the upper end of the upper panel 40 approaches the base 22. As a result, the fourth protrusion 42c (see FIG. 11) of the fourth engagement claw 42 is inserted into the fourth slit 27 (see (e)). Also, the fifth protrusion 43c (see FIG. 12) of the fifth engagement claw 43 is inserted into the fifth slit 28 (see (d)). This positions the upper panel 40 in the width direction relative to the base 22. Note that in this state, the fourth engagement portion 42b of the fourth engagement claw 42 does not extend beyond the fourth slit 27, and therefore the fourth engagement claw 42 and the fourth slit 27 are not engaged. Similarly, in this state, the fifth engagement portion 43b of the fifth engagement claw 43 does not extend beyond the fifth slit 28, and therefore the fifth engagement claw 43 and the fifth slit 28 are not engaged.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the worker lifts the upper panel 40 slightly and moves it rearward. At this time, because the rear end of the fourth protrusion 42c of the fourth engagement claw 42 is inclined, the inclined portion of the fourth protrusion 42c slides forward and backward along the lower edge of the fourth slit 27, thereby assisting the upward movement of the upper panel 40. Similarly, the inclined portion of the fifth protrusion 43c slides forward and backward along the lower edge of the fifth slit 28, thereby assisting the upward movement of the upper panel 40.

[0046] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the worker moves the upper panel 40 rearward to engage the fourth engagement portion 42b of the fourth engagement claw 42 with the fourth slit 27. Also, the worker engages the fifth engagement portion 43b of the fifth engagement claw 43 with the fifth slit 28. This places the upper panel 40 in a predetermined position. In this state, the flange 41, the fourth engagement claw 42, and the fifth engagement claw 43 are covered by the upper panel 40 and cannot be seen (see (d), (e), and (f)).

[0047] Next, the upper panel 40 is fixed to the frame of the blower unit 10 with screws or the like. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 15, the upper panel 40 is fastened to the base 22 with screws (not shown) inserted through three screw holes 40a formed in the upper end of the upper panel 40. Next, the screw holes 40a are covered with ornaments 50 (see Fig. 1), and the ornaments 50 are fastened to the frame of the blower unit 10 with screws.

[0048] In this manner, the lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40 are attached. When removing the lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40, the above steps are carried out in reverse order.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved. In this embodiment, the second engagement claws 32 can be inserted into the second slits 25 with the first engagement claws 31 engaged with the first slits 24. This allows the second engagement claws 32 to be inserted into and engaged with the second slits 25 with the lower panel 30 supported by the first engagement claws 31. That is, with the lower panel 30 and the base 22 aligned by the first engagement claws 31, the second engagement claws 32 can be inserted into and engaged with the second slits 25. This facilitates the work of attaching the lower panel 30 to the base 22. Furthermore, similar to the lower panel 30, the work of attaching the upper panel 40 can also be facilitated. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Similarly, once the lower panel 30 and the base 22 are aligned using the first engagement claw 31, the second engagement claw 32 can be removed from the second slit 25, thereby facilitating the task of removing the lower panel 30 from the base 22.

[0050] In this embodiment, the vertical length of the first engagement portion 31b is longer than the vertical length of the second engagement portion 32b. As a result, when the second engagement claw 32 (specifically, the second engagement portion 32b of the second engagement claw 32) is engaged with the second slit 25, the first engagement claw 31 (specifically, the first engagement portion 31b of the first engagement claw 31) is less likely to come out of the first slit 24. This makes it easier to maintain the state in which the first engagement claw 31 is engaged with the first slit 24. Therefore, more preferably, the second engagement claw 32 can be inserted into and engaged with the second slit 25 after the lower panel 30 and the base 22 are aligned with each other using the first engagement claw 31. This facilitates the work of attaching the lower panel 30 to the base 22. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Similarly, more preferably, the second engagement claw 32 can be removed from the second slit 25 while the lower panel 30 and the base 22 are aligned by the first engagement claw 31, thereby facilitating the task of removing the lower panel 30 from the base 22.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second engagement claw 32 has a second protrusion 32c that protrudes in the front-rear direction from the second engagement portion 32b. This allows the second protrusion 32c to be inserted into the second slit 25 before the second engagement portion 32b is engaged with the second slit 25. The second protrusion 32c inserted into the second slit 25 abuts against the edge of the second slit 25, thereby restricting left-right movement of the second engagement claw 32. Therefore, the second engagement claw 32 (more specifically, the second engagement portion 32b of the second engagement claw 32) can be engaged with the second slit 25 while its left-right movement is restricted. This further simplifies the process of attaching the lower panel 30 to the base 22. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0052] When the first engagement claw 31 is engaged with the first slit 24, the lower panel 30 is inclined relative to the base 22, with the first engagement claw 31 as a fulcrum. Specifically, the inclination is such that the distance between the base 22 and the lower panel 30 increases with increasing distance from the engagement portion between the first engagement claw 31 and the first slit 24 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the length D2 in the front-rear direction of the third protrusion 33c of the third engagement claw 33, which is farther from the first engagement claw 31, is longer than the length D1 in the front-rear direction of the second protrusion 32c of the second engagement claw 32, which is closer to the first engagement claw 31. In other words, the length of the protrusion increases with increasing distance between the base 22 and the lower panel 30 for the engagement claw. Therefore, even when the lower panel 30 is inclined relative to the base 22, it is possible to easily insert all of the multiple engagement claws (the second engagement claw 32 and the third engagement claw 33) into the slits (the second slit 25 and the third slit 26). Therefore, the second engagement claws 32 and the third engagement claws 33 can be engaged with the second slits 25 and the third slits 26 while restricting movement in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to attach the lower panel 30 to the base 22. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when attaching the lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40, the members (first engaging claw 31 and flange 41) that serve as fulcrums are provided in the vertical center of the outdoor unit 1. This allows a worker to attach the lower panel 30 and the upper panel 40 while standing, making the attachment work easier. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper panel 40 is provided with a flange 41, and the lower panel 30 is formed with a flange slit 34 into which the flange 41 is inserted. As a result, the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 30 are fixed together by inserting the flange 41 into the flange slit 34. This allows a structure in which screws, bolts, etc. are not used in the fixing portions between the upper panel 40 and the lower panel 30. Therefore, the number of screws and bolts exposed to the outside can be reduced throughout the outdoor unit 1. This allows the aesthetic appearance of the outdoor unit 1 to be improved.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screws provided in the vertical center of the outdoor unit 1 are made invisible from the outside by covering them with the upper panel 40. In this way, by hiding screws in easily visible locations, the aesthetic appearance of the outdoor unit 1 can be further improved.

[0056] 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. For example, the number of engaging claws and slits is not limited to the number in the above embodiment.

[0057] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner and the method of assembling the outdoor unit of the air conditioner described in the above-described embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing (21) forming an outer shell, a main body (20) having a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing, and a blower (10) provided above the main body and circulating air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward, the housing having a base (22) and a panel (30) that defines a portion of the side of the internal space and is removably attached to the base from a predetermined direction, the base having a first engagement hole (24) and a second engagement hole (25) formed therein, the panel having a first engagement claw (31) that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw (32) that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole, the second engagement claw being insertable into the second engagement hole with the first engagement claw engaged in the first engagement hole.

[0058] In the above configuration, the second engagement claw can be inserted into the second engagement hole with the first engagement claw engaged with the first engagement hole. This allows the second engagement claw to be inserted into and engaged with the second engagement hole with the panel supported by the first engagement claw. That is, with the panel and the base aligned by the first engagement claw, the second engagement claw can be inserted into and engaged with the second engagement hole. This facilitates the work of attaching the panel to the base. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Similarly, the second engagement claw can be removed from the second engagement hole while the panel and the base are aligned by the first engagement claw, which makes it easier to remove the panel from the base.

[0059] In addition, in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect described above, the first engagement claw has a first engagement portion (31b) that extends downward and engages with the first engagement hole, and the second engagement claw has a second engagement portion (32b) that extends downward and engages with the second engagement hole, and the vertical length of the first engagement portion is longer than the vertical length of the second engagement portion.

[0060] In the above configuration, the vertical length of the first engagement portion is longer than the vertical length of the second engagement portion. As a result, when the second engagement claw (specifically, the second engagement portion of the second engagement claw) is engaged with the second engagement hole, the first engagement claw (specifically, the first engagement portion of the first engagement claw) is less likely to come out of the first engagement hole. This makes it easier to maintain the state in which the first engagement claw is engaged with the first engagement hole. Therefore, more preferably, the second engagement claw can be inserted into and engaged with the second engagement hole after the panel and base are aligned with each other using the first engagement claw. This makes it easier to attach the panel to the base. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Similarly, more preferably, the second engagement claw can be removed from the second engagement hole while the panel and base are aligned using the first engagement claw, thereby facilitating the task of removing the panel from the base.

[0061] In addition, in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect described above, the second engagement claw has a second engagement portion (32b) that extends downward and engages with the second engagement hole, and a protrusion (32c) that protrudes from the second engagement portion in the predetermined direction.

[0062] In the above configuration, the second engagement claw has a protruding portion that protrudes in a predetermined direction from the second engagement portion. This allows the protruding portion to be inserted into the second engagement hole before the second engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement hole. The protruding portion inserted into the second engagement hole abuts against the edge of the second engagement hole, thereby restricting left-right movement of the second engagement claw. Therefore, the second engagement claw (more specifically, the second engagement portion of the second engagement claw) can be engaged with the second engagement hole while its left-right movement is restricted. This makes it easier to attach the panel to the base. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0063] In addition, in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect described above, a plurality of second engagement claws are provided, and the second engagement claw (33) farther from the first engagement claw has a longer length of the protrusion in the specified direction than the second engagement claw (32) closer to the first engagement claw.

[0064] When the first engagement claws are engaged with the first engagement holes, the panel is inclined relative to the base, with the first engagement claws serving as fulcrums. Specifically, the panel is inclined such that the distance between the base and the panel increases with increasing distance from the engagement portion between the first engagement claws and the first engagement holes. In the above configuration, the second engagement claws farther from the first engagement claws have longer protruding portions in the predetermined direction than the second engagement claws closer to the first engagement claws. That is, the protruding portions of the second engagement claws provided in the portions where the distance between the base and the panel is greater become longer. Therefore, even when the panel is inclined relative to the base, all of the second engagement claws can be easily inserted into the second fitting holes. Therefore, all of the second engagement claws (more specifically, the second engagement portions of the second engagement claws) can be engaged with the second engagement holes while restricting movement in the left-right direction. This further simplifies the process of attaching the panel to the base. This improves the ease of assembly of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0065] Furthermore, in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, the housing defines a portion of a side of the internal space and is removably attached to the base from the predetermined direction, and has a second panel (40) arranged adjacent to the panel, and one of the panel and the second panel is provided with a convex portion (41), and the other of the panel and the second panel is formed with an opening (34) into which the convex portion is inserted.

[0066] In the above configuration, a convex portion is provided on one of the panel and the second panel, and an opening into which the convex portion is inserted is formed on the other of the panel and the second panel. The panel and the second panel are fixed together by inserting the convex portion into the opening. This allows a structure in which screws, bolts, etc. are not used in the fixing portion between the panel and the second panel. Therefore, the number of screws and bolts exposed to the outside can be reduced throughout the outdoor unit. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the outdoor unit.

[0067] Further, a method for assembling an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a method for assembling an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the outdoor unit comprising: a housing (21) forming an outer shell; a main body (20) having a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing; and a blower (10) provided above the main body and circulating air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward; the housing having a base (22) and a panel (30) that defines a portion of a side of the internal space and is detachably attached to the base from a predetermined direction; An engagement hole (24) and a second engagement hole (25) are formed, and the panel has a first engagement claw (31) that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw (32) that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole, and the panel is provided with a first engagement step of engaging the first engagement claw with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement step of, after the first engagement step, inserting the second engagement claw into the second engagement hole with the first engagement claw engaged with the first engagement hole, thereby engaging the second engagement claw with the second engagement hole. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1:Outdoor unit 10: Blower 11: Axial flow fan 20: Main body 21: Housing 22: Base 22a: Side wall part 22b: Rear wall 24: First slit (first engagement hole) 25: Second slit (second engagement hole) 26: Third slit 27: 4th slit 28: 5th slit 30: Lower panel (panel) 30a: screw hole 31: First engaging claw 31a: First support part 31b: First engaging part 32: Second engaging claw 32a: Second support part 32b: Second engaging part 32c: 2nd protrusion 33: Third engaging claw 33a: Third support part 33b: Third engaging part 33c: Third protrusion 34: Flange slit (opening) 40: Upper panel 40a: screw hole 41: Flange (protruding part) 42: Fourth engaging claw 42a: 4th support part 42b: Fourth engaging part 42c: 4th protrusion 43: 5th engaging claw 43a: 5th support part 43b: Fifth engaging part 43c: 5th protrusion 50: Ornament

Claims

1. a main body having a housing forming an outer shell and a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing; a blower provided above the main body and configured to circulate air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward, the housing has a base and a panel that defines a portion of a side of the internal space and is detachably attached to the base from a predetermined direction; The base portion has a first engagement hole and a second engagement hole formed therein, the panel has a first engagement claw that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole, The second engagement claw is insertable into the second engagement hole in a state where the first engagement claw is engaged with the first engagement hole.

2. the first engagement claw has a first engagement portion that extends downward and engages with the first engagement hole, the second engagement claw has a second engagement portion that extends downward and engages with the second engagement hole, The outdoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the first engagement portion has a length in the vertical direction that is longer than the length in the vertical direction of the second engagement portion.

3. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement claw has a second engagement portion that extends downward and engages with the second engagement hole, and a protrusion that protrudes in the predetermined direction from the second engagement portion.

4. The second engaging claws are provided in plurality, The outdoor unit of an air conditioner as described in claim 3, wherein the length of the protrusion in the specified direction of the second engagement claws that are farther from the first engagement claws is longer than the length of the protrusion in the specified direction of the second engagement claws that are closer to the first engagement claws.

5. the housing has a second panel that defines a portion of a side of the internal space, is detachably attached to the base from the predetermined direction, and is provided adjacent to the panel; 2. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on one of the panel and the second panel, and an opening into which the convex portion is inserted is formed on the other of the panel and the second panel.

6. A method for assembling an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: The outdoor unit is a main body having a housing forming an outer shell and a heat exchanger housed in an internal space formed inside the housing; a blower provided above the main body and configured to circulate air that has passed through the heat exchanger upward, the housing has a base and a panel that defines a portion of a side of the internal space and is detachably attached to the base from a predetermined direction; The base portion has a first engagement hole and a second engagement hole formed therein, the panel has a first engagement claw that protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the first engagement hole, and a second engagement claw that is provided above or below the first engagement claw and protrudes in the predetermined direction and engages with the second engagement hole, a first engaging step of engaging the first engaging claw with the first engaging hole; a second engagement step of, after the first engagement step, inserting the second engagement claw into the second engagement hole while the first engagement claw is engaged with the first engagement hole, thereby engaging the second engagement claw with the second engagement hole.

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