Window panel

Abstract

To provide a window panel that can prevent rainwater from entering through the opening. [Solution] A window panel 100 is attached to a window frame and connects an exhaust duct of an air conditioner located inside the room to the outside, and is required to include a first panel 10 having a panel opening 12 that communicates with the exhaust duct, a second panel 20 that extends and retracts vertically relative to the first panel 10, and a rainproof cover 30 that is detachably attached to the outside of the panel opening 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a window panel used by being attached to a window frame, and particularly to a window panel for communicating an exhaust duct such as a spot air conditioner disposed indoors to the outside.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in rooms where it is difficult to install wall-mounted air conditioners (such as rental properties, rooms with special window shapes, or rooms for temporary use), the demand for portable air conditioners (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "spot air conditioners") has been increasing.

[0003] Such a spot air conditioner needs to discharge the heat generated indoors to the outside through an exhaust duct on the back of the unit. At this time, it is necessary to open the window slightly to let the exhaust duct out, but as it is, outside air may enter through the gap, or rainwater and insects may enter, so a window panel for closing the gap of the window is generally used. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 3-80219) discloses a technique in which two vertically long panels are combined so as to slide in the vertical direction, and an exhaust duct of a spot air conditioner is communicated with holes formed by concave portions of these two panels.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional window panel as described above has problems such as rainwater easily entering the room from the opening during rainfall accompanied by strong winds.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Therefore, this invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a window panel that can prevent rainwater from entering through the opening.

[0007] This invention solves the above problem by the following means.

[0008] The window panel according to the present invention is a window panel that is attached to a window frame and connects an exhaust duct of an air conditioner placed inside the room with the outside, and is required to include a first panel having a panel opening that communicates with the exhaust duct, a second panel that expands and contracts vertically relative to the first panel, and a rainproof cover that is detachably attached to the outside of the panel opening.

[0009] According to this, even when a window panel is retrofitted to the window frame, it is possible to achieve both exhaust from the spot air conditioner to the outside and prevention of rainwater intrusion through the panel opening.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the rainproof cover is formed in a curved shape that covers the upper part of the panel opening and at least a portion of the side of the panel opening. Moreover, it is preferable that the opening of the rainproof cover is formed in a shape that exposes the panel opening when viewed from the rear. With these features, it is possible to prevent rainwater from entering while also ensuring exhaust performance.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the rain cover is fastened to the first panel by a male screw member, and that the male screw member is screwed into and has a recess that covers the tip of the male screw member. As described above, the rain cover is detachably attached, but because it has a recess, the tip of the male screw member is not exposed, thus ensuring safety.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable to further provide an insect-proof filter that is detachably attached to the panel opening. This ensures that insects do not enter the room through the exhaust duct, and also allows for easy maintenance of the filter (such as washing it with water). [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a window panel that can prevent rainwater from entering through an opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view (viewed from the outside) of a window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view (rear view as seen from the interior side) of the window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front upper right perspective view of the window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front, lower right perspective view of the window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the upper right rear of the window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower right rear of the window panel in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper right rear of the insect-proof filter in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front, upper right perspective view of the insect-proof filter in an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The window panel 100 in the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view (front view from the outside) of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear view (rear view from the inside) of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a front upper right perspective view of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front lower right perspective view of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a rear upper right perspective view of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a rear lower right perspective view of the window panel 100 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a rear upper right perspective view of the insect-proof filter 50 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a front upper right perspective view of the insect-proof filter 50 in the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in all the figures used to explain the embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for members having the same function, and repeated explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, the side of the window panel 100 facing directly from the outside is defined as the front side, and the side facing directly from the inside is defined as the back side. Based on these, the orientations are also defined, but are not limited to these definitions.

[0016] <Overall Structure> First, the overall configuration of the window panel 100 in each embodiment will be described. The window panel 100 is installed in the window frame of a house or the like, and connects the exhaust duct of a spot air conditioner used indoors to the outside, in order to efficiently discharge hot air. The overall shape of the window panel 100 is a roughly rectangular plate-like member that is long in the height direction (up and down direction) of the window, and the overall length can be adjusted to match the height of the window frame in which it is installed. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the window panel 100 comprises a first panel 10 and a second panel 20 that extends and retracts vertically relative to the first panel 10. The first panel 10 has a panel opening 12 that penetrates in the front-to-back direction, and an exhaust duct of an air conditioner (not shown) can be connected to the indoor side (rear side) of the panel opening 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, a rainproof cover 30 is detachably attached to the outdoor side (front side) of the panel opening 12.

[0017] <First Panel> The first panel 10 is, for example, a plate-like member formed of a resin material (e.g., a rigid resin material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride or ABS resin) with a width of about a dozen centimeters, a thickness of about 1 cm, and a height of about several tens of centimeters. In particular, the thickness of the first panel 10 can be appropriately changed to fit the window frame.

[0018] Also, a panel opening 12 is formed below the center of the first panel 10. The opening shape of the panel opening 12 is preferably an opening larger than the duct diameter for mounting an exhaust duct cover 40 described later, and is formed in a so-called track shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be a circular shape, a square shape, or a rectangular shape.

[0019] Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the first panel 10, rail portions 14, 14 are formed into which a pair of slider portions 22, 22 formed on the second panel 20 described later are slidably fitted. The rail portions 14, 14 are, for example, formed in a substantially U-shaped cross-section. That is, the thickness of the rail portions 14, 14 forms the thickness of the first panel 10. Note that the rail portions 14, 14 may be rail members formed in a substantially U-shaped cross-section as another example.

[0020] Furthermore, a fastener hole 16 is formed at the upper position of the first panel 10, and a bolt (not shown) used when attaching the second panel 20 can be inserted.

[0021] <Second Panel> The second panel 20 is, for example, a plate-like member formed of a resin material (e.g., a rigid resin material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride or ABS resin) with a width of about a dozen centimeters, a thickness of about 1 cm, and a height of about several tens of centimeters. In particular, the thickness of the second panel 20 can be appropriately changed to fit the window frame.

[0022] Furthermore, slider portions 22, 22 are formed on both the left and right sides of the second panel 20, which are slidably fitted onto the rail portions 14, 14 of the first panel 10. As an example, the slider portions 22, 22 are formed in a substantially L-shape in cross-section. That is, the thickness of the slider portions 22, 22 is equal to the thickness of the second panel 20. Note that, as another example, the slider portions 22, 22 may be slider members formed in a substantially L-shape in cross-section.

[0023] Furthermore, a fastening groove 24 is formed in the center of the interior (rear) side of the second panel 20, extending in the height direction. The fastening groove 24 has an inverted T-shape in cross-section in the depth direction. By placing, for example, a male screw member (not shown) having a head that is inserted into the inverted T-shaped groove at a predetermined position within the groove, and then inserting it through the fastening hole 16 described above and fastening it with a female screw member (not shown), the second panel 20 can be fixed in a desired position relative to the first panel 10. This allows the window panel 100 to be installed without gaps on window frames of various sizes.

[0024] In addition, fixing members that fit the rail shape of the window frame may be attached to the lower end of the first panel 10 and the upper end of the second panel 20 (not shown).

[0025] <Rainproof cover> Next, the rainproof cover 30, which is one of the most important features of this invention, will be described in detail. The rainproof cover 30 is formed, for example, from a resin material into a curved shape that bulges outward (outside the room) so as to cover at least a portion of the upper and side parts of the panel opening 12. Specifically, the curved shape of the rainproof cover 30 is formed into a dome shape or a hood shape. More specifically, the rainproof cover 30 has a shape that covers the upper half and left and right sides of the panel opening 12 like an umbrella, preventing rainwater blown in from above or the sides from directly entering the panel opening 12.

[0026] In other words, the lower part of the rainproof cover 30 is open, and in a front view (see Figure 1), it has an opening shape that exposes the panel opening 12. This creates a structure that blocks the intrusion of rainwater without obstructing the airflow to the outside. Furthermore, this curved shape also contributes to reducing wind noise in strong winds and suppressing panel flapping caused by wind pressure.

[0027] <<Recessed>> Furthermore, the rainproof cover 30 is detachably fixed to the first panel 10 by male threaded members (not shown), such as bolts or screws. As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, recesses 32 (recesses for male threaded members) are formed or attached to the corners (four locations in this embodiment) of the rainproof cover 30.

[0028] This recess 32 is shaped to be recessed inward (towards the panel) from the surface of the rainproof cover 30, and has a hole at its bottom for inserting a screw. When a male screw member is inserted and tightened from either the first panel 10 side or the rainproof cover 30 side, the tip and head of the screw are positioned within the space of this recess 32.

[0029] This prevents the sharp tips of the screws from being exposed on the exterior surface, significantly reducing the risk of injury from accidental contact during installation or window cleaning. Furthermore, the absence of exposed screws prevents damage to window frames, sills, glass, and panels, even when they are in close proximity.

[0030] <Exhaust duct cover> As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, an exhaust duct cover 40 is provided in the panel opening 12. This exhaust duct cover 40 is a component attached along the periphery of the panel opening 12 and has a cylindrical connecting portion that protrudes to the indoor side (or outdoor side).

[0031] The end of the exhaust duct extending from the air conditioner unit can be connected to this connection point with a single touch using a twist-in or snap-fit ​​method. The exhaust duct cover 40 is also designed to be detachable, allowing it to be removed when not in use or for cleaning.

[0032] <Insect-proof filter> Next, the insect-proof filter, another important feature of this invention, will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the insect-proof filter 50 consists of a frame 54 having a contour corresponding to the shape of the panel opening 12, and a mesh-like filter net 52 stretched inside it. The mesh of the filter net 52 is fine enough to prevent the entry of small winged insects (for example, a grid width of about 0.5 mm to 1 mm), while being set to a balance that does not significantly obstruct airflow. In addition, the insect-proof filter 50 can prevent not only insects but also small animals and human hands from entering.

[0033] Furthermore, the periphery of the frame 54 is formed with a first engaging portion 56 and a second engaging portion 58 for engaging with an engaging receiving portion provided on the first panel 10 (or exhaust duct cover 40).

[0034] In this embodiment, the insect-proof filter 50 is installed on the indoor side of the first panel 10 (see Figures 2 and 6) to close the panel opening 12. The first engaging portion 56 is, for example, a claw-shaped portion provided at the upper end of the frame 54, and the second engaging portion 58 is an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​structure provided on the left and right sides.

[0035] With the above configuration, the user can fix the insect-proof filter 50 to the panel simply by pushing it in without using any special tools, and can also easily pull it out and remove it as needed. This prevents insects from entering the room from outside through the duct, and also makes maintenance, such as regularly washing away dust and other dirt that accumulates on the net, extremely easy.

[0036] <How to use and its effects> Next, the method of use and operation of the window panel 100 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the user positions the first panel 10 (particularly the fixing member attached to the lower end of the first panel 10) relative to the window frame (the rail of the window frame) with the second panel 20 retracted. Next, the user aligns the window panel 100 with the window, and in that state, extends the second panel 20 to the height of the window frame, and positions the second panel 20 (particularly the fixing member attached to the upper end of the second panel 20) relative to the window frame (the rail of the window frame). Next, the user fixes the second panel 20 with bolts and nuts. Next, the user closes the window and installs the panel so that it is sandwiched between the window and the window.

[0037] Furthermore, an insect-proof filter 50 is pre-installed on the indoor side of the panel opening 12, and the exhaust duct of the air conditioner is connected via the exhaust duct cover 40.

[0038] When the air conditioner is operated in this state, the hot air inside the room passes through the exhaust duct, through the insect-proof filter 50 (which may be just a filter), and is discharged outside through the panel opening 12 of the first panel 10. On the outside, the rainproof cover 30 protects the top and sides of the panel opening 12.

[0039] In this case, if it rains, the curved shape of the rainproof cover 30 directs the rainwater to the side, preventing it from entering the panel opening 12 (i.e., the inside of the duct).

[0040] Furthermore, even if indoor light leaks outside through the exhaust duct at night, attracting insects, the insect-proof filter 50 prevents the insects from entering deep into the duct or the room.

[0041] Furthermore, if the rain cover 30 or insect filter 50 becomes dirty due to prolonged use, they can be easily removed by unscrewing them or unfastening the snap-fits, and then thoroughly washed. In particular, the structure that hides the tip of the male screw component in the recess 32 provides peace of mind to users who frequently perform maintenance or height adjustments, as they do not have to worry about accidentally injuring their fingers.

[0042] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0043] <Variation> For example, a third intermediate panel may be added between the first panel 10 and the second panel 20 to create a three-stage telescopic structure. This would allow for the installation of taller sliding windows and other similar structures.

[0044] Furthermore, the color of the rainproof cover 30 may be a transparent or translucent color different from the color of the first panel 10 (for example, ivory or white). This can reduce the feeling of oppression from the panel or change its visibility from the outside.

[0045] Furthermore, instead of the filter net 52 of the insect-proof filter 50, it is also possible to place or use in combination a filter with deodorizing properties or a filter with pollen-removing properties. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10. Panel 1 12 Panel openings 20 Panel 2 30 Rainproof Cover 32 Recess (recess for male screw member) 50 insect-proof filters 100 window panels

Claims

1. A window panel that is attached to a window frame and connects the exhaust duct of an air conditioner located inside the room to the outside, A first panel having a panel opening that communicates with the exhaust duct, A second panel that expands and contracts vertically relative to the first panel, The panel opening is further equipped with a rainproof cover that is detachably attached to the outdoor side of the panel opening. A window panel characterized by the following features.

2. The rainproof cover is formed in a curved shape that covers the upper part of the panel opening and at least a portion of the side of the panel opening. A window panel according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The opening of the rainproof cover is formed in such a shape that the panel opening is exposed when viewed from the rear. A window panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The rainproof cover is fastened to the first panel by a male screw member, and has a recess into which the male screw member is screwed and which covers the tip of the male screw member. A window panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. The panel opening is further provided with an insect-proof filter that can be detachably attached to it. A window panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

Images