Electrical equipment
The housing and panel design with a stepped surface and recess configuration simplifies panel attachment by allowing tactile engagement and optional detection, addressing the challenge of visual recognition and obstruction by other components.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHARP KK
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
The difficulty in visually recognizing and engaging the claw of a panel with the recess of a housing, especially when additional components like a pre-filter and cleaning device are attached, makes it challenging to easily attach the panel to the housing.
The housing and panel design includes a stepped surface and recess configuration, allowing the engaging portion to move down a step without visual inspection, with a guide feature to facilitate easy attachment, and optionally a detection unit to confirm proper engagement.
Enables easy and secure attachment of the panel to the housing, even when obstructed by other components, with reduced force requirement and enhanced stability, and provides confirmation of proper attachment.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric device.
Background Art
[0002] An electric device including a housing having an opening and a panel detachably attached to the housing so as to cover the opening is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The air cleaner described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body and a cover detachably attached to the main body so as to cover the back surface of the main body. A pre-filter and a cleaning device for cleaning the pre-filter are provided on the inner surface of the cover. The cleaning device has a gear unit, a brush body, a dust collection unit, and the like.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, when attaching the panel to the housing, for example, the claw (protrusion) of the panel is engaged with the recess of the housing. However, since the claw is formed on the inner surface of the panel, it is difficult for the operator to visually recognize the claw. Therefore, it is difficult to easily engage the claw of the panel with the recess of the housing. In particular, when members such as a pre-filter and a cleaning device are attached to the inner surface of the panel, it becomes more difficult for the operator to visually recognize the claw. Therefore, it is even more difficult to easily engage the claw of the panel with the recess of the housing.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electric device capable of easily attaching a panel to a housing.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] An electrical device in one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing and a panel. The housing has an opening. The panel is detachably attached to the housing so as to cover the opening. The housing has a mounting surface and an engaging portion. The mounting surface is positioned on the edge of the opening, and the panel is mounted on it. The engaging portion is positioned on the mounting surface. The panel has a panel body and an engaging portion positioned below the panel body and engaging with the engaging portion. The engaging portion has a stepped surface and a recess. The stepped surface is positioned below the mounting surface. The recess is positioned inside the housing relative to the stepped surface, and a portion of the engaging portion can be inserted into and removed from it. With a portion of the engaging portion positioned within the recess, the engaging portion engages with the engaging portion. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide electrical equipment in which a panel can be easily attached to a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an electrical device relating to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a diagonal rearward angle. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the rear portion of the housing of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the front structure of the panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaged portion of the housing of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaged portion of the housing of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the engaged portion of the housing of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaged portion of the housing of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]This is a perspective view showing the structure around the engagement portion of the panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view from below showing the structure around the engagement portion of the panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the engagement portion of a panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention in contact with a stepped surface. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the tip of the engaging portion of the panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention, positioned within the recess of the engaged portion. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing the structure of the panel of an electrical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the engaged portion of an electrical device, which is a modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be repeated in the description. Also, for the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system are shown in the drawings as appropriate. The X and Y axes are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The positive direction of the Z axis indicates the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Z axis indicates the downward direction. The positive direction of the X axis indicates the front side of the electrical equipment, and the negative direction of the X axis indicates the rear side of the electrical equipment. In this specification, the front side of the electrical equipment may be described as the front of the electrical equipment, and the rear side of the electrical equipment may be described as the rear of the electrical equipment.
[0010] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13, an electrical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the electrical device 100 will be described. The electrical device 100 is installed, for example, indoors of a building. The electrical device 100 is, for example, a household electrical appliance. The household electrical appliance is, for example, an air conditioner, a cooker or a cleaner. The air conditioner is, for example, an air purifier, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a heating device or an air conditioner. In the present embodiment, the electrical device 100 is an air purifier.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the electrical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention from an obliquely rearward direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical device 100 includes a device main body 1 and a panel 20. The device main body 1 includes a housing 10, an operation unit 2, a louver 3, and a functional unit (not shown) that executes a predetermined function. The operation unit 2 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 10. The operation unit 2 receives an instruction from the outside. The operation unit 2 has, for example, an operation button (not shown) operated by a user and a display unit (not shown) that displays an operation status and the like.
[0012] The louver 3 is rotatably attached to the housing 10. The louver 3 changes the direction of discharging the air inside the housing 10. Specifically, the housing 10 has an air outlet 10a for sending out air. The air outlet 10a is disposed on the upper part of the housing 10. The louver 3 is disposed at the air outlet 10a and can change the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet 10a.
[0013] The housing 10 is a hollow member. The housing 10 houses the functional unit. The functional unit executes, for example, an air purification function. The material of the housing 10 includes, for example, synthetic resin or sheet metal. The panel 20 is detachable from the housing 10. The material of the panel 20 includes, for example, synthetic resin or sheet metal. In the present embodiment, the housing 10 and the panel 20 are made of synthetic resin.
[0014] The electrical device 100 also includes a fan (not shown). The fan is disposed inside the housing 10. The fan sucks in air outside the electrical device 100 through a ventilation port 21a (described later) of the panel 20. Further, the fan sends out the sucked air to the outside of the electrical device 100 through a blower port 10a.
[0015] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the portion on the back side of the housing 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the portion on the back side of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 has an opening 10b. The opening 10b opens toward the rear. The housing 10 also has a storage portion 11. The storage portion 11 is disposed inside the opening 10b. The storage portion 11 houses, for example, a deodorizing filter (not shown) and a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The deodorizing filter adsorbs odor components in the air to deodorize the air. The HEPA filter collects dust in the air.
[0016] The housing 10 also includes an upper attachment portion 12 and a lower attachment portion (hereinafter referred to as an engagement portion 13). The upper attachment portion 12 is disposed at the upper edge of the opening 10b. A plurality of upper attachment portions 12 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, for example. In the present embodiment, two upper attachment portions 12 are provided. The engagement portion 13 is disposed at the lower edge of the opening 10b. A plurality of engagement portions 13 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, for example. In the present embodiment, two engagement portions 13 are provided.
[0017] Next, referring to FIG. 3, the structure of the panel 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the panel 20 of the electrical device 100 of the present embodiment from the front side. The panel 20 is detachably attached to the housing 10 so as to cover the opening 10b (see FIG. 2).
[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the panel 20 has a panel body 21. The panel body 21 covers the rear of the opening 10b. The panel 20 also has a ventilation opening 21a. The ventilation opening 21a is located in the panel body 21. The ventilation opening 21a has multiple ventilation holes. The ventilation opening 21a allows air to pass through. In this embodiment, the ventilation opening 21a is an air intake opening.
[0019] The panel 20 also includes an upper mounting portion 22 and a lower mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as an engaging portion 23). The upper mounting portion 22 is located at the upper end of the panel body 21. Multiple upper mounting portions 22 are arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, two upper mounting portions 22 are provided. The engaging portion 23 is located at the lower end of the panel body 21. Multiple engaging portions 23 are arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, two engaging portions 23 are provided.
[0020] The upper mounting portion 22 is attached to the upper mounting portion 12 (see Figure 2) of the housing 10. The mounting structure of the upper mounting portion 22 to the upper mounting portion 12 is not particularly limited. For example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be configured to lock onto the upper mounting portion 12. In this case, for example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be configured to be elastically deformable and snap-fit to the upper mounting portion 12. Alternatively, for example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be attracted to the upper mounting portion 12 by magnetic force. In this case, for example, the upper mounting portion 12 may include a magnet, and the upper mounting portion 22 may include a magnetic member. The engaging portion 23 engages with the engaging portion 13 (see Figure 2) of the housing 10.
[0021] Next, the detailed structures of the engaged portion 13 and the engaging portion 23 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 11. First, the detailed structure of the engaged portion 13 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaged portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical equipment 100 in this embodiment. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaged portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical equipment 100 in this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the engaged portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical equipment 100 in this embodiment. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaged portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical equipment 100 in this embodiment.
[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 includes a mounting surface 10c on which the panel 20 is placed. The mounting surface 10c is located at the edge of the opening 10b. The mounting surface 10c is arranged, for example, parallel to the approximately horizontal direction. The engaged portion 13 is also located on the mounting surface 10c of the housing 10.
[0023] Here, the positive direction in the Y-axis direction is defined as Y1 on one side of the Y-axis direction, and the negative direction in the Y-axis direction is defined as Y2 on the other side of the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the engaged portion 13 located on one side of the Y-axis direction, Y1, is defined as engaged portion 13a, and the engaged portion 13 located on the other side of the Y-axis direction, Y2, is defined as engaged portion 13b.
[0024] The engaged portion 13a and the engaged portion 13b have parts that are common to each other and parts that are different to each other. First, the parts that are common to each other of the engaged portion 13a and the engaged portion 13b will be described. The parts that are different to each other of the engaged portion 13a and the engaged portion 13b will be described later.
[0025] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the engaged portion 13 has a stepped surface 131a. Specifically, the engaged portion 13 has a stepped surface portion 131. The stepped surface portion 131 has a stepped surface 131a. The stepped surface 131a constitutes the upper surface of the stepped surface portion 131. The stepped surface 131a is positioned below the mounting surface 10c.
[0026] The engaged portion 13 further has a recess 132. The recess 132 is positioned on the inside of the housing 10 (in the positive direction of the X axis) relative to the stepped surface 131a. The recess 132 is formed so that a part of the engaged portion 23 of the panel 20 can be inserted into and removed from it.
[0027] Here, we will briefly describe an example of how an operator attaches the panel 20 to the housing 10. When attaching the panel 20 to the housing 10, the operator places the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 on the mounting surface 10c and slides the panel 20 on the mounting surface 10c, for example, in the Y-axis direction. When the engaging portion 23 is positioned above the stepped surface 131a, the engaging portion 23 moves from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a. That is, the engaging portion 23 moves down one step. At this time, the operator holding the panel 20 can feel that the engaging portion 23 has moved from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a. In other words, the operator can tell that the panel 20 has been positioned in the mounting position in the sliding direction without visually inspecting the engaging portion 23 and the stepped surface 131a. Next, the operator moves the engaging portion 23 inward into the housing 10, so that a part of the engaging portion 23 is inserted into the recess 132. As a result, the engaging portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13. In other words, the panel 20 can be attached to the housing 10.
[0028] Thus, in this embodiment, the engaged portion 13 has a stepped surface 131a positioned below the mounting surface 10c, and a recess 132 positioned inside the housing 10 relative to the stepped surface 131a, into which a part of the engaged portion 23 can be inserted and removed. When a part of the engaged portion 23 is positioned within the recess 132, the engaged portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13. Therefore, when attaching the panel 20 to the housing 10, the engaged portion 23 moves down one step from the mounting surface 10c to the stepped surface 131a, allowing the worker to know that the panel 20 is positioned in the mounting position in the sliding direction without visually inspecting the engaged portion 23 and the stepped surface 131a. Then, by moving the engaged portion 23 inside the housing 10, the engaged portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13. Thus, the panel 20 can be easily attached to the housing 10.
[0029] Furthermore, the engaging portion 23 is movable in the X-axis direction on the stepped surface 131a. Specifically, the length of the stepped surface 131a in the X-axis direction is greater than the length of the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23, which will be described later, in the X-axis direction. In other words, since the stepped surface 131a does not fix the engaging portion 23, it can be made large in the X-axis direction. Consequently, the engaging portion 23 is more likely to fall from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a. In other words, the panel 20 can be easily positioned in the mounting position in the sliding direction.
[0030] More specifically, the distance L1 in the X-axis direction from the negative X-axis end 131d of the stepped surface 131a to the guide surface 14a (see Figure 7) is greater than the X-axis length L2 of the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 (see Figure 10) (see Figure 10). Therefore, the engaging portion 23 is more likely to fall from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a.
[0031] The recess 132 has a pair of side surfaces 132a and a back surface 132b. The pair of side surfaces 132a face each other in the Y-axis direction. The distance between the pair of side surfaces 132a is slightly greater than the Y-axis length of the engaging portion 23. The back surface 132b faces the inner surface of the panel 20. The back surface 132b connects the pair of side surfaces 132a. Also, the stepped surface 131a connects the pair of side surfaces 132a.
[0032] Furthermore, the recess 132 has a through hole 132c. The through hole 132c connects the inside and outside of the housing 10. The through hole 132c is formed by a stepped surface 131a, a pair of side surfaces 132a, and a back surface 132b.
[0033] Next, the detailed structure of the engaging portion 23 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical equipment 100 of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical equipment 100 of this embodiment from below. Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical equipment 100 of this embodiment is in contact with the stepped surface 131a. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical equipment 100 of this embodiment is positioned within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13.
[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the panel body 21 has an inner surface 21b facing the housing 10. The panel body 21 also has an upper surface portion 21c and a lower surface portion 21d. The upper surface portion 21c and the lower surface portion 21d are positioned on the inner surface 21b. The upper surface portion 21c and the lower surface portion 21d extend along the Y-axis. The upper surface portion 21c is positioned on the upper part of the inner surface 21b and protrudes toward the housing 10. The lower surface portion 21d is positioned on the lower part of the inner surface 21b and protrudes toward the housing 10. The upper surface portion 21c and the lower surface portion 21d close the gap between the panel body 21 and the housing 10.
[0035] The engaging portion 23 includes an engaging portion 23a positioned on one side Y1 in the Y-axis direction and an engaging portion 23b positioned on the other side Y2 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging portion 23a corresponds to the engaged portion 13a (see Figure 4), and the engaging portion 23b corresponds to the engaged portion 13b. The engaging portions 23a and 23b have substantially the same shape.
[0036] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the engaging portion 23 extends inward (in the positive direction of the X-axis) of the housing 10. The engaging portion 23 also extends downward as it moves away from the panel body 21. Specifically, the engaging portion 23 has a base portion 231 connected to the panel body 21 and a tip portion 233 positioned inside the housing 10 relative to the base portion 231. The engaging portion 23 further has an intermediate portion 232 positioned between the base portion 231 and the tip portion 233. In this embodiment, the base portion 231 is connected to the lower surface portion 21d of the panel body 21. The intermediate portion 232 connects the base portion 231 and the tip portion 233.
[0037] The base portion 231 protrudes from the panel body 21 toward the inside of the housing 10. The intermediate portion 232 protrudes downward from the base portion 231. The tip portion 233 protrudes downward from the intermediate portion 232. In other words, the lower surface 232a of the intermediate portion 232 is positioned lower than the lower surface 231a of the base portion 231. The lower surface 233a of the tip portion 233 is positioned lower than the lower surface 232a of the intermediate portion 232.
[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the tip portion 233 can contact the stepped surface 131a of the engaged portion 13. However, the attachment of the panel 20 to the housing 10 is not completed when the tip portion 233 is in contact with the stepped surface 131a of the engaged portion 13.
[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the tip portion 233 is positioned within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13. With the tip portion 233 positioned within the recess 132, the tip portion 233 engages with the edge of the recess 132. Therefore, after the tip portion 233 is positioned on the stepped surface 131a, the panel 20 is moved inward from the housing 10 to position the tip portion 233 within the recess 132, thereby enabling the engaging portion 23 to engage with the engaged portion 13. Specifically, the tip portion 233 further has a connecting surface 233b that connects the lower surface 232a of the intermediate portion 232 and the lower surface 233a of the tip portion 233. The connecting surface 233b faces the opposite side from the housing 10 (negative direction of the X axis). Also, the stepped surface portion 131 constitutes part of the edge of the recess 132. With the tip portion 233 positioned within the recess 132, the connecting surface 233b engages with the stepped surface portion 131. In this embodiment, the connecting surface 233b engages with the end surface 131b of the stepped surface portion 131. The end surface 131b is the inner surface of the housing 10 within the stepped surface portion 131.
[0040] Next, the detailed structures of the engaged portion 13 and the engaging portion 23 will be further explained with reference to Figures 4, 10, and 11.
[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 further includes a guide portion 14. The guide portion 14 is positioned on the inside of the housing 10 relative to the mounting surface 10c. The guide portion 14 is positioned along the edge of the opening 10b. The guide portion 14 guides the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 to the engaged portion 13. Therefore, by moving the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 along the guide portion 14, the worker can easily guide the engaging portion 23 to the engaged portion 13. As a result, the ease of mounting the panel 20 to the housing 10 can be improved.
[0042] Specifically, the guide portion 14 is adjacent to the mounting surface 10c and extends along the Y-axis direction. The guide portion 14 has a guide surface 14a that intersects with the mounting surface 10c. The guide surface 14a faces the panel 20 side. The pair of engaged portions 13 are arranged on the same plane including the guide surface 14a.
[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the stepped surface 131a is inclined downward toward the inside of the housing 10. Therefore, when the tip 233 of the engaging portion 23 is in contact with the stepped surface 131a of the engaged portion 13, a force acts on the panel 20 to move in the positive direction of the X axis. Thus, the force required when the operator pushes the panel 20 toward the housing 10 (towards the front) can be reduced.
[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the stepped surface portion 131 has an inclined surface 131c. The inclined surface 131c connects the outer end 131d of the stepped surface 131a (negative direction of the X axis) of the housing 10 to the mounting surface 10c. Therefore, when an operator removes the panel 20, it is possible to prevent the tip 233 of the engaging portion 23 from getting caught on the boundary between the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c.
[0045] Furthermore, the mounting surface 10c is inclined downward toward the outside of the housing 10 (negative direction of the X-axis). Specifically, the inclination angle of the mounting surface 10c with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination angle of the stepped surface 131a with respect to the horizontal plane. Also, with the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 positioned within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13, the lower surface 231a of the base portion 231 contacts the mounting surface 10c. The lower surface 231a, like the mounting surface 10c, is inclined downward toward the outside of the housing 10 (negative direction of the X-axis). The lower surface 231a is approximately parallel to the mounting surface 10c. In this embodiment, both the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, but only one of them may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a do not have to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0046] By inclining at least one of the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a downward toward the outside of the housing 10, a force acts on the panel 20 to move in the negative direction of the X-axis while the tip 233 of the engaging portion 23 is positioned within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13. Therefore, the state in which the tip 233 of the engaging portion 23 is in contact with the stepped surface portion 131 is maintained. In other words, rattling of the panel 20 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the housing 10 can be suppressed.
[0047] The intermediate portion 232 of the engaging portion 23 of panel 20 contacts the stepped surface 131a with its tip portion 233 positioned within the recess 132. Therefore, the contact state of the engaging portion 23 with the engaged portion 13 can be made more stable.
[0048] Furthermore, the tip portion 233 has a chamfered portion 233c on its upper side. Therefore, when inserting or removing the engaging portion 23 from the engaged portion 13, it is possible to prevent the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 from catching on the edge of the recess 132 (the lower end of the back surface 132b). Specifically, the chamfered portion 233c is provided on the inner end of the housing 10 of the upper part of the tip portion 233. The chamfered portion 233c has an R shape when viewed from the side.
[0049] Next, referring to Figure 4, the different parts of the engaged portion 13a and the engaged portion 13b will be described. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the engaged portion 13b further has a pair of side surfaces 133. The pair of side surfaces 133 are positioned above the recess 132. The pair of side surfaces 133 face each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of side surfaces 133 are also inclined surfaces formed such that the distance between them decreases as they extend downwards. The pair of side surfaces 133 are also connected to the upper ends of the pair of side surfaces 132a of the recess 132.
[0050] By providing a pair of side surfaces 133, the following effects can be obtained. Specifically, when attaching the panel 20 to the housing 10, if the engaging portion 23b is separated (floating) from the mounting surface 10c and the engaging portion 23b side (negative direction of the Y-axis) of the panel 20 is pushed in, the engaging portion 23b can easily enter between the pair of side surfaces 133. In this case, by placing the panel 20 on the mounting surface 10c by its own weight, the engaging portion 23b is guided into the recess 132 by the pair of side surfaces 133 and engages with the engaged portion 13b. Therefore, the panel 20 can be easily attached to the housing 10.
[0051] Next, the detachable parts attached to the panel 20 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a front view showing the structure of the panel 20 of the electrical equipment 100 of this embodiment from the front. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the electrical equipment 100 further comprises a pre-filter 51, a roller 53, a roller drive mechanism 54, a cleaning mechanism 55, and a dust box 57. The pre-filter 51 is an example of the "detachable parts" and "filter" of the present invention. The roller 53, roller drive mechanism 54, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust box 57 are also examples of the "detachable parts" of the present invention.
[0052] The pre-filter 51 is detachably mounted to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. Specifically, the rollers 53 include a supply roller 53a and a take-up roller 53b. Both ends of the pre-filter 51 are held by the supply roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b. The pre-filter 51 is detachably mounted to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20 by the detachable mounting of the supply roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. The supply roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b are attached, for example, to mounting pieces (not shown) provided on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.
[0053] The pre-filter 51 is placed over the vent 21a of the panel 20. Specifically, the pre-filter 51 is positioned to cover the vent 21a. The pre-filter 51 collects dust from the air drawn in from outside the electrical equipment 100. The pre-filter 51 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be formed from a sheet-like mesh such as polypropylene.
[0054] The supply roller 53a is positioned at the upper edge of the vent 21a. The winding roller 53b is positioned at the lower edge of the vent 21a.
[0055] The roller drive mechanism 54 rotates the winding roller 53b. Specifically, the roller drive mechanism 54 is connected to one end of the winding roller 53b. The roller drive mechanism 54 includes, for example, a plurality of gears (not shown). The roller drive mechanism 54 is connected to a drive motor (not shown) provided on the main body of the device 1. The winding roller 53b rotates as driving force is transmitted from the drive motor to the roller drive mechanism 54. As the winding roller 53b rotates, the prefilter 51 is fed out from the supply roller 53a and wound onto the winding roller 53b.
[0056] The cleaning mechanism 55 is detachably attached to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. The cleaning mechanism 55 is attached, for example, to a mounting piece (not shown) provided on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.
[0057] The cleaning mechanism 55 cleans the pre-filter 51. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism 55 is located below the winding roller 53b. The cleaning mechanism 55 includes a brush 55a and a rotating mechanism 55b. The brush 55a is positioned along the winding roller 53b. The brush 55a is in contact with the pre-filter 51. The rotating mechanism 55b is connected to a drive motor (not shown) or a roller drive mechanism 54 provided on the main body of the device 1. The brush 55a rotates when a driving force is transmitted from the drive motor or roller drive mechanism 54 to the rotating mechanism 55b. As the brush 55a rotates, dust adhering to the pre-filter 51 is scraped off by the brush 55a.
[0058] The dustbin 57 is detachably attached to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. The dustbin 57 is attached, for example, to a mounting piece (not shown) provided on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.
[0059] The dust box 57 contains the dust removed from the pre-filter 51 by the cleaning mechanism 55. Specifically, the dust box 57 has a box shape, for example, with an open top. The dust box 57 is located below the brush 55a of the cleaning mechanism 55. The dust scraped off the pre-filter 51 by the brush 55a falls into the dust box 57.
[0060] As shown in Figure 13, at least one of the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust box 57 is positioned so that, when viewed from above, at least a portion of it overlaps with the engaging portion 23. In this embodiment, all of the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust box 57 are positioned so that, when viewed from above, at least a portion of it overlaps with the engaging portion 23. In this embodiment, the supply roller 53a and winding roller 53b are also positioned so that, when viewed from above, at least a portion of them overlap with the engaging portion 23.
[0061] As described above with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the engaging portion 23 and the detachable parts (pre-filter 51, roller 53, roller drive mechanism 54, cleaning mechanism 55, or dust box 57) that are detachably attached to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20 are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from above. In this case, it is difficult for the operator to visually confirm the position of the engaging portion 23 on the panel 20, but in this embodiment, as described above, by providing a stepped surface 131a and a recess 132 on the engaged portion 13, the panel 20 can be easily attached to the housing 10. In other words, the present invention is particularly effective when the engaging portion 23 and the detachable parts are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from above.
[0062] Furthermore, the detachable parts include at least one of the pre-filter 51, the cleaning mechanism 55, and the dust box 57. When the electrical equipment 100 is an air conditioner, the pre-filter 51, the cleaning mechanism 55, and the dust box 57 are easily attached to the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. Therefore, applying the present invention when the electrical equipment 100 is an air conditioner is particularly effective.
[0063] (modified version) Next, with reference to Figure 14, an example of an electrical device 100 of the present invention will be described. In this example, an example will be described in which a detection unit 60 is provided to detect whether or not the engaging portion 23 is engaged with the engaged portion 13. Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the engaged portion 13 of the electrical device 100 of the present invention.
[0064] As shown in Figure 14, the modified electrical device 100 of the present invention further includes a detection unit 60 that detects whether or not the engaging portion 23 is engaged with the engaged portion 13. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the panel 20 has been properly attached to the housing 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the panel 20 from being attached to the housing 10 in an insufficient state.
[0065] Specifically, the detection unit 60 is positioned within or near the recess 132. The detection method of the detection unit 60 is not particularly limited, but the detection unit 60 is, for example, a contact-type switch such as a tact switch, or a non-contact-type sensor such as a photosensor. Figure 14 shows an example where the detection unit 60 is a tact switch. In this case, the detection unit 60 is positioned to contact the tip 233 of the engaging portion 23 when the engaging portion 23 is positioned within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13.
[0066] Furthermore, the detection unit 60 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). The detection unit 60 transmits the detection result to the control unit. The control unit provides information corresponding to the detection result, for example, by displaying it on a display unit or by providing an audible notification. Therefore, the operator can know whether or not the panel 20 has been properly attached to the housing 10.
[0067] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings schematically show each component in order to make them easy to understand, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the convenience of drawing creation. Also, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.
[0068] For example, in the embodiments described above, the electrical equipment 100 is shown as a home appliance, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to electrical equipment other than home appliances.
[0069] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the stepped surface 131a is inclined downward toward the inside of the housing 10, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stepped surface 131a does not have to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0070] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which an inclined surface 131c is provided between the negative X-axis end 131d of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a vertical plane extending vertically may be provided between the negative X-axis end 131d of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c. Alternatively, for example, the negative X-axis end 131d of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c may be directly connected.
[0071] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the recess 132 has a through hole 132c, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recess 132 does not have to have a through hole 132c. In other words, the recess 132 does not have to connect the inside and outside of the housing 10.
[0072] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the tip portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 is positioned within the recess 132 and the intermediate portion 232 contacts the stepped surface 131a, the present invention is not limited to this, and the intermediate portion 232 does not need to contact the stepped surface 131a.
[0073] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the engaging portion 23 has an intermediate portion 232 positioned between the base portion 231 and the tip portion 233, the present invention is not limited to this. The base portion 231 and the tip portion 233 may be directly connected. In other words, for example, the engaging portion 23 may have a substantially L-shape in a side view.
[0074] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which the housing 10 has a guide portion 14, the present invention is not limited to this, and the housing 10 does not need to have a guide portion 14. [Industrial applicability]
[0075] This invention provides an electrical device and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0076] 10: Cabinet 10b: Opening 10c: Mounting surface 13,13a,13b: Engaged part 14: Guide Section 20: Panel 21: Panel body 21a: Ventilation opening 21b: Inner self 23, 23a, 23b: Engagement part 51: Pre-filter (removable part, filter) 53: Roller (detachable part) 54: Roller drive mechanism (detachable parts) 55: Cleaning mechanism (detachable parts) 57: Dustbin (removable part) 100: Electrical equipment 131a: Step surface 132: Recess 231: Base 232: Middle section 233:Tip 233c: Chamfered section
Claims
1. A housing having an opening, A panel that is detachably attached to the housing so as to cover the opening, Equipped with, The aforementioned enclosure is A mounting surface is provided on the edge of the opening on which the panel is placed, The engaging portion is positioned on the mounting surface. It has, The aforementioned panel is The panel body and An engaging portion is located at the lower part of the panel body and engages with the engaged portion. It has, The engaged portion is, A stepped surface positioned below the mounting surface and on the inside of the housing, A recess is provided on the inside of the housing relative to the stepped surface, into which a part of the engaging portion can be inserted and removed. It has, An electrical device in which a portion of the engaging portion is positioned within the recess, and the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion.
2. The aforementioned engaging portion is The base connected to the panel body, The base is positioned inside the housing and has a tip portion that extends downward. It has, The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion is capable of contacting the stepped surface of the engaged portion and engages with the edge of the recess when positioned within the recess.
3. The engaging portion further has an intermediate portion disposed between the base and the tip, The electrical device according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate portion contacts the stepped surface when the tip portion is positioned within the recess.
4. The tip portion has a chamfered portion on its upper part, as described in claim 2 or claim 3.
5. The stepped surface is inclined downward toward the inside of the housing, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The housing further includes a guide portion positioned on the inside of the housing relative to the aforementioned mounting surface, The electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide portion is arranged along the edge of the opening and guides the engaging portion to the engaged portion.
7. The panel further comprises a detachable component that is detachably attached to the inner surface of the panel, The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detachable part and the engaging part are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from above.
8. The panel further has vents through which air passes, The aforementioned detachable parts are A filter is placed in the aforementioned vent to collect dust from the air, A cleaning mechanism for cleaning the aforementioned filter, A dust box for collecting dust removed from the filter by the cleaning mechanism, The electrical equipment according to claim 7, comprising at least one of the following.
Citation Information
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