Louver component

Abstract

To provide a simple, long-lasting, and stable louver component for protecting air conditioner outdoor units and other electrical equipment from sunlight, frost, and other elements. [Solution] A louver member having a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 10 and a folded end portion 20 in which at least one end of the long side of the main body portion 10 is folded back, wherein the main body portion 10 and the folded end portion 20 have a layered structure made of different materials.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a member used in a louvre that protects buildings, outdoor units of air conditioners, other electrical equipment and the like from various external influences such as sunlight, snow, frost, wind and rain. [Background Art]

[0002] The following techniques are known as prior arts for maintaining performance such as cooling and heating efficiency by protecting buildings, electrical equipment such as air conditioner outdoor units and the like from external influences such as sunlight and frost.

[0003] The first prior art is a sunshade cover for an air conditioner outdoor unit that protects the air conditioner outdoor unit from direct sunlight, comprising: a cover main body that covers the top surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit; a support member placed on the top surface and supporting the cover main body by floating the cover main body from the top surface; and a band member wound around the air conditioner outdoor unit and fixing the support member to the top surface (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The second prior art is an air intake cover for an air conditioner outdoor unit, characterized in that an outer side surface is surrounded by a plate-shaped member, a front end surface thereof is used as an air inlet, a rear end surface is joined to an air intake of the air conditioner outdoor unit, a blind having a plurality of blades arranged in a vertical row is attached to a front end surface side of a three-dimensional base material having an air passage formed inside, and a coating layer of a paint containing hollow beads is further formed on a blade surface (Patent Document 2).

[0005] In both prior arts, a cover attached to a predetermined position of a casing of an air conditioner outdoor unit functions to block light, and maintains the cooling function of the air conditioner by suppressing a temperature rise of the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0006] Here, there are the following problems regarding a cover for protecting an air conditioner outdoor unit, which is a device installed outdoors.

[0007] In other words, because the outdoors is a harsh environment with sunlight and temperature fluctuations, there is a problem of deterioration over time, where the protective cover itself deforms or breaks. This problem is particularly noticeable in areas with large temperature fluctuations or long hours of sunshine.

[0008] The surface of the cover designed to protect the equipment is susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet rays and other elements, which can cause deformation or deterioration depending on the material. This can weaken the connections between the components of the sunshade cover, make it more vulnerable to damage from strong winds, and reduce its light-blocking function.

[0009] These effects are a serious problem for resin materials, which are often chosen for manufacturing and cost reasons. Besides ultraviolet light, these materials can deform, deteriorate, and break due to external temperature fluctuations, high temperatures from equipment, and falling objects such as hail.

[0010] In contrast, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a sunshade cover for an air conditioner outdoor unit (corresponding to the louver member of the present invention) is fixed to the ceiling portion of the air conditioner outdoor unit by a support member and a band member, etc.

[0011] However, this technology does not address the issue of the cover itself deteriorating over time, nor does it offer any solutions to improve the strength or durability of the cover.

[0012] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which a cover, which integrates sunshade blades (corresponding to the louver member of the present invention) and a three-dimensional base material, is installed at the air intake of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0013] However, this technology, like Patent Document 1, does not address the issues of deformation, deterioration, or damage to the cover, and does not offer any solutions to these problems.

[0014] Furthermore, louvers used in air conditioner outdoor units and the like are primarily intended for energy conservation, and therefore require the lowest possible manufacturing costs. In other words, simple and inexpensive solutions are required.

[0015] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a simple and long-term stable function for louver members used as sunshades for buildings, air conditioner outdoor units, and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-249984 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-89969 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to simplify and improve the long-term stability of louver components that protect buildings, air conditioner outdoor units, and other electrical equipment from sunlight, frost, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The first invention is, The first invention relates to a louver member for outdoor equipment that provides shade, comprising a rectangular plate-shaped main body and a folded end portion having a folded shape at only one end of the long side of the main body, wherein the main body and the folded end portion have a layered structure made of different materials, and the surface side of the main body portion is coated with a coating film containing hollow beads that act as a cushion from falling objects. The second invention relates to a louver member for outdoor equipment that provides shade, comprising a rectangular plate-shaped main body and a folded end portion having a folded shape at only one end of the long side of the main body, wherein the main body and the folded end portion have a layered structure made of different materials, and the surface side of the main body portion is coated with a coating film containing at least one concave structure extending in both short-side directions and hollow beads that act as a cushion from falling objects. Furthermore, the third invention is a louver member for providing shade for outdoor equipment, comprising a rectangular plate-shaped main body and a folded end portion having a folded shape at only one end of the long side of the main body, wherein the main body and the folded end portion have a layered structure made of different materials, the surface side of the main body has a coating film formed thereon that includes at least one concave structure extending in the direction of both short sides and hollow beads that act as a cushion from falling objects, and the back side of the main body has at least one convex structure extending in the direction of both short sides It is a louver component. Also, the 4 The invention is such that the outer layer on the back side of the layer structure is AES, The coating film is formed on the surface side of the main body. The inner layer is ABS. One of 1-3 This is the louver member of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the present invention, since one end of a plate-shaped main body has a folded-back shape, and the louver member has a different layered structure, deformation and damage of the louver member can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the present invention, since at least one concave structure extending in both short-side directions is formed on the front surface side of the main body portion, pressure resistance and deformation resistance can be improved. Furthermore, in the present invention, since at least one convex structure extending in both short-side directions is formed on the back surface side of the main body portion, pressure resistance and deformation resistance can be improved. Furthermore, in the present invention, by forming a coating film on the surface side of the louver member, it becomes easy to impart desired functions to the protection panel by the coating film, and it can be expected that the protection panel can be used stably for a long period of time. Furthermore, in the present invention, since the outer layer is AES and the inner layer is ABS, deformation and deterioration of the louver member can be reduced. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view from the surface side of a louver member. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view from the back side of a louver member. [Figure 3] It is an installation example of a louver member. [MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 3. [Example]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the side that becomes the outer surface (front surface) when the louver member 1 according to the present invention is installed on an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The louver member 1 has an integral shape including a rectangular plate-shaped main body portion 10, and a folded-back end portion 20 in which at least one long side of the main body portion 10 is formed into a folded-back shape.

[0023] In Figure 1, the folded end portion 20 is U-shaped, but is not limited to this. That is, the folded end portion 20 may be a U-shape with rounded corners, a V-hook, or various other hook shapes. Furthermore, in this invention, the term "fold" may include even more gently curved L-shapes.

[0024] Furthermore, the louver member 1, which has a main body portion 10 and a folded end portion 20, has a layered structure in which different materials are laminated to form the thickness of the louver member 1. In this embodiment, the louver member 1 is made of resin. This is done with mass production in mind. However, the material constituting the louver member 1 does not necessarily have to be resin.

[0025] Examples of resin materials for the louver component 1 include, but are not limited to, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylic), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PA (polyamide, nylon), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), and AES (acrylonitrile ethylene styrene).

[0026] In this embodiment, the base material (inner layer) of the louver member 1 is ABS. Furthermore, AES is layered on top of the ABS (on the back side in Figure 1) (outer layer). While the thickness of the AES layer is not limited, it is desirable that it be adjusted to such an extent that the ABS base material does not show through. Specifically, the thickness of the AES layer (outer layer) is in the range of 1 / 10 to 1 / 7 of the thickness of the ABS layer (inner layer).

[0027] Here, there are no limitations on the type, number, or arrangement of layers that constitute the louver member 1, and it is not necessary for the same layer structure to be formed throughout the entire louver member 1. For example, this could be the formation of layers on the back surface or surrounding surface of the resin base material when it is installed on the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the base material of the louver member 1 may be coated with a weather-resistant paint or the like, so that the coating film becomes one of the components of the layer structure. Examples of paints include, but are not limited to, fluororesins, silicone resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins, and inorganic paints.

[0029] In this embodiment, at least one recessed structure 30 is formed on the surface side of the main body 10, extending to both short sides of the main body 10 in a position parallel to the long side.

[0030] While the shape, size, and number of the recessed structures 30 are not limited, if the groove width and depth of the recessed structures 30 are large compared to the thickness of the main body 10, the strength of the louver member 1 will decrease, so it is desirable for the groove width and depth to be small.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the louver member 1 according to the present invention from the side that becomes the back when installed on an air conditioner outdoor unit. On this back side, if necessary, a convex structure 40 is formed that extends to both short sides of the main body 10 in a position parallel to the long side. In this embodiment, two convex structures 40, one at the top and one at the bottom, are formed in a position parallel to the concave structure 30 on the surface of the main body 10.

[0032] The shape, size, and number of the convex structures 40 are not limited. For example, the tip of the convex structure 40 may be bent in a hook shape. Also, the width of the protrusions of the convex structure 40 is not limited, but can range from half the thickness of the main body 10 to about the same.

[0033] As described above, the louver member 1 has a basic structure consisting of a plate-shaped main body portion 10, a folded end portion 20, and a layered structure made of different materials. Furthermore, it may have at least one concave structure 30 extending in the direction of both short sides of the main body portion 10, and at least one convex structure 40 extending in the direction of both short sides on the opposite side.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of how the louver member 1 is installed on the air conditioner outdoor unit. The louver member 1 is installed on the electrical equipment, such as the air conditioner outdoor unit, via a connection member for connecting to the electrical equipment.

[0035] In this embodiment, the connecting member consists of a metal fitting member that serves as a base for attachment to electrical equipment, and a resin member that is attached to the metal fitting member and for connecting to the louver member.

[0036] First, the metal fittings are assembled based on the shape and size of the air conditioner's outdoor unit (see the upper left photo in Figure 3).

[0037] Next, the resin members are fitted into the through-holes provided in the left and right metal fitting members and secured (photo in the upper right of Figure 3). Here, the fixing structure between the metal fitting members and the resin members can be any method that allows for firm fixation, such as fitting or screw fastening.

[0038] In this embodiment, the resin member has an inclined surface that forms an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the vertically assembled metal fitting member. The inclined surfaces of the resin members, which are attached to the left and right sides of the metal fitting member, are connected to the louver member 1.

[0039] The inclined surface and the surface of the main body portion 10 of the louver member 1 (the surface having the convex structure 40) are combined and fixed by their interlocking shapes, so that the surface of the main body portion 10 of the louver member 1 is connected to the connecting member so that it forms a predetermined angle with the front of the air conditioner outdoor unit housing (photograph in the lower left of Figure 3).

[0040] The folded end 20 of the louver member 1 receives the end of the connecting member by sandwiching it, and the convex structure 40 is inserted into the concave structure provided on the inclined surface of the connecting member. In this way, the louver member 1 and the connecting member are fixed together by fitting them together (figure omitted).

[0041] Here, a structure that strengthens the fixing of the two members may be optionally adopted, such as having a hook shape at the desired tip of the convex structure 40 of the louver member 1, and having a shape that receives the hook shape at the concave structure of one of the connecting members.

[0042] Finally, the connecting member connected to the louver member 1 is positioned and connected to the front of the air conditioner's outdoor unit (photo in the lower right of Figure 3). [Examples]

[0043] The findings and considerations obtained from field tests and various additional tests of the louver member 1 are presented as Example 2.

[0044] The folded end portion 20, concave structure 30, and convex structure 40 extending in the long-side direction of the louver member 1 serve to reduce distortion of the long side of the main body 10 (deterioration over time due to long-term use).

[0045] Louvers that are flat and made of a single layer of ABS plastic, without any folded or other structural elements, are prone to distortion over time, mainly in the longitudinal direction, which can cause them to lose their initial shape.

[0046] In contrast, the louver having a folded end portion 20 extending in the direction of the longer side exhibited reduced distortion. The folded shape only needs to be provided at at least one end of the plate-shaped louver, and is not limited to a U-shape.

[0047] Furthermore, the formation of an AES layer on the ABS substrate further reduces the aforementioned distortion. This two-layer structure and the folded end 20 make it possible to realize a louver that is easy to handle and suppresses deterioration over time. In particular, forming an AES layer on the surrounding surface of the ABS substrate (not necessarily the entire surface, but a predetermined one surface) suppresses deformation such as distortion.

[0048] The thickness of the AES layer is not limited. It can be the same thickness as the ABS substrate, or it can be thick enough to completely obscure the ABS substrate, while still achieving the above effects.

[0049] Thus, it was suggested that the performance against distortion and other issues is synergistically enhanced by providing a folded shape at one end of the rectangular louver member 1 in the longitudinal direction, and by using a multi-layer structure made of materials with different properties such as weather resistance and mechanical strength. The same applies to the longitudinally extending uneven structure and the multi-layer structure.

[0050] In addition to the above, the multi-layer structure of this louver member 1, which has a different shape and material, has the following advantages.

[0051] First, the folded shape and convex structure of the folded end portion 20, such as the U-shape, allow for a more secure attachment to the air conditioner's outdoor unit through fitting with the connecting member.

[0052] Next, the multi-layer structure using different materials such as ABS and AES allows for designs based on functional and cost requirements.

[0053] Generally, ABS has better compatibility with paints and is less expensive than AES. In contrast, AES is more expensive than ABS but has superior strength. By using ABS as the base material and layering a thin layer of AES on its surface, it is possible to reduce material costs while also providing weather resistance.

[0054] Furthermore, this multi-layer structure may be formed on the entire surface of the base material of the louver member 1, or on a desired portion. For example, if the focus is on providing strength, the material cost can be further reduced by forming the other layer on the base material only on the back side of the inclined installation of the louver member 1.

[0055] When an AES layer is formed on the ABS substrate on the back side of the louver member 1, the strength of the ABS substrate is supplemented by the AES. Furthermore, a coating film with light-shielding and heat-shielding properties is formed on the ABS substrate on the front side of the louver member 1, thereby enhancing protection against external factors such as ultraviolet rays.

[0056] It has been found that light-blocking and heat-shielding functions can be more effectively performed by a coating layer than by an AES layer. Since ABS is a material that easily forms such a coating layer stably, it is highly advantageous if the surface side of the louver member 1 is made of an ABS substrate with the paint coating applied directly to it.

[0057] Furthermore, the back side of the louver member 1 is provided with a convex structure for connection through fitting with the connecting member, and since greater strength is required, the two-layer structure with the AES layer as the surface layer offers significant advantages.

[0058] Such a multi-layered structure is useful not only for preventing distortion of the louver member 1 due to long-term use, but also for providing functions such as light-shielding and heat-shielding functions with paint, and strengthening the connection with connecting members by providing strength with materials such as AES.

[0059] Furthermore, the coating film formed by the application of the paint may be formed on any surface. For example, a coating film that enhances weather resistance and high-temperature resistance may be formed on the upper layer of the AES layer in this embodiment. However, the coating film should be formed on a material that has good compatibility (adhesion) with the paint, and it is preferable that it be formed mainly on a predetermined layer without spanning layers of different materials. This is because differences in adhesion between the paint and the coating film-forming surface can affect the stability of the formed coating film.

[0060] From the viewpoint of long-term stability of the louver member 1 of the present invention, a useful coating layer is a coating layer containing hollow beads that imparts a heat insulating function to the surface side of the louver member 1.

[0061] Examples of hollow beads, though not limited to them, include acrylic hollow beads, polystyrene hollow beads, polycarbonate hollow beads, ceramic hollow beads, and glass hollow beads.

[0062] Examples of film-forming agents include anionic acrylic emulsion paints, water-based polyurethane paints, weak solvent-based paints, and solvent-based polyurethane paints.

[0063] It has been found that by using these film-forming agents, a hollow bead-containing coating can be successfully formed with the desired film thickness even without applying a primer undercoat between the coating and the ABS surface layer.

[0064] It has been confirmed that by forming a coating of the desired thickness using a paint containing hollow beads, the louver member 1 is given not only a heat insulating function but also a cushioning function that mitigates the impact of falling objects such as hail, thereby reducing the risk of damage. As a result, long-term use is possible even if the thickness of the main body 10 of the louver member 1 is set to be thin. [Industrial applicability]

[0065] The louver member according to the present invention can be applied not only to protection from solar radiation, but also to protection of electrical equipment and other objects from frost, hail, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Louver member 10 Main body 20 Folded end 30 Concave structure 40 Convex structure

Claims

1. A louver member that provides shade for outdoor equipment, A rectangular, plate-shaped main body, The main body portion has a folded end where only one end of the longer side is folded back, It has, The main body and the folded end have a layered structure made of different materials. A louver member having a coating film formed on the surface side of the main body portion, which contains hollow beads that act as a cushion against falling objects.

2. A louver member that provides shade for outdoor equipment, A rectangular, plate-shaped main body, The main body portion has a folded end where only one end of the longer side is folded back, It has, The main body and the folded end have a layered structure made of different materials. A louver member having a coating film formed on the surface side of the main body portion, which includes at least one recessed structure extending in both short-side directions and hollow beads that act as a cushion from falling objects.

3. A louver member that provides shade for outdoor equipment, A rectangular, plate-shaped main body, The main body portion has a folded end where only one end of the longer side is folded back, It has, The main body and the folded end have a layered structure made of different materials. A coating film is formed on the surface side of the main body portion, which includes at least one concave structure extending in both short-side directions and hollow beads that act as a cushion from falling objects. A louver member having at least one convex structure extending in both short-side directions formed on the back side of the main body.

4. The louver member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer layer on the back side of the layer structure is AES, and the inner layer on the front side of the main body on which the coating film is formed is ABS.

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