TWI906508B - (無) - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical device is provided that allows for easy mounting of a panel to a housing. The electrical device includes a housing and a panel. The housing has an opening. The panel is detachably mounted to the housing by covering the opening. The housing has a mounting surface and a engaging portion. The mounting surface is disposed at the edge of the opening and mounts the panel. The engaging portion is disposed on the mounting surface. The panel has a panel body and an engaging portion disposed at the lower part of the panel body and engaging with the engaging portion. The engaging portion has a stepped surface and a recess. The stepped surface is disposed below the mounting surface. The recess is disposed inside the housing opposite the stepped surface and allows a portion of the engaging portion to be inserted or removed. With a portion of the engaging portion disposed within the recess, the engaging portion engages with the engaging portion.

Description

Electrical equipment

This invention relates to an electrical device.

An electrical device is known, comprising a housing with an opening, and a panel detachably mounted to the housing to cover the opening (see, for example, International Publication WO2018/073989). The air purifier described in International Publication WO2018/073989 comprises a main body and a cover detachably mounted to the main body to cover the back 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 includes a gear unit, a brush body, and a dust collection unit.

Furthermore, when a panel is installed onto a housing, for example, the protrusions (protrusions) of the panel engage with the recesses of the housing. However, because the protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the panel, they are difficult for the operator to visually identify. Therefore, it is difficult to easily engage the panel's protrusions with the recesses of the housing. This is especially true when components such as pre-filters and cleaning devices are installed on the inner surface of the panel, making it even more difficult for the operator to visually identify the protrusions. Therefore, it is even more difficult to easily engage the panel's protrusions with the recesses of the housing.

This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an electrical device in which a panel can be easily mounted on a housing.

An electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing and a panel. The housing has an opening. The panel is detachably mounted to the housing such that it covers the opening. The housing has a mounting surface and a engaging portion. The mounting surface is disposed at the edge of the opening and mounts the panel. The engaging portion is disposed on the mounting surface. The panel has a panel body and an engaging portion disposed at the lower part of the panel body and engaging with the engaging portion. The engaging portion has a stepped surface and a recess. The stepped surface is disposed below the mounting surface. The recess is disposed inside the housing opposite the stepped surface and allows a portion of the engaging portion to be inserted or removed. With a portion of the engaging part disposed within the recess, the engaging part engages with the engaged portion.

According to the present invention, an electrical device is provided that allows for easy mounting of a panel onto a housing.

1: Equipment Main Body

2: Operations Department

3: Venetian blinds

10: Shell

10a: Air supply outlet

10b: Opening section

10c: Placement surface

11: Storage Department

12: Upper mounting section

13, 13a, 13b: The part that is stuck together.

14: Guidance Department

14a: Guiding Surface

20: Panel

21: Main Panel

21a: Vent

21b: Inner surface

21c: Upper surface portion

21d: Lower surface portion

22: Upper mounting section

23, 23a, 23b: Connecting parts

51: Pre-filter (assembly/removal parts, filter)

53: Roller (loading/unloading component)

53a: Supply Roller

53b: Winding Roller

54: Roller drive mechanism (loading and unloading components)

55: Cleaning mechanism (loading and unloading parts)

55a: Brush

55b: Rotating mechanism

57: Dust Collection Box (Loading/Unloading Component)

60: Inspection Department

100: Electrical Equipment

131: Stepped Face

131a: Stepped surface

131b: End face

131c: Inclined plane

131d: end

132: concave part

132a: A pair of sides

132b: Inner surface

132c: Through hole

133: A pair of sides

231: Base

231a: Lower surface

232:Middle part

232a: Lower surface

233: Front end

233a: Lower surface

233b: Connector Surface

233c: Chamfered section

L1: Distance

L2: Length

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown from a rear oblique angle.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rear side portion of the casing of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion of the housing of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaging portion of the casing of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the engaging portion of the housing of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaging portion of the housing of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a perspective view, from below, showing the structure around the engaging portion of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the engagement portion of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention contacting the stepped surface.

Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the front end of the engaging portion of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, disposed within a recess of the engaging portion.

Figure 12 is a front view showing the structure of the panel of an electrical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the engaging portion of an electrical device according to a variation of the present invention.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same symbols, and their explanations will not be repeated. For ease of explanation, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system are appropriately shown in the drawings. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis represents the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis represents the downward direction. The positive direction of the X-axis represents the front side of the electrical equipment, and the negative direction of the X-axis represents the rear side of the electrical equipment. Additionally, in this specification, sometimes the front side of the electrical equipment is described as the front side of the electrical equipment, and the rear side of the electrical equipment is described as the rear side of the electrical equipment.

Referring to Figures 1 to 13, an electrical appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. First, the overall structure of the electrical appliance 100 is described with reference to Figure 1. The electrical appliance 100 is, for example, installed indoors in a building. The electrical appliance 100 is, for example, a household appliance. Household appliances are, for example, air conditioners, cookers, or vacuum cleaners. Air conditioners are, for example, air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heating equipment, or air conditioners. In this embodiment, the electrical appliance 100 is an air purifier.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown from a rear oblique angle. As shown in Figure 1, the electrical device 100 includes a device body 1 and a panel 20. The device body 1 includes a housing 10, an operating section 2, louvers 3, and functional sections (not shown) that perform predetermined functions. The operating section 2 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 10. The operating section 2 receives instructions from the outside. The operating section 2 includes, for example, user-operated operation buttons (not shown) and a display section (not shown) showing operating status, etc.

The louvers 3 are rotatably mounted on the housing 10. The louvers 3 change the direction of air exiting the housing 10. Specifically, the housing 10 has an air outlet 10a. The air outlet 10a is located on the upper part of the housing 10. The louvers 3 are positioned at the air outlet 10a and can change the direction of the air exiting from the air outlet 10a.

The casing 10 is a hollow component. The casing 10 houses functional parts. These functional parts, for example, perform air purification functions. The casing 10 is made of materials such as synthetic resin or metal. The panel 20 is removable from the casing 10. The panel 20 is also made of materials such as synthetic resin or metal. In this embodiment, both the casing 10 and the panel 20 are made of synthetic resin.

Additionally, the electrical appliance 100 is equipped with a fan (not shown). The fan is disposed inside the housing 10. The fan draws in external air from the electrical appliance 100 through the vent 21a described later on the panel 20. Furthermore, the fan delivers the drawn air to the outside of the electrical appliance 100 through the air outlet 10a.

Next, the rear side portion of the housing 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side portion of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 has an opening 10b. The opening 10b opens to the rear. Additionally, the housing 10 has a receiving portion 11. The receiving portion 11 is disposed inside the opening 10b. The receiving portion 11, for example, receives 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.

Additionally, the casing 10 includes an upper mounting portion 12 and a lower mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as a locking portion 13). The upper mounting portion 12 is disposed at the upper edge of the opening portion 10b. Multiple upper mounting portions 12 are arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, two upper mounting portions 12 are provided. The locking portion 13 is disposed at the lower edge of the opening portion 10b. Multiple locking portions 13 are, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, two locking portions 13 are provided.

Next, the structure of the panel 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the panel 20 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment from the front side. The panel 20 is detachably mounted to the housing 10 by covering the opening 10b (see FIG. 2).

As shown in Figure 3, panel 20 has a panel body 21. Panel body 21 covers the rear of opening 10b. Panel 20 also has a vent 21a. Vent 21a is disposed on panel body 21. Vent 21a has multiple vent holes. Vent 21a allows air to pass through. In this embodiment, vent 21a is an air intake.

Additionally, panel 20 includes an upper mounting portion 22 and a lower mounting portion (hereinafter referred to as a locking portion 23). The upper mounting portion 22 is disposed at the upper end of panel body 21. Multiple upper mounting portions 22 are arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, two upper mounting portions 22 are provided. The locking portion 23 is disposed at the lower end of panel body 21. Multiple locking portions 23 are arranged, for example, spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis. In this embodiment, two locking portions 23 are provided.

The upper mounting portion 22 is mounted on the upper mounting portion 12 of the housing 10 (see FIG. 2). The mounting structure of the upper mounting portion 22 relative to the upper mounting portion 12 is not particularly limited. For example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be configured to snap onto the upper mounting portion 12. In this case, for example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be configured to be elastically deformable and engage with the upper mounting portion 12 by a snap-fit mechanism. Alternatively, for example, the upper mounting portion 22 may be magnetically attracted to the upper mounting portion 12. In this case, for example, the upper mounting portion 12 may include a magnet, and the upper mounting portion 22 may include a magnetic component. The engaging part 23 engages with the engaging part 13 of the shell 10 (see Figure 2).

Next, the detailed structure of the engaging portion 13 and the engaging portion 23 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 11. First, the detailed structure of the engaging portion 13 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the engaging portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the engaging portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the engaging portion 13 of the housing 10 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment.

As shown in Figure 4, the casing 10 includes a mounting surface 10c on which the panel 20 is mounted. The mounting surface 10c is disposed at the edge of the opening portion 10b. The mounting surface 10c is arranged, for example, approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, a locking portion 13 is disposed on the mounting surface 10c of the casing 10.

Here, the positive direction of the Y-axis is designated as Y1 on one side of the Y-axis, and the negative direction of the Y-axis is designated as Y2 on the other side of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the engaging portion 13 located on Y1 on one side of the Y-axis is designated as engaging portion 13a, and the engaging portion 13 located on Y2 on the other side of the Y-axis is designated as engaging portion 13b.

The locking parts 13a and 13b have common parts and different parts. First, the common parts of the locking parts 13a and 13b will be explained. The different parts of the locking parts 13a and 13b will be explained later.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the engaging portion 13 has a stepped surface 131a. Specifically, the engaging portion 13 has a stepped surface 131. The stepped surface 131 has a stepped surface 131a. The stepped surface 131a constitutes the upper surface of the stepped surface 131. The stepped surface 131a is disposed below the mounting surface 10c.

The engaging portion 13 also has a recess 132. The recess 132 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 10 (in the positive direction of the X-axis) opposite the stepped surface 131a. The recess 132 is formed to allow a portion of the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 to be inserted or removed.

Here, a simple explanation of one method by which an operator installs the panel 20 onto the housing 10 is given. When installing the panel 20 onto 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, along the Y-axis. When the engaging portion 23 is 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 descends one step. At this time, the operator holding the panel 20 can sense by touch that the engaging portion 23 has moved from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a. In other words, the operator can know that the panel 20 is positioned in the installation position in the sliding direction without visually inspecting the engaging portion 23 and the stepped surface 131a. Next, by moving the engaging portion 23 inwards towards the inside of the housing 10, a portion of the engaging portion 23 is inserted into the recess 132. Thus, the engaging portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13. That is, the panel 20 can be installed on the housing 10.

Thus, in this embodiment, the engaging portion 13 has a stepped surface 131a disposed below the mounting surface 10c and a recess 132 disposed inside the housing 10 opposite the stepped surface 131a, allowing a portion of the engaging portion 23 to be inserted or removed. Furthermore, with a portion of the engaging portion 23 disposed within the recess 132, the engaging portion 23 engages with the engaging portion 13. Therefore, when the panel 20 is installed on the housing 10, the engaging portion 23 descends one step from the mounting surface 10c to the stepped surface 131a. Thus, the operator can know that the panel 20 is positioned in the installation position in the sliding direction without visually inspecting the engaging portion 23 and the stepped surface 131a. Furthermore, by moving the engaging part 23 towards the inside of the housing 10, the operator engages the engaging part 23 with the engaged part 13. Therefore, the panel 20 can be easily installed onto the housing 10.

Furthermore, the engaging portion 23 can move along the X-axis 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 front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 (described later) in the X-axis direction. That is, since the stepped surface 131a does not fix the engaging portion 23, it can be formed to be larger in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the engaging portion 23 can easily fall from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a. In other words, the panel 20 can be easily positioned in the sliding direction to the mounting position.

More specifically, the distance L1 (see FIG. 7) in the X-axis direction from the negative X-axis end 131d of the stepped surface 131a to the guide surface 14a (described later) is greater than the length L2 (see FIG. 10) in the X-axis direction of the front end 233 of the engaging portion 23 (described later). Therefore, the engaging portion 23 can easily fall from the mounting surface 10c onto the stepped surface 131a.

The recess 132 has a pair of side surfaces 132a and an inner surface 132b. The pair of side surfaces 132a face each other along the Y-axis. The distance between the pair of side surfaces 132a is slightly greater than the length of the engaging portion 23 along the Y-axis. The inner surface 132b faces the inner surface of the panel 20. The inner surface 132b connects the pair of side surfaces 132a to each other. Additionally, a stepped surface 131a connects the pair of side surfaces 132a to each other.

Additionally, the recess 132 also has a through hole 132c. The through hole 132c connects the inner and outer sides of the housing 10. The through hole 132c is formed by a stepped surface 131a, a pair of side surfaces 132a, and an inner surface 132b.

Next, referring to Figures 3, 8 to 11, the detailed structure of the engaging portion 23 will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the structure around the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical device 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 device 100 of this embodiment from below. Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment in contact with the stepped surface 131a. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 of the electrical device 100 of this embodiment being disposed within the recess 132 of the engaging portion 13.

As shown in Figure 3, the panel body 21 has an inner surface 21b opposite to the shell 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 disposed 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 disposed on the upper part of the inner surface 21b and protrudes toward the shell 10. The lower surface portion 21d is disposed on the lower part of the inner surface 21b and protrudes toward the shell 10. The upper surface portion 21c and the lower surface portion 21d block the gap between the panel body 21 and the shell 10.

The engaging portion 23 includes an engaging portion 23a disposed on one side Y1 in the Y-axis direction and an engaging portion 23b disposed on the other side Y2 in the Y-axis direction. The engaging portion 23a corresponds to the engaged portion 13a (see FIG. 4), and the engaging portion 23b corresponds to the engaged portion 13b. The engaging portions 23a and 23b have substantially the same shape.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the engaging portion 23 extends toward the inner side (positive direction of the X-axis) of the casing 10. Furthermore, the engaging portion 23 extends downward away from the panel body 21. Specifically, the engaging portion 23 has a base 231 connected to the panel body 21 and a front end portion 233 disposed opposite the base 231 on the inner side of the casing 10. Additionally, the engaging portion 23 also has a middle portion 232 disposed between the base 231 and the front end portion 233. In this embodiment, the base 231 is connected to the lower surface portion 21d of the panel body 21. The middle portion 232 connects the base 231 and the front end portion 233.

The base 231 protrudes from the main panel 21 toward the inner side of the casing 10. The middle portion 232 protrudes further downward than the base 231. The front portion 233 protrudes further downward than the middle portion 232. In other words, the lower surface 232a of the middle portion 232 is positioned further downward than the lower surface 231a of the base 231. The lower surface 233a of the front portion 233 is positioned further downward than the lower surface 232a of the middle portion 232.

As shown in Figure 10, the front end portion 233 can contact the stepped surface 131a of the engaging portion 13. However, with the front end portion 233 in contact with the stepped surface 131a of the engaging portion 13, the installation of the panel 20 relative to the housing 10 is not yet complete.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG11, the front end portion 233 is disposed within the recess 132 of the engaging portion 13. With the front end portion 233 disposed within the recess 132, the front end portion 233 engages with the edge of the recess 132. Therefore, after the front end portion 233 is disposed on the stepped surface 131a, by moving the panel 20 towards the inside of the casing 10 and disposing the front end portion 233 within the recess 132, the engaging portion 23 can be engaged with the engaging portion 13. Specifically, the front end portion 233 also has a connecting surface 233b connecting the lower surface 232a of the intermediate portion 232 and the lower surface 233a of the front end portion 233. The connecting surface 233b faces the side opposite to the casing 10 (the negative direction of the X-axis). Furthermore, the stepped surface 131 forms part of the edge of the recess 132. And, with the front end portion 233 disposed within the recess 132, the connecting surface 233b engages with the stepped surface 131. In this embodiment, the connecting surface 233b engages with the end face 131b of the stepped surface 131. The end face 131b is the inner surface of the shell 10 within the stepped surface 131.

Next, referring to Figures 4, 10, and 11, the detailed structure of the engaging part 13 and the engaging part 23 will be explained.

As shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 also has a guide portion 14. The guide portion 14 is disposed on the inner side of the housing 10 opposite to the mounting surface 10c. The guide portion 14 is disposed along the edge of the opening 10b. The guide portion 14 guides the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 toward the engaged portion 13. Therefore, by moving the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 along the guide portion 14, the operator can easily guide the engaging portion 23 toward the engaged portion 13. As a result, the ease of installation of the panel 20 relative to the housing 10 is improved.

Specifically, the guide portion 14 is adjacent to the mounting surface 10c and extends along the Y-axis. The guide portion 14 has a guide surface 14a that intersects the mounting surface 10c. The guide surface 14a faces the panel 20. A pair of engaging portions 13 are disposed on the same plane including the guide surface 14a.

As shown in Figure 10, the stepped surface 131a faces the inner side of the casing 10 and slopes downwards. Therefore, when the front end 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, causing it to move in the positive direction of the X-axis. Thus, the operator can reduce the force required to push the panel 20 into the side (front) of the casing 10.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the stepped surface 131 has an inclined surface 131c. The inclined surface 131c connects the outer end 131d (negative direction of the X-axis) of the shell 10 of the stepped surface 131a to the mounting surface 10c. Therefore, when the operator removes the panel 20, the front end 233 of the engaging portion 23 can be prevented from locking into the boundary between the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c.

Furthermore, the mounting surface 10c faces the outer side of the casing 10 (in the negative direction of the X-axis) and slopes downwards. Specifically, the slope angle of the mounting surface 10c relative to the horizontal plane is smaller than the slope angle of the stepped surface 131a relative to the horizontal plane. Moreover, with the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 disposed within the recess 132 of the engaged portion 13, the lower surface 231a of the base 231 contacts the mounting surface 10c. The lower surface 231a, like the mounting surface 10c, faces the outer side of the casing 10 (in the negative direction of the X-axis) and slopes downwards. The lower surface 231a is substantially parallel to the mounting surface 10c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a are inclined relative to the horizontal plane, but it is also possible that only one of the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a may not be inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

By tilting at least one of the mounting surface 10c and the lower surface 231a towards the outer side and downward of the casing 10, and with the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 disposed within the recess 132 of the engaging portion 13, a force is applied to the panel 20, causing it to move in the negative X-axis direction. Therefore, the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 remains in contact with the stepped surface 131. That is, it is possible to suppress the panel 20 from wobbling relative to the casing 10 in the back-and-forth direction (Y-axis direction).

The middle portion 232 of the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20 contacts the stepped surface 131a when the front end portion 233 is disposed within the recess 132. Therefore, the contact between the engaging portion 23 and the engaged portion 13 is more stable.

Furthermore, the front end portion 233 has a chamfered portion 233c at its upper part. Therefore, when the engaging portion 23 is inserted or removed from the engaged portion 13, the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 can be prevented from locking onto the edge of the recess 132 (the lower end of the inner surface 132b). Specifically, the chamfered portion 233c is provided at the inner end of the shell 10 in the upper part of the front end portion 233. The chamfered portion 233c has an R-shape when viewed from the side.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the different parts of the engaging portions 13a and 13b will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the engaging portion 13b also has a pair of side surfaces 133. The pair of side surfaces 133 are disposed above the recess 132. The pair of side surfaces 133 are opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the pair of side surfaces 133 are inclined surfaces formed such that their distance from each other decreases as they face downwards. Additionally, the pair of side surfaces 133 are each connected to the upper end of a pair of side surfaces 132a of the recess 132.

By providing a pair of sides 133, the following effect can be achieved. Specifically, when the panel 20 is installed on the housing 10, with the engaging portion 23b separated from the mounting surface 10c (lifted), when the portion of the panel 20 on the side of the engaging portion 23b (in the negative direction of the Y-axis) is pushed in, the engaging portion 23b easily enters between the pair of sides 133. In this case, by utilizing its own weight to support the panel 20 on the mounting surface 10c, the engaging portion 23b is guided to the recess 132 by the pair of sides 133 and engages with the engaged portion 13b. Therefore, the panel 20 can be easily installed on the housing 10.

Next, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the mounting and dismounting components installed on the panel 20 will be described. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the structure of the panel 20 of the electrical appliance 100 of this embodiment from the front side. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the electrical appliance 100 also includes a pre-filter 51, a roller 53, a roller drive mechanism 54, a cleaning mechanism 55, and a dust collection box 57. Furthermore, the pre-filter 51 is an example of the "mounting and dismounting components" and "filter" of the present invention. Additionally, the roller 53, roller drive mechanism 54, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust collection box 57 are examples of the "mounting and dismounting components" of the present invention.

The pre-filter 51 is detachably mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. Specifically, the roller 53 includes a feed roller 53a and a take-up roller 53b. Both ends of the pre-filter 51 are held in place by the feed roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b. By detachably mounting the feed roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20, the pre-filter 51 is also detachably mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. The feed roller 53a and the take-up roller 53b are, for example, mounted on a mounting plate (not shown) provided on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.

A pre-filter 51 is disposed at the vent 21a of the panel 20. Specifically, the pre-filter 51 is configured to cover the vent 21a. The pre-filter 51 collects dust from the air drawn in from outside the electrical device 100. While not particularly limited, the pre-filter 51 is formed, for example, from a sheet-like filter screen such as polypropylene.

The feed roller 53a is positioned at the upper edge of the vent 21a. The take-up roller 53b is positioned at the lower edge of the vent 21a.

A roller drive mechanism 54 rotates the take-up roller 53b. Specifically, the roller drive mechanism 54 is connected to one end of the take-up roller 53b. The roller drive mechanism 54 includes, for example, multiple gears (not shown). The roller drive mechanism 54 is connected to a drive motor (not shown) located in the equipment body 1. Driven by the drive motor, driving force is transmitted to the roller drive mechanism 54, causing the roller 53b to rotate. Due to the rotation of the take-up roller 53b, the pre-filter 51, fed from the feed roller 53a, is wound up by the take-up roller 53b.

The cleaning mechanism 55 is detachably mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. For example, the cleaning mechanism 55 is mounted on a mounting plate (not shown) located on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.

The cleaning mechanism 55 cleans the pre-filter 51. Specifically, the cleaning mechanism 55 is positioned below the take-up roller 53b. The cleaning mechanism 55 includes a brush 55a and a rotating mechanism 55b. The brush 55a is positioned along the take-up roller 53b. The brush 55a contacts the pre-filter 51. The rotating mechanism 55b is connected to a drive motor (not shown) or a roller drive mechanism 54 located in the equipment body 1. Driven force is transmitted from the drive motor or roller drive mechanism 54 to the rotating mechanism 55b, causing the brush 55a to rotate. As the brush 55a rotates, dust adhering to the pre-filter 51 is scraped off by the brush 55a.

The dust collection box 57 is detachably mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. For example, the dust collection box 57 is mounted on a mounting plate (not shown) located on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20.

The dustbin 57 collects dust removed by the cleaning mechanism 55 from the pre-filter 51. Specifically, the dustbin 57 is, for example, box-shaped with an opening at the top. The dustbin 57 is positioned below the brush 55a of the cleaning mechanism 55. Dust scraped off from the pre-filter 51 by the brush 55a falls into the dustbin 57.

As shown in Figure 13, viewed from above, at least one of the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust collection box 57 is configured to overlap at least a portion of the engaging portion 23. In this embodiment, viewed from above, all of the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust collection box 57 are configured to overlap at least a portion of the engaging portion 23. Furthermore, in this embodiment, viewed from above, the feed roller 53a and take-up roller 53b are also configured to overlap at least a portion of the engaging portion 23.

As explained above with reference to Figures 12 and 13, when viewed from above, the engaging portion 23 and at least a portion of the mounting/unmounting components (pre-filter 51, roller 53, roller drive mechanism 54, cleaning mechanism 55, or dust collection box 57) detachably mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20 are arranged in an overlapping configuration. In this case, it is difficult for the operator to visually see the position of the engaging portion 23 of the panel 20. However, in this embodiment, as described above, by providing a stepped surface 131a and a recess 132 in the engaging portion 13, the panel 20 can be easily mounted onto the housing 10. That is, the invention is particularly effective when the engaging portion 23 and the mounting/unmounting components are arranged in an overlapping configuration when viewed from above.

Furthermore, the aforementioned mounting and dismounting components include at least one of the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust collection box 57. When the electrical appliance 100 is an air conditioner, the pre-filter 51, cleaning mechanism 55, and dust collection box 57 are easily mounted on the inner surface 21b of the panel 20. Applying this invention is particularly effective when the electrical appliance 100 is an air conditioner.

(Variant)

Next, an electrical device 100 according to a variation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In this variation, an example of a detection unit 60 for detecting whether the engaging portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the engaged portion 13 of the electrical device 100 according to the variation of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 14, the electrical device 100 of this invention, in a modified embodiment, further includes a detection unit 60 for detecting whether the engaging portion 23 engages with the engaged portion 13. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the panel 20 is properly installed in the housing 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the panel 20 from being improperly installed in the housing 10.

Specifically, the detection unit 60 is disposed within or near the recess 132. The detection method of the detection unit 60 is not particularly limited; the detection unit 60 can be, for example, a contact switch or a non-contact sensor such as a photoelectric sensor. Figure 14 shows an example where the detection unit 60 is a touch switch. In this case, with the engaging portion 23 disposed within the recess 132 of the engaging portion 13, the detection unit 60 is positioned to contact the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23.

Additionally, the detection unit 60 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). The detection unit 60 sends the detection results to the control unit. The control unit displays the information corresponding to the detection results on a display unit, or provides an audible notification. Therefore, the operator can know whether the panel 20 is properly installed on the housing 10.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, constituent elements of different embodiments can also be appropriately combined. In the accompanying drawings, each constituent element is schematically shown as the main body for ease of understanding, and for ease of drawing, the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc., of each constituent element shown in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, and dimensions of the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited. Various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of this invention.

For example, although the above embodiment shows an example of electrical equipment 100 as a household appliance, the invention is not limited thereto. The invention can also be applied to electrical equipment other than household appliances.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the stepped surface 131a faces the inside of the casing 10 and slopes downwards, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the stepped surface 131a may not be sloped relative to the horizontal plane.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where an inclined surface 131c is provided between the end portion 131d in the negative X-axis direction of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a lead-lined surface extending in the vertical direction may also be provided between the end portion 131d in the negative X-axis direction of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c. Alternatively, for example, the end portion 131d in the negative X-axis direction of the stepped surface 131a and the mounting surface 10c may also be directly connected.

Furthermore, although an example of a through hole 132c being shown in the above embodiment is illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto; the recess 132 may also not have a through hole 132c. That is, the recess 132 may not connect the inner and outer sides of the casing 10.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the middle portion 232 contacts the stepped surface 131a when the front end portion 233 of the engaging portion 23 is disposed within the recess 132, the invention is not limited to this, and the middle portion 232 may not necessarily contact the stepped surface 131a.

Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the engaging portion 23 has a middle portion 232 disposed between the base 231 and the front portion 233, the invention is not limited thereto. The base 231 and the front portion 233 may also be directly connected. That is, for example, the engaging portion 23 may have a generally L-shaped form when viewed from the side.

Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example where the casing 10 has a guide portion 14, the invention is not limited thereto, and the casing 10 may also not have a guide portion 14.

Practicality in industry

This invention provides electrical equipment that is industrially applicable.

10: Shell 10b: Opening 10c: Mounting surface 13, 13a, 13b: Engaging parts 14: Guiding part 14a: Guiding surface 132: Recess 133: A pair of side surfaces X, Y, Y1, Y2, Z: Directions

Claims (8)

An electrical device includes: a housing having an opening; and a panel detachably mounted on the housing to cover the opening. The housing has: a mounting surface disposed at an edge of the opening and on which the panel is mounted; and a engaging portion disposed on the mounting surface. The panel has: a panel body; and an engaging portion disposed at the lower part of the panel body and engaging with the engaging portion. The engaging portion has: a stepped surface disposed below the mounting surface by means of a descending step formed on the mounting surface; and a recess disposed inside the housing opposite the stepped surface and capable of allowing a portion of the engaging portion to be inserted or removed. With a portion of the engaging part disposed within the recess, the engaging part engages with the engaged portion. The electrical device as described in claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has: a base connected to the panel body; and a front end portion disposed opposite the base on the inner side of the housing and extending downward, the front end portion being able to contact the stepped surface of the engaging portion and engaging with the edge of the recess when disposed within the recess. The electrical device as described in claim 2, wherein the engaging portion further has a middle portion disposed between the base and the front end portion, wherein the middle portion contacts the stepped surface when the front end portion is disposed within the recess. The electrical equipment as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the aforementioned front end portion has a chamfered portion at the top. The electrical apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the stepped surface faces the inside of the housing and slopes downward. The electrical device as described in claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a guide portion disposed on the inner side of the housing opposite to the mounting surface, the guide portion being disposed along the edge of the opening and guiding the engaging portion toward the engaged portion. The electrical equipment as described in claim 1 further includes a mounting component detachably mounted on the inner surface of the panel, wherein the mounting component and the engaging portion overlap at least partially when viewed from above. The electrical appliance as described in claim 7, wherein the panel further has a vent for air passage, and the mounting/unmounting component includes at least one of the following: a filter disposed at the vent for collecting dust in the air; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the filter; and a dust collection box for holding dust removed from the filter by the cleaning mechanism.