FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
HEAT EXCHANGE UNIT
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
[DESCRIPTION]
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange unit.
[Background Art]5
[0002]
For example, a grip that is attached to a cabinet of an outdoor unit of an air
conditioner that is used during transport or the like is described in Patent Document 1.
A method of attaching the grip in Patent Document 1 is done by pressing and fixing grips
to side plates of the cabinet by providing open recesses, into which the grips are fit, on a10
front surface plate and a rear surface plate of the cabinet.
[Citation List]
[Patent Document]
[0003]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First15
Publication No. H04-359722
[Summary of Invention]
[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]
[0004]
In a case similar to the case of the method of attaching a grip as mentioned20
above, there is a need to sandwich the grip between differing plate members of the
cabinet, and the work efficiency of attaching the grip is bad. On the other hand, if
openings are provided in the cabinet, and a method of inserting the grip into the openings
is adopted, the work efficiency of attaching the grip improves. In such a case however,
a problem of the attachment strength of the grips easily declining exists.25
3
[0005]
The present disclosure has been made in order to address the problem above,
and an object is to provide a heat exchange unit that has a construction where it is
possible to ensure an attachment strength of gripping members, while improving a work
efficiency of attaching the gripping members.5
[MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM]
[0006]
An embodiment of a heat exchange unit according to the present disclosure is a
heat exchange unit of a refrigeration cycle device that includes a housing having
openings, and gripping members attached to the openings. Each gripping member of10
the gripping members has a main body having an inner space that opens to an outside of
the housing, and a plurality of claws that protrude from the main body, and that hook to a
circumferential edge of the openings from an inside of the housing. The plurality of
claws include at least one first claw portion, and at least one second claw portion that is
provided on an opposite side to the first claw portion in a predetermined direction that15
intersects the opening direction of an opening. At least one claw portion out of at least
one of the first claw portion and at least one of the second claw portion is an elastic claw
that is cantilevered by the main body, and the elastic claw is elastically deformable in the
predetermined direction with respect to the main body.
[EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION]20
[0007]
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure an attachment
strength of the gripping members, while improving a work efficiency of attaching the
gripping members.
25
4
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0008]
[FIG. 1] A schematic block diagram that schematically shows a
refrigeration cycle device that is included in an outdoor unit in a first embodiment.
[FIG. 2] A perspective view that shows the outdoor unit in the first5
embodiment.
[FIG. 3] A perspective view that shows a part out of parts of the outdoor
unit in the first embodiment where a gripping member is attached.
[FIG. 4] A perspective view that shows the gripping member in the first
embodiment.10
[FIG. 5] A view of the gripping member in the first embodiment as seen
from the front side.
[FIG. 6] A cross-sectional view that shows the gripping member in the
first embodiment, and corresponds to the cross-sectional line VI-VI in FIG. 5.
[FIG. 7] A cross-sectional view that shows the gripping member in the15
first embodiment, and corresponds to the cross-sectional line VII-VII in FIG. 5.
[FIG. 8] A view of the gripping members in the first embodiment as
seen from the top side.
[FIG. 9] A cross-sectional view that shows a portion of attachment
procedures of the gripping member to a housing in the first embodiment.20
[FIG. 10] A cross-sectional view that shows another portion of the
installation procedures of the gripping member to the housing in the first embodiment.
[FIG. 11] A perspective view that shows the gripping members in a
second embodiment.
[FIG. 12] A view of the gripping members in the second embodiment as25
5
seen from the top side.
[FIG. 13] A view of the gripping members in a third embodiment as
seen from the top side.
[FIG. 14] A view of the gripping members in a fourth embodiment as
seen from the top side.5
[FIG. 15] A view of the gripping members in a fifth embodiment as
seen from the top side.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0009]
Hereinafter, an embodiment is explained with reference to drawings. The10
scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments below, and may be
changed appropriately so long as the changes are within the scope of the technical idea of
the present disclosure. In order to facilitate better understanding of the various
configurations, there are cases where scales and numbers or the like of various
configurations in the drawings below differ from scales and numbers of actual15
configurations.
[0010]
An X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are shown in the drawings as deemed
appropriately. The X axis shows a front-back direction of an outdoor unit 10 in the
embodiments below. The Y axis shows a width direction of the outdoor unit that is20
orthogonal to the front-back direction. The Z axis shows a vertical direction. The
front-back direction, the width direction, and the vertical direction are directions that
mutually cross one another. Hereinafter, the front-back direction is referred to as a
“front-back direction X”, the width direction is referred to as a “width direction Y”, and
the vertical direction is referred to as a “vertical direction Z”. The vertical direction, or25
6
a Z axis direction corresponds to a “predetermined direction”.
[0011]
Out of sides of the front-back direction X, a side to which an arrow of the X axis
faces (+X side) is a front side of the outdoor unit. Out of the sides of the front-back
direction X, an opposite side to which the arrow of the X axis faces (-X side) is a back5
side of the outdoor unit. The width direction Y is a left-right direction of the outdoor
unit. Out of the sides of the width direction Y, a side to which the arrow of the Y axis
faces (+Y side) is a left side of the outdoor unit. Out of the sides of the width direction
Y, an opposite side to which the arrow of the Y axis faces (-Y side) is a right side of the
outdoor unit. In the description below, the side out of the sides of the width direction Y10
to which the arrow of the Y axis faces (+Y side), in other words the left side, is referred
to as a “one side of the width direction”. The opposite side out of the sides of the width
direction Y to which the arrow of the Y axis faces (-Y side) is referred to as an “other side
of the width direction”. A side out of the sides of the vertical direction Z to which the
arrow of the Z axis faces (+Z side) is a top side. An opposite side out of the sides of the15
vertical direction Z to which the arrow of the Z axis faces (-Z side) is a bottom side.
[0012]
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram that schematically shows a refrigeration
cycle device 100 which is included in the outdoor unit 10 in a first embodiment. The20
refrigeration cycle device 100 is a device which utilizes a refrigeration cycle that
circulates a refrigerant 40. The refrigeration cycle device 100 in the first embodiment is
an air conditioning device. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle device 100
includes the outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a circulation path 30. The outdoor
unit 10 is disposed outdoors. The indoor unit 20 is disposed indoors. The outdoor unit25
7
10 and the indoor unit 20 are mutually connected by the circulation path 30 that
circulates the refrigerant 40. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 make up a heat
exchange unit that conducts heat exchange between the units thereof and the surrounding
atmosphere.
[0013]5
By the refrigeration cycle device 100 conducting heat exchange between the
refrigerant 40 circulating inside the circulation path 30 and the indoor atmosphere where
the indoor unit 20 is disposed, the temperature of the indoor atmosphere is adjustable.
A refrigerant such as a fluorine based refrigerant with a low global warming potential
(GWP: Global Warming Potential), or a hydrocarbon based refrigerant or the like may be10
mentioned as examples of the refrigerant 40.
[0014]
The outdoor unit 10 has a housing 11, a compressor 12, a heat exchange device
13, a flow adjustment valve 14, a blower 15, a four-way valve 16, and a controller 17.
The compressor 12, the heat exchange device 13, the flow adjustment valve 14, the15
blower 15, the four-way valve 16, and the controller 17 are housed on an inside of
housing 11. The controller 17 controls the various parts of the outdoor unit 10. The
controller 17 for example, may be a system controller that regulates the control of the
entirety of the refrigeration cycle device 100.
[0015]20
Out of components on the circulation path 30, the compressor 12, the heat
exchange device 13, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are
provided on a part located on the inside of housing 11. Out of the components on the
circulation path 30, the compressor 12, the heat exchange device 13, the flow adjustment
valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are connected by the part located on the inside of25
8
housing 11.
[0016]
The four-way valve 16 is provided on a portion connected to a discharge side of
the compressor 12 out of components on the circulation path 30. The four-way valve 16
is able to reverse the flow of the refrigerant 40 inside the circulation path 30 by switching5
over a portion of the path of the circulation path 30. When the path connected by the
four-way valve 16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by solid lines in FIG.
1, the refrigerant 40 flows in the direction of the circulation path 30 shown by the solid
line arrow in FIG. 1. On the other hand, when the path connected by the four-way valve
16 is the path of the four-way valve 16 that is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1, the10
refrigerant 40 flows in the direction of the circulation path 30 shown by the dashed line
arrow in FIG. 1.
[0017]
The indoor unit 20 has a housing 21, a heat exchange device 22, and a blower 23.
The heat exchange device 22 and the blower 23 are housed on an inside of housing 21.15
The indoor unit 20 is able to cool the indoor atmosphere the indoor unit 20 is disposed in,
through a cooling operation. The indoor unit 20 is able to warm the indoor atmosphere
the indoor unit 20 is disposed in, through a heating operation.
[0018]
When the indoor unit 20 is in the cooling operation, the refrigerant 40 that flows20
within the circulation path 30 flows in the direction of the solid line arrow shown in FIG.
1. In other words, when the indoor unit 20 is in cooling operation, the refrigerant 40
that flows within the circulation path 30 circulates so as to return to the compressor 12
after passing through the compressor 12, the heat exchange device 13 of the outdoor unit
10, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the heat exchange device 22 of the indoor unit 2025
9
in such an order. During the cooling operation, the heat exchange device 13 inside the
outdoor unit 10 functions as a condenser, and the heat exchange device 22 of the indoor
unit 20 functions as an evaporator.
[0019]
On the other hand, when the indoor unit 20 is in the heating operation, the5
refrigerant 40 that flows within the circulation path 30 flows in the direction of the
dashed line arrow shown in FIG. 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 20 is in
heating operation, the refrigerant 40 that flows within the circulation path 30 circulates so
as to return to the compressor 12 after passing through the compressor 12, the heat
exchange device 22 of the indoor unit 20, the flow adjustment valve 14, and the heat10
exchange device 13 of the outdoor unit 10 in such an order. During the heating
operation, the heat exchange device 13 inside the outdoor unit 10 functions as an
evaporator, and the heat exchange device 22 of the indoor unit 20 functions as a
condenser.
[0020]15
Next, the outdoor unit 10 in the first embodiment is further explained. FIG. 2
is a perspective view that shows the outdoor unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing
11 is roughly a rectangular box-shape having surfaces that face each of the front-back
direction X, the width direction Y, and the vertical direction Z. In the first embodiment,
the housing 11 has two blowers 15 that are provided so as to be aligned in the vertical20
direction Z. The housing 11 has a front surface panel 11a that is attached so as to be
detachable. The front surface panel 11a is a sheet metal member. The front surface
panel 11a has a front wall portion 11b that configures a portion of a front side (+X side)
wall portion in the housing 11, and a side wall portion 11c that configures a portion of the
one side of the width direction (+Y side) wall portion in the housing 11. The side wall25
10
portion 11c bends to the back side (-X side), from the one side of the width direction of
the front wall portion 11b.
[0021]
The outdoor unit 10 includes gripping members 50. The gripping members 50
are members to which an operator or the like may hook their hands or fingers to when5
transporting the outdoor unit 10. The gripping members 50 in the first embodiment are
resin members that are integrally formed by a metal mold of injection molding or the like.
The resin that the gripping members 50 are configured from may for example be
polypropylene or the like. A plurality of the gripping members 50 are provided. The
gripping members 50 in the first embodiment are provided on each of four corner10
portions out of portions of the housing 11 to which the front-back direction X wall
portion and the width direction Y wall portion are connected to. The gripping members
50 in the first embodiment are located on the bottom side in the vertical direction Z more
than a center of the outdoor unit 10.
[0022]15
FIG. 3 is a perspective view that shows a part out of parts of the outdoor unit 10
where a gripping member 50 is attached. FIG. 4 is a perspective view that shows the
gripping member 50. FIG. 5 is a view of the gripping member 50 as seen from the front
side (+X side). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows the gripping member 50, and
corresponds to the cross-sectional line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view20
that shows the gripping member 50, and corresponds to the cross-sectional line VII-VII
in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a view of the gripping member 50 as seen from the top side.
[0023]
The gripping members 50 shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 8 are gripping members 50
that are provided in the corner portions out of portions of the housing 11 to which the25
11
front side (+X side) wall portion and the one side of the width direction (+Y side) wall
portion are connected to. The corner portions, to which the gripping members 50 are
attached, shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 8 are provided on the front surface panel 11a.
Although the four gripping member 50 are each attached in differing locations and
orientations, each have the same construction. For such reason, the relative positional5
relationship and the like of the gripping member 50 attached to the front surface panel
11a, as a representative of the four gripping members 50, is described in the explanation
of the gripping member 50 below.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the gripping member 50 is attached to an opening 11d that10
is provided in the housing 11. The opening 11d penetrates the wall portion that
configures the housing 11. The opening 11d shown in FIG. 3 is provided so as to
extend over the front wall portion 11b and the side wall portion 11c in the front surface
panel 11a. An opening direction of the opening 11d in the first embodiment is a
direction that is orthogonal to the vertical direction Z. In other words, the vertical15
direction Z is orthogonal to the opening direction of the opening 11d. The opening 11d
shown in FIG. 3 opens to the front side (+X side) and to the one side of the width
direction (+Y side). The opening 11d is covered by attaching the gripping member 50.
A protrusion 11e that protrudes to the inside of housing 11 is provided on an inner edge
of the opening 11d, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The protrusion 11e is at least20
provided on the portions out of portions of the inner edge of the opening 11d that face a
plurality of claws 60, to be mentioned later on.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 8, the gripping member 50 has a main body 51 and a
frame body 52. The main body 51 is roughly a rectangular box-shape that opens to the25
12
front side (+X side) and to the one side of the width direction (+Y side). As shown in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the main body 51 is housed on the inside of housing 11.
[0026]
The main body 51 has an upper wall portion 51a, a bottom wall portion 51b, an
inner wall portion 51c, and a side wall portion 51d. Out of wall portions of the main5
body 51, the upper wall portion 51a is the wall portion that is located on the top side.
Out of wall portions of the main body 51, the bottom wall portion 51b is the wall portion
that is located on the bottom side. Out of wall portions of the main body 51, the inner
wall portion 51c is the wall portion located on the back side (-X side). Out of wall
portions of the main body 51, the side wall portion 51d is the wall portion located on the10
other side of the width direction (-Y side).
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wall portion 51a has through holes 54 that
penetrate the upper wall portion 51a in the vertical direction Z. A pair of through holes
54 are provided at an interval in the width direction Y in the first embodiment. The15
through holes 54 are provided on the front side (+X side) portion of the upper wall
portion 51a. As shown in FIG. 8, the through holes 54 are roughly long rectangular
shapes in the width direction Y, as seen from the vertical direction Z. Edges of the front
side of the through holes 54 are disposed so as to be spaced apart in the back side (-X
side) more than the edge of the front side of the upper wall portion 51a.20
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the frame body 52 is connected to the opening
edge 51e of the main body 51. The frame body 52 is a frame shape along the opening
edge 51e of the main body 51. The frame body 52 protrudes from the opening edge 51e
of the main body 51 to the outside over the entire circumference of the opening edge 51e.25
13
The frame body 52 is located on the outside of housing 11. Out of parts of the frame
body 52, the parts that protrude to the outside more than the main body 51 are coming
into contact with, and hook onto, a circumferential edge of the opening 11d from an
outside of housing 11, out of the outside surfaces of the housing 11. The
circumferential edge of the opening 11d is sandwiched between the plurality of claws 605
to be mentioned later on, and the frame body 52.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 4, the frame body 52 has a first portion 52a that is connected
to front side (+X side) of the main body 51, and a second portion 52b that is connected to
the one side of the width direction (+Y side) of the main body 51. The first portion 52a10
protrudes to both sides of the vertical direction Z and to the other side of the width
direction (-Y side) more than the main body 51. The second portion 52b extends to the
back side (-X side) from an end portion of the one side of the width direction of the first
portion 52a. The second portion 52b protrudes to both sides of the vertical direction Z
and the back side more than the main body 51.15
[0030]
The inside of frame body 52 is an insertion opening 52c that is connected to the
inside of main body 51. The frame body 52 has a cover portion 52d that covers a top
side portion out of portions of the opening of the main body 51. A hand insertion space
53 (inside space) is configured by the main body 51 and the frame body 52. The hand20
insertion space 53 is a space into which the operator is able to hook their hands or fingers
to when transporting the outdoor unit 10. The hand insertion space 53 opens to the
outside of housing 11 via the insertion opening 52c. The hand insertion space 53 is a
space that is provided on the inside of the main body 51. The operator transporting the
outdoor unit 10 inserts their hands or fingers in the hand insertion space 53 and holds the25
14
cover portion 52d. Therefore, it is possible for the operator to lift the outdoor unit 10 by
holding onto the gripping member 50.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 6, the gripping member 50 has the plurality of claws 60. The
plurality of claws 60 protrude from the main body 51. The plurality of claws 60 are5
located on the inside of housing 11. The plurality of claws 60 are disposed so as to face
the circumferential edge of the openings 11d in the inside of housing 11. The plurality
of claws 60 are disposed so as to face an inner end portion of the protrusion 11e that is
provided in the opening 11d. The plurality of claws 60 hook onto the circumferential
edge of the openings 11d from the inside of the housing 11.10
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of the claws 60 include first claw portions 60a,
and second claw portions 60b. The first claw portions 60a are claws 60 that are
provided on the top side of the main body 51. The second claw portions 60b are claws
60 that are provided on the bottom side of the main body 51. In other words, the second15
claw portions 60b are provided on the opposite side of the first claw portions 60a in the
vertical direction Z. Each of a plurality of first claw portions 60a and of second claw
portions 60b are provided in the first embodiment. The plurality of first claw portions
60a protrude to the top side from the upper wall portion 51a of the main body 51. The
plurality of the second claw portions 60b protrude to the bottom side from the bottom20
wall portion 51b of the main body 51.
[0033]
The first claw portions 60a include a fixed claw 61, and elastic claws 62. The
fixed claw 61 and the elastic claws 62 protrude to the top side from the upper wall
portion 51a of the main body 51. As shown in FIG. 8, the fixed claw 61 in the first25
15
embodiment is provided between a pair of through holes 54 on a portion out of portions
of the upper wall portion 51a in the width direction Y. The fixed claw 61 is located on a
center portion of the upper wall portion 51a in the width direction Y. A bottom end
portion of the fixed claw 61 is entirely connected to the upper wall portion 51a. As
shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the fixed claw 61 is roughly a triangular shape, as seen from5
the width direction Y. The protrusion height of the fixed claw 61 with respect to the
main body 51 becomes larger as the fixed claw 61 approaches the front side (+X side) of
the main body 51. The protrusion height of the fixed claw 61 with respect to the main
body 51 is a vertical direction Z dimension of the fixed claw 61, and represents a distance
between a top surface of the upper wall portion 51a and a top end portion of the fixed10
claw 61 in the vertical direction Z. The top end portion of the fixed claw 61 in the first
embodiment is located more to the bottom side than the top end portion of the frame
body 52.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 6, the fixed claw 61 has a first facing surface 61f that faces the15
circumferential edge of the openings 11d, and a first inclined surface 61i. The first
facing surface 61f faces the front side (+X side). The first facing surface 61f is a
surface that is roughly parallel with the vertical direction Z. For example, although not
shown in the figures, the first facing surface 61f is a surface that slightly inclines towards
a direction located in the back side with respect to the vertical direction Z as the first20
facing surface 61f approaches the top side. The first facing surface 61f faces the inner
end portion of protrusion 11e in the first embodiment. The first facing surface 61f
contacts the inner end portion of protrusion 11e. The first inclined surface 61i is a
surface that faces the back side, and faces an inclined top side. A top end portion of the
first inclined surface 61i is connected to a top end portion of the first facing surface 61f.25
16
The first inclined surface 61i becomes located on the top side as the first inclined surface
61i moves towards the front side.
[0035]
When the first facing surface 61f is hooked onto the protrusion 11e, the fixed
claw 61 is hooked from the inside of housing 11 to the circumferential edge of the5
openings 11d. A portion out of portions of the circumferential edge of the openings 11d
that is located on the top side is sandwiched in the front-back direction X by a portion
that protrudes to the top side more than the main body 51 out of portions of the frame
body 52, and by the fixed claw 61.
[0036]10
As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic claws 62 in the first embodiment are provided in
a pair that sandwiches the fixed claw 61 in the width direction Y on the upper wall
portion 51a. Each elastic claw 62 in the pair of elastic claws 62 has the same shape.
The pair of elastic claws 62 are each disposed inside the pair of through holes 54. The
pair of elastic claws 62 are each cantilevered by an inner edge of each of the pair of15
through holes 54. An end of each of the elastic claw 62 in the back side (-X side) is
connected to a portion out of portions of the through holes 54 that is located to the back
side of the inner edge of each of the through holes 54. In other words, the elastic claws
62 in the first embodiment are connected from the opening 11d out of the inner edges of
through hole 54, to an edge of a far side of through hole 54. Therefore, each of the20
elastic claws 62 is cantilevered by the main body 51. A gap is provided on the edges of
both sides of the width direction between the elastic claws 62 and the through holes 54,
and on the edge of the front side between the elastic claws 62 and the through holes 54.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 7, an elastic claw 62 of the elastic claws 62 has a support25
17
portion 62a and a claw main body 62b. The support portions 62a in the first
embodiment are plate shapes that have plate surfaces which face the vertical direction Z.
The support portions 62a are located inside the through holes 54. The support portions
62a extend from the portion out of portions of inner edges of each of the through holes 54
that is located on the back side (-X side) to the front side (+X side). An end of the5
support portions 62a front side is disposed so as to face the back side of the portion that
is located on the front side of the through holes 54 out of portions of the inner edges of
the through holes 54, with a gap in between.
[0038]
The claw main bodies 62b protrude to the top side from the portion in the front10
side (+X side) of the support portions 62a. The claw main bodies 62b protrude to the
top side more than the through holes 54. The claw main bodies 62b are roughly
triangular shapes, as seen from the width direction Y. Protrusion heights of the claw
main bodies 62b with respect to the main body 51 become larger as the claw main bodies
62b approach the front side of the main body 51. The protrusion heights of the claw15
main bodies 62b with respect to the main body 51 are vertical direction Z dimensions of
the claw main bodies 62b, and are protrusion heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect
to the main body 51. The protrusion heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the
main body 51 represent distances between the top surface of the upper wall portion 51a
and top end portions of the elastic claws 62 in the vertical direction Z.20
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 5, top end portions of the elastic claws 62 in the first
embodiment, in other words the top end portions of the claw main bodies 62b, are located
on the top side more than the top end portion of the fixed claw 61. In other words, the
protrusion height of the fixed claw 61 with respect to the main body 51 is less than the25
18
protrusion heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body 51. The top end
portions of the elastic claws 62 are located in the bottom side more than the top end
portion of the frame body 52.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 7, the elastic claws 62 have second facing surfaces 62f that5
face the circumferential edge of the openings 11d, and second inclined surfaces 62i.
The second facing surfaces 62f face the front side (+X side). The second facing
surfaces 62f are surfaces that are roughly parallel with the vertical direction Z. For
example, although not shown in the figures, the second facing surfaces 62f are surfaces
that slightly incline towards a direction located in the back side with respect to the10
vertical direction Z as the second facing surfaces 62f approach the top side. The second
facing surfaces 62f are connected to the top side of the support portions 62a front side
surface. The second facing surfaces 62f in the first embodiment face inner end portion
of the protrusion 11e. The second facing surfaces 62f are in contact with the inner end
portion of the protrusion 11e. The second inclined surfaces 62i are surfaces that face15
the back side (-X side), and incline towards the top side. The second inclined surfaces
62i top sides are connected to the second facing surfaces 62f top sides. The second
inclined surfaces 62i become located on the top side as the second inclined surfaces 62i
move towards the front side.
[0041]20
When the second facing surfaces 62f are hooked to the protrusion 11e, the
elastic claws 62 are hooked from the inside of the housing 11 to the circumferential edge
of the openings 11d. A portion out of portions of the circumferential edge of the
openings 11d that is located on the top side is sandwiched in the front-back direction X
by a portion that protrudes to the top side more than the main body 51 out of portions of25
19
the frame body 52, and by the elastic claws 62.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 8, a dimension of the elastic claws 62 in the width direction Y
is greater than a dimension of the fixed claw 61 in the width direction Y. Surfaces of the
elastic claws 62 front sides (+X side) are located slightly more to the front side than a5
surface of the fixed claw 61 front side. In other words, the second facing surfaces 62f
are located on a side closer to the circumferential edge of the openings 11d than the first
facing surface 61f.
[0043]
The elastic claws 62 deform elastically in the vertical direction Z with respect to10
the main body 51. Specifically, by making connection portions of the inner edges of the
through holes 54 in the support portions 62a elastically deformable in the vertical
direction Z, it is possible to have the elastic claws 62 elastically deform in the vertical
direction Z with the connection portions of the support portions 62a and the inner edges
of the through holes 54 as a pivot.15
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 5, the second claw portions 60b include fixed claws 63. The
fixed claws 63 protrude to the bottom side from the bottom wall portion 51b of the main
body 51. A pair of fixed claws 63 in the first embodiment is provided in the width
direction Y with a space in between. The pair of fixed claws 63 are each disposed in a20
location that overlaps with the pair of elastic claws 62 as seen from the vertical direction
Z. Top end portions of the fixed claws 63 are entirely connected to the bottom wall
portion 51b. As shown in FIG. 7, the fixed claws 63 are roughly shaped as isosceles
triangles, as seen from the width direction Y. Protrusion heights of the fixed claws 63
with respect to the main body 51, in other words the protrusion heights of the second25
20
claw portions 60b with respect to the main body 51, are greater than the protrusion
heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body 51. The protrusion heights
of the fixed claws 63 with respect to the main body 51 in the first embodiment are greater
than the protrusion heights of elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body 51. The
protrusion heights of the fixed claws 63 with respect to the main body 51 are vertical5
direction Z dimensions of the fixed claws 63, and represent distances between a bottom
surface of the bottom wall portion 51b and a bottom end portions of fixed claws 63 in the
vertical direction Z. The bottom end portions of fixed claws 63 in the first embodiment
are located more to the bottom side than a bottom end portion of frame body 52.
[0045]10
The fixed claws 63 have third facing surfaces 63f that face the circumferential
edge of the openings 11d. The third facing surfaces 63f face the front side (+X side).
The third facing surfaces 63f are surfaces that incline towards a direction located in the
back side (-X side) with respect to the vertical direction Z as the third facing surfaces 63f
approach the bottom side. The third facing surfaces 63f face the inner end portion of15
the protrusion 11e in the first embodiment. The third facing surfaces 63f contact the
inner end portion of the protrusion 11e. A surface on the back side of the fixed claws 63
is symmetrically disposed to the third facing surfaces 63f in the front back direction X.
[0046]
When the third facing surfaces 63f are hooked onto the protrusion 11e, the third20
facing surfaces 63f are hooked from the inside of the housing 11 to the circumferential
edge of the openings 11d. A portion out of portions of the circumferential edge of the
openings 11d that is located on the bottom side is sandwiched in the front-back direction
X by a portion that protrudes to the bottom side more than the main body 51 out of
portions of the frame body 52, and by the fixed claws 63.25
21
[0047]
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view that shows a portion of attachment procedures of
the gripping member 50 to the housing 11. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that shows
another portion of the attachment procedures of the gripping member 50 to the housing
11 in the first embodiment. The operator attaching the gripping members 50 to the5
housing 11 brings the gripping members 50 close to the openings 11d from an outside of
the housing 11. The operator then tilts the gripping member 50 with respect to the
vertical direction Z, and inserts the fixed claws 63 provided on a bottom side portion of
the main body 51 and on the bottom side of the main body 51 to an inside of the
openings 11d.10
[0048]
In a state where the fixed claws 63 are hooked to circumferential edge of the
openings 11d on the inside of the housing 11, the operator inserts the top side portion of
the main body 51 as shown in FIG. 9 to the inside of the openings 11d, straightening out
the tilt of the gripping members 50 with respect to the vertical Z direction. In FIG. 915
and in FIG. 10, although a state where the top side portion of the main body 51 is moved
straight in the back side (-X side) and is inserted to the inside of the opening 11d, it is
possible to insert the top side portion of the main body 51 to the inside of the opening
11d by rotating the gripping members 50, with the bottom side portion of the gripping
members 50 that are hooked onto the opening 11d as a pivot.20
[0049]
After inserting the top side portion of the main body 51 to the inside of the
opening 11d, the second inclined surfaces 62i of the elastic claws 62 contact the
circumferential edge of the top side of the opening 11d. In this state, when the gripping
members 50 are further pressed into the openings 11d, as shown in FIG. 10, the second25
22
inclined surfaces 62i are pressed by the circumferential edge of the openings 11d, and the
elastic claws 62 deform in the direction (-Z direction) in which the elastic claws 62 are
push-inserted to the inside of the main body 51, where the connection portions of the
support portions 62a and the inner edges of the through holes 54 act as pivots.
Therefore, it is possible to decrease the protrusion heights of elastic claws 62 with respect5
to the main body 51, and to easily insert the elastic claws 62 to the inside of the openings
11d.
[0050]
When the main body 51 is further pressed to the inside of opening 11d, the
elastic claws 62 entirely pass through the opening 11d, causing the elastically deformed10
support portions 62a to restore, and the elastic claws 62 return to the original state of the
elastic claws 62. Therefore, the second facing surfaces 62f of the elastic claws 62 are in
a state where the second facing surfaces 62f of the elastic claws 62 face the inner end
portion of the protrusion 11e, and the elastic claws 62 are hooked onto the
circumferential edge of the openings 11d from the inside of the housing 11.15
[0051]
As previously mentioned, when the gripping members 50 are push-inserted to
the inside of the openings 11d, as with elastic claws 62, the fixed claw 61 provided on the
top side of the main body 51 also contacts the edge of the top side of the openings 11d.
In such case, the protrusion height of the fixed claw 61 is less than the protrusion heights20
of elastic claws 62. As such, when push-inserting a gripping member 50 of the gripping
members 50 to the inside of opening 11d, by having at least one of the inner edge of the
opening 11d or the fixed claw 61 slightly deform elastically, the fixed claw 61 is inserted
into the housing 11 through the opening 11d. After the fixed claw 61 passes through the
opening 11d, the elastically deformed portion is restored, and the first facing surface 61f25
23
of the fixed claw 61 faces the inner end portion of protrusion 11e. Therefore, the fixed
claw 61 is hooked onto the circumferential edge of the openings 11d from the inside of
the housing 11.
[0052]
As shown above, it is possible to attach the gripping members 50 to the5
openings 11d of the housing 11 by push-inserting the gripping members 50 to the inside
of the openings 11d from the outside of the housing 11. In a state where the gripping
members 50 are attached to the housing 11, the circumferential edge of the openings 11d
is sandwiched by the plurality of claws 60 and by the frame body 52. Therefore, it is
possible to suppress the gripping members 50 from coming off of the opening 11d.10
[0053]
In a case where conventional gripping members are inserted and attached to the
openings 11d from the outside of housing 11, as with the gripping members 50
mentioned above, after inserting the claws provided on one side in the vertical direction
Z to the inside of the openings 11d, all of the claws that are provided on the other side in15
the vertical direction Z are pressed into the inside of the openings 11d, as with fixed
claws 61 previously mentioned. In other words, at least one of the inner edges of the
openings 11d and all of the claws provided in the other side in the vertical direction Z is
slightly deformed elastically when push-inserting the above claws to the inside of
openings 11d. In such case, when the height of protrusions of the elastically deformable20
claws that are push-inserted are large, it is not possible to push and insert the claws with
the claws being hooked onto the inner edges of the openings 11d to the inside of the
openings 11d, and there is a need to decrease the size of the protrusion heights of the
claws. As such, when push-inserting and attaching the conventional gripping members
to the inside of openings 11d from the outside of housing 11, it is difficult for the claws25
24
to have enough protrusion heights, and so attaching the gripping members firmly with
respect to the housing 11 is difficult.
[0054]
In contrast to the above, the elastic claws 62 according to the first embodiment
are provided so as to be cantilevered by the main body 51. The elastic claws 62 are5
elastically deformable in the vertical direction Z with respect to the main body 51. As
such, by elastically deforming the elastic claws 62 as previously mentioned, it is possible
to insert the gripping members 50 into the openings 11d in a state where the protrusion
heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body 51 are smaller. After the
elastic claws 62 pass through the openings 11d, the elastic claws 62 restore after10
deforming, and the protrusion heights of elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body
51 return to the protrusion heights before deforming. As such, even if the protrusion
heights of elastic claws 62 are made to be large to some extent, by push-inserting the
gripping members 50 into the openings 11d, it is possible to easily insert the elastic claws
62 into the housing 11. Therefore, it is possible to make each of protrusion heights of15
claws 60 provided on both sides in the vertical direction Z of the main body 51 larger,
and it is possible to firmly attach the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d.
[0055]
From the above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to ensure an
attachment strength of the gripping members 50, along with improving work efficiency20
of the gripping members 50. When attaching the gripping members 50, it is possible for
the operator to easily confirm the attachment of the gripping members 50 to the openings
11d by sounds or feeling and so on that result when the elastic claws 62 restore after
deforming. As such, it is possible to increase the work efficiency of the gripping
members 50.25
25
[0056]
By push-inserting the gripping members 50 into the openings 11d from the
outside of the housing 11, by providing the openings 11d in the housing 11 in order to
attach the gripping members 50 to the housing 11, it is possible to attach the gripping
members 50 to any location of the housing 11. As such, compared to a case where the5
gripping members 50 are held by being sandwiched between two or more members that
configure the housing 11, it is possible to improve a degree of freedom of design of
attachment locations of the gripping members 50 in the housing 11. Therefore, it is
possible to attach the gripping members 50 to locations where it is easier to hold the
gripping members 50, out of locations of the housing 11.10
[0057]
The elastic claws 62 according to the first embodiment are the first claw portions
60a. The protrusion heights of the second claw portions 60b with respect to the main
body 51 are greater than the protrusion heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the
main body 51. As such, it is possible to increase the protrusion heights of the second15
claw portions 60b to be greater than or equal to the protrusion heights of the elastic claws
62, protrusion heights of that can be relatively great, as previously mentioned. As such,
it is possible to appropriately increase each of the protrusion heights of the elastic claws
62, which are the first claw portions 60a, and of the second claw portions 60b.
Therefore, it is possible to firmly attach the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d.20
[0058]
According to the first embodiment, the main body 51 has through holes 54 that
are configured to penetrate the wall portion of the main body 51. The elastic claws 62
are cantilevered by the inner edges of the through holes 54. As such, it is possible to
easily have the elastic claws 62 be cantilevered by the main body 51. It is also possible25
26
to easily have the elastic claws 62 elastically deform via the through holes 54.
[0059]
According to the first embodiment, the elastic claws 62 in the first embodiment
are connected to edges, out of the inner edges of through hole 54, of the sides that are far
from the opening 11d. As such, compared to a case where the elastic claws 62 are5
connected to the edges closer to the opening 11d out of the inner edges of through hole
54, it is easier to have the elastic claws 62 be in a separable orientation from the inner
edges of openings 11d when push-inserting the gripping members 50 into the openings
11d. Therefore, it is possible to elastically deform the elastic claws 62, and it is possible
to easily attach the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d.10
[0060]
According to the first embodiment, the elastic claws 62 are provided on the top
side of the main body 51 in the vertical direction. As such, the through holes 54 are
also provided on the upper wall portion 51a of the main body 51. Therefore, compared
to a case where the through holes 54 are provided on the bottom wall portion 51b of the15
main body 51, it is possible to suppress foreign bodies such as rain water or the like from
entering through the through holes 54 to the housing 11.
[0061]
According to the first embodiment, the plurality of first claw portions 60a are
provided. The plurality of first claw portions 60a include the fixed claws 61 and the20
elastic claws 62. As such, along with the elastic claws 62, it is possible to also hook the
fixed claws 61 to the circumferential edge of the opening 11d. As such, it is possible to
attach the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d more firmly. The protrusion
heights of the fixed claws 61 with respect to the main body 51 are less than the protrusion
heights of the elastic claws 62 with respect to the main body 51. Therefore, even if the25
27
fixed claws 61 are not configured so as to be cantilevered, such as the case of the elastic
claws 62, it is possible to push-insert the fixed claws 61 into the opening 11d. By
providing the fixed claws 61 so as not to be cantilevered, a force applied to the gripping
members 50 when the outdoor unit 10 is transported or the like is not only absorbed by
the elastic claws 62, but by the fixed claws 61 as well. As such, it is possible to prevent5
excess load from being applied to the elastic claws 62. Therefore, it is possible to
prevent concentration of stresses on portions out of the elastic claws 62 that are
connected to the through holes 54, in other words a base portion of the support portions
62a, and it is possible to prevent the elastic claws 62 from being damaged.
[0062]10
According to the first embodiment, the second facing surfaces 62f of the elastic
claws 62 are located on a side closer to the circumferential edge of the openings 11d than
the first facing surfaces 61f of the fixed claws 61. As such, in a case where the gripping
members 50 are pulled to the outside of the housing 11 during transport or the like of the
outdoor unit 10, it is possible to have the second facing surfaces 62f of the elastic claws15
62 to come into contact with the circumferential edge of openings 11d before the first
facing surface 61f of the fixed claws 61. As such, it is possible to prevent the fixed
claws 61 from coming out from the openings 11d. Therefore, it is possible to attach the
gripping members 50 more securely to the openings 11d than the conventional gripping
members. When attaching the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d, the fixed20
claws 61 pass through the openings 11d before the elastic claws 62 pass through the
openings 11d. As such, after passing the elastic claws 62 through the openings 11d and
confirming that the elastic claws 62 have restored after deforming through sounds or
feeling or the like, the fixed claws 61 are in a state where the fixed claws 61 have passed
through the openings 11d. Therefore, by being able to confirm that the elastic claws 6225
28
have passed through the openings 11d through sounds or feeling or the like, it is easy to
confirm appropriate attachment of the gripping members 50 with respect to the housing
11.
[0063]
According to the first embodiment, the plurality of first claw portions 60a5
include a plurality of elastic claws 62. As such, it is possible to firmly attach the
gripping members 50 to the openings 11d by the plurality of elastic claws 62.
Compared to a case where a dimension of one of the elastic claws 62 in the width
direction Y is made larger so as to improve the attachment strength of the gripping
members 50, it is possible to make the dimension of each of the elastic claws 62 in the10
width direction Y smaller, making it easy to elastically deform each of the elastic claws
62. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach the gripping members 50 to the openings
11d.
[0064]
According to the first embodiment, the gripping members 50 have the frame15
body 52 along the frame of the opening edge 51e of the main body 51. The frame body
52 is located on the outside of the housing 11, and sandwiches the circumferential edge
of the openings 11d in between with the plurality of claws 60. As such, it is possible to
stably sandwich the circumferential edge of the openings 11d, and to more firmly attach
the gripping members 50 to the openings 11d by the frame body 52 and the plurality of20
claws 60.
[0065]
According to the first embodiment, the heat exchange unit that includes the
gripping members 50 provided with the elastic claws 62 is the outdoor unit 10. The
mass of the outdoor unit 10 is greater, compared to the indoor unit 20. As such, the25
29
outdoor unit 10 is harder to transport, compared to the indoor unit 20. With respect to
the above, by providing the gripping members 50 that ensures the previously mentioned
attachment strength, it is possible to easily transport the outdoor unit 10 via the gripping
members 50.
[0066]5
According to the first embodiment, top end portions of first claw portions 60a
are located in the bottom side more than top end portions of frame body 52. Bottom
end portions of the second claw portions 60b are located more to the bottom side than the
bottom end portions of frame body 52. As such, the first claw portions 60a are hidden
and are not visible by the frame body 52, as seen from the front side (+X side) of the10
gripping members 50. On the other hand, the bottom end portions of the second claw
portions 60b protrude to the bottom side more than the frame body 52. As such, the
bottom end portions of the second claw portions 60b are visible from the front side
before attaching the gripping members 50 to the housing 11. Therefore, the operator
attaching the gripping members 50 is able to easily grasp an orientation of the gripping15
members 50 when attaching the gripping members 50 to the housing 11 since the second
claw portions 60b that protrude more than the frame body 52 are visible.
[0067]
According to the first embodiment, a surface out of surfaces of the elastic claws
62 that is located on an opposite side to the surface where the opening 11d is located on,20
is the second inclined surfaces 62i which is inclined with respect to the vertical direction
Z. As such, when push-inserting the gripping members 50 into the openings 11d, the
circumferential edge of the openings 11d contact the second inclined surfaces 62i.
Therefore, when push-inserting the gripping members 50 into the openings 11d, it is
difficult for the elastic claws 62 to get hooked onto the circumferential edge of the25
30
openings 11d, and it becomes easier to elastically deform the elastic claws 62. It is also
difficult to apply an excessive force to the circumferential edge of the openings 11d.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent deformation of the openings 11d.
[0068]
Second Embodiment5
FIG. 11 is a perspective view that shows gripping members 250 in a second
embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view of a gripping member 250 in the second embodiment as
seen from the top side. In the explanation below, configurations similar to the
configurations previously mentioned have the same reference symbols appropriated, and
thus the explanations thereof are omitted.10
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 11 and in FIG. 12, the gripping members 250 in the second
embodiment have an upper wall portion 251a of main body 251. In contrast to the
upper wall portion 51a of the first embodiment, the upper wall portion 251a of the main
body 251 only has one through hole 54 in a center portion of the upper wall portion 251a15
in the width direction Y. Another configuration of the main body 251 is similar to
another configuration of the main body 51 in the first embodiment.
[0070]
A plurality of first claw portions 260a in the gripping members 250 includes two
fixed claws 261 and one elastic claw 262. The one elastic claw 262 is provided in the20
one through hole 54. The two fixed claws 261 are disposed so as to sandwich the one
elastic claw 262 in the width direction Y. Another configuration of the fixed claws 261
is similar to another configuration of the fixed claws 61 of the first embodiment.
Another configuration of an elastic claw 262 is similar to another configuration of the
elastic claws 62 of the first embodiment. Another configuration of the gripping25
31
members 250 is similar to another configuration of the gripping members 50 of the first
embodiment.
[0071]
According to the second embodiment, the plurality of first claw portions 260a
includes the plurality of fixed claws 261 and the one elastic claw 262. As such, it is5
possible to appropriately receive the stresses that are applied to the elastic claw 262 by
the plurality of fixed claws 261.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the elastic claw 262, as well as
appropriately and safely attach the gripping members 250 to the openings 11d. When
attaching the gripping members 250, when it is possible to confirm through sounds or10
feeling or the like whether the one elastic claw 262 has restored inside of housing 11 after
deforming and is hooked onto the circumferential edge of the opening 11d, it is then
possible to confirm that the gripping members 250 are correctly attached to the openings
11d. In other words, if it is possible to insert one elastic claw 262 into the housing 11
correctly, there is no need to confirm whether the other elastic claws 262 have been15
inserted into the housing 11 correctly or not. As such, it is possible to prevent
attachment of the gripping members 250 to the housing 11 in a state where the elastic
claws 262 are elastically deformed on the inside of opening 11d. Therefore, it is
possible to appropriately and easily attach the gripping members 250 to the openings 11d.
[0072]20
Third Embodiment
FIG. 13 is a view of gripping members 350 in a third embodiment as seen from
the top side. In the explanation below, configurations similar to the configurations
previously mentioned have the same reference symbols appropriated, and thus the
explanations thereof are omitted.25
32
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 13, except that two through holes 54 have different
dispositions on an upper wall portion 351a, a main body 351 in the gripping members
350 of the third embodiment has a similar configuration as the configuration of the main
body 51 in the first embodiment.5
[0074]
A plurality of first claw portions 360a includes one fixed claw 361, and two
elastic claws 362. The one fixed claw 361 is disposed adjacently to the two elastic
claws 362 in the other side of the width direction (-Y side). The two elastic claws 362
are disposed adjacently in the width direction Y. A dimension of the elastic claws 36210
in the width direction Y is less than a dimension of the fixed claw 361 in the width
direction Y. As such, it is possible for the elastic claws 362 to elastically deform when
attaching to the gripping members 350. Therefore, it is possible to easily attach the
gripping members 350.
[0075]15
Another configuration of the fixed claw 361 is similar to another configuration
of the fixed claw 61 of the first embodiment. Another configuration of the elastic claws
362 is similar to another configuration of the elastic claws 62 of the first embodiment.
Another configuration of the gripping members 350 is similar to another configuration of
the gripping members 50 of the first embodiment.20
[0076]
Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 14 is a view of gripping members 450 in a fourth embodiment as seen from
the top side. In the explanation below, configurations similar to the configurations
previously mentioned have the same reference symbols appropriated, and thus the25
33
explanations thereof are omitted.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of first claw portions 460a includes only two
elastic claws 62 in gripping members 450 of the fourth embodiment. Unlike the first
embodiment, the plurality of the first claw portions 460a do not include the fixed claw 61.5
As such, compared to a case where the fixed claws 61 are provided, the gripping
members 450 are easier to make. Another configuration of the gripping members 450 is
similar to another configuration of the gripping members 50 of the first embodiment.
[0078]
Fifth Embodiment10
FIG. 15 is a view of gripping members 550 in a fifth embodiment as seen from
the top side. In the explanation below, configurations similar to the configurations
previously mentioned have the same reference symbols appropriated, and thus the
explanations thereof are omitted.
[0079]15
As shown in FIG. 15, except that the one through hole 54 is disposed in the one
side of the width direction (+Y side) on an upper wall portion 551a, a main body 551 in
the gripping members 550 of the fifth embodiment has a similar configuration as the
configuration of the main body 251 in the second embodiment. A plurality of first claw
portions 560a each only include one fixed claw 561 and one elastic claw 562. As such,20
by decreasing the number of first claw portions 560a and making the gripping members
550 easy to make, the attachment strength of the gripping members 550 is improved by
the fixed claw 561 and the elastic claw 562. The one fixed claw 561 is disposed in the
other side of the width direction (-Y side) of the one elastic claw 562.
25
34
[0080]
Another configuration of the fixed claw 561 is similar to another configuration
of the fixed claw 61 in the first embodiment. Another configuration of the elastic claw
562 is similar to another configuration of the elastic claws 62 in the first embodiment.
Another configuration of the gripping members 550 is similar to another configuration of5
the gripping members 50 in the first embodiment.
[0081]
Although embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, the
disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned various configurations of the
embodiments, and the configurations and methods mentioned below may be adopted.10
[0082]
So long as the claw portions at least include one first claw portion, and at least
include one second claw portion, any other claw portions may be included. So long as
one claw portion out of the at least one first claw portion included and the at least one
second claw portion included is an elastic claw, the other first claw portion or the other15
second claw portion may be any claw portion. Each of the first claw portion and the
second claw portion may include elastic claws. All of the first claw portions and all of
the second claw portions may be elastic claws. Shapes of various claw portions may be
any shape.
[0083]20
Protrusion heights of the various claw portions with respect to the main body are
not limited in any way. A protrusion height of the first claw portion with respect to the
main body may be greater than a protrusion height of the second claw portion with
respect to the main body. A protrusion height of the elastic claw with respect to the
main body may be greater than a protrusion height of the second claw portion with25
35
respect to the main body. A relationship between protrusion heights of the various claw
portions and the frame body are not limited in any way. So long as the elastic claws are
cantilevered by the main body, the elastic claws may be connected to the main body in
any manner. Predetermined directions in which the first claw portions and the second
claw portions are provided on need not be vertical directions, so long as the directions are5
orthogonal to the opening direction of the openings.
[0084]
The heat exchange unit of the present disclosure that is provided with gripping
members may be an indoor unit of a refrigeration cycle device. In such a case, an
indoor unit for example, may be a floor-mounted indoor unit, or a ceiling-mounted10
indoor unit or the like. The indoor refrigeration cycle device that includes the heat
exchange unit of the present disclosure is not limited to an air conditioning device, so
long as the device utilizes a refrigeration cycle where a refrigerant is circulated. The
refrigeration cycle device may be a heat pump water heater or the like.
[0085]15
The various configurations and methods described in the above description of
the present disclosure may be appropriately combined, as long as the configurations and
methods thereof do not mutually contradict one another.
[Reference Signs List]
[0086]20
10…Outdoor Unit (Heat Exchange Unit), 11…Housing, 11d…Opening, 50,
250, 350, 450, 550…Gripping Members, 51, 251, 351, 551…Main Body,
51e…Opening Edge, 52…Frame Body, 53…Hand Insertion Space,
54…Through Holes, 60…Claws, 60a, 260a, 360a, 460a, 560a…First Claw
Portions, 60b…Second Claw Portions, 61, 261, 361, 561…Fixed Claw,25
36
61f…First Facing Surface, 62, 262, 362, 562…Elastic Claw, 62f…Second
Facing Surfaces, 100…Refrigeration Cycle Device, Z…Vertical Direction
(Predetermined Direction)
37
WE CLAIM:
[Claim 1]
A heat exchange unit of a refrigeration cycle device, the heat exchange unit
comprising:
a housing having openings, and5
gripping members attached to the openings, wherein
each gripping member of the gripping members has:
a main body having an inner space and that opens to an outside of the
housing, and
a plurality of claws that protrude from the main body, and that hook to a10
circumferential edge of the openings from an inside of the housing,
the plurality of claws include:
at least one first claw portion, and
at least one second claw portion that is provided on an opposite side to
the first claw portion in a predetermined direction that intersects the opening direction of15
an opening,
at least one claw portion out of at least one of the first claw portion and at least
one of the second claw portion is an elastic claw that is cantilevered by the main body,
and
the elastic claw is elastically deformable in the predetermined direction with20
respect to the main body.
[Claim 2]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein
the elastic claw is the first claw portion, and
a protrusion height of the second claw portion with respect to the main body is25
38
greater than a protrusion height of the elastic claw with respect to the main body.
[Claim 3]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the main body has a through hole that penetrates a wall portion that configures
the main body, and5
the elastic claw is cantilevered by an inner edge of the through hole.
[Claim 4]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 3, wherein
the elastic claw is connected to an edge, out of inner edge of the through hole, of
a side that is far from the opening.10
[Claim 5]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
the elastic claw is provided on an upper side of the main body in a vertical
direction.
[Claim 6]15
The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
a plurality of the first claw portions are provided,
the plurality of the first claw portions include:
at least one fixed claw, and
at least one of the elastic claw, and20
the protrusion height of the fixed claw with respect to the main body is less than
the protrusion height of the elastic claw with respect to the main body.
39
[Claim 7]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 6, wherein
the fixed claw has a first facing surface that faces the circumferential edge of the
opening,
the elastic claw has a second facing surface that faces the circumferential edge5
of the opening, and
the second facing surface is located on a side closer to the circumferential edge
of the opening than the first facing surface.
[Claim 8]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein10
the plurality of the first claw portions includes a plurality of the elastic claws.
[Claim 9]
The heat exchange unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein
the plurality of the first claw portions include a plurality of the fixed claws, and
only one of the elastic claw.15
[Claim 10]
The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
each gripping member of the gripping members has a frame body of a frame
shape along an opening edge of the main body, and
the frame body is located on the outside of the housing, and sandwiches the20
circumferential edge of the opening in between with the plurality of claws.
40
[Claim 11]
The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
the heat exchange unit is an outdoor unit.