AU2012353915B2 - A heater and an outdoor unit including the same for a refrigerator - Google Patents

A heater and an outdoor unit including the same for a refrigerator Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2012353915B2
AU2012353915B2 AU2012353915A AU2012353915A AU2012353915B2 AU 2012353915 B2 AU2012353915 B2 AU 2012353915B2 AU 2012353915 A AU2012353915 A AU 2012353915A AU 2012353915 A AU2012353915 A AU 2012353915A AU 2012353915 B2 AU2012353915 B2 AU 2012353915B2
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
heater
heat exchanger
outdoor heat
outdoor
casing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
AU2012353915A
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AU2012353915A1 (en
Inventor
Mikio Kagawa
Bin Luo
Tadashi Sao
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Daikin Industries Ltd
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Daikin Industries Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of AU2012353915A1 publication Critical patent/AU2012353915A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2012353915B2 publication Critical patent/AU2012353915B2/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/20Electric components for separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/22Arrangement or mounting thereof
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/14Heat exchangers specially adapted for separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/18Heat exchangers specially adapted for separate outdoor units characterised by their shape
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/36Drip trays for outdoor units
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/46Component arrangements in separate outdoor units
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/46Component arrangements in separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/48Component arrangements in separate outdoor units characterised by air airflow, e.g. inlet or outlet airflow
    • F24F1/50Component arrangements in separate outdoor units characterised by air airflow, e.g. inlet or outlet airflow with outlet air in upward direction
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/41Defrosting; Preventing freezing
    • F24F11/42Defrosting; Preventing freezing of outdoor units
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate
    • F24F2013/221Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate to avoid the formation of condensate, e.g. dew
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2221/00Details or features not otherwise provided for
    • F24F2221/34Heater, e.g. gas burner, electric air heater

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Other Air-Conditioning Systems (AREA)

Abstract

An outdoor unit (10) is provided with: a casing (20) having four sides (4); and an outdoor heat exchanger (30) that is disposed inside the casing (20), has four heat exchanging surfaces (30a) corresponding to each side (4) of said casing (20), and has an opening (3a) formed on the sides. A heater (75), which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame along the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) of the outdoor unit (10), for preventing drain water in the outdoor heat exchanger (30) from freezing is provided with folded sections (70) for folding the heater (75) in the longitudinal direction.

Description

A HEATER AND AN OUTDOOR UNIT INCLUDING THE SAME FOR A REFRIGERATOR TECHNICAL FIELD 5 [0001] The present invention relates to a heater for avoiding freeze of drain water, and an outdoor unit including the heater for a refrigerator. BACKGROUND ART [0002] A typical outdoor unit for a refrigerator includes a heater for avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat exchanger. See, e.g., PATENT DOCUMENT 1. 10 PATENT DOCUMENT 1 discloses a heater that is disposed on an outdoor unit base and below an outdoor heat exchanger. This heater, in plan view, is in the shape of an L shaped frame along an L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger. This configuration allows the drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger to drop on the outdoor unit base and to be heated by the heater. This drain water is drained without freeze from a drain outlet 15 disposed on the outdoor unit base. CITATION LIST PATENT DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004 69220 20 [0004] Some outdoor heat exchangers include four heat exchange surfaces corresponding to four side surfaces of a casing to enlarge the heat exchange area. This outdoor heat exchanger is hereinafter referred to as a "four-surface heat exchanger." An outdoor unit with the four-surface heat exchanger includes a heater that is in the shape of a rectangular frame along the four-surface heat exchanger to avoid freeze of drain water on 1 the four-surface heat exchanger. Installation of this heater shaped along the four-surface heat exchanger is complicated. For example, the heater might be stuck on the four surface heat exchanger when retrofitted or installed for maintenance. [0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which 5 has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. [0005A] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as 10 "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. SUMMARY 15 [0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a heater for avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat exchanger of an outdoor unit for a refrigerator. The outdoor unit includes a casing including four side surfaces. The outdoor unit also includes the outdoor heat exchanger disposed in the casing, including four heat exchange surfaces corresponding to the side surfaces of the casing, and including an opening 20 disposed on side surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger. The heater is in a shape of a rectangular frame along a lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. The heater includes hinges allowing the heater to fold longitudinally. [0007] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a heater is for the outdoor unit of the refrigerator. The heater is in the shape of a rectangular frame along the lower end 2 portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger includes the four heat exchange surfaces. The outdoor heat exchanger includes the opening disposed on the side surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger. This heater includes the hinges allowing the heater to fold longitudinally. In other words, the hinges fold so that the heater folds 5 longitudinally. The heater that is folded is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger through the opening on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. Then, the heater is attached along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. [0008] The heater may include a first heating portion and a second heating portion that are aligned longitudinally. The hinges may be wirings connecting the first heating 10 portion and the second heating portion. [0009] In an embodiment disclosed herein, the heater includes a first heating portion and a second heating portion that are aligned longitudinally. The hinges are wirings connecting the two heating portions. The wirings are able to fold. In other words, the wirings fold so that the heater folds longitudinally. 15 [0010] The first heating portion may include a body and end portions. The second heating portion may include a body and end portions. The bodies may extend along a bottom board of the casing. The end portions may be bent upward from the bodies. The end portions may be connected with the wirings. [0011] In an embodiment disclosed herein, the first heating portion includes a body and 20 end portions. The second heating portion includes a body and end portions. The bodies extend along a bottom board of the casing. The end portions are bent upward from the bodies. The end portions are connected with the wirings serving as the hinges. When the bodies of the heating portions are disposed on the bottom board of the casing of the outdoor unit, the end portions connected with the wirings extend upward from the bottom 3 board. In other words, the wirings connecting the heating portions are not in contact with the bottom board, of the casing, receiving the drain water. This configuration prevents the wirings connecting the heating portions from being in contact with the drain water. [0012] An outdoor unit for a refrigerator may include the heater described above. 5 [0013] In an embodiment disclosed herein, a heater that is folded longitudinally is placed inside an outdoor heat exchanger through an opening on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger including four heat exchange surfaces. Then, the heater is expanded inside the outdoor heat exchanger. Then, the heater is attached on an outdoor unit along a lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. 10 [0014] The outdoor unit may include compressors disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger. [0015] In an embodiment disclosed herein, a heater that is folded longitudinally is placed inside an outdoor heat exchanger through an opening on a side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger including four heat exchange surfaces. During this time, the 15 heater is not in contact with compressors. Then, the heater is expanded inside the outdoor heat exchanger that accommodates compressors. Then, the heater is attached on an outdoor unit along a lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. [0016] According to the present disclosure, the heater is in the shape of a rectangular frame and includes the hinges that allow the heater to fold longitudinally. This 20 configuration allows, for installation in the outdoor unit of the refrigerator, the heater folded longitudinally to be placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger through the opening disposed on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. That is, if the opening on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger is narrow, the heater is still easily placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger. The 4 folded heater is also expanded after placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger. Thus, the heater is easily installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger. This heater for the outdoor unit of the refrigerator is useful for easy installation. 5 [0017] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a simple configuration allows the heater to fold longitudinally. [0018] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, the heater includes the heating portions. These heating portions include the end portions connected with the wirings serving as the hinges. These end portions are bent upward from the bodies extending 10 along the bottom board of the casing. This configuration prevents the wirings connecting the heating portions from being in contact with the drain water when the heater is attached on the bottom board of the outdoor unit. [0019] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, the heater is able to fold longitudinally. Thus, the heater is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger and installed 15 in the outdoor unit without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger including the four heat exchange surfaces. [0020] According to an embodiment disclosed herein, the outdoor unit includes the compressors disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger. The heater to be installed in this outdoor unit might be stuck on not only the outdoor heat exchanger but also on the 20 compressors disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger. Thus, the installation is more complicated. However, in such an embodiment, the heater that is able to fold longitudinally is installed in the outdoor unit. Thus, the folded heater is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger through the opening on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. Thus, the heater is easily installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor 5 heat exchanger without contact with the compressors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance and shape of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner of a first embodiment of the present invention. 5 [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing an internal structure of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the internal structure of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing, in particular, a bottom frame and 10 a heater of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a heater configuration. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with 15 reference to the drawings. [0023] First Embodiment of the Invention FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an outdoor unit (10) of the first embodiment. The outdoor unit (10) is connected with an indoor unit (not shown) to operate vapor-compression refrigeration cycles. The outdoor unit (10) is used for an air conditioner serving as a 20 refrigerator. [0024] The outdoor unit (10) is installed on, e.g., a rooftop of a building. The outdoor unit (10) includes a casing (20), an outdoor heat exchanger (30), outdoor fans (40), and a 6 compression system (50). [0025] The casing (20) is rectangular in plan view. The casing (20) includes four poles (21), a bottom frame (22), side panels (23), and a flat top board (24). The bottom frame (22) serves as a bottom board. That is, the casing (20) includes four side surfaces (4) between the 5 top board (24) and the bottom frame (22). See FIG. 4. [0026] The four poles (21) are disposed in four corners. The four poles (21) each includes a lower part fixed to the bottom frame (22). The left and right poles (21, 21) disposed on a front side of the casing (20) each includes a lower end connected with a foundation leg (27). The left and right poles (21) disposed on a back side of the casing (20) each also includes a 10 lower end connected with another foundation leg (27). The foundation legs (27) each protrudes downward from the bottom frame (22). These foundation legs (27) might be installed on four comers of a flat top board (24) of another casing (20), or upper ends of poles (21) of the another casing (20). These foundation legs (27) allow the plurality of outdoor units (10) to be stacked vertically. This configuration also secures a certain clearance 15 between the flat top board (24) and the bottom frame (22). [0027] FIG. 1 illustrates the side panels (23) that include upper side panels (23a), a front side panel (23b), and a lateral side panel (23c). The upper side panels (23a) serve as four upper side surfaces of the casing (20). The front side panel (23b) serves as a lower left portion of a front surface of the casing (20). The lateral side panel (23c) serves as a lower 20 front portion of a left lateral side surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25) that is disposed on a lower right portion of the front surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25) that is disposed on a lower portion of a right lateral side surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25) that is disposed on a lower portion of a back surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25) that is 25 disposed on a lower back portion of the left lateral side surface of the casing (20). 7 2012P00782 [0028] The four upper side panels (23a) are attached on the poles (21), and surround the outdoor fans (40). The upper side panels (23a) form an upper space (2b), which accommodates the two outdoor fans (40). See FIGS. 2 and 3. [0029] The top board (24) is also fixed to the upper ends of the poles (21). The top board 5 (24) includes two air outlets (26) positioned above the two outdoor fans (40). The air outlet (26) is rectangular in plan view. The air outlet (26) is covered with a mesh grill (24a) that is rectangular. Specifically, the top board (24) includes installation surfaces for the grills (24a). The installation surface is recessed and positioned below an upper end surface of the top board (24). This configuration prevents the grill (24a) and screws that fasten the grill (24a) 10 to the top board (24) from being positioned above the upper end surface of the top board (24). [0030] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the outdoor heat exchanger (30) that is a fin and tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (30) exchanges heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger (30) includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes that are arranged vertically and pass through plate fins. The heat transfer tubes of the 15 outdoor heat exchanger (30) are bent at a right angle in three points along the four side surfaces (4) of the casing (20). In other words, the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is a bent heat exchanger (a rectangular shell heat exchanger) that stands vertically and includes four heat exchange surfaces (30a) corresponding to the four side surfaces (4) of the casing (20). See FIG. 4. 20 [0031] A machine room (8) accommodating machines such as the compression system (50), an oil separator (51), an accumulator (52), etc. is provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The compression system (50), the oil separator (51), and the accumulator (52) are also attached on the bottom frame (22). The compression system (50) includes two compressors (5a, 5b). 25 [0032] Two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) 8 2012P00782 sandwich one of the four poles (21). This one of the four poles (21) is the pole (21a) disposed in the left front corner. The two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) include openings (3a, 3a). See FIGS. 2 and 4. The two openings (3a, 3a) serve as maintenance openings for the machines in the casing (20). Ends of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) each 5 serves the opening (3a). A tube plate (31) is provided on each of the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) in order to fix the outdoor heat exchanger (30) to the casing (20). [0033] FIG. 1 illustrates the casing (20) including the front side panel (23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) each corresponding to the opening (3a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The front side panel (23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) serve as lower side panels in a 10 lower portion of the casing (20). The front side panel (23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) are installed on the pole (21a) to freely open or close the openings (3a, 3a). [0034 The outdoor heat exchanger (30) includes the opening (3a) on the front side of the casing (20). This front side serves as a service surface. The front side also serves an opening surface where the front side panel (23b) is detached. The opening (3a) that is 15 opened by detaching the front side panel (23b) serves as a service opening through which a heater (75) to be installed passes. The heater (75) will be described later. [0035] The casing (20) also includes horizontal stays (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) on the four surfaces of the casing (20). The stays (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) are positioned between a lower space (2a) accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger (30) and the upper space (2b) 20 accommodating the outdoor fan (40). [0036] The two outdoor fans (40) each includes a rotating member (41), a fan motor (not shown), and a bell mouth (43). The outdoor fans (40) are mounted on the stays (20a, 20c), {0037] The casing (20) also accommodates an electrical equipment unit (60) that accommodates electrical equipment for controlling the compression system (50) etc. The 25 electrical equipment unit (60) is disposed above the front surface of the outdoor heat 9 2012P00782 exchanger (30) and near an upper end of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The electrical equipment unit (60) is also disposed between the upper side panel (23a) and the bell mouth (43) of the outdoor fan (40). [0038] The bottom frame (22) includes a compressor cover that covers the compression 5 system (50). This compressor cover serves as a soundproof box for reducing noises produced by vibrations of the compression system (50). [0039] The bottom frame (22) also includes a plurality of drain passages (71) (five drain passages in this embodiment) for discharging drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). See FIG. 4. The drain passages (71) are disposed below the outdoor heat exchanger (30). 10 [0040] FIG. 5 illustrates the drain passage (71) that is a recessed channel on the bottom frame (22). The recessed channel includes a bottom (71a) and slopes (71b). The bottom (71a) extends along the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The slopes (71b) are disposed on both sides of the bottom (71a), and extend along the bottom (71a). The bottom (71a) of the drain passage (71) includes a plurality of drain holes (72). The drain passage (71) includes a 15 plurality of platforms (73) that the outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on. [0041] The platform (73) is a raised portion on the drain passage (71). The raised portion includes a stage (73a) and a side (73b). The stage (73a) is flat. The outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on the stage (73a). The side (73b) is tapered from the drain passage (71) to the stage (73a). The stage (73a) of the platform (73) includes a plurality of drain holes (74). 20 [0042] The outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on the stage (73a) of the platform (73). Screws, for example, engage the tube plates (31) provided on both ends of this outdoor heat exchanger (30) with the casing (20) including the bottom frame (22) so that the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is fixed to the casing (20). [0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate that the outdoor unit (10) includes the heater (75) for 25 heating drain water on the drain passage (71) to avoid freeze of it. The heater (75) is in the 10 2012P00782 shape of a rectangular frame along lower end portions of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). [0044] Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates that the heater (75) is sandwiched between the inside slope (71b) of the drain passage (71) and an inside portion of the tapered side (73b) of the 5 platform (73). FIG. 6 also illustrates that the heater (75) includes two heating portions: a first heating portion (76) and a second heating portion (77). In other words, the heater (75) has a split structure consisting of the two heating portions. [0045] The first heating portion (76) is L-shaped along two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). One of the two of the four heat exchange 10 surfaces (30a) is a left side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The other one of the two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a back surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). On the other hand, the second heating portion (77) is U-shaped along three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The first one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is the back surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 (30). The second one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a right side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The third one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a front surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). [0046] The first heating portion (76) includes a body (76a) and end portions (76b). The body (76a) is L-shaped. The end portions (76b) are continuous with the body (76a). The 20 end portions (76b) are bent upward from a plane on which the body (76a) extends. On the other hand, the second heating portion (77) includes a body (77a) and end portions (77b). The body (77a) is U-shaped. The end portions (77b) are continuous with the body (77a), The end portions (77b) are bent upward from a plane on which the body (77a) extends. One of the end portions (76b) of the first heating portion (76) is connected with one of the end 25 portions (77b) of the second heating portion (77) through a connection wiring (78). The 11 2012P00782 other end portion (76b) of the first heating portion (76) is connected with a power connector (80) through a lead wire (79). The other end portion (77b) of the second heating portion (77) is connected with the power connector (80) through another lead wire (79). [0047] As described above, the first heating portion (76) is connected with the second 5 heating portion (77) through the wirings (78, 79) so that the heater (75) is in the shape of a rectangular frame. The first heating portion (76) is connected with the second heating portion (77) through the wirings (78, 79) so that the first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) are aligned longitudinally. This configuration allows the heater (75) to fold longitudinally. In other words, the wirings (78, 79) fold as hinges (70). The hinges 10 (70) fold so that the heater (75) itself folds in two longitudinally. [0048] Operation During operation of the outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner, the compression system (50) operates to circulate a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit between the outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (not shown) and create a refrigeration cycle. The outdoor fans (40) 15 rotate in the casing (20) of the outdoor unit (10) to allow the outdoor air to enter the casing (20) through the four inlets (25) disposed in the lower portion of the casing (20). Then, the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (30). This outdoor air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (30). During heating operation, the outdoor air dissipates heat to the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (30) serving as an 20 evaporator. Thus, the outdoor air is cooled. During cooling operation, the outdoor air absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (30) serving as a condenser. Thus, the outdoor air is heated. Then, the outdoor air passes through the outdoor fans (40), moves upward, and flows out from the air outlets (26). [0049] Drainage 25 During heating operation of the air conditioner, the heater (75) in the outdoor unit 12 2012P00782 (10) is energized to avoid freeze of the drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is dropped downward and received by the drain passages (71) on the bottom frame (22). The drain water flows into the drain passages (71) partly through the drain holes (74) of the platform (73) that the outdoor heat exchanger 5 (30) stands on. During this time, the energized heater (75) heats the drain water in the drain passages (71) to avoid freeze. Then, the drain water flows from the drain passage (71) to the outside of the casing (20) thorough the drain holes (72). [0050] During heating operation, the heater (75) of this embodiment is energized. Alternatively, the heater (75) may be energized in another operation mode when the outdoor 10 temperature is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature. The heater (75) may also be energized in all the operations. [0051] Heater Installation The following description is the installation of the heater (75) in the casing (20) for retrofitting or maintenance without detachment of the other components. 15 [0052] First, detach the front side panel (23b) that blocks the opening (3a) of the casing (20). Then, fold the wirings (78, 79) to fold the heater (75) in two longitudinally. Then, place the heater (75) into the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) of the casing (20). Then, expand the heater (75) folded in two inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Then, put the heater (75) along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 (30). Then, attach the heater (75) with an attaching plate (not shown), [0053] Advantages of First Embodiment In the first embodiment, the heater (75) is in the shape of a rectangular frame and includes the hinges (70) that allow the heater (75) to fold longitudinally. This configuration allows, for installation in the outdoor unit (10) of the refrigerator, the heater (75) folded 25 longitudinally to be placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) 13 2012P00782 disposed on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). That is, if the opening (3a) on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is narrow, the heater (75) is still easily placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The folded heater (75) is also expanded after placed inside the outdoor heat 5 exchanger (30). Thus, the heater (75) is easily installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). This heater for the outdoor unit of the refrigerator is useful for easy installation. [0054] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) also includes the first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) that are aligned longitudinally. The wirings (78, 79) 10 connecting the first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) also serve as the hinges (70). This simple configuration allows the heater (75) to fold longitudinally. [0055] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) includes the heating portions (76, 77). These heating portions (76, 77) include the end portions (76b, 77b) connected with the wirings (78, 79) serving as the hinges (70). These end portions (76b, 77b) are bent upward 15 from the bodies (76a, 77a) disposed along the bottom frame (22) of the casing (20). This configuration prevents the wirings (78, 79) connecting the heating portions (76, 77) from being in contact with the drain water when the heater (75) is attached on the bottom frame (22) of the outdoor unit (10). [0056] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) is able to fold longitudinally. Thus, the 20 heater (75) is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) and installed in the outdoor unit (10) without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger (30) including the four heat exchange surfaces (30a). [0057] The outdoor unit (10) of the first embodiment includes the compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The heater (75) to be installed in this 25 outdoor unit (10) might be stuck on not only the outdoor heat exchanger (30) but also on the 14 2012P00782 compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Thus, the installation is more complicated. However, in the first embodiment, the heater (75) that is able to fold longitudinally is installed in the outdoor unit (10). Thus, the folded heater (75) is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) on the side surface of the 5 outdoor heat exchanger (30). Thus, the heater (75) is easily installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) without contact with the compressors (5a, 5b). [0058] Another Embodiment The following is an alternative embodiment. [0059] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) includes the two heating portions (76, 77) 10 connected with each other by the wirings (78, 79). The heater (75) is able to fold in two longitudinally. Alternatively, the heater (75) may be able to fold in three or four. [0060] The layout etc. of the refrigerant circuit equipment in the embodiments is only an example, and may be modified if necessary. For example, no compressors (5a, 5b) etc. may be provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). 15 [0061] The above-described embodiments have been set forth merely for the purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the invention. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0062] As described above, the present invention is useful for a heater for avoiding freeze 20 of drain water, and an outdoor unit including the heater for a refrigerator. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS [0063] 4 Side Surface 5a, 5b Compressor 10 Outdoor Unit 25 20 Casing 15 2012P00782 22 Bottom Frame (Bottom Board) 30 Outdoor Heat Exchanger 30a Heat Exchange Surface 70 Hinge 5 75 Heater 76 First Heating Portion 76a Body 76b End Portion 77 Second Heating Portion 10 77a Body 77b End Portion 78 Connection Wiring (Wiring) 79 Lead Wire (Wiring) 16 2012P00782

Claims (5)

1. A heater for avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat exchanger of an outdoor unit for a refrigerator, wherein the outdoor unit includes 5 a casing including four side surfaces and the outdoor heat exchanger disposed in the casing, including four heat exchange surfaces corresponding to the side surfaces of the casing, and including an opening disposed on side surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger, the heater is in a shape of a rectangular frame along a lower end portion of the 10 outdoor heat exchanger, and the heater includes hinges allowing the heater to fold longitudinally.
2. The heater of claim 1, comprising: a first heating portion and a second heating portion that are aligned longitudinally, 15 wherein the hinges are wirings connecting the first heating portion with the second heating portion.
3. The heater of claim 2, wherein 20 the first heating portion includes a body and end portions, the second heating portion includes a body and end portions, the bodies extend along a bottom board of the casing, the end portions are bent upward from the bodies, and the end portions are connected with the wirings. 25
4. An outdoor unit for a refrigerator, comprising: the heater of any one of claims 1-3.
5. The outdoor unit for the refrigerator of claim 4, comprising: 30 at least one compressor disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger. 17
AU2012353915A 2011-12-12 2012-12-12 A heater and an outdoor unit including the same for a refrigerator Ceased AU2012353915B2 (en)

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JP2011-271295 2011-12-12
JP2011271295A JP5218629B2 (en) 2011-12-12 2011-12-12 Heater and outdoor unit of refrigeration apparatus provided with the same
PCT/JP2012/007949 WO2013088713A1 (en) 2011-12-12 2012-12-12 Heater and outdoor unit for refrigeration unit provided with heater

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CN103988026A (en) 2014-08-13
KR101428444B1 (en) 2014-08-07
EP2792955A4 (en) 2015-12-02
WO2013088713A1 (en) 2013-06-20
JP2013122351A (en) 2013-06-20
CN103988026B (en) 2015-09-02
KR20140093755A (en) 2014-07-28
EP2792955B1 (en) 2016-11-30
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AU2012353915A1 (en) 2014-07-17
US20140298844A1 (en) 2014-10-09

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