GB2304400A

GB2304400A - Outdoor unit for air conditioner

Info

Publication number: GB2304400A
Application number: GB9604248A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shigeru Niki; Yutaka Ishikawa
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 1995-08-22
Filing date: 1996-02-28
Publication date: 1997-03-19
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-28
Also published as: KR0184698B1; GB2304400B; TW362755U; CN1143733A; KR970011610A; CN1088175C; JPH0960928A; JP3322778B2; GB9604248D0

Abstract

A unit main body (1) houses a compressor (11), a heat exchanger (9), a fan (10) opposed to the heat exchanger, and an electric component box (15) which contains electric control components for controlling the compressor, the fan, etc. The electric component box contains a control plate with the electric control components mounted thereon, and a component box main body which supports the control plate with all the electric control components directed downwardly. The component box main body has a cooling air passage formed therein. Cooling air introduced into the main body passes through the air passage to cool the electric control components.

Description

"OUTDOOR UNIT FOR AIR CONDITIONER" This invention relates to an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, and more particularly to an improvement of the structure of an electric component box located in the outdoor unit.

An air conditioner for performing a refrigeration cycle operation comprises an indoor unit installed in a room to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit installed outside the room. These outdoor and indoor units are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe, electric wires, etc.

The outdoor unit is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, valves such as a four-way valve, etc., a wind fan, and an electric component box which contains electric control components for electrically controlling the compressor, the fan, etc.

The control of the frequency of the compressor has recently been performed to control the refrigeration cycle. In light of this, the electric control components now include a CPU, a condenser, a transformer, a rectifier, a giant transistor (hereinafter referred to as "G.TR") for switching an inverter, a control plate, and many other components.

Among the electric control components, the G-TR will, in particular, generate a great amount of heat when it is switched. Therefore, where the G-TR is contained in the electric component box, the interior of the box may be heated extremely, which adversely affects the G-TR itself and other electric control components.

To avoid this, a radiator is provided on the outer surface of the box so as to effectively remove the heat generated from the G-TR. The radiator is formed by extrusion molding of aluminum which has high heat conductivity.

The electric control components other than the radiator are basically contained in the electric component box.

However, as is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-251795 filed by the same applicant as the present application, the condenser, the rectifier and the G-TR, which are relatively large electric control components, are not mounted on the control plate.

This is because the electric component box must be a thin box (which is long in the right-and-left direction and in the vertical direction, and is short in the front-and-rear direction) in light of the space for the electric component box in the outdoor unit main body. Accordingly, the control plate must be erected in the box.

In other words, the configuration of the electric component box makes it impossible to mount the relatively large condenser, rectifier and G-TR on the control plate. These control components are arranged separate from the control plate, and electrically connected to the control plate within the box by means of lead wires.

Thus, a great number of lead wires are necessary to connect the control plate to the electric control components which are not mounted on the control plate.

This complicates the handling of wires, and reduces the degree of freedom in arranging the control plate.

As a result, it is difficult to reduce the size of the electric component box.

In addition, the above arrangement makes it difficult to align the control plate with the G-TR or the condenser, and hence to effectively cool them when cooling air is applied thereto.

To efficiently cool all the electric component contained in the electric component box, many slits for cooling must be formed in the box. However, these slits will allow entrance of dust into the box, which may well cause a failure in the electric control components.

As described above, increasing the efficiency of cooling the components in the component box makes it difficult to prevent dust from entering the component box.

This invention has been developed under the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, which has a compact electric component box to leave a margin in the outdoor unit, which can efficiently cool electric control components contained in the component box and also can prevent dust from entering the component box, and which can reduce stress applied to a control plate contained in the component box, thereby facilitating its assembly and maintenance works.

To attain the aim, there is provided an air conditioner outdoor unit comprising: a unit main body; and a compressor, a heat exchanger, a wind fan, an electric component box, etc., which are contained in the unit main body; the electric component box including: a component box main body; a control plate attached to and supported by the component box main body, and having electric control components mounted thereon for driving the compressor, the wind fan, etc.; and cooling air passing means for guiding cooling air to the electric control components mounted on the control plate, to cool them.

This invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, showing an electric component box employed in an outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing an attachment/support member included in the electric component box of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view, showing a state in which a control plate, an attachment/support member and a radiator shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the electric component box of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view, showing an insulating sheet incorporated in the electric component box of FIG. 1; and FIG. 6 is a partly-exploded perspective view, showing the air conditioner outdoor unit with the electric component box of FIG. 1.

The embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 6 shows an outdoor unit for an air conditioner. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a unit main body as an outer case. The main body 1 comprises a divisional body 1A which has a front panel 3 with a blow grille 2 and an upper plate 4 formed integral with the panel 3, and a divisional body 1B which has left and right side plates 5, a rear panel 6 and a bottom plate (not shown), which are formed integral with each other.

The unit main body 1 is partitioned into two chambers 8a and 8b by means of a partition plate 7.

In other words, the front end surface of the partition plate 7 contacts an inner surface portion of the front panel 3, and its rear end surface contacts an inner surface portion of the rear panel 6.

The chamber 8a houses an outdoor heat exchanger 9 (which has an L-shape when viewed from the above) along one of the side plates 5 and the rear panel 6, and a wind fan 10 in the remaining space.

The chamber 8b houses a compressor 11, and a pipe 12 and valves 13 (including a four-way valve, an expansive valve, not shown, etc.) connected to the compressor 11. A cover plate 14 which covers a packed valve (not shown) is attached to the other side plate 5.

The partition plate 7 has an upper cut-out portion 7a which receives an electric component box 15. The box 15 is a thin box which is small in size in the vertical direction and large in the left-and-right direction and the front-and-rear direction.

The electric component box 15 has an end portion extending from the partition plate 7 to a location in the vicinity of the wind fan 10 in the chamber 8a, and the other end portion extending from the partition plate 7 to a location above the compressor 11 and a connection pipe 12 in the other chamber 8b. In other words, the electric component box 15 bridges upper portions of the chambers 8a and 8b partitioned by the partition plate 7 in the unit main body 1.

The electric component box 15 will now be explained in more detail.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the electric component box 15 comprises a control plate P having a lower surface on which all electric control components are mounted, and a component box main body 16 attached to the control plate P and supporting the same.

The box main body 16 comprises an attachment/support member 17 formed of a resin mold member and attaching the control plate P to an upper portion thereof, a case body 18 consisting of a metal plate and covering the outer surface of the attachment/support member 17 and housing electric control components S together with the attachment/support member 17, and a cover member 19 covering upper portions of the attachment/support member 17 and the case body 18.

By virtue of this structure, none of the electric control components S is exposed on an upper surface of the control plate P. Only those attachment leg portions (not shown) for the electric control components S, which are attached to the control plate P by means of solder, are exposed thereon.

As is shown in FIG. 3, a G-TR Sa, whose heat generation is particularly high, and a rectifier Sb are connected in series on a lower surface portion of the control plate P along one of the sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The G-TR Sa and the rectifier Sb slightly project from the one side of the control plate P so as to prevent, as far as possible, heat generated therefrom from entering the component main body 16.

The outer surfaces of the G-TR Sa and the rectifier Sb are coated with a heat conductive adhesive and adhered to a radiator 20. Further, a plurality of attachment screws 21 are inserted through the radiator 20 and screwed in the G-TR Sa and the rectifier Sb, thereby attaching the radiator 20 to a support portion 22 of the attachment/support member 17.

A clearance seal 23 formed of a resin mold member is filled in a clearance defined between an upper portion of the radiator 20 and the side portion of the control plate P.

The radiator 20 is formed by extrusion molding of aluminum, and has a plurality of projecting cooling fins 20a formed integral with each other. The cooling fins 20a radially project along the entire width of the radiator 20.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the attachment/support member 17 is has a frame of a rectangle as viewed in plan. The frame has a completely open upper end and a partially open lower end with cross members 29 (which will be explained later) bridging it. The inner size of the frame is slightly larger than the outer size of the control plate P. The member 17 has side portions 17a and 17b extending longitudinal. Each of the side portions 17a and 17b has a stepped cutout a at an end thereof, and an inverted-U-shaped cutout b at the other thereof.

Plate holding strips 24 which hold the control plate P project parallel to each other from the portions of the inner surfaces of the side portions 17a and 17b, which are located slightly lower then their upper edges. Each of the plate holding strips 24 is divided into some portions with gaps interposed therebetween. An engagement claw 25 projects from that portion of each of the upper edges of the side portions 17a and 17b, which is aligned with a corresponding one of the gaps. The distance between the engagement claw 25 and the plate holding strip 24 is substantially equal to the thickness of the control plate P.

The attachment/support member 17 further has transversal side portions 17c and 17d. The transversal side portion 17c has a stopper strip 26 downwardly extending along the upper edge. In other words, the claw 25 and the stopper strip 26 project from the same upper edge of the attachment/support member 17. The vertical length of the transversal side portion 17c is smaller than the vertical length of that portion of the longitudinal side portion 17a (or 17b) at which the cutout a is formed.

The other transversal side portion 17d has an opening c, and opposite end portions of the same length as the vertical length of the side portion 17a or 17b.

An outlet 27 of a rectangle as viewed in plan is formed at the bottom of the side portion 17d.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the outlet 27 projecting from the bottom of the side portion 17d has an opening 27a opening toward the inside of the box. The output 27a has an interruption plate 28 for allowing the passage of air and interrupting the entrance of water and dust into the box.

Referring again to FIG. 2, cross members 29 project from lower end portions of the side portions 17a and 17b, and are connected to each other at substantially the center of the attachment/support member 17. Part of each cross member 29 projects upward. A member consisting of these cross members 29 will hereinafter be referred to as a "rectifier" in light of its function.

At the substantial center of the attachment/support member 17 at which the cross members 29 are connected to each other, a support rod 30 projects upward. The vertical level of the upper face of the support rod 30 is identical to that of the plate receiving members 24.

On the other hand, a case holding strip 31 is provided on that portion of the outer surface of each of the side portions 17a and 17b, which is located lower by a predetermined length than the upper edge of the member 17. The case holding strip 31 is divided into some portions with gaps interposed therebetween.

A positioning step 32 continuously extends from each case holding strip 31 to the lower edge of a corresponding one of the side portions 17a and 17b. In other words, the positioning step 32 extends from the strip 31 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the strip 31 extends.

Further, a plurality of projections 33 are provided on the outer surfaces of the side portions 17a and 17b such that they are aligned with the gaps of the case holding strip 31.

A plurality of holding members 34 and 35 with engagement claws project from outer upper portions of the side portions 17a and 17b. The engagement claws of the members 34 and 35 project to a level higher than that of the upper edge of the attachment/support member 17.

The control plate P is attached to the abovedescribed attachment/support member 17. More specifically, lower surface portions of both the longitudinal edges of the control plate P are placed on the plate holding strips 24 such that all the electric control components S mounted on the control plate P are directed downward. In this state, the engagement claws 25 and the stopper strip 26 respectively stop the upper surfaces of both the longitudinal edges of the control plate P and the upper surface of the transversal edges of the same.

The control plate P on which the G-TR Sa, the rectifier Sb and the radiator 20 have already been mounted along one short side thereof is fitted in the opening c at the side portion 17d of the attachment/support member 17.

The corners of the short side of the control plate P, along which the G TR Sa, the rectifier Sb and the radiator 20 are mounted, are engaged with the corners formed by the side portions 17d, 17a and 17b, thereby positioning the control plate P. In this state, the support rod 30 supports the control plate P from below.

The holding members 34 and 35 receive and support a bundle of lead wires (such as a compressor lead wire, a fan motor lead wire, sensor lead wires, a case thermo lead wire, a four-way valve lead wire, etc.) connected to the electric control components S.

On the other hand, the case main body 18 comprises, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a lower surface portion 18a, longitudinal side portions 18b and 18c, and transversal side portions 18d and 18e. The body 18 has no upper surface portion.

The entire horizontal length of each of the longitudinal side portions 18b and 18c is equal to the length of that portion of each of the side portions 17a and 17b of the attachment/support member 17, which extends from the side portion 17d to the positioning step 32.

The vertical length of each of the side portions 18b and 18c is substantially equal to the vertical length of that portion of each of the side portions 17a and 17b which extends from the case holding strip 31 to its lower edge. Alternatively, the vertical length of the former may be slightly greater than that of the latter.

The entire horizontal length of each of the side portions 18d and 18e is equal to that of each of the side portions 17c and 17d. The vertical length of the former will be explained later.

A plurality of engagement claws 36 project from the upper end of each of the side portions 18b and 18c, with predetermined gaps interposed therebetween.

Further, a plurality of rectangular engagement holes 37 are formed in an upper portion of each of the side portions 18b and 18c.

A semi-cylindrical extrusion portion 38 is provided only on the side portion 1bob. The extrusion portion 38 has a closed upper end and a downward opening. As a result, air can freely flow into the case body 18 through the extrusion portion 38.

A plurality of slits 39 are formed in series in the side portion 18b between the extrusion portion 38 and the side portion 18e. The slits 39 open toward the extrusion portion 38 and allow air to flow into the component box main body 16 therethrough. In other words, the extrusion portion 38 is provided upstream of the slits 39.

A rectangular depression 40 is provided only in the side portion 18c. The width of the depression is set equal to a depression (not shown) formed in the side portion 17b of the attachment/support member 17.

The side portion 18d is formed by bending the lower surface portion 18a, and has a vertical length (bending length) which is only 1/2 or less of that of the side portions 18b and lBc.

Two triangular claw portions 41 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4) are provided at the side portion 18d with a predetermined gap therebetween. The postal end of an SL connector attachment plate 42 is inserted in the triangular claw portions 41. The attachment plate 42 is fixed to the case body 18 by means of attachment screws (not shown).

The SL connector attachment plate 42 comprises a portion attached to the case side portion 18d, a portion extending therefrom parallel to the case lower surface portion 18a, and an obliquely bent portion to which an SL connector 43 is attached.

The other side portion 18e comprises portions formed by slightly bending the side portions 18b and 18c, and a portion formed by slightly bending the lower surface portion 1boa. Further, an engagement portion 44 is formed by slightly bending the side portion 18e along the lower edge thereof.

A rectangular downward projection 45 projects from the lower surface portion 18a, and extends along and near the side portion 18c. A plurality of slits 46 for allowing air flow are formed in line in that substantially half portion of the projection 45 which is close to the side portion 18d.

A plurality of slits 47 for allowing air flow are formed in line parallel to the slits 46 in the lower surface portion 18a. The slits 47 are also located near the SL connector attachment plate 42 and open toward the same.

A rectangular opening 48 is formed in the lower surface portion 18a along the side portion 18e.

L-shaped stopper projections 49 project downward from the longitudinal edges of the opening 48.

The case body 18 constructed as above is attached to the attachment/support member 17 such that it covers the outer surfaces of the member 17.

At this time, the engagement holes 37 of the case side portions 18b and 18c are engaged with the engagement projections 33 of the attachment/support member 17 which are located corresponding to the holes.

Simultaneously, the depression 40 of the case side portion 18c is fitted in a depression (not shown) formed in the attachment/support member 17. As a result, the upper edges of the side portions 18b and 18c are held by the case holding strips 31, and the side edges of the side portions 18b and 18c are engaged with the positioning steps 32.

The case side portion 18e is engaged with the opposed side portion 17d of the attachment/support member 17. The other side portion 18d is located inside the side portion 17c of the attachment/support member 17, while the lower surface portion 18a closes that lower opening of the member 17 which is defined inside the cutout a.

As described above, the case body 18 can be attached to the attachment/support member 17 without any particular attachment members, such as screws, in a state in which the case body 18 is accurately positioned in the longitudinal, transversal and vertical directions.

The case body engagement portion 44 is engaged with the lower edge of the radiator 20 to hold the same. The opening 48 of the lower surface portion 18a receives the outlet 27 of the attachment/support member 17.

The stopper projections 49 are engaged with the lower surface of the outlet 27 which projects through the opening 48 of the lower surface portion 18a, thereby positioning the outlet. At this time, the opening of the outlet 27 opens toward the slits 46 and 47 and the SL connector attachment plate 42.

As is clearly understood from FIG. 4, a longitudinal portion of the attachment/support member 17 projects from (i.e. overhangs) the side end of the case body 18 since the member 17 is longer than the case body 18.

Since an opening 50 is defined where the member 17 overhangs the case body 18, on the basis of the set vertical lengths of the side portions 17c and 18d, part of the control plate P and part of the electric control components S are exposed therethrough.

Moreover, a power code connected to the electric control components and/or lead wires connected between the control components and the SL connector 43 are received in the opening 50.

Where the attachment/support member 17 is attached to the case body 18, the overall upper surface of the control plate P is exposed. This exposed surface is covered with the cover member 19.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cover member 19 comprises a rectangular upper portion 19a of the same size as the upper opening of the attachment/support member 17, longitudinal side portions 19b and 19c, and transversal side portions 19d and l9e. The side portions are formed by bending an edge portion of the upper portion.

The upper portion 19a has four circular projections 51 formed symmetrical in the longitudinal and transversal directions and projecting downward.

The longitudinal side portions l9b and l9c have the same width (bending length).

Free zones (not shown) are defined only in the side portion 19c for avoiding contact with the holding members 34 of the attachment/support member 17 when the cover member 19 is attached to the case body 18.

The transversal side portion 19d comprises a very small portion formed by slightly bending the upper portion 19a, and small side portions formed by slightly bending end portions of the side portions 19b and 19c.

The other transversal side portion 19e comprises a very small portion formed by slightly bending the upper portion 19a, and small side portions formed by slightly bending end portions of the side portions 19b and 19c.

In the case of the side portion 19e, the bending width of the upper portion 19a is smaller than that of the side portions 19b and 19c, and larger than that of the opposed side portion 19d.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an insulating sheet 52 is attached to the inner surface of the cover member 19. The insulating sheet 52 comprises an upper portion 52a of the same configuration as the cover upper portion 19a, side portions 52b - 52d of the same configuration as the side portions 19b - 19d, and a side portion 52e of the same configuration as the side portion 19e.

A rectangular projection 53 which projects upward is provided at a side portion of the upper portion 52a, and 9 circular projections 54 which project upward are regularly provided on the remaining portion of the upper portion 52a in rows and columns. The projections 53 and 54 have the same height.

A sheet 55 wherein tracking is hard to occur is adhered to that surface of the insulating sheet 52 which is opposed to the control plate P.

The side portions 52b - 52e of the insulating sheet 52 are fitted on the inner surfaces of the side portions 19b - 19e of the cover member 19, respectively.

The circular projections 51 of the cover upper portion 19a are engaged with four of the nine circular projections 54 to accurately position the insulating sheet 52.

The cover member 19 with the insulating sheet 52 fitted thereon is attached to the attachment/support member 17 with the control plate P attached thereto, and also to the case body 18 covering the member 17.

In other words, the member 19 is attached, with the cover side portion 52e opposed to the radiator attachment side.

The inner surfaces of the cover side portions 19b and 19c are held on the case holding strips 31 of the side portions 17a and 17b of the attachment/support member 17 and also on the outer surfaces of the case side portions 18b and 18c, while the outer surfaces of the cover side portions 19b and 19c are elastically pressed by the engagement claws 36 of the case body 18.

The inner surface of the cover side portion 19d is fitted on the outer surface of the side portion 17c of the attachment/support member 17, and is held by the holding members 35 of the side portion 17c. The other side portion 19e is fitted on an edge portion of the radiator 20, and slightly projects from the side portion 18e of the case body 18. On the side of this projection, however, a clearance seal 23 completely closes the clearance defined between the radiator 20 and the control plate P.

The cover member 19 can be attached to or detached from the attachment/support member 17 and the case body 18 very easily.

Specifically, if the cover member 19 is pressed against the assembly of the attachment/support member 17 and the case body 18, with the side portion l9e having an opening aligned with the radiator 20, they can be engaged with each other instantly.

Further, the cover member 19 can be easily detached from the assembly of the attachment/support member 17 and the case body 18 by only pulling up the portion of the cover member 19 which projects from the assembly.

The electric component box 15 constructed as above is placed on an upper end portion of the partition plate 7 as aforementioned with reference to FIG. 6.

Since the box 15 is a thin box, it has a high degree of freedom for arrangement in the unit main body 1.

The electric component box 15 extends over both the chambers 8a and 8b defined in the unit main body 1.

The extrusion portion 38 provided on the side portion 18b of the case body 18 is pressed against the front panel 3 of the unit main body 1. The extrusion portion 38 is positioned directly above the partition plate 7.

Thus, the extrusion portion 38 interrupts passage of air between the chambers 8a and 8b on the side of the side portion 18b. The slits 39 formed in the side portion 18b are positioned on the side of the chamber 8a. Therefore, the slits 39 allows the passage of air in the chamber 8a. On the other hand, air in the other chamber 8b cannot flow.

The chamber 8a houses the radiator 20, as well as the heat exchanger 9 and the wind fan 10. When the refrigerating cycle operation has started, external air is introduced into the heat exchanger 9, and air as a result of heat exchange is discharged from the blow grille 2 of the front panel 3 to the outside.

The air is applied to the radiator 20 by the wind fan 10, thereby sufficiently cooling the T-GR Sa and the rectifier Sb which generate a great amount of heat.

Since the cooling fins 20a of the radiator 20 project from the overall width of the radiator, and extend radially, a cooling wind can passe smoothly and efficiently through the fins and hence a great amount of air can flow. As a result, the T-GR Sa and the rectifier Sb can be cooled more efficiently.

The operation of the wind fan 10 reduces the pressure in the chamber 8a to a negative value.

Accordingly, in the electric component box 15, air in the component box main body 16 flows into the chamber 8a through the slits 39 located on the side of the chamber 8a.

The interior of the box main body 16 is heated by heat generated from the electric control components S.

Since the heat in the main body 16 is removed together with the air contained therein, an increase in temperature therein is prevented. Further, since the extrusion portion 38 which is located upstream of the slits 39 disconnects the passage of air from that in the chamber 8b, entrance of moisture or dust through the slits into the main body 16 is prevented.

Accordingly, the electric control components S are free from moisture or dust and have high reliability.

The hot air in the component box main body 16 flows out through the opening 27a of the outlet 27 projecting from the lower surface portion 18a of the case body 18, too. Since an interruption plate 28 is provided in the opening 27a, entrance of a water drop or dust into the main body 16 is interrupted. This also enables the electric control components S to be free from moisture or dust and to have high reliability.

Since the slits 46 and 47 arranged in two rows and the opening 50 are positioned in the chamber 8b, air in the chamber 8b is introduced into the component box main body 16 therethrough.

The SL connector attachment plate 42 is opposed to the slits 46 and 47, which means that the plate 42 is positioned on the introduction side of cooling air.

Moreover, since the plate 42 inclines downward, it has a water-cut function for interrupting the entrance of a water drop through the slits 46 and 47 into the component box main body 16.

As described above, cooling air enters the main body 16 through the slits 46 and 47 and the opening 50 located in the chamber 8b, and flows out of the main body 16 through the outlet 27 and the slits 39 located in the chamber 8a. Thus, an air passage is formed through the main body 16.

Since the electric control components S mounted on the control plate P are directed downward and located in the air passage, cooling air which flows through the electric component box 15 efficiently cools the components S.

In particular, the cross members 29, which are provided in the attachment/support member 17 and also serve as reinforcing members, smooth the flow of cooling air introduced into the component box main body 16 through the slits 46 and 47, so as to apply it to the electric control components S. Thus, the cross members 29 more increases the cooling efficiency.

Since as explained above, all the electric control components S are mounted on the control plate P, the wires of the components can be handled easily, and accordingly the electric component box 15 can be assembled and maintained easily.

The clearance seal 23 fitted in the clearance between the radiator 20 and the side edge of the control plate P close to the radiator 20 prevents the entrance of dust into the component box main body 16.

Since the main body 16 has a double structure consisting of the attachment/support member 17 formed of a resin mold member and fixing/supporting the control plate P, and the case body 18 formed of a metal plate and covering the outer peripheral surface of the member 17. Therefore, the main body 16 has a sufficient rigidity to protect the electric control components and the control plate contained therein, and to interrupt the entrance of noise into the components.

The attachment/support member 17 has the strips 24 for holding peripheral edge portions of the control plate P, the stopper strip 26 and the engagement claws 25. Thus, the member 17 reliably supports the control plate P.

The attachment/support member 17 further incorporates the support rod 30 for supporting the control plate P from down. This rod restrains deformation of the control plate P due to the weights of the electric control components S, thereby minimizing the stress which will occur in the plate P when it is bent (deformed), and reliably preventing accidents such as breakage of a wire, etc.

The cross members 29 incorporated in the attachment/support member 17 not only smooths the flow of air introduced into the air passage, but also reinforces the member 17 itself.

The holding portions 34 and 35 incorporated in the attachment/support member 17 hold lead wires connected to the electric control components S. Accordingly, the wires of the components can be gathered neatly about the electric component box 15.

The slits 46, 47 and 39 formed in the case body 18 are kept open when the case body 18 is assembled with the attachment/support member 17, thereby allowing air to flow therethrough. As a result, cooling air can smoothly pass through the component box main body 16.

The projection 45 of the lower surface portion 18a of the case body 18 prevents contact of the portion 18a with the electric control components S downwardly mounted on the control plate P. Moreover, the projection 45 defines an appropriate space between the lower surface portion 18a and the electric control components S, which allows cooling air to smoothly flow therethrough. As a result, the electric control components S can be cooled very efficiently.

The component box main body 16 further incorporates the cover member 19 detachably mounted on the upper surface of the control plate P to protect the same.

The insulating sheet 52 interposed between the cover member 19 and the control plate P thermally and electrically insulates the control plate P. Since the insulating sheet 52 is resistive against high voltage, no problem will rise even when the sheet has contacted the control plate P.

In addition, where the insulating sheet 52 is held between the control plate and the cover member 19, the projections 53 and 54 projecting from the sheet 52 contact the lower surface of the upper portion 19a of the cover member 19. Therefore, the sheet 52 will be free from deformation even when the cover member is pressed from above.

Since the sheet 55 wherein tracking is hard to occur is adhered to that surface of the insulating sheet 52 which is opposed to the control plate P, tracking accidents can reliably be avoided.

The entire control plate P with the electric control components S mounted thereon may be covered with the insulating sheet 52, and the resultant structure be sealed with resin. Since in the sealed structure, all the connections between the electric control components S and the control plate P, which are connected by solder, are sealed with resin, the sealed structure is highly resistive against salt damage.

Claims

Claims:

1. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner comprising: a unit main body; and a compressor, a heat exchanger, a wind fan, an electric component box, etc., which are contained in the unit main body; the electric component box including: a component box main body; a control plate attached to and supported by the component box main body, and having electric control components mounted thereon for driving the compressor, the wind fan, etc.; and cooling air passing means for guiding cooling air to the electric control components mounted on the control plate, to cool them.

2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the control plate is positioned higher than the component box main body, the electric control components mounted on the control plate being directed downward; and the cooling air passing means is an air passage for introducing air outside the component box main body into the electric component box to cool the electric control components therein, and guiding the air to the outside of the electric component box.

3. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein an electric control component which will generate a great amount of heat is mounted on a side portion of the control plate; a radiator is attached to the electric control component which will generate a great amount of heat; and a clearance seal is fitted in a clearance defined between the radiator and the side portion of the control plate.

4. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein the radiator has a plurality of cooling fins formed integral as one body and projecting radially.

5. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the component box main body has a double structure consisting of: an attachment/support member formed of a resin mold member attaching and supporting the control plate; and a case body formed of a metal plate covering the outer peripheral surface of the attachment/support member and cooperating with the attachment/support member to contain the electric control components.

6. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the attachment/support member has a plate holding strip which holds a peripheral edge portion of the control plate, an engagement claw and a holding member.

7. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the attachment/support member has a support rod which supports the control plate from below.

B. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the attachment/support member has cross members which reinforce the attachment/support member itself and also smooth the flow of cooling air introduced therein.

9. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the attachment/support member has a holding portion which holds lead wires connected to the electric control components and projecting from the case body.

10. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the case body has a slit for introducing cooling air.

11. The outdoor unit according to claim 10, wherein an SL connector attachment plate is attached to the case body and located upstream of the slit with respect to the flow of cooling air.

12. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the case body has a projection which prevents the case body from contacting the electric control components.

13. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the case body has a lower surface portion in which an opening is formed, and the attachment/support member has an outlet projecting from the lower surface of the case body through the opening of the case body, for allowing air contained in the electric component box to flow out.

14. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the case body has a slit formed in a portion of its peripheral surface for allowing cooling air to flow out.

15. The outdoor unit according to claim 14, wherein the case body has an extrusion portion located downstream of the slit with respect to the flow of cooling air.

16. The outdoor unit according to claim 2, wherein the component box main body has a cover member detachably mounted on the upper surface of the control plate.

17. The outdoor unit according to claim 16, wherein an insulating sheet is interposed between the cover member and the control plate.

18. The outdoor unit according to claim 17, wherein the insulating sheet has an upper surface thereof provided with projections which are resistive against a press force applied to the upper surface from above.

19. The outdoor unit according to claim 17, wherein a sheet wherein tracking is hard to occur is adhered to that surface of the insulating sheet which is opposed to the control plate.

20. The outdoor unit according to claim 19, wherein the insulating sheet covers the overall control plate with the electric control components mounted thereon, and the resultant structure is sealed with resin.

21. An outdoor unit for air conditioner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.