JP2004125264A - Outdoor unit of air conditioner, and air conditioner equipped with this outdoor unit - Google Patents

Outdoor unit of air conditioner, and air conditioner equipped with this outdoor unit Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2004125264A
JP2004125264A JP2002289745A JP2002289745A JP2004125264A JP 2004125264 A JP2004125264 A JP 2004125264A JP 2002289745 A JP2002289745 A JP 2002289745A JP 2002289745 A JP2002289745 A JP 2002289745A JP 2004125264 A JP2004125264 A JP 2004125264A
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Japan
Prior art keywords
heat exchanger
housing
outdoor unit
side surfaces
air
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Pending
Application number
JP2002289745A
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Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Shigehisa Funabashi
船橋　茂久
Hiroshi Iwase
岩瀬　拓
Makoto Nagai
長井　誠
Ryoji Sato
佐藤　良次
Hiroyasu Yoneyama
米山　裕康
Tetsushi Kishitani
岸谷　哲志
Katsuaki Nagahashi
長橋　克章
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Hitachi Ltd
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Hitachi Ltd
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Priority to JP2002289745A priority Critical patent/JP2004125264A/en
Publication of JP2004125264A publication Critical patent/JP2004125264A/en
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an outdoor unit for improving heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit even when arranged in close vicinity to the other outdoor unit and a building wall. <P>SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 9 is arranged along at least three side surfaces 17b, 17c and 17d of a casing 3 in the casing 3 having a fan 5 for upwardly blowing off inside air from the upper surface side. The heat exchanger 9 is formed in the shape of overhanging a central part of a part running along the side surfaces 17b and 17c of the casing 3 in the outside direction of the casing 3 when viewed from the upper surface side of the casing 3. Spaces 19a and 19b for enlarging an interval for turning to both corner parts from the central part of the side surfaces 17b and 17c are formed between the side surfaces 17b and 17c of the casing 3 and a part of the heat exchanger 9 running along the side surfaces 17b and 17c. Suction ports 26 and 27 for respectively communicating with the spaces 19a and 19b are arranged on the three side surfaces 17a, 17b and 17c for defining the space 19a and the three side surfaces 17a, 17d and 17c for defining the space 19b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、空気調和機の室外機に係り、特に、筐体の上面側から筐体内の空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた上吹き型室外機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
筐体の上面側から筐体内の空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた室外機、つまり上吹き型室外機では、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の１つの側面と、この１つの側面に連なる両側面の中央部にかけて、これらの筐体の側面に平行に沿わせた略Ｕ字形状に形成した熱交換器が設置されている。そして、このような形状の熱交換器が沿っている筐体の側面の部分には、空気の吸込口が設けられている（例えば、特許文献１乃至３参照）。これにより、ファンが回転すると、筐体の吸込口から筐体内に熱交換器を通って空気が流入し、筐体内に流入した空気は、ファンによって筐体の上面側から上方へ排出され、筐体内の熱交換器において冷凍サイクルの冷媒と空気との熱交換が行われる。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−１４８３６３号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平１０−２３８８１７号公報
【特許文献３】
特開平１０−２５３１００号公報
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、このような上吹き型室外機は、例えば複数の室内機と繋いだマルチタイプといった比較的大容量の空気調和機に採用されている。このため、上吹き型室外機は、複数台の室外機を隣接させて並べて設置する場合が比較的多い。このとき、室外機の設置場所は、例えばビルの屋上といった限れた広さの場所であるため、隣り合う室外機の隙間をできる限り小さくして設置し、室外機の設置に要する面積をできるだけ少なくしている。
【０００４】
また、室外機は、設置場所の制約から建物の壁などに近接した状態で設置しなければならない場合もある。したがって、上記のような上吹き型室外機を複数台並べて設置したり、建物の壁などに近接した状態で設置した場合、筐体の、隣り合う室外機の筐体や建物の壁などに面する側面に形成された吸込口が塞がれたような状態となり、この吸気口からは空気が流入し難くなる。このため、熱交換器の熱交換効率が低下してしまい、また、熱交換器の熱交換効率の低下は、省エネルギー性の低下に繋がり、空気調和機の省エネルギー性の向上に対する要求に反してしまう。
【０００５】
これに対して、筐体の上面側から見たとき、略Ｕ字形状に形成された熱交換器の２箇所の屈曲部において、熱交換器の筐体の側面に平行に沿った部分に対して直角方向よりも外側に拡がった状態になる角度に曲げた形状に形成した熱交換器を備えた上吹き型室外機が考えられている。これにより、筐体の熱交換器の端部が位置する側面の中央部から熱交換器が設けられている側の側面の角部に向かうに連れて、熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分と、この熱交換器の部分が沿っている筐体の側面との間隔が大きくなる空間が形成される。
【０００６】
このため、熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分が沿っている筐体の側面を、隣接する室外機の筐体の側面と対向させて設置したとき、隣接する室外機に面していない筐体の側面の空気の吸込口から、この空間に空気が流入し熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分を通る空気の流れができる。したがって、上吹き型室外機を複数台並べて設置したり、建物の壁などに近接した状態で設置した場合、筐体の、隣り合う室外機の筐体や建物の壁などに面する側面に形成された吸込口が塞がれたような状態となっても、この吸込口が塞がれたような状態となっている筐体の面側に沿う熱交換器の部分にも空気が通流し易くなり、熱交換器の熱交換効率の低下を抑制できる。
【０００７】
一方、空気調和機としての省エネルギー性を向上するため、室外機では熱交換効率を向上する必要がある。このため、室外機では、同じ大きさの筐体に対する熱交換器の搭載量をできるだけ多くする、つまり同じ大きさの筐体に対してできるだけ大きな熱交換器を搭載することが望まれる。そこで、同じ大きさの筐体に対してできるだけ熱交換器を大きくするため、筐体の上面側から見たときの熱交換器の長さを長くすることが考えられる。
【０００８】
上記のような従来考えられていたような上吹き型室外機、すなわち筐体の熱交換器の端部が位置する側面の中央部から熱交換器が設けられている側の側面の角部に向かうに連れて、熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分と、この熱交換器の部分が沿っている筐体の側面との間隔が大きくなる空間が形成された室外機では、熱交換器の長さ長くするため、熱交換器の屈曲部から端部にかけての部分の長さを、例えば熱交換器が設けられていない側の側面の角部にまで熱交換器の端部が達するように延長することになる。このとき、熱交換器の屈曲部から端部にかけての部分を延長する場合、流入する空気の量が低下しないように、熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分と、この熱交換器の部分が沿っている筐体の側面との間の空間の間隔が小さくならないようにする必要がある。つまり、熱交換器の端部と屈曲部との間の部分と、この熱交換器の部分が沿っている筐体の側面とのなす角度が小さくならないようにする必要がある。
【０００９】
したがって、従来考えられていたような上吹き型室外機では、熱交換器の屈曲部から端部にかけての部分を延長しても、屈曲部の角度が小さくならないようにすると、熱交換器の屈曲部間、つまり熱交換器の筐体の側面に平行に沿っている部分の長さが短くなる。このため、筐体の上面側から見たときの熱交換器全体の長さはほとんど変わらず、熱交換効率を向上することはできない。このように、従来考えられていたような室外機では、他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置したときに熱交換器の熱交換効率が低下するのを抑制することはできたが、熱交換効率は向上し難しい。
【００１０】
本発明の課題は、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上することにある。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の空気調和機の室外機は、上面側から空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた筐体内に、この筐体の少なくとも３つの側面に沿って熱交換器が設けられており、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の少なくとも１つの側面と、この側面に沿う熱交換器の部分との間に、この側面の中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間が形成され、少なくともこの空間を画成する３つの側面に、この空間に連通する吸込口が設けられた構成とすることにより上記課題を解決する。
【００１２】
また、本発明の空気調和機の室外機は、上面側に内側の空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた筐体内に、この筐体の少なくとも３つの側面に沿って熱交換器が設けられており、熱交換器は、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の少なくとも１つの側面に対向する部分の中央部が筐体の外側方向に向けて張り出した形状に形成され、少なくともこの筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成された熱交換器の部分が沿う側面とこの側面に連なる２つの側面に吸込口が設けられた構成とすることにより上記課題を解決する。
【００１３】
このような構成とすれば、筐体の少なくとも１つの側面に対向する熱交換器の部分とこの側面との間に、筐体の側面の中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間があり、この空間を画成する３つの側面に、この空間に連通する吸込口が設けられているため、他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置され、ある側面の吸込口が塞がれたような状態となり、この吸込口から空気が流入し難くなっても、この空間に連通する他の側面の吸込口から、この空間に空気が流入する。このため、他の室外機や建物の壁などに面している筐体の側面に沿う熱交換器の部分にも、この空間を介して空気が通る。したがって、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、熱交換効率の低下を抑制できる。
【００１４】
加えて、筐体の少なくとも１つの側面に対向する熱交換器の部分とこの側面との間に、筐体の側面の中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間が形成される熱交換器の形状、つまり、熱交換器が筐体の少なくとも１つの側面に沿う部分の中央部が筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成されていることにより、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の側面の平行に沿っている熱交換器の部分の長さを変えずに筐体の側面の中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間を形成している熱交換器の部分の長さを延長できるため、熱交換効率を向上できる。すなわち、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。
【００１５】
また、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成された熱交換器の部分が、熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部に連なる部分である構成とする。これにより、筐体の上面側から見たとき、熱交換器がファンを囲んだ状態となり、筐体の各側面からファンに向かう空気の流れを均一化できるため、ファンで空気の流れが不均一な状態になることにより生じる室外機の騒音を低下できる。したがって、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上でき、かつ室外機を低騒音化できる。
【００１６】
さらに、筐体の全ての側面に吸込口が設けられ、熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置しているとき、筐体は、熱交換器の端部が位置する側面に、上下方向に延在し、熱交換器の端部が連結された柱状部材を備えている備えている構成とする。
【００１７】
従来の上吹き型室外機では、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の１つの側面とこの側面の両側に連なる２つの側面の中央部にかけて熱交換器が設けられており、熱交換器が設けられていない１つの側面とこの側面の両側に連なる２つの側面の中央部までの部分は、吸い込み口などが形成されていないパネルが取り付けられており、このパネルが筐体に必要な強度を与えている。このため、筐体の全ての側面に吸込口が設けられている場合には、筐体の強度が低下してしまうことになる。これに対して、筐体が熱交換器の端部が位置する側面に、上下方向に延在し、熱交換器の端部が連結された柱状部材を備えることで、筐体の強度の低下を抑えることができる。
【００１８】
また、筐体の全ての側面に吸込口が設けられ、熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置しているとき、筐体は、この筐体の熱交換器の端部が位置する側面の、この熱交換器の端部の位置と角部との間の部分に、横方向に延在する桟で仕切られた上下方向に並ぶ複数の空気の吸込口が形成された吸込口付きパネルを備えている構成とすることでも筐体の強度の低下を抑えることができる。
【００１９】
さらに、熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、この熱交換器の両端部が位置する筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置し、筐体は、熱交換器の両端部が位置する側面の、この熱交換器の両端部間部分に着脱可能な着脱パネルを備えている構成とする。このような構成とすれば、筐体内に熱交換器で取り囲まれた状態で設置されている圧縮機などの機器類のメンテナンス作業を容易にできる。
【００２０】
また、上記のいずれかの室外機と、室内に設置された室内機と、室外機の熱交換器及び室内機の熱交換器を含む冷凍サイクルとを備えた構成の空気調和機とすれば、室外機が他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置された場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率が向上することにより、省エネルギー性を向上できる。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機及び空気調和機の一実施形態について図１乃至図５を参照して説明する。図１は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の概略構成を示す横断面図である。図２は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の正面側から見た内部の概略構成を示す図である。図３は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の概略構成を示す正面図である。図４は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の概略構成を示す図である。図５は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機を複数並べて設置したときの空気の流れを説明する室外機の横断面図である。
【００２２】
なお、本実施形態では図１及び図５では、筐体の上面に設けられた吹出口部と熱交換器との位置関係を説明するため、これらの図では本来見ることができないプロペラファン、マウスリング、電気箱などを、便宜上、破線で示している。また、各図において、クロスフィンタイプの熱交換器を前提として図示しているが、熱交換器としては、クロスフィンタイプの熱交換器に限らず、プレートフィンタイプの熱交換器など様々なタイプの熱交換器を用いることができる。
【００２３】
本実施形態の空気調和機の室外機１は、図１及び図２に示すように、筐体３の上面側に筐体３内の空気を上方へ吹き出すプロペラファン５を含む吹出口部７が設けられており、筐体３内のプロペラファン５の下方に熱交換器９、圧縮機１１、アキュムレータ１３、電気箱１５などが納められたものである。熱交換器９は、図１に示すように、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、筐体３の４つの側面のうち、１つの側面つまり正面側の側面１７ａに両方の端部９ａ、９ｂが位置し、他の３つの側面つまり側方側の側面１７ｂ、背面側の側面１７ｃ、そしてもう一方の側方側の側面１７ｄに沿って設けられている。
【００２４】
つまり、熱交換器９は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿っている部分と、２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分とを有している。熱交換器９の背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿っている部分と、２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分とは、各々、屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄで曲げられて形成されている。屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄでは、熱交換器９の２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分が、各々熱交換器９の背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿っている部分に対して直角な方向よりも外側に拡がった状態、つまり筐体３の外側方向に拡がった状態に曲げられている。
【００２５】
さらに、熱交換器９の、筐体３の２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分は、この熱交換器９の２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分の中央部の屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆで、各々、筐体３の内側方向に向けて曲げられている。屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆでは、熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄと屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆとの間の部分と、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄとのなす角度、そして熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆと端部９ａ、９ｂとの間の部分と、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄとのなす角度が、各々、ほぼ同じになるように曲げられている。これにより、熱交換器９の両方の端部９ａ、９ｂは、筐体３の正面側の側面１７ａの中央部寄りに対称に位置している。
【００２６】
このように熱交換器９は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている部分が筐体３の外側方向に向けて張り出した形状に形成されている。そして、熱交換器９がこのような形状に形成されていることにより、側方側の側面１７ｂと、この側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う熱交換器９の部分との間隔が、この熱交換器９の部分の屈曲部９ｅが近接する側方側の側面１７ｂの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて漸次大きくなる空間１９ａが形成されている。さらに、側方側の側面１７ｄと、この側方側の側面１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分との間隔が、この熱交換器９の部分の屈曲部９ｆが近接する側方側の側面１７ｂの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて漸次大きくなる空間１９ｂが形成されている。なお、熱交換器９は、図２に示すように、筐体３の高さ方向で見た場合、筐体３の底部２１と筐体３の上面側に設けられた吹出口部７との間に位置している。
【００２７】
筐体３は、図１及び図３に示すように、４つの角部に各々、上下方向に延在する支柱２３ａ、２３ｂ、２３ｃ、２３ｄを有している。また、筐体３は、熱交換器９の端部９ａ、９ｂに対応する位置に、各々、上下方向に延在する柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂを有しており、熱交換器９の端部９ａ、９ｂは、各々、対応する位置に設けられた柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂに連結されている。つまり、熱交換器９は、端部９ａ、９ｂが各々柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂに連結されることにより、筐体３に固定されている。なお、支柱２３ａ、２３ｂ、２３ｃ、２３ｄ、そして柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂは、必要な強度が得られればどのような断面形状のものでも用いることができるが、本実施形態ではＬ字形状の断面を有する鋼材を用いている。
【００２８】
筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂの熱交換器９に対応する支柱２３ａと支柱２３ｂ間の部分、背面側の側面１７ｃの熱交換器９に対応する支柱２３ｂと支柱２３ｃ間の部分、そして側方側の側面１７ｄの熱交換器９に対応する支柱２３ｃと支柱２３ｄ間の部分には、パネルなどが設けられておらず、熱交換器９がむき出しの開放状態となっているか、または、できるだけ目が大きい格子状の網などが設けられている。これら側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄ、及び背面側の側面１７ｃの開放状態または格子状の網などが設けられた部分が、空気を筐体３内に吸い込むための吸込口２６となっている。正面側の側面１７ａの熱交換器９に対応する支柱２３ａと柱状部材２５ａとの間の部分、そして支柱２３ｄと柱状部材２５ｂとの間の部分には、図３に示すように、各々、上下方向に並ぶ複数の吸込口２７が形成された吸込口付きパネル２９が設けられている。吸込口付きパネル２９に形成された複数の吸込口２７は、横方向に延在する桟３１によって仕切られている。桟３１の幅は、吸込口付きパネル２９に必要とされる強度に応じて決定している。
【００２９】
このように、本実施形態では、熱交換器９の端部９ａ、９ｂが連結された柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂ、そして、横方向に延在する桟３１によって仕切られた上下方向に並ぶ複数の吸込口２７が形成された吸込口付きパネル２９を設けることにより、従来の上吹き型室外機のように、筐体の側面の約半分近くを覆って筐体に必要とされる強度を与えていたパネルが設けられないことによる筐体の強度の低下を抑えている。
【００３０】
正面側の側面１７ａの柱状部材２５ａと柱状部材２５ｂとの間には、図示していないネジなどの取り付け手段により柱状部材２５ａと柱状部材２５ｂに着脱可能に取り付けられている着脱パネル３３が設けられている。筐体３内には、図２に示すように、熱交換器９に囲まれた状態で、筐体３の底部２１上に圧縮機１１とアキュムレータ１３などが、圧縮機１１とアキュムレータ１３などの上方に電気箱１５が、そして電気箱１５の上方で熱交換器９の上縁部分に対応する高さにプロペラファン５を回転駆動するためのモータ３５が設けられている。したがって、メンテナンスの際は、着脱パネル３３を外すことで、筺体３内に設置されたこれらの機器類の保守点検を容易に行なうことができる。
【００３１】
筐体３の上面側に設けられた吹出口部７は、図２及び図３に示すように、吹出口部７となる筐体３の上部側面を囲う吹出口部パネル３７、吹出口部パネル３７内に設けられて空気の吹き出し流路を画成するリング状のマウスリング３９、マウスリング３９に囲われた状態で設置されたプロペラファン５、そして吹出口部パネル３７の上面開口に設けられた網状の部材からなるファンガード４１などで構成されている。なお、プロペラファン５は、図１に示すように、筐体３の上面の寸法に収まる範囲で極力大径のものが用いられており、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、プロペラファン５の周縁部は、一部で熱交換器９と重なっている。
【００３２】
このような構成の上吹き型室外機の動作と本発明の特徴部について説明する。なお、本実施形態の空気調和機は、図４に示すように、室外機１が有する熱交換器９や図４では図示していない圧縮機１１などを、室内機４３の図示していない熱交換器などと、冷媒が通流する配管４５で接続することにより構成した冷凍サイクルを有している。また、複数台の室外機１が、図４及び図５に示すように、隣り合う室外機１を構成する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂと、側方側の側面１７ｄとを向かい合わせた状態で設置される。
【００３３】
空気調和機が作動し、モータ３５によってプロペラファン５が回転すると、図５に示すように、空気が、吸込口２６、２７から熱交換器９を通って、筐体３内に流入する流れが発生する。筐体３内に流入して熱交換器９を通った空気、つまり熱交換器９内を通流する冷媒との間で熱交換を行なった空気は、プロペラファン５を通って筺体３の上方から外部に排出される。このとき、隣り合う室外機１の対向する筐体３の側面つまり側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分が、屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆで曲げられ、この熱交換器９の部分の中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成されている。そして、熱交換器９がこのような形状に形成されていることにより、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分と、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄとの間には、各々、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの中央部から角部に在る支柱２３ａ、２３ｂに向かって間隔が大きくなる空間１９ａ、１９ｂが形成されている。
【００３４】
このため、空気は、近接する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの吸込口２６から筐体３内に流入し難くても、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに連なり、空間１９ａ、１９ｂに連通する吸込口２７または吸込口２６を有する２つの側面、つまり正面側の側面１７ａと背面側の側面１７ｃ側から空間１９ａ、１９ｂに流入することができる。したがって、空間１９ａ、１９ｂに流入した空気が、隣り合う室外機１の対向する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分を通るため、隣り合う室外機１の対向する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分に空気が通流し易くなる。このように、複数台の室外機を連続的に並べて設置したことによって筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの吸込口２６が塞がれたような状態になり、空気が流入し難くなっても、隣り合う室外機１の対向する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分に空気が通るため、熱交換効率が低下するのを抑制できる。
【００３５】
ここで、比較のために、従来考えられていた室外機の構成を示す。従来考えられていた室外機４７は、図６に示すように、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、熱交換器４９が略Ｕ字形状に形成されている。熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂは、隣り合う室外機４７の対向する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの中央部に位置しており、端部４９ａ、４９ｂに連なり、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器４９の部分は、背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿っている部分に対して直角な方向よりも外側に拡がった状態に屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄで曲げられている。吸込口２６は、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂの位置から背面側の側面１７ｃ側に位置する支柱２３ｂ、２３ｃにかけての部分と、背面側の側面１７ｃとにのみ設けられている。側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂの位置から正面側の側面１７ａ側の角部にかけての部分、そして正面側の側面１７ａには、吸込口などが形成されていないパネル５１が取り付けられている。このような室外機４７でも、背面側の側面１７ｃ側から空気が流入することにより、隣り合う室外機４７の対向する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器４９の部分に空気が通流し、複数台の室外機を連続的に並べて設置したときに熱交換効率が低下するのを抑制できる。
【００３６】
ところで、同じ大きさの筐体内に対して熱交換器の搭載量を多くする場合、つまり同じ大きさの筐体内に対して熱交換器をできるだけ大きくする場合、筐体３の上面側から見たときの熱交換器の全長を長くすることになる。これに対して、従来考えられていた室外機４７では、熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂを、例えば正面側の側面１７ａの両角部にまで延長する、つまり熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分の長さを長くすることになる。
【００３７】
ところが、従来考えられていた室外機４７では、熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分の長さを長くする場合、複数台の室外機を連続的に並べて設置しても熱交換効率の低下を抑制できるように、熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分への空気の通流状態を変えないようにする必要がある。このためには、熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分と側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄとのなす角度θが小さくならないようにする必要がある。そして、角度θが小さくならないように熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分の長さを長くすると、熱交換器４９の背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿う部分の長さが短くなることになる。この結果、筐体３の上面側から見た熱交換器４９の全体の長さは、ほとんど変わらないことになり、熱交換効率を向上することはできない。
【００３８】
一方、本実施形態の室外機１では、図５に示すように、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器９の部分、つまり熱交換器９の端部９ａ、９ｂから屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄにかけての部分が屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆで曲げられ、この熱交換器９の部分の中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成され、熱交換器９の端部９ａ、９ｂが正面側の側面１７ａの中央部寄りに位置している。このため、本実施形態の室外機１では、熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄから端部９ａ、９ｂにかけての部分と側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｃとのなす角度を変えずに、従来考えられていた室外機４７よりも熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄから端部９ａ、９ｂにかけての部分の長さを長くできる。つまり、背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿う熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｃと屈曲部９ｄとの間の部分の長さを短くすることなく、熱交換器９の屈曲部９ｃ、９ｄから端部９ａ、９ｂにかけての部分への空気の通流状態を変えずに、筐体３の上面側から見たときの熱交換器全体の長さを延長できる。したがって、同じ筐体に対してより大きな熱交換器を搭載できるため、熱交換効率を向上できる。
【００３９】
このように本実施形態の室外機１では、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器９の部分の中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に曲げられている。これにより、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄと側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器９の部分との間に、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｃの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間１９ａ、１９ｂが形成されている。空気は、隣り合う室外機１と面していない筐体３の正面側の側壁１７ａに設けられたパネル吸込口２７と背面側の側面１７ｃの吸込口２６とから空間１９ａ、１９ｂに流入し、空間１９ａ、１９ｂを介して、隣り合う室外機１と面する筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている熱交換器９の部分を通る。このため、他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置され、ある側面の吸込口が塞がれたような状態となり、この吸込口から空気が流入し難くなっても、熱交換効率の低下を抑制できる。
【００４０】
加えて、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄと側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに対向する熱交換器９の部分との間に、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｃの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間１９ａ、１９ｂを形成するため、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う熱交換器９の部分の中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成されている。これにより、筐体３の上面側から見たときの熱交換器全体の長さを延長し、同じ筐体に対してより大きな熱交換器を搭載でき、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。すなわち、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。
【００４１】
さらに、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できることにより、空気調和機としての省エネルギー性を向上できる。さらに、室外機を隣り合う室外機や、建物の壁などとより近接させて設置することが可能となるため、室外機の設置スペースへの制約が軽減される。
【００４２】
ところで、空気調和機の室外機の低騒音化に対する要求に応えるための一方法として、できるだけ大径のプロペラファンを低速で回転させる方法がある。しかし、室外機の筐体寸法は、設置面積をできるだけ小さくするため、あまり大きくできない。したがって、プロペラファンは、筐体の上面の大きさ一杯に、できるだけ大きなものを設けることとなり、プロペラファンの周縁部と、筐体の側面との間隔が小さくなるか、または重なってしまう。このような場合、プロペラファンに流入する空気の流れが不均一であると、空気の流速が他の部分よりも速い部分ができることにより、その部分でのプロペラファンと空気と衝突による騒音や、プロペラファンの回転時のがたつきなどが発生し、大径のプロペラファンを用いることによる低騒音化の効果が得られ難くなるばかりか、プロペラファンの回転による騒音が増大してしまうという問題が生じる場合もある。
【００４３】
例えば、従来考えらていた室外機４７では、図６に示すように、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂの位置から正面側の側面１７ａ側の角部にかけての部分、そして正面側の側面１７ａには、吸込口が形成されていないパネル５１が取り付けられている。このため、パネル５１が取り付けられている部分からは空気が流入しないので、プロペラファン５に流入する空気の流れに偏りが生じ、大径のプロペラファンを用いることによる低騒音化の効果が得られ難いばかりか、プロペラファン５の回転による騒音が増大してしまう場合もある。
【００４４】
これに対して、本実施形態の室外機１では、図５に示すように、熱交換器９は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄと背面側の側面１７ｃの３面に加えて、正面側の側面１７ａ側にも回り込んだ状態となっており、熱交換器９がプロペラファン５を囲んだ状態になっている。このため、正面側から全く空気が流入しない場合に比べて、プロペラファン５に流入する空気の流れを均一化できる。さらに、プロペラファン５を囲んだ状態の熱交換器９全体を空気が通過することにより、熱交換器９を通過する際の通風抵抗を小さくでき、同一風量を達成するためのファン回転数を低減できる。このように、空気の流れが均一化すること、同一風量を達成するためのファン回転数を低減できることなどから、室外機を低騒音化できる。この室外機を低騒音化できる効果は、室外機１を単独で設置した場合にも得られ、また、複数台の室外機を並べて設置した場合や建物の壁面などに室外機を近接させて設置した場合でも得られる。
【００４５】
また、従来考えらていた室外機４７では、図６に示すように、熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分への空気の通流状態を保って、熱交換器４９の屈曲部４９ｃ、４９ｄから端部４９ａ、４９ｂにかけての部分の長さを長くすると、熱交換器４９の背面側の側面１７ｃに対向する部分の長さが短くなることになる。これにより、筺体３内部の使用可能な空間が減ってしまい、圧縮機１１などの機器類を配置する際に障害となる場合がある。
【００４６】
これに対して、本実施形態の室外機１では、図５に示すように、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、熱交換器９がプロペラファン５を囲んだ状態になっているため、筺体３内部の使用可能な空間が減ることはなく、圧縮機１１などの機器類も配置し易い。
【００４７】
さらに、従来考えらていた室外機４７では、図６に示すように、筐体３の、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの熱交換器４９の端部４９ａ、４９ｂの位置から正面側の側面１７ａ側の角部にかけての部分、そして正面側の側面１７ａには、吸込口が形成されていないパネル５１が取り付けられている。そして、このようなパネル５１が取り付けられていることにより、筐体に必要な強度を与え、筐体の変形などを防止している。ところが、本実施形態の室外機１では、図１に示すように、正面側の側面１７ａの、熱交換器９の端部９ａの位置と角部に在る支柱２３ａとの間の部分、そして熱交換器９の端部９ｂの位置と角部に在る支柱２３ｄとの間の部分は、吸込口２７が形成された吸込口付きパネル２９となっており、また、熱交換器９の端部９ａの位置と端部９ｂの位置との間の部分は、着脱可能な着脱パネル３３となっている。このため、メンテナンスなどにより着脱パネル３３を外したときなどに、筐体の強度が低下してしまい、場合によっては筐体が変形してしまうといった恐れがある。
【００４８】
しかし、本実施形態の室外機１では、正面側の側面１７ａの、熱交換器９の端部９ａの位置と端部９ｂの位置とに、上下方向に延在する柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂが設けられているため、着脱パネル３３を外しても筐体３の強度が低下することはない。また、筐体の変形や歪みなども防止できる。
【００４９】
さらに、吸込口付きパネル２９は、図３に示すように、複数の横方向に延在する桟３１で仕切られた上下方向に並ぶ吸込口２７を有する構造としている。このように、縦長の吸込口付きパネル２９に、横方向に延在する桟３１を設けることによって、熱交換器９に流入する空気の流れを阻害しないようにできるだけ開口率を大きくしながら、十分な強度を確保できる。したがって、吸込口付きパネル２９によっても、筐体３の強度の低下を抑えることができる。加えて、吸込口付きパネル２９は、例えばメンテナンスなどのために着脱パネル３３を開けて作業する際に、誤って熱交換器９を傷つけることを防ぐ役割も果たす。また、吸込口付きパネル２９は、正面側の側面１７ａで熱交換器９が見えないように隠す役割も果たし、意匠上の効果も有している。
【００５０】
ただし、筐体３の強度を吸込口付きパネル２９がなくても必要な強度に保てる場合には、吸込口付きパネル２９を設けずに、正面側の側面１７ａの吸込口付きパネル２９が設けられた部分を熱交換器９が正面側から剥き出しの状態や、できるだけ大きな目の格子状の網などが設けられた構成にすることもできる。同様に、筐体３の強度を柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂがなくても必要な強度に保てる場合には、柱状部材２５ａ、２５ｂを設けていない構成にすることもできるできる。
【００５１】
（第２の実施形態）
以下、本発明を適用してなる室外機の第２の実施形態について図７を参照して説明する。図７は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の概略構成と動作を示す横断面図である。なお、本実施形態では、第１の実施形態と同一の構成及び動作などには同じ符号を付して説明を省略し、第１の実施形態と相違する構成、動作及び特徴部などについて説明する。
【００５２】
本実施形態の室外機が第１の実施形態と相違する点は、熱交換器の形状にある。すなわち、本実施形態の室外機５３では、図７に示すように、熱交換器５５は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、一方の端部５５ａが正面側の側面１７ａの中央部寄りに位置し、また、他方の端部５５ｂが正面側の側面１７ａの、側方側の側面１７ｄ側の角部に在る支柱２３ｄに位置している。そして、熱交換器５５は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿う部分に対して２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う部分が、各々屈曲部５５ｃ、５５ｄで曲げられた状態となっている。屈曲部５５ｃでは、熱交換器５５の側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う部分が、熱交換器５５の背面側の側面１７ｃに平行に沿う部分に対して直角な方向よりも外側に拡がった状態、つまり筐体３の外側方向に拡がった状態に曲げられている。
【００５３】
さらに、屈曲部５５ｃで曲げられた熱交換器５５の筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う部分は、この熱交換器９の側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う部分の中央部の屈曲部５５ｅで、筐体３の内側方向に向けて曲げられている。屈曲部５５ｅでは、熱交換器５５の屈曲部５５ｃと屈曲部５５ｅとの間の部分と、側方側の側面１７ｂとのなす角度、そして熱交換器９の屈曲部５５ｅと端部５５ａとの間の部分と、側方側の側面１７ｂとのなす角度が、ほぼ同じになるように曲げられている。
【００５４】
一方、屈曲部５５ｄでは、熱交換器５５の側方側の側面１７ｄに沿う部分が、熱交換器５５の背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う部分に対して直角に曲げられている。したがって、屈曲部５５ｄで曲げられた熱交換器５５の側方側の側面１７ｄに沿う部分は、側方側の側面１７ｄに平行に沿っており、正面側の側面１７ａと側方側の側面１７ｂとの間の角部に在る支柱２３ｄの位置まで直線状に延在している。
【００５５】
したがって、本実施形態では、筐体３の２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄのうちの一方である側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う熱交換器５５の部分、つまり熱交換器５５の屈曲部５５ｃと端部５５ａとの間の部分のみが、中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に曲げられている。そして、側方側の側面１７ｂ側にのみ、この側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う熱交換器５５の部分と側方側の側面１７ｂとの間隔が熱交換器５５の屈曲部５５ｅに対応する側方側の側面１７ｂの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて漸次大きくなる空間１９ａが形成されている。また、正面側の側面１７ａの、熱交換器５５の端部５５ａが位置する柱状部材２５ａと、側方側の側面１７ｄ側の角部に在る支柱２３ｄとの間の部分には、着脱可能な着脱パネル５７が取り付けられている。このため、正面側の側面１７ａの吸込口パネル２９は、正面側の側面１７ａの柱状部材２５ａと側方側の側面１７ｂ側の角部に在る支柱２３ａとの間の部分にのみ設けられていることになる。
【００５６】
このような本実施形態の室外機５３は、中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に曲げられている熱交換器５５の部分が沿っている側方側の側壁１７ｂが、隣り合う室外機５３の側方側の側壁１７ｂと反対側の側方側の側壁１７ｄに面した状態で設置される。そして、空気調和機が作動し、モータ３５によってプロペラファン５が回転すると、図７に示すように、吸込口２６、２７から熱交換器５５を通って、筐体３内に流入する空気の流れが発生する。筐体３内に流入して熱交換器５５を通った空気、つまり熱交換器５５内を通流する冷媒との間で熱交換を行なった空気は、プロペラファン５を通って筺体３の上方から外部に排出される。
【００５７】
このとき、隣り合う室外機５３の対向する筐体３の側面つまり側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う熱交換器５５の部分と、この側方側の側面１７ｂとの間には、正面側の側面１７ａと背面側の側面１７ｃとに設けられた吸込口２７、２６に連通し、この正面側の側面１７ａと背面側の側面１７ｃとに設けられた吸込口２７、２６に連通する部分で間隔が最大になる空間１９ａが形成されている。このため、空気は、正面側の側面１７ａの吸込口２７と背面側の側面１７ｃの吸込口２６から空間１９ａに流入し、空間１９ａに流入した空気の一部は、この空間１９ａが形成されている室外機５３の側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う熱交換器５５の部分を通る。さらに、空間１９ａに流入した空気の残りは、空間１９ａに面する側方側の側面１７ｂの吸込口２６から流れ出し、隣り合う室外機５３の側方側の側面１７ｄの吸込口２６からこの隣り合う室外機５３に流入し、隣り合う室外機５３の側方側の側面１７ｄに平行に沿う熱交換器５５の部分を通過する。
【００５８】
したがって、本実施形態の室外機５３でも、第１の実施形態の室外機と同様に、隣り合う室外機５３の対向する筐体３の側面、つまり側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿っている熱交換器５５の部分にも空気が通流し易くなるため、複数台を並べて設置した場合や建物の壁面などに近接させて設置したことによって空気が流入し難くなり、熱交換効率が低下するのを抑制できる。加えて、筐体３の上面側から見たときの熱交換器５５の全長を長くでき、熱交換効率を向上できる。すなわち、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。
【００５９】
加えて、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、熱交換器５５は、プロペラファン５を取り囲む形となっているため、室外機を低騒音化できる。さらに、第１の実施例に比べて熱交換器５５の曲げ加工を行う箇所が減るため、熱交換器、さらに室外機製造のコストを低減できる。
【００６０】
（第３の実施形態）
以下、本発明を適用してなる室外機の第３の実施形態について図８を参照して説明する。図８は、本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の概略構成と動作を示す横断面図である。なお、本実施形態では、第１及び第２の実施形態と同一の構成及び動作などには同じ符号を付して説明を省略し、第１及び第２の実施形態と相違する構成、動作及び特徴部などについて説明する。
【００６１】
本実施形態の室外機が第１及び第２の実施形態と相違する点は、熱交換器の形状にある。すなわち、本実施形態の室外機５９では、図８に示すように、熱交換器６１は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、一方の端部６１ａが、正面側の側面１７ａの中央部の、正面側の側面１７ａと側方側の側面１７ｂとの角部寄りに位置し、また、他方の端部６１ｂが、正面側の側面１７ａの中央部の、正面側の側面１７ａと側方側の側面１７ｄとの角部寄りに位置している。そして、熱交換器６１は、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う部分に対して２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄに沿う部分とが、各々屈曲部６１ｃ、６１ｄで曲げられた状態となっている。
【００６２】
熱交換器６１の側方側の側面１７ｂに沿う部分と、側方側の側面１７ｄに沿う部分とは、各々、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｃに平行に沿って直線状に正面側の側面１７ａ側の角部まで延在している。熱交換器６１の背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う部分は、屈曲部６１ｃ、６１ｄで、各々、側方側の側面１７ｄに平行に沿う部分に対して直角な方向よりも筐体３の外側方向に向かって拡がった状態にほぼ同じ角度で曲げられている。このため、熱交換器６１の背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う部分は、中央部に位置する屈曲部６１ｅで筐体３の外側方向に向けて張り出した形状に曲げられている。
【００６３】
したがって、本実施形態では、筐体３の背面側の側面ｃに沿う熱交換器６１の部分、つまり熱交換器６１の屈曲部６１ｃと屈曲部６１ｄとの間の部分のみが、中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成されている。そして、背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う熱交換器６１の部分と背面側の側面１７ｃとの間隔が、背面側の側面１７ｃの中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて漸次大きくなる空間６３が形成されている。また、正面側の側面１７ａと、２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの熱交換器６１の端部６１ａ、６１ｂの位置から正面側の側面１７ａにかけての部分とには、吸込口などが形成されていないパネル６５が取り付けられている。
【００６４】
このような本実施形態の室外機５９は、隣り合う室外機５９と、中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に曲げられている熱交換器６１の部分が沿っている背面側の側壁１７ｃ同士を対向させた状態で設置される。そして、空気調和機が作動し、モータ３５によってプロペラファン５が回転すると、図８に示すように、吸込口２６から熱交換器６１を通って、筐体３内に流入する空気の流れが発生する。筐体３内に流入して熱交換器６１を通った空気、つまり熱交換器６１内を通流する冷媒との間で熱交換を行なった空気は、プロペラファン５を通って筺体３の上方から外部に排出される。
【００６５】
このとき、隣り合う室外機５９の対向する筐体３の側面つまり背面側の側面１７ｃに沿う熱交換器６１の部分と、この背面側の側面１７ｃとの間には、２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの吸込口２６に連通し、この２つの側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの吸込口２６に連通する部分で間隔が最大になる空間６３が形成されている。このため、空気は、側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄの吸込口２６から空間６３に流入し、空間６３を介して、隣り合う室外機５９の筐体３と面する側面、つまり背面側の側面１７ｃに沿っている熱交換器６１の部分である熱交換器６１の屈曲部６１ｃと屈曲部６１ｄとの間の部分を通る。
【００６６】
したがって、本実施形態の室外機５９でも、第１及び第２の実施形態の室外機と同様に、隣り合う室外機５９の対向する筐体３の側面、つまり背面側の側面１７ｃに沿っている熱交換器６１の部分にも空気が通流し易くなるため、複数台を並べて設置した場合や建物の壁面などに近接させて設置したことによって空気が流入し難くなり、熱交換効率が低下するのを抑制できる。加えて、熱交換器６１の屈曲部６１ｃと端部６１ａとの間の部分、そして屈曲部６１ｄと端部６１ｂとの間の部分を延長すれば、筐体３の上面側から見たときの熱交換器６１の全長を長くでき、熱交換効率を向上できる。すなわち、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。
【００６７】
また、第１乃至第３の実施形態では、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄ、または背面側の側面１７ｃに沿っている熱交換器９、５５、６１の部分を屈曲部９ｅ、９ｆ、５５ｅ、６１ｅで曲げて、これらの熱交換器９、５５、６１の部分の中央部が筐体３の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状としている。しかし、筐体の上面側から見たとき、筐体の少なくとも１つの側方側の側面、または背面側の側面に沿っている熱交換器の部分の中央部が筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状であり、これらの熱交換器の部分と、筐体の少なくとも１つの側方側の側面や、背面側の側面などとの間に、これらの筐体の側面の中央部から角部にかけて間隔が大きくなる空間が形成されれば、本発明の効果を得ることができる。
【００６８】
したがって、第１乃至第３の実施形態のように、筐体の少なくとも１つの側方側の側面、または背面側の側面に沿っている熱交換器の部分を屈曲部で曲げた形状にせずに、これらの熱交換器の部分が全体を円弧状に形成することなどにより、これらの熱交換器の部分の中央部が筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状にすることができる。
【００６９】
また、第１乃至第３の実施形態では、筐体３の上面側から見たとき、熱交換器９、５５、６１の部分を筐体３の側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄ、背面側の側面１７ｃ、さらに正面側の側面１７ａの一部に沿わせて設置し、正面側の側面１７ａ全体にわたって熱交換器９、５５、６１が設置されていないことで、熱交換器９、５５、６１に囲まれた状態で設置された圧縮機などの機器類のメンテナンスが行えるようにしている。しかし、圧縮機などを設置した機械室を、独立して熱交換器が設置される筐体内の空間の下方に設けた場合などには、熱交換器が側方側の側面１７ｂ、１７ｄ、背面側の側面１７ｃに加えて、正面側の側面１７ａのほぼ全体に沿って設けられた構成にすることもできる。
【００７０】
また、第１乃至第３の実施形態では、プロペラファン５が１個の場合を例示しているが、プロペラファンを２個以上搭載した構成にすることもできる。また、第１乃至第３の実施形態では、室外機１、５３、５９を連続的に並べて設置した場合を説明したが、本発明を適用した室外機は、単独で設置することもできる。本発明を適用した室外機を単独で設置した場合、周囲に建物の壁などがある場合でも、その建物の壁に近接させて設置しても熱交換効率を向上できるという効果、また、室外機を低騒音化できるという効果を得ることができる。
【００７１】
このように、本発明は、第１乃至第３の実施形態において示した構成の空気調和機の室外機に限らず、上吹き型の室外機であれば、様々な構成の室外機に適用できる。
【００７２】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、室外機を他の室外機や建物の壁などに近接させて設置した場合でも、室外機の熱交換効率を向上できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の、第１の実施形態の概略構成を示す横断面図である。
【図２】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の、第１の実施形態の正面側から見た内部の概略構成を示す図である。
【図３】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の、第１の実施形態の概略構成を示す正面図である。
【図４】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の、第１の実施形態の概略構成を示す図である。
【図５】本発明を適用してなる第１の実施形態の空気調和機の室外機を複数並べて設置したときの空気の流れを説明する室外機の横断面図である。
【図６】従来の空気調和機の室外機の概略構成及び動作を示す横断面図である。
【図７】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の、第２の実施形態の概略構成及び動作を示す横断面図である。
【図８】本発明を適用してなる空気調和機の室外機の、第３の実施形態の概略構成及び動作を示す横断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　室外機
３　筐体
５　プロペラファン
９　熱交換器
９ａ、９ｂ　熱交換器の端部
９ｃ、９ｄ、９ｅ、９ｆ　熱交換器の屈曲部
１７ａ　正面側の側面
１７ｂ、１７ｄ　側方側の側面
１７ｃ　背面側の側面
２５ａ、２５ｂ　柱状部材
２６、２７　吸気口
２９　吸込口付きパネル
３３　着脱パネル[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an upper-blowing outdoor unit having a fan that blows air in a housing upward from an upper surface side of a housing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In an outdoor unit having a fan that blows air inside the housing upward from the upper surface side of the housing, that is, in an upper-blowing type outdoor unit, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing, one side surface of the housing and this one A heat exchanger formed in a substantially U-shape extending parallel to the side surfaces of these housings is provided at the center of both side surfaces connected to the side surface. An air suction port is provided in a side portion of the housing along which the heat exchanger having such a shape extends (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3). Thus, when the fan rotates, air flows into the housing from the suction port of the housing through the heat exchanger, and the air flowing into the housing is discharged upward from the upper surface side of the housing by the fan, Heat exchange between the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle and air is performed in the heat exchanger in the body.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-148363
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-238817
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-253100
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, such a top-blowing outdoor unit is employed in a relatively large-capacity air conditioner such as a multi-type, which is connected to a plurality of indoor units. For this reason, in many cases, a plurality of outdoor units are arranged side by side adjacent to each other. At this time, the installation location of the outdoor unit is a place with a limited area such as the roof of a building, for example, so that the gap between adjacent outdoor units is set as small as possible, and the area required for the installation of the outdoor unit is minimized. are doing.
[0004]
In some cases, the outdoor unit must be installed in a state close to a wall of a building or the like due to restrictions on an installation place. Therefore, when a plurality of top-blowing outdoor units as described above are installed side by side, or installed close to a building wall, etc., the surface of the housing faces the housing of the adjacent outdoor unit or the building wall. The suction port formed on the side surface is closed, and it becomes difficult for air to flow in from the suction port. For this reason, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is reduced, and the reduction of the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger leads to a reduction in energy saving, which is contrary to the demand for improving the energy saving of the air conditioner. .
[0005]
On the other hand, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing, at two bent portions of the heat exchanger formed in a substantially U-shape, a portion along a side parallel to the side surface of the housing of the heat exchanger. A top-blowing type outdoor unit having a heat exchanger formed into a shape bent at an angle so as to spread outward from a right angle direction has been considered. With this, the end of the heat exchanger and the bent portion are moved from the center of the side where the end of the heat exchanger is located to the corner of the side where the heat exchanger is provided. A space is formed where the distance between the portion between the heat exchanger and the side surface of the housing along which the portion of the heat exchanger extends is increased.
[0006]
Therefore, when the side surface of the housing along the portion between the end portion and the bent portion of the heat exchanger is opposed to the side surface of the housing of the adjacent outdoor unit, the side surface of the housing may face the adjacent outdoor unit. Air flows into this space from the air suction port on the side surface of the housing that is not formed, and air flows through a portion between the end portion and the bent portion of the heat exchanger. Therefore, if multiple top-blowing outdoor units are installed side by side, or installed close to the wall of a building, etc., they are formed on the side of the housing facing the housing of the adjacent outdoor unit or the wall of the building. Even if the suction port is closed, the air flows through the heat exchanger along the side of the housing where the suction port is closed. This makes it easier to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.
[0007]
On the other hand, in order to improve the energy saving of the air conditioner, it is necessary to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit. For this reason, in the outdoor unit, it is desirable to mount as much heat exchangers as possible on the same-sized casings, that is, to mount as large a heat exchanger as possible on the same-sized casings. Therefore, in order to make the heat exchanger as large as possible for housings of the same size, it is conceivable to increase the length of the heat exchanger when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing.
[0008]
From the central part of the side where the end of the heat exchanger of the housing is located, to the corner of the side where the heat exchanger is provided, as in the above-mentioned conventional blow-out type outdoor unit as described above, In the outdoor unit in which the space between the portion between the end portion of the heat exchanger and the bent portion and the side surface of the housing along which the portion of the heat exchanger extends increases, In order to increase the length of the heat exchanger, the length of the portion from the bent portion to the end of the heat exchanger, for example, the end of the heat exchanger to the corner on the side where the heat exchanger is not provided Will be extended to reach. At this time, when extending the portion from the bent portion to the end portion of the heat exchanger, a portion between the end portion and the bent portion of the heat exchanger and the heat exchange portion are connected so that the amount of inflowing air does not decrease. It is necessary to keep the space between the side of the housing along which the container part is not small. That is, it is necessary to prevent the angle between the portion between the end portion of the heat exchanger and the bent portion and the side surface of the housing along which the portion of the heat exchanger extends from becoming small.
[0009]
Therefore, in the top-blowing type outdoor unit as conventionally considered, if the angle of the bent portion is not reduced even if the portion from the bent portion to the end portion of the heat exchanger is extended, the bent portion of the heat exchanger can be prevented. The length between the parts, that is, the part parallel to the side surface of the casing of the heat exchanger is reduced. For this reason, the entire length of the heat exchanger when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing hardly changes, and the heat exchange efficiency cannot be improved. As described above, in the outdoor unit as conventionally considered, it was possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger when installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building. However, it is difficult to improve the heat exchange efficiency.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to improve the heat exchange efficiency of an outdoor unit even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a heat exchanger along at least three side surfaces of a housing provided with a fan that blows air upward from an upper surface side. When viewed from the top side, a space is formed between at least one side surface of the housing and a portion of the heat exchanger along the side surface, the space increasing from the center of the side surface toward both corners. The above-mentioned problem is solved by adopting a configuration in which at least three side surfaces that define this space are provided with suction ports communicating with this space.
[0012]
Further, in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner of the present invention, a heat exchanger is provided along at least three side surfaces of the housing in a housing provided with a fan that blows the inside air upward on the upper surface side. The heat exchanger, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing, is formed so that a central portion of a portion facing at least one side surface of the housing protrudes outwardly of the housing, and at least this housing The above-mentioned object is achieved by adopting a configuration in which a suction port is provided on a side surface along which a portion of a heat exchanger formed in a shape protruding outwardly and along two side surfaces connected to this side surface.
[0013]
With this configuration, the distance between the heat exchanger portion facing at least one side surface of the housing and this side surface increases from the center of the side surface of the housing toward both corners. There is a space, and the three sides that define this space are provided with suction ports that communicate with this space, so they are installed close to other outdoor units or building walls, etc. Is closed, and even if it becomes difficult for air to flow in from this suction port, air flows into this space from the suction port on the other side communicating with this space. For this reason, air also passes through this space to a portion of the heat exchanger along the side surface of the housing facing another outdoor unit, a wall of a building, or the like. Therefore, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit, a wall of a building, or the like, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency can be suppressed.
[0014]
In addition, a space is formed between the portion of the heat exchanger facing at least one side surface of the housing and the side surface, the space increasing from the center of the side surface of the housing toward both corners. Due to the shape of the heat exchanger, that is, the heat exchanger is formed in a shape in which a central portion of a portion along at least one side surface of the housing projects toward the outside of the housing, When viewed from above, a space is formed where the distance increases from the center of the side surface of the housing to both corners without changing the length of the portion of the heat exchanger that is parallel to the side surface of the housing. Since the length of the heat exchanger portion can be extended, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. That is, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved.
[0015]
Further, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing, a portion of the heat exchanger formed in a shape protruding toward the outside of the housing is a portion connected to at least one end of the heat exchanger. I do. As a result, when viewed from the top side of the housing, the heat exchanger surrounds the fan, and the air flow from each side of the housing toward the fan can be uniform, so that the air flow is uneven with the fan. The noise of the outdoor unit caused by the abnormal state can be reduced. Therefore, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved, and the noise of the outdoor unit can be reduced.
[0016]
Furthermore, when suction ports are provided on all side surfaces of the housing, and at least one end of the heat exchanger is located at the center or near the center of one side surface of the housing, the housing is: A configuration is provided in which a side surface where the end of the heat exchanger is located is provided with a columnar member that extends vertically and is connected to the end of the heat exchanger.
[0017]
In a conventional top-blowing type outdoor unit, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing, a heat exchanger is provided between one side surface of the housing and a central portion of two side surfaces connected to both sides of this side surface, A panel without a suction port or the like is attached to one side where no vessel is provided and the center of the two sides connected to both sides of this side, and this panel is necessary for the housing. Gives strength. For this reason, when the suction ports are provided on all side surfaces of the housing, the strength of the housing is reduced. On the other hand, the housing has a columnar member extending vertically on the side surface where the end of the heat exchanger is located and the end of the heat exchanger is connected, thereby reducing the strength of the housing. Can be suppressed.
[0018]
Further, when suction ports are provided on all side surfaces of the housing, and at least one end of the heat exchanger is located at the center or near the center of one side surface of the housing, the housing is: The side of the housing where the end of the heat exchanger is located, between the position of the end of the heat exchanger and the corner, is lined up and down with a bar extending horizontally. By employing a configuration having a panel with a suction port formed with a plurality of air suction ports, a reduction in the strength of the housing can be suppressed.
[0019]
Further, at least one end of the heat exchanger is located at or near the center of one side surface of the housing where both ends of the heat exchanger are located, and the housing is provided at both ends of the heat exchanger. And a detachable panel that can be attached to and detached from the side of the heat exchanger between both ends of the heat exchanger. With such a configuration, maintenance work of equipment such as a compressor installed in a state surrounded by the heat exchanger in the housing can be facilitated.
[0020]
Further, any of the above outdoor units, an indoor unit installed indoors, and an air conditioner having a configuration including a refrigeration cycle including a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit and a heat exchanger of the indoor unit, Even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, energy saving can be improved by improving the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner and an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit illustrating the flow of air when a plurality of outdoor units of the air conditioner to which the present invention is applied are arranged and installed.
[0022]
In this embodiment, in FIGS. 1 and 5, the propeller fan and the mouse, which cannot be seen in these figures, are used to explain the positional relationship between the air outlet provided on the upper surface of the housing and the heat exchanger. Rings, electric boxes, and the like are indicated by broken lines for convenience. In each figure, the cross-fin type heat exchanger is illustrated, but the heat exchanger is not limited to the cross-fin type heat exchanger, and various types such as a plate-fin type heat exchanger may be used. Can be used.
[0023]
In the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an air outlet portion 7 including a propeller fan 5 for blowing air in the housing 3 upward on the upper surface side of the housing 3 is provided. The heat exchanger 9, the compressor 11, the accumulator 13, the electric box 15, and the like are provided below the propeller fan 5 in the housing 3. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 9 has two ends 9 a on one side, that is, a side surface 17 a on the front side, of the four side surfaces of the housing 3. 9b is provided along the other three side surfaces, namely, the side surface 17b, the back side surface 17c, and the other side surface 17d.
[0024]
That is, the heat exchanger 9 includes a portion parallel to the rear side surface 17c and a portion along the two lateral side surfaces 17b and 17d when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3. Have. A portion along the rear side surface 17c of the heat exchanger 9 and a portion along the two side surfaces 17b, 17d are bent at the bent portions 9c, 9d, respectively. ing. In the bent portions 9c and 9d, portions along the two lateral side surfaces 17b and 17d of the heat exchanger 9 correspond to portions parallel to the rear side surface 17c of the heat exchanger 9 respectively. The housing 3 is bent so as to extend outward from the direction perpendicular thereto, that is, to extend outward from the housing 3.
[0025]
Further, portions of the heat exchanger 9 along the two side surfaces 17b, 17d of the housing 3 are portions along the two side surfaces 17b, 17d of the heat exchanger 9. Are bent toward the inside of the housing 3 at the bent portions 9e and 9f at the central portion. In the bent portions 9e and 9f, the angle between the portions between the bent portions 9c and 9d of the heat exchanger 9 and the bent portions 9e and 9f and the side surfaces 17b and 17d, and the bending of the heat exchanger 9 The portions formed between the portions 9e and 9f and the end portions 9a and 9b and the side surfaces 17b and 17d are bent so that the angles formed by the side surfaces 17b and 17d are substantially the same. Thereby, both ends 9 a and 9 b of the heat exchanger 9 are symmetrically located near the center of the side surface 17 a on the front side of the housing 3.
[0026]
As described above, when viewed from the top surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 9 is formed in a shape in which portions along the two side surfaces 17 b and 17 d project toward the outside of the housing 3. Have been. Since the heat exchanger 9 is formed in such a shape, the distance between the side surface 17b on the side and the portion of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surface 17b is changed by the heat exchange. A space 19a is formed which gradually increases from the central portion of the side surface 17b on the lateral side to which the bent portion 9e of the container 9 approaches to both corners. Further, the distance between the side surface 17d and the portion of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surface 17d is such that the bent portion 9f of the heat exchanger 9 is close to the side surface 17b. A space 19b is formed which gradually increases from the center to both corners. As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed in the height direction of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 9 is formed between the bottom 21 of the housing 3 and the outlet 7 provided on the upper surface side of the housing 3. Located between.
[0027]
The housing 3 has columns 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d extending in the vertical direction at four corners, respectively, as shown in FIGS. The housing 3 has column members 25a and 25b extending in the vertical direction at positions corresponding to the ends 9a and 9b of the heat exchanger 9, respectively. , 9b are respectively connected to columnar members 25a, 25b provided at corresponding positions. That is, the heat exchanger 9 is fixed to the housing 3 by connecting the ends 9a and 9b to the columnar members 25a and 25b, respectively. The columns 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and the columnar members 25a, 25b can be of any cross-sectional shape as long as the required strength is obtained. In the present embodiment, the L-shaped cross section is used. Steel material.
[0028]
A portion between the support 23a and the support 23b corresponding to the heat exchanger 9 on the side surface 17b on the side of the housing 3, a portion between the support 23b and the support 23c corresponding to the heat exchanger 9 on the back side 17c, and No panel or the like is provided in a portion between the column 23c and the column 23d corresponding to the heat exchanger 9 on the side surface 17d on the side, and the heat exchanger 9 is in an exposed open state, or A grid-like net with eyes as large as possible is provided. The open side of these side surfaces 17b and 17d and the back side surface 17c or a portion provided with a grid-like net or the like is a suction port 26 for sucking air into the housing 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the front side surface 17a has a portion between the column 23a and the column member 25a corresponding to the heat exchanger 9 and a portion between the column 23d and the column member 25b, as shown in FIG. A panel 29 with a suction port formed with a plurality of suction ports 27 arranged in a direction is provided. The plurality of suction ports 27 formed in the panel with suction ports 29 are partitioned by a crosspiece 31 extending in the lateral direction. The width of the bar 31 is determined according to the strength required for the panel 29 with the suction port.
[0029]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of suction pipes arranged in the vertical direction separated by the columnar members 25a, 25b to which the ends 9a, 9b of the heat exchanger 9 are connected, and the crosspiece 31 extending in the horizontal direction. By providing the panel 29 with a suction port having the opening 27 formed therein, it is necessary to cover the vicinity of about half of the side surface of the housing and to provide the necessary strength to the housing, as in a conventional top-blowing outdoor unit. The reduction in the strength of the housing due to the absence of the panel is suppressed.
[0030]
Between the columnar member 25a and the columnar member 25b on the front side surface 17a, there is provided a detachable panel 33 which is detachably attached to the columnar member 25a and the columnar member 25b by attaching means such as a screw (not shown). ing. As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing 3, the compressor 11 and the accumulator 13 are provided on the bottom 21 of the housing 3 in a state surrounded by the heat exchanger 9, and the compressor 11 and the accumulator 13 are provided. An electric box 15 is provided above, and a motor 35 for rotating and driving the propeller fan 5 at a height corresponding to the upper edge portion of the heat exchanger 9 above the electric box 15 is provided. Therefore, at the time of maintenance, by removing the detachable panel 33, maintenance and inspection of these devices installed in the housing 3 can be easily performed.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the outlet section 7 provided on the upper surface side of the housing 3 includes an outlet section panel 37 and an outlet section panel surrounding the upper side surface of the housing 3 serving as the outlet section 7. A ring-shaped mouth ring 39 which is provided in the inside of the mouth 37 to define a flow path for air, a propeller fan 5 installed in a state surrounded by the mouth ring 39, and a mouth ring provided on an upper surface opening of the outlet port panel 37. And a fan guard 41 made of a net-like member. As shown in FIG. 1, the propeller fan 5 has a diameter as large as possible within the dimensions of the upper surface of the housing 3. When viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the propeller fan 5 Is partially overlapped with the heat exchanger 9.
[0032]
The operation of the upper-blowing type outdoor unit having such a configuration and the features of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner of the present embodiment includes a heat exchanger 9 of the outdoor unit 1 and a compressor 11 not shown in FIG. It has a refrigeration cycle configured by connecting to an exchanger and the like by a pipe 45 through which the refrigerant flows. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of outdoor units 1 face the side surface 17 b on the side of the housing 3 constituting the adjacent outdoor unit 1 and the side surface 17 d on the side. It is installed in a state where
[0033]
When the air conditioner is operated and the propeller fan 5 is rotated by the motor 35, as shown in FIG. 5, air flows from the suction ports 26 and 27 through the heat exchanger 9 into the housing 3 as shown in FIG. appear. The air flowing into the housing 3 and passing through the heat exchanger 9, that is, the air having exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 9, passes through the propeller fan 5 and is located above the housing 3. Is discharged to the outside. At this time, the portions of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surfaces of the opposing casing 3 of the adjacent outdoor units 1, that is, the side surfaces 17b, 17d are bent at the bent portions 9e, 9f. The central part of the portion is formed in a shape protruding toward the outside of the housing 3. And since the heat exchanger 9 is formed in such a shape, between the part of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surface 17b, 17d on the side and the side surface 17b, 17d on the side. Spaces 19a, 19b are formed, each of which has a larger distance from the center of the lateral side surface 17b, 17d toward the column 23a, 23b at the corner.
[0034]
For this reason, even if it is difficult for air to flow into the housing 3 from the suction port 26 of the side surface 17b, 17d on the side of the adjacent housing 3, the air continues to the side surface 17b, 17d, and the space 19a, The air can flow into the spaces 19a, 19b from two sides having the suction port 27 or the suction port 26 communicating with the space 19a, that is, the front side 17a and the back side 17c. Accordingly, the air flowing into the spaces 19a and 19b passes through the portions of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side of the opposing housing 3 of the adjacent outdoor units 1, so that the adjacent outdoor units 1 The air easily flows through the heat exchanger 9 along the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side of the opposing casing 3. In this way, by arranging a plurality of outdoor units in a row, the suction ports 26 of the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side of the housing 3 are in a state of being blocked, and air is less likely to flow. Even so, since the air passes through the heat exchanger 9 along the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side of the opposing casing 3 of the adjacent outdoor units 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency.
[0035]
Here, for comparison, a configuration of an outdoor unit that has been conventionally considered is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, in the outdoor unit 47 conventionally considered, the heat exchanger 49 is formed in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3. The ends 49a and 49b of the heat exchanger 49 are located at the center of the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side of the facing housing 3 of the adjacent outdoor unit 47, and are connected to the ends 49a and 49b. The portions of the heat exchanger 49 facing the side surfaces 17b and 17d are bent outwards in a state in which they extend outward from a direction perpendicular to a portion parallel to the rear side surface 17c at the bent portions 49c and 49d. Bent. The suction port 26 has a portion from the position of the end portions 49a, 49b of the heat exchanger 49 on the side surfaces 17b, 17d to the columns 23b, 23c located on the side surface 17c on the back side, and the side surface 17c on the back side. Is provided only for A suction port or the like is formed on a portion from the position of the end portions 49a, 49b of the heat exchanger 49 on the side surfaces 17b, 17d to the corner portion on the side surface 17a on the front side, and on the side surface 17a on the front side. Panel 51 is not installed. In such an outdoor unit 47 as well, the air flows in from the rear side surface 17c side, so that the heat exchanger 49 facing the side surfaces 17b and 17d of the adjacent housing 3 of the adjacent outdoor unit 47 also faces. It is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency when a plurality of outdoor units are continuously arranged and installed by passing air through the portion.
[0036]
By the way, when the mounting amount of the heat exchanger is increased in a case of the same size, that is, when the heat exchanger is made as large as possible in the case of the same size, it is viewed from the upper surface side of the case 3. In this case, the total length of the heat exchanger is increased. On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 47 conventionally considered, the ends 49a and 49b of the heat exchanger 49 are extended to, for example, both corners of the front side surface 17a, that is, the bent portions 49c of the heat exchanger 49. , 49d to the ends 49a, 49b.
[0037]
However, in the conventionally considered outdoor unit 47, when increasing the length from the bent portions 49c, 49d to the ends 49a, 49b of the heat exchanger 49, a plurality of outdoor units are continuously arranged and installed. Even so, it is necessary to keep the flow of air from changing from the bent portions 49c and 49d to the ends 49a and 49b of the heat exchanger 49 so that the reduction in heat exchange efficiency can be suppressed. For this purpose, it is necessary to prevent the angle θ formed between the bent portions 49c and 49d of the heat exchanger 49 from the end portions 49a and 49b and the side surfaces 17b and 17d from becoming small. When the length from the bent portions 49c, 49d to the ends 49a, 49b of the heat exchanger 49 is increased so that the angle θ does not become small, the portion parallel to the rear side surface 17c of the heat exchanger 49 is formed. Will be shorter. As a result, the entire length of the heat exchanger 49 seen from the upper surface side of the housing 3 hardly changes, and the heat exchange efficiency cannot be improved.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the portion of the heat exchanger 9 facing the side surfaces 17b and 17d, that is, heat exchange The portion from the end portions 9a, 9b to the bent portions 9c, 9d of the heat exchanger 9 is bent by the bent portions 9e, 9f, and the central portion of the heat exchanger 9 projects toward the outside of the housing 3. The ends 9a and 9b of the heat exchanger 9 are located closer to the center of the side surface 17a on the front side. For this reason, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, the angle between the bent portion 9c, 9d of the heat exchanger 9 and the end portion 9a, 9b and the side surface 17b, 17c is not changed, The length of the portion from the bent portions 9c and 9d to the ends 9a and 9b of the heat exchanger 9 can be made longer than the envisaged outdoor unit 47. That is, the end portions from the bent portions 9c and 9d of the heat exchanger 9 can be formed without shortening the length between the bent portions 9c and 9d of the heat exchanger 9 along the rear side surface 17c in parallel. The entire length of the heat exchanger when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3 can be extended without changing the flow state of air to the portions 9a and 9b. Therefore, since a larger heat exchanger can be mounted on the same housing, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.
[0039]
As described above, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the central portion of the portion of the heat exchanger 9 facing the side surfaces 17 b and 17 d on the side faces the outside of the housing 3. It is bent to a shape that protrudes toward. Thereby, between the side surfaces 17b and 17d and the portion of the heat exchanger 9 opposed to the side surfaces 17b and 17d, the center portions of the side surfaces 17b and 17c are directed to both corners. Spaces 19a and 19b are formed, the spacing of which increases with the distance. The air flows into the spaces 19a and 19b from the panel suction port 27 provided on the front side wall 17a of the housing 3 not facing the adjacent outdoor unit 1 and the suction port 26 of the rear side face 17c, It passes through the space 19a, 19b and the portion of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surface 17b, 17d on the side of the housing 3 facing the adjacent outdoor unit 1. For this reason, it is installed close to other outdoor units or building walls, etc., and the suction port on one side is blocked, and even if it becomes difficult for air to flow from this suction port, the heat exchange efficiency Can be suppressed.
[0040]
In addition, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the side surface between the side surfaces 17b, 17d and the portion of the heat exchanger 9 opposed to the side surfaces 17b, 17d. In order to form the spaces 19a, 19b in which the distance increases from the central portions of the heat exchangers 17b, 17c toward the two corners, the central portion of the heat exchanger 9 along the side surfaces 17b, 17d is formed of the housing 3 Is formed in a shape protruding toward the outside of the. Thereby, the overall length of the heat exchanger when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3 can be extended, a larger heat exchanger can be mounted on the same housing, and the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved. That is, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved.
[0041]
Further, since the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved, the energy saving of the air conditioner can be improved. Further, the outdoor unit can be installed closer to an adjacent outdoor unit or a wall of a building, so that restrictions on the installation space of the outdoor unit are reduced.
[0042]
By the way, as a method for responding to the demand for reducing the noise of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, there is a method of rotating a propeller fan having a diameter as large as possible at a low speed. However, the housing dimensions of the outdoor unit cannot be so large to minimize the installation area. Therefore, the propeller fan is provided as large as possible over the entire size of the upper surface of the housing, and the distance between the peripheral portion of the propeller fan and the side surface of the housing is reduced or overlapped. In such a case, if the flow of air flowing into the propeller fan is not uniform, there is a portion where the air flow velocity is faster than other portions, so that the noise caused by the collision between the propeller fan and the air at that portion, The rotation of the fan causes rattling and the like, and the use of a large-diameter propeller fan not only makes it difficult to reduce the noise, but also increases the noise caused by the rotation of the propeller fan. In some cases.
[0043]
For example, in the outdoor unit 47 which has been conventionally considered, as shown in FIG. 6, the corners on the front side surface 17 a side from the positions of the end portions 49 a and 49 b of the heat exchanger 49 on the side surfaces 17 b and 17 d. A panel 51 having no suction port is attached to the portion extending to and the side surface 17a on the front side. For this reason, since air does not flow in from the portion where the panel 51 is attached, the flow of air flowing into the propeller fan 5 is biased, and the effect of reducing noise by using a large-diameter propeller fan is obtained. Not only is it difficult, but the noise due to the rotation of the propeller fan 5 may increase.
[0044]
On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 9 includes side surfaces 17 b and 17 d on the side of the housing 3. In addition to the three side surfaces 17c on the rear side and the side surface 17c on the rear side, the front side surface 17a also extends around the side surface 17a, and the heat exchanger 9 surrounds the propeller fan 5. Therefore, the flow of the air flowing into the propeller fan 5 can be made uniform as compared with the case where no air flows from the front side. Further, since the air passes through the entire heat exchanger 9 surrounding the propeller fan 5, the airflow resistance when passing through the heat exchanger 9 can be reduced, and the number of fan rotations for achieving the same air volume can be reduced. it can. As described above, since the air flow is made uniform and the fan rotation speed for achieving the same air volume can be reduced, the noise of the outdoor unit can be reduced. This effect of reducing the noise of the outdoor unit can be obtained even when the outdoor unit 1 is installed alone, and when the outdoor unit 1 is installed side by side or when the outdoor unit 1 is installed close to a wall surface of a building. Even if you do.
[0045]
Further, in the outdoor unit 47 which has been conventionally considered, as shown in FIG. 6, the air flow from the bent portions 49 c and 49 d to the ends 49 a and 49 b of the heat exchanger 49 is maintained, and If the length from the bent portions 49c, 49d to the ends 49a, 49b of the exchanger 49 is increased, the length of the portion of the heat exchanger 49 that faces the rear side surface 17c is reduced. As a result, the usable space inside the housing 3 is reduced, which may be an obstacle when arranging devices such as the compressor 11.
[0046]
On the other hand, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 9 surrounds the propeller fan 5 as shown in FIG. The usable space inside the housing 3 is not reduced, and devices such as the compressor 11 are easily arranged.
[0047]
Further, in the outdoor unit 47 which has been conventionally considered, as shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 6, the position of the end portions 49 a and 49 b of the heat exchanger 49 on the side surfaces 17 b and 17 d of the housing 3 is changed from the front side A panel 51 on which no suction port is formed is attached to a portion extending to the corner on the 17a side and to the side surface 17a on the front side. And by attaching such a panel 51, necessary strength is given to a housing | casing and deformation | transformation of a housing | casing is prevented. However, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the front side surface 17 a between the position of the end 9 a of the heat exchanger 9 and the column 23 a at the corner, and A portion between the position of the end 9b of the heat exchanger 9 and the column 23d at the corner is a panel 29 with a suction port in which a suction port 27 is formed. The portion between the position of the portion 9a and the position of the end 9b is a detachable detachable panel 33. Therefore, when the detachable panel 33 is removed for maintenance or the like, the strength of the housing is reduced, and in some cases, the housing may be deformed.
[0048]
However, in the outdoor unit 1 of the present embodiment, the columnar members 25a and 25b extending in the vertical direction are provided at the position of the end 9a and the position of the end 9b of the heat exchanger 9 on the front side surface 17a. Therefore, even if the detachable panel 33 is removed, the strength of the housing 3 does not decrease. In addition, deformation and distortion of the housing can be prevented.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the panel with a suction port 29 has a structure having suction ports 27 arranged in a vertical direction and divided by a plurality of laterally extending bars 31. As described above, by providing the bar 31 extending in the horizontal direction on the vertically elongated panel with the suction port 29, the opening ratio is made as large as possible so as not to obstruct the flow of the air flowing into the heat exchanger 9, and Strength can be secured. Therefore, the strength of the housing 3 can be suppressed from being reduced by the panel 29 with the suction port. In addition, the panel 29 with the suction port also plays a role of preventing the heat exchanger 9 from being accidentally damaged when the work is performed by opening the detachable panel 33 for maintenance or the like. Moreover, the panel 29 with a suction opening also plays the role of hiding the heat exchanger 9 so that it cannot be seen on the side surface 17a on the front side, and has a design effect.
[0050]
However, when the strength of the housing 3 can be maintained at a required level without the panel 29 with the suction port, the panel 29 with the suction port on the front side surface 17a is provided without providing the panel 29 with the suction port. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the heat exchanger 9 is exposed from the front side, or a lattice-like mesh with the largest possible mesh is provided. Similarly, if the strength of the housing 3 can be maintained at a required level without the columnar members 25a and 25b, a configuration without the columnar members 25a and 25b can be adopted.
[0051]
(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of an outdoor unit to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration and operation of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the same configurations and operations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Configurations, operations, features, and the like that are different from the first embodiment will be described. .
[0052]
The difference between the outdoor unit of the present embodiment and the first embodiment is in the shape of the heat exchanger. That is, in the outdoor unit 53 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the heat exchanger 55 has one end 55a near the center of the front side surface 17a when viewed from the top side of the housing 3. , And the other end 55b is located on a column 23d at a corner of the front side surface 17a on the side surface 17d side. When the heat exchanger 55 is viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the portions along the two side surfaces 17 b and 17 d with respect to the portion along the rear side surface 17 c are bent portions, respectively. It is in a state of being bent at 55c and 55d. In the bent portion 55c, a portion along the side surface 17b on the side of the heat exchanger 55 extends outward from a direction perpendicular to a portion parallel to the side surface 17c on the back side of the heat exchanger 55, That is, it is bent so as to expand outward of the housing 3.
[0053]
Further, a portion along the side surface 17b on the side of the housing 3 of the heat exchanger 55 bent at the bent portion 55c is a bent portion at the center of the portion along the side surface 17b on the side of the heat exchanger 9. At 55e, it is bent toward the inside of the housing 3. In the bent portion 55e, the angle between the portion between the bent portion 55c and the bent portion 55e of the heat exchanger 55 and the side surface 17b, and the angle between the bent portion 55e and the end portion 55a of the heat exchanger 9 It is bent so that the angle between the portion between the side and the side surface 17b is substantially the same.
[0054]
On the other hand, in the bent portion 55d, the portion along the side surface 17d of the heat exchanger 55 is bent at a right angle to the portion along the rear side surface 17c of the heat exchanger 55. Therefore, the portion along the side surface 17d of the heat exchanger 55 bent at the bent portion 55d extends parallel to the side surface 17d, and the front side surface 17a and the side surface 17b And extends straight up to the position of the support 23d at the corner between the two.
[0055]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the portion of the heat exchanger 55 along the side surface 17b which is one of the two side surfaces 17b and 17d of the housing 3, that is, the bent portion of the heat exchanger 55 Only the portion between the end portion 55c and the end portion 55a is bent so that the center portion protrudes toward the outside of the housing 3. Only on the side surface 17b on the side, the distance between the portion of the heat exchanger 55 along the side surface 17b on the side and the side surface 17b on the side corresponds to the bent portion 55e of the heat exchanger 55. A space 19a is formed which gradually increases from the center of the side surface 17b toward the corners. The front side surface 17a can be detachably attached to a portion between the columnar member 25a where the end 55a of the heat exchanger 55 is located and the column 23d located at the corner on the side surface 17d side. The removable panel 57 is attached. For this reason, the suction port panel 29 of the front side surface 17a is provided only in a portion between the columnar member 25a of the front side surface 17a and the column 23a at the corner on the side surface 17b side. Will be.
[0056]
In the outdoor unit 53 of the present embodiment as described above, the side wall 17b on the side along which the portion of the heat exchanger 55 whose central portion is bent so as to protrude toward the outside of the housing 3 extends, The outdoor unit 53 is installed so as to face the side wall 17b on the side opposite to the side wall 17b on the side of the adjacent outdoor unit 53. Then, when the air conditioner is activated and the propeller fan 5 is rotated by the motor 35, the flow of air flowing into the housing 3 through the heat exchanger 55 from the suction ports 26 and 27 as shown in FIG. Occurs. The air flowing into the housing 3 and passing through the heat exchanger 55, that is, the air having exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 55, passes through the propeller fan 5 and is above the housing 3. Is discharged to the outside.
[0057]
At this time, a front side surface is provided between the side of the heat exchanger 55 along the side surface 17b of the adjacent casing 3 of the adjacent outdoor unit 53, that is, the side surface 17b, and the side surface 17b. 17a and the suction ports 27 and 26 provided on the rear side face 17c, and the space communicating with the suction ports 27 and 26 provided on the front side face 17a and the rear side face 17c has an interval. The space 19a which becomes the maximum is formed. For this reason, the air flows into the space 19a from the suction port 27 of the front side surface 17a and the suction port 26 of the rear side surface 17c, and a part of the air flowing into the space 19a is formed by the space 19a. Pass through the portion of the heat exchanger 55 along the side surface 17b on the side of the outdoor unit 53. Further, the remainder of the air that has flowed into the space 19a flows out from the suction port 26 of the side surface 17b facing the space 19a, and is adjacent to the suction port 26 of the side surface 17d of the adjacent outdoor unit 53. It flows into the outdoor unit 53 and passes through the portion of the heat exchanger 55 that runs parallel to the side surface 17d of the adjacent outdoor unit 53.
[0058]
Therefore, also in the outdoor unit 53 of the present embodiment, similarly to the outdoor unit of the first embodiment, the side surfaces of the opposing housing 3 of the adjacent outdoor units 53, that is, the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side. Since air can easily flow through the heat exchanger 55, it is difficult for air to flow in when a plurality of heat exchangers are arranged side by side or when the heat exchanger 55 is installed close to a wall surface of a building. Can be suppressed. In addition, the total length of the heat exchanger 55 when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3 can be increased, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. That is, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved.
[0059]
In addition, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 55 surrounds the propeller fan 5, so that the outdoor unit can reduce noise. Further, since the number of places where the bending of the heat exchanger 55 is performed is reduced as compared with the first embodiment, the cost of manufacturing the heat exchanger and the outdoor unit can be reduced.
[0060]
(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of an outdoor unit to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration and operation of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and operations as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted. The configurations, operations, and operations different from those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted. The features and the like will be described.
[0061]
The difference between the outdoor unit of the present embodiment and the first and second embodiments lies in the shape of the heat exchanger. That is, in the outdoor unit 59 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from the top surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 61 has one end 61 a at the center of the front side surface 17 a. Is located near the corner between the front side surface 17a and the side surface 17b, and the other end 61b is located at the center of the front side surface 17a. It is located near the corner with the side surface 17d. When viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 61 has a bent portion 61 c with a portion along the two side surfaces 17 b and 17 d with respect to a portion along the rear side surface 17 c. , 61d.
[0062]
A portion along the side surface 17b on the side of the heat exchanger 61 and a portion along the side surface 17d on the side are linearly parallel to the side surfaces 17b and 17c on the front side, respectively. It extends to the corner on the 17a side. The portions along the rear side surface 17c of the heat exchanger 61 are bent portions 61c and 61d, respectively, in the outward direction of the housing 3 rather than the direction perpendicular to the portion parallel to the side surface 17d. It is bent at almost the same angle so as to expand toward it. For this reason, the portion along the side surface 17c on the back side of the heat exchanger 61 is bent into a shape protruding toward the outside of the housing 3 by a bent portion 61e located at the center.
[0063]
Therefore, in this embodiment, only the portion of the heat exchanger 61 along the side surface c on the rear side of the housing 3, that is, the portion between the bent portions 61c and 61d of the heat exchanger 61, It is formed in a shape protruding toward the outside of the body 3. A space 63 is formed in which the distance between the portion of the heat exchanger 61 along the rear side surface 17c and the rear side surface 17c gradually increases from the center of the rear side surface 17c toward both corners. ing. In addition, a suction port or the like is formed on the front side surface 17a and the portion from the end 61a, 61b of the heat exchanger 61 to the front side surface 17a of the two side surfaces 17b, 17d. A panel 65 that has not been installed is attached.
[0064]
The outdoor unit 59 of the present embodiment has a rear surface along which the adjacent outdoor unit 59 and a portion of the heat exchanger 61 whose central portion is bent so as to protrude toward the outside of the housing 3. It is installed with the side walls 17c on the side facing each other. Then, when the air conditioner is activated and the propeller fan 5 is rotated by the motor 35, as shown in FIG. 8, a flow of air flowing into the housing 3 from the suction port 26 through the heat exchanger 61 is generated. I do. The air flowing into the housing 3 and passing through the heat exchanger 61, that is, the air having exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 61, passes through the propeller fan 5 and is above the housing 3. Is discharged to the outside.
[0065]
At this time, between the side of the heat exchanger 61 along the side surface 17c of the housing 3 facing the adjacent outdoor unit 59, that is, the side surface 17c on the back side, and the two side surfaces 17c on the back side. A space 63 is formed which communicates with the suction ports 26 of the side surfaces 17b and 17d, and has a maximum interval at a portion communicating with the suction ports 26 of the two side surfaces 17b and 17d. Therefore, the air flows into the space 63 from the suction ports 26 of the side surfaces 17b and 17d on the side surfaces, and the side surface facing the housing 3 of the adjacent outdoor unit 59 via the space 63, that is, the rear side surface It passes through a portion between the bent portion 61c and the bent portion 61d of the heat exchanger 61, which is a portion of the heat exchanger 61 along 17c.
[0066]
Therefore, also in the outdoor unit 59 of this embodiment, similarly to the outdoor units of the first and second embodiments, the side surface of the housing 3 facing the adjacent outdoor unit 59, that is, the side surface 17c on the back side. Since air can easily flow through the heat exchanger 61, it is difficult for air to flow in when a plurality of heat exchangers are installed side by side or when the air conditioner is installed close to a wall surface of a building. Can be suppressed. In addition, if the portion between the bent portion 61c and the end portion 61a of the heat exchanger 61 and the portion between the bent portion 61d and the end portion 61b are extended, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, The total length of the heat exchanger 61 can be increased, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. That is, even when the outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit can be improved.
[0067]
In the first to third embodiments, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the heat exchanger 9 along the side surface 17b, 17d on the side surface of the housing 3 or the side surface 17c on the back surface. , 55, and 61 are bent by bending portions 9e, 9f, 55e, and 61e so that the central portions of these heat exchangers 9, 55, and 61 project toward the outside of the housing 3. . However, when viewed from the top side of the housing, the central portion of the heat exchanger portion along at least one side surface of the housing, or the rear side surface, is directed toward the outside of the housing. It has an overhanging shape, and is located between these heat exchanger parts and at least one lateral side surface, rear side surface, or the like of the housing, from the center to the corners of the side surfaces of these housings. The effect of the present invention can be obtained if a space is formed in which the interval increases toward.
[0068]
Therefore, unlike the first to third embodiments, at least one side surface of the housing or a portion of the heat exchanger along the rear side surface is not bent at the bent portion. By forming these heat exchanger portions in an arc shape as a whole, the central portion of these heat exchanger portions can be formed to have a shape protruding toward the outside of the housing.
[0069]
In the first to third embodiments, when viewed from the upper surface side of the housing 3, the portions of the heat exchangers 9, 55, and 61 correspond to the side surfaces 17 b and 17 d on the side surface of the housing 3 and the rear surface side. The heat exchangers 9, 55, 61 are installed along the side surface 17c and a part of the front side surface 17a, and the heat exchangers 9, 55, 61 are not installed over the entire front side surface 17a. It allows maintenance of equipment such as compressors installed in a state surrounded by. However, when the machine room in which the compressor and the like are installed is provided below the space in the housing in which the heat exchanger is independently installed, the heat exchangers are provided on the side surfaces 17b, 17d and the rear surface. In addition to the side surface 17c, a configuration provided along substantially the entire front side surface 17a may be employed.
[0070]
Further, in the first to third embodiments, the case where the number of the propeller fan 5 is one is illustrated, but a configuration in which two or more propeller fans are mounted may be adopted. Further, in the first to third embodiments, the case where the outdoor units 1, 53, and 59 are continuously arranged has been described. However, the outdoor unit to which the present invention is applied may be installed alone. When the outdoor unit to which the present invention is applied is installed alone, even when there is a building wall or the like in the surroundings, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved even if the outdoor unit is installed close to the building wall. Can be reduced.
[0071]
As described above, the present invention is not limited to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner having the configuration shown in the first to third embodiments, and can be applied to outdoor units having various configurations as long as it is a top-blowing type outdoor unit. .
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the heat exchange efficiency of an outdoor unit can be improved even when an outdoor unit is installed close to another outdoor unit or a wall of a building.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from the front side of the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit illustrating an air flow when a plurality of outdoor units of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied are arranged and installed.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration and operation of an outdoor unit of a conventional air conditioner.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration and operation of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration and operation of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 outdoor unit
3 Case
5 Propeller fan
9 heat exchanger
9a, 9b End of heat exchanger
9c, 9d, 9e, 9f Bent part of heat exchanger
17a Front side
17b, 17d Lateral side surface
17c Back side
25a, 25b columnar member
26, 27 Inlet
29 Panel with suction port
33 Removable panel

Claims (6)

上面側から空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた筐体内に、該筐体の少なくとも３つの側面に沿って熱交換器が設けられており、前記筐体の上面側から見たとき、前記筐体の少なくとも１つの側面と、該側面に沿う前記熱交換器の部分との間に、該側面の中央部から両角部に向かうに連れて間隔が大きくなる空間が形成され、少なくとも該空間を画成する３つの側面に、該空間に連通する吸込口が設けられた空気調和機の室外機。A heat exchanger is provided along at least three side surfaces of the housing in a housing provided with a fan that blows air upward from an upper surface, and the housing is viewed from the upper surface side of the housing. A space is formed between at least one side surface of the heat exchanger and a portion of the heat exchanger along the side surface, the space increasing in distance from a central portion of the side surface toward both corners, and defining at least the space. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided with suction ports communicating with the space on three side surfaces. 上面側から内部の空気を上方へ吹き出すファンを備えた筐体内に、該筐体の少なくとも３つの側面に沿って熱交換器が設けられており、前記熱交換器は、前記筐体の上面側から見たとき、前記筐体の少なくとも１つの側面に沿う部分の中央部が前記筐体の外側方向に向けて張り出した形状に形成され、少なくとも該筐体の外側方向に向かって張り出した形状に形成された熱交換器の部分が沿う側面と該側面に連なる２つの側面に吸込口が設けられた空気調和機の室外機。A heat exchanger is provided along at least three side surfaces of the housing in a housing provided with a fan that blows out internal air upward from an upper surface side, and the heat exchanger is provided on an upper surface side of the housing. When viewed from, the central portion of a portion along at least one side surface of the housing is formed in a shape protruding toward the outside of the housing, and has a shape protruding at least toward the outside of the housing. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein a suction port is provided on a side surface along which the formed heat exchanger portion is located and two side surfaces connected to the side surface. 前記筐体の全ての側面に吸込口が設けられ、前記熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、前記筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置しているとき、前記筐体は、前記熱交換器の端部が位置する側面に、上下方向に延在し、前記熱交換器の端部が連結された柱状部材を備えているとを特徴とする請求項１または２に記載の空気調和機の室外機。When suction ports are provided on all side surfaces of the housing, and at least one end of the heat exchanger is located at or near the center of one side surface of the housing, The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a columnar member that extends vertically and is connected to an end of the heat exchanger on a side surface where an end of the heat exchanger is located. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner described. 前記筐体の全ての側面に吸込口が設けられ、前記熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、前記筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置しているとき、前記筐体は、該筐体の熱交換器の端部が位置する側面の該熱交換器の端部の位置と角部との間の部分に、横方向に延在する桟で仕切られた上下方向に並ぶ複数の空気の吸込口が形成された吸込口付きパネルを備えていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至３のいずれか１項に記載の空気調和機の室外機。When suction ports are provided on all side surfaces of the housing, and at least one end of the heat exchanger is located at or near the center of one side surface of the housing, A vertical section separated by a laterally extending bar at a portion of the side surface of the housing where the end of the heat exchanger is located between the end of the heat exchanger and the corner. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a panel with a suction port formed with a plurality of air suction ports arranged side by side. 前記熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部が、該熱交換器の両端部が位置する前記筐体の１つの側面の中央部または中央部寄りに位置し、前記筐体は、前記熱交換器の少なくとも一方の端部と他方の端部が位置する側面の該熱交換器の両端部間に着脱可能な着脱パネルを備えていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至４のいずれか１項に記載の空気調和機の室外機。At least one end of the heat exchanger is located at or near the center of one side surface of the housing where both ends of the heat exchanger are located. The detachable panel which can be attached and detached between both ends of the heat exchanger of the side where at least one end and the other end are located is provided, The claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Air conditioner outdoor unit. 請求項１乃至５のいずれか１項に記載の室外機と、室内に設置された室内機と、前記室外機の熱交換器及び前記室内機の熱交換器を含む冷凍サイクルとを備えた空気調和機。An air comprising the outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an indoor unit installed indoors, and a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle including the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. Harmony machine.
JP2002289745A 2002-10-02 2002-10-02 Outdoor unit of air conditioner, and air conditioner equipped with this outdoor unit Pending JP2004125264A (en)

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008138951A (en) * 2006-12-04 2008-06-19 Hitachi Appliances Inc Outdoor unit for air conditioner
JP2008267725A (en) * 2007-04-23 2008-11-06 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Refrigerating cycle device
JP2008292068A (en) * 2007-05-25 2008-12-04 Fujitsu General Ltd Outdoor unit of air-conditioner
WO2010095470A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-26 ダイキン工業株式会社 Heat exchanger, outdoor unit, and freezer device
JP2011163670A (en) * 2010-02-10 2011-08-25 Hitachi Appliances Inc Heat source machine
JP2011202884A (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-10-13 Toshiba Carrier Corp Refrigeration cycle device
JP2012037160A (en) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-23 Fuji Furukawa Engineering & Construction Co Ltd Outdoor unit of air conditioner
WO2012161038A1 (en) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-29 ダイキン工業株式会社 Outdoor unit of air conditioner
WO2020255356A1 (en) * 2019-06-20 2020-12-24 三菱電機株式会社 Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle device

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2008138951A (en) * 2006-12-04 2008-06-19 Hitachi Appliances Inc Outdoor unit for air conditioner
JP2008267725A (en) * 2007-04-23 2008-11-06 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Refrigerating cycle device
JP2008292068A (en) * 2007-05-25 2008-12-04 Fujitsu General Ltd Outdoor unit of air-conditioner
WO2010095470A1 (en) * 2009-02-23 2010-08-26 ダイキン工業株式会社 Heat exchanger, outdoor unit, and freezer device
JP2010216798A (en) * 2009-02-23 2010-09-30 Daikin Ind Ltd Outdoor unit and refrigerating device
JP2011163670A (en) * 2010-02-10 2011-08-25 Hitachi Appliances Inc Heat source machine
JP2011202884A (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-10-13 Toshiba Carrier Corp Refrigeration cycle device
JP2012037160A (en) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-23 Fuji Furukawa Engineering & Construction Co Ltd Outdoor unit of air conditioner
WO2012161038A1 (en) * 2011-05-20 2012-11-29 ダイキン工業株式会社 Outdoor unit of air conditioner
JP2013007558A (en) * 2011-05-20 2013-01-10 Daikin Industries Ltd Air conditioner outdoor unit
KR20140015547A (en) * 2011-05-20 2014-02-06 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 Outdoor unit of air conditioner
AU2012260057B2 (en) * 2011-05-20 2015-05-21 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Outdoor unit of air conditioner
KR101595639B1 (en) 2011-05-20 2016-02-18 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 Outdoor unit of air conditioner
US10274246B2 (en) 2011-05-20 2019-04-30 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Outdoor unit of air conditioning device
WO2020255356A1 (en) * 2019-06-20 2020-12-24 三菱電機株式会社 Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle device
GB2596994A (en) * 2019-06-20 2022-01-12 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle device
GB2596994B (en) * 2019-06-20 2023-02-22 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus

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