JP2024049975A - Air Conditioning Equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement and structure of a silencer that contributes to improving the silencing effect of the silencer.
[Solution] An air conditioner 1 in which outdoor air is supplied from an outdoor unit 3 to an indoor unit 2 includes an intake and exhaust fan 43, a first duct 61, and a silencer 70. Air supplied by the intake and exhaust fan 43 passes through the first duct 61. When connected to the first duct 61, the silencer 70 reduces sound propagating through the first duct 61. A portion of the silencer 70 is disposed inside the outdoor unit 3. Because the silencer 70 is connected to the first duct 61 inside the outdoor unit 3 close to the sound source, the silencing effect is enhanced.
[Selected Figure] Figure 6A

Description

This relates to an air conditioning device in which air is transported between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

In recent years, air conditioners that supply outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit through a cylindrical air passage have become widespread. For example, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2004-69173) can perform air conditioning such as humidification and ventilation by sending outdoor air into the room.

In such air conditioners, the sound of the fan that supplies air can travel along the air transport path and leak into the room. For this reason, a silencer is provided in the air passage through which the air sent to the indoor unit passes.

However, even if a silencer is provided in the air passage, the longer the distance between the sound source and the silencer, the less effective the sound silencing becomes. Therefore, there is a problem of providing a silencer arrangement and structure that contributes to improving the sound silencing effect of the silencer.

The air conditioner of the first aspect is an air conditioner in which outdoor air is supplied from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, and includes a fan, an air passage, and a silencer. The air passage is through which the air supplied by the fan passes. The silencer, when connected to the air passage, reduces sound propagating through the air passage. A portion of the silencer is disposed inside the outdoor unit.

In this air conditioning system, the muffler is connected to the air duct inside the outdoor unit, close to the sound source, enhancing the noise reduction effect.

The air conditioner of the second aspect is the air conditioner of the first aspect, in which the muffler includes a first muffler section and a second muffler section. The first muffler section is disposed inside the outdoor unit. The second muffler section is disposed outside the outdoor unit.

In this air conditioning system, the muffler is connected to the air duct inside the outdoor unit close to the sound source, and the volume is increased by the first and second muffler sections, further enhancing the muffling effect.

The air conditioning apparatus of the third aspect is the air conditioning apparatus of the second aspect, in which the muffler further includes a duct connecting the first muffler section and the second muffler section. The duct has a first end connected to the first muffler section and a second end connected to the second muffler section. The first end and the second end are offset in the horizontal direction.

In this air conditioning device, the first and second muffling sections of the muffler are separate and connected by a duct, so there is greater freedom in the positioning of the first and second muffling sections compared to an air conditioning device in which the first and second muffling sections are integrated.

For example, with the integrated type, if the position of the first silencing section is changed, the position of the second silencing section will necessarily change as well. With the separate type, even if the position of the first silencing section is changed, the position of the second silencing section does not need to be changed if the duct is changed. Alternatively, it is possible to change the duct and change only the position of the second silencing section, without changing the position of the first silencing section.

The air conditioner of the fourth aspect is the air conditioner of the third aspect, in which the duct has a smaller cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction than the first and second muffling sections. The duct penetrates the side of the outdoor unit.

In this air conditioning system, the side of the outdoor unit only needs to have a hole large enough for the duct to pass through, so the side shape of the outdoor unit can be simplified compared to an air conditioning system in which the first and second sound-absorbing sections are integrated.

The air conditioning device of the fifth aspect is the air conditioning device of the third or fourth aspect, in which the duct has a curved portion in the path from the first end to the second end.

In this air conditioning device, the duct has a curved section, making it easier to position the first and second muffling sections than if the path from the first muffling section to the second muffling section were a straight pipe.

For example, even if you want to move the position of the second muffling section, you can adjust it by bending the duct, so there is no need to redesign the shape of the entire muffler.

The air conditioning device of the sixth aspect is the air conditioning device of the third or fourth aspect, in which the cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction of the duct becomes smaller as the duct approaches the second end.

The air conditioner of the seventh aspect is any one of the air conditioners of the second aspect to the sixth aspect, in which the interior of the outdoor unit is partitioned into a first chamber in which a compressor serving as a heat source is disposed, and a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber. A portion of the first silencing section is housed in the first chamber. In this air conditioner, internal condensation in the first silencing section is suppressed by the heat of the compressor.

The air conditioning device of the eighth aspect is the air conditioning device of the second aspect, in which the first silencing section is arranged to straddle the side of the outdoor unit. In this air conditioning device, the volume of the first silencing section is increased, thereby enhancing the silencing effect.

The air conditioning device of the ninth aspect is any one of the air conditioning devices of the second aspect to the eighth aspect, in which the volume of the first muffling section is larger than the volume of the second muffling section. In this air conditioning device, the muffling effect is enhanced by increasing the volume of the first muffling section that is closer to the sound source.

The air conditioner of the tenth aspect is the air conditioner of the first or second aspect, in which a communication part through which a part of the muffler passes is formed on the side of the outdoor unit. The muffler has a flange that covers the gap between the muffler and the communication part.

In this air conditioning system, the flange covers the gap between the muffler and the communication part, so in the unlikely event that a flame attempts to propagate through the gap, the flange functions as a fire barrier.

1 is an external view of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in an air conditioning apparatus. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the outdoor unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a humidification unit. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic view of air flow passing through the moisture absorption rotor; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. FIG. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a silencer according to a modified example. FIG. 11 is a partial front view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. FIG. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a silencer according to a modified example.

First Embodiment
(1) Schematic configuration of the air conditioner 1 Fig. 1 is an external view of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 is attached to a wall surface or the like inside a room, and the outdoor unit 3 is installed outside the room.

Figure 2 is a system diagram of the refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioning device 1, and for ease of explanation, an outline of the air flow is added. In Figure 2, the indoor unit 2 has an indoor heat exchanger 11, and the outdoor unit 3 has an outdoor heat exchanger 24. Each heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 that connect these heat exchangers constitute the refrigerant circuit.

(1-1) Indoor unit 2
The indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 2 has a heat transfer tube and a plurality of fins. The heat transfer tube is folded back multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The heat transfer tube is inserted into the fins. The indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the air that it comes into contact with.

The indoor unit 2 further includes a crossflow fan 12 and an indoor fan motor 13 that rotates and drives the crossflow fan 12. The crossflow fan 12 is cylindrical in shape and has many blades on its circumferential surface. The crossflow fan 12 generates an airflow in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis. The crossflow fan 12 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 2 and blows the air into the room after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 11.

(1-2) Outdoor unit 3
The outdoor unit 3 has an air conditioning outdoor unit 5, a humidification unit 4, and an air supply and exhaust path including a silencer 70. An air supply and exhaust hose 6 is provided between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. The air supply and exhaust hose 6 is used when supplying outdoor air or humidified air from the humidification unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 side, and when exhausting indoor air to the outside.

The supply and exhaust hose 6, together with a first duct 61 (see Figure 2) provided inside the outdoor unit 3, a silencer 70 arranged on the side of the outdoor unit 3 so as to straddle the inside and outside of the outdoor unit 3, and a second duct 62 connecting the silencer 70 and the supply and exhaust hose 6, form an air supply and exhaust path through which air passes.

Here, the interior of the outdoor unit 3 refers to the space on the machine chamber 50a side of the right side panel 52, with the right side panel 52 as the boundary.

The silencer 70 is connected to the first duct 61 and disposed on the side of the outdoor unit 3 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The silencer 70 reduces the sound transmitted through the first duct 61 or the sound transmitted through the supply and exhaust hose 6 and the second duct 62.

(2) Configuration of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the outdoor unit 3. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 has refrigerant circuit components and a casing 50 that houses the refrigerant circuit components.

(2-1) Casing 50
The casing 50 is formed of a front panel 51, a right side plate 52, a left side plate 53, and a metal bottom plate 54.

The front panel 51 is a resin member that covers the front of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The front panel 51 is disposed downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 in the flow direction of the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The front panel 51 has an air outlet 51a. The air outlet 51a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. Air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is blown out from inside the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 through the air outlet 51a to the outside of the outdoor unit 3. In addition, a first bell mouth 56 and a partition plate 57 are attached to the rear of the front panel 51.

The partition plate 57 divides the interior of the casing 50 into a machine chamber 50a in which the compressor 21 is located and a blower chamber 50b in which the propeller fan 29 is located.

The right side plate 52 and the left side plate 53 are metal members that cover the sides of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. Here, the right side plate 52 is provided on the right side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front. The left side plate 53 is provided on the left side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front.

The right side plate 52 and the left side plate 53 are arranged so as to be generally parallel to the blowing direction of the blown air from the blowing port 51a. In addition, a cover 55 is attached to the right side plate 52. The cover 55 protects the liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28.

(2-2) Refrigerant Circuit Components The casing 50 houses, as refrigerant circuit components, the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the accumulator 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and the motor-operated valve 25 (see FIG. 2). The compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the accumulator 23, and the motor-operated valve 25 are disposed in a machine chamber 50a between the partition plate 57 and the right side plate 52.

As shown in FIG. 2, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21. The accumulator 23 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 21.

The outdoor heat exchanger 24 has a generally L-shape in plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is positioned in front of a protective wire mesh (not shown) that covers the rear surface of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5.

One end of the motor-operated valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and the other end is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the filter 26, the liquid shutoff valve 27, and the refrigerant piping 32.

The four-way switching valve 22 is also connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via a gas shutoff valve 28 and a refrigerant pipe 31. These refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 form a collecting pipe 7 together with the supply and exhaust hose 6.

The air conditioning outdoor unit 5 further has a propeller fan 29. The propeller fan 29 is provided in the blower chamber 50b between the partition plate 57 and the left side plate 53, in front of the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The propeller fan 29 is driven to rotate by the outdoor fan motor 30. The propeller fan 29 brings the air taken into the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and then exhausts it from the air outlet 51a to the front of the front panel 51.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 further has an electrical equipment unit 58. The electrical equipment unit 58 is disposed on the upper part of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The electrical equipment unit 58 has an electrical equipment box and a printed circuit board on which a CPU 91 (see FIG. 2) for controlling each part is mounted. A fireproof plate 59 is attached above the electrical equipment unit 58.

(3) Configuration of Humidification Unit 4 The humidification unit 4 has a humidification function, an air supply function, and an exhaust function. As shown in Fig. 3, the humidification unit 4 includes a housing 40, a moisture absorption rotor 41, a heater 42, an air supply/exhaust fan 43, a switching damper 44, an adsorption duct 45, an adsorption fan 46, a rotor drive motor 47, a rotor drive gear 48, and a heater support plate 49.

(3-1) Housing 40
The housing 40 covers the front, rear and both sides of the humidification unit 4. The upper part of the housing 40 is covered by a top plate 66.

The housing 40 is arranged so as to be in contact with the upper part of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The housing 40 has an adsorption outlet 40a on its front side. The adsorption outlet 40a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. Air is blown out to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption outlet 40a.

The suction inlet 40b and the air supply/exhaust port 40c are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the back surface of the housing 40. The suction inlet 40b is located on the left side when viewed from the front surface, and the air supply/exhaust port 40c is located on the right side.

Outdoor air is taken in through the adsorption suction port 40b and directed to the moisture absorption rotor 41. Moisture contained in the outdoor air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41. The air supply/exhaust port 40c is used by air sent to the indoor unit 2 or air exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outside.

The housing 40 has two spaces inside, a left one and a right one. The right space houses the moisture absorption rotor 41 and the left space houses the adsorption fan 46 and the like. The left space is called the adsorption fan storage space SP1.

Inside the housing 40, there are arranged a moisture absorption rotor 41, a heater 42, an intake and exhaust fan 43, a switching damper 44, an adsorption duct 45, and an adsorption fan 46.

(3-2) Moisture absorption rotor 41
The moisture absorption rotor 41 is a ceramic rotor with a honeycomb structure having a disk shape, through which air can easily pass. The moisture absorption rotor 41 has a large number of polygonal cylindrical parts in a cross section cut perpendicular to the rotation axis, through which air passes.

The main part of the moisture absorption rotor 41 is made of sintered adsorbents such as zeolite, silica gel, or alumina. Adsorbents such as zeolite have the property of absorbing moisture from the air they come into contact with and releasing the absorbed moisture when heated.

The moisture absorption rotor 41 is rotatably supported on a support shaft 40d provided on the housing 40 side. A gear is formed on the circumferential surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41, and meshes with a rotor drive gear 48 attached to the drive shaft of the rotor drive motor 47.

(3-3) Heater 42
The heater 42 is disposed so as to cover approximately half (the right half) of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41. An inlet and an outlet are formed on the lower surface of the heater 42. Air is drawn in through the inlet. The air heated by the heater 42 is discharged from the outlet to the moisture absorption rotor 41 side. The heater 42 is attached above the moisture absorption rotor 41 via a heater support plate 49.

(3-4) Intake and exhaust fan 43
The supply and exhaust fan 43 is disposed to the side of the moisture absorption rotor 41. The supply and exhaust fan 43 sends air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 2, or expels air taken in from the indoor unit 2 to the outside.

The supply and exhaust fan 43 switches between supply and exhaust operation by switching the switching damper 44. When the supply and exhaust fan 43 sends outdoor air to the indoor unit 2, it sends the air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 and descended from a specific part of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the first duct 61 (see Figure 2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the supply and exhaust fan 43 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by a supply and exhaust path consisting of a first duct 61, a silencer 70, a second duct 62, and a supply and exhaust hose 6. The supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via the supply and exhaust path.

When exhausting indoor air to the outside, the air supply/exhaust fan 43 exhausts the air sent from the first duct 61 to the outside through the air supply/exhaust port 40c provided on the back of the housing 40.

(3-5) Switching damper 44
The switching damper 44 is a rotary air flow path switching means disposed below the air supply/exhaust fan 43, and is switched between a first state and a second state.

In the first state, the air blown out from the supply and exhaust fan 43 is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the supply and exhaust path. As a result, in the first state, air flows in the direction indicated by the solid arrow A1 in FIG. 2, and humidified air or outdoor air is supplied to the indoor unit 2.

In the second state, air flows in the direction of the dashed arrow A2 in FIG. 2, and air from the indoor unit 2 is exhausted to the outside through the air supply/exhaust fan 43 and the air supply/exhaust port 40c.

(3-6) Suction duct 45
The adsorption duct 45 covers a portion of the upper surface of the moisture adsorption rotor 41 where the heater 42 is not located. The adsorption duct 45, together with the second bell mouth 63, forms an air flow path that leads from the upper surface of the left half of the moisture adsorption rotor 41 to the upper part of the adsorption fan storage space SP1.

(3-7) Suction fan 46
The adsorption fan 46 is disposed in the adsorption fan storage space SP1. The adsorption fan 46 is a centrifugal fan. The adsorption fan 46 is rotated by an adsorption fan motor 65. The adsorption fan 46 draws air from an opening 63a of a second bellmouth 63 disposed at an upper portion, and generates an airflow that flows from the adsorption suction port 40b through the moisture adsorption rotor 41 to the opening 63a.

The adsorption fan 46 exhausts the dry air, which has absorbed moisture as it passes through the moisture absorption rotor 41, from the adsorption outlet 40a toward the front of the housing 40. The second bell mouth 63 is provided at the top of the adsorption fan storage space SP1 and guides the air that passes through the adsorption duct 45 to the adsorption fan 46.

(4) Operation of the humidifying unit 4 Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the humidifying unit 4. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air through the moisture absorption rotor 41. In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, for the sake of convenience, the air passage from the adsorption suction port 40b to the adsorption fan 46 is called the moisture absorption passage X, the air passage from the air supply/exhaust port 40c to the heater 42 is called the heat extraction passage Y, and the air passage from the heater 42 to the air supply/exhaust fan 43 is called the humidification passage Z.

(4-1) Humidification Operation The humidification unit 4 takes in outdoor air from the adsorption inlet 40b into the moisture absorption passage X by operating the adsorption fan 46. The air Ax flowing through the moisture absorption passage X passes through the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, and moisture in the air Ax is absorbed in the first region Rx.

The air Ax passes through the suction fan 46 and is discharged from the suction fan storage space SP1 through the suction outlet 40a to the front of the outdoor unit 3.

The humidification unit 4 also takes in outdoor air from the intake and exhaust port 40c into the heat extraction passage Y by rotating the intake and exhaust fan 43. The air Ay flowing through the heat extraction passage Y passes through the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat extraction passage Y, and is then heated by the heater 42. The air Ay is heated by the heater 42 and becomes high-temperature air Az, which flows into the humidification passage Z. The high-temperature air Az passes through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z, and flows into the first duct 61.

When the air Ay flows through the heat extraction passage Y, it recovers heat from the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41, increasing its temperature, and is then further heated by the heater 42 to become high-temperature air Az. When the high-temperature air Az flows through the humidification passage Z, it absorbs moisture from the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41.

As shown in FIG. 5, the moisture absorption rotor 41 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow D, passing through the moisture absorption passage X, the humidification passage Z, and the heat extraction passage Y in that order. As a result, the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z, and the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat extraction passage Y move sequentially.

The moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41 from the air Ax in the moisture absorption passage X is released by the high-temperature air Az heated by the heater 42, and the high-temperature air Az is humidified.

The intake and exhaust fan 43 sends the air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the indoor unit 2 via the intake and exhaust path. The air sent to the indoor unit 2 contains the moisture that was adsorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41.

In this way, the air supplied from the humidification unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 11 and is blown out into the room.

(4-2) Ventilation Operation The air conditioner 1 can only supply air, taking in outdoor air without humidifying it and sending it to the indoor unit 2, by not operating the adsorption fan motor 65 or the heater 42. The air conditioner 1 can also only exhaust indoor air to the outside.

(5) Details of the supply and exhaust path including the silencer 70 The supply and exhaust path is made up of the first duct 61, the silencer 70, the second duct 62, and the supply and exhaust hose 6. The humidifying unit 4 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by the supply and exhaust path, and the supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via the supply and exhaust path.

Figure 6A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the first embodiment. Also, Figure 6B is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 shown in Figure 6A.

6A and 6B, for ease of explanation, the cover 55 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line), and the cover 55 is seen through to allow the right side panel 52 to be seen. Also, the outdoor unit 3 shown in FIG. 6A is shown partially cut away so that the internal structure can be seen.

The "directions" used in the explanation will follow the directions indicated by the four arrows "up", "down", "left" and "right" in Figure 6A, and the directions indicated by the four arrows "up", "down", "front" and "back" in Figure 6B.

(5-1) First duct 61
The first duct 61 is a cylindrical air passage through which air supplied by the supply and exhaust fan 43 flows. The first duct 61 is located inside the outdoor unit 3, and is connected to a switching damper 44 disposed below the supply and exhaust fan 43. A silencer 70 is connected to the terminal end of the first duct 61.

(5-2) Silencer 70
The silencer 70 reduces sound propagating through the first duct 61 when outside air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2. In addition, the silencer 70 reduces sound propagating through the second duct 62 when air is exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3.

Figure 7 is an external perspective view of the muffler 70. In Figure 7, the muffler 70 can be divided into a first muffler section 71 and a second muffler section 72.

The first muffler section 71 has a larger volume than the second muffler section 72, with a portion of it being disposed in the machine chamber 50a inside the outdoor unit 3, and the remaining portion penetrating the right side panel 52 and being housed between the right side panel 52 and the cover 55 (see FIG. 6A).

A portion of the first muffling section 71 is housed in the machine room 50a, so that the heat of the compressor 21 prevents internal condensation in the first muffling section 71.

The second sound-absorbing section 72 is continuously connected to the portion of the first sound-absorbing section 71 that is housed between the right side plate 52 and the cover 55. The second sound-absorbing section 72 is also housed between the right side plate 52 and the cover 55.

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the muffler 70 has a first connection part 711, which is the upper end of the first muffler part 71, connected to the end of the first duct 61 extending from the humidifier unit 4 inside the outdoor unit 3. The first muffler part 71 passes through the right side panel 52 of the outdoor unit 3 and then seamlessly connects to the second muffler part 72. The second muffler part 72 extends vertically downward and reaches the second connection part 722, which is the lower end.

The muffler 70 has a large volume due to including the first muffler section 71 and the second muffler section 72, and the volume of the first muffler section 71 connected near the sound source is larger than the volume of the second muffler section 72, so the muffler effect is enhanced. However, this is not limited to this, and the volume of the second muffler section 72 may be larger than the volume of the first muffler section 71.

The muffler 70 has a muffler body 700 which forms the main body of the first muffler section 71 and the second muffler section 72, a first connection section 711 which is connected to the first duct 61, and a second connection section 722 which is connected to the second duct 62.

(5-2-1) Silencer body 700
Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the silencer 70. In Fig. 8, the silencer body 700 has a casing 700a which is an outer shell. The silencer body 700 further has, inside the casing 700a, a sound absorbing material 700b and a cavity 700c surrounded by the sound absorbing material 700b.

Materials that can be used for the sound-absorbing material 700b include felt and urethane foam. The cavity 700c is connected to the first duct 61, so air sent to the indoor unit 2 or air sent from the indoor unit 2 passes through this cavity 700c.

In the air conditioning device 1, the sound generated by the intake and exhaust fan 43 is reduced by a silencer 70 connected to the first duct 61 of the outdoor unit 3 before being sent to the indoor unit 2. Therefore, in this air conditioning device 1, the sound transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 is reduced.

The first connection part 711 protrudes vertically upward from the top plate 700d of the casing 700a. The second connection part 722 protrudes vertically downward from the bottom plate 700e of the casing 700a.

(5-2-2) First connection portion 711
7, the first connection portion 711 has a cylindrical shape. The first connection portion 711 is provided with a protrusion 711a and a slit 711b. The protrusion 711a is rectangular and protrudes in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface. The slit 711b is recessed vertically downward from the upper end surface of the first connection portion 711.

The first duct 61 to which the first connection part 711 is connected has a recess (not shown) that fits with the protrusion part 711a and a protrusion part (not shown) that fits with the slit 711b, and the protrusion part 711a and the slit 711b function as "positioning" and "rotation prevention".

(5-2-3) Second connection portion 722
The second connection part 722 has a cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6A, the second connection part 722 is located above the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28.

In addition, the first connection part 711 and the second connection part 722 not only have a height difference from the top plate 700d to the bottom plate 700e, but the central axis C2 of the second connection part 722 is shifted to the right from the central axis C1 of the first connection part 711.

With the above configuration, in the silencer 70, the internal path from the first connection part 711 to the second connection part 722 is shaped to incline downward toward the second connection part 722 and then extend vertically downward. As a result, the internal path from the first connection part 711 to the second connection part 722 is longer than that of a conventional silencer having an internal path that simply extends vertically downward. Therefore, the volume of the silencer body 700 is increased, and the sound absorbing effect is improved.

(5-3) Second duct 62
6B , the second duct 62 is a cylindrical air passage, and is connected to a second connection portion 722 of the silencer 70. The second duct 62 guides the air that has flowed into the silencer 70 from the first duct 61 further downstream.

The second connection part 722 is spaced above the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3. Therefore, a space is provided between the second connection part 722 and the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 in which the second duct 62 can be disposed.

The second duct 62 also has a curved portion 62a. The curved portion 62a is bent toward the rear side of the outdoor unit 3 while running along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3.

More specifically, in the outdoor unit 3, the side where the front panel 51 (see FIG. 3) is located is the "front side", and the side where the long portion of the generally L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 24 (see FIG. 3) is located is the "rear side", and the second duct 62 is bent toward the rear side along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 by the curved portion 62a.

Therefore, the air supply and exhaust path can be structured so that the second duct 62 is folded back toward the rear side of the outdoor unit 3 downstream of the muffler 70 by the curved portion 62a.

In this embodiment, the direction in which the second duct 62 extends from the curved portion 62a is aligned with the direction in which the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 extend.

(5-4) Intake and exhaust hose 6
The supply and exhaust hose 6 is connected to the second duct 62, and enables the transport of air between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. When outdoor air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3, the supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the outdoor air to the indoor unit 2. In addition, when air is exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, the supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the air to the outdoor unit 3.

In this embodiment, the second duct 62 and the air supply/exhaust hose 6 are provided as separate bodies, but the second duct 62 and the air supply/exhaust hose 6 may be molded integrally.

As described above, the curved portion 62a of the second duct 62 causes the supply and exhaust path to bend back the second duct 62 to the rear side of the outdoor unit 3 downstream of the muffler 70. This makes it easier to align the second duct 62 with the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 connected to the liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28, and makes it easier to bundle the second duct 62 and/or the supply and exhaust hose 6 with the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 when installing the product. In this embodiment, the angle between the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 and the straight pipe portion of the second duct 62 adjacent to the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 is 20 degrees or less.

As described above, in the air conditioning device 1 according to the first embodiment, the silencer 70 is provided on the air supply and exhaust path, thereby reducing the airflow noise per unit air volume heard from the air outlet side of the indoor unit 2. Furthermore, when the same airflow noise as an air conditioning device that does not use the silencer 70 is maintained, the air conditioning device 1 according to the first embodiment can increase the airflow volume of the air supply and exhaust fan 43.

As a result, the amount of air supplied can be increased without the user noticing any change in the airflow noise. Specifically, in the air conditioning device 1 according to the first embodiment, an increase of approximately 20% in the amount of air supplied per unit time is expected.

(6) Features (6-1)
In the air conditioning device 1, a portion of the silencer 70, which reduces sound propagating through the first duct 61 when connected to the first duct 61, is disposed inside the outdoor unit 3. Since the silencer 70 is disposed inside the outdoor unit 3 close to the sound source, the noise absorbing effect is enhanced.

(6-2)
In the air conditioning device 1, the muffler 70 includes a first muffler section 71 and a second muffler section 72. A part of the first muffler section 71 is disposed inside the outdoor unit 3. The second muffler section 72 is disposed outside the outdoor unit 3. The first muffler section 71 is connected to the first duct 61 inside the outdoor unit 3 close to the sound source, and the volume is also increased by the first muffler section 71 and the second muffler section 72, further enhancing the muffler effect.

(6-3)
In the air conditioning device 1, the interior of the outdoor unit 3 is partitioned into a machine room 50a in which a compressor 21 serving as a heat source is disposed, and a blower room 50b adjacent to the machine room 50a. Since a portion of the first muffler section 71 is housed in the machine room 50a, internal condensation of the first muffler section 71 is suppressed by the heat of the compressor 21.

(6-4)
In the air conditioning apparatus 1, the first muffler section 71 is disposed so as to straddle the right side panel 52 of the outdoor unit 3. As a result, the volume of the first muffler section 71 is increased, and the muffler effect is improved.

(6-5)
In the air conditioning device 1, the volume of the first muffling section 71 closer to the sound source is larger than the volume of the second muffling section 72, thereby improving the muffling effect.

6B , a communication portion 52a is provided on the right side panel 52 so that the first silencing portion 71 of the silencer 70 can penetrate from the inside to the outside of the outdoor unit 3. In the unlikely event of a fire breaking out inside or outside the outdoor unit 3, the gap G between the communication portion 52a and the first silencing portion 71 may become a path for flames.

Figure 9 is an external perspective view of a silencer 70 according to a modified example. In Figure 9, the silencer 70 has a flange 703. The flange 703 is provided symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane including the central axis C1 of the first connection part 711 and the central axis C2 of the second connection part 722.

When the silencer 70 is attached through the communication portion 52a, the gap G is blocked by the flange 703, so that even if a fire breaks out inside or outside the outdoor unit 3, the gap G will not become a path for flames.

Second Embodiment
Fig. 10A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Also, Fig. 10B is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 shown in Fig. 10A.

10A and 10B, for ease of explanation, the cover 55 is shown by a virtual line (two-dot chain line), and the cover 55 is seen through to allow the right side panel 52 to be seen. Also, the outdoor unit 3 shown in FIG. 10A is shown partially cut away so that the internal structure can be seen.

The "directions" used in the explanations will follow the directions indicated by the four arrows "up", "down", "left" and "right" in Figure 10A, and the directions indicated by the four arrows "up", "down", "front" and "back" in Figure 10B.

In the second embodiment, the shape of the silencer in the first embodiment is changed, and the right side panel is also partially changed accordingly. Since there are no changes to other equipment and components, only the silencer and right side panel will be described here.

10A and 10B, the silencer 80 has a first muffler section 81 and a second muffler section 82. The first muffler section 81 and the second muffler section 82 are connected by an intermediate duct 83.

The silencer 80 reduces the sound that propagates through the first duct 61 when outdoor air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2. The silencer 80 also reduces the sound that propagates through the second duct 62 when air is exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3.

(1-1) First muffling section 81
Fig. 11 is an external perspective view of the silencer 80. In Fig. 11, the first silencer 81 includes a cylindrical first silencer body 810, a first upper connection part 811, and a first lower connection part 812 (see Fig. 10A). The first silencer 81 is entirely housed in the machine chamber 50a inside the outdoor unit 3, so that internal condensation of the first silencer 71 is suppressed by the heat of the compressor 21.

(1-1-1) First silencer body 810
Fig. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the silencer 80. In Fig. 12, the first silencer body 810 has a casing 810a which is an outer shell. The first silencer body 810 further has, inside the casing 810a, a sound absorbing material 810b and a cavity 810c surrounded by the sound absorbing material 810b.

Materials that can be used for the sound-absorbing material 810b include felt and urethane foam. The cavity 810c is connected to the first duct 61, so air sent to the indoor unit 2 or air sent from the indoor unit 2 passes through this cavity 810c.

In the air conditioning device 1, the sound generated by the supply and exhaust fan 43 is reduced by the first muffling section 81 connected to the first duct 61 of the outdoor unit 3 before being sent to the indoor unit 2. Therefore, in this air conditioning device 1, the sound transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 is reduced.

The first upper connection part 811 protrudes vertically upward from the top plate 810d of the casing 810a. In addition, the first lower connection part 812 protrudes vertically downward from the bottom plate 810e of the casing 810a.

(1-1-2) First upper connection portion 811
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , a first upper connection portion 811 which is the upper end of the first muffling portion 81 is connected to an end of the first duct 61 extending from the humidifying unit 4 inside the outdoor unit 3 .

As shown in FIG. 11, the first upper connection part 811 has a cylindrical shape. The first upper connection part 811 has a protrusion 811a and a slit 811b. The protrusion 811a is rectangular and protrudes radially from the outer circumferential surface. The slit 811b is recessed vertically downward from the upper end surface of the first upper connection part 811.

The first duct 61 to which the first upper connection part 811 is connected is provided with a recess (not shown) that fits with the protrusion part 811a and a protrusion part (not shown) that fits with the slit 811b, and the protrusion part 811a and the slit 811b function as "positioning" and "rotation prevention".

(1-1-3) First lower connection portion 812
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , a first end 83 a of the intermediate duct 83 is connected inside the outdoor unit 3 to a first lower connection portion 812 which is the lower end of the first muffling portion 81 .

As shown in FIG. 12, the first lower connection part 812 has a cylindrical shape. The first lower connection part 812 is arranged coaxially with the first upper connection part 811 along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3.

(1-2) Second muffling section 82
The second muffling section 82 includes a cylindrical second muffling section main body 820, a second upper connecting portion 821, and a second lower connecting portion 822. The second muffling section 82 is housed between the right side plate 52 and the cover 55.

(1-2-1) Second muffling part body 820
12, the second muffling section body 820 has a casing 820a which is an outer shell. The second muffling section body 820 has, inside the casing 820a, a sound absorbing material 820b and a cavity 820c surrounded by the sound absorbing material 820b.

Materials for the sound-absorbing material 820b include felt and urethane foam. The cavity 820c is connected to the first muffling section 81 via the intermediate duct 83, so that air sent to the indoor unit 2 or air sent from the indoor unit 2 passes through this cavity 820c.

In the air conditioning device 1, the sound generated by the supply and exhaust fan 43 is reduced by the first sound absorbing section 81 connected to the first duct 61 of the outdoor unit 3 before being sent to the indoor unit 2, and is further reduced by the second sound absorbing section 82. Therefore, in this air conditioning device 1, the sound transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 is reduced.

The second upper connection part 821 protrudes vertically upward from the top plate 820d of the casing 820a. In addition, the second lower connection part 822 protrudes vertically downward from the bottom plate 820e of the casing 820a.

(1-1-2) Second upper connection portion 821
11, the second upper connection part 821 has a cylindrical shape. A coupling mechanism 821a is provided on the second upper connection part 821. The coupling mechanism 821a facilitates connection to and removal from the second end 83b of the intermediate duct 83.

(1-1-3) Second lower connection portion 822
11 and 12 , the second lower connection part 822 has a cylindrical shape. The second lower connection part 822 is disposed coaxially with the second upper connection part 821 along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3. The second duct 62 is connected to the second lower connection part 822.

(1-3) Intermediate duct 83
The intermediate duct 83 is a cylindrical air passage. A part of the intermediate duct 83 is housed inside the outdoor unit 3, and the remaining part is housed together with the second silencer section 82 between the right side panel 52 and the cover 55.

The intermediate duct 83 has a first end 83a connected to the first lower connection part 812 of the first silencing part 81, a second end 83b connected to the second upper connection part 821 of the second silencing part 82, and a curved part 83c connecting the first end 83a and the second end 83b.

The intermediate duct 83 penetrates the right side panel 52 to connect the first silencing section 81 located inside the outdoor unit 3 and the second silencing section 82 located outside the outdoor unit 3. Therefore, the central axis C5 of the first end 83a and the central axis C6 of the second end 83b are misaligned in the horizontal direction.

The curved portion 83c curves gradually downward from the first end 83a toward the outside of the right side plate 52 along a vertical plane including the central axis C5 of the first end 83a and the central axis C6 of the second end 83b, and reaches the second end 83b.

Therefore, there is greater freedom in the positioning of the first silencing section 81 and the second silencing section 82 compared to a configuration in which the first silencing section and the second silencing section are integrated, or the path from the first silencing section to the second silencing section is a straight pipe.

For example, in the integrated type, if the position of the first silencing section is changed, the position of the second silencing section will necessarily change as well. On the other hand, in the separate type, even if the position of the first silencing section 81 is changed, the position of the second silencing section 82 does not need to be changed as long as the intermediate duct 83 is changed. Alternatively, it is possible to change only the position of the second silencing section 82 by changing the degree of bending of the intermediate duct 83, without changing the position of the first silencing section 81.

The intermediate duct 83 has a smaller cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction than the first silencing section 81 and the second silencing section 82, and the cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction becomes smaller as it approaches the second end 83b. Therefore, it is only necessary to provide a hole in the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 large enough for the intermediate duct 83 to pass through, so the insertion hole provided in the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 can be smaller than in a case where the first silencing section and the second silencing section are integrated.

As described above, in the air conditioning device 1 according to the second embodiment, the silencer 80 is provided on the air supply and exhaust path, thereby reducing the airflow noise per unit air volume heard from the air outlet side of the indoor unit 2. Furthermore, when the same airflow noise as an air conditioning device that does not use the silencer 80 is maintained, the air conditioning device 1 according to the second embodiment can increase the airflow volume of the air supply and exhaust fan 43.

Therefore, the amount of air supplied can be increased without the user noticing any change in the airflow noise. Specifically, in the air conditioning device 1 according to the second embodiment, an increase of approximately 20% in the amount of air supplied per unit time is expected.

(2) Features (2-1)
In the air conditioning device 1, the muffler 80 includes a first muffler section 81 and a second muffler section 82. The first muffler section 81 is disposed inside the outdoor unit 3. The second muffler section 82 is disposed outside the outdoor unit 3. The first muffler section 81 is connected to the first duct 61 inside the outdoor unit 3 close to the sound source, and the volume is also increased by the first muffler section 81 and the second muffler section 82, further enhancing the muffler effect.

(2-2)
In the air conditioning device 1, the muffler 80 further includes an intermediate duct 83 connecting the first muffler section 81 and the second muffler section 82. The intermediate duct 83 has a first end 83a connected to the first muffler section 81 and a second end 83b connected to the second muffler section 82. The first end 83a and the second end 83b are shifted in the horizontal direction. Even if the position of the first muffler section 81 is changed, the position of the second muffler section 82 does not need to be changed if the intermediate duct 83 is changed. Alternatively, it is possible to change only the position of the second muffler section 82 by changing the intermediate duct 83 without changing the position of the first muffler section 81.

(2-3)
In the air conditioning device 1, the intermediate duct 83 has a smaller cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction than the first silencer section 81 and the second silencer section 82. The intermediate duct 83 penetrates the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3. Since it is only necessary to provide a hole in the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 large enough to allow the intermediate duct 83 to penetrate therethrough, the shape of the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 can be simplified.

(2-4)
In the air conditioning device 1, the intermediate duct 83 has a curved portion 83c in the path from the first end 83a to the second end 83b. Because the intermediate duct 83 has the curved portion 83c, even when it is desired to move the position of the second muffling section 82, the degree of bending of the intermediate duct 83 can be adjusted, so there is no need to redesign the shape of the entire muffler 80.

(2-5)
In the air conditioning device 1, the cross section of the intermediate duct 83 perpendicular to the air flow direction becomes smaller as the intermediate duct 83 approaches the second end 83b.

(2-6)
In the air conditioning device 1, the interior of the outdoor unit 3 is partitioned into a machine room 50a in which a compressor 21 serving as a heat source is disposed, and a blower room 50b adjacent to the machine room 50a. Since the first muffler section 81 is housed in the machine room 50a, internal condensation in the first muffler section 81 is suppressed by the heat of the compressor 21.

(2-7)
In the air conditioning device 1, the volume of the first muffling section 81 closer to the sound source is larger than the volume of the second muffling section 82, thereby improving the muffling effect.

10B , a communication part 521 is provided on the right side panel 52 so that the intermediate duct 83 of the silencer 80 can pass through from the inside to the outside of the outdoor unit 3. In the event of a fire breaking out inside or outside the outdoor unit 3, the gap S between the communication part 521 and the intermediate duct 83 may become a path for flames.

Figure 13 is an external perspective view of a silencer 80 according to a modified example. In Figure 13, the intermediate duct 83 has a flange 83d. The flange 83d is provided symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane that includes the central axis C5 of the first end 83a of the intermediate duct 83 and the central axis C6 of the second end 83b.

When the intermediate duct 83 is attached through the communication portion 521, the gap S is blocked by the flange 83d, so that even if a fire breaks out inside or outside the outdoor unit 3, the gap S will not become a path for flames.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

1 Air conditioner 2 Indoor unit 3 Outdoor unit 21 Compressor 43 Air supply/exhaust fan (fan)
50a Machine room (Room 1)
50b Blower room (second room)
52a Communication part 61 First duct (air passage)
70: silencer 71: first silencer section 72: second silencer section 80: silencer 81: first silencer section 82: second silencer section 83: intermediate duct (duct)
83a First end 83b Second end 83c Curved portion 703 Flange

JP 2004-69173 A

Claims (10)

An air conditioning apparatus in which outdoor air is supplied from an outdoor unit (3) to an indoor unit (2),
With a fan (43),
an air passage (61) through which air supplied by the fan (43) passes;
a muffler (70, 80) that reduces sound propagating through the air passage (61) in a state where the muffler is connected to the air passage (61);
Equipped with
A part of the muffler (70, 80) is disposed inside the outdoor unit (3).
Air conditioning equipment. The muffler (70, 80) is
A first muffling section (71, 81) disposed inside the outdoor unit (3);
A second muffling section (72, 82) disposed outside the outdoor unit (3);
including,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1. The muffler (80) further includes a duct (83) connecting the first muffler section (81) and the second muffler section (82),
The duct (83)
A first end (83a) connected to the first muffling part (81);
A second end (83b) connected to the second muffling portion (82);
having
The first end (83a) and the second end (83b) are offset in the horizontal direction.
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2. The duct (83) has a smaller cross section perpendicular to the air flow direction than the first muffling section (81) and the second muffling section (82),
The duct (83) penetrates a side surface of the outdoor unit (3).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3. The duct (83) has a curved portion (83c) in a path from the first end (83a) to the second end (83b).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The cross section of the duct (83) perpendicular to the air flow direction becomes smaller as the duct (83) approaches the second end (83b).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The interior of the outdoor unit (3) is partitioned into a first chamber (50a) in which a compressor (21) serving as a heat source is disposed, and a second chamber (50b) adjacent to the first chamber (50a),
A portion of the first muffling section (71, 81) is accommodated in the first chamber (50a).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The first muffling section (71) is disposed so as to straddle a side surface of the outdoor unit (3).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2. The volume of the first muffling section (71, 81) is larger than the volume of the second muffling section (72, 82).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. A communication portion (52a) through which a part of the muffler (70) penetrates is formed on a side surface of the outdoor unit (3),
The muffler (70) has a flange (703) that covers a gap between the muffler (70) and the communication portion (52a).
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images