JP6933233B2 - Outdoor unit of refrigeration equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of a refrigerating device.

Conventionally, in some outdoor units of refrigerating devices, a compressor is arranged on a bottom plate in a casing, a fan for generating an air flow is arranged at a height higher than that of the compressor, and air is blown upward. .. In such an outdoor unit, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 5196166), electrical components for controlling each device such as a compressor and a fan are arranged in a casing. It is generally mounted on a board.

Here, the electric components mounted on the substrate include heat-generating components that generate heat when energized, and it is necessary to cool the heat-generating components in order to ensure reliability. In Patent Document 1, the air flow generated by the fan is configured to flow from the lower side to the upper side along the substrate, whereby the heat generating component is cooled.

In recent years, it is the mainstream for compressors to be controlled with a variable capacity by an inverter, and the electrical components mounted on the board include various electrical components (for example, power devices, power modules, etc.) for controlling the inverter of the compressor. ) Is generally included. In addition, electrical components for controlling equipment other than the compressor (for example, a fan) are usually mounted on a substrate.

Here, in the outdoor unit as described above, since the fan is arranged at a height higher than that of the compressor, in order to facilitate the wiring, the electric parts for fan control are for compressor control. It is usually placed above the electrical components of the (ie, close to the fan).

However, the inventor of the present application has discovered through diligent studies that there are cases in which each heat generating component is not sufficiently cooled and reliability is not ensured according to such an arrangement mode. That is, the heat generating parts for compressor control usually generate a larger amount of heat than the heat generating parts for fan control, and as described above, the heat generating parts are cooled by the air flow flowing from the lower side to the upper side. In this case, the heat-generating component for fan control is cooled by the heated air flow by exchanging heat with the heat-generating component for compressor control. For this reason, it is conceivable that the temperature difference between the heat-generating component for fan control and the air flow that is the cooling source cannot be sufficiently secured, and the heat-generating component for fan control cannot be cooled well. In this respect, reliability is reduced.

Further, when each heat generating component is cooled by an air flow flowing from the lower side to the upper side as in Patent Document 1, the air volume tends to be larger at a position closer to the fan (that is, on the leeward side). If the heat-generating component for compressor control is placed on the windward side (that is, at a position far from the fan) of the heat-generating component for fan control, the air volume of the air flow that cools the heat-generating component for compressor control, which generates a large amount of heat, is sufficient. It is also possible that the heat generated parts for controlling the compressor are not cooled well, and the reliability is lowered in this respect as well.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of a refrigerating apparatus that suppresses a decrease in reliability.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a compressor, a fan, a first electric component, a second electric component, a substrate portion, a first cooler, a second cooler, and the like. A casing is provided. The compressor compresses the refrigerant. The fan is located higher than the compressor. The fan produces an air flow. The first electric component controls the driving state of the compressor. The second electric component controls the driving state of the fan. The substrate portion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first part is mounted with the first electrical component. The second part is mounted with the second electrical component. The first cooler is adjacent to the first portion. The first cooler is thermally connected to the first electrical component. The first cooler cools the first electrical component. The second cooler is adjacent to the second portion. The second cooler is thermally connected to the second electrical component. The second cooler cools the second electrical component. The casing houses the compressor, fan, and substrate. An air outlet is formed in the casing. The air outlet is an opening for blowing out an air flow in the upward direction. The air flow is a flow of air that flows from the bottom to the top in the casing and flows out from the air outlet. The first cooler includes a plurality of first heat radiation fins. The first heat radiation fin is located in the ventilation space where the main flow path of the air flow is formed. The first heat radiation fin exchanges heat with the air flow. The second cooler includes a plurality of second heat radiation fins. The second heat radiation fin is located in the ventilation space where the main flow path of the air flow is formed. The second heat radiation fin exchanges heat with the air flow. The first electric component is arranged at a height position lower than that of the fan and higher than the second electric component.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fan arranged at a height higher than the compressor generates an air flow flowing out from the air outlet from the lower side to the upper side in the casing. The first cooler, which is adjacent to the first portion and cools the first electric component, includes a plurality of first heat radiation fins located on the flow path of the air flow and exchanging heat with the air flow, and the first electric component is a fan. It is arranged at a lower height position than the second electrical component. As a result, it is promoted that both the first electric component for controlling the compressor and the second electric component for controlling the fan are cooled well, and the deterioration of reliability is suppressed.

That is, when the first electric component and the second electric component are cooled by using the air flow flowing from the lower side to the upper side as a cooling source, the first cooler including the first heat radiation fin is the first portion (first electric component). The second electrical component is the first electrical component because it is adjacent to the component) and the first electrical component is located at a lower height position than the fan and higher than the second electrical component. It will be arranged on the wind side of the air flow from the (first heat radiation fin), and will be cooled by the air flow before the first electrical component. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the temperature difference between the second electric component and the air flow is not sufficiently secured and the second electric component is not cooled well.

Further, the first electric component (first heat radiation fin) is arranged on the leeward side of the second electric component (that is, at a position closer to the fan), and the first electric component that generates a larger amount of heat than the second electric component is provided. It is promoted that the air volume of the air flow to be cooled is sufficiently secured, and that the first electric component is cooled well.

Further, the first electric component (first heat radiation fin) is cooled by the air flow after heat exchange with the second electric component, but the second electric component generates more heat than the first electric component. Since the amount is small, it is also suppressed that the temperature difference between the first electric component and the air flow which is the cooling source is not sufficiently secured. Also in this respect, the situation where the first electric component is not cooled well is suppressed.

Therefore, the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

The "first electric component" here is, for example, a power device (IGBT or the like) having a heat generation amount significantly larger than that of the second electric component, or a power module including the power device. Further, the "second electric component" is, for example, a heat generating component such as a capacitor or a semiconductor element.

Further, the "board portion" here is a component including at least one board on which electrical components are mounted. The substrate portion may include a plurality of substrates.

Further, the "thermal connection" here is not necessarily the "first cooler" and the "first" as long as the "first cooler" and the "first electrical component" are arranged in a heat exchangeable manner. Not only when the "electrical parts" come into direct contact, but also when there is an object that allows heat to pass between the "first cooler" and the "first electric part", or when the "first cooler" and the "first cooler" and the "first" This includes the case where a clearance is formed between the "electric component" (that is, the case where the "first cooler" and the "first electric component" are separated from each other).

In addition, regarding "flow from bottom to top in the casing" here, it does not necessarily deny that the air flow partially flows along the horizontal direction or flows from the top to the bottom. No. That is, when the air flow inside the casing flows horizontally and then from the bottom to the top toward the outlet, or flows from the top to the bottom and then flows from the bottom to the top toward the outlet. Is also included in "flow from bottom to top in the casing".

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is an outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the first aspect , and further includes a heat exchanger and an electric component box. The heat exchanger functions as a radiator or evaporator for the refrigerant. The electric component box is arranged in the casing and houses the substrate portion. After passing through the heat exchanger, the air flow flows from the bottom to the top in the space outside the electric component box in the casing.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and in the first cooler, a plurality of first heat radiation fins are first. They are lined up at the fin pitch. In the second cooler, a plurality of second heat radiation fins are arranged at a second fin pitch. The first fin pitch is smaller than the second fin pitch.

Here, when the fin pitch of the first heat radiation fin is smaller than the fin pitch of the second heat radiation fin, it is possible to promote heat exchange with the air flow in the first cooler and improve the cooling performance. .. On the other hand, it is necessary to make the air volume of the air flow passing through the first cooler larger than that of the second cooler so that heat exchange with the air flow is performed well in each first heat radiation fin. That is, when the fin pitch of the first heat radiation fin is reduced, the number of the first heat radiation fins can be increased and the heat radiation capacity can be improved, while the plurality of first heat radiation fins are high. There is a concern that the air flow will not pass well between the first heat radiation fins because they are lined up in density. Therefore, when the fin pitch of the first heat radiating fin is reduced, the air flow passing through the first heat radiating fin is considered from the viewpoint of sufficiently exchanging heat with the air flow in each first heat radiating fin. It is necessary to increase the air volume according to the fin pitch and allow the air to pass between the first heat dissipation fins satisfactorily.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first cooler, the first heat radiation fins are arranged at a fin pitch smaller than that of the second heat radiation fins of the second cooler. Is located at a height lower than the fan and higher than the second heat radiation fin (that is, a position closer to the fan than the second heat radiation fin). As a result, the improvement of the cooling performance of the first cooler is promoted. That is, with respect to the first heat radiation fins of the first cooler, the fin pitch is configured to be smaller than the fin pitch of the second heat radiation fins of the second cooler, so that the number of the first heat radiation fins can be increased. On the other hand, it is possible to secure a larger air volume of the air flow passing through the first heat radiation fin of the first cooler than the air volume of the air flow passing through the second heat radiation fin. As a result, with respect to the air flow passing through the first heat radiation fins, the air volume can be increased according to the fin pitch so that the air flow can be satisfactorily passed between the first heat radiation fins, and the air flow between the first heat radiation fins. The situation where it is difficult to pass through is suppressed. Therefore, the improvement of the cooling performance of the first cooler is promoted.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is an outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, and the first electrical component includes a power device or a power module. included. The power device generates a larger amount of heat when energized than the second electric component. Power modules include power devices.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when the first electric component is a power device or a power module (that is, when the heat generation amount of the first electric component is particularly large), the first electric component is Sufficient cooling is promoted, and reliability improvement is promoted.

The "power device" here is, for example, a semiconductor element for power control, for example, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) included in an inverter or the like. Further, the "power module" is, for example, an IPM (Intelligent Power Module) including a power device.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the first cooler further includes a heat pipe. The heat pipe is sealed with a coolant. The coolant exchanges heat with the first electrical component. The heat pipe is interposed between the first electric component and the first heat radiation fin. The heat pipe is thermally connected to the first electric component and the first heat radiation fin.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first electric component is cooled by a heat pipe having excellent cooling performance, so that a large amount of cooling is secured for the first electric component having a large calorific value. Reliability improvement is especially promoted.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fifth aspect, and the heat pipes are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction.

As a result, the situation in which the coolant in the heat pipe freezes and is destroyed (freezing puncture) is suppressed. That is, by arranging the heat pipes along the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the coolant from freezing even in an environment where the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, when the electric parts are cooled by using the heat pipe, the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

In addition, "the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction" here means not only when the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe completely coincides with the horizontal direction, but also when the longitudinal direction is at a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) with respect to the horizontal direction. Including the case of tilting within the range of.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is an outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and an exhaust port is formed on the top surface of the electric component box. NS. The exhaust port allows air to flow out. The exhaust port is arranged at a height position lower than that of the fan and higher than that of the first heat radiation fin.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the exhaust port of the electric component box is arranged at a height position lower than the fan and higher than the first heat dissipation fin (that is, electricity). The exhaust port of the component box is located on the leeward side of the first heat radiation fin), so that the air flow that exchanges heat with the first heat radiation fin is heated by the exhaust that flows out from the exhaust port of the electrical component box. Is suppressed. As a result, it is suppressed that the temperature difference between the first heat radiation fin and the air flow is reduced due to the exhaust gas flowing out from the electric component box, and the decrease in the cooling amount of the first electric component is suppressed.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the seventh aspect, and a cover portion is arranged above the electric component box at a distance from the exhaust port. NS. The cover portion prevents the liquid from entering the exhaust port.

As a result, the infiltration of liquid into the electric component box through the exhaust port is reliably suppressed, and the reliability of each electric component against short circuits, corrosion, etc. is improved.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the substrate portions are the first substrate, the second substrate, and the like. including. The first portion is arranged on the first substrate. The second portion is arranged on the second substrate.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the first portion is arranged on the first substrate and the second portion is arranged on the second substrate (that is, the first electric component and the second electric component Is mounted on another substrate), the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

The outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is an outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and the first heat radiation fin has a higher height than the second heat radiation fin. It is placed in the position.

As a result, cooling of the second electric component is promoted while ensuring the cooling performance of the first electric component having a large amount of heat generation. That is, the second heat radiation fin promotes heat exchange between the second electric component and the air flow, and the cooling amount of the second electric component increases. Further, when the second heat radiation fin is arranged on the leeward side of the first heat radiation fin, a large temperature difference between the second heat radiation fin and the air flow cannot be secured, and the second electric component may not be sufficiently cooled. Assumed, such a situation is suppressed by arranging the second heat radiation fin on the windward side of the first heat radiation fin. On the other hand, since the second electric component usually generates a smaller amount of heat than the first electric component, when the first heat radiation fin is arranged on the leeward side of the second heat radiation fin (that is, with the second heat radiation fin). Even when the first heat radiation fin is cooled by the air flow after heat exchange), the temperature difference between the first heat radiation fin and the air flow is sufficiently secured, and the first electric component is sufficiently cooled. Can be done. Therefore, the decrease in reliability is further suppressed.

The "thermal connection" here is not necessarily the "second cooler" and the "second cooler" as long as the "second cooler" and the "second electrical component" are arranged in a heat exchangeable manner. Not only when the "electrical parts" come into direct contact with each other, but also when there is an object that allows heat to pass between the "second cooler" and the "second electric part", or when the "second cooler" and the "second cooler" are in contact with each other. This includes the case where a clearance is formed between the "electric component" (that is, the case where the "second cooler" and the "second electric component" are separated from each other).

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first electric component and the second electric component are cooled by using the air flow flowing from the lower side to the upper side as a cooling source, the first heat radiation fin is used. The first cooler including the first cooler is adjacent to the first part (first electric component), and the first electric component is arranged at a height position lower than the fan and higher than the second electric component. As a result, the second electric component is arranged on the wind side of the air flow from the first electric component (first heat radiation fin), and is cooled by the air flow before the first electric component. .. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the temperature difference between the second electric component and the air flow is not sufficiently secured and the second electric component is not cooled well.

Further, the first electric component (first heat radiation fin) is arranged on the leeward side of the second electric component (that is, at a position closer to the fan), and the first electric component that generates a larger amount of heat than the second electric component is provided. It is promoted that the air volume of the air flow to be cooled is sufficiently secured, and that the first electric component is cooled well.

Further, the first electric component is cooled by the air flow after heat exchange with the second electric component, but the second electric component generates less heat than the first electric component. It is also suppressed that the temperature difference between the first electric component and the air flow which is the cooling source is not sufficiently secured. Also in this respect, the situation where the first electric component is not cooled well is suppressed.

Therefore, the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the decrease in reliability is further suppressed.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, improvement of the cooling performance of the first cooler is promoted.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, improvement in reliability is promoted even when the first electric component is a power device or a power module (that is, when the heat generation amount of the first electric component is particularly large). Will be done.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the improvement of reliability is particularly promoted.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the decrease in reliability is suppressed when the electric parts are cooled by using the heat pipe.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a decrease in the cooling amount of the first electrical component is suppressed.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the infiltration of liquid into the electric component box through the exhaust port is surely suppressed, and the reliability of each electric component against short circuit, corrosion, etc. is improved.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the first portion is arranged on the first substrate and the second portion is arranged on the second substrate (that is, the first electric component and the second electric component Is mounted on another substrate), the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

In the outdoor unit of the refrigerating apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the decrease in reliability is further suppressed.

The schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning system which has the outdoor unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. A perspective view of the outdoor unit seen from the front side. A perspective view of the outdoor unit as seen from the rear side. Schematic exploded view of the outdoor unit. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an outdoor unit having two fan modules. The figure which showed typically the arrangement mode of the equipment arranged on the bottom frame, and the flow direction of an outdoor air flow. An enlarged view of the front side of the outdoor unit with the first front panel removed. The figure which schematically showed the mode of the outdoor air flow in the outdoor unit casing. Front view of the electrical component box (with the front cover removed). The rear view of the electrical equipment box shown in FIG. The right side view of the electrical component box shown in FIG. Front view of the electrical component box with the vertical plate (control board) removed. FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the electrical component box shown in FIG. Front perspective view of the main body frame. A front perspective view of the main body frame viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. Top view of the electrical component box with the top cover removed. Perspective view of the top cover. A perspective view of the top cover viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. The perspective view of the first side cover. A perspective view of the first side cover as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. The perspective view of the 1st cooling unit. An enlarged view of part A in FIG. 21. The perspective view of the 2nd cooling unit. An enlarged view of the B portion of FIG. 23. The schematic diagram which showed the mode of fixing the compressor control board, the fan control board, the 1st cooling unit and the 2nd cooling unit to the main body frame. A perspective view of a high heat generating electric component (power module) fixed to the first cooling unit as viewed from the front side. Front view of the first cooling unit in a state of being fixed to the main body frame. A perspective view of the first cooling unit and the second cooling unit in the installed state as viewed from the rear side. Installation position of compressor control board (high heat generation electric component), first cooling unit (first cooling unit fin), fan control board (electric component for fan control), and second cooling unit (second cooling unit fin) , Schematic diagram showing the relationship between the outdoor air flow and the air flow path.

Hereinafter, the outdoor unit 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention, do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the invention. Further, in the following description, "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "front", and "back" are referred to in FIG. 2-29 unless otherwise specified. It means the direction shown in (however, the left-right and / or front-back in the following examples may be reversed as appropriate).

The outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system 100 (refrigeration system).

(1) Air conditioning system 100
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 100 having an outdoor unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air-conditioning system 100 is a system that performs air-conditioning such as cooling or heating of a target space (air-conditioned space such as a living space or a storage space) by a steam compression type refrigeration cycle. The air conditioning system 100 mainly includes an outdoor unit 10, a plurality of (here, two) indoor units 30 (30a, 30b), a liquid side connecting pipe L1 and a gas side connecting pipe G1.

In the air conditioning system 100, the refrigerant circuit RC is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 30 via the liquid side connecting pipe L1 and the gas side connecting pipe G1. In the air conditioning system 100, a refrigeration cycle is performed in the refrigerant circuit RC in which the refrigerant is compressed, cooled or condensed, depressurized, heated or evaporated, and then compressed again.

(1-1) Outdoor unit 10
The outdoor unit 10 is installed in the outdoor space. The outdoor space is a space outside the target space where air conditioning is performed, for example, an outdoor space such as the rooftop of a building, an underground space, or the like. The outdoor unit 10 is connected to each indoor unit 30 via a liquid side connecting pipe L1 and a gas side connecting pipe G1, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit RC (outdoor circuit RC1). The outdoor unit 10 mainly includes an accumulator 11, a compressor 12, an oil separator 13, a four-way switching valve 14, an outdoor heat exchanger 15, an outdoor expansion valve 16, and the like as devices constituting the outdoor circuit RC1. There is. These devices (11-16) are connected by a refrigerant pipe.

The accumulator 11 is a container that stores the refrigerant and separates gas and liquid in order to prevent the liquid refrigerant from being excessively sucked into the compressor 12.

The compressor 12 is a device that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle until it reaches a high pressure. In the present embodiment, the compressor 12 has a closed structure in which a positive displacement compression element such as a rotary type or a scroll type is rotationally driven by the compressor motor M12. Further, here, the compressor motor M12 can control the operating frequency by an inverter, whereby the capacity of the compressor 12 can be controlled. The start / stop and operating capacity of the compressor 12 are controlled by the outdoor unit control unit 20.

The oil separator 13 is a container that separates the refrigerating machine oil that is compatible with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 and returns it to the compressor 12.

The four-way switching valve 14 is a flow path switching valve for switching the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC.

The outdoor heat exchanger 15 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator) or evaporator.

The outdoor expansion valve 16 is an electric valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate according to the opening degree.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 has an outdoor fan 18 (corresponding to the “fan” described in the claims) that generates an outdoor air flow AF. The outdoor air flow AF (corresponding to the “air flow” described in the claims) is a flow of air that flows from the outside of the outdoor unit 10 into the outdoor unit 10 and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The outdoor air flow AF is a cooling source or a heating source for the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 when passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The outdoor fan 18 includes an outdoor fan motor M18 and is driven in conjunction with the outdoor fan motor M18. The start and stop of the outdoor fan 18 is appropriately controlled by the outdoor unit control unit 20. In the present embodiment, the outdoor fan 18 (outdoor fan motor M18) is not controlled by the inverter.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 is provided with a plurality of outdoor sensors (not shown) for detecting the state (mainly pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC. The outdoor sensor is a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermoelectric pair. The outdoor sensor includes, for example, a suction pressure sensor that detects the suction pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor 12, and a discharge pressure sensor that detects the discharge pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 12. And a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 has an outdoor unit control unit 20 that controls the operation and state of each device included in the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 20 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like, and various electric components (for example, capacitors, semiconductor elements, coil components, and the like). The outdoor unit control unit 20 is electrically connected to each device (12, 14, 16, 18, etc.) included in the outdoor unit 10 and an outdoor sensor, and inputs and outputs signals to and from each other. Further, the outdoor unit control unit 20 transmits and receives control signals and the like to and from the indoor unit control unit 35 and the remote controller (not shown) of each indoor unit 30. The outdoor unit control unit 20 is housed in an electrical component box 50, which will be described later.

The details of the structure of the outdoor unit 10 will be described later.

(1-2) Indoor unit 30
The indoor unit 30 is installed in a room (living room, attic space, etc.) and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor side circuit RC2). The indoor unit 30 mainly includes an indoor expansion valve 31, an indoor heat exchanger 32, and the like as equipment constituting the indoor circuit RC2.

The indoor expansion valve 31 is an electric valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate according to the opening degree.

The indoor heat exchanger 32 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant evaporator or condenser (or radiator).

Further, the indoor unit 30 has an indoor fan 33 for sucking air in the target space, passing it through the indoor heat exchanger 32 to exchange heat with the refrigerant, and then sending it back to the target space. The indoor fan 33 includes an indoor fan motor that is a drive source. The indoor fan 33 generates an indoor air flow when driven. The indoor air flow is a flow of air that flows from the target space into the indoor unit 30, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 32, and is blown out to the target space. The indoor air flow is a heating source or cooling source of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 32, and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 32 when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 32.

Further, the indoor unit 30 has an indoor unit control unit 35 that controls the operation / state of the equipment (35, etc.) included in the indoor unit 30. The indoor unit control unit 35 includes a microprocessor including a CPU, a memory, and the like, and various electric components.

(1-3) Liquid side connecting pipe L1, gas side connecting pipe G1
The liquid side connecting pipe L1 and the gas side connecting pipe G1 are refrigerant connecting pipes connecting the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 30, and are constructed on-site. The pipe length and diameter of the liquid side connecting pipe L1 and the gas side connecting pipe G1 are appropriately selected according to the design specifications and the installation environment.

(2) Flow of Refrigerant in Refrigerant Circuit RC The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC will be described below. In the air conditioning system 100, a forward cycle operation and a reverse cycle operation are mainly performed. The low pressure in the refrigeration cycle here is the pressure of the refrigerant sucked by the compressor 12 (suction pressure), and the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle is the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 (discharge pressure).

(2-1) Refrigerant flow during normal cycle operation During normal cycle operation (cooling operation, etc.), the four-way switching valve 14 is controlled to the normal cycle state (the state shown by the solid line of the four-way switching valve 14 in FIG. 1). Will be done. When the normal cycle operation is started, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 12 and compressed in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged. In the compressor 12, capacity control is performed according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 30 during operation. Specifically, the target value of the suction pressure is set according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 30, and the operating frequency of the compressor 12 is controlled so that the suction pressure becomes the target value. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

The gas refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 15 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow AF sent by the outdoor fan 18 in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 to dissipate heat and condense. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 passes through the outdoor expansion valve 16 and is depressurized or the flow rate is adjusted according to the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 16 and then flows out from the outdoor circuit RC1. The refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor circuit RC1 flows into the indoor circuit RC2 of the operating indoor unit 30 via the liquid side connecting pipe L1.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 30 during operation flows into the indoor expansion valve 31, is depressurized to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 31, and then exchanges heat in the room. It flows into the vessel 32. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 33 and evaporates to become a gas refrigerant, which flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 32. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 32 flows out from the indoor circuit RC2.

The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor circuit RC1 via the gas side connecting pipe G1. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor circuit RC1 flows into the accumulator 11. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 11 is temporarily stored and then sucked into the compressor 12 again.

(2-2) Refrigerant flow during reverse cycle operation During reverse cycle operation (heating operation, etc.), the four-way switching valve 14 is controlled to the reverse cycle state (the state shown by the broken line of the four-way switching valve 14 in FIG. 1). Will be done. When the reverse cycle operation is started, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 12 and compressed in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged. In the compressor 12, capacity control is performed according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 30 during operation, as in the normal cycle operation. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 flows out from the outdoor circuit RC1 and flows into the indoor circuit RC2 of the operating indoor unit 30 via the gas side connecting pipe G1.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 33 to condense. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 32 flows into the indoor expansion valve 31, is depressurized to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 31, and then flows out from the indoor circuit RC2.

The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor circuit RC1 via the liquid side connecting pipe L1. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor circuit RC1 flows into the liquid side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 15 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air flow AF sent by the outdoor fan 18 in the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The refrigerant flowing out from the gas side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 flows into the accumulator 11. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 11 is temporarily stored and then sucked into the compressor 12 again.

(3) Details of the outdoor unit 10 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit 10 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit 10 as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the outdoor unit 10.

(3-1) Outdoor unit casing 40
The outdoor unit 10 constitutes an outer shell and has an outdoor unit casing 40 for accommodating each device (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, etc.). The outdoor unit casing 40 (corresponding to the “casing” described in the claims) is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by assembling a plurality of sheet metal members. Most of the left side surface, the right side surface, and the back surface of the outdoor unit casing 40 are openings, and the openings function as intake ports 401 for sucking the outdoor air flow AF.

The outdoor unit casing 40 mainly includes a pair of installation legs 41, a bottom frame 43, a plurality of (here, four) columns 45, a front panel 47, and a fan module 49.

The installation leg 41 is a sheet metal member that extends in the left-right direction and supports the bottom frame 43 from below. In the outdoor unit casing 40, the installation legs 41 are arranged near the front end and the vicinity of the rear end.

The bottom frame 43 is a sheet metal member that constitutes the bottom surface portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. The bottom frame 43 is arranged on a pair of installation legs 41. The bottom frame 43 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.

The columns 45 extend vertically from the corners of the bottom frame 43. FIG. 2-4 shows how the support column 45 extends in the vertical direction from each of the four corner portions of the bottom frame 43.

The front panel 47 is a sheet metal member that constitutes the front portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. More specifically, the front panel 47 includes a first front panel 47a and a second front panel 47b. The first front panel 47a constitutes the front left side portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. The second front panel 47b constitutes a front right side portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. The first front panel 47a and the second front panel 47b are individually fixed to the column 45 by being fastened with screws after being positioned on the outdoor unit casing 40.

The fan module 49 is attached near the upper end of each column 45. The fan module 49 constitutes the front surface, the back surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface of the outdoor unit casing 40 above the columns 45, and the top surface of the outdoor unit casing 40. The fan module 49 includes an outdoor fan 18 and a bell mouth 491. More specifically, the fan module 49 is an aggregate in which the outdoor fan 18 and the bell mouth 491 are housed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box body having an open upper surface and a lower surface. In the fan module 49, the outdoor fan 18 is arranged so that the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction. The upper surface portion of the fan module 49 is open and functions as an outlet 402 for blowing out the outdoor air flow AF from the outdoor unit casing 40. The outlet 402 is provided with a grid-like grill 492.

Although FIG. 2-4 shows an example in which the outdoor unit 10 has one fan module 49, the outdoor unit 10 may have a plurality of fan modules 49. For example, it may have two fan modules 49 as in the outdoor unit 10'shown in FIG. In the outdoor unit 10'shown in FIG. 5, two fan modules 49 are arranged side by side. The outdoor unit 10'has an outdoor unit casing 40', which is larger in size than the outdoor unit 10 having one fan module 49, and has one front panel 47 on each side. Although not shown, the outdoor unit 10'is configured to have a larger dimension of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 than the outdoor unit 10 according to the dimension of the outdoor unit casing 40'.

(3-2) Equipment Arranged on the Bottom Frame 43 FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an arrangement mode of the equipment arranged on the bottom frame 43 and the flow direction of the outdoor air flow AF. As shown in FIG. 6, various devices including an accumulator 11, a compressor 12, an oil separator 13, and an outdoor heat exchanger 15 are arranged at predetermined positions on the bottom frame 43. Further, an electrical component box 50 for accommodating the outdoor unit control unit 20 is arranged on the bottom frame 43.

The outdoor heat exchanger 15 has a heat exchange surface 151 (see FIG. 4) arranged along the left side surface, the right side surface, and the back surface of the outdoor unit casing 40. The heat exchange surface 151 has substantially the same height dimension as the intake port 401. Most of the back surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the outdoor unit casing 40 are intake ports 401, and the heat exchange surface 151 of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is exposed from the intake port 401. In other words, it can be said that the back surface, the left side surface and the right side surface of the outdoor unit casing 40 are substantially formed by the heat exchange surface 151 of the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The outdoor heat exchanger 15 has three heat exchange surfaces 151, and in relation to this, has curved portions on the left and right in a plan view, and exhibits a substantially U-shape (opened in the front direction). There is.

The accumulator 11 is arranged on the left front side of the curved portion on the right side of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and on the right rear side of the compressor 12.

The compressor 12 is arranged on the left side of the right end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and on the left front side of the accumulator 11. The compressor 12 is located on the front right side portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. The compressor 12 is located below the fan module 49 (outdoor fan 18). In other words, the outdoor fan 18 is arranged at a height higher than that of the compressor 12.

The oil separator 13 is arranged on the left side of the accumulator 11.

The electrical component box 50 (corresponding to the “electric component box” described in the claims) is arranged on the left side of the compressor 12 on the right side of the left end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 15 (FIGS. 2 and 4). See -6). The electrical component box 50 is located on the front left side portion of the outdoor unit casing 40. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the front side of the outdoor unit 10 with the first front panel 47a removed. As shown in FIG. 7, the electrical component box 50 is exposed to the front side in a state where the first front panel 47a is removed. As a result, the electrical component box 50 can be accessed simply by removing the first front panel 47a without removing the second front panel 47b. The electrical component box 50 has a front cover 51 that constitutes a front portion. Details of the electrical component box 50 will be described later.

(3-3) Flow of outdoor air flow AF in the outdoor unit casing 40 FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a mode in which the outdoor air flow AF flows in the outdoor unit casing 40. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the outdoor airflow AF flows into the outdoor unit casing 40 from the intake ports 401 formed on the left side surface, the right side surface, and the back surface of the outdoor unit casing 40, and flows into the outdoor unit casing 40 to be an outdoor heat exchanger. After passing through 15 (heat exchange surface 151), it flows mainly from the lower side to the upper side and flows out from the air outlet 402. That is, the outdoor air flow AF flows horizontally into the outdoor unit casing 40 through the intake port 401, passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and then turns upward toward the air outlet 402. It flows from the bottom to the top.

In the following description, the space in which the main flow path of the outdoor air flow AF is formed in the outdoor unit casing 40 (in FIG. 6, the space surrounded by the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and the front panel 47) is referred to as “blower space S1”. ".

(4) Details of the Electrical Equipment Box 50 FIG. 9 is a front view of the electrical component box 50 (with the front cover 51 removed). FIG. 10 is a rear view of the electrical component box 50 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a right side view of the electrical component box 50 shown in FIG.

(4-1) Space formed in the electrical component box 50 and equipment arranged in the electrical component box 50 The electrical component box 50 is in the width direction (here, the left-right direction) and the depth direction (here, the front-back direction). It is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped metal box whose height direction (here, vertical direction) is larger than the size. Various parts constituting the outdoor unit control unit 20 are housed in the space inside the electrical component box 50 (hereinafter, referred to as “internal space SP”).

The internal space SP includes a lower space SP1 and an upper space SP2 located above the lower space SP1. The lower space SP1 and the upper space SP2 communicate with each other without being partitioned, and there is no clear boundary between them.

The lower space SP1 is a space that occupies a predetermined height dimension (a dimension of about two-thirds of the height dimension of the internal space SP) from the lower end of the internal space SP (the bottom surface portion of the electrical component box 50). Electrical components such as a terminal block 60 and a reactor 61 are arranged in the lower space SP1.

The upper space SP2 is a space that occupies from the upper end of the lower space SP1 to the upper end of the internal space SP (the top surface portion of the electrical component box 50). In the upper space SP2, a vertical plate 501 that divides the upper space SP2 into two spaces in the depth direction (front and back) is arranged. The vertical plate 501 is a sheet metal extending in the vertical direction. The vertical plate 501 divides the upper space SP2 into a front upper space SP2a and a rear upper space SP2b located on the back side of the front upper space SP2a. The front upper space SP2a and the rear upper space SP2b are arranged in the depth direction of the electrical component box 50.

The front upper space SP2a accommodates a plurality of (here, two) control boards 71 on which a microcomputer including a CPU and various memories and a communication module are mounted. Each control board 71 is fixed to the front surface portion of the vertical plate 501. Each control board 71 is fixed in a posture in which its main surface faces the front direction (that is, a posture in which the thickness direction extends in the front-rear direction).

FIG. 12 is a front view of the electrical component box 50 with the vertical plate 501 (control board 71) removed. FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the electrical component box 50 shown in FIG.

The rear upper space SP2b accommodates a board unit 75 (corresponding to the "board portion" described in the claims) on which various electric components for controlling the driving state of the actuator arranged in the outdoor unit 10 are mounted. Has been done. Specifically, the substrate unit 75 is a compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a (patent claimed) on which an electric component for inverter control of the compressor 12 (hereinafter referred to as “compressor control electric component 63”) is mounted. Fan control electrical component mounting (corresponding to the "first part" described in the range) and electrical components for controlling the drive state of the outdoor fan 18 (hereinafter referred to as "fan control electrical component 66") Includes a portion 75b (corresponding to the "second portion" described in the scope of the patent claim).

In the present embodiment, the compressor control electric component 63 is mounted on the compressor control board 76 (corresponding to the “first board” described in the claims) which is a part of the board unit 75. That is, in the present embodiment, the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a is arranged on the compressor control board 76. Further, the fan control electric component 66 is mounted on the fan control board 77 (corresponding to the “second board” described in the claims) which is a part of the board unit 75. That is, in the present embodiment, the fan control electric component mounting portion 75b is arranged on the fan control board 77.

The compressor control electric component 63 includes an electric component that generates heat when energized, and is, for example, a smoothing capacitor or a diode bridge mounted on the front main surface of the compressor control board 76. Further, the electric component 63 for controlling a compressor includes an electric component (hereinafter, referred to as "high heat generating electric component 65") having a remarkably large amount of heat generated when energized as compared with other electric components. The high heat generation electric component 65 (corresponding to the “first electric component” described in the claims) includes various electric components (for example, a power device including a switching element such as an IGBT) constituting the inverter. More specifically, in the compressor control board 76 (compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a), a power module in which a plurality of (six) power devices are integrally configured is mounted as a high heat generating electric component 65. (See FIGS. 25-26). The high heat generation electric component 65 (power module) is mounted on the rear main surface of the compressor control board 76. The power module generates a particularly large amount of heat when energized as compared with other electric components. The power module is, for example, an IPM including a plurality of power devices. The high heat generating electric component 65 is arranged at a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and higher than that of the fan control electric component 66 when the electrical component box 50 is installed in the outdoor unit casing 40. Will be done.

Further, the fan control electric component 66 (corresponding to the "second electric component" described in the claims) includes an electric component that generates heat when energized, and is, for example, a switch such as a capacitor, a diode, and a relay. In addition, in FIGS. 12 and 13, assuming the case where two outdoor fans 18 are arranged in the outdoor unit 10 (for example, the outdoor unit 10'shown in FIG. 5), there is a one-to-one correspondence with the outdoor fan 18. Two fan control boards 77 (fan control electric component mounting portions 75b) are arranged side by side in the rear upper space SP2b. The amount of heat generated by the fan control electric component 66 when energized is smaller than that of the high heat generation electric component 65.

In the rear upper space SP2b, a first cooling unit 80 for cooling the compressor control electric component 63 (mainly the high heat generating electric component 65) mounted on the compressor control board 76 is provided on the compressor control board 76. It is located on the back side. Details of the first cooling unit 80 will be described later.

Further, in the rear upper space SP2b, a second cooling unit 85 for cooling the fan control electric component 66 mounted on the fan control board 77 is arranged. More specifically, in the rear upper space SP2b, the same number (two in this case) of the second cooling units 85 as the fan control board 77 are arranged. The second cooling unit 85 has a one-to-one correspondence with any fan control board 77, and is arranged on the back side of the corresponding fan control board 77. Details of the second cooling unit 85 will be described later.

(4-2) Configuration of Electrical Component Box 50 The electrical component box 50 has a front cover 51 (see FIG. 7), a main body frame 52 (see FIG. 14-15), and a top cover 53 (see FIG. 7) as constituent members. 17-18) and.

(4-2-1) Front cover 51
The front cover 51 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that constitutes the front portion of the electrical component box 50. The front cover 51 has substantially the same width and height dimensions as the width and height dimensions of the electrical component box 50.

(4-2-2) Body frame 52
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the main body frame 52. FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the main body frame 52 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 16 is a top view of the electrical component box 50 with the top cover 53 removed.

The main body frame 52 is a metal housing that constitutes the main body portion of the electrical component box 50. The main body frame 52 includes a back surface portion 521 constituting the back surface portion of the electrical component box 50, a left side surface portion 522 forming the left side surface portion of the electrical component box 50, and a right side surface portion 523 constituting the right side surface portion of the electrical component box 50. And a top surface portion 524 that constitutes the top surface portion of the electrical component box 50.

The back surface portion 521 has a substantially rectangular shape having substantially the same dimensions as the front cover 51. The left side surface portion 522 has a substantially rectangular shape and extends forward from the left end portion of the back surface portion 521. The right side surface portion 523 has a substantially rectangular shape and extends forward from the right end portion of the back surface portion 521. The top surface portion 524 has a substantially rectangular shape, and is connected to the upper end portions of the back surface portion 521, the left side surface portion 522, and the right side surface portion 523. The lower end portions of the back surface portion 521, the left side surface portion 522, and the right side surface portion 523 are bent in the horizontal direction and extend along the bottom frame 43 so that the main body frame 52 can be inverted on the bottom frame 43 of the outdoor unit casing 40. There is.

A plurality of openings are formed in the main body frame 52 (back surface portion 521). Specifically, the main body frame 52 is formed with a first opening 52a for exposing the heat radiation fins (first cooling unit fins 81 described later) included in the first cooling unit 80 to the ventilation space S1. The first opening 52a is formed at a position corresponding to the installation position of the first cooling unit 80 and the compressor control board 76.

Further, the main body frame 52 (rear surface portion 521) has a second opening 52b for exposing the heat radiation fins (second cooling unit fins 86 described later) included in the second cooling unit 85 to the ventilation space S1. The same number (two here) as the cooling units 85 are formed. The second opening 52b has a one-to-one correspondence with any of the second cooling units 85, exposing the heat radiation fins included in the corresponding second cooling unit 85. The second opening 52b is formed below the first opening 52a at a position corresponding to the installation position of the corresponding second cooling unit 85 and the fan control board 77.

Further, on the main body frame 52 (right side surface portion 523), electrical wiring (strong electric wiring and weak electric wiring) connected to the electric components mounted on the control board 71, the compressor control board 76 and the fan control board 77 is provided as an electrical component. A third opening 52c is formed for drawing into the box 50. The third opening 52c is formed by cutting out a part of the right side surface portion 523 in a substantially U shape at a position corresponding to the upper space SP2.

Further, the main body frame 52 (right side surface portion 523) is formed with a fourth opening 52d for drawing the power line connected to the compressor 12 into the electrical component box 50. The fourth opening 52d is formed by punching a part of the right side surface portion 523 in a substantially O shape above the third opening 52c.

Further, the main body frame 52 (top surface portion 524) is formed with a plurality of fifth openings 52e that function as "exhaust ports" for discharging the air in the electrical component box 50. In the present embodiment, the fifth opening 52e is a slit extending in the left-right direction. In the top surface portion 524, a plurality of fifth openings 52e arranged in the depth direction (front-back direction) are formed so as to be arranged in two rows in the width direction (left-right direction) (see FIG. 16). When the electrical component box 50 is installed in the outdoor unit casing 40, the fifth opening 52e is at a height lower than that of the outdoor fan 18, and the heat radiation fins of the first cooling unit 80 (the first cooling unit fins described later). It is located at a height higher than 81). The fifth opening 52e is burring processed, and the edge portion (fifth opening edge portion 52e1) of each fifth opening 52e rises upward (see FIG. 16). The fifth opening edge portion 52e1 suppresses the liquid from flowing into the internal space SP through the fifth opening 52e even when the liquid adheres to the upper surface of the top surface portion 524.

Further, the main body frame 52 (rear surface portion 521) is formed with a sixth opening 52f near the lower end for a serviceman to access the compressor 12 during maintenance or the like.

(4-2-3) Top cover 53
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the top cover 53. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the top cover 53 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG.

The top surface cover 53 (corresponding to the “cover portion” described in the claims) suppresses the inflow of liquid into the internal space SP through the fifth opening 52e formed in the top surface portion 524 of the main body frame 52. Therefore, it is a sheet metal member that covers the upper end portion of the main body frame 52 from above. The top cover 53 is arranged so as to be spaced upward from the fifth opening 52e. The top cover 53 has an upper cover portion 531, a left side cover portion 532, and a right side cover portion 533.

The upper cover portion 531 is a portion that covers the top surface portion 524 (fifth opening 52e) of the main body frame 52 from above. The upper cover portion 531 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and has an area larger than that of the top surface portion 524 of the main body frame 52.

The left side cover portion 532 covers the portion near the upper end of the left side surface portion 522 of the main body frame 52 from the outside. The left side cover portion 532 is a portion extending downward from the left end portion of the upper cover portion 531.

The right side cover portion 533 covers the portion near the upper end of the right side surface portion 523 of the main body frame 52 from the outside. The right side cover portion 533 is a portion extending downward from the right end portion of the upper cover portion 531. An opening 53a is formed in the right side cover portion 533 at a position superimposing on the fourth opening 52d.

(5) First side cover 54 and second side cover 55
In the electrical component box 50, a first side surface cover 54 and a second side surface cover 55 that prevent liquid from entering the internal space SP from the third opening 52c and the fourth opening 52d formed in the right side surface portion 523 are arranged. There is.

(5-1) First side cover 54
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the first side cover 54. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the first side surface cover 54 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG.

The first side cover 54 opens the third opening 52c of the main body frame 52 from the outside in order to prevent the liquid from flowing into the internal space SP through the third opening 52c formed in the right side surface portion 523 of the main body frame 52. A sheet metal member that covers (from above and from the side). The first side surface cover 54 has a right side portion 541, a front side portion 542, a rear side portion 543, and an upper portion 544.

The right side portion 541 is a portion that covers the third opening 52c from the right side. The right side portion 541 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The front side portion 542 is a portion that covers the third opening 52c from the front. The front side portion 542 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The rear side portion 543 is a portion that covers the third opening 52c from the rear. The rear side portion 543 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The upper portion 544 is a portion that covers the third opening 52c from above. The upper portion 544 has a substantially rectangular shape.

The bottom portion of the first side surface cover 54 is missing and is open. That is, the first side surface cover 54 is formed with an open portion 54a that opens downward. The open portion 54a functions as an opening for passing electrical wiring drawn into the internal space SP through the third opening 52c.

(5-2) Second side cover 55
The second side cover 55 opens the fourth opening 52d of the main body frame 52 from the outside in order to prevent the liquid from flowing into the internal space SP through the fourth opening 52d formed in the right side surface portion 523 of the main body frame 52. A cover that covers (from above and from the side). The second side cover 55 is a general-purpose product that is widely used. The second side cover 55 is formed with a plurality of openings (three in this case) for passing power lines connected to the compressor 12.

(6) First cooling unit 80 and second cooling unit 85
In the electrical component box 50, a first cooling unit 80 and a second cooling unit 85 for cooling the heat-generating components arranged in the internal space SP are arranged.

(6-1) First cooling unit 80
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the first cooling unit 80. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 21.

The first cooling unit 80 (corresponding to the “first cooler” described in the claims) cools the compressor control electric component 63 (mainly the high heat generating electric component 65) mounted on the compressor control board 76. It is a unit for. The first cooling unit 80 is thermally connected to the high heat generating electric component 65 in the installed state. The first cooling unit 80 has a plurality of first cooling unit fins 81 that exchange heat with the outdoor air flow AF, a first cooling unit main body 82, and a plurality of (three in this case) heat pipes 83. There is.

The first cooling unit fin 81 (corresponding to the “first heat radiation fin” described in the claims) is a metal plate-shaped fin. In the first cooling unit 80, a large number of first cooling unit fins 81 are arranged in the width direction (left-right direction) at intervals of a predetermined length (first fin pitch P1) or more (see FIG. 22). .. That is, each of the first cooling unit fins 81 is arranged so as to have at least the first fin pitch P1 with the other adjacent first cooling unit fins 81. The front end of each first cooling unit fin 81 is connected to the first cooling unit main body 82. The first cooling unit fin 81 is located on the flow path of the outdoor air flow AF in the installed state.

The first cooling unit main body 82 is a thick metal plate-shaped member. The first cooling unit main body 82 is interposed between the first cooling unit fin 81 and the heat pipe 83, and thermally connects the two. The first cooling unit main body 82 has a fin holding portion 821 and a heat pipe holding portion 822. The fin holding portion 821 and the heat pipe holding portion 822 are integrally formed.

The fin holding portion 821 is a plate-shaped portion constituting the back surface portion of the first cooling unit main body portion 82, and is interposed between the first cooling unit fin 81 and the heat pipe 83. The fin holding portion 821 thermally connects the first cooling unit fin 81 and the heat pipe 83. The fin holding portion 821 is connected to the front end portion of each first cooling unit fin 81 and holds each first cooling unit fin 81. The fin holding portion 821 has a larger dimension in the height direction than the first cooling unit fin 81. Further, the fin holding portion 821 has an area equal to or larger than the area of the first opening 52a when viewed from the front or the back (when viewed from the front-rear direction). In connection with this, the fin holding portion 821 closes the first opening 52a to partition the internal space SP from the space outside the electrical component box 50 in the installed state.

The heat pipe holding portion 822 is a portion constituting the front surface portion of the first cooling unit main body portion 82. The heat pipe holding portion 822 is interposed between the high heat generating electric component 65 and the heat pipe 83 in the installed state, and thermally connects the two. The heat pipe holding portion 822 is thicker than the fin holding portion 821. The heat pipe holding portion 822 is formed with a plurality of heat pipe insertion holes 82a (the same number as the heat pipe 83) for inserting the heat pipe 83 in the horizontal direction (here, in the left-right direction). The heat pipe holding portion 822 has a smaller dimension in the height direction than the fin holding portion 821. The heat pipe holding portion 822 has a front surface portion 822a facing in the front direction, and abuts on the high heat generating electric component 65 at the front surface portion 822a.

The heat pipe 83 is a metal pipe (for example, a copper pipe) in which a coolant for cooling the high heat generating electric component 65 is sealed. The coolant enclosed in the heat pipe 83 and exchanging heat with the high heat generating electric component 65 is selected according to the design specifications and the installation environment, and is, for example, water. The heat pipe 83 is inserted into the corresponding heat pipe insertion hole 82a. That is, the heat pipe 83 is built in the first cooling unit main body portion 82 (heat pipe holding portion 822). The heat pipe is used in order to increase the contact area between the heat pipe 83 and the edge portion of the heat pipe holding portion 822 forming the heat pipe insertion hole 82a and increase the amount of heat exchange between the heat pipe 83 and the electric component. The holding portion 822 is crimped after the heat pipe 83 is inserted into the heat pipe insertion hole 82a.

The first cooling unit main body 82 having the heat pipe 83 built therein is interposed between the high heat generating electric component 65 and the first cooling unit fin 81 in the installed state. That is, the heat pipe 83 is interposed between the high heat generation electric component 65 and the first cooling unit fin 81, and is thermally connected to both the high heat generation electric component 65 and the first cooling unit fin 81. The heat pipe 83 is arranged in a posture in which the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction in the installed state. In addition, "the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction" here is not only when the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 83 completely coincides with the horizontal direction, but also when the longitudinal direction is at a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) with respect to the horizontal direction. ) Including the case of tilting within the range of).

(6-2) Second cooling unit 85
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the second cooling unit 85. FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a portion B of FIG. 23.

The second cooling unit 85 (corresponding to the “second cooler” described in the claims) is a unit for cooling the fan control electric component 66 mounted on the fan control board 77. The second cooling unit 85 is thermally connected to the fan control electric component 66 in the installed state. The second cooling unit 85 includes a plurality of second cooling unit fins 86 that exchange heat with the outdoor air flow AF, and a second cooling unit main body 87.

The second cooling unit fin 86 (corresponding to the “second heat radiation fin” described in the claims) is a metal plate-shaped fin. In the second cooling unit 85, a large number of second cooling unit fins 86 are arranged in the width direction (left-right direction) at intervals of a predetermined length (second fin pitch P2) or more (see FIG. 24). .. That is, each second cooling unit fin 86 is arranged at a distance of at least the second fin pitch P2 from the other adjacent second cooling unit fins 86. The front end of each second cooling unit fin 86 is connected to the second cooling unit main body 87. The second cooling unit fin 86 is located on the flow path of the outdoor air flow AF in the installed state.

The second fin pitch P2 is larger than the first fin pitch P1. In the present embodiment, the second fin pitch P2 is set to be twice or more the first fin pitch P1. That is, in the second cooling unit 85, the density at which the heat radiation fins (second cooling unit fins 86) are arranged is smaller than that in the first cooling unit 80. In this regard, the second cooling unit 85 has fewer radiating fins than the first cooling unit 80. In other words, in the first cooling unit 80, the heat radiation fins are arranged at a fin pitch smaller than that of the second cooling unit 85 (first fin pitch P1), and in this connection, more heat radiation fins are arranged than in the second cooling unit 85. (First cooling unit fins 81) are arranged at high density.

The second cooling unit main body 87 is a metal plate-shaped member. The second cooling unit main body 87 is connected to the front end of each of the second cooling unit fins 86, and holds each of the second cooling unit fins 86. The second cooling unit main body 87 has a larger dimension in the height direction than the second cooling unit fin 86. Further, the second cooling unit main body 87 has an area equal to or larger than the area of the second opening 52b when viewed from the front or the back (when viewed from the front-rear direction). In connection with this, the second cooling unit main body 87 closes the second opening 52b to partition the internal space SP from the space outside the electrical component box 50 in the installed state. The second cooling unit main body 87 is thermally connected to the fan control electric component 66 mounted on the fan control board 77 at the front portion in the installed state.

Since the second cooling unit 85 does not have a heat pipe like the first cooling unit 80 and the number of heat radiation fins is small, the cooling capacity is smaller than that of the first cooling unit 80.

(7) Assembly mode of the electrical component box 50 FIG. 25 shows a mode in which the compressor control board 76, the fan control board 77, the first cooling unit 80, and the second cooling unit 85 are fixed to the main body frame 52. It is a schematic diagram.

(7-1) Mounting Mode of Compressor Control Board 76 and First Cooling Unit 80 First, high heat generation electric components are attached to the first cooling unit 80 (specifically, the front surface portion 822a of the heat pipe holding portion 822). 65 (power module) is screwed and fixed. At this time, the high heat generating electric component 65 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the front surface portion 822a so as to promote heat exchange with the heat pipe 83. After that, the high heat generating electric component 65 fixed to the first cooling unit 80 is mounted on the back side of the compressor control board 76.

After that, the first cooling unit 80 to which the compressor control board 76 and the high heat generating electric component 65 are fixed is individually screwed to the first attachment 57 to be fixed.

The first fixture 57 is a sheet metal for fixing the first cooling unit 80 and the compressor control board 76 to the main body frame 52, and is a peripheral portion of the first opening 52a of the main body frame 52 (back surface portion 521). It is screwed to. The first fixture 57 has a substantially rectangular shape with a large opening (an opening for passing each of the first cooling unit fins 81) formed in the center.

The mounting mode of the compressor control board 76 and the first cooling unit 80 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, after the first cooling unit 80 is fixed to the main body frame 52 via the first attachment 57, the high heat generating electric component 65 and the compressor are attached to the first cooling unit 80 or the first attachment 57. The control board 76 may be screwed.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a high heat generating electric component 65 (power module) fixed to the first cooling unit 80 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 27 is a front view of the first cooling unit 80 in a state of being fixed to the main body frame 52. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the first cooling unit 80 and the second cooling unit 85 in the installed state as viewed from the rear side.

As shown in FIG. 28, each first cooling unit fin 81 extends from the first opening 52a to the back side so as to be able to exchange heat with the outdoor airflow AF in the installed state, and is a space outside the electrical component box 50. It protrudes into (blower space S1). Further, the first cooling unit main body portion 82 (fin holding portion 821) closes the first opening 52a to partition the internal space SP and the space outside the electrical component box 50. Further, the heat pipe 83 of the first cooling unit 80 is housed in the heat pipe holding portion 822 in the electrical component box 50, and is shielded from the space outside the electrical component box 50 (mainly the ventilation space S1) in the installed state. Will be done. The first cooling unit 80 is adjacent to the compressor control board 76 (compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a) in the installed state. In this regard, the heat pipe 83 is adjacent to the high heat generating electric component 65 in a heat exchangeable manner.

(7-2) Mounting Mode of Fan Control Board 77 and Second Cooling Unit 85 First, the fan control board 77 is screwed to the second cooling unit 85 (specifically, the second cooling unit main body 87). It will be fixed. At this time, the fan control board 77 is fixed so that the fan control electric component 66 is in close contact with the second cooling unit main body 87 so that the cooling of the fan control electric component 66 is promoted.

After that, the second cooling unit 85 and the fan control board 77 are individually screwed to the second fixture 58 to be fixed.

The second fixture 58 is a sheet metal for fixing the second cooling unit 85 and the fan control board 77 to the main body frame 52, and is formed in a peripheral portion of the second opening 52b of the main body frame 52 (back surface portion 521). It is screwed. The second fixture 58 has a substantially rectangular shape with a large opening (an opening for passing each of the second cooling unit fins 86) formed in the center.

The mounting mode of the fan control board 77 and the second cooling unit 85 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, after the second cooling unit 85 is fixed to the main body frame 52 via the second attachment 58, the fan control board 77 is screwed to the second cooling unit 85 or the second attachment 58. You may.

As shown in FIG. 28, each of the second cooling unit fins 86 extends from the second opening 52b to the rear side so that heat can be exchanged with the outdoor airflow AF in the installed state, and the space outside the electrical component box 50 ( It protrudes into the ventilation space S1). Further, the second cooling unit main body 87 closes the second opening 52b to partition the internal space SP from the space outside the electrical component box 50. The second cooling unit 85 is adjacent to the corresponding fan control board 77 in the installed state.

(8) Cooling mode of the compressor control electric component 63 and the fan control electric component 66 FIG. 29 shows the compressor control board 76 (high heat generation electric component 65), the first cooling unit 80 (first cooling unit fin 81), and the first cooling unit 80 (first cooling unit fin 81). It is a schematic diagram which showed the relationship between the installation position of the fan control board 77 (electric component for fan control 66) and the 2nd cooling unit 85 (the 2nd cooling unit fin 86), and the air flow path of the outdoor air flow AF. ..

As described above, the outdoor airflow AF flows into the outdoor unit casing 40 from the intake ports 401 formed on the left side surface, the right side surface, and the back surface of the outdoor unit casing 40, and flows into the outdoor unit casing 40, and the outdoor heat exchanger 15 (heat exchange surface 151). ), It flows mainly from the bottom to the top. As shown in FIG. 29, the first cooling unit 80 is arranged adjacent to the compressor control board 76 (high heat generation electric component 65, and the first cooling unit fin 81 is arranged on the flow path of the outdoor air flow AF. The second cooling unit 85 is arranged adjacent to the fan control board 77 (electric component 66 for fan control), and the second cooling unit fin 86 is arranged on the flow path of the outdoor air flow AF.

In the outdoor unit 10, during operation, the high heat generating electric component 65 mounted on the compressor control board 76 is cooled by exchanging heat with the coolant in the heat pipe 83 of the first cooling unit 80. The heat of the cooling material in the heat pipe 83 heated by exchanging heat with the high heat generating electric component 65 is transferred to the first cooling unit fin 81 and dissipated to the outdoor air flow AF. That is, the heat pipe 83 that cools the high heat generating electric component 65 is cooled by exchanging heat with the outdoor air flow AF via the first cooling unit fin 81. That is, the high heat generating electric component 65 is cooled by exchanging heat with the outdoor air flow AF via the heat pipe 83 and the first cooling unit fin 81.

Further, the fan control electric component 66 mounted on the fan control board 77 is cooled by exchanging heat with the outdoor air flow AF via the second cooling unit fin 86 of the second cooling unit 85.

Here, as shown in FIG. 29, the first cooling unit fin 81 is arranged at a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and higher than that of the second cooling unit fin 86. That is, the first cooling unit fin 81 is located on the leeward side of the outdoor air flow AF with respect to the second cooling unit fin 86. In this connection, the first cooling unit 80 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow AF after exchanging heat with the second cooling unit fin 86. In other words, the second cooling unit fin 86 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow AF before exchanging heat with the first cooling unit 80.

Further, the first cooling unit fin 81 is located at a height position closer to the outdoor fan 18 than the second cooling unit fin 86. In this connection, the air volume of the outdoor air flow AF passing around the first cooling unit 80 is larger than the air volume of the outdoor air flow AF passing around the second cooling unit fin 86.

Further, the heat pipe 83 is separated from the air blowing space S1 by the first cooling unit main body portion 82 (fin holding portion 821 and heat pipe holding portion 822), and is shielded from the outdoor air flow AF. In this connection, the weather resistance of the heat pipe 83 is enhanced.

(9) Features (9-1)
In recent years, it is the mainstream that the capacity of a compressor is variably controlled by an inverter in a refrigerating apparatus, and various electric components (for example, a power device) for controlling the inverter of the compressor are mounted on a substrate arranged in an outdoor unit. And power modules, etc.) are generally mounted. In addition, electrical components for controlling equipment other than the compressor (for example, an outdoor fan) are usually mounted on a substrate. This point is the same for the outdoor unit 10 in the above embodiment.

Here, in the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the compressor 12 is arranged on the bottom frame 43 in the outdoor unit casing 40, and the outdoor fan 18 that generates the outdoor air flow AF flowing from the lower side to the upper side compresses. It is arranged at a height higher than that of the machine 12, and is configured to blow out air upward. Further, in the outdoor unit 10, as shown in FIG. 29, the outdoor air flow AF flows from the lower side to the upper side along the first cooling unit fin 81 and the second cooling unit fin 86 adjacent to the substrate unit 75. The electrical components (compressor control electrical component 63 and fan control electrical component 66) in the electrical component box 50 are cooled accordingly.

Conventionally, in such an outdoor unit, the outdoor fan is arranged at a height higher than that of the compressor. Therefore, in order to facilitate wiring, the electric parts for fan control are the electric parts for compressor control. It is usually placed above (ie, closer to the outdoor fan).

However, the inventor of the present application has discovered through diligent studies that there are cases in which each heat generating component is not sufficiently cooled and reliability is not ensured according to such an arrangement mode. That is, in the case of such an arrangement mode, the fan control electricity is generated by the outdoor air flow heated by heat exchange with the compressor control electric parts (particularly high heat generation electric parts) having a significantly larger heat generation amount than the fan control electric parts. The parts will be cooled. For this reason, it is conceivable that the temperature difference between the electric parts for fan control and the outdoor air flow which is the cooling source is not sufficiently secured, and the electric parts for fan control are not cooled well. In that respect, it causes a decrease in reliability.

Further, when each heat generating component is cooled by the outdoor air flow flowing from the lower side to the upper side as in the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the air volume is closer to the outdoor fan (that is, the leeward side). When the compressor control electric component (high heat generation electric component) is placed on the windward side (that is, a position far from the outdoor fan) of the fan control electric component, the heat generation amount is large. It is conceivable that the air volume of the outdoor air flow for cooling the components is not sufficiently secured, and the cooling of the high heat generating electric components is not performed well, which also causes a decrease in reliability.

In this regard, in the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the first cooling unit 80 that is adjacent to the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a and cools the high heat generating electric component 65 is located on the flow path of the outdoor air flow AF and is outdoors. The high heat generating electric component 65 includes a plurality of first cooling unit fins 81 that exchange heat with the air flow AF, and is located at a height lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and higher than that of the fan control electric component 66. Be placed. As a result, it is promoted that both the high heat generation electric component 65 for controlling the compressor and the electric component 66 for fan control for controlling the outdoor fan 18 are cooled well, and the deterioration of reliability is suppressed. There is.

That is, when the high heat generating electric component 65 and the fan control electric component 66 are cooled by using the outdoor air flow AF flowing from the lower side to the upper side as a cooling source, the first cooling unit 80 including the first cooling unit fin 81 is used. Is adjacent to the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a (high heat generation electric component 65), and the high heat generation electric component 65 is at a lower height position than the outdoor fan 18 and higher than the fan control electric component 66. By being arranged in the vertical position, the fan control electric component 66 is arranged on the wind side of the outdoor air flow AF with respect to the high heat generation electric component 65 (first cooling unit fin 81), and the high heat generation electric component It is cooled by the outdoor air flow AF before 65 (first cooling unit fin 81). Therefore, the situation where the temperature difference between the fan control electric component 66 and the outdoor air flow AF is not sufficiently secured and the fan control electric component 66 is not cooled well is suppressed.

Further, the high heat generation electric component 65 (first cooling unit fin 81) is arranged on the leeward side (that is, a position close to the outdoor fan 18) of the fan control electric component 66, which is higher than that of the fan control electric component 66. It is promoted that a sufficient air volume of the outdoor air flow AF for cooling the high heat generating electric component 65 having a large heat generation amount is sufficiently secured, and that the high heat generation electric component 65 is cooled well.

Further, the high heat generating electric component 65 (first cooling unit fin 81) is cooled by the outdoor air flow AF after heat exchange with the fan control electric component 66, but the fan control electric component 66 Since the calorific value is smaller than that of the high heat generating electric component 65, it is also suppressed that the temperature difference between the high heat generating electric component 65 and the outdoor air flow AF which is the cooling source is not sufficiently secured. Also in this respect, the situation where the high heat generating electric component 65 is not cooled well is suppressed.

(9-2)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the second cooling unit 85 that is thermally connected to the fan control electric component 66 and cools the fan control electric component 66 includes a plurality of second cooling unit fins 86, and is the first. The cooling unit fin 81 is arranged at a height position higher than that of the second cooling unit fin 86.

As a result, the cooling performance of the high heat generating electric component 65 having a large heat generation amount is ensured, and the cooling of the fan control electric component 66 is promoted. That is, the second cooling unit fin 86 promotes heat exchange between the fan control electric component 66 and the outdoor air flow AF, and the amount of cooling of the fan control electric component 66 is increased. Further, when the second cooling unit fin 86 is arranged on the leeward side of the first cooling unit fin 81, a large temperature difference between the second cooling unit fin 86 and the outdoor air flow AF cannot be secured, which is for fan control. A case where the electric component 66 is not sufficiently cooled is assumed, but such a situation is suppressed by arranging the second cooling unit fin 86 on the windward side of the first cooling unit fin 81.

On the other hand, since the fan control electric component 66 has a smaller calorific value than the high heat generation electric component 65, when the first cooling unit fin 81 is arranged on the leeward side of the second cooling unit fin 86 (that is, the second cooling). Even when the first cooling unit fin 81 is cooled by the outdoor air flow AF after heat exchange with the unit fin 86), the temperature difference between the first cooling unit fin 81 and the outdoor air flow AF is sufficient. The high heat generating electric component 65 can be sufficiently cooled.

(9-3)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, in the first cooling unit 80, a plurality of first cooling unit fins 81 are arranged at a first fin pitch P1. In the second cooling unit 85, a plurality of second cooling unit fins 86 are arranged at a second fin pitch P2. The first fin pitch P1 is smaller than the second fin pitch P2.

Here, when the fin pitch of the first cooling unit fin 81 (first fin pitch P1) is smaller than the fin pitch of the second cooling unit fin 86 (second fin pitch P2), the first cooling unit 80 is outdoors. While it is possible to promote heat exchange with the air flow AF and improve the cooling performance, the first cooling unit fins 81 are first so that the heat exchange with the outdoor air flow AF can be performed satisfactorily. It is necessary to make the air volume of the outdoor air flow AF passing through the cooling unit 80 larger than that of the second cooling unit 85. That is, when the fin pitch of the first cooling unit fins 81 (first fin pitch P1) is reduced, the number of the first cooling unit fins 81 can be increased, and the heat dissipation capacity can be improved. On the other hand, since a plurality of first cooling unit fins 81 are lined up at a high density, there is a concern that the outdoor airflow AF does not easily pass between the first cooling unit fins 81. Therefore, when the fin pitch of the first cooling unit fins 81 (first fin pitch P1) is reduced, from the viewpoint that each of the first cooling unit fins 81 sufficiently exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow AF. Regarding the outdoor air flow AF passing through the first cooling unit fins 81, it is necessary to increase the air volume according to the fin pitch (first fin pitch P1) so that the outdoor air flow AF passes between the first cooling unit fins 81 satisfactorily.

In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the first cooling unit fins 81 in the first cooling unit 80 are arranged at a fin pitch (first fin pitch P1) smaller than that of the second cooling unit fin 86 of the second cooling unit 85. However, the first cooling unit fin 81 has a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and a height position higher than that of the second cooling unit fin 86 (that is, a position closer to the outdoor fan 18 than the second cooling unit fin 86). It is located in. As a result, the improvement of the cooling performance of the first cooling unit 80 is promoted.

That is, with respect to the first cooling unit fin 81 of the first cooling unit 80, the fin pitch (first fin pitch P1) is higher than the fin pitch (second fin pitch P2) of the second cooling unit fin 86 of the second cooling unit 85. By making it smaller, the number of the first cooling unit fins 81 can be increased, while the air volume of the outdoor air flow AF passing through the first cooling unit fins 81 of the first cooling unit 80 can be increased. It is possible to secure a larger air volume than the air volume of the outdoor air flow AF passing through the cooling unit fin 86. As a result, with respect to the outdoor airflow AF passing through the first cooling unit fins 81, the air volume can be increased according to the fin pitch (first fin pitch P1) so that the outdoor airflow AF can pass between the first cooling unit fins 81 satisfactorily. This makes it possible, and the situation in which the outdoor airflow AF does not easily pass between the fins 81 of each first cooling unit is suppressed. Therefore, the improvement of the cooling performance of the first cooling unit 80 is promoted.

(9-4)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the high heat generation electric component 65 includes a power device / power module having a larger heat generation amount when energized than the fan control electric component 66. As described above, the high heat generation electric component Even when the calorific value of the 65 is particularly large, it is promoted that the high heat generating electric component 65 is sufficiently cooled, and the improvement of reliability is promoted.

(9-5)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the first cooling unit 80 includes a heat pipe 83 in which a cooling material that exchanges heat with the high heat generation electric component 65 is sealed, and the heat pipe 83 is a high heat generation electric component. It is interposed between the 65 and the first cooling unit fin 81, and is thermally connected to the high heat generating electric component 65 and the first cooling unit fin 81. As described above, in the outdoor unit 10, the high heat generation electric component 65 is cooled by the heat pipe 83 having excellent cooling performance, so that the high heat generation electric component 65 having a large heat generation amount is largely secured and the reliability is improved. Especially promoted.

(9-6)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the heat pipe 83 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction. As a result, the situation in which the coolant in the heat pipe 83 is frozen and destroyed (freezing puncture) is suppressed. That is, by arranging the heat pipes 83 along the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the coolant from freezing even in an environment where the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, when the electric parts are cooled by using the heat pipe 83, the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

(9-7)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the fifth opening 52e of the electrical component box 50 is arranged at a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and higher than that of the first cooling unit fin 81 (. That is, the fifth opening 52e of the electrical component box 50 is arranged on the leeward side of the first cooling unit fin 81), so that the outdoor airflow AF that exchanges heat with the first cooling unit fin 81 is the electrical component. It is suppressed that the box 50 is heated by the exhaust flowing out from the fifth opening 52e. As a result, it is suppressed that the temperature difference between the first cooling unit fin 81 and the outdoor air flow AF becomes small due to the exhaust gas flowing out from the electrical component box 50, and the decrease in the cooling amount of the high heat generating electric component 65 is suppressed. There is.

(9-8)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, a top cover 53 that prevents liquid from entering the fifth opening 52e is arranged above the electrical component box 50 at intervals from the fifth opening 52e. As a result, the infiltration of liquid into the electrical component box 50 through the fifth opening 52e is reliably suppressed, and the reliability of each electric component against short circuits, corrosion, and the like is improved.

(9-9)
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the substrate unit 75 includes the compressor control board 76 and the fan control board 77, and the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a is arranged on the compressor control board 76, and the fan control electricity is provided. The component mounting portion 75b is arranged on the fan control board 77. In the outdoor unit 10, even when the high heat generation electric component 65 and the fan control electric component 66 are mounted on different substrates in this way, the decrease in reliability is suppressed.

(10) Modification Example The above embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modification examples. In addition, each modification may be applied in combination with another modification as long as there is no contradiction.

(10-1) Modification 1
In the above embodiment, assuming an outdoor unit 10'having two outdoor fans 18, a case where two fan control boards 77 (fan control electric components 66) are arranged on the left and right in the electrical component box 50 will be described. bottom. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, for example, in the outdoor unit 10 having only one outdoor fan 18, only one fan control board 77 may be arranged. That is, one of the two fan control boards 77 shown in FIGS. 12 and 25 may be omitted as appropriate. In such a case, the second cooling unit 85 corresponding to the omitted fan control board 77 is also omitted.

(10-2) Modification 2
In the above embodiment, the board unit 75 includes the compressor control board 76 and the fan control board 77, the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a is arranged on the compressor control board 76, and the fan control electric component mounting portion 75b. Was placed on the fan control board 77. That is, in the above embodiment, the high heat generation electric component 65 is mounted on the compressor control board 76, the fan control electric component 66 is mounted on the fan control board 77, and the high heat generation electric component 65 and the fan control electric component are mounted. It was mounted on a board different from 66.

However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the high heat generation electric component 65 and the fan control electric component 66 may be mounted on the same substrate (that is, the compressor control electric component mounting portion 75a and the fan control electric component mounting). The portion 75b may be arranged on the same substrate).

Even in such a case, the first cooling unit 80 (first cooling unit fin 81) adjacent to the electric component mounting portion 75a for compressor control is the second cooling unit adjacent to the electric component mounting portion 75b for fan control as in the above embodiment. As long as it is arranged on the leeward side of the cooling unit 85 (second cooling unit fin 86) and at a height position closer to the outdoor fan 18, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be realized. That is, the substrate unit 75 does not necessarily have to have a plurality of substrates.

(10-3) Modification 3
In the above embodiment, the case where the high heat generating electric component 65 (power module) is fixed so as to be in close contact with the first cooling unit 80 (specifically, the front surface portion 822a of the heat pipe holding portion 822) has been described. In order to promote heat exchange between the high heat generating electric component 65 and the heat pipe 83, it is preferable that such a fixing mode is selected.

However, if the required cooling amount can be secured from the viewpoint of reliability, the high heat generating electric component 65 does not necessarily have to be fixed so as to be in close contact with the first cooling unit 80. That is, the high heat generation electric component 65 may be partially in contact with the first cooling unit 80. Further, the high heat generating electric component 65 is thermally connected to the first cooling unit 80, and as long as the required cooling amount is secured, the first cooling unit 80 is interposed between the first cooling unit 80 and the first cooling unit 80. It may be thermally connected to the first cooling unit 80, or it may be arranged so as to be separated from the first cooling unit 80 and cooled by cold radiation from the first cooling unit 80.

(10-4) Modification 4
In the outdoor unit 10 according to the above embodiment, the high heat generating electric component 65 is arranged at a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18 and higher than the fan control electric component 66. In this respect, the effect of "promoting good cooling of both the high heat generating electric component 65 for controlling the compressor and the electric component 66 for fan control for controlling the outdoor fan 18 is promoted, and the deterioration of reliability is suppressed". As long as the above is realized, it is not always necessary that all of the high heat generating electric components 65 are arranged at a height position higher than that of the fan control electric component 66. That is, as long as there is no contradiction in the action and effect described in (9-1) above, the high heat generation electric component 65 may partially overlap with the fan control electric component 66 when viewed from the horizontal direction. good.

Similarly, it is not always necessary that all of the high heat generating electric components 65 are arranged at a height position lower than that of the outdoor fan 18. That is, as long as there is no contradiction in the action and effect described in (9-1) above, the high heat generating electric component 65 may partially overlap with the outdoor fan 18 when viewed from the horizontal direction.

(10-5) Modification 5
In the above embodiment, the heat pipe 83 of the first cooling unit 80 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction. In this respect, from the viewpoint of suppressing freezing puncture of the heat pipe 83, it is preferable that the heat pipe 83 is arranged in such an embodiment. However, as long as reliability against freezing punk is ensured, the heat pipe 83 does not necessarily have to be arranged in such an embodiment, and may be arranged so that the longitudinal directions intersect in the horizontal direction, or may be arranged in the longitudinal direction. May be arranged along the vertical direction.

(10-6) Modification 6
In the above embodiment, the first cooling unit 80 for cooling the high heat generating electric component 65 has a heat pipe 83. In this respect, from the viewpoint of securing a large amount of cooling for the high heat generation electric component 65 having a large heat generation amount, the first cooling unit 80 cools the high heat generation electric component 65 by the heat pipe 83 as in the above embodiment. Is preferable. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring reliability, the first cooling unit 80 does not necessarily have to have the heat pipe 83 as long as the required cooling amount for the high heat generating electric component 65 is secured.

(10-7) Modification 7
In the above embodiment, the case where the second fin pitch P2 is twice or more larger than the first fin pitch P1 has been described. However, the ratio is not necessarily limited to this, and the ratio of the first fin pitch P1 and the second fin pitch P2 depends on the design specifications and the installation environment as long as there is no contradiction in the action and effect described in (9-1) above. Can be changed as appropriate. For example, the second fin pitch P2 may be set to a value 1.5 times or more the first fin pitch P1. Further, the second fin pitch P2 may be set to be equal to or less than the same as the first fin pitch P1.

(10-8) Modification 8
In the above embodiment, the top cover 53 that prevents the liquid from entering the fifth opening 52e is arranged above the electrical component box 50 at a distance from the fifth opening 52e. From this point of view, from the viewpoint of suppressing the infiltration of the liquid into the electrical component box 50 through the fifth opening 52e, it is preferable that the top surface cover 53 is arranged in the manner of the above embodiment. However, in order to realize the effect of promoting the cooling of the high heat generation electric component 65 and the fan control electric component 66, the top cover 53 is not always necessary. The top cover 53 can be omitted as long as the reliability against the infiltration of the liquid into the electrical component box 50 is ensured.

(10-9) Modification 9
In the above embodiment, the outdoor fan 18 is arranged near the upper end of the outdoor unit casing 40. However, as long as it is possible to generate an outdoor air flow AF that flows from below to above in the outdoor unit casing 40 and there is no contradiction in the action and effect described in (9-1) above, the installation position of the outdoor fan 18 is appropriate. It can be changed. For example, the outdoor fan 18 may be arranged near the height position of the middle stage of the outdoor unit casing 40.

(10-10) Modification 10
In the above embodiment, the case where the high heat generating electric component 65 is a power module including a plurality of power devices has been described. However, the high heat generation electric component 65 is not necessarily limited to this, and may be another electric component as long as it is an electric component that generates heat when energized.

(10-11) Modification 11
The configuration mode of the refrigerant circuit RC in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to the mode shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. For example, when it is not always necessary, the accumulator 11 and the outdoor expansion valve 16 can be omitted as appropriate. Further, a device (for example, a receiver or the like) not shown in FIG. 1 may be newly added to the refrigerant circuit RC.

(10-12) Modification 12
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an air conditioning system 100 in which two indoor units 30 are connected in parallel by connecting pipes (L1, G1) to one outdoor unit 10 has been described. However, the configuration mode of the air conditioning system to which the present invention is applied is not necessarily limited to such a mode. That is, with respect to the air conditioning system to which the present invention is applied, the number of outdoor units 10 and / or indoor units 30 and the connection mode thereof can be appropriately changed according to the installation environment and design specifications.

(10-13) Modification 13
In the above embodiment, the present invention has been applied to the air conditioning system 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to other refrigerating devices having a refrigerant circuit (for example, a water heater, a heat pump chiller, etc.).

The present invention can be installed indoors in an outdoor unit of a refrigerating device.

10, 10': Outdoor unit 12: Compressor 15: Outdoor heat exchanger 18: Outdoor fan (fan)
20: Outdoor unit control unit 30: Indoor unit 40, 40': Outdoor unit casing (casing)
41: Installation legs 43: Bottom frame 45: Supports 47: Front panel 47a: First front panel 47b: Second front panel 49: Fan module 50: Electrical component box (electric component box)
51: Front cover 52: Body frame 52a: First opening 52b: Second opening 52c: Third opening 52d: Fourth opening 52e: Fifth opening (exhaust port)
52f: 6th opening 53: Top cover (cover part)
54: 1st side cover 55: 2nd side cover 57: 1st attachment 58: 2nd attachment 63: Compressor control electric component 65: High heat generation electric component (1st electric component)
66: Fan control electrical component (second electrical component)
71: Control board 75: Board unit (board part)
75a: Compressor control electrical component mounting part (first part)
75b: Fan control electrical component mounting part (second part)
76: Compressor control board (first board)
77: Fan control board (second board)
80: 1st cooling unit (1st cooler)
81: 1st cooling unit fin (1st heat radiation fin)
82: First cooling unit main body 82a: Heat pipe insertion hole 83: Heat pipe 85: Second cooling unit (second cooler)
86: Second cooling unit fin (second heat dissipation fin)
87: Second cooling unit main body 100: Air conditioning system (refrigerator)
401: Intake port 402: Air outlet 501: Vertical plate 521: Back surface part 522: Left side surface part 523: Right side surface part 524: Top surface part 531: Top cover part 532: Left side cover part 533: Right side cover part 541: Right side part 542 : Front side part 543: Rear side part 544: Upper part 821: Fin holding part 822: Heat pipe holding part 822a: Front part AF: Outdoor air flow (air flow)
M12: Compressor motor M18: Outdoor fan motor P1: First fin pitch P2: Second fin pitch RC: Refrigerant circuit SP: Internal space SP1: Lower space SP2: Upper space SP2a: Front upper space SP2b: Rear upper space

Japanese Patent No. 5196166

Claims (9)

A compressor (12) that compresses the refrigerant,
A fan (18), which is arranged at a height higher than that of the compressor and generates an air flow (AF),
The first electric component (65) that controls the driving state of the compressor, and
A second electric component (66) that controls the driving state of the fan, and
A substrate portion (75) including a first portion (75a) on which the first electric component is mounted and a second portion (75b) on which the second electrical component is mounted.
A first cooler (80) adjacent to the first portion, thermally connected to the first electrical component, and cooling the first electrical component.
A second cooler (85) adjacent to the second portion, thermally connected to the second electrical component, and cooling the second electrical component,
A casing (40, 40') that accommodates the compressor, the fan, and the substrate portion, and has an outlet (402) for blowing out the air flow in the upward direction.
With
The air flow is a flow of air that flows from the bottom to the top in the casing and flows out from the outlet.
The first cooler includes a plurality of first heat radiation fins (81) located in a ventilation space (S1) where a main flow path of the air flow is formed and exchanges heat with the air flow.
The second cooler includes a plurality of second heat radiation fins (86) located in a ventilation space (S1) where a main flow path of the air flow is formed and exchanges heat with the air flow.
The first electric component is arranged at a height position lower than that of the fan and higher than the second electric component.
The first heat radiation fin is arranged at a height higher than that of the second heat radiation fin, and the first heat radiation fin is cooled by an air flow after heat exchange with the second heat radiation fin.
Outdoor unit of refrigeration equipment (10, 10'). A heat exchanger (15) that functions as a radiator or evaporator of the refrigerant, and
An electric component box (50) arranged in the casing and accommodating the substrate portion, and
With more
After passing through the heat exchanger, the air flow flows from the lower side to the upper side in the space outside the electric component box.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1. In the first cooler, a plurality of the first heat radiation fins are arranged at a first fin pitch (P1).
In the second cooler, a plurality of the second heat radiation fins are arranged at a second fin pitch (P2).
The first fin pitch is smaller than the second fin pitch.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The first electric component includes a power device that generates a larger amount of heat when energized than the second electric component, or a power module that includes the power device.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first cooler further includes a heat pipe (83) in which a coolant that exchanges heat with the first electric component is sealed.
The heat pipe is interposed between the first electric component and the first heat radiation fin, and is thermally connected to the first electric component and the first heat radiation fin.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The heat pipe is arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the horizontal direction.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 5. An exhaust port (52e) for allowing air to flow out is formed on the top surface of the electric component box.
The exhaust port is arranged at a height position lower than that of the fan and higher than the first heat radiation fin.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A cover portion (53) that prevents liquid from entering the exhaust port is arranged above the electric component box at a distance from the exhaust port.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to claim 7. The substrate portion includes a first substrate (76) and a second substrate (77).
The first portion is arranged on the first substrate and
The second portion is arranged on the second substrate.
The outdoor unit (10, 10') of the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images