JP7383115B2 - Outdoor unit - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and particularly relates to a fixing structure for a condensed water tray attached to the outdoor unit.

As an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a valve of a refrigerant pipe arranged on a side surface of the outdoor unit is covered with a cover to which a synthetic resin saucer is attached. According to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the condensed water adhering to the valve can be received by the receiving tray, and the condensed water can be drained from the gap between the valve and the side panel of the outdoor unit. Further, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the cover can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the outdoor unit through the gap between the valve and the side panel of the outdoor unit.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-122717

In outdoor units installed in special environments, the cover that covers the connection between the valve and the piping is sometimes removed for the purpose of improving workability. In such a case, instead of fixing the tray to the cover as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to fix the tray using another method and to secure a drainage path for the condensed water. However, for example, if a hole is formed in the outer panel of the outdoor unit to fit the tray, and the hole is used as a drainage path to discharge condensed water into the outdoor unit, foreign matter may not enter through the hole. This makes it difficult to protect the equipment inside the outdoor unit.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to fix the tray without forming a hole for fitting the tray in the outer panel of the outdoor unit, and to drain the condensed water received in the tray. The purpose is to provide outdoor units.

The outdoor unit according to the present disclosure includes an outer panel , a casing partially constituted by the outer panel, a heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger fixed to the outside of the back surface of the outer panel and exposed to the outside of the casing. a valve that receives condensed water generated by the valve , and a tray that is exposed to the outside of the casing , and the tray includes a guide surface that guides the condensed water toward the heat exchanger; It has a first engaging part that is engaged with the heat exchanger and a second engaging part that is engaged with the outer panel.

According to the outdoor unit according to the present disclosure, the saucer is fixed by the first engagement part and the second engagement part of the saucer, and the guide surface of the saucer exchanges heat with the condensed water generated in the valve provided on the outer panel. Since the water is drained into the container, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the outdoor unit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back surface of the outdoor unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the saucer according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the front left side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first engaging portion according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the first engaging portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a second engaging portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting configuration of a saucer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the attachment configuration of the first engaging portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the attachment configuration of the second engaging portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the action of force generated in the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of condensed water in the saucer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a drainage path of the bottom plate according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a first engaging portion according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the discharge port of the guide surface according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, viewed from the front left side. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the discharge port of the guide surface according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 7 is a top view showing a discharge port of a guide surface according to a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a saucer according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the front left side. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mounting configuration of a saucer according to a second embodiment.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to this embodiment will be described below. Note that in the following drawings, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual one. In addition, in the following drawings, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the entire specification. Further, the forms of the constituent elements shown throughout the specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.

Moreover, in the following figures, the X direction indicates the left-right direction of the outdoor unit, and the arrow indicates the direction from right to left. The Y direction indicates the front-rear direction of the outdoor unit, and the arrow indicates the direction from the front to the rear. The Z direction indicates the vertical direction of the outdoor unit, and is indicated by an arrow from the bottom to the top.

Embodiment 1.
<Outdoor unit configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the back surface of an outdoor unit 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an outdoor unit 100 according to the first embodiment includes a housing 1 forming an outer shell. The housing 1 includes a right side panel 5, a back panel 10, a top panel 11, a left side panel 12, a bottom plate 7, and a front panel (not shown).

The back panel 10 and the right side panel 5 correspond to the outer panel of the present disclosure. The outer panel may have a configuration in which, for example, the back panel 10 and the right side panel 5 in contact with the back panel 10 are formed of one member having an L-shape in plan view. The outer panel may be configured by connecting the back panel 10 and the right side panel 5, which are configured as separate panels.

A groove 5a is formed in the right side panel 5. In the cross section parallel to the back panel 10, the groove 5a has a shape in which a portion of the right side panel 5 is recessed toward the left, that is, the X direction. The edge of the groove 5a has a shape extending in the vertical direction on the surface of the right side panel 5. The groove 5a is provided near the back of the right side panel 5.

An outdoor heat exchanger 6 is housed inside the casing 1 and placed on the top surface of a bottom plate 7 . The outdoor heat exchanger 6 is housed in the housing 1 so that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside from the back surface of the housing 1. The outdoor heat exchanger 6 has a plurality of fins 6a. The plurality of fins 6a have a flat plate shape, and are arranged along the vertical direction. The plurality of fins 6a are arranged to face each other at a predetermined interval. A plurality of heat exchanger tubes are inserted into the plurality of fins 6a in orthogonal directions. Illustration of a plurality of heat exchanger tubes is omitted.

Inside the housing 1, together with the outdoor heat exchanger 6, there is a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a four-way valve that switches the flow of the refrigerant, a flow rate control device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a It is housed with an outdoor fan that sends out air. The compressor, the four-way valve, the heat exchanger tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and the flow rate control device are connected by refrigerant piping. A valve 2 is connected to the end of the refrigerant pipe. The compressor, four-way valve, flow control device, outdoor fan, and refrigerant piping are not shown.

The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 exchanges heat with the air outside the outdoor heat exchanger 6 via the plurality of fins 6a. The outdoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator during heating operation and as a condenser during cooling operation.

The bulb 2 is fixed to the housing 1 and exposed to the outside. The valve 2 has a liquid side connection valve and a gas side connection valve. The bulb 2 is provided on the outside of the back panel 10 so as to protrude toward the back side. The valve 2 is attached to the end of a refrigerant pipe that penetrates the back panel 10. An extension pipe connected to the indoor unit is connected to the valve 2. The outdoor unit 100 is connected to the indoor unit via an extension pipe connected to the valve 2. The refrigerant passes between the members connected by the refrigerant piping in the housing 1, the valve 2, the extension piping, and the indoor unit. The indoor unit and extension piping are not shown.

A saucer 4 is fixed to the housing 1 by a first engaging portion 4a and a second engaging portion 4b. The saucer 4 is fixed below the valve 2. The tray 4 is provided to store the condensed water generated by the valve 2. The condensed water generated in the valve 2 drips from the valve 2, is stored in the tray 4, and is discharged toward the outdoor heat exchanger 6. The tray 4 is preferably made of flexible synthetic resin or the like.

<Saucer configuration>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the saucer 4 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the front left side. As shown in FIG. 2, the tray 4 has a guide surface 4c, a first engaging portion 4a, and a second engaging portion 4b.

The guide surface 4c constitutes the bottom surface of the saucer 4. The guide surface 4c is a bottom plate having a surface that receives the condensed water dripping from the valve 2 and guides the condensed water toward the outdoor heat exchanger 6. The guide surface 4c is located below the valve 2 when the saucer 4 is attached to the housing 1.

A peripheral wall is erected on the edge of the guide surface 4c. The peripheral wall of the guide surface 4c has a contact surface 4f extending in the YZ direction, and an opposing surface 4j facing the contact surface 4f with a gap therebetween. The contact surface 4f is a surface that comes into contact with the back panel 10 when the tray 4 is attached to the housing 1. The contact surface 4f is spaced apart from the opposing surface 4j at one end in the X direction, and is continuous with the opposing surface 4j at the other end in the X direction.

In a portion where the contact surface 4f and the opposing surface 4j are separated, a part of the edge of the guide surface 4c is exposed and no peripheral wall is provided. A partially exposed portion of the edge of the guide surface 4c functions as a discharge port 4m.

The guide surface 4c has a configuration in which slopes are provided in the front and rear and left and right directions. That is, the guide surface 4c is configured such that the height position in the Z direction changes in the Y direction, for example, the height position of the guide surface 4c becomes lowest as it approaches the contact surface 4f. Further, the guide surface 4c is configured such that the height position in the Z direction changes in the X direction and is lowest at the discharge port 4m.

Since the guide surface 4c is inclined so as to be lowest at the discharge port 4m, the condensed water guided by the guide surface 4c moves toward the discharge port 4m and is discharged from the guide surface 4c. In this way, a drainage path toward the discharge port 4m is formed on the guide surface 4c.

The first engaging portion 4a is provided at one end of the contact surface 4f that is spaced apart from the opposing surface 4j. The first engaging portion 4a is formed continuously from the contact surface 4f.

The second engaging portion 4b is provided at the other end of the contact surface 4f, that is, the other end located on the opposite side to the one end of the contact surface 4f where the first engaging portion 4a is formed. The second engaging portion 4b is formed continuously from the contact surface 4f.

<Configuration of first engaging portion>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first engaging portion 4a according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the first engaging portion 4a according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first engaging portion 4a extends in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 4f. The first engaging portion 4a has a rectangular shape when viewed from the side.

The first engaging portion 4a is a portion that is inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 when the receiving tray 4 is attached to the housing 1. The first engaging portion 4a is formed to extend in a direction parallel to the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 when the receiving tray 4 is attached to the housing 1. The first engaging portion 4 a is inserted between the fins 6 a of the adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 6 when the receiving tray 4 is attached to the housing 1 . The first engaging portion 4a is in contact with the surface of the fin 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 when the receiving tray 4 is attached to the housing 1.

<Configuration of second engaging portion>
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second engaging portion 4b according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the second engaging portion 4b has a shape that extends from the contact surface 4f in a direction opposite to the opposing surface 4j, and then is bent in a direction along the contact surface 4f. The second engaging portion 4b has a hook shape when viewed from above.

The second engaging portion 4b is a portion that is engaged with the right side panel 5 forming the right back corner of the housing 1 when the receiving tray 4 is attached to the housing 1. The second engaging portion 4b is engaged with the right side panel 5 by being inserted into the groove 5a of the right side panel 5.

The inner side 4k of the hook-shaped portion of the second engaging portion 4b has an arc shape when viewed from above. The inner side 4k of the second engaging portion 4b has a shape that follows the curved surface of the corner of the right side panel 5. When the tray 4 is attached to the housing 1, the inner side 4k of the second engaging portion 4b follows the shape of the right side panel 5, so that the attachment height position is easily maintained.

<Installing the saucer 4>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the mounting configuration of the tray 4 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the attachment configuration of the first engaging portion 4a according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an attachment configuration of the second engaging portion 4b according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the first engaging portion 4a of the tray 4 is inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. As shown in FIGS. Further, the second engaging portion 4b of the tray 4 is hooked into a groove 5a formed on the back side of the right side panel 5. Thereby, the tray 4 is fixed to the housing 1.

Since the tip of the second engaging portion 4b has a rectangular shape in a side view, the second engaging portion 4b inserted into the groove 5a of the right side panel 5 can maintain an engaged state. In addition, in FIG. 8, although the shape of the tip of the second engaging part 4b is illustrated as rectangular in side view, the tip of the second engaging part 4b may be chamfered, for example. Moreover, in FIG. 8, although the groove 5a of the right side panel 5 is shown in a shape extending in the vertical direction, the shape of the groove 5a of the right side panel 5 is not limited to this. The groove 5a of the right side panel 5 may have, for example, a circular concave shape on the surface of the right side panel 5, and may have any shape as long as it can catch the tip of the first engaging portion 4a.

<Action of the first engaging part and the second engaging part>
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the action of force generated in the first engaging portion 4a and the second engaging portion 4b according to the first embodiment. The arrow indicates the direction of force. As shown in FIG. 9, the first engaging portion 4a and the second engaging portion 4b generate forces in directions facing each other.

The tray 4 is inserted into the housing 1 with the first engaging part 4a inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 and the second engaging part 4b inserted into the groove 5a of the right side panel 5. It is attached. The receiving tray 4 is in a state where the contact surface 4f is bent in a direction to contract the opposing surface 4j, and in this state, the second engaging portion 4b is inserted into the groove 5a of the right side panel 5. As a result, the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 and the right side panel 5 interposed between the first engaging part 4a and the second engaging part 4b are sandwiched, and the tray 4 is firmly fixed to the housing 1. .

<Movement of condensed water>
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the condensed water 3 in the saucer 4 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, condensed water 3 is generated on the surface of the bulb 2 exposed to the outside of the housing 1 due to the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing through the bulb 2 and the outside air. For example, in summer, when a refrigerant having a temperature lower than the outside temperature flows through the valve 2, condensed water 3 is generated on the surface of the valve 2.

The condensed water 3 generated on the surface of the bulb 2 drips onto the guide surface 4c of the saucer 4 disposed below the bulb 2. The condensed water 3 dripping onto the guide surface 4c flows through the tray 4 along the guide surface 4c, reaches the discharge port 4m, and is drained into the outdoor heat exchanger 6.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the drainage channel 7a of the bottom plate 7 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom plate 7 has a drainage channel 7a extending in a concave shape and a drainage hole 7b formed in the drainage channel 7a. Condensed water 3 drained into the outdoor heat exchanger 6 flows into the bottom plate 7 along the fins 6 a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 . When the condensed water 3 flows into the bottom plate 7, it flows through the drainage channel 7a of the bottom plate 7 and reaches the drainage hole 7b. Then, the dew condensation water 3 is discharged to the outside from the drain hole 7b, thereby completing the drainage of the dew condensation water 3.

In this way, the condensed water 3 generated in the valve 2 is drained from the tray 4 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and is discharged to the outside via the bottom plate 7. Therefore, there is a hole in the housing 1 for discharging the condensed water 3. A drainage path for the dew condensation water 3 can be secured without forming.

According to the outdoor unit 100 according to the present embodiment described above, the first engaging portion 4a engaged with the outdoor heat exchanger 6, and the second engaging portion 4b engaged with the right side panel 5. The tray 4 is fixed to the housing 1 by this. The condensed water 3 generated at the valve 2 provided on the outside of the back panel 10 is drained into the outdoor heat exchanger 6 by the guide surface 4c of the saucer 4, so that the condensed water 3 is drained into the housing 1. There are no holes formed for this purpose. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the outdoor unit 100.

Further, since the first engaging portion 4a is configured to be inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6, there is no need to provide a hole in the housing 1 for fixing the receiving tray 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from entering the interior of the outdoor unit 100.

Further, since the second engaging portion 4b is configured to be inserted into the groove 5a of the right side panel 5, there is no need to provide a hole in the housing 1 for fixing the receiving tray 4. Good too. Therefore, it is possible to suppress foreign matter from entering the interior of the outdoor unit 100.

Further, since a pinching force is applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 and the outer panel by the first engaging portion 4a and the second engaging portion 4b of the tray 4, the tray 4 is firmly fixed to the housing 1. be able to.

In addition, since the first engaging portion 4a and the second engaging portion 4b of the receiving tray 4 generate forces in directions facing each other, the receiving tray 4 can be firmly held even if a hole for fixing the receiving tray 4 is not provided. and can be fixed to the housing 1.

In addition, although the structure in which the 1st engaging part 4a is inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 was demonstrated above, the structure in which the 1st engaging part 4a is inserted is not limited to this. The first engaging portion 4a only needs to be able to drain the dew condensation water 3 from the saucer 4 to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. It may be inserted between. Further, in the above description, the configuration in which the second engaging portion 4b is engaged with the right side panel 5 has been described, but the configuration in which the second engaging portion 4b is engaged is not limited to this. The second engaging portion 4b may be engaged with a groove formed in the back panel 10, for example.

<Modified example of first engaging part>
FIG. 12 is a side view showing the first engaging portion 4a according to the first modification of the first embodiment. The first engaging portion 4a according to the modification has a tapered shape with a chamfered portion 4d at the tip. By chamfering 4d at the tip of the first engaging part 4a, the vertical dimension at the tip of the first engaging part 4a inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is larger than other parts. This makes it easier to insert the first engaging portion 4a between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. In FIG. 12, the upper and lower corners of the first engaging portion 4a are chamfered 4d, but only one of the upper and lower corners may be chamfered 4d.

<Modified example of guide surface 4c>
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the discharge port 4m of the guide surface 4c according to the second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the front left side. FIG. 14 is a top view showing the discharge port 4m of the guide surface 4c according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality of protrusions 4e are formed at the tip of the guide surface 4c on the discharge port 4m side. The plurality of protrusions 4e are inserted between the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. The tips of the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 are in contact with the guide surfaces 4c between the plurality of protrusions 4e.

FIG. 15 is a top view showing the discharge port 4m of the guide surface 4c according to a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 15, there may be a gap 8 between the discharge port 4m at the tip of the guide surface 4c and the fin 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6. When the gap 8 increases, the condensed water 3 cannot reach the bottom plate 7 through the fins 6a, and drainage performance from the bottom plate 7 deteriorates.

Like the saucer 4 according to the modified example, by providing a plurality of protrusions 4e on the discharge port 4m, the space between the guide surface 4c and the fins 6a of the outdoor heat exchanger 6 is filled, so that drainage from the guide surface 4c is improved. can be improved.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tray 4 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the front left side. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the tray 4 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the tray 4 according to the second embodiment has a screw hole 4g formed in the contact surface 4f and a notch 4h formed in the opposing surface 4j. The screw hole 4g and the notch 4h are formed at opposing positions.

After the tray 4 is attached to the housing 1 by the first engaging part 4a and the second engaging part 4b, it is fixed to the housing 1 by the screw 9 inserted into the screw hole 4g.

Since the tray 4 is fixed to the housing 1 with the screws 9, the tray 4 can be more firmly fixed to the housing 1. Since the notch 4h is formed in the receiving tray 4, screwing can be performed while applying a screwdriver to the notch 4h. By forming the notch 4h, the facing surface 4j does not interfere with the screwdriver when the screwdriver is applied to the screw 9. Thereby, the tray 4 can be firmly fixed, and the work of fixing the tray 4 can be facilitated.

According to the saucer 4 according to the second embodiment described above, since the screw hole 4g and the notch 4h are formed in the saucer 4, the saucer 4 can be easily and firmly fixed to the housing 1. be able to.

1 housing, 2 valve, 3 condensation water, 4 saucer, 4a first engagement part, 4b second engagement part, 4c guide surface, 4d chamfer, 4e protrusion, 4f contact surface, 4g screw hole, 4h notch , 4j facing surface, 4k inside, 4m outlet, 5 right side panel, 5a groove, 6 outdoor heat exchanger, 6a fin, 7 bottom plate, 7a drainage channel, 7b drain hole, 8 gap, 9 screw, 10 back panel, 11 Top panel, 12 Left side panel, 100 Outdoor unit.

Claims (10)

an outer panel;
a casing partially constituted by the outer panel;
a heat exchanger;
a valve fixed to the outside of the back surface of the outer panel and exposed to the outside of the casing ;
a saucer exposed to the outside of the casing that receives condensed water generated by the valve;
Equipped with
The saucer is
a guide surface that guides the condensed water toward the heat exchanger;
a first engaging part engaged with the heat exchanger;
a second engaging portion engaged with the outer panel;
Has an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is housed in the housing so that a portion thereof is exposed from the housing. The heat exchanger is exposed from the back of the housing,
The outdoor unit according to claim 2, wherein the outer panel constitutes the back surface of the casing and a side surface continuous to the back surface of the casing. The heat exchanger has a plurality of fins,
The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the heat exchanger by being inserted between a plurality of fins of the heat exchanger. The outer panel has a groove,
The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second engaging portion is engaged with the outer panel by inserting a tip into the groove. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first engaging portion has a chamfered tip. The guide surface is
having a plurality of protrusions at the end;
The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat exchanger is in contact with the guide surface between the plurality of protrusions. The saucer has a peripheral wall,
A screw hole is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall that contacts the outer panel,
The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a notch is formed in a portion of the peripheral wall that faces the screw hole. The saucer is
The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are fixed to the outer panel and the heat exchanger by sandwiching the heat exchanger and the outer panel. The outdoor unit described in any one of the items. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion generate forces in directions facing each other.

Images