Patent Grant
11293648
This application is a U.S. national stage application of PCT/JP2017/030081 filed on Aug. 23, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a compressor cover that covers a compressor, an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus, and the air-conditioning apparatus.
An outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus includes an air-sending device chamber and a machine chamber adjacent to and separated from the air-sending device chamber by a partition. In the air-sending device chamber, for example, a fan is provided, and in the machine chamber, a compressor is provided. The compressor and heat exchangers are included in a refrigerant circuit. In general, refrigerant pipes connecting the compressor to the heat exchangers are extended and bent in an upper region located above the compressor, because the space for provision of components is limited.
In order to improve the functions of an air-conditioning apparatus, a larger heat exchanger and a larger fan are provided. Therefore, if the size of an outdoor unit is not changed, and the size of the air-sending device chamber is increased, inevitably, the size of the machine chamber is reduced. In addition, since a larger compressor is provided, refrigerant pipes are arranged at a higher density. In recent years, there has been a trend toward smaller outdoor units. Thus, refrigerant pipes are arranged in a narrow machine chamber in such a manner as to comply with various restrictions. In this case, the refrigerant pipes need to be extended and bent in the upper region located above the compressor.
As the number of refrigerant pipes provided above the compressor is increased, liquid such as dew condensation water generated on the refrigerant pipes more often drops on the compressor. It should be noted that a soundproofing cover is attached to the compressor such that it is wound around an outer peripheral portion of a body of the compressor. Also, another soundproofing cover is provided above the compressor (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In general, the soundproofing covers are each formed to include a felt member intended for sound absorption and a rubber member intended for sound insulation.
Water dropping from the region located above the compressor falls on the soundproofing cover provided above the compressor. In this case, if a larger amount of liquid drops on the soundproofing cover, it may soak into the felt member of the soundproofing member, and stay in the felt member without evaporating.
If the soundproofing cover contains water, the compressor may rust, thus increasing the likelihood that the compressor will be perforated by corrosion and the likelihood that a thermistor provided to detect the surface temperature of a shell provided on an upper surface of the compressor will cause an error in detection.
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-281098
The soundproofing cover disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is made based on the shape of a compressor. Therefore, it is necessary to design a new soundproofing cover each time the size or shape of the compressor is changed. Thus, it is harder to develop a soundproofing cover. In addition, it should be noted that compressors have each been made to have a larger number of components. Furthermore, soundproofing covers are each shaped to cover the entire compressor and to have a slope on an upper surface side of the compressor. However, because of variation in shape between soundproofing covers that is made when they are manufactured, and also variation in attachment between the soundproofing covers that is made when workers attach the soundproofing covers to respective compressors, the slopes of the soundproofing covers are located not to extend in an intended direction. That is, the soundproofing covers do not necessarily cause liquid dropping from the upper region to flow out in the intended direction.
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a compressor cover that fits different types of compressors and can cause liquid dropping onto the cover to flow out in an intended direction, an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning-apparatus and the air-conditioning apparatus.
A compressor cover according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a side cover that surrounds a side peripheral surface of a compressor and a top cover that is provided above the compressor and covers along with the side cover, the compressor. The top cover has a first slope that extends such that an outer peripheral portion of the top cover is located lower than a central portion of the top cover.
An outdoor unit according to another embodiment of the present invention and included in an air-conditioning apparatus includes the above compressor cover.
An air-conditioning apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes the above outdoor unit.
In the compressor cover, the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus, and the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention, the top cover has the first slope that extends such that the outer peripheral portion of the top cover is located lower than the central portion thereof. Thus, the top cover can be handled as a separate component independent of the side cover. Liquid dropping from an upper region located above the compressor can be guided by the first slope of the top cover and be then exhausted. The cover can be used for different types of compressors and enables liquid dropping from the upper region onto the cover to be exhausted in an intended direction.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in each of the figures, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in a previous figure are denoted by the same reference signs. The same is true of the entire text of the specification. Furthermore, the forms of components referred to in the entire text of the specification are described by way of example, and are not limited to those described in the text.
<Air-Conditioning Apparatus 100>
The refrigerant pipes 8 connecting the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 9 are filled with refrigerant to receive and transfer heat. The refrigerant is circulated between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 9, thereby cooling or heating space in which the indoor unit 9 is provided. As examples of the refrigerant, R32 and R410A can be applied.
The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, a four-way valve 2, and an outdoor fan 6. The indoor unit 9 includes an indoor heat exchanger 5 and a cross-flow fan 7 that is an indoor fan.
<Outdoor Unit 10 of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 100>
In the machine chamber 21, the compressor 1, the refrigerant pipes (not illustrated), an electrical equipment box (not illustrated), a pressure vessel 23, and other components are provided. The refrigerant that flows into the machine chamber 21 through the refrigerant pipe 8 is sent to the compressor 1 through a refrigerant pipe 25.
The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 1, passes through a discharge pipe 26, and is then sent to either the outdoor heat exchanger 3 or the indoor heat exchanger 5. For example, the electrical equipment box supplies power to components.
In the air-sending device chamber 20, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the outdoor fan 6, a fan motor 24, a motor support (not illustrated), and other components are provided. The outdoor heat exchanger 3, which is L-shaped as viewed from above, is provided behind a rear side of the air-sending device chamber 20 located behind the outdoor fan 6. The fan motor 24 rotates and drives the outdoor fan 6. The motor support holds the fan motor 24 fixed.
<Soundproofing Cover 30 for Compressor 1>
As illustrated in
The top cover 31 has a first slope 31a that inclines downwards such that an outer peripheral portion of the top cover 31 is located lower than a central portion thereof. The first slope 31a is a slope that guides liquid, such as dew condensation water, generated on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe 25 and then dropping on the top cover 31, such that the liquid flows toward a drain exhaust passage 13a of the base 13. The base 13 is a bottom plate of the casing on which the compressor 1 is provided. It should be noted that as illustrated in
<Part of Soundproofing Cover 30 which is Other than Top Cover 31>
<State of Top Cover 31 Before Attachment>
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The top cover 31 is made of a hydrophobic or water-repellent material. As the material of the top cover 31, for example, rubber is superior to other materials.
<State of Top Cover 31 after Attachment>
As illustrated in
When the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 are made to overlap each other, the first hole portion 34 of the top cover 31 surrounds the entire outer periphery of part of the refrigerant pipe 25. Since the top cover 31 surrounds the entire periphery of the part of the refrigerant pipe 25, liquid is prevented from dropping into a region located under the top cover 31 while flowing down over the refrigerant pipe 25.
Also, when the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 are made to overlap each other and the first slope 31a is provided, the shape of the entire top cover 31 is changed from a flat plate-shape to a dome shape. That is, the top cover 31 is shaped to have a slope 31d in addition to the first slope 31a, such that the entire upper surface of the top cover 31 is curved as illustrated in
In Embodiment 1, the imaginary line A1 inclined at the maximum tilt angle is located at the boundary between the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 when the both side portions 31b and 31c overlap with each other. However, in the top caver 31, it suffices that as described above, the imaginary line A1, A2 or A3 inclined at the maximum tilt angle is located on the portion 31b that is a lower one of the overlapping side portions of the top cover 31. Thus, as illustrated in
Although it is not illustrated, the top cover 31 may have the second hole portion 38 that surrounds the discharge pipe 26 extending upwards from the compressor 1. Also, the top cover 31 may have a second cut portion (not illustrated) that is provided between the second hole portion 38 and the peripheral side. Furthermore, the top cover 31 may have a second slope (not illustrated) provided by causing both side portions of the second cut to overlap each other. It is appropriate that the second slope is located opposite to the first slope 31a.
<Advantages of Embodiment 1>
According to Embodiment 1, the soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1 includes the side cover 32 that surrounds the side peripheral surface of the compressor 1. The soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1 includes the top cover 31 provided above the compressor 1 to cover together with the side cover 32, the compressor 1. The top cover 31 has the first slope 31a, as a result of which the outer peripheral portion of the top cover 31 is located lower than the central portion thereof.
In the configuration, the top cover 31 can be handled as a separate component independent of the side cover 32. Thereby, attachment and detachment of the top cover 31 can be easily performed, thus improving the workability. In addition, it is possible to easily adjust the gradient of the first slope 31a, which guides liquid that drops onto the top cover 31. Furthermore, in the case where the top cover 31 is discarded, it can be easily separated from the side cover. This is environmentally friendly. In addition, ordinarily, the top cover 31 is not affected by the change of the size or shape of the compressor 1, and can thus be used for different types of compressors 1. Even if a new type of compressor 1 is provided, it is not necessary to make a new top cover 31 for the new type of compressor 1. Furthermore, even if liquid such as dew condensation water on the refrigerant pipe 25 located above the compressor 1 drops onto the top cover 31, the liquid is guided by the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 and is then exhausted. The top cover 31 prevents the compressor 1 from being moistened by the liquid dropping from above. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the compressor 1 from rusting, thereby preventing false detection of a sensor that detects the temperature of a shell on the compressor 1 or a failure of the sensor. Furthermore, the top cover 31 can achieve sound insulation or sound absorption as in existing top covers. Thus, the top cover 31 can be used for various types of compressors 1, and enables liquid dropping from above to be exhausted in an intended direction.
According to Embodiment 1, the top cover 31 has the first hole portion 34 that surrounds the refrigerant pipe 25 extending upwards from the compressor 1. The top cover 31 has the first cut portion 35 that is provided between the first hole portion 34 and the outer peripheral side. The first slope 31a is provided by causing the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 of the top cover 31 to overlap each other.
In the above configuration, attachment of the top cover 31, which is a separate component, is performed simply by causing the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 to overlap each other. Thus, attachment and detachment of the top cover 31 can be easily performed, thus improving the workability. In addition, the gradient of the first slope 31a, which guides liquid dropping from an upper region located above the top cover 31, can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, the top cover 31 can be easily separated when discarded, and is thus environmentally friendly. In addition, even if the size or shape of the compressor 1 is changed, ordinarily, the top cover 31 is not affected by the change, and can be used for various types of compressors 1. Thus, even for a given type of compressor 1 different from the above compressor 1, the top cover 31 can be applied as it is, and it is not necessary to make a new top cover 31. Furthermore, in the top cover 31, the first hole portion 34 surrounds the refrigerant pipe 25 extending upwards from the compressor 1, and thus even if liquid such as dew condensation water at the refrigerant pipe 25 located above the compressor 1 drops onto the top cover 31 the liquid is guided by the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 and then exhausted without flowing into the region under the top cover 31 through the first hole portion 34 of the top cover 31.
According to Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral edge of the top cover 31 is located outward of the outer peripheral portion of the side cover 32.
In the above configuration, the top cover 31 is larger than the side cover 32 as seen in plan view. Thus, liquid dropping from the upper region onto the top cover 31 is exhausted to the outside of the top cover 31 without flowing into a region located inward of the side cover 32. Furthermore, the top cover 31 does not need to be engaged with the side cover 32. Thus, ordinarily, the top cover 31 is not affected by the change of the size or shape of the compressor 1, and can be used for different types of compressors 1. Even if a given type of compressor 1 different from the above compressor 1 is applied, the top cover 1 can be still used, that is, a new top cover 1 does not need to be made as a specific one for the other kind of compressor 1.
According to Embodiment 1, the first cut portion 35 has a gap between the both side portions 31b and 31c on the outer peripheral side, while the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 do not overlap each other.
In the above configuration, in the top cover 31, the first slope 31a can be formed simply by causing the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 to overlap each other.
According to Embodiment 1, the top cover 31 includes the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 36a and 36b on the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35. When the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 are made to overlap each other, the first slope 31a is formed.
In the above configuration, when the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 36a and 36b are made to cling to each other, the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 overlap each other, thus forming the first slope 31a. In such a manner, attachment and detachment of the top cover 31 are easily performed, and it is possible to easily adjust a direction in which the first slope 31a slopes. In addition, the workability in attachment of the top cover 31 is good.
According to Embodiment 1, the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 36a and 36b are formed to extend along edge portions of the first cut portion 35 provided between the first hole portion 34 and the outer peripheral side and each have a length greater than or equal to half each of the lengths of the edge portions.
In the above configuration, it is possible to improve the clingingness of the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 36a and 36b. Furthermore, when made to overlap each other, the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 more tightly contact each other, thus reliably preventing liquid guided over the first slope 31a from flowing from the overlapping side portions and the first cut portion 35 into the region located under the top cover 31.
According to Embodiment 1, in the top cover 31, the imaginary line A1, A2, or A3 that extends between the first hole 34 of the first slope 31a and the outer peripheral side and inclines at the maximum tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane is located in a given area of the side portion 31b that is one of the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 when the both side portions 31b and 31c overlap each other. In the above area of the portion 31b, the boundary between the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35 is also located.
In the above configuration, when liquid that drops from the upper region onto the top cover 31 is guided by the first slope 31a which inclines at the maximum tilt angle, and passes through the overlapping portion of the both side portions 31b and 31d of the first cut portion 35, the liquid is guided from the side portion 31c, which is an upper one of the both side portions 31b and 31d, onto the side portion 31b, which is a lower one of the both side portions 31b and 31d. Thus, at the overlapping portion of the both side portions 31b and 31c of the first cut portion 35, the edge of the side portion 31c, which is the upper side portion, slopes downwards along the imaginary line A1, A2, or A3 at the maximum tilt angle, and the liquid guided over the first slope 31a does not flow into the region located under the top cover 31 through the first cut portion 35.
According to Embodiment 1, the top cover 31 has the notch 37 in the region that is different from the region including the first slope 31a and that contacts the discharge pipe 26 extending upwards from the compressor 1.
In the above configuration, in the vicinity of the discharge pipe 26, there is a region in which the top cover 31 is not located. On the discharge pipe 26, liquid such as dew condensation water is not generated, since the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 is discharged through the discharge pipe 26. Therefore, the size of the top cover 31 can be reduced, thus reducing the manufacturing cost.
According to Embodiment 1, the top cover 31 has the second hole portion 38 that surrounds the discharge pipe 26 extending upwards from the compressor 1. Also, the top cover 31 has the second cut portion which is provided between the second hole portion 38 and the outer peripheral side. Furthermore, the top cover 31 has the second slope that is provided by causing the both side portions of the second cut portion to overlap each other.
In the above configuration, even if liquid should be generated on the discharge pipe 26 or move toward the discharge pipe 26, since the top cover 31 covers the discharge pipe 26, the liquid would be guided to the second slope and be exhausted, and thus would not flow into the region located under the top cover 31.
According to Embodiment 1, the second slope is located opposite to the first slope 31a.
In the above configuration, if liquid should be generated on the discharge pipe 26 or be moved toward the discharge pipe 26, the liquid would be guided to the second slope, i.e., it would be guided in an unintended direction, and be exhausted.
According to Embodiment 1, the first slope 31a is a slope that guides liquid received by the top cover 31 toward the drain exhaust passage 13a of the base 13 that is a bottom plate of the casing, on which the compressor 1 is provided.
In the above configuration, even if liquid such as dew condensation water on the refrigerant pipe 25 located above the compressor 1 drops onto the top cover 31, the liquid is guided over the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 toward the drain exhaust passage 13a and is exhausted to the drain exhaust passage 13a.
According to Embodiment 1, the top cover 31 is made of a hydrophobic or water-repellent material.
Therefore, when liquid such dew condensation water on the refrigerant pipe 25 provided above the compressor 1 drops onto the top cover 31, the liquid is guided over the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 without being absorbed by the top cover 31.
According to Embodiment 1, the outdoor unit 10 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1.
In the above configuration, the soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1 includes the top cover 31. Thus, the top cover 31 can be handled as a separate component. Liquid dropping from the upper region located above the compressor 1 is guided by the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 and is then discharged. In such a configuration, the soundproofing cover 30 can be used for different types of compressors 1, and enables liquid dropping onto the cover to be exhausted in an intended direction.
According to Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the outdoor unit 10.
In the above configuration, the outdoor unit 10 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1. The soundproofing cover 30 for the compressor 1 includes the top cover 31. Thus, the top cover 31 can be handled as a separate component. Liquid that drops from the region located above the compressor 1 is guided over the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 and is then exhausted. Thus, the soundproofing cover 30 can be used for different types of compressors 1, and enables liquid dropping from the above region to be exhausted in an intended direction.
<Soundproofing Cover 30 for Compressor 1>
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The top cover 31 includes two layers: an rubber sheet that is exposed to the outside and corresponds to the upper layer 31e, and a felt sheet that corresponds to the lower layer 31f of the top cover 31 and the inner cover 33. The felt sheet corresponding to the lower layer 31f is provided as the lower layer 31f underlying the rubber sheet corresponding to the upper layer 31e. An outer peripheral portion of the rubber sheet corresponding to the upper layer 31e is located outward of an outer peripheral portion of the felt sheet corresponding to the lower layer 31f.
The rubber sheet corresponding to the upper layer 31e serves as a sound insulating portion. The felt sheet corresponding to the lower layer 31f serves as a sound absorbing portion.
As illustrated in
The top cover 31 further has a second hole portion 38 that surrounds a discharge pipe 26 extending upwards from the compressor 1. The top cover 31 has a fourth cut portion 40 provided between the second hole portion 38 and the outer peripheral side. The fourth cut portion 40 is a linear cut.
To attach the top cover 31, the refrigerant pipe 25 is made to pass through the third cut portion 39 such that the first hole portion 34 surrounds the refrigerant pipe 25, and the discharge pipe 26 is made to pass through the fourth cut portion 40 such that the second hole portion 38 surrounds the discharge pipe 26.
<Advantages of Embodiment 2>
According to Embodiment 2, the side cover 32 has the upper ends 32a and 32b located at the different levels. In the top cover 31, the first slope 31a is provided on both the upper ends 32a and 32b of the side cover 32 that are located at the different levels.
In in the above configuration, the top cover 31 can be handled as a separate component independent of the side cover 32. Thereby, attachment and detachment of the top cover 31 can be easily performed, thus improving the workability. Furthermore, it is possible to easily adjust the gradient of the first slope 31a, which guides liquid dropping onto the top cover 31 from the upper region. In addition, the top cover 31 can be easily separated from the other cover when discarded, and is thus environmentally friendly. Also, ordinarily, the top cover 31 is not affected by the change of the size or shape of the compressor 1. Therefore, the top cover 31 can be used for different types of compressors 1, and can thus be used for a given kind of compressor 1 different from the above compressor 1, and a new top cover 31 does not need to be made as a specific one for the other kind of compressor 1. Furthermore, even if liquid such as dew condensation water on the refrigerant pipe 25 provided above the compressor 1 drops onto the top cover 31 from the upper region, the liquid is guided over the first slope 31a of the top cover 31 and is then exhausted. Thus, the above liquid is prevented by the top cover 31 from moistening the compressor 1. It is therefore possible to prevent the compressor 1 from rusting, thereby preventing false detection of a sensor that detects the temperature of a shell on the compressor 1 or occurrence of a failure at the sensor. Furthermore, the top cover 31 can obtain effects of sound insulation or sound absorption as in existing top covers.
According to Embodiment 2, the top cover 31 includes the two layers that are the rubber sheet and the felt sheet. The felt sheet is provided as the lower layer 31f underlying the rubber sheet. The outer peripheral portion of the rubber sheet is located outward of the outer peripheral portion of the felt sheet.
In the above configuration, the rubber sheet serves as the sound insulating portion, and the felt sheet serves as the sound absorbing portion. Although the felt sheet is capable of absorbing moisture, the felt sheet is provided as the lower layer 31f underlying the rubber sheet and does not absorb liquid. Liquid dropping onto the top cover 31 from the above region is guided over the surface of the first slope 31a of the top cover 31, which is a surface of the rubber sheet, and is then exhausted.
According to Embodiment 2, the top cover 31 has the first hole portion 34 that surrounds the refrigerant pipe 25 extending upwards from the compressor 1. The top cover 31 has the third cut portion 39 provided between the first hole portion 34 and the outer peripheral side. The third cut portion 39 is a linear cut.
In the above configuration, when the third cut portion 39 is opened, the first hole portion 34 is shaped capable of surrounding the refrigerant pipe 25 in order that the top cover 31 be attached. The third cut portion 39 is a linear cut. Both side portions of the third cut portion 39 are brought into tight contact with each other. Thereby, liquid guided over the first slope 31a is prevented from flowing into the region located under the top cover 31 through the third cut portion 39.
Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention may be combined, and may be applied to other parts.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2017/030081 | 8/23/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/038845 | 2/28/2019 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6062033 | Choi | May 2000 | A |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2 949 934 | Dec 2015 | EP |
| S61-159773 | Oct 1986 | JP |
| H11-281098 | Oct 1999 | JP |
| 2001-165472 | Jun 2001 | JP |
| 2014-118905 | Jun 2014 | JP |
| 2014118905 | Jun 2014 | JP |
| 2014-173769 | Sep 2014 | JP |
| 2014173769 | Sep 2014 | JP |
| 2015-224824 | Dec 2015 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report of the International Searching Authority dated Nov. 21, 2017 in corresponding International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/030081 (and English translation). |
| Office Action dated Aug. 4, 2020 issued in corresponding JP patent application No. 2019-537473 (and English translation). |
| Chinese Office Action dated Apr. 12, 2021, issued in corresponding Chinese Patent Application No. 201780094039.6 (and English Machine Translation). |
| Extended European Search Report dated Apr. 20, 2020 issued in corresponding EP Patent Application No. 17922219.5. |
| Office Action dated Aug. 26, 2021, issued in corresponding CN Patent Application No. 201780094039.6 (and English Machine Translation). |
| Decision of Rejection dated Jan. 12, 2022 issued in corresponding CN Patent Application No. 201780094039.6 (and English Machine Translation). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210003293 A1 | Jan 2021 | US |
