Patent Application
20140216094
The present invention relates to an outdoor unit including a compressor, and a sound deadening material wound around the compressor.
Conventionally, known are refrigerating equipment such as an air conditioning unit, a refrigerating unit, a freezing unit, and a heat pump water heater which include a refrigerant circuit. An outdoor unit in this kind of refrigerating equipment comprises a compressor for compressing the refrigerant. Noise is generated from this compressor during the operation of the compressor due to the vibration of the internal motor or the like. Thus, conventionally, as soundproof measures, a sound absorbing material, which is made of glass fibers and has superior sound deadening properties, is wound around the compressor used in the outdoor unit.
For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an outdoor unit including a compressor provided to a refrigerant circuit, and a sound absorbing material made of glass fibers wound around the compressor.
When sound comes into contact with a fiber bundle, the vibrational energy of the sound is converted into thermal energy, which is generated mainly as a result of the friction with fibers, due to the vibration of the air layers formed between the fibers, and then absorbed by the fiber bundle. Generally speaking, since the fiber diameter of the glass fibers is small, the air layers formed between the fibers of the fiber bundle made of glass fibers are extremely fine. Thus, since a fiber bundle made of glass fibers is a material that can efficiently absorb acoustic energy; that is, a material having a high sound absorption coefficient and superior sound deadening properties, it is widely used as a sound deadening material.
As described above, while a fiber bundle made of glass fibers has superior sound deadening properties, it is weak to external pressure. Thus, when the sound absorbing material made of glass fibers is wound around the compressor, there is a possibility that the glass fibers will break and the broken fibers will scatter. Moreover, during the operation of the compressor, there is a possibility that the fibers will become crushed as a result of the fibers rubbing against the surface of the vibrating compressor, and the powder thereof will scatter.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-036248
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-293870
An object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit capable of inhibiting the scattering of fibers of the glass fiber sound absorbing material during the winding of the glass fiber sound absorbing material around the compressor and during the operation of the compressor.
The outdoor unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a compressor provided to a refrigerant circuit, and a sound deadening material having sound deadening properties, wherein the sound deadening material includes a first sound absorbing material made of glass fibers, a first scatter prevention member provided so as to cover one principal surface of the first sound absorbing material, and a second scatter prevention member provided so as to cover the other principal surface of the first sound absorbing material, the first scatter prevention member is a sound absorbing material made of fibers having higher fiber strength than the glass fibers, the second scatter prevention member is a sound insulating material. and the first scatter prevention member is wound around the compressor so as to face the compressor.
Moreover, the outdoor unit according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a compressor provided to a refrigerant circuit, and a sound deadening material having sound deadening properties, wherein the sound deadening material includes a first sound absorbing material made of glass fibers, a first scatter prevention member provided so as to cover one principal surface of the first sound absorbing material, and a second scatter prevention member provided so as to cover another principal surface of the first sound absorbing material, the first scatter prevention member and the second scatter prevention member are both sound absorbing materials having higher fiber strength than the glass fibers and are each made of fibers of the same material, and the first scatter prevention member or the second scatter prevention member is wound around the compressor so as to face the compressor.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are now explained with reference to the appended drawings.
As shown in
The compressor 1 is used for compressing the refrigerant that was sucked in from the upstream side in the refrigerant circuit to obtain a high temperature, high pressure refrigerant, and discharging the obtained refrigerant to the downstream side in the refrigerant circuit. The compressor 1 internally houses a motor, a compressing mechanism and the like within an elongated cylindrical pressure vessel. The compressor 1 is installed on a base plate frame of a casing which configures the outdoor unit.
The accumulator 2 is provided on the refrigerant suction side; that is, the low pressure side, of the compressor 1 in the refrigerant circuit, and is used for isolating the liquid from the refrigerant prior to being introduced to the compressor 1, and internally storing the isolated liquid. The accumulator 2 is configured from an elongated cylindrical airtight container, and is fixed to the compressor I with a metal bracket 3. In other words, the bracket 3 is fixed to the lateral face part of the airtight container, and the accumulator 2 is fixed to the compressor 1 as a result of the bracket 3 being mounted at a position of an intermediate height on the lateral face side of the pressure vessel of the compressor 1.
As shown in
The first sound absorbing material 11 is a sound absorbing material made of glass fibers, and takes on a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. In this embodiment, ultrafine glass fibers having an average fiber diameter of 0.4 to 3.5 μm are used. With these ultrafine glass fibers, the air layers between the fibers are finer in comparison to standard glass wools having an average fiber diameter of 7 μm. Thus, these ultrafine glass fibers yield sound absorbency that is superior to standard glass wools.
The first scatter prevention member 12 is used for preventing the scattering of glass fibers from the one principal surface 11a of the first sound absorbing material 11, and is provided so as to cover the one principal surface 11a of the first sound absorbing material 11. Used as the first scatter prevention member 12 is a sound absorbing material made of fibers having higher fiber strength than the glass fibers of the first sound absorbing material 11. As this kind of sound absorbing material, used may be felt, rock wool sound absorbing material, polyester fiber sound absorbing material, aluminum fiber sintered sound absorbing material and so on, but felt is used in this embodiment. The term “fiber strength” as used herein particularly refers to the index of the bursting strength of the fibers. The bursting strength is the resistive strength when the fibers break through the knitted fabric, and in experiments, it is the strength of a pressurized rubber film breaking through the fiber test piece. When external force such as stretching, compressing, bending or twisting works on a brittle material such as glass fibers, the fibers tend to scatter as a result of the fibers becoming ruptured. The degree of such fiber scattering is substituted with the bursting strength of fibers.
The second scatter prevention member 13 is configured the same as the first scatter prevention member 12 excluding the point that it is provided to the other principal surface 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11. Thus, the explanation of this second scatter prevention member 13 is omitted.
As explained above, with the sound deadening material 10 used in the outdoor unit of this embodiment, both principal surfaces 11a, 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11 made of glass fibers are covered by the scatter prevention members 12, 13 for preventing the scattering of glass fibers. Thus, according to this sound deadening material 10, it is possible to inhibit the scattering of glass fibers during the winding of the sound deadening material 10 around the compressor 1 and during the operation of the compressor 1 with the sound deadening material 10 wrapped therearound. In addition, since the scatter prevention members 12, 13 are both sound absorbing materials, the sound deadening properties of the sound deadening material 10 can be improved.
Here, as described above, the sound absorbing material made of glass fibers is characterized in having high sound absorbency since it comprises fine air layers between the fibers. Since the air layers are fine, moisture can be easily retained in the air layers. Thus, the sound absorbing material made of glass fibers is characterized in having high water absorbability. In addition, since moisture that is once retained in the air layers between the fiber is not easily discharged, the sound absorbing material made of glass fibers is also characterized in having high water retentivity. Accordingly, when the glass fiber sound absorbing material is in contact with the compressor surface as shown in Patent Document 1 and the like, moisture may become accumulated on the compressor surface as a result of such moisture being retained between the glass fibers, and this may result in the corrosion of the compressor surface.
Meanwhile, with the sound deadening material 10 of this embodiment, the one principal surface 11a of the first sound absorbing material 11 on the side of the compressor 1, in a state of being wound around the compressor 1, is covered with felt which has a lower water absorption rate than the glass fibers of the first sound absorbing material 11. Thus, even if the sound deadening material 10 comes into contact with the surface of the compressor 1, it is possible to prevent the corrosion of surface of the compressor 1.
As shown in
As described above, with this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment in which both principal surfaces 11a, 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11 are covered by the scatter prevention members 12, 13, the lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11 is covered by the lower surface covering member 12c. Thus, it is possible to prevent the scattering of glass fibers and sound leakage from the lower surface 11c. In addition, since the first scatter prevention member 12, the second scatter prevention member 13 and the lower surface covering member 12c are formed integrally, the sound deadening material 10 can be manufactured easily and the productivity can be improved.
Moreover, since the both end faces 11d of the first sound absorbing material 11 are covered by the both end face covering members 12d, it is possible to prevent the scattering of glass fibers and sound leakage from the both end faces 11d. In addition, since the first scatter prevention member 12, the second scatter prevention member 13 and the both end face covering members 12d are formed integrally, the sound deadening material 10 can be manufactured easily and the productivity can be improved.
Incidentally, a heat exchanger, an accumulator 2 and the like are disposed within a casing of the outdoor unit, and there are cases where the condensed water generated on the surfaces thereof flows downward and accumulates on the base plate frame. Then, as described above, since the sound absorbing material made of glass fibers has high water absorbability and water retentivity, when the water accumulated on the base plate frame reaches the lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11 made of glass fibers, the water is absorbed by the first sound absorbing material 11 and retained in the first sound absorbing material 11. Consequently, the first sound absorbing material 11 can no longer absorb acoustic energy since the air layers thereof will be filled with moisture, and the sound absorbenecy of the first sound absorbing material 11 will deteriorate.
Meanwhile, with the sound deadening material 10 of this embodiment, the lower part of the first sound absorbing material 11; that is, the lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11 and a portion of a predetermined size from the lower surface 11c of the both end faces 11d of the first sound absorbing material 11 are covered by felt, which has a lower water absorption rate than glass fibers. Thus, according to this sound deadening material 10, it is possible to inhibit the absorption of water from the lower part of the first sound absorbing material 11 in a state of being wound around the compressor 1.
Note that, in this second embodiment, while a configuration of covering the entire surface of the first sound absorbing material 11 with the pouched scatter prevention member 12a made of felt was explained, as shown in
In the third embodiment also, only the portions that differ from the first embodiment will be explained, and the explanation of configurations, operations and effects that are the same as the first embodiment is omitted.
In this embodiment, a sound insulating material is used as the second scatter prevention member 13. Note that a rubber member is used as the sound insulating material in this embodiment.
As described above, in this embodiment, the first scatter prevention member 12 is a sound absorbing material made of fibers having higher fiber strength than glass fibers, the second scatter prevention member 13 is a sound insulating material, and the first scatter prevention member 12 is wound around the compressor 1 so as to face the compressor 1. Thus, among the noises generated from the compressor 1, the sound that passed through the first scatter prevention member 12 and the first sound absorbing material 11 is reflected off the second scatter prevention member 13 and is once again returned toward the first sound absorbing material 11 and the first scatter prevention member 12, and absorbed by the first sound absorbing material 11 and the first scatter prevention member 12. Thus, according to the sound deadening material 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the sound deadening performance.
In addition, with this embodiment, since the outer periphery of the sound deadening material 10 is rubber, the impact from the contact of the compressor 1 and other members caused by the vibration, for example, during the transport of the outdoor unit is absorbed by the rubber, and damage to the compressor 1 is thereby prevented.
Moreover, in this third embodiment also, as with the second embodiment described above, it is possible to provide the lower surface covering member 12c for covering the lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11, the both end face covering members 12d for covering the both end faces 11d, and the upper surface covering member 12e for covering the upper surface 11e. In addition, the first scatter prevention member 12, the second scatter prevention member 13, the lower surface covering member 12c, the both end face covering members 12d and the upper surface covering member 12e may be formed integrally based on suitable combinations.
Note that the embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative in all respects, and should not be considered as being restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, and not based on the explanation of the foregoing embodiments, and all modifications within the equal meaning and scope as the scope of claims are covered by the present invention.
For example, in each of the foregoing embodiments, explained was a case of where a sound absorbing material or a sound insulating material made of fibers having higher fiber strength than glass fibers is used as the respective scatter prevention members 12, 13 that cover both principal surfaces 11a, 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11. These scatter prevention members will suffice so as long as they can prevent the scattering of glass fibers. Thus, the one or both members for covering both principal surfaces 11a, 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11 are not limited to a sound absorbing material or a sound insulating material made of fibers, and a flame-retardant thermal insulating material or the like may also be used.
Moreover, in the foregoing embodiments, while explained was a case of winding the sound deadening material 10 around the periphery of the compressor 1 and the accumulator 2 so as to collectively encircle the compressor 1 and the accumulator 2, the configuration may also be such that only the compressor 1 is wound by the sound deadening material 10.
Moreover, in the foregoing embodiments, while explained was a case of winding the sound deadening material 10 so that the second scatter prevention member 13 on one end and the first scatter prevention member 12 on the other end of the sound deadening material 10 overlap on the side of the compressor 1, the sound deadening material 10 may also be wound so that the overlap occurs on the side of the accumulator 2.
Moreover, in the foregoing embodiments, while explained was a case of winding the sound deadening material 10 so that both end parts in the longitudinal direction thereof overlap, the sound deadening material 10 may also be wound such that the end faces of both end parts in the longitudinal direction thereof are mutually connected.
Moreover, the fixing member is not limited to the culture rivet 14 and string, and also used may be a hook-and-loop fastener provided at a position capable of maintaining the wound state of the sound deadening material 10, or a band or the like which sandwiches the overall sound deadening material 10 from the outer periphery of the sound deadening material 10 wound around the compressor 1.
The respective embodiments are summarized below.
(1) The outdoor unit of the foregoing embodiment comprises a compressor 1 provided to a refrigerant circuit, and a sound deadening material 10 having sound deadening properties. The sound deadening material 10 includes a first sound absorbing material 11 made of glass fibers, a first scatter prevention member 12 provided so as to cover one principal surface 11a of the first sound absorbing material 11, and a second scatter prevention member 13 provided so as to cover the other principal surface 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11. The first scatter prevention member 12 and the second scatter prevention member 13 are both sound absorbing materials having higher fiber strength than the glass fibers and are each made of fibers of the same material. The first scatter prevention member 12 or the second scatter prevention member 13 is wound around the compressor 1 so as to face the compressor 1.
The sound deadening material 10 used in the outdoor unit of this embodiment is covered with the scatter prevention members 12, 13 in which both principal surfaces 11a, 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11 made of glass fibers prevent the scattering of glass fibers. Thus, according to this sound deadening material 10, it is possible to inhibit the scattering of glass fibers during the winding of the sound deadening material 10 around the compressor 1 and during the operation of the compressor 1 with the sound deadening material 10 wrapped therearound. In addition, since the scatter prevention members 12, 13 are both sound absorbing materials, the sound deadening properties of the sound deadening material 10 can be improved.
(2) The sound deadening material 10 additionally includes a lower surface covering member 12c which is a member made of the same material as the first scatter prevention member 12 and the second scatter prevention member 13 and covers a lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11.
According to the sound deadening material 10 used in the outdoor unit of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the scattering of glass fibers and sound leakage from the lower surface 11c of the first sound absorbing material 11.
(3) In addition, since the first scatter prevention member 12, the second scatter prevention member 13 and the lower surface covering member 12c are formed integrally, the sound deadening material 10 can be manufactured easily and the productivity can be improved.
(4) Moreover, the sound deadening material 10 additionally includes both end face covering members 12d which are members made of the same material as the first scatter prevention member 12 and the second scatter prevention member 13 and cover both end faces 11d of the first sound absorbing material 11.
Thus, it is possible to prevent the scattering of glass fibers and sound leakage from the both end faces 11d of the first sound absorbing material 11.
(5) In addition, since the first scatter prevention member 12, the second scatter prevention member 13 and the both end face covering members 12d are formed integrally, the sound deadening material 10 can be manufactured easily and the productivity can be improved.
(6) The outdoor unit of the foregoing embodiment comprises a compressor 1 provided to a refrigerant circuit, and a sound deadening material 10 having sound deadening properties. The sound deadening material 10 includes a first sound absorbing material 11 made of glass fibers, a first scatter prevention member 12 provided so as to cover one principal surface 11a of the first sound absorbing material 11, and a second scatter prevention member 13 provided so as to cover the other principal surface 11b of the first sound absorbing material 11. The first scatter prevention member 12 is a sound absorbing material made of fibers having higher fiber strength than the glass fibers. The second scatter prevention member 13 is a sound insulating material. The first scatter prevention member 12 is wound around the compressor 1 so as to face the compressor 1.
Thus, among the noises generated from the compressor 1, the sound that passed through the first scatter prevention member 12 and the first sound absorbing material 11 is reflected off the second scatter prevention member 13 and is once again returned toward the first sound absorbing material 11 and the first scatter prevention member 12, and absorbed by the first sound absorbing material 11 and the first scatter prevention member 12. Thus, according to the sound deadening material 10 used in the outdoor unit of this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the sound deadening performance.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-191510 | Sep 2011 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2012/004807 | 7/27/2012 | WO | 00 | 2/28/2014 |
