U.S. patent application number 14/364617 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-09 for heater and an outdoor unit including the same for a refrigerator.
The applicant listed for this patent is DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Mikio Kagawa, Bin Luo, Tadashi Sao.
Application Number | 20140298844 14/364617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48612187 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140298844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luo; Bin ; et al. |
October 9, 2014 |
HEATER AND AN OUTDOOR UNIT INCLUDING THE SAME FOR A
REFRIGERATOR
Abstract
An outdoor unit includes a casing including four side surfaces.
The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in the
casing, including four heat exchange surfaces corresponding to the
side surfaces of the casing, and including an opening disposed on
side surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger. A heater is in a shape
of a rectangular frame along a lower end portion of the outdoor
heat exchanger, and avoids freeze of drain water on the outdoor
heat exchanger. The heater includes hinges allowing the heater to
fold longitudinally.
Inventors: |
Luo; Bin; (Sakai-shi,
JP) ; Sao; Tadashi; (Chonburri, TH) ; Kagawa;
Mikio; (Sakai-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
48612187 |
Appl. No.: |
14/364617 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 12, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/007949 |
371 Date: |
June 11, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/34 20130101;
F24F 11/42 20180101; F24F 1/18 20130101; F24F 1/36 20130101; F24F
1/46 20130101; F24F 1/22 20130101; F24F 1/50 20130101; F24F
2013/221 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/275 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/22 20060101
F24F001/22; F24F 1/36 20060101 F24F001/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2011 |
JP |
2011-271295 |
Claims
1. A heater for avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat
exchanger of an outdoor unit for a refrigerator, wherein the
outdoor unit includes a casing including four side surfaces and the
outdoor heat exchanger disposed in the casing, including four heat
exchange surfaces corresponding to the side surfaces of the casing,
and including an opening disposed on side surfaces of the outdoor
heat exchanger, the heater is in a shape of a rectangular frame
along a lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the
heater includes hinges allowing the heater to fold
longitudinally.
2. The heater of claim 1, comprising: a first heating portion and a
second heating portion that are aligned longitudinally, wherein the
hinges are wirings connecting the first heating portion with the
second heating portion.
3. The heater of claim 2, wherein the first heating portion
includes a body and end portions, the second heating portion
includes a body and end portions, the bodies extend along a bottom
board of the casing, the end portions are bent upward from the
bodies, and the end portions are connected with the wirings.
4. An outdoor unit for a refrigerator, comprising: the heater of
claim 1.
5. The outdoor unit for the refrigerator of claim 4, comprising: at
least one compressor disposed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger.
6. An outdoor unit for a refrigerator, comprising: the heater of
claim 2.
7. The outdoor unit for the refrigerator of claim 6, comprising: at
least one compressor disposed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger.
8. An outdoor unit for a refrigerator, comprising: the heater of
claim 3.
9. The outdoor unit for the refrigerator of claim 8, comprising: at
least one compressor disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heater for avoiding
freeze of drain water, and an outdoor unit including the heater for
a refrigerator.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A typical outdoor unit for a refrigerator includes a heater
for avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat exchanger.
See, e.g., PATENT DOCUMENT 1. PATENT DOCUMENT 1 discloses a heater
that is disposed on an outdoor unit base and below an outdoor heat
exchanger. This heater, in plan view, is in the shape of an
L-shaped frame along an L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger. This
configuration allows the drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger
to drop on the outdoor unit base and to be heated by the heater.
This drain water is drained without freeze from a drain outlet
disposed on the outdoor unit base.
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2004-69220
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] Some outdoor heat exchangers include four heat exchange
surfaces corresponding to four side surfaces of a casing to enlarge
the heat exchange area. This outdoor heat exchanger is hereinafter
referred to as a "four-surface heat exchanger." An outdoor unit
with the four-surface heat exchanger includes a heater that is in
the shape of a rectangular frame along the four-surface heat
exchanger to avoid freeze of drain water on the four-surface heat
exchanger. Installation of this heater shaped along the
four-surface heat exchanger is complicated. For example, the heater
might be stuck on the four-surface heat exchanger when retrofitted
or installed for maintenance.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a heater
that is easily installed in an outdoor unit for a refrigerator.
Solution to the Problem
[0006] The first aspect of the invention provides a heater for
avoiding freeze of drain water on an outdoor heat exchanger (30) of
an outdoor unit (10) for a refrigerator. The outdoor unit (10)
includes a casing (20) including four side surfaces (4). The
outdoor unit (10) also includes the outdoor heat exchanger (30)
disposed in the casing (20), including four heat exchange surfaces
(30a) corresponding to the side surfaces (4) of the casing (20),
and including an opening (3a) disposed on side surfaces of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). The heater is in a shape of a
rectangular frame along a lower end portion of the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). The heater includes hinges (70) allowing the heater
to fold longitudinally.
[0007] The heater (75) of the first aspect of the invention is for
the outdoor unit (10) of the refrigerator. The heater (75) is in
the shape of a rectangular frame along the lower end portion of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). The outdoor heat exchanger (30)
includes the four heat exchange surfaces (30a). The outdoor heat
exchanger (30) includes the opening (3a) disposed on the side
surfaces of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). This heater (75)
includes the hinges (70) allowing the heater (75) to fold
longitudinally. In other words, the hinges (70) fold so that the
heater (75) folds longitudinally. The heater (75) that is folded is
placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening
(3a) on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Then,
the heater (75) is attached along the lower end portion of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30).
[0008] The second aspect of the invention provides the heater (75),
of the first aspect of the invention, including a first heating
portion (76) and a second heating portion (77) that are aligned
longitudinally. The hinges (70) are wirings (78, 79) connecting the
first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77).
[0009] The heater (75) of the second aspect of the invention
includes the first heating portion (76) and the second heating
portion (77) that are aligned longitudinally. The hinges (70) are
the wirings (78, 79) connecting the two heating portions (76, 77).
The wirings (78, 79) are able to fold. In other words, the wirings
(78, 79) fold so that the heater (75) folds longitudinally.
[0010] The third aspect of the invention provides the heater (75)
of the second aspect of the invention. The first heating portion
(76) of the second aspect of the invention includes a body (76a)
and end portions (76b). The second heating portion (77) includes a
body (77a) and end portions (77b). The bodies (76a, 77a) extend
along a bottom board (22) of the casing (20). The end portions
(76b, 77b) are bent upward from the bodies (76a, 77a). The end
portions (76b, 77b) are connected with the wirings (78, 79).
[0011] The first heating portion (76) of the third aspect of the
invention includes a body (76a) and end portions (76b). The second
heating portion (77) includes a body (77a) and end portions (77b).
The bodies (76a, 77a) extend along a bottom board (22) of the
casing (20). The end portions (76b, 77b) are bent upward from the
bodies (76a, 77a). The end portions (76b, 77b) are connected with
the wirings (78, 79) serving as the hinges (70). When the bodies
(76a, 77a) of the heating portions (76, 77) are disposed on the
bottom board (22) of the casing (20) of the outdoor unit (10), the
end portions (76b, 77b) connected with the wirings (78, 79) extend
upward from the bottom board (22). In other words, the wirings (78,
79) connecting the heating portions (76, 77) are not in contact
with the bottom board (22), of the casing (20), receiving the drain
water. This configuration prevents the wirings (78, 79) connecting
the heating portions (76, 77) from being in contact with the drain
water.
[0012] The fourth aspect of the invention provides the outdoor
unit, for the refrigerator, including the heater (75) of any one of
the first to third aspects of the invention.
[0013] The heater (75), of the fourth aspect of the invention, that
is folded longitudinally is placed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) on the side surface of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30) including the four heat exchange
surfaces (30a). Then, the heater (75) is expanded inside the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). Then, the heater (75) is attached on
the outdoor unit (10) along the lower end portion of the outdoor
heat exchanger (30).
[0014] The fifth aspect of the invention provides the outdoor unit,
of the fourth aspect of the invention, including compressors (5a,
5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
[0015] The heater (75), of the fifth aspect of the invention, that
is folded longitudinally is placed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) on the side surface of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30) including the four heat exchange
surfaces (30a). During this time, the heater (75) is not in contact
with the compressors (5a, 5b). Then, the heater (75) is expanded
inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) that accommodates the
compressors (5a, 5b). Then, the heater (75) is attached on the
outdoor unit (10) along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat
exchanger (30).
Advantages of the Invention
[0016] In the first aspect of the invention, the heater (75) is in
the shape of a rectangular frame and includes the hinges (70) that
allow the heater (75) to fold longitudinally. This configuration
allows, for installation in the outdoor unit (10) of the
refrigerator, the heater (75) folded longitudinally to be placed
inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a)
disposed on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
That is, if the opening (3a) on the side surface of the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) is narrow, the heater (75) is still easily
placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30) without being stuck
on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The folded heater (75) is also
expanded after placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Thus,
the heater (75) is easily installed along the lower end portion of
the outdoor heat exchanger (30) without being stuck on the outdoor
heat exchanger (30). This heater for the outdoor unit of the
refrigerator is useful for easy installation.
[0017] In the second aspect of the invention, the simple
configuration allows the heater (75) to fold longitudinally.
[0018] In the third aspect of the invention, the heater (75)
includes the heating portions (76, 77). These heating portions (76,
77) include the end portions (76b, 77b) connected with the wirings
(78, 79) serving as the hinges (70). These end portions (76b, 77b)
are bent upward from the bodies (76a, 77a) extending along the
bottom board (22) of the casing (20). This configuration prevents
the wirings (78, 79) connecting the heating portions (76, 77) from
being in contact with the drain water when the heater (75) is
attached on the bottom board (22) of the outdoor unit (10).
[0019] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the heater (75) is
able to fold longitudinally. Thus, the heater (75) is placed inside
the outdoor heat exchanger (30) and installed in the outdoor unit
(10) without being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger (30)
including the four heat exchange surfaces (30a).
[0020] In the fifth aspect of the invention, the outdoor unit
includes the compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). The heater (75) to be installed in this outdoor
unit might be stuck on not only the outdoor heat exchanger (30) but
also on the compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). Thus, the installation is more complicated.
However, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater (75) that
is able to fold longitudinally is installed in the outdoor unit.
Thus, the folded heater (75) is placed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) on the side surface of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). Thus, the heater (75) is easily
installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger
(30) without contact with the compressors (5a, 5b).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance and shape
of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner of a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing an internal
structure of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the internal
structure of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing, in particular, a
bottom frame and a heater of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a heater
configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail below with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment of the Invention
[0028] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an outdoor unit (10) of the first
embodiment. The outdoor unit (10) is connected with an indoor unit
(not shown) to operate vapor-compression refrigeration cycles. The
outdoor unit (10) is used for an air conditioner serving as a
refrigerator.
[0029] The outdoor unit (10) is installed on, e.g., a rooftop of a
building. The outdoor unit (10) includes a casing (20), an outdoor
heat exchanger (30), outdoor fans (40), and a compression system
(50).
[0030] The casing (20) is rectangular in plan view. The casing (20)
includes four poles (21), a bottom frame (22), side panels (23),
and a flat top board (24). The bottom frame (22) serves as a bottom
board. That is, the casing (20) includes four side surfaces (4)
between the top board (24) and the bottom frame (22). See FIG.
4.
[0031] The four poles (21) are disposed in four corners. The four
poles (21) each includes a lower part fixed to the bottom frame
(22). The left and right poles (21, 21) disposed on a front side of
the casing (20) each includes a lower end connected with a
foundation leg (27). The left and right poles (21) disposed on a
back side of the casing (20) each also includes a lower end
connected with another foundation leg (27). The foundation legs
(27) each protrudes downward from the bottom frame (22). These
foundation legs (27) might be installed on four corners of a flat
top board (24) of another casing (20), or upper ends of poles (21)
of the another casing (20). These foundation legs (27) allow the
plurality of outdoor units (10) to be stacked vertically. This
configuration also secures a certain clearance between the flat top
board (24) and the bottom frame (22).
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates the side panels (23) that include upper
side panels (23a), a front side panel (23b), and a lateral side
panel (23c). The upper side panels (23a) serve as four upper side
surfaces of the casing (20). The front side panel (23b) serves as a
lower left portion of a front surface of the casing (20). The
lateral side panel (23c) serves as a lower front portion of a left
lateral side surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes
an inlet (25) that is disposed on a lower right portion of the
front surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet
(25) that is disposed on a lower portion of a right lateral side
surface of the casing (20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25)
that is disposed on a lower portion of a back surface of the casing
(20). The casing (20) includes an inlet (25) that is disposed on a
lower back portion of the left lateral side surface of the casing
(20).
[0033] The four upper side panels (23a) are attached on the poles
(21), and surround the outdoor fans (40). The upper side panels
(23a) form an upper space (2b), which accommodates the two outdoor
fans (40). See FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0034] The top board (24) is also fixed to the upper ends of the
poles (21). The top board (24) includes two air outlets (26)
positioned above the two outdoor fans (40). The air outlet (26) is
rectangular in plan view. The air outlet (26) is covered with a
mesh grill (24a) that is rectangular. Specifically, the top board
(24) includes installation surfaces for the grills (24a). The
installation surface is recessed and positioned below an upper end
surface of the top board (24). This configuration prevents the
grill (24a) and screws that fasten the grill (24a) to the top board
(24) from being positioned above the upper end surface of the top
board (24).
[0035] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the outdoor heat exchanger (30) that is
a fin and tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (30)
exchanges heat between outdoor air and a refrigerant. Specifically,
the outdoor heat exchanger (30) includes a plurality of heat
transfer tubes that are arranged vertically and pass through plate
fins. The heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger (30)
are bent at a right angle in three points along the four side
surfaces (4) of the casing (20). In other words, the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) is a bent heat exchanger (a rectangular shell heat
exchanger) that stands vertically and includes four heat exchange
surfaces (30a) corresponding to the four side surfaces (4) of the
casing (20). See FIG. 4.
[0036] A machine room (8) accommodating machines such as the
compression system (50), an oil separator (51), an accumulator
(52), etc. is provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The
compression system (50), the oil separator (51), and the
accumulator (52) are also attached on the bottom frame (22). The
compression system (50) includes two compressors (5a, 5b).
[0037] Two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) sandwich one of the four poles (21). This one
of the four poles (21) is the pole (21a) disposed in the left front
corner. The two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) include
openings (3a, 3a). See FIGS. 2 and 4. The two openings (3a, 3a)
serve as maintenance openings for the machines in the casing (20).
Ends of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) each serves the opening
(3a). A tube plate (31) is provided on each of the ends of the
outdoor heat exchanger (30) in order to fix the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) to the casing (20).
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the casing (20) including the front side
panel (23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) each corresponding to
the opening (3a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The front side
panel (23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) serve as lower side
panels in a lower portion of the casing (20). The front side panel
(23b) and the lateral side panel (23c) are installed on the pole
(21a) to freely open or close the openings (3a, 3a).
[0039] The outdoor heat exchanger (30) includes the opening (3a) on
the front side of the casing (20). This front side serves as a
service surface. The front side also serves an opening surface
where the front side panel (23b) is detached. The opening (3a) that
is opened by detaching the front side panel (23b) serves as a
service opening through which a heater (75) to be installed passes.
The heater (75) will be described later.
[0040] The casing (20) also includes horizontal stays (20a, 20b,
20c, 20d) on the four surfaces of the casing (20). The stays (20a,
20b, 20c, 20d) are positioned between a lower space (2a)
accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger (30) and the upper space
(2b) accommodating the outdoor fan (40).
[0041] The two outdoor fans (40) each includes a rotating member
(41), a fan motor (not shown), and a bell mouth (43). The outdoor
fans (40) are mounted on the stays (20a, 20c).
[0042] The casing (20) also accommodates an electrical equipment
unit (60) that accommodates electrical equipment for controlling
the compression system (50) etc. The electrical equipment unit (60)
is disposed above the front surface of the outdoor heat exchanger
(30) and near an upper end of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The
electrical equipment unit (60) is also disposed between the upper
side panel (23a) and the bell mouth (43) of the outdoor fan
(40).
[0043] The bottom frame (22) includes a compressor cover that
covers the compression system (50). This compressor cover serves as
a soundproof box for reducing noises produced by vibrations of the
compression system (50).
[0044] The bottom frame (22) also includes a plurality of drain
passages (71) (five drain passages in this embodiment) for
discharging drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). See
FIG. 4. The drain passages (71) are disposed below the outdoor heat
exchanger (30).
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates the drain passage (71) that is a recessed
channel on the bottom frame (22). The recessed channel includes a
bottom (71a) and slopes (71b). The bottom (71a) extends along the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). The slopes (71b) are disposed on both
sides of the bottom (71a), and extend along the bottom (71a). The
bottom (71a) of the drain passage (71) includes a plurality of
drain holes (72). The drain passage (71) includes a plurality of
platforms (73) that the outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on.
[0046] The platform (73) is a raised portion on the drain passage
(71). The raised portion includes a stage (73a) and a side (73b).
The stage (73a) is flat. The outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on
the stage (73a). The side (73b) is tapered from the drain passage
(71) to the stage (73a). The stage (73a) of the platform (73)
includes a plurality of drain holes (74).
[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger (30) stands on the stage (73a) of
the platform (73). Screws, for example, engage the tube plates (31)
provided on both ends of this outdoor heat exchanger (30) with the
casing (20) including the bottom frame (22) so that the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) is fixed to the casing (20).
[0048] FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate that the outdoor unit (10)
includes the heater (75) for heating drain water on the drain
passage (71) to avoid freeze of it. The heater (75) is in the shape
of a rectangular frame along lower end portions of the four heat
exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
[0049] Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates that the heater (75) is
sandwiched between the inside slope (71b) of the drain passage (71)
and an inside portion of the tapered side (73b) of the platform
(73). FIG. 6 also illustrates that the heater (75) includes two
heating portions: a first heating portion (76) and a second heating
portion (77). In other words, the heater (75) has a split structure
consisting of the two heating portions.
[0050] The first heating portion (76) is L-shaped along two of the
four heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger
(30). One of the two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a
left side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The other one
of the two of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a back
surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). On the other hand, the
second heating portion (77) is U-shaped along three of the four
heat exchange surfaces (30a) of the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
The first one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a)
is the back surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The second
one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a
right side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The third
one of the three of the four heat exchange surfaces (30a) is a
front surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
[0051] The first heating portion (76) includes a body (76a) and end
portions (76b). The body (76a) is L-shaped. The end portions (76b)
are continuous with the body (76a). The end portions (76b) are bent
upward from a plane on which the body (76a) extends. On the other
hand, the second heating portion (77) includes a body (77a) and end
portions (77b). The body (77a) is U-shaped. The end portions (77b)
are continuous with the body (77a). The end portions (77b) are bent
upward from a plane on which the body (77a) extends. One of the end
portions (76b) of the first heating portion (76) is connected with
one of the end portions (77b) of the second heating portion (77)
through a connection wiring (78). The other end portion (76b) of
the first heating portion (76) is connected with a power connector
(80) through a lead wire (79). The other end portion (77b) of the
second heating portion (77) is connected with the power connector
(80) through another lead wire (79).
[0052] As described above, the first heating portion (76) is
connected with the second heating portion (77) through the wirings
(78, 79) so that the heater (75) is in the shape of a rectangular
frame. The first heating portion (76) is connected with the second
heating portion (77) through the wirings (78, 79) so that the first
heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) are
aligned longitudinally. This configuration allows the heater (75)
to fold longitudinally. In other words, the wirings (78, 79) fold
as hinges (70). The hinges (70) fold so that the heater (75) itself
folds in two longitudinally.
[0053] Operation
[0054] During operation of the outdoor unit (10) of the air
conditioner, the compression system (50) operates to circulate a
refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit between the outdoor unit (10)
and an indoor unit (not shown) and create a refrigeration cycle.
The outdoor fans (40) rotate in the casing (20) of the outdoor unit
(10) to allow the outdoor air to enter the casing (20) through the
four inlets (25) disposed in the lower portion of the casing (20).
Then, the outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger
(30). This outdoor air exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the
outdoor heat exchanger (30). During heating operation, the outdoor
air dissipates heat to the refrigerant in the outdoor heat
exchanger (30) serving as an evaporator. Thus, the outdoor air is
cooled. During cooling operation, the outdoor air absorbs heat from
the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (30) serving as a
condenser. Thus, the outdoor air is heated. Then, the outdoor air
passes through the outdoor fans (40), moves upward, and flows out
from the air outlets (26).
[0055] Drainage
[0056] During heating operation of the air conditioner, the heater
(75) in the outdoor unit (10) is energized to avoid freeze of the
drain water on the outdoor heat exchanger (30). The drain water on
the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is dropped downward and received by
the drain passages (71) on the bottom frame (22). The drain water
flows into the drain passages (71) partly through the drain holes
(74) of the platform (73) that the outdoor heat exchanger (30)
stands on. During this time, the energized heater (75) heats the
drain water in the drain passages (71) to avoid freeze. Then, the
drain water flows from the drain passage (71) to the outside of the
casing (20) thorough the drain holes (72).
[0057] During heating operation, the heater (75) of this embodiment
is energized. Alternatively, the heater (75) may be energized in
another operation mode when the outdoor temperature is less than or
equal to a predetermined temperature. The heater (75) may also be
energized in all the operations.
[0058] Heater Installation
[0059] The following description is the installation of the heater
(75) in the casing (20) for retrofitting or maintenance without
detachment of the other components.
[0060] First, detach the front side panel (23b) that blocks the
opening (3a) of the casing (20). Then, fold the wirings (78, 79) to
fold the heater (75) in two longitudinally. Then, place the heater
(75) into the outdoor heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a)
of the casing (20). Then, expand the heater (75) folded in two
inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Then, put the heater (75)
along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
Then, attach the heater (75) with an attaching plate (not
shown).
Advantages of First Embodiment
[0061] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) is in the shape of
a rectangular frame and includes the hinges (70) that allow the
heater (75) to fold longitudinally. This configuration allows, for
installation in the outdoor unit (10) of the refrigerator, the
heater (75) folded longitudinally to be placed inside the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) through the opening (3a) disposed on the side
surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30). That is, if the opening
(3a) on the side surface of the outdoor heat exchanger (30) is
narrow, the heater (75) is still easily placed inside the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) without being stuck on the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). The folded heater (75) is also expanded after
placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger (30). Thus, the heater
(75) is easily installed along the lower end portion of the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) without being stuck on the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). This heater for the outdoor unit of the
refrigerator is useful for easy installation.
[0062] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) also includes the
first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) that
are aligned longitudinally. The wirings (78, 79) connecting the
first heating portion (76) and the second heating portion (77) also
serve as the hinges (70). This simple configuration allows the
heater (75) to fold longitudinally.
[0063] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) includes the
heating portions (76, 77). These heating portions (76, 77) include
the end portions (76b, 77b) connected with the wirings (78, 79)
serving as the hinges (70). These end portions (76b, 77b) are bent
upward from the bodies (76a, 77a) disposed along the bottom frame
(22) of the casing (20). This configuration prevents the wirings
(78, 79) connecting the heating portions (76, 77) from being in
contact with the drain water when the heater (75) is attached on
the bottom frame (22) of the outdoor unit (10).
[0064] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) is able to fold
longitudinally. Thus, the heater (75) is placed inside the outdoor
heat exchanger (30) and installed in the outdoor unit (10) without
being stuck on the outdoor heat exchanger (30) including the four
heat exchange surfaces (30a).
[0065] The outdoor unit (10) of the first embodiment includes the
compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat exchanger
(30). The heater (75) to be installed in this outdoor unit (10)
might be stuck on not only the outdoor heat exchanger (30) but also
on the compressors (5a, 5b) disposed inside the outdoor heat
exchanger (30). Thus, the installation is more complicated.
However, in the first embodiment, the heater (75) that is able to
fold longitudinally is installed in the outdoor unit (10). Thus,
the folded heater (75) is placed inside the outdoor heat exchanger
(30) through the opening (3a) on the side surface of the outdoor
heat exchanger (30). Thus, the heater (75) is easily installed
along the lower end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (30)
without contact with the compressors (5a, 5b).
Another Embodiment
[0066] The following is an alternative embodiment.
[0067] In the first embodiment, the heater (75) includes the two
heating portions (76, 77) connected with each other by the wirings
(78, 79). The heater (75) is able to fold in two longitudinally.
Alternatively, the heater (75) may be able to fold in three or
four.
[0068] The layout etc. of the refrigerant circuit equipment in the
embodiments is only an example, and may be modified if necessary.
For example, no compressors (5a, 5b) etc. may be provided inside
the outdoor heat exchanger (30).
[0069] The above-described embodiments have been set forth merely
for the purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not
intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0070] As described above, the present invention is useful for a
heater for avoiding freeze of drain water, and an outdoor unit
including the heater for a refrigerator.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0071] 4 Side Surface [0072] 5a, 5b Compressor [0073] 10 Outdoor
Unit [0074] 20 Casing [0075] 22 Bottom Frame (Bottom Board) [0076]
30 Outdoor Heat Exchanger [0077] 30a Heat Exchange Surface [0078]
70 Hinge [0079] 75 Heater [0080] 76 First Heating Portion [0081]
76a Body [0082] 76b End Portion [0083] 77 Second Heating Portion
[0084] 77a Body [0085] 77b End Portion [0086] 78 Connection Wiring
(Wiring) [0087] 79 Lead Wire (Wiring)
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