U.S. patent application number 14/368726 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for air conditioning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Nobuo Doumyou, Toshiyuki Kurihara, Kousuke Morimoto.
Application Number | 20140318168 14/368726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48697224 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morimoto; Kousuke ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE
Abstract
An air conditioning device capable of preventing drainage water
dropped down from a heat exchange portion on the upper side for
which a defrosting operation is performed from being frozen again
in a heat exchange portion used for a heating operation, so that a
decrease in a heating ability can be suppressed is provided. In an
air conditioning device including a heat source side heat exchanger
formed by providing a plurality of heat exchange portions, to which
a refrigerant is supplied through different paths from each other,
side by side in the up and down direction, and partial defrosting
means for, while the heating operation is performed by using a part
of the heat exchange portions, performing the defrosting operation
for the other heat exchange portions, a drainage mechanism for
draining drainage water generated in each of the heat exchange
portions is provided for each of the heat exchange portions.
Inventors: |
Morimoto; Kousuke;
(Sakai-shi, JP) ; Kurihara; Toshiyuki; (Sakai-shi,
JP) ; Doumyou; Nobuo; (Sakai-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD. |
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
48697224 |
Appl. No.: |
14/368726 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2012/082916 |
371 Date: |
June 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 21/06 20130101;
F24F 2013/227 20130101; F24F 11/42 20180101; F24F 1/36
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/277 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/06 20060101
F25D021/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 26, 2011 |
JP |
2011-283503 |
Claims
1. An air conditioning device comprising: a heat source side heat
exchanger formed by providing a plurality of heat exchange
portions, to which a refrigerant is supplied through different
paths from each other, side by side in the up and down direction;
and partial defrosting means for, while a heating operation is
performed by using a part of the heat exchange portions, performing
a defrosting operation for the other heat exchange portions,
wherein a drainage mechanism for draining drainage water generated
in each of the heat exchange portions is provided for each of the
heat exchange portions.
2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the
drainage mechanism is provided between the heat exchange portions
adjacent to each other in the up and down direction, and includes a
drain pan for receiving the drainage water dropped down from the
heat exchange portion on the upper side.
3. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the
drain pan includes discharge portions for discharging the received
drainage water to an exterior.
4. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the
drain pan is divided into a plurality of water collection regions
and includes the discharge portions respectively for the water
collection regions.
5. The air conditioning device according to claim 3, comprising: a
water guiding structure in which the discharge portions in the
plurality of drain pans are connected to each other and the
drainage water discharged from the discharge portions are
integrated and guided to the lower side.
6. The air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the
drain pan forms a heat insulating layer between the upper and lower
heat exchange portions.
7. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the
partial defrosting means has a defrosting circuit in which a part
of the heat exchange portions used for the heating operation and
the other heat exchange portions for which the defrosting operation
is performed are connected in series, the refrigerant flows from
the other heat exchange portions to the part of the heat exchange
portions, and after the refrigerant is condensed and supercooled in
the other heat exchange portions, the refrigerant is evaporated in
the part of the heat exchange portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device.
Particularly, the present invention relates to an air conditioning
device including a heat source side heat exchanger formed by a
plurality of heat exchange portions to which a refrigerant is
supplied through different paths from each other, the air
conditioning device capable of performing a defrosting operation
for each of the heat exchange portions.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there is a known air conditioning device
capable of performing a cooling operation and a heating operation
by switching a flow of a refrigerant by a four way valve. When the
heating operation is performed by this air conditioning device
under an environment where an external air temperature is low,
frost is sometimes attached to a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit.
Such attachment of the frost leads to deterioration of heat
exchange efficiency. Thus, the air conditioning device is generally
provided with defrosting functions for removing the frost.
[0003] As one of the defrosting functions, there is an inverse
cycle defrosting operation. This is a method of melting and
removing the frost by switching a four way valve to temporarily
perform the cooling operation on the indoor side when a temperature
of a fin or the like of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit
becomes a predetermined temperature, and supplying a high
temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant to the heat exchanger
of the outdoor unit. However, while this inverse cycle defrosting
operation is performed, the heating operation cannot be performed.
Thus, there is a fear that indoor comfort is deteriorated.
[0004] Therefore, various techniques by which a defrosting
operation can be performed while continuing a heating operation are
proposed. For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses an air
conditioning device including an outdoor heat exchanger formed by
providing a plurality of heat exchangers (heat exchange portions),
to which a refrigerant is supplied through different paths from
each other, side by side in the up and down direction, the air
conditioning device capable of, while a heating operation is
performed by using a part of the heat exchangers, performing a
defrosting operation for the other heat exchangers.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2009-281698
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] In the air conditioning device of Patent Literature 1, the
defrosting operation is performed in order from the heat exchanger
on the upper side. According to Patent Literature 1, by dropping
drainage water generated in the defrosting operation for the heat
exchanger on the upper side down to the heat exchanger on the lower
side, frost attached to the heat exchanger on the lower side can be
melted by heat of the drainage water. Further, according to Patent
Literature 1, even when the drainage water whose heat is taken by
the heat exchanger on the lower side is frozen again, the re-frozen
drainage water (ice) can be melted by the defrosting operation for
the heat exchanger on the lower side to be performed after
that.
[0007] However, the ice created by freezing the drainage water
again is not easily melted unlike the frost. Thus, the ice is not
easily reliably removed. In addition, when the ice is to be
reliably removed, a long-time defrosting operation is required.
Thus, there is a problem that the indoor comfort is highly possibly
deteriorated.
[0008] The present invention is achieved in consideration with the
situation described above, and an object thereof is to provide an
air conditioning device including a heat source side heat exchanger
formed by providing a plurality of heat exchange portions, to which
a refrigerant is supplied through different paths from each other,
side by side in the up and down direction, the air conditioning
device capable of, while a heating operation is performed by using
a part of the heat exchange portions, performing a defrosting
operation for the other heat exchange portions, wherein drainage
water dropped down from the heat exchange portion on the upper side
can be prevented from being frozen again in the heat exchange
portion on the lower side, so that a decrease in a heating ability
can be suppressed.
Solution to Problem
[0009] (1) In the present invention, an air conditioning device
includes a heat source side heat exchanger formed by providing a
plurality of heat exchange portions, to which a refrigerant is
supplied through different paths from each other, side by side in
the up and down direction, and partial defrosting means for, while
a heating operation is performed by using a part of the heat
exchange portions, performing a defrosting operation for the other
heat exchange portions, wherein
[0010] a drainage mechanism for draining drainage water generated
in each of the heat exchange portions is provided for each of the
heat exchange portions.
[0011] According to the air conditioning device with the above
configuration, the drainage mechanism is provided for each of the
plurality of heat exchange portions. Thus, the drainage water
generated in the heat exchange portion on the upper side can be
favorably prevented from being dropped down to the heat exchange
portion on the lower side and frozen again.
[0012] (2) Preferably, the drainage mechanism is provided between
the heat exchange portions adjacent to each other in the up and
down direction, and includes a drain pan for receiving the drainage
water dropped down from the heat exchange portion on the upper
side.
[0013] According to the above configuration, the drainage water
generated in the heat exchange portion on the upper side can be
reliably received by the drain pan, so that the drainage water can
be prevented from being dropped down to the heat exchange portion
on the lower side.
[0014] (3) The drain pan may include discharge portions for
discharging the received drainage water to an exterior.
[0015] According to the above configuration, the drainage water
received by the drain pan can be discharged to the exterior by the
discharge portions, so that the drainage water can be favorably
prevented from being dropped down to the heat exchange portion
placed on the lower side thereof.
[0016] (4) Preferably, the drain pan is divided into a plurality of
water collection regions and includes the discharge portions
respectively for the water collection regions.
[0017] According to the above configuration, by dividing the drain
pan into the plurality of water collection regions, each of the
water collection regions can be downsized, so that water slope for
guiding the drainage water to the discharge portions can be formed
more steeply. Therefore, discharge of the drainage water from the
discharge portions can be facilitated.
[0018] (5) Preferably, the air conditioning device includes a water
guiding structure in which the discharge portions in the plurality
of drain pans are connected to each other and the drainage water
discharged from the discharge portions are integrated and guided to
the lower side.
[0019] With such a configuration, discharge routes from the
plurality of drain pans can be integrated and simplified.
[0020] (6) Preferably, the drain pan forms a heat insulating layer
between the upper and lower heat exchange portions.
[0021] With such a configuration, heat transfer between the heat
exchange portion for which the defrosting operation is performed
and the heat exchange portion for performing the heating operation
is suppressed, so that a decrease in a defrosting ability and a
heating ability can be suppressed.
[0022] (7) The partial defrosting means may have a defrosting
circuit in which a part of the heat exchange portions used for the
heating operation and the other heat exchange portions for which
the defrosting operation is performed are connected in series, the
refrigerant flows from the other heat exchange portions to the part
of the heat exchange portions, and after the refrigerant is
condensed and supercooled in the other heat exchange portions, the
refrigerant is evaporated in the part of the heat exchange
portions.
[0023] According to the above configuration, the substantially
whole amount of the refrigerant can be supplied to the part of the
heat exchange portions used for the heating operation and a
utilization side heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger). Thus, in
comparison to a case where a part of a refrigerant discharged from
a compressor is used only for a defrosting operation as in the
conventional example, the decrease in the heating ability can be
suppressed.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0024] According to the present invention, the drainage water
dropped down from the heat exchange portion on the upper side can
be prevented from being frozen again in the heat exchange portion
on the lower side, so that the decrease in the heating ability can
be suppressed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outer
appearance of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an interior of the outdoor
unit.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outdoor heat
exchanger.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a drain pan.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG.
4.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG.
4.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.
4.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in
FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.
4.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a pattern diagram showing a refrigerant circuit
of the air conditioning device capable of performing a defrosting
operation.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a P-h diagram displaying a refrigerating cycle of
the defrosting operation.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Configuration of Refrigerant Circuit
[0036] Firstly, one example of a refrigerant circuit to which an
air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present
invention can be applied will be described with reference to FIG.
10. FIG. 10 is a pattern diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of
an air conditioning device capable of performing a defrosting
operation.
[0037] An air conditioning device 1 is a separate type having an
outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 3, and a refrigerant circuit
(main refrigerant circuit) 4 is formed in such a manner that a
refrigerant can be circulated between the outdoor unit 2 and the
indoor unit 3.
[0038] In the outdoor unit 2, a compressor 6, a four way valve 7,
an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 8, an
outdoor expansion valve 9, and the like are provided. These parts
are connected by a refrigerant pipe 21. Fans 10 are provided in the
outdoor unit 2. In the indoor unit 3, an indoor expansion valve 14,
an indoor heat exchanger (utilization side heat exchanger) 11, and
the like are provided. The four way valve 7 and the indoor heat
exchanger 11 are connected by a gas side refrigerant communication
pipe 12, and the indoor expansion valve 14 and the outdoor
expansion valve 9 are connected by a liquid side refrigerant
communication pipe 13.
[0039] In a case where a cooling operation is performed in the air
conditioning device 1 with the above configuration, the four way
valve 7 is retained in a state shown by dotted lines in FIG. 10. A
high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant discharged from
the compressor 6 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 8 via the
four way valve 7 as shown by a dotted arrow, and performs heat
exchange with the outdoor air by actuation of the fans 10 so as to
be condensed and liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant passes
through the outdoor expansion valve 9 in a fully open state, and
flows into the indoor unit 3 through the liquid side refrigerant
communication pipe 13. In the indoor unit 3, pressure of the
refrigerant is reduced to predetermined low pressure by the indoor
expansion valve 14, and further, the refrigerant performs the heat
exchange with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 11 so as
to be evaporated. The indoor air cooled by evaporation of the
refrigerant is blown out to an interior by an indoor fan (not
shown) so as to cool the interior. The refrigerant evaporated and
gasified in the indoor heat exchanger 11 is returned to the outdoor
unit 2 through the gas side refrigerant communication pipe 12, and
suctioned into the compressor 6 via the four way valve 7.
[0040] On the other hand, in a case where a heating operation is
performed, the four way valve 7 is retained in a state shown by
solid lines in FIG. 10. A high temperature and high pressure gas
refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 flows into the indoor
heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 3 via the four way valve 7 as
shown by a solid arrow, and performs the heat exchange with the
indoor air so as to be condensed and liquefied. The indoor air
heated by condensation of the refrigerant is blown out to the
interior by the indoor fan so as to heat the interior. The
refrigerant liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger 11 is returned
to the outdoor unit 2 from the indoor expansion valve 14 in a fully
open state through the liquid side refrigerant communication pipe
13. The pressure of the refrigerant returned to the outdoor unit 2
is reduced to predetermined low pressure by the outdoor expansion
valve 9, and further, the refrigerant performs the heat exchange
with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 8 so as to be
evaporated. The refrigerant evaporated and gasified in the outdoor
heat exchanger 8 is suctioned into the compressor 6 via the four
way valve 7.
[0041] In the air conditioning device 1 of the present embodiment,
the outdoor heat exchanger 8 is formed by a plurality of heat
exchange portions 17a to 17c to which the refrigerant is supplied
through different paths from each other. In a case where the
heating operation is performed, the refrigerant is divided by a
flow division capillary (flow division mechanism) 18 and
respectively supplied to the heat exchange portions 17a to 17c. The
refrigerant passing through the heat exchange portions 17a to 17c
is joined at a header tube 19 and then suctioned into the
compressor 6. In the example shown in FIG. 10, three heat exchange
portions (first to third heat exchange portions) 17a to 17c are
provided, and the refrigerant is divided into three paths by the
flow division capillary 18.
[0042] Further, in the air conditioning device 1 of the present
embodiment, while the heating operation is performed by using a
part of the heat exchange portions, a defrosting operation can be
performed for the other heat exchange portions. Therefore, in
addition to the main refrigerant circuit 4, the air conditioning
device 1 includes a defrosting circuit (partial defrosting means)
50 in which a flow passage of the refrigerant at the time of the
heating operation is changed and the defrosting operation is
performed for the other heat exchange portions. Hereinafter, this
defrosting circuit 50 will be described in detail. It should be
noted that in the following description, a flow of the refrigerant
will be described based on the flow direction of the refrigerant at
the time of the heating operation.
Configuration of Defrosting Circuit
[0043] The defrosting circuit 50 is formed by a bypass tube 23,
first to seventh solenoid valves 20a to 20c, 22, and 25a to 25c,
and the like. Specifically, the first to third solenoid valves
(first to third open/close valves) 20a to 20c are respectively
provided between the first to third heat exchange portions 17a to
17c and the header tube 19, so as to switch between a mode of
permitting the flow of the refrigerant between the heat exchange
portions 17a to 17c and the header tube 19 and a mode of inhibiting
the flow.
[0044] In the refrigerant pipe 21 flowing between the outdoor
expansion valve 9 and the outdoor heat exchanger 8, the fourth
solenoid valve (fourth open/close valve) 22 is provided on the
upstream side of the flow division capillary 18. Further, the
bypass tube 23 branching from the refrigerant pipe 21 is provided
on the upstream side of the fourth solenoid valve 22. A downstream
side part of this bypass tube 23 is divided into three by a flow
divider 26 so as to serve as first to third bypass flow division
tubes 24a to 24c. The bypass flow division tubes 24a to 24c are
connected to parts between the heat exchange portions 17a to 17c
and the header tube 19 on the upstream side of the first to third
solenoid valves 20a to 20c. The fifth to seventh solenoid valves
(fifth to seventh open/close valves) 25a to 25c are respectively
provided in the three bypass flow division tubes 24a to 24c.
[0045] Next, as one example, a case where the defrosting operation
is performed for the first heat exchange portion 17a at a right end
in FIG. 10 among the three heat exchange portions 17a to 17c and
the heating operation is performed by using the second and third
heat exchange portions 17b and 17c at the center and a left end
will be described. It should be noted that the flow of the
refrigerant around the outdoor heat exchanger 8 in a case where the
defrosting operation is performed is shown by outlined arrows in
FIG. 10. A refrigerating cycle in a case where the defrosting
operation is performed is shown on a P-h diagram in FIG. 11.
[0046] Upon performing the defrosting operation for the first heat
exchange portion 17a, firstly, the first to seventh solenoid valves
are operated as follows.
[0047] First solenoid valve 20a: closed
[0048] Second solenoid valve 20b: opened
[0049] Third solenoid valve 20c: opened
[0050] Fourth solenoid valve 22: closed
[0051] Fifth solenoid valve 25a: opened
[0052] Sixth solenoid valve 25b: closed
[0053] Seventh solenoid valve 25c: closed
[0054] An opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 9 is set to
be larger than that of a normal heating operation.
[0055] By closing the fourth solenoid valve 22 as described above,
the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 11 to the
flow division capillary 18 via the outdoor expansion valve 9 is cut
off, so that the refrigerant flows to the bypass tube 23. By
opening the fifth solenoid valve 25a in the first bypass flow
division tube 24a, closing the sixth and seventh solenoid valves
25b and 25c in the second and third bypass flow division tubes 24b
and 24c, and closing the first solenoid valve 20a, the
substantially whole amount of the refrigerant flows into the first
heat exchange portion 17a from the side of the header tube 19.
[0056] The pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat
exchange portion 17a is reduced to some extent in a process of
flowing through the outdoor expansion valve 9, the bypass tube 23,
and the like (a point a to a point b in FIG. 11), and a temperature
of the refrigerant becomes low which is 0.degree. C. or more and
higher than an external air temperature. For example, in a case
where the external air is -10.degree. C., the refrigerant is 5 to
10.degree. C. Thereby, by utilizing heat of the refrigerant, frost
attached to the first heat exchange portion 17a can be melted. The
melted frost becomes drainage water and is dropped down from the
first heat exchange portion 17a, received by drain pans 37 to be
described later and a bottom wall 30f (refer to FIG. 3) of the
outdoor unit 2, and discharged to an exterior.
[0057] The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchange
portion 17a is condensed and supercooled by heat exchange with the
frost (the point b to a point c in FIG. 11). The refrigerant flows
into the flow division capillary 18, is divided by this flow
division capillary 18, and flows into the second and third heat
exchange portions 17b and 17c. The pressure of the refrigerant is
further reduced in a process of passing through the flow division
capillary 18 (the point c to a point d in FIG. 11). That is, the
flow division capillary 18 functions as a pressure reduction
mechanism. In the second and third heat exchange portions 17b and
17c, the refrigerant is evaporated by heat exchange with the
external air, and then suctioned into the compressor 6 through the
second and third solenoid valves 20b and 20c and the header tube
19.
[0058] As described above, in the defrosting operation, the first
heat exchange portion 17a and the second and third heat exchange
portions 17b and 17c are connected in series, the refrigerant is
condensed and supercooled by performing the heat exchange between
the refrigerant and the frost in the first heat exchange portion
17a, and the refrigerant is evaporated by performing the heat
exchange between the refrigerant and the external air in the second
and third heat exchange portions 17b and 17c. In this defrosting
operation, only the second and third heat exchange portions 17b and
17c can be used for the heating operation. However, the
substantially whole amount of the refrigerant can flow into the
second and third heat exchange portions 17b and 17c and the indoor
heat exchanger 11. Thus, a decrease in a heating ability can be
suppressed.
[0059] The defrosting operation for the second heat exchange
portion 17b or the third heat exchange portion 17c can be performed
by the substantially same procedure as the above description.
Specifically, in a case where the defrosting operation is performed
for the second heat exchange portion 17b, the first to seventh
solenoid valves are operated as follows.
[0060] First solenoid valve 20a: opened
[0061] Second solenoid valve 20b: closed
[0062] Third solenoid valve 20c: opened
[0063] Fourth solenoid valve 22: closed
[0064] Fifth solenoid valve 25a: closed
[0065] Sixth solenoid valve 25b: opened
[0066] Seventh solenoid valve 25c: closed
[0067] Thereby, the second heat exchange portion 17b and the first
and third heat exchange portions 17a and 17c are connected in
series, the refrigerant can be condensed and supercooled by
performing the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the frost
in the second heat exchange portion 17b, and the refrigerant can be
evaporated by performing the heat exchange between the refrigerant
and the external air in the first and third heat exchange portions
17a and 17c.
[0068] In a case where the defrosting operation is performed for
the third heat exchange portion 17c, the first to seventh solenoid
valves are operated as follows.
[0069] First solenoid valve 20a: opened
[0070] Second solenoid valve 20b: opened
[0071] Third solenoid valve 20c: closed
[0072] Fourth solenoid valve 22: closed
[0073] Fifth solenoid valve 25a: closed
[0074] Sixth solenoid valve 25b: closed
[0075] Seventh solenoid valve 25c: opened
[0076] Thereby, the third heat exchange portion 17c and the first
and second heat exchange portions 17a and 17b are connected in
series, the refrigerant can be condensed and supercooled by
performing the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the frost
in the third heat exchange portion 17c, and the refrigerant can be
evaporated by performing the heat exchange between the refrigerant
and the external air in the first and second heat exchange portions
17a and 17b.
Configuration of Outdoor Unit 2
[0077] Next, a more detailed structure of the outdoor unit 2 will
be described.
[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outdoor unit 2 of
the air conditioning device 1 according to the embodiment of the
present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an interior
structure of the outdoor unit 2. FIG. 2 shows the outdoor heat
exchanger 8, the fans 10, and the compressor 6 among the
configuration of the outdoor unit 2 shown in FIG. 10.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 2 is formed as a
so-called trunk type outdoor unit 2, and includes a rectangular
parallelepiped casing 31 having front and rear walls 30a and 30b,
left and right side walls 30c and 30d, a ceiling wall 30e, and the
bottom wall (bottom frame) 30f. Two blow-off ports 32 are formed up
and down in a left side part of the front wall 30a, and blow-off
grilles 33 are attached to the blow-off ports 32. Suction ports
(not shown) through which the external air can be suctioned into
the casing 31 are formed on the rear wall 30b and the left side
wall 30c of the casing 31.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 2, an interior of the casing 31 is
partitioned into a machine chamber S1 and a heat exchange chamber
S2 by a partition plate 35. Specifically, in the example shown in
the figure, a part on the right side of the partition plate 35
serves as the machine chamber S1, and a part on the left side of
the partition plate 35 serves as the heat exchange chamber S2. The
partition plate 35 is provided over a part between the front wall
30a and the rear wall 30b, and formed in a curve shape in which a
part on the side of the machine chamber 51 is recessed when seen
from the top. The partition plate 35 is arranged in such a manner
that a rear side part is inclined to the side of the machine
chamber S1 (right side). A rear end of the partition plate 35 is
coupled to a tube plate 8a provided in an end of the outdoor heat
exchanger 8.
[0081] The compressor 6, an accumulator 28, and the like are
arranged in the machine chamber S1. Meanwhile, the outdoor heat
exchanger 8 and the fans 10 are arranged in the heat exchange
chamber S2. The outdoor heat exchanger 8 is formed in a
substantially L shape in a plan view along the inner sides of the
rear wall 30b and the left side wall 30c of the casing 31 where the
suction ports are formed. The fans 10 are respectively arranged at
positions corresponding to the upper and lower blow-off ports 32
(refer to FIG. 1) formed on the front wall 30a of the casing 31,
and formed in such a manner that the external air suctioned into
the heat exchange chamber S2 from the suction ports of the rear
wall 30b and the left side wall 30c is blown off from the blow-off
ports 32.
[0082] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the outdoor heat
exchanger 8.
[0083] The outdoor heat exchanger 8 of the present embodiment is
formed by the plurality of heat exchange portions 17 to which the
refrigerant is supplied through the different paths from each other
as described above. The plurality of heat exchange portions 17 is
formed in an L shape in a plan view and piled in the up and down
direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3, four heat exchange
portions 17 are laminated in the up and down direction, and the
drain pans (drainage mechanisms) 37 are provided between the heat
exchange portions 17. The bottom wall 30f is provided on the lower
side of the heat exchange portion 17 of the lowermost part, and
this bottom wall 30f functions as a drain pan.
[0084] The outdoor heat exchanger 8 is formed so as to, while the
heating operation is performed by a part of the heat exchange
portions 17, perform the defrosting operation for the other heat
exchange portions 17 as described above. By performing the
defrosting operation for the plurality of heat exchange portions 17
one by one in order, the frost attached to all the heat exchange
portions 17 can be melted and removed while maintaining indoor
heating. The drain pans 37 are arranged on the lower side of the
three upper heat exchange portions 17, and the drainage water
generated in the defrosting operation for these heat exchange
portions is received and drained to the exterior. The drainage
water generated in the defrosting operation for the heat exchange
portion 17 of the lowermost part is received by the bottom wall 30f
as conventionally known, and discharged to the exterior from a
discharge port (not shown) formed on this bottom wall 30f.
[0085] By providing the drain pans 37 as described above, the
drainage water generated by melting the frost in the heat exchange
portion 17 for which the defrosting operation is being performed
can be prevented from being dropped down to the heat exchange
portion 17 on the lower side performing the heating operation.
Therefore, the dropped drainage water is not cooled and frozen
again in the heat exchange portion 17 on the lower side, so that
the decrease in the heating ability can be suppressed.
[0086] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the drain pan 37, FIG. 5 is a
sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a
sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a
sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a
sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is
a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 4.
[0087] The drain pan 37 arranged between the upper and lower heat
exchange portions 17 is formed into a substantially L shape
corresponding to the heat exchange portions 17 in a plan view as
shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, a lower surface of the drain
pan 37 is mounted on the upper side of the heat exchange portion 17
on the lower side, and the heat exchange portion 17 on the upper
side is mounted on an upper surface of the drain pan.
[0088] The drain pan 37 is partitioned into a plurality of water
collection regions 42 and 43. Specifically, a partition wall 41 is
provided in the substantially center in the width direction of the
drain pan 37. The drain pan is partitioned into the two water
collection regions 42 and 43 by this partition wall 41. In the
present embodiment, the first water collection region 42 including
a linear part is formed on the left side of the partition wall 41
in FIG. 4, and the second water collection region 43 including a
bent part bent at substantially 90 degrees is formed on the right
side of the partition wall 41. First and second discharge portions
44 and 45 for discharging the drainage water to the exterior are
respectively provided in the first and second water collection
regions 42 and 43.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in the first and second water
collection regions 42 and 43, the drain pan 37 is formed by a water
receiving plate 47 for receiving the drainage water and a pair of
support plates 48 provided on both sides in the width direction of
this water receiving plate 47, and a space surrounded by an upper
surface of the water receiving plate 47 and facing surfaces of the
pair of support plates 48 serves as a water receiving space 49. As
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the first and second water collection
regions 42 and 43, the water receiving plate 47 is inclined so as
to be a lower level as coming closer to the first and second
discharge portions 44 and 45, and formed so as to guide the
drainage water received by the water receiving plate 47 to the
first and second discharge portions 44 and 45.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, the first discharge portion
44 is formed by a first discharge block 51 formed in a
substantially square shape in a plan view, the first discharge
block protruding toward an interior side part of the outdoor unit 2
from the first water collection region 42 of the drain pan 37, a
first vertical flow passage 52 passing through this first discharge
block 51 in the up and down direction, and a first sideways flow
passage 53 passing through the first discharge block 51 and one of
the support plates 48 so as to connect this first vertical flow
passage 52 and the first water collection region 42. The drainage
water received by the water receiving plate 47 in the first water
collection region 42 is guided to the first discharge portion 44 by
inclination of the water receiving plate 47, and discharged from
the first water collection region 42 via the first sideways flow
passage 53 and the first vertical flow passage 52.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, the first discharge portions 44 of the
drain pans 37 adjacent to each other in the up and down direction
are connected to each other by a water guiding pipe 55, and a water
guiding pipe 55 extending downward is connected to the first
discharge portion 44 of the drain pan 37 of the lowermost part.
Therefore, the drainage water discharged from the first discharge
portions 44 of the drain pans 37 is discharged by one system via
the water guiding pipes 55, and discharged to the exterior through
the bottom wall 30f.
[0092] The first discharge portions 44 and the water guiding pipes
55 are arranged in the interior side part of the outdoor unit 2
with respect to the outdoor heat exchanger 8 and on the downstream
side of an airflow generated by the fans 10 (shown by an arrow x in
FIG. 2). Therefore, the water guiding pipes 55 hardly disturb the
airflow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 8, so that the
heat exchange between the external air and the refrigerant flowing
through the outdoor heat exchanger 8 can be favorably performed.
Since a relatively large air circulation space is formed in the
interior side part of the outdoor unit 2 with respect to the
outdoor heat exchanger 8, a space for providing the first discharge
portions 44 and the water guiding pipes 55 can be easily
ensured.
[0093] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the second discharge portion
45 is formed by a second discharge block 57 formed in a
substantially triangle shape in a plan view, the second discharge
block protruding toward an exterior side part of the outdoor unit 2
from the bent part in the drain pan 37, a second vertical flow
passage 58 passing through this second discharge block 57 in the up
and down direction, and a second sideways flow passage 59 passing
through the second discharge block 57 and one of the support plates
48 so as to connect this second vertical flow passage 58 and the
second water collection region 43. The drainage water received by
the water receiving plate 47 in the second water collection region
43 is guided to the second discharge portion 45 by inclination of
the water receiving plate 47, and discharged from the second water
collection region 43 via the second sideways flow passage 59 and
the second vertical flow passage 58.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, the second discharge portions 45 of the
drain pans 37 adjacent to each other in the up and down direction
are connected to each other by a water guiding pipe 55, and a water
guiding pipe 55 extending downward is connected to the second
discharge portion 45 of the drain pan 37 of the lowermost part.
Therefore, the drainage water discharged from the second discharge
portions 45 of the drain pans 37 is discharged by one system via
the water guiding pipes 55, and discharged to the exterior through
the bottom wall 30f.
[0095] The second discharge portion 45 and the water guiding pipe
55 are arranged in the exterior side part of the outdoor unit 2
with respect to the outdoor heat exchanger 8, and as shown in FIG.
2, arranged in a corner part of the outdoor unit 2, that is, a dead
space formed between the second water collection region 43 of the
drain pan 37 and the casing 31 serving as a constituent part of the
outdoor unit 2. Therefore, there is no need for forming a new and
exclusive space in the casing 31 for providing the second discharge
portion 45 and the water guiding pipe 55.
[0096] Since the drain pan 37 includes the plurality of water
collection regions 42 and 43, each of the water collection regions
42 and 43 can be shortened (downsized). Therefore, an inclination
angle of the water receiving plate 47 for guiding the drainage
water to the discharge portions 44 and 45 can be increased to be as
large as possible. With the increase in the inclination angle of
the water receiving plate 47, for example, even when the outdoor
unit 2 is installed while being slightly inclined in the up and
down direction, the drainage water can be reliably guided to the
discharge portions 44 and 45.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, a heat insulating layer 60 is formed
between the heat exchange portions 17 adjacent to each other in the
up and down direction by the drain pan 37. That is, a region of the
drain pan 37 between the pair of support plates 48, the region
excluding the water receiving plate 47 is a space. This space
serves as the heat insulating layer 60 and suppresses heat transfer
between the upper and lower heat exchange portions 17. Therefore, a
heat loss in the heat exchange portions 17 upon performing the
heating operation and the defrosting operation can be reduced, so
that the operations can be efficiently performed.
[0098] The drain pan 37 can be made of a material of synthetic
resin, metal, or the like. However, the drain pan is preferably
made of a material having low heat conductivity in order to
suppress the heat transfer between the upper and lower heat
exchange portions 17. Therefore, the drain pan is preferably made
of a synthetic resin material rather than metal. For example,
polycarbonate, ABS, PP, and the like can be used as the synthetic
resin material. The drain pan 37 can also be made of a transparent
or semi-transparent material. Thereby, a state of the drainage
water (drained state, frozen state) inside the drain pan 37 can be
confirmed from the exterior.
[0099] The drain pan 37 may include heaters 64 for preventing the
drainage water from being frozen. For example, as shown in FIG. 7,
by providing the heaters 64 in recessed portions 63 formed on outer
side surfaces of the pair of support plates 48, the drainage water
in the water receiving space 49 can be heated and prevented from
being frozen.
[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment
but can be appropriately changed within the scope of the invention
described in the claims.
[0101] For example, although the present invention is applied to
the sideways blow-off type outdoor unit 2 in the above embodiment,
the present invention can also be applied to an upward blow-off
type outdoor unit 2. The outdoor heat exchanger 8 is not limited to
an L shape in a plan view but may be formed in a U shape in a plan
view, a square shape in a plan view, or the like. The present
invention can also be applied to an air conditioning device for not
performing a cooling operation but exclusive for heating. In this
case, the four way valve can be omitted.
[0102] Although the outdoor unit 2 of the above embodiment includes
the two fans 10 up and down, the outdoor unit may include one or
three or more fans 10. The number of the heat exchange portions 17
(path number) is not particularly limited as long as the number is
2 or more. The defrosting operation may be performed for each one
of the heat exchange portions 17 or may be performed for each
plurality of heat exchange portions 17 (for example, for two heat
exchange portions).
[0103] The defrosting circuit 50 is not limited to the one shown in
FIG. 10 but can be appropriately changed. A mode of the defrosting
operation is also not limited to the one described in the above
embodiment but various conventionally-known modes can be adopted.
For example, a known mode in which a part of a high temperature
refrigerant discharged from a compressor is supplied to a heat
exchange portion for which a defrosting operation is performed and
frost attached to the heat exchange portion is melted by heat of
the refrigerant (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 2001-59664 and Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 2009-281698) can be adopted. A known mode in which
frost is melted by giving heat of heaters to a heat exchange
portion 17 for which a defrosting operation is performed (for
example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
2009-162393) can also be adopted.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0104] 1: AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE [0105] 2: OUTDOOR UNIT [0106] 4:
REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT [0107] 6: COMPRESSOR [0108] 8: OUTDOOR HEAT
EXCHANGER [0109] 17: HEAT EXCHANGE PORTION [0110] 30f: BOTTOM WALL
(DRAIN PAN) [0111] 37: DRAIN PAN (DRAINAGE MECHANISM) [0112] 42:
FIRST WATER COLLECTION REGION [0113] 43: SECOND WATER COLLECTION
REGION [0114] 44: FIRST DISCHARGE PORTION [0115] 45: SECOND
DISCHARGE PORTION [0116] 50: DEFROSTING CIRCUIT (PARTIAL DEFROSTING
MEANS) [0117] 55: WATER GUIDING PIPE (WATER GUIDING STRUCTURE)
[0118] 60: HEAT INSULATING LAYER
* * * * *