U.S. patent application number 16/301009 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for outdoor unit for air-conditioning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Hidetomo NAKAGAWA.
Application Number | 20190178507 16/301009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61161887 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190178507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAKAGAWA; Hidetomo |
June 13, 2019 |
OUTDOOR UNIT FOR AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Abstract
An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus includes a
heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchanger units. The
plurality of heat exchanger units are vertically stacked and each
include a long side portion, a short side portion, and a corner
portion bent and connecting the long side portion and the short
side portion to each other. In the heat exchanger, deviation in an
air flow direction that lies between ones of the plurality of heat
exchanger units that are vertically adjacent to each other is
larger at the short side portions than at the long side
portions.
Inventors: |
NAKAGAWA; Hidetomo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
61161887 |
Appl. No.: |
16/301009 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
August 10, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/073536 |
371 Date: |
November 13, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/16 20130101; F28F
2250/10 20130101; F28D 9/0043 20130101; F24F 1/18 20130101; F28D
1/05391 20130101; F28F 9/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 1/16 20060101
F24F001/16; F28F 9/26 20060101 F28F009/26; F28D 9/00 20060101
F28D009/00 |
Claims
1. An outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus, comprising: a
heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchanger units, the
plurality of heat exchanger units being vertically stacked and each
including a long side portion, a short side portion, and a corner
portion bent in an R-curve shape and connecting the long side
portion and the short side portion to each other; and a first
regulating part regulating relative positions of ones of the
plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent to
each other, the first regulating part regulating the relative
positions of the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that
are vertically adjacent to each other by sandwiching inflow-surface
portions and outflow-surface portions in an air flow direction of
the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that are
vertically adjacent to each other in a range from a part of a
corresponding one of the long side portions to a middle of a
corresponding one of the corner portions continuous from the
corresponding one of the long side portions, in the heat exchanger,
deviation in the air flow direction that lies between the ones of
the plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent
to each other being larger at the short side portions than at the
long side portions through alignment by the first regulating part
of the relative positions of the ones of the plurality of heat
exchanger units that are vertically adjacent to each other in the
range from the part of the corresponding one of the long side
portions to the middle of the corresponding one of the corner
portions continuous from the corresponding one of the long side
portions.
2-3. (canceled)
4. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first regulating part allows the ones of the plurality
of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent to each other
to relatively move in a longitudinal direction of the corresponding
ones of the long side portions.
5. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1,
wherein the first regulating part includes a projecting portion
inserted between adjacent metal plates of any one of the ones of
the plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent
to each other.
6. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a second regulating part regulating the relative
positions of the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that
are vertically adjacent to each other, wherein the second
regulating part regulates the relative positions of the ones of the
plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent to
each other by sandwiching the inflow-surface portions and the
outflow-surface portions in the air flow direction of the ones of
the plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent
to each other at a middle of the long side portions of the ones of
the plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically adjacent
to each other.
7. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1,
further comprising a third regulating part regulating the relative
positions of the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that
are vertically adjacent to each other, wherein the third regulating
part regulates, in an up-and-down direction, the relative positions
of the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that are
vertically adjacent to each other at side edge portions of the
short side portions of the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger
units that are vertically adjacent to each other, and provides play
that allows the deviation in the air flow direction.
8. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1,
wherein, in the heat exchanger, the long side portions are exposed
as a back surface of the outdoor unit, and wherein the outdoor unit
further comprises a casing covering the short side portions of the
heat exchanger and having a plurality of openings that allow
passage of air.
9. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 8,
further comprising a top plate placed over the casing and fixing
the heat exchanger by pressing the heat exchanger downward.
10. The outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus of claim 9,
wherein the plurality of heat exchanger units are each formed into
such an L-shape that the short side portion is continuous from the
long side portion through the corner portion, wherein the casing
includes an outdoor-unit-side-surface portion that covers the short
side portions of the heat exchanger, and an
outdoor-unit-front-surface portion that is opposite to the long
side portions of the heat exchanger exposed as the back surface of
the outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit further comprises a
pillar portion that forms an outdoor-unit-opposite-side-surface
portion at a portion of the outdoor unit opposite to the
outdoor-unit-side-surface portion of the casing, side edge portions
of the long side portions of the heat exchanger being fixed to the
pillar portion, and wherein the top plate is placed over the casing
and the pillar portion, and fixes the heat exchanger by pressing
the heat exchanger downward.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an outdoor unit for an
air-conditioning apparatus including a heat exchanger in which a
plurality of heat exchanger units are vertically stacked.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a conventional outdoor unit for an air-conditioning
apparatus, a holding part is interposed between each two of a
plurality of heat exchanger units each bent into an L-shape or a
U-shape at a part of the heat exchanger unit to stably and
vertically stack the plurality of heat exchanger units.
[0003] There is disclosed a technology that a side surface of an
upper heat exchanger unit and a side surface of a lower heat
exchanger unit are supported by the holding part (see, for example,
Patent Literature 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2009-79851
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] However, in the outdoor unit for an air-conditioning
apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 described above, the
holding part regulates a large range of linear portions and corner
portions of the heat exchanger units that are each bent into an
L-shape or a U-shape at a part of the heat exchanger unit.
Consequently, when the heat exchanger units vary in bending angles,
and the bending angles of the heat exchanger units that are
vertically adjacent to each other are not equal, adjustment of the
bending angles of the heat exchanger units is required at the time
of assembly. As a result, the number of assembly steps is
increased, or assembly time is elongated. Thus, there is a problem
in assembly efficiency.
[0006] Further, for improvement in assembly efficiency, it is
conceivable to increase dimensions of a support portion, which is
provided on the holding part and regulates the side surfaces of the
heat exchanger units, and vertically stack the heat exchanger units
having various bending angles as they are. However, in this case,
there is a problem in that an uneven surface due to deviation in an
air flow direction of the heat exchanger units that are vertically
stacked is caused at a part, such as a back surface of the outdoor
unit, at which an installation worker or a user can touch the heat
exchanger units that are vertically stacked.
[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems
described above, and has an object to provide an outdoor unit for
an air-conditioning apparatus that improves assembly efficiency
through elimination of need for adjustment of bending angles of
heat exchanger units at the time of assembly, and prevents an
uneven surface due to deviation in an air flow direction of the
heat exchanger units that are vertically stacked at a part, such as
a back surface of the outdoor unit, at which an installation worker
or a user can touch the heat exchanger units that are vertically
stacked.
Solution to Problem
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided an outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus,
including a heat exchanger including a plurality of heat exchanger
units, the plurality of heat exchanger units being vertically
stacked and each including a long side portion, a short side
portion, and a corner portion bent and connecting the long side
portion and the short side portion to each other. In the heat
exchanger, deviation in an air flow direction that lies between
ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that are vertically
adjacent to each other is larger at the short side portions than at
the long side portions.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0009] In the outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the heat
exchanger, the deviation in the air flow direction that lies
between the ones of the plurality of heat exchanger units that are
vertically adjacent to each other is larger at the short side
portions than at the long side portions. Consequently, assembly
efficiency can be improved through elimination of need for
adjustment of the bending angles of the heat exchanger units at the
time of assembly. Further, it is possible to prevent the uneven
surface due to the deviation in the air flow direction of the heat
exchanger units that are vertically stacked at the part at which
the long side portions are arranged, such as the back surface of
the outdoor unit, at which an installation worker or a user can
touch the heat exchanger units that are vertically stacked.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating an
outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of the
outdoor unit for an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a back surface
of the outdoor unit.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating a
heat exchanger mounted to the outdoor unit for an air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view for illustrating a first
regulating part in Embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a plan view for illustrating a range of regulation
by the first regulating part in Embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for illustrating a second
regulating part in Embodiment of the present invention,
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view for illustrating a third
regulating part in Embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of the
heat exchanger to be mounted to the outdoor unit for an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment of the present
invention as viewed from a back surface of the heat exchanger.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of a
heat exchanger to be mounted to an outdoor unit for an
air-conditioning apparatus in the related art as viewed from a back
surface of the heat exchanger.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is described below
with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, components
denoted by the same reference signs correspond to the same or
similar components. The reference signs are commonly used
throughout the description herein. In addition, the modes of the
components described herein are merely examples, and the components
are not limited to the description herein.
Embodiment
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating an
outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus includes a
bottom plate 1 and a heat exchanger 10. The heat exchanger 10 is
placed on the bottom plate 1.
[0021] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes a compressor 2 and connection pipes 3. The connection
pipes 3 connect the heat exchanger 10 and the compressor 2 to each
other.
[0022] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes a fan 4, a motor (not shown), and a motor mounting base 5.
The fan 4 is configured to send air to the heat exchanger 10. The
motor is configured to drive the fan 4. The motor mounting base 5
fixes the fan 4 and the motor. The motor mounting base 5 is fixed
to the bottom plate 1, and fixes the heat exchanger 10 in such a
manner that the heat exchanger 10 is sandwiched between the motor
mounting base 5 and the bottom plate 1. A flexible part made of a
flexible material such as insulation (not shown) is bonded to the
motor mounting base 5 at a top surface of the motor mounting base 5
at which the motor mounting base 5 is held in contact with a top
plate 9, and the motor mounting base 5 is pressed by the top plate
9.
[0023] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes a controller 6 above the compressor 2. The controller 6
has a flat plate shape, and is configured to control, for example,
the compressor 2 and the motor.
[0024] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes a casing 7 that surrounds various components to
accommodate the various components. The casing 7 includes an
outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a and an
outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b. The
outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a covers a short side portion 12
of the heat exchanger 10. The outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b
is located at a portion of the casing 7 opposite to a long side
portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10, which is exposed as a back
surface of the outdoor unit 100.
[0025] The outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of the casing 7 has
a plurality of openings 7a1, which serve as air inlets and allow
passage of air.
[0026] The outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b of the casing 7
has an air outlet 7b1 to which a fan guard is mounted.
[0027] The outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a and the
outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b of the casing 7 may be formed
as separate components.
[0028] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes a pillar portion 8. The pillar portion 8 forms an
outdoor-unit-opposite-side-surface portion at a portion of the
outdoor unit 100 opposite to the outdoor-unit-side-surface portion
7a of the casing 7, and a side edge portion 11a of the long side
portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10 is fixed to the pillar portion
8. The pillar portion 8 is a cover having an L-shape that is bent
and connecting a part of the back surface of the outdoor unit 100
and the outdoor-unit-opposite-side-surface portion. At an inner
portion than the pillar portion 8, the compressor 2, the connection
pipes 3, and the controller 6 are placed. Consequently, the pillar
portion 8 does not have an opening that allows passage of air.
[0029] The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus
includes the top plate 9. The top plate 9 is placed over the casing
7 and the pillar portion 8, and fixes the heat exchanger 10 by
pressing the motor mounting base 5 of the heat exchanger 10
downward to sandwich the heat exchanger 10 between the top plate 9
and the bottom plate 1. The top plate 9 has a shape along four side
surfaces of a rectangular shape of the outdoor unit having a
contour formed by the heat exchanger 10, the casing 7, and the
pillar portion 8.
[0030] The heat exchanger 10 has an L-shape including one long side
portion 11, one short side portion 12, and a corner portion 13 that
is bent and connecting the long side portion 11 and the short side
portion 12 to each other. That is, the heat exchanger 10 is formed
into such an L-shape that the short side portion 12 is continuous
from the long side portion 11 through the corner portion 13.
[0031] In the heat exchanger 10, the long side portion 11 is
exposed as the back surface of the outdoor unit 100, and the heat
exchanger 10 is placed along the contour of the outdoor unit
100.
[0032] In Embodiment, the heat exchanger 10 having the L-shape
including the one short side portion 12 is described as an example.
However, the heat exchanger in the present invention may be formed
into a U-shape including two short side portions each continuous to
a corresponding one of both side edge portions of one long side
portion through a corresponding one of corner portions.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of the
outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus according to
Embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the back surface
of the outdoor unit 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit
100 for an air-conditioning apparatus allows, by the fan 4, air
outside the outdoor unit 100 to pass through the heat exchanger 10
from a part covered by the back surface of the outdoor unit 100 and
the outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of the casing 7 and flow
through the air outlet 7b1 in a front surface of the outdoor unit
100. Consequently, the part covered by the back surface of the
outdoor unit 100 and the outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of
the casing 7 forms an inflow-surface portion. Further, a part
facing the inside of the outdoor unit 100 forms an outflow-surface
portion. In the heat exchanger 10, air flows in an air flow
direction directed from the inflow-surface portion to the
outflow-surface portion.
[0034] In the outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus,
the long side portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10, which cannot be
easily touched by a user due to, for example, presence of a wall
surface of a house directly behind the outdoor unit 100 after
installation, is exposed as a back-surface-side opening of an air
inlet. With this configuration, a contour component such as a frame
that hinders flow of air is not provided on the back surface of the
outdoor unit 100, and hence air sending efficiency is
excellent.
[0035] Further, in the outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning
apparatus, a user can easily touch the side surface of the outdoor
unit 100 at which the short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger
10 is present. Thus, the side surface of the outdoor unit 100 is
covered by the outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of the casing
7. The outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of the casing 7 has the
plurality of openings 7a1, which serve as the air inlets and allow
passage of air.
[0036] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 10 is
formed by vertically stacking two heat exchanger units 10a and
10b.
[0037] Three or more heat exchanger units may be vertically stacked
to form a heat exchanger.
[0038] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the side edge portion 11a
of the long side portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10 is fixed to
the pillar portion 8 at a plurality of positions with screws 20a
and 20b. In the fixing with the screws at the plurality of
positions, the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
stacked are each fixed.
[0039] The short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 is not
fixed to a set part with, for example, screws or a hooking part.
The short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 is pressed and
fixed to the bottom plate 1 by the top plate 9.
[0040] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating the
heat exchanger 10 mounted to the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in each of the two heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked, a plurality of
metal pipes 14, which are each made of, for example, copper or
aluminum and formed into a U-shape, are stacked. Further, in each
of the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked, a
plurality of metal plates 15, which are each made of, for example,
aluminum and have holes for the plurality of metal pipes 14, are
formed at intervals. Each of the two heat exchanger units 10a and
10b vertically stacked is formed by subjecting the plurality of
metal pipes 14 and the plurality of metal plates 15 to
close-contact processing.
[0041] Further, each of the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked is formed into such an L-shape that the short
side portion 12 is continuous from the long side portion 11 through
the corner portion 13. The two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked have different heights, and have an L-shape
having deviation in the air flow direction such as shape errors
caused by manufacture variation. The deviation in the air flow
direction is caused mainly due to manufacture variation, namely, a
difference in bending R dimension caused at the time of a bending
step.
[0042] In each of the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked, the plurality of metal pipes 14 are connected
to the connection pipes 3 of the outdoor unit 100 at the side edge
portion 11a of the long side portion 11.
[0043] In each of the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked, the plurality of metal pipes 14 each make a
U-turn at a side edge portion 12a of the short side portion 12 to
form U-turn portions 16 at an end surface.
[0044] The heat exchanger 10 includes a first regulating part 30
regulating relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and
10b vertically adjacent to each other.
[0045] The heat exchanger 10 includes a second regulating part 40
regulating the relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b vertically adjacent to each other.
[0046] The heat exchanger 10 includes a third regulating part 50
regulating the relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b vertically adjacent to each other.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view for illustrating the first
regulating part 30 in Embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the first regulating part 30 regulates the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other by sandwiching the inflow-surface
portions and the outflow-surface portions in the air flow direction
of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other in a range between a part of the long side portion 11 and a
part of the corner portion 13 continuous from the long side portion
11. The first regulating part 30 is held in contact with a part of
the long side portion 11 and a part of the corner portion 13
continuous to the long side portion 11. However, the first
regulating part 30 is not held in contact with a part of the short
side portion 12 and a part of the corner portion 13 continuous to
the short side portion 12. The first regulating part 30 is made of
metal.
[0048] Two ribs 31 and 32 are formed on the first regulating part
30. The two ribs 31 and 32 regulate the position of the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, by
sandwiching the inflow-surface portion and the outflow-surface
portion in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger unit 10a,
which is the upper heat exchanger unit. The two ribs 31 and 32
protrude upward from a base portion 33 located between the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. A
bent portion 32a is formed on the rib 32 held in contact with the
outflow-surface portion. The bent portion 32a has an angle
increased at an upper distal end of the rib 32 so that the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, can be
smoothly inserted.
[0049] A plurality of drain water passage holes 34 are opened in
the base portion 33 of the first regulating part 30. The plurality
of drain water passage holes 34 allow dew generated in the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, to flow
downward as drain water.
[0050] Two ribs 35 and 36 are formed on the first regulating part
30. The two ribs 35 and 36 regulate the position of the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, by
sandwiching the inflow-surface portion and the outflow-surface
portion in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger unit 10b,
which is the lower heat exchanger unit. The two ribs 35 and 36
protrude downward from the base portion 33 located between the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. A
bent portion 36a is formed on the rib 36 held in contact with the
outflow-surface portion. The bent portion 36a has an angle
increased at a lower distal end of the rib 36 so that the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, can be
smoothly inserted.
[0051] The two ribs 31 and 35 held in contact with the
inflow-surface portions are cut from a part of one plate. From the
base portion 33, the rib 31 is bent upward and the rib 35 is bent
downward. A cut hole 31a, which is opened when the rib 35 is cut
out, is opened in the rib 31. The two ribs 32 and 36 held in
contact with the outflow-surface portions are cut from a part of
the one plate. From the base portion, the rib 32 is bent upward and
the rib 36 is bent downward. In this manner, the four ribs 31, 32,
35, and 36 regulate the relative positions of the heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other with a small
amount of material.
[0052] The first regulating part 30 includes a projecting portion
37. The projecting portion 37 is inserted between adjacent metal
plates 15 of the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat
exchanger unit among the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other. The projecting portion 37 is
inserted between the metal plates 15 at the long side portion 11 of
the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger
unit. With this configuration, the projecting portion 37 prevents
positional deviation of the first regulating part 30 in a lateral
direction. Consequently, the first regulating part 30 is movable in
a right-and-left direction that is a longitudinal direction of the
long side portion 11 together with the heat exchanger unit 10a,
which is the upper heat exchanger unit.
[0053] When a projecting portion is formed also for the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, there
is a problem in that the plurality of metal plates 15 of the heat
exchanger 10 are deformed due to impact from an outside, and that
the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked are
fixed with lateral deviation due to impact. As in Embodiment, the
projecting portion 37 is provided only for the heat exchanger unit
10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit. Thus, even when impact
occurs, the first regulating part 30 is moved together with the
heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit,
but is not moved together with the heat exchanger unit 10b, which
is the lower heat exchanger unit. Consequently, deformation of the
metal plates 15 can be prevented, the first regulating part 30 and
the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger
unit, can be returned to original positions after the impact, and
positional deviation in the right-and-left direction, which is the
longitudinal direction of the long side portion 11, can be thus
prevented.
[0054] In Embodiment, the projecting portion is inserted between
the adjacent metal plates of the upper heat exchanger unit.
However, the projecting portion may be inserted between the
adjacent metal plates of the lower heat exchanger unit, in place of
the upper heat exchanger unit.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a plan view for illustrating a range of regulation
by the first regulating part 30 in Embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first regulating part 30
has a start point 30a at a part of the long side portion 11 of the
heat exchanger 10 indicated by the hatched portion, and has an end
point 30b at a position of a half of an R-curve of the corner
portion 13 of the heat exchanger 10. That is, the first regulating
part 30 aligns the relative positions of the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other in a range between
the start point 30a at a part of the long side portion 11 and the
end point 30b at a position of the half of the corner portion 13
continuous from the long side portion 11. As described above, the
first regulating part 30 does not fix the entire region of the
corner portion 13 of the heat exchanger 10 with the four ribs, and
is provided in a range to a middle of the corner portion 13. With
this configuration, the difference in bending R dimension
(manufacture variation) that is caused at the time of the bending
step for the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b to be vertically
stacked can be absorbed, and hence the deviation in the air flow
direction can be made larger at the short side portion 12 than at
the long side portion 11. The short side portion 12 indicated by
the broken line in FIG. 5 indicates one of the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b that is deviated in the air flow direction.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for illustrating the second
regulating part 40 in Embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the second regulating part 40 regulates the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other by sandwiching the inflow-surface
portions and the outflow-surface portions in the air flow direction
of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other at the middle of the long side portions 11 of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. The
second regulating part 40 is made of metal.
[0057] Two ribs 41 and 42 are formed on the second regulating part
40. The two ribs 41 and 42 regulate the position of the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, by
sandwiching the inflow-surface portion and the outflow-surface
portion in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger unit 10a,
which is the upper heat exchanger unit. The two ribs 41 and 42
protrude upward from a base portion 43 located between the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. A
bent portion 42a is formed on the rib 42 held in contact with the
outflow-surface portion. The bent portion 42a has an angle
increased at an upper distal end of the rib 42 so that the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, can be
smoothly inserted.
[0058] A plurality of drain water passage holes 44 are opened in
the base portion 43 of the second regulating part 40. The plurality
of drain water passage holes 44 allow dew generated in the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit, to flow
downward as drain water.
[0059] Two ribs 45 and 46 are formed on the second regulating part
40. The two ribs 45 and 46 regulate the position of the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, by
sandwiching the inflow-surface portion and the outflow-surface
portion in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger unit 10b,
which is the lower heat exchanger unit. The two ribs 45 and 46
protrude downward from the base portion 43 located between the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. A
bent portion 46a is formed on the rib 46 held in contact with the
outflow-surface portion. The bent portion 46a has an angle
increased at a lower distal end of the rib 46 so that the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, can be
smoothly inserted.
[0060] The two ribs 41 and 45 held in contact with the
inflow-surface portions are cut from a part of one plate. From the
base portion 43, the rib 41 is bent upward and the rib 45 is bent
downward. A cut hole 41a, which is opened when the rib 45 is cut
out, is opened in the rib 41. The two ribs 42 and 46 held in
contact with the outflow-surface portions are cut from a part of
the one plate. From the base portion 43, the rib 42 is bent upward
and the rib 46 is bent downward. A cut hole 46b, which is opened
when the rib 42 is cut out, is opened in the rib 46. In this
manner, the four ribs 41, 42, 45, and 46 regulate the relative
positions the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent
to each other with a small amount of material.
[0061] The second regulating part 40 includes projecting portions
47a and 47b. The projecting portions 47a and 47b are each inserted
between corresponding ones of adjacent metal plates 15 of the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit among
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other. The projecting portions 47a and 47b are each inserted
between corresponding ones of the metal plates 15 at the long side
portion 11 of the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat
exchanger unit. With this configuration, the projecting portions
47a and 47b prevent positional deviation of the second regulating
part 40 in a lateral direction. Consequently, the second regulating
part 40 is movable in the right-and-left direction, which is the
longitudinal direction of the long side portion 11, together with
the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger
unit.
[0062] When a projecting portion is formed also for the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit, there
is a problem in that the plurality of metal plates 15 of the heat
exchanger 10 are deformed due to impact from an outside, and that
the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked are
fixed with lateral deviation due to impact. As in Embodiment, the
projecting portions 47a and 47b are provided only for the heat
exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit. Thus,
even when impact occurs, the second regulating part 40 is moved
together with the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat
exchanger unit, but is not moved together with the heat exchanger
unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit. Consequently,
deformation of the metal plates 15 can be prevented, the second
regulating part 40 and the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the
upper heat exchanger unit, can be returned to original positions
after the impact, and positional deviation in the right-and-left
direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the long side
portion 11, can be thus prevented.
[0063] In Embodiment, the projecting portions are each inserted
between corresponding ones of the adjacent metal plates of the
upper heat exchanger unit. However, the projecting portions may be
inserted between the adjacent metal plates of the lower heat
exchanger unit, in place of the upper heat exchanger unit.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a perspective view for illustrating the third
regulating part 50 in Embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, the third regulating part 50 regulates, in
the up-and-down direction, the relative positions of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other at
the side edge portions 12a of the short side portions 12 of the
heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other,
and provides play that allows the deviation in the air flow
direction.
[0065] The third regulating part 50 is made of resin to be easily
deformed. The third regulating part 50 may be made of metal as long
as the third regulating part 50 can provide play that allows the
deviation in the air flow direction.
[0066] Three insertion holes 51, 52, and 53 are opened at the upper
portion of the third regulating part 50. The three insertion holes
51, 52, and 53 allow insertion of the U-turn portions 16 obtained
by U-tuning the metal pipes 14 at the side edge portion 12a of the
short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the
upper heat exchanger unit. Further, three insertion holes 54, 55,
and 56 are opened at the lower portion of the third regulating part
50. The three insertion holes 54, 55, and 56 allow insertion of the
U-turn portions 16 obtained by U-tuning the metal pipes 14 at the
side edge portion 12a of the short side portion 12 of the heat
exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat exchanger unit.
[0067] These insertion holes 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are each
opened to have a vertical dimension that allows fitting of the
U-turn portion 16, and regulate, in the up-and-down direction, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other. Further, these insertion holes
51, 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 are each opened to have a lateral
dimension larger than that of the U-turn portion 16, and provide
play that allows the deviation in the air flow direction.
[0068] Claw portions 51a, 53a, 54a, and 56a are formed in the
insertion holes 51, 53, 54, and 56 opened at the inflow-surface
portions and the outflow-surface portions in the air flow
direction. The claw portions 51a, 53a, 54a, and 56a fix the U-turn
portions 16 to some extent while allowing the deviation of the
U-turn portions 16, and are elastically deformed to prevent
disengagement of the third regulating part 50. The claw portions
51a, 53a, 54a, and 56a are each provided along a right-and-left
direction of a corresponding one of the U-turn portions 16, and
urge the U-turn portions 16 to such an extent that the third
regulating part 50 is not disengaged form the U-turn portions 16.
The claw portion 51a is provided on each of the right and left of
the insertion hole 51, and the claw portion 54a is provided on each
of the right and left of the insertion hole 54.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of the
heat exchanger 10 to be mounted to the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment of the present
invention as viewed from the back surface. As illustrated in FIG.
8, the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked are
combined with each other while the side edge portions 11a of the
long side portions 11 are aligned so that the plurality of metal
pipes 14 can be connected to the connection pipes 3 at the side
edge portions 11a of the long side portions 11. Consequently, the
first regulating part 30 and the second regulating part 40 align
the relative positions of the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked at the long side portions 11. With this
configuration, surfaces of the long side portions 11 of the two
heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked are so flat
that an uneven surface due to the deviation in the air flow
direction is small.
[0070] Meanwhile, the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically stacked are not firmly fixed at the side edge portions
12a of the short side portions 12 that have the U-turn portions 16
of the metal pipes 14 with use of the third regulating part 50, but
have play that allows the deviation in the air flow direction so
that the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper heat exchanger
unit, and the heat exchanger unit 10b, which is the lower heat
exchanger unit, are separately movable in the right-and-left
direction. Further, the first regulating part 30 regulates the
position of the heat exchanger 10 in a range between a part of the
long side portion 11 and a part to the middle of the corner portion
13 continuous from the long side portion 11.
[0071] With this configuration, when the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b are vertically stacked, an uneven surface 17 due to the
deviation in the air flow direction that is caused by manufacture
variation is larger at the short side portion 12 than at the long
side portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10. In the heat exchanger 10,
the uneven surface 17 due to the deviation in the air flow
direction is large at the short side portion 12.
[0072] The uneven surface is due to the deviation in the air flow
direction between the heat exchanger units that are vertically
stacked. Thus, there is no problem even when an uneven surface
directed downward is caused as in the case of the uneven surface 17
directed upward, which is illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0073] The side surface of the outdoor unit 100 at which the short
side portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 having the uneven surface
17 is present is covered by the outdoor-unit-side-surface portion
7a of the casing 7.
[0074] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of a
heat exchanger 210 to be mounted to an outdoor unit for an
air-conditioning apparatus in the related art as viewed from a back
surface. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the heat exchanger 210 is formed
in such a manner that side edge portions 211a of long side portions
211 having connecting end portions of metal pipes to be connected
to connection pipes accommodated in the outdoor unit are aligned
and that side edge portions 212a of short side portions 212 having
U-turn portions of the metal pipes are aligned. Consequently, in
the heat exchanger 210, an uneven surface 217 due to the deviation
in the air flow direction is caused in the combined parts between a
heat exchanger unit 210a, which is the upper heat exchanger unit,
and a heat exchanger unit 210b, which is the lower heat exchanger
unit, in a range from the long side portion 211 to a corner portion
213.
[0075] In this case, when the long side portion 211 of the heat
exchanger 210 is exposed to allow air to smoothly flow, an
installation worker or a user can easily touch the uneven surface
217. Consequently, there is a fear of occurrence of such a
disadvantage that an installation worker or a user is injured due
to the uneven surface 217, or that clothes are caught to be
damaged. When, for example, a net is provided on the back surface
of the outdoor unit 100 as a measure against the disadvantage, an
installation worker or a user cannot easily touch the heat
exchanger 210. However, the number of components is increased,
which is uneconomical.
[0076] Further, a bending process for the heat exchanger unit 210a,
which is the upper heat exchanger unit, and a bending process for
the heat exchanger unit 210b, which is the lower heat exchanger
unit, are simultaneously performed on the same facility.
Consequently, variation that occurs at the time of the bending
process is equalized between the two heat exchanger units 210a and
210b vertically stacked, and the uneven surface 217 when the two
heat exchanger units 210a and 210b are stacked can be thus
prevented. However, in this case, the facility is increased in
size, or a production site is limited. Thus, there is a problem in
that production does not catch up with increase in production.
[0077] According to Embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus includes the heat exchanger 10 including
the two heat exchanger units 10a and 10b. The two heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b are vertically stacked and each include the long
side portion 11, the short side portion 12, and the corner portion
13 bent and connecting the long side portion 11 and the short side
portion 12 to each other. In the heat exchanger 10, the deviation
in the air flow direction that lies between the heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other is larger at
the short side portion 12 than at the long side portion 11.
[0078] With this configuration, bending angles of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b are not adjusted at the time of
assembly, and the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b can be assembled
so that the deviation in the air flow direction that lies between
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other is large at the short side portion 12. Consequently, assembly
efficiency can be improved through elimination of need for
adjustment of the bending angles of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b at the time of assembly. Further, it is possible to prevent
the uneven surface due to the deviation in the air flow direction
of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked at the
part at which the long side portion 11 is placed, such as the back
surface of the outdoor unit 100, at which an installation worker or
a user can touch the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
stacked.
[0079] Consequently, an installation worker or a user cannot easily
touch the uneven surface due to the deviation in the air flow
direction of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
stacked at the part at which the long side portion 11 is placed,
such as the back surface of the outdoor unit 100, and safety can be
thus improved. Further, it is possible to prevent the uneven
surface due to the deviation in the air flow direction of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically stacked at the part at which
an installation worker or a user can touch the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b vertically stacked and the long side portion 11 that is
conspicuous on the outer appearance of the outdoor unit 100 is
placed. Consequently, the outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning
apparatus does not give a user a feeling of anxiety that a product
defect occurs due to the conspicuous uneven surface.
[0080] According to Embodiment, in the heat exchanger 10, the
deviation in the air flow direction that lies between the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other is
larger at the short side portion 12 than at the long side portion
11 through alignment of the relative positions of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other in a
range between a part of the long side portion 11 and a part of the
corner portion 13 continuous from the long side portion 11.
[0081] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other are aligned in the range between
a part of the long side portion 11 and a part of the corner portion
13 continuous from the long side portion 11, and the most deviation
in the air flow direction at the long side portion 11 can be
shifted to the deviation at the short side portion 12.
Consequently, the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b can be assembled
so that the deviation in the air flow direction that lies between
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other is large at the short side portion 12 without adjustment of
the bending angles of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b at the
time of assembly.
[0082] According to Embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus further includes the first regulating
part 30 regulating the relative positions of the heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. The first
regulating part 30 regulates the relative positions of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other by
sandwiching inflow-surface portions and outflow-surface portions in
the air flow direction of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other in the range between a part of
the long side portion 11 and a part of the corner portion 13
continuous from the long side portion 11.
[0083] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other are aligned in the range between
a part of the long side portion 11 and a part of the corner portion
13 continuous from the long side portion 11 with use of the first
regulating part 30, and the most deviation in the air flow
direction at the long side portion 11 can be shifted to the
deviation at the short side portion 12.
[0084] According to Embodiment, the first regulating part 30 allows
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other to relatively move in a longitudinal direction of the long
side portion 11.
[0085] With this configuration, the first regulating part 30 allows
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other to relatively move in the longitudinal direction of the long
side portions 11. Consequently, damage of the heat exchanger 10,
such as deformation, can be prevented.
[0086] According to Embodiment, the first regulating part 30
includes the projecting portion 37 inserted between the adjacent
metal plates 15 of the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper
heat exchanger unit among the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other.
[0087] With this configuration, the first regulating part 30 can be
moved together with the heat exchanger unit 10a, which is the upper
heat exchanger unit among the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b,
with the projecting portion 37 inserted between the adjacent metal
plates 15 of the heat exchanger unit 10a. The first regulating part
30 can allow the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
adjacent to each other to relatively move.
[0088] According to Embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus further includes the second regulating
part 40 regulating the relative positions of the heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. The second
regulating part 40 regulates the relative positions the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other by
sandwiching the inflow-surface portions and the outflow-surface
portions in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b vertically adjacent to each other at the middle of the long
side portions 11 of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
adjacent to each other.
[0089] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other are aligned at the middle of the
long side portions 11 with use of the second regulating part 40,
and the most deviation in the air flow direction at the long side
portion 11 can be shifted.
[0090] The second regulating part 40 shifts the deviation in the
air flow direction at the long side portion 11 to the deviation at
the short side portion 12 together with the first regulating part
30, that is, at the two parts, and the uneven surface due to the
deviation in the air flow direction at the long side portion 11 can
be thus prevented.
[0091] According to Embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus further includes the third regulating
part 50 regulating the relative positions of the heat exchanger
units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other. The third
regulating part 50 regulates, in the up-and-down direction, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other at the side edge portions 12a of
the short side portions 12 of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other, and provides play that allows
the deviation in the air flow direction.
[0092] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10, the
relative positions of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b
vertically adjacent to each other can be regulated in the
up-and-down direction at the side edge portions 12a of the short
side portions 12 with use of the third regulating part 50.
Consequently, in the heat exchanger 10, the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other are not spaced
vertically at the side edge portions 12a of the short side portions
12. Further, the third regulating part 50 can provide play that
allows the deviation in the air flow direction of the heat
exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each other.
Consequently, in the heat exchanger 10, positions of the side edge
portions 12a of the short side portions 12 can be regulated in the
up-and-down direction while the most deviation in the air flow
direction that is shifted to the deviation at the short side
portion 12 is maintained.
[0093] According to Embodiment, in the heat exchanger 10, the long
side portion 11 is exposed as the back surface of the outdoor unit
100. The outdoor unit 100 for an air-conditioning apparatus further
includes the casing 7, which covers the short side portion 12 of
the heat exchanger 10, and has the plurality of openings 7a1 that
allow passage of air.
[0094] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10, the long
side portion 11 is exposed as the back surface of the outdoor unit
100. It is possible to prevent the uneven surface due to the
deviation in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b vertically stacked at the long side portion 11 that is
exposed as the back surface of the outdoor unit 100 at which an
installation worker or a user can touch the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b vertically stacked.
[0095] Consequently, an installation worker or a user cannot easily
touch the uneven surface due to the deviation in the air flow
direction of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
stacked at the long side portion 11 that is exposed as the back
surface of the outdoor unit 100, and safety can be thus improved.
Further, it is possible to prevent the uneven surface due to the
deviation in the air flow direction of the heat exchanger units 10a
and 10b vertically stacked at the long side portion 11 at which an
installation worker or a user can touch the heat exchanger units
10a and 10b vertically stacked and that is exposed as the back
surface of the outdoor unit 100, which is conspicuous on the outer
appearance of the outdoor unit 100. Consequently, the outdoor unit
100 for an air-conditioning apparatus does not give a user a
feeling of anxiety that a product defect occurs due to the
conspicuous uneven surface on the back surface of the outdoor unit
100.
[0096] Further, the casing 7 covers the short side portion 12 of
the heat exchanger 10, and has the plurality of openings 7a1 that
allow passage of air. Consequently, the deviation in the air flow
direction or the uneven surface 17 due to the deviation that is
large at the short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 is
covered by the casing 7 to be hidden. Further, the plurality of
openings 7a1 that allow passage of air are opened in the casing 7,
and decrease in efficiency of the heat exchanger 10 at the short
side portion 12 can be thus prevented.
[0097] Consequently, the short side portion 12 at which the
deviation in the air flow direction is large is covered by the
casing 7, and hence an installation worker or a user cannot easily
touch the uneven surface 17 due to the deviation in the air flow
direction of the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically
stacked, and safety can be thus improved. Further, the short side
portion 12 at which the deviation in the air flow direction is
large is covered by the casing 7, and hence the outdoor unit 100
for an air-conditioning apparatus does not give a user a feeling of
anxiety that a product defect occurs due to the conspicuous uneven
surface 17 due to the deviation in the air flow direction.
[0098] According to Embodiment, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus includes the top plate 9, which is
placed over the casing 7, and fixes the heat exchanger 10 by
pressing the heat exchanger 10 downward.
[0099] With this configuration, the top plate 9 is placed over the
casing 7, and fixes the heat exchanger 10 by pressing the heat
exchanger 10 downward. In this case, the top plate 9 can press
downward the motor mounting base 5 of the heat exchanger 10 to
which a flexible part such as insulation is bonded, sandwich the
heat exchanger 10 together with the bottom plate 1, and fix the
heat exchanger 10. Consequently, even when the deviation in the air
flow direction that lies between the heat exchanger units 10a and
10b vertically adjacent to each other is large at the short side
portion 12, the short side portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 is
only pressed and fixed by the top plate 9. Thus, the heat exchanger
10 can be firmly fixed under the state in which the deviation in
the air flow direction is allowed. With this configuration, even
when the position of the short side portion 12 is changed due to
the deviation amount, the short side portion 12 of the heat
exchanger 10 is not required to be fixed to a set part with, for
example, screws or a hooking part. Consequently, the number of
components can be reduced, and assembly efficiency can be thus
prevented.
[0100] According to Embodiment, the heat exchanger units 10a and
10b are each formed into such an L-shape that the short side
portion 12 is continuous from the long side portion 11 through the
corner portion 13. The casing 7 includes the
outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a that covers the short side
portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10, and the
outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b that is opposite to the long
side portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10 exposed as the back
surface of the outdoor unit 100. The outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus further includes the pillar portion 8
that forms an outdoor-unit-opposite-side-surface portion at a
portion of the outdoor unit 100 opposite to the
outdoor-unit-side-surface portion 7a of the casing 7. The side edge
portion 11a of the long side portion 11 of the heat exchanger 10 is
fixed to the pillar portion 8. The top plate 9 is placed over the
casing 7 and the pillar portion 8, and fixes the heat exchanger 10
by pressing the heat exchanger 10 downward.
[0101] With this configuration, in the heat exchanger 10 including
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b each formed into an L-shape,
the side edge portions 11a of the long side portions 11, at which
the deviation in the air flow direction is adjusted to align
positions of the end portions of the side edge portions 11a, are
fixed to the pillar portion 8. Further, the top plate 9 is placed
over the casing 7 and the pillar portion 8, and fixes the heat
exchanger 10 by pressing the heat exchanger 10 downward. In this
case, the top plate 9 can press downward the motor mounting base 5
of the heat exchanger 10 to which a flexible part such as
insulation is bonded, sandwich the heat exchanger 10 together with
the bottom plate 1, and fix the heat exchanger 10. Consequently,
even when the deviation in the air flow direction that lies between
the heat exchanger units 10a and 10b vertically adjacent to each
other is large at the short side portion 12, the short side portion
12 of the heat exchanger 10 is only pressed and fixed by the top
plate 9. Thus, the heat exchanger 10 can be firmly fixed under the
state in which the deviation in the air flow direction is allowed.
With this configuration, even when the position of the short side
portion 12 is changed due to the deviation amount, the short side
portion 12 of the heat exchanger 10 is not required to be fixed to
a set part with, for example, screws or a hooking part.
Consequently, the number of components can be reduced, and assembly
efficiency can be thus improved.
[0102] Further, a flexible part made of a flexible material such as
insulation is bonded to the top surface of the motor mounting base
5, and the motor mounting base 5 is held in contact with the top
plate 9. With this configuration, the outdoor unit 100 for an
air-conditioning apparatus can prevent the contact noise between
the motor mounting base 5 and the top plate 9 that is generated due
to vibration during an operation.
[0103] The heat exchanger units 10a and 10b are each formed into
such an L-shape that the short side portion 12 is continuous from
the long side portion 11 through the corner portion 13. However,
the present invention is applicable also when the heat exchanger
units are each formed into such a U-shape that short side portions
are each provided on a corresponding one of both sides of the long
side portion.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0104] 1 bottom plate 2 compressor 3 connection pipe 4 fan 5 motor
mounting base 6 controller 7 casing 7a outdoor-unit-side-surface
portion 7a1 opening 7b outdoor-unit-front-surface portion 7b1 air
outlet 8 pillar portion 9 top plate 10 heat exchanger 10a heat
exchanger unit 10b heat exchanger unit 11 long side portion 11a
side edge portion 12 short side portion 12a side edge portion 13
corner portion 14 metal pipe 15 metal plate 16 U-turn portion 17
uneven surface 20a screw 20b screw 30 first regulating part 30a
start point 30b end point 31 rib 31a cut hole 32 rib 32a bent
portion 33 base portion 34 drain water passage hole 35 rib 36 rib
36a bent portion 37 projecting portion 40 second regulating part 41
rib 41a cut hole 42 rib [0105] 42a bent portion 43 base portion 44
drain water passage hole 45 rib [0106] 46 rib 46a bent portion 46b
cut hole 47a projecting portion [0107] 47b projecting portion 50
third regulating part 51 insertion hole 51a claw portion 52
insertion hole 53 insertion hole 53a claw portion 54 insertion hole
54a claw portion 55 insertion hole 56 insertion hole 56a claw
portion [0108] 100 outdoor unit 210 heat exchanger 210a heat
exchanger unit [0109] 210b heat exchanger unit 211 long side
portion 211a side edge portion 212 short side portion 212a side
edge portion 213 corner portion [0110] 217 uneven surface
* * * * *