Outdoor unit and air conditioner provided with same

Abstract

The invention provides an outdoor unit and an air conditioner provided with the outdoor unit, which can prevent the contact between a heat exchanger and a bottom plate caused by the position offset of a spacer, thereby inhibiting the contact corrosion of dissimilar metals. The outdoor unit is provided with: a heat exchanger (13) formed from a metal; a bottom plate (41) formed from a metal different from the metal of the heat exchanger (13); and a spacer (50) that is disposed between the heat exchanger (13) and the bottom plate (41) and is formed of an insulating material, the bottom plate (41) has a fixing part (60) for fixing the spacer (50), the spacer (50) has an attachment part (52) for sandwiching the fixing part (60), and when the spacer (50) is disposed on the bottom plate (41), the attachment part (52) is attached to the fixing part (60). Thus, the spacer (50) is prevented from moving on the bottom plate (41) toward the space side in which the heat exchanger (13) is housed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an outdoor unit and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit. Background Art

[0002] The outdoor heat exchanger disposed inside the housing of the outdoor unit may be made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Meanwhile, the housing of the outdoor unit, particularly the bottom plate on which the outdoor heat exchanger is placed, may be made of, for example, iron.

[0003] As such, if the outdoor heat exchanger and the base plate are made of different metals and in contact with each other, if water, such as rainwater or condensed water, passes between them, dissimilar metal contact corrosion may occur due to the potential difference between the two. If dissimilar metal contact corrosion occurs, the metal with a higher ionization tendency (aluminum in the case of aluminum and iron) corrodes.

[0004] To prevent dissimilar metal contact corrosion, some systems employ a spacer made of insulating material between the base plate and the outdoor heat exchanger (see Patent Document 1 below). Specifically, by placing the outdoor heat exchanger on the insulating spacer, contact between the base plate and the outdoor heat exchanger due to the outdoor heat exchanger's own weight or external vibrations can be prevented, while ensuring insulation between the two. This prevents dissimilar metal contact corrosion even when water is present inside the outdoor unit's casing.

[0005] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-084995 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention The spacer disclosed in Patent Document 1 has non-parallel surfaces, and these surfaces are placed in contact with the corners of the base plate, thereby determining the position of the spacer relative to the base plate. Therefore, in the direction in which the spacer contacts the base plate, i.e., from the inside toward the outside of the outdoor unit, the spacer is not restricted by the base plate and can move.

[0006] However, in Patent Document 1, the spacer's movement from the outside toward the inside of the outdoor unit is not restricted. Therefore, during assembly of the outdoor unit, the spacer could be positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger and the base plate, displaced inward from its intended position. If the spacer is positioned inward from its intended position, vibration during transport or operation of the outdoor unit could cause the spacer to fall out of the spacer. If the spacer falls out of the spacer, the outdoor heat exchanger and the base plate could come into contact due to the weight of the outdoor heat exchanger or external vibrations. Furthermore, if water is present between the two in this state, dissimilar metal contact corrosion could occur.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit and an air conditioner equipped with the outdoor unit, which can suppress the occurrence of dissimilar metal contact corrosion by preventing contact between a heat exchanger and a bottom plate caused by positional deviation of a spacer.

[0008] Technical solutions to technical problems An outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a heat exchanger formed of metal; a base plate formed of a metal different from that of the heat exchanger; and a spacer arranged between the heat exchanger and the base plate and formed of an insulating material, the base plate having a fixing portion for fixing the spacer, and the spacer having a mounting portion for clamping the fixing portion. When the spacer is arranged on the base plate, the mounting portion is mounted on the fixing portion, thereby restricting the spacer from moving on the base plate toward the side of the space accommodating the heat exchanger.

[0009] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, the outdoor unit including: a heat exchanger formed of metal; a base plate formed of a metal different from that of the heat exchanger; and a spacer arranged between the heat exchanger and the base plate and formed of an insulating material, the base plate having a fixing portion for fixing the spacer, the spacer having a mounting portion for clamping the fixing portion, and when the spacer is arranged on the base plate, the mounting portion is mounted on the fixing portion, thereby restricting the spacer from moving on the base plate toward the side of the space accommodating the heat exchanger; and an indoor unit, which is arranged indoors and forms a refrigeration circuit with the outdoor unit.

[0010] Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outdoor unit and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit, which can suppress the occurrence of dissimilar metal contact corrosion by preventing contact between a heat exchanger and a bottom plate caused by positional displacement of a spacer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the appearance of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a state in which an outdoor heat exchanger is placed on a bottom plate inside an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a spacer disposed between a bottom plate and an outdoor heat exchanger in a state where the outdoor heat exchanger is placed on the bottom plate, inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a state where a spacer is arranged on a bottom plate inside an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a plan view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The stereograms shown are stereograms from different directions.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a side view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 It is a side view showing another form of the spacer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 This is an enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a corner portion where spacers are arranged, which is a part of the bottom plate according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 12 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixed to a base plate.

[0023] Figure 13 This is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixed to a base plate. Figure 12 The stereograms shown are stereograms from different directions.

[0024] Figure 14It is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixed to a base plate, and is an enlarged perspective view showing a state seen from a side surface of the spacer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 : is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is an external perspective view of the outdoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] use Figure 1 The air conditioner 1 is described. The air conditioner 1 can perform heating and cooling operations and includes a refrigerant circuit 2 in which an indoor unit 5 disposed indoors and an outdoor unit 11 disposed outdoors are connected via refrigerant pipes 3 .

[0027] The outdoor unit 11 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 13; an outdoor blower 16 for blowing outside air toward the outdoor heat exchanger 13; a compressor 12; a liquid accumulator 19; a four-way valve 15; and an outdoor unit-side expansion valve 14. The outdoor blower 16 is driven by a fan motor. The indoor unit 5 includes an indoor heat exchanger 7 and a blower 9 for blowing indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger 7.

[0028] The refrigerant circuit 2 is configured by connecting a compressor 12, a four-way valve 15, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor unit-side expansion valve 14, an indoor heat exchanger 7, and a liquid accumulator 19 via refrigerant piping 3. The refrigerant piping 3 connecting the four-way valve 15 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 becomes a gas-side refrigerant piping 18, while the refrigerant piping 3 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor unit-side expansion valve 14 becomes a liquid-side refrigerant piping 17.

[0029] In the embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 includes a liquid-side header 23, a gas-side header 24, and a return header 25. The liquid-side header 23 is a first header provided at one end of the first heat exchange section 21. The gas-side header 24 is a first header provided at one end of the second heat exchange section 22. The return header 25 is a second header provided at the other end.

[0030] Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the embodiment of the present invention is formed into an L-shape when viewed from above. The long side of the L-shape faces the rear surface of the housing, while the short side of the L-shape faces the side surfaces of the housing. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the embodiment of the present invention is formed, for example, from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0031] exist Figure 1In the figure, the solid arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping 3 during cooling operation. During cooling operation, refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state flows through the four-way valve 15 and the gas-side refrigerant piping 18 into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. While flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant condenses through heat exchange with the outside air delivered by the outdoor blower 16, becoming liquid-phase refrigerant and flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The liquid-phase refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is decompressed upon passing through the outdoor unit-side expansion valve 14 via the liquid-side refrigerant piping 17, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The decompressed gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7. While flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 7, it exchanges heat with the indoor air delivered by the blower 9, evaporating into a gas-phase refrigerant and flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 7. The gas-phase refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 7 returns to the compressor 12 via the accumulator 19 and is compressed, and becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant again.

[0032] In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, the dashed arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping 3 during heating operation. During heating operation, the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 15, causing the flow to be opposite to that of cooling operation. During heating operation, refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous phase flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7. While flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 7, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous phase refrigerant loses heat through heat exchange with the indoor air delivered by the blower 9, becoming a liquid-phase refrigerant and flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 7. The indoor air that has exchanged heat with the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is heated. The liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is decompressed when passing through the outdoor unit-side expansion valve 14, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The decompressed gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows through the liquid-side refrigerant piping 17 into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. While flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air sent by the outdoor blower 16, evaporates, and becomes a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 returns to the compressor 12 via the gas-side refrigerant piping 18 and the accumulator 19, where it is compressed and becomes a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase.

[0033] Then, based on Figure 2 The outdoor unit 11 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 2As shown in the outdoor unit 11, the vertical direction (the vertical direction in the figure) when the outdoor unit 11 is installed on the horizontal surface is defined as the Z direction. Figure 2 In the case of the outdoor unit 11 shown, the left-right direction is represented as the X direction. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is represented as the Y direction (front-back direction).

[0034] In addition, the following, such as Figure 2 As shown by the arrows, the up and down in the Z direction are appropriately referred to as the upper side in the Z direction or the lower side in the Z direction, and the left and right in the X direction are referred to as the left side in the X direction and the right side in the X direction. In addition, with respect to the Y direction which is perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction, the front side of the drawing is referred to as the front side in the Y direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the back side in the Y direction. It should be noted that Figure 2 The same applies to the following figures.

[0035] Furthermore, regarding the outdoor unit described below, an outdoor unit having Figure 2 The outdoor unit 11 of the shape shown is taken as an example. However, regarding the outdoor unit 11, in addition to Figure 2 In addition to the shapes shown in FIG. , the shape (aspect ratio) can be freely set according to the size and number of various devices installed in the housing 6 .

[0036] The outdoor unit 11 has a box-shaped casing 6. The casing 6 has six surfaces, namely, a top plate 40, a bottom plate 41, a front panel 42, a back panel 43, a left side panel 44, and a right side panel 45. The top plate 40 is located on the upper side in the Z direction. The bottom plate 41 carries the compressor 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, etc., and is made of iron. The front panel 42 is located on the front side in the Y direction, and the back panel 43 is located on the opposite side of the front panel 42, that is, on the back side in the Y direction. The left side panel 44 is located on the left side of the front panel 42 in the X direction, and the right side panel 45 is located on the right side of the front panel 42 in the X direction. An intake port, not shown, is formed in the back panel 43 and the left side panel 44. The L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 13 is arranged so as to face the intake port formed in the back panel 43 and the left side panel 44.

[0037] The outside air sucked in from the suction port by the rotation of the outdoor blower 16 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the direction of the arrow shown on the Y-direction back side or the X-direction left side of the housing 6. A blow-out port 46 is formed on the front panel 42 of the housing 6, and a fan cover 47 is attached to the blow-out port 46. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 by the rotation of the outdoor blower 16 is Figure 2 The air is blown out from the air outlet 46 toward the front side of the casing 6 as shown by the arrow.

[0038] Next, use Figure 3 The interior of the outdoor unit 11 will be described. Figure 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is placed on the bottom plate 41 inside the outdoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 In the stereogram shown, the Figure 2 The components constituting the housing 6 other than the bottom plate 41 and the devices arranged inside the housing 6 are shown. Therefore, only the outdoor heat exchanger 13 mounted on the bottom plate 41 and the spacer 50 arranged between the bottom plate 41 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 are shown.

[0039] The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is L-shaped, with the ends of the long and short sides of the L-shape attached to the base plate using fasteners (not shown). Meanwhile, the portion where the long and short sides of the L-shape meet (hereinafter referred to as the "bend portion 13a") is not attached to the base plate 41. However, a spacer 50, described later, is positioned between the bend portion 13a of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the base plate 41. In other words, the bend portion 13a of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 rests solely on the spacer 50 attached to the base plate 41.

[0040] As described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the embodiment of the present invention is formed of aluminum or the like, while the bottom plate 41 is made of iron. Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41 are formed of dissimilar metals. If water such as rainwater or condensed water is present between the two while they are in contact, dissimilar metal contact corrosion may occur.

[0041] Therefore, a spacer 50 is placed between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41. This prevents contact between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41, for example, if the outdoor heat exchanger 13 moves downward in the Z direction due to its own weight, or if the outdoor unit 11 is subjected to an impact caused by vibration or being dropped, resulting in a force acting on the bottom plate 41 causing it to move upward in the Z direction. Therefore, the spacer 50 prevents contact between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41 and ensures a distance between them.

[0042] Furthermore, the spacer 50 contacts both the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the base plate 41. Therefore, if electrical conduction were present, this could result in dissimilar metal contact corrosion. Therefore, the spacer 50 is formed of an insulating material. It should be noted that various insulating materials, such as resin and rubber, can be used.

[0043] Figure 4 A state in which the spacer 50 is arranged between the bottom plate 41 and the heat exchanger 13 is shown. Figure 4This is a perspective view showing the spacer 50 disposed between the bottom plate 41 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in a state where the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is placed on the bottom plate 41 inside the outdoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] exist Figure 4 In the figure, the dotted line depicts the Figure 3 The spacer 50 is hidden from view by the outdoor heat exchanger 13. As will be described later, the spacer 50 in the embodiment of the present invention is secured to the base plate 41 by attaching its mounting portion 52 to a fixed portion of the base plate 41. Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is placed on the upper side of the spacer 50 in the Z direction. By placing the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the spacer 50, the spacer 50 is positioned between the base plate 41 and the heat exchanger 13.

[0045] Then, in Figure 5 In, omitted Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The depiction of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 shows a state in which only the spacer 50 is attached to the bottom plate 41 inside the outdoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 .

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom plate 41 is provided with a raised portion 41b formed by raising the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 41a upward in the Z direction. The formation of the raised portion 41b gives the bottom plate 41 an overall box-like shape with its top (upper side in the Z direction) open. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 and other equipment are housed in the space enclosed by the raised portion 41b on the bottom surface 41a.

[0047] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the side of the rising portion 41b that faces the space housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and other equipment will be referred to as the "first surface F1." On the other hand, the surface opposite to the first surface F1 will be referred to as the "second surface F2." Specifically, the surface of the rising portion 41b facing the interior of the housing 6 is the first surface F1, and the surface facing the exterior of the housing 6 is the second surface F2. Even when the rising portion 41b is not formed on the bottom plate 41, as in the embodiment of the present invention, the surface facing the space housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is the first surface F1, and the opposite side corresponds to the second surface F2. In this case, the surface on which the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and other equipment are placed is the first surface F1, and the back surface, i.e., the surface facing the installation surface, is the second surface F2.

[0048] exist Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , since the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is not depicted, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is shown. Figure 3Only a portion of the spacer 50 attached to the bottom plate 41 is visible. As described above, the spacer 50 is positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41 to ensure distance and insulation between them, thereby preventing dissimilar metal contact corrosion. Therefore, in this embodiment of the present invention, the spacer 50 is positioned on the upper side (on the first surface F1 side) of the bottom plate 41 in the Z direction and inside the housing 6.

[0049] The bottom surface 41a of the base plate 41 is not flat. Instead, it is designed to collect condensed water dripping from the top of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to the bottom, for example, at a lower position. Furthermore, the base plate 41 is designed to be able to be installed at a higher position for equipment such as the outdoor heat exchanger 13 that is not intended to come into contact with condensed water. Therefore, the bottom surface 41a has irregularities.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, when viewing the outdoor unit 11 from the front, the spacer 50 in the embodiment of the present invention is positioned at a corner of the bottom plate 41 on the left side in the X direction and the back side in the Y direction. As described above, the spacer 50 is positioned in this position because it contacts the lower surface of the bent portion 13a of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 to support the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0051] (Spacer 50) use Figures 6 to 10 The spacer 50 will be described in detail. Figure 6 : is a top view of the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 In order to facilitate understanding, a portion of the long side 41c on the back side in the Y direction and the short side 41d on the left side in the X direction of the bottom plate 41 are respectively indicated by a dotted line. Figure 6 The dotted lines in FIG. 5 are shown for convenience only and do not indicate the state where the spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41. Similarly, for ease of understanding, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (bent portion 13a) placed on the spacer 50 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0052] The spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41 by attaching a mounting portion 52, described later, to the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41. Specifically, when the spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41, the mounting portion 52, described later, of the spacer 50 is attached to the fixing portion 60 so as to sandwich the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41. By attaching the spacer 50 to the bottom plate 41 in this manner, movement of the spacer 50 on the bottom plate 41 toward the space housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13, i.e., the space surrounded by the rising portion 41b of the bottom plate 41, is restricted.

[0053] like Figure 6As shown, the spacer 50 in the embodiment of the present invention is a deformed hexagonal shape having first to sixth sides 50a to 50f. Of the six sides of the spacer 50, the first side 50a is arranged to face and be parallel to the long side 41c on the back side of the base plate 41 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the second side 50b is arranged to face and be parallel to the short side 41d on the left side of the base plate 41 in the X direction.

[0054] Therefore, the third side 50c located between the first side 50a and the second side 50b is arranged at a position opposite to the corner 41e formed by the long side 41c on the back side in the Y direction of the bottom plate 41 and the short side 41d on the left side in the X direction. Figure 6 As shown, neither side contacts the long side 41c or the short side 41d.

[0055] In addition, since the first side 50a to the third side 50c are arranged in such a position, the fourth side 50d parallel to the first side 50a, the fifth side 50e parallel to the second side 50b, and the sixth side 50f parallel to the third side 50c are located closer to the inner side of the shell 6 than the first side 50a to the third side 50c, that is, the side of the space that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0056] The mounting surface 51 surrounded by the first side 50a to the sixth side 50f of the spacer 50 is a region where the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is assembled to the bottom plate 41. Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line, or as Figure 6 The dotted line in the center shows the bent portion 13a of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the mounting surface 51 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 41a of the bottom plate 41, with which it contacts. Thus, the spacer 50 is positioned between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41, preventing them from contacting each other.

[0057] The first side 50a of the spacer 50 is provided with a mounting portion 52. The mounting portion 52 is a portion that is mounted on the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41 when the spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41. The fixing portion 60 will be used later. Figure 11 The spacer 50 is mounted on the bottom plate 41 by the mounting portion 52 holding the fixing portion 60 .

[0058] It should be noted that the following details about the spacer 50 are also referred to as Figure 7 and Figure 8 Provide explanation. Figure 7 : is a perspective view of the appearance of the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is from Figure 7 The external perspective views of the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention are shown in different directions.

[0059] The mounting portion 52 includes a base portion 52a, an opposing portion 52b, and an arm portion 52c. The base portion 52a extends continuously upward in the Z direction from the mounting surface 51 at the first side 50a. When the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixed portion 60, the base portion 52a extends along the first surface F1 of the rising portion 41b. Furthermore, the opposing portion 52b is positioned opposite the base portion 52a and, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixed portion 60, extends along the second surface F2 of the rising portion 41b. The arm portion 52c connects one end of the base portion 52a to one end of the opposing portion 52b.

[0060] As described above, the base portion 52a rises from the mounting surface 51 along the first surface F1 of the rising portion 41b. Furthermore, the first side 50a of the spacer 50, on which the mounting portion 52 is formed, does not contact the long side 41c on the rear side in the Y direction. Therefore, when the spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41, the base portion 52a faces the first surface F1.

[0061] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, an opposing portion 52b is disposed opposite the base portion 52a. Furthermore, when the spacer 50 is secured to the base plate 41, the long side 41c on the back side in the Y direction is disposed between the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b. Therefore, the opposing portion 52b is opposed to the second surface F2 of the rising portion 41b.

[0062] The two arms 52c connect the base 52a and the opposing portion 52b via one end 52aa of the base 52a and one end 52ba of the opposing portion 52b. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the arm portion 52c extends in an arch shape from the base portion 52a toward the outside as viewed from the placement surface 51, that is, toward the outside of the space accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the bottom plate 41, and is connected to one end 52ba of the facing portion 52b.

[0063] When the spacer 50 is secured to the base plate 41, the fixing portion 60 on the long side 41c of the rising portion 41a of the base plate 41 enters between the base 52a and the facing portion 52b. Therefore, the arm portion 52c is positioned so as to extend over the long side 41c (rising portion 41b). Furthermore, the base 52a and the facing portion 52b are connected by the arm portion 52c. Consequently, the base 52a faces the first surface F1, and the facing portion 52b faces the second surface F2, sandwiching the fixing portion 60 from both sides.

[0064] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, two arms 52c are formed spaced apart along the long side 41c on the Y-direction back side of the base plate 41. Since two arms 52c, 52c are formed, a first gap 52d is formed between the two arms 52c, 52c. Furthermore, a rectangular second gap 52e is formed below the base 52a, penetrating the mounting surface 51 and the base 52a.

[0065] As described later, the spacing between the first rib 52f of the base portion 52a, which contacts the first surface F1, and the second rib 52g of the opposing portion 52b, which contacts the second surface F2, is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the long side 41c of the fixing portion 60. Therefore, when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, the arm portions 52c, 52c deform, causing the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b to expand. Furthermore, the formation of the first gap 52d and the second gap 52e in the mounting portion 52 facilitates elastic deformation of the mounting portion 52 as a whole. Consequently, the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b easily expand.

[0066] Furthermore, when the arms 52c, 52c are opened toward the opposing portion 52b, one end 52aa of the base 52a is pulled toward the opposing portion 52b, causing the base 52a to deform outward toward the mounting surface 51. Consequently, the portion of the base 52a that continues from the mounting surface 51 also deforms. In this case, because the second gap 52e is formed in this portion, the base 52a of the mounting portion 52 can be easily deformed with less force.

[0067] Thus, since the first gap portion 52d and the second gap portion 52e are provided, it is easy to attach the mounting portion 52 to the fixing portion 60. In addition, the entire spacer 50 can be easily fixed to the bottom plate 41.

[0068] It should be noted that in the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second gap 52e is formed below the first gap 52d. However, as long as the second gap 52e is formed below the base 52a, it does not necessarily need to be below the first gap 52d. Furthermore, multiple second gaps 52e may be provided.

[0069] The second gap 52e is formed to extend from the lower portion of the base 52a to the facing surface 51. Therefore, condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 placed on the placement surface 51 can be discharged to the bottom plate 41 without being retained in the spacer 50.

[0070] It should be noted that in the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention, holes such as the second gap 52e are provided not only at the bottom of the base 52a described above, but also at the bottom of the second side 50b and the third side 50c. This further improves the drainage of condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0071] The mounting portion 52 includes two first ribs 52f, 52f, on the outside of each arm portion 52c. These ribs are formed in a convex shape from the base portion 52a toward the first surface F1 of the rising portion 41b. Specifically, the first ribs 52f, 52f are formed on the outside of the arm portions 52c, 52c, on the opposite side from the side where the first gap 52d is provided.

[0072] That is, Figure 6 As shown, on the first side 50a of the spacer 50, as viewed from the corner 41e of the bottom plate 41, a first rib 52f, an arm 52c, a first gap 52d, an arm 52c, and a first rib 52f are arranged in this order. The arms 52c, 52c are sandwiched between the two first ribs 52f, 52f.

[0073] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the first rib 52f is convex from the base 52a toward the first surface F1 of the rising portion 41b, has a generally triangular cross-section, and projects toward the rear side in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first rib 52f is provided with a contact portion 52fa that contacts the first surface F1 of the fixing portion when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60. The first rib 52f protrudes less toward the first surface F1 on the lower side in the Z direction, closer to the mounting surface 51, than the contact portion 52fa on the upper side in the Z direction, which contacts the first surface F1. Furthermore, the rib 52f is inclined so that the protrusion gradually increases from the lower side in the Z direction toward the contact portion 52fa.

[0074] Furthermore, similarly to the base portion 52a, the first rib 52f rises from the mounting surface 51 along the first surface F1 of the rising portion 41b and projects toward the rear side in the Y direction as it moves upward in the Z direction. Since the first rib 52f is formed in this shape, when the spacer 50 is fixed to the fixing portion 60, the first rib 52f contacts the first surface F1 of the fixing portion 60, and the fixing portion 60 is sandwiched between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g described below.

[0075] like Figure 8As shown, a second rib 52g having a substantially rectangular cross-section is formed at one end 52ba of the opposing portion 52b of the mounting portion 52, projecting from the opposing portion 52b toward the second surface F2 of the rising portion 41b. Furthermore, the second rib 52g protrudes forward in the Y direction. Furthermore, the second rib 52g is provided with a contact portion 52ga that contacts the second surface F2 of the fixing portion 60 when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60. Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of this contact portion 52ga in the Y direction toward the front side of the fixing portion 60, which contacts the second surface F2, is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the claw portion 52h, described later.

[0076] That is, Figure 6 、 Figure 9 As shown, the second rib 52g is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape and protrudes from the facing portion 52b toward the front side in the Y direction. Therefore, when the spacer 50 is fixed to the fixing portion 60, the second rib 52g contacts the second surface F2 of the fixing portion 60 and, together with the first rib 52f, sandwiches the fixing portion 60. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the second rib 52g is provided only at one location on the facing portion 52b, but multiple ribs may be provided.

[0077] Here, the positional relationship between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g in the front-rear direction in the Y direction will be described. Figure 9 This is a side view of the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the right side in the X direction. Figure 9 The left side of the drawing corresponds to the inner side of the long side 41 c of the bottom plate 41 (the side of the space accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger 13 etc.) when the spacer 50 is attached to the bottom plate 41 . The right side of the drawing corresponds to the outer side of the long side 41 c of the bottom plate 41 .

[0078] It should be explained that Figure 9 In FIG, since the spacer 50 is viewed from the right side in the X direction, the first rib 52f farthest from the corner 41e can be seen at the front. Figure 9 In the figure, the arm portion 52 c and the second rib 52 g (opposing portion 52 b ) can be seen in order from the first rib 52 f toward the back side (from near to far from the corner portion 41 e ).

[0079] When the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, the first rib 52f contacts the first surface F1 of the long side 41c of the bottom plate 41, and the second rib 52g contacts the second surface F2 of the long side 41c of the bottom plate 41. Figure 9 , the spacer 50 is viewed as a single unit before the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60. The position of the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f of the spacer 50 that contacts the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52ga of the second rib 52g that contacts the second surface F2 are both at Figure 9 The Y direction shown, that is, the direction perpendicular to the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 is equal.

[0080] That is, in Figure 9 In the Y direction, the position of the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f that contacts the first surface F1 is aligned with the position of the contact portion 52ga of the second rib 52g that contacts the second surface F2. Figure 9 In FIG, a single-dot chain line is drawn along the Z direction, but at the position of the single-dot chain line, the position of the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f that contacts the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52ga of the second rib 52g that contacts the second surface F2 are aligned. That is, the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g are aligned. Figure 9 The size of the interval in the Y direction is 0.

[0081] As described above, the relationship between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g in the mounting portion 52 of the spacer 50 in the embodiment of the present invention is smaller than the plate thickness of the fixing portion 60. Therefore, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, the fixing portion 60 can be firmly held when being sandwiched between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g.

[0082] As described above, when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, the arm portion 52c deforms, causing the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b to expand. Therefore, after the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, a force (restoring force) acts to restore the deformed arm portion 52c. This restoring force causes the first ribs 52f to press the first surface F1 in opposing directions, while the second ribs 52g press the second surface F2 in opposing directions. This action enables the mounting portion 52 to securely hold the fixing portion 60.

[0083] also, Figure 9 The distance between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g in the Y direction may also be a negative dimension. Figure 9 The position of the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f in contact with the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52fg of the second rib 52g in contact with the second surface F2 shown in the side view of the spacer 50 are in an overlapping positional relationship in the Z direction.

[0084] use Figure 10 This positional relationship is explained. Figure 10 1 is a side view showing another form of the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 In the spacer 50 shown, the amount of protrusion of the first rib 52f' toward the rear side in the Y direction and the amount of protrusion of the second rib 52g' toward the front side in the Y direction are the same as those in FIG. Figure 9 In the illustrated spacer 50 , the amount of protrusion of the first rib 52 f toward the rear side in the Y direction is different from the amount of protrusion of the second rib 52 g toward the front side in the Y direction, and both are larger.

[0085] Here, in Figure 10 In the Figure 9 The line drawn in the Z direction by a single dotted line. That is, the position indicated by the single dotted line is Figure 9 The position of the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f in contact with the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52ga of the second rib 52g in contact with the second surface F2 are aligned. Figure 10 , the first rib 52f' protrudes beyond the dot-dash line to the rear side in the Y direction and further protrudes toward the rear side in the Y direction. Similarly, the second rib 52g' protrudes beyond the dot-dash line to the front side in the Y direction and further protrudes toward the front side in the Y direction.

[0086] Therefore, the position of the contact portion 52f'a of the first rib 52f' that contacts the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52g'a of the second rib 52g' that contacts the second surface F2 are not aligned on the single-dot chain line. Figure 10 The size of the interval in the Y direction is negative. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the position of the contact portion 52f'a of the first rib 52f' that contacts the first surface F1 and the position of the contact portion 52g'a of the second rib 52g' that contacts the second surface F2 overlap.

[0087] As described above, by overlapping the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g in the Y direction, the fixing portion 60 can be more firmly held compared to a case where the distance between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g in the opposing direction is zero.

[0088] It should be noted that the positional relationship between the first ribs 52f and the second ribs 52g described so far ultimately refers to the positional relationship of the spacer 50 before the spacer 50 is fixed to the base plate 41. Once the spacer 50 is fixed to the base plate 41, the first ribs 52f, 52f, and the second ribs 52g sandwich the fixed portion 60. Therefore, the distance between the first ribs 52f and the second ribs 52g in the opposing direction is at least the thickness of the rising portion 41b.

[0089] It should be noted that the first rib 52f is in contact with the first surface F1, and the second rib 52g is in contact with the second surface F2 to sandwich the long side 41c of the rising portion 41b. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 The interval size in the Y direction shown is not limited to being equal to or smaller than 0 as described above, but may be larger than 0 as long as it is smaller than the plate thickness of the long side 41 c .

[0090] In addition, if Figure 6 、 Figure 9As shown, on the mounting portion 52, a claw portion 52h is formed below the second rib 52g. The claw portion 52h protrudes from the opposing portion 52b toward the base 52a, and the protruding size of the claw portion 52h is larger than the protruding size of the second rib 52g. Figure 9 It is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a front view (X direction) and protrudes toward the front side in the Y direction, that is, toward the space of the bottom plate 41 accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the like. More specifically, the front end 52ha of the claw portion 52h protrudes beyond the second rib 52g.

[0091] Thus, the claw portion 52h and the second rib 52g protrude in the same direction, but in particular, Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion amount of the front end portion 52ha is larger than that of the second rib 52g. Due to this formation, the front end portion 52ha of the claw portion 52h is fitted into a fitting hole 63 formed in the fixing portion 60 described later.

[0092] When the claw portion 52h is fitted into the fitting hole 63, the upper portion of the claw portion 52h in the Z direction passes through the fitting hole 63 and protrudes toward the storage space side of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the like on the bottom plate 41. Therefore, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted to the fixing portion 60, the upper portion of the claw portion 52h in the Z direction contacts the fitting hole 63, thereby restricting the upward movement of the spacer 50 in the Z direction.

[0093] As described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the embodiment of the present invention is made of aluminum or the like, while the bottom plate 41 is made of iron. As such, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41 are made of different metals. If water, such as rainwater or condensed water, is present between the two while they are in contact, dissimilar metal contact corrosion may occur.

[0094] Therefore, by disposing the spacer 50 between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41, for example, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 moves downward in the Z direction due to its own weight, or when the outdoor unit 11 is subjected to an impact caused by vibration or being dropped, a certain force is applied to the bottom plate 41, causing the bottom plate 41 to move upward in the Z direction, so that the two are not in contact. Thus, the spacer 50 prevents the outdoor heat exchanger 13 from contacting the bottom plate 41.

[0095] Furthermore, the spacer 50 contacts both the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the base plate 41. Therefore, if electrical conduction were present, this could result in dissimilar metal contact corrosion. Therefore, the spacer 50 is formed of an insulating material. It should be noted that various insulating materials, such as resin and rubber, can be used.

[0096] (Bottom plate 41) Next, the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41 to which the spacer 50 described above is attached will be described. Figure 11It is a part of the bottom plate 41 according to the embodiment of the present invention and is an enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a corner portion 41 e where the spacer 50 is arranged.

[0097] The bottom plate 41 is provided with a fixing portion 60 to which the mounting portion 52 of the spacer 50 is mounted. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixing portion 60 is provided on the long side 41 c of the rising portion 41 b . The spacer 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 41 by attaching the mounting portion 52 of the spacer 50 to the fixing portion 60 .

[0098] The fixing portion 60 has two hook portions 61. These hook portions 61 are arranged with two arm portions 52c when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60. The hook portions 61 are formed according to the number of arm portions 52c of the spacer 50.

[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, two hook portions 61 are formed on the long side 41c of the base plate 41, spaced apart in the X direction at a distance corresponding to the spacing between the arm portions 52c. Furthermore, a protrusion 62 is formed between the two hook portions 61, protruding upward in the Z direction relative to the hook portions 61.

[0100] It should be noted that the two hook portions 61 are formed so as to be recessed from the upper end of the long side 41c toward the lower side in the Z direction. This is because, as described above, the arm portion 52c is disposed on the hook portion 61. However, when the arm portion 52c is disposed on the hook portion 61, as will be described later, the movement of the mounting portion 52 and thus the spacer 50 in the X direction along the long side 41c of the base plate 41 can be restricted.

[0101] Therefore, the height of the two hooks 61 in the Z direction only needs to be sufficient to restrict the movement of the spacer 50. For example, the highest portion of the upper side of the arm 52c in the Z direction is aligned with the upper end of the long side 41c on the back side of the base plate 41 in the Y direction.

[0102] When the attachment portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60 , the arm portion 52 c is disposed on the hook portion 61 , and the protrusion 62 of the fixing portion 60 is inserted into the first gap 52 d of the spacer 50 .

[0103] It should be noted that the protrusion 62 is provided by forming two hook portions 61. However, the protrusion 62 can be omitted as long as the hook portions 61 can restrict the movement of the spacer 50 in the X direction. Therefore, the position (height) of the upper end of the protrusion 62 in the Z direction does not necessarily need to be aligned with the upper position (height) of the long side 41c in the Z direction. However, by providing the protrusion 62 and inserting it into the first gap 52d of the mounting portion 52, the movement of the spacer 50 in the X direction can be further restricted.

[0104] A fitting hole 63 is formed below the protrusion 62. When the mounting portion 52 of the spacer 50 is attached to the fixing portion 60 of the base plate 41, the claw portion 52h of the mounting portion 52 fits into the fitting hole 63. As described above, the claw portion 52h protrudes further than the second rib 52g toward the space on the base plate 41 housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the like. Furthermore, the fitting hole 63 is formed in the fixing portion 60 so as to penetrate the long side 41c of the rising portion 41b. Therefore, the claw portion 52h fits through the fitting hole 63.

[0105] That is, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, for example, the mounting portion 52 is moved from the upper side in the Z direction toward the lower side in the Z direction of the fixing portion 60. Then, when the claw portion 52h reaches the portion of the fitting hole 63, the claw portion 52h is moved from the fixing portion 60 to the lower side in the Z direction. Figure 8 The back side in the Y direction shown moves toward the front side in the Y direction. By fitting the claw portion 52h into the fitting hole 63, the operator can check whether the spacer 50 is properly attached to the base plate 41. In addition, the upward movement of the spacer 50 in the Z direction can be restricted.

[0106] Should be explained, such as Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the fitting hole 63 is formed in a substantially square rectangular shape. However, this shape is not necessarily required, and the fitting hole 63 may be any shape as long as the claw portion 52h can be fitted therein.

[0107] (Fixing of the Spacer 50 to the Bottom Plate 41) Next, the mounting portion 52 and the fixing portion 60 described so far are fixed using Figures 12 to 14 A state in which the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60 will be described. Figure 12 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the bottom plate 41 . Figure 13 This is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the bottom plate 41. Figure 12 The stereograms shown are stereograms from different directions. Figure 14 It is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the bottom plate 41 , and is an enlarged perspective view showing a state viewed from the right side in the X direction of the spacer 50 .

[0108] It should be explained that Figures 12 to 14 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the direction from the inside to the outside of the bottom plate 41 in the Y direction is indicated by “arrow A”. In addition, the direction from the outside to the inside of the bottom plate 41 in the Y direction is indicated by “arrow B”.

[0109] When the spacer 50 is fixed to the base plate 41, the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g of the mounting portion 52 first interfere with (contact) the upper end in the Z direction of the long side 41c provided with the fixing portion 60. Then, as the mounting portion 52 is pressed into the fixing portion 60 while maintaining this state and moving downward in the Z direction, the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f contacts the first surface F1. Furthermore, the contact portion 52ga of the second rib 52g contacts the second surface F2.

[0110] At this time, the arm portion 52c is elastically deformed, so that the facing portion 52b moves in the direction of arrow A. The arm portion 52c can be easily moved in this manner because the arm portion 52c is more easily elastically deformed by providing the first gap portion 52d.

[0111] Furthermore, at this time, the base 52a does not move at all. Since the second gap 52e is formed below the base 52a, one end 52aa of the base 52a moves toward the opposing portion 52b, and the lower portion of the base 52a, which continues from the mounting surface 51, moves toward the space housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The base 52a can move easily because the second gap 52e facilitates elastic deformation.

[0112] Thus, the arm portion 52c is moved toward Figures 12 to 14 The arm portion 52c expands in the directions indicated by arrows A and B. Specifically, the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b expand in directions away from each other. The arm portion 52c expands because, as described above, the distance between the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g is smaller than the thickness of the long side 41c. Furthermore, this is because the first rib 52f and the second rib 52g, in this positional relationship, respectively overlap the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 of the long side 41c.

[0113] In this state, the mounting portion 52 is pushed downward in the Z direction from the upper side toward the lower side until the arm portion 52c of the spacer 50 contacts the hook portion 61. At this time, the long side 41c enters between the base portion 52a and the facing portion 52b.

[0114] For example, Figure 9 As shown, the first rib 52f protrudes less toward the first surface F1 on the lower Z side of the mounting surface 51 than the contact portion 52fa on the upper Z side, which contacts the first surface F1. Furthermore, the first rib 52f is inclined so that the protrusion gradually increases from the lower Z side toward the contact portion 52fa. Therefore, when the mounting portion 52 moves from the upper Z side to the lower Z side, it can smoothly move downward in the Z direction without getting caught on the long side 41c on the rear Y side.

[0115] Regarding the claw portion 52h, Figure 9As shown, the mounting portion 52 has a front end portion 52ha protruding from the second rib 52g on the front side in the Y direction and has a generally triangular shape when viewed in the X direction. When the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, the inclined surface connecting the front end portion 52ha and the lower end of the claw portion 52h abuts against the long side 41c of the fixing portion 60. Therefore, the claw portion 52h does not catch on the long side 41c on the rear side in the Y direction, allowing the mounting portion 52 to move smoothly downward in the Z direction.

[0116] As described above, the first rib 52f is roughly triangular in shape. When the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixed portion 60, the protrusion of the lead-in priority portion of the mounting portion 52 is smaller. Furthermore, the protrusion of the lead-in subsequent portion is larger than the protrusion of the lead-in priority portion, and the protrusions gradually increase due to the inclination between the two. Furthermore, the second rib 52g is roughly quadrilateral in shape, as described above, and the end face facing the fixed portion 60 contacts the second face F2. Therefore, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixed portion 60, the end face of the second rib 52g extends along the second face F2 of the fixed portion 60, and the mounting portion 52 is pressed downward by the inclined portion below the contact portion 52fa of the first rib 52f. Therefore, the mounting portion 52 can be smoothly mounted on the fixed portion 60.

[0117] The mounting portion 52 is mounted to the fixing portion 60 by pressing the mounting portion 52 into the fixing portion 60 until the arm portion 52c contacts the hook portion 61 and the claw portion 52h fits into the fitting hole 63. In this state, the two arm portions 52c, 52c are positioned on the hook portions 61, 61 of the fixing portion 60. Furthermore, the protrusion 62 formed between the two hook portions 61, 61 fits into the first gap 52d formed between the two arm portions 52c, 52c arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0118] As described above, the claw portion 52h of the mounting portion 52 protrudes from the opposing portion 52b toward the front side in the Y direction (the direction of arrow B). When the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, if the mounting portion 52 is pressed into the fixing portion 60 and the claw portion 52h reaches the position of the fitting hole 63, the claw portion 52h is inserted into the fitting hole 63 of the fixing portion 60 in the direction of arrow B. Figure 14 The state where the claw portion 52h passes through the fitting hole 63 is shown in FIG.

[0119] In particular, since the protrusion of the claw portion 52h is greater than the protrusion of the second rib 52g, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, for example, the mounting portion 52 moves downward in the Z direction while the claw portion 52h contacts the second surface F2. Furthermore, when the claw portion 52h reaches the fitting hole 63, the claw portion 52h moves in the direction of arrow B.

[0120] When the front claw portion 52h engages with the fitting hole 63, the operator installing the spacer 50 on the base plate 41 feels resistance as the front claw portion 52h moves while in contact with the second surface F2. Once the claw portion 52h reaches the fitting hole 63, the resistance disappears, and the operator can feel the claw portion 52h engaging with the fitting hole 63. By feeling the spacer 50 engage in the intended position, the operator can determine whether the spacer 50 is properly installed on the base plate 41.

[0121] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, when the claw portion 52h is fitted into the fitting hole 63, the upper portion of the claw portion 52h in the Z direction passes through the fitting hole 63 and protrudes toward the space on the bottom plate 41 that accommodates the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the like. Therefore, as described above, the upward movement of the spacer 50 in the Z direction is restricted.

[0122] Thus, while the mounting portion 52 moves from the upper side in the Z direction to the lower side in the Z direction within the fixing portion 60, the claw portion 52h can be considered to be in contact with the second surface F2. On the other hand, since the second rib 52g protrudes less toward the second surface F2 than the claw portion 52h, it does not come into contact with the second surface F2 while the mounting portion 52 is moving. The second rib 52g ultimately comes into contact with the second surface F2 when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60 and the claw portion 52h is inserted into the fitting hole 63.

[0123] When the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b, which have been spaced apart from their original positions due to elastic deformation, return to their original positions. However, the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41 is sandwiched between the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b. Therefore, the thickness of the rising portion 41b of the bottom plate 41 cannot be restored to their original positions.

[0124] At this time, a force is applied to the fixing portion 60 to return the base portion 52a and the opposing portion 52b to their original positions. Specifically, the first ribs 52f, 52f are in contact with the first surface F1 of the fixing portion 60, and a force acts in the direction of arrow A, pressing the base portion 52a, via the first rib 52f. Furthermore, the second rib 52g is in contact with the second surface F2 of the fixing portion 60, and a force acts in the direction of arrow B, via the second rib 52g, pressing the opposing portion 52b. Consequently, the mounting portion 52 clamps the fixing portion 60, applying forces in mutually opposing directions: the rear side in the Y direction (in the direction of arrow A) and the front side in the Y direction (in the direction of arrow B).

[0125] In addition, as described above, when the spacer 50 is mounted on the fixing portion 60 of the bottom plate 41, the arm portion 52c is disposed on the hook portion 61. Figure 11As described above, the hook portion 61 is formed so as to be recessed from the upper end of the long side 41c of the bottom plate 41 toward the lower side in the Z direction. Figure 11 The ends 61a and 61a of the hook portion 61 (indicated by reference numerals 61a and 61a in the figure) are formed to stand upward in the Z direction. In addition, the other ends 61b and 61b of the hook portion 61 forming the convex portion 62 are also formed to stand upward in the Z direction.

[0126] Therefore, when the arm 52c is arranged on the hook portion 61, the ends 61a, 61a of the hook portion 61 stand outward from the outside of the arm 52c in the X direction toward the upper side in the Z direction. Therefore, the movement of the arm 52c in the X direction on the long side 41c on the back side in the Y direction is restricted.

[0127] Furthermore, in the spacer 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the mounting portion 52 is mounted on the fixing portion 60, the protrusion 62 formed by the other ends 61b, 61b of the hook portion 61 is inserted into the first gap 52d formed between the two arm portions 52c, 52c. Therefore, the movement of the arm portion 52c along the long side 41c in the X direction is also restricted by the other ends 61b, 61b of the hook portion 61.

[0128] It should be noted that while the mounting portion 52 in the present embodiment described above has two arms 52c, 52c, this is not limiting. The mounting portion 52 may have one arm or three or more. With a single arm, after the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60, the fixing portion 60 can be more securely held by the first rib 52f of the base portion 52a and the second rib 52g of the opposing portion 52b. This is because the arms are less likely to elastically deform when the mounting portion 52 is attached to the fixing portion 60 than with two arms. Furthermore, with three or more arms, the arms are more likely to elastically deform than with two arms, making it easier to attach the mounting portion 52 to the fixing portion 60. With a single arm, the first gap 52d is not provided, so the protrusion 62 of the fixing portion 60 described in the embodiment of the present invention is unnecessary. With three or more arms, two or more first gaps 52d are provided, so two or more protrusions 62 are sufficient.

[0129] As described above, by attaching the attachment portion 52 to the fixing portion 60, the movement of the spacer 50 in the X, Y, and Z directions is restricted. Therefore, especially before the bent portion 13a of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is placed on the placement surface 51 of the spacer 50, when the spacer 50 is only attached to the bottom plate 41, the spacer 50 can be prevented from moving toward the bottom plate 41. Figure 12 、 Figure 13The inner side of the bottom plate 41 shown by the large arrow moves.

[0130] Furthermore, by restricting the movement of the spacer 50 toward the space housing the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the bottom plate 41, the spacer 50 can be prevented from falling out from between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41 even when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is placed on the spacer 50. Consequently, the generation of dissimilar metal contact corrosion caused by contact between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the bottom plate 41, which are formed of dissimilar metals, can be avoided.

[0131] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but rather represents an example of the present invention. During implementation, the components can be modified and embodied within the scope of the present invention, and various changes or improvements can be made to the above-described embodiment. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiment.

[0132] For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components related to different embodiments may be appropriately combined, and forms in which such changes or improvements are applied are also included in the present invention. Such embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention described in the scope of the patent claims and their equivalents.

[0133] For example, the spacer 50 in the embodiment of the present invention has a deformed hexagonal shape, but when arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger and the bottom plate, the spacer 50 may have any shape as long as it can achieve the functions described above.

[0134] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the spacer has a mounting portion formed on the first side of the spacer so as to be fixed to the long side of the back side of the base plate in the Y direction. However, the location of the mounting portion is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion may be formed on the second side of the spacer and attached to a fixing portion formed on the short side of the base plate in the left direction in the X direction.

[0135] It should be noted that, while the mounting portion on the spacer can be located on either the first side or the second side, the mounting portion is located at a single location on the spacer. This is because, for example, if the mounting portion is located at both the first side and the second side, it is difficult to accommodate manufacturing variations in the spacer or base plate.

[0136] Specifically, this is because, when mounting portions are provided at multiple locations on the spacer, there is a possibility that the spacer may not be mounted on the fixed portion. Alternatively, when forcibly mounting the spacer, there is a possibility that a local force may be applied to the spacer, for example, causing the spacer to be damaged during transportation of the outdoor unit.

[0137] In addition, the above description has been given as an example of the occurrence of dissimilar metal contact corrosion, citing an example in which the base plate 41 is formed of iron and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the above description applies even if the metal constituting the base plate 41 and the metal constituting the outdoor heat exchanger 13 are different, resulting in a combination that may cause dissimilar metal contact corrosion.

[0138] In addition, the technology described in the embodiment of the present invention can also adopt the following configuration.

[0139] (1) An outdoor unit comprising: a heat exchanger formed of metal; a bottom plate formed of a metal different from that of the heat exchanger; and a spacer disposed between the heat exchanger and the bottom plate and formed of an insulating material, The bottom plate has a fixing portion for fixing the spacer. The spacer has a mounting portion for clamping the fixing portion. When the spacer is arranged on the bottom plate, the attachment portion is attached to the fixing portion, thereby restricting movement of the spacer on the bottom plate toward the space accommodating the heat exchanger.

[0140] (2) In the outdoor unit described in (1), the base plate has a first surface facing the space and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the mounting portion is mounted by clamping the first surface and the second surface of the fixing portion.

[0141] (3) In the outdoor unit described in (2), the mounting portion has a shape that sandwiches the fixing portion from both the first surface and the second surface so as to cover the fixing portion.

[0142] (4) In the outdoor unit described in (2) or (3) above, the mounting portion includes: a base portion formed along the first surface of the fixing portion; an opposing portion disposed at a position opposing the base portion and formed along the second surface of the fixing portion; and An arm portion connects one end of the base portion and one end of the opposing portion.

[0143] (5) In the outdoor unit described in (4), there are at least two arms, and a first gap is provided between the two arms.

[0144] (6) The outdoor unit according to (4) or (5) above, further comprising a second gap below the base.

[0145] (7) In the outdoor unit according to any one of (4) to (6), the mounting portion includes: a first rib formed on an outer side of the arm portion in a convex shape from the base portion toward the first surface of the fixing portion; and The second rib is formed at one end of the facing portion in a convex shape from the facing portion toward the second surface of the fixing portion.

[0146] (8) In the outdoor unit described in (7), a distance between the first rib and the second rib in the opposing direction is smaller than a thickness of the fixing portion.

[0147] (9) Based on the outdoor unit described in (7) above, the position of the contact portion of the first rib that contacts the first surface of the base plate when installed on the fixing portion and the position of the contact portion of the second rib that contacts the second surface of the base plate are equal in a direction perpendicular to the direction passing through the first surface and the second surface.

[0148] (10) In the outdoor unit according to any one of (1) to (9), a rising portion is formed on the peripheral edge of the bottom plate, and the fixing portion is provided on the rising portion.

[0149] (11) In the outdoor unit according to any one of (6) to (10), the fixing portion includes a hook portion, and when the spacer is attached to the fixing portion, the arm portion is disposed on the hook portion.

[0150] (12) Based on the outdoor unit described in (11), the hook portion is formed corresponding to the number of the arm portions of the spacer, and the fixing portion has a protrusion formed between the plurality of hook portions and inserted into the first gap portion of the spacer.

[0151] (13) In the outdoor unit according to any one of (7) to (12), a claw portion is formed below the second rib, the claw portion protrudes from the opposing portion toward the base portion, and a protruding dimension of the claw portion is larger than a protruding dimension of the second rib. The fixing portion has a fitting hole formed therein, into which the claw portion is fitted.

[0152] (14) An air conditioner comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of (1) to (13) above; and The indoor unit is arranged indoors and forms a refrigeration circuit with the outdoor unit.

[0153] Description of Reference Numerals 1 Air Conditioner, 2 Refrigerant Piping, 3 Refrigerant Piping, 5 Indoor Unit, 6 Casing, 7 Indoor Heat Exchanger, 9 Fan, 11 Outdoor Unit, 12 Compressor, 13 Outdoor Heat Exchanger, 14 Outdoor Unit Expansion Valve, 15 Four-Way Valve, 16 Outdoor Fan, 17 Liquid-Side Refrigerant Piping, 18 Gas-Side Refrigerant Piping, 19 Receiver, 20 Heat Exchanger, 21 First Heat Exchanger, 22 Second Heat Exchanger, 23 Liquid-Side Header, 24 Gas-Side Header, 25 Return Header, 40 Top Plate, 41 Bottom Plate, 41a Bottom Surface, 41b Rising Section, 41c Long Side on the Back Side in the Y Direction, 41d Short Side on the Left Side in the X Direction, 41e Corner, 42 Front Panel, 43 Back Panel, 44 Left Panel, 45 Right Panel, 46 Air Outlet, 47 Fan cover, 50 spacer, 51 placement surface, 52 mounting portion, 52a base, 52aa one end portion of the base, 52b opposing portion, 52ba one end portion of the opposing portion, 52c arm portion, 52d first gap portion, 52e second gap portion, 52f first rib, 52g second rib, 52h claw portion, 60 fixing portion, 61 hook portion, 62 protrusion, 63 fitting hole, A direction, B direction, F1 first surface, F2 second surface.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit comprising: a heat exchanger formed of metal; a base plate formed of a different metal than the heat exchanger; and a spacer disposed between the heat exchanger and the bottom plate and formed of an insulating material, The bottom plate has a fixing portion for fixing the spacer. The spacer has a mounting portion that clamps the fixing portion. When the spacer is arranged on the bottom plate, the attachment portion is attached to the fixing portion, thereby restricting the spacer from moving on the bottom plate toward the space accommodating the heat exchanger.

2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom plate has a first surface facing the space and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the mounting portion is mounted by sandwiching the first surface and the second surface of the fixing portion.

3. The outdoor unit according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting portion has a shape that sandwiches the fixing portion from both the first surface and the second surface so as to cover the fixing portion.

4. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein The mounting portion includes: a base portion formed along the first surface of the fixing portion; an opposing portion disposed at a position opposing the base portion and formed along the second surface of the fixing portion; as well as An arm portion connects one end of the base portion and one end of the opposing portion.

5. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein: There are at least two arms, and a first gap is defined between the two arms. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein: A second gap is provided below the base.

7. The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein: The mounting portion includes: a first rib formed in a convex shape on an outer side of the arm portion from the base portion toward the first surface of the fixing portion; and A second rib is formed at one end of the opposing portion in a convex shape from the opposing portion toward the second surface of the fixing portion.

8. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein: A distance between the first rib and the second rib in the opposing direction is smaller than a thickness of the fixing portion.

9. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein: When mounted on the fixing portion, the position of the contact portion of the first rib contacting the first surface of the bottom plate and the position of the contact portion of the second rib contacting the second surface of the bottom plate are equal in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

10. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein A rising portion is formed on a peripheral edge portion of the bottom plate, and the fixing portion is provided on the rising portion.

11. The outdoor unit according to claim 10, wherein: The fixing portion has a hook portion, When the spacer is attached to the fixing portion, the arm portion is arranged on the hook portion.

12. The outdoor unit according to claim 11, wherein The hook portions are formed in a number corresponding to the arm portions of the spacer, and the fixing portion includes a protrusion formed between the plurality of hook portions and inserted into the first gap portion of the spacer.

13. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein A claw portion is formed below the second rib, the claw portion protruding from the opposing portion toward the base portion, and a protruding dimension of the claw portion is larger than a protruding dimension of the second rib. The fixing portion is formed with a fitting hole into which the claw portion is fitted.

14. An air conditioner comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and The indoor unit is arranged indoors and forms a refrigeration circuit with the outdoor unit.

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