Air conditioning device

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement of a muffler adapted to be connected to an air supply pipe wound in a serpentine manner. The silencer (70) is provided with a silencer main body (700), a first connecting part (701) and a second connecting part (702). The first connection part (701) connects the first duct (61) and the muffler main body (700) at a first height position of the outdoor unit (3). The second connection portion (702) connects the muffler body (700) and the second duct (62) at a second height position lower than the first height position. The second connecting part (702) or the second pipeline (62) is provided with a bending part (62a) which extends along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and bends towards the back surface side of the outdoor unit (3). When the outdoor unit (3) is viewed from the side, the second connection part (702) is disposed closer to the front surface side of the outdoor unit (3) than the first connection part (701).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device for transferring air between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, air conditioners that supply outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit via a cylindrical air duct have become widely popular. For example, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-60874) has a ventilation device that supplies outdoor air to the indoor unit through a fan to ventilate the indoor space. The ventilation device and the indoor unit are connected via a ventilation hose. In addition, the ventilation device has a humidification function and can also supply humidified air to the indoor space. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In such an air conditioner, when the air supply pipe (ventilation hose) is routed on the side of the outdoor unit, the refrigerant pipe from the stop valve needs to be bundled with the air supply pipe and routed toward the indoor unit. At this time, in order to easily bundle the air supply pipe and the refrigerant pipe, the air supply pipe needs to be routed in a winding manner substantially along the refrigerant pipe above the stop valve. In this case, the air supply pipe needs to be routed on the side of the outdoor unit in a manner that temporarily approaches the front side of the outdoor unit and then further folds back toward the back side.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to reduce the sound propagating in the air supply duct, a muffler is sometimes provided in the air supply duct. In the past, the muffler was arranged in the straight portion of the air supply duct obtained by winding in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the case of the winding as described above, the straight portion in the vertical direction becomes smaller, the size of the muffler is limited, and thus the muffler effect is limited.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a configuration of a silencer suitable for being connected to an air supply duct that is guided in a serpentine manner as described above.

[0007] Means for solving problems

[0008] The air conditioning device of the first viewpoint supplies outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, wherein the device is provided with a fan, a first air passage, a muffler and a second air passage. The first air passage is a cylindrical air passage through which the air supplied by the fan passes. The muffler is arranged on the side of the outdoor unit in a state connected to the first air passage, reducing the sound propagated in the first air passage. The second air passage is a cylindrical air passage that guides the air flowing into the muffler from the first air passage further downstream. The muffler has a muffler body, a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion connects the first air passage to the muffler body at a first height position of the outdoor unit. The second connecting portion connects the muffler body to the second air passage at a second height position lower than the first height position. The second connecting portion or the second air passage has a curved portion that is bent along the side of the outdoor unit and toward the back side of the outdoor unit. When the outdoor unit is observed from the side, the second connecting portion is arranged to be closer to the front side of the outdoor unit than the first connecting portion.

[0009] In the air conditioner, the second air path is further folded back toward the back side at the downstream side of the muffler, so that the second air path is easily arranged along the refrigerant piping connected to the stop valve, and the second air path and the refrigerant piping are easily bundled when the product is installed. In addition, the second connection portion is arranged closer to the front side of the outdoor unit than the first connection portion, so that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are staggered up and down and front and back along the side of the outdoor unit, so that the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion inside the muffler body becomes longer, the volume of the muffler is ensured to be larger, and the muffler effect is improved.

[0010] An air conditioning apparatus according to a second aspect In the air conditioning apparatus according to the first aspect, a path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion is inclined downward toward the second connection portion.

[0011] In the air conditioner, the first connection part and the second connection part are staggered up and down and front and back along the side of the outdoor unit, so that the path from the first connection part to the second connection part inside the muffler body can be inclined downward toward the second connection part. In this case, air is easily transported and the volume of the muffler is increased.

[0012] The air conditioner of the third aspect is the air conditioner of the first aspect or the second aspect, further comprising a terminal board. The terminal board is provided on the side of the outdoor unit and is connected to the electrical wiring. The first connection portion and the terminal board are separated from each other in the horizontal direction along the side of the outdoor unit.

[0013] In this air conditioner, since the terminal plate is separated from the first connection portion in the horizontal direction, even if the humidified air leaks from the first connection portion, the humidified air is unlikely to reach the terminal plate. As a result, a short circuit caused by condensation at the terminal plate can be prevented.

[0014] The air conditioning device of the fourth aspect is the air conditioning device described in any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a stop valve. The stop valve is provided on the side of the outdoor unit and connected to the refrigerant pipe. The second connection portion and the stop valve are separated from each other in the vertical direction along the side of the outdoor unit.

[0015] In this air conditioning device, since the second connection portion is separated from the shutoff valve in the up-down direction, routing of the second air passage connected to the second connection portion is not hindered by the shutoff valve, and workability is improved.

[0016] An air conditioning device according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioning device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the second connection portion is located above the stop valve.

[0017] In this air conditioning device, by positioning the second connection portion above the stop valve, the length of the second air passage connected to the second connection portion can be shortened compared to a case where the second air passage is routed around the outside of the stop valve. Furthermore, condensed water from the refrigerant pipe connected to the stop valve does not drip onto the second connection portion.

[0018] The air conditioning device of the sixth aspect is the air conditioning device described in any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a stop valve. The stop valve is arranged on the side of the outdoor unit and is connected to the refrigerant piping. The second air passage extends along the refrigerant piping connected to the stop valve at a position downstream of the curved portion in the air supply flow direction.

[0019] An air conditioning apparatus according to a seventh aspect In the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth aspect, an angle formed by the refrigerant pipe and a straight pipe portion of the second air passage adjacent to the refrigerant pipe is 20 degrees or less.

[0020] An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the muffler body has a top plate and a bottom plate, the first connection portion is disposed on the top plate, and the second connection portion is disposed on the bottom plate.

[0021] In this air conditioner, the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion inside the muffler body becomes longer, and the internal volume of the muffler body becomes larger, so the noise reduction effect is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is an external view of the air conditioning device according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in an air conditioning device.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the outdoor unit.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification unit.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a diagram schematically showing the flow of air flowing in the moisture absorbing rotor.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a side view of the outdoor unit equipped with a silencer.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a side view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a modified example, in which a silencer is provided.

[0029] Fig. 8A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Modification A.

[0030] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown.

[0031] Fig. 9A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Modification B.

[0032] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown.

[0033] Fig. 10A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Modification C.

[0034] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown.

[0035] Fig.11A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Modification D.

[0036] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] (1) Schematic Structure of Air Conditioning Device 1

[0038] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an external view of the air conditioning device 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 is mounted on a wall surface or the like in a room, and the outdoor unit 3 is installed outdoors.

[0039] Figure 2 1 is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioning device 1, and an outline of the air flow is added for the convenience of explanation. Figure 2In the embodiment, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11, and the outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 24. The heat exchangers and the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connecting the heat exchangers constitute a refrigerant circuit.

[0040] (1-1) Indoor unit 2

[0041] The indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 2 has a heat transfer tube and a plurality of fins. The heat transfer tube is folded back multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The heat transfer tube is inserted through the fins. The indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the air it contacts.

[0042] In addition, the indoor unit 2 further includes a cross flow fan 12 and an indoor fan motor 13 that drives the cross flow fan 12 to rotate. The cross flow fan 12 is configured in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of blades are provided on the circumference. The cross flow fan 12 generates an air flow in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis. The cross flow fan 12 draws indoor air into the interior of the indoor unit 2, and blows the air that has undergone heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 11 into the room.

[0043] (1-2) Outdoor unit 3

[0044] The outdoor unit 3 includes an air conditioning outdoor unit 5, a humidifying unit 4, and an air supply and exhaust path including a muffler 70. An air supply and exhaust hose 6 is provided between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. The air supply and exhaust hose 6 is used when supplying outdoor air and humidified air from the humidifying unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 side and when exhausting indoor air to the outdoors.

[0045] The air supply and exhaust hose 6 forms an air supply and exhaust path for air to pass through together with a first duct 61 arranged to straddle the inside and outside of the outdoor unit 3, a muffler 70 arranged on the side of the outdoor unit 3, and a second duct 62 connecting the muffler 70 and the air supply and exhaust hose 6.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the muffler 70 is disposed on the side of the outdoor unit 3 in a state of being connected to the first duct 61. The muffler 70 reduces the sound propagating in the first duct 61 or the sound propagating in the air supply and exhaust hose 6 and the second duct 62.

[0047] (2) Structure of Air Conditioning Outdoor Unit 5

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the outdoor unit 3. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the embodiment, the air-conditioning outdoor unit 5 includes refrigerant circuit components and a casing 50 that accommodates the refrigerant circuit components.

[0049] (2-1) Shell

[0050] The housing 50 is formed of a front panel 51 , a right side panel 52 , a left side panel 53 , and a metal bottom panel 54 .

[0051] The front panel 51 is a resin component that covers the front surface of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The front panel 51 is arranged at a position downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 in the flow direction of the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The front panel 51 has a blow-out port 51a. The blow-out port 51a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. The air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is blown out from the inside of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the blow-out port 51a. In addition, a first bell mouth 56 and a partition plate 57 are installed behind the front panel 51.

[0052] The right side plate 52 and the left side plate 53 are metal parts covering the sides of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. Here, the right side plate 52 is provided on the right side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front. The left side plate 53 is provided on the left side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front.

[0053] The right plate 52 and the left plate 53 are provided substantially parallel to the blowing direction of the blown air from the blowout port 51a. A cover 55 is attached to the right plate 52. The cover 55 protects the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28.

[0054] (2-2) Refrigerant Circuit Components

[0055] The casing 50 accommodates the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the accumulator 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and the electric valve 25 as components of the refrigerant circuit (see Figure 2 The compressor 21 , the four-way switching valve 22 , the accumulator 23 , and the electric valve 25 are arranged in a machine room between the partition plate 57 and the right side plate 52 .

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21. The accumulator 23 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 21.

[0057] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 has a substantially L-shape in a plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is disposed in front of a protective metal mesh (not shown) covering the back surface of the air-conditioning outdoor unit 5 .

[0058] One end of the electric valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 , and the other end is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the filter 26 , the liquid stop valve 27 , and the refrigerant pipe 32 .

[0059] The four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the gas shutoff valve 28 and the refrigerant pipe 31. The refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 form a collective communication pipe 7 together with the air supply and exhaust hose 6.

[0060] The air conditioning outdoor unit 5 further includes a propeller fan 29. The propeller fan 29 is provided in the ventilation space between the partition plate 57 and the left side plate 53 in front of the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The propeller fan 29 is driven to rotate by the outdoor fan motor 30. The propeller fan 29 allows the air taken into the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 to contact the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and then discharge it to the front of the front panel 51 from the air outlet 51a.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air conditioning outdoor unit 5 further includes an electric component unit 58. The electric component unit 58 is disposed on the upper portion of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The electric component unit 58 includes a printed circuit board on which a CPU 81 (see FIG. 1 ) for controlling the electric component box and various parts is mounted. Figure 2 A fireproof plate 59 is installed above the electrical component unit 58.

[0062] (3) Structure of Humidification Unit 4

[0063] The humidification unit 4 has humidification function, air supply function and exhaust function. Figure 3 As shown, the humidifying unit 4 includes a housing 40 , a moisture absorption rotor 41 , a heater 42 , an air supply and exhaust fan 43 , a switching damper 44 , an adsorption duct 45 , an adsorption fan 46 , a rotor drive motor 47 , a rotor drive gear 48 and a heater support plate 49 .

[0064] (3-1) Housing 40

[0065] The housing 40 covers the front, rear, and both sides of the humidifying unit 4 . The upper portion of the housing 40 is covered by a top plate 66 .

[0066] The casing 40 is arranged to contact the upper part of the air conditioning outdoor unit 5. The casing 40 has an adsorption outlet 40a on its front surface. The adsorption outlet 40a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. Air is blown out to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption outlet 40a.

[0067] Furthermore, a suction port 40b and an air supply and exhaust port 40c are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the back side of the housing 40. The suction port 40b is arranged on the left side and the air supply and exhaust port 40c is arranged on the right side when viewed from the front side.

[0068] Outdoor air is taken in through the adsorption inlet 40b and guided to the moisture absorption rotor 41. Moisture contained in the outdoor air is absorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41. The air supply and exhaust port 40c allows air to be supplied to the indoor unit 2 or air to be exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outside to pass through.

[0069] The housing 40 has two spaces on the left and right inside. The moisture absorption rotor 41 and the like are accommodated in the space on the right, and the adsorption fan 46 and the like are accommodated in the space on the left. The space on the left is referred to as an adsorption fan storage space SP1.

[0070] A moisture absorption rotor 41 , a heater 42 , an air supply and exhaust fan 43 , a switching damper 44 , an adsorption duct 45 , and an adsorption fan 46 are arranged in the casing 40 .

[0071] (3-2) Moisture absorbing rotor 41

[0072] The moisture absorption rotor 41 is a ceramic rotor having a disk-shaped honeycomb structure, and air can easily pass through it. The moisture absorption rotor 41 has a plurality of polygonal cylindrical portions in a cross section taken perpendicularly to the rotation axis, and air passes through the cylindrical portions.

[0073] The main part of the moisture absorbing rotor 41 is formed by calcining an adsorbent such as zeolite, silica gel or alumina. The adsorbent such as zeolite has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air it contacts and releasing the adsorbed moisture when heated.

[0074] The moisture absorption rotor 41 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 40d provided on the housing 40. A gear is formed on the circumferential surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41, and meshes with a rotor drive gear 48 attached to a drive shaft of a rotor drive motor 47.

[0075] (3-3) Heater 42

[0076] The heater 42 is arranged to cover approximately half (the right half) of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41. An inlet and an outlet are formed on the lower surface of the heater 42. Air is inhaled from the inlet. The air heated by the heater 42 is discharged from the outlet to the moisture absorption rotor 41. The heater 42 is mounted above the moisture absorption rotor 41 via a heater support plate 49.

[0077] (3-4) Supply and exhaust fan 43

[0078] The supply and exhaust fan 43 is disposed on the side of the moisture absorption rotor 41. The supply and exhaust fan 43 sends air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 2, or exhausts air taken in from the indoor unit 2 to the outside.

[0079] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 switches between air supply and exhaust by switching the damper 44. When sending outdoor air to the indoor unit 2, the air supply and exhaust fan 43 sends air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 and dropped from a predetermined portion of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the first duct 61.

[0080] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by an air supply and exhaust path formed by the first duct 61, the muffler 70, the second duct 62, and the air supply and exhaust hose 6. The air supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via the air supply and exhaust path.

[0081] When exhausting the indoor air to the outside, the air supply and exhaust fan 43 exhausts the air sent from the first duct 61 to the outside through the air supply and exhaust port 40 c provided on the back surface of the casing 40 .

[0082] (3-5) Switching damper 44

[0083] The switching damper 44 is a rotary air flow path switching unit disposed below the air supply and exhaust fan 43 and switches between a first state and a second state.

[0084] In the first state, the air blown out from the supply and exhaust fan 43 is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the supply and exhaust path. Figure 2 The humidified air or the outdoor air flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the solid arrow A1 , and is supplied to the indoor unit 2 .

[0085] In the second state, the air flows toward Figure 2 The air from the indoor unit 2 flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the dotted arrow A2, and is discharged to the outside from the supply and exhaust fan 43 through the supply and exhaust port 40c.

[0086] (3-6) Adsorption pipe 45

[0087] The adsorption duct 45 covers the portion of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41 where the heater 42 is not present. The adsorption duct 45 and the second bell mouth 63 form an air flow path from the upper surface of the left half of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the upper portion of the adsorption fan accommodation space SP1.

[0088] (3-7) Adsorption fan 46

[0089] The adsorption fan 46 is disposed in the adsorption fan storage space SP1. The adsorption fan 46 is a centrifugal fan. The adsorption fan 46 is rotated by the adsorption fan motor 65. The adsorption fan 46 generates an airflow that sucks air from the opening 63a of the second bell mouth 63 disposed at the upper portion and flows from the adsorption suction port 40b to the opening 63a via the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0090] The adsorption fan 46 discharges dry air that has absorbed moisture when passing through the moisture absorption rotor 41 from the adsorption outlet 40a toward the front of the housing 40. The second bell mouth 63 is provided at the upper portion of the adsorption fan storage space SP1 and guides the air passing through the adsorption duct 45 to the adsorption fan 46.

[0091] (4) Operation of the humidifying unit 4

[0092] Figure 4 4 is a schematic diagram of the humidification unit 4. Figure 5 Schematically shows the air flow flowing through the moisture absorption rotor 41. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the air passage from the adsorption suction port 40b to the adsorption fan 46 is called the moisture absorption passage X, the air passage from the supply and exhaust port 40c to the heater 42 is called the heat collection passage Y, and the air passage from the heater 42 to the supply and exhaust fan 43 is called the humidification passage Z.

[0093] (4-1) Humidification action

[0094] The humidifying unit 4 operates the adsorption fan 46 to take outdoor air from the adsorption inlet 40b into the moisture absorption passage X. The air Ax flowing through the moisture absorption passage X passes through the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, and moisture in the air Ax is absorbed by the first region Rx.

[0095] The air Ax passes through the adsorption fan 46 and is discharged from the adsorption fan storage space SP1 to the front of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption outlet 40a.

[0096] Furthermore, the humidifying unit 4 rotates the air supply and exhaust fan 43 to take outdoor air from the air supply and exhaust port 40c into the heat collection passage Y. The air Ay flowing in the heat collection passage Y is heated by the heater 42 after passing through the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y. The air Ay is heated by the heater 42 to become high-temperature air Az, and flows toward the humidification passage Z. The high-temperature air Az passes through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z and flows toward the first duct 61.

[0097] The air Ay flowing through the heat extraction passage Y recovers heat from the second region Ry when passing through the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 and its temperature rises, and is then further heated by the heater 42 to become high-temperature air Az. The high-temperature air Az flowing through the humidification passage Z absorbs moisture from the third region Rz when passing through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the moisture absorption rotor 41 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow D, and sequentially passes through the moisture absorption passage X, the humidification passage Z, and the heat collection passage Y. As a result, in the moisture absorption rotor 41, the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z, and the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y move sequentially.

[0099] The moisture adsorbed from the air Ax in the moisture absorption passage X by the moisture absorption rotor 41 is released by the high-temperature air Az heated by the heater 42, and the high-temperature air Az is humidified.

[0100] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 sends the air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the indoor unit 2 via the air supply and exhaust path. The air sent to the indoor unit 2 contains moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0101] The air supplied from the humidifying unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 in this manner is blown into the room via the indoor heat exchanger 11 .

[0102] (4-2) Ventilation action

[0103] The air conditioner 1 can also supply air by taking in outdoor air and sending it to the indoor unit 2 without humidification by not operating the adsorption fan motor 65 and the heater 42. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 can also exhaust air by sending indoor air to the outside.

[0104] (5) Details of the air supply and exhaust path including the muffler 70

[0105] The air supply and exhaust path is composed of the first duct 61, the muffler 70, the second duct 62, and the air supply and exhaust hose 6. The humidifying unit 4 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by the air supply and exhaust path, and the air supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via the air supply and exhaust path.

[0106] Figure 6 This is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3. Figure 6 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the cover 55 is indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line), and the right side plate 52 can be seen through the cover 55. In addition, the humidification unit 4 and its interior are also indicated by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). Figure 6 The silencer 70 described is partially shown in a cross-sectional view in order to understand the internal structure.

[0107] Also, regarding the "directions" used in the instructions, follow Figure 6 The directions are marked by arrows in the four directions of "up", "down", "forward" and "backward".

[0108] (5-1) First pipeline 61

[0109] The first duct 61 is a cylindrical air passage through which the air supplied by the supply and exhaust fan 43 flows. One end of the first duct 61 is located inside the outdoor unit 3 and is connected to the switching damper 44 disposed below the supply and exhaust fan 43.

[0110] exist Figure 6In the embodiment, the first duct 61 passes through the upper portion of the right side plate 52 at a position rearward of the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52 and is bent downward by approximately 90 degrees, with the other end (terminal end) facing downward.

[0111] A silencer 70 is connected to the terminal of the first pipe 61. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first pipe 61 is adjacent to the rear of the terminal plate 60 .

[0112] (5-2) Muffler 70

[0113] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the muffler 70 is connected to the terminal end of the first duct 61 protruding from the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 , and is accommodated between the right side plate 52 and the cover 55 .

[0114] The silencer 70 reduces the sound propagating in the first duct 61 when outdoor air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2. Also, the silencer 70 reduces the sound propagating in the second duct 62 when air is discharged from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3.

[0115] The muffler 70 includes a muffler body 700 , a first connection portion 701 , and a second connection portion 702 .

[0116] (5-2-1) Muffler body 700

[0117] The silencer body 700 has a housing 700a which is a rectangular parallelepiped housing. The silencer body 700 has a sound absorbing material 700b and a cavity 700c surrounded by the sound absorbing material 700b inside the housing 700a.

[0118] As a material of the sound absorbing material 700b, felt, foamed polyurethane, etc. Since the cavity 700c is connected to the first duct 61, the air sent to the indoor unit 2 or the air sent from the indoor unit 2 passes through the cavity 700c.

[0119] In the air conditioner 1, the sound generated by the air supply and exhaust fan 43 is reduced by the muffler 70 connected to the first duct 61 of the outdoor unit 3 before being transmitted to the indoor unit 2. Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, the sound transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 is reduced.

[0120] The first connection portion 701 protrudes vertically upward from the top plate 700d of the housing 700a, and the second connection portion 702 protrudes vertically downward from the bottom plate 700e of the housing 700a.

[0121] (5-2-2) First Connecting Section 701

[0122] like Figure 6As shown, the first connection portion 701 is located at the upper portion of the right side plate 52 and is connected to the first pipe 61. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first connection portion 701 is located rearward of the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52 .

[0123] More specifically, the outdoor unit 3 is provided with a front panel 51 (see Figure 3 ) is set as the "front side", and the outdoor heat exchanger 24 (refer to Figure 3 ) is set as the "back side", and the first connecting portion 701 is located closer to the back side than the center of the right side plate 52.

[0124] And, in Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first connection part 701 is located behind the terminal plate 60 and below the terminal plate 60. In this way, since the first connection part 701 is separated from the terminal plate 60, even if the humidified air leaks from the first connection part 701, the humidified air is unlikely to reach the terminal plate 60. Therefore, a short circuit caused by condensation at the terminal 60a of the terminal plate 60 can be prevented.

[0125] (5-2-3) Second connection portion 702

[0126] like Figure 6 As shown, the second connection portion 702 is located at the lower part of the right side plate 52 and is connected to the second pipe 62. Figure 6 In FIG. 5 , the second connection portion 702 is located forward of the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52. Therefore, the second connection portion 702 is located closer to the front side of the outdoor unit 3 than the first connection portion 701. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the second connection portion 702 is located above the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 .

[0127] The silencer 70 can make the internal path from the first connection part 701 to the second connection part 702 tilt downward toward the second connection part through the above structure, so that the space between the first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 can be enlarged compared with a silencer in which the path from the first connection part to the second connection part extends vertically downward toward the second connection part. Therefore, the volume of the silencer body 700 can be increased, and the silencing effect is improved.

[0128] (5-3) Second pipeline 62

[0129] The second duct 62 is a cylindrical air passage, and is connected to the second connection portion 702 of the muffler 70. The second duct 62 guides the air flowing from the first duct 61 into the muffler 70 further downstream.

[0130] The second connection portion 702 is separated from the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3. Therefore, a space for arranging the second pipe 62 is ensured between the second connection portion 702 and the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28.

[0131] The second duct 62 has a curved portion 62a that curves along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3. The curved portion 62a allows the air supply and exhaust path to be structured so that the second duct 62 is folded back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the muffler 70.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the direction in which the second pipe 62 extends from the bent portion 62 a is along the direction in which the refrigerant pipes 31 , 32 extend.

[0133] (5-4) Air supply and exhaust hose 6

[0134] The supply and exhaust hose 6 is connected to the second duct 62, and can transport air between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. When outdoor air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3, the supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the outdoor air to the indoor unit 2. And when air is exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, the supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the air to the outdoor unit 3.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the second duct 62 and the air supply and exhaust hose 6 are provided separately, but the second duct 62 and the air supply and exhaust hose 6 may be integrally formed.

[0136] As described above, the second pipe 62 is structured as follows: the supply and exhaust path is bent back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 at the downstream side of the muffler 70 by the curved portion 62a. Therefore, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 run along the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second pipe 62 and / or the supply and exhaust hose 6 with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when installing the product. In the present embodiment, the angle formed by the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 and the straight pipe portion of the second pipe 62 adjacent to the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 is 20 degrees or less.

[0137] (6) Modification

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the second duct 62 has the bent portion 62 a and the second duct 62 extends from the bent portion 62 a , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0139] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the first modified example. Figure 7 In, with Figure 6The outdoor unit 3 described above is different in that a bent portion 702a is provided in the second connection portion 702, and no bent portion is provided in the second duct 62. The operation and effects are the same as those of the above embodiment.

[0140] (7) Features

[0141] (7-1)

[0142] In the air conditioning device 1, by forming a structure in which the second connection portion 702 or the second pipe 62 is further folded back toward the back side on the downstream side of the muffler 70, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 run along the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second pipe 62 with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when the product is installed.

[0143] Moreover, the first connection part 701 and the second connection part 702 are staggered up and down and front and back along the right side plate 52. Therefore, inside the silencer body 700, the path from the first connection part 701 toward the second connection part 702 becomes longer, ensuring that the volume of the silencer 70 is larger and the silencing effect is improved.

[0144] (7-2)

[0145] In the air conditioning device 1, the first connection portion 701 and the second connection portion 702 are staggered vertically and frontwardly along the right side plate 52, so that the path from the first connection portion 701 to the second connection portion 702 inside the muffler body 700 can be inclined downward toward the second connection portion 702. In this case, air is easily transported and the volume of the muffler 70 is increased.

[0146] (7-3)

[0147] In the air conditioner 1, since the terminal plate 60 is separated from the first connection portion 701 in the horizontal direction, even if the humidified air leaks from the first connection portion 701, the humidified air does not easily reach the terminal plate 60. As a result, a short circuit due to condensation at the terminal 60a of the terminal plate 60 is prevented.

[0148] (7-4)

[0149] In the air conditioning device 1, the second connection part 702 is separated from the liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28 in the vertical direction. Therefore, routing of the second pipe 62 connected to the second connection part 702 is not hindered by the liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28, and operability is good.

[0150] (7-5)

[0151] In the air conditioning device 1, by positioning the second connection portion 702 above the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, the length of the second pipe 62 can be shortened compared to a case where the second pipe 62 connected to the second connection portion 702 is routed so as to surround the outside of the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28. Furthermore, condensed water from the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 does not drip onto the second connection portion 702.

[0152] (7-6)

[0153] In the air conditioner 1, the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 are provided on the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 and connected to the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32. The second pipe 62 extends from the curved portion 62a toward the indoor unit 2 along the direction in which the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 extend.

[0154] (7-7)

[0155] In the air conditioning apparatus 1 , the angle formed by the refrigerant pipes 31 , 32 and the straight pipe portion of the second pipe 62 adjacent to the refrigerant pipes 31 , 32 is 20 degrees or less.

[0156] (7-8)

[0157] In the air conditioning device 1, the muffler body 700 of the muffler 70 has a top plate 700d and a bottom plate 700e. The first connection portion 701 protrudes vertically upward from the top plate 700d, and the second connection portion 702 protrudes vertically downward from the bottom plate 700e. Therefore, inside the muffler body 700, the path from the first connection portion 701 toward the second connection portion 702 becomes longer, and the internal volume of the muffler body 700 becomes larger, so that the silencing effect is improved.

[0158] (8) Other Modifications

[0159] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the first connection portion 701 of the muffler 70 is located between the right side plate 52 and the cover 55 of the outdoor unit 3 , but the first connection portion may be located inside the outdoor unit 3 .

[0160] Hereinafter, three types of Modifications A, B, and C will be described with reference to the drawings. However, since the internal structure of each muffler follows the internal structure of the muffler of the above-described embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0161] (8-1) Modification A

[0162] Fig. 8A 1 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the modification A. Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 shown.

[0163] exist Fig. 8A as well as Figure 8B In the embodiment, the silencer 70 has a first connection portion 701 as an upper end connected to the first pipe 61 inside the humidifying unit 4. After passing through the side of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4, the silencer 70 extends vertically downward, moves in the direction of the front of the outdoor unit 3 and downward, and reaches a second connection portion 702 as a lower end.

[0164] The second pipe 62 is connected to the second connection portion 702. The second pipe 62 has a curved portion 62a. With the curved portion 62a, the air supply and exhaust path is configured such that the second pipe 62 is folded back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 at the downstream side of the muffler 70. Therefore, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 run along the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second pipe 62 and / or the air supply and exhaust hose 6 with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when installing the product.

[0165] (8-2) Modification B

[0166] Fig. 9A 1 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the modification B. Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 shown.

[0167] exist Fig. 9A as well as Fig. 9B In the embodiment, the muffler 70 includes a first muffler portion 71 and a second muffler portion 72. The first muffler portion 71 includes a first muffler portion body 710 in a cylindrical shape, a first upper connection portion 711 and a first lower connection portion 712.

[0168] The first upper connection portion 711 as the upper end of the first muffler 71 is connected to the first duct 61 inside the humidifier unit 4. After passing through the side surface of the housing 40 of the humidifier unit 4, the first muffler 71 extends vertically downward to reach the first lower connection portion 712 as the lower end.

[0169] The second muffler 72 includes a second muffler body 720 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a second upper connection portion 721, and a second lower connection portion 722. The second upper connection portion 721 and the second lower connection portion 722 are arranged along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 so as to be horizontally offset from each other.

[0170] The second upper connection portion 721 , which is the upper end of the second muffler portion 72 , is connected to the first lower connection portion 712 of the first muffler portion 71 .

[0171] The second duct 62 is connected to the second lower connection portion 722 as the lower end of the second muffler 72. The second duct 62 has a curved portion 62a. The curved portion 62a forms a structure in which the second duct 62 is folded back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 at the downstream side of the muffler 70.

[0172] Therefore, the second pipe 62 can be easily arranged along the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, and the second pipe 62 and / or the air supply and exhaust hose 6 can be easily bundled with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when installing the product.

[0173] (8-3) Modification C

[0174] Fig. 10A 1 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the modification C. Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 shown.

[0175] exist Fig. 10A as well as Fig. 10B In the embodiment, the muffler 70 has a first muffler portion 71 and a second muffler portion 72. The first muffler portion 71 and the second muffler portion 72 are connected via an intermediate pipe 73.

[0176] The first muffler 71 includes a cylindrical first muffler body 710, a first upper connection portion 711, and a first lower connection portion 712. The first muffler 71 is entirely accommodated in the outdoor unit 3.

[0177] The first upper connection portion 711, which is the upper end of the first muffler portion 71, is connected to the first duct 61 inside the humidifying unit 4. The first muffler portion 71 extends vertically downward to reach the first lower connection portion 712, which is the lower end.

[0178] The intermediate duct 73 is connected to the first lower connection portion 712. The intermediate duct 73 extends from the first lower connection portion 712 toward the outside of the outdoor unit 3 and passes through the right side plate 52. The terminal end of the intermediate duct 73 faces downward.

[0179] The second muffler 72 includes a second muffler body 720 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a second upper connection portion 721, and a second lower connection portion 722. The second upper connection portion 721 and the second lower connection portion 722 are arranged along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 so as to be horizontally offset from each other.

[0180] The second upper connection portion 721, which is the upper end of the second muffler 72, is connected to the terminal end of the intermediate duct 73. The second lower connection portion 722, which is the lower end of the second muffler 72, is connected to the second duct 62.

[0181] The second duct 62 has a bent portion 62 a , and the air supply and exhaust path has a structure in which the second duct 62 is folded back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the muffler 70 .

[0182] Therefore, the second pipe 62 can be easily arranged along the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28, and the second pipe 62 and / or the air supply and exhaust hose 6 can be easily bundled with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when installing the product.

[0183] (8-4) Modification D

[0184] In Modifications A and B, the silencer 70 penetrates from the side of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4 to the inside and is connected to the first duct 61 inside the housing 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Here, Modification D based on Modification B will be described.

[0185] Fig.11A 1 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning device 1 according to the modification D. Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A This is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B In the embodiment, the first duct 61 extends laterally inside the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4 , and a terminal end thereof penetrates through a side surface of the housing 40 and protrudes.

[0186] The silencer 70 includes a first silencer portion 71 and a second silencer portion 72. The first silencer portion 71 includes a first silencer portion body 710 in a cylindrical shape, a first upper connection portion 711, and a first lower connection portion 712.

[0187] The first upper connection part 711 as the upper end of the first muffler 71 is connected to the first pipe 61 outside the side of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4. In other words, the first upper connection part 711 is connected to the first pipe 61 at a height position of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4. The first muffler 71 extends vertically downward along the side of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4 to reach the first lower connection part 712 as the lower end.

[0188] The second muffler 72 and the second duct 62 are similar to those in Modification B, and thus their description is omitted.

[0189] Modification D is based on modification B, but the same changes as those of modification A can be applied.

[0190] (8-5) Modification E

[0191] In modification examples A, B, and C, the connection portion of the muffler 70 is connected to the first duct 61 in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the connection portion of the muffler 70 may be connected to the first duct 61 in the horizontal direction.

[0192] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this disclosure is described, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure described in the claims.

[0193] Description of symbols

[0194] 1 Air conditioning unit

[0195] 2Indoor unit

[0196] 3Outdoor unit

[0197] 27. Stop valve

[0198] 28 stop valve

[0199] 31 Refrigerant piping

[0200] 32 Refrigerant piping

[0201] 43 Supply and exhaust fan (fan)

[0202] 60 terminal board

[0203] 61 First pipeline (first air path)

[0204] 62 Second pipeline (second air path)

[0205] 62a Bend

[0206] 70 Silencer

[0207] 700 silencer body

[0208] 700d top plate

[0209] 700e base plate

[0210] 701 first connection part

[0211] 702 second connection part

[0212] 702a bending part

[0213] Prior art literature

[0214] Patent Literature

[0215] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-60874

Claims

1. An air conditioning device that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit (3) to an indoor unit (2), wherein: The air conditioning device comprises: Fan (43); a cylindrical first air passage (61) through which air supplied by the fan (43) passes; a muffler (70) disposed on a side of the outdoor unit (3) in a state of being connected to the first air duct (61) to reduce sound propagating in the first air duct (61); and a cylindrical second air passage (62) for guiding the air flowing from the first air passage (61) into the muffler (70) further downstream, The muffler (70) has: A muffler body (700); a first connection portion (701) which connects the first air passage (61) and the muffler body (700) at a first height position of the outdoor unit (3); as well as a second connection portion (702) connecting the muffler body (700) and the second air passage (62) at a second height position lower than the first height position, The second connection portion (702) or the second air passage (62) has a curved portion (62a) that curves along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and toward the back surface of the outdoor unit (3). When the outdoor unit (3) is viewed from the side, the second connection portion (702) is arranged closer to the front side of the outdoor unit (3) than the first connection portion (701).

2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein: A path from the first connection portion (701) to the second connection portion (702) is inclined downward toward the second connection portion (702).

3. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air conditioning device further comprises a terminal board (60) which is arranged on the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and is connected to the electrical wiring. The first connection portion (701) and the terminal plate (60) are separated from each other in a horizontal direction along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3).

4. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The air conditioning device further comprises a stop valve (27, 28), which is provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and connected to the refrigerant pipe. The second connection portion (702) and the stop valves (27, 28) are separated from each other in the up-down direction along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3).

5. The air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein: The second connecting portion (702) is located above the stop valves (27, 28).

6. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The air conditioning device further comprises a stop valve (27, 28), which is provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and connected to the refrigerant pipe. The second air passage (62) extends along the refrigerant pipe connected to the stop valves (27, 28) at a position downstream of the bent portion (62a) in the supply air flow direction.

7. The air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein: An angle formed between the refrigerant pipe and a straight pipe portion of the second air passage (62) adjacent to the refrigerant pipe is 20 degrees or less.

8. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The muffler body (700) has a top plate (700d) and a bottom plate (700e), The first connection portion (701) is configured on the top plate (700d), and the second connection portion (702) is configured on the bottom plate (700e).

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