Air conditioner

Abstract

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a configuration of a muffler suitable for connection to a supply air duct routed in a meandering manner. The muffler (70) has a muffler main body (700), a first connection portion (701), and a second connection portion (702). The first connection portion (701) connects the first duct (61) to the muffler main body (700) at a first height position of the outdoor unit (3). The second connection portion (702) connects the muffler main body (700) to the second duct (62) at a second height position lower than the first height position. The second connection portion (702) or the second duct (62) has a bent portion (62a) that bends along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and toward the back side of the outdoor unit (3). When the outdoor unit (3) is viewed from the side, the second connection portion (702) is configured to be closer to the front side of the outdoor unit (3) than the first connection portion (701).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner that conveys air between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit via a cylindrical air duct has become widely popular. For example, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-60874) has a ventilation device that ventilates the interior of a room by supplying outdoor air to the interior using a fan. The ventilation device and the indoor unit are connected by a ventilation hose. In addition, the ventilation device has a humidification function and can also supply humidified air to the interior of the room. 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 around the side of the outdoor unit, it is necessary to bundle the refrigerant pipe from the stop valve with the air supply pipe and route them around to the indoor unit side. At this time, in order to easily bundle the air supply pipe and the refrigerant pipe, it is necessary to route the air supply pipe in a meandering manner along the refrigerant pipe above the stop valve. In this case, it is necessary to route the air supply pipe around the side of the outdoor unit in such a way that it temporarily approaches the front side of the outdoor unit and then further folds back to the back side.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to reduce the sound propagating through the air supply passage, a silencer is sometimes provided in the air supply passage. Conventionally, since the silencer is arranged in the straight portion obtained by routing the air supply passage in the vertical direction, in the case of the meandering routing as described above, the straight portion in the vertical direction becomes smaller, and the size of the silencer is limited, so the sound attenuation effect is limited.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a configuration method of a silencer suitable for connection to an air supply pipe routed in a meandering manner as described above.

[0007] Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The air conditioner of the first aspect supplies outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, and includes 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 disposed on the side of the outdoor unit in a state of being connected to the first air passage, and reduces the sound propagating in the first air passage. The second air passage is a cylindrical air passage that further guides the air flowing into the muffler from the first air passage to the downstream. The muffler has a muffler main body, a first connection portion, and a second connection portion. The first connection portion connects the first air passage and the muffler main body at a first height position of the outdoor unit. The second connection portion connects the muffler main body and the second air passage at a second height position lower than the first height position. The second connection portion or the second air passage has a bent portion that is along the side of the outdoor unit and bends toward the back side of the outdoor unit. When the outdoor unit is viewed from the side, the second connection portion is disposed closer to the front side of the outdoor unit than the first connection portion.

[0009] In this air conditioner, by forming a structure in which the second air passage further folds back toward the back side on the downstream side of the muffler, it is easy to make the second air passage along the refrigerant pipe connected to the stop valve, and it is easy to bundle the second air passage and the refrigerant pipe during product installation. Moreover, since the second connection portion is disposed closer to the front side of the outdoor unit than the first connection portion, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are offset in the vertical and horizontal directions along the side of the outdoor unit. Therefore, inside the muffler main body, the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion becomes longer, the volume of the muffler is ensured to be larger, and the sound absorption effect is improved.

[0010] In the air conditioner of the second aspect, in the air conditioner of the first aspect, the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion is inclined downward toward the second connection portion.

[0011] In this air conditioner, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are offset in the vertical and horizontal directions along the side of the outdoor unit. Therefore, inside the muffler main body, the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion can be inclined downward toward the second connection portion. In this case, it is easy to convey air, and the volume of the muffler increases.

[0012] The air conditioner of the third aspect, in the air conditioner of the first aspect or the second aspect, further includes 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 board is separated from the first connection portion in the horizontal direction, even if humidified air leaks from the first connection portion by any chance, the humidified air is not likely to reach the terminal board. As a result, it is possible to prevent a short circuit caused by dew condensation at the terminal board.

[0014] The air conditioner according to the fourth aspect further includes a stop valve in the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects. The stop valve is provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit and is 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 surface of the outdoor unit.

[0015] In this air conditioner, since the second connection portion is separated from the stop valve in the vertical direction, the routing of the second air passage connected to the second connection portion is not obstructed by the stop valve, and the workability is good.

[0016] The air conditioner according to the fifth aspect is the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect, wherein the second connection portion is located above the stop valve.

[0017] In this air conditioner, by positioning the second connection portion above the stop valve, the length of the second air passage can be shortened compared to the case where the second air passage connected to the second connection portion is routed to surround the outside of the stop valve. Also, the dew condensation water from the refrigerant pipe connected to the stop valve does not drip onto the second connection portion.

[0018] The air conditioner according to the sixth aspect further includes a stop valve in the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects. The stop valve is provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit and is connected to the refrigerant pipe. The second air passage extends along the refrigerant pipe connected to the stop valve on the downstream side of the bending portion in the supply air flow direction.

[0019] The air conditioner according to the seventh aspect is the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, wherein the angle formed by the refrigerant pipe and the straight pipe portion of the second air passage adjacent to the refrigerant pipe is 20 degrees or less.

[0020] The air conditioner according to the eighth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the silencer main 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, inside the silencer main body, the path from the first connection portion to the second connection portion becomes longer, and the internal volume of the silencer main body becomes larger, so the silencing effect is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is an external view of the air conditioner of the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioner.

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

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the humidifying unit.

[0026] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing the air flow in the moisture absorption rotor.

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

[0028] Figure 7 is a side view of the outdoor unit equipped with a muffler of the air conditioner according to the modified example.

[0029] Figure 8A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the modified example A.

[0030] Figure 8B is Figure 8A the right side view of the outdoor unit described.

[0031] Figure 9A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the modified example B.

[0032] Figure 9B is Figure 9A the right side view of the outdoor unit described.

[0033] Figure 10A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the modified example C.

[0034] Figure 10B is Figure 10A the right side view of the outdoor unit described.

[0035] Figure 11A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the modified example D.

[0036] Figure 11B is Figure 11A the right side view of the outdoor unit described. Detailed implementation mode

[0037] (1) Schematic structure of the air conditioner 1

[0038] Figure 1 is an external view of the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment. In Figure 1 the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 is installed on an indoor wall surface or the like, and the outdoor unit 3 is installed outdoors.

[0039] Figure 2 is a system diagram of the refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioner 1, and the outline of the air flow is added for easy explanation. In Figure 2In this case, the indoor unit 2 has an indoor heat exchanger 11, and the outdoor unit 3 has an outdoor heat exchanger 24. Each heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connecting these heat exchangers constitute a refrigerant circuit.

[0040] (1-1) Indoor unit 2

[0041] The indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 2 has heat transfer pipes and a plurality of fins. The heat transfer pipes are folded back multiple times at both ends in the length direction. The heat transfer pipes are inserted through the fins. Heat exchange occurs between the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the air in contact therewith.

[0042] Moreover, the indoor unit 2 also has 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 circumferential surface. The cross-flow fan 12 generates an air flow in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The cross-flow fan 12 sucks indoor air into the interior of the indoor unit 2 and blows the air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 11 into the room.

[0043] (1-2) Outdoor unit 3

[0044] The outdoor unit 3 has 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 outside.

[0045] The air supply and exhaust hose 6, together with a first pipe 61 provided so as to straddle the inside and outside of the outdoor unit 3, a muffler 70 disposed on the side surface of the outdoor unit 3, and a second pipe 62 connecting the muffler 70 and the air supply and exhaust hose 6, forms an air supply and exhaust path through which air passes.

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

[0047] (2) Structure of the air-conditioning outdoor unit 5

[0048] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the outdoor unit 3. In Figure 1 and Figure 3 the air-conditioning outdoor unit 5 has refrigerant circuit components and a housing 50 that houses the refrigerant circuit components.

[0049] (2-1) Housing

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

[0051] The front panel 51 is a resin component that covers the front surface of the air conditioner outdoor unit 5. The front panel 51 is disposed at a position downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 in the air flow direction passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The front panel 51 has an air outlet 51a. The air outlet 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 conditioner outdoor unit 5 to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the air outlet 51a. Further, a first bellmouth 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 components that cover the sides of the air conditioner outdoor unit 5. Here, the right side plate 52 is disposed on the right side when the outdoor unit 3 is viewed from the front. The left side plate 53 is disposed on the left side when the outdoor unit 3 is viewed from the front.

[0053] The right side plate 52 and the left side plate 53 are arranged substantially parallel to the blowing direction of the blown air from the air outlet 51a. Further, a cover 55 is installed on the right side plate 52. The cover 55 protects the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28.

[0054] (2-2) Refrigerant circuit components

[0055] As refrigerant circuit components, the housing 50 houses a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, a liquid receiver 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, and an electric valve 25 (see Figure 2 ). The compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the liquid receiver 23, and the electric valve 25 are arranged in a mechanical chamber between the partition plate 57 and the right side plate 52.

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

[0057] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 has a substantially L-shaped configuration when viewed from above. The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is disposed in front of a protective metal net (not shown) that covers the back surface of the air conditioner 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 a filter 26, a liquid shut-off valve 27, and a refrigerant pipe 32.

[0059] Further, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via a gas shut-off valve 28 and a refrigerant pipe 31. These refrigerant pipes 31, 32 and the supply and exhaust hoses 6 together form a collective connection pipe 7.

[0060] The outdoor unit 5 of the air conditioner further includes a propeller fan 29. The propeller fan 29 is disposed 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 rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor 30. After the air taken into the interior of the outdoor unit 5 of the air conditioner comes into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the propeller fan 29 discharges the air from the air outlet 51a to the front of the front panel 51.

[0061] As Figure 3 shown, the outdoor unit 5 of the air conditioner further includes an electrical component unit 58. The electrical component unit 58 is disposed in the upper part of the outdoor unit 5 of the air conditioner. The electrical component unit 58 has a printed circuit board on which a CPU 81 (refer to Figure 2 ) for controlling the electrical component box and each part is mounted. A fireproof board 59 is installed above the electrical component unit 58.

[0062] (3) Structure of the humidifying unit 4

[0063] The humidifying unit 4 has a humidifying function, an air supply function, and an exhaust function. As Figure 3 shown, the humidifying unit 4 includes a housing 40, a moisture absorption rotor 41, a heater 42, a supply and exhaust fan 43, a switching damper 44, an adsorption pipe 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 side portions of the humidifying unit 4. The upper part of the housing 40 is covered by a top plate 66.

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

[0067] Moreover, on the back surface of the housing 40, an adsorption air inlet 40b and a supply and exhaust port 40c are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. When viewed from the front side, the adsorption air inlet 40b is disposed on the left side, and the supply and exhaust port 40c is disposed on the right side.

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

[0069] The housing 40 has two spaces, left and right, inside. The right space houses the moisture absorption rotor 41 and the like, and the left space houses the adsorption fan 46 and the like. The left space is called the adsorption fan storage space SP1.

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

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

[0072] The moisture absorption rotor 41 is a ceramic rotor with a honeycomb structure in the shape of a circular plate, and air can easily pass through it. The moisture absorption rotor 41 has a plurality of polygonal cylinder portions in a cross - section cut perpendicular to the rotation axis, and air passes through these cylinder portions.

[0073] The main part of the moisture absorption rotor 41 is fired from an adsorbent such as zeolite, silica gel, or alumina. Adsorbents such as zeolite have the property of adsorbing moisture in the air they contact and releasing the adsorbed moisture when heated.

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

[0075] (3 - 3) Heater 42

[0076] The heater 42 is configured to cover approximately half (the right half) of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41. An air inlet and an air outlet are formed on the lower surface of the heater 42. Air is inhaled from the air inlet. The air heated by the heater 42 is discharged from the air outlet toward the moisture absorption rotor 41 side. The heater 42 is installed 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 arranged on the side of the moisture absorption rotor 41. The supply and exhaust fan 43 conveys the air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 2, or discharges the air taken in from the indoor unit 2 to the outside.

[0079] The supply and exhaust fan 43 switches between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation by the switching of the switching damper 44. When conveying outside air to the indoor unit 2, the supply and exhaust fan 43 sends the air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 and descended from a specified part of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the first duct 61.

[0080] The supply and exhaust fan 43 and the indoor unit 2 are connected through a supply and exhaust path composed of a first duct 61, a muffler 70, a second duct 62, and a supply and exhaust hose 6. The supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via this supply and exhaust path.

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

[0082] (3-5) Switching damper 44

[0083] The switching damper 44 is a rotary air flow path switching unit disposed below the 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 above supply and exhaust path. Thus, in the first state, the air flows in the direction of the arrow shown by the solid line arrow A1, and humidified air or outdoor air is supplied to the indoor unit 2. Figure 2 of the solid line arrow A1 shown in the direction of the arrow, humidified air or outdoor air is supplied to the indoor unit 2.

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

[0086] (3-6) Adsorption duct 45

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

[0088] (3-7) Adsorption fan 46

[0089] The adsorption fan 46 is disposed in the adsorption fan accommodation space SP1. The adsorption fan 46 is a centrifugal fan. The adsorption fan 46 is rotated by an adsorption fan motor 65. The adsorption fan 46 generates an air flow as follows: sucking air from the opening 63a of the second bell mouth 63 disposed in the upper part, and flowing from the adsorption suction port 40b through the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the opening 63a.

[0090] The adsorption fan 46 discharges the dry air adsorbed with moisture when passing through the moisture absorption rotor 41 from the adsorption blowout port 40a toward the front of the housing 40. The second bell mouth 63 is provided in the upper part of the adsorption fan accommodation 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 is a schematic structural diagram of the humidifying unit 4. And, Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing the air flow in the moisture absorption rotor 41. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 , for ease of explanation, the air passage from the adsorption suction port 40b to the adsorption fan 46 is referred to as the moisture absorption passage X, the air passage from the supply and exhaust port 40c to the heater 42 is referred to as the heat collection passage Y, and the air passage from the heater 42 to the supply and exhaust fan 43 is referred to as the humidifying passage Z.

[0093] (4-1) Humidifying operation

[0094] The humidifying unit 4 takes in outdoor air from the adsorption suction port 40b into the moisture absorption passage X by operating the adsorption fan 46. The air Ax flowing in the moisture absorption passage X passes through the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, and the 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 accommodation space SP1 through the adsorption blowout port 40a to the front of the outdoor unit 3.

[0096] And, the humidifying unit 4 takes in outdoor air from the supply and exhaust port 40c into the heat collection passage Y by rotating the supply and exhaust fan 43. 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 into the humidifying passage Z. The high-temperature air Az flows through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidifying passage Z and flows toward the first pipe 61.

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

[0098] As Figure 5 shown, the moisture absorption rotor 41 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow D and sequentially passes through the moisture absorption passage X, the humidifying 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 humidifying passage Z, and the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y move in sequence.

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

[0100] The supply and exhaust fan 43 conveys the air passing through the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the indoor unit 2 via the supply and exhaust path. The air conveyed to the indoor unit 2 contains the moisture adsorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41.

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

[0102] (4-2) Ventilation operation

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

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

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

[0106] Figure 6 It is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3. In Figure 6 In order to facilitate the explanation, the cover 55 is represented by an imaginary line (double-dot dash line), and the right side plate 52 can be seen through the cover 55. Also, the humidifying unit 4 and its interior are also represented by an imaginary line (double-dot dash line). Moreover, 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 "direction" used in the explanation, it follows the directions of the arrow marks in the 4 directions of "up", "down", "front", and "back" in Figure 6 In.

[0108] (5-1) The first duct 61

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

[0110] In Figure 6In it, the first duct 61 penetrates through a position in the upper part of the right side plate 52 that is behind the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52, and bends downward by approximately 90°, with the other end (the terminal) facing downward.

[0111] A muffler 70 is connected to the terminal of the first duct 61. And, in Figure 6 it, the first duct 61 is adjacent to the rear of the terminal block 60.

[0112] (5-2) Muffler 70

[0113] As Figure 1 and Figure 6 shown, the muffler 70 is connected to the terminal 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] When supplying outdoor air from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2, the muffler 70 reduces the sound propagating in the first duct 61. And when exhausting air from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, the muffler 70 reduces the sound propagating in the second duct 62.

[0115] The muffler 70 has a muffler main body 700, a first connection part 701, and a second connection part 702.

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

[0117] The muffler main body 700 has a housing 700a that is a rectangular parallelepiped as the outer shell. The muffler main 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 the raw material of the sound-absorbing material 700b, felt, foamed polyurethane, etc. can be used. Since the cavity 700c is connected to the first duct 61, the air conveyed to the indoor unit 2 or the air conveyed from the indoor unit 2 passes through this cavity 700c.

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

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

[0121] (5-2-2) First connection part 701

[0122] As Figure 6As shown, the first connecting portion 701 is located at the upper part of the right side plate 52 and is connected to the first pipe 61. In Figure 6 , the first connecting portion 701 is located at a position behind the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52.

[0123] More specifically, in the outdoor unit 3, the side where the front panel 51 (refer to Figure 3 ) is arranged is set as the "front side", and the side where the long-sized portion of the substantially L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 24 (refer to Figure 3 ) is arranged is set as the "rear side". The first connecting portion 701 is located at a position on the rear side of the center of the right side plate 52.

[0124] And, in Figure 6 , the first connecting portion 701 is located behind the terminal board 60 and below the terminal board 60. In this way, since the first connecting portion 701 is separated from the terminal board 60, even if humidified air leaks from the first connecting portion 701 by any chance, it is not easy for the humidified air to reach the terminal board 60. Therefore, a short circuit caused by dew condensation at the terminals 60a of the terminal board 60 can be prevented.

[0125] (5-2-3) The second connecting portion 702

[0126] As Figure 6 shown, the second connecting portion 702 is located at the lower part of the right side plate 52 and is connected to the second pipe 62. In Figure 6 , the second connecting portion 702 is located at a position in front of the imaginary vertical center line C1 of the right side plate 52. Therefore, the second connecting portion 702 is closer to the front side of the outdoor unit 3 than the first connecting portion 701. And, in Figure 6 , the second connecting portion 702 is located above the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28.

[0127] With the above structure, the muffler 70 can make the internal path from the first connecting portion 701 to the second connecting portion 702 incline downward toward the second connecting portion. Therefore, compared with a muffler in which the path from the first connecting portion to the second connecting portion extends vertically downward toward the second connecting portion, the space between the first connecting portion 701 and the second connecting portion 702 can be enlarged. Therefore, the volume of the muffler main body 700 can be increased, and the silencing effect is improved.

[0128] (5-3) The second pipe 62

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

[0130] Also, the second connection portion 702 separates upward along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 toward the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28. Therefore, a space for arranging the second pipe 62 is ensured between the second connection portion 702 and the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28.

[0131] Also, the second pipe 62 has a bent portion 62a. The bent portion 62a bends along the right side plate 52 of the outdoor unit 3 and toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3. With the bent portion 62a, the air supply and exhaust path can be configured such that the second pipe 62 folds back toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the silencer 70.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the extending direction of the second pipe 62 from the bent portion 62a is along the extending direction of the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32.

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

[0134] The air supply and exhaust hose 6 is connected to the second pipe 62 and can convey air between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. When outdoor air is supplied from the outdoor unit 3, the air supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the outdoor air to the indoor unit 2. Also, when air is discharged from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 3, the air supply and exhaust hose 6 guides the air to the outdoor unit 3.

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

[0136] As described above, the second pipe 62 is configured such that, with the bent portion 62a, the air supply and exhaust path folds back the second pipe 62 toward the back side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the silencer 70. Therefore, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 follow the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off 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 during product installation. 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 embodiment, the second pipe 62 is configured to have a bent portion 62a and the second pipe 62 extends from the bent portion 62a, but it is not limited thereto.

[0139] Figure 7 It is a right side view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first modification. In Figure 7 In, with Figure 6The difference of the outdoor unit 3 described is that a bending portion 702a is provided at the second connecting portion 702, and the second pipe 62 has no bending portion. The functions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0140] (7) Features

[0141] (7-1)

[0142] In the air conditioner 1, by forming a structure in which the second connecting portion 702 or the second pipe 62 is further folded back toward the back side on the downstream side of the silencer 70, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 follow the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second pipe 62 with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 during product installation.

[0143] Moreover, the first connecting portion 701 and the second connecting portion 702 are offset in the vertical and horizontal directions along the right side plate 52. Therefore, inside the silencer main body 700, the path from the first connecting portion 701 to the second connecting portion 702 becomes longer, ensuring a larger volume of the silencer 70 and improving the sound absorption effect.

[0144] (7-2)

[0145] In the air conditioner 1, the first connecting portion 701 and the second connecting portion 702 are offset in the vertical and horizontal directions along the right side plate 52. Therefore, inside the silencer main body 700, the path from the first connecting portion 701 to the second connecting portion 702 can be inclined downward toward the second connecting portion 702. In this case, it is easy to convey air, and the volume of the silencer 70 increases.

[0146] (7-3)

[0147] In the air conditioner 1, since the terminal board 60 is separated from the first connecting portion 701 in the horizontal direction, even if humidified air leaks from the first connecting portion 701 by any chance, it is not easy for the humidified air to reach the terminal board 60. As a result, short-circuit due to dew condensation at the terminals 60a of the terminal board 60 is prevented.

[0148] (7-4)

[0149] In the air conditioner 1, the second connecting portion 702 is separated from the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the routing of the second pipe 62 connected to the second connecting portion 702 is not obstructed by the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28, and the workability is good.

[0150] (7-5)

[0151] In the air conditioner 1, by positioning the second connecting portion 702 above the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28, the length of the second pipe 62 can be shortened compared to the case where the second pipe 62 connected to the second connecting portion 702 is wound around the outer sides of the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28. Also, the dew condensation water from the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28 does not drip onto the second connecting portion 702.

[0152] (7-6)

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

[0154] (7-7)

[0155] In the air conditioner 1, 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.

[0156] (7-8)

[0157] In the air conditioner 1, the muffler main body 700 of the muffler 70 has a top plate 700d and a bottom plate 700e. The first connecting portion 701 projects vertically upward from the top plate 700d, and the second connecting portion 702 projects vertically downward from the bottom plate 700e. Therefore, inside the muffler main body 700, the path from the first connecting portion 701 to the second connecting portion 702 becomes longer, and the internal volume of the muffler main body 700 becomes larger, so the muffling effect is improved.

[0158] (8) Other modification examples

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

[0160] Hereinafter, three modification examples A, B, and C will be described with reference to the drawings. However, regarding the internal structure of each muffler, the internal structure of the muffler in the above-described embodiment is followed, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0161] (8-1) Modification example A

[0162] Figure 8A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 according to modification example A. And, Figure 8B is Figure 8A the right side view of the outdoor unit 3 described.

[0163] In Figure 8A and Figure 8B for the muffler 70, the first connection part 701 as the upper end is connected to the first pipe 61 inside the humidifying unit 4. After passing through the side surface of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4, the muffler 70 extends vertically downward, advances forward and downward in the front direction of the outdoor unit 3 midway, and reaches the second connection part 702 as the lower end.

[0164] The second pipe 62 is connected to the second connection part 702. The second pipe 62 has a bent part 62a. By means of this bent part 62a, the air supply and exhaust path is configured such that the second pipe 62 turns back to the back side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the muffler 70. Therefore, it is easy to make the second pipe 62 follow the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off 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, 32 when installing the product.

[0165] (8-2) Modification B

[0166] Figure 9A is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 of Modification B. And, Figure 9B is Figure 9A the right side view of the outdoor unit 3 described in

[0167] In Figure 9A and Figure 9B the muffler 70 has a first muffling part 71 and a second muffling part 72. The first muffling part 71 includes a cylindrical first muffling part main body 710, a first upper connection part 711, and a first lower connection part 712.

[0168] The first upper connection part 711 as the upper end of the first muffling part 71 is connected to the first pipe 61 inside the humidifying unit 4. After passing through the side surface of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4, the first muffling part 71 extends vertically downward and reaches the first lower connection part 712 as the lower end.

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

[0170] The second upper connection part 721 as the upper end of the second muffling part 72 is connected to the first lower connection part 712 of the first muffling part 71.

[0171] The second duct 62 is connected to the second lower connecting portion 722 which is the lower end of the second sound deadening portion 72. The second duct 62 has a bent portion 62a. By means of this bent portion 62a, the air supply and exhaust path is configured such that the second duct 62 is folded back toward the rear side of the outdoor unit 3 on the downstream side of the muffler 70.

[0172] Therefore, it is easy to make the second duct 62 follow the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second duct 62 and / or the air supply and exhaust hose 6 with the refrigerant pipes 31, 32 when installing the product.

[0173] (8-3) Variant C

[0174] Figure 10A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 of Variant C. And, Figure 10B is Figure 10A the right side view of the outdoor unit 3 described.

[0175] In Figure 10A and Figure 10B the muffler 70 has a first sound deadening portion 71 and a second sound deadening portion 72. The first sound deadening portion 71 and the second sound deadening portion 72 are connected by an intermediate duct 73.

[0176] The first sound deadening portion 71 includes a cylindrical first sound deadening portion main body 710, a first upper connecting portion 711, and a first lower connecting portion 712. The entire first sound deadening portion 71 is accommodated inside the outdoor unit 3.

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

[0178] The intermediate duct 73 is connected to the first lower connecting portion 712. The intermediate duct 73 extends outward from the first lower connecting portion 712 in the outdoor unit 3 and penetrates the right side plate 52. The terminal of the intermediate duct 73 faces downward.

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

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

[0181] The second duct 62 has a bent portion 62a. By means of this bent portion 62a, the air supply and exhaust path is configured such 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.

[0182] Therefore, it is easy to make the second duct 62 follow the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connected to the liquid shut-off valve 27 and the gas shut-off valve 28, and it is easy to bundle the second duct 62 and / or the air supply and exhaust hose 6 with the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 when installing the product.

[0183] (8-4) Variant D

[0184] In Variant A and Variant B, it is configured such that the muffler 70 penetrates from the side surface 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 it is not limited thereto. Here, Variant D based on Variant B will be described.

[0185] Figure 11A It is a partial front view of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 of Variant D. And, Figure 11B is Figure 11A the right side view of the outdoor unit 3 described in Figure 11A and Figure 11B In, the first duct 61 extends laterally inside the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4, and its terminal penetrates the side surface of the housing 40 and protrudes.

[0186] The muffler 70 has a first muffling portion 71 and a second muffling portion 72. The first muffling portion 71 includes a cylindrical first muffling portion main body 710, a first upper connecting portion 711, and a first lower connecting portion 712.

[0187] The first upper connecting portion 711, which is the upper end of the first muffling portion 71, is connected to the first duct 61 outside the side surface of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4. In other words, the first upper connecting portion 711 is connected to the first duct 61 at the height position of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4. The first muffling portion 71 extends vertically downward along the side surface of the housing 40 of the humidifying unit 4 and reaches the first lower connecting portion 712, which is the lower end.

[0188] The second muffling portion 72 and the second duct 62 are the same as in Variant B, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0189] Variant D is based on Variant B, but the same changes can be applied based on Variant A.

[0190] (8-5) Variant E

[0191] In Modification Example A, Modification Example B, and Modification Example C, the connecting portion of the muffler 70 is connected to the first duct 61 in the vertical direction, but it is not limited thereto, and the connecting portion of the muffler 70 may be connected to the first duct 61 in the horizontal direction.

[0192] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but it should be understood that various changes in the mode and details can be made without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0193] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0194] 1 Air conditioner

[0195] 2 Indoor unit

[0196] 3 Outdoor unit

[0197] 27 Stop valve

[0198] 28 Stop valve

[0199] 31 Refrigerant pipe

[0200] 32 Refrigerant pipe

[0201] 43 Supply and exhaust fan (fan)

[0202] 60 Terminal block

[0203] 61 First duct (first air passage)

[0204] 62 Second duct (second air passage)

[0205] 62a Bending portion

[0206] 70 Muffler

[0207] 700 Muffler main body

[0208] 700d Top plate

[0209] 700e Bottom plate

[0210] 701 First connecting portion

[0211] 702 Second connecting portion

[0212] 702a Bending portion

[0213] Prior Art Documents

[0214] Patent Documents

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

Claims

1. An air conditioning apparatus that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit (3) to an indoor unit (2), wherein the air conditioning apparatus includes: a fan (43); a cylindrical first air passage (61) through which the air supplied by the fan (43) passes; a silencer (70) that is disposed on a side surface of the outdoor unit (3) in a state of being connected to the first air passage (61) and reduces the sound propagating in the first air passage (61); a cylindrical second air passage (62) that further guides the air flowing into the silencer (70) from the first air passage (61) downstream; and shut-off valves (27, 28) that are provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and are connected to refrigerant pipes, the silencer (70) has: a silencer main body (700); a first connection portion (701) that connects the first air passage (61) and the silencer main body (700) at a first height position of the outdoor unit (3); and a second connection portion (702) that connects the silencer main 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 bent portion (62a) that is along the side surface of the outdoor unit (3) and bends toward the back side of the outdoor unit (3), when the outdoor unit (3) is viewed in side view, the second connection portion (702) is located above the shut-off valves (27, 28) and is configured to be closer to the front side of the outdoor unit (3) than the first connection portion (701), the downstream side of the second air passage (62) with respect to the bent portion (62a) in the air supply flow direction extends along the side surface and toward the back side of the outdoor unit (3), moreover, the second air passage (62) extends along the refrigerant pipe connected to the shut-off valves (27, 28) on the downstream side of the bent portion (62a) in the air supply flow direction.

2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the path from the first connection portion (701) to the second connection portion (702) inclines downward toward the second connection portion (702).

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

4. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the angle formed by the refrigerant pipe and the straight pipe portion of the second air passage (62) adjacent to the refrigerant pipe is 20 degrees or less.

5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the silencer main body (700) has a top plate (700d) and a bottom plate (700e), the first connection portion (701) is disposed on the top plate (700d), and the second connection portion (702) is disposed on the bottom plate (700e).

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