air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of increasing the processing flow rate of air per unit time. [Solution] According to one embodiment, an air conditioning device includes a bottom plate, a drive source, a fan, a rectifier, a heat exchanger, and a cover. The fan is driven by the drive source on the side opposite the bottom plate to direct air toward the bottom plate. The rectifier faces the fan. The rectifier has a first plate extending in a first direction intersecting the fan axis, and a second plate extending from an edge of the first plate extending in the first direction toward the bottom plate in a second direction different from the fan axis and the first direction. The heat exchanger faces the fan-side surface of the second plate and discharges heat when air sent from the fan along the rectifier passes through the heat exchanger. The cover has a fan opening that allows air to enter the fan and an exhaust opening that allows air to be discharged from the heat exchanger. The cover covers the drive source, fan, rectifier, and heat exchanger.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Railway vehicles are typically equipped with air conditioning units on their roofs. These units rotate fans to draw in outside air, generating airflow within the unit, and then send the air from the fans to a pair of heat exchangers located to the sides of the fans. Heat is then exchanged between this air and the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes of the pair of heat exchangers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-48536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can increase the flow rate of air treated per unit time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, an air conditioner includes a bottom plate, a drive source, a fan, a rectifier, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a cover. The drive source is supported by the bottom plate. The fan is provided on the opposite side of the bottom plate and is driven by the drive source to direct air toward the bottom plate. The rectifier faces the fan. The rectifier includes a first plate extending in a first direction intersecting the fan axis of the fan and having an opening edge surrounding the drive source, and a pair of second plate portions extending from a pair of edges of the first plate portion extending in the first direction toward the bottom plate portion and toward the fan axis and a second direction different from the first direction. The first heat exchanger faces the fan-side surface of one of the pair of second plate portions and discharges heat when air sent from the fan along the rectifier passes through. The second heat exchanger faces the fan-side surface of the other of the pair of second plate portions and discharges heat when air sent from the fan along the rectifying portion passes through it. The cover has a fan opening that allows air to be taken in by the fan, a first exhaust opening that allows air to be discharged from the first heat exchanger, and a second exhaust opening that allows air to be discharged from the second heat exchanger. The cover covers the drive source, the fan, the rectifying portion, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger. The cover cooperates with the bottom plate portion and the rectifying portion to form a partitioned heat exchange area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a railway vehicle according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an air conditioning device for a railway vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of a cross section along an imaginary plane parallel to the ZX plane in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of a cross section along a virtual plane parallel to the YZ plane in Figure 2. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at the cross section of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7]7 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at a cross section corresponding to FIG. 6 in the case of a comparative example in which the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 does not use the air straightening unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 5 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at the cross section of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at a cross section corresponding to FIG. 8 in the case of a comparative example in which the air conditioner shown in FIG. 2 does not use the air straightening unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an air conditioning device for a railway vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an airflow rectifying section of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 17 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at the cross section of the air conditioner shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 18 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at a cross section corresponding to FIG. 18 in the case of a comparative example in which the air conditioner shown in FIG. 16 does not use the air straightening unit shown in FIG. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the proportions of the various parts may not necessarily be the same as those in reality. In the specification and drawings, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] The air conditioner 20 according to the embodiment will be described as being mainly attached to the roof 14a of the car body 14 of the railway vehicle 10, but is not limited thereto and can be attached to any suitable position.

[0009] (First embodiment) An air conditioner 20 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a railway vehicle 10 on rails 8 according to a first embodiment. An XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is shown in FIG. 1. The X-axis direction indicates, for example, the direction in which the rails 8 extend (the traveling direction of the railway vehicle 10). The Y-axis direction indicates, for example, the direction of the sleepers of the rails 8. The Z-axis direction indicates, for example, the up-down direction. When the air conditioning device 20 according to this embodiment is installed on a horizontal plane, the up-down direction is parallel to the direction of gravity. The up-down direction of the up-down direction is the up direction in FIG. 1. The down-down direction of the up-down direction is the down direction in FIG. 1.

[0011] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the air conditioning device 20 of the railway vehicle 10. The air conditioning device 20 in FIG. 2 is shown with a portion of the cover 32 omitted.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along an imaginary plane III parallel to the ZX plane in Fig. 2. The imaginary plane III passes through the central axis of the drive shaft 24a of the fan 26. Note that Fig. 3 shows the fan 26, the rectifying section (rectifying plate) 28, the pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b, etc., but does not show the portion where the compressor and other components are disposed. That is, the portion on the -X-axis side of the heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a is not shown here.

[0013] 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along an imaginary plane IV parallel to the YZ plane in FIG. 2. The imaginary plane IV passes through the central axis of the drive shaft 24a of the fan 26.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the rectifying section 28 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at the cross section of the air conditioner 20 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at the cross section corresponding to Fig. 6 when an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example is used, which does not use the air straightening unit 28 shown in Fig. 5 in the air conditioner 20.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing simulation results illustrating the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at a cross section of the air conditioner 20 shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 8, the air flow direction and flow velocity ratio are not shown for the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing simulation results illustrating the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity at a cross section corresponding to FIG. 8 when an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example is used, which does not use the air flow straightening unit 28 shown in FIG. 5 in the air conditioner 20. In FIG. 9, the air flow direction and flow velocity ratio are not shown for the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a railway vehicle 10 includes, for example, a bogie (running device) 12 and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped carbody 14 placed on the bogie 12.

[0018] For example, an air conditioning device 20 for a railway vehicle 10 as shown in FIG.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the air conditioner 20 includes a bottom plate portion 22, a drive source 24, a fan 26, a rectifying portion 28, a pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b, and a cover 32.

[0020] The bottom plate portion 22 is fixed onto the roof 14a of the vehicle body 14. The bottom plate portion 22 is formed narrower than the width of the roof 14a of the vehicle body 14 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, if the roof 14a of the vehicle body 14 is formed with a curved surface or the like, it is preferable that the bottom plate portion 22 be formed to follow that shape. Here, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the bottom plate portion 22 is a flat plate.

[0021] The driving source 24 is fixed to and supported by the bottom plate portion 22. The driving source 24 is a motor having a driving shaft 24a oriented vertically, which rotates when supplied with electric power. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the driving source 24 is formed in a circular shape. The external appearance of the driving source 24 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0022] The rotation speed or rotation torque of the drive shaft 24a is controlled by a control unit (not shown). Here, the rotation speed of the drive shaft 24a is controlled by the control unit, for example.

[0023] The drive shaft 24a is provided on the opposite side to the bottom plate portion 22. A fan 26 is fixed to the drive shaft 24a.

[0024] The diameter of the fan 26 is shorter than the length in the first direction (X-axis direction) of a first plate portion 42 (described later) of the straightening vane 28 and is larger than the width in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The fan 26 has a hub 26a to which a drive shaft 24a is fixed and blades 26b integrated with the hub 26a. It is preferable to use an axial flow fan as the fan 26, but this is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, when the drive shaft 24a is driven by the drive source 24 and the fan 26 rotates, the fan 26 takes in air from outside the air conditioner 20 and directs it toward the bottom plate portion 22.

[0025] An annular casing (frame) 27 is provided on the outside of the outer edge (distal end) of blade 26b along the XY plane and is supported by bottom plate portion 22 or cover 32. Casing 27 preferably covers almost the entirety or part of the outside of blade 26b in the vertical direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the flow rectifying portion 28 has a first plate portion 42, a pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b, a pair of third plate portions 46a, 46b, and so on.

[0027] 2 to 4, extends in a first direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the fan axis (drive shaft) 24a of the fan 26, and has an opening edge 42a surrounding the drive source 24. The first plate 42 is formed so that the length along the first direction is longer than the length (width) along a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction.

[0028] For example, the distance from one end (end in the −X-axis direction) of the first plate portion 42 to the opening edge 42a along the first direction is further in the −X-axis direction than the outer edges of the blades 26b of the fan 26. For example, the distance from the other end (end in the +X-axis direction) of the first plate portion 42 to the opening edge 42a along the first direction is further in the +X-axis direction than the outer edges of the blades 26b of the fan 26.

[0029] The first plate portion 42 is preferably formed as a flat plate that is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the first direction, for example. In this case, it is preferable that the normal direction of the first plate portion 42 is oriented in the +Z-axis direction at all positions.

[0030] 5, the opening edge 42a is provided in approximately the center of the first plate portion 42 in the first direction, but may be in the +X-axis direction or the −X-axis direction with respect to the position shown in Fig. 5 depending on the position of the drive source 24. On the other hand, in Fig. 5, the opening edge 42a is preferably provided in approximately the center of the first plate portion 42 in the second direction.

[0031] The opening edge 42a is formed in a shape that supports the outer circumferential surface of the driving source 24. In this embodiment, the gap between the opening edge 42a and the outer periphery of the driving source 24 is formed appropriately small so as to reduce air that enters between the rectifying plate 28 and the bottom plate portion 22.

[0032] The opening edge 42a is provided with a pair of flaps 42b that protrude downward from the opening edge 42a. That is, the opening edge 42a has the flaps (folds) 42b that are bent from the first plate portion 42 toward the bottom plate portion 22. The flaps 42b face the first direction and are provided along the second direction. It is preferable that the flaps 42b are biased toward the outer peripheral surface of the driving source 24 so as to eliminate a gap between the flaps 42b and the outer peripheral surface of the driving source 24 in the first direction. It is also preferable that the opening edge 42a has a pair of flaps 42c that face the second direction and are provided along the first direction. That is, the opening edge 42a has the flaps (folds) 42c that are bent from the first plate portion 42 toward the bottom plate portion 22. For example, it is preferable that the flap 42c be biased toward the outer circumferential surface of the drive source 24 so as to eliminate a gap in the second direction between the flap 42c and the outer circumferential surface of the drive source 24. The flap 42b prevents the air from the fan 26 from passing between the opening edge 42a and the outer circumferential surface of the drive source 24 and heading downward toward the rectifying unit 28.

[0033] In this embodiment, the hub 26a of the fan 26 is disposed directly above the first plate portion 42. It is preferable that the diameter of the hub 26a is shorter than the length of the first plate portion 42 in the first direction and larger than the width of the first plate portion 42 in the second direction.

[0034] The pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b extend from a pair of edge portions (boundaries) 43a, 43b extending in a first direction of the first plate portion 42 toward the fan axis 24a and a second direction (Y-axis direction) different from the first direction (X-axis direction) toward the bottom plate portion 22. In this case, it is preferable that the normal direction of one second plate portion 44a of the second plate portions 44a, 44b is oriented in the −Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction in the YZ plane, and the normal direction of the other second plate portion 44b is oriented in the +Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction in the YZ plane.

[0035] In the second direction, it is preferable that the outer edge of the hub 26a and the blades 26b of the fan 26 are disposed directly above the second plate portions 44a and 44b. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the blades 26b are not disposed directly above the second plate portions 44a and 44b.

[0036] Third plate portions 46a, 46b are provided on edge portions 45a, 45b of the second plate portions 44a, 44b opposite to the edge portions 43a, 43b of the first plate portion 42. The third plate portions 46a, 46b are continuous with the second plate portions 44a, 44b and parallel to the bottom plate portion 22 along the second direction. The third plate portions 46a, 46b are continuous with the second plate portions 44a, 44b on edge portions 45a, 45b of the second plate portions 44a, 44b opposite to the edge portions 43a, 43b of the first plate portion 42, and become parallel to the bottom plate portion 22 as they extend in the second direction.

[0037] In addition, in the second direction, the blades 26b of the fan 26 are disposed directly above the third plate portions 46a, 46b. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the blades 26b are disposed directly above the third plate portions 46a, 46b.

[0038] The presence of such rectifying section 28 in the heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a can increase the rigidity of the heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a. Furthermore, by using the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, and by attaching rectifying section 28 between the bottom plate 22 and the fan 26, the rectifying section 28 includes: a first plate 42 that surrounds the drive source 24 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and is long in the X-axis direction; second plate portions 44a, 44b that incline from edge portions 43a, 43b of the first plate 42 toward the bottom plate 22; and third plate portions 46a, 46b that extend from edge portions 45a, 45b of the second plate portions 44a, 44b in the second direction and are parallel to the bottom plate 22, the strength of the air conditioner 20 itself can be increased.

[0039] The pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b are provided laterally (in the second direction) with respect to the driving source 24 and the fan 26. The pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b extend along the first direction. The length of the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b extending in the first direction is greater than the diameter of the fan 26. The pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b may be provided beyond the range of the partitioned heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a. In this embodiment, the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b are disposed at an angle with respect to the XY plane.

[0040] The first heat exchanger 30a, which is one of the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b, faces the surface of one plate portion 44a of the pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b facing the fan 26, and discharges heat when air sent from the fan 26 along the airflow straightening portion 28 passes through it. With respect to the second direction, the heat exchanger 30a is disposed such that its end portion is lowered in the Z-axis direction as it approaches the -Y-axis direction and is raised in the Z-axis direction as it approaches the +Y-axis direction. Preferably, the normal direction of the second plate portion 44a and the direction in which the air from the fan 26 is discharged from the first heat exchanger 30a through the first heat exchanger 30a are the same or approximately the same direction (the -Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction).

[0041] Similarly, the second heat exchanger 30b, the other of the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b, faces the surface of the other plate portion 44b of the pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b facing the fan 26, and discharges heat when air sent from the fan 26 along the airflow rectifier 28 passes through it. With respect to the second direction, the heat exchanger 30b is disposed such that its end portion is lowered in the Z-axis direction as it approaches the +Y-axis direction and is raised in the Z-axis direction as it approaches the -Y-axis direction. Preferably, the normal direction of the second plate portion 44b and the direction in which air from the fan 26 is discharged from the second heat exchanger 30b through the second heat exchanger 30b are the same or approximately the same direction (the +Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction).

[0042] The cover 32 covers the drive source 24, the fan 26, the rectifier 28, the first heat exchanger 30a, and the second heat exchanger 30b. The cover 32 is preferably formed, for example, as a straight line along the first direction and a smooth curve along the second direction, so as to have a curved surface as a whole.

[0043] The cover 32 has a fan opening 52 through which air can be taken in by the fan 26, a first exhaust opening 54a through which air can be exhausted from the first heat exchanger 30a, and a second exhaust opening 54b through which air can be exhausted from the second heat exchanger 30a. The cover 32 may be formed by combining multiple members.

[0044] In this embodiment, with respect to the first direction, it is preferable that the ends of the first plate portion 42, the second plate portions 44a, 44b, and the third plate portions 46a, 46b of the straightening portion 28 in the first direction (X-axis direction) extend to the end (housing end) of the air conditioning device 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the bottom plate portion 22 cooperates with, for example, the rectifier 28 and the cover 32 to form a partitioned heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a. In other words, the cover 32 cooperates with, for example, the rectifier 28 and the bottom plate portion 22 to form a partitioned heat exchange area for air. The heat exchange area 20a is formed as an area partitioned for, for example, a compressor or the like. In FIGS. 2 to 4 , the heat exchange area 20a is formed by the bottom plate portion 22, the walls 21a and 21b spaced apart in a first direction within the space in which the driving source 24, the fan 26, the rectifier 28, and the pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b are provided, the walls 21c and 21d spaced apart in a second direction within the space in which the driving source 24, the fan 26, the rectifier 28, and the pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b are provided, and the cover 32. In one example, the bottom plate portion 22 has the walls 21a and 21b, and the cover 32 has the walls 21c and 21d. Alternatively, the cover 32 may have the walls 21a and 21b.

[0046] The heat exchangers 30a and 30b may extend in the first direction to a distance greater than the distance between the walls 21a and 21b of the heat exchange area 20a.

[0047] Of the first plate portion 42, the second plate portions 44a, 44b, and the third plate portions 46a, 46b of the straightening portion 28, it is preferable that the ends (both ends or one end) along the first direction are fixed in a state in which they each extend to the partition wall (end of the housing) in the heat exchange area 20a.

[0048] The operation of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment will be described below in comparison with an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example in which the rectifying section 28 is not provided.

[0049] The air conditioner 20 drives the fan 26 and the heat exchangers 30a, 30b, and draws air from outside the air conditioner 20 into the air conditioner 20 through the fan opening 52, flows it toward the straightening section 28 and the bottom plate section 22, and discharges it through the heat exchangers 30a, 30b from the first exhaust opening 54a and the second exhaust opening 54b.

[0050] For the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment, which includes the rectifier 28, and an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example, which does not include the rectifier 28, simulations (see FIGS. 6 to 9 ) were conducted to evaluate the ratio of the air flow direction and the air flow speed when air is flowed from the fan 26 to the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b, and then passed through the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b before being discharged from the discharge openings 54a, 54b of the cover 32. The simulation results and the actual measurement experiment results for the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example include the flow rate of air per unit time discharged from the heat exchange area 20a of each of the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example.

[0051] In the simulation, the sizes of the components of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example were set to be equivalent to those that can actually be used in the vehicle 10.

[0052] In the simulation, the ratio of the air flow direction and flow velocity within the heat exchange area 20a of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment and the ratio of the air flow direction and flow velocity within the heat exchange area 20a of the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example were obtained when the fan 26 was rotated at 860 rpm.

[0053] In the measurement experiment, a flow meter was used to measure the flow velocity at 64 points (not shown) evenly arranged inside the air conditioner 20.

[0054] According to the simulation results, it was found that the flow rate when the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment was used increased by approximately 8.0% compared to the flow rate when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example (which is the same as the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment except that it does not have the rectifier 28) was used. The energy (electricity) required to drive the fan 26 is the same for the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example, but when the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment is used, the amount of air processed per unit time can be increased compared to when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example is used.

[0055] Furthermore, the results of a measurement experiment showed that the air flow rate increased by approximately 2.3% when the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment was used compared to when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example was used. Although the energy (electricity) required to drive the fan 26 is the same for the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example, the amount of air processed per unit time can be increased when the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment is used compared to when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example is used.

[0056] Therefore, by including the rectifier 28 in the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, the air flow rate from the fan 26 to the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b, and the air discharged from the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b through the exhaust openings 54a and 54b of the cover 32 can be increased while preventing an increase in energy output, compared to a case in which the rectifier 28 is not present. Therefore, the fan 26 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can achieve a desired air flow rate similar to that of the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example at an appropriately low rotation speed. Because the fan 26 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can be operated at an appropriately low rotation speed, the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can reduce power consumption and achieve energy conservation. Therefore, using the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can improve the cooling performance of, for example, a railway vehicle 10.

[0057] The simulation results of FIG. 6, which shows the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7, which shows the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example, are compared. Also, FIG. 8, which shows the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9, which shows the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example are compared. In the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment, by providing the rectifying section 28 in the heat exchange area 20a, the part of the bottom plate 22 through which the air flows can be brought closer to the fan 26, thereby preventing the air from the fan 26 from stagnating below the fan 26. Furthermore, by preventing the air from stagnating below the fan 26, the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment can prevent the air flow from becoming turbulent. Furthermore, by tilting one of the second plate portions 44a, 44b of the flow straightening section 28 toward the first heat exchanger 30a and the other plate portion 44b toward the second heat exchanger 30b, air can be efficiently directed toward the heat exchangers 30a, 30b that face the second plate portions 44a, 44b.

[0058] Furthermore, by using the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, that is, by attaching the rectifying section 28 shown in Figures 2 to 4 between the bottom plate section 22 and the fan 26, the rectifying section 28 has a first plate section 42 that surrounds the drive source 24 and is long in the X-axis direction, and second plate sections 44a, 44b that incline from the edge sections 43a, 43b of the first plate section 42 toward the bottom plate section 22, the strength of the air conditioner 20 itself can be increased.

[0059] Moreover, because the rectifying portion 28 is a component that can be formed by deforming a simple metal plate, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs associated with the air conditioning device 20. Furthermore, the presence of such rectifying portion 28 within the heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a can increase the rigidity of the heat exchange area (heat exchange chamber) 20a, and therefore the rigidity of the air conditioning device 20 as well.

[0060] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner 20 that can increase the processing flow rate of air in order to improve, for example, cooling performance.

[0061] In this embodiment, the rectifying unit 28 (see FIG. 5) is an integrated part, but it is preferable that it be disassembled as needed. For example, it may be connectable at an edge 43a between the first plate 42 and one of the second plate parts 44a, and at an edge 43b between the first plate 42 and the other second plate part 44b.

[0062] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, the flaps 42b and 42c are provided on the opening edge 42a of the first plate portion 42, thereby increasing the rigidity of the first plate portion 42 near the opening edge 42a.

[0063] The first plate portion 42 may be formed, for example, along the first direction from one end (the end in the -X-axis direction) to the other end (the end in the +X-axis direction) as a curved plate that is convex upward (in the +Z-axis direction) toward the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first plate portion 42. In this case, it is preferable that the normal direction of the first plate portion 42 is, for example, divided at the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first plate portion 42, such that the second plate portion 44a side is oriented in the -Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction in the YZ plane relative to the second plate portion 44a, and the second plate portion 44b side is oriented in the +Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction in the YZ plane relative to the second plate portion 44b. In this case, the boundaries 43a and 43b between the first plate portion 42 and the second plate portions 44a and 44b may not be present. In this case, the first plate portion 42 is defined, for example, by a width (length in the second direction) that is the same as the width of the opening edge 42a and a length (total length) in the first direction, and is formed as a region that includes the opening edge 42a. The pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b are, for example, located on the sides (second direction sides) of the first plate portion 42, do not overlap with the first plate portion 42, and are formed as regions that do not include the opening edge 42a.

[0064] The above description deals with an example in which the opening edge 42a is rectangular. The opening edge 42a may be circular or elliptical, or may be an appropriate polygonal shape, to match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the driving source 24. In this case, the opening edge 42a is formed so that the gap between the opening edge 42a and the outer periphery of the driving source 24 is appropriately small, so as to reduce air that enters between the rectifying plate 28 and the bottom plate portion 22. In this case, it is preferable that the flaps 42b and 42c are formed appropriately to match the shape of the opening edge 42a.

[0065] Hereinafter, several modified examples of the rectification unit 28 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0066] (First Modification) 10, the edges 43a, 43b of the first plate 42 of the flow rectifying unit 28 do not have to extend straight in the first direction. The first plate 42 is formed so that the width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction increases with increasing distance from the opening edge 42a in the first direction.

[0067] 10, one of the second plate portions 44a has a 2-2 plate portion 44a2 and a 2-3 plate portion 44a3 that are arranged along the first direction relative to a 2-1 plate portion 44a1 adjacent to the opening edge 42a, sandwiching the 2-1 plate portion 44a1. A boundary 44a12 between the 2-1 plate portion 44a1 and the 2-2 plate portion 44a2 and a boundary 44a13 between the 2-1 plate portion 44a1 and the 2-3 plate portion 44a3 are formed as bent portions.

[0068] (Second Modification) As shown in FIG. 11, the edges 43a, 43b of the first plate portion 42 may extend straight in the first direction, but the edges 45a, 45b of the second plate portions 44a, 44b may not extend straight in the first direction.

[0069] The second plate portion 44a has a second plate portion 44a2 and a second plate portion 44a3 that are arranged along the first direction and sandwich the second plate portion 44a1 relative to the first plate portion 44a1 adjacent to the opening edge 42a. A boundary 44a12 between the second plate portion 44a1 and the second plate portion 44a2 and a boundary 44a13 between the second plate portion 44a1 and the second plate portion 44a3 are formed as bent portions.

[0070] The length of the edge 45a of the 2-1 plate portion 44a1 is the same as the length of the edge 43a of the 2-1 plate portion 44a1. In contrast, the length of the edge 45a of the 2-2 plate portion 44a2 is longer than the length of the edge 43a of the 2-2 plate portion 44a2, and the length of the edge 45a of the 2-3 plate portion 44a3 is longer than the length of the edge 43a of the 2-3 plate portion 44a3.

[0071] (Third Modification) 12, the edges 43a, 43b of the first plate 42 do not have to extend straight in the first direction. The first plate 42 is formed so that the width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction increases with increasing distance from the opening edge 42a in the first direction.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 12, one plate portion 44a of the second plate portions 44a, 44b is formed such that the 2-1 plate portion 44a1 is a flat plate, and the 2-2 plate portion 44a2 and the 2-3 plate portion 44a3 are each formed as a curved plate.

[0073] (Fourth Modification) 13, the edges 43a, 43b of the first plate 42 do not have to extend straight in the first direction. The first plate 42 is formed so that the width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction decreases with increasing distance from the opening edge 42a in the first direction.

[0074] One of the plate portions 44a (2-1 plate portion 44a1, 2-2 plate portion 44a2, 2-3 plate portion 44a3) of the second plate portions 44a, 44b is formed by a combination of a flat plate and a curved plate, or by a curved plate, as described in the first to third modified examples.

[0075] Therefore, the second plate portions 44a, 44b extend in the first direction by one or more flat plates or curved plates.

[0076] (Fifth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the first plate portion 42, the second plate portions 44a, 44b, and the third plate portions 46a, 46b of the flow rectifying unit 28 have been described as having their ends along the first direction fixed to the partition walls (housing ends) of the heat exchange area 20a. As shown in FIG. 14 , the first plate portion 42, the second plate portions 44a, 44b, and the third plate portions 46a, 46b of the flow rectifying unit 28 have their ends along the first direction (both ends or one end) fixed to be recessed from the partition walls of the heat exchange area 20a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14 , flaps 42d, 42e may be provided on the end of the first plate portion 42 in the first direction. By providing the flaps 42d, 42e in this manner, the rigidity of the first plate portion 42, i.e., the rigidity of the flow rectifying unit 28, can be increased.

[0077] (Sixth Modification) In the above-described embodiment including each modified example, the first plate portion 42 is a flat plate. However, as shown in Fig. 15, the first plate portion 42 may be a curved plate that extends straight in a first direction and is inclined in a second direction. In this case, it is preferable that the first plate portion 42 is a curved plate that is convex toward the fan 26.

[0078] In Figure 15, the boundaries 43a and 43b between the first plate portion 42 and the second plate portions 44a and 44b are illustrated so that they can be clearly seen, but the boundaries 43a and 43b between the first plate portion 42 and the second plate portions 44a and 44b do not have to be present.

[0079] (Second embodiment) An air conditioner 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment including various modifications, and the same components as those described in the first embodiment or components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0080] Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an air conditioning device 20 of a railway vehicle 10. This air conditioning device 20 is also provided on, for example, the roof 14a of the car body 14 of the vehicle 10. Note that in Fig. 16, illustration of the fan 26 and part of the cover 32 are omitted.

[0081] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view showing the rectifying section 28 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment.

[0082] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of the air flow direction and the flow velocity at the cross section shown by the imaginary plane XVIII in the air conditioner 20 shown in Fig. 16. In Fig. 18, the air flow direction and the ratio of the air flow velocity are not shown for the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b.

[0083] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a simulation result showing the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity in a cross section shown by imaginary plane XVIII in the air conditioner 20 shown in Fig. 16, in the case of a comparative example that does not use the airflow straightening unit 28 shown in Fig. 17. In Fig. 19, the illustration of the ratio of air flow direction and flow velocity is omitted for the pair of heat exchangers 30a, 30b.

[0084] As shown in Figure 16, the heat exchange area 20a is formed by a bottom plate portion 22 (see Figure 18), wall portions 21a and 21b spaced apart in a first direction in the space in which the drive source 24, the fan 26 (see Figures 2 and 18), the rectifying portion 28, and the pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b are provided, wall portions 21c and 21d spaced apart in a second direction in the space in which the drive source 24, the fan 26, the rectifying portion 28, and the pair of heat exchangers 30a and 30b are provided (see Figure 18), and a cover 32.

[0085] 17, the rectifying portion 28 has a first plate portion 42 and a pair of second plate portions 44a, 44b. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the rectifying portion 28 is formed to be longer in the second direction (Y-axis direction) than in the first direction (X-axis direction). Alternatively, the length of the rectifying portion 28 in the first direction may be the same as the length of the rectifying portion 28 in the second direction.

[0086] The second plate portions 44a, 44b of the flow rectifying portion 28 extend in the second direction instead of the third plate portions 46a, 46b shown in Fig. 5. An edge portion 45a of one second plate portion 44a extends to immediately below the first heat exchanger 30a. Similarly, an edge portion 45b of the other second plate portion 44b extends to immediately below the second heat exchanger 30b.

[0087] It is preferable that the normal direction of the second plate portion 44a and the direction in which the air from the fan 26 is discharged from the first heat exchanger 30a through the first heat exchanger 30a are the same or approximately the same direction (-Y axis direction and +Z axis direction). Similarly, it is preferable that the normal direction of the second plate portion 44b and the direction in which the air from the fan 26 is discharged from the second heat exchanger 30b through the second heat exchanger 30b are the same or approximately the same direction (+Y axis direction and +Z axis direction).

[0088] 16 is formed in a substantially circular shape. Therefore, the appearance of the drive source 24 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the opening edge 42a of the rectifying unit 28 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is illustrated as being substantially rectangular. When the outer periphery of the drive source 24 is substantially circular as shown in FIG. 16, it is also preferable that the opening edge 42a of the rectifying unit 28 be formed as a ring into which the outer periphery of the drive source 24 fits. In this embodiment as well, it is preferable that the opening edge 42a of the rectifying unit 28 be formed so as to reduce air that enters between the rectifying plate 28 and the bottom plate portion 22.

[0089] The operation of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment will be described below in comparison with an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example in which the rectifying section 28 is not provided.

[0090] The air conditioner 20 drives the fan 26 and the heat exchangers 30a, 30b to take in air from outside the air conditioner 20 through the fan opening 52, flow it toward the straightening section 28 and the bottom plate section 22, and discharge it through the heat exchangers 30a, 30b from the first exhaust opening 54a and the second exhaust opening 54b.

[0091] A simulation (see FIGS. 18 and 19 ) was performed on the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment, which includes the rectifier 28, and an air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example, which does not include the rectifier 28. The simulation evaluated the ratio of the air flow direction and the air flow speed when air was caused to flow through the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b using the fan 26 and then passed through the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b before being discharged from the discharge openings 54a, 54b of the cover 32. The simulation results for the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example include the flow rate of air per unit time discharged from the heat exchange area 20a of each of the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example.

[0092] In the simulation, the sizes of the components of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example were set to be equivalent to those that can actually be used.

[0093] In the simulation, the ratio of the air flow direction and flow velocity within the heat exchange area 20a of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, and the ratio of the air flow direction and flow velocity within the heat exchange area of ​​the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example were obtained when the fan 26 was rotated at 860 rpm.

[0094] Simulation results showed that when the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment was used, the flow rate increased by approximately 12% compared to when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example (which is the same as the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment except that it does not have the rectifier 28) was used. The energy (electricity) required to drive the fan 26 is approximately the same for the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment and the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example, but when the air conditioner 20 according to the present embodiment is used, the amount of air processed per unit time can be increased compared to when the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example is used.

[0095] Therefore, by including the rectifier 28 in the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, the air flow rate from the fan 26 to the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b, and the air discharged from the first heat exchanger 30a and the second heat exchanger 30b through the exhaust openings 54a and 54b of the cover 32 can be increased while preventing an increase in energy output, compared to a case in which the rectifier 28 is not present. Therefore, the fan 26 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can achieve a desired air flow rate similar to that of the air conditioner 120 according to the comparative example at an appropriately low rotation speed. Because the fan 26 of the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can be operated at an appropriately low rotation speed, the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can reduce power consumption and achieve energy conservation. Therefore, using the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can improve the cooling performance of, for example, a railway vehicle 10.

[0096] Simulation results are compared between FIG. 18 , which shows the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 19 , which shows the air conditioner 120 according to a comparative example. By providing the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment with the flow straightening section 28 in the heat exchange area 20a, the air flow portion of the bottom plate 22 is brought closer to the fan 26, preventing the air from stagnating below the fan 26. Furthermore, by preventing the air from stagnating below the fan 26, the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment can prevent the air flow from becoming turbulent. Furthermore, by tilting the second plate portions 44a, 44b of the flow straightening section 28 so that one plate portion 44a faces the first heat exchanger 30a and the other plate portion 44b faces the second heat exchanger 30b, the air can be efficiently directed toward the heat exchangers 30a, 30b that face the second plate portions 44a, 44b.

[0097] Furthermore, by using the air conditioner 20 according to this embodiment, that is, by attaching a rectifying section 28 between the bottom plate section 22 and the fan 26, the rectifying section 28 has a first plate section 42 that surrounds the drive source 24 shown in FIG. 16 and is long in the X-axis direction, and second plate sections 44a, 44b that incline from the edge sections 43a, 43b of the first plate section 42 toward the bottom plate section 22, the strength of the air conditioner 20 itself can be increased.

[0098] Furthermore, since the rectifying portion 28 is a component that can be formed by deforming a simple metal plate, an increase in costs associated with the air conditioner 20 can be suppressed.

[0099] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner 20 that can increase the amount of air processed per unit time in order to improve, for example, cooling performance.

[0100] According to the air conditioner 20 of at least one embodiment described above, by using an appropriate rectifying unit 28, it is possible to increase the air processing flow rate per unit time, thereby improving the cooling performance of, for example, a railway vehicle 10. Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle 10 having such an air conditioner 20.

[0101] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10...railroad vehicle, 12...bogie, 14...car body, 14a...roof, 20...air conditioning device, 20a...heat exchange area, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d...wall portion, 22...bottom plate portion, 24...drive source, 24a...fan shaft (drive shaft), 26...fan, 26a...hub, 26b...blades, 27...casing, 28...flow straightening portion, 30a...first heat exchanger , 30b...second heat exchanger, 32...cover, 42...first plate portion, 42a...opening edge, 42b, 42c...flap, 43a, 43b...edge portion (boundary portion), 44a, 44b...second plate portion, 45a, 45b...edge portion (boundary portion), 46a, 46b...third plate portion, 52...fan opening, 54a...first exhaust opening, 54b...second exhaust opening.

Claims

1. A bottom plate portion; a drive source supported by the bottom plate portion; a fan provided on the opposite side of the bottom plate portion, the fan being driven by the drive source to blow air toward the bottom plate portion; a straightening unit including: a first plate portion facing the fan, extending in a first direction intersecting a fan axis of the fan, and having an opening edge surrounding the drive source; and a pair of second plate portions extending from a pair of edges of the first plate portion extending in the first direction toward the bottom plate portion as they move toward the fan axis and a second direction different from the first direction; a first heat exchanger that faces a surface of one of the pair of second plate portions on the fan side and that discharges heat when air sent from the fan along the airflow rectification portion passes through the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger that faces the fan-side surface of the other of the pair of second plate portions and that discharges heat when air sent from the fan along the airflow rectification portion passes through the second heat exchanger; a cover that has a fan opening that can take in air into the fan, a first exhaust opening that can exhaust air from the first heat exchanger, and a second exhaust opening that can exhaust air from the second heat exchanger, and that covers the driving source, the fan, the rectifying unit, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger, and that forms a partitioned heat exchange area in cooperation with the bottom plate unit and the rectifying unit; An air conditioning device having:

2. The first plate portion is formed as a flat plate or a curved plate extending in the first direction. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

3. the opening edge is formed in a shape that follows the outer periphery of the drive source; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

4. the opening edge has a fold that is bent from the first plate portion toward the bottom plate portion; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

5. a third plate portion that is continuous with the second plate portion and parallel to the bottom plate portion along the second direction is provided on an edge portion of the second plate portion opposite to the edge portion of the first plate portion; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

6. The second plate portion extends in the first direction by one or more flat plates or curved plates. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 .

Images