Heat-shielding and cooling device for outdoor units

Abstract

By providing heat shielding and cooling effects to the outdoor unit's casing, this suppresses the decrease in cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system, especially during the summer months. [Solution] The outdoor unit heat shielding cooling device 1, used outdoors where the outdoor unit 100 of the air conditioning system A is installed, comprises a water retention layer 20 arranged in contact with the outer surface of the housing 102 of the outdoor unit 100, and a heat shielding layer 21 provided on the side of the water retention layer 20 opposite to the housing 102.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit that suppresses the temperature rise of the outdoor unit due to direct sunlight or the external environment during the cooling and dehumidifying operation of an air conditioner. In particular, it belongs to the technical field of a structure that suppresses the decrease in the cooling efficiency of the heated outdoor unit and thus contributes to the suppression of power consumption. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In recent years, due to the rising temperature caused by global warming and the like, the surface temperature and the internal temperature of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner operating in summer tend to rise easily. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the heat exchange of the outdoor unit functions as a condenser, and the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air. The condensed refrigerant is supplied to the heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator in the indoor unit in a decompressed state through a decompressor to cool the indoor air, enabling cooling. The dehumidifying operation is the same as the cooling operation in that the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser of the outdoor unit exchanges heat with the outside air. 【0003】 However, when the temperature of the outdoor unit body and the temperature around the outdoor unit become high due to direct sunlight and the external environment, the heat dissipation amount of the condenser decreases, leading to a decrease in the cooling efficiency and consequently raising concerns about an increase in power consumption. 【0004】 In response to such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an energy-saving device for an air conditioner outdoor unit that uses the drain water discharged from the indoor unit to lower the blowing temperature to the outdoor unit below the outside air temperature, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit and reducing power consumption. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0005】 【Patent Document 1】 Utility Model Registration No. 3184502 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0006】 By the way, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a cooling sheet made of nonwoven fabric is installed on the back of the outdoor unit, i.e., on the outside air intake side, and by retaining drain water on this cooling sheet, the temperature of the air supplied to the outdoor unit is lowered to below the outside temperature, so that the outside air supplied to the condenser passes through the cooling sheet. In this case, the airflow resistance increases, especially in the case of a water-retaining cooling sheet, raising concerns that the amount of outside air introduced will decrease. Furthermore, dust and dirt tend to adhere to the water-retaining cooling sheet, and the adhesion of dust and dirt also increases the airflow resistance, reducing the amount of outside air introduced. A decrease in the amount of outside air introduced leads to a decrease in the heat dissipation of the condenser. 【0007】 Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses the installation of an insulating panel on top of the outdoor unit in addition to the cooling sheet. However, a breathable insulating panel only provides shade, and there is a problem that heat can accumulate in the gap between the outer surface of the outdoor unit and the insulating panel, especially on extremely hot days in midsummer. 【0008】 This disclosure is made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide heat shielding and cooling effects by being attached to the casing of the outdoor unit, and in particular to suppress the decrease in cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system during the summer. [Means for solving the problem] 【0009】 To achieve the above objective, one aspect of this disclosure may be based on a heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioning system (air conditioner) used outdoors where the outdoor unit is installed. The heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit comprises a water-retaining layer arranged in contact with the outer surface of the housing of the outdoor unit, and a heat-shielding layer provided on the side of the water-retaining layer opposite to the housing. 【0010】 In other words, a heat-shielding cooling device for outdoor units, equipped with a water-retaining layer and a heat-shielding layer, is attached to the casing of the outdoor unit. With the heat-shielding cooling device attached to the casing, the water-retaining layer is in contact with the outer surface of the casing, so the casing is cooled by utilizing the heat of vaporization of the water retained in the water-retaining layer. Furthermore, if the outdoor unit is installed in a location that receives direct sunlight, the heat from the direct sunlight is blocked by the heat-shielding layer, making it difficult for the temperature of the casing to rise. In this way, it provides heat shielding and cooling effects to the casing of the outdoor unit, suppressing the decrease in cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system, especially during the summer. The decrease in efficiency is similarly suppressed during dehumidification operation. 【0011】 The heat-shielding layer is made of a water-impermeable material and may have water inlets that penetrate in the thickness direction in some parts. This allows drain water discharged from, for example, an indoor unit of an air conditioner or rainwater to be supplied to the water-retaining layer through the water inlets and retained in the water-retaining layer, making it easy to replenish the water-retaining layer. 【0012】 The heat-shielding cooling device for the outdoor unit may further include a water guide that directs the drain water discharged from the indoor unit of the air conditioning system to the water outlet of the heat-shielding layer. This allows drain water generated by the indoor unit during cooling or dehumidifying operation to be continuously supplied to the water retention layer and retained, so that the cooling effect due to evaporative cooling lasts for a long time. 【0013】 The water supply section may include a water supply pipe that guides the drain water to the water outlet of the heat shield layer, and a valve that opens and closes the water supply pipe. This allows, for example, by closing the valve in winter, the drain water generated in winter will not be supplied to the water retention layer, thus preventing the water retention layer from freezing in winter. 【0014】 The water-retaining layer may include an upper water-retaining layer positioned in contact with the upper surface of the housing, and the heat-shielding layer may include an upper heat-shielding layer provided above the upper water-retaining layer. In this case, by configuring the upper heat-shielding layer to have an upper vent, the heat of vaporization can be released from the upper vent. 【0015】 The water-retaining layer may include a side water-retaining layer that is provided continuously with the upper water-retaining layer and is positioned in contact with the side surface of the housing, and the heat-shielding layer may include a side heat-shielding layer that is provided continuously with the upper heat-shielding layer and is provided on the side of the side water-retaining layer opposite to the housing. In this case, by configuring the side heat-shielding layer to have side vents, heat of vaporization can be released using the upper vents and side vents. For example, when wind enters through the side vents, that wind will exit through the upper vents, thus improving the efficiency of heat dissipation. 【0016】 The heat-shielding cooling device for the outdoor unit may further include fixing parts for securing the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer to the housing. This allows the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer to always be attached to a predetermined location on the housing, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer. 【0017】 The water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer can be attached to the housing by using bolts and screws for fixing the outer panel, which are installed on the outer surface of the housing, to secure at least one of them to the housing. Alternatively, the fixing part can be made of magnets to secure at least one of the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer to the housing. For example, if the housing is made of a magnetic material, the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer can be easily fixed by attracting magnets to the housing. Furthermore, the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer can also be easily removed. 【0018】 The water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer can be easily installed by covering the top surface and multiple sides of the housing. The water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer may be formed in a curtain shape with pre-cut notches. This improves processability, such as cutting to match the dimensions of different types of housings, and also allows for adjustment to conform to the unevenness of the housing. 【0019】 The water retention layer may be formed so as to cover the upper surface of the housing and a plurality of side surfaces of the housing. In this case, the heat insulation layer may be provided on the side opposite to the upper surface in the water retention layer and on the side opposite to the plurality of side surfaces. By configuring the heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit to cover three or more surfaces including the upper surface of the housing in this way, the heat insulation effect and the cooling effect on the housing are increased, and the device is stabilized when attached to the housing. 【Advantages of the Invention】 【0020】 As described above, the heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to the present disclosure includes a water retention layer arranged to contact the outer surface of the housing of the outdoor unit and a heat insulation layer provided on the side opposite to the housing in the water retention layer. Therefore, it can exhibit heat insulation and cooling effects in the state of being attached to the housing of the outdoor unit, and can suppress a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0021】 [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit is installed in the outdoor unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member of the heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a developed view of a cover member of the heat insulation and cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a case where the upper part, the right side part, and the front side part are separate members. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing an installation state of a cover member according to a modified example. <了 [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing an installation state of a cover member according to another modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0022】 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. 【0023】 Figure 1 shows the usage state of the outdoor unit heat shield cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The outdoor unit heat shield cooling device 1 is used outdoors where the outdoor unit 100 of the air conditioning system A is installed. The air conditioning system A comprises an outdoor unit 100 installed outdoors and an indoor unit 110 installed indoors, and the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 110 are connected by refrigerant piping (not shown). During cooling or dehumidification, the heat exchanger 101 (shown in Figure 6) of the outdoor unit 100 functions as a condenser, and the high-temperature refrigerant in the condenser condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air, and is supplied to the heat exchanger (not shown) of the indoor unit 110, which functions as an evaporator, in a reduced-pressure state via a pressure reducer (not shown), enabling indoor cooling or dehumidification. 【0024】 The outdoor unit 100 includes a housing 102 that accommodates the heat exchanger 101. The housing 102 is made of a magnetic material, such as steel plate. The material of the housing 102 is protected from corrosion by a corrosion-resistant coating. As will be described later, the housing 102 must be made of a magnetic material if the outdoor unit's heat shielding and cooling device 1 is fixed with magnets, but if it is fixed with bands or other means other than magnets, it does not have to be made of a magnetic material, and may be made of a resin material, for example. Alternatively, the housing 102 may be made of a combination of magnetic material and resin material. 【0025】 The housing 102 has at least a front plate portion 103, an upper plate portion 104, a right-side plate portion 105, and a left-side plate portion 106. The rear of the housing 102 is almost entirely open, and outside air is drawn into the housing 102 through this rear opening. The opening may be provided on the left side of the housing 102. Although not shown, it may also have a rear plate portion. 【0026】 An exhaust port 102a is formed in the front plate portion 103 so as to penetrate in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, two exhaust ports 102a are formed to be arranged vertically, but this is not the only example, and there may be only one exhaust port 102a. A fan 107 is installed inside each exhaust port 102a. As the fan 107 rotates, negative pressure is generated inside the housing 102, so outside air is drawn in from the open portion at the rear of the housing 102, and after heat exchange with the refrigerant via the heat exchanger 101, the outside air is exhausted from the exhaust port 102a. Thus, the flow of outside air inside the housing 102 is roughly from rear to front. 【0027】 The outdoor unit heat-shielding cooling device 1 includes a cover member 2 that is attached to cover at least a portion of the housing 102. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cover member 2, and Figure 3 is an unfolded view of the cover member 2. As shown in Figure 4, the cover member 2 includes a water-retaining layer 20 that is positioned in contact with the outer surface of the housing 102 of the outdoor unit 100, and a heat-shielding layer 21 provided on the side of the water-retaining layer 20 opposite to the housing 102. The thickness of the water-retaining layer 20 and the thickness of the heat-shielding layer 21 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the thickness of the water-retaining layer 20 may be greater than the thickness of the heat-shielding layer 21. 【0028】 The water-retaining layer 20 is composed of a material that retains water, such as a nonwoven fabric or a foamed material. The water-retaining layer 20 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The water-retaining layer 20 may be a combination of a nonwoven fabric and a foamed material. The heat-shielding layer 21 is composed of a material that can block the heat of sunlight, such as a metal film made of aluminum alloy. By using a metal film, sunlight can be reflected, and the heat-shielding efficiency can be increased. The heat-shielding layer 21 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The heat-shielding layer 21 is composed of a material that is impermeable to water. The cover member 2 may include layers other than the water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21. 【0029】 The water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21 are integrated. For example, the water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21 can be integrated by bonding or welding them together. Alternatively, the water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21 may be separate components without bonding or other methods. 【0030】 The water-retaining layer 20 includes an upper water-retaining layer 20a positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the housing 102 (the upper surface of the upper plate portion 104), a right water-retaining layer (side water-retaining layer) 20b positioned to be in contact with the right side of the housing 102 (the outer surface of the right plate portion 105), and a front water-retaining layer (side water-retaining layer) 20c positioned to be in contact with the front side of the housing 102 (the outer surface of the front side plate portion 103). The upper water-retaining layer 20a has substantially the same shape as the upper surface of the upper plate portion 104 and is formed to cover substantially the entire upper surface of the upper plate portion 104. The right water-retaining layer 20b is provided continuously with the right edge of the upper water-retaining layer 20a and has substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the right plate portion 105 and is formed to cover substantially the entire outer surface of the right plate portion 105. The front water retention layer 20c is provided in continuity with the front edge of the right water retention layer 20b and is formed to cover the portion of the front plate portion 103 other than the portion in which the exhaust port 102a is formed. In this embodiment, since the exhaust port 102a is formed offset to the left of the front plate portion 103, the front water retention layer 20c is formed to cover the right side of the front plate portion 103. Although not shown, if the exhaust port 102a is formed offset to the right of the front plate portion 103, a left water retention layer (side water retention layer) is provided so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the housing 102 (the outer surface of the left plate portion 106), and the front water retention layer 20c is formed to be continuous with the front edge of the left water retention layer and to cover the left side of the front plate portion 103. 【0031】 The heat shield layer 21 includes an upper heat shield layer 21a, a right heat shield layer (side heat shield layer) 21b, and a front heat shield layer (side heat shield layer) 21c, which are laminated on the upper water retention layer 20a, the right water retention layer 20b, and the front water retention layer 20c, respectively. Specifically, the heat shield layer 21 includes an upper heat shield layer 21a provided above the upper water retention layer 20a, a right heat shield layer 21b provided on the side of the right water retention layer 20b opposite to the housing 102, and a front heat shield layer 21c provided on the side of the front water retention layer 20c opposite to the housing 102. 【0032】 The upper heat shield layer 21a has substantially the same shape as the upper water retention layer 20a and is formed to cover substantially the entire upper water retention layer 20a. The right heat shield layer 21b is provided continuously with the right edge of the upper heat shield layer 21a and has substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the right water retention layer 20b and is formed to cover substantially the entire right water retention layer 20b. The front heat shield layer 21c is provided continuously with the front edge of the right heat shield layer 21b and is formed to cover the front water retention layer 20c. In this embodiment, since the exhaust port 102a is formed offset to the left of the front plate portion 103, the front heat shield layer 21c is also offset to the right, similar to the front water retention layer 20c. In other words, in this embodiment, the water-retaining layer 20 is formed to cover the upper surface of the housing 102 and several sides of the housing 102, and the heat-shielding layer 21 is provided on the side of the water-retaining layer 20 opposite to the upper surface of the housing 102, and also on the side of the water-retaining layer 20 opposite to several sides of the housing 102. Although not shown, if the exhaust port 102a is formed offset to the right of the front side plate portion 103, a left-side heat-shielding layer (side heat-shielding layer) may be provided, and the front heat-shielding layer 21c may be made continuous with the leading edge of the left-side heat-shielding layer. 【0033】 The upper part 2A of the cover member 2 is formed by the upper water-retaining layer 20a and the upper heat-shielding layer 21a. The right side part 2B of the cover member 2 is formed by the right water-retaining layer 20b and the right heat-shielding layer 21b. The front side part 2C of the cover member 2 is formed by the front water-retaining layer 20c and the front heat-shielding layer 21c. The upper part 2A and the right side part 2B are continuous, and the right side part 2B and the front side part 2C are continuous. Therefore, the cover member 2 that covers three sides of the housing 102 can be made from a single member as shown in Figure 3. Note that the upper part 2A, the right side part 2B, and the front side part 2C may be separated. 【0034】 Although not shown in the diagram, the cover member 2 may consist only of the upper part 2A, or only of the right side part 2B, or only of the front part 2C. Alternatively, the cover member 2 may consist only of the upper part 2A and the right side part 2B, or only of the upper part 2A and the front part 2C, or only of the right side part 2B and the front part 2C. Furthermore, the cover member 2 may have a left side composed of a left water-retaining layer and a left heat-shielding layer. In this case, the cover member 2 may consist only of the left side, or only of the left side and the upper part 2A, or only of the left side and the front part 2C. Thus, the shape of the cover member 2 is not particularly limited and should be any shape that can cover any part of at least one surface of the housing 102. 【0035】 The upper heat shield layer 21a has a water inlet 21d that penetrates in the thickness direction (vertical direction) in a portion thereof. The water inlet 21d is offset to the right from the left-right center of the upper heat shield layer 21a. In other words, the water inlet 21d is offset to the side opposite to the side where the exhaust port 102a of the housing 102 is formed. The shape of the water inlet 21d is not particularly limited, but various shapes such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, and slit-shaped can be cited. The number of water inlets 21d may be one or two or more. Although not a required configuration, the upper water retention layer 20a has the same opening as the water inlet 21d. 【0036】 The outdoor unit heat-shielding cooling device 1 further includes a water guide section 4 that guides the drain water discharged from the indoor unit 110 of the air conditioning unit A to the water outlet 21d of the heat-shielding layer 21. The water guide section 4 includes a drain pipe 41 of the indoor unit 110, a water guide pipe 42 that branches off from the drain pipe 41 and extends to the top of the outdoor unit 100, a discharge pipe 43 that branches off from the drain pipe 41 and extends below the water guide pipe 42, a first valve 44, and a second valve 45. The upstream end of the drain pipe 41 is in communication with the inside of the indoor unit 110 and is the part that receives the drain water (condensed water) generated inside the indoor unit 110. The water guide pipe 42 is in communication with the drain pipe 41 and is a pipe that guides the drain water that has flowed down the drain pipe 41 to the water outlet 21d of the heat-shielding layer 21. The downstream end of the water supply pipe 42 is located directly above the water inlet 21d of the heat shield layer 21, so that drain water flowing down from the downstream end of the water supply pipe 42 enters the water inlet 21d. 【0037】 The first valve 44 is a valve for opening and closing the water intake pipe 42. The second valve 45 is a valve for opening and closing the discharge pipe 43. When the first valve 44 is opened and the second valve 45 is closed, the entire amount of drain water that has flowed down the drain pipe 41 flows into the water intake pipe 42 and is supplied to the water inlet 21d. On the other hand, when the first valve 44 is closed and the second valve 45 is opened, the entire amount of drain water that has flowed down the drain pipe 41 flows into the discharge pipe 43 and is discharged. 【0038】 When drain water flowing down the drain pipe 41 enters the water inlet 21d, it is absorbed and retained by the upper water retention layer 20a of the water retention layer 20. Since the right water retention layer 20b is continuous with the upper water retention layer 20a, the water from the upper water retention layer 20a is absorbed and retained by the right water retention layer 20b. Since the front water retention layer 20c is continuous with the right water retention layer 20b, the water from the right water retention layer 20b is absorbed and retained by the front water retention layer 20c. In addition, when drain water flowing down the drain pipe 41 enters the water inlet 21d, it may flow in a way that spreads out on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 104 of the housing 102. Drain water flowing in this way is absorbed and retained by the upper water retention layer 20a. Furthermore, drain water that flows across the upper surface of the upper plate portion 104 may also flow downward along the right plate portion 105, and this flowing drain water is absorbed and retained by the right water retention layer 20b. In addition, drain water that flows across the upper surface of the upper plate portion 104 may also flow downward along the front plate portion 103, and this flowing drain water is absorbed and retained by the front water retention layer 20c. 【0039】 Since the outdoor unit 100 is installed outdoors, rainwater may enter the water inlet 21d. When rainwater enters the water inlet 21d, it is absorbed and retained by the upper water retention layer 20a, the right water retention layer 20b, and the front water retention layer 20c, just as with drain water. Alternatively, tap water or other liquids may be put into the water inlet 21d. In this case as well, it is absorbed and retained by the upper water retention layer 20a, the right water retention layer 20b, and the front water retention layer 20c, just as with drain water. 【0040】 The upper heat shield layer 21a has upper vents 21e that penetrate in the thickness direction (vertical direction) in a portion thereof. The upper vents 21e are formed over a wide area of ​​the upper heat shield layer 21a. In other words, the upper vents 21e are formed in areas other than the area where the water passages 21d are formed. The shape of the upper vents 21e is not particularly limited, but various shapes such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, and slit-shaped can be cited. The number of upper vents 21e may be one or two or more. Although not a required configuration, the upper water retention layer 20a has the same openings as the upper vents 21e. 【0041】 In this embodiment, the size of each upper vent 21e is smaller than the size of the water inlet 21d, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the size of each upper vent 21e may be larger than the size of the water inlet 21d, or the size of each upper vent 21e and the size of the water inlet 21d may be the same. 【0042】 Although not shown in the diagram, the right heat shield layer 21b may have side vents similar to the upper vents 21e of the upper heat shield layer 21a. Similarly, the front heat shield layer 21c may have side vents similar to the upper vents 21e of the upper heat shield layer 21a. The number of side vents may be one or two or more. In this case, the right water retention layer 20b can have the same openings as the side vents of the right heat shield layer 21b, and the front water retention layer 20c can have the same openings as the side vents of the front heat shield layer 21c. 【0043】 The outdoor unit heat-shielding cooling device 1 further includes magnets 50 as fixing parts for fixing the water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21 to the housing 102. The magnets 50 include those fixed to the periphery of the upper part 2A of the cover member 2 or its vicinity, those fixed to the periphery of the right side part 2B or its vicinity, and those fixed to the periphery of the front part 2C or its vicinity. In addition, the upper part 2A of the cover member 2 is provided with an extension part 2D that extends along the front plate part 103. Magnets 50 are also fixed to this extension part 2D. By attracting each magnet 50 to the housing 102, the cover member 2 can be easily attached. Furthermore, the cover member 2 can be easily removed, so for example, it is easy to remove the cover member 2 in winter and attach it in summer. 【0044】 The number of magnets 50 is not limited to the number shown in the figure; one or more magnets 50 can be fixed to any part of the cover member 2. For example, magnets 50 may be provided only on the upper part 2A, or only on the right side part 2B, or only on the front part 2C. 【0045】 Furthermore, the fixing method is not limited to magnets 50; for example, as shown in Figure 5, the cover member 2 may be attached to the housing 102 by band 60. The band 60 can be hooked onto the right side 2B and the upper side 2A of the cover member 2. The ends of the band 60 can be hooked onto the bottom of the housing 102. For example, the band 60 can be made of elastic rubber. In addition to band 60, the cover member 2 may also be attached to the housing 102 by string or rope. The number of bands 60 may be just one. 【0046】 Although not shown in the figures, the cover member 2 may also be attached to the housing 102 using adhesive tape. Alternatively, although not shown in the figures, the cover member 2 may be fastened to the housing 102 using mounting screws. Furthermore, any two or more of the above-described fastening methods may be used in combination to attach the cover member 2 to the housing 102. 【0047】 (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, when the air conditioning unit A is in cooling or dehumidifying operation, the drain water generated in the indoor unit 110 flows into the drain pipe 41. At this time, by opening the first valve 44 and closing the second valve 45, the drain water flowing down the drain pipe 41 flows into the water supply pipe 42 and is supplied to the water inlet 21d of the cover member 2. The drain water supplied to the water inlet 21d is absorbed and retained by the water retention layer 20. Since the water retention layer 20 is in contact with the outer surface of the housing 102 of the outdoor unit 100, the housing 102 is cooled by utilizing the heat of vaporization of the water retained in the water retention layer 20. 【0048】 Furthermore, if the outdoor unit 100 is installed in a location exposed to direct sunlight, the heat from direct sunlight is blocked by the heat shielding layer 21, making it difficult for the temperature of the casing 102 to rise. In this way, the heat shielding and cooling effects are exerted on the casing 102 of the outdoor unit 100, which suppresses the decrease in cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system A, especially during the summer. The decrease in efficiency is similarly suppressed during dehumidification operation. 【0049】 Furthermore, since the water-retaining layer 20 is covered by a heat-shielding layer 21 made of a water-impermeable material, the evaporation rate of the water held in the water-retaining layer 20 can be slowed down. This allows the water held in the water-retaining layer 20 to evaporate at an appropriate rate, providing a cooling effect through evaporative cooling over a long period of time. In addition, since the drain water generated by the indoor unit 110 during cooling or dehumidifying operation can be continuously supplied to the water-retaining layer 20 to maintain its moisture content, this also contributes to the sustained cooling effect through evaporative cooling over a long period of time. 【0050】 Furthermore, the heat of vaporization can be released to the outside using the upper vent 21e and the side vents. For example, if air enters through the side vents, that air will exit through the upper vent 21e, thus improving the efficiency of heat dissipation. Conversely, if air enters through the upper vent 21e, that air will exit through the side vents. 【0051】 Furthermore, for example, in winter, by closing the first valve 44 and opening the second valve 45, the drain water generated in winter will not be supplied to the water retention layer 20, thus preventing the water retention layer 20 from freezing in winter. 【0052】 The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. 【0053】 Figure 6 shows the bolts (or screws) 102b for fixing the exterior panels, which are installed on the outer surface of the housing 102. These bolts 102b are used to fasten multiple exterior panels that make up the housing 102 together. When attaching the cover member 2 to the housing 102, the bolts 102b for fixing the exterior panels are temporarily removed from the housing 102, the cover member 2 is installed on the housing 102, and then the bolts 102b are passed through the cover member 2 and screwed into the screw holes in the exterior panels. In this way, the cover member 2 can be fixed to the housing 102 using the existing bolts 102b. 【0054】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the water-retaining layer 20 and the heat-shielding layer 21 may be formed in a curtain shape with pre-cut notches. In Figure 7, the right side 2B and the front side 2C are separated, and the front side 2C is continuous with the upper side 2A. This improves the processability, such as cutting, to match the dimensions of different types of housings 102, and also allows for adjustment to match the unevenness of the housing 102. 【0055】 Furthermore, the external dimensions of the housing 102 may differ depending on the type of outdoor unit. A cover member 2 can be prepared to match the external dimensions of the housing 102, but doing so would increase the number of types of cover members 2. Therefore, for example, the upper part 2A, the right part 2B, and the front part 2C may be made from separate materials. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, a member 200 that is sufficiently larger than the housing 102 can be prepared, and the member 200 can be cut to the desired dimensions to obtain the upper part 2A, the right part 2B, and the front part 2C. To connect the obtained upper part 2A, the right part 2B, and the front part 2C to each other, a connecting structure using, for example, eyelets or hook-and-loop fasteners can be employed. 【0056】 Furthermore, as shown in the modified example in Figure 9, the upper part 2A of the cover member 2 may be inclined so that it is positioned lower towards the front. That is, by providing a spacer member 40 between the rear of the upper plate 104 of the outdoor unit 100 and the rear of the upper part 2A of the cover member 2, it is possible to create an inclination angle such that the rear of the upper part 2A is higher than the front. This allows rainwater and drain water to be actively directed towards the front, resulting in more effective cooling. 【0057】 Furthermore, as shown in the modified example in Figure 10, the inclination angle may be achieved by making the thickness of the rear side of the upper part 2A of the cover member 2 thicker than that of the front side. 【0058】 Although not shown in the diagram, the above-mentioned inclination angle may also be achieved by making the height of the legs of the outdoor unit 100's housing 102 higher at the rear than at the front. [Industrial applicability] 【0059】 As explained above, the heat-shielding cooling device for outdoor units according to this disclosure can be used to lower the temperature of the outdoor unit during cooling and dehumidifying operation. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0060】 1. Heat-shielding and cooling device for outdoor units 2 Cover member 4. Water intake section 20 Water retention layer 20a Upper water retention layer 20b Right-side water retention layer (lateral water retention layer) 21 Heat-shielding layer 21a Upper heat shield layer 21b Right side heat shield layer (side heat shield layer) 21d Water outlet 21e Ventilation 42 Water supply piping 44. Valve No. 1 50 Magnets (fixing part) 100 Outdoor unit 102 cabinets

Claims

[Claim 1] A heat-shielding and cooling device for outdoor units used outdoors where the outdoor unit of an air conditioning system is installed, A water-retaining layer is arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the outdoor unit's casing, A heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit, comprising a heat-shielding layer provided on the side of the water-retaining layer opposite to the housing. [Claim 2] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, The heat-shielding layer is made of a water-impermeable material and has a portion of a water-permeable opening that penetrates in the thickness direction, in this heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Claim 3] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 2, A heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit, further comprising a water guide section that guides drain water discharged from the indoor unit of the air conditioning unit to the water outlet of the heat-shielding layer. [Claim 4] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 3, The water supply section comprises a water supply pipe that guides the drain water to the water outlet of the heat-shielding layer, and a valve that opens and closes the water supply pipe, wherein the heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit is provided. [Claim 5] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, The water retention layer includes an upper water retention layer that is positioned in contact with the upper surface of the housing, The heat shielding layer includes an upper heat shielding layer provided above the upper water retention layer, The aforementioned upper heat shielding layer has an upper vent, and is a heat shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Claim 6] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 5, The water retention layer includes a side water retention layer that is provided continuously with the upper water retention layer and is arranged to be in contact with the side surface of the housing. The heat shielding layer is provided continuously with the upper heat shielding layer and includes a side heat shielding layer provided on the side opposite to the housing in the side water retention layer. The aforementioned side heat shield layer has side vents, and is a heat shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Claim 7] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, A heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit, further comprising fixing parts for fixing the water-retaining layer and the heat-shielding layer to the housing. [Claim 8] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 7, The aforementioned fixing part is a magnet that adheres to the housing, in this heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit. [Claim 9] In the heat-shielding and cooling device for an outdoor unit according to claim 1, The water-retaining layer is formed to cover the upper surface of the housing and several of the sides of the housing. A heat-shielding cooling device for an outdoor unit, wherein the heat-shielding layer is provided above the water-retaining layer and on the side opposite to the multiple sides of the water-retaining layer.

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