Outdoor unit for air conditioner

Abstract

This outdoor unit for an air conditioner has a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows, the outdoor unit including a housing having a mark representing the name of the refrigerant, the mark projecting toward the outside of the housing.

Description

Air conditioning outdoor unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows.

[0002] Conventionally, outdoor units of air conditioners having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows have been known. In recent years, various countries have been moving to regulate the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants used in air conditioners and the like. Conventional air conditioners use non-fluorocarbon refrigerants that do not contain ozone-depleting fluorocarbons, but these non-fluorocarbon refrigerants also have the aspect of having a high GWP. An example of a non-fluorocarbon refrigerant is R32 (GWP: 675). An example of a refrigerant with a low GWP is R290 (GWP: 3). However, such refrigerants with a low GWP may be highly flammable, necessitating thorough safety measures throughout the product's installation, service, and disposal.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit for a refrigeration system in which a label listing the refrigerant used and related information is affixed to the side panel of the outdoor unit. This makes it easier for installers and others installing the product to communicate information about the refrigerant. Patent Document 2 also discloses a refrigeration cycle system in which a display unit showing the refrigerant name, refrigerant classification, and refrigerant characteristics is provided on a valve base, which is a piping support member. This also makes it easier for installers and others installing the product to communicate information about the refrigerant.

[0004] JP 2018-132250 A Patent No. 5697710 A

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, information about the refrigerant is displayed on a label, which may lose its adhesiveness over time and peel off. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not disclose the specific configuration of the display unit. Therefore, there is a demand for an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that allows better confirmation of refrigerant information.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner that is excellent in terms of confirming refrigerant information.

[0007] The outdoor unit of an air conditioning device according to the present disclosure is an outdoor unit of an air conditioning device having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows, and is provided with a housing having an engraving indicating the name of the refrigerant, the engraving protruding toward the outside of the housing.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the housing is engraved with the name of the refrigerant. The engraving will not peel off due to deterioration over time. The engraving also protrudes toward the outside of the housing. This makes the name of the refrigerant highly visible. This provides excellent confirmation of the refrigerant information.

[0009] 1 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioning apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outdoor unit according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing markings on the outdoor unit according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a first modified example. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a second modified example. FIG. 7 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a third modified example. FIG. 8 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 10 is a side view showing an outdoor unit according to a sixth modified example.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the following drawings, including FIG. 1, the dimensional relationships between components may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating directions are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, but these terms are for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the present disclosure. Examples of terms indicating directions include "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "rear."

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner 1 pertaining to embodiment 1. The air conditioner 1 is a device that conditions the air in an indoor space, and as shown in Figure 1, is equipped with an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 3. The outdoor unit 2 is equipped with, for example, a compressor 6, a flow path switching device 7, an outdoor heat exchanger 8, an outdoor blower 9, and an expansion section 10. The indoor unit 3 is equipped with, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor blower 12.

[0012] The refrigerant circuit 4 is configured by connecting the compressor 6, flow path switching device 7, outdoor heat exchanger 8, expansion section 10, and indoor heat exchanger 11 via refrigerant piping 5. In the refrigerant circuit 4, a gas-side pipe connection valve 13a and a liquid-side pipe connection valve 13b are provided at the portion connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3. The gas-side pipe connection valve 13a is provided between the flow path switching device 7 and the indoor heat exchanger 11, where refrigerant mainly flows in a gas state. The liquid-side pipe connection valve 13b is provided between the expansion section 10 and the indoor heat exchanger 11, where refrigerant mainly flows in a liquid state. The compressor 6 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the drawn refrigerant, and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Hereinafter, the gas-side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid-side pipe connection valve 13b may be collectively referred to as valves 13.

[0013] The compressor 6 is, for example, a capacity-controllable inverter compressor. The flow path switching device 7 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 4 and is, for example, a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 8 exchanges heat between, for example, outdoor air and the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 8 acts as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation. The expansion section 10 is a pressure reducing valve or expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. The expansion section 10 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

[0014] The indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat between, for example, indoor air and a refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 11 acts as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation. The indoor blower 12 is a device that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0015] (Operation Modes, Cooling Operation) Next, the operation modes of the air conditioner 1 will be described. First, cooling operation will be described. In cooling operation, the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 6 is compressed by the compressor 6 and discharged in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 passes through the flow switching device 7 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 8, which functions as a condenser. In the outdoor heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air sent by the outdoor blower 9, condensing and liquefying. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion section 10, where it expands and is decompressed to become a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant then flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11, which functions as an evaporator. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air sent by the indoor blower 12, evaporating and gasifying. At this time, the indoor air is cooled, and cooling is performed in the room. The evaporated refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure gas state passes through the flow switching device 7 and is sucked into the compressor 6 .

[0016] (Operation Mode, Heating Operation) Next, the heating operation will be described. In the heating operation, the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 6 is compressed by the compressor 6 and discharged in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 6 passes through the flow switching device 7 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11, which functions as a condenser. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant condenses and liquefies through heat exchange with indoor air sent by the indoor blower 12. This heat exchange warms the indoor air, providing heating in the room. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion section 10, where it expands and decompresses to become a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 8, which functions as an evaporator. In the outdoor heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air sent by the outdoor blower 9, evaporating and gasifying. The evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the flow switching device 7 and is drawn into the compressor 6.

[0017] The air conditioner 1 does not have to have the flow path switching device 7. In this case, the air conditioner 1 becomes a dedicated cooling machine or a dedicated heating machine.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the outdoor unit 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 2 includes a housing 20, a compressor 6, a flow path switching device 7, an outdoor heat exchanger 8, and an outdoor blower 9. The outdoor unit 2 also includes a power supply connector 30, a gas-side pipe connection valve 13a, a liquid-side pipe connection valve 13b, a power supply cover 40, a pipe decorative cover 50, and a grill 70. While the compressor 6, flow path switching device 7, and outdoor heat exchanger 8 are not shown in FIG. 2 , the compressor 6 and flow path switching device 7 are housed inside the outdoor unit 2, and the outdoor heat exchanger 8 is provided on the back surface of the outdoor unit 2. The back surface of the outdoor unit 2 serves as an air inlet 15 for drawing in air.

[0019] The housing 20 has legs 21, a bottom panel 22, a front panel 23, side panels 24, and a top panel 25. Two legs 21 are provided on the lower part of the bottom panel 22 and are placed on the ground to support the entire outdoor unit 2. The bottom panel 22 is a rectangular plate-like member that forms the bottom surface of the housing 20. Although not shown in FIG. 2 , the compressor 6 is mounted on the bottom panel 22. The front panel 23 is a plate-like member that forms the front surface of the housing 20 and stands upright from the bottom panel 22. A rectangular grill opening 23a is formed in the front panel 23, and the grill opening 23a serves as the air outlet 16 through which air is blown out.

[0020] The side panel 24 constitutes one side of the housing 20 and is a plate-like member with an L-shaped cross section that stands upright from the bottom panel 22. A valve opening 24a is formed in the lower portion of the side panel 24, exposing the gas-side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid-side pipe connection valve 13b. A power supply opening 24b is formed in the upper portion of the side panel 24, exposing the power supply connection portion 30. An engraving 60 indicating the name of the refrigerant is formed above the valve opening 24a on the side panel 24. Since the refrigerant used in the first embodiment is R290, the engraving 60 "R290" is formed on the side panel 24. The top panel 25 constitutes the top surface of the housing 20 and is a rectangular plate-like member. The top panel 25 connects the upper end of the front panel 23 to the upper end of the side panel 24.

[0021] The power supply connection portion 30 is provided on the upper side of the side surface of the housing 20, and is connected to electric wires (not shown) that supply power to the compressor 6, the outdoor fan 9, etc. The power supply connection portion 30 is exposed through a power supply opening 24b in the side surface panel 24, even when the side surface panel 24 is attached. The gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b are provided on the lower side of the side surface of the housing 20. The gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b are connected to refrigerant pipes 5, and are connected to the indoor unit 3 via the refrigerant pipes 5. The gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b are exposed through the valve opening 24a in the side surface panel 24, even when the side surface panel 24 is attached.

[0022] The power supply cover 40 is a dome-shaped member extending in the vertical direction and is attached to the upper side of the side panel 24 so as to cover the power supply opening 24b of the side panel 24. The power supply cover 40 is attached to the side panel 24 with nails or screws. As a result, when the power supply cover 40 is attached to the side panel 24, the power supply connection portion 30 is covered by the power supply cover 40 and is not exposed to the outside. The piping decorative cover 50 is a dome-shaped member and is attached to the lower side of the side panel 24 so as to cover the valve opening 24a of the side panel 24. The piping decorative cover 50 is attached to the side panel 24 with nails or screws. As a result, when the piping decorative cover 50 is attached to the side panel 24, the gas-side piping connection valve 13a and the liquid-side piping connection valve 13b are covered by the piping decorative cover 50 and are not exposed to the outside. The piping decorative cover 50 also covers the marking 60 indicating the name of the refrigerant formed on the side panel 24. The grill 70 is a lattice-shaped member attached to the front panel 23 so as to cover the grill opening 23 a of the front panel 23 .

[0023] Fig. 3 is a side view showing the outdoor unit 2 according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing the marking 60 of the outdoor unit 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the marking 60 is formed above the valve opening 24a of the side panel 24. Therefore, when the side panel 24 is attached, the marking 60 is formed above the valve 13. The marking 60 protrudes so as to bulge outward from the housing 20. The marking 60 is formed by drawing, for example. In this way, the marking 60 is formed in a position that does not interfere with other components.

[0024] Also affixed to the side panel 24 are a product nameplate label 61, a refrigerant quantity label 62, a refrigerant note label 63, and a warning label 64. The product nameplate label 61 is a label bearing the company name, product name, serial number, etc., and is affixed to the upper side of the side panel 24 adjacent to the power supply opening 24b. The refrigerant quantity label 62 is a label bearing the quantity of refrigerant, and is affixed to the side panel 24 below the product nameplate label 61. The refrigerant note label 63 is a label bearing notes regarding the refrigerant, and is affixed to the side panel 24 below the refrigerant quantity label 62. The warning label 64 is a label bearing warnings, and is affixed to the side panel 24 below the refrigerant note label 63.

[0025] (First to Fifth Modifications) FIG. 5 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a first modification. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a second modification. FIG. 7 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a third modification. FIG. 8 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a fourth modification. FIG. 9 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a fifth modification. FIG. 10 is a side view showing an outdoor unit 2 according to a sixth modification. In the first embodiment, the refrigerant used is, for example, R290. Note that the refrigerant may be R32, R410A, R717, R1270, HFO-1234yf, or HFO-1234ze, or may be another refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 5, when the refrigerant is R32, an engraving 60 that reads "R32" is formed on the side panel 24. As shown in FIG. 6, when the refrigerant is R410A, an engraving 60 that reads "R410A" is formed on the side panel 24. As shown in FIG. 7, if the refrigerant is R717, an engraving 60 that reads R717 is formed on the side panel 24. As shown in FIG. 8, if the refrigerant is R1270, an engraving 60 that reads R1270 is formed on the side panel 24. As shown in FIG. 9, if the refrigerant is HFO-1234yf, an engraving 60 that reads HFO-1234yf is formed on the side panel 24. As shown in FIG. 10, if the refrigerant is HFO-1234ze, an engraving 60 that reads HFO-1234ze is formed on the side panel 24. The refrigerant is not limited to these, and another refrigerant may also be used. In this way, the refrigerant may be a toxic and flammable refrigerant, or may be another refrigerant.

[0026] Examples of refrigerants include a single refrigerant selected from R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, and R290. Also, examples of refrigerants include a mixture of two or more of these refrigerants, a mixture of any of these refrigerants with another refrigerant, a mixture containing R1132(E), and a mixture containing R1123. Also, examples of refrigerants include a mixture of R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A.

[0027] (Work by a Worker) Next, work by a worker will be described. When installing, repairing, or disposing of the outdoor unit 2, the worker removes the pipe decorative cover 50. This exposes the gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b to the outside. The worker operates the exposed gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b to recover or adjust the refrigerant. Furthermore, when the worker removes the pipe decorative cover 50, the markings 60 indicating the name of the refrigerant formed on the side panel 24 do not interfere with the pipe decorative cover 50. When the worker removes the pipe decorative cover 50, he or she can visually check the markings 60 on the upper parts of the gas side pipe connection valve 13a and the liquid side pipe connection valve 13b.

[0028] In this way, workers who install, repair, or dispose of the outdoor unit 2 can visually check the refrigerant name marking 60 before starting work, ensuring that the type of refrigerant is known to the workers. This prevents accidents or failures of the outdoor unit 2 that may occur if the refrigerant contained in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is misunderstood.

[0029] According to the first embodiment, the housing 20 has an engraving 60 with the name of the refrigerant. The engraving 60 will not peel off due to deterioration over time. The engraving 60 also protrudes toward the outside of the housing 20. This makes the refrigerant name highly visible. This provides excellent visibility of the refrigerant information. Conventionally, outdoor units 2 have been known in which information about the refrigerant is displayed on a label. In these cases, the font size of the refrigerant name is small, and labels other than the label displaying the refrigerant are also present nearby, making it difficult for an operator to visually identify the type of refrigerant. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the housing 20 has an engraving 60 with the name of the refrigerant, so the refrigerant information can be reliably visually identified.

[0030] In addition, since the markings 60 are formed on the side panel 24 of the housing 20, there is no need to increase the number of parts. Furthermore, since the markings 60 are formed on the side panel 24, the strength of the side panel 24 can also be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, since the marking 60 is formed by drawing, the unevenness of the surface ensures visibility even when viewed from an angle, compared to a label. This is particularly effective in dark or narrow work areas. Furthermore, visibility can be further improved by making the marking 60 as large as possible.

[0032] Furthermore, the marking 60 is formed on the upper part of the valve 13. If the marking 60 is formed on the right side of the valve 13, the refrigerant pipe 5 will overlap with the marking 60, resulting in poor visibility. If the marking 60 is formed on the lower side of the valve 13, the valve 13 will overlap with the marking 60, resulting in poor visibility. If the marking 60 is formed on the left side of the valve 13, the space to the left of the valve 13 is narrow, making it difficult to draw the marking 60. Note that if the connection direction of the refrigerant pipe 5 is not to the right side of the valve 13, or if space for the marking 60 can be secured on the left or right side of the valve 13, the marking 60 may be formed on either the right or left side of the valve 13.

[0033] The housing 20 has a decorative pipe cover 50 that covers the markings 60, so the markings 60 are not exposed to the outside, and therefore the design can be maintained.

[0034] In addition, a product nameplate label 61, a refrigerant quantity label 62, a refrigerant note label 63, and a warning label 64 are attached to the side panel 24, so that details such as how to handle the refrigerant and precautions can be confirmed.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the case where the refrigerant is R290 is exemplified, but similar effects can be obtained with other refrigerants as in the first to fifth modified examples.

[0036] REFRIGERATED BY ...

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant flows, the outdoor unit comprising a housing having an engraving indicating the name of the refrigerant, the engraving protruding toward the outside of the housing. Outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

2. The engraving is formed by a stamping process. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The housing has a side panel that constitutes a side surface, and the engraving is formed on the side panel. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The refrigerant circuit further includes a valve that shields the flow of the refrigerant, and the engraving is formed on the upper part of the valve. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing has a piping cover that covers the valve and the engraving. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4.

6. The engraving is formed at a position where it does not interfere with other components. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The refrigerant is R290, R32, R410A, R717, R1270, HFO-1234yf or HFO-1234ze. Outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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