ELECTRICAL COMPONENT COOLING DEVICE, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM OUTDOOR UNIT EQUIPPED WITH SAME

Abstract

 The present invention prevents an electrical component from being adversely affected by dew water and also prevents a coolant from absorbing heat other than heat from a cooling target when a heat-generating electrical component is cooled using the cooling heat of a coolant flowing through a coolant circuit. An electrical component cooling device (11A) comprises: coolant piping (28) that constitutes a coolant system of an outdoor unit; a heat sink (25) through the inside of which the coolant piping (28) extends and to a surface of which cooling heat of a coolant flowing through the coolant piping (28) is transmitted; electrical component fixing parts (25a, 25b) that are provided on the surface of the heat sink (25) and that fix in place electrical components (21, 22) having heat generating properties; and a heat insulation member (35a) that is provided so as to cover the surface of the heat sink (25) other than the areas where the electrical component fixing parts (25a, 25b) are located

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical component cooling device and an air conditioning system outdoor unit including the same.

Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an air conditioning system outdoor unit includes a configuration in which a part of a refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant circuit is disposed adjacent to a heat generating electrical component such as a power element generating high-temperature heat to cool the heat generating electrical component, and coldness of a refrigerant passing through the refrigerant piping cools heat of the heat generating electrical component such that condensation generated on a surface of the refrigerant piping or a refrigerant jacket does not wet the heat generating electrical component or other electrical components.

[0003] The outdoor unit of Patent Document 1 includes a circuit board on which a power element is mounted and a gripping portion, an electrical component module detachably disposed inside a casing, and a refrigerant jacket configured to cool the power element by distribution of a refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant jacket is disposed facing an opening formed by removing a part of the casing and is disposed on the near side of the power element as viewed from the opening.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP 5126343 B

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since a main member having a box-like shape and configured to support each electrical component has a complex structural shape and the main member is moveable with respect to the casing (housing) of the outdoor unit, a manufacturing cost of the outdoor unit increases.

[0006] Additionally, since an ambient temperature inside a machine chamber of the outdoor unit where the electrical components are installed becomes higher than a temperature of outside air, in a case where the coldness of the refrigerant piping cools the heat generating electrical component, the refrigerant piping may also absorb heat of high-temperature internal atmospheric air inside the machine chamber. In this case, a heat loss in the refrigerant system increases and efficiency of the air conditioning system tends to decrease.

[0007] The present invention has been made in light of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical component cooling device and an air conditioning system outdoor unit including the same capable of preventing adverse effects of condensation on an electrical component from occurring when coldness of a refrigerant flowing in a refrigerant circuit cools a heat generating electrical component, and preventing the refrigerant from absorbing heat of components other than a cooling target.

Solution to Problem

[0008] To solve the above-described problem, the present invention adopts the following means.

[0009] That is, an electrical component cooling device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant system of an outdoor unit; a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits; an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property; and a heat insulating member provided to cover a surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed.

[0010] According to the electrical component cooling device including the above-described configuration, the coldness of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping extending through the heat sink cools the surface of the heat sink, and cools heat of the electrical component having a heat generating property and affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on the surface of the heat sink. In this case, air comes into contact with the surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed, and thus condensation may be generated. However, since this range is covered by the heat insulating member, the generation of the condensation is prevented and adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented.

[0011] Additionally, even when air comes into contact with the surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed, a temperature (heat) of this air is blocked by the heat insulating member and the heat does not transmit the heat sink and the refrigerant piping. Accordingly, an increase in a heat loss due to the refrigerant absorbing heat of components other than a cooling target such as the electrical component having a heat generating property, that is, a decrease in efficiency of the air conditioning system can be prevented.

[0012] In the above-described configuration, the heat insulating member may be a sheet-like member, and may be cut off in a predetermined shape and attached to a surface of the heat sink. Thus, the heat insulating member can be installed easily on the surface of the heat sink.

[0013] In the above-described configuration, the heat insulating member may be a coating-material-like member, and may be applied in a predetermined range and cured. Thus, the heat insulating member can be installed entirely on the surface of the heat sink, and the generation of the condensation can be suppressed effectively.

[0014] An electrical component cooling device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant circuit of an outdoor unit; a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits; an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property; and a condensation shielding member having a weir-like shape and provided above the electrical component affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on a surface of the heat sink; wherein the condensation shielding member includes a horizontal portion located at an upper portion of the electrical component and a pair of vertically downward portions vertically running downward from both end portions of the horizontal portion.

[0015] According to the electrical component cooling device including the above-described configuration, the coldness of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping extending through the heat sink cools the surface of the heat sink, and cools heat of the electrical component having a heat generating property and affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on the surface of the heat sink. In this case, when air comes into contact with the surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed, condensation is generated. However, even when this condensation flows downward, the condensation is blocked by the condensation shielding member formed in a weir-like shape and the condensation does not adhere to the electrical component. Therefore, adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented.

[0016] In the above-described configuration, the horizontal portion may include an upper side inclined. Thus, condensation flowing from above flows along the inclination of the upper side of the horizontal portion, and flows downward from an end portion of the condensation shielding member. Therefore, the condensation flowing over the condensation shielding member and adhering to the electrical component can be suppressed, and adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented.

[0017] In the above-described configuration, the vertically downward portions may extend at least to bottom edges on both sides of the electrical component. Thus, when the condensation flowing down on the horizontal portion flows down from the end portion of the horizontal portion, the condensation is blocked by the vertically downward portions and does not adhere to the electrical component. Therefore, adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented.

[0018] In the above-described configuration, in a layout where a plurality of the electrical components are disposed at positions offset in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction on a surface of the heat sink, relative positions of a plurality of the condensation shielding members are set to cause condensation flowing down from the condensation shielding member provided on the electrical component on an upper side to fall on the upper side of the horizontal portion of the condensation shielding member provided on the electrical component on a lower side. Thus, since the condensation flowing down from the plurality of condensation shielding members can be collected finally in one area, it becomes easy to guide the condensation.

[0019] An electrical component cooling device according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant system of an outdoor unit; a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits; an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property; a heat insulating member provided to cover a surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed; and a condensation shielding member having a weir-like shape and provided above the electrical component affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on a surface of the heat sink; wherein the condensation shielding member includes a horizontal portion located at an upper portion of the electrical component and a pair of vertically downward portions vertically running downward from both end portions of the horizontal portion.

[0020] According to the electrical component cooling device including the above-described configuration, the operations and effects of the electrical component cooling device according to the first aspect of the present invention and the operations and effects of the electrical component cooling device according to the second aspect of the present invention can both be achieved.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, the condensation shielding member may be formed from a heat insulating material. Thus, the condensation can be prevented from being generated on a surface of the condensation shielding member.

[0022] In the above-described configuration, a notch portion having a conical shape and expanding downward from above in a width and a depth may be formed in a lower side of a surface on the electrical component fixing portion side of the heat sink; and relative positions of the condensation shielding member and the notch portion may be set to cause condensation flowing down from the condensation shielding member to flow in the notch portion.

[0023] According to the above-described configuration, since the condensation flowing down from the condensation shielding member flows through the notch portion to the back surface side of the heat sink, adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented.

[0024] An air conditioning system outdoor unit according to the third aspect of the present invention includes: the electrical component cooling device according to any one of the above-described aspects. According to this outdoor unit, the above-described operations and effects can be obtained.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the electrical component cooling device and the air conditioning system outdoor unit including the same according to the present invention, adverse effects of the condensation on the electrical component can be prevented from occurring when the coldness of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit cools the heat generating electrical component. Additionally, the refrigerant can be prevented from absorbing heat of components other than a cooling target, and a decrease in efficiency of the air conditioning system can be avoided.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] 

FIG. 1 is a front view of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the outdoor unit as viewed in a direction of arrow II of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit taken along line III-III of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a control box and an electrical component cooling device of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the control box and the electrical component cooling device as viewed in a direction of arrow V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the control box and the electrical component cooling device as viewed in a direction of arrow VI of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the control box and the electrical component cooling device as viewed in a direction of arrow VII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of portion VIII of FIG. 4 of the electrical component cooling device.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion XIII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view as viewed in a direction of arrow II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the outdoor unit taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. An outdoor unit 1 is a multi air conditioning system used in air conditioning for a building and the like, that is, used in an air conditioning system in which a single outdoor unit is connected to a plurality of indoor units (not illustrated).

[0029] A casing 2 forming an outer shell of the outdoor unit 1 includes a heat exchanger chamber 2A configuring an upper portion of the casing 2 and a machine chamber 2B configuring a lower portion of the casing 2. The heat exchanger chamber 2A is separable from the machine chamber 2B and can also be exchanged with another chamber having a different height. A pair of heat exchangers 3 are housed inside the heat exchanger chamber 2A. The heat exchangers 3 each have an L shape in plan view (see FIG. 2), and the two heat exchangers 3 each having an L shape are combined to form a rectangle along four peripheral surfaces of the heat exchanger chamber 2A.

[0030]  Additionally, for example, two cooling fans 5 are installed on an upper surface of the casing 2 (heat exchanger chamber 2A). These cooling fans 5 each include a bell mouth 5a formed on the upper surface of the casing 2 and a fan blade 5b configured to be driven by a motor (not illustrated) to rotate inside the bell mouth 5a. On the other hand, a control box 7, a single compressor 8 configured to compress a refrigerant, and various kinds of air conditioner constituent equipment (not illustrated) such as a four-way valve, a check valve, an expansion valve, an oil separator, a receiver, and a gas-liquid separator are housed inside the machine chamber 2B.

[0031] Retractable inspection covers 2L, 2R are provided on a front surface of the machine chamber 2B. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inspection covers 2L and 2R are double door style covers configured to open toward the near side, or are detachable covers configured to be fastened with bolts or the like. The control box 7 is disposed, for example, facing a front surface opening portion of the machine chamber 2B corresponding to a location behind the inspection cover 2L on the left side (or the right side) as viewed front on.

[0032] Additionally, the compressor 8 is installed, for example, facing the front surface opening portion of the machine chamber 2B corresponding to a location behind the inspection cover 2R on the right side (or the left side) as viewed front on and is disposed to be aligned with the control box 7. Option component installation spaces 10L, 10R are formed on the rear surface sides of the control box 7 and the compressor 8, respectively. A component group, spare parts, tools, inspection tools, and the like having maintenance frequency lower than the control box 7 and the compressor 8 are housed in the option component installation spaces 10L, 10R.

[0033] In the outdoor unit 1 including the above-described configuration, when the compressor 8 is activated and a refrigerant is compressed, the cooling fans 5 are activated and outside air passes through the heat exchangers 3 to be taken into the heat exchanger chamber 2A and is discharged outside from the cooling fans 5 (bell mouth 5a). Thus, the heat exchangers 3 are subjected to heat exchange with outside air, and the compressed refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchangers 3 condenses or evaporates.

First Embodiment

[0034] FIG. 4 is a front view of the control box 7 and an electrical component cooling device 11A of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are a front view, a side view, and a rear surface of the control box 7 and the electrical component cooling device 11A, respectively.

[0035] The control box 7 is formed from, for example, a sheet metal material or a resin material and, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the control box 7 includes a box main body 7A configured to open toward the near side when the inspection cover 2L of the machine chamber 2B is opened, and a box lid 7B being detachable and configured to close an opening portion of the box main body 7A. The box main body 7A is affixed inside the machine chamber 2B by an affixing structure (not illustrated). Note that FIG. 4 illustrates the box main body 7A alone with the box lid 7B being removed.

[0036] A plurality of plates 13, 14 are installed on a rear surface 7a of the box main body 7A, and thread holes 15 for affixing a plurality of electrical components (not illustrated) are bored on the rear surface 7a. Note that waterproof grommets 17, 18, 19 through which a wire harness (not illustrated) including an assembly of electric wire extending from the plates 13, 14 or the respective electrical components are fitted on a side surface of the box main body 7A.

[0037] Then, the electrical component cooling device 11A is provided on the rear surface 7a of the box main body 7A. The electrical component cooling device 11A is configured to cool electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property such as a power transistor and a diode module by using coldness of a refrigerant. The electrical component cooling device 11A includes the following configurations.

[0038] A cooling opening portion 24 having a vertically-long rectangular shape is bored on the rear surface 7a of the box main body 7A. A heat sink 25 having a plate-like shape and a predetermined thickness and formed from a material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminium and copper is affixed with four screws 26 to cover the cooling opening portion 24 from the back surface side (outer side) of the rear surface 7a. Refrigerant piping 28 extending from a refrigerant system (not illustrated) configuring a refrigerant circuit extends through the heat sink 25.

[0039]  Specifically, the refrigerant piping 28 extends through downward from above the heat sink 25, and makes a U-turn at an upper portion of the heat sink 25 to extend through downward from above the heat sink 25 again. Thus, the coldness of the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant piping 28 transmits the surface of the heat sink 25, and cools the surface of the heat sink 25. As illustrated in FIG. 6 and the like, the refrigerant piping 28 is disposed outside the control box 7.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 8 as an enlarged view, two electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are vertically provided on a front surface of the heat sink 25, that is, on a surface exposed from the cooling opening portion 24 to the inside of the control box 7 (box main body 7A). The electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b include screw holes (not illustrated) bored at predetermined intervals on the front surface of the heat sink 25.

[0041] The electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property are fastened to the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b by screws 31, 32, respectively, and bottom surfaces of the electrical components 21, 22 are in contact with the heat sink 25 in a manner enabling heat transmission. For example, a flexible heat transfer sheet may be disposed or a heat transfer agent may be applied between the electrical components 21, 22 and the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b.

[0042] Heat insulating members 35a to 35f are provided on the surface of the heat sink 25 to cover the range where the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b to which the electrical components 21, 22 are affixed are not disposed. These heat insulating members 35 are, for example, sheet-like members, and are each cut off in a predetermined shape to be attached on the surface of the heat sink 25. That is, the heat insulating members 35 include the heat insulating member 35a attached on the front surface of the heat sink 25, the heat insulating member 35b attached on the rear surface of the heat sink 25, the heat insulating members 35c, 35d attached on the side surfaces of the heat sink 25, and the heat insulating members 35e, 35f attached on the top and bottom surfaces of the heat sink 25. The heat insulating members 35a to 35f may be integrated without being divided to form a bent member. Examples of a material of the heat insulating members 35a to 35f can include polyethylene foam and chloroprene rubber foam.

[0043]  As illustrated in FIG. 8, opening portions 351, 352 each having a rectangular shape and exposing surfaces of the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are formed on the heat insulating member 35a. An inner peripheral contour shape of each of the opening portions 351, 352 is similar to an outer peripheral contour shape of each of the electrical components 21, 22. The surface of the heat sink 25 is prevented as much as possible from being exposed between inner circumferential edges of the opening portions 351, 352 and the outer peripheral contours of the electrical components 21, 22.

[0044] Additionally, instead of attaching the heat insulating members 35a to 35f each having such a sheet-like shape, a coating-material-like heat insulating member (not illustrated) can be applied to the heat sink 25 in a predetermined range and cured. Further, a sheet-like or coating-material-like heat insulating member may also be provided on an outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant piping 28.

[0045] According to the electrical component cooling device 11A including the above-described configuration, the coldness of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping 28 extending through the heat sink 25 cools the surface of the heat sink 25, and cools the electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property and affixed to the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b on the surface of the heat sink 25. In this case, air comes into contact with each surface of the heat sink 25 in the range where the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are not disposed, and thus water contained in the air may condense to generate condensation W. However, since this range is covered by the heat insulating members 35a to 35f, the generation of the condensation W is prevented and adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented.

[0046] Additionally, even when air (atmospheric air inside the control box 7 or outside air) comes into contact with the surface of the heat sink 25 in the range where the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are not disposed, a temperature (heat) of this air is blocked by the heat insulating members 35a to 35f and the heat does not transmit the heat sink 25 and the refrigerant piping 28. Accordingly, an increase in a heat loss due to the refrigerant absorbing heat of components other than a cooling target such as the electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property, that is, a decrease in efficiency of the air conditioning system can be prevented. In particular, although a temperature of internal atmospheric air in the machine chamber 2B increases due to heat generated by the compressor 8 and other devices and equipment, this heat can be prevented effectively from transmitting the refrigerant piping 28 through the heat sink 25.

[0047] The heat insulating members 35a to 35f are each formed in a sheet-like shape and attached on the surface of the heat sink 25. Thus, the heat insulating members 35a to 35f can be installed easily on the surface of the heat sink 25. In a case where a coating-material-like heat insulating member is applied on the surface of the heat sink 25 and cured, the heat insulating member can be installed entirely on the surface of the heat sink 25 and the generation of the condensation W can be suppressed more effectively. Note that a sheet-like heat insulating member and a coating-material-like heat insulating member may be used in combination.

Second Embodiment

[0048] FIG. 9 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device 11B of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment. In this electrical component cooling device 11B, a heat insulating member is not attached on a front surface of a heat sink 25. Instead, condensation shielding members 41, 42 each having a weir-like shape are provided above electrical components 21, 22 affixed to electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b on the front surface of the heat sink 25, respectively.

[0049] These condensation shielding members 41, 42 are each formed in a weir-like shape capable of shielding the electrical components 21, 22 from condensation W when the condensation W adheres to the front surface of the heat sink 25 and flows down. That is, the condensation shielding members 41, 42 each have a channel shape being open downward, and include horizontal portions 41a, 42a located at upper portions of the electrical components 21, 22 and pairs of vertically downward portions 41b, 42b vertically running downward from both ends of the horizontal portions 41a, 42a.

[0050] The horizontal portions 41a, 42a each include an upper side inclined downward from one end to the other end. In the present embodiment, for example, the upper side is inclined to include an end portion on the right side as viewed front on having a height smaller than a height of an end portion on the left side, and the upper side includes a rounded corner portion of the end portion on the right side. Additionally, the vertically downward portions 41b, 42b run vertically downward to bottom edges on both sides of the electrical components 21, 22, and include bottom edge portions located below the bottom edges of the electrical components 21, 22.

[0051] The condensation shielding members 41, 42 are preferably formed from a heat insulating material. An example of the material of the condensation shielding members 41, 42 includes the material of the heat insulating members 35a to 35f described in the first embodiment such as polyethylene foam and chloroprene rubber foam.

[0052] According to the electrical component cooling device 11B including the above-described configuration, as with the electrical component cooling device 11A of the first embodiment, coldness of a refrigerant flowing in refrigerant piping 28 extending through the heat sink 25 cools the surface of the heat sink 25, and cools the electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property and affixed to the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b on the surface of the heat sink 25. In this case, when air comes into contact with the surface of the heat sink 25 in the range where the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are not disposed, the condensation W is generated. However, even when the condensation W flows downward, the condensation W is blocked by the condensation shielding members 41, 42 each formed in a weir-like shape and the condensation W does not adhere to the electrical components 21, 22. Therefore, adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented.

[0053] Since the condensation shielding members 41, 42 include the horizontal portions 41a, 42a including the upper sides inclined, the condensation W flowing from above flows along the inclination of the upper sides of the condensation shielding members 41, 42 and flows downward from end portions of the condensation shielding members 41, 42. Therefore, the condensation W flowing over the condensation shielding members 41, 42 and adhering to the electrical components 21, 22 can be suppressed, and adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented.

[0054] Additionally, the vertically downward portions 41b, 42b of the condensation shielding members 41, 42 extend to below the bottom edges on both the sides of the electrical components 21, 22. Therefore, when the condensation W flowing down on the horizontal portions 41a, 42a flows down from the end portions of the horizontal portions 41a, 42a, the condensation W is blocked by the vertically downward portions 41b, 42b and does not adhere to the electrical components 21, 22. Therefore, adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented. Additionally, the condensation shielding members 41, 42 are formed from a heat insulating material, and thus the condensation W can be prevented from being generated on surfaces of the condensation shielding members 41, 42.

Third Embodiment

[0055] FIG. 10 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device 11C of a third embodiment of the present invention. In this electrical component cooling device 11C, condensation shielding members 44, 45 each having a weir-like shape are provided above electrical components 21, 22 affixed to electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b on a front surface of the heat sink 25, respectively. As with the condensation shielding members 41, 42 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 9), these condensation shielding members 44, 45 include horizontal portions 44a, 45a located at upper portions of the electrical components 21, 22 and pairs of vertically downward portions 44b, 45b vertically running downward from both ends of the horizontal portions 44a, 45a. Upper sides of the horizontal portions 44a, 45a are inclined as in the second embodiment.

[0056] The vertically downward portions 44b, 45b have lengths smaller than lengths of the vertically downward portions 41b, 42b of the condensation shielding members 41, 42 of the second embodiment and only have lengths reaching positions higher than bottom edges on both sides of the electrical components 21, 22. On the other hand, the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b have widths greater than widths of the vertically downward portions 41b, 42b of the second embodiment, and lower edges of the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b are inclined downward from inside (the electrical component side) to outside.

[0057] According to the electrical component cooling device 11C including the above-described configuration, when condensation W flowing down on the horizontal portions 44a, 45a of the condensation shielding members 44, 45 flows down from end portions of the horizontal portions 44a, 45a, the condensation W is blocked by the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b and does not adhere to the electrical components 21, 22. Since the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b have the lengths smaller than the lengths in a vertical direction of the electrical components 21, 22 but have the increased widths, the condensation W flowing down from outer edges of the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b is unlikely to adhere to the electrical components 21, 22.

[0058] Additionally, since the lower edges of the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b are inclined downward from inside to outside, drops of the condensation W are prevented from running along the lower edges of the vertically downward portions 44b, 45b to flow toward the electrical components 21, 22 side. Accordingly, the electrical components 21, 22 can be protected from the condensation W.

Fourth Embodiment

[0059] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are front views of an electrical component cooling device 11D of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Since the electrical component cooling device 11D basically includes a similar configuration as the configuration of the electrical component cooling device 11B of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, each portion is given the same reference sign and description thereof will be omitted. The electrical component cooling device 11D is different from the electrical component cooling device 11B of the second embodiment in that a notch portion 50 having a conical shape and expanding in the width and the depth downward from above is formed in a lower side of a surface on the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b side of a heat sink 25. The notch portion 50 may have a pyramid shape or a circular conical shape. Additionally, the notch portion 50 may not have a sharp upper end, and, for example, may be formed into a taper groove-like shape or the like having a predetermined width and a depth increased downward.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the notch portion 50 formed in the lower side of the heat sink 25 is communicated with the inside and outside of a control box 7 (rear surface 7a). Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, relative positions of condensation shielding members 41, 42 and the notch portion 50 are set to cause condensation W flowing down from the condensation shielding members 41, 42 to flow to the notch portion 50. That is, for example, the notch portion 50 is disposed directly below a vertically downward portion 42b located on the downward side in an inclination direction of a horizontal portion 42a of the condensation shielding member 42 on the lower side.

[0061] According to the electrical component cooling device 11D including the above-described configuration, the condensation W flowing down from the condensation shielding members 41, 42 flows through the notch portion 50 to the back surface side of the heat sink 25. Therefore, adverse effects of the condensation W on electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented. Additionally, sump of the condensation W in a bottom portion of the control box 7 can be prevented.

Fifth Embodiment

[0062] FIG. 14 is a front view of an electrical component cooling device 11E of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This electrical component cooling device 11E includes a layout where electrical components 21, 22 are disposed at positions offset in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction on a front surface of a heat sink 25. Here, relative positions of condensation shielding members 41, 42 are set to cause condensation W flowing down from the condensation shielding member 41 provided on the electrical component 21 on an upper side to fall on an upper side of a horizontal portion 42a of the condensation shielding member 42 provided on the electrical component 22 on a lower side. Specifically, the relative positions of the condensation shielding members 41, 42 are set such that an intermediate portion of the horizontal portion 42a of the condensation shielding member 42 on the lower side is located directly below a vertically downward portion 41b located on the downward side in an inclination direction of a horizontal portion 41a of the condensation shielding member 41 on the upper side.

[0063] Additionally, a notch portion 50 similar to the notch portion of the electrical component cooling device 11D of the fourth embodiment is formed in a lower side of the heat sink 25. This notch portion 50 is disposed directly below a vertically downward portion 42b located on the downward side in an inclination direction of a horizontal portion 42a of the condensation shielding member 42 on the lower side.

[0064] Further, catchment members 51, 52 each having a wedge-like shape and formed from a heat insulating material as with the condensation shielding members 41, 42 are attached on both sides of the notch portion 50. Upper sides of these catchment members 51, 52 are inclined downward toward the notch portion 50.

[0065] According to the electrical component cooling device 11B including the above-described configuration, since condensation W flowing down from the condensation shielding members 41, 42 can be collected finally in one area, it becomes easy to guide the condensation W. Additionally, since this condensation W finally flows through the notch portion 50 to the back surface side of the heat sink 25, adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented.

[0066] As described above, according to the electrical component cooling devices 11A to 11E of the first to fifth embodiments and the air conditioning system outdoor unit 1 including the same, adverse effects of the condensation W on the electrical components 21, 22 can be prevented from occurring when the coldness of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit cools the electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property. Additionally, the refrigerant can be prevented from absorbing heat of components other than a cooling target, and a decrease in efficiency of the air conditioning system can be avoided.

[0067] Note that the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and changes and modifications can be made as appropriate. Embodiments having such changes and modifications are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0068] For example, each of the above-described embodiments describes the configuration where the heat sink 25 is affixed from the outside of the control box 7 to the cooling opening portion 24 opened on the rear surface 7a of the control box 7 (box main body 7A), and the electrical components 21, 22 having a heat generating property are attached to the surface exposed to the inside of the control box 7 of this heat sink 25. However, the embodiments are not limited to this configuration.

[0069] Additionally, the aspect of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration where at least one of the heat insulating members 35a to 35f is used to cover the surface of the heat sink 25 in the range where the electrical component fixing portions 25a, 25b are not disposed may be combined with the aspect of at least any one of the second to fifth embodiments, that is, the configuration where the condensation shielding members 41, 42, 44, 45 each having a weir-like shape are provided above the electrical components 21, 22 affixed to the heat sink and the notch portion 50 and the catchment members 51, 52 are provided on the heat sink 25.

Reference Signs List

[0070] 

1 Outdoor unit

11A to 11E Electrical component cooling device

21, 22 Electrical component

25 Heat sink

25a, 25b Electrical component fixing portion

28 Refrigerant piping

35a to 35f Heat insulating member

41, 42, 44, 45 Condensation shielding member

41a, 42a, 44a, 45a Horizontal portion

41b, 42b, 44b, 45b Vertically downward portion

50 Notch portion

W Condensation

Claims

1. An electrical component cooling device comprising:

refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant system of an outdoor unit;

a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits;

an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property; and

a heat insulating member provided to cover a surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed.

2. The electrical component cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the heat insulating member is a sheet-like member, and is cut off in a predetermined shape and attached to a surface of the heat sink.

3. The electrical component cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the heat insulating member is a coating-material-like member, and is applied in a predetermined range and cured.

4. An electrical component cooling device comprising:

refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant circuit of an outdoor unit;

a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits;

an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property; and

a condensation shielding member having a weir-like shape and provided above the electrical component affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on a surface of the heat sink; wherein

the condensation shielding member comprises

a horizontal portion located at an upper portion of the electrical component, and

a pair of vertically downward portions vertically running downward from both end portions of the horizontal portion.

5. The electrical component cooling device according to claim 4, wherein the horizontal portion includes an upper side inclined.

6. The electrical component cooling device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
the vertically downward portions extend at least to bottom edges on both sides of the electrical component.

7. The electrical component cooling device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein
in a layout where a plurality of the electrical components are disposed at positions offset in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction on a surface of the heat sink, relative positions of a plurality of the condensation shielding members are set to cause condensation flowing down from the condensation shielding member provided on the electrical component on an upper side to fall on the upper side of the horizontal portion of the condensation shielding member provided on the electrical component on a lower side.

8. An electrical component cooling device comprising:

refrigerant piping configuring a refrigerant system of an outdoor unit;

a heat sink through which the refrigerant piping extends and a surface of which coldness of a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping transmits;

an electrical component fixing portion provided on a surface of the heat sink and configured to affix an electrical component having a heat generating property;

a heat insulating member provided to cover a surface of the heat sink in the range where the electrical component fixing portion is not disposed; and

a condensation shielding member having a weir-like shape and provided above the electrical component affixed to the electrical component fixing portion on a surface of the heat sink; wherein

the condensation shielding member comprises

a horizontal portion located at an upper portion of the electrical component, and

a pair of vertically downward portions vertically running downward from both end portions of the horizontal portion.

9. The electrical component cooling device according to claims 4 to 8, wherein
the condensation shielding member is formed from a heat insulating material.

10. The electrical component cooling device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein
a notch portion having a conical shape and expanding downward from above in a width and a depth is formed in a lower side of a surface on the electrical component fixing portion side of the heat sink; and
relative positions of the condensation shielding member and the notch portion are set to cause condensation flowing down from the condensation shielding member to flow in the notch portion.

11. An air conditioning system outdoor unit comprising:

the electrical component cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Drawing