Air conditioning indoor units and air conditioning systems

Abstract

This prevents the irradiation device from obstructing the airflow. [Solution] The indoor unit of the air conditioner comprises a casing (31) having an air passage (34), a heat exchanger (50) having a front heat exchange section (53) positioned towards the front of the air passage (34) and a rear heat exchange section (54) positioned towards the rear, a fan (42) positioned between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54), a shielding member (70) that closes the gap between the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54), and an irradiation device (60) that is directly or indirectly fixed to the shielding member (70) and irradiates ultraviolet light.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning indoor unit and an air conditioner. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In the air conditioning indoor unit of Patent Document 1, an irradiation device is provided on a scroll portion around a fan. The irradiation device irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the fan. The fan is sterilized by this ultraviolet radiation. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-97449 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The scroll portion has a function of guiding an airflow. When an irradiation device is provided on the scroll portion, the irradiation device obstructs the airflow.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress obstruction of airflow by an irradiation device. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] A first aspect is directed to an air conditioning indoor unit. The air conditioning indoor unit includes: a casing (31) having an air flow path (34); a heat exchanger (50) including a front heat exchange section (53) arranged toward a front side in the air flow path (34) and a rear heat exchange section (54) arranged toward a rear side in the air flow path (34); a fan (42) arranged between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54); a shielding member (70) that closes a gap between an upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and an upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54); and an irradiation device (60) directly or indirectly fixed to the shielding member (70) and configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays.

[0007] In the first embodiment, the irradiation device (60) is fixed to the shielding member (70). Since the area around the shielding member (70) is a place where air does not easily flow, it is possible to suppress the irradiation device (60) from obstructing the airflow.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the irradiation device (60) is positioned downstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70) as in the first embodiment.

[0009] In the second embodiment, since airflow is particularly poor downstream of the shielding member (70), the irradiation device (60) can be prevented from obstructing the airflow.

[0010] A third embodiment further comprises a support member (80) fixed to the shielding member (70) in the second embodiment. The irradiation device (60) is fixed to the first surface (81) of the support member (80) on the downstream side of the airflow.

[0011] In the third embodiment, the irradiation device (60) is indirectly fixed to the shielding member (70) via a support member (80).

[0012] In the fourth embodiment, the first surface (81) is inclined with respect to the second surface (74) downstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70), as in the third embodiment.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, the direction of irradiation of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation device (60) can be determined by the angle of the first surface (81) of the support member (80).

[0014] A fifth embodiment, in the second embodiment, has a shielding member (70), a main body (76) in which a through-hole (75) is formed, and a mounting part (77) that is detachably attached inside the through-hole (75). An irradiation device (60) is fixed to the mounting part (77).

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the mounting portion (77) and the irradiation device (60) can be easily removed while the shielding member (70) is fixed to the heat exchanger (50).

[0016] The sixth embodiment is one of the first to fifth embodiments, in which the shielding member (70) is provided with a heat dissipation section (85) on the upstream side of the airflow.

[0017] Since the shielding member (70) is located between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54), it is easily exposed to the air drawn into the air passage (34). In the sixth embodiment, since the heat dissipation section (85) is provided upstream of the shielding member (70), the heat from the irradiation device (60) is easily dissipated into the air via the heat dissipation section (85).

[0018] The seventh embodiment is an air conditioning indoor unit in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, further comprising an angle adjustment mechanism (90) for adjusting the angle of the irradiation device (60).

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, the direction of ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation device (60) can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the irradiation device (60) using the angle adjustment mechanism (90).

[0020] The eighth aspect is that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the shielding member (70) is made of a metal material.

[0021] Since the shielding member (70) is located between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54), it is easily exposed to the air drawn into the air passage (34). In the eighth embodiment, since the shielding member (70) is made of a metal material, the heat from the irradiation device (60) is easily dissipated into the air through the shielding member (70).

[0022] The ninth aspect is that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the irradiation device (60) includes a light source (61) that emits ultraviolet light and light distribution control units (62, 63) that distribute the ultraviolet light emitted from the light source (61).

[0023] In the ninth embodiment, ultraviolet light emitted from the light source (61) is distributed by the light distribution control units (62, 63), making it easier to direct the ultraviolet light onto a predetermined component.

[0024] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the irradiation device (60) irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the fan (42).

[0025] In the tenth aspect, the fan (42) can be sterilized by the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the irradiation device (60).

[0026] An eleventh aspect is directed to an air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises an air conditioning indoor unit (30) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and an outdoor unit (20). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic piping diagram of a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external appearance of the indoor unit of an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the shielding member in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the shielding member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the basic structure of the irradiation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the basic elements of the air conditioner. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the shielding member of Modification 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the shielding member of Modification 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the shielding member of Modification 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the shielding member of Modification 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual illustration of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

[0029] (1) Overview of the air conditioning system The air conditioning system (10) harmonizes the air in the target space, which is an indoor space (I). The air conditioning system (10) in this embodiment adjusts the temperature of the indoor air. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system (10) has an outdoor unit (20), which is an outdoor unit, and an indoor unit (30), which is an indoor air conditioning unit. The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected by connecting pipes to form a refrigerant circuit (11) that performs a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit (11) has a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), an indoor heat exchanger (50), and a four-way switching valve (24). The outdoor unit (20) is equipped with a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25). The indoor unit (30) is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (50) and an indoor fan (42). During cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger (50), which functions as an evaporator, cools the air in the indoor space (I). During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger (50), which functions as a condenser (radiator), heats the air in the indoor space (I).

[0030] (2) Basic configuration of the indoor unit The basic configuration of the indoor unit (30) will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Note that the terms "front," "back," "right," "left," "up," and "down" used below refer to the directions indicated by the arrows in Figures 2 and 3.

[0031] The indoor unit (30) is installed in the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) in this embodiment is a wall-mounted air conditioning indoor unit installed on the wall of the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) has a casing (31) and an indoor element housed in the casing (31). The indoor element has an air filter (41), an indoor heat exchanger (50), an indoor fan (42), a drain pan (43), and a flap (44).

[0032] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) constitutes a flow path forming member that forms an air passage (34). The casing (31) is formed in a horizontally elongated hollow shape from left to right. The longitudinal direction of the casing (31) corresponds to the left-right direction. The casing (31) has a front plate (31a), a rear plate (31b), an upper plate (31c), a lower plate (31d), a first side plate (31e), and a second side plate (31f). The front plate (31a) is formed on the front side of the casing (31), the rear plate (31b) is formed on the rear side of the casing (31), the upper plate (31c) is formed on the upper side of the casing (31), the lower plate (31d) is formed on the lower side of the casing (31), the first side plate (31e) is formed on the right side of the casing (31), and the second side plate (31f) is formed on the left side of the casing (31).

[0033] An intake port (32) is formed in the upper plate (31c), and an outlet port (33) is formed in the lower plate (31d). The intake port (32) is formed extending from the front to the top of the casing (31). The outlet port (33) is formed on the underside of the casing (31). The intake port (32) is an opening for drawing air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (34). The outlet port (33) is an opening for blowing air from the air passage (34) back into the indoor space (I). Inside the casing (31), an air passage (34) is formed from the intake port (32) to the outlet port (33).

[0034] (2-2) Air filter The air filter (41) is positioned upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (50) in the air passage (34). The air filter (41) is positioned behind the intake port (32) so as to run along the intake port (32). The air filter (41) is a mesh-like material. The air filter (41) collects dust particles in the air drawn in from the intake port (32).

[0035] (2-3) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (50) is positioned upstream of the indoor fan (42) in the air passage (34). The indoor heat exchanger (50) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (50) has vertically elongated fins (51) arranged on the left and right sides, and heat transfer tubes (52) that penetrate the fins (51) in the left-right direction. The indoor heat exchanger (50) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside it and the indoor air transported by the indoor fan (42). The longitudinal direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50) corresponds to the left-right direction.

[0036] The indoor heat exchanger (50) has a front heat exchange section (53) and a rear heat exchange section (54). The front heat exchange section (53) is located towards the front of the air passage (34), and the rear heat exchange section (54) is located towards the rear of the air passage (34).

[0037] The front heat exchange section (53) is located in front of the indoor fan (42). The front heat exchange section (53) is positioned near the front plate (31a) and upper plate (31c) of the casing (31). More precisely, the front heat exchange section (53) has an upper heat exchange section (53a) located above it and a lower heat exchange section (53b) located below it. The lower heat exchange section (53b) is inclined to move towards the front as it goes upward. The lower end of the upper heat exchange section (53a) is in contact with the trailing edge of the upper end of the lower heat exchange section (53b). The upper heat exchange section (53a) is inclined to move towards the rear as it goes upward. A drain pan (43) is provided below the front heat exchange section (53).

[0038] The rear heat exchange section (54) is located behind the indoor fan (42). The rear heat exchange section (54) is positioned near the rear plate (31b) and top plate (31c) of the casing (31). The rear heat exchange section (54) is inclined so that it moves towards the front as it goes upwards.

[0039] The upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54) are separated in the front-rear direction. A gap is formed between the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54). This gap is closed by a shielding member (70), which will be described in detail later.

[0040] (2-4) Indoor fan, drain pan, and flap The indoor fan (42) is an example of a fan. The indoor fan (42) is a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (42) is rotationally driven by a fan motor. The direction of the rotation axis of the indoor fan (42) corresponds to the left-right direction. In other words, the indoor fan (42) has an external shape with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0041] The drain pan (43) is located below the indoor heat exchanger (50). The drain pan (43) is a tray that receives water generated inside the casing (31). The drain pan (43) receives condensation water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (50). The drain pan (43) extends in the left-right direction along the lower end of the front heat exchange section (53).

[0042] The flap (44) constitutes an airflow direction adjustment unit that adjusts the direction of the discharged air. The flap (44) adjusts the vertical direction of the discharged air. The flap (44) may also adjust the horizontal direction of the discharged air.

[0043] (2-5) Scroll Wall A scroll wall (35) is provided inside the casing (31). The scroll wall (35) is located behind the indoor fan (42). Downstream of the indoor fan (42), the scroll wall (35) guides the air in the air passage (34) toward the outlet (33). When viewed in the axial direction of the indoor fan (42), the scroll wall (35) forms an involute curved inner surface.

[0044] (3) Shielding member As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the indoor unit (30) has a shielding member (70). The shielding member (70) closes the gap between the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54). The shielding member (70) is located in the air passage (34) between the intake port (32) and the indoor fan (42). The shielding member (70) is located downstream of the air filter (41) in the airflow. The shielding member (70) is formed in a plate shape with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction. The shielding member (70) extends along the longitudinal direction of the indoor heat exchanger (50), in other words, along the axial direction of the indoor fan (42).

[0045] The shielding member (70) has a front plate portion (71), a rear plate portion (72), and an intermediate plate portion (73). The front plate portion (71) is located on the front side of the shielding member (70), the rear plate portion (72) is located on the rear side of the shielding member (70), and the intermediate plate portion (73) is located between the front plate portion (71) and the rear plate portion (72). The front plate portion (71) and the rear plate portion (72) are bent upward relative to the intermediate plate portion (73). The shielding member (70) may also be a flat plate shape without any bends throughout.

[0046] The front plate portion (71) is fixed to the upper end of the front heat exchange portion (53) via a fastener. The rear plate portion (72) is fixed to the upper end of the rear heat exchange portion (54) via a fastener. This allows the shielding member (70) to be supported by the indoor heat exchanger (50). The intermediate plate portion (73) extends from the upper end of the front heat exchange portion (53) to the upper end of the rear heat exchange portion (54).

[0047] The lower surface of the intermediate plate portion (73) constitutes the second surface (74). The second surface (74) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the second surface (74) is inclined so that it approaches the upper side as it moves towards the rear. The second surface (74) may be approximately coincide with the horizontal plane.

[0048] The shielding member (70) is made of a metallic material. The shielding member (70) is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, specifically, a single metal or an alloy of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.

[0049] (4) Basic structure of the irradiation device The indoor unit (30) has an irradiation device (60) that emits ultraviolet light. When the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation device (60) hits a predetermined object, the object is sterilized. As schematically shown in Figure 7, the irradiation device (60) has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (61), a reflector (62), a lens (63), and a control board (64).

[0050] LED(61) is an example of a light source that emits ultraviolet light. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(61) is 280 nm or less. This improves the sterilization effect on air and components. Preferably, the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(61) is 255 nm or more and 275 nm or less. This particularly improves the sterilization effect on air and components. The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by LED(61) may be 230 nm or less. This improves the safety of exposure to the human body in the event that ultraviolet light leaks outside the casing(31).

[0051] The reflector (62) and lens (63) are an example of a light distribution control unit that distributes ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (61). The reflector (62) is a curved reflector that reflects ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (61). The lens (63) concentrates the ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (61). Through the reflector (62) and lens (63), ultraviolet light along the optical axis (A) is irradiated from the irradiation device (60).

[0052] The control board (65) has an electrical circuit for controlling the LED (61). The control board (65) is included in the control unit of the air conditioning unit (10). The control unit switches the LED (61) on and off and adjusts the output of the LED (61).

[0053] (5) Controller As shown in Figure 8, the air conditioning system (10) has a controller (100). The controller (100) is installed in the indoor unit (30). The controller (100) may be installed in the outdoor unit (20), or it may be physically separated and installed in both the indoor unit (30) and the outdoor unit (20).

[0054] The controller (100) is implemented by one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), processing circuits, etc., which may consist of one or more processor cores.

[0055] The controller (100) controls the ON / OFF state of the compressor (21), outdoor fan (25), and indoor fan (42), the rotational speed of the compressor (21), outdoor fan (25), and indoor fan (42), the opening degree of the expansion valve (23), the switching of the four-way switching valve (24), the ON / OFF state of the LED (61), and the output of the LED (61).

[0056] (6) Fixing structure of the irradiation device The irradiation device (60) of this embodiment is fixed to the shielding member (70). The fixing structure of the shielding member (70) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the indoor unit (30) has a plurality of irradiation devices (60). The plurality of irradiation devices (60) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shielding member (70). The indoor unit (30) in this embodiment has three irradiation devices (60), but it may have one, two, or four or more.

[0058] The indoor unit (30) has support members (80) that support the irradiation devices (60). One support member (80) corresponds to each irradiation device (60). The support members (80) are provided between the irradiation devices (60) and the shielding members (70). In this embodiment, the irradiation devices (60) are indirectly fixed to the shielding members (70) via the support members (80). The support members (80) are positioned downstream of the airflow in the shielding members (70). Specifically, the support members (80) are fixed to the second surface (74), which is the downstream surface of the shielding members (70).

[0059] Multiple irradiation devices (60) may be fixed to a single support member (80). In this case, the support member (80) is preferably a long member extending in the longitudinal direction of the shielding member (70). The multiple irradiation devices (60) are preferably arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the support member (80).

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the support member (80) is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from below. The lower surface of the support member (80) constitutes the first surface (81) to which the irradiation device (60) is fixed. The first surface (81) is the downstream surface of the airflow on the support member (80). The upper surface of the support member (80) constitutes the third surface (82) which is fixed to the shielding member (70). The third surface (82) is in surface contact with the second surface (74) of the shielding member (70).

[0061] The support member (80) is detachably fixed to the shielding member (70) via fasteners or adhesive parts. The irradiation device (60) is detachably fixed to the first surface (81) of the support member (80) via fasteners or adhesive parts. The irradiation device (60) is positioned downstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70). Specifically, the irradiation device (60) is positioned in the area enclosed by the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53), the shielding member (70), and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54).

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the first surface (81) is inclined with respect to the second surface (74) and the third surface (82). Specifically, when viewed in the left-right direction, the first surface (81) is inclined at an angle close to horizontal with respect to the second surface (74) and the third surface (82). In this embodiment, the first surface (81) is approximately coincident with the horizontal plane. Thus, since the support member (80) has a first surface (81) that is inclined with respect to the second surface (74), the direction of the optical axis (A) of the irradiation device (60) can be adjusted according to the shape and mounting position of the support member (80).

[0063] (7) Operation of the air conditioning system (7-1) Basic operation The air conditioning unit (10) performs cooling and heating operations. When the air conditioning unit (10) is in operation, the controller (100) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (42). The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a heating cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (50) functions as a radiator, and a cooling cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (50) functions as an evaporator.

[0064] In the indoor unit (30) shown in Figure 3, indoor air from the indoor space (I) flows into the air passage (34) through the intake port (32). The air in the air passage (34) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (50), specifically the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54). As a result, the indoor air is heated or cooled. The shielding member (70) blocks the gap between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54), so that air upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (50) does not bypass the indoor heat exchanger (50) through the gap. The air heated or cooled in the indoor heat exchanger (50) flows around the indoor fan (42), is guided to the scroll wall (35), and then blown out into the indoor space (I) from the outlet (33).

[0065] (7-2) Operation of the irradiation device The irradiation device (60) operates when the air conditioner (10) is running or when the indoor fan (42) is running. When the air conditioner (10) is running, the controller (100) turns on the LED (61). As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the irradiation device (60) irradiates ultraviolet light toward the downstream side of the airflow. The optical axis (A) of the irradiation device (60) is pointed downward, specifically toward the indoor fan (42). The indoor fan (42) is sterilized when the irradiation device (60) hits it. When the indoor fan (42) is running, the impeller (not shown) of the indoor fan (42) passes through the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation device (60). Therefore, ultraviolet light can be applied to the entire circumference of the indoor fan (42). Since multiple irradiation devices (60) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the indoor fan (42), which is a cross-flow fan, ultraviolet light can be applied to the entire longitudinal area of ​​the indoor fan (42).

[0066] (8) Characteristics (8-1) The indoor unit (30) includes a shielding member (70) that closes the gap between the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54), and an irradiation device (60) that is directly or indirectly fixed to the shielding member (70) and irradiates ultraviolet light.

[0067] Air flows less easily around the shielding member (70) compared to, for example, around the scroll wall (35). Therefore, the irradiation device (60) can suppress obstruction of the airflow. As a result, an increase in pressure loss in the air passage (34) can be suppressed.

[0068] Since the scroll wall (35) has the function of guiding the air blown by the indoor fan (42), if the irradiation device (60) is installed on the scroll wall (35), this function will be impaired. In contrast, by arranging the irradiation device (60) near the shielding member (70), the scroll wall (35) can fully perform its function.

[0069] Since airflow is restricted near the shielding member (70), dust in the air is prevented from adhering to the irradiation device (60). Therefore, a decrease in the performance of the irradiation device (60) caused by dust adhering to the irradiation device (60), specifically the lens (63), can be prevented.

[0070] Condensation is less likely to occur near the shielding member (70). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of condensation water to the irradiation device (60). As a result, it is possible to suppress the failure of the control board (64) and LED (61) of the irradiation device (60) due to the effects of moisture.

[0071] Since the shielding member (70) is positioned to be exposed to the outside of the casing (31) through the intake port (32), the operator can easily access the irradiation device (60). This makes maintenance and replacement of the irradiation device (60) easier.

[0072] (8-2) The irradiation device (60) is positioned downstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70). Airflow is particularly poor downstream of the shielding member (70). Therefore, the shielding member (70) can further suppress obstruction of the airflow. Since the shielding member (70) is positioned to cover the irradiation device (60) from the airflow, dust in the air or condensation can further suppress adhesion of the irradiation device (60).

[0073] The shielding member (70) is positioned to cover the irradiation device (60) with respect to the intake port (32). This prevents ultraviolet light emitted by the irradiation device (60) from leaking outside the casing (31).

[0074] (8-3) The indoor unit (30) has a support member (80) that is fixed to the shielding member (70). The irradiation device (60) is fixed to the first surface (81) on the downstream side of the airflow in the support member (80).

[0075] Since the irradiation device (60) is fixed to the shielding member (70) via a support member (80), the irradiation device (60) can be easily removed while the shielding member (70) is fixed to the indoor heat exchanger (50).

[0076] As shown in Figure 4, the first surface (81) of the support member (80) is inclined with respect to the second surface (74) of the shielding member (70). Therefore, the direction of the optical axis (A) of the irradiation device (60) can be adjusted according to the shape and mounting position of the support member (80).

[0077] (8-4) Since the shielding member (70) is made of a metal material, its thermal conductivity is relatively high. This makes it easier to release heat from the irradiation device (60) into the air through the shielding member (70). The shielding member (70) is located in a position where it is easily exposed to intake air, thus promoting heat dissipation by the shielding member (70). The control board (64) of the irradiation device (60) may be in direct contact with the shielding member (70) or the support member (80). This promotes heat dissipation from the control board (64) and extends the lifespan of the irradiation device (60).

[0078] The support member (80) may be made of a metal material. This makes it easier for the heat from the irradiation device (60) to be conducted to the shielding member (70) via the support member (80).

[0079] (8-5) The irradiation device (60) has light distribution control units (62, 63) that distribute ultraviolet light emitted from the LED (61). This makes it easier to direct the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation device (60) onto the object to be sterilized, such as the indoor fan (42).

[0080] (9) Variant The embodiment described above may also have the following configuration. The differences from the embodiment will be explained below in particular.

[0081] (9-1) Variation 1 As shown in Figure 9, the shielding member (70) of the modified example 1 has a main body (76) in which a through-hole (75) is formed, and a mounting portion (77) that is detachably attached inside the through-hole (75). The through-hole (75) penetrates the intermediate plate portion (73) of the main body (76) of the shielding member (70) in the thickness direction. The mounting portion (77) has a fitting portion (77a) that corresponds to the shape of the through-hole (75). The fitting portion (77a) of the mounting portion (77) fits inside the through-hole (75). The mounting portion (77) is detachably attached inside the through-hole (75). The mounting portion (77) has an engaging portion (not shown), such as a claw or hook, that engages with the edge of the through-hole (75). The irradiation device (60) is positioned downstream of the airflow at the mounting portion (77), which is part of the shielding member (70). Specifically, the irradiation device (60) is fixed to the lower surface of the mounting part (77).

[0082] The mounting portion (77) inside the through-hole (75) is exposed to the intake port (32). Therefore, with the shielding member (70) attached to the indoor heat exchanger (50), the worker can reach the mounting portion (77) from the intake port (32) side. Thus, the worker can easily remove the mounting portion (77) and the irradiation device (60).

[0083] The irradiation device (60) may be directly fixed inside the through-hole (75). In this case, the irradiation device (60) constitutes part of the shielding member (70). In this configuration, the irradiation device (60) is exposed on the upstream side of the shielding member (70), which promotes heat dissipation from the irradiation device (60).

[0084] (9-2) Modification example 2 As shown in Figure 10, in Modification 2, similar to Modification 1, a mounting portion (77) is provided inside the through-hole (75) of the main body (76) of the shielding member (70). A heat sink (85), which is a heat dissipation portion, is provided on the upstream side of the airflow at the mounting portion (77). The heat sink (85) may be formed integrally with the mounting portion (77) or may be formed separately from the mounting portion (77). The heat sink (85) is made of a metal material. The heat sink (85) has a plurality of protrusions (86) that project onto the upstream side of the airflow. The protrusions (86) are, for example, made up of convex portions that extend in the front-rear direction.

[0085] Air drawn in from the intake port (32) tends to flow upstream of the shielding member (70). By providing a heat sink (85) upstream of the shielding member (70), heat dissipation from the irradiation device (60) can be promoted.

[0086] (9-3) Modification 3 As shown in Figure 11, the shielding member (70) of Modification 3 does not have the through-hole (75) and mounting portion (77) of Modification 2. A heat sink (85), which is a heat dissipation portion, is provided on the upstream side of the airflow in the shielding member (70). The heat sink (85) may be formed integrally with the shielding member (70) or may be formed separately from the shielding member (70).

[0087] In Modification 3, the heat sink (85) provided on the shielding member (70) can promote heat dissipation from the irradiation device (60). In Modification 3, the irradiation device (60) is directly fixed to the shielding member (70), but the irradiation device (60) may also be fixed to the shielding member (70) via a support member (80).

[0088] (9-4) Modification 4 As shown in Figure 12, the indoor unit (30) of the modified example 4 is equipped with an angle adjustment mechanism (90). The angle adjustment mechanism (90) adjusts the opening degree of the irradiation device (60). The angle adjustment mechanism (90) is provided, for example, on the first surface (81) of the support member (80). The angle adjustment mechanism (90) has a support part (91) that supports the irradiation device (60), a rotating shaft (92) connected to the support part (91), a bearing part (93) that rotatably supports the rotating shaft (92), and a motor (94) as a drive source that rotates the rotating shaft (92). In this embodiment, the axial direction of the rotating shaft (92) corresponds to the left-right direction.

[0089] When the controller (100) controls the motor (94) and the rotating shaft (92) rotates, the orientation of the irradiation device (60) changes back and forth. In other words, the angle of the irradiation direction of the irradiation device (60), more precisely, the angle of the optical axis (A), is adjusted back and forth. Therefore, ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation device (60) can be directed onto a predetermined target. The axial direction of the rotating shaft (92) may be in a direction other than the back and forth direction. The angle adjustment mechanism (90) may be directly fixed to the shielding member (70).

[0090] (10) Other embodiments The air conditioning system (10) may be an indoor multi-system having two or more indoor units (30), or an outdoor multi-system having two or more outdoor units.

[0091] The irradiation device (60) may be positioned upstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70).

[0092] The light source may be other light sources such as lasers or mercury lamps. The light distribution control unit may consist only of a reflector (62), only of a lens (63), or of other components capable of distributing ultraviolet light from an LED (61). The irradiation device (60) may not have a light distribution control unit.

[0093] Although embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0094] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] As described above, this disclosure is useful for air conditioning indoor units and air conditioning systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10. Air conditioning system 20 Outdoor unit (outdoor unit) 30 Indoor Units (Air Conditioning Indoor Units) 31 Casing 34 Airflow channels 42 Indoor fan (fan) 50 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 53 Front heat exchange section 54 Rear heat exchange section 60 Irradiation device 61 LED (light source) 62,63 Light distribution control unit 70 Shielding member 74 2nd page 75 Through-hole 76 Main unit 77 Mounting part 80 Support member 81 Page 1 85 Heatsink (heat dissipation part) 90 Angle adjustment mechanism

Claims

1. A casing (31) having an air passage (34), A heat exchanger (50) having a front heat exchange section (53) located towards the front of the air passage (34) and a rear heat exchange section (54) located towards the rear, A fan (42) is positioned between the front heat exchange section (53) and the rear heat exchange section (54), A shielding member (70) that closes the gap between the upper end of the front heat exchange section (53) and the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (54), The system comprises an irradiation device (60) that is directly or indirectly fixed to the shielding member (70) and irradiates ultraviolet light. Indoor unit of an air conditioner.

2. The irradiation device (60) is positioned downstream of the airflow in the shielding member (70). The indoor air conditioning unit according to claim 1.

3. The shielding member (70) is further equipped with a support member (80) which is fixed to the shielding member (70). The irradiation device (60) is fixed to the first surface (81) on the downstream side of the airflow in the support member (80). The indoor air conditioning unit according to claim 2.

4. The first surface (81) is inclined with respect to the second surface (74) on the downstream side of the airflow in the shielding member (70). The indoor air conditioning unit according to claim 3.

5. The shielding member (70) comprises a main body (76) in which a through-hole (75) is formed, and a mounting part (77) that is detachably attached inside the through-hole (75), The irradiation device (60) is fixed to the mounting portion (77). The indoor air conditioning unit according to claim 2.

6. The shielding member (70) is provided with a heat dissipation section (85) on the upstream side of the airflow. An indoor air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The irradiation device (60) is further provided with an angle adjustment mechanism (90) for adjusting the angle. An indoor air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The shielding member (70) is made of a metal material. An indoor air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The irradiation device (60) is A light source that emits ultraviolet light (61), It has a light distribution control unit (62, 63) that distributes ultraviolet light emitted from the light source (61). An indoor air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The irradiation device (60) irradiates ultraviolet light toward the fan (42). An indoor air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. An air conditioning indoor unit (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It includes an outdoor unit (20). Air conditioning system.

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