Ceiling-mounted air conditioner

Abstract

The ceiling-mounted air conditioner includes: a main housing having an air outlet on its front surface and an air inlet on a surface different from the front surface; a heat exchanger disposed within the main housing along the air outlet; and a blower housed within the main housing, disposed partially or entirely on the rear side of the heat exchanger, with the other end of the blower located on one side of the rear side of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a ceiling-mounted air conditioner with a blower. Background Technology

[0002] In ceiling-mounted air conditioners (hereinafter also referred to as indoor units), an indoor heat exchanger and a blower, such as a multi-bladed fan, that supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger are sometimes housed within the main housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the ceiling-mounted air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, the interior of the main housing is divided into an outlet side region, which is the front side when viewed from the front, and an intake side region, which is the rear side. Furthermore, the indoor heat exchanger is arranged along the outlet in the outlet side region, and the blower is arranged directly behind the indoor heat exchanger in the intake side region.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-233646

[0004] However, in the ceiling-mounted air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, where the blower is positioned directly behind the indoor heat exchanger in the intake area, air is blown forward from the blower outlet located at the front of the blower, and this air flows directly into the back of the indoor heat exchanger in a constant direction. Therefore, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the entire lateral area of ​​the blower is opposite the indoor heat exchanger in the front-back direction, and the indoor heat exchanger is positioned close to the blower, thus increasing noise such as wind noise. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made against the backdrop of the aforementioned issues, with the aim of providing a ceiling-mounted air conditioner capable of suppressing the increase of noise such as wind noise.

[0006] The ceiling-mounted air conditioner disclosed herein comprises: a main housing having an air outlet on its front surface and an air inlet on a surface different from the front surface; a heat exchanger disposed within the main housing along the air outlet; and a blower housed within the main housing and disposed at a position obliquely rearward of the heat exchanger, wherein a portion or all of the blower is located on a side laterally adjacent to the rear of the heat exchanger, and the end of the blower on the other side of the lateral direction is located on the side adjacent to the end of the other side of the lateral direction of the rear of the heat exchanger.

[0007] According to this disclosure, a ceiling-mounted air conditioner capable of suppressing the increase of noise such as wind noise can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a schematic side view showing the state of the ceiling-embedded air conditioner of Embodiment 1 installed on the back of the ceiling.

[0009] Figure 2 From Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from above.

[0010] Figure 3 From Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view showing the state of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as viewed from below.

[0011] Figure 4 It means possessing Figure 1 The diagram shows the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system for the ceiling-mounted air conditioner.

[0012] Figure 5 It means in Figure 2 A schematic 3D view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the top panel removed.

[0013] Figure 6 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the controller disassembled and removed.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a schematic representation of... Figure 5 The top view shows different configuration examples of the blower and indoor heat exchanger.

[0015] Figure 8 It is to remove Figure 6 The schematic front view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner shows the status of the controller. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Additionally, it includes... Figure 1 The size relationships of the constituent parts in the following figures may sometimes differ from reality. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating direction are appropriately used for ease of understanding of this disclosure; however, these terms are for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Examples of terms indicating direction include "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," or "rear." Additionally, the same or equivalent reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts in the various figures.

[0017] Implementation method 1.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing the state of the ceiling-embedded air conditioner of Embodiment 1 installed on the back of the ceiling. Figure 2 From Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from above. Figure 3 From Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-recessed air conditioner as seen from below. The hollow arrows in the solid lines conceptually represent airflow. The ceiling-recessed air conditioner is installed on the back of the ceiling, draws in air from the conditioned space (indoors), heats or cools it, and supplies it to the conditioned space via ducts or directly from the ceiling opening 211o of the ceiling 200. Hereinafter, the ceiling-recessed air conditioner will sometimes be referred to as indoor unit 100.

[0019] The indoor unit 100 is embedded in and installed in the ceiling 200 of the space to be air-conditioned. Hereinafter, the indoor unit 100 is described as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the unit is defined as being installed within the suspended ceiling 210. The suspended ceiling 210 refers to a portion of the ceiling 200 that hangs down. When using the suspended ceiling 210 as the installation space for the indoor unit 100, a wider installation space is generally ensured compared to installation within the room. Furthermore, when the indoor unit 100 is installed behind the ceiling, for example, the intake 10b and exhaust 10a can be more freely installed via ductwork, thus improving the aesthetics of the room compared to indoor air conditioning units installed within the room.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a ceiling opening 211o is provided on the side portion 211 of the suspended ceiling 210, and a grille 6 is installed on the interior side of the side portion 211 to cover the ceiling opening 211o. In Embodiment 1, for the sake of the aesthetics of the ceiling 200, it is assumed that no inspection opening is provided on the suspended ceiling 210 (e.g., the bottom portion 212).

[0021] The interior unit 100 has a sheet metal main body shell 1 that forms its outer contour. The main body shell 1 is rectangular (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, it has a hollow box-like structure inside. The main shell 1 is configured such that a blow-out port 10a is provided on the first surface S1 (see reference). Figure 2 A suction port 10b is provided on a second side S2, which is different from the first side S1 (see reference). Figure 3 The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the main body shell 1 are orthogonal side surfaces.

[0022] The interior unit 100 is configured such that the main body shell 1 is suspended within the ceiling 210 via multiple vertically arranged hanging bolts (not shown) from beams or other structural members of the building. The interior unit 100 has an outlet 10a (see reference) where the main body shell 1 is located. Figure 2The first surface S1 of the ceiling unit 100 is positioned opposite the ceiling opening 211o. The indoor unit 100 allows indoor air A1 to flow into the ceiling 210 via the ceiling opening 211o and grille 6 on the side portion 211 of the ceiling 210. Indoor air A2 flowing into the ceiling 210 is then drawn into the main housing 1 through the intake port 10b. The indoor unit 100 exchanges heat between the indoor air A2 drawn into the main housing 1 and the refrigerant, generating conditioned air A3 whose temperature is adjusted by cooling or heating. This conditioned air A3 is then blown out from the outlet 10a of the main housing 1. The conditioned air A3, after exiting the outlet 10a, is blown into the room via the ceiling opening 211o and grille 6 on the side portion 211 of the ceiling 210. The conditioned air A4 blown into the room provides cooling or heating.

[0023] Hereinafter, the terms indicating direction ("up", "down", "right", "left", "front" or "back") are defined as directions viewed from the front with the second surface S2 of the interior unit 100 as the bottom surface and the first surface S1 as the front surface. In the figure, the arrow X direction indicates the width direction of the interior unit 100, the arrow Y direction indicates the depth direction of the interior unit 100, and the arrow Z direction indicates the height direction of the interior unit 100.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body shell 1 consists of a top plate 11 forming the upper surface, a right side plate 12 forming the right side surface, a left side plate 13 forming the left side surface, and a rear side plate 14 forming the back surface (see reference). Figure 3 It consists of components such as [list of components]. In addition, four hanging brackets 19 for hanging bolts are provided on the left and right sides of the main body shell 1.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the indoor unit 100 includes, within the main housing 1, a fan 2 for circulating indoor air and an indoor heat exchanger 9 for exchanging heat between indoor air and refrigerant. Furthermore, the refrigerant can be water, antifreeze, or any other refrigerant. Additionally, the indoor unit 100 includes a drain pan 15 for receiving drainage generated in the indoor heat exchanger 9 and a drain pump 16 for discharging drainage stored in the drain pan 15 to the outside (see description below). Figure 5 In addition, the indoor unit 100 has a controller 17 that controls functional components such as the air supply fan 2 and the drainage pump 18.

[0026] like Figure 3As shown, the blower 2 is located on the left side inside the main housing 1, and the indoor heat exchanger 9 is located on the right side inside the main housing 1. The drain pan 15 is located below the indoor heat exchanger 9, forming the right side portion of the bottom surface of the main housing 1 (i.e., the second surface S2 mentioned above). The left side portion of the bottom surface of the main housing 1 opens through the suction port 10b. The controller 17 is located in front of the blower 2, forming the left side portion of the front surface of the main housing 1 (i.e., the first surface S1 mentioned above). The right side portion of the front surface of the main housing 1 opens through the blowout port 10a.

[0027] Alternatively, instead of placing the suction port 10b on the bottom surface of the main housing 1, it can be placed on the top plate 11 that forms the upper surface. In this case, a bottom plate is provided below the blower 2.

[0028] The indoor heat exchanger 9 is disposed on the right side and front side of the main housing 1 along the outlet 10a. The indoor heat exchanger 9 has multiple gaps configured to allow air to flow through these gaps in the front-back direction (arrow Y direction). Therefore, regulating air A3 is blown forward through the outlet 10a. Hereinafter, the direction in which the regulating air A3 is blown out of the outlet 10a, i.e., the front-back direction (arrow Y direction), will sometimes be referred to as the blowing direction of the regulating air A3.

[0029] The blower 2 includes a fan 23, a fan motor 24 that drives the fan 23 to rotate, and a fan housing 20 that houses the fan 23 and the fan motor 24. Hereinafter, the main parts operating in the blower 2, namely the fan 23 and the fan motor 24, will sometimes be referred to as the air supply section 2x. The blower 2 is, for example, a centrifugal blower, the fan 23 is, for example, a multi-bladed fan, and the fan housing 20 has a vortex shape. The blower 2 is arranged laterally within the main housing 1 with the central axis Ax of the fan 23 along the height direction (arrow Z direction).

[0030] The fan housing 20 is configured to be divided into two in the blowing direction (arrow Y direction) of the aforementioned regulated air A3, and has a blower outlet 20o (see below). Figure 5 The fan housing 20 consists of an inner first outer shell portion 21 and a front second outer shell portion 22. For example, the first outer shell portion 21 and the second outer shell portion 22 of the fan housing 20 are divided into front and rear sections by an imaginary surface extending laterally (in the direction of arrow X) including the central axis Ax of the fan 23. That is, the fan 2 is configured such that the second outer shell portion 22 can be removed from the first outer shell portion 21 to expose the air supply portion 2x inside the fan housing 20.

[0031] Figure 4 It means possessing Figure 1 The diagram shows the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 400 for the ceiling-mounted air conditioner. Figure 4As shown, the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 300 are connected by connecting pipes 40p such as liquid pipes and gas pipes, and together with the outdoor unit 300, they constitute an air conditioning system 400.

[0032] The air conditioning system 400 has a refrigerant circuit 40 formed by connecting a compressor 41, an indoor heat exchanger 9, a flow control valve 42, and an outdoor heat exchanger 43 via piping. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 400 includes an indoor fan (the aforementioned fan 2) that supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger 9, and an outdoor fan 44 that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 43. The air conditioning system 400 includes a controller 17 that controls the refrigeration cycle, and a remote control 402 that is connected to the controller 17 wirelessly or via a wired connection and inputs user commands to the controller 17.

[0033] The indoor unit 100 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 9, a flow control valve 42, and a blower 2. Additionally, as described above, a drain pan 51 is provided in the indoor unit 100. The outdoor unit 300 is equipped with a compressor 41, an outdoor heat exchanger 43, and an outdoor blower 44.

[0034] exist Figure 4 In the example, the refrigerant circuit 40 is configured to connect the compressor 41, the indoor heat exchanger 9, the flow control valve 42 and the outdoor heat exchanger 43 in sequence, thereby enabling the heating of the air-conditioned target space (indoor) in the outdoor unit 300.

[0035] Furthermore, the structure of the refrigerant circuit 40 is not limited to Figure 4 The structure shown in the diagram. For example, the refrigerant circuit 40 can also sequentially connect the compressor 41, outdoor heat exchanger 43, flow control valve 42 (LEV), and indoor heat exchanger 9 to enable the indoor unit 100 to perform indoor heating. Alternatively, it can be configured such that a flow path switching device, such as a four-way valve, is provided on the refrigerant discharge side of the compressor 41 in the refrigerant circuit 40 to switch between cooling and heating operations. The indoor heat exchanger 9 functions as a condenser during heating operation and as an evaporator during cooling operation. On the other hand, the outdoor heat exchanger 43 functions as an evaporator during heating operation and as a condenser during cooling operation.

[0036] The controller 17 controls the actuators according to the operating mode and the required heat exchange. Specifically, the controller 17 controls the frequency of the compressor 41, the opening degree of the flow control valve 42, the fan speed of the blower 2, and the fan speed of the outdoor blower 44. The controller 17 consists of dedicated hardware or a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also known as a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or processor) that executes programs stored in a storage device.

[0037] Figure 5 It means in Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the top panel 11 removed. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the indoor unit 100 has a partition plate 7 and a guide wall 8 within the main housing 1. The partition plate 7 is a quadrilateral plate-shaped component extending along the depth direction (arrow Y direction), dividing the internal space of the main housing 1 into a blower 2 side and an indoor heat exchanger 9 side. The left end of the indoor heat exchanger 9 is installed on the front portion of the right side face of the partition plate 7. Hereinafter, the space within the internal space of the main housing 1 that houses the blower 2 to the left of the partition plate 7 is sometimes referred to as the blower housing space Sf, and the space that houses the indoor heat exchanger 9 to the right of the partition plate 7 is sometimes referred to as the heat exchanger housing space Sh.

[0038] An air outlet 7o is provided on the inner side of the partition plate 7. A blower outlet 20o of the fan housing 20 is connected to the air outlet 7o of the partition plate 7. Specifically, the periphery of the blower outlet 20o in the first outer shell portion 21 of the fan housing 20 is screwed to the periphery of the air outlet 7o on the left side of the partition plate 7. Air is supplied from the blower 2 to the heat exchanger housing space Sh through the air outlet 7o provided on the inner side of the partition plate 7.

[0039] A guide wall 8 is disposed inside the heat exchanger housing space Sh within the main housing 1. The guide wall 8 guides air towards the indoor heat exchanger 9, which is orthogonally positioned to the partition plate 7. The guide wall 8 extends forward and to the right from the rear end of the right side face of the partition plate 7, and extends to the right end of the rear face 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. The slope of the guide wall 8 increases as it approaches the indoor heat exchanger 9, i.e., as it moves to the right. Near the partition plate 7, the guide wall 8 extends to the right along the rear side plate 14, and near the indoor heat exchanger 9, it extends forward along the right side plate 12. Air supplied from the blower 2 to the heat exchanger housing space Sh via the air outlet 7o, i.e., rightward airflow, passes through the guide wall 8 and becomes forward airflow, flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 9.

[0040] Inside the main housing 1, the blower 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 are arranged in the depth direction (arrow Y direction) such that the blower outlet 20o of the fan housing 20 is located further inside the air inflow side (i.e., the back surface 9b) of the indoor heat exchanger 9. Furthermore, when viewed from above inside the main housing 1, the blower 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 are arranged such that the forming surface of the blower outlet 20o intersects the back surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. That is, when viewed from above inside the main housing 1, the partition plate 7 with the air supply opening 7o and the indoor heat exchanger 9 are arranged such that the partition plate 7 intersects the back surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9.

[0041] The air supply unit 2x is mounted on the main housing 1. Specifically, the motor body of the fan motor 24, on which the fan 23 is mounted, is installed in the main housing 1 and has an intake port 10b (see reference). Figure 3 The inner side of the face opposite to the face of the ). In embodiment 1, as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, an intake port 10b is provided on the bottom surface of the main housing 1, and an air supply section 2x is installed on the inner surface of the top plate 11. The motor body is fixed to the top plate 11, for example, by fasteners such as screws. Furthermore, the mounting structure for mounting the motor body to the plate 11 is not limited to the aforementioned fasteners. The mounting structure may also consist of, for example, a guide rail that slidably supports the motor body so that the air supply section 2x can be pulled forward.

[0042] Furthermore, with the intake port 10b located on the top plate 11 in the main housing 1 and a base plate located below the blower 2, the air supply unit 2x is installed on the base plate of the main housing 1 using the mounting structure.

[0043] Figure 6 It means in Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the controller 17 disassembled and removed. Figure 6 As shown, the controller 17 includes: a control board 17b for controlling various functional components, a control box 17c for housing the control board 17b and various wiring, and a cover 17a for preventing moisture or dust from entering the interior of the controller 17 from the ceiling 200. The controller 17 has, for example, a cubic shape.

[0044] The controller 17 is detachably fixed to the main housing 1. Specifically, the control box 17c is mounted to the main housing 1 from the front via fasteners 17e such as screws. In addition, the cover 17a is mounted to the main housing 1 from the front via fasteners 17d and 17f such as screws, either relative to the control box 17c or via the control box 17c.

[0045] However, the main body housing 1 has a closed cover S1a that forms part of the front surface (first surface S1) when viewed from the side where the blow-out port 10a is provided. That is, the main body housing 1 is configured such that when the closed cover S1a is removed, an opening 10c is formed in a part of the front surface.

[0046] The controller 17 can be installed on the closed cover S1a of the main housing 1, or it can be integrally provided with the closed cover S1a, or it can be disposed inside the main housing 1 between the air supply section 2x and the closed cover S1a. In any case, the controller 17 is disposed in front of the blower 2. Moreover, the controller 17 is preferably disposed with the cover 17a located on the front side. Hereinafter, as Figure 6 As shown, the controller 17 is defined as being integrated with the closed cover S1a.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, an opening 10c is provided on the left side of the front surface (first surface S1) of the main housing 1. If the controller 17 is installed, the opening 10c is closed. When the controller 17 is installed, the cover 17a of the controller 17 constitutes the left side of the front surface (first surface S1) of the main housing 1. That is, the cover 17a of the controller 17 functions as a closed cover S1a of the main housing 1.

[0048] In addition, Figure 6 In the example, the upper, left and lower sides of the control box 17c constitute a part of the upper, left and lower sides of the main body housing 1, so the space near the opening 10c when the controller 17 is removed from the main body housing 1 is slightly wider to the upper side, left side and lower side.

[0049] The following uses Figure 1 as well as Figures 3-6 The method of accessing the controller 17 and the blower 2 during maintenance (e.g., inspection, cleaning, or component replacement) of the indoor unit 100 of this disclosure will be described. As mentioned above, in this disclosure, for the sake of the aesthetics of the ceiling 200, it is assumed that no inspection port is provided in the housing of the suspended ceiling 210 (e.g., the bottom surface 212). Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, maintenance of the controller 17 and the blower 2 is performed by the operator by reaching into the ceiling opening 211o, which is opened by removing the grille 6 installed in the ceiling 210.

[0050] As described above, in the indoor unit 100 of this disclosure, an opening 10c is provided on the front surface (first surface S1) of the main housing 1 where the air outlet 10a is provided, that is, on the side opposite to the ceiling opening 211o and located in front of the blower 2. (Refer to...) Figure 6With this structure, as shown below, maintenance of the controller 17 and the blower 2 is easy even after the indoor unit 100 has been installed.

[0051] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 6 As shown, an operator can access the controller 17 on the front surface of the main housing 1 by reaching through the ceiling opening 211o. For example, the operator can install or remove the cover 17a of the controller 17, install or remove wiring, or install or remove the control box 17c via the ceiling opening 211o. The mounting direction of the cover 17a relative to the control box 17c, the mounting direction of the control box 17c relative to the main housing 1, and the fixing directions of the cover 17a and the control box 17c (i.e., the directions in which the fasteners 17d, 17e, and 17f are pressed in) are all front-to-back (arrow Y direction). This configuration allows the operator to secure and detach the components from the front. Therefore, securing and detaching the components is easy. The operator can maintain the controller 17, which has been removed from the indoor unit 100, within a space wider than the ceiling 200 (e.g., an interior space).

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the operator can access the blower 2 by reaching their hand into the main housing 1 through the opening 10c on the front surface created by removing the controller 17. For example, the operator can assemble or disassemble the second outer shell 22 on the front side of the fan housing 20, or the air supply section 2x, through the opening 10c on the front surface. Thus, the opening 10c on the front surface of the main housing 1 also functions as a path for assembling or disassembling the air supply section 2x or the second outer shell 22. In the assembly / disassembly configuration, the opening 10c is sized to allow passage.

[0053] Specifically, the width Wo of the opening 10c is greater than the width of the air supply section 2x (for example, as described later). Figure 7 The outer diameter Lf of the fan 23 shown and the width Wc of the second housing 22 (see below) Figure 7 Additionally, the height Ho of the opening 10c is greater than the height Hf of the air supply section 2x (see below). Figure 8 The height of the second outer shell 22 (not shown).

[0054] After removing the second outer casing 22, the operator can reach into the main casing 1 through the opening 10c on the front surface to maintain the exposed air supply unit 2x. Alternatively, the operator can pull the air supply unit 2x out from the outside through the opening 10c on the front surface and maintain the air supply unit 2x in a space wider than the ceiling 200 (e.g., indoors).

[0055] like Figure 5As shown, the division position of the fan housing 20 in the front-to-back direction (arrow Y direction) is set as the ratio of the opening width (not shown) of the first outer shell portion 21 and the second outer shell portion 22 at the division boundary to the outer diameter Lf, which is the maximum lateral width of the fan 23 (see below). Figure 7 The second outer casing 22 on the front side can be removed without interfering with the outer periphery of the fan 23, and the air supply section 2x can be removed without interfering with the peripheral wall of the first outer casing 21 when removing the air supply section 2x after removing the second outer casing 22.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the first outer shell portion 21, including the blower outlet 20o, of the fan housing 20 is fixed to the partition plate 7 and assembled to the main housing 1. Specifically, the first outer shell portion 21 has a plate-shaped frame portion (not shown) around the blower outlet 20o, which is connected to... Figure 5 The left sides of the partition plate 7 are opposite each other and are screwed to the periphery of the air supply opening 7o in the partition plate 7. The second outer shell 22 is installed on the first outer shell 21 and assembled into the main body shell 1.

[0057] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the fan housing 20 has: an upper wall portion 20a and a bottom wall portion 20b facing each other, and a peripheral wall portion 20c connecting the outer peripheries of the upper wall portion 20a and the bottom wall portion 20b to each other. Blower openings 20ao and 20bo are respectively provided on the upper wall portion 20a and the bottom wall portion 20b. The blower outlet 20o is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the fan housing 20 as described above (specifically, on the frame portion surrounding the blower outlet 20o of the first outer casing portion 21). Figure 3 In this structure, where the intake port 10b is provided on the bottom surface of the main housing 1, the blower opening 20bo provided on the bottom wall portion 20b of the fan housing 20 functions as the blower intake port 20i when the blower 2 is housed inside the main housing 1. The blower 2 is arranged inside the main housing 1 with the blower outlet 20o facing the air outlet 7o of the partition plate 7.

[0058] In the above Figure 5 In the example, when viewing the interior of the main body housing 1 from the front surface (i.e., the first surface S1) where the blow outlet 10a is provided, the blower 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 are configured such that the blower 2 is located entirely on the left side of the indoor heat exchanger 9.

[0059] In this configuration, when viewed from the front, the blower 2 does not overlap with the indoor heat exchanger 9. Therefore, the blower outlet 20o of the blower 2 does not have a portion facing the back surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9 (i.e., the upstream side of the airflow within the indoor heat exchanger 9) in the depth direction (arrow Y direction). Furthermore, the air blown from the blower outlet 20o changes direction along its path to the back surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9 and flows into the back surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. Therefore, compared to conventional cases, the area of ​​the blower 2 facing the indoor heat exchanger 9 is smaller, and the air path from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9 is longer, thus suppressing noise increases such as wind noise. Because the air path from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9 is longer, the airflow velocity is averaged as it flows into the indoor heat exchanger 9, compared to conventional cases.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, when a curved guide wall 8 is provided in the air path from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9, the air can gradually change direction along the guide wall 8 during its flow in the air path, and smoothly change direction.

[0061] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the configuration of the blower 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 9 is not limited to the configuration described above. In this disclosure, within the main housing 1, the blower 2 may be configured, in part or all, on the rear side of the indoor heat exchanger 9, laterally (in the direction of arrow X), relative to the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. Here, the other end of the blower 2 on the lateral side is located on one side closer to the other end of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. That is, when viewing the interior of the main housing 1 from the front surface (i.e., the first surface S1), at least the other end of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9 does not overlap with the blower 2.

[0062] Figure 7 It is a schematic representation of... Figure 5 The top view shows a different configuration example of the blower 2 and indoor heat exchanger 9. Figure 7 In the example, when viewing the interior of the main housing 1 from the front surface (i.e., the first surface S1), a portion of the blower 2, including its left end 2L, is positioned to the left of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9, and the remaining portion of the blower 2, including its right end 2R, is positioned behind the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. Furthermore, within the main housing 1, the right end 2R of the blower 2 is positioned to the left of the right end 9R of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. That is, when viewing the interior of the main housing 1 from the front surface (i.e., the first surface S1), the left end 9L of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9 overlaps with the blower 2, but the right end 9R of the rear surface 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9 does not overlap with the blower 2.

[0063] Even under these circumstances, compared to the past, the area of ​​the blower 2 opposite the indoor heat exchanger 9 is reduced, and the air path from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9 is lengthened, thus suppressing the increase in noise such as wind noise.

[0064] In addition, Figure 7 In this example, in particular, the majority of the blower 2, including its left end portion 2L and central shaft Ax, is positioned to the left of the rear end 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9. In this case, the front portion of the blower 2, including its front end portion 2F, can be positioned in the depth direction (arrow Y direction). Figure 7 The portion indicated by the slash in the middle is positioned in front of the back 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9.

[0065] However, for ceiling-mounted air conditioners (indoor unit 100), in order to make the ceiling 200 appear higher and to facilitate installation near the entrance passage, it is preferable to have a smaller height and depth of the main housing 1. In addition, there are conventional indoor units 100 with a configuration that switches between the rear and bottom sides of the intake 10b, so that the intake 10b of the indoor unit 100 will not be blocked in spaces where it is difficult to ensure depth, such as when installed in the upper ceiling space.

[0066] In the indoor unit 100 of this disclosure, the front portion of the blower 2 can be positioned in the depth direction (arrow Y direction) forward of the rear end 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9, as described above. Therefore, the fan 23 can be made larger in diameter while maintaining the depth, width, and height dimensions. In addition, by horizontally positioning the blower 2, an intake 10b can be provided on the bottom surface, resulting in a structure that draws in air from below.

[0067] Figure 8 It is to remove Figure 6 A schematic front view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) showing the status of controller 17. (Using...) Figure 8 The wind speed distribution in the air outlet 10a of the indoor unit 100 is described. Figure 8 In the diagram, the dotted-dashed line L10 and the double-dotted-dashed line L11 connect positions where wind speeds are equal. Figure 8 When viewed from the front, the blowout 10a is divided into three regions in sequence from the side with the highest wind speed: the first region R1 within line L10, the second region R2 outside line L10 and within line L11, and the third region R3 outside line L11.

[0068] In conventional indoor unit 100, multiple small fans 23 are arranged laterally (in the direction of arrow X) directly behind the horizontally elongated indoor heat exchanger 9. Each fan 23 is longitudinally arranged such that it extends laterally (in the direction of arrow X) with its central axis Ax and the fan outlet 20o is located at the front. In this conventional indoor unit 100, the wind speed distribution at the outlet 10a of the indoor unit 100 is interrupted laterally (in the direction of arrow X). In addition, at the outlet 10a, a region with extremely slow wind speed is generated between the fans 23 (for example, a region with a wind speed slower than the third region R3).

[0069] On the other hand, in the indoor unit 100 of this disclosure, in the wind speed distribution at the outlet 10a of the indoor unit 100, the region with high wind speed (e.g., the first region R1) is continuous in the lateral direction (arrow X direction). In addition, the formation of a region with extremely slow wind speed at the outlet 10a is suppressed.

[0070] As described above, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) of Embodiment 1 includes a main housing 1, which has an air outlet 10a on its front surface and an air inlet 10b on a surface different from the front surface (e.g., the rear panel 14). The ceiling-mounted air conditioner also includes a heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger 9) disposed within the main housing 1 along the air outlet 10a; and a blower 2 housed within the main housing 1, disposed on the rear side of the heat exchanger with a portion or all located on the lateral side of the back surface 9b of the heat exchanger. The other lateral end of the blower 2 is located on one side of the other lateral end of the back surface 9b of the heat exchanger.

[0071] Therefore, compared to the previous situation, the area opposite to the indoor heat exchanger 9 in the blower 2 is smaller, and the air path from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9 is longer. As a result, compared to the previous situation, the increase in noise such as wind noise is suppressed, and the air velocity in the indoor heat exchanger 9 and the outlet 10a is averaged, thus improving the heat exchange performance.

[0072] Furthermore, the blower 2 is horizontally positioned with its central axis Ax extending in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction). The heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger 9) and the blower 2 are arranged such that the central axis Ax of the blower 2 is located on the side of the back of the heat exchanger 9b that is more horizontal (arrow X direction).

[0073] Therefore, as Figure 7As shown, a portion of the front side of the blower 2 can be positioned further forward than the rear side 9b of the indoor heat exchanger 9, thus allowing for a larger diameter fan 23 while maintaining the depth, width, and height dimensions of the main housing 1. Furthermore, by horizontally positioning the blower 2, an intake port 10b can be provided on the bottom surface of the main housing 1, creating a structure that draws air in from below.

[0074] In addition, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) has a curved guide wall 8, which is disposed inside the main housing 1 to guide air from the blower 2 to the back 9b of the heat exchanger so that the air flows from the inside to the front to the back 9b of the heat exchanger.

[0075] In this way, by setting a curved guide wall 8 along an air path that is longer than in the past from the blower 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 9, the air gradually changes direction along the guide wall 8 as it flows through the path, and the wind speed is averaged out.

[0076] In addition, the blower 2 has a multi-bladed fan and a fan motor 24 that drives the multi-bladed fan to rotate. Furthermore, on the front surface of the main housing 1, an opening 10c of a size that allows the multi-bladed fan and the fan motor 24 to pass through is formed on one side of the outlet 10a, and a removable closing cover S1a is provided in the opening 10c.

[0077] Therefore, when the closure cover S1a is removed, an opening 10c, different from the air outlet 10a, is formed on the front surface of the main housing 1. Moreover, this opening 10c is sized to allow the multi-bladed fan and fan motor 24 to pass through. Thus, during maintenance, the operator can easily remove the air supply section 2x from the main housing 1 through the opening 10c without removing the indoor heat exchanger 9, and perform the aforementioned maintenance.

[0078] In addition, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) includes a controller 17, which is installed on the front side of the enclosure S1a or integrated with the enclosure S1a. Therefore, during maintenance, the operator can access the controller 17 and easily perform controller maintenance.

[0079] In addition, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) includes a controller 17, which is located on the front surface of the main housing 1 on one side of the air outlet 10a. This allows the operator to easily access the controller 17 for maintenance.

[0080] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, although an example using a multi-bladed fan as fan 23 has been described, it is not limited thereto, and can be applied in the same way to structures using other turbine fans, etc. Additionally, although in Embodiment 1 the blower 2 is horizontally positioned and the indoor unit 100 is configured to draw air in from below, the blower 2 can also be vertically positioned and the indoor unit 100 configured to draw air in from the rear.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0082] 1...Main body shell; 2...Blower; 2F...Front end; 2L...Left end; 2R...Right end; 2x...Air supply section; 6...Grate; 7...Partition plate; 7o...Air supply opening; 8...Guide wall; 9...Indoor heat exchanger; 9L...Left end; 9b...Rear side; 10a...Blowout outlet; 10b...Inlet; 10c...Opening; 11...Top plate; 12...Right side plate; 13...Left side plate; 14...Rear side plate; 15...Drainage 16...drain pump; 17...controller; 17a...cover; 17b...control board; 17c...control box; 17d...fixture; 17e...fixture; 17f...fixture; 18...drain pump; 19...hanging bracket; 20...fan housing; 20a...upper wall; 20ao...blower fan opening; 20b...bottom wall; 20bo...blower fan opening; 20c...peripheral wall; 20i...blower fan inlet; 20o...blower fan 21... Air outlet; 22... First outer casing; 23... Fan; 24... Fan motor; 40... Refrigerant circuit; 40p... Connecting piping; 41... Compressor; 42... Flow control valve; 43... Outdoor heat exchanger; 44... Outdoor blower; 51... Drain tray; 100... Indoor unit; 200... Ceiling; 210... Ceiling; 211... Side section; 211o... Ceiling opening; 212... Bottom section; 300... Outdoor unit; 400... Air conditioning system; 402... Remote control; A1... Indoor air; A2... Indoor air; A3... Regulated air; A4... Regulated air; Ax... Central axis; Hf... Height; Ho... Height; Lf... Outer diameter; R1... First zone; R2... Second zone; R3... Third zone; S1... First surface; S1a... Closed cover; S2... Second surface; Sf... Blower housing space; Sh... Heat exchanger housing space.

Claims

1. A ceiling-mounted air conditioner, characterized in that, have: The main body shell has an outlet on its front surface and an inlet on a surface different from the front surface; A heat exchanger is disposed within the main housing along the blow-out port; as well as The blower, housed within the main housing, is positioned at a location slightly behind the heat exchanger, with part or all of it located laterally relative to the back of the heat exchanger. The end of the blower on the other side of the lateral direction is located on one side closer to the end of the heat exchanger on the other side of the lateral direction.

2. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blower is horizontally positioned with its central axis extending vertically. The heat exchanger and the blower are configured such that the central axis of the blower is located on the side of the lateral direction relative to the back of the heat exchanger.

3. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blower has a curved guide wall disposed within the main housing to guide air from the blower to the back of the heat exchanger in such a way that air flows from the inside to the front to the back of the heat exchanger.

4. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The blower includes: a multi-bladed fan and a fan motor that drives the multi-bladed fan to rotate. An opening of a size that allows the multi-bladed fan and the fan motor to pass through is formed on the front surface of the main housing, on the transverse side of the blow outlet, and a removable closing cover is provided in the opening.

5. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, It has a controller, which is installed on the front side of the closed cover or integrally disposed with the closed cover.

6. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It includes a controller disposed on the front surface of the main housing on one side of the lateral direction of the blow-out port.

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