Ceiling recessed air conditioner

Abstract

The ceiling-mounted air conditioner includes: a hollow box-shaped main body housing with a bottom surface having a main body intake and a top plate facing the bottom surface; and a blower having a fan and a fan housing housing that houses the fan, and being arranged inside the main body housing with the central axis of the fan orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main body housing. The fan housing has: a bottom wall portion having a first blower intake and being arranged on the bottom surface side of the main body housing in the direction of extension of the central axis; and an upper wall portion having a second blower intake and being arranged on the top plate side in the direction of extension of the central axis. A secondary air passage is provided inside the main body housing to connect the outside with the second blower intake. The blower is configured such that the first blower intake and the main body intake are opposite each other, and a gap is formed between the upper wall portion and the top plate. This gap constitutes part of the secondary air passage and becomes the intake path for air to the second blower intake.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Generally, ceiling-mounted air conditioners require a slim profile. However, in air conditioners (hereinafter also referred to as indoor units), there exists an air conditioner where a multi-bladed fan is arranged inside the housing with its rotation axis perpendicular to the intake port of the indoor unit's housing for the purpose of slimming (for example, see Patent Document 1). The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a floor-standing indoor unit, with the surface of the housing where the intake port is located as the front surface, placed on the floor indoors. In the indoor unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the blower, which has a multi-bladed fan and a fan housing, is a single-sided intake structure that draws in air only from the front, and the rear of the blower is opposite to the rear wall of the housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-198641

[0004] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the blower is configured with the rotation axis of the multi-bladed fan perpendicular to the intake port on the front surface of the casing, and the blower is structured to draw air only from its front intake port, the intake port area is limited, and pressure loss increases. As a result, the fan speed needs to be increased to ensure airflow, leading to a deterioration in the noise of the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made against the backdrop of the aforementioned issues, and its purpose is to provide a ceiling-mounted air conditioner that can suppress noise degradation caused by the limited area of ​​the intake port, even when the fan is configured with its rotation axis perpendicular to the intake port of the housing (also referred to as the main housing).

[0006] The ceiling-mounted air conditioner disclosed herein comprises: a hollow, box-shaped main body housing having a bottom surface with a main body inlet and a top plate facing the bottom surface; and a blower having a fan and a fan housing housing the fan, and being disposed within the main body housing with the central axis of the fan orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main body housing. The fan housing has: a bottom wall portion having a first blower inlet disposed on the bottom surface side of the main body housing in the extension direction of the central axis; and an upper wall portion having a second blower inlet disposed on the top plate side in the extension direction of the central axis. A secondary air passage is provided within the main body housing to communicate with the outside and the second blower inlet. The blower is configured such that the first blower inlet faces the main body inlet, and a gap is formed between the upper wall portion and the top plate, the gap constituting part of the secondary air passage and becoming the intake path for air to the second blower inlet.

[0007] According to this disclosure, in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner in which the fan is configured so that its rotation axis is perpendicular to the main body inlet of the main housing, noise degradation caused by the limited area of ​​the inlet can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 is installed inside the ceiling.

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

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from below.

[0011] Figure 4 It means in Figure 2 A schematic 3D view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the top panel removed.

[0012] Figure 5 It means in Figure 2 A general front view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner with the controller removed.

[0013] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of section AA.

[0014] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 A diagram showing another structural example of the air supply unit mounting component.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from below. 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, including... Figure 1 The size relationships of the constituent parts in the following figures may sometimes differ from the actual dimensions. 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." Identical or equivalent parts in the various figures are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0017] Implementation Method 1

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view showing the state in which the ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 is installed inside the ceiling. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from above. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner as seen from below. The solid hollow arrows in the diagram conceptually represent airflow. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner is installed inside the ceiling, drawing in air from the conditioned space (indoor unit), heating or cooling it, and supplying it to the conditioned space via ducts or directly from the ceiling opening 211o of the ceiling 200. Hereinafter, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner will sometimes be referred to as the indoor unit 100.

[0019] The indoor unit 100 is embedded in the ceiling 200 of the space to be air-conditioned. (The following is an example...) Figure 1 As shown, the indoor unit 100 is defined as being installed within the ceiling 210. The ceiling 210 refers to a portion of the hanging area of ​​the ceiling 200. When using the ceiling 210 as the installation space for the indoor unit 100, a wider installation space is generally ensured compared to installing it indoors. Furthermore, when the indoor unit 100 is installed inside the ceiling, for example, the intake 10b and exhaust 10a can be installed relatively freely through ductwork, thus improving the aesthetics of the room compared to indoor air conditioning models installed indoors.

[0020] like Figure 1As 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 envisioned that no inspection opening is provided on the suspended ceiling 210 (e.g., the bottom portion 212).

[0021] The indoor unit 100 has a main body housing 1 made of metal sheet forming its outer contour. The main body housing 1 is cubic in shape (see reference). Figure 2 The main body shell 1 is configured such that a blowout 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 housing 1 are orthogonal sides. Hereinafter, the intake port 10b of the main body housing 1 will sometimes be referred to as the main body intake port.

[0022] The indoor unit 100 is configured such that the main housing 1 is suspended within the ceiling 210 by multiple hanging bolts (not shown) installed vertically along beams or other structural members in the building. The indoor unit 100 has an air outlet 10a (see reference 10a) on the main housing 1. Figure 2 The first surface S1 of the indoor unit 100 is positioned opposite the ceiling opening 211o. The indoor unit 100 draws indoor air A1 into the ceiling 210 via the ceiling opening 211o and grille 6 on the side portion 211 of the ceiling 210, and draws indoor air A2 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. The 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 indoor 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 indoor unit 100, the arrow Y direction indicates the depth direction of the indoor unit 100, and the arrow Z direction indicates the height direction of the indoor 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 exterior of the main body shell 1.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the indoor unit 100 includes, within its main housing 1, a fan 2 for circulating indoor air and an indoor heat exchanger 9 for exchanging heat between indoor air and refrigerant. The refrigerant can be water, antifreeze, or any other refrigerant. Furthermore, the indoor unit 100 includes a drain pan 15 for receiving drainage generated at 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 4 In addition, the indoor unit 100 has a controller 17 that controls functional components such as the air supply fan 2 and the drain pump 16.

[0026] like Figure 3 As 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 aforementioned second surface S2). 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, on the left side portion of the front surface of the main housing 1 (i.e., the aforementioned first surface S1). The right side portion of the front surface of the main housing 1 opens through the blowout port 10a.

[0027] Alternatively, the intake port 10b can be located on the top plate 11 forming the upper surface of the main housing 1 instead of on the bottom 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 that operate 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 air supply section 2x is mounted on the main housing 1. The mounting structure of the air supply section 2x relative to the main housing 1 will be described later. 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 laterally arranged within the main housing 1 with the central axis Ax of the fan 23 along the height direction (arrow Z direction), that is, laterally arranged with the central axis Ax of the fan 23 orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main housing 1.

[0030] The fan housing 20 is configured to be split into two in the direction of airflow (arrow Y direction) of the aforementioned regulated air A3, and includes a blower outlet 20o (see below). Figure 4 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] The indoor unit 100 is connected to an outdoor unit (not shown) via connecting pipes such as liquid pipes and gas pipes, forming an air conditioning system together. The compressor, flow path switching device, outdoor heat exchanger, and pressure reducing device of the outdoor unit (not shown) are sequentially connected to the indoor heat exchanger 9 of the indoor unit 100 via piping to form a refrigerant circuit. By circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system, heating or cooling of the target space (indoors) is achieved within the indoor unit 100. The indoor heat exchanger 9 functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation.

[0032] Figure 4 It means in Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) with the ceiling panel 11 removed. Figure 5 It means in Figure 2 A schematic front view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) with the controller 17 removed.

[0033] like Figure 4As shown, the indoor unit 100 has a partition plate 7 and a guide wall 8 inside 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 fan 2 side and an indoor heat exchanger 9 side. The left end of the indoor heat exchanger 9 is installed on the front part of the right side face of the partition plate 7. Hereinafter, the space inside the main housing 1 that houses the fan 2 to the left of the partition plate 7 is sometimes referred to as the fan housing space Sf, and the space that houses the indoor heat exchanger 9 to the right of the partition plate 7 is referred to as the heat exchanger housing space Sh.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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, becomes forward airflow after passing through the guide wall 8 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 9.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The fan housing 20 includes a first outer shell portion 21, the inner side of which 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 fan outlet 20o, which is connected to... Figure 4 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.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 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 As shown, in the structure where an intake port 10b is provided on the bottom surface of the main housing 1, with the blower 2 housed inside the main housing 1, the blower opening 20bo, located on the bottom wall portion 20b of the fan housing 20, faces the intake port 10b of the main housing 1, and functions as the main blower intake port 20i. 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.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the controller 17 includes: a control board (not shown) that controls various functional components, a control box 17c that houses the control board and wiring, and a cover 17a that prevents moisture or dust from entering the interior of the controller 17 from the ceiling 200. The controller 17 has, for example, a cubic shape, and the cover 17a, which is configured as a quadrilateral plate, can be installed and removed from the cubic control box 17c, which has an opening relative to the front surface, by means of screws or the like.

[0040] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, the controller 17 is positioned in front of the blower 2 and is detachably fixed to the main housing 1. Furthermore, the controller 17 forms part of the front side of the left-side portion of the outer contour of the indoor unit 100. The controller 17 is configured with a cover 17a located on the front side. The cover 17a is positioned on the left-side portion of the front surface (first surface S1) of the main housing 1, and the upper, left, and lower sides of the control box 17c are positioned on the upper, left, and lower sides of the front side of the left-side portion of the main housing 1. That is, in Figure 4If the controller 17 is removed from the main housing 1, an opening 10c is formed on the front side of the left portion of the outer contour of the indoor unit 100 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, when performing maintenance on the indoor unit 100 (e.g., inspection, cleaning, or parts replacement), the operator can easily access the controller 17 and the blower 2 through the ceiling opening 211o, which is opened by removing the grille 6 installed on the ceiling 210. The controller 17 is located on the front surface (first surface S1) of the main housing 1, which has an air outlet 10a, that is, the side opposite the ceiling opening 211o. Furthermore, if the controller 17 is removed from the main housing 1, an opening 10c is formed on the front side of the blower 2. Thus, the blower 2 can be accessed through the ceiling opening 211o and the opening 10c.

[0042] Among them, Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this context, the controller 17 is defined as being configured such that the opening 10c of the main housing 1 is closed to facilitate access to the controller 17 during maintenance. However, the configuration of the controller 17 relative to the main housing 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. The controller 17 may be configured at a location other than the front surface of the main housing 1, or it may be configured inside the main housing 1. In this case, the opening 10c on the front surface of the main housing 1 is closed by a component different from the controller 17.

[0043] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 A schematic sectional view of section AA. Figure 6 In, it is shown Figure 5 The opening 10c shown is closed by the controller 17. Wherein, Figure 6 The diagram of the internal structure of controller 17 is omitted. Solid hollow arrows, dashed hollow arrows, and dashed arrows in the diagram all represent airflow.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the motor body 24a of the fan motor 24 is mounted on the inner side of the surface of the main body housing 1 opposite to the surface where the suction port 10b is provided via the air supply mounting member 3. In Embodiment 1, the suction port 10b is provided on the bottom surface of the main body housing 1, and therefore the air supply section 2x is mounted on the inner surface of the top plate 11.

[0045] In the case where the suction port 10b is located on the top plate 11 in the main body housing 1 and a bottom plate is located below the blower 2, an air supply unit 2x is installed on the bottom plate of the main body housing 1.

[0046] The following is for reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 The air duct formed within the main housing 1 and the mounting structure of the fan motor 24 relative to the top plate 11 are described in detail.

[0047] If used Figure 3 and Figure 4 As explained, the blower 2 is configured such that blower openings 20ao and 20bo are provided on the upper wall portion 20a and the bottom wall portion 20b of the fan housing 20, respectively, allowing air to be drawn in from both the lower and upper sides. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, a gap G for airflow is formed between the top plate 11 of the main body housing 1 and the upper wall 20a of the fan housing 20. That is, within the main body housing 1 (particularly the blower housing space Sf), suction paths Fi1 and Fi2 are respectively provided on the lower and upper sides of the blower 2. In addition, the suction port 10b on the bottom surface of the main body housing 1 has an opening area larger than the blower opening 20bo of the bottom wall 20b of the fan housing 20.

[0048] Hereinafter, the blower opening 20bo of the bottom wall portion 20b of the fan housing 20, which faces the bottom of the main housing 1 and is provided with the suction port 10b, is sometimes referred to as the first blower suction port, and the blower opening 20ao of the upper wall portion 20a is referred to as the second blower suction port.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, air is drawn into the main body housing 1 through the intake port 10b on the bottom surface of the main body housing 1. Figure 1 The air (indicated by a hollow arrow) in the indoor air (A2) shown is drawn into the blower 2 through the blower opening 20bo on the lower side of the blower 2 via the lower intake path Fi1 within the main body housing 1, passing approximately the center of the intake port 10b. On the other hand, air drawn into the main body housing 1 from the intake port 10b on the bottom surface of the main body housing 1 (…) Figure 1 The indoor air (A2) shown in the diagram, through the outer periphery of the intake 10b (indicated by the dashed arrow), flows outward along the bottom wall 20b of the fan housing 20 within the main body housing 1, and rises along the outer surface of the peripheral wall 20c. Then, as shown by the dashed hollow arrow, it is drawn into the blower 2 from the blower opening 20ao on the upper side of the blower 2 via the upper intake path Fi2. That is, in the blower 2, the blower opening 20ao, located on the upper wall 20a of the fan housing 20 and covered by the top plate 11, also serves as an auxiliary blower intake 20i (see reference). Figure 3 It can perform its functions.

[0050] Thus, within the main housing 1, there are formed a main air passage Pm, connecting the intake 10b on the bottom surface of the main housing 1 to the blower opening 20bo on the lower side of the blower 2; and a first secondary air passage Ps1, connecting the intake 10b on the bottom surface of the main housing 1 to the blower opening 20ao on the upper side of the blower 2, which is longer than the main air passage Pm. The blower 2 and the main housing 1 are configured to allow more air to flow through the main air passage Pm compared to the first secondary air passage Ps1. The proportion of air flowing in the main air passage Pm or the first secondary air passage Ps1 within the air drawn into the main housing 1 is determined by the ratio of the length of the first secondary air passage Ps1 to the length of the main air passage Pm, the size of the gap provided on the outer side of the peripheral wall 20c, the size of the gap G between the top plate 11 and the upper wall 20a, and the size of the opening area of ​​the intake 10b relative to the opening area of ​​the blower opening 20bo.

[0051] If the gap G between the top plate 11 and the upper wall portion 20a is too small, it will be difficult to draw in air through the blower opening 20ao, and noise may sometimes be generated as the wind attempts to pass through the narrow area. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the size of the gap G so that a predetermined amount of air can be drawn in through the blower opening 20ao. For example, in order to suppress noise generation, the size of the gap G is preferably 40 [mm] or more.

[0052] The mounting structure of the fan motor 24 relative to the top plate 11 will be described below. Figure 6 In the middle, the motor body 24a is fixed to the top plate 11 by air supply mounting parts 3 such as bolts 31. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, multiple feet 24b are provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the motor body 24a. These multiple feet 24b are fixed to the top plate 11 by the air supply mounting member 3, i.e., they are suspended. The air supply mounting member 3 is configured to form a gap G between the top plate 11 and the upper wall 20a, which serves as the suction path Fi2.

[0053] The structure of the air supply mounting member 3 for mounting the motor body 24a to the top plate 11 is not limited to the structure described above, as long as a gap G, which serves as the suction path Fi2, is formed between the surface of the main body housing 1 opposite to the surface where the suction port 10b is provided and the fan housing 20.

[0054] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The diagram shows another structural example of the air supply unit mounting component 3. Figure 7The air supply mounting bracket 3 shown is configured to allow the air supply section 2x to be pulled forward. Specifically, the air supply mounting bracket 3 includes: a plate-shaped motor base 33 that fixes the motor body 24a, and a guide rail 32 that supports the motor base 33 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction (arrow Y direction). The guide rail 32 is fixed to the top plate 11. In this case, the motor base 33 is configured to have a gap between it and the upper wall 20a of the fan housing 20, or to cover only a part of the air supply opening 20ao of the upper wall 20a, to prevent the entire suction path Fi2 from being blocked.

[0055] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) as seen from below. In the main housing 1, one or more auxiliary openings 40 are provided on the side plates (particularly, side plates such as the left side plate 13 or rear side plate 14 that separate the fan housing space Sf from the exterior of the indoor unit 100) connecting the top plate 11 to the periphery of the bottom surface. Figure 8 In the middle, one auxiliary opening 40 is provided on the left side portion of the rear side plate 14 and one on the left side plate 13, for a total of two auxiliary openings 40. Each auxiliary opening 40 has a larger suction port 10b than the main body shell 1 (see reference). Figure 6 Small opening area.

[0056] The auxiliary opening 40 is a knockout hole formed by stamping a knockout portion (not shown) that is provided on the side panel of the main body housing 1 at the time of manufacture of the indoor unit 100. At the time of manufacture of the indoor unit 100, a groove with a thin wall thickness, multiple cuts or multiple slots are provided on the outer periphery of the knockout portion of the main body housing 1, so that the auxiliary opening 40 can be selected when installing the indoor unit 100.

[0057] With the auxiliary opening 40 provided, a second secondary air passage Ps2 is formed inside the main body housing 1, connecting the auxiliary opening 40 of the side plate of the main body housing 1 and the blower opening 20ao on the upper side of the blower 2. Here, the air flow in the second secondary air passage Ps2 will be explained. As shown by the dashed arrow, air is drawn into the interior of the main body housing 1 through the auxiliary opening 40 of the side plate of the main body housing 1 by the blower 2. The air drawn into the main body housing 1 from the auxiliary opening 40 rises along the outer surface of the peripheral wall 20c of the fan housing 20, and then, as Figure 6 As shown by the hollow arrow in the middle dashed line, the air is drawn into the blower 2 from the blower opening 20ao on the upper side of the blower 2 via the upper suction path Fi2. Hereinafter, each of the first auxiliary air passage Ps1 and the second auxiliary air passage Ps2, which connects to the outside and the blower opening 20ao, will sometimes be referred to as an auxiliary air passage without special distinction.

[0058] As described above, the ceiling-mounted air conditioner (indoor unit 100) according to Embodiment 1 includes: a hollow box-shaped main body housing 1, having a bottom surface with a main body intake (intake 10b) and a top plate 11 facing the bottom surface; and a blower 2. The blower 2 has a fan 23 and a fan housing 20 housing the fan 23, and is arranged inside the main body housing 1 such that the central axis Ax of the fan 23 is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main body housing 1. The fan housing 20 has: a bottom wall portion 20b, having a first blower intake (blower opening 20b0), arranged on the bottom surface side of the main body housing 1 in the extending direction of the central axis Ax; and an upper wall portion 20a, having a second blower intake (blower opening 20ao), arranged on the top plate 11 side in the extending direction of the central axis Ax. A secondary air passage (e.g., a first secondary air passage Ps1 or a second secondary air passage Ps2) is provided inside the main housing 1 to connect the outside with the intake port of the second blower (blower opening 20ao). The blower 2 is configured such that the intake port of the first blower is opposite to the intake port of the main body, and a gap G is formed between the upper wall 20a and the top plate 11. This gap G constitutes part of the secondary air passage and becomes the intake path Fi2 for air to the intake port of the second blower.

[0059] Thus, the blower 2 is provided with a first blower inlet and a second blower inlet, and a secondary air passage (e.g., a first secondary air passage Ps1 or a second secondary air passage Ps2) is provided inside the main housing 1 to connect the outside with the second blower inlet (blower opening 20ao). Furthermore, the blower 2 is configured such that the first blower inlet is opposite to the main housing inlet, and a gap G is formed between the upper wall 20a and the top plate 11. This gap G constitutes part of the secondary air passage and becomes the intake path Fi2 for air to the second blower inlet. Therefore, since the blower 2 is provided with both a first and a second blower inlet, the inlet area of ​​the blower 2 is larger than before, and pressure loss is reduced. Moreover, due to the reduced pressure loss, airflow can be ensured even without increasing the fan speed, and noise degradation caused by increased fan speed can be suppressed.

[0060] In addition, the main body intake (intake 10b) has a larger opening area than the first blower intake (blower opening 20bo). Inside the main body housing 1, a first secondary air passage Ps1 is provided as a secondary air passage, in which a portion of the air drawn into the main body housing 1 from the main body intake through the blower 2 is drawn into the second blower intake (blower opening 20ao) via the intake path Fi2.

[0061] Therefore, even if the main housing 1 is provided with only one opening that functions as an intake, air can easily enter not only the blower opening 20bo, but also the first secondary air passage Ps1 connected to the blower opening 20ao, thereby achieving a more reliable effect of noise degradation suppression.

[0062] Additionally, the main body housing 1 has side plates that connect the bottom surface and the periphery of the top plate 11 to each other (e.g., Figure 8 The left side plate 13 or the rear side plate 14). An auxiliary opening 40 with a smaller opening area than the main body inlet (inlet 10b) is provided on the side plate. Inside the main body housing 1, a second auxiliary air passage Ps2 is provided as a secondary air passage, in which air drawn from the main body housing 1 through the auxiliary opening 40 by the blower 2 is drawn into the second blower inlet (blower opening 20ao) via the intake path Fi2.

[0063] Therefore, by increasing the number of openings in the main body housing 1 that function as intake ports, the intake port area of ​​the main body housing 1 is increased. As a result, pressure loss is further reduced, and the effect of noise degradation suppression is further improved.

[0064] Additionally, side panels (e.g., Figure 8 The auxiliary opening 40 of the left side panel 13 or the rear side panel 14 is a knockout hole formed by stamping the knockout part provided on the side panel. As a result, it is possible to choose whether to provide the auxiliary opening 40 depending on the environment of the installation location of the indoor unit 100, thus improving versatility.

[0065] However, 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. Furthermore, 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 may also be vertically positioned and the indoor unit 100 configured to draw air in from the rear.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0067] 1…Main body shell; 2…Blower; 2x…Air supply section; 3…Air supply section mounting parts; 6…Grate; 7…Partition plate; 7o…Air supply opening; 8…Guide wall; 9…Indoor heat exchanger; 9b…Rear side; 10a…Outlet; 10b…Inlet; 10c…Opening; 11…Top plate; 12…Right side plate; 13…Left side plate; 14…Rear side plate; 15…Drain tray; 16…Drain pump; 17…Controller; 17a…Cover; 17c…Control box; 19…Hanging parts; 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 outlet; 21…First outer… 22…Second outer shell; 23…Fan; 24…Fan motor; 24a…Motor body; 24b…Foot; 31…Bolt; 32…Guide rail; 33…Motor base; 40…Auxiliary opening; 100…Indoor unit; 200…Ceiling; 210…Suspended ceiling; 211…Side; 211o…Ceiling opening; 212…Bottom; A1…Indoor air; A2…Indoor air; A3…Regulated air; A4…Regulated air; Ax…Central axis; Fi1…Intake path; Fi2…Intake path; G…Gap; Pm…Main air path; Ps1…First auxiliary air path; Ps2…Second auxiliary air path; S1…First surface; S2…Second surface; Sf…Blower housing space; Sh…Heat exchanger housing space.

Claims

1. A ceiling-mounted air conditioner, characterized in that, have: The hollow, box-shaped main body shell has a bottom surface with a main body suction inlet and a top plate opposite the bottom surface; and A blower has a fan and a fan housing that houses the fan, and is disposed within the main body housing such that the central axis of the fan is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main body housing. The fan housing has: a bottom wall portion having a first blower inlet disposed on the bottom surface side of the main body housing in the extension direction of the central axis; and an upper wall portion having a second blower inlet disposed on the top plate side in the extension direction of the central axis. An auxiliary air passage is provided inside the main housing, connecting the outside to the intake port of the second blower. The blower is configured such that the first blower inlet is opposite to the main body inlet, and a gap is formed between the upper wall and the top plate. This gap constitutes part of the secondary air passage and becomes the path for air to be drawn into the second blower inlet.

2. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main intake port has a larger opening area than the first blower intake port. Inside the main housing, as the secondary air passage, a first secondary air passage is provided where a portion of the air drawn into the interior of the main housing from the main body intake port by the blower is drawn into the second blower intake port via the intake path.

3. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main housing has side plates that connect the bottom surface and the periphery of the top plate to each other. The side plate is provided with an auxiliary opening having an opening area smaller than that of the main body suction inlet. Inside the main housing, as the secondary air passage, a second secondary air passage is provided, in which the air drawn into the interior of the main housing from the auxiliary opening by the blower is drawn into the intake port of the second blower via the intake path.

4. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The auxiliary opening of the side plate is a knockout hole formed by stamping the knockout portion provided on the side plate.

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