Indoor unit for an air conditioning device and an air conditioning device

Abstract

Indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500), the indoor unit (100) comprising: an outer element (2) which can be arranged on a ceiling of an air-conditioned room, the outer element (2) having an air inlet (2a) and an air outlet (2b); a fan (4) configured to direct air from the air inlet (2a) to the air outlet (2b); a heat exchanger (3) configured to subject the air guided from the air inlet (2a) to heat exchange; an insulation box (5) having a space (5b) accommodating the heat exchanger (3) and the fan (4); an insulation element (6) arranged between the outer element (2) and the insulation box (5), wherein the insulation element (6) has an air inlet passage (6c) and an air outlet passage (6d), wherein the air inlet passage (6c) provides a connection between the air inlet (2a) and the space (5b) to guide air taken in through the air inlet (2a) to the heat exchanger (3), wherein the air outlet passage (6d) provides a connection between the air outlet (2b) and the space (5b) to guide air leaving the heat exchanger (3) to the air outlet (2b); and a housing (1) to which the outer element (2) is attached, the housing (1) comprising the insulation box (5) and the insulation element (6), wherein the insulation box (5) has a first outside air introduction passage (50) which is arranged separately from the space (5b) and which can provide a connection to an outside of the housing (1), wherein the insulation element (6) has a second outside air introduction passage (60) arranged separately from the air outlet passage (6d) and comprising an outside air outlet recess (60a) arranged in a surface of the insulation element (6) facing the outer element (2), wherein the outside air outlet recess (60a) provides a connection with the air inlet passage (6c), wherein the second outside air introduction passage (60) further comprises a connection path (60b) which can provide a connection between the outside air outlet recess (60a) and the first outside air introduction passage (50), wherein the insulation element (6) further comprises a An air passage blocking shutter (65) disposed in the communication path (60b) to block communication between the air inlet passage (6c) and the first outside air introduction passage (50), the air passage blocking shutter (65) being removable from the insulation member (6).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit with outside air inlet for an air conditioning device and an air conditioning device including the indoor unit. background

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses an indoor unit for an air conditioning device in which an outside air introduction box is installed in an air outlet passage so that outside air can be introduced into an air-conditioned room.

[0003] Patent Literature 2 discloses an air conditioning device having a decorative plate, the decorative plate including an inlet flow path for merging conditioned air with outside air.

[0004] Patent Literature 3 discloses an air conditioning device having a structure for improved cable routing.

[0005] Patent Literature 4 discloses an air conditioning device having an outside air inlet for ventilating a room with outside air. Citation listPatent literature Patent literature 1: JP 2010 - 159 909 A Patent literature 2: JP 2004 - 198 014 A Patent literature 3: JP 2016 - 80 207 A Patent literature 4: JP 2005 - 164 213 A Overview of the inventionTechnical problem

[0006] However, in the indoor unit for an air conditioning device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the built-in outside air intake box reduces the air outlet passage. The reduced air outlet passage may result in a lower air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit.

[0007] In response to the above problem, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an indoor unit for an air conditioning apparatus and an air conditioning apparatus, each allowing introduction of outside air into an air-conditioned space with little or no reduction in the air-conditioning capacity of the indoor unit. Solution to the problem

[0008] To solve the above problem and achieve the objective, an indoor unit for an air conditioning device is proposed, having the features defined in the main claim 1. Advantageous embodiments have the features defined in the dependent claims 2 to 9. Furthermore, an air conditioning device is proposed, having the features defined in the dependent claim 10. An indoor unit for an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an exterior member arranged on a ceiling of an air-conditioned space and having an air inlet and an air outlet, a fan configured to direct air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a heat exchanger configured to subject the air directed from the air inlet to heat exchange, an insulation box having a space accommodating the heat exchanger and the fan,an insulation element arranged between the outer element and the insulation box, and having an air inlet passage and an air outlet passage, wherein the air inlet passage provides a connection between the air inlet and the space for directing air taken in through the air inlet to the heat exchanger, wherein the air outlet passage provides a connection between the air outlet and the space for directing air leaving the heat exchanger to the air outlet, and a housing to which the outer element is attached, the housing comprising the insulation box and the insulation element. The insulation box has a first outside air introduction passage arranged separately from the space and capable of providing a connection to an outside of the housing. The insulation element has a second outside air introduction passage,which is arranged separately from the air outlet passage and can provide a connection between the first outside air introduction passage and the air inlet passage.,

[0009] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the indoor unit described above. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0010] In the indoor unit for an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulation member includes the second outside air introduction passage arranged separately from the air outlet passage. This configuration facilitates formation of the second outside air introduction passage without reducing the size of the air outlet passage. Accordingly, the indoor unit for an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure allows introduction of outside air into the conditioned space with little or no reduction in the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides such an indoor unit for an air conditioning device and an air conditioning device including the indoor unit. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing an air conditioning device according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor unit in Embodiment 1, showing an example of the shape and structure of the indoor unit. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 2 shown indoor unit. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an isolation box as seen from where ends of walls of the isolation box are located. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating member as seen from where a lower surface of the insulating member is disposed. Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 5 shown insulation element. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the insulation member as seen from where an upper surface of the insulation member is located. Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 7 shown insulation element. Fig. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the lower surface of the Fig. 6 shown insulation element. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the insulation box and the insulation member combined together. Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the Fig. 12 shown combination of insulation box and insulation element and a housing combined with it. Fig. 15 is an exterior view of the front showing a Fig. 14 shows the outside air introduction blocking element. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a schematic, enlarged, perspective view showing the Fig. 14 with an air passage blocking closure and handle removed. Fig. 18 is a plan view of a portion of the lower surface of the Fig. 17 shown insulation element. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a pipe flange showing the shape and structure of the pipe flange. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the Fig. 17 shown indoor unit with the attached pipe flange. Fig. 23 is a front view showing the Fig. The duct flange shown in Figure 22 is shown as seen from the point where outside air enters. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in Fig. 23. Description of the embodimentsEmbodiment 1

[0011] Next, an air conditioning device 500 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing the air conditioning device 500 according to Embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, solid arrows represent a refrigerant flow direction in the air conditioning device 500 during a cooling operation, and dashed arrows represent a refrigerant flow direction in the air conditioning device 500 during a heating operation. As used herein, the term "cooling operation" refers to an operation of the air conditioning device 500 that causes low-temperature refrigerant to enter an indoor unit 100, and the term "heating operation" refers to an operation of the air conditioning device 500 that causes high-temperature refrigerant to enter the indoor unit 100. Note that the shapes and relative dimensions of components in the following figures may differ from those of actual components.

[0012] The air conditioning device 500 includes the indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit 200, which are connected by a first extension pipe 300 and a second extension pipe 400 to form a refrigeration circuit through which the refrigerant circulates between the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200. Examples of the first extension pipe 300 and the second extension pipe 400 include existing refrigerant pipes in a building in which the air conditioning device 500 is installed. For the air conditioning device 500, the first extension pipe 300 is also referred to as a gas refrigerant pipe, and the second extension pipe 400 is also referred to as a liquid refrigerant pipe.

[0013] The indoor unit 100 includes a heat exchanger 3 that serves as a heat exchange device. In Embodiment 1, the heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the air in an air-conditioned space and the refrigerant flowing within the heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 operates as an evaporator during the cooling operation to evaporate the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 3 operates as a condenser during the heating operation to condense and liquefy the refrigerant. The structure of the indoor unit 100 and the structure of the heat exchanger 3 will be described in detail later.

[0014] The outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 210, a four-way valve 220, a heat source side heat exchanger 230, and an expansion valve 240.

[0015] Compressor 210 draws in low-temperature refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant into high-temperature refrigerant, and discharges the refrigerant. Examples of compressor 210 include variable-displacement compressors, such as a scroll compressor and a rotary compressor, in which the amount of refrigerant discharged per unit time is changed by changing an operating frequency through, for example, an inverter circuit.

[0016] The four-way valve 220 switches between internal passages for cooling operation and internal passages for heating operation. Fig. 1, solid lines represent the internal passages of the four-way valve 220 for the cooling operation, and dashed lines represent the internal passages of the four-way valve 220 for the heating operation. Switching between the internal passages of the four-way valve 220 is performed, for example, in accordance with an instruction from a controller. The air conditioning device 500 is configured to perform both the heating operation and the cooling operation by causing the four-way valve 220 to switch between the internal passages. When the air conditioning device 500 performs only one of the cooling operation and the heating operation, the four-way valve 220 is not necessary.

[0017] The heat source side heat exchanger 230, which is a heat transfer device, transfers and exchanges heat energy between two fluids having different heat energy levels. One non-limiting example of the heat source side heat exchanger 230 is an air-cooled heat exchanger, such as a finned-tube heat exchanger, with which the coolant flowing within a plurality of heat transfer tubes of the heat source side heat exchanger 230 exchanges heat with air passing through spaces between a plurality of fins of the heat source side heat exchanger 230. The heat source side heat exchanger 230 operates as a condenser during the cooling mode to condense and liquefy the coolant. The heat source side heat exchanger 230 operates as an evaporator during the heating mode to vaporize the coolant.

[0018] Expansion valve 240 is an expansion device that expands high-pressure liquid refrigerant to reduce the refrigerant pressure. A non-limiting example of expansion valve 240 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable, for example, upon command from a controller.

[0019] Hereinafter, the structure of the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioning device 500 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 100 in Embodiment 1, showing an example of the shape and structure of the indoor unit 100. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 2. In the following figures, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements or parts, or to functionally identical elements or parts. The reference numerals for these elements or parts may be omitted. The positional relationship between the components of the indoor unit 100, e.g., in the top-to-bottom, left-to-right, and front-to-back directions, corresponds in principle to the positional relationship in the operational indoor unit 100.

[0020] The indoor unit 100 is, for example, a ceiling-mounted cassette. The indoor unit 100 comprises a housing 1, an outer element 2, the heat exchanger 3, a fan 4, an insulation box 5, and an insulation element 6.

[0021] The housing 1 is made, for example, of a metal sheet, such as stainless steel, and is arranged in a space above the ceiling. The housing 1 is a box formed in a rectangular shape by, for example, bending a metal sheet. The housing 1 opens downward. The housing 1 has flattened or chamfered edges. The flattened or chamfered edges of the housing 1 comprise an edge part 1a. The housing 1 comprises the insulation element 6 and the insulation box 5, which accommodates the heat exchanger 3 and the fan 4.

[0022] The housing 1 has a plurality of closure elements 1b that are removable from the sides of the housing 1. For example, each of the closure elements 1b can be formed integrally with the housing 1 and can be easily removed from the housing 1 by cutting or other processing, which depends, for example, on the installation environment of the indoor unit 100. Removing the closure element 1b from the housing 1 creates a through hole in the housing 1.

[0023] For example, the closure elements 1b include an outside air introduction blocking element 1b1, which must be removed to introduce outside air into the air-conditioned space. The outside air introduction blocking element 1b1 can be arranged in the edge part 1a of the casing 1. For the indoor unit 100 without outside air introduction, the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1 prevents air in the space above the ceiling from being drawn into the indoor unit 100, thus reducing or eliminating a reduction in the air-conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 100. For the indoor unit 100 with outside air introduction, the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1 can be easily removed without a worker having to, for example, make a hole in the indoor unit 100 at the installation site, thus reducing on-site labor.

[0024] The outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 may be formed integrally with the casing 1. The outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 integrated into the casing 1 contributes to a reduction in the number of parts of the indoor unit 100 and thus reduces the number of production steps of the indoor unit 100. The outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 is easily removed from the casing 1 by, for example, cutting with a cutting tool such as a knife.

[0025] The outer element 2 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as plastic and is arranged on the ceiling of the air-conditioned space, such as a room. The outer element 2 is tightly secured to the housing 1 and the insulation element 6 with screws or in a fitted manner, such as in the space above the ceiling.

[0026] The outer element 2 has an air inlet 2a in its central part. The air inlet 2a of the outer element 2 is covered underneath with a protective element 7, which is removable. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the protective element 7 has a grille 7a in its central portion, which has a plurality of slot-shaped air holes. The air holes of the grille 7a serve as the air inlet 2a. The protective element 7 does not need to have a grille 7a. The air inlet 2a of the outer element 2 can be connected to the air-conditioned space via a gap between the protective element 7 and the outer element 2.

[0027] The air inlet 2a of the outer member 2 has a filter 7b. The filter 7b is a porous member that removes dust, bacteria, and other contaminants from the air drawn in through the air inlet 2a. For example, the filter 7b is attached to the protective member 7 to cover a downstream surface of the grille 7a so that the filter 7b is removable. The filter 7b may be arranged at a distance from the protective member 7. The filter 7b arranged to cover the protective member 7 is easily replaced or cleaned by detaching the protective member 7 from the outer member 2.

[0028] The outer element 7 has one or more air outlets 2b arranged around the air inlet 2a and connected to the interior of the housing 1. The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows four air outlets 2b arranged around the air inlet 2a. Alternatively, the outer element 2 may have two air outlets 2b arranged above the air inlet 2a, or may have only one air outlet 2b. Additionally, the air outlet 2b may be a slot defining a rectangular shape surrounding the air inlet 2a.

[0029] The outer element 2 has flow guides 2c for changing the direction of air blown from the air outlets 2b. Driving and rotating the flow guides 2c adjusts the direction of air blown from the air outlets 2b in a variety of directions, ranging from a direction along the ceiling to a direction downward. The flow guides 2c are driven and rotated, for example, by a stepper motor (not shown).

[0030] For the heat exchanger 3, an air-cooled heat exchanger is used to exchange heat between the air drawn from the air-conditioned space and flowing through the heat exchanger 3 and the coolant flowing within the heat exchanger 3. A non-limiting example of the heat exchanger 3 is a finned-tube heat exchanger comprising a plurality of flat fins arranged parallel to each other and a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending through the plurality of flat fins and exchanging heat between air flowing through the spaces between the adjacent flat fins and coolant flowing through the plurality of heat transfer tubes.In a case where the heat exchanger 3 is a finned-tube heat exchanger, the plurality of heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger 3 are arranged in a direction away from the insulating member 6, and first ends of the plurality of flat fins are placed on the insulating member 6. As shown in FIG. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the heat exchanger 3 has a shape formed by bending a flat heat exchanger 3 into a hollow rectangle. However, the heat exchanger 3 can also have any other shape. For example, the heat exchanger 3 can comprise four flat heat exchanger elements 3 forming a hollow rectangle.

[0031] The fan 4 directs air from the air inlet 2a to the air outlet 2b. The fan 4 is arranged so that an intake side 4a of the fan 4 faces the grille 7a of the protective member 7. The tip of a rotating shaft 4b of the fan 4 points toward the grille 7a of the protective member 7. The fan 4 includes a plurality of blades 4c arranged around the rotating shaft 4b to direct air taken in through the air inlet 2a to the heat exchanger 3. Examples of the fan 4 include centrifugal fans, such as a multi-blade sirocco fan and a turbo fan.

[0032] In the following, the structure of the insulation box 5 is described with reference to Fig. 4 described. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the insulation box 5 as seen from where ends 5d of the walls of the insulation box 5 are located.

[0033] The insulation box 5 is made of a heat-insulating synthetic resin, such as expandable plastic. Examples of a material for the insulation box 5 include polystyrene foam, such as expanded polystyrene. In a case where the insulation box 5 is made of polystyrene foam, such as expanded polystyrene, the insulation box 5 is manufactured by pressing molten expanded polystyrene through a prepared mold for the insulation box 5. The insulation box 5 can be manufactured by a known method, such as a particle foam method, which comprises heating particles of, for example, polystyrene with steam to expand the particles.

[0034] The insulation box 5 is a box whose shape corresponds to inner wall surfaces 1c of the housing 1, as shown in Fig. 3. The insulation box 5 has an opening that opens downward. The insulation box 5 has outer wall surfaces 5a that are firmly secured to the inner wall surfaces 1c of the housing 1 with a gasket such as silicone rubber and screws.

[0035] The insulation box 5 has a space 5b for accommodating the heat exchanger 3 and the fan 4. In the space 5b of the insulation box 5, the heat exchanger 3 is attached to the casing 1 such that the heat exchanger 3 is suspended from the casing 1 and an upper part of the insulation box 5. In the space 5b of the insulation box 5, the fan 4 is attached to the casing 1 via an opening in the upper part of the insulation box 5 with screws or other fastening means.

[0036] The space 5b of the insulation box 5 also serves as an air passage, allowing air to be drawn through the air inlet 2a to pass through the heat exchanger 3 as a result of driven rotation of the fan 4, and directing the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 3 to the air outlets 2b. The space 5b of the insulation box 5, surrounded by the heat-insulating walls, prevents the thermal energy of the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 3 from changing due to heat transfer to the outside.

[0037] The insulation box 5 has a first outside air introduction passage 50 arranged separately from the space 5b. The first outside air introduction passage 50 extends along the wall of the insulation box 5 in a direction from the upper part of the insulation box 5 to the opening of the insulation box 5. The first outside air introduction passage 50 is separated from the space 5b by a partition wall 5c, which is a part of the wall of the insulation box 5. The first outside air introduction passage 50 is a separate passage arranged separately from the space 5b. The partition wall 5c has a heat-insulating effect and thus prevents heat energy transfer between air flowing through the space 5b and outside air flowing through the first outside air introduction passage 50.

[0038] The first outside air introduction passage 50 may be formed as a recessed passage in the outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5. For example, the first outside air introduction passage 50 may be an outside air inlet recess 50a disposed in the outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5. The first outside air introduction passage 50 is disposed on the outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5. This configuration allows the width of the partition wall 5c to remain unchanged without increasing the width of the outer wall surface 5a. This configuration thus facilitates preventing the transfer of heat energy between the air flowing through the space 5b and the outside air flowing through the first outside air introduction passage 50. This configuration accordingly reduces the material cost of the insulation box 5 and thus reduces the production cost.

[0039] The partition wall 5c may have any cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the outside air flows through the first outside air introduction passage 50. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the partition wall 5c may be rectangular, semicircular, triangular, or any other shape that does not cause stagnation of the outside air in the first outside air introduction passage 50. Fig. 4 shows the partition wall 5c, which has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0040] The partition wall 5c is recessed from the outer wall surface 5a toward the space 5b of the insulation box 5. The partition wall 5c, which separates the first outside air introduction passage 50 from the space 5b, may have the same width as that of other parts of the wall surface of the insulation box 5. The formation of the first outside air introduction passage 50 may cause heat energy to be transferred between the air flowing through the space 5b and the outside air flowing through the first outside air introduction passage 50. However, the above-described width of the partition wall 5c prevents such heat energy transfer.

[0041] A portion of the outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5 where the first outside air introduction passage 50 is located may be an edge surface 5a1 of the insulation box 5, which must be in close contact with the edge part 1a of the casing 1. The first outside air introduction passage 50 located in the edge surface 5a1 of the insulation box 5 allows the partition wall 5c to be arranged at an edge of the space 5b and the insulation box 5. This configuration reduces the likelihood that the partition wall 5c, having a recessed shape, may interfere with, for example, the heat exchanger 3 or the fan 4 housed in the space 5b of the insulation box 5, thus increasing the design flexibility of the indoor unit 100.

[0042] The first outside air introduction passage 50 may provide a connection to the outside of the housing. For example, the first outside air introduction passage 50 may be arranged to open toward a wall of the housing 1 having the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1, e.g., the edge portion 1a. This configuration defines part of a passage for introducing outside air into an air-conditioned interior space via the indoor unit 100.

[0043] The outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5 with the outside air inlet recess 50a can be firmly secured to the casing 1. For example, the outer wall surface 5a of the insulation box 5 can be secured to the casing 1 with a sealant such as silicone rubber. This configuration reduces or eliminates leakage of the outside air flowing through the outside air inlet recess 50a through a remaining space between the casing 1 and the insulation box 5, and thus reduces or eliminates, for example, noise caused by the air flowing through the room and a reduction in air conditioning capacity caused by the air flowing through the room into the space 5b of the insulation box 5.

[0044] In the following, the structure of the insulation element 6 is described with reference to the Fig. 5 to 11 described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the insulation member 6 as seen from where a lower surface 6h is located. Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 5 shown insulation element 6. Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the insulation member 6 as seen from where an upper surface 6b is located. Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 7 shown insulation element 6. Fig. 9 is a plan view of a part of the lower surface 6h of the Fig. 6 shown insulation element 6. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 9. Fig. 7 corresponds to an image of the Fig. 5, which is rotated 180 degrees around an axis O.

[0045] The insulation member 6 is an inner member to be arranged between the outer member 2 and the insulation box 5. Similar to the insulation box 5, the insulation member 6 is made of heat-insulating synthetic resin, such as expandable plastic. For example, the insulation member 6 is manufactured by pressing molten expanded polystyrene through a prepared mold for the insulation member 6. The insulation member 6 has side surfaces 6A whose shape corresponds to the inner wall surfaces 1c of the housing 1. The side surfaces 6a are firmly secured to the inner wall surfaces 1c of the housing 1, for example, with a sealant such as silicone rubber and screws. The upper surface 6b of the insulation member 6 is firmly secured to the ends 5d of the walls of the insulation box 5, for example, with a sealant.

[0046] The insulation element 6 has an air inlet passage 6c. The air inlet passage 6c is a through-hole for providing communication between the air inlet 2a of the outer element 2 and the space 5b of the insulation box 5. For example, the air inlet passage 6c is a circular through-hole in a central part of the insulation element 6. The air inlet passage 6c guides air taken in through the air inlet 2a via the fan 4 to the heat exchanger 3. The insulation element 6 may have a funnel-shaped flare passage 8, as shown in Fig. 16, which will be described later. The crimp passage 8, which is arranged on the insulation member 6, allows efficient conduction of air to the heat exchanger 3 through the air inlet passage 6c. The crimp passage 8 may be formed as a separate part from the insulation member 6, or may be formed integrally with the insulation member 6 by molding.

[0047] The insulation element 6 has air outlet passages 6d. The air outlet passages 6d are through-holes that provide communication between the air outlets 2b of the outer element 2 and the space 5b of the insulation box 5. The air outlet passages 6d include separate rectangular distribution passages 6d1 to 6d8, each of which is a through-hole that provides communication between the one corresponding one of the air outlets 2b of the outer element 2 and the space 5b of the insulation box 5. The distribution passages 6d1 to 6d8 are arranged around the air inlet passage 6c such that two distribution passages are provided for each of the four air outlets. For example, the distribution passages 6d1 and 6d2, the distribution passages 6d3 and 6d4, the distribution passages 6d5 and 6d6, and the distribution passages 6d7 and 6d8 are pairs of two through holes, each providing communication with the corresponding one of the four air outlets 2b.The number of distribution passages 6d1 to 6d8 that provide a connection to an air outlet 2b is not limited to two. One, three, or more distribution passages may provide a connection to an air outlet 2b.

[0048] The insulation member 6 has a water-receiving groove 6e. The water-receiving groove 6e serves as a drip pan for collecting water generated by the heat exchanger 3 and dripping down. The water collected in the water-receiving groove 6e is drained to the outside of the indoor unit 100, for example, by a drain pump (not shown).

[0049] For example, the water-receiving groove 6e may be formed in air passage walls 6f that surround the air inlet passage 6c and separate the air inlet passage 6c from the air outlet passages 6d. The water-receiving groove 6e has a rib 6e1 on its underside that supports lower parts of the heat exchanger 3. The water-receiving groove 6e may have a plurality of ribs 6e1, depending on the shape of the heat exchanger 3. For example, Fig. 7, a plurality of expanded ribs 6e1 extending along the water-absorbing groove 6e. The water-absorbing groove 6e and the ribs 6e1 are formed, for example, by placing a water-repellent coating material on a part of the mold for the insulation member 6 corresponding to the water-absorbing groove 6e and discharging molten expanded polystyrene through the mold.

[0050] The indoor unit 100 may include the insulation element 6, which has neither a water-absorbing groove 6e nor ribs 6e1. For example, the indoor unit 100 may include a drain pan separate from the insulation element 6, and the drain pan may include the water-absorbing groove 6e and the ribs 6e1.

[0051] The insulation member 6 has a second outside air introduction passage 60 for introducing outside air to the air inlet passage 6c. The second outside air introduction passage 60 is arranged in the insulation member 6 and can provide communication between the first outside air introduction passage 50 and the air inlet passage 6c.

[0052] The second outside air introduction passage 60 is arranged separately from the air outlet passages 6d in the insulation member 6. Since the second outside air introduction passage 60 is arranged separately from the air outlet passages 6d in the insulation member 6, the second outside air introduction passage is formed without reducing the size of the air outlet passages 6d. Thus, the second outside air introduction passage 60, arranged separately from the air outlet passages 6d in the insulation member 6, allows the indoor unit 100 to introduce outside air into the air-conditioned space with little or no reduction in air conditioning capacity.

[0053] The second outside air introduction passage 60 in the insulation element 6 does not provide communication with the air outlet passages 6d and the water-receiving groove 6e. For example, the second outside air introduction passage 60 and the plurality of distribution passages 6d1 to 6d8 are spaced apart from each other by the air outlet passages 6d and the water-receiving groove 6e. Fig. 5, the second outside air introduction passage 60 is arranged in an edge part 6g of the insulating member 6, which will be in firm contact with the edge part 1a of the casing 1 and separates the distribution passage 6d1 from the distribution passage 6d8.

[0054] The second outside air introduction passage 60 may, for example, include an outside air outlet recess 60a, which is a recessed air passage that provides communication with the air inlet 6c disposed in the lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6. The lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6 is a surface of the insulation member 6 facing the outer member 2. The outside air outlet recess 60a is open toward the outer member 2.

[0055] The outside air outlet recess 60a is arranged in the lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6. This configuration facilitates preventing heat energy transfer between the air flowing through the space 5b and the outside air flowing through the second outside air introduction passage 60 without increasing the thickness of the insulation member 6 in the top-down direction. Furthermore, the outside air outlet recess 60a arranged in the lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6 allows the water-receiving groove 6e to be arranged in the upper surface 6b of the insulation member 6 without increasing the thickness of the insulation member in the top-down direction. Accordingly, the outside air outlet recess 60a arranged in the lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6 leads to a reduction in the material cost of the insulation member 6 and thus reduces the production cost.

[0056] The outside air outlet recess 60a may have any cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to a direction in which the outside air flows through the outside air outlet recess 60a. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the outside air outlet recess 60a may be rectangular, semicircular, triangular, or any other shape that does not cause a build-up of outside air in the outside air outlet recess 60a. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the outside air outlet recess 60a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0057] The lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6, which has the outside air outlet recess 60a, can be firmly secured to the outer member 2. The lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6 can be firmly attached to the outer member 2, for example, with a sealant such as silicone rubber. For example, a seal arranged around the outside air outlet recess 60a, a seal arranged around the air inlet passages 6c, and a seal arranged around each of the air outlet passages 6d on the lower surface 6h of the insulation member 6 reduce or eliminate air leakage from the outside air outlet recess 60a, the air inlet passage 6c, and the air outlet passages 6d.Accordingly, the lower surface 6h of the insulating member 6 firmly secured to the outer member 2 reduces or eliminates mixing of air between the outside air outlet recess 60a and the air outlet passages 6d and mixing of air between the air inlet passage 6c and the air outlet passages 6d, and thus reduces or eliminates, for example, a reduction in the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 100.

[0058] The second outside air introduction passage 60 may include a connection path 60b that can provide communication between the outside air outlet recess 60a and the first outside air introduction passage 50. For example, the connection path 60b may be formed as a hole that can provide communication between the outside air outlet recess 60a and the first outside air introduction passage 50. The connection path 60b formed as a hole-shaped air passage allows for the use of a smaller amount of sealant to reduce or eliminate air leakage from the connection path 60b than the connection path 60b formed as a recess-shaped air passage.

[0059] For example, the communication path 60b may be arranged at the edge portion 6g of the insulation member 6, which separates the distribution passage 6d1 from the distribution passage 6d8. Since the communication path 60b is arranged at the edge portion 6g of the insulation member 6, the communication path 60b through which the outside air passes from the first outside air introduction passage 50 is formed in the insulation member 6 without reducing the opening area of the air outlet passages 6d including the distribution passages 6d1 and 6d8. Accordingly, the communication path 60b arranged at the edge portion 6d of the insulation member 6 reduces or eliminates a reduction in the air passing through the air outlet passages 6d and the indoor unit 100.

[0060] Since the connection path 60b is arranged at the edge portion 6g of the insulation member 6, the connection path 60b is spaced apart from the air outlet passages 6d. Spacing the connection path 60b away from the air outlet passages 6d reduces or eliminates the possibility that the thermal energy of the air passing through the air outlet passages 6d may increase or decrease due to heat transfer between the outside air passing through the connection path 60b and the air passing through the air outlet passages 6d. Accordingly, the connection path 60b arranged at the edge portion 6g of the insulation member 6 reduces or eliminates, for example, a reduction in the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 100.

[0061] The hole of the connecting path 60b may have any shape as long as the connecting path 60b can provide communication between the outside air outlet recess 60a and the first outside air introduction passage 50. For example, the hole of the connecting path 60b may be rectangular, circular, polygonal, or any other shape that does not cause stagnation of the outside air in the connecting path 60b. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the connecting path 60b with a rectangular hole.

[0062] The insulation member 6 includes an air passage blocking plug 65 disposed in the second outside air introduction passage 60. The air passage blocking plug 65 is disposed in the second outside air introduction passage 60 and is removable from the insulation member 6. For example, the air passage blocking plug 65 is formed integrally with the insulation member 6. The air passage blocking plug 65 formed integrally with the insulation member 6 contributes to a reduction in the number of parts constituting the insulation member 6 and thus reduces the production cost of the indoor unit 100. The air passage blocking plug 65 formed integrally with the insulation member 6 is molded from an expandable plastic, such as expanded polystyrene.This configuration facilitates removal processing such as cutting and thus increases the efficiency of removing the air passage blocking shutter 65.

[0063] The air passage blocking shutter 65 is a blocking wall that blocks the connection between the air intake passage 6c and the first outside air introduction passage 50. For example, the air passage blocking shutter 65 may be disposed in the connection path 60b. The air passage blocking shutter 65 disposed in the connection path 60b is easily removed by moving the edge of a cutting tool, such as a knife, along a wall surface of the connection path 60b. This configuration further increases the efficiency of removing the air passage blocking shutter 65.

[0064] The insulation member 6 has a mark that defines an outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 located adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a. For example, the mark may be made to define the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 using, for example, a pin, or may be a cut notch 65a1 that defines the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65. Since the insulation member 6d has marks that define the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 located adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a, a cut target position for removing the air passage blocking plug 65 is easily visually identified. Accordingly, the mark defining the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 enables proper removal of the air passage blocking plug 65.

[0065] In particular, the cut notch 65a1 in the insulation member 6, which defines the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 located adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a, allows an edge of a cutting tool, such as a knife, to move along the cut notch 65a1 without deviating from the cut notch 65a1. Furthermore, since the insulation member 6 has the cut notch 65a1 defining the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 located adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a, the cutting target position for removing the air passage blocking plug 65 is easily identified visually. Accordingly, the cut notch 65a1 in the insulation member 6, which defines the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking plug 65 located adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a, enables more proper and efficient removal of the air passage blocking plug 65.

[0066] Fig. 9 shows the cut notch 65a1 extending along the entire circumference of the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking shutter 65. Alternatively, the cut notch 65a1 may be arranged on a part of the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking shutter 65. In addition, the cut notch 65a1 may have any cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the cut notch 65a1 extends. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cut notch 65a1 may be rectangular, semicircular, triangular, or any other shape that allows the edge of a cutting tool, such as a knife, to move along the cut notch 65a1 without deviating from the cut notch 65a1. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show the cutting notch 65a1 with a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0067] The insulation member 6 includes a handle 68 disposed on a surface of the air passage blocking shutter 65 adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a. Since the handle 68 is disposed on the surface of the air passage blocking shutter 65 adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a, the air passage blocking shutter 65 is easily removed from the insulation member 6 when the handle 68 is pulled toward the outside air outlet recess 60a after the outer edge 65a of the air passage blocking shutter 65 has been cut with a cutting tool such as a knife. Accordingly, the handle 68 disposed on the surface of the air passage blocking shutter 65 adjacent to the outside air outlet recess 60a enables more efficient removal of the air passage blocking shutter 65.

[0068] For example, the handle 68 is formed integrally with the air passage blocking shutter 65. The handle 68 formed integrally with the air passage blocking shutter 65 contributes to a reduction in the number of parts constituting the insulation member 6 and thus reduces the production cost of the indoor unit 100.

[0069] The handle 68 may have any shape. For example, the shape of the handle 68 may be a polygonal prism, a cylinder, a polygonal pyramid, a cone, a dome, or any other shape that allows the handle 68 to be grasped by, for example, the fingers of a worker or a tool such as pliers. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show the handle 68 with a beveled and rectangular prism shape.

[0070] In the following, the structure and operations of the indoor unit 100 without introducing outside air into the air-conditioned room are described with reference to the Fig. 12 to 16 described.

[0071] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the insulation box 5 and the insulation member 6 combined with each other. Fig. 13 is an enlarged partial view of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the insulation box 5 and the insulation element 6 shown in Fig. 12 and the housing 1, which are combined with each other. Fig. 15 is an external front view showing the Fig. 14 shows the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 15. In Fig. 16, arrows with solid lines schematically represent a flow of air during operation of the indoor unit 100, and arrows with dashed lines with crosses schematically represent directions in which the flow of air is blocked or prevented.

[0072] The insulation box 5 and the insulation element 6 are firmly secured to each other, for example, with a sealant such as silicone rubber. Firmly securing the insulation box 5 and the insulation element 6 connects the first outside air introduction passage 50 disposed in the insulation box 5 to the second outside air introduction passage 60 disposed in the insulation element 6. As described above, for example, the upper surface 6b of the insulation element 6 is firmly secured to the ends 5d of the walls of the insulation box 5. Firmly securing the insulation box 5 and the insulation element 6 prevents the air flowing through the space 5b of the insulation box 5 from leaking from a space between the upper surface 6b of the insulation element 6 and the ends 5d of the walls of the insulation box 5, and thus reduces or eliminates a reduction in the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 100.

[0073] Regarding the secure connection of the insulation box 5 and the insulation member 6, the outer wall surfaces 5a of the insulation box 5 and the side surfaces 6a of the insulation member 6 are securely secured to the inner wall surfaces 1c of the casing 1 with, for example, screws or a sealant such as silicone rubber. Securely securing the casing 1 to the insulation box 5 and the insulation member 6 causes the first outside air introduction passage 50, which is the outside air inlet recess 50a located in the corner surface 5a1 of the insulation box 5, to face and be closed by the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 located in the edge part 1a of the casing 1.Accordingly, with the casing 1 firmly secured to the insulation box 5 and the insulation member 6, the first outside air introduction passage 50 is a closed space defined by the edge portion 1a of the casing 1 with the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 and the air passage blocking shutter 65 disposed in the second outside air introduction passage 60. This configuration prevents the air outside the casing 1 with the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 from entering the first outside air introduction passage 50.

[0074] In the example described below, the indoor unit 100 is operated with the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 and the air passage blocking shutter 65.

[0075] In response to the operation of the indoor unit 100, the fan 4 rotates, causing air in the air-conditioned space to be drawn into the space 5b of the insulation box 5 via the air inlet 2a of the outer member 2, the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6, and the crimp passage 8. The drawn air in the space 5b of the insulation box 5 is directed to the heat exchanger 3 by rotating the fan 4. In the heat exchanger 3, the air passed through the fan 4 and passing through the heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing within the heat exchanger 3. By rotating the fan 4, the air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 is directed to the air outlets 2b of the outer member 2 via the air outlet passages 6d of the insulation member 6. The air is then blown into the air-conditioned room from the air outlets 2b of the outer element 2.

[0076] In response to the operation of the indoor unit 100, the air passing through the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6 may scatter and partially enter the outside air outlet recess 60a of the second outside air introduction passage 60. However, the second outside air introduction passage 60 has the air passage blocking shutter 65 in the communication path 60b. This configuration prevents air from entering the first outside air introduction passage 50 via the second outside air introduction passage 60.Accordingly, the air passage blocking shutter 65 disposed in the second outside air introduction passage 60 reduces or eliminates a reduction in the flow rate of the air to be drawn into the space 5b of the insulation box 5 caused by the first outside air introduction passage 50 and the second outside air introduction passage 60, and thus reduces or eliminates a reduction in the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 100.

[0077] The casing 1, which is made of a metal sheet, may vibrate under the pressure of the air entering the first outside air introduction passage 50 and thus cause noise. The air passage blocking shutter 65 in the second outside air introduction passage 60 prevents air from entering the first outside air introduction passage 50 and thus reduces the likelihood that the indoor unit 100 may generate noise.

[0078] In the following, the structure and operations of the indoor unit 100 with introduction of outside air into the air-conditioned room are described with reference to the Fig. 17 to 24 described.

[0079] Fig. 17 is a schematic, enlarged, perspective view showing the Fig. 14, with the air passage blocking closure 65 and the handle 68 removed. Fig. 18 is a plan view of a part of the lower surface 6h of the Fig. 17 shown insulation element 6. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a pipe flange 10 showing the shape and structure of the pipe flange 10. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the Fig. 17 shown indoor unit 100 with attached pipe flange. Fig. 23 is a front view showing the Fig. 22 shows the pipe flange 10 as seen from where outside air enters. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in Fig. 23. In Fig. 17, a dashed line arrow schematically represents a state in which the air passage blocking shutter 65 and the handle 68 are removed from the insulation member 6. In Fig. 24, arrows with solid lines schematically represent the flow of air during operation of the indoor unit 100.

[0080] To introduce outside air into the air-conditioned space, the air passage blocking plug 65 and the handle 68 are removed from the insulation member 6. As described above, a worker removes the air passage blocking plug 65 and the handle 68 from the insulation member 6 using a cutting tool such as a knife. Removing the air passage blocking plug 65 and the handle 68 from the insulation member 6 allows the second outside air introduction passage 60 to communicate between the upper surface 6b of the insulation member 6 and the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6. Accordingly, removing the air passage blocking plug 65 and the handle 68 from the insulation member 6 allows the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6 to communicate with the first outside air introduction passage 50 of the insulation box 5.

[0081] To introduce outside air into the air-conditioned space, the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 is removed from the casing 1. As described above, a worker removes the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 from the casing 1 with a cutting tool such as a knife. Removing the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 from the casing 1 allows the first outside air introduction passage 50 to provide communication with the outside of the casing 1.

[0082] The duct flange 10 is attached to a part of the housing 1 from which the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1 has been removed. The duct flange 10 serves as a connection connecting the housing 1 to a duct (not shown) for introducing outside air into the conditioned space. The duct flange 10, which is attached to the part of the housing 1 from which the outside air introduction blocking element 1b1 has been removed, defines an air passage for introducing outside air into the housing 1. The duct can be a newly installed duct in the building with the conditioned space or an existing duct in the building.

[0083] The conduit flange 10 includes a flat circular ring 10a secured to the housing 1 by screws or other fasteners, and a hollow cylindrical joint 10b connected to an inner edge of the ring 10a and connectable to a conduit. The joint 10b has a fastener hole 10b1 for receiving fasteners for attaching a conduit, such as a screw. The shape of the ring 10a is not limited to a flat annular shape. For example, the ring 10a may be a part having a rectangular outline and a circular hole. The shape of the joint 10b is not limited to a hollow cylindrical shape. The joint 10b may have any other shape that corresponds to the shape of the conduit. If the conduit has a rectangular shape, the joint 10b may have a rectangular tubular shape.

[0084] In the example described below, the indoor unit 100 is operated with the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 and the air passage blocking shutter 65 removed.

[0085] In response to the operation of the indoor unit 100, the fan 4 is rotated, thus drawing the air in the conditioned space into the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6, and simultaneously drawing the outside air into the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6. The air in the conditioned space is drawn into the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6 through the air inlet 2a of the outdoor member 2. The outside air is drawn into the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6 via the duct flange 10, the first outside air introduction passage 50, and the second outside air introduction passage 60. The outside air and the air from the conditioned space drawn into the air inlet passage 6c converge in the air inlet passage 6c. The air is then directed to the heat exchanger 3 via the flare passage 8 by rotating the fan 4.In the heat exchanger 3, the air passed through the fan 4 and passing through the heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the coolant flowing within the heat exchanger 3. The air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3 is directed to the air outlets 2b of the outer element 2 through the air outlet passages 6d of the insulation element 6 by rotating the fan 4. The air is blown from the air outlets 2b of the outer element 2 into the air-conditioned space.

[0086] After removing the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 and the air passage blocking plug 65, the outside air is drawn into the air inlet passage 6c of the insulation member 6 via the duct flange 10, the first outside air introduction passage 50, and the second outside air introduction passage 60 without being blown into the air-conditioned space. During operation of the indoor unit 100 with the outside air introduction blocking member 1b1 and the air passage blocking plug 65 removed, the outside air and the air from the air-conditioned space converge in the air inlet passage 6c. The air is then subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchanger 3.Accordingly, the second outside air introduction passage 60, which can provide communication with the air inlet passage 6c in the insulation member 6, reduces or eliminates an increase or decrease in the temperature of the conditioned space caused by introduction of outside air. List of reference symbols 1 housing, 1a edge part, 1b closure element, 1b1 Outside air inlet blocking element, 1c interior wall surface, 2 outer element, 2a air inlet, 2b Air outlet, 2c flow guide, 3 heat exchangers, 4 fan, 4a intake side, 4b rotating shaft, 4c sheet, 5 insulation box, 5a Exterior wall surface, 5a1 edge surface, 5b room, 5c partition wall, 5d end, 6 insulation element, 6a side surface, 6b upper surface, 6c Air intake passage, 6d air outlet passage, 6d1 distributor passage, 6d2 distributor passage, 6d3 distributor passage, 6d4 distributor passage, 6d5 distributor passage, 6d6 distributor passage, 6d7 distributor passage, 6d8 distributor passage, 6e water-absorbing gutter, 6e1 rib, 6f air passage wall, 6g edge part, 6h lower surface, 7 protective element, 7a grid, 7b filters, 8 flaring passage, 10 pipe flange, 10a Ring, 10b connection, 10b1 Fastener hole, 50 first outside air inlet passage, 50a outside air inlet recess, 60 second outside air inlet passage, 60a outside air outlet recess, 60b connecting path, 65 Air passage blocking closure, 65a outer edge, 65a1 cutting notch, 68 handle, 100 indoor unit, 200 outdoor unit, 210 compressor, 220 four-way valve, 230 heat source side heat exchangers, 240 expansion valve, 300 first extension tube, 400 second extension tube, 500 air conditioning device

Claims

[1] Indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500), the indoor unit (100) comprising: an outer element (2) which can be arranged on a ceiling of an air-conditioned room, the outer element (2) having an air inlet (2a) and an air outlet (2b); a fan (4) configured to direct air from the air inlet (2a) to the air outlet (2b); a heat exchanger (3) configured to subject the air guided from the air inlet (2a) to heat exchange; an insulation box (5) having a space (5b) accommodating the heat exchanger (3) and the fan (4); an insulation element (6) arranged between the outer element (2) and the insulation box (5), wherein the insulation element (6) has an air inlet passage (6c) and an air outlet passage (6d), wherein the air inlet passage (6c) provides a connection between the air inlet (2a) and the space (5b) to guide air taken in through the air inlet (2a) to the heat exchanger (3), wherein the air outlet passage (6d) provides a connection between the air outlet (2b) and the space (5b) to guide air leaving the heat exchanger (3) to the air outlet (2b); and a housing (1) to which the outer element (2) is attached, the housing (1) comprising the insulation box (5) and the insulation element (6), wherein the insulation box (5) has a first outside air introduction passage (50) which is arranged separately from the space (5b) and which can provide a connection to an outside of the housing (1), wherein the insulation element (6) has a second outside air introduction passage (60) arranged separately from the air outlet passage (6d) and comprising an outside air outlet recess (60a) arranged in a surface of the insulation element (6) facing the outer element (2), wherein the outside air outlet recess (60a) provides a connection with the air inlet passage (6c), wherein the second outside air introduction passage (60) further comprises a connection path (60b) which can provide a connection between the outside air outlet recess (60a) and the first outside air introduction passage (50), wherein the insulation element (6) further comprises a An air passage blocking shutter (65) disposed in the communication path (60b) to block communication between the air inlet passage (6c) and the first outside air introduction passage (50), the air passage blocking shutter (65) being removable from the insulation member (6). [2] Indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to claim 1, where the air outlet passage (6d) comprises a plurality of distribution passages (6d1 to 6d8) which are separated from each other, and wherein the second outside air introduction passage (60) and the plurality of distribution passages (6d1 to 6d8) are spaced apart from each other around the air inlet passage (6c). [3] The indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer member (2) is fixedly attached to the surface of the insulating member (6) having the outside air outlet recess (60a). [4] The indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication path (60b) is a hole capable of providing communication between the outside air outlet recess (60a) and the first outside air introduction passage (50). [5] The indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating member (6) comprises a handle (68) on a surface of the air passage blocking shutter (65) disposed adjacent to the outside air outlet recess (60a), and the handle (68) is formed integrally with the air passage blocking shutter (65). [6] The indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insulating member (6) has a mark defining an outer edge (65a) of the air passage blocking shutter (65) disposed adjacent to the outside air outlet recess (60a). [7] The indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to claim 6, wherein the mark is a cut notch (65a1) defining an outer edge (65a) of the air passage blocking shutter (65). [8] Indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first outside air introduction passage (50) comprises an outside air inlet recess (50a) arranged in an outer wall surface (5a) of the insulation box (5), and the outer wall surface (5a) of the insulation box (5) having the outside air inlet recess (50a) is firmly secured to the housing (1). [9] Indoor unit (100) for an air conditioning device (500) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (1) comprises an outside air introduction blocking element (1b1) which blocks a connection between the outside of the housing (1) and the first outside air introduction passage (50), and the outside air introduction blocking element (1b1) is removable from the housing (1). [10] Air conditioning device (500) comprising: the indoor unit (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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