INTERNAL UNIT OF AN AIR CONDITIONING DEVICE

Abstract

An indoor unit of an air conditioning device is provided with a main body part which has an internal heat exchanger and an air conveying device and which is configured to condition air, and with an air cleaning part which is located outside the main body part, which is attached to an air intake opening of the main body part and which is configured to clean air flowing into the main body part.The air purification part comprises a box section, which is designed in a box shape, located outside the main body part and attached to the intake opening of the main body part, a filter attached to the box section which removes dust from air drawn into the box section, and an air purification unit section located inside the box section which is configured to purify air drawn into the box section by means of an electrical discharge.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioning device or air conditioning system, which is equipped with an air purification device. Technological background

[0002] Some indoor units of an air conditioning device are equipped, within the indoor unit, with an air purification device that cleans the air flowing into the indoor unit (see, for example, patent literature 1). List of citations from patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1: Unexamined Japanese patent application with publication no. 2015-131152 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] An indoor unit of an air conditioning device disclosed in patent literature 1 includes an air purification device within the indoor unit. For example, if an air purification device attached to an indoor unit embedded in a ceiling requires maintenance, a worker must walk across the ceiling. An environment such as a space above a ceiling often presents limited workspace, poor visibility, and unstable footing.In an indoor unit, such as the one disclosed in patent literature 1, which is equipped with an air purification device within the indoor unit, when the air purification device requires maintenance, the relationship between components related to air conditioning and the specific installation environment could make it difficult to attach and detach the components, thus complicating maintenance of the air purification device. In some indoor units of an air conditioning device, an air purification component is provided within the main body. When a worker accesses a component of the air purification component that requires maintenance, an air conditioning component must be taken into account. For this reason, an indoor unit of an air conditioning device equipped with an easily serviceable air purification device is desirable.

[0005] The present disclosure was made to solve such a problem and to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioning device in which a component relating to air purification can be easily serviced. Solution to the problem

[0006] An indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with: a main body part which has an internal heat exchanger and an air-sending device and is configured to condition air, and with an air-cleaning part which is located outside the main body part, which is attached to an air intake port of the main body part and which is configured to clean air flowing into the main body part.The air purification part comprises a box section, which is formed in a box shape, located outside the main body part and attached to the intake opening of the main body part, a filter attached to the box section which removes dust from air to be drawn into the box section, and an air purification unit section located inside the box section which is configured to purify air drawn into the box section by means of an electrical discharge. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0007] An indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body part configured for air conditioning and an air purification part configured for cleaning air. The air purification part comprises a box section located outside the main body part and attached to an intake opening of the main body part, a filter attached to the box section, and an air purification unit section located inside the box section and configured for cleaning air. The indoor unit is provided with the air purification unit, which is separate from the main body part configured for air conditioning and is an independent component formed by integrating the filter and the air purification unit section into one.For this reason, an air conditioning component does not need to be considered when a worker is servicing an air purification component. The worker may access components that require maintenance at the same time and simply service the air purification component. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 represents a concept diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioning device according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view illustrating an indoor unit of the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view illustrating the indoor unit of the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1, with an attached duct. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view illustrating a main body part of the indoor unit according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view illustrating an internal configuration of the main body part of the indoor unit according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view illustrating an air purification part according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view illustrating the air purification part according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective exploded view illustrating an air purification unit section according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 represents a partial concept diagram illustrating an example of a cleaning section of the air purification part according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective front view illustrating an air purification part according to embodiment 2 in a state where an air purification unit section is pulled out of a box section. [ Fig. 11] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective rear view illustrating the air purification part according to embodiment 2 in a state where the air purification unit section is pulled out of the box section. [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 shows an enlarged perspective view, showing part A of the in Fig. 11 illustrated air purification parts. [ Fig. 13] Fig. Figure 13 shows an enlarged perspective view of the box section of the in Fig. 12 illustrated air purification parts. [ Fig. 14] Fig. Figure 14 shows an enlarged perspective view of the air purification unit section of the [unclear text]. Fig. 12 illustrated air purification parts. [ Fig. 15] Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective front view illustrating an air purification part according to embodiment 3. [ Fig. 16] Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view illustrating the air purification part according to embodiment 3 in a state where an air purification unit section has been removed from a box section. Description of the embodiments

[0008] An indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to one embodiment is described below with reference to drawings and other references. Furthermore, the following drawings, which illustrate the Fig. 1. These reference numerals distinguish the relative dimensions, shapes, and other details of different components from those of the actual components. Components assigned the same reference numerals in subsequent drawings are the same or equivalent, and these reference numerals are used consistently throughout the description. Similarly, directional terms (for example, top, bottom, right, left, front, and back), used appropriately for clarity, are written as such only to facilitate explanation, and the placement or orientation of a device or component is not limited to these directional terms. Design 1: Air conditioning device 1

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioning device 1 is described below with reference to Fig. The air conditioning device 1 conditions air by heating or cooling a room through heat transfer between the outside air and the air in the room via a refrigerant. The air conditioning device 1 has an outdoor unit 20 and an indoor unit 10.

[0010] The air conditioning device 1 forms a refrigerant circuit 3 in which the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 10 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 2 and through which a refrigerant circulates. In the refrigerant circuit 3 of the air conditioning device 1, a compressor 21, a flow switching device 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, and a heat exchanger 11 are connected in series via the refrigerant pipe 2. It should be noted that the air conditioning device 1 does not necessarily have to include the flow switching device 22. Outdoor unit 20

[0011] The outdoor unit 20 comprises the compressor 21, the flow switching device 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the expansion valve 24. The compressor 21 draws in a refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it. The flow switching device 22, for example, a four-way valve, switches the refrigerant flow directions. The air conditioning unit 1 is configured to operate in heating or cooling mode by switching the refrigerant flow using the flow switching device 22, according to an instruction from a control unit (not illustrated).

[0012] The external heat exchanger 23 enables heat exchange between a refrigerant and outside air. In heating mode, the external heat exchanger 23 acts as an evaporator, and in cooling mode, it acts as a condenser. The external heat exchanger 23 is equipped with an outside air supply device 25 to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. The expansion valve 24 is an expansion device (a flow velocity control device) that functions as a pressure-reducing device by adjusting the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing through it and by varying its opening degree. Indoor unit 10

[0013] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view illustrating the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view illustrating the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1, with an attached duct 300. Solid arrows, which are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates air currents. As illustrated in the following drawings, which show the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3 include, an X-axis represents the direction of a width of the indoor unit 10, a Y-axis represents the depth direction or the front-back direction of the indoor unit 10, and a Z-axis represents the up-down direction of the indoor unit 10.

[0014] The indoor unit 10 is described below with the following orientation when viewed from the front on the inlet side: an X1 side refers to the left side and an X2 side refers to the right side; a Y1 side refers to the inlet side and a Y2 side to the outlet side along the Y-axis; and a Z1 side refers to the top side and a Z2 side to the bottom side. The positional relationship between components described in this description (for example, their vertical arrangement) is also based on a state where the indoor unit 10 is installed and ready for use.

[0015] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device 1 is, for example, embedded in and installed in the ceiling of a room and conditions the air in the room. The indoor unit 10 uses a refrigeration circuit that circulates a refrigerant, thereby supplying conditioned air to an air-conditioned space, such as a room. The indoor unit 10 has a main body part 100, which houses a device that conditions the air, and an air purification part 200, which cleans the air flowing into the main body part 100. It should be noted that the indoor unit 10 is described as being embedded in and installed in a ceiling, but other installation methods could also be used, such as mounting it on the ceiling and hanging it on a room wall. Main body part 100

[0016] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view illustrating the main body part 100 of the indoor unit 10 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 presents a schematic view illustrating an internal configuration of the main body part 100 of the indoor unit 10 according to embodiment 1. It can be seen that an upper surface section 16a is formed from the Fig. 5 is omitted to illustrate the internal configuration of the main body part 100.

[0017] The main body part 100 contains the heat exchanger 11 and air conveying devices 12, which will be described later, and conditions air. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the main body part 100 is formed in a cuboid shape, comprising the upper surface section 16a, a lower surface section 16b, and side surface sections 16c. It should be noted that the shape of the main body part 100 is not limited to a cuboid shape and could also be another shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a prism, a cone, a shape with a multitude of corners, or a shape with a multitude of curved surfaces.

[0018] The main body part 100 has, as one of its side surface sections 16c, an outlet-side surface section 16c1 in which a discharge opening 17 is formed. The main body part 100 also has, below the side surface sections 16c, an intake-side surface section 16c2, which is located opposite a surface where the discharge opening 17 is formed and where an intake opening or intake port 18 is formed. The air purification part 200 described below is located at the intake opening 18. The positions in which the discharge opening 17 and the intake opening 18 are formed are not limited to the side surface sections 16c and could also be the lower surface section 16b or the upper surface section 16a.

[0019] The main body part 100 shows, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an internally provided partition plate 19. The interior of the main body part 100 is divided by the partition plate 19 into an intake-side chamber 10a, in which the air-emitting devices 12 are located and into which air is drawn in, and an exhaust-side chamber 10b, in which the heat exchanger 11 is located and through which air is blown out by the air-emitting devices 12.

[0020] The main body part 100 incorporates the air-discharging devices 12 and the heat exchanger 11, integrating them internally. The air-discharging devices 12 are, for example, centrifugal air conveying devices, each generating an airflow. The air-discharging devices 12 draw air from the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100 into the main body part 100, cause a heat exchange between the drawn-in air and a coolant flowing within the heat exchanger 11, and then cause the conditioned air, having exchanged heat, to be expelled from the outlet opening 17 of the main body part 100.

[0021] The air-discharging devices 12 are equipped with centrifugal fans 13, spiral housings 14, each containing a centrifugal fan 13, and a motor 15 that rotates the centrifugal fans 13. The motor 15 is held by a motor support 15b, which is attached to the upper surface section 16a of the main body part 100. The motor 15 includes a motor shaft 15a, which transmits rotation of the motor 15 to the centrifugal fans 13. It should be noted that the number of air-discharging devices 12 located in the main body part 100 could also be one, two, or more.

[0022] The heat exchanger 11 is located in a position facing the outlet openings 14a of the air-emitting devices 12 and is also located within the main body part 100 and at air passages through which air is discharged from the air-emitting devices 12. The heat exchanger 11 enables a coolant flowing within the heat exchanger 11 and air supplied through the air-emitting devices 12 to exchange heat with each other.

[0023] The heat exchanger 11 adjusts the temperature and humidity of air that enters the main body 100 from outside through the intake opening 18 and is drawn into the main body 100, and that exits the main body 100 from inside through the exhaust opening 17 and is then blown into the air-conditioned room. In heating mode, the heat exchanger 11 functions as a condenser, thereby condensing and liquefying a refrigerant. In cooling mode, the heat exchanger 11 also functions as an evaporator, thereby evaporating and dissipating a refrigerant.

[0024] The indoor unit 10 draws air from the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100 using the air-discharging devices 12, causes the drawn-in air to be cooled or heated by heat exchange at the heat exchanger 11, and then discharges the cooled or heated air into the room from the outlet opening 17. In the indoor unit 10, the air purification unit 200 is located on the air intake side of the main body part 100. It can be noted that in the indoor unit 10, as in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that channel 300 could also be connected to the air purification unit 200. Air purification unit 200

[0025] The air purification unit 200 is located outside the main body part 100 and is attached to the air intake opening 18 of the main body part 100. It cleans the air flowing into the main body part 100. The air purification unit 200 removes dust, pollen, and other particles contained in the air passing through its interior, sterilizes bacteria, and inactivates viruses and other pathogens, thereby purifying the air to a clean condition.

[0026] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the air purification part 200, in a case where an intake side from which air is drawn into the main body part 100 is designated as an intake side Al and an exhaust side from which air is blown out through the main body part 100 is designated as an exhaust side AO, is arranged closer to the intake side Al for air than the main body part 100. As shown in Figure 3, the air purification part 200 is located closer to the intake side Al for air than the main body part 100. Fig. 2 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the air purification part 200 is located outside the main body part 100 and attached to the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100. This means that the air purification part 200 is attached to the intake-side surface section 16c2 in which the intake opening 18 is formed.

[0027] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the duct 300 could also be attached to a part of the air purification unit 200 where air flows in, and a part of the air purification unit 200 from which air flows out could also be attached to the main body part 100. This means that the air purification unit 200 could also be positioned between the main body part 100 of the indoor unit 10 and the duct 300.

[0028] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view illustrating the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective exploded view illustrating the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the air purification unit 200 comprises a filter 210, an air purification unit section 220, and a box section 230 to which these components are mounted. The indoor unit 10 is designed such that both the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220 are mounted on the box section 230, which can be connected to the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100. Filter 210

[0029] Filter 210 collects abrasion, dust, and other particles from the air passing through it. Filter 210 is attached to the housing section 230 and removes dust from the air drawn into the housing section 230. Filter 210 removes abrasion, dust, and other particles from the air passing through the air purification unit 200 by means of an airflow generated by driving the air-discharging devices 12 of the main body part 100.

[0030] Filter 210 is housed within the box section 230, which is box-shaped. Alternatively, filter 210 is attached to a side surface of the box section 230, which is box-shaped, facing the intake side Al. Filter 210 is located closer to the intake side Al for air than the air purification unit section 220. In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the air purification unit 200, filter 210 is located upstream of the air purification unit section 220. Air purification unit section or part 220

[0031] The air purification unit section 220 is located within the box section 230 and cleans air drawn into the box section 230 by means of an electrical discharge. The air purification unit section 220 is a device that charges fine particles in the air and then collects these fine particles using electrostatic force. The air purification unit section 220 also generates and discharges an electric field within the chamber, thereby inactivating and reducing allergens such as pollen, viruses, and other pathogens that pass through the electrolysis and discharge chamber.

[0032] The air purification unit section 220 also generates an electric field and a discharge chamber, sterilizing and reducing bacteria and other microorganisms that pass through electrolysis and the discharge chamber. The air purification unit section 220 is also referred to as an air purification device, air cleaning device, electrostatic separator, dust removal device, sterilization device, sterilization unit, discharge device, or virus removal device.

[0033] The air purification unit section 220 is housed within the box section 230, which is box-shaped. The air purification unit section 220 is located closer to the air outlet side AO than the filter 210. In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the box section 230, the air purification unit section 220 is located downstream of the filter 210.

[0034] The air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230 in such a way that the air purification unit section 220 is detachable. The air purification unit section 220 is connected by a box opening section 235a (see Fig. 7), which is intended for the box section 230 and which will be described later, is inserted into the box section 230 and withdrawn from the interior of the box section 230. The air purification unit section 220 is inserted into the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a and thereby attached to the box section 230. The air purification unit section 220 is withdrawn from the interior of the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a and is thereby detached from the box section 230.

[0035] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective exploded view illustrating the air purification unit section 220 according to embodiment 1. The structure of the air purification unit section 220 is described below with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described. The air purification unit section 220 comprises a base section or base part 221 and a side plate section or side plate part 222. The air purification unit section 220 also comprises an electrical component box 223, a power supply device 224, and cleaning sections or parts 225.

[0036] The base section 221 is designed in a rectangular plate shape. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is mounted in the box section 230, the base section 221 is configured such that its plate surface faces opposite to the direction in which air flows through the interior of the box section 230. This means that the base section 221 is located within the box section 230, so that the plate surfaces of the base section 221 face the intake side Al for air and the exhaust side AO for air. The base section 221 is designed to extend in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) and the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10.

[0037] The base section 221 is fitted with the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, and the cleaning sections 225. The base section 221 supports the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, and the cleaning sections 225 attached to it. Within the box section 230, the base section 221 holds the assembly of the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, and the cleaning sections 225 upright. At least one cleaning section 225 is attached to the base section 221.

[0038] The base section 221 is provided with an opening section 221a, which is a through-hole. In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the air purification unit 200, the air purification unit section 220 is configured such that the opening section 221a of the base section 221 is positioned downstream of the purification sections 225. In the case where the air purification unit section 220 is considered in the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the air purification unit 200, the air purification unit section 220 is configured such that the purification sections 225 and the opening section 221a overlap. Air passing through the purification sections 225 passes through the opening section 221a and is drawn into the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100.

[0039] The base section 221 comprises a lower wall section 221b, which is plate-shaped and is attached to a guide section 231a (see Fig. 7), which is described later, is located at the lower edge section of the base section 221 such that the lower wall section 221b can slide. A lower wall section 221b is provided for the lower edge section of the base section 221. The lower wall section 221b is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The lower wall section 221b is designed such that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate surfaces of the base section 221. The lower wall section 221b is also shaped such that it extends in a direction in which the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into and withdrawn from the box section 230. This means that the lower wall section 221b is designed such that it extends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10.The lower wall section 221b is designed such that its plate surface faces in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0040] The lower wall section 221b forms a side wall aligned along a side positioned at the lower edge section of the base section 221, which is rectangular in shape. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the lower wall section 221b is attached to the guide section 231a (see Fig. 7) located, which is intended for box section 230 and which will be described later.

[0041] The side plate section 222 is designed in a rectangular plate shape. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is mounted inside the housing section 230, the side plate section 222 is configured such that its surface is oriented in the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the housing section 230. This means that the side plate section 222 extends in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) and the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10. The side plate section 222 is configured such that its surface faces in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0042] The side plate section 222 is attached to a side that is positioned in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of a side edge section of the base section 221, which is rectangular in shape. The side plate section 222 is fixed or fastened to the side edge section of the base section 221, which is rectangular in shape, in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In a case where the side plate section 222 and the base section 221 are considered in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10, the side plate section 222 and the base section 221 are T-shaped or L-shaped.

[0043] In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is mounted inside the box section 230, the side plate section 222 is attached to an opening wall section 235 of the box section 230, in which the box opening section 235a is formed. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is mounted inside the box section 230, the side plate section 222 serves as a cover that covers the box opening section 235a, which is provided for the box section 230 and is described later.

[0044] In a state where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the side plate section 222, together with the opening wall section 235, covers the right side of the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, the purification sections 225 and other components of the air purification unit section 220.

[0045] The electrical component box 223 is box-shaped and contains a control board 223c inside. The control board 223c controls the air purification unit section 220. The electrical component box 223 has a box body 223a, which is box-shaped with an opening on one side, and a lid section 223b that covers the opening of the box body 223a. The electrical component box 223 houses the control board 223c inside the box body 223a.

[0046] The air purification unit 200 of embodiment 1 is designed such that, in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the electrical component box 223 is housed inside the box section 230. In a state where the electrical component box 223 is housed inside the box section 230, the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230.

[0047] The electrical component box 223 is located higher than the power supply device 224 and the cleaning sections 225 within the air purification unit section 220. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is located within the box section 230, the electrical component box 223 is located in an air passage within the air purification unit 200. Due to operating conditions, such as high temperature and humidity, water droplets may form in the air passage within the air purification unit 200. In the unlikely event that water droplets do form in the air passage, the electrical component box 223 is located higher than the power supply device 224 and the cleaning sections 225 to prevent the water droplets from reaching the control board 223c via cables.

[0048] The power supply device 224 is connected to an external power source, with or without the main body part 100 in between, and supplies power or current to the control board 223c and the cleaning sections 225.

[0049] The cleaning sections 225 are devices that form components of the air purification unit section 220, responsible for air purification. For example, the cleaning sections 225 each discharge an electrical charge in the air purification unit section 220, charge fine particles in the air, and collect the fine particles using an electrostatic force.

[0050] The cleaning sections 225 each form an electric field and a discharge chamber in the air purification unit section 220 and inactivate and reduce allergens, such as pollen, viruses, and other pathogens, which pass through electrolysis and the discharge chamber. Each of the cleaning sections 225 also forms an electric field and a discharge chamber in the air purification unit section 220 and sterilizes and reduces bacteria and other microorganisms that pass through electrolysis and the discharge chamber.

[0051] Fig. Figure 9 presents a partial conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a cleaning section 225 of the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 1. An example of the cleaning sections 225 has a discharge electrode 225a and a counter electrode 225b. Air passing through the filter 210 passes through a discharge chamber and an electric field chamber formed by the discharge electrode 225a and the counter electrode 225b, passes through the box opening section 235a, and flows through the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100 into the main body part 100.

[0052] Airborne viruses and bacteria are inactivated by absorbing discharged electricity when they pass through the discharge chamber and electric field chamber formed by the discharge electrode 225a and the counter electrode 225b. Absorbing discharged electricity means that airborne particles are excited by a high voltage and collide with each other, each possessing high energy. When bacteria absorb discharged electricity and a strong electric field simultaneously, a polarization charge is generated on the bacterial cell membranes, opening tiny pores within. These pores then become irreparably damaged, thus easily inactivating the bacteria. Similarly, viruses are also more easily inactivated when exposed to an electric field and thereby significantly affected by discharged electricity.

[0053] It can be stated that the cleaning section 225 is only required to be an air purification device of a known system that uses discharged electricity. For example, the cleaning section 225 is an air purification device of an electrostatic deposition system and any similar device that uses static electricity generated by a high-voltage discharge. Alternatively, the cleaning section 225 could also be an air purification device that uses discharge products, such as ions and ozone. Box section 230

[0054] The box section 230, to which the filter 210 is attached, houses the air purification unit section 220 inside. The filter 210 is attached to the inlet side, or duct side, of the box section 230, and the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the outlet side, or the side facing the main body part 100, of the box section 230.

[0055] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the box section 230 is designed in a box shape, located outside the main body part 100 and attached to the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the box section 230 has a longitudinal direction, or its left-right direction, which corresponds to the X-axis direction, a short direction, or its front-back direction, which corresponds to the Y-axis direction, and an up-down direction, which corresponds to the Z-axis direction. The box section 230 is formed in a cuboid shape with six surfaces: a bottom wall section 231, an upper wall section 232, an intake-side wall section 233, an exhaust-side wall section 234, the opening wall section 235, and a side wall section 236.

[0056] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the bottom wall section 231 is a part that forms the lower surface of the box section 230, which is box-shaped. In a state where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the bottom wall section 231 covers the underside of the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, the purification sections 225, and other components of the air purification unit section 220. The bottom wall section 231 supports the air purification unit section 220, which is located within the box section 230.

[0057] The bottom wall section 231 of the box section 230 has the guide section 231a, which forms a rail on which the air purification unit section 220 moves. The guide section 231a is a rail on which the air purification unit section 220 slides when the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into and withdrawn from the box section 230. The guide section 231a directs the movement of the air purification unit section 220 when a worker inserts the air purification unit section 220 into and withdraws it from the box section 230. The guide section 231a directs the direction of movement of the air purification unit section 220 so that the air purification unit section 220 moves in a direction that intersects the direction in which air flows through the interior of the box section 230 (Y-axis direction).

[0058] The guide section 231a is designed to extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230. The guide section 231a is essentially U-shaped in a region oriented in the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the box section 230 (Y-axis direction) in a case where the region is viewed in the direction in which the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into and withdrawn from the box section 230 (X-axis direction).

[0059] The guide section 231a comprises a bottom section 231a1, a front wall section 231a2, and a rear wall section 231a3. The bottom section 231a1 forms a surface extending in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230, and forming a surface oriented in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The bottom section 231a1 is rectangular when viewed in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0060] The front wall section 231a2 and the rear wall section 231a3 form surfaces that extend in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) and in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230 and form the surfaces that face in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction). The front wall section 231a2 and the rear wall section 231a3 are each rectangular in shape when viewed in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0061] In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of box section 230, the front wall section 231a2 is located upstream of the rear wall section 231a3. This means that the rear wall section 231a3 is located downstream of the front wall section 231a2 in the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of box section 230.

[0062] In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the box section 230, the front wall section 231a2 is formed along the upstream side of the bottom section 231a1, which is rectangular in shape. In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the box section 230, the rear wall section 231a3 is formed along the downstream side of the bottom section 231a1, which is rectangular in shape.

[0063] In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is located within the box section 230, the lower wall section 221b (see Fig. 8) of the air purification unit section 220 is placed on the upper surface of the bottom section 231a1. Even if the air purification unit section 220 is located within the box section 230, it is situated between the front wall section 231a2 and the rear wall section 231a3 in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). In such a case, the front wall section 231a2 and the rear wall section 231a3 both face the air purification unit section 220 in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0064] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the upper wall section 232 is a part that forms the upper surface of the box section 230, which is box-shaped. The upper wall section 232 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). In the state where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the upper wall section 232 covers the top of the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, the purification sections 225, and other components of the air purification unit section 220.

[0065] The intake-side wall section 233, the exhaust-side wall section 234, the opening wall section 235, and the side wall section 236 are parts that form the side surfaces of the box section 230, which is box-shaped. In the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the box section 230, the intake-side wall section 233 and the exhaust-side wall section 234 are configured to face each other. In the direction in which air flows and passes through the interior of the box section 230, the intake-side wall section 233 is positioned upstream of the exhaust-side wall section 234, and the exhaust-side wall section 234 is positioned downstream of the intake-side wall section 233.

[0066] Filter 210 is attached and fixed to the intake-side wall section 233, for example. Filter 210 is attached to the intake-side wall section 233 in such a way that it is removable. It should be noted that, as long as filter 210 is designed for attachment to the box section 230, it does not necessarily have to be fixed to the intake-side wall section 233. For example, filter 210 could also be housed inside the box section 230, similar to the air purification unit section 220.

[0067] In the intake-side wall section 233, an inlet-side opening section 233a is formed through which air flows and into the box section 230. In the exhaust-side wall section 234, an outlet-side opening section 234a is formed through which air flows and out of the interior of the box section 230. The inlet-side opening section 233a and the outlet-side opening section 234a form a through-hole. In a case where the air cleaning element 200 is attached to the main body part 100, the outlet-side opening section 234a of the box section 230 communicates with the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100.

[0068] In the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230, the opening wall section 235 and the side wall section 236 are designed such that they face each other. The box section 230, which in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the opening wall section 235 on the right side (X2 side) and the side wall section 236 on the left side (X1 side). However, in the box section 230, the positions in which the opening wall section 235 and the side wall section 236 are formed could also be opposite to the positions in which they are shown in the Fig. 7 illustrated box section 230 are formed.

[0069] The opening wall section 235 forms a side surface of the box section 230. The box opening section 235a is formed in the opening wall section 235, through which the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into the box section 230 and through which the air purification unit section 220 is withdrawn from the interior of the box section 230. The box opening section 235a forms a through-hole.

[0070] A worker inserts the air purification unit section 220 through the box opening section 235a into the interior of the box section 230 and withdraws it. A worker inserts the air purification unit section 220 through the box opening section 235a into the interior of the box section 230 and withdraws it, and can then perform maintenance on the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, the purification sections 225, and other components of the air purification unit section 220. Maintenance refers to inspection, cleaning, or replacement.

[0071] The side wall section 236 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230. In a state where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the side wall section 236, together with the side plate section 222 of the air purification unit section 220, conceals the left side of the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, the purification sections 225, and other components of the air purification unit section 220. Indoor unit actions 10

[0072] When the air-discharging devices 12 of the main body part 100 are operated, air from outside the indoor unit 10 is drawn into the indoor unit 10. At this time, the air from outside the indoor unit 10 passes through the air purification unit 200 and is drawn into the main body part 100. The air passing through the air purification unit 200 passes through the filter 210 and then through the purification sections 225 of the air purification unit section 220. The air passing through the filter 210 is filtered, and abrasion, dust, and other particles are removed from the air. The air, from which dust has been removed by the filter 210, passes through the purification sections 225, where bacteria are removed by an electrical discharge and where viruses and other pathogens are inactivated. Mechanism and effect of the indoor unit 10

[0073] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device 1 comprises the main body part 100, which conditions the air, and the air purification part 200, which cleans the air. The air purification part 200 comprises the housing section 230, located outside the main body part 100 and attached to the intake opening 18 of the main body part 100, the filter 210, which is attached to the housing section 230, and the air purification unit section 220, which is located inside the housing section 230 and cleans the air. The indoor unit 10 is equipped with the air purification part 200, which is separate from the main body part 100, which conditions the air, and which constitutes an independent component formed by integrating the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220 into one unit. Therefore, if a worker is servicing a component relating to air purification, there is no need to consider an air conditioning component.The worker can access components that require maintenance at the same time and can easily service the component related to air purification.

[0074] For example, the indoor unit 10 is designed so that an air purification component can be easily serviced because a housing shell component of the main body part 100 does not need to be detached, and the work of disconnecting the duct connected to the indoor unit 10 is also unnecessary. The indoor unit 10 is also designed so that an air purification component can be serviced because a ceiling opening (inspection opening) is used for servicing the main body part 100 of the indoor unit 10, and a new ceiling opening section does not need to be opened for servicing the air purification section 200. In another aspect, the indoor unit 10 requires insulation against high voltage because the purification sections 225 contain the discharge electrodes. In the indoor unit 10, the housing section 230 of the air purification section 200 is separated from the main body part 100.Therefore, insulation measures for the indoor unit 10 can be easily implemented because the relationship with the arrangement and other factors of other components does not need to be considered as much as in a case where the cleaning sections 225 are located within the main body part 100, which has air conditioning-related components.

[0075] The air purification unit 200 of the indoor unit 10 also includes the air purification section 200, which comprises the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220. The indoor unit 10 is designed to use the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220 in the air purification unit 200 simultaneously. The air purification unit 200 collects powder dust in the air flowing into the indoor unit 10 through the filter 210 and inactivates fine particles, such as viruses and pollen, that pass through the filter 210 by means of the purification sections 225, which are mounted on the air purification unit section 220. The indoor unit 10 is designed such that both the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220 are mounted within the box section 230, which is connected to the intake opening 18 of the indoor unit 10, and the indoor unit 10 thus has both the functions of the filter 210 and the air purification device.

[0076] The air purification unit section 220 is located downstream of the filter 210 in the direction in which air flows and passes through the housing section 230. The air purification part 200 of the indoor unit 10 also collects dust through the filter 210, which is mounted on the intake side Al of the housing section 230, and is designed to reduce the flow of dust into the air purification unit section 220, which is located downstream of the filter 210. Therefore, the indoor unit 10 is designed to reduce the maintenance frequency for the cleaning sections 225 of the air purification unit section 220.

[0077] The air purification unit 200 is also designed such that, in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230, the electrical component box 223 is housed within the box section 230. This means that, in a state where the electrical component box 223 is housed within the box section 230, the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230. In a case where there are no concerns regarding condensation within the box section 230, as with the air purification unit 200, the electrical component box 223 is located in an air passage within the box section 230, and consequently, no part protrudes from the box section 230.Therefore, the indoor unit 10 is designed to make better use of space, such as above a ceiling, by locating the electrical component box 223 in an air passage within the box section 230. Design 2

[0078] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective front view illustrating the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 2 in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230. Fig. Figure 11 presents a perspective rear view showing the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 2 in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230. It can be noted that parts having the same configurations as the parts in the air purification part 200 shown in Figure 11 are also present. Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the parts with the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the parts are omitted. The air purification part 200 according to embodiment 2 serves to specify an engagement state in which the box section 230 and the air purification unit section 220 are engaged with each other.

[0079] As in Fig. 10 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 11, the air purification unit 200 comprises components relating to the air purification device, which differ from the filter 210 and which are all arranged in the air purification unit section 220. The air purification unit section 220 can be inserted and removed through the box opening section 235a, which is provided in one side of the box section 230. The box opening section 235a serves as a maintenance opening through which the air purification unit section 220 is serviced. The air purification unit section 220 is installed by the opening wall section 235 in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a.

[0080] In a case where a worker is servicing air purification unit section 220, the worker pulls the air purification unit section 220 out of box section 230 through box opening section 235a in order to service the air purification unit section 220. Similarly, in a case where a worker is completing maintenance of the air purification unit section 220, the worker inserts the air purification unit section 220 through box opening section 235a into box section 230 to locate the purification sections 225 within box section 230.

[0081] The air purification unit section 220 also serves as a cover for the box opening section 235a. The air purification unit section 200 has a structure which, in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is fully inserted into the box section 230, closes the box opening section 235a.

[0082] Fig. Figure 12 shows an enlarged perspective view illustrating a section or part A of the air purification unit 200, which is located in Fig. 11 is illustrated. Fig. Figure 13 shows an enlarged perspective view illustrating box section 230 of the air purification part 200, which is located in Fig. 12 is illustrated. Fig. Figure 14 shows an enlarged perspective view illustrating air purification unit section 220 of air purification part 200, which is located in Fig. 12 is illustrated. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, the box section 230 has a groove section 231b and a claw section 231c in the guide section 231a.

[0083] In the guide section 231a, a groove section 231b is formed at an end section facing the opening wall section 235. The groove section 231b is a part in which the bottom section 231a1 is cut out. The groove section 231b is formed in the guide section 231a as a groove. When the corner section of the lower edge of the air purification unit section 220 is located on the groove section 231b, the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b. The groove section 231b is formed in a position near the opening wall section 235 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230.

[0084] The guide section 231a comprises an inclined section 231d at the boundary between the bottom section 231a1 and the groove section 231b in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230. The inclined section 231d is a sloping piece that is inclined downwards from the bottom section 231a1 towards the interior of the groove section 231b. The inclined section 231d is inclined such that its plate surfaces face upwards and towards the opening wall section 235.

[0085] When the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b, it falls along the slope of the inclined section 231d and thus falls slowly into the groove section 231b. Therefore, when the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b, no impact is caused by a collision between the air purification unit section 220 and the box section 230, and the air purification unit 200 is thus prevented from malfunctioning and risks are eliminated during operation.

[0086] The box section 230 has the claw section 231c, which is hook-shaped and engages with the air purification unit section 220. In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230, the claw section 231c engages with an engagement hole section 221c (see Fig. 14), which is intended for box section 230 and which will be described later.

[0087] A lower section 231c1 of the claw section 231c extends in the upward-downward direction (Z-axis direction). An upper section 231c2 of the claw section 231c also extends from the vicinity of the opening wall section 235 towards the bottom section 231a1. This means that the upper section 231c2 of the claw section 231c extends from the vicinity of the opening wall section 235 towards the vicinity of the side wall section 236. The claw section 231c is shaped such that it extends in the short direction (Y-axis direction) and in the long direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230.

[0088] The claw section 231c is formed in the guide section 231a at the end section facing the opening wall section 235. The claw section 231c is positioned above the groove section 231b. The claw section 231c is positioned above a section of the groove section 231b located near the opening wall section 235. The distal end of the claw section 231c is positioned above the groove section 231b and faces the side wall section 236.

[0089] The air purification unit section 220 has the engagement hole section 221c, which forms a through-hole that engages with the claw section 231c. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, the access hole section 221c is formed in the lower wall section 221b of the air purification unit section 220. The access hole section 221c is sized to allow the claw section 231c to pass through. In a case where a distal end of the air purification unit section 220 is defined as a distal unit end 220a in the direction in which it is inserted into the box section 230, the access hole section 221c is positioned closer to the distal unit end 220a than the side plate section 222 (see Figure 14). Fig. 7) is.

[0090] As in Fig. Figure 12 illustrates that when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230, the corner section of the lower edge of the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b. As shown in section B in Fig. Figure 12 illustrates that when the corner section of the lower edge of the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b, the claw section 231c passes through the engagement hole section 221c and engages with the inner edge of the engagement hole section 221c. When the claw section 231c is engaged with the engagement hole section 221c, it prevents the air purification unit section 220 from being pulled further out of the box section 230.

[0091] The air purification part 200 is designed such that, when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box opening section 235a into a position where it can be serviced, it falls into the groove section 231b, and the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c engage with each other. It should be noted that the position where the air purification unit section 220 can be serviced refers to a position where, when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230, the cleaning sections 225 of the air purification unit section 220 are at least partially exposed relative to the box section 230.The position in which the air purification unit section 220 can be serviced could also refer to a position in which, in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230 together with the cleaning sections 225 of the air purification unit section 220, the electrical component box 223 and the power supply device 224 are exposed opposite the box section 230.

[0092] When the claw section 231c engages with the engagement hole section 221c, the upper section 231c2 of the claw section 231c is in contact with the lower wall section 221b, which is positioned between the engagement hole section 221c and the distal unit end 220a, and the upward movement of the lower wall section 221b is thereby restricted. Therefore, the side plate section 222 of the air purification unit section 220 does not tilt downwards, the air purification unit section 220 maintains its orientation in the box section 230, and the air purification part 200 thus prevents the air purification unit section 220 from falling out of the box section 230.

[0093] The air purification unit 200 is also designed such that, even if the side plate section 222 of the air purification unit section 220 is inclined downwards to a certain extent, the upper section of the air purification unit section 220 is in contact with the upper wall section 232 of the box section 230, and the air purification unit section 220 is not significantly inclined. Therefore, the air purification unit section 220 maintains its orientation within the box section 230, and the air purification unit 200 thus prevents the air purification unit section 220 from falling out of the box section 230.

[0094] The air cleaning element 200 is designed such that the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c engage with each other when the air cleaning unit section 220 is pulled out of the box opening section 235a into a position where the air cleaning unit section 220 can be serviced, thereby restricting the movement of the air cleaning unit section 220. The air cleaning element 200 is designed such that the orientation of the air cleaning unit section 220 is then maintained within the box section 230. This means that, both before and after the air cleaning unit section 220 is pulled out, the air cleaning element 200 maintains the angle between the guide section 231a of the box section 230 and the lower wall section 221b of the air cleaning unit section 220. Mechanism and effect of the indoor unit 10

[0095] In a case where the indoor unit lacks the air purification part 200 and is connected to a duct that obscures areas around an intake and exhaust opening of the indoor unit, the presence of such a duct makes it difficult for the worker to access an air purification component located near the intake and exhaust openings. Therefore, in a case where the indoor unit is connected to a duct without the air purification part 200, a worker has difficulty servicing an air purification component located near the intake and exhaust openings.

[0096] The air purification unit 200 comprises the housing section 230 and the air purification unit section 220. The housing section 230 has the opening wall section 235, which forms a side surface of the housing section 230 and in which the housing opening section 235a is formed, through which the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into the housing section 230 and through which the air purification unit section 220 is withdrawn from the interior of the housing section 230. The air purification unit section 220 is then installed by the opening wall section 235 in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is inserted into the housing section 230 through the housing opening section 235a.

[0097] The air purification part 200 of the indoor unit 10 is designed such that the air purification unit section 220 can be inserted and removed through the box opening section 235a, which is provided in one side of the box section 230. By pulling the air purification unit section 220 out of the box section 230, a worker can simultaneously access components requiring maintenance, and even if the duct 300 (see Fig. 3) connected to the indoor unit 10, the component relating to air purification is thus easily maintained.

[0098] The air purification unit section 220 also includes the purification sections 225, which are housed within the box section 230 and constitute the components responsible for air purification, and the electrical component box 223, which contains the control board 223c that controls the air purification unit section 220. The air purification unit section 220 also includes the power supply device 224, which is connected to an external power source and supplies current and power to the control board 223c and the purification sections 225.

[0099] In a scenario where an air purification device is planned, an electrical component box containing a control board that operates the device, and a power supply unit are also required, thus increasing the number of components requiring maintenance. Furthermore, if the number of components requiring maintenance is large and these components are located in different areas, more time is needed to service each component.

[0100] The indoor unit 10 is designed such that components relating to air purification, such as the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, and the purification sections 225, are integrated into the air purification unit section 220 as a single unit. The indoor unit 10 is designed such that components relating to the air purification device are integrated into the air purification unit section 220, and that components requiring maintenance can be accessed simultaneously by pulling the air purification unit section 220 out of the box section 230. Therefore, when a worker is servicing an air purification component, the worker can simultaneously access the components requiring maintenance and can easily service the air purification component.

[0101] The air purification unit section 220 is designed as a single unit into which components relating to air purification, such as the electrical component box 223, the power supply device 224, and the purification sections 225, are integrated. For this reason, the air purification unit section 220 is designed such that its overall weight is heavier than in a case where components such as the purification sections 225 are not integrated.

[0102] Since the air purification unit section 220 is designed to move on the guide section 231a, which acts as a rail, within the box section 230, the action of pulling the air purification unit section 220 out of the box section 230 does not require much force. However, when the air purification unit section 220 is completely pulled out of the box section 230, the load on the air purification unit section 220 is released and the load is suddenly exerted on a worker's arm. In a case where maintenance is being carried out in a confined space, such as above a ceiling, where a worker often has to work on unstable supports, a sudden exertion of the load of the air purification unit section 220 on a worker's arm could make such work dangerous.

[0103] The air purification part 200 of the indoor unit 10 comprises the housing section 230 and the air purification unit section 220. The housing section 230 has the claw section 231c, which is hook-shaped and engages with the air purification unit section 220, and the air purification unit section 220 has the access hole section 221c, which forms a through-hole that engages with the claw section 231c. The air purification part 200 is designed such that when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the housing opening section 235a into a position where the air purification unit section 220 can be serviced, the claw section 231c and the access hole section 221c are engaged with each other.

[0104] The air purification part 200 is designed such that the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c are engaged with each other, thereby limiting the movement of the air purification unit section 220 while maintaining the orientation of the air purification unit section 220 within the housing section 230. Therefore, a worker cannot pull the air purification unit section 220 out of the housing section 230 all at once and can thus work safely without the full weight of the air purification unit section 220 suddenly being exerted on the worker's arm. The air purification part 200 is designed such that the air purification unit section 220 stops before it is completely pulled out of the housing section 230, thus preventing its weight from suddenly exerting a force on the worker, allowing the worker to safely perform maintenance work.The indoor unit 10 is also designed in such a way that, when the air purification unit section 220 is serviced, only components requiring maintenance can be serviced without completely removing the air purification unit section 220 from the box section 230.

[0105] The box section 230 also includes the guide section 231a, which forms a rail on which the air purification unit section 220 moves. In the guide section 231a, the groove section 231b is formed at an end section facing the opening wall section 235. The claw section 231c of the box section 230 is formed in the guide section 231a at the end section facing the opening wall section 235. The air purification unit section 220 includes the base section 221, which is plate-shaped and to which at least one purification section 225 is attached. The base section 221 comprises the lower wall section 221b, which is plate-shaped and is located on the guide section 231a at the lower edge section of the base section 221 such that the lower wall section 221b can slide. The access hole section 221c of the air purification unit section 220 is formed in the lower wall section 221b.The air purification part 200 is designed such that in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box opening section 235a into a position in which the air purification unit section 220 can be serviced, the air purification unit section 220 falls into the groove section 231b and the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c are engaged with each other.

[0106] The air purification part 200 has the groove section 231b, which is designed such that in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230, as in Fig. Figure 12 illustrates that when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out into a position where it can be serviced, the air purification unit section 220 falls under its own weight into the groove section 231b. The air purification part 200 is designed such that the claw section 231c of the box section 230 engages with the engagement hole section 221c formed in the lower wall section 221b of the air purification unit section 220, and the air purification unit section 220 is prevented from being pulled out of the box section 230 any further.

[0107] In a case where the air purification unit section 220 is completely withdrawn from the box section 230, a worker must lift the air purification unit section 220 in a state where the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c are engaged with each other, and disengage the claw section 231c of the box section 230 from the engagement hole section 221c. Therefore, a worker must not withdraw the air purification unit section 220 from the box section 230 all at once and is thus able to work safely without the full load of the air purification unit section 220 suddenly acting on a worker's arm.

[0108] The air purification part 200 can also maintain the orientation of the air purification unit section 220 within the box section 230, unless a worker lifts the air purification unit section 220, releasing a condition that is formed where the claw section 231c and the engagement hole section 221c are engaged with each other. Therefore, the indoor unit 10 is designed such that, when the air purification unit section 220 is serviced without completely removing the air purification unit section 220 from the box section 230, only components requiring service can be accessed.The indoor unit 10 is designed such that when the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230, the air purification unit section 220 stops once before it is completely pulled out of the box section 230 and retains its orientation, unless the air purification unit section 220 is lifted. embodiment 3

[0109] Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective front view illustrating the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 16 presents a perspective view illustrating the air purification part 200 according to embodiment 3 in a state where the air purification unit section 220 is pulled out of the box section 230. It can be noted that parts having the same configurations as the parts in the Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 illustrated air purification parts 200 are designated with the same reference symbols and descriptions of the parts are omitted.

[0110] The air purification part 200 according to embodiment 3 differs from each of the air purification parts 200 of embodiments 1 and 2 with respect to the position of the electrical component box 223 of the air purification unit section 220. The air purification part 200 according to embodiment 3 also serves to specify an installation position in which the filter 210 is installed.

[0111] Each of the electrical component boxes 223 of embodiments 1 and 2 is attached to the base section 221 (see Fig. 7) of the air purification unit section 220 is attached and housed in the box section 230. In addition, each of the electrical component boxes 223 of embodiments 1 and 2 is located in an air passage within the box section 230.

[0112] The electrical component box 223 of embodiment 3 is, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. Figure 16 illustrates that the electrical component box 223 is attached to the side plate section 222 of the air purification unit section 220 and is not housed in the box section 230. The electrical component box 223 of embodiment 3 is located such that it is attached to the outer surface of the box section 230 and is not located in an air passage within the box section 230.

[0113] The electrical component box 223 of embodiment 3 is provided opposite the cleaning sections 225, extending beyond the side plate section 222. In a case where the air cleaning unit section 220 is inserted into and attached to the box section 230, the electrical component box 223 is provided such that it projects outwards from the box section 230.

[0114] The air purification unit 200 of embodiment 3 is configured such that the electrical component box 223 is located outside the box section 230 when the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230. The air purification unit 200 of embodiment 3 is positioned such that the electrical component box 223 is exposed to the outside of the box section 230. The air purification unit section 220 is attached to the box section 230 in a configuration where the electrical component box 223 is located outside the box section 230.

[0115] Whether the electrical component box 223 is located inside or outside an air passage within the box section 230 is determined according to the operating conditions of the indoor unit 10. In a case where an inflow of high-temperature and high-humidity air into the indoor unit 10 is anticipated, and condensation is therefore expected to form on the inside of the box section 230, which is the primary side of the air conditioning device, as in the air purification part 200 of embodiment 3, the electrical component box 223 is located outside an air passage within the box section 230.

[0116] Each of the filters 210 of embodiments 1 and 2 is shown as an example, as in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the filter 210 being attached to the outside of the box section 230. In contrast, the filter 210 of embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 6, is attached to the outside of the box section 230. In contrast, the filter 210 of embodiment 3 is attached to the outside of the box section 230. In embodiment 6, the filter 210 is attached to the outside of the box section 230. In embodiment 3, the filter 210 is attached to the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 illustrated, housed within box section 230.

[0117] The filter 210 can be inserted and removed through the box opening section 235a, which is provided in one side of the box section 230. The box opening section 235a serves as a maintenance opening through which the filter 210 is serviced. The filter 210 is positioned such that it can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a, and that it is attached to the opening wall section 235 in a state where the filter 210 is inserted into the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a.

[0118] In a case where a worker is servicing filter 210, the worker pulls filter 210 out of box section 230 through box opening section 235a in order to service filter 210. Similarly, in a case where a worker is attaching filter 210 to box section 230, the worker inserts filter 210 through box opening section 235a into box section 230 to locate filter 210 within box section 230.

[0119] The filter 210 has a filter-side plate section 211, which also serves as a lid or cover for the box opening section 235a. The filter 210 has a structure in which the filter-side plate section 211 of the filter 210, when the filter 210 is fully inserted into the box section 230, closes the box opening section 235a.

[0120] The bottom wall section 231 of the box section 230 has a rail guide section 231f. The rail guide section 231f is a rail on which the filter 210 slides when the filter 210 is inserted into and removed from the box section 230. The rail guide section 231f guides the movement of the filter 210 when a worker inserts the filter 210 into and removes it from the box section 230. The rail guide section 231f is designed to extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the box section 230.

[0121] It should be noted that each of the air purification unit sections 220 of embodiments 1 to 3 is preferably designed such that its size is the same as, or similar to, the size of an existing filter, such as a long-life filter or a high-performance filter. The air purification unit section 220 is designed in the size described above, and is thus interchangeable with such an existing filter, which can then be used. Furthermore, the air purification unit section 220 is designed in the size described above, and the filter 210 and the air purification unit section 220 are used selectively according to user requirements. Mechanism and effect of the indoor unit 10

[0122] The air purification unit 200 of the indoor unit 10 is configured such that, in a case where the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the housing section 230, the electrical component box 223 is located outside the housing section 230. This means that the air purification unit section 220 is attached to the housing section 230 in a state where the electrical component box 223 is located outside the housing section 230. In a case where an inflow of high-temperature, high-humidity air into the indoor unit 10 is anticipated, the air purification unit 200 of the indoor unit 10 prevents condensation from forming on the electrical component box 223, where the electrical component box 223 is located outside an air passage within the housing section 230.

[0123] In a case where a duct is not connected to the air purification unit 200, a worker accesses the box section 230 from the outside and then attaches and detaches the filter 210 from the box section 230. However, in a case where a duct is connected to the air purification unit 200, the presence of the duct makes it difficult for a worker to access the box section 230 from the outside and to attach and detach the filter 210 from the box section 230. For this reason, in a case where a duct is connected to the air purification unit 200, a worker might encounter difficulties servicing the filter 210.

[0124] The filter 210 of the indoor unit 10 is located such that it can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a, and that it is attached to the opening wall section 235 in a state where the filter 210 is inserted into the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a. The air purification part 200 of the indoor unit 10 is designed such that the filter 210 can be inserted into and removed from the box opening section 235a, which is provided in one side of the box section 230. A worker pulls the filter 210 out of the box section 230 through the box opening section 235a and then performs maintenance. Therefore, a worker can easily service the filter 210 even if the duct 300 (see Fig. 3) is connected to the indoor unit 10. Reference symbol list

[0125] 1: Air conditioning device, 2: Refrigerant pipe, 3: Refrigerant circuit, 10: Indoor unit, 10a: Intake-side compartment, 10b: Exhaust-side compartment, 11: Heat exchanger, 12: Air discharge device or air conveying device, 13: Centrifugal fan, 14: Spiral housing, 14a: Outlet opening, 15: Motor, 15a: Motor shaft, 15b: Motor support, 16a: Upper surface section, 16b: Lower surface section, 16c: Side surface section, 16c1: Outlet-side surface section, 16c2: Intake-side surface section, 17: Exhaust opening, 18: Intake opening, 19: Partition plate, 20: Outdoor unit, 21: Compressor, 22: Flow switching device, 23: Outdoor heat exchanger, 24: Expansion valve, 25: air-emitting external device or external air conveying device), 100: main body part, 200: air purification part, 210: filter, 211: filter-side plate section, 220: air purification unit section, 220a: distal unit end, 221: base section, 221a: opening section, 221b: lower wall section,221c: Access hole section, 222: Side plate section, 223: Electrical component box, 223a: Box body, 223b: Cover section, 223c: Control board, 224: Power supply device, 225: Cleaning section, 225a: Discharge electrode, 225b: Counter electrode, 230: Box section, 231: Bottom wall section, 231a: Guide section, 231a1: Bottom section, 231a2: Front wall section, 231a3: Rear wall section, 231b: Groove section, 231c: Claw section, 231c1: Lower section, 231c2: Upper section, 231d: Inclined section, 231f: Rail guide section, 232: Upper wall section, 233: Suction-side wall section, 233a: inlet-side opening section, 234: outlet-side wall section, 234a: outlet-side opening section, 235: opening wall section, 235a: box opening section, 236: side wall section, 300: duct, Al: intake side, AO: exhaust side, QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2015-131152

[0003]

Claims

[1] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device comprising: a main body part which has an internal heat exchanger and an air-discharging device and which is designed for conditioning air; and an air purification component located outside the main body part and attached to an air intake opening of the main body part, and designed to purify air flowing into the main body part, the air purification unit includes: a box section formed in a box shape, located outside the main body part and attached to the intake opening of the main body part, a filter attached to the box section that removes dust from the air being drawn into the box section, and an air purification unit section located within the box section and designed to purify air drawn into the box section by means of an electrical discharge. [2] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein in a direction in which air flows and passes through the box section, the air purification unit section is located downstream of the filter. [3] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the box section has an opening wall section that forms a side surface of the box section and in which a box opening section is formed through which the air purification unit section is inserted into the box section and through which the air purification unit section is pulled out of an interior of the box section, and the air purification unit section is attached to the opening wall section in a state where the air purification unit section is inserted through the box opening section into the box section. [4] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 3, wherein the box section has a claw section that is hook-shaped and engages with the air purification unit section, the air purification unit section has an engagement hole section that forms a through hole which engages with the claw section, and The air purification part is designed such that, in a case where the air purification unit section is pulled out of the box opening section into a position in which the air purification unit section can be serviced, the claw section and the engagement hole section engage with each other, movement of the air purification unit section is restricted and alignment of the air purification unit section is maintained in the box section. [5] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein the filter is located in such a way that the filter can be inserted through the box opening section into the interior of the box section and can be removed from it, and the filter is attached to the opening wall section in a state where the filter is inserted through the box opening section into the box section. [6] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air purification unit section a cleaning section that is housed inside the box section and forms a component responsible for air purification, an electrical component box designed in a box shape and containing an internal control board, the control board being configured to control the air purification unit section, and a power supply device connected to an external power source and configured to supply power to the control board and cleaning section. [7] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein the box section has a guide section that forms a rail on which the air purification unit section moves, In the guide section, a groove section is formed at an end section that faces the opening wall section, the claw section is formed in the guide section at the end section that faces the opening wall section, the air purification unit section has a base section that is plate-shaped and to which at least the purification section is attached, the base section includes a lower wall section which is plate-shaped and which is located on the guide section at a lower edge section of the base section in such a way that the lower wall section can slide, the intervention hole section is formed in the lower wall section, and The air purification part is equipped in such a way that, in a case where the air purification unit section is pulled out of the box opening section into a position in which the air purification unit section can be serviced, the air purification unit section falls into the groove section and the claw section and the engagement hole section engage with each other. [8] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the air purification part is designed such that, in a case where the air purification unit section is attached to the box section, the electrical component box is housed inside the box section. [9] Indoor unit of an air conditioning device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the air purification part is configured such that, in a case where the air purification unit section is attached to the box section, the electrical component box is located outside the box section.

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