Indoor air conditioner

Abstract

This indoor air conditioner comprises: a casing that has an inlet and an air outlet; a cross-flow fan that is provided in the casing, and that by being rotationally driven about an axis which extends horizontally takes in air through the inlet and blows air toward the air outlet; a heat exchanger that is provided in the casing and that is provided so as to surround the axis of the cross-flow fan from the outer peripheral side; and a leakage-detecting sensor that is provided below the heat exchanger inside the casing, wherein the leakage-detecting sensor is provided at a position differing from that of an air path through which airflow from the cross-flow fan flows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor air conditioner.

[0002] This application claims the right of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-142178 filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 1, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0003] As a technique for detecting leakage of a refrigerant of an air conditioner, a technique described in PTL 1 below is known. In the device according to PTL 1 below, a sensor that detects leakage of a refrigerant is disposed on a path (an air path) through which air blown by an indoor unit (an indoor air conditioner) passes. In this way, it is said that it is possible to detect the leakage of the refrigerant from a heat exchanger.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0004] [PTL 1] International Publication No. WO2020 / 179007Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0005] However, in a case where the leakage-detecting sensor is disposed on the air path as described above, while the leakage can be detected during the operation of the indoor air conditioner, air does not pass through the air path during the stop, so that there is a problem in that it is difficult to detect the leakage.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an indoor air conditioner in which it is possible to accurately detect leakage of a refrigerant regardless of an operation state.Solution to Problem

[0007] An indoor air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: a casing having a suction port and an air outlet; a cross-flow fan that is provided in the casing and that is rotationally driven around an axis extending in a horizontal direction to suck air through the suction port and blow the air toward the air outlet; a heat exchanger that is provided in the casing and that is provided to surround the cross-flow fan from an outer peripheral side of the axis; and a leakage-detecting sensor that is provided below the heat exchanger in the casing, in which the leakage-detecting sensor is provided at a position different from a position of an air path through which the air blown by the cross-flow fan flows.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor air conditioner in which it is possible to accurately detect leakage of a refrigerant regardless of an operation state.Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of an indoor air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagram of a front main part of the indoor air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a first modification example of the indoor air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a second modification example of the indoor air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments(Configuration of Indoor Air Conditioner)

[0010] Hereinafter, an indoor air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The indoor air conditioner 1 is an air conditioner that is mounted on a wall surface in a room and used. The indoor air conditioner 1 has a refrigerating cycle that circulates a refrigerant between the indoor unit and an outdoor unit (not shown). The temperature-adjusted air is supplied to the room by heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant and between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor air conditioner 1 includes a casing 10, a cross-flow fan 20, a heat exchanger 30, a drain pan 40, an internal cover 50, an air path forming plate 60, and a leakage-detecting sensor 70.(Configuration of Casing)

[0012] The casing 10 is a decorative cover that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, and includes a front cover 11 facing a front surface on an indoor side, a top cover 12 facing a top surface, a lower cover 13 facing a lower surface, a rear cover 14 facing a rear surface side (that is, a wall side), and a side cover (not shown). A suction port 15 for taking the indoor air into the device is formed in the top cover 12.

[0013] The lower cover 13 includes a cover main body 16 and a flap 17. The cover main body 16 is fixed to a rear panel. On the other hand, the flap 17 is supported to be swingable with respect to the cover main body 16. A swing shaft of the flap 17 extends in a horizontal direction. The flap 17 swings, so that an opening is formed in a part of the lower cover 13. The opening forms an air outlet 18 for blowing out the air temperature-adjusted inside the device. That is, the direction of the air that is blown from the air outlet 18 is adjusted by changing a swing angle of the flap 17.(Configuration of Cross-flow Fan)

[0014] The cross-flow fan 20 is a columnar fan centered on an axis X extending in the horizontal direction, and is rotationally driven around the axis X. The cross-flow fan 20 rotates, so that the indoor air is taken into the device through the suction port 15. In addition to the cross-flow fan 20, a sirocco fan can also be used for the same purpose. A drive unit (not shown) of the cross-flow fan 20 is provided at an end portion on one side or the other side in a direction of the axis X. In addition, the cross-flow fan 20 is located at a central portion of the casing 10 when viewed in the direction of the axis X.(Configuration of Heat Exchanger)

[0015] The heat exchanger 30 covers the cross-flow fan 20 from an outer peripheral side in the direction of the axis X. The heat exchanger 30 is of, for example, a fin-and-tube type, and the interior thereof is filled with a refrigerant. The temperature of the air is adjusted by the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The heat exchanger 30 is divided into three blocks as an example, and includes a rear block 31 that is located on a rear surface side, a front upper block 32 that is located on a front surface side adjacent to the rear block 31, and a front lower block 33 that is located below the front upper block 32. Refrigerant flow paths communicate with each other between any blocks. As the type of the refrigerant, a propane-based refrigerant such as R290 is particularly preferably used from the viewpoint of reducing environmental load.(Configuration of Drain Pan)

[0016] The drain pan 40 is provided below the front lower block 33. The drain pan 40 is a member for receiving dew condensation water generated on the surface of the heat exchanger 30. The drain pan 40 includes a drain pan main body 41 and a tray portion 42. The drain pan main body 41 has a U shape when viewed in the direction of the axis X to cover a lower portion of the front lower block 33. The dew condensation water that has dripped on the drain pan main body 41 is discharged to the outside of the room through a pipe (not shown).

[0017] The tray portion 42 is integrally provided on a front surface side of the drain pan main body 41. The tray portion 42 has an L-shaped cross-sectional shape protruding from the front surface side of the drain pan main body 41. The tray portion 42 is provided to form a space (a detection space V) different from an air path F for air, which will be described later. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray portion 42 is inclined with a descending gradient toward the central portion in the direction of the axis X when viewed from the front surface side.(Configuration of Internal Cover)

[0018] The internal cover 50 is provided between the heat exchanger 30 and the casing 10. The internal cover 50 covers the heat exchanger 30 from the outer peripheral side with respect to the axis X. A filter (not shown) or the like is detachably attached to the internal cover 50. A lower end of the internal cover 50 on the front surface side forms a space on the inside together with the tray portion 42 described above and a part of the drain pan main body 41. This space serves as the detection space V. The leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at a central portion of the detection space V in the direction of the axis X. The leakage-detecting sensor 70 is an element for detecting the leakage of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 30. As an example, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is fixed to a surface on a front surface side of the drain pan main body 41 via a stay 71. In addition, in consideration of the flow down of the refrigerant due to its own weight, it is desirable that the refrigerant detection sensor is located further below the lower end of the heat exchanger 30.(Configuration of Air Path Forming Plate)

[0019] The air path forming plate 60 is provided on a rear surface side with respect to the heat exchanger 30 and the cross-flow fan 20. The air path forming plate 60 includes a forming plate main body 61 and a curved portion 62. The forming plate main body 61 is provided on the rear surface side with respect to the rear block 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The forming plate main body 61 extends in an up-down direction. A part of the forming plate main body 61 protrudes to the rear cover 14 side. The curved portion 62 is integrally connected to a lower end of the forming plate main body 61. The curved portion 62 covers the cross-flow fan 20 and extends downward to an end edge of the air outlet 18. In addition, the curved portion 62 is curved in an arc shape to be convex to the rear surface side in accordance with the columnar shape of the cross-flow fan 20. The surface on the front surface side of the curved portion 62 (that is, the surface facing the cross-flow fan 20 side) forms a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 63.

[0020] The space surrounded by the drain pan 40, the internal cover 50, and the air path forming plate 60 described above serves as the air path F through which the air that is pressure-fed by the cross-flow fan 20 flows. In other words, the detection space V described above is a different space independent of the air path F, and the air does not flow into the detection space V regardless of whether the air conditioner is in operation or in a stop state.(Operation and Effect)

[0021] When the indoor air conditioner 1 described above is operated, first, the cross-flow fan 20 is rotationally driven by turning on a power supply. At the same time, the refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor unit flows into the heat exchanger 30. The temperature of the air sent to the periphery of the heat exchanger 30 by the cross-flow fan 20 is adjusted by heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. Thereafter, the temperature-adjusted air is pressure-fed into the room through the air outlet 18 by the cross-flow fan 20.

[0022] Here, it is also conceivable that the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 30 leaks. Since the leakage of the refrigerant affects the operation of the indoor air conditioner 1, it is desirable that the leakage is immediately detected. For this reason, in the related art, an example in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is disposed on the air path F for air blowing has been proposed. However, in a case where the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is disposed on the air path F, while the leakage can be detected during the operation of the indoor air conditioner 1, the air does not pass through the air path F during the stop, so that there is a problem in that it is difficult to detect the leakage or it takes time to detect the leakage. Therefore, in the present embodiment, each of the configurations described above is adopted.

[0023] According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at a position (that is, the detection space V) different from the position of the air path F, it is possible to detect the leakage of the refrigerant even in a state where the blowing air does not flow through the air path F, that is, even when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped. In particular, the refrigerant that has leaked from the heat exchanger 30 has a specific gravity larger than that of air, and thus the refrigerant reaches the detection space V through a gap or the like between the heat exchanger 30 and the internal cover 50. Therefore, even in a state where the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped, the leakage of the refrigerant can be immediately detected. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the availability of the indoor air conditioner 1.

[0024] Here, in the heat exchanger 30, it is known that leakage is particularly likely to occur in the curved portions 62 of heat transfer tubes at both end portions in the direction of the axis X. The refrigerant leaked at the location reaches the tray portion 42 by its own weight through the side of the heat exchanger 30. Thereafter, the refrigerant diffuses in the direction of the axis X and reaches the central portion of the tray portion 42. According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at the central portion of the tray portion 42, even in the case of leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X, the leakage can be immediately detected. In this way, stable operation of the indoor air conditioner 1 can be realized.

[0025] According to the above-described configuration, since the surface of the tray portion 42, which faces the drain pan main body 41 side, has a descending gradient toward the central portion, the refrigerant is easily guided to the central portion by its own weight toward the leakage-detecting sensor 70. That is, the refrigerant flows downward along the descending gradient and is then accumulated in the central portion. Therefore, even in a case where a very small amount of refrigerant leaks, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 can accurately and immediately detect the leakage.

[0026] According to the above-described configuration, by providing only one leakage-detecting sensor 70 at the central portion, it is possible to detect leakage at any location of the heat exchanger 30. In this way, the number of the leakage-detecting sensors 70 that have been provided in the related art can be minimized. Therefore, manufacturing costs and maintenance costs can be reduced.(Other Embodiments)

[0027] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configurations are not limited to the embodiment, and also include design changes and the like within a scope which does not depart from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0028] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is disposed in the detection space V has been described. However, as long as it is a position different from the position of the air path F, it is also possible to dispose the leakage-detecting sensor 70 at a location other than the detection space V. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 as a first modification example, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 can be disposed in a space on the rear surface side, which is formed by the curved portion 62 of the air path forming plate 60 and the rear cover 14. Even in this case, the same operation and effect as those described above can be obtained.

[0029] In addition, it is also possible to dispose one leakage-detecting sensor 70 in each of the detection space V and the space on the rear surface side described above (FIG. 4). In this case, the leakage of the refrigerant can be detected more precisely and immediately.

[0030] In addition, it is also possible to arrange two or more leakage-detecting sensors 70 at intervals in each of the detection space V and the space on the rear surface side. Even in this case, it is possible to more precisely and immediately detect the leakage of the refrigerant.

[0031] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at the central portion of the detection space V (the tray portion 42) in the direction of the axis X. However, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 may be disposed at an end portion of the tray portion 42 in the direction of the axis X. According to this configuration, wiring can be easily routed as compared with a case where the sensor is provided at the central portion of the tray portion 42. In this way, it is possible to improve workability at the time of manufacturing or maintenance.

[0032] The shape of the heat exchanger 30 and the configurations of the blocks described above are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to design or specifications. At the same time, the position or dimension of the suction port 15 or the air outlet 18 can also be appropriately changed according to design or specifications. In either case, the same operation and effect as those described above can be obtained.

[0033] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is supported by the stay 71. However, a fixing aspect of the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is not limited thereto, and as another example, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 can also be attached and fixed to a target surface by a double-sided tape or the like.<Additional Remark>

[0034] The indoor air conditioner 1 described in each embodiment is understood as follows, for example.

[0035] (1) An indoor air conditioner 1 according to a first aspect includes: a casing 10 having a suction port 15 and an air outlet 18; a cross-flow fan 20 that is provided in the casing 10 and that is rotationally driven around an axis X extending in a horizontal direction to suck air through the suction port 15 and blow the air toward the air outlet 18; a heat exchanger 30 that is provided in the casing 10 and that is provided to surround the cross-flow fan 20 from an outer peripheral side of the axis X; and a leakage-detecting sensor 70 that is provided below the heat exchanger 30 in the casing 10, in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at a position different from a position of an air path F through which the air blown by the cross-flow fan 20 flows.

[0036] According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at a position different from the position of the air path F, it is possible to detect the leakage of the refrigerant even in a state where the air does not flow through the air path F, that is, even when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0037] (2) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a second aspect, the indoor air conditioner 1 according to the above (1), further includes: a drain pan 40 that covers the heat exchanger 30 from below, in which the drain pan 40 includes a drain pan main body 41 that faces the heat exchanger 30, and a tray portion 42 that is provided further below the drain pan main body 41 and that forms a detection space V extending in a direction of an axis X between the tray portion 42 and the drain pan main body 41, and the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at a central portion of the tray portion 42 in the direction of the axis X.

[0038] Here, in the heat exchanger 30, it is known that leakage is particularly likely to occur in the curved portions 62 of heat transfer tubes at both end portions in the direction of the axis X. The refrigerant leaked at the location reaches the tray portion 42 by its own weight through the side of the heat exchanger 30. Thereafter, the refrigerant diffuses in the direction of the axis X and reaches the central portion of the tray portion 42. According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at the central portion of the tray portion 42, even in the case of leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X, the leakage can be immediately detected.

[0039] (3) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a third aspect, the indoor air conditioner 1 according to the above (2), further includes: a drain pan 40 that covers the heat exchanger 30 from below, in which the drain pan 40 includes a drain pan main body 41 that faces the heat exchanger 30, and a tray portion 42 that is provided further below the drain pan main body 41 and that forms a detection space V extending in a direction of an axis X between the tray portion 42 and the drain pan main body 41, and the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at an end portion of the tray portion 42 in the direction of the axis X.

[0040] According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at the end portion of the tray portion 42, wiring can be easily routed as compared with a case where the sensor is provided at the central portion of the tray portion 42. In this way, it is possible to improve workability at the time of manufacturing or maintenance.

[0041] (4) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a fourth aspect, in the indoor air conditioner 1 according to the above (2), a surface of the tray portion 42 which faces a drain pan main body 41 side is inclined with a descending gradient toward the central portion in the direction of the axis X.

[0042] According to the above-described configuration, since the surface of the tray portion 42, which faces the drain pan main body 41 side, has a descending gradient toward the central portion, the refrigerant is easily guided to the central portion by its own weight toward the leakage-detecting sensor 70. Therefore, even in a case where a very small amount of refrigerant leaks, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 can accurately and immediately detect the leakage.

[0043] (5) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a fifth aspect, in the indoor air conditioner 1 according to any one of the above (2) to (4), only one leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided in the detection space V.

[0044] According to the above-described configuration, by providing only one leakage-detecting sensor 70 at the central portion, it is possible to detect leakage at any location of the heat exchanger 30. In this way, the number of the leakage-detecting sensors 70 that have been provided in the related art can be minimized. Therefore, manufacturing costs and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0045] (6) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a sixth aspect, the indoor air conditioner 1 according to the above (1), further includes: an air path forming plate 60 that has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 63, which covers the heat exchanger 30 from a side opposite to the suction port 15 with the heat exchanger 30 interposed therebetween, to form the air path F communicating with the air outlet 18, in which the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is disposed at a central portion of a second detection space V, which is formed by the air path forming plate 60 and a rear panel, in a direction of an axis X.

[0046] According to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided outside the air path forming plate 60, that is, between the air path forming plate 60 and the rear panel, it is possible to detect the leakage of the refrigerant even in a state where the air does not flow through the air path F, that is, even when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped. In addition, according to the above-described configuration, since the leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided at the central portion of the tray portion 42, the leakage-detecting sensor 70 can immediately detect the leakage even in a case where the leakage occurs from either side in the direction of the axis X of the heat exchanger 30.

[0047] (7) In an indoor air conditioner 1 according to a seventh aspect, in the indoor air conditioner 1 according to the above (6), only one leakage-detecting sensor 70 is provided in the second detection space V.

[0048] According to the above-described configuration, by providing only one leakage-detecting sensor 70 at the central portion, it is possible to detect leakage at any location of the heat exchanger 30. In this way, the number of the leakage-detecting sensors 70 that have been provided in the related art can be minimized. Therefore, manufacturing costs and maintenance costs can be reduced.Industrial Applicability

[0049] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor air conditioner in which it is possible to accurately detect leakage of a refrigerant regardless of an operation state.Reference Signs List

[0050] 1:indoor air conditioner 10:casing 11:front cover 12:top cover 13:lower cover 14:rear cover 15:suction port 16:cover main body 17:flap 18:air outlet 20:cross-flow fan 30:heat exchanger 31:rear block 32:front upper block 33:front lower block 40:drain pan 41:drain pan main body 42:tray portion 50:internal cover 60:air path forming plate 61:forming plate main body 62:curved portion 63:cylindrical inner peripheral surface 70:leakage-detecting sensor 71:stay F:air path V:detection space X:axis

Claims

1. An indoor air conditioner comprising: a casing having a suction port and an air outlet; a cross-flow fan that is provided in the casing and that is rotationally driven around an axis extending in a horizontal direction to suck air through the suction port and blow the air toward the air outlet; a heat exchanger that is provided in the casing and that is provided to surround the cross-flow fan from an outer peripheral side of the axis; and a leakage-detecting sensor that is provided below the heat exchanger in the casing, wherein the leakage-detecting sensor is provided at a position different from a position of an air path through which the air blown by the cross-flow fan flows.

2. The indoor air conditioner according to Claim 1, further comprising: a drain pan that covers the heat exchanger from below, wherein the drain pan includes a drain pan main body that faces the heat exchanger, and a tray portion that is provided further below the drain pan main body and that forms a detection space extending in an axial direction between the tray portion and the drain pan main body, and the leakage-detecting sensor is provided at a central portion of the tray portion in the axial direction.

3. The indoor air conditioner according to Claim 1, further comprising: a drain pan that covers the heat exchanger from below, wherein the drain pan includes a drain pan main body that faces the heat exchanger, and a tray portion that is provided further below the drain pan main body and that forms a detection space extending in an axial direction between the tray portion and the drain pan main body, and the leakage-detecting sensor is provided at an end portion of the tray portion in the axial direction.

4. The indoor air conditioner according to Claim 2, wherein a surface of the tray portion which faces a drain pan main body side is inclined with a descending gradient toward the central portion in the axial direction.

5. The indoor air conditioner according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein only one leakage-detecting sensor is provided in the detection space.

6. The indoor air conditioner according to Claim 1, further comprising: an air path forming plate that has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, which covers the heat exchanger from a side opposite to the suction port with the heat exchanger interposed therebetween, to form the air path communicating with the air outlet, wherein the leakage-detecting sensor is disposed at a central portion of a second detection space, which is formed by the air path forming plate and a rear panel, in an axial direction.

7. The indoor air conditioner according to Claim 6, wherein only one leakage-detecting sensor is provided in the second detection space.

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