Duct structure and air conditioner having the same

Abstract

To provide a duct structure which is easy in attachment and removal, reduced in an energy loss, and can perform a high-efficiency air-conditioning operation, and a mobile air conditioner having the same.SOLUTION: A duct structure has an exhaustion / air-supply duct 40 which is connected to a mobile air conditioner 1. In the duct 40, a periphery of an opening 41 at one end side is detachably connected to the air conditioner 1, and a periphery of an opening 42 at the other end side is detachably connected to a window frame 54 or a door frame of an air-conditioning objective space. By such a duct structure, a blowout portion 26 of the mobile air conditioner 1 can be connected to an existing window opening 53 and a door opening by using the duct 40 which is easy in attachment and removal. Therefore, a high-efficiency cooling operation or a heating operation can be performed by discharging air which is unnecessary for air-conditioning to the outside of the air-conditioning objective space by using the existing window frame 54 or the door frame without applying large construction work to a building in the air-conditioning objective space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a duct structure for an air conditioner and an air conditioner provided with that duct structure, and in particular to a duct structure for a movable air conditioner in which a user side unit and a heat source side unit are integrally provided. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a mobile air conditioner that uses a refrigeration cycle and in which a user unit and a heat source unit are provided on a single movable frame. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower fan that sends the air flowing through the indoor heat exchanger into the room; an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the indoor heat exchanger so that a refrigerant can circulate and an outdoor blower fan that sends the air flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger; and a stand that has wheels for movement and on which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are placed so that the intake port of the indoor heat exchanger faces the intake port of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0003] This type of air conditioning device is used for spot air conditioning in large spaces where it is difficult to install a normal air conditioner, such as factories, workshops, warehouses, gymnasiums, etc., by sending cool or warm air near workers, etc., to efficiently cool or heat the work space.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses an air duct connection structure that is connected to this type of air conditioning device, and that includes an air supply duct that guides air cooled or heated by an air conditioner placed outside the room into the room, a return air duct that guides air from inside the room to the air conditioner, and an air duct connection plate that has an air supply port to which the air supply duct is connected and a return air port to which the return air duct is connected, and the air duct connection plate is removably placed on an opening that leads to the room.

[0005] With this configuration, air cooled or heated by the air conditioner installed outdoors can be efficiently circulated indoors via the supply air duct and return air duct. Therefore, even if the air conditioner is a transfer-type air conditioner in which the user unit and heat source unit are installed outdoors, it can perform highly efficient circulating cooling or circulating heating, just like a general air conditioner in which the indoor unit is installed indoors and the outdoor unit is installed outdoors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-11984 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-173444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the above-mentioned conventional mobile air conditioners have some points that need improvement in order to facilitate movement and installation, and to further improve the efficiency of cooling or heating.

[0008] Specifically, the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 has excellent performance in cooling operation in a large space such as a factory, blowing strong cool air from the indoor unit serving as a user unit toward users, etc. However, from the outdoor unit serving as a heat source unit integrated with the indoor unit, warm air that has been heated by the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger acting as a condenser is blown into the room.

[0009] Therefore, in order to perform efficient cooling operation, it is necessary to send the warm air blown out from the outdoor unit to a high place such as near the ceiling away from the object to be cooled, or to the outside. However, in facilities with low ceilings, it is not easy to efficiently exhaust the warm air from the outdoor unit to the outside without heating the room, and in some cases it is necessary to install a blower fan, exhaust duct, etc. in the building.

[0010] Furthermore, by adopting the air duct connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 2, even an air conditioning device in which the user unit and the heat source unit are integrally installed can perform efficient air conditioning operation like a general air conditioner in which the indoor unit is installed outdoors.

[0011] In other words, efficient air conditioning operation can be achieved by circulating air cooled or heated in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit to the space to be air-conditioned via the supply air duct and return air duct, without introducing air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit into the room.

[0012] However, such an air duct connection structure requires components such as an air supply duct, a return air duct, and an air duct connection plate, and requires assembly work for these components. Furthermore, work such as attaching and detaching the air duct connection plate to an opening in the space to be air-conditioned is also required. Therefore, a configuration with fewer components and that can be more easily moved and installed has been desired.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a duct structure that is easy to install and remove, can efficiently send cooled or heated air using a mobile air conditioning unit, and enables highly efficient air conditioning operation with little energy loss, and an air conditioning unit equipped with such a duct structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The duct structure of the present invention has an exhaust or supply duct that is connected to a mobile air conditioning unit, and is characterized in that the duct has an opening on one end that is detachably connected to the air conditioning unit, and an opening on the other end that is detachably connected to a window frame or door frame in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0015] The air conditioning apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described duct structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The duct structure of the present invention has an exhaust or supply duct connected to a mobile air conditioner, with the periphery of the opening on one end of the duct being detachably connected to the air conditioner and the periphery of the opening on the other end being detachably connected to a window frame or door frame of the space to be air-conditioned. With this configuration, the air outlet of the mobile air conditioner can be connected to an existing window or door opening using an easily attachable and detachable duct, without the need to install new exhaust or intake ports, blower fans, blower ducts, etc. in the building that forms the space to be air-conditioned. This allows air not required for air conditioning blown out from the air conditioner to be exhausted to the outside of the space to be air-conditioned by using an existing window or door opening, without requiring major construction work.

[0017] Specifically, when a mobile air conditioner is installed inside a space to be air-conditioned and used for cooling operation, the high-temperature air containing the waste heat from the condensing refrigerant is not returned to the space to be air-conditioned, but is instead discharged outside the space to be air-conditioned through a window or door opening, thereby enabling highly efficient cooling operation.

[0018] Furthermore, when the air conditioner in the air-conditioned space is used for heating operation, the low-temperature air that has lost heat to the evaporating refrigerant is not returned to the air-conditioned space but is instead discharged to the outside of the air-conditioned space through a window or door opening, thereby enabling highly efficient heating operation.

[0019] Furthermore, for example, when a mobile air conditioner is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, it is possible to supply cooled or heated air by the air conditioner through a duct and into the space to be air-conditioned through an existing window or door opening. This allows for highly efficient air conditioning operation by introducing only the cool or warm air required for air conditioning into the space to be air-conditioned, without sending high-temperature air containing exhaust heat during cooling operation or low-temperature air that has absorbed heat during heating operation into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0020] In addition, because the duct is connected to the window or door frame, it is also possible to open and close the window or door freely while the duct is connected. This means that when the air conditioning unit is not in use, the window or door can be closed and locked for security reasons.

[0021] Furthermore, in the duct structure of the present invention, the duct may be formed in a parallelogram or trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. This reduces unnecessary bending on the inner circumferential surface of the duct, even in a window frame or door frame that is different in position, size, or shape from the air outlet of the air conditioner, and provides an air path that has less air resistance and allows air to flow efficiently. This allows for highly efficient air conditioning operation.

[0022] In addition, in the duct structure of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the other end may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the window frame or door frame by a hook-and-loop fastener, which makes it easy to attach and detach the duct and also enables the duct to be securely connected to the window frame or door frame in a direction substantially parallel to the air flow so that the duct will not come off due to the air flow.

[0023] In the duct structure of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the duct may be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the window frame or door frame by a magnet. This allows the user to easily connect the duct to the window frame or the like. The duct is also firmly supported so that it does not come off due to air flow.

[0024] Furthermore, the duct structure of the present invention includes an air conditioning apparatus including a user-side unit having a user-side heat exchanger and a user-side blower fan, a heat-source-side unit having a heat-source-side heat exchanger and a heat-source-side blower fan, and a stand on which the user-side unit and the heat-source-side unit are mounted. The duct may have an inner peripheral surface of the opening at one end connected to an outer peripheral surface of a duct support member provided on the outer periphery of an air outlet of the user-side unit or the heat-source-side unit. This configuration allows for efficient installation and removal of the duct. Furthermore, the air conditioning apparatus and the duct are firmly fixed to prevent the duct from coming loose due to wind pressure. In an air conditioning apparatus installed inside a target space for air conditioning, high-temperature exhaust air radiated from the heat-source-side heat exchanger or low-temperature exhaust air absorbing heat can be discharged to the outside of the target space through a window or door opening via the duct, enabling highly efficient air conditioning operation with minimal energy loss.

[0025] For example, the air conditioning device may be installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, and air cooled or heated by the user-side heat exchanger can be supplied to the interior of the space to be air-conditioned through a window or door opening via a duct, allowing for efficient air-conditioning operation with little energy loss.

[0026] In the duct structure of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the opening at the one end of the duct may be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the duct support part by a hook-and-loop fastener or a magnet, which makes it easy to attach and detach the duct to and from the air conditioning unit and supports the duct so that it does not peel off due to wind pressure.

[0027] In the duct structure of the present invention, the duct may be formed from a synthetic resin sheet material or a woven or nonwoven synthetic fiber fabric, thereby providing a high-performance duct that is easy to install, remove, transport, and store.

[0028] The air conditioner of the present invention is also characterized by being provided with the duct structure. This allows the exhaust air blown out from the air conditioner to be efficiently discharged to the outside of the space to be air-conditioned. Furthermore, even when the air conditioner of the present invention is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, it can efficiently supply air cooled or heated by the air conditioner to the inside of the space to be air-conditioned that requires heating or cooling. Therefore, highly efficient air-conditioning operation can be performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an installation state of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a main body of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A is a perspective view, FIG. 1B is a plan view, and FIG. 1C is a side view showing the schematic configuration of a duct of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an installation state of an air conditioning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an installation situation of an air conditioning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An air conditioner 1 equipped with a duct structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 is a portable, powerful spot air conditioner in which a user-side unit 10 and a heat-source-side unit 20 are integrally mounted on a stand 30, and is equipped with a duct 40 connected to an air outlet 26 of the heat-source-side unit 20.

[0031] The air conditioner 1 is a device that can cool or heat large spaces where it is difficult to install an air conditioner such as a normal package air conditioner, and is used for air conditioning in gymnasiums, factories, workshops, warehouses, etc., for example.

[0032] Figure 2 is a side view showing the installation state of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning apparatus 1 is movably placed on a floor surface 59 in a room 50, for example, a gymnasium or other space to be air-conditioned. Specifically, the main body 2 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be easily moved on the floor surface 59 by operation by the user, and is installed in front of a window opening 53 so that the air outlet 26 of the heat source unit 20 faces the outside 51.

[0033] The air conditioning device 1 is connected to a window frame 54 of a building or the like via a detachable duct 40. The window frame 54 is a frame member that surrounds a window opening 53 formed in a wall 52 of a gymnasium or the like. There are no particular limitations on the way the window opens and closes.

[0034] The window frame 54 to which the duct 40 is connected may be a frame member fixed to an opening in the wall 52, or may be the frame of a window member such as window glass that opens and closes. For example, although not shown, in the case of a single-hinged window in which a window opening 53 that serves as an air passage is formed only on one side of the opening in the wall 52, such as in a single-hinged window, the duct 40 is connected near three sides of the approximately rectangular opening 42 to the window frame 54 formed in the wall 52. The other side of the opening 42 may be connected to the window frame 54 that serves as a frame for the window glass, rather than to the window frame 54 fixed to the wall 52.

[0035] Duct 40 is an exhaust duct that discharges air not required for cooling or heating, which is blown out from the heat source unit 20, to the outside 51 outside the space to be air-conditioned. One end of duct 40 is detachably connected to the main body 2 of the air conditioning device 1, and the other end is detachably connected to a window frame 54 of the space to be air-conditioned, such as a gymnasium. By connecting duct 40 to the window frame 54, the air blown out from the air outlet 26 of the heat source unit 20 passes through the window opening 53 and is discharged to the outside 51.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the main body 2 of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Referring to Fig. 3, the user-side unit 10 is a device that mainly cools or heats the user-side air and supplies it. The user-side unit 10 has a configuration equivalent to the indoor unit of a general packaged air conditioner.

[0037] Specifically, the user-side unit 10 has a housing 11 serving as a user-side housing, which is an approximately box-shaped enclosure formed from a metal plate or the like, and a user-side heat exchanger 12 and a user-side blower fan 13, which are components that constitute the refrigeration cycle, are provided inside the housing 11.

[0038] The heat source unit 20 is a device that mainly transfers heat from or absorbs heat from the refrigerant to the exhaust air. The heat source unit 20 has a configuration equivalent to that of an outdoor unit of a general packaged air conditioner.

[0039] Specifically, the heat source side unit 20 has a housing 21 as a user side housing, which is an approximately box-shaped enclosure formed from a metal plate material or the like, and inside the housing 21 are provided a heat source side heat exchanger 22 and a heat source side blower fan 23, which are components that make up the refrigeration cycle.

[0040] The user-side heat exchanger 12 of the user-side unit 10 is connected to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 of the heat-source-side unit 20 via a refrigerant pipe 28. More specifically, the user-side heat exchanger 12 and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 are connected via a compressor (not shown) that compresses low-pressure refrigerant to high pressure, an expansion valve (not shown) that expands high-pressure refrigerant to low pressure, the refrigerant pipe 28, and other refrigerant pipes (not shown), to form a vapor compression refrigeration cycle circuit. The refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle is, for example, an HFC refrigerant.

[0041] The user-side unit 10 is formed with an intake port 15 for drawing in air and an outlet port 16 for blowing out air. A user-side heat exchanger 12 is provided inside the intake port 15 to exchange heat between the air drawn in from outside the housing 11 and the refrigerant. As a result, for example, during cooling operation, the user-side heat exchanger 12 functions as an evaporator, and the air drawn in from outside the housing 11 is cooled by the refrigerant evaporating inside the user-side heat exchanger 12.

[0042] A user-side blower fan 13 is provided inside the air outlet 16 to blow out the air in the housing 11 that has exchanged heat with the user-side heat exchanger 12. The user-side blower fan 13 is, for example, a propeller fan, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown).

[0043] The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a particularly powerful user-side blower fan 13. Specifically, the user-side blower fan 13 has a powerful blowing capacity that can blow air from the air outlet 16 at a wind speed of 8 m / s. This allows a strong, straight-line wind to be delivered far from the air outlet 16 in the room 50 (see FIG. 2), allowing the large room 50 to be cooled or heated efficiently.

[0044] The air outlet 16 is provided with an air direction guide 14 for adjusting the flow direction of the air sent by the user-side blower fan 13. The air direction guide 14 has an outer periphery that is, for example, substantially cylindrical, and surrounds the outer periphery of the user-side blower fan 13. The interior surrounded by the outer periphery of the air direction guide 14 forms an opening that connects to the air outlet 16, and a variable air direction adjustment plate (not shown) that adjusts the air flow may be provided there.

[0045] The heat source side unit 20 is formed with an inlet 25 for drawing in air and an outlet 26 for blowing out air. A heat source side heat exchanger 22 is provided inside the inlet 25 to exchange heat between the air drawn in from the outside and the refrigerant. As a result, for example, during cooling operation, the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 22 is cooled by the air flowing in from the inlet 25. In other words, the air drawn in from the inlet 25 is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat source side heat exchanger 22.

[0046] A heat source-side blower fan 23 is provided inside the air outlet 26 to blow out the air inside the housing 21 that has exchanged heat with the heat source-side heat exchanger 22. The heat source-side blower fan 23 is, for example, a propeller fan, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). Two heat source-side blower fans 23 are provided, for example, one above the other.

[0047] Air outlet 26 may also be provided with air direction guides 24 for adjusting the blowing direction of air sent by heat source-side blower fan 23. Air direction guide 24 has an outer frame portion in a substantially rectangular shape, for example, that surrounds the outer periphery of heat source-side blower fan 23, and is formed from a metal plate material, a resin plate material, or the like. For example, a pair of air direction guides 24 are arranged, one above the other, corresponding to the two heat source-side blower fans 23 that are arranged separately above and below.

[0048] A hook-and-loop fastener 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the airflow direction guide 24 as a duct support portion for connecting a duct 40 (see FIG. 2). The hook-and-loop fastener 27 has, for example, a male surface, and is detachably joined to a hook-and-loop fastener 46 (see FIG. 4) provided on one end side of the duct 40.

[0049] The mount 30 is a base that integrally supports the user-side unit 10 and the heat-source-side unit 20. The mount 30 is formed, for example, from angle iron, channel iron, or other steel material. A base 31 is formed at the bottom of the mount 30, the outer periphery of which is in the form of a substantially rectangular frame when viewed from above. The heat-source-side unit 20 is fixed to the top of the base 31.

[0050] The mount 30 is formed with a user-side unit installation stand 32 on which the user-side unit 10 is installed. The user-side unit installation stand 32 is formed to protrude upward from the upper part of the base 31 so that the bottom of the user-side unit 10 can be supported at a position higher than the bottom of the heat source unit 20.

[0051] By providing the user-side unit installation stand 32 on the top of the base 31, the user-side unit 10 is fixed at a high position. Furthermore, the top surface of the user-side unit 10 and the top surface of the heat source unit 20 are at approximately the same height. This raises the position of the air outlet 16 of the user-side unit 10, allowing the cool air and warm air for air conditioning to be blown widely and efficiently into the work space.

[0052] The upper part of the user-side unit 10 and the upper part of the heat-source-side unit 20 are connected and fixed by a connecting support material 33. This connecting support material 33 supports the upper part of the user-side unit 10 and the upper part of the heat-source-side unit 20, and prevents deformation of the air conditioning device 1 due to vibrations during transportation or use.

[0053] A drain pan (not shown) may be provided below the user-side unit 10 and the heat-source-side unit 20. The drain pan is a member for receiving moisture that adheres to and drips from the user-side heat exchanger 12 of the user-side unit 10 or the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 of the heat-source-side unit 20 and discharging it into a drain pipe (not shown). By providing a drain pan, moisture that drips from the user-side heat exchanger 12 or the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 can be collected and appropriately drained, and moisture can be prevented from scattering into the work space.

[0054] Wheels 34 are provided near the corners of the lower part of the base 31. The wheels 34 are, for example, casters having rubber wheels or the like, and one end side may be a fixed wheel that can move in a predetermined direction, and the other end side may be a swivel wheel that can change direction. By providing the wheels 34, the base 30 is configured to be movable while integrally supporting the user-side unit 10 and the heat-source-side unit 20.

[0055] The user-side unit 10 and the heat-source-side unit 20 are mounted on a stand 30 so that the air intake ports 15 and 25 face each other. That is, the user-side unit 10 and the heat-source-side unit 20 are disposed so that the user-side heat exchanger 12 side faces the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 side.

[0056] In other words, the user side unit 10 and the heat source side unit 20 are arranged back to back so that the air outlet 16 of the user side unit 10 and the air outlet 26 of the heat source side unit 20 face in opposite directions, respectively, so that they blow out air in opposite directions.

[0057] As described above, by arranging the user side unit 10 and the heat source side unit 20 back to back with the intake port 15 and the intake port 25 facing each other so that the air outlet 16 and the air outlet 26 blow out air in opposite directions, efficient air conditioning can be achieved for gymnasiums, large factories, logistics warehouses, etc.

[0058] That is, cooled or heated air can be efficiently and powerfully blown out from the air outlet 16 of the user-side unit 10 into the room 50 to be air-conditioned. Then, air not required for air conditioning operation can be discharged from the air outlet 26 of the heat-source-side unit 20, which faces the opposite side to the air outlet 16 of the user-side unit 10, through the duct 40 and the window opening 53 (see FIG. 2), to the outside 51 (see FIG. 2).

[0059] Figure 4 shows the schematic configuration of duct 40 of air conditioning apparatus 1, with Figure 4(A) being a perspective view, Figure 4(B) being a plan view, and Figure 4(C) being a side view. Referring to Figures 2 and 4(A), duct 40 has a generally rectangular tubular shape with openings of different sizes and shapes at both ends. Specifically, one end of duct 40 has a generally rectangular opening 41 that is connected to main body 2 of air conditioning apparatus 1, and the other end has a generally rectangular opening 42 that is connected to window frame 54.

[0060] The duct 40 is formed from a synthetic resin sheet material or a woven or nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers. This allows for a high-performance duct 40 that is easy to install, remove, transport, and store. The duct 40 may also be formed from a material that is slightly breathable. This prevents condensation on the surface of the duct 40 when cool air flows through the duct 40, for example, during heating operation.

[0061] 3 and 4(A), a hook-and-loop fastener 46 is provided near the inner circumferential surface of the opening 41 as a support member for connecting the duct 40 to the air conditioning apparatus 1. The hook-and-loop fastener 46 has, for example, a female surface on the inner circumferential surface, and is detachably joined to the outer circumferential surface of a hook-and-loop fastener 47 provided on the heat source side unit 20.

[0062] This configuration allows efficient attachment and detachment of duct 40 to and from main body 2 of air conditioner 1. Furthermore, main body 2 of air conditioner 1 and duct 40 are firmly fixed together so that duct 40 will not come off due to the pressure of air sent from heat source-side blower fan 23.

[0063] 2 and 4(A), near the opening 42 on the other end side, a hook-and-loop fastener 47 is provided on the outer peripheral surface as a support member for connecting the duct 40 to the window frame 54. A hook-and-loop fastener 55 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 54 as a duct support portion.

[0064] The hook-and-loop fastener 47 provided on the duct 40 has, for example, a female surface on the outer circumferential surface, and the hook-and-loop fastener 55 provided on the window frame 54 has, for example, a male surface on the inner circumferential surface. This configuration makes it easy to attach and remove the duct 40 to the window frame 54. Furthermore, the duct 40 and the window frame 54 can be securely connected in a direction substantially along the air flow, so that the duct 40 will not come off the window frame 54 due to the air flow.

[0065] 2 and 3, in the air conditioner 1 disposed in the room 50, the exhaust-side air that has been heated by heat radiation from the heat-source-side heat exchanger 22 or the exhaust-side air that has been cooled by heat absorption can be discharged to the outside 51 from the window opening 53 via the duct 40. Therefore, highly efficient air conditioning operation with little energy loss can be performed.

[0066] Note that the connection of the duct 40 may be achieved by a connection method utilizing magnetic force instead of the hook-and-loop fasteners 27, 46, 47, and 55. Specifically, a support member including a neodymium or other magnet may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of one end of the duct 40, i.e., the main body 2 side, instead of the hook-and-loop fastener 46, and a magnetic body may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the airflow direction guide 24 of the heat source side unit 20, instead of the hook-and-loop fastener 27.

[0067] Furthermore, a support member including a magnet such as neodymium may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the duct 40, i.e., the window frame 54 side, instead of the hook-and-loop fastener 47, and a magnetic material may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the window frame 54 instead of the hook-and-loop fastener 55. The magnet and magnetic material may also be attached to the opposite objects. This configuration also allows the user to easily connect the duct 40 and the window frame 54. Furthermore, the duct 40 is firmly supported so that it will not come loose due to the air flow.

[0068] 4(B), the duct 40 of this embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. That is, an upper surface 44 and a lower surface 45 of the duct 40 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0069] Duct 40 has openings at both ends, i.e., openings 41 and 42, which are parallel to each other, and openings 41 and 42 are formed to have different sizes, shapes, and positions. Therefore, as will be described later in connection with modified examples of the embodiment, duct 40 may be formed to have a generally trapezoidal or generally parallelogram shape in top view. That is, upper surface 44 and lower surface 45 of duct 40 may each be formed to have a generally trapezoidal or generally parallelogram shape.

[0070] 4(C), the duct 40 of this embodiment is formed in a generally trapezoidal shape in side view. That is, both side surfaces 43 of the duct 40 are each formed in a generally trapezoidal shape. Note that, as will be described later with reference to a modified example of the embodiment, the duct 40 may be formed in a generally parallelogram shape in side view. That is, the upper surface 44 and the lower surface 45 of the duct 40 may each be formed in a generally parallelogram shape.

[0071] In this way, duct 40 may be formed to have a substantially parallelogram shape or a substantially trapezoid shape when viewed from above or from the side. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2, for a window frame 54 that differs in position, size, and shape from air outlet 26 of air conditioning device 1, duct 40 is formed in which the shape of inlet-side opening 41 is close to the shape of air outlet 26, the shape of outlet-side opening 42 matches the shape of window opening 53, and duct 40 has little unnecessary bending on the inner circumferential surface.

[0072] That is, opening 41 through which air flows in from heat source unit 20 and opening 42 through which air flows out are each suitably positioned, sized, and shaped, and an air path having an inner circumferential surface suitable for the flow of air is obtained. Therefore, duct 40 has little air resistance and can efficiently flow air, allowing air conditioner 1 to perform highly efficient air conditioning operation.

[0073] As explained above, the air conditioner 1 is movable and is detachably connected to the window frame 54 by the duct 40. With this configuration, there is no need to install new exhaust ports, blower fans, blower ducts, etc. in the building that forms the air-conditioned space. Using the duct 40, which is easy to attach and detach, the air outlet 26 of the transfer-type air conditioner 1 can be easily connected to an existing window opening 53. This makes it possible to exhaust air that is not required for air conditioning and that is blown out from the air conditioner 1 to the outside 51 by using the existing window opening 53, without requiring major construction work.

[0074] Specifically, when the mobile air conditioner 1 is installed in a room 50, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and used for cooling operation, high-temperature air containing exhaust heat from the condensing refrigerant is not returned to the room 50, but is discharged to the outside 51 through the window opening 53. Therefore, highly efficient cooling operation can be performed with reduced mixing of warm air.

[0075] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 1 in the room 50 is used for heating operation, the low-temperature air that has lost heat to the evaporating refrigerant is not returned to the room 50 but is discharged to the outside 51 through the window opening 53. This makes it possible to perform a highly efficient heating operation with reduced mixing of cold air.

[0076] Furthermore, because the duct 40 is connected to the window frame 54, it is also possible to open and close the window freely while the duct 40 is connected. This means that when the air conditioning device 1 is not in use, the window can be closed and locked for security reasons. Therefore, the air conditioning device 1 is also excellent from the perspective of security.

[0077] Next, air conditioners 101, 201, and 301 will be described in detail as modified examples of the embodiment with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Note that components that have the same or similar functions and effects as those of the already described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Fig. 5 is a side view showing the installation state of an air conditioning apparatus 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 5, the air conditioning apparatus 101 has a duct 140 connected to a door frame 57 of a building.

[0079] Duct 140 differs in the shape of the other end, but otherwise has a configuration generally similar to that of the above-mentioned duct 40 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, duct 140 has a generally trapezoidal shape in side view, with one end connected to air outlet 26 of air conditioner 101 and the other end connected to door frame 57 of door opening 56 formed in wall 52 surrounding the air target space.

[0080] A hook-and-loop fastener 58 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the door frame 57 as a duct support portion. The hook-and-loop fastener 58 has a male surface on the inner peripheral surface and is connected to the hook-and-loop fastener 47 provided on the duct 140. As with the above-described duct 40, the duct 140 is easy to attach and detach, and since the existing door frame 57 can be used, no building renovation work is required.

[0081] Furthermore, because the duct 140 is connected to the door frame 57, it is also possible to open and close a door (not shown) freely while the duct 140 is connected. This allows the door to be closed and locked for security purposes when the air conditioning device 1 is not in use.

[0082] Fig. 6 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of an air conditioner 201 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioner 201 is an example in which a duct 240 is formed in a generally parallelogram shape when viewed from the side.

[0083] In this way, the duct 240 is formed in an approximately parallelogram shape when viewed from the side, so that when the opening height dimension of the window opening 53 is close to the opening height dimension of the air outlet 26 of the heat source side unit 20 and the window opening 53 is formed at a position higher than the air outlet 26, a high-performance exhaust air duct with low air resistance can be formed.

[0084] Therefore, by utilizing the duct 240, which is easy to install and remove, and the existing window opening 53, air not required for cooling or heating the room 50 (see Figure 2) can be efficiently exhausted to the outside 51 (see Figure 2), allowing for efficient air conditioning operation with little energy loss.

[0085] 7 is a side view showing the installation state of an air conditioner 301 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the air conditioner 301 has a duct 340 connected to the user-side unit 10.

[0086] Specifically, a hook-and-loop fastener 17 is provided on the outer periphery of the air outlet 16 of the user-side unit 10, more specifically, on the outer periphery of the airflow direction guide 14, as a duct support part for connecting the duct 340. The hook-and-loop fastener 17 has, for example, a male surface, and is connected to a hook-and-loop fastener 46 provided on the inner periphery of the opening 41 on one end side of the duct 340.

[0087] The opening 41 at one end of the duct 340 may be formed in a substantially circular or octagonal shape to match the outer periphery of the airflow direction guide 14 so that it can be fitted onto the airflow direction guide 14 of the user side unit 10 .

[0088] The air conditioner 301 is disposed outside the space to be air-conditioned, i.e., outdoors 51. That is, the main body 2 of the air conditioner 301 is movably placed on the ground 60 or the like outside 51. The air conditioner 301 is disposed so that the air outlet 16 of the user-side unit 10 faces the window opening 53 or door opening 56 (see FIG. 5 ).

[0089] The other end of duct 340 is inserted into window frame 54 or door frame 57 (see FIG. 5) from outside room 51 toward inside room 50, and is detachably fixed to the inner circumferential surface of window frame 54 or door frame 57. That is, hook-and-loop fastener 47 on the other end of duct 340 is connected to hook-and-loop fastener 55 of window frame 54 or hook-and-loop fastener 58 of door frame 57 (see FIG. 5).

[0090] With this configuration, air cooled or heated in the utilization-side heat exchanger 12 (see FIG. 3) can be supplied to the room 50, which is the space to be air-conditioned, through the window opening 53 or door opening 56 via the duct 340. This makes it possible to introduce only the cool air or warm air required for air conditioning into the room 50, without sending high-temperature air containing exhaust heat during cooling operation or low-temperature air that has absorbed heat during heating operation into the room 50. This allows for highly efficient cooling or heating with little energy loss.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1, 101, 201, 301 Air conditioning equipment 2 Main unit 10 User unit 11. Housing 12 User side heat exchanger 13 User side blower fan 14 Wind Direction Guide 15 Intake port 16 Air outlet 17 hook and loop fastener 20 Heat source unit 21 Housing 22 Heat source side heat exchanger 23 Heat source side blower fan 24 Wind Direction Guide 25 Intake port 26 Air outlet 27 hook and loop fastener 28 Refrigerant piping 30 Mounting stand 31 Foundation 32 User unit installation stand 33 Connecting support material 34 wheels 40, 140, 240, 340 duct 41 Aperture 42 Aperture 43 Side 44 Top side 45 Bottom side 46 hook and loop fastener 47 hook and loop fastener 50 Indoor 51 Outdoors 52 Wall 53 Window Opening 54 Window Frame 55 hook and loop fastener 56 Door Opening 57 Door Frame 58 hook and loop fastener 59 Floor 60 ground

Claims

1. It has an exhaust or intake duct connected to a mobile air conditioning unit, The duct structure is characterized in that the periphery of the opening on one end is detachably connected to the air conditioning device, and the periphery of the opening on the other end is detachably connected to a window frame or door frame of the space to be air-conditioned.

2. The duct structure according to claim 1, wherein the duct is formed in a parallelogram shape or a trapezoid shape when viewed from the side.

3. 2. The duct structure according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the duct is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the window frame or the door frame by a hook-and-loop fastener.

4. The duct structure according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the duct is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the window frame or the door frame by a magnet.

5. The air conditioning apparatus comprises a user-side unit provided with a user-side heat exchanger and a user-side blower fan, a heat-source-side unit provided with a heat-source-side heat exchanger and a heat-source-side blower fan, and a stand on which the user-side unit and the heat-source-side unit are placed, The duct structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner surface of the opening at one end of the duct is connected to the outer surface of a duct support part provided on the outer periphery of the air outlet of the user side unit or the heat source side unit.

6. The duct structure according to claim 5, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the opening on the one end side of the duct is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the duct support part by a hook-and-loop fastener or a magnet.

7. 2. The duct structure according to claim 1, wherein the duct is formed from a synthetic resin sheet material or a woven or nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers.

8. An air conditioning apparatus comprising the duct structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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