Drain trap for air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a drain trap for an air conditioner that allows for easy installation of at least one of a trap device and a valve device in a proper orientation or position.SOLUTION: A drain trap 2 for an air conditioner has: a substantially box-shaped body part 14 having an inflow port 34 into which drain water discharged from an air conditioner 4 flows, a storage space 30 in which the drain water flowing from the inflow port 34 is retained, and an outflow port 40 through which the drain water retained in the storage space 30 flows out to the exterior; a trap device 18 disposed inside the body part 14 and attachable to the inflow port 34; and a valve device 20 disposed inside the body part 14 and attachable to the outflow port 40. The body part 14 has first guide parts 122, 124 for guiding the trap device 18 to a proper orientation or position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner drain trap that is installed in a drain pipe for discharging drain water generated in an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an air conditioner drain trap that is installed in a drain pipe for discharging drain water generated in the air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This air conditioner drain trap includes a hollow main body having an inlet, an outlet, and a storage space, a trap device disposed inside the main body and attached to the inlet, and a valve device disposed inside the main body and attached to the outlet.

[0003] Drain water discharged from the air conditioner flows into the trap device inside the main body through the inlet. This drain water is stored inside the trap device and flows out through the trap device into the storage space inside the main body. At this time, the drain water stored inside the trap device functions as a seal, preventing odors, insects, etc. from entering the air conditioner through the inlet of the main body. When the amount of drain water stored in the storage space inside the main body exceeds a certain amount, the excess amount of drain water flows out to the outside of the main body through the valve device and the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jpn. Jpn. Published No. 55-51902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional drain traps for air conditioning equipment described above, if the trap device and valve device are attached to the inlet and outlet respectively at an angle to the vertical, problems can arise such as the water sealing depth in the trap device deviating from the specified value or the valve device no longer functioning normally.

[0006] The present invention seeks to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a drain trap for air conditioning equipment in which at least one of the trap device and the valve device can be easily installed in the correct posture or position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A drain trap for air conditioning equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally box-shaped main body having an inlet through which drain water discharged from an air conditioning equipment flows in, a storage space in which the drain water flowing in from the inlet is stored, and an outlet through which the drain water stored in the storage space flows out to the outside, a trap device arranged inside the main body and attachable to the inlet, and a valve device arranged inside the main body and attachable to the outlet, and the main body has a first guide portion that guides at least one of the trap device and the valve device to an appropriate posture or position. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an air-conditioning equipment drain trap according to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the trap device and the valve device can be easily attached in a proper posture or at a proper position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of installation of an air conditioner drain trap according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner drain trap according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment, seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap according to the embodiment taken along line XX in FIG. 5. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner drain trap according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A drain trap for air conditioning equipment according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a generally box-shaped main body having an inlet through which drain water discharged from an air conditioning equipment flows in, a storage space in which the drain water flowing in from the inlet is stored, and an outlet through which the drain water stored in the storage space flows out to the outside, a trap device arranged inside the main body and attachable to the inlet, and a valve device arranged inside the main body and attachable to the outlet, and the main body has a first guide portion that guides at least one of the trap device and the valve device to an appropriate posture or position.

[0011] According to this aspect, when the trap device is attached to the inlet of the main body, the first guide portion guides the trap device to the proper posture or position. Alternatively, when the valve device is attached to the outlet of the main body, the first guide portion guides the valve device to the proper posture or position. This makes it possible to easily attach at least one of the trap device and the valve device in the proper posture or position, regardless of the skill of the worker. As a result, it is possible to easily match the water seal depth in the trap device to a specified value and to operate the valve device normally.

[0012] In addition, in the air-conditioning equipment drain trap according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the inflow port and the outflow port may each be configured to open in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0013] According to this aspect, when the trap device is attached to an inlet opening in a substantially horizontal direction, the first guide portion can guide the trap device to a proper posture or position. Alternatively, when the valve device is attached to an outlet opening in a substantially horizontal direction, the first guide portion can guide the valve device to a proper posture or position.

[0014] Furthermore, in the air-conditioning equipment drain trap according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the first guide portion may be defined by a portion of the inner wall surface of the main body portion, and the first guide portion may be configured to guide at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position by the portion of the inner wall surface of the main body portion being in close proximity to or in contact with a side surface of at least one of the trap device and the valve device.

[0015] According to this aspect, the first guide portion can be defined by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body portion.

[0016] In addition, in the drain trap for air conditioning equipment according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the first guide portion may be configured to protrude from an inner wall surface of the main body portion and to guide at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position by coming into close proximity to or in contact with a side surface of at least one of the trap device and the valve device.

[0017] According to this aspect, the first guide portion can be formed by protruding from the inner wall surface of the main body portion.

[0018] In addition, in the air-conditioning equipment drain trap according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one of the trap device and the valve device may be configured to have a second guide portion that contacts the main body portion to guide at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate position.

[0019] According to this aspect, the trap device or the valve device can be easily guided to an appropriate position by the second guide portion.

[0020] In addition, in the drain trap for air conditioning equipment according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect, the main body portion may have a pair of the first guide portions, and each of the pair of first guide portions may be configured to guide at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position by approaching or contacting both side surfaces of at least one of the trap device and the valve device from the left-right direction.

[0021] According to this aspect, at least one of the trap device and the valve device can be stably guided to an appropriate attitude or position by the pair of first guide portions.

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim showing a top concept are described as optional components.

[0024] (Embodiment) [1. Overview of drain traps for air conditioners] First, an overview of an air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an installation example of an air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner drain trap 2 is installed in a drain pipe 6 for discharging drain water generated in an air conditioner 4. The air conditioner drain trap 2 is disposed, for example, on the rear side of the air conditioner 4 and fixed to a floor surface 8 inside a room with a plurality of screws 10.

[0026] The air conditioner 4 is a large-sized air conditioner for cooling and heating the room, and is installed on a floor surface 8 inside the room. A drain pan 12 for receiving drain water generated in the air conditioner 4 is arranged inside the air conditioner 4. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 4 is a so-called suction type air conditioner in which the inside of the air conditioner 4 becomes negative pressure during operation.

[0027] The drain pipe 6 is disposed on the rear side of the air conditioner 4. The drain pipe 6 has an upstream pipe 6a and a downstream pipe 6b. The upstream pipe 6a is connected between a drain pan 12 disposed inside the air conditioner 4 and the upstream side of the air conditioner drain trap 2. The downstream pipe 6b is connected between the downstream side of the air conditioner drain trap 2 and an outdoor drain basin (not shown) or the like. The upstream side and downstream side of the air conditioner drain trap 2 respectively refer to the upstream side and downstream side of the direction in which drain water flows in the air conditioner drain trap 2.

[0028] Drain water generated in the air conditioner 4 is received in the drain pan 12 and then discharged from the drain pan 12 to the upstream piping 6a. Next, the drain water flows through the upstream piping 6a and then flows into the upstream side of the air conditioner drain trap 2.

[0029] Next, the drain water is stored in a trap device (described later) inside the air conditioner drain trap 2, and flows out through the trap device into a storage space (described later) inside the air conditioner drain trap 2. At this time, the drain water stored inside the trap device functions as sealing water. This prevents odors, insects, and the like from entering the air conditioner 4 side through the upstream piping 6a, even if the inside of the air conditioner 4 becomes negative pressure.

[0030] When the amount of drain water stored in the internal storage space of the air conditioner drain trap 2 exceeds a certain amount, the drain water exceeding the certain amount flows out from the downstream side of the air conditioner drain trap 2, flows through the downstream piping 6b and is discharged into a drainage basin, etc.

[0031] [2. Configuration of drain trap for air conditioner] Next, the configuration of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figs.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line VV in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to an embodiment, taken along line XX in FIG. 5.

[0033] 2 to 10, the front-to-back direction of the air conditioner drain trap 2 is the X-axis, the left-to-right direction of the air conditioner drain trap 2 is the Y-axis, and the up-down direction of the air conditioner drain trap 2 is the Z-axis. Additionally, the negative side of the X-axis is the "upstream side", the positive side of the X-axis is the "downstream side", the positive side of the Z-axis is the "upper" and the negative side of the Z-axis is the "lower".

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the air conditioner drain trap 2 comprises a main body 14, a lid 16, a trap device 18, a valve device 20, a first cover part 22, a second cover part 24, a first coupling member 26, and a second coupling member 28.

[0035] The main body 14 is formed in a hollow box shape, and is made of a resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) or ASA (Acylate-Styrene-Acrylonitrile). A storage space 30 for storing drain water is formed inside the main body 14. In addition, a substantially rectangular upper surface opening 32 communicating with the storage space 30 is formed on the upper surface of the main body 14.

[0036] An inlet 34 is formed at a first end 14a in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the main body 14. The inlet 34 is disposed upstream of the air-conditioning equipment drain trap 2 and is connected to the upstream piping 6a (see FIG. 1) via a first joint member 26. As a result, drain water from the upstream piping 6a flows into the inlet 34. The inlet 34 includes an inlet side opening 36 and an inlet side connecting portion 38. The inlet side opening 36 is formed to penetrate the first end 14a of the main body 14 in a circular shape. The inlet side connecting portion 38 protrudes cylindrically from the periphery of the inlet side opening 36 toward the outside of the main body 14.

[0037] An outlet 40 is formed at the second end 14b (i.e., the end opposite to the first end 14a) in the front-rear direction of the main body 14. The outlet 40 is disposed downstream of the air-conditioning equipment drain trap 2 and is connected to the downstream piping 6b (see FIG. 1) via a second joint member 28. The outlet 40 includes an outlet opening 42 and an outlet connecting portion 44. The outlet opening 42 is formed to pass through the second end 14b of the main body 14 in a circular shape. The outlet connecting portion 44 protrudes cylindrically from the periphery of the outlet opening 42 toward the outside of the main body 14.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the inlet 34 and the outlet 40 are opened in a substantially horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and are disposed at substantially the same height position in the main body 14 (i.e., substantially the same height position from the floor surface 8). The inlet 34 and the outlet 40 have substantially the same outer diameter (diameter). As a result, the tube axis direction of the inlet 34 and the tube axis direction of the outlet 40 are disposed on the same straight line. In this specification, "substantially the same" includes not only a case where they are completely the same, but also a case where there is an error within a range of, for example, ±10%. In addition, the "tube axis direction" refers to a direction along the axial direction of the inlet 34 or the outlet 40 (X-axis direction). In this specification, the substantially horizontal direction includes not only a strictly horizontal direction, but also a direction inclined, for example, by several degrees to several tens of degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0039] A base portion 46 is formed at the lower end of the main body portion 14. The base portion 46 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in an XY plane view, and protrudes laterally from the outer surface at the lower end of the main body portion 14 in a flange-like shape. Notches 48 for inserting screws 10 (see FIG. 1) are formed near each of the four corners of the base portion 46. With the base portion 46 placed on the floor surface 8, the screws 10 are screwed into the floor surface 8 through the notches 48, respectively, to fix the main body portion 14 to the floor surface 8. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, a lower holding portion 50 is formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, i.e., on the lower end of the outer surface of the main body portion 14. The lower holding portion 50 protrudes laterally from the lower end of the outer surface of the main body portion 14. Specifically, the lower holding portion 50 extends laterally along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the main body portion 14, and is formed in a stepped shape. In this specification, the lateral direction includes not only the horizontal direction but also a direction tilted at an angle of, for example, several degrees to several tens of degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0040] An attachment portion 52 is formed at the upper end of the main body 14. The attachment portion 52 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in an XY plane view, and protrudes laterally from the outer surface at the upper end of the main body 14 in a flange-like shape. A positioning protrusion 54 protruding upward is formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the attachment portion 52. In addition, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, an upper holding portion 56 is formed on the lower surface of the attachment portion 52, i.e., on the upper end of the outer surface of the main body 14. The upper holding portion 56 protrudes laterally from the upper end of the outer surface of the main body 14. Specifically, the upper holding portion 56 extends laterally along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the main body 14, and is formed in a stepped shape.

[0041] Also, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, a first sealing portion 58 and a second sealing portion 60 are formed on the outer surface of the main body portion 14 so as to protrude on both sides (the positive and negative sides of the Y axis).

[0042] The first sealing portion 58 is disposed at the center in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 14 at the first side end portion 14c in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body portion 14. That is, the first sealing portion 58 is disposed at the boundary between a first region (described later) and a second region (described later) on the outer side surface of the main body portion 14. The first sealing portion 58 extends linearly along the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the main body portion 14 from the upper surface of the base portion 46 to the lower surface of the attachment portion 52. As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of grooves 62, 64 extending along the longitudinal direction of the first sealing portion 58 are formed on both sides of the first sealing portion 58. In this specification, the up-down direction includes not only the vertical direction but also a direction inclined, for example, by several degrees to several tens of degrees with respect to the vertical direction.

[0043] The second sealing portion 60 is disposed at the center in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 14 at the second side end portion 14d in the left-right direction of the main body portion 14 (i.e., the side end portion opposite to the first side end portion 14c). That is, the second sealing portion 60 is disposed at the boundary portion between the first region and the second region on the outer surface of the main body portion 14. The second sealing portion 60 extends linearly in the up-down direction of the main body portion 14 from the upper surface of the base portion 46 to the lower surface of the attachment portion 52. As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of groove portions 66, 68 extending along the longitudinal direction of the second sealing portion 60 are formed on both sides of the second sealing portion 60, respectively.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the lid 16 is formed in a rectangular plate shape in the XY plane view, and is made of a transparent resin such as polyvinyl chloride. The lid 16 is supported on the upper surface of the attachment portion 52 so as to cover the upper opening 32 of the main body 14, and is fixed to the attachment portion 52 by a plurality of fasteners 70. At this time, the outer periphery of the lid 16 comes into contact with the positioning protrusion 54 of the attachment portion 52, so that the lid 16 is positioned relative to the main body 14. Each of the plurality of fasteners 70 is made of a resin such as ABS or ASA. As shown in Fig. 5, a packing 71 seals the gap between the lower surface of the lid 16 and the periphery of the upper opening 32 of the main body 14.

[0045] 5 to 7, the trap device 18 is disposed inside the main body 14 and can be attached to the inlet 34 of the main body 14. The trap device 18 has a trap pipe 72, a discharge part 74, and a normally closed check valve 76.

[0046] The trap pipe 72 is formed in a substantially U-shape. The upstream end of the trap pipe 72 is disposed so as to face the inlet 34 of the main body 14, and is connected to the first joint member 26 attached to the inlet 34. A part of the drain water that flows in from the inlet 34 of the main body 14 is stored inside the trap pipe 72 as sealing water. This prevents odors, insects, and the like from entering the air conditioner 4 through the inlet 34 and the upstream pipe 6a.

[0047] The discharge part 74 is formed to be hollow, and is connected to the downstream end of the trap piping 72. A plurality of discharge ports 78 are formed on the side surface of the discharge part 74. The upper end of the discharge part 74 is opened, and a cover 75 is attached to the upper end of the discharge part 74. The gap between the upper end of the discharge part 74 and the cover 75 is sealed by a packing 77.

[0048] The normally closed check valve 76 is a float valve type check valve formed in a spherical shape, and is disposed inside the discharge portion 74. The normally closed check valve 76 is capable of moving up and down between a closed position where the inside of the trap piping 72 is isolated from the inside of the discharge portion 74, and an open position where the inside of the trap piping 72 is communicated with the inside of the discharge portion 74.

[0049] When drain water is not flowing into the trap pipe 72 from the inlet 34 of the main body 14, the inside of the air conditioner 4 (see FIG. 1) becomes negative pressure, and the normally closed check valve 76 is held in the closed position. On the other hand, when drain water flows into the trap pipe 72 from the inlet 34 of the main body 14, the normally closed check valve 76 is caused to rise from the closed position to the open position by the pressure of the drain water that has flowed into the trap pipe 72. As a result, a portion of the drain water in the trap pipe 72 is discharged from the multiple discharge ports 78 of the discharge section 74 and stored in the storage space 30 of the main body 14.

[0050] 5 to 7, the valve device 20 is disposed inside the main body 14 and can be attached to the outlet 40 of the main body 14. The valve device 20 has a valve pipe 80, a valve element 82, and a branch pipe 84.

[0051] The valve pipe 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper end of the valve pipe 80 is open, and a cover 81 is attached to the upper end of the valve pipe 80. The gap between the upper end of the valve pipe 80 and the cover 81 is sealed by a packing 83.

[0052] The branch pipe 84 extends laterally from the side surface of the valve pipe 80 and communicates with the inside of the valve pipe 80. The branch pipe 84 is disposed opposite the outlet 40 of the main body 14, and is connected to a second joint member 28 attached to the outlet 40.

[0053] The valve body 82 can be raised and lowered between a closed position that blocks the storage space 30 of the main body 14 from the inside of the valve piping 80 and an open position that connects the storage space 30 of the main body 14 to the inside of the valve piping 80.

[0054] When the amount of drain water stored in the storage space 30 of the main body 14 is equal to or less than a certain amount, the valve body 82 is held in the closed position. On the other hand, when the amount of drain water stored in the storage space 30 of the main body 14 exceeds the certain amount, the valve body 82 is caused to rise from the closed position to the open position by the pressure of the drain water that exceeds the certain amount. As a result, the drain water that exceeds the certain amount flows through the valve piping 80 and the branch piping 84, and then flows out of the main body 14 through the outlet 40.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first cover portion 22 is formed in a substantially U-shape in the XY plane view, and is formed of a resin such as ABS or ASA. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the first cover portion 22 is disposed so as to cover the first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14 from the tube axis direction of the inlet 34 (i.e., from the side) so that an air layer 86 is formed between the first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14 and the first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14. Here, the first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14 includes (a) the region of the first end portion 14a of the main body portion 14, (b) the region of the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14 that is closer to the first end portion 14a than the first sealing portion 58, and (c) the region of the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14 that is closer to the first end portion 14a than the second sealing portion 60.

[0056] The first cover portion 22 has a first end plate portion 88 and a pair of first side plate portions 90, 92. The first end plate portion 88 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a YZ side view. A circular first opening 94 is formed in the center of the first end plate portion 88. The pair of first side plate portions 90, 92 extend from both ends of the first end plate portion 88 so as to face each other. The pair of first side plate portions 90, 92 are elastically deformable in a direction away from each other and a direction approaching each other due to their springiness.

[0057] The first end plate portion 88 is disposed so as to cover the first end portion 14a of the main body portion 14. At this time, the inlet 34 of the main body portion 14 is exposed through the first opening 94 of the first end plate portion 88. Also, the inlet side connection portion 38 of the inlet 34 is inserted through the first opening 94. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end portion of the inner surface of the first end plate portion 88 contacts the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end portion of the inner surface of the first end plate portion 88 contacts the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52. As a result, an air layer 86 corresponding to the size of the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 56 in the short direction is formed between the first end plate portion 88 and the first end portion 14a of the main body portion 14.

[0058] The first side plate portion 90 is disposed so as to cover the first end portion 14a side of the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14 relative to the first sealing portion 58. The tip portion of the first side plate portion 90 (i.e., the end portion opposite to the first end plate portion 88) is engaged with the groove portion 62 of the first sealing portion 58. At this time, the first side plate portion 90 is held in a state in which a force is applied in a direction approaching the first side plate portion 92 against its elastic restoring force. As a result, the first cover portion 22 is elastically deformed so that the lower end portion of the inner surface of the first side plate portion 90 is pressed against the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end portion of the inner surface of the first side plate portion 90 is pressed against the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52. As a result, an air layer 86 corresponding to the size of the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 56 in the short direction is formed between the first side plate portion 90 and the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14, closer to the first end portion 14a than the first sealing portion 58.

[0059] The first side plate portion 92 is disposed so as to cover the first end portion 14a side of the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14 relative to the second sealing portion 60. The tip portion of the first side plate portion 92 (i.e., the end portion opposite to the first end plate portion 88) is engaged with the groove portion 66 of the second sealing portion 60. At this time, the first side plate portion 92 is held in a state in which a force is applied in a direction approaching the first side plate portion 90 against its elastic restoring force. As a result, the first cover portion 22 is elastically deformed so that the lower end portion of the inner surface of the first side plate portion 92 is pressed against the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end portion of the inner surface of the first side plate portion 92 is pressed against the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52. As a result, an air layer 86 corresponding to the size of the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 56 in the short direction is formed between the first side plate portion 92 and the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14, which is closer to the first end portion 14a than the second sealing portion 60.

[0060] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the second cover part 24 is formed in a substantially U-shape in the XY plane view, and is formed of a resin such as ABS or ASA. As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the second cover part 24 is arranged to cover the second region of the outer surface of the main body part 14 from the pipe axis direction of the outlet 40 (i.e., from the side) so that an air layer 96 is formed between the second cover part 24 and a second region different from the first region of the outer surface of the main body part 14. Here, the second region of the outer surface of the main body part 14 includes (a) the region of the second end part 14b of the main body part 14, (b) the region of the first side end part 14c of the main body part 14 that is closer to the second end part 14b than the first sealing part 58, and (c) the region of the second side end part 14d of the main body part 14 that is closer to the second end part 14b than the second sealing part 60.

[0061] The second cover portion 24 has a second end plate portion 98 and a pair of second side plate portions 100, 102. The second end plate portion 98 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a YZ side view. A circular second opening portion 104 is formed in the center of the second end plate portion 98. The pair of second side plate portions 100, 102 extend from both ends of the second end plate portion 98 so as to face each other. The pair of second side plate portions 100, 102 are elastically deformable in a direction away from each other and a direction approaching each other due to their springiness.

[0062] The second end plate portion 98 is disposed so as to cover the second end portion 14b of the main body portion 14. At this time, the outlet 40 of the main body portion 14 is exposed through the second opening 104 of the second end plate portion 98. Also, the outlet side connection portion 44 of the outlet 40 is inserted through the second opening 104. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end portion of the inner surface of the second end plate portion 98 contacts the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end portion of the inner surface of the second end plate portion 98 contacts the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52. As a result, an air layer 96 is formed between the second end plate portion 98 and the second end portion 14b of the main body portion 14.

[0063] The second side plate 100 is disposed so as to cover the second end 14b side of the first side end 14c of the main body 14 relative to the first sealing portion 58. The tip of the second side plate 100 (i.e., the end opposite to the second end plate 98) is engaged with the groove 64 of the first sealing portion 58. At this time, the second side plate 100 is held in a state in which a force is applied in a direction approaching the second side plate 102 against its elastic restoring force. As a result, the second cover portion 24 is elastically deformed so that the lower end of the inner surface of the second side plate 100 is pressed against the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end of the inner surface of the second side plate 100 is pressed against the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52. As a result, an air layer 96 corresponding to the size of the lower retaining portion 50 and the upper retaining portion 56 in each short direction is formed between the second side plate portion 100 and the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14, closer to the second end portion 14b than the first sealing portion 58.

[0064] The second side plate 102 is disposed so as to cover the second end 14b side of the second side end 14d of the main body 14 relative to the second sealing portion 60. The tip of the second side plate 102 (i.e., the end opposite to the second end plate 98) is engaged with the groove 68 of the second sealing portion 60. At this time, the second side plate 102 is held in a state in which a force is applied in a direction approaching the second side plate 100 against its elastic restoring force. As a result, the second cover portion 24 is elastically deformed so that the lower end of the inner surface of the second side plate 102 is pressed against the lower holding portion 50 formed on the upper surface of the base portion 46, and the upper end of the inner surface of the second side plate 102 is pressed against the upper holding portion 56 formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 52, as shown in FIG. As a result, an air layer 96 corresponding to the size of the lower holding portion 50 and the upper holding portion 56 in the short direction is formed between the second side plate portion 102 and the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14, which is closer to the second end portion 14b than the second sealing portion 60.

[0065] As described above, an air layer 86 is formed between the first cover portion 22 and the first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14, and an air layer 96 is formed between the second cover portion 24 and the second region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation even when there is a large temperature difference between the outside air and the drain water inside the main body portion 14.

[0066] 5 to 7, the first joint member 26 is a joint pipe for connecting the inlet 34 of the main body 14 and the upstream piping 6a, and is attached to the inlet 34 of the main body 14. The first joint member 26 has a first connecting portion 106, a first insertion portion 108, and a first fixing portion 110. The first joint member 26 is formed of a resin such as ABS, ASA, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0067] The first connecting portion 106 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a male screw portion 112 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting portion 106. The first inserting portion 108 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and extends from one end in the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the first connecting portion 106 along the axial direction. The outer diameter of the first inserting portion 108 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first connecting portion 106. The first fixing portion 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and extends from one end in the axial direction of the first connecting portion 106 along the axial direction so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the first inserting portion 108. The length of the first fixing portion 110 in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the first inserting portion 108 in the axial direction.

[0068] In a state where the first joint member 26 is attached to the inlet 34 of the main body 14, the first insertion portion 108 is inserted through the first opening 94 of the first cover portion 22 into the inlet side opening 36 of the inlet 34 of the main body 14. The tip of the first insertion portion 108 is connected to the upstream end of the trap piping 72 of the trap device 18. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the first fixing portion 110 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the inlet side connecting portion 38 of the inlet 34 of the main body 14 by, for example, an adhesive. The first connecting portion 106 is disposed outside the first cover portion 22. The first connecting portion 106 is connected to the upstream piping 6a by screwing the male thread portion 112 of the first connecting portion 106 into a female thread portion (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface at the end of the upstream piping 6a.

[0069] 5 to 7, the second joint member 28 is a joint pipe for connecting the outlet 40 of the main body 14 and the downstream piping 6b, and is attached to the outlet 40 of the main body 14. The second joint member 28 has a second connecting portion 114, a second insertion portion 116, and a second fixing portion 118. The second joint member 28 is formed of a resin such as ABS, ASA, or polyvinyl chloride.

[0070] The second connecting portion 114 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a male screw portion 120 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting portion 114. The second inserting portion 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and extends from one end in the axial direction (X-axis direction) of the second connecting portion 114 along the axial direction. The outer diameter of the second inserting portion 116 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second connecting portion 114. The second fixing portion 118 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and extends from one end in the axial direction of the second connecting portion 114 along the axial direction so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second inserting portion 116. The length of the second fixing portion 118 in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the second inserting portion 116 in the axial direction.

[0071] In a state where the second joint member 28 is attached to the outlet 40 of the main body 14, the second insertion portion 116 is inserted through the second opening 104 of the second cover portion 24 and into the outlet side opening 42 of the outlet 40 of the main body 14. The tip of the second insertion portion 116 is connected to the branch pipe 84 of the valve device 20. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the second fixing portion 118 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet side connecting portion 44 of the outlet 40 of the main body 14 by, for example, an adhesive. The second connecting portion 114 is disposed outside the second cover portion 24. The second connecting portion 114 is connected to the downstream pipe 6b by screwing the male thread portion 120 of the second connecting portion 114 into a female thread portion (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface at the end of the downstream pipe 6b.

[0072] In the air conditioner drain trap 2 according to the embodiment, the main body 14 further has a pair of first guide portions 122, 124 and a pair of first guide portions 126, 128. The pair of first guide portions 122, 124 and the pair of first guide portions 126, 128 are disposed at the four corners of the inner bottom surface of the main body 14, respectively.

[0073] 8 and 10, the first guide portion 122 is defined by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body portion 14. Specifically, the first guide portion 122 is defined by a lower end portion of a region of the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14 that is closer to the first end portion 14a than the first sealing portion 58 is recessed toward the inside of the main body portion 14.

[0074] The first guide portion 124 is defined by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body portion 14. Specifically, the first guide portion 124 is defined by a lower end portion of a region of the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14 that is closer to the first end portion 14a than the second sealing portion 60, being recessed toward the inside of the main body portion 14. The first guide portion 124 is disposed so as to face the first guide portion 122 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the air conditioner drain trap 2.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 10, the pair of first guide parts 122, 124 are in close proximity to or in contact with both side surfaces of the trap pipe 72 of the trap device 18 from the left and right directions of the air-conditioning equipment drain trap 2. As a result, when the trap device 18 is attached to the inlet 34 of the main body 14, the pair of first guide parts 122, 124 guide the trap pipe 72 of the trap device 18 to a proper posture and / or a proper position. The proper posture means a posture in which the axial direction of the downstream flow passage connected to the discharge part 74 of the trap pipe 72 faces the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 8. The proper position means a position in which the first joint member 26 can be connected to the upstream end of the trap pipe 72 through the inlet 34 of the main body 14.

[0076] 9 and 10, the first guide portion 126 is defined by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body portion 14. Specifically, the first guide portion 126 is defined by a lower end portion of the first side end portion 14c of the main body portion 14 in a region closer to the second end portion 14b than the first sealing portion 58, which is recessed toward the inside of the main body portion 14.

[0077] The first guide portion 128 is defined by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body portion 14. Specifically, the first guide portion 128 is defined by a lower end portion of a region of the second side end portion 14d of the main body portion 14 that is closer to the second end portion 14b than the second sealing portion 60, being recessed toward the inside of the main body portion 14. The first guide portion 128 is disposed so as to face the first guide portion 126 in the left-right direction of the air conditioner drain trap 2.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 10, the pair of first guide parts 126, 128 are in close proximity to or in contact with both side surfaces of the valve pipe 80 of the valve device 20 from the left and right directions of the air-conditioning equipment drain trap 2. As a result, when the valve device 20 is attached to the outlet 40 of the main body 14, the pair of first guide parts 126, 128 guide the valve pipe 80 of the valve device 20 to a proper posture and / or position. The proper posture means a posture in which the axial direction of the valve pipe 80 faces the vertical direction, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 9. The proper position means a position in which the second coupling member 28 can be connected to the branch pipe 84 through the outlet 40 of the main body 14.

[0079] 5, a second guide portion 130 is formed on the outer surface at the lower end of the trap piping 72 of the trap device 18, protruding toward the inner bottom surface of the main body 14. The second guide portion 130 comes into contact with the inner bottom surface of the main body 14, thereby guiding the trap device 18 to an appropriate position.

[0080] Although not shown, a second guide portion protruding toward the inner bottom surface of the main body 14 may also be formed at the lower end of the valve pipe 80 of the valve device 20. In this case, the second guide portion contacts the inner bottom surface of the main body 14 to guide the valve device 20 to an appropriate position.

[0081] [3. Installation procedure for the first cover part and the second cover part] Next, an example of a procedure for attaching the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 24 to the main body portion 14 will be described.

[0082] First, the first cover portion 22 is arranged so as to cover a first region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14 from the pipe axis direction of the inlet 34. At this time, in a state in which the first cover portion 22 is elastically deformed so that the pair of first side plate portions 90, 92 approach each other, the tip portion of the first side plate portion 90 is engaged with the groove portion 62 of the first sealing portion 58, and the tip portion of the first side plate portion 92 is engaged with the groove portion 66 of the second sealing portion 60. In addition, the inlet 34 of the main body portion 14 is exposed through the first opening portion 94 of the first cover portion 22.

[0083] Next, the first joint member 26 is attached to the inlet 34 of the main body portion 14 through the first opening 94 of the first cover portion 22. This completes the attachment of the first cover portion 22 to the main body portion 14.

[0084] Next, the second cover portion 24 is arranged so as to cover a second region of the outer surface of the main body portion 14 from the pipe axis direction of the outflow port 40. At this time, in a state in which the second cover portion 24 is elastically deformed so that the pair of second side plate portions 100, 102 approach each other, the tip portion of the second side plate portion 100 is engaged with the groove portion 64 of the first sealing portion 58, and the tip portion of the second side plate portion 102 is engaged with the groove portion 68 of the second sealing portion 60. In addition, the outflow port 40 of the main body portion 14 is exposed through the second opening portion 104 of the second cover portion 24.

[0085] Finally, the second joint member 28 is attached to the outlet port 40 of the main body portion 14 through the second opening 104 of the second cover portion 24. This completes the attachment of the second cover portion 24 to the main body portion 14.

[0086] [4. Effects] As described above, in the air conditioner drain trap 2 of this embodiment, when the trap device 18 is attached to the inlet 34 of the main body 14, the pair of first guide parts 122, 124 guide the trap piping 72 of the trap device 18 to an appropriate attitude and / or an appropriate position. Also, when the valve device 20 is attached to the outlet 40 of the main body 14, the pair of first guide parts 126, 128 guide the valve piping 80 of the valve device 20 to an appropriate attitude and / or an appropriate position.

[0087] This allows the trap device 18 and the valve device 20 to be easily installed in the correct posture and / or position regardless of the skill of the worker. As a result, the water seal depth in the trap device 18 can be easily adjusted to match the specified value, and the valve device 20 can be operated normally.

[0088] [5. Modifications] The configuration of an air conditioner drain trap 2A according to a modified embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner drain trap 2A according to a modified embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line corresponding to line XX in Fig. 5. In this modified embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 11, in the air conditioner drain trap 2A, a pair of first guide portions 122A, 124A protrude in a plate shape from the inner wall surface of the first end portion 14a of the main body portion 14A toward the storage space 30 and so as to face each other. The pair of first guide portions 122A, 124A respectively approach or come into contact with both sides of the trap piping 72 of the trap device 18 from the left and right directions of the air conditioner drain trap 2A, thereby guiding the trap device 18 to an appropriate posture and / or an appropriate position. In addition, the pair of first guide portions 126A, 128A protrude in a plate shape from the inner wall surface of the second end portion 14b of the main body portion 14A toward the storage space 30 and so as to face each other. The pair of first guide portions 126A, 128A each approach or contact both side surfaces of the valve pipe 80 of the valve device 20 from the left and right directions of the air conditioner drain trap 2A, thereby guiding the valve device 20 to the proper posture and / or position.

[0090] Even with such a configuration, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. In this modification, the pair of first guide parts 122A, 124A and the pair of first guide parts 126A, 128A are configured to protrude in a plate shape from the inner wall surface of the main body part 14A toward the storage space 30, but are not limited to this, and may be configured to protrude in a plate shape from the inner bottom surface of the main body part 14A toward the storage space 30.

[0091] (Other variations, etc.) Although the drain trap for air conditioners according to one or more aspects has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications conceivable by a person skilled in the art to the above embodiment and forms constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioner 4 is a suction type air conditioner, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioner 4 may be a so-called push type air conditioner in which the inside of the air conditioner 4 becomes positive pressure during operation. In this case, the internal mechanism (trap device 18 and valve device 20) of the main body 14 of the air conditioner drain trap 2 may be appropriately changed according to the type of the air conditioner 4 (push type).

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, main body portion 14 (14A) has a pair of first guide portions 122, 124 (122A, 124A) and a pair of first guide portions 126, 128 (126A, 128A), but this is not limited to this, and the pair of first guide portions 122, 124 (122A, 124A) may be omitted, or the pair of first guide portions 126, 128 (126A, 128A) may be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The drain trap for air conditioners according to the present invention can be installed, for example, in a drain pipe for discharging drain water generated in an air conditioner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 2,2A Drain trap for air conditioners 4 Air conditioning equipment 6 Drain piping 6a Upstream piping 6b Downstream piping 8 Floor 10 Screws 12 Drain pan 14, 14A Main body 14a First end 14b Second end 14c First side end 14d Second side edge 16 Lid 18 Trap Device 20 Valve gear 22 First cover part 24 Second cover part 26 First joint member 28 Second joint member 30 Storage space 32 Top opening 34 Inlet 36 Inlet side opening 38 Inlet side connection 40 Outlet 42 Outlet opening 44 Outlet connection 46 Base 48 Cutout 50 Lower holding part 52 Mounting part 54 Positioning protrusion 56 Upper holding part 58 First sealing portion 60 Second sealing portion 62, 64, 66, 68 Groove 70 Fixtures 71,77,83 Gasket 72 Trap piping 74 Discharge section 75,81 Cover 76 Normally closed check valve 78 Outlet 80 Valve piping 82 Valve body 84 Branch piping 86,96 Air layer 88 First end plate 90,92 First side plate 94 First Opening 98 Second end plate 100, 102 Second side plate portion 104 Second Opening 106 First Connection 108 First insertion part 110 First fixing part 112,120 Male thread 114 Second Connection 116 Second insertion part 118 Second fixed part 122, 124, 126, 128, 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A First guide part 130 Second guide part

Claims

1. a substantially box-shaped main body having an inlet through which drain water discharged from an air conditioner flows, a storage space in which the drain water flowing in from the inlet is stored, and an outlet through which the drain water stored in the storage space flows out to the outside; a trap device disposed within the body and attachable to the inlet; a valve device disposed within the body and attachable to the outlet, The main body portion has a first guide portion that guides at least one of the trap device and the valve device to a proper attitude or position. Drain trap for air conditioning equipment.

2. Each of the inlet and the outlet opens in a substantially horizontal direction.

2. The drain trap for an air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. the first guide portion is defined by a part of an inner wall surface of the main body portion, The first guide portion guides at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position by a part of the inner wall surface of the main body being in close proximity to or in contact with a side surface of at least one of the trap device and the valve device.

2. The drain trap for an air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. The first guide portion protrudes from an inner wall surface of the main body portion and guides at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position by approaching or contacting a side surface of at least one of the trap device and the valve device.

2. The drain trap for an air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. At least one of the trap device and the valve device has a second guide portion that contacts the main body portion to guide at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate position. The drain trap for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The main body portion has a pair of the first guide portions, The pair of first guide portions are brought into close proximity to or into contact with both side surfaces of at least one of the trap device and the valve device from the left and right directions, thereby guiding at least one of the trap device and the valve device to the appropriate posture or position.

5. The drain trap for an air conditioner according to claim 3 or 4.

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