Indoor air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an indoor air conditioner which can detect leakage of a refrigerant with high accuracy regardless of the operation state.SOLUTION: An indoor air conditioner includes: a casing having an air inlet and an air outlet; a cross flow fan which is provided in the casing and rotationally driven around an axis extending in a horizontal direction to suction air from the air inlet and send air to the air outlet; a heat exchanger which is provided in the casing so as to enclose the cross flow fan from the outer periphery side of the axis; and a leakage detection sensor provided below the heat exchanger in the casing. The leakage detection sensor is provided at a position different from an air channel in which air blown by the cross flow fan circulates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A known technology for detecting refrigerant leakage from an air conditioner is described in the following Patent Document 1. In the device according to the following Patent Document 1, a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage is disposed on a path (air passage) through which the air blown from the indoor unit (indoor air conditioner) passes. This is said to make it possible to detect refrigerant leakage from the heat exchanger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 179007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a leak detection sensor is placed in the air duct as described above, while a leak can be detected while the indoor air conditioner is operating, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect a leak when the air conditioner is stopped because no air passes through the air duct.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an indoor air conditioner that is capable of detecting refrigerant leakage with high accuracy regardless of the operating state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the indoor air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises a casing having an intake port and an exhaust port, a crossflow fan provided within the casing and driven to rotate about an axis extending horizontally to draw in air through the intake port and blow the air towards the exhaust port, a heat exchanger provided within the casing so as to surround the crossflow fan from the outer periphery of the axis, and a leak detection sensor provided below the heat exchanger within the casing, wherein the leak detection sensor is provided in a position different from the air path through which the air blown by the crossflow fan flows. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor air conditioner that is capable of detecting refrigerant leakage with high accuracy regardless of the operating state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an indoor air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a main portion of the indoor air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of an indoor air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of an indoor air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Indoor air conditioner configuration) Hereinafter, an indoor air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. This indoor air conditioner 1 is an air conditioning device that is attached to an indoor wall surface for use. It has a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant between an outdoor unit (not shown). Temperature-regulated air is supplied to the room by heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant, and between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor air conditioner 1 includes a casing 10, a cross flow fan 20, a heat exchanger 30, a drain pan 40, an inner cover 50, an air passage forming plate 60, and a leakage detection sensor 70.

[0011] (Casing configuration) The casing 10 is a decorative cover that forms the exterior appearance of the air conditioner, and has a front cover 11 that faces the front on the indoor side, a top cover 12 that faces the top surface, a bottom cover 13 that faces the bottom surface, a back cover 14 that faces the back side (i.e., the wall side), and a side cover (not shown). The top cover 12 is formed with an intake port 15 for taking indoor air into the device.

[0012] The lower cover 13 has a cover body 16 and a flap 17. The cover body 16 is fixed to the rear panel. Meanwhile, the flap 17 is supported so as to be swingable with respect to the cover body 16. The swing axis of the flap 17 extends in the horizontal direction. When the flap 17 swings, an opening is formed in a part of the lower cover 13. This opening serves as an air outlet 18 for blowing out air whose temperature has been adjusted inside the device. In other words, the direction of the air blown from the air outlet 18 is adjusted by changing the swing angle of the flap 17.

[0013] (Crossflow fan configuration) The crossflow fan 20 is a cylindrical fan centered on an axis X extending horizontally, and is driven to rotate about the axis X. As the crossflow fan 20 rotates, indoor air is taken into the device through the suction port 15. In addition to the crossflow fan 20, a sirocco fan can also be used for the same purpose. A drive unit (not shown) of the crossflow fan 20 is provided at one end or the other end in the direction of the axis X. The crossflow fan 20 is located in the center of the casing 10 when viewed from the direction of the axis X.

[0014] (Heat exchanger configuration) The heat exchanger 30 covers the crossflow fan 20 from the outer periphery side in the direction of the axis X. The heat exchanger 30 is, for example, of a fin-and-tube type, and is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the room, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air being blown. The heat exchanger 30 is, for example, divided into three blocks, and has a rear block 31 located on the rear side, a front upper block 32 located on the front side adjacent to the rear block 31, and a front lower block 33 located below the front upper block 32. The refrigerant flow paths between all the blocks are mutually connected. As for the type of refrigerant, a propane-based refrigerant such as R290 is particularly preferably used from the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load.

[0015] (Drain pan configuration) A drain pan 40 is provided below the front lower block 33. The drain pan 40 is a member for receiving condensation water generated on the surface of the heat exchanger 30. The drain pan 40 has a drain pan body 41 and a receiving tray portion 42. The drain pan body 41 is U-shaped when viewed from the direction of the axis X so as to cover the lower part of the front lower block 33. The condensation water that drips onto the drain pan body 41 is discharged to the outside through a pipe (not shown).

[0016] A tray portion 42 is integrally provided on the front side of the drain pan body 41. The tray portion 42 has an L-shaped cross section that protrudes from the front side of the drain pan body 41. The tray portion 42 is provided to form a space (detection space V) that is different from an air passage F for blowing air, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the tray portion 42 is inclined downwardly toward the center in the direction of the axis X when viewed from the front side.

[0017] (Inner cover configuration) An internal cover 50 is provided between the heat exchanger 30 and the casing 10. The internal cover 50 covers the heat exchanger 30 from the outer circumferential side with respect to the axis X. A filter (not shown) and the like are detachably attached to the internal cover 50. The lower end of the front side of the internal cover 50 forms a space inside together with the above-mentioned receiver portion 42 and a part of the drain pan body 41. This space is defined as a detection space V. A leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the detection space V in the axis X direction. The leakage detection sensor 70 is an element for detecting leakage of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 30. As an example, the leakage detection sensor 70 is fixed to the surface of the front side of the drain pan body 41 via a stay 71. In addition, in consideration of the flow down of the refrigerant due to its own weight, it is desirable that the refrigerant detection sensor is located further below the lower end of the heat exchanger 30.

[0018] (Configuration of air passage forming plate) An air passage forming plate 60 is provided on the rear side of the heat exchanger 30 and the cross flow fan 20. The air passage forming plate 60 has a forming plate main body 61 and a curved portion 62. The forming plate main body 61 is provided on the rear side of the rear block 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The forming plate main body 61 extends in the vertical direction. A part of the forming plate main body 61 protrudes toward the rear cover 14. The curved portion 62 is integrally connected to the lower end of the forming plate main body 61. The curved portion 62 covers the cross flow fan 20 and extends downward to the edge of the above-mentioned air outlet 18. The curved portion 62 is curved in an arc shape so as to be convex toward the rear side in accordance with the cylindrical shape of the cross flow fan 20. The front side surface of the curved portion 62 (i.e., the surface facing the cross flow fan 20) is a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 63.

[0019] The space surrounded by the drain pan 40, the inner cover 50, and the air passage forming plate 60 described above is the air passage F through which the air compressed by the cross flow fan 20 flows. In other words, the detection space V described above is a different space independent of the air passage F, and no air flows into the detection space V whether the fan is operating or not.

[0020] (Action and effect) To operate the indoor air conditioner 1, first, the crossflow fan 20 is rotated by turning on the power. At the same time, the refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor unit flows into the heat exchanger 30. The air sent to the periphery of the heat exchanger 30 by the crossflow fan 20 exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and the temperature of the air is then adjusted. The temperature-adjusted air is then pressure-fed by the crossflow fan 20 through the air outlet 18 into the room.

[0021] Here, it is conceivable that the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 30 may leak. Since refrigerant leakage affects the operation of the indoor air conditioner 1, it is desirable to detect it immediately. For this reason, an example in which the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed on the air duct F of the blown air has been proposed in the past. However, when the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed on the air duct F, while it is possible to detect leakage while the indoor air conditioner 1 is operating, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect leakage or it takes time to detect leakage while the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped because the blown air does not pass through the air duct F. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned configurations are adopted.

[0022] According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided at a position different from the air passage F (i.e., in the detection space V), it is possible to detect a leakage of refrigerant even when no air is flowing through the air passage F, i.e., when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped. In particular, since the refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger 30 has a higher specific gravity than air, it passes through the gap between the heat exchanger 30 and the inner cover 50 and reaches the detection space V. Therefore, even when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped, it is possible to immediately detect a leakage of refrigerant. This makes it possible to further increase the availability of the indoor air conditioner 1.

[0023] Here, it is known that in the heat exchanger 30, leakage is particularly likely to occur at the curved portions 62 of the heat transfer tubes at both ends in the direction of the axis X. The refrigerant leaking from these portions passes through the sides of the heat exchanger 30 and reaches the tray portion 42 due to its own weight. It then diffuses in the direction of the axis X and reaches the center of the tray portion 42. According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the tray portion 42, leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X can be immediately detected. This allows the indoor air conditioner 1 to operate stably.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the surface of the tray 42 facing the drain pan body 41 slopes downward toward the center, so that the refrigerant is easily guided to the center by its own weight toward the leak detection sensor 70. In other words, the refrigerant flows downward along the downward slope and accumulates in the center. Therefore, even if there is a very small amount of leakage, the leak detection sensor 70 can detect it immediately with high accuracy.

[0025] According to the above configuration, by providing only one leak detection sensor 70 in the center, it is possible to detect leaks at any location in the heat exchanger 30. This makes it possible to minimize the number of leak detection sensors 70 that were previously provided in multiple locations. This makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs.

[0026] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0027] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed in the detection space V. However, it is also possible to dispose the leakage detection sensor 70 at a location other than the detection space V, so long as the location is different from the air passage F. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 as a first modified example, it is possible to dispose the leakage detection sensor 70 in the space on the rear side formed by the curved portion 62 of the air passage forming plate 60 and the rear cover 14. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those described above.

[0028] It is also possible to place one leakage detection sensor 70 in each of the detection space V and the back space (FIG. 4). In this case, refrigerant leakage can be detected more precisely and immediately.

[0029] It is also possible to arrange two or more leakage detection sensors 70 at intervals in each of the detection space V and the back space. In this case as well, it becomes possible to detect refrigerant leakage more precisely and immediately.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the detection space V (the tray portion 42) in the direction of the axis X. However, the leakage detection sensor 70 may be disposed at an end of the tray portion 42 in the direction of the axis X. This configuration makes it easier to route the wiring compared to a case in which the sensor is provided in the center of the tray portion 42. This makes it possible to improve the workability during manufacturing and maintenance.

[0031] The shape of the heat exchanger 30 and the block configuration described above are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate according to the design and specifications. Similarly, the positions and dimensions of the air inlet 15 and the air outlet 18 can also be changed as appropriate according to the design and specifications. In any case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0032] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the leak detection sensor 70 is supported by the stay 71. However, the manner in which the leak detection sensor 70 is fixed is not limited to this, and as another example, the leak detection sensor 70 can be attached and fixed to the target surface by double-sided tape or the like.

[0033] <Additional Notes> The indoor air conditioner 1 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0034] (1) An indoor air conditioner 1 according to a first aspect includes a casing 10 having an intake port 15 and an exhaust port 18, a crossflow fan 20 provided within the casing 10 and driven to rotate about an axis X extending horizontally, thereby drawing in air through the intake port 15 and blowing the air towards the exhaust port 18, a heat exchanger 30 provided within the casing 10 so as to surround the crossflow fan 20 from the outer periphery of the axis X, and a leakage detection sensor 70 provided below the heat exchanger 30 within the casing 10, wherein the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided at a position different from an air path F through which the air blown by the crossflow fan 20 flows.

[0035] According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided at a position different from the air duct F, it is possible to detect a refrigerant leakage even when no air is flowing through the air duct F, i.e., when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0036] (2) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a second aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (1), further comprising a drain pan 40 covering the heat exchanger 30 from below, the drain pan 40 having a drain pan main body 41 facing the heat exchanger 30, and a receptacle portion 42 provided further below the drain pan main body 41 and forming a detection space V extending in the direction of the axis X between the drain pan main body 41 and the receptacle portion 42, and the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the receptacle portion 42 in the direction of the axis X.

[0037] Here, it is known that in the heat exchanger 30, leakage is particularly likely to occur at the curved portions 62 of the heat transfer tubes at both ends in the direction of the axis X. Refrigerant leaking from these locations passes through the sides of the heat exchanger 30 and reaches the tray portion 42 due to its own weight. After that, the refrigerant diffuses in the direction of the axis X and reaches the center of the tray portion 42. According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the tray portion 42, leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X can be immediately detected.

[0038] (3) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a third aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (2), further comprising a drain pan 40 covering the heat exchanger 30 from below, the drain pan 40 having a drain pan main body 41 facing the heat exchanger 30, and a receptacle portion 42 provided further below the drain pan main body 41 and forming a detection space V extending in the direction of the axis X between the drain pan main body 41 and the receptacle portion 42, and the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided at an end of the receptacle portion 42 in the direction of the axis X.

[0039] According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided at the end of the tray 42, it is possible to facilitate wiring arrangement compared to a case where the sensor is provided at the center of the tray 42. This makes it possible to improve the workability during manufacturing and maintenance.

[0040] (4) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a fourth aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (2), wherein the surface of the tray portion 42 facing the drain pan main body 41 is inclined downwardly toward the center in the direction of the axis X.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the surface of the tray 42 facing the drain pan body 41 slopes downward toward the center, so that the refrigerant is easily guided to the center by its own weight toward the leak detection sensor 70. Therefore, even if there is a very small amount of leakage, the leak detection sensor 70 can detect it immediately with high accuracy.

[0042] (5) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a fifth aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 according to any one of the aspects (2) to (4), in which only one leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the detection space V.

[0043] According to the above configuration, by providing only one leak detection sensor 70 in the center, it is possible to detect leaks at any location in the heat exchanger 30. This makes it possible to minimize the number of leak detection sensors 70 that were previously provided in multiple locations. This makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs.

[0044] (6) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to the sixth aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (1), further comprising an air path forming plate 60 having a cylindrical inner surface 63 that covers the heat exchanger 30 from the side opposite the intake port 15 across the heat exchanger 30, thereby forming the air path F that communicates with the air outlet 18, and the leakage detection sensor 70 is positioned in the center in the direction of the axis X of the second detection space V formed by the air path forming plate 60 and the rear panel.

[0045] According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided outside the air passage forming plate 60, i.e., between the air passage forming plate 60 and the rear panel, it is possible to detect refrigerant leakage even when no air is flowing through the air passage F, i.e., when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped. In addition, according to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the center of the tray portion 42, it is possible to immediately detect leakage from either side of the heat exchanger 30 in the direction of the axis X.

[0046] (7) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a seventh aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (6), in which only one leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the second detection space V.

[0047] According to the above configuration, by providing only one leak detection sensor 70 in the center, it is possible to detect leaks at any location in the heat exchanger 30. This makes it possible to minimize the number of leak detection sensors 70 that were previously provided in multiple locations. This makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1...Indoor air conditioner 10...Casing 11...Front cover 12...Top cover 13...Bottom cover 14...Rear cover 15...Intake port 16...Cover body 17...Flap 18...Air outlet 20...Crossflow fan 30...Heat exchanger 31...Rear block 32...Upper front block 33...Lower front block 40...Drain pan 41...Drain pan body 42...Receptacle section 50...Inner cover 60...Air path forming plate 61...Forming plate body 62...Curved section 63...Cylinder inner surface 70...Leak detection sensor 71...Stay F...Air path V...Detection space X...Axis

Claims

1. A casing having an intake port and an air outlet port; a cross flow fan provided in the casing and rotatably driven about an axis extending in a horizontal direction to draw air through the suction port and blow the air toward the blower port; a heat exchanger provided within the casing so as to surround the cross flow fan from an outer circumferential side of the axis; a leakage detection sensor provided below the heat exchanger in the casing; Equipped with The leakage detection sensor is provided in a position different from an air passage through which the air blown by the cross flow fan flows.

2. Further comprising a drain pan that covers the heat exchanger from below, The drain pan has a drain pan body facing the heat exchanger, and a receptacle portion provided below the drain pan body and forming a detection space extending in the axial direction between the drain pan body and the receptacle portion, The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the leakage detection sensor is provided at a center portion of the tray portion in the axial direction.

3. Further comprising a drain pan that covers the heat exchanger from below, The drain pan has a drain pan body facing the heat exchanger, and a receptacle portion provided below the drain pan body and forming a detection space extending in the axial direction between the drain pan body and the receptacle portion, The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the leakage detection sensor is provided at an end of the tray portion in the axial direction.

4. The indoor air conditioner according to claim 2 , wherein a surface of the tray portion facing the drain pan body is inclined downwardly toward a center portion in the axial direction.

5. The indoor air conditioner according to claim 2 , wherein only one leakage detection sensor is provided in the detection space.

6. The heat exchanger further includes an air passage forming plate having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface that covers the heat exchanger from the side opposite to the air inlet, thereby forming the air passage that communicates with the air outlet, The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the leakage detection sensor is disposed at a center portion in the axial direction of a second detection space defined by the air-path forming plate and the rear panel.

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

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