Air conditioner unit, and manufacturing method and construction method of air conditioner unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner unit capable of simplifying work at a site of an installation place while forming a desired air passage by combining various components with an air conditioner, and to provide a manufacturing method and a construction method of the air conditioner unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioner unit includes: a floor-placed air conditioner body in which at least a fan and a coil are integrated; an air outlet unit for blowing out air of the air conditioner body to a space to be air-conditioned; a base frame on the upper side of which the air conditioner body and the air outlet unit are mounted; and an exterior panel group for surrounding the air conditioner body and the air outlet unit on the upper side of the base frame. The exterior panel group forms a first air path connecting an air outflow port of the air conditioner body and an air inflow port of the air outlet unit, and at least a part of a second air path connecting a suction port for sucking air from a space to be air-conditioned and an air inflow port of the air conditioner body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner unit, a manufacturing method for an air conditioner unit, and an installation method for an air conditioner unit. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various air conditioning systems have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7068261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Air conditioning equipment used for air conditioning buildings includes components such as fans and coils that are intended to be assembled on-site at the installation location, as well as air conditioners that integrate fans and coils. In the former case, various components can be assembled on-site to form an air conditioning system, making it possible to freely create a system tailored to the installation location. On the other hand, in the latter case, no assembly work is required, which simplifies the work at the installation site, but it is difficult to transport the air conditioner to the installation site in a state where various components have been assembled and the desired air path has been formed.

[0005] Therefore, the present application discloses an air conditioner unit that can combine various parts in an air conditioner to form a desired air path while simplifying work at the installation site, as well as a manufacturing method and installation method for the air conditioner unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in this invention, a floor-standing air conditioner main body and an air outlet unit that blows air from the air conditioner main body into the space to be conditioned are mounted on a base frame, and further, a group of exterior panels that surround the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit form the desired air path.

[0007] In detail, the present invention is an air conditioning unit comprising: a floor-standing air conditioner main body that integrates at least a fan and a coil; an air outlet unit that blows air from the air conditioner main body into a space to be conditioned; a base frame on which the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit are mounted on top; and a group of exterior panels that surround the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit above the base frame, wherein the group of exterior panels forms a first air path that connects the air outlet of the air conditioner main body and the air inlet of the air outlet unit, and at least a part of a second air path that connects the air inlet that draws air from the space to be conditioned and the air inlet of the air conditioner main body.

[0008] Here, the base frame may be any frame on which the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit can be mounted, and may be any of a variety of forms, such as frames made up of rod-shaped members combined together, frames made of plate-shaped members, etc. The exterior panel group may be any group that has multiple panels that form the exterior portion of the air conditioner unit, and may, for example, include some panels that do not form the exterior portion, or may include some or all three-dimensional panels other than flat panels.

[0009] In the case of the air conditioner unit described above, the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit mounted on the base frame are surrounded by a group of exterior panels. An air path connecting the air outlet of the air conditioner main body and the air inlet of the air outlet unit, and an air intake that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned are also enclosed by an exterior panel group. At least a portion of the air path connecting the intake and the air inlet of the air conditioner body is formed by the exterior panels. Therefore, with this type of air conditioning unit, it is possible to form the desired air path by combining various parts with the air conditioner, while simplifying the work at the installation site.

[0010] The air conditioner main body may have an air outlet opening upward in its housing, the air outlet unit may have an air inlet opening upward in its housing, and the exterior panel group may be configured to form the first air path by exterior panels arranged above the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit. With an air conditioner unit configured in this manner, the first air path can be formed in the upper part of the air conditioner unit.

[0011] The air conditioner main body may have an air inlet on a side surface of the housing, and the exterior panel group may be configured to form the second air path by an exterior panel disposed on the side of the air conditioner main body. With such an air conditioner unit, the second air path can be formed on the side of the air conditioner unit.

[0012] The air conditioner main body may be disposed above the base frame in a position sandwiched between the air outlet unit and the second air path. With this type of air conditioner unit, the relatively heavy air conditioner main body can be positioned near the center of the air conditioner unit.

[0013] The air conditioner unit may further include a length-adjustable, retrofittable duct that extends upward from an exterior panel located on the side of the air conditioner body and forms part of the second air path. With such an air conditioner unit, the duct can be used in a variety of installation locations, and because the duct is retrofittable, the air conditioner unit is easy to transport.

[0014] The air outlet unit may also be a displacement air conditioning unit with multiple openings on the front of the housing, each with radially arranged fins that impart a swirling component to the air. Such an air conditioning unit can achieve displacement air conditioning while maintaining temperature stratification.

[0015] The air outlet unit may also have a cover that can close at least the openings other than the lower one among the multiple openings arranged on the front surface of the housing. With such an air conditioning unit, it is possible to forcefully blow warm air near the floor surface.

[0016] The air intake may be provided on the path of an intake duct connected to the air conditioner unit, and the exterior panel group may form a portion of the second air path that connects the end of the intake duct to the air inlet of the air conditioner main body. With such an air conditioner unit, it is possible to form the air path connected to the duct with the exterior panel group.

[0017] Furthermore, the exterior panel group may have a heat insulating material on the inside of the panel for the first air path, which makes it possible to prevent condensation on the exterior panel group in the first air path.

[0018] Each panel of the exterior panel group may be a metal plate material whose edges are reinforced by bending, thereby increasing the strength of the exterior of the air conditioner unit.

[0019] The base frame may also have an engaging portion that engages with a hoisting tool when suspending the air conditioner unit. Such an air conditioner unit can be hoisted by a crane during transportation.

[0020] The present invention can also be viewed from the perspective of a method. For example, the present invention may be a method for manufacturing an air conditioner unit, including a first step of mounting, on an upper side of a base frame, a floor-standing air conditioner main body in which at least a fan and a coil are integrated, and an air outlet unit that blows air from the air conditioner main body into a space to be air-conditioned, and a second step of surrounding the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit with an exterior panel group above the base frame, wherein in the second step, the exterior panel group forms a first air path connecting an air outlet of the air conditioner main body to an air inlet of the air outlet unit, and at least a part of a second air path connecting an air inlet that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned to the air inlet of the air conditioner main body.

[0021] The present invention may also be a method for installing an air conditioner unit, comprising a transporting step of suspending the air conditioner unit with a hoisting tool engaged with the base frame and transporting the air conditioner unit to an installation site. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The above-described air conditioner unit, manufacturing method and installation method for the air conditioner unit make it possible to combine various parts in the air conditioner to form the desired air path, while simplifying the work at the installation site. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of an air conditioner unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a see-through perspective view showing the inside of the air conditioner unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a third diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a fourth diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a fifth diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sixth diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method for transporting an air conditioner unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for installing an air conditioner unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the air conditioner unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the air flow when the opening is partially covered with a closing cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the air outlet unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of mode switching in an air outlet unit according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of air being blown out from the outlet unit according to the modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the effect of the closing cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following aspects.

[0025] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an air conditioning unit 1. The air conditioning unit 1 is an integrated unit consisting of a pre-made air conditioning unit body, such as a packaged air conditioner (PAC) with a built-in fan, coil, and refrigerator, or a fan coil unit (FCU) with a fan and coil integrated, and various parts to be combined with the air conditioning unit body, and comprises an air conditioning unit body section 2, an air outlet section 3, a base frame 4, an upper air path section 5, and a side air path section 6. The air conditioning unit 1 has the air conditioning unit body and other parts mounted on the base frame 4. The exterior is surrounded by a group of exterior panels, giving it an integrated appearance.

[0026] The air conditioner main body section 2 houses the air conditioner main body. The air outlet section 3 houses the air outlet unit. The upper air path section 5, located above the air conditioner main body section 2 and the air outlet section 3, houses an air path connecting the air conditioner main body section 2 and the air outlet section 3. On the left side of the air conditioner main body section 2, an air path connecting the intake duct 7 and the air conditioner main body section 2 is housed. The base frame 4 supports the air conditioner main body housed in the air conditioner main body section 2, the air outlet unit housed in the air outlet section 3, the exterior panels that form the overall appearance of the air conditioner unit 1, and other parts.

[0027] 2 is a see-through perspective view showing the inside of the air conditioner unit 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the air conditioner unit 1 houses an air conditioner main body 2A and an air outlet unit 3A.

[0028] The air conditioner main body 2A is a floor-standing air conditioner with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped appearance, and has an air inlet 2A1 on the side of the housing and an air outlet 2A2 on the top of the housing. A flexible duct (canvas duct) is provided at the air outlet 2A2 to prevent vibrations from the air conditioner main body 2A from being transmitted. The air conditioner main body 2A has a fan and coil inside. The air conditioner main body 2A draws air in through the air inlet 2A1 with the fan and blows it out from the air outlet 2A2. The air conditioner main body 2A cools and dehumidifies the air by cooling it with a coil through which cold water supplied from outside the air conditioner unit 1 flows. The air conditioner main body 2A is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2, and various types of commercially available air conditioners can be used.

[0029] The air outlet unit 3A has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped appearance, with multiple openings 3A1 arranged vertically and horizontally on the front surface of the housing, and an air inlet 3A2 at the top of the housing. The openings 3A1 are circular in overall view and have radial fins inclined relative to the air outlet direction, imparting a swirling component to the air sent in from the air inlet 3A2 before blowing it out. By having such openings 3A1 arranged vertically and horizontally on the front surface of the housing, the air outlet unit 3A can achieve displacement air conditioning without a draft feeling while maintaining temperature stratification.

[0030] As can be seen from Figure 2, the internal space of the upper air path section 5 forms an air path connecting the air outlet 2A2 and the air inlet 3A2. The internal space of the side air path section 6 forms an air path connecting the intake duct 7 and the air inlet 2A1. Therefore, when the air conditioner main body 2A is operating, air is drawn in through an inlet provided on the path of the intake duct 7, passes through the intake duct 7, and the side air path section 6, and flows into the air conditioner main body 2A through the air inlet 2A1. The air cooled by the coil inside the air conditioner main body 2A then flows from the air outlet 2A2 through the upper air path section 5, enters the air outlet unit 3A through the air inlet 3A2, and is blown out from each opening 3A1 toward the front of the air outlet unit 3A.

[0031] Next, we will explain how to assemble the air conditioner unit 1. The air conditioner unit 1 is assembled in a factory or the like located at a different location from the construction site where the air conditioner unit 1 will be installed, and then transported to the construction site by vehicle. Therefore, it is preferable that the air conditioner unit 1 is sized so that it can be mounted on a truck with a box-shaped cargo compartment (also called a "box truck"). For example, many trucks used in Japan limit the height of cargo that can be loaded into their cargo compartments to 2800 mm, so it is preferable that the overall height of the air conditioner unit 1, excluding the intake duct 7, be 2700 mm or less.

[0032] 3 is a first diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit 1. When assembling the air conditioner unit 1, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the air conditioner main body 2A and the air conditioner main body 2B are placed on the base frame 4. The air outlet unit 3A is placed on top and assembled with bolts or the like. As a result, the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A are assembled onto the base frame 4, as shown in FIG. 3(B). The air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A may be assembled to the base frame 4 via a vibration absorber such as rubber, or they may be assembled without such a vibration absorber. In this process, the ventilation mesh 3B of the exterior panel P1, which will be described later, may already be integrated into the front portion of the air outlet unit 3A, where the openings 3A1 are arranged vertically and horizontally.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a second diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit 1. After the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A are assembled on the base frame 4, the exterior panels P1 to P7 are assembled as shown in FIG. 4(A). The exterior panel P1, which is provided with a ventilation mesh 3B for passing air blown out from the opening 3A1, is assembled to the front side of the air outlet unit 3A. The exterior panel P2 is assembled to the front side of the air conditioner main body 2A. The exterior panel P2 is provided with a removable inspection door for inspecting the air conditioner main body 2A and replacing filters. The exterior panel P3 is assembled to the left side of the exterior panel P2. The exterior panel P3 is provided with an inspection door for accessing the chilled water piping and drain piping connected to the air conditioner main body 2A. The exterior panel P4 is assembled to the rear side of the exterior panel P3. The exterior panels P5 and P6 are assembled to the rear side of the air conditioner main body 2A. The exterior panel P7 is assembled to the rear side of the air outlet unit 3A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the front and rear sides of the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A are covered with the exterior panels P1 to P7.

[0034] Each exterior panel, such as exterior panel P1, is made of thin metal steel plate with its edges reinforced by folding. For relatively large exterior panels, such as exterior panels P5 and P6, reinforcing rods are welded to appropriate locations and extend vertically or horizontally. Therefore, the exterior panels do not emit vibration noise even when subjected to wind pressure.

[0035] In addition, airtight packing is attached to the contact portions of the exterior panels P1 to P7 and each panel described below, so that the packing ensures airtightness at the contact portions of the panels.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a third diagram showing a method of assembling the air conditioner unit 1. After assembling the exterior panels P1 to P7, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the exterior panels P8 to P12 are assembled. The exterior panel P9 is assembled to the right of the air outlet unit 3A. The exterior panel P8 is assembled on top of the exterior panel P9. The exterior panel P10 is assembled to the left of the air conditioner main body 2A. The exterior panel P10 has through holes for passing through chilled water piping connected to the air conditioner main body 2A and for forming the air inlet 2A1. The exterior panel P11 is assembled above the exterior panel P10. The exterior panel P12 is assembled above the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A. The exterior panel P12 has through holes for connecting to the air outlet 2A2 and the air inlet 3A2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the upper, left and right sides of the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A are covered with the exterior panels P8 to P12.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a fourth diagram showing a method of assembling the air conditioner unit 1. After the exterior panels P8 to P12 have been assembled, the exterior panels P13 to P16 are assembled as shown in FIG. 6(A). The exterior panel P13 is assembled above the exterior panels P1 and P2. The exterior panel P14 is assembled above the exterior panel P3. The exterior panel P15 is assembled above the exterior panel P4. The exterior panel P16 is assembled above the exterior panels P5 and P7. As a result, the three sides of the air conditioner unit 1, the front side, right side side, and back side, are completed as shown in FIG. 6(B).

[0038] Fig. 7 is a fifth diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit 1. After the exterior panels P13 to P16 have been installed, the heat insulating material D is installed as shown in Fig. 7(A). The heat insulating material D is installed to prevent condensation on the upper part of the air conditioner unit 1 due to the cold air blown out from the air outlet 2A2 of the air conditioner main body 2A. Therefore, if the cold air blown out from the air conditioner main body 2A is relatively hot or the environment where the air conditioner unit 1 is installed is relatively low in humidity, and therefore there is little possibility of condensation on the upper part of the air conditioner unit 1, the installation of the heat insulating material D may be omitted.

[0039] Since the insulating material D is disposed in the air path formed inside the upper air path section 5, it is preferable that the insulating material D is made of a material that does not absorb water. Examples of such insulating materials include closed-cell rigid or flexible foam. As shown in FIG. 7(B), the insulating material D is attached to the inner surfaces of the exterior panels P8, P11, P12, P13, and P16. Gaps between the insulating materials D are sealed with a caulking agent. The insulating material D may be attached to the exterior panels P8, P11, P12, P13, and P16 in advance at a manufacturing plant for the exterior panels before starting assembly of the air conditioner unit 1.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a sixth diagram showing a method for assembling the air conditioner unit 1. After the insulating material D is installed, the exterior panels P17 to P20 are installed as shown in FIG. 8(A). The exterior panel P17 is installed to the exterior panels P3 and P4. The exterior panel P18 is installed above the exterior panel P17. The exterior panel P19 is installed to the exterior panels P11, P14, P15, and P18. The exterior panel P20 is installed to the exterior panels P8, P13, and P16. An insulating material is attached to the inner surface of the exterior panel P20. Therefore, by installing the exterior panel P20, the inner surface of the upper air path section 5 is completely covered with the insulating material.

[0041] As a result of the above, as shown in Figure 8(B), the air conditioner main body section 2, air outlet section 3, upper air path section 5, and side air path section 6 are formed by exterior panels, completing the air conditioner unit 1. Because the exterior of the air conditioner unit 1 is formed by metal exterior panels, it has a higher overall strength than the state shown in Figure 3(B), in which the air conditioner main body 2A and air outlet unit 3A are simply assembled to the base frame 4.

[0042] As shown in the partially enlarged view of Figure 8(B), the screws N for fixing the exterior panel P17 to the exterior panel P3 are exposed on the exterior surface of the air conditioner unit 1. For this reason, even the exterior panel P17, which is the last to close the internal space of the side air path section 6, can be easily assembled to the exterior panel P3. This type of structure is also used for the exterior panel P18, exterior panel P8, and exterior panel P9 in addition to the exterior panel P17.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method for transporting the air conditioner unit 1. When transporting the air conditioner unit 1, as shown in FIG. 9, engaging members temporarily installed at the four corners of the base frame 4 are connected to a transport jig J with wires (an example of a "hoisting tool" as used herein), and the air conditioner unit 1 is then hoisted by a crane. The air conditioner unit 1 is an integrated unit consisting of devices such as the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A mounted on the base frame 4, and therefore the entire air conditioner unit 1 can be raised or lowered by hoisting it with wires connected to the four corners of the base frame 4. This makes it possible to load and unload the air conditioner unit 1 from a vehicle or the like using a crane at a factory where the air conditioner unit 1 is assembled or at a construction site where the air conditioner unit 1 is installed.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for installing the air conditioner unit 1. After the air conditioning unit 1 is installed in the designated location on-site, an add-on intake duct 7 is connected to the air conditioning unit 1, as shown in FIG. 10(A). This leaves the air conditioning unit 1 connected to the intake duct 7, as shown in FIG. 10(B). The installation of the air conditioning unit 1 is completed when power cables, chilled water piping, drain piping, etc. are connected in addition to the intake duct 7. If drain piping, chilled water piping, electrical piping, etc. are to be routed above the air conditioning unit 1, it is recommended that these pipings be passed through the side air path section 6 in advance before the air conditioning unit 1 is shipped from the factory, leaving them exposed at the top of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0045] The drain water may be discharged using a pipe that allows it to flow down under its own weight, or may be discharged using a drain up pump that pressurizes the drain water and sends it to a position higher than the air conditioner unit 1.

[0046] Furthermore, the intake duct 7 is preferably made of a material that can be easily cut to an appropriate height depending on the installation location (for example, a paper material such as cardboard). If the intake duct 7 is made of such a material, it will be possible to use the intake duct 7 as a standard part depending on the installation location even when the air conditioner unit 1 is mass-produced.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system. Air conditioning units 1 can form, for example, an air conditioning system S as shown in FIG. 11. In the air conditioning system S shown in FIG. 11, multiple air conditioning units 1 are installed on the floor of the room R to be air-conditioned. Chilled water produced by a refrigerator or a cooling tower is supplied to each air conditioning unit 1. In an air conditioning system S of this type, the chilled air blown out from the air conditioning units 1 flows horizontally without any draft feeling, making it possible to perform displacement air conditioning while forming temperature stratification in the room R to be air-conditioned.

[0048] Furthermore, with the air conditioning unit 1, the air conditioning system S can be constructed in the room R to be air-conditioned simply by assembling it in a factory and installing it at the construction site, which significantly reduces the amount of work required on site. In other words, when constructing an air conditioning system by combining the air conditioner main body 2A with the air outlet unit 3A and various other components, each component must be transported separately to the construction site and assembled there. In contrast, with the air conditioner unit 1 of this embodiment, the air conditioner main body 2A and the air outlet unit 3A are assembled to the base frame 4, and further, the air paths that would normally be formed by ducts are formed within the upper air path section 5 and the side air path section 6 by the exterior panel P, which significantly reduces the amount of work required on the construction site.

[0049] Examples of places where the air conditioner unit 1 can be used include factories and warehouses with relatively high ceilings. Because the air conditioner unit 1 is capable of displacement air conditioning without a draft feeling, it is suitable for factories where the dispersion of dust particles is to be avoided. Examples of such factories include clean rooms in semiconductor device manufacturing factories, and factories that manufacture lithium-ion batteries, precision optical equipment, and various other industrial products.

[0050] Although the above embodiment is based on the premise that cool air is blown out, the air conditioner unit 1 may be configured to blow out warm air. In this case, the air conditioner unit 1 may be modified as follows.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the air conditioner unit 1. When the air conditioner unit 1 blows out warm air, as shown in FIG. 12, of the multiple openings 3A1 arranged vertically and horizontally on the front of the air outlet unit 3A, all but the openings 3A1 near the bottom of the air outlet unit 3A may be covered with a closing cover 3C. For example, as shown in FIG. 12(A), the ventilation net 3B is opened, and then the closing cover 3C is attached to the upper front part of the air outlet unit 3A as shown in FIG. 12(B). The closing cover 3C may be a plate-shaped member, or may be a metal member that is made of a material similar to that of the air outlet unit 3A. Alternatively, the closing cover 3C may be a lift-up roller blind that hangs down from the top of the outlet unit 3A. By attaching the closing cover 3C, the volume of warm air blown out from the opening 3A1 near the bottom of the outlet unit 3A increases, thereby minimizing the temperature rise near the floor. The closing cover 3C may be placed on the outside front of the outlet unit 3A, or on the inside front of the outlet unit 3A.

[0052] The portion where the openings 3A1 are arranged vertically and horizontally may be separate from the ventilation mesh 3B of the exterior panel P1 as shown in Fig. 12, or may be integrated with the ventilation mesh 3B, for example. In this case, the closing cover 3C is preferably arranged on the inside front surface of the air outlet unit 3A.

[0053] 13 is a diagram showing the air flow when the opening 3A1 is partially covered with the closing cover 3C. When the closing cover 3C covers the entire opening 3A1 except for the opening 3A1 near the bottom of the air outlet unit 3A, the volume of warm air blown out from the opening 3A1 near the bottom of the air outlet unit 3A increases. This makes it possible to prevent the warm air from flowing forcefully near the floor of the air-conditioned room R, thereby reducing the possibility of the temperature near the floor of the air-conditioned room R becoming low.

[0054] 14 is a diagram showing a modified example of the air outlet unit 3A. In the above-described air outlet unit 3A, openings 3A1, which are circular in overall view and have radial fins inclined with respect to the air outlet direction, are arranged vertically and horizontally across the entire front surface of the air outlet unit 3A. However, some of the openings 3A1 may be normal openings that do not have radially inclined fins. Here, the openings that are circular in overall view and have radially inclined fins with respect to the air outlet direction are referred to as swirl vane openings 3A1S, and the normal openings that do not have radially inclined fins with respect to the air outlet direction are referred to as normal openings 3A1N.

[0055] The modified air outlet unit 3A basically has swirl vane openings 3A1S arranged vertically and horizontally across almost the entire front surface, but conventional openings 3A1N are arranged only in the first and second lower rows. Unlike the swirl vane openings 3A1S, the conventional openings 3A1N blow air straight toward the front of the air outlet unit 3A. For this reason, the high-speed air blown out from the conventional openings 3A1N is not suitable for achieving draft-free displacement air conditioning while maintaining temperature stratification. Therefore, the conventional openings 3A1N are equipped with retractable shutters to stop the air from blowing out during cooling mode in the summer.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing mode switching in an air outlet unit 3A according to a modified example. When the air conditioner unit 1 is operated in cooling mode, the openable / closable shutter of the normal opening 3A1N is closed so that cool air is blown out only from the swirl vane opening 3A1S. When the air conditioner unit 1 is switched from cooling mode to heating mode, the front of the air outlet unit 3A is opened and the openable / closable shutter of the normal opening 3A1N is opened, as shown in FIG. 15(A). Also, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the swirl vane opening 3A1S is closed with a closing panel 3P. Only the swirl vane openings 3A1S on the fifth row or higher from the bottom are closed with the closing panel 3P. The first and second normal openings 3A1N and the third and fourth swirl vane openings 3A1S from the bottom are not closed with the closing panel 3P. By switching between the cooling mode and the heating mode in this manner, air is blown out from the air outlet unit 3A as follows.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of air being blown out from the air outlet unit 3A according to the modified example. In the cooling mode in which only the normal opening 3A1N is closed by the open / close shutter, air without a draft feeling is blown out from the swirl vane opening 3A1S as shown in FIG. 16(A). On the other hand, in the heating mode in which the fifth or higher swirl vane openings 3A1S counting from the bottom are closed by the closing panel 3P, air is blown out from the first or second normal openings 3A1N counting from the bottom as shown in FIG. 16(B). air is blown out straight from the swirl vane openings 3A1S in the third and fourth rows counting from the bottom, and draft-free air is blown out from the swirl vane openings 3A1S in the third and fourth rows counting from the bottom. Therefore, with the air outlet unit 3A according to the modified example, it is possible to perform displacement air conditioning by using cool air that does not feel drafty during cooling in the summer, and during heating in the winter, it is possible to prevent the temperature near the floor from rising as much as possible by using warm air blown out from the normal openings 3A1N near the floor.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the effect of the closing cover 3C. FIG. 17(A) shows the temperature distribution on the front side of the air conditioning unit 1 in heating mode when the closing cover 3C is not used, and FIG. 17(B) shows the temperature distribution on the front side of the air conditioning unit 1 in heating mode when the closing cover 3C is used. When the closing cover 3C is not used, warm air is blown out of the air conditioning unit 1's outlet unit 3A at a low speed without creating a draft feeling, causing the warm air to rise upward. On the other hand, when the closing cover 3C is used and warm air is blown out forcefully through the normal opening 3A1N, the warm air is blown out from the bottom of the air conditioning unit 1's outlet unit 3A at a high speed, causing the warm air to flow far along the floor. This makes it possible to heat the entire space being air-conditioned. Furthermore, when the closing cover 3C is used for heating, the heating air is blown out by combining the swirl vane opening 3A1S and the normal opening 3A1N, so that even if there is an obstacle in front of the air outlet unit 3A, the induction effect of the swirl vane opening 3A1S allows the warm air to go around the obstacle and provide heating, making it less likely that low-temperature areas will occur.

[0059] Furthermore, the normal opening 3A1N may be an opening without adjustable louvers, or may be an opening with adjustable louvers. Examples of openings with adjustable louvers include those in which a louver for adjusting the airflow direction is provided inside a cylindrical body and the louver can be rotated around the axis of the cylindrical body to freely set the airflow direction, or those in which the angle of the louver can be freely changed within a range from 0° to 90° relative to the horizontal direction. If an opening member with adjustable louvers is used for the normal opening 3A1N, it is possible to direct warm air toward the position of a worker or toward the floor, for example.

[0060] Furthermore, the air outlet unit 3A is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the cooling mode and heating mode are switched by opening and closing the opening 3A1, the swirl vane opening 3A1S, and the normal opening 3A1N. The air outlet unit 3A may be composed of two units, for example, a unit dedicated to the cooling mode and a unit dedicated to the heating mode, and the air path connecting the air conditioner main body section 2 to the air outlet section 3 may be switched using a switching damper depending on the mode to be selected.

[0061] The air conditioner unit 1 of the above embodiment can also be modified into other forms as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the air outlet section 3 is arranged on the right side of the air conditioner main body section 2, and the side air path section 6 is arranged on the left side of the air conditioner main body section 2, but the left and right positions may be reversed.

[0062] Furthermore, in the air conditioner unit 1 of the above embodiment, the air conditioner main body section 2 is arranged in a form sandwiched between the air outlet section 3 and the side air path section 6, so that the relatively heavy air conditioner main body 2A is located in the center of the air conditioner unit 1. This makes it possible to prevent imbalance in the center of gravity when the air conditioner unit 1 is lifted by a crane. However, the air conditioner unit 1 of the above embodiment is not limited to this form, and the devices may be arranged on the base frame 4 in a form that causes the centers of gravity to be unbalanced.

[0063] In the air conditioner unit 1 of the above embodiment, the exterior panels such as the exterior panel P1 are formed of metal steel plates, but all or part of the exterior panels may be formed of plates of materials other than metal. It may be done.

[0064] Furthermore, in the air conditioner unit 1 of the above embodiment, the air outlet unit 3A has openings 3A1 arranged vertically and horizontally to impart a swirling component to the air, but the air conditioner unit 1 may also have a general air outlet unit 3A that does not impart such a swirling component. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] R··Air-conditioned room S··Air Conditioning System P··Exterior panel D. Insulation N··Screw J··Jig 1. Air conditioner unit 2. Air conditioner main unit section 3. Air outlet section 4. Base frame 5. Upper air passage section 6 Side air passage section 7. Intake duct 2A·Air conditioner body 2A1 Air inlet 2A2 Air outlet 3A··Air outlet unit 3A1...Aperture 3A2 Air inlet 3B··Ventilation mesh 3C··Closure Cover 3A1S··Swirl vane opening 3A1N··Normal opening 3P Closure Panel

Claims

1. At least a floor-standing air conditioner unit with a fan and coil integrated into one unit; an air outlet unit that blows air from the air conditioner main body into a space to be air-conditioned; a base frame on which the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit are mounted; an exterior panel group surrounding the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit on the upper side of the base frame, The exterior panel group includes: a first air path connecting an air outlet of the air conditioner main body and an air inlet of the air outlet unit; forming at least a part of a second air path connecting an intake port that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned and an air inlet of the air conditioner main body; Air conditioning unit.

2. The air conditioner main body has an air flow outlet that opens upward in a housing, The air outlet unit has an air inlet opening upward in a housing, The exterior panel group forms the first air path by exterior panels arranged above the air conditioner body and the air outlet unit.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1.

3. The air conditioner main body has an air inlet on a side surface of a housing, The exterior panel group forms the second air path with exterior panels arranged on the sides of the air conditioner body.

3. An air conditioner unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the air conditioner body is disposed on the upper side of the base frame in a positional relationship sandwiched between the air outlet unit and the second air path, 4. The air conditioner unit according to claim 3.

5. a length-adjustable retrofit duct extending upward from an exterior panel disposed on a side of the air conditioner body and forming part of the second air path; 4. The air conditioner unit according to claim 3.

6. The air outlet unit is a displacement air conditioning unit having a plurality of openings, each having radially arranged fins that impart a swirling component to the air, arranged on the front surface of the housing.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1.

7. The air outlet unit has a cover that can close at least the openings other than the lower openings among a plurality of openings arranged on the front surface of the housing.

7. An air conditioner unit according to claim 6.

8. the air intake is provided on a path of an air intake duct connected to the air conditioner unit, The exterior panel group forms a portion of the second air path that connects a terminal end of the intake duct and an air inlet of the air conditioner main body.

2. The air conditioner unit according to claim 1.

9. The exterior panel group has a heat insulating material on the inside of the panel for the first air path.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1.

10. Each panel of the exterior panel group is a metal plate material whose edges are reinforced by bending.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1.

11. The base frame has an engaging portion that engages with a hanging tool when hanging the air conditioner unit.

2. The air conditioner unit of claim 1.

12. a first step of mounting a floor-standing air conditioner body, which integrates at least a fan and a coil, and an air outlet unit that blows air from the air conditioner body into a space to be air-conditioned, on an upper side of a base frame; a second step of surrounding the air conditioner main body and the air outlet unit with an exterior panel group above the base frame, In the second step, a first air path connecting an air outlet of the air conditioner main body and an air inlet of the air outlet unit; At least a part of a second air path connecting an intake port that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned and an air inlet of the air conditioner main body is formed by the exterior panel group. A method for manufacturing an air conditioner unit.

13. a transporting step of suspending the air conditioner unit according to claim 1 by a hoisting tool engaged with the base frame and transporting the air conditioner unit to an installation site, How to install an air conditioning unit.

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