Air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing spread of fire in an air-conditioned room when an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant catches fire.SOLUTION: The air conditioning unit 110 is installed in an air conditioning room 20 and air-conditions a plurality of living rooms independent of the air conditioning room 20. The box-shaped housing 180 constitutes an outer shell of the air conditioning unit 110, and has an intake port 186 for sucking air from the air conditioning room 20. The indoor unit 122 is built in the housing 180 and uses a flammable refrigerant. Air blower 126 conveys the air inside housing 180 to the plurality of rooms. The housing 180 is located vertically above the indoor unit 122, and includes a fire-retardant fire protection plate / top panel 184 that covers an upper portion of the indoor unit 122.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning unit that is installed in an air-conditioning room that is separate from a living room and controls the air conditioning of the living room. [Background technology]

[0002] In an air conditioning system, an air conditioning unit is installed in an air conditioning room that is separate from the living room. An air conditioner (air conditioner) is installed inside the air conditioning unit, and the air conditioner conditions the air drawn into the unit through an intake port. A blower is also installed inside the air conditioning unit, and the blower transports the air conditioned by the air conditioner to the living room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-103770 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, air-conditioned rooms are smaller than living rooms. Furthermore, air conditioners use flammable refrigerants. If an air conditioner were to catch fire due to the flammable refrigerant, the fire would easily spread in a small air-conditioned room. Therefore, in such a situation, it is necessary to prevent the spread of fire in the air-conditioned room.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a technology for suppressing the spread of fire in an air-conditioned room when an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant catches fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioning unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning unit that is installed in an air-conditioning room and that conditions multiple rooms independent of the air-conditioning room, and includes: a box-shaped housing that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit and has an air intake port that draws air from the air-conditioning room, an air conditioner that is built into the housing and uses a flammable refrigerant, and a blower that transports air inside the housing to the multiple rooms. The housing is provided with a flame-retardant fireproof panel that is located vertically above the air conditioner and covers the top of the air conditioner.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, if an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant catches fire, the spread of fire in the air-conditioned room can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the air conditioning unit of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device in FIG. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure performed by the control device of FIG. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams showing the configuration of an air conditioning unit according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be described. The present embodiment relates to an air conditioning system installed in a facility such as a house, which performs whole-house air conditioning for the facility. In the air conditioning system, an air conditioning unit is installed in an air-conditioning room separate from the living room to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning unit is equipped with an indoor unit and a blower, and the indoor unit conditions the air-conditioned room. The air-conditioned room and the living room are connected by a duct, and the blower transports air from the air-conditioned room (hereinafter referred to as "air-conditioned room air") to the living room through the duct, thereby conditioning the living room. Here, the indoor unit is connected to an outdoor unit installed outside the room by a refrigerant piping, and air conditioning is performed by circulating a refrigerant, for example, a flammable refrigerant such as propane, between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

[0011] If the air conditioning unit catches fire due to a flammable refrigerant leaking from the indoor unit, there is a risk of the fire spreading to the air-conditioned room. In the air conditioning unit according to this embodiment, a flame-retardant firestop is placed vertically above the indoor unit, which prevents the fire from spreading to the air-conditioned room due to the air conditioning unit catching fire.

[0012] The examples described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and step order shown in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following examples, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is installed in a house, which includes a first living room 10a, a second living room 10b, and an air-conditioned room 20, collectively referred to as living rooms 10. The number of living rooms 10 in a house is not limited to two. The living rooms 10 are spaces to be air-conditioned, and the air-conditioned room 20 is a space independent of the living rooms 10.

[0014] The outside air intake duct 102, the exhaust duct 106, the air conditioning duct 130, the first transport duct 150a and the second transport duct 150b, which are collectively referred to as the transport duct 150, the first circulation duct 162a and the second circulation duct 162b, which are collectively referred to as the circulation duct 162, and the circulation duct 164, and the first exhaust duct 172a and the second exhaust duct 172b, which are collectively referred to as the exhaust duct 172, are pipes that transport air, that is, air paths.

[0015] An outside air inlet 100 is installed on the exterior wall of the house. An outside air inlet duct 102 extends from the outside air inlet 100 toward the interior of the house. The outside air inlet duct 102 is connected to a ventilation device 104. An outside air inlet fan (not shown) is installed in the ventilation device 104, and as the outside air inlet fan rotates, air (outside air) is taken in from the outside air inlet 100 and flows into the ventilation device 104 through the outside air inlet duct 102. The outside air inlet duct 102 extends further from the ventilation device 104 and is connected to a circulation duct 164, causing the air from the ventilation device 104 to flow into the circulation duct 164.

[0016] An exhaust duct 106 is also connected to the ventilation device 104. The exhaust duct 106 is connected to a first exhaust duct 172a extending from the first living room 10a and a second exhaust duct 172b extending from the second living room 10b, and extends toward the exterior wall of the house via the ventilation device 104. The first exhaust duct 172a is also connected to a first air inlet 170a installed in the first living room 10a, and the second exhaust duct 172b is also connected to a second air inlet 170b installed in the second living room 10b. The exhaust duct 106 is also connected to an exhaust outlet 108 installed in the exterior wall of the house.

[0017] An exhaust fan (not shown) is installed in ventilation device 104, and as the exhaust fan rotates, air is taken in through first air inlet 170a and flows into ventilation device 104 through first exhaust duct 172a and exhaust duct 106. As the exhaust fan rotates, air is taken in through second air inlet 170b and flows into ventilation device 104 through second exhaust duct 172b and exhaust duct 106. The air (exhaust) then passes through exhaust duct 106 and is exhausted from exhaust port 108. In this way, first exhaust duct 172a, second exhaust duct 172b, and exhaust duct 106 collect air from first living room 10a and second living room 10b, and exhaust the air to the outdoors through a single exhaust port 108. As a result, the ventilation device 104 ventilates the first living room 10a and the second living room 10b, which are different from each other, and exchanges air between the inside and outside of the living room 10. The ventilation device 104 may exchange heat between the air taken in from the outside air inlet 100 (outside air) and the air taken in from the living room 10 (exhaust air).

[0018] Inside the house, a first circulation duct 162a, a second circulation duct 162b, and a circulation duct 164 are installed, extending from each living room 10 to the air-conditioning room 20, and an air conditioning duct 130, a first conveying duct 150a, and a second conveying duct 150b are installed, extending from the air-conditioning room 20 to each living room 10. The first circulation duct 162a, the second circulation duct 162b, and the circulation duct 164 are also called return air ducts, and the air conditioning duct 130, the first conveying duct 150a, and the second conveying duct 150b are also called supply air ducts. The air passage connecting these ducts is configured in a ring shape.

[0019] The circulation duct 164 is connected to a first circulation duct 162a extending from the first living room 10a, a second circulation duct 162b extending from the second living room 10b, and the outside air introduction duct 102. The first circulation duct 162a is also connected to a first circulation port 160a installed in the first living room 10a, and the second circulation duct 162b is also connected to a first circulation port 160b installed in the second living room 10b. In the circulation duct 164, air from the first circulation duct 162a, air from the second circulation duct 162b, and air from the outside air introduction duct 102 are mixed. The mixed air flows toward the air-conditioned room 20.

[0020] An air conditioning duct 130 extending from the air-conditioned room 20 is connected to a branch chamber 140, and a first transfer duct 150a and a second transfer duct 150b are connected to the branch chamber 140. The first transfer duct 150a is also connected to a first air outlet 152a installed in the first living room 10a, and the second transfer duct 150b is also connected to a second air outlet 152b installed in the second living room 10b.

[0021] An air conditioning unit 110 and a humidifier 120 are installed in the air conditioning room 20. An indoor unit 122, a blower 126, and an intake air temperature sensor 128 are arranged inside the air conditioning unit 110. Air flows into the air conditioning room 20 from a circulation duct 164. The air flowing into the air conditioning room 20 (air inside the air conditioning room 20) corresponds to the "air conditioned room air" mentioned above. The humidifier 120 humidifies or dehumidifies the air conditioned room air. The indoor unit 122 (air conditioner) is connected to an outdoor unit 124 installed outside the facility, and cools or heats the air conditioned room air. The blower 126 blows the air conditioned room air from the air conditioning room 20 to an air conditioning duct 130.

[0022] The humidifier 120, the indoor unit 122, and the blower 126 are equipped with wireless communication or wired communication functions and are capable of communicating with the control device 200. The humidifier 120, the indoor unit 122, and the blower 126 receive instructions from the control device 200, such as instructions for humidification or dehumidification for the humidifier 120, instructions for cooling or heating for the indoor unit 122, and instructions for blowing air for the blower 126. The humidifier 120, the indoor unit 122, and the blower 126 operate in accordance with the instructions received from the control device 200.

[0023] The intake air temperature sensor 128 detects the temperature of air drawn into the indoor unit 122 (hereinafter also referred to as "suction temperature"). The intake air temperature sensor 128 has a wireless communication function or a wired communication function and is capable of communicating with the control device 200. The intake air temperature sensor 128 transmits the value of the suction temperature to the control device 200.

[0024] The branching chamber 140 branches the air conditioning duct 130 from the air-conditioned room 20 into a first transfer duct 150a and a second transfer duct 150b. The transfer duct 150 is an air passage for transferring the air from the air-conditioned room to the living room 10.

[0025] The control device 200 is a system controller that controls the entire air conditioning system 1000. The control device 200 has a wireless communication function or a wired communication function and can communicate with the humidifier 120, the indoor unit 122, the blower 126, and the intake air temperature sensor 128. In Fig. 1, the control device 200 is installed in the first living room 10a, but is not limited to this.

[0026] When the air conditioning system 1000 performs central air conditioning, the air in the air-conditioned room 20 is blown out to the first living room 10a and the second living room 10b via the air conditioning duct 130, the branch chamber 140, the first transfer duct 150a, and the second transfer duct 150b. The air in the first living room 10a and the second living room 10b is discharged to the outside of the facility via the first exhaust duct 172a, the second exhaust duct 172b, and the exhaust duct 106. The air in the first living room 10a and the second living room 10b is returned to the air-conditioned room 20 via the first circulation duct 162a, the second circulation duct 162b, and the circulation duct 164. At this time, outside air flows into the circulation duct 164 via the outside air introduction duct 102. This air circulation allows air to flow in and out of the air-conditioned room 20. In other words, the air in the air-conditioned room does not remain stagnant in the air-conditioned room 20 but is constantly replaced.

[0027] 2(a)-(b) show the configuration of the air conditioning unit 110. FIG. 2(a) shows the configuration from the rear side of the air conditioning unit 110, and FIG. 2(b) shows the configuration from the side of the air conditioning unit 110. These figures also show the internal configuration. The air conditioning unit 110 is installed in an air-conditioning room 20, draws in air from within the house, adjusts the temperature (cools or heats) of the drawn-in air, and sends it out. In this way, the air conditioning unit 110 air-conditions multiple living rooms 10 that are independent of the air-conditioning room 20.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioning unit 110 includes an indoor unit 122, a blower 126, an intake air temperature sensor 128, a housing 180, an intake port 186, and a filter 190.

[0029] The housing 180 forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit 110. The housing 180 has a box shape. Of the multiple faces that form the box shape, the side that faces the wall surface 22 of the air-conditioning room 20 is the back surface 182, the sides that sandwich the back surface 182 are the first side surface 183a and the second side surface 183b, the side opposite the back surface 182 is the third side surface 183c, and the upper surface is the fireproof board / ceiling surface 184. The back surface 182 is arranged away from the wall surface 22 of the air-conditioning room 20.

[0030] The indoor unit 122, the blower 126, and the filter 190 are installed inside the housing 180. The fireproof board / top panel 184 is located vertically above the indoor unit 122 and is made of a flame-retardant, non-combustible material that covers the top of the indoor unit 122. A non-combustible material is a material that, when exposed to heat from a fire, does not burn for a predetermined period of time after heating begins, does not deform, melt, crack, or suffer other damage that is harmful to fire prevention, and does not emit smoke or gases that are harmful to evacuation. The fireproof board / top panel 184 is, for example, a metal plate. The top panel and the fireproof board may be separate bodies.

[0031] An air intake port 186, which is a rectangular opening, is provided on the back surface 182 of the housing 180. In particular, the air intake port 186 is provided above the indoor unit 122. The air intake port 186 draws air from the air-conditioning room 20 when the blower 126 operates. An air intake port cover 188 is attached to the air intake port 186 so that it can open and close. The air intake port cover 188 is connected to the control device 200 so that it can communicate wirelessly or by wire, and its opening and closing operation is controlled by a control signal from the control device 200. Normally, the air intake port cover 188 is open, and the air intake port 186 is in an open state.

[0032] The indoor unit 122 is installed at the upper side within the housing 180 and is a device that performs air conditioning of the air drawn into the interior through the air intake 186. The indoor unit 122 uses a flammable refrigerant to condition the air. An example of a flammable refrigerant is propane. The indoor unit 122 is connected to the control device 200 wirelessly or via a wire so that it can communicate with the control device 200, and the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) is controlled by a control signal from the control device 200. During heating operation, the indoor unit 122 heats the drawn-in air and blows it out, and during cooling operation, it cools the drawn-in air and blows it out.

[0033] Filter 190 is installed below indoor unit 122 inside housing 180, removes fine particles such as dirt and dust from the air passing through, i.e., the air-conditioned room air from indoor unit 122, and outputs purified air-conditioned room air. The purified air-conditioned room air is blown out by blower 126. Filter 190 is, for example, an air filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. To ensure a dust collection area inside housing 180, filter 190 is, for example, a HEPA filter of a predetermined thickness arranged in an M shape.

[0034] The blower 126 is installed below the filter 190 inside the housing 180, and is a device for sending out the air-conditioned room air conditioned by the indoor unit 122 from an air outlet (not shown). The blower 126 is connected to the control device 200 so that it can communicate wirelessly or via a wire, and its air-blowing operation is controlled by a control signal from the control device 200. The operation of the blower 126 forms a series of air flows by the air conditioning unit 110. The air outlet is connected in communication with the air conditioning duct 130, and the blower 126 transports the air-conditioned room air inside the housing 180 to the multiple rooms 10 via the air outlet, the air conditioning duct 130, the branch chamber 140, and the transport duct 150.

[0035] The intake air temperature sensor 128 is installed near the indoor unit 122 inside the housing 180, and detects the temperature of the air drawn in by the indoor unit 122 (hereinafter also referred to as the "intake temperature"). The inlet temperature corresponds to the temperature of the air inside the housing 180. The intake air temperature sensor 128 is connected to the control device 200 wirelessly or via a wire so as to be able to communicate with the control device 200, and outputs information relating to the detected inlet temperature to the control device 200. The intake air temperature sensor 128 may be built into the indoor unit 122.

[0036] Humidifier 120 is placed on fireproof board / top panel 184 and humidifies the air in air-conditioned room 20. Air humidified by humidifier 120 is drawn into housing 180 through air intake port 186. Publicly known technology may be used for the operation of humidifier 120, and a drain hose 192 for draining water is connected to humidifier 120. Drain hose 192 enters housing 180 from first side surface 183a of housing 180 and passes between fireproof board / top panel 184 and indoor unit 122 inside housing 180. At this time, drain hose 192 may be exposed from air intake port 186. Drain hose 192 exits housing 180 from second side surface 183b, descends along second side surface 183b, and is connected to drain pipe 24.

[0037] As described above, a flammable refrigerant is used in the indoor unit 122. Below, the configuration and processing for suppressing the spread of fire in the air-conditioning room 20 when the indoor unit 122 ignites due to the flammable refrigerant will be described with reference to FIG. 3 as well. When the indoor unit 122 ignites, the flame in the indoor unit 122 will head upward. As described above, the firestop and top panel 184 is made of a flame-retardant, non-combustible material, and therefore the spread of the flame in the air-conditioning room 20 is suppressed. In addition, the flame in the indoor unit 122 creates a hole in the drain hose 192, and water passing through the drain hose 192 is released from the hole and poured onto the indoor unit 122. This water cools the indoor unit 122 that is on fire.

[0038] 3 shows the configuration of the control device 200. The control device 200 includes a control unit 210 and a storage unit 220. The control unit 210 is connected to the intake air temperature sensor 128, the intake port cover 188, the blower 126, and the outdoor unit 124. Here, the configuration necessary to explain the process for suppressing the spread of fire in the air-conditioned room 20 due to a fire in the indoor unit 122 is shown, and the configuration included in the control device 200 is not limited to this.

[0039] As described above, the intake air temperature sensor 128 detects the intake temperature and transmits the value of the intake air temperature to the control device 200.

[0040] The control unit 210 of the control device 200 receives the value of the suction temperature from the intake air temperature sensor 128. The control unit 210 compares the value of the suction temperature with a threshold value stored in the memory unit 220. The threshold value is the temperature at which the indoor unit 122 is deemed to have caught fire, that is, a temperature that would not normally occur in the indoor unit 122, and may be, for example, 80 degrees. Such a threshold value is determined in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. Therefore, if the suction temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it is estimated that the indoor unit 122 has caught fire.

[0041] When the intake temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to close the air intake lid 188, that is, to close the air intake 186. By closing the air intake 186, new air is prevented from being supplied from the air intake 186 to the indoor unit 122 that has caught fire. On the other hand, when the intake temperature is lower than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to open the air intake lid 188, that is, to open the air intake 186. The control unit 210 controls the operation of the air intake lid 188 in accordance with the determined content.

[0042] If the intake temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to stop the blower 126. By stopping the blower 126, the circulation of air within the house is stopped. As a result, new air is prevented from being supplied to the indoor unit 122 that has caught fire. On the other hand, if the intake temperature is lower than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to operate the blower 126. The control unit 210 controls the operation of the blower 126 in accordance with the determined content.

[0043] When the suction temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to stop the outdoor unit 124. Stopping the outdoor unit 124 prevents new flammable refrigerant from being supplied from the outdoor unit 124 to the indoor unit 122. On the other hand, when the suction temperature is lower than the threshold value, the control unit 210 determines to operate the outdoor unit 124. The control unit 210 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 124 in accordance with the determined content. The control unit 210 may stop the indoor unit 122 after stopping the outdoor unit 124.

[0044] The subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0045] The operation of the air conditioning system 1000 configured as described above will now be described. Figures 4(a)-(c) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure by the control device 200. The control device 200 may perform all of the processing in Figures 4(a)-(c), or may perform one or two of the processing in Figures 4(a)-(c).

[0046] 4(a), control unit 210 receives the value of the suction temperature (S10). If the suction temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Y in S12), control unit 210 closes air intake lid 188 to close air intake 186 (S14). If the suction temperature is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (N in S12), control unit 210 opens air intake lid 188 to open air intake 186 (S16).

[0047] 4(b), control unit 210 receives the value of the suction temperature (S20). If the suction temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Y in S22), control unit 210 stops blower 126 (S24). If the suction temperature is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (N in S22), control unit 210 operates blower 126 (S26).

[0048] 4(c), the control unit 210 receives the value of the suction temperature (S30). If the suction temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Y in S32), the control unit 210 stops the outdoor unit 124 (S34). If the suction temperature is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (N in S32), the control unit 210 operates the outdoor unit 124 (S36).

[0049] (Variation) In the explanation so far, the air intake 186 is provided on the rear surface 182 of the housing 180. The air intake 186 may be provided in a part other than the rear surface 182. Here, the explanation will be centered on the differences from the previous explanation.

[0050] 5(a)-(b) show the configuration of the air conditioning unit 110. FIG. 5(a) shows the configuration from the rear side of the air conditioning unit 110, and FIG. 5(b) shows the configuration from the side of the air conditioning unit 110. These also show the internal configuration. The housing 180 has a box shape as before. Of the multiple faces that make up the box shape, the side that faces the wall surface 22 of the air-conditioned room 20 is the rear surface 182, the sides sandwiching the rear surface 182 are the first side surface 183a and the second side surface 183b, the side opposite the rear surface 182 is the third side surface 183c, and the upper surface is the top surface 194.

[0051] An air intake port 186, which is a rectangular opening, is provided on top surface 194 of housing 180. In particular, air intake port 186 is provided above indoor unit 122. Air intake port 186 draws air from air-conditioned room 20 when blower 126 operates. An air intake port cover 188 is attached to air intake port 186 so that it can be opened and closed. Air intake port cover 188 is connected to control device 200 so that it can communicate with the control device 200 wirelessly or via a wire, and its opening and closing operation is controlled by a control signal from control device 200. Normally, air intake port cover 188 is open, and air intake port 186 is in an open state.

[0052] A fire protection board 196 is arranged above top surface 194, particularly above air intake port 186. In particular, fire protection board 196 is separated from top surface 194 by being supported by support portion 198. This corresponds to fire protection board 196 being arranged on the opposite side of indoor unit 122 with air intake port 186 in between. In addition, the horizontal area of ​​fire protection board 196 is made larger than the area of ​​air intake port 186. Fire protection board 196 is made of a flame-retardant, non-combustible material, similar to fire protection board / top surface 184 described above.

[0053] Humidifier 120 is placed on top surface 194 and humidifies the air in air-conditioned room 20. A drain hose 192 for draining water is connected to humidifier 120. Drain hose 192 extends along top surface 194 toward back surface 182. In this case, drain hose 192 is disposed between air intake port 186 and firestop 196. Drain hose 192 also descends along back surface 182 and is connected to drain pipe 24.

[0054] As before, a flammable refrigerant is used in the indoor unit 122. The following describes a configuration for suppressing the spread of fire in the air-conditioning room 20 if the indoor unit 122 ignites due to the flammable refrigerant. If the indoor unit 122 ignites, the flame in the indoor unit 122 will head upward. A firestop 196 made of a non-combustible material is disposed above the top surface 194, particularly above the air intake 186, and the firestop 196 prevents the flame from spreading to the air-conditioning room 20. Furthermore, the flame in the indoor unit 122 creates a hole in the drain hose 192 via the air intake 186, and water passing through the drain hose 192 is released from the hole and sprayed onto the indoor unit 122 via the air intake 186. This water cools the igniting indoor unit 122. Furthermore, since the process for suppressing the spread of fire in the air-conditioning room 20 if the indoor unit 122 ignites due to the flammable refrigerant is the same as before, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the flame-retardant fireproof panel is located vertically above the indoor unit 122 and covers the top of the indoor unit 122, thereby preventing the spread of fire to the ceiling. Furthermore, because the spread of fire to the ceiling is prevented, the spread of fire in the air-conditioning room 20 can be prevented if the indoor unit 122, which uses a flammable refrigerant, catches fire. Furthermore, because the flame-retardant fireproof panel is located vertically above the indoor unit 122 and covers the top of the indoor unit 122, the flame-retardant fireproof panel makes it difficult for the fire to reach the ceiling. Furthermore, because the air intake lid 188 allows the air intake 186 to be opened and closed, the supply of oxygen to the indoor unit 122 that is on fire can be stopped. Furthermore, because the supply of oxygen to the indoor unit 122 that is on fire is stopped, the time until the fire is extinguished can be shortened.

[0056] Furthermore, since ignition of the indoor unit 122 is detected based on the temperature of the air inside the housing 180, reliable control can be executed in the event of a fire. Furthermore, when ignition of the indoor unit 122 is detected, the air intake 186 is closed, so the supply of oxygen to the indoor unit 122 can be stopped. Furthermore, when ignition of the indoor unit 122 is detected, the blower 126 is stopped, so the supply of oxygen to the indoor unit 122 can be stopped. Furthermore, when ignition of the indoor unit 122 is detected, the blower 126 is stopped, so the outdoor unit 124 is stopped, so the supply of flammable refrigerant can be stopped.

[0057] Furthermore, since air intake 186 is provided on top surface 194 and fireproof board 196 is placed on the opposite side of indoor unit 122 with air intake 186 in between, the spread of fire can be prevented. Furthermore, air intake 186 is provided on back surface 182 and back surface 182 is placed away from wall surface 22, so that if a flame breaks out on the back surface 182 side, the fire can be prevented from spreading to wall surface 22. Furthermore, since drain hose 192 is passed between the fireproof board and indoor unit 122, water in drain hose 192 can be poured onto indoor unit 122. Furthermore, since water in drain hose 192 is poured onto indoor unit 122, the water in drain hose 192 can be used to extinguish the fire. Furthermore, since water in drain hose 192 is poured onto indoor unit 122, the area around air conditioning unit 110 can be prevented from being flooded.

[0058] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. (Item 1) An air conditioning unit (110) installed in an air-conditioning room (20) and for conditioning a plurality of rooms (10) independent of the air-conditioning room (20), a box-shaped housing (180) that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit (110) and has an air intake port (186) that draws air from the air conditioning chamber (20); an air conditioner (122) housed in the housing (180) and using a flammable refrigerant; a blower (126) that transports air inside the housing (180) to the plurality of rooms (10), The housing (180) The air conditioning unit (110) is positioned vertically above the air conditioner (122) and includes a flame-retardant fireproof panel covering the top of the air conditioner (122).

[0059] (Item 2) The housing (180) Item 1. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 1, further comprising an air intake lid (188) that allows the air intake (186) to be opened and closed.

[0060] (Item 3) an intake air temperature sensor (128) for detecting the temperature of the air in the housing (180); The intake lid (188) is 3. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 2, wherein the air intake (186) is closed when the temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor (128) is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0061] (Item 4) The blower (126) 4. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 3, wherein the air conditioning unit (110) is shut down when the temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor (128) is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0062] (Item 5) The air conditioner (122) Item 4. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 3, wherein at least the outdoor unit is stopped when the temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor (128) is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0063] (Item 6) The air intake (186) The housing (180) is provided on the top surface of the box shape. The fireproof board is Item 1. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 1, located on the opposite side of the air intake (186) from the air conditioner (122).

[0064] (Item 7) The housing (180) the housing (180) is disposed at a distance from a wall surface (22) of the air-conditioning room (20) that faces a rear surface (182) of the box shape of the housing (180); The air intake (186) Item 1. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 1, which is provided on the rear surface (182) of the housing (180) and above the air conditioner (122).

[0065] (Item 8) The air conditioning system further includes a humidifier (120) for humidifying the air in the air-conditioning chamber (20), The humidifier (120) Item 1. The air conditioning unit (110) according to item 1, further comprising a drain hose (192) passing between the fire protection board and the air conditioner (122).

[0066] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10 living room, 20 air conditioning room, 22 wall, 24 drain pipe, 100 outdoor air intake port, 102 outdoor air intake duct, 104 ventilation device, 106 exhaust duct, 108 exhaust port, 110 air conditioning unit, 120 humidifier, 122 indoor unit, 124 outdoor unit, 126 blower, 128 intake air temperature sensor, 130 air conditioning duct, 140 branch chamber, 150 conveying duct, 152 outlet, 160 circulation port, 162, 164 circulation duct, 170 intake port, 172 exhaust duct, 180 housing, 182 back, 183 side, 184 fireproof board and top surface, 186 intake port, 188 air intake cover, 190 filter, 192 drain hose, 194 top surface, 196 fireproof board, 198 support part, 200 control device, 210 control part, 220 memory part, 1000 air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit that is installed in an air-conditioning room and air-conditions a plurality of rooms independent of the air-conditioning room, a box-shaped housing that forms an outer shell of the air conditioning unit and has an air intake port that draws air from the air conditioning room; an air conditioner that is built into the housing and uses a flammable refrigerant; a blower that transports air inside the housing to the plurality of rooms, The housing includes: an air conditioning unit comprising a flame-retardant fireproof board positioned vertically above the air conditioner and covering an upper portion of the air conditioner;

2. The housing includes: The air conditioning unit according to claim 1 , further comprising an air intake cover that allows the air intake to be opened and closed.

3. an intake air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air inside the housing; The intake lid is The air conditioning unit according to claim 2 , wherein the air intake is closed when the temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

4. The blower is 4. An air conditioning unit as claimed in claim 3, which shuts down when the temperature sensed by the intake air temperature sensor is above a threshold value.

5. The air conditioner is The air conditioning unit according to claim 3 , wherein at least the outdoor unit is stopped when the temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

6. The intake port is provided on a top surface of the box-shaped housing, The fireproof board is The air conditioning unit of claim 1 , located on an opposite side of the air intake from the air conditioner.

7. The housing includes: the housing is disposed at a distance from a wall surface of the air-conditioning room that faces a rear surface of the box-shaped housing, The intake port is The air conditioning unit according to claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning unit is provided on the rear surface of the housing and above the air conditioner.

8. Further provided is a humidifier that humidifies the air in the air-conditioned room, The humidifier comprises: The air conditioning unit of claim 1 , further comprising a drain hose passing between the firestop and the air conditioner.

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