Indoor air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an indoor air conditioner capable of detecting leakage of a refrigerant with higher accuracy.SOLUTION: The indoor air conditioner includes a cross flow fan, a heat exchanger provided so as to surround the cross flow fan from an outer peripheral side of an axis line, and a leakage detection sensor that detects leakage of a refrigerant, wherein a first space in which a gas can flow is formed between a first side cover on one side in an axis line direction of a casing and the heat exchanger, a second space in which a gas can flow and having a volume smaller than that of the first space is formed between a second side cover on the other side in the axis line direction and the heat exchanger, A detection space connecting the first space and the second space in the axial direction is formed in the casing, and the leakage detection sensor is disposed on the second space side with respect to the center of the detection space in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known technology for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner is described in Patent Document 1. In the device described in Patent Document 1, a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage is disposed on a path (air duct) through which air passes from an indoor unit (indoor air conditioner).

[0003] However, when the leak detection sensor is placed in the air duct as described above, while it can detect leaks while the indoor air conditioner is operating, it has the problem that it is difficult to detect leaks when the air conditioner is stopped because no air passes through the air duct. To solve this problem, a configuration has been proposed in which the leak detection sensor is placed in a position other than the air duct.

[0004] Here, inside the indoor unit, spaces (referred to as a first space and a second space) are formed between the panels on both sides of the heat exchanger in the width direction. Also, a space (referred to as a detection space) is formed connecting the first space and the second space. An example has been proposed in which a leak detection sensor is placed in this detection space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 179007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, because the first space contains electrical components, the volume of the first space must be larger than the volume of the second space. In this case, in the space with the smaller volume, the refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger immediately collides with the panel, causing a loss of kinetic energy. As a result, the refrigerant cannot flow smoothly through the detection space and may not reach the leak detection sensor.

[0007] 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 higher accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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, thereby drawing in air through the intake port and blowing 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 leakage detection sensor that detects refrigerant leakage within the casing, wherein a first space through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover on one side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, and a second space through which gas can flow and has a smaller volume than the first space is formed between a second side cover on the other side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, and a detection space connecting the first space and the second space in the axial direction is formed within the casing, and the leakage detection sensor is positioned closer to the second space than the center of the detection space in the axial direction.

[0009] 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, thereby drawing in air through the intake port and blowing 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 that detects refrigerant leakage within the casing; a first space through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover on one side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger; a second space through which gas can flow and having a volume equal to that of the first space is formed between a second side cover on the other side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger; a detection space connecting the first space and the second space in the axial direction is formed within the casing; and the leak detection sensor is positioned in the center of the axial direction of the detection space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor air conditioner that is capable of detecting refrigerant leakage with higher accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an indoor air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an indoor air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the indoor air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an indoor air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the indoor air conditioner according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First Embodiment (Indoor air conditioner configuration) An indoor air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The 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 itself and an outdoor unit (not shown). Temperature-regulated air is supplied to the room through heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant, and between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor air conditioner 1 includes a casing 10, a crossflow 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.

[0014] (Casing configuration) The casing 10 is a decorative cover that forms the exterior appearance of the air conditioner, and has a front cover 11 facing the front on the indoor side, a top cover 12 facing the top surface, a bottom cover 13 facing the bottom surface, a back cover 14 facing the back side (i.e., the wall side), and side covers 19 shown in Fig. 2. The top cover 12 is formed with an intake port 15 for drawing indoor air into the device.

[0015] The bottom cover 13 has a cover main body 16 and a flap 17. The cover main body 16 is fixed to the rear panel. On the other hand, the flap 17 is supported so as to be swingable relative to the cover main body 16. The swing axis of the flap 17 extends horizontally. When the flap 17 swings, an opening is formed in a part of the bottom cover 13. This opening serves as an air outlet 18 for blowing out temperature-controlled air inside the device. In other words, by changing the swing angle of the flap 17, the direction of the air blown from the air outlet 18 can be adjusted.

[0016] (Configuration of crossflow fan) 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 drawn into the device through the air inlet 15. In addition to the crossflow fan 20, a sirocco fan can also be used for the same purpose. A drive unit (not shown) for 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 also located in the center of the casing 10 when viewed from the direction of the axis X.

[0017] (Heat exchanger configuration) The heat exchanger 30 covers the outer periphery of the crossflow fan 20 in the direction of the axis X. The heat exchanger 30 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type, and is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air, thereby adjusting the temperature of the air being blown. As an example, the heat exchanger 30 is divided into three blocks: a rear block 31 located on the rear side, an upper front block 32 located on the front side adjacent to the rear block 31, and a lower front block 33 located below the upper front block 32. The refrigerant flow paths between all the blocks are interconnected. From the perspective of reducing environmental impact, a propane-based refrigerant such as R290 is particularly suitable as a refrigerant.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, spaces are formed on both sides of the heat exchanger. Specifically, a first space V1 is formed between the heat exchanger 30 and a panel (first side cover 19a) on one side in the direction of the axis X. A second space V2 is formed between the heat exchanger 30 and a panel (second side cover 19b) on the other side in the direction of the axis X. The first space V1 needs to accommodate the electrical equipment 90. Therefore, the volume of the first space V1 is set larger than the volume of the second space V2. Note that the "volume" referred to here refers to the volume of the space itself excluding the volumes of the electrical equipment 90 and the refrigerant piping. In other words, the volume through which the refrigerant-containing gas can flow is smaller in the second space than in the first space.

[0019] (Drain pan configuration) As shown in FIG. 1 , a drain pan 40 is provided below the lower front 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 main body 41 and a receiving tray portion 42. The drain pan main body 41 is U-shaped when viewed from the direction of the axis X so as to cover the lower part of the lower front block 33. Condensation water that drips onto the drain pan main body 41 is discharged to the outside through piping (not shown).

[0020] 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 the airflow path F described below.

[0021] (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 peripheral 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, together with the above-mentioned tray portion 42 and a part of the drain pan main body 41, forms a space inside. This space is defined as a detection space V. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection space V connects the above-mentioned first space V1 and second space V2 in the direction of the axis X.

[0022] A leak detection sensor 70 is provided on the second space V2 side of the center in the axial X direction of the detection space V. The leak detection sensor 70 is an element for detecting refrigerant leakage from the heat exchanger 30. A distance L1 from one end of the heat exchanger 30 in the axial X direction to the leak detection sensor 70 is longer than a distance L2 from the other end of the heat exchanger 30 in the axial X direction to the leak detection sensor 70. More specifically, the ratio between L1 and L2 is preferably proportional to the ratio between the volumes of the first space V1 and the second space V2.

[0023] (Configuration of air passage forming plate) An air-path forming plate 60 is provided on the rear side of the heat exchanger 30 and the cross-flow fan 20. The air-path 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 portion of the forming plate main body 61 protrudes toward the rear cover 14. A 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 air outlet 18. The curved portion 62 is curved in an arc shape that convexly faces the rear side to match the cylindrical shape of the cross-flow fan 20. The front surface of the curved portion 62 (i.e., the surface facing the cross-flow fan 20) is a cylindrical inner circumferential surface 63.

[0024] The space surrounded by the drain pan 40, the inner cover 50, and the air-path forming plate 60 described above is the air path F through which the air compressed by the cross flow fan 20 flows. In other words, the detection space V described above is a separate space from the air path F, and no air flows into the detection space V whether the fan is operating or not.

[0025] (Action and effect) To operate the indoor air conditioner 1, first, the power is turned on to rotate the cross-flow fan 20. At the same time, the refrigerant flowing in from the outdoor unit flows into the heat exchanger 30. The temperature of the air sent to the periphery of the heat exchanger 30 by the cross-flow fan 20 is adjusted by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The temperature-adjusted air is then pressure-fed by the cross-flow fan 20 through the air outlet 18 into the room.

[0026] Here, a situation where refrigerant leaks from the heat exchanger 30 is conceivable. Refrigerant leakage affects the operation of the indoor air conditioner 1, so it is desirable to detect it immediately. Therefore, a configuration in which the leak detection sensor 70 is located in the center of the detection space V is also conceivable. However, as described above, because the electrical components 90 are housed in the first space V1, the volume of the first space V1 needs to be larger than the volume of the second space V2. In this case, in the space with the smaller volume, the flow of refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger 30 immediately collides with the panel (second side cover 19b), and the kinetic energy of the flow is likely to be lost. As a result, the refrigerant may not flow smoothly within the detection space V and may not reach the leak detection sensor 70. To solve this problem, the present embodiment employs the above-described configurations.

[0027] According to the above configuration, a first space V1 and a second space V2 having a smaller volume than the first space V1 are formed on either side of the heat exchanger 30 in the axial direction X. The first space V1 and the second space V2 are connected by a detection space V extending in the axial direction X. Here, in the second space V2 with a smaller volume, the refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger 30 immediately collides with the panel (second side cover 19b) and loses kinetic energy, resulting in a weak force flowing through the detection space V in the axial direction X. However, according to the above configuration, the leak detection sensor 70 is disposed on the second space V2 side with a smaller volume in the detection space V. Therefore, even if the flow velocity is low, the refrigerant can easily reach the leak detection sensor 70 because the required flow distance is short. This makes it possible to accurately detect refrigerant leakage within a short period of time. As a result, the indoor air conditioner 1 can continue to operate stably for an even longer period of time.

[0028] It is known that in the heat exchanger 30, leakage is particularly likely to occur at the curved portions of the heat transfer tubes at both ends in the direction of the axis X. Refrigerant leaking from these locations passes along the sides of the heat exchanger 30 and reaches the tray 42 due to its own weight. With the above configuration, the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the tray 42, so that leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X can be immediately detected.

[0029] According to the above configuration, by providing only one leak detection sensor 70 in the detection space V, 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, which were conventionally provided in multiple locations. As a result, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs and maintenance costs of the indoor air conditioner 1.

[0030] The first embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Note that various changes and modifications can be made to the above configuration without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0031] 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, as shown in Fig. 3 as a first modified example, it is possible to use the space on the rear side formed by the curved portion 62 of the air path forming plate 60 and the rear cover 14 as the detection space V, and to dispose the leakage detection sensor 70 in this space.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the detection space V in which the leak detection sensor 70 is placed is located outside the air path forming plate 60, i.e., between the air path forming plate 60 and the rear cover 14, so that refrigerant leakage can be detected even when no air is flowing through the air path F, i.e., when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0033] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] In this embodiment, the volumes of the first space V1 and the second space V2 are equal to each other. Furthermore, the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed at the center of the detection space V in the direction of the axis X. In other words, the distance L1 from one end of the heat exchanger 30 in the direction of the axis X to the leakage detection sensor 70 is equal to the distance L2 from the other end of the heat exchanger 30 in the direction of the axis X to the leakage detection sensor 70. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0035] (Action and effect) According to the above configuration, a first space V1 and a second space V2 having a volume equal to that of the first space V1 are formed on both sides of the heat exchanger 30 in the axial direction X. The first space V1 and the second space V2 are connected by a detection space V extending in the axial direction X. Here, in either space, the refrigerant flow leaking from the heat exchanger 30 immediately collides with the panel (the first side cover 19a or the second side cover 19b) and loses kinetic energy, resulting in a weak force flowing in the axial direction through the detection space V. However, according to the above configuration, the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed in the center of the detection space V. Therefore, even if the flow velocity is low, the refrigerant can easily reach the leakage detection sensor 70 from either space. This makes it possible to accurately detect refrigerant leakage within a short period of time. As a result, the indoor air conditioner 1 can continue to operate stably for an extended period of time.

[0036] (Other embodiments) The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0037] For example, it is possible to place one leak detection sensor 70 in each of the detection space V and the back side space (see FIG. 5). In this case, refrigerant leakage can be detected more precisely and immediately.

[0038] The shape and block configuration of the heat exchanger 30 described above are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate depending on the design and specifications. Similarly, the positions and dimensions of the air inlet 15 and the air outlet 18 can also be modified as appropriate depending on the design and specifications. In any case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0039] Furthermore, 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 using double-sided tape or the like.

[0040] <Additional Notes> The indoor air conditioner described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0041] (1) An indoor air conditioner 1 according to a first aspect includes a casing 10 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 18, a cross-flow fan 20 provided in the casing 10 and driven to rotate about an axis X extending horizontally, thereby drawing air through the inlet 15 and blowing the air toward the outlet 18, a heat exchanger 30 provided in the casing 10 so as to surround the cross-flow fan 20 from the outer circumferential side of the axis X, and a leakage detection sensor 70 for detecting refrigerant leakage in the casing 10. A first space V1 through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover 19a on one side in the direction and the heat exchanger 30, and a second space V2 through which gas can flow and having a smaller volume than the first space V1 is formed between a second side cover 19b on the other side of the casing 10 in the direction of the axis X and the heat exchanger 30, and a detection space V connecting the first space V1 and the second space V2 in the direction of the axis X is formed within the casing 10, and the leakage detection sensor 70 is arranged on the second space V2 side of the center of the detection space V in the direction of the axis X.

[0042] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect refrigerant leakage with high accuracy within a short period of time.

[0043] (2) An indoor air conditioner 1 according to a second aspect includes a casing 10 having an inlet 15 and an outlet 18, a cross-flow fan 20 provided in the casing 10 and driven to rotate about an axis X extending horizontally, thereby drawing air in through the inlet 15 and blowing the air toward the outlet 18, a heat exchanger 30 provided in the casing 10 so as to surround the cross-flow fan 20 from the outer periphery of the axis X, and a leakage detection sensor 70 for detecting refrigerant leakage in the casing 10. A first space V1 through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover 19a on one side of the casing 10 in the direction of the axis X and the heat exchanger 30, and a second space V2 through which gas can flow and having a volume equal to that of the first space V1 is formed between a second side cover 19b on the other side of the casing 10 in the direction of the axis X and the heat exchanger 30. A detection space V connecting the first space V1 and the second space V2 in the direction of the axis X is formed within the casing 10, and the leakage detection sensor 70 is disposed in the center of the detection space V in the direction of the axis X.

[0044] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect refrigerant leakage with high accuracy within a short period of time.

[0045] (3) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to a third aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 of (1) or (2), further comprising a drain pan 40 that covers the heat exchanger 30 from below, and the drain pan 40 has a drain pan body 41 that faces the heat exchanger 30, and a receptacle portion 42 that is provided further below the drain pan body 41 and forms the detection space V extending in the direction of the axis X between the drain pan body 41 and the receptacle portion 42.

[0046] According to the above configuration, since the leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the tray portion 42, leakage from either side in the direction of the axis X can be immediately detected.

[0047] (4) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to the fourth aspect is an indoor air conditioner 1 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (3), and further includes 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 an air path F that communicates with the air outlet 18, and the detection space is formed between the air path forming plate 60 and the rear cover 14.

[0048] According to the above configuration, refrigerant leakage can be detected even when the indoor air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0049] (5) The indoor air conditioner 1 according to the fifth aspect is the indoor air conditioner 1 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (4), in which only one leakage detection sensor 70 is provided in the detection space V.

[0050] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and maintenance costs of the indoor air conditioner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 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 19a...First side cover 19b...Second side cover 20...Cross flow fan 30...Heat exchanger 31...Rear block 32...Upper front block 33...Lower front block 40...Drain pan 41...Drain pan body 42...Receptacle portion 50...Inner cover 60...Air path forming plate 61...Forming plate body 62...Curved portion 63...Cylinder inner surface 70...Leak detection sensor 71...Stay 90...Electrical component F...Air path V...Detection space V1...First space V2...Second space X...Axis

Claims

1. a casing having an intake port and an air outlet; a cross flow fan provided in the casing and driven to rotate about an axis extending in a horizontal direction, thereby drawing air through the suction port and blowing the air toward the blowing 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 that detects leakage of refrigerant within the casing; Equipped with a first space through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover on one side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, a second space through which gas can flow and which has a smaller volume than the first space is formed between a second side cover on the other side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, and a detection space connecting the first space and the second space in the axial direction is formed within the casing, The leakage detection sensor is disposed closer to the second space than the center of the detection space in the axial direction.

2. a casing having an intake port and an air outlet; a cross flow fan provided in the casing and driven to rotate about an axis extending in a horizontal direction, thereby drawing air through the suction port and blowing the air toward the blowing 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 that detects leakage of refrigerant within the casing; Equipped with a first space through which gas can flow is formed between a first side cover on one side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, a second space through which gas can flow and having a volume equal to that of the first space is formed between a second side cover on the other side of the casing in the axial direction and the heat exchanger, and a detection space connecting the first space and the second space in the axial direction is formed within the casing, The leakage detection sensor is disposed at the center of the detection space in the axial direction of the indoor air conditioner.

3. Further provided is a drain pan that covers the heat exchanger from below, 3. The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the drain pan includes a drain pan body facing the heat exchanger, and a receptacle portion provided further below the drain pan body and forming the detection space extending in the axial direction between the drain pan body and the receptacle portion.

4. an air passage forming plate having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface that covers the heat exchanger from the opposite side of the air inlet with the heat exchanger therebetween, thereby forming an air passage that communicates with the air outlet; The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection space is formed between the air-path forming plate and the rear cover.

5. The indoor air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only one leakage detection sensor is provided in the detection space.

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