Air conditioner and its indoor unit

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner and its indoor unit that can suppress the generation of condensation water. [Solution] The air conditioner 500 includes an indoor unit 100 located in a machine room 700 separate from the room to be air-conditioned 600, a supply air duct 200 connecting the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit, and an outside air intake duct 400 for bringing outside air into the indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a first chamber 10 into which air containing outside air flows, a second chamber 20 connected to the supply air duct, an indoor heat exchanger 30 located between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a blower 40 that generates an airflow that passes sequentially through the first chamber, the indoor heat exchanger, and the second chamber. The second chamber of the indoor unit has a discharge section 50 that can discharge a portion of the air passing sequentially through the first chamber, the indoor heat exchanger, and the second chamber into the machine room.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is known that includes an indoor unit disposed in a machine room different from the room to be air-conditioned, an air supply duct and an exhaust duct connecting between the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit, and an outside air intake duct for taking in outside air into the indoor unit (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-27428 (Patent Document 1)).

[0003] The machine room is partitioned from the room to be air-conditioned by, for example, a ceiling or a wall. The outside air taken into the indoor unit from the outside air intake duct merges with the air sucked from the room to be air-conditioned into the indoor unit and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger by a blower.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] During the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation of the above air conditioner, the temperature difference between the mixed gas containing outside air or the air in the machine room and the components of the indoor unit such as the indoor heat exchanger and the refrigerant piping through which the supercooled refrigerant flows becomes large, and a large amount of condensed water is likely to be generated inside the indoor unit. In particular, when the temperature and humidity of the outside air are high (for example, during the rainy season and summer), a larger amount of condensed water is likely to be generated. The condensed water may cause problems in the components provided in the indoor unit or the components arranged around the indoor unit.

[0006] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner and an indoor unit thereof that can suppress the generation of condensed water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioner according to this disclosure comprises an indoor unit located in a machine room separate from the room to be air-conditioned, a supply air duct connecting the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit, and an outside air intake duct for bringing outside air into the indoor unit. The indoor unit includes a first chamber into which air containing outside air flows, a second chamber connected to the supply air duct, an indoor heat exchanger located between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a blower that generates an airflow that passes sequentially through the first chamber, the indoor heat exchanger, and the second chamber. At least one of the second chamber of the indoor unit and the supply air duct has at least one discharge section capable of releasing a portion of the air into the machine room.

[0008] The indoor unit according to this disclosure includes a first chamber into which air including outside air flows, a second chamber connected to an air supply duct, an indoor heat exchanger disposed between the first and second chambers, and a blower disposed in the first or second chamber for generating an airflow that passes through the indoor heat exchanger. The second chamber has at least one discharge section that releases a portion of the air into the machine room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the generation of condensation water can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the air conditioner and indoor unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the air conditioner and indoor unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a first example of an indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a second example of an indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows a third example of an indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a first modified example of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second modified example of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a third modified example of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a fourth modified example of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a fifth modified example of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The same components will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. <Air Conditioner Configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 500 according to this embodiment comprises an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 1, and connecting pipes 2 and 3. The indoor unit 100 is located in a machine room 700 that is different from the room 600 to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 500. The outdoor unit 1 is located in a space different from the room 600 to be air-conditioned and the machine room 700. The outdoor unit 1 is located, for example, outdoors. The connecting pipes 2 and 3 connect the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 1.

[0012] The air conditioner 500 is equipped with a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates. The components constituting the refrigerant circuit are included in either the indoor unit 100, the outdoor unit 1, or the connecting pipes 2 and 3. The refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 500 may have any configuration that enables a refrigeration cycle. For example, the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor 4, an outdoor heat exchanger 5, a pressure reducing device 6, an indoor heat exchanger 30, and a flow path switching device 7.

[0013] The compressor 4 compresses the refrigerant. In the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 5 by the outdoor blower 8. In this specification, the outside air is the air outside each of the air-conditioned room and the machine room, for example, the atmosphere. The decompression device 6 decompresses the refrigerant. The decompression device 6 is, for example, an expansion valve. In the indoor heat exchanger 30, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the mixture of the air taken into the indoor unit 100 from the air-conditioned room 600 and the outside air taken into the indoor unit 100 from the outside. The flow path switching device 7 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The flow path switching device 7 is, for example, a four-way valve or a six-way valve. The air conditioner 500 can selectively execute a cooling operation and a dehumidifying operation in which the outdoor heat exchanger 5 acts as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator, and a heating operation in which the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 acts as an evaporator, by the flow path switching device 7.

[0014] The operations of each of the compressor 4, the decompression device 6, the flow path switching device 7, and the outdoor blower 8 are controlled by the control device. The compressor 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the decompression device 6, the flow path switching device 7, the outdoor blower 8, and the control device are included in, for example, the outdoor unit 1. The indoor heat exchanger 30 is included in the indoor unit 100. The configuration of the indoor unit 100 will be described later. The refrigerant pipes connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30 are included in the connection pipes 2 and 3.

[0015] The air conditioner 500 further includes an air supply duct 200, an exhaust duct 300, and an outside air intake duct 400. The air supply duct 200 and the exhaust duct 300 connect between the air-conditioned room 600 and the indoor unit 100. The air supply duct 200 is a duct for supplying the air conditioned in the indoor unit 100 to the air-conditioned room 600. The exhaust duct 300 is a duct for discharging the air in the air-conditioned room 600 to the indoor unit 100. The outside air intake duct 400 is a duct for taking in outside air into the indoor unit 100. The air conditioner 500 can perform ventilation of the air-conditioned room 600 while performing a cooling and dehumidifying operation on the air-conditioned room 600.

[0016] Preferably, the air conditioner 500 further includes a first sensor 660 that measures the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned room 600. The control device of the air conditioner 500 may be provided to control components of the air conditioner 500, such as the compressor 4, the decompression device 6, the flow path switching device 7, and the outdoor blower 8, based on the temperature, humidity, etc. measured by the first sensor 660.

[0017] The air conditioner 500 may not include the flow path switching device 7. The air conditioner 500 only needs to be able to selectively execute at least cooling operation and dehumidifying operation (hereinafter also referred to as cooling and dehumidifying operation).

[0018] <Configuration of Indoor Unit> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the indoor unit 100 includes a first chamber 10, a second chamber​​​​​​​The indoor heat exchanger 30 is located between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 20. The blower 40 is provided to form an airflow that passes sequentially through the first chamber 10, the indoor heat exchanger 30, and the second chamber 20. In the airflow formed by the blower 40, the indoor heat exchanger 30 is located downstream of the first chamber 10 and upstream of the second chamber 20. The air mixed in the first chamber 10 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30 and then flows into the second chamber 20. The blower 40 is located, for example, inside the second chamber 20. The blower 40 may also be located inside the first chamber 10 to form the airflow described above.

[0021] The second chamber 20 of the indoor unit 100 has a discharge section 50 that can release a portion of the air passing through the second chamber 20 into the machine room 700. The discharge section 50 can release a portion of the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30 into the machine room 700. The second chamber 20 may have multiple discharge sections 50. The second chamber 20 has a second exhaust port 51 facing the machine room 700 and not connected to the supply air duct 200. The discharge section 50 includes the second exhaust port 51. The opening area of ​​the second exhaust port 51 is smaller than, for example, the opening area of ​​the first exhaust port 21.

[0022] Preferably, the discharge unit 50 has an adjustment unit 52 that adjusts the flow rate of air discharged into the machine room 700. The adjustment unit 52 can switch at least between a state in which the flow rate of air discharged into the machine room 700 is relatively high and a state in which the flow rate of air discharged into the machine room 700 is relatively low. The adjustment unit 52 can, for example, fully open and fully close the air passage connected to the second exhaust port 51. The adjustment unit 52 includes, for example, a damper 53 that can change the opening degree of the air passage connected to the second exhaust port 51. The adjustment unit 52 includes, for example, a motor-driven damper. The adjustment unit 52 may also include a damper driven by something other than a motor or a manual damper. <Adjustment unit operation 1> Preferably, the indoor unit 100 further includes a second sensor 60 for measuring the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700, and a control unit 70 for controlling the operation of the adjustment unit 52. The second sensor 60 outputs the measurement result to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 is connected to at least the second sensor 60 by wire or wireless connection. The control unit 70 is configured to control the operation of the adjustment unit 52 based on the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 measured by at least the second sensor 60. For example, when the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined first reference value, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the adjustment unit 52 so that the flow rate of air released from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 increases compared to when the measured temperature and humidity is below the first reference value.

[0023] For example, when the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 falls below a predetermined second reference value, the operation of the adjustment unit 52 is controlled so that the flow rate of air released from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 is reduced compared to when the difference in measured temperature and humidity is equal to or greater than the second reference value. The second reference value is less than or equal to the first reference value. The first and second reference values ​​can be arbitrarily set based on temperature and humidity conditions that can suppress the amount of condensation water generated in the indoor unit 100 to below an acceptable level. For example, the first and second reference values ​​are set so that the amount of condensation water generated due to moisture in the air inside the machine room 700 is suppressed to below an acceptable level during the cooling and dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner 500.

[0024] Preferably, the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30 is released from the discharge section 50 into the machine room 700 only during the time from when the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined first reference value until the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 falls below a predetermined second reference value. The control unit 70 controls the operation of the adjustment unit 52 so that air is released from the discharge section 50 into the machine room 700 only during the time from when the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 exceeds a first reference value until the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor 60 falls below a second reference value. From a different perspective, it is preferable that the adjustment unit 52 is configured to open the second exhaust port 51 only during the above time and to close the second exhaust port 51 at all other times. <Adjustment unit operation 2> The control unit 70 may be connected to the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 by wire or wireless connection. The control unit 70 may be configured to control the operation of the adjustment unit 52 according to the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60.

[0025] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the adjustment unit 52 such that, for example, when the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined third reference value, the flow rate of air released from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 increases compared to when the measured difference in temperature and humidity is less than or equal to the third reference value. The control unit 70 also controls the operation of the adjustment unit 52 such that, for example, when the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 falls below a predetermined fourth reference value, the flow rate of air released from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 decreases compared to when the measured difference in temperature and humidity is greater than or equal to the fourth reference value. The fourth reference value is less than or equal to the third reference value. The third and fourth reference values ​​can be arbitrarily set based on temperature and humidity conditions that can suppress the amount of condensation water generated in the indoor unit 100 to an acceptable level or less. For example, the third and fourth reference values ​​are set so as to suppress the amount of condensation water generated due to moisture in the air inside the machine room 700 during the cooling and dehumidifying operation of the air conditioner 500 to below the permissible limit.

[0026] Preferably, the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30 is released from the discharge section 50 into the machine room 700 only during the time from when the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined third reference value until the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 falls below a predetermined fourth reference value. The control unit 70 controls the operation of the adjustment unit 52 so that air is released from the discharge section 50 into the machine room 700 only during the time from when the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 exceeds a third reference value until the difference in temperature and humidity measured by each of the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 falls below a fourth reference value. From a different perspective, it is preferable that the adjustment unit 52 is configured to open the second exhaust port 51 only during the above time and to close the second exhaust port 51 at all other times.

[0027] The control unit 70 is a system controller that includes, for example, a processing circuit 71 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 72 such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing circuit 71 executes the program stored in the memory 72.

[0028] The control unit 70 may be included in the control device that controls the components of the air conditioner 500, such as the compressor 4, pressure reducing device 6, flow path switching device 7, and outdoor blower 8.

[0029] <Example of air conditioner operation> The following describes an example of the operation of the 500 air conditioner.

[0030] The air conditioner 500 can perform cooling and dehumidification operation with ventilation. During cooling and dehumidification operation with ventilation, moisture in the air, including outside air, is condensed and removed from the air by heat exchange with the supercooled refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30. The dehumidified air is sent from the indoor unit 100 to the room to be air-conditioned 600 via the supply air duct 200, thereby dehumidifying the room to be air-conditioned 600.

[0031] During cooling and dehumidification operation with ventilation, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 measured by the second sensor 60 is below a predetermined first standard value, or when the difference between the temperature and humidity measured by the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 is below a third standard value, the discharge section 50 is closed by the adjustment section 52. All of the air conditioned by the indoor heat exchanger 30 is supplied to the air-conditioned room 600.

[0032] During cooling and dehumidification operation with ventilation, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 measured by the second sensor 60 exceeds a predetermined first standard value, or when the difference between the temperature and humidity measured by the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 exceeds a third standard value, the discharge section 50 is opened by the adjustment section 52. A portion of the air dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 30 is released into the machine room 700 from the discharge section 50. Subsequently, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 measured by the second sensor 60 falls below a predetermined second standard value, or when the difference between the temperature and humidity measured by the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 falls below a fourth standard value, the discharge section 50 is closed again by the adjustment section 52.

[0033] In addition, in the air conditioner 500, the discharge section 50 may be kept open at all times during cooling and dehumidifying operation.

[0034] The effects of the air conditioner 500 and the indoor unit 100 will be explained below in comparison with a comparative example. The comparative example is a conventional air conditioner that differs from the air conditioner 500 only in that it does not have a discharge section 50.

[0035] When the comparative example performs cooling and dehumidification with ventilation, the humidity in the unconditioned machine room tends to be high when the outside air temperature and humidity are high. Therefore, in the comparative example, moisture in the air inside the machine room is likely to condense and form condensation on the indoor heat exchanger, which is cooled by a supercooled refrigerant, and on the parts of the components surrounding the indoor heat exchanger that face the machine room. As a result, the comparative example tends to generate a large amount of condensation water due to moisture in the air inside the machine room.

[0036] In contrast, in the air conditioner 500, the second chamber 20 of the indoor unit 100 has a discharge section 50, so that during cooling and dehumidifying operation with ventilation, a portion of the air dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 30 can be released into the machine room 700 from the discharge section 50. Therefore, with the air conditioner 500, even when the temperature and humidity of the outside air are high, the amount of condensation water generated due to moisture in the air inside the machine room 700 can be reduced compared to the comparative example. As a result, the air conditioner 500 has a lower risk of malfunctions occurring in the parts of the indoor unit 100 and the parts arranged around the indoor unit 100 compared to the comparative example.

[0037] In the air conditioner 500 and indoor unit 100, the discharge unit 50 has an adjustment unit 52 that adjusts the flow rate of air discharged from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700. Therefore, compared to a case where the discharge unit 50 does not have an adjustment unit 52, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 are low, or when the temperature and humidity difference between the room to be air-conditioned 600 and the machine room 700 is relatively small (for example, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 measured by the second sensor 60 does not exceed a predetermined first standard value, or when the temperature and humidity difference measured by the first sensor 660 and the second sensor 60 does not exceed a predetermined third standard value), the flow rate of air discharged from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 can be reduced, and the flow rate of air supplied from the indoor unit 100 to the room to be air-conditioned 600 can be increased.

[0038] More preferably, the adjustment unit 52 includes a damper 53 that can open and close the air passage connected to the second exhaust port 51. In this way, when the temperature and humidity of the machine room 700 are low, or when the temperature and humidity difference between the room to be air-conditioned 600 and the machine room 700 is relatively small, the airflow rate of the air released from the discharge unit 50 into the machine room 700 can be made substantially zero.

[0039] In the air conditioner 500, only the indoor unit 100 includes the discharge section 50. In such an air conditioner 500, components other than the indoor unit 100 (for example, the air supply duct 200, etc.) can be the same as those of a conventional air conditioner.

[0040] <Example of indoor unit configuration> The indoor unit 100 comprises a first chamber 10, a second chamber 20, an indoor heat exchanger 30, and a blower 40, and can have any configuration as long as the second chamber 20 includes a discharge section 50. Examples of the configuration of the indoor unit 100 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0041] Figure 3 shows indoor unit 101, which is the first example of indoor unit 100. Figure 4 shows indoor unit 102, which is the second example of indoor unit 100. Figure 5 shows indoor unit 103, which is the third example of indoor unit 100. Figures 3 to 5 introduce a first direction DR1, a second direction DR2, and a third direction DR3 that are orthogonal to each other. The first direction DR1 is the direction in which the rotation axis of the blades 41 of the blower 40 extends. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are aligned horizontally. The third direction DR3 is aligned vertically.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 101 is housed in a casing consisting of a first pair of side panels 22A and 22B facing each other in the first direction DR1, a second pair of side panels 22C and 22D facing each other in the second direction DR2, an upper panel 22E, and a frame 22F. Within this casing, the first chamber 10, the indoor heat exchanger 30, and the second chamber 20 are arranged in order from bottom to top in the third direction DR3. The blower 40 is located inside the second chamber 20.

[0043] The first exhaust port 21 is provided, for example, on the upper panel 22E. The second exhaust port 51 is provided, for example, on the side panel 22A at the location where the second chamber 20 is located.

[0044] The blower 40 includes a blade 41 and a case 42 that houses the blade 41. The blade 41 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The case 42 is provided with an intake port opening into the second chamber 20 and an exhaust port connected to the first exhaust port 21. The intake port of the case 42 is formed inward from the blade 41. The exhaust port of the case 42 is formed above the blade 41. The case 42 is configured to guide air that is sent radially outward (centrifugally) with respect to the rotation axis of the blade 41 to the exhaust port of the case 42. The case 42 has, for example, a first set of side panels 42A, 42B facing each other in a first direction DR1 and a second set of side panels 42C, 42D facing each other in a second direction DR2. The first set of side panels 42A, 42B and the second set of side panels 42C, 42D constitute at least a portion of the air passage from the vane 41 to the exhaust port of the case 42. The intake port of the case 42 is formed, for example, in each of the side panels 42A, 42B.

[0045] The case 42 is further provided with an opening 43 connected to the second exhaust port 51. In the indoor unit 101, the side panel 42A is further provided with an opening 43 connected to the second exhaust port 51. The opening 43 is formed, for example, between the intake port and exhaust port of the case 42 in the direction of airflow from the blower 40. The opening direction of the opening 43 is different from, for example, the opening direction of the first exhaust port 21. The opening direction of the opening 43 is perpendicular to, for example, the opening direction of the first exhaust port 21.

[0046] The blades 41 may have any configuration. The blades 41 may be a turbo fan, a propeller fan, or a mixed-flow fan, etc. The case 42 may have any configuration corresponding to the blades 41. The opening 43 may be formed in the case 42 at any location on the part that constitutes the air passage from the blades 41 to the exhaust port of the case 42.

[0047] The side panel 42A of the blower 40 is positioned, for example, at a distance from the side panel 22A of the second chamber 20 in the first direction DR1. In this case, it is preferable that the opening 43 is connected to the second exhaust port 51 via a pipe 23. The pipe 23 includes, for example, a flange at at least one end. The flange of the pipe 23 is fixed to the side panel 22A or side panel 42A by, for example, a fixing member (not shown).

[0048] The discharge section 50 is located on the side panel 22A. The discharge section 50 is provided at the second exhaust port 51. The discharge section 50 may include a pipe 54. The adjustment section 52 may be connected to the second exhaust port 51 via the pipe 54. The pipe 54 is connected to the pipe 23. In this case, the adjustment section 52 is connected to the blower 40 via the pipe 54 and the pipe 23. The pipe 54 includes, for example, a flange at at least one end. The flange of the pipe 54 is fixed to the side panel 22A by, for example, a fixing member (not shown).

[0049] The indoor unit 100 is equipped with a control device 90. The control device 90 is provided to control the components of the air conditioner 500, such as the compressor 4, pressure reducing device 6, flow path switching device 7, and outdoor blower 8. The control device 90 is positioned, for example, below the indoor heat exchanger 30 in the third direction DR3.

[0050] In Figure 3, the control unit 70 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is omitted from the illustration, but the control unit 70 may be located inside or around the indoor unit 100 at any position. The control unit 70 may be located on the side panel 22A adjacent to the adjustment unit 52. The control unit 70 may be located inside the indoor unit 100 or may be included in the control device 90.

[0051] The indoor unit 102 shown in Figure 4 has the same configuration and effects as the indoor unit 101 shown in Figure 3, unless otherwise specified.

[0052] In the indoor unit 102 shown in Figure 4, the second exhaust port 51 is provided in the side panel 22B, and the opening 43 is provided in the side panel 42B.

[0053] The indoor unit 103 shown in Figure 5 has the same configuration and effects as the indoor unit 101 shown in Figure 3, unless otherwise specified.

[0054] In the indoor unit 103 shown in Figure 5, the first chamber 10, the indoor heat exchanger 30, and the second chamber 20 are arranged in order in the second direction DR2. The first chamber 10, the indoor heat exchanger 30, and the blower 40 are arranged in order in the second direction DR2.

[0055] In the indoor unit 103, the control device 90 is positioned side by side with a gap between it and the indoor heat exchanger 30, for example, in the second direction DR2. At least a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 30 is positioned above the control device 90.

[0056] In indoor units 101 to 103, the second exhaust port 51 is provided on the side panel 22A or the side panel 22B, and the discharge section 50 is provided on the side panel 22A or the side panel 22B, but the arrangement of the second exhaust port 51 and the discharge section 50 is not limited to the above configuration. The second exhaust port 51 may be provided on at least one of the side panel 22C, the side panel 22D, and the upper panel 22E. The discharge section 50 may be provided on at least one of the side panel 22C, the side panel 22D, and the upper panel 22E.

[0057] In indoor units 101 to 103, the discharge section 50 has a straight pipe shape, but the shape of the discharge section 50 is not limited to the above form. The discharge section 50 may also have a curved pipe section.

[0058] In indoor units 100 to 103, the second chamber 20 may include a plurality of discharge sections 50. The number of discharge sections 50 is not particularly limited. At least one of the plurality of discharge sections 50 may have an adjustment section 52. Each of the plurality of discharge sections 50 may have an adjustment section 52. The control unit 70 may be provided to control the operation of the plurality of adjustment sections 52.

[0059] <Differential model of an air conditioner> The following describes a modified version of the air conditioner 500 with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

[0060] Figure 6 shows the first modified example of the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 510. Figure 7 shows the second modified example of the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 520. Figure 8 shows the third modified example of the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 530. Figure 9 shows the fourth modified example of the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 540. Figure 10 shows the fifth modified example of the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 550.

[0061] The air conditioner 510 shown in Figure 6 has the same configuration and effects as the air conditioner 500 shown in Figures 1 and 2, unless otherwise specified. The air conditioner 510 comprises an indoor unit 110 and an air supply duct 210. In the air conditioner 510, only the air supply duct 210 includes the discharge section 50. The indoor unit 110 does not include the discharge section 50. Unless otherwise specified, the discharge section 50 has the same configuration and effects as the discharge section 50 included in any of the indoor units 100 to 103 described above.

[0062] The supply air duct 210 includes, for example, a plurality of discharge sections 50. Each of the plurality of discharge sections 50 is included in any portion of the supply air duct 210 that is located within the machine room 700. One discharge section 50 may be included in the upstream portion of the supply air duct 210 that is located above the indoor unit 100 within the machine room 700. Another discharge section 50 may be included in a portion of the supply air duct 210 that is located downstream of the aforementioned upstream portion within the machine room 700.

[0063] At least one of the multiple discharge units 50 may have an adjustment unit 52. Each of the multiple discharge units 50 may have an adjustment unit 52. The control unit 70 may be provided to control the operation of the multiple adjustment units 52.

[0064] The air supply duct 210 only needs to include at least one discharge section 50. The air conditioner 520 shown in Figure 7 has the same configuration and effects as the air conditioner 500 shown in Figures 1 and 2, unless otherwise specified. The air conditioner 520 comprises an indoor unit 110 and an air supply duct 210. In the air conditioner 520, a blower 40 is installed in the air supply duct 210. In the air conditioner 520, only the air supply duct 210 includes the discharge section 50. The indoor unit 110 does not include the discharge section 50. Unless otherwise specified, the discharge section 50 has the same configuration and effects as the discharge section 50 included in any of the indoor units 100 to 103 described above.

[0065] The air conditioner 530 shown in Figure 8 has the same configuration and effects as the air conditioner 500 shown in Figures 1 and 2, unless otherwise specified. The air conditioner 530 comprises an indoor unit 100 and an air supply duct 210. The indoor unit 100 includes a blower 40. In the air conditioner 530, both the indoor unit 100 and the air supply duct 210 include a discharge section 50. The blower 40 may be provided in the air intake duct 210. Unless otherwise specified, the discharge section 50 has the same configuration and effects as the discharge section 50 included in any of the indoor units 100 to 103 described above.

[0066] The air conditioner 540 shown in Figure 9 has the same configuration and function as the air conditioner 500 shown in Figures 1 and 2, unless otherwise specified. The air conditioner 540 includes an indoor unit 130. The indoor unit 130 has the same configuration and function as any of the indoor units 100, 101, 102, 103, and 110, unless otherwise specified. The indoor unit 130 includes a first chamber 11.

[0067] The first chamber 11 is provided with an air intake port 12 for taking in air from the machine room 700. In the indoor unit 130, a mixture of air taken in from the machine room 700, air flowing in from the exhaust duct 300, and outside air taken in from the outside air intake duct 400 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 30.

[0068] The air conditioner 550 shown in Figure 10 has the same configuration and function as the air conditioner 540 shown in Figure 9, unless otherwise specified. The air conditioner 550 includes an indoor unit 140. The indoor unit 140 has the same configuration and function as any of the indoor units 100, 101, 102, 103, and 110, unless otherwise specified. The indoor unit 140 includes a first chamber 11.

[0069] The first chamber 11 is not connected to either the exhaust duct 300 or the outside air intake duct 400. Both the exhaust duct 300 and the outside air intake duct 400 are connected to the machine room 700. In the indoor unit 140, the air in the machine room 700 (a mixture of air flowing into the machine room 700 from the exhaust duct 300 and outside air taken into the machine room 700 from the outside air intake duct 400) flows into the first chamber 11 from the intake port 12 and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 30. The first chamber 11 may be connected to either the exhaust duct 300 or the outside air intake duct 400.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1 Outdoor unit, 2,3 Connecting piping, 4 Compressor, 5 Outdoor heat exchanger, 6 Pressure reducing device, 7 Flow path switching device, 8 Outdoor blower, 10,11 First chamber, 12 Intake port, 20 Second chamber, 21 First exhaust port, 51 Second exhaust port, 22A,22B,22C,22D Side panels, 22E Top panel, 22F Stand, 23,54 Pipes, 30 Indoor heat exchanger, 40 Blower, 41 Blades, 42 Case, 42A,42B,42C,42D Side panels, 43 Opening, 50 Discharge section, 52 Adjustment section, 53 Damper, 60 Second sensor, 70 Control unit, 71 Processing circuit, 72 Memory, 90 Control unit, 100, 101, 102, 103, 110, 130, 140 Indoor unit, 200, 210 Supply air duct, 300 Exhaust duct, 400 Outside air intake duct, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540 Air conditioner, 600 Room to be air-conditioned, 660 First sensor, 700 Machine room.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit located in a machine room separate from the room to be air-conditioned, a supply air duct connecting the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit, and an outside air intake duct for bringing outside air into the indoor unit, The aforementioned indoor unit is A first chamber into which air including the outside air flows, A second chamber connected to the aforementioned air supply duct, An indoor heat exchanger is located between the first chamber and the second chamber, The system includes the first chamber, the indoor heat exchanger, and a blower that generates the airflow passing through the second chamber in sequence, An air conditioner wherein at least one of the second chamber and the supply air duct of the indoor unit has at least one discharge section capable of releasing a portion of the air into the machine room.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one discharge unit has an adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the air discharged into the machine room.

3. A first sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned room, A second sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the machine room, The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit according to the difference in temperature and humidity measured by the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively.

4. A second sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the machine room, The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit according to the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein only the indoor unit includes the at least one discharge unit.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blower is provided in the supply air duct.

7. The air conditioner further comprises an exhaust duct connecting the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first chamber is connected to the exhaust duct and the outside air intake duct, respectively.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first chamber is provided with an intake port for taking in air from the machine room into the indoor unit.

9. An indoor unit of an air conditioner comprising an indoor unit located in a machine room separate from the room to be air-conditioned, a supply air duct connecting the room to be air-conditioned and the indoor unit, and an outside air intake duct for bringing outside air into the indoor unit, The aforementioned indoor unit is A first chamber into which air including the outside air flows, A second chamber connected to the aforementioned air supply duct, An indoor heat exchanger is located between the first chamber and the second chamber, The system includes a blower located in the first chamber or the second chamber, which generates an airflow that passes through the indoor heat exchanger, The second chamber is an indoor unit having at least one discharge section for releasing a portion of the air into the machine room.

10. The indoor unit according to claim 9, wherein the at least one discharge unit has an adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the air discharged into the machine room.

11. A second sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the machine room, The indoor unit according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit according to the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor.

12. A second sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the machine room, The indoor unit according to claim 10, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the adjustment unit according to the temperature and humidity measured by the second sensor.

13. The indoor unit according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first chamber is provided with an intake port for taking in air from the machine room into the indoor unit.

Images