Indoor unit for ceiling-mounted air conditioning system and ceiling-mounted air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system and a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system that facilitates the confirmation of the operation of the drain pump. [Solution] The indoor unit 1 for the ceiling-mounted air conditioner comprises an indoor heat exchanger 4, a drain pan 5 located below the indoor heat exchanger 4, and a drain pump 6 located above the drain pan 5. The drain pan 6 includes a window W made of a transparent material, which is provided at the bottom B of the drain pan 6. The window W is located directly below the drain pump 6.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner and a ceiling-embedded air conditioner. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, the drain generated in the indoor heat exchanger disposed inside the indoor unit for the ceiling-embedded air conditioner drips from the indoor heat exchanger and is collected in a drain pan disposed below the indoor heat exchanger. The drain collected in the drain pan is discharged to the outside of the indoor unit for the ceiling-embedded air conditioner by a drain pump. Such a ceiling-embedded air conditioner is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-19794 (Patent Document 1). 【0003】 As a method for checking the operation of the drain pump of the indoor unit for the ceiling-embedded air conditioner, there are methods of checking the operating sound of the drain pump, the current of the drain pump, or the end of the drain pipe. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-19794 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 However, the operating sound of the drain pump and the current of the drain pump are weak. In addition, there is multi-system drainage at the end of the drain pipe. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to check the operation of the drain pump. 【0006】 The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an indoor unit for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner and a ceiling-embedded air conditioner in which the operation of the drain pump can be easily checked. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0007】 The ceiling-mounted indoor unit for an air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises an indoor heat exchanger, a drain pan located below the indoor heat exchanger, and a drain pump located above the drain pan. The drain pan includes a window section at its bottom, which is made of a transparent material. The window section is located directly below the drain pump. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 According to the ceiling-mounted indoor unit for air conditioning systems of this disclosure, it becomes easier to confirm the operation of the drain pump. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the drain pan for the indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration around the drain pump of an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration around the drain pump of an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration around the drain pump of an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 The embodiments will be described below with reference to the figures. In the following, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will not be repeated. 【0011】 (Embodiment 1) Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 is an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner that is embedded in the ceiling. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner will be described as a four-way cassette type indoor unit as an example. 【0012】 Figure 1 is a perspective view from below of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. The indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 is embedded in the ceiling in the state shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view from the side showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a plan view from above showing the configuration of the drain pan 5 of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the drain pump 6 of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner shown in Figure 2. 【0013】 Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 comprises a housing 2, an indoor blower 3, an indoor heat exchanger 4, a drain pan 5, and a drain pump 6. The indoor blower 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, drain pan 5, and drain pump 6 are housed in the housing 2. 【0014】 The housing 2 is configured to be embedded in the ceiling of the building, with some exceptions. The housing 2 has a casing 21 and a panel 22. The casing 21 has a top plate portion 21a and a side wall portion 21b. The top plate portion 21a is located at the upper end of the casing 21. The side wall portion 21b is connected to the outer edge of the top plate portion 21a. The side wall portion 21b extends from the top plate portion 21a toward the panel 22. The panel 22 is configured to be exposed from the ceiling when the housing 2 is installed on the ceiling. The panel 22 is attached to the lower end of the casing 21. In plan view, the panel 22 is configured to be approximately square in shape. The panel 22 has an intake port 23, an outlet port 24, and a louver 25. In this embodiment, the panel 22 is provided with one intake port 23 and four outlet port 24. In plan view, the intake port 23 is located in the center of the panel 22. A grille is provided at the intake port 23. In a plan view, each of the four air outlets 24 is configured in a roughly rectangular shape. The four air outlets 24 are arranged on all four sides of the intake port 23. Each of the four air outlets 24 is equipped with one of the four louvers 25. 【0015】 The indoor blower 3 is configured to supply air to the indoor heat exchanger 4. The indoor heat exchanger 4 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the air flowing outside the indoor heat exchanger 4. The indoor heat exchanger 4 is located in the airflow path of the air that is drawn into the housing 2 from the intake port 23 by the indoor blower 3 and blown into the room from the four outlet ports 24. 【0016】 The drain pan 5 is configured to collect the condensate generated by the indoor heat exchanger 4. The drain pan 5 is configured to collect the condensate dripping from the indoor heat exchanger 4. The drain pan 5 is located below the indoor heat exchanger 4. The drain pump 6 is configured to discharge the condensate collected in the drain pan 5 to the outside. The drain pump 6 is located above the drain pan 5. 【0017】 Referring to FIG. 3, the drain pan 5 includes a window portion W provided in the bottom B of the drain pan 5. The window portion W is composed of a transparent member. The material of the window portion W is, for example, acrylic resin, polycarbonate, etc. The window portion W may be configured in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the diameter of the window portion W is, for example, 5 cm. A drain discharge hole H is provided in the bottom B of the drain pan 5. The drain discharge hole H penetrates the bottom B of the drain pan 5. The drain discharge hole H is configured to discharge the drain (residual drain) that cannot be pumped out by the drain pump 6. A water collecting portion 51 for collecting the drain is provided in the bottom B of the drain pan 5. The bottom B of the drain pan 5 is configured to slope downward and receive the water collecting portion 51. Thereby, the drain accumulated in the drain pan 5 collects in the water collecting portion 51. The drain discharge hole H is provided in the water collecting portion 51. 【0018】 In the present embodiment, the bottom B of the drain pan 5 includes a cap C for closing the drain discharge hole H. The cap C is configured to be detachable from the drain discharge hole H. In the state where the cap C is attached to the drain discharge hole H, the drain is not discharged from the drain discharge hole H. In the state where the cap C is removed from the drain discharge hole H, the drain is discharged from the drain discharge hole H. Further, the window portion W is provided in the cap C. That is, the window portion W forms a part of the cap C. In the present embodiment, the window portion W is disposed at the center of the cap C. 【0019】 Referring to FIG. 4, the window portion W is disposed directly below the drain pump 6. The window portion W is configured such that the operation of the drain pump 6 can be visually recognized through the window portion W from below the drain pan 5 with the panel 22 (see FIG. 2) removed. The transparent member of the window portion W has a transparency that allows the operation of the drain pump 6 to be visually recognized through the window portion W. The drain pump 6 includes a suction portion 61 and a discharge portion 62. The suction portion 61 is configured to suck the drain accumulated in the drain pan 5 into the inside of the drain pump 6. The suction portion 61 is disposed above the water collecting portion 51. In the present embodiment, the suction portion 61 is disposed directly above the window portion W. The gap between the suction portion 61 and the window portion W is, for example, 3 mm. The discharge portion 62 is configured to discharge the drain to the outside of the drain pump 6. The discharge portion 62 is attached to the side wall portion 21b of the casing 21 of the housing 2. 【0020】 Next, the operation and effect of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 will be described. 【0021】 According to the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to Embodiment 1, the window portion W formed of a transparent member is disposed directly below the drain pump 6. Therefore, the operation of the drain pump 6 can be visually recognized through the window portion W from below the drain pan 5. Thus, it becomes easy to confirm the operation of the drain pump 6. 【0022】 Further, the window portion W formed of a transparent member is provided at the bottom B of the drain pan 5. Therefore, the drainage condition of the drain can be visually recognized through the window portion W from below the drain pan 5. Furthermore, the dirt condition of the drain pan 5 can be visually recognized through the window portion W from below the drain pan 5. Thus, it is possible to propose cleaning of the drain pan 5 to the user according to the dirt condition of the drain pan 5. 【0023】 (Embodiment 2) The indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration and operation and effect as the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified. 【0024】 Referring to Figure 5, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the drain pan 5 of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner. In the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 2, a connection port P is provided on the cap C. The connection port P penetrates the cap C. The connection port P connects the upper and lower surfaces of the bottom B of the drain pan 5. The connection port P is located outside the window section W. In other words, the connection port P is located away from the window section W. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner 100 further includes a plug 7 connected to the connection port P. The plug 7 is configured to be openable and closable. The plug 7 is connected to the connection port P via a hose 8. When the plug 7 is open, the drain that flows from the connection port P through the hose 8 to the plug 7 is discharged by passing through the plug 7. When the plug 7 is closed, the drain that flows from the connection port P through the hose 8 to the plug 7 does not pass through the plug 7 but remains at the plug 7. 【0025】 Next, the operation and effects of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 will be described. 【0026】 In the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 2, a connection port P is provided on the cap C, and the connection port P is located outside the window W. Therefore, without removing the cap C from the drain pan 5, the drain (residual drain) that has accumulated in the drain pan 5 and could not be pumped out by the drain pump 6 can be discharged from the connection port P. Furthermore, by discharging the residual drain from the connection port P and visually observing the operation of the drain pump 6 through the window W from below the drain pan 5, it becomes easy to confirm the operation of the drain pump 6. 【0027】 Furthermore, according to the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 2, the plug 7 connected to the connection port P is configured to be openable and closable. Therefore, when the plug 7 is opened, the drain (residual drain) that could not be pumped out by the drain pump 6 can be discharged. Also, when the plug 7 is closed, the drain is accumulated in the drain pan 5. Therefore, the drain accumulated in the drain pan 5 can be discharged by the drain pump 6. 【0028】 (Embodiment 3) The indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration, operation, and effects as the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 1, unless otherwise specified. 【0029】 Referring to Figure 6, the configuration of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the drain pan 5 of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner. The indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 further includes a lighting fixture L. The lighting fixture L is configured to illuminate the portion of the drain pump 6 facing the window W. In this embodiment, the lighting fixture L is attached to the drain pump 6. In this embodiment, the lighting fixture L is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The lighting fixture L may be configured to turn ON when a sensor (not shown) detects that the panel 22 has been removed. 【0030】 Next, the operation and effects of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3 will be described. 【0031】 According to the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner of Embodiment 3, the lighting fixture L is configured to illuminate the portion of the drain pump 6 facing the window W. Therefore, by illuminating the portion of the drain pump 6 facing the window W, the drain pump 6 can be easily seen from below the drain pan 5 through the window W. Consequently, it becomes easier to confirm the operation of the drain pump 6. 【0032】 Furthermore, according to the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to Embodiment 3, the lighting fixture L is an LED lamp. Therefore, by using an LED lamp suitable for the lighting fixture L, it becomes easier to confirm the operation of the drain pump 6. 【0033】 (Embodiment 4) Referring to Figure 7, the configuration of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 7 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiment 4. In this embodiment, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 will be described as an air conditioning system that can switch between cooling and heating. 【0034】 The ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 comprises the above-described indoor unit 1 for the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system and an outdoor unit 200. The indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 200 are connected by refrigerant piping R. This constitutes a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. Of the refrigerant piping R, the piping through which gaseous refrigerant (gas refrigerant) flows constitutes gas piping 300, and the piping through which liquid refrigerant (liquid refrigerant or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant) flows constitutes liquid piping 400. 【0035】 The indoor unit 1 for the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system comprises an indoor fan 3 and an indoor heat exchanger 4. The indoor heat exchanger 4 is configured to function as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation. 【0036】 The outdoor unit 200 comprises a compressor 201, a four-way valve 202, an outdoor heat exchanger 203, an outdoor fan 204, and an expansion valve 205. The compressor 201 is configured to compress and discharge the inhaled refrigerant. The four-way valve 202 is configured to switch the flow of refrigerant by switching the valve depending on whether it is in cooling operation or heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 203 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 203 and the air flowing outside the outdoor heat exchanger 203. The outdoor heat exchanger 203 is configured to function as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation. The outdoor fan 204 is configured to blow air to the outdoor heat exchanger 203. The expansion valve 205 is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant by expanding the refrigerant. 【0037】 Next, the operation of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 is capable of selectively performing cooling and heating operations. During cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit in the following order: compressor 201, four-way valve 202, outdoor heat exchanger 203, expansion valve 205, indoor heat exchanger 4, and four-way valve 202. During heating operation, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit in the following order: compressor 201, four-way valve 202, indoor heat exchanger 4, expansion valve 205, outdoor heat exchanger 203, and four-way valve 202. 【0038】 In the indoor heat exchanger 4, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the air blown by the indoor fan 3. During cooling operation, the heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the air blown by the indoor fan 3 causes moisture in the air to condense, and condensate adheres to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 4. In other words, condensation occurs on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 4. The condensate adhering to the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 4 falls from the indoor heat exchanger 4 into the drain pan 5 (see Figure 2). The condensate accumulated in the drain pan 5 is discharged to the outside by the drain pump 6. In addition, in the outdoor heat exchanger 203, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 203 and the air blown by the outdoor fan 204. 【0039】 Next, the operation and effects of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. 【0040】 The ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 is equipped with an indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiments 1 to 3. Therefore, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 4 can realize a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 that exhibits the effects of the indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to Embodiments 1 to 3. Thus, it is possible to provide a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system 100 equipped with an indoor unit 1 for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system that makes it easy to check the operation of the drain pump. 【0041】 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 the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. 【0042】 The various forms of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Indoor heat exchanger, A drain pan located below the indoor heat exchanger, The system includes a drain pump positioned above the drain pan, The drain pan includes a window portion provided at the bottom of the drain pan and made of a transparent material, The aforementioned window section is an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system, located directly below the drain pump. 【0043】 (Note 2) A drain discharge hole is provided at the bottom of the drain pan. The drain discharge hole penetrates the bottom of the drain pan. The bottom of the drain pan includes a cap for blocking the drain discharge hole. The aforementioned cap is provided with a connection port, The indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the connection port penetrates the cap and is located outside the window portion. 【0044】 (Note 3) The plug surrounding the aforementioned connection port is further provided, The aforementioned plug is configured to be openable and closable, and is an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system as described in Appendix 2. 【0045】 (Note 4) Further lighting fixtures are provided, The lighting fixture is configured to illuminate the portion of the drain pump facing the window, as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning indoor unit. 【0046】 (Note 5) The aforementioned lighting fixture is an LED lamp, and is an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system as described in Appendix 4. 【0047】 (Note 6) The indoor unit for the ceiling-mounted air conditioning system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, Equipped with an outdoor unit, A ceiling-mounted air conditioning system in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by refrigerant piping. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0048】 1 Indoor unit for ceiling-mounted air conditioning system, 2 Housing, 3 Indoor fan, 4 Indoor heat exchanger, 5 Drain pan, 6 Drain pump, 7 Plug, 8 Hose, 21 Casing, 22 Panel, 23 Intake port, 24 Outlet port, 25 Louver, 51 Water collection section, 61 Intake section, 62 Discharge section, 100 Ceiling-mounted air conditioning system, 200 Outdoor unit, 201 Compressor, 202 Four-way valve, 203 Outdoor heat exchanger, 204 Outdoor fan, 205 Expansion valve, 300 Gas piping, 400 Liquid piping, B Bottom, C Cap, H Drain discharge hole, L Lighting fixture, P Connection port, R Refrigerant piping, W Window section.

Claims

[Claim 1] Indoor heat exchanger, A drain pan located below the indoor heat exchanger, The system includes a drain pump positioned above the drain pan, The drain pan includes a window portion provided at the bottom of the drain pan and made of a transparent material, The aforementioned window section is an indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system, located directly below the drain pump. [Claim 2] A drain discharge hole is provided at the bottom of the drain pan. The drain discharge hole penetrates the bottom of the drain pan. The bottom of the drain pan includes a cap for blocking the drain discharge hole. The aforementioned cap is provided with a connection port, The indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the connection port penetrates the cap and is located other than the window portion. [Claim 3] The plug surrounding the aforementioned connection port is further provided, The plug is configured to be openable and closable, as described in claim 2 for the indoor unit of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system. [Claim 4] Further lighting fixtures are provided, The indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture is configured to illuminate the portion of the drain pump facing the window portion. [Claim 5] The indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the lighting fixture is an LED lamp. [Claim 6] The indoor unit for a ceiling-mounted air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Equipped with an outdoor unit, A ceiling-mounted air conditioning system in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by refrigerant piping.

Images