air conditioner

Abstract

The objective is to provide a reliable light-shielding grille structure that allows air to enter and exit but prevents light leakage, and that is constructed with a small number of parts. [Solution] The light-shielding grille of the embodiment is a light-shielding grille in which a plurality of louvers, each having a substantially V-shaped cross-section in the short direction, are arranged at regular intervals within the frame, and the louvers of this light-shielding grille have protrusions at their ends in the longitudinal direction that engage with the frame. The frame is provided with engaging parts that engage with protrusions on the louvers, such that the distance between the vertex of the V-shape of one louver and the vertex of the V-shape of an adjacent louver is smaller than the shortest distance between the vertex of the V-shape of one louver and the end of the V-shape of the louver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to sterilizing bacteria contained in air using an ultraviolet (UV-C) lamp. I care Air conditioners, especially those equipped with a light-shielding grille to prevent ultraviolet rays from leaking to the outside.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, the need for improving the air quality environment as an infection prevention measure has been increasing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air sterilization device that sterilizes bacteria contained in air by arranging a sterilization lamp in a box body provided with a suction port and a discharge port. In order to prevent light leakage of the sterilization rays irradiated from the sterilization lamp to the outside, this air sterilization device provided with a sterilization lamp is provided with light shielding louvers at the suction port and the blowout port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a sterilization unit having an ultraviolet lamp, a light shielding louver for preventing light leakage of ultraviolet rays is required to have reliability. Also, For ease of maintenance and cleaning, it is preferable that the light-shielding louvers be easily removable from the sterilization unit.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable light shielding grill structure that allows air to enter and exit but does not allow light to leak, and Air conditioners that allow for easy maintenance and cleaning of light-shielding grilles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] of the embodiment The air conditioner comprises an ultraviolet lamp, a blower, and a heat exchanger, and further comprises a housing that houses the ultraviolet lamp and has an intake port and an outlet port, and a light-shielding grille positioned on at least one of the intake port and the outlet port, wherein the light-shielding grille is positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of the airflow passing through the housing from the intake port to the outlet port, and is configured to be insertable and removable through an opening provided in the housing. ​​​​[Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic side view showing the indoor unit and sterilization unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment installed in the ceiling space. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a disinfection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A plan view of the disinfection unit according to this embodiment, as seen from the air outlet side. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the XX section in the sterilization unit. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the light-shielding grille. [Figure 6] Cross-section of a light-shielding grille. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the maintenance panel removed. [Figure 8] Unfolded view of an L-shaped member. [Figure 9] Developed view of the louver. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the indoor unit of the air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as the air conditioning indoor unit) and the sterilization unit installed in the ceiling space.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning indoor unit 1 and the sterilization unit 11 are installed, for example, in the ceiling space of the building. In this embodiment, the ceiling space refers to the ceiling space A defined between the beam B and the ceiling board C of the building.

[0012] The indoor air conditioning unit 1 is a ceiling-mounted duct-type indoor air conditioning unit, and is equipped with a blower 3, a heat exchanger 4, and a drain pan 5 inside the housing 2, and the housing 2 is equipped with an intake port 6 and an outlet port 7.

[0013] The sterilization unit 11 is connected to the suction port 6 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 1, includes an ultraviolet lamp unit 31 inside the housing 12, and has a suction port 13 and a blowout port 14 in the housing 12.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, on the ceiling board C, there are provided an indoor air suction port S1 for sucking indoor air which is the air in the air-conditioning target space S, and an air-conditioning air blowout port S2 for blowing out the air-conditioning air that has passed through the sterilization unit 11 and the air-conditioning indoor unit 1 into the air-conditioning target space S. The indoor air suction port S1 and the suction port 13 of the sterilization unit 11 are connected by a suction duct P1, and the air-conditioning air blowout port S2 and the blowout port 7 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 1 are connected by a blowout duct P2.

[0015] Due to the rotation of the blower 3 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 1, indoor air is sucked from the indoor air suction port S1 and flows into the sterilization unit 11 through the suction duct P1. The indoor air that has flowed into the sterilization unit is sterilized by the ultraviolet lamp unit 31. The sterilized indoor air flows from the sterilization unit 11 into the air-conditioning indoor unit 1 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchanger 4. The indoor air that has exchanged heat in the heat exchanger 4 is blown out as cold air or warm air from the air-conditioning air blowout port S2 into the air-conditioning target space S through the blowout duct P2.

[0016] The sterilization unit 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sterilization unit, FIG. 3 is a plan view seen from the blowout port side of the sterilization unit, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along X-X of the sterilization unit in FIG. 3.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sterilization unit 11 includes a housing 12 and an electric component box 61 for housing the control board etc. of the ultraviolet lamp unit 31.

[0018] The housing 12 of the sterilization unit 11 has a square flat box shape and has a depth dimension D, a width dimension W, and a thickness dimension H. The depth dimension D of the housing 12 is smaller than the width dimension W. The thickness dimension H of the housing 12 is smaller than the depth dimension D and the width dimension W.

[0019] The enclosure 12 is made of metal plates, such as sheet metal, and mainly comprises a top plate 15, a bottom plate 16, a first side plate 17, and a second side plate 18.

[0020] The top plate 15 and the bottom plate 16 extend horizontally and face each other with a gap between them in the thickness direction of the housing 12. The first side plate 17 and the second side plate 18 stand upright, straddling the space between the top plate 15 and the bottom plate 16, and face each other with a gap between them in the width direction of the housing 12.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, multiple suspension fittings 12a are provided on the upper parts of the first side plate 17 and the second side plate 18 of the housing 12. By connecting these suspension fittings 12a to suspension bolts (not shown) extending from beam B of the building shown in Figure 1, the disinfection unit 11 is suspended from the ceiling space A.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, both sides of the housing 12 along the depth direction are large openings along the width direction of the housing 12, with an intake port 13 provided at one end of the opening and an outlet port 14 at the other end of the opening. As shown in Figure 1, an intake duct P1 is connected to the intake port 13, and an intake port 6 of the air conditioning indoor unit 1 is connected to the outlet port 14 via a connecting flange 14f.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, light-shielding grilles 21 are housed inside the housing 12, facing the intake port 13 and the outlet port 14, respectively. An ultraviolet lamp unit 31 is housed between the light-shielding grille 21 of the intake port 13 and the light-shielding grille 21 of the outlet port 14. In this embodiment, the distance between the light-shielding grille 21 of the intake port 13 and the light-shielding grille 21 of the outlet port 14 is 200 mm or more, more specifically about 300 mm, thereby ensuring a sufficient space for sterilization.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, in this embodiment, a light-shielding unit 200, formed by connecting three light-shielding grilles 21, is provided along the width direction of the housing 12. As shown in Figure 2, the light-shielding unit 200 is installed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the airflow direction, indicated by the white arrows. The light-shielding grilles 21 provided in this light-shielding unit 200 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

[0025] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the light-shielding grille, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light-shielding grille, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the sterilization unit with the maintenance panel removed, Figure 8 is an unfolded view of the L-shaped member, and Figure 9 is an unfolded view of the louvers. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the light-shielding grille 21 has a structure in which a plurality of inverted V-shaped louvers 22 are arranged to overlap at predetermined intervals, and the plurality of louvers 22 are surrounded by a frame 23.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the frame 23 is composed of two L-shaped members 230. These L-shaped members 230 have a vertical member 231 that forms the short side of the light-shielding grille 21 and a horizontal member 232 that forms the long side. As shown in Figure 8, the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232 constituting the L-shaped member 230 are arranged so that the side portion 2 is perpendicular to the main surface portions 231a and 232a, in the longitudinal direction of the main surface portions 231a and 232a. 3 1b, 2 3 1c, and 2 3 2b, 2 3 2c is provided. With this configuration, the cross-sectional shape is formed into a U-shape, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the L-shaped member 230 is made of a single thin metal plate.

[0027] The metal plate forming the L-shaped member 230 is roughly rectangular in shape, and the L-shaped member 230 is bent at approximately 90° along the bending line 230' shown in Figure 8 to form the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232. The corner portion 230c of this L-shaped member 230 has notches from both ends in the short direction. These notches are made from the ends in the short direction along the bending line 2 described later 3 1b', 23 It is formed in the portions 1c' and 232b', up to 232c'.

[0028] The transverse member 232 formed in this manner has four protrusions 232d made of the same metal plate. More specifically, these protrusions 232d are formed by extending vertically in the short direction from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the transverse member 232. The shape of the protrusions 232d is approximately trapezoidal.

[0029] The vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232 are further folded at approximately 90° along the folding lines 231b', 231c' and 232b', 232c' shown in Figure 8, thereby forming the side portions 231b, 231c and 232b, 232c. The side portions 231b and 231c of the vertical member 231 are formed before the side portions 232b and 232c of the horizontal member 232, so that at the corner portion 230c of the L-shaped member 230, the vertical member 2 3 The side portions 231b and 231c of 1 are covered by the protruding portion 232d.

[0030] In this way, the L-shaped member 230 is formed such that the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232 overlap at the corner 230c of the L-shaped member 230. More specifically, the vertical member 231 and the protruding portion 232d overlap, and the L-shape can be maintained by fastening them with screws or the like. Furthermore, by combining the ends of the two L-shaped members 230 so that the horizontal members 232 form the outermost edges of each, and fastening them with screws or the like, a rectangular frame 23 is formed. Here, the length dimension W2 of the horizontal member 232 of the frame 23, which is the longitudinal length dimension of the light-shielding grille 21, is shown in Figure 1 or Figure 23. 4 The width dimension W3 of the maintenance hatch S3, indicated by the dotted line, is set to be smaller.

[0031] In this embodiment, the protrusion 232d is provided on the horizontal member 232, but it may also be provided on the vertical member 231. Alternatively, it may be provided on both the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232. Furthermore, although the protrusion 232d is described as being substantially trapezoidal, it is not limited to this and may be of any shape, such as substantially semicircular or substantially rectangular.

[0032] Furthermore, although a protrusion 232d is provided in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a protrusion. Even if this protrusion is not provided, an overlap occurs between the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232, and the vertical member 231 and the horizontal member 232 are fixed in place to maintain the L-shape.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, the louver 22 is formed by bending a thin metal sheet, such as a roughly rectangular sheet metal material, at approximately 90° along the bending line 22' shown as a dashed line in Figure 9. The bent louver 22 has a so-called inverted V-shaped cross-section, with the vertex 221, which is the corner of the louver 22, facing upwards. This cross-section is the short-side cross-section of the louver 22. The bending line 22' is the long side connecting the midpoint of the short side of one end of the metal sheet in the longitudinal direction to the midpoint of the short side of the other end. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the louver 22 is symmetrical with respect to the vertex 221, and the shape formed by connecting the vertex 221, one lower end 222, and the other lower end 223 is a right-angled isosceles triangle. The louver 22 has a first plate portion 22a provided between the vertex 221 and one lower end 222, and a second plate portion 22b provided between the vertex 221 and the other lower end 223. That is, the first plate portion 22a and the second plate portion 22b are substantially the same shape.

[0034] The louvers 22 are arranged to overlap with other louvers 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, a line connecting one lower end 222 and the other lower end 223 of the louvers 22 is defined as a virtual line 224, and the virtual line 224 faces the main surface portion 232a of the horizontal member 232 of the frame 23, with a distance between them. The louvers 22 are arranged such that the distance b from this vertex 221 to the vertex 221 of the adjacent louver 22 is smaller than the shortest distance a from the virtual line 224 to vertex 221.

[0035] By positioning distance b to be smaller than distance a, there is no risk of ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp unit 31 leaking outside the light-shielding grille 21. Furthermore, by making distance b smaller than distance a, and minimizing the difference between distance a and distance b, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet light leakage while keeping the airflow pressure loss low.

[0036] In this embodiment, the louver 22 is formed by bending a single plate portion, but two plate portions may be processed and formed into a V-shape to conform to the shape of this embodiment. For example, the first plate portion 22a and the second plate portion 22b may be independent plate portions connected together by engaging portions provided on each plate portion, or they may be connected by a separate engaging member.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the louvers 22 are arranged in an inverted V shape, but they may be stacked in a V shape instead. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the louver is symmetrical with respect to the vertex 221, and the first plate portion 22a and the second plate portion 22b are formed to be substantially the same shape. However, this does not have to be the case; the cross-sectional shape may be substantially V-shaped, with one plate portion being shorter and the other longer.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the louver 22 is provided with projections 25 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first plate portion 22a and the second plate portion 22b. These projections 25 are formed from the same metal plate as the louver 22 and have a substantially semi-elliptical shape. Furthermore, these projections 25 are formed to extend further in the longitudinal direction from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the louver 22. One projection 25 is provided at each end of the first plate portion 22a, and similarly, one projection 25 is provided at each end of the second plate portion 22b. The projections 25 on the first plate portion 22a and the projections 25 on the second plate portion 22b are located approximately in the center of their respective short sides, and are formed so that the distance from the vertex 221 to the projection 25 is equal.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the frame 23 is provided with engaging portions 234 corresponding to the protrusions 25. The engaging portions 234 are substantially circular holes and are formed in multiples on the main surface portion 231a of the vertical member 231 of the frame 23. Specifically, two engaging portions 234 are provided side by side in the row direction on the main surface portion 231a to correspond to the two protrusions 25 provided at one end of one louver 22.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple engaging portions 234 are arranged in a row in the direction of the louvers 22 so that each of the louvers 22 is positioned while maintaining the aforementioned distance b. The louvers 22 can be fixed to the frame 23 by engaging the projection 25 of each louver 22 with the engaging portion 234. The projection 25 and the engaging portion 234 allow multiple louvers 22 to be easily held within the frame 23 while maintaining a certain distance b.

[0041] Furthermore, a sealing member 250, which acts as a buffer, is provided between the louver 22 and the vertical member 231 of the frame 23. The sealing member 250 is positioned between two rows of engaging portions 234. By providing this sealing member 250, the noise generated by contact between the louver 22 and the frame 23 can be reduced.

[0042] In this embodiment, the projection 25 and the engaging portion 234 are formed in a substantially semi-elliptical and substantially circular shape, respectively, but are not limited to these shapes; any shape is acceptable as long as the projection 25 and the engaging portion 234 engage with each other. For example, the projection 25 may be substantially triangular or substantially rectangular. Similarly, the engaging portion 234 may also be roughly triangular in shape, corresponding to the projection 25, or it may be roughly rectangular. Furthermore, even if the shapes of the projection 25 and the engaging portion 234 are different, such as roughly triangular and roughly rectangular, any shape is acceptable as long as the projection 25 engages with the engaging portion 234 and the distance between each of the multiple louvers 22 positioned inside the frame 23 is equal.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projection 25 is provided at approximately the center of the short side of the first plate portion 22a and the second plate portion 22b of the louver 22, but this is not limited to this position; it may be provided at any part of the short side as long as the distance from the vertex 221 is equal. Furthermore, the position of the engaging portion 234 can be appropriately changed based on the position where the projection 25 is provided.

[0044] The light-shielding grille 21 is equipped with a connecting mechanism 26 that connects adjacent light-shielding grilles 21 to each other. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting mechanism 26 is composed of a connecting hook portion 261 and a connecting projection portion 262 provided on the frame 23. Specifically, the connecting hook portion 261 is provided on the side portion 231b of one vertical member 231 of the frame 23, and the connecting projection portion 262 is provided on the side portion 231b of the other vertical member 231. The connecting hook portion 261 is provided with a hook groove 261a into which the connecting projection 262 engages, and is designed to engage with the connecting projection 262 of the adjacent light-shielding grille 21.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connecting hook portion 261 is provided by being fixed to the side portion 231b of one of the vertical members 231 of the frame 23 with a screw or the like, and the connecting projection portion 262 is made up of the shaft portion of a screw 26S fixed to the vertical member 231.

[0046] With the connecting mechanism 26 configured in this way, as shown in Figure 2 in particular, in the sterilization unit 11 of this embodiment, three light-shielding grilles 21 are connected in the width direction of the sterilization unit 11 and arranged as a light-shielding unit 200. Furthermore, the side portion 231b of the light-shielding grille 21 is positioned on the side of the air outlet 14 of the sterilization unit 1, and the side portion 231c is positioned on the side of the air intake 13 of the sterilization unit 1.

[0047] If maintenance or cleaning of the light-shielding unit 200 is required, the connection by the connecting mechanism 26 can be released, allowing each unit to be removed from the sterilization unit 11 as a light-shielding grille 21. Specifically, see Figure 7 As shown, the light-shielding unit 200 is pulled out from the sterilization unit 11, and with one light-shielding grille 21 completely pulled out from the housing 12, the coupling mechanism 26 is released. Furthermore, since the longitudinal dimension W2 of the light-shielding grille 21 is formed to be smaller than the width dimension W3 of the maintenance hatch S3, it becomes easier to insert and remove the light-shielding grille 21 from the maintenance hatch S3, improving work efficiency.

[0048] In this embodiment, the light-shielding unit 200 is described as having three light-shielding grills 21 arranged in a row and connected by a connecting mechanism 26. However, the light-shielding unit 200 is not limited to this, and the number of light-shielding grills 21 can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the housing 12 of the sterilization unit 11. For example, the light-shielding unit 200 may be used without connecting the light-shielding grills 21, or it may use only one light-shielding grill 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-shielding grille connecting mechanism 26 is provided at one location on the side portion 231b of the vertical member 231, but this is not limited to this, and it may be provided at multiple locations, on the other side portion 231c, or on both sides.

[0049] As described above, the light-shielding unit 200, which is formed by connecting multiple light-shielding grilles 21, has tiny gaps 21S between adjacent light-shielding grilles 21, as shown in Figure 7, and there is a risk that ultraviolet light may leak out of the sterilization unit 11 through these gaps 21S. Therefore, Figures 2 and 7 3 As shown, the housing 12 of the sterilization unit 11 is provided with a column 12b to seal the gap 21S at the connection point of the light-shielding grill 21. For details, see the side portion 231b of the frame 23 of the light-shielding grille 21. Approximately twice A column 12b having a certain width is formed in the housing 12 of the sterilization unit 11 such that the center of the column 12b aligns with the gap 21S in the side portion 231b of the frame 23 of the adjacent light-shielding grille 21. Furthermore, even if there is no gap 21S between adjacent light-shielding grilles 21, by providing columns 12b so that they overlap the side portions 231b of the respective frames 23 of adjacent light-shielding grilles, light leakage can be prevented even if it were to occur. Furthermore, by providing the column 12b, not only can light leakage be prevented, but the strength of the housing 12 can also be improved.

[0050] This structure allows for reliable prevention of ultraviolet light leakage to the outside without requiring a complex structure.

[0051] Furthermore, the width of column 12b is the same as the side portion 231b of the frame 23 of the light-shielding grille 21. Approximately twice While the specified width is given, it is not limited to this; any width is acceptable as long as it can close the gap 21S and does not obstruct the airflow. Furthermore, the light-shielding grille 21 is connected conclusion Except for structure 26, the components are formed from metal sheets of the same material, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturability.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and essence of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 21...light-shielding grille, 22...louver, 23...frame, 25...projection, 221...vertex, 224...virtual line, 234...engaging part.

Claims

1. In a light-shielding grille in which multiple louvers, each having a roughly V-shaped cross-section in the shorter direction, are arranged at regular intervals within the frame, The louvers have protrusions at their longitudinal ends that engage with the frame, The shortest distance between the apex of the V-shape of the louver and the imaginary straight line connecting the ends of the V-shape of the louver is, The distance between the aforementioned vertex and the vertex of the louver adjacent to the aforementioned louver is made smaller than the distance between the aforementioned vertex and the adjacent louver. A light-shielding grille having an engaging portion on the frame that engages with the protruding portion.

2. The louver has a first plate portion and a second plate portion, The light-shielding grille according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are provided at both longitudinal ends of the first plate portion and the second plate portion such that the distance from the vertex is equal to the protrusions.

3. A light-shielding grille according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing member, which is a cushioning material, is provided between the louvers and the frame.

4. The light-shielding grille according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame has a connecting mechanism consisting of a connecting hook portion and a connecting projection portion.

5. The housing comprises a light-shielding grille according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an ultraviolet lamp, A sterilization unit having an electrical components box provided on one side of the aforementioned housing.

6. The housing has an intake port and an outlet port, The sterilization unit according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the intake port and the outlet port is 200 mm or more.

7. At least one of the intake port and the outlet port, The sterilization unit according to claim 6, wherein the light-shielding grille is positioned substantially perpendicular to the airflow of the intake port and the outlet port.

8. The sterilization unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a plurality of light-shielding grilles are provided according to the size of the housing.

9. The sterilization unit according to claim 8, wherein a column is provided in the housing such that it overlaps with the adjacent frame of adjacent light-shielding grilles.

Images