How to install a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit

Abstract

To provide a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit capable of being transported with a frame inclined even when an air conditioner body is attached to a frame in a suspended state, and a construction method therefor.SOLUTION: The present invention is a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit comprising a ceiling-mounted air conditioner body, accessory parts connected to the air conditioner body, and a ceiling-mounted frame that holds the air conditioner body and the accessory parts integrally. A ceiling-mounted mounting part of the air conditioner body is attached to the frame, and has restriction means for restricting relative movement of the air conditioner body with respect to the frame when the frame is tilted together with the air conditioner body from a ceiling-mounted attitude. The air conditioner body has a coupler capable of connecting pipes without using tools.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ceiling-suspended air conditioner and an installation method for the ceiling-suspended air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various techniques have been proposed to facilitate the installation of concealed air conditioners installed above the ceiling (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5208841 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-207092 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-207095 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Concealed air conditioners installed in the ceiling are usually attached to a bar screw (sometimes called a "full screw") fixed to the structural material of the building, and are installed in a suspended state by the bar screw. Therefore, the mounting portion of commercially available concealed air conditioners is designed to be installed in this suspended state. Therefore, in order to facilitate installation of the air conditioner on site, for example, if the air conditioner main body and ancillary parts are integrated into a frame in a factory and then transported from the factory to a remote construction site by vehicle, etc., it is preferable to load the air conditioner main body onto the vehicle in a position that maintains it suspended from the frame in order to prevent malfunctions during transportation of the mounting portion of the air conditioner main body attached in a suspended state to the frame.

[0005] However, concealed air conditioners must be installed in the narrow ceiling space. Therefore, the frame is usually designed to have a horizontally elongated shape, with the horizontal dimension being longer than the vertical dimension, just like the air conditioner itself. Therefore, when this type of air conditioner unit and its accessories integrated into a frame is installed in a vehicle, the frame takes up floor space in the loading compartment, but the space above the loading compartment is left empty.

[0006] Therefore, for example, to efficiently transport an air conditioner by vehicle, the frame integrating the air conditioner body and ancillary components may be placed on the vehicle in a sideways position, i.e., tilted relative to the hanging direction of the air conditioner installed in the building, thereby making effective use of the space above the loading platform. Also, the frame may be temporarily tilted during transportation to pass through narrow spaces, etc. However, as mentioned above, tilting the frame integrating the air conditioner body and ancillary components may cause problems during transportation with the mounting portion of the air conditioner body suspended from the frame.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit and an installation method that can transport the frame in an inclined state, even when the air conditioning unit body is attached to the frame in a suspended state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a restricting means for restricting relative movement of the air conditioner body with respect to the frame when the frame and the air conditioner body are tilted together from the position in which the air conditioner body is suspended from the ceiling.

[0009] In detail, the present invention is a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit comprising a ceiling-mounted air conditioner main body, accessory parts connected to the air conditioner main body, and a ceiling-mounted frame that holds the air conditioner main body and accessory parts together, the ceiling-mounted mounting portion of the air conditioner main body is attached to the frame and has a restricting means for restricting relative movement of the air conditioner main body with respect to the frame when the frame is tilted together with the air conditioner main body from its position when suspended from the ceiling, and the air conditioner main body has a coupler that allows piping to be connected without the need for tools.

[0010] Here, the regulating means refers to a means for regulating the relative movement of the air conditioner body with respect to the frame, and is a concept that includes, for example, a form in which the movement of the air conditioner body is restricted by the member itself coming into contact with the air conditioner body, or a form in which the member for attaching the air conditioner body to the frame itself restricts the movement of the air conditioner body.

[0011] With the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit described above, even if the frame and the air conditioner body are tilted together from their suspended position, the relative movement of the air conditioner body with respect to the frame is restricted by the restricting means, preventing damage caused by the weight of the air conditioner body being applied to the vicinity of the air conditioner body's ceiling-mounting attachment points. This allows the frame with the air conditioner body attached in a suspended state to be transported in a tilted position from its suspended position. This also makes it easy to connect piping at the installation location of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit.

[0012] The accessory part may be a chamber to which a duct is connected, and may have a connecting part that allows the duct to be connected without tools. In this case, the connecting part may fit inside the frame. The connecting part may also have a flexible fitting part that fits with the end of the duct that is inserted into the opening. This makes it possible to easily connect the duct at the installation location of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. Furthermore, because the connecting part does not protrude from the frame, there is an extremely low possibility that the connecting part will be damaged during transportation of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit, making transportation easy.

[0013] The frame may also be provided with an auxiliary frame that supports the connection portion where the piping is connected, and the auxiliary frame may be provided with obstacle prevention means that prevents obstacles from being placed around the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit. This makes it possible to prevent obstacles from being placed in the work space required for maintenance of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit, for example.

[0014] The present invention can also be viewed from the perspective of an installation method. For example, the present invention may be an installation method for a ceiling-mounted air conditioner that can be installed in a building at a construction site, and may include an assembly process for assembling any of the above-mentioned ceiling-mounted air conditioning units outside the construction site, a transportation process for transporting the ceiling-mounted air conditioning units to the construction site, and an installation process for installing the ceiling-mounted air conditioning units transported to the construction site in a predetermined location on the building. Since the above-mentioned ceiling-mounted air conditioning units can be transported sideways, efficient installation can be achieved, for example, by transporting multiple ceiling-mounted air conditioning units together in a vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, in the transportation process, the frame and the air conditioner body may be mounted on a vehicle in a position tilted from the position of the air conditioner body when it is suspended from the ceiling, and the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit may be transported to the construction site. Since the above-mentioned ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit can be transported on its side, for example, by transporting multiple ceiling-suspended air conditioning units together on a vehicle, transportation efficiency can be improved.

[0016] In the transportation process, the frame and the air conditioner body are mounted on a cart in a tilted position relative to the position of the air conditioner body when suspended from the ceiling, and the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit is transported to the construction site. At the construction site, the frame and the side parts that can rotate relative to the bottom of the cart are tilted sideways. The ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit may be lowered from the cart in a state where it has been rotated in the forward direction. This makes it possible to easily lower the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit from the cart.

[0017] The frame may also be provided with a hanging section with insertion holes at positions corresponding to the hanging fittings hanging from the ceiling of the building, and the installation process may involve installing the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit with the hanging fittings hanging from the ceiling inserted into the insertion holes. In this way, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit can be installed by passing the hanging fittings through the insertion holes of the hanging section.

[0018] The above-mentioned installation method may further include a stacking step in which multiple ceiling-suspended air conditioning units are stacked on top of each other with temporary members attached to the frame, which can raise the air conditioner body and accessories above the floor on which the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units are placed. This allows the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units to be stacked even if the frames on the lower parts of the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units are omitted.

[0019] The present invention may also be, for example, an obstacle prevention device for use in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner body, comprising a cover that covers at least the upper side of a work space defined in the air conditioner body, and a fixing means for fixing the cover to a ceiling-mounted frame that integrally holds the air conditioner body and its accessories. This can prevent obstacles from being placed in the work space required for maintenance of the ceiling-mounted air conditioner unit, for example.

[0020] The present invention also provides a cart for transporting a ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit, which has a ceiling-suspended frame that holds the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit and its associated components together, and which includes a bottom section that can mount the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit in a tilted position relative to the position of the air conditioning unit when suspended from the ceiling, and side sections that laterally surround the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit mounted on the bottom section, and the side sections are connected to the bottom section so that they can rotate sideways together with the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit. This allows the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit to be easily removed from the cart.

[0021] The present invention also provides a temporary member that can be attached to a ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit in which a ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit main body and accessory parts connected to the air conditioning unit main body are integrally held by a ceiling-suspended frame, the temporary member comprising: a support portion that is attached to the frame and supports the frame; legs that extend downward from the support portion; and a base portion provided at the lower ends of the legs, the legs being long enough to raise the air conditioning unit main body above the floor when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit is placed on the floor. This allows ceiling-suspended air conditioning units without a lower frame to be stacked on top of each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] With the above-described ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit and installation method, even if the air conditioning unit body is attached to a frame in a suspended state, the frame can be transported in an inclined state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit as viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit as viewed from the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for mounting a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit on a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit loaded on the bed of a vehicle in a sideways position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit mounted on a cart. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the load generated in a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing components provided in the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the temporary fastening. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the temporarily fastened state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing the hanging portion from diagonally above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing the hanging portion from diagonally below. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of a gauge for positioning the lower end of a suspension bolt. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a gauge for positioning the lower end of a suspension bolt. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram explaining how to install a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit using a gauge. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which a support member is added. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows how the frame is disassembled. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a first modified example of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the state of the pipe connection work. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the state of the duct connection work. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram comparing the external dimensions of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units of the embodiment and the modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an obstacle prevention means provided on the auxiliary frame. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an obstacle. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a first diagram showing the state in which ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units are stacked. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a second diagram showing the state in which ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units are stacked. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows a modified example of the carriage. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how to use the cart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following aspects.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 as viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 as viewed from the side. FIG. 1 shows the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 suspended from the ceiling by a suspension bolt K. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the Z-axis direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined as the upward direction of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, and the direction along the XY plane defined by the X and Y axes is defined as the lateral direction of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. Furthermore, the suspension bolt K that suspends the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 from the ceiling of a building is typically provided with a sway brace F as shown in FIG. 1, but the sway brace provided on the suspension bolt K is not limited to this form. For example, the sway brace provided on the sway brace F may be a cross-type sway brace that intersects diagonally when viewed from above. Furthermore, the vibration stopper may be omitted, for example, when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is directly attached to the ceiling, when the hanging bolts K that suspend the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 are extremely short, or when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is rigidly connected to the ceiling with metal fittings that are stronger than the hanging bolts K. Furthermore, the vibration stopper is not limited to being attached to the top and bottom of the hanging bolts K, and may be, for example, one in which the top end is embedded in the ceiling and the bottom end is connected to the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is an air conditioning unit that is integrated by assembling an air conditioner main body 3, an air supply chamber 4, and a return air chamber 5 to a frame 2. The air supply chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5 are examples of "accessory parts" as referred to in this application. The "accessory parts" referred to here are all air conditioning-related parts used with the air conditioner main body 3, and include not only the air supply chamber 4 and the air return chamber 5, but also various other air conditioning-related parts such as various chambers, refrigerant piping, water piping, drain piping, drain pumps, dampers, intake and exhaust grilles, filters, and other air conditioning-related parts. The ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is installed in the narrow attic space between the floor that forms the floor surface of the upper floor or roof of a building and the decorative ceiling panel that forms the ceiling surface of the floor on which the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is installed. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 basically has an oblong external shape in which the horizontal dimension is longer than the vertical dimension.

[0027] Furthermore, when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is installed behind a ceiling panel, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is in a concealed state. However, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to being installed in such a concealed state. For example, when no decorative ceiling panel is installed on the ceiling, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is visible to people in the room.

[0028] In addition, the hanging bolt K may be threaded into a nut for supporting the hanging bolt embedded in the floor concrete that makes up the floor, but alternatively, it may be threaded into various components such as hangers attached to structural materials such as H-beams that make up the beams.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 has an air supply chamber 4 connected to the exhaust port side of the air conditioner main body 3, and a return air chamber 5 connected to the intake port side of the air conditioner main body 3. Therefore, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is configured so that the air conditioner main body 3 is located in the center of the frame 2, and the air conditioner main body 3 is sandwiched between the air supply chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5. The connecting parts between the air conditioner main body 3 and the air supply chamber 4, and the connecting parts between the return air chamber 5 and the air supply chamber 4, are loosely connected, allowing for some relative movement. In other words, one opening that fits into the other opening is made slightly smaller, and the gap between the openings is filled with a sealing material such as a flexible, airtight sponge packing, resulting in a loose connection structure that allows for some relative movement.

[0030] First, we will explain the air conditioner main body 3. The air conditioner main body 3 is a package unit that houses a coil through which a heat medium for temperature adjustment flows and an electric fan for blowing air inside a rectangular housing 31, and is also equipped with auxiliary equipment 32 and auxiliary piping 33 outside the housing 31. Examples of auxiliary equipment 32 include a valve that switches the flow path of the heat medium piping through which the heat medium flows to the coil, and a drain pump that drains the drain pan that receives water condensed on the coil.

[0031] The air conditioner main body 3 is supported by attaching a ceiling-hanging mounting portion 34 provided on the outer surface of the housing 31 to a hanging bracket 26 provided on the frame 2. The air conditioner main body 3 is a commercially available device intended to be used in a suspended state by a hanging bracket such as a hanging bolt K provided on a building, and therefore the ceiling-hanging mounting portion 34 is also designed to be attached to a hanging bracket such as a hanging bolt K. Therefore, in the ceiling-hanging air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment, the hanging bracket 26 provided on the frame 2 is designed to resemble such a hanging bracket, so that the air conditioner main body 3 is suspended within the frame 2. In addition, because the air conditioner main body 3 has a built-in electric fan, the ceiling-hanging mounting portion 34 is provided with vibration-isolating rubber 35 (an example of a "vibration-isolating member" as defined herein), and the vibration-isolating rubber 35 blocks vibrations transmitted from the air conditioner main body 3 to the frame 2. This minimizes the occurrence of abnormal noises caused by the frame 2 resonating with vibrations generated by the air conditioner main body 3. Such vibration-isolating rubber 35 is designed with a vibration-isolating allowable direction that allows movement for vibration isolation, so when the air conditioner is transported under load, it is desirable that the vibration-isolating allowable direction and the direction of the load (direction of gravity) are roughly aligned. Note that the means for isolating the vibration of the air conditioner main body 3 is not limited to the form in which the vibration-isolating rubber 35 is interposed between the frame 2 and the air conditioner main body 3. For example, the vibration-isolating rubber 35 may be interposed between the frame 2 and the air conditioner main body 3. A spring or rubber may be provided at the connection between the frame 2 and the hanging bolt K. However, in this case, the frame 2 will be able to move relative to the hanging bolt K, and the frame 2 itself will not have earthquake resistance. Therefore, from the perspective of ensuring the earthquake resistance of the entire ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1, in this embodiment, the connection between the frame 2 and the hanging bolt K is rigidly connected, making the frame 2 itself earthquake-resistant, and instead, vibration-proof rubber 35 is placed between the frame 2 and the air conditioner main body 3.

[0032] Next, the air supply chamber 4 will be described. The air supply chamber 4 is a chamber for diverting the conditioned air blown out from the air conditioner main body 3 to multiple air supply ducts installed throughout the building. Therefore, a rectangular housing 41 that forms the interior space of the chamber is provided with multiple connection openings 42 for connecting the air supply ducts. While six connection openings 42 are provided in the housing 41 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of connection openings 42 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the housing 41, the diameter of the connection openings 42, and other factors. Furthermore, the air supply chamber 4 is not limited to a configuration in which air supply ducts are connected to all six connection openings 42. The number of air supply ducts actually connected to the air supply chamber 4 depends on the number of air supply ducts installed where the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 is installed. Therefore, if the installation location of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 has two air supply ducts, for example, four of the six connecting openings 42 in the air supply chamber 4 will be used with their openings closed. Therefore, it is conceivable to omit the connecting openings 42 with their openings closed in advance and manufacture an air supply chamber 4 with only the required number of connecting openings 42 and incorporate it into the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. However, in this embodiment, we propose preparing multiple standardized ceiling-mounted air conditioning units 1 that can be applied to various installation locations in order to improve installation efficiency and shorten the manufacturing time for components. However, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 disclosed in this application is not limited to this type of configuration that can be applied to various locations. The ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 may also have an air supply chamber 4 with a number of connecting openings 42 corresponding to the installation location.

[0033] Next, we will explain the return air chamber 5. The return air chamber 5 is a chamber for joining air flowing from multiple return air ducts installed throughout the building. Therefore, like the supply air chamber 4, the return air chamber 5 is also provided with multiple connection openings for connecting the return air ducts. Like the supply air chamber 4, the return air chamber 5 also has a configuration provided with multiple connection openings so that it can be installed in a variety of locations, but the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 may also be provided with a return air chamber 5 with a number of connection openings corresponding to the installation location, as described above.

[0034] Unlike the air conditioner main body 3, the supply air chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5 do not incorporate driving units such as electric fans, and therefore do not generally generate vibrations. Therefore, in this embodiment, the supply air chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5 are attached to the frame 2 without any components that block vibration transmission, such as vibration-isolating rubber. However, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 may have the supply air chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5 attached to the frame 2 via vibration-isolating rubber. Furthermore, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 may have the supply air chamber 4 and the return air chamber 5 attached to the frame 2 by members with a hanging structure, similar to the air conditioner main body 3.

[0035] Thus, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, which integrates the air conditioner main body 3, the air supply chamber 4, and the return air chamber 5, is naturally heavier than each of the air conditioner main body 3, the air supply chamber 4, and the return air chamber 5 individually. Therefore, weight reduction is required so that it can be lifted by an indoor aerial work vehicle and installed near the ceiling of a building. Therefore, in the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment, the frame 2 is made of aluminum members. For this reason, even in the parts where the angle irons 21 that make up the frame 2 are fastened together, rib plates 22, By fastening the angle irons 21 with bolts 23, more sufficient strength is exerted than when the angle irons 21 are welded together. Also, in order to increase the strength near the ends of the frame 2, bar screws 25 are provided to fasten the ends of the angle irons 21 together at locations corresponding to the corners of the frame 2. Furthermore, among the fastening portions between the multiple angle irons 21 on the frame 2, one rib plate 23 is provided per location (locations marked with reference numeral 23) where a load is applied in a direction along the plate surface of the rib plate (plane direction), while two rib plates 22 are provided per location (locations marked with reference numeral 22) where a load is applied in a direction that bends the rib plate. Fastening the angle irons 21 together in a state where the angle irons 21 are sandwiched between the two rib plates 22 prevents the rib plates 22 from deforming or breaking due to the load. 1, the hanging portion 24 provided on the frame 2 for attaching to the hanging bolt K that hangs the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is provided midway on the angle iron 21 extending laterally, so when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is suspended by the hanging bolt K, the weight of the entire ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is applied to the end of the angle iron 21. Therefore, providing two rib plates 22 at such locations is effective in ensuring the strength of the frame 2.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for mounting a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 on a vehicle. As described above, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 has a horizontally elongated shape with its horizontal dimension longer than its vertical dimension in order to be installed in the narrow ceiling space between the floor and the ceiling panel. The air conditioner main body 3 is suspended within the frame 2 by a hanging bracket 26 attached to the frame 2. For this reason, when transporting a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 assembled in a factory to a construction site, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is typically stacked flat on the loading platform of a vehicle V without being turned over, as shown in FIG. 3(A). However, in this case, the space above the loading platform of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is not effectively utilized, and the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 cannot be transported efficiently. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(B), it is possible to load the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 on its side on the loading platform of a vehicle V. If the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is laid on its side and loaded onto the loading platform of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, the space above the loading platform of the vehicle V can be effectively utilized.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows an example of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 loaded on the bed of a vehicle V in a laid-down state. The ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, which is longer in the horizontal direction (along the XY plane) than in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), can be laid on its side and loaded on the bed of the vehicle V to effectively utilize the space above the bed of the vehicle V. When laying the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 on its side, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the auxiliary equipment 32 and auxiliary piping 33 protruding from the substantially rectangular frame 2 can be laid on its side with the unit positioned at the top, which prevents the auxiliary equipment 32 and auxiliary piping 33 from interfering with the floor or wall of the bed, making it easier to load the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 onto the bed. Furthermore, if the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is placed on a dolly such as the one shown below and loaded onto the bed of the vehicle V, loading and unloading into and from the vehicle V becomes even easier.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 placed on a cart D. The cart D has four wheels D2 on the underside of a flat base D1 on which the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 is placed. The cart D also has four auxiliary rods D3 that extend upward from the edge of the base D1. Therefore, after placing the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 on the base D1 of the cart D, a worker transporting the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 can move the wheels D2 smoothly by pushing the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 and the auxiliary rods D3 with their hands. Furthermore, since the auxiliary rod D3 is erected to surround the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, even if the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 mounted on the bed of the vehicle V while on the cart D shakes while the vehicle V is moving, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 will not shift position on the top surface of the base D1 and will not fall off the cart D.

[0039] However, when the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is transported on its side as described above, the following load occurs inside the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the load that occurs inside the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is laid on its side so that the X-axis direction faces downward, gravity acts in the X-axis direction on the frame 2, air conditioner main body 3, and air supply chamber 4 provided in the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. As described above, the air conditioner main body 3 is attached to the frame 2 while being suspended along the Z-axis direction by the hanging bracket 26. Therefore, when the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is laid on its side, there is a possibility that the air conditioner main body 3 will move relative to the frame 2 in a direction transverse to the hanging direction of the hanging bracket 26, i.e., in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6. If the air conditioner main body 3 moves relatively in a direction horizontal to the hanging direction of the hanging bracket 26, the hanging bracket 26 connecting the frame 2 and the air conditioner main body 3 may be deformed, or the vibration-proof rubber 35 between the ceiling-hanging mounting part 34 and the hanging bracket 26 may be damaged.

[0040] Therefore, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment has the following measures to prevent such problems. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the components provided on the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment has temporary fasteners 6 provided on the ceiling-suspended mounting portion 34. The frame 2 is also provided with support members 27 that limit the relative movement of the air conditioner body 3 with respect to the frame 2 to a predetermined range. Because the support members 27 limit the relative movement of the air conditioner body 3 with respect to the frame 2 to a predetermined range, the support members 27 do not come into contact with the frame 2 when the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is in a normal position. Therefore, if the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is turned on its side with the X-axis facing downward and the air conditioner body 3 moves in the X-axis direction under its own weight, the air conditioner body 3 will come into contact with the support members 27 provided on the frame 2, and the air conditioner body 3 will be supported from below by the support members 27. Furthermore, although the vibration-isolating rubber 35 is originally assembled on the assumption that a load will be applied in the direction along the Z axis, the temporary fasteners 6 restrict the relative movement between the hanging bracket 26 and the ceiling-hanging mounting part 34 so that a load in the X-axis direction of the air conditioner main body 3 is not applied to the frame 2. The temporary fasteners 6 are removed after the ceiling-hanging air conditioning unit 1 has been transported.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the temporary fastener 6. The temporary fastener 6 is a metal piece that is U-shaped in cross section and has a flat, rectangular top plate portion 61 and side wall portions 62 provided along each of the two long sides of the top plate portion 61. The top plate portion 61 has a cutout portion 63 that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hanging bracket 26. The temporary fastener 6 is a temporary fastener for transportation that is attached when transporting the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. Such a temporary fastener 6 is attached to the ceiling-mounting mounting portion 34 in the following state.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows the attached state of the temporary fastener 6. The temporary fastener 6 is pressed against the top surface of the top plate 61 by a nut threaded onto the hanging bracket 26. The lower ends of the two side wall portions 62 along the long sides of the top plate 61 press against the ceiling-suspended mounting portion 34 with the pressing force of the nuts pressing against the top surface of the top plate 61, preventing relative movement between the hanging bracket 26 and the ceiling-suspended mounting portion 34 due to deformation of the vibration-damping rubber 35. Furthermore, the pressing force applied by the side wall portions 62 of the temporary fastener 6 to the ceiling-suspended mounting portion 34 is in the same direction as the load direction assumed in the design of the vibration-damping rubber 35. Therefore, unless the nuts pressing against the top surface of the top plate 61 are excessively tightened, the pressing force is highly unlikely to damage the vibration-damping rubber 35.

[0043] As described above, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is provided with temporary fasteners 6 and support members 27, so even when the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is turned sideways to be placed on the loading platform of the vehicle V, the relative movement of the air conditioner body 3 with respect to the frame 2 is limited. For this reason, even when the air conditioner body 3 is attached in a suspended state to the frame 2, the hanging fittings 26, ceiling-mounting mounting parts 34, and vibration-isolating rubber 35 will not be damaged by the weight of the air conditioner body 3. Therefore, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 of this embodiment can be efficiently mounted in the limited space of the loading platform of the vehicle V. This makes it possible. Although FIG. 3(A) illustrates the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units 1 in a form that cannot be stacked, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units 1 of this embodiment are not limited to being non-stackable. The ceiling-suspended air conditioning units 1 of this embodiment may be stacked flat in multiple layers. Even if the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units 1 can be stacked in multiple layers, for example, when loading and unloading from a vehicle V or transporting within a building, the installation work is easier if the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units 1 can be tilted sideways as described above.

[0044] Incidentally, in the above embodiment, the air conditioner body 3 is suspended by the hanging bracket 26 provided on the frame 2, but the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to this configuration. The ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 may be configured, for example, such that the air conditioner body 3 is fixed to the frame 2 in a non-suspended state by a member that is thicker and stronger than the hanging bracket 26. In such a case, this member can restrict relative movement of the air conditioner body 3 with respect to the frame 2. Therefore, this member can be considered as a restricting means for restricting relative movement of the air conditioner body 3 with respect to the frame 2, in place of the temporary fasteners 6 and support members 27 described above.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary equipment 32 and the associated piping 33 protrude from the approximately rectangular frame 2, and therefore only one support member 27 is provided on the frame 2. However, if the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is to be able to be placed sideways in either an upward or downward X-axis direction, two or more support members 27 may be provided on the frame 2.

[0046] Furthermore, while the above embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is placed on its side on the loading platform of the vehicle V, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to being placed on the loading platform of the vehicle V in this position. If there is sufficient space in the loading platform of the vehicle V, it is of course possible to transport the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 in a flat-stacked state. However, even in this flat-stacked state, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 may sway or tilt during transport, so it is effective to provide a restricting means for restricting the relative movement of the air conditioner main body 3 with respect to the frame 2, as in the above embodiment.

[0047] The positional accuracy of the suspension bolts K installed in a building varies depending on the construction site. Therefore, in the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 of the above embodiment, the position of the suspension section 24 installed on the frame 2 can be finely adjusted so that the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 can be smoothly installed at the construction site even if the positional accuracy of the suspension bolts K is low. FIG. 10 is a view showing the suspension section 24 from diagonally above. FIG. 11 is a view showing the suspension section 24 from diagonally below. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the suspension section 24 is formed by an angle bar 24a having an insertion hole 24b and an adjustment hole 24c. The suspension bolt K is inserted into the insertion hole 24b. A high-strength bolt 24d is inserted into the adjustment hole 24c. High-strength bolts 24d are inserted into appropriate holes provided in angle iron 21 to enable fine position adjustment, and are then screwed into nuts 24e to fix angle iron 24a to an appropriate position on angle iron 21. Also, to allow for greater freedom in adjusting the position of hanging unit 24, adjustment holes 24c are elongated holes, as shown in FIG. 11. For this reason, high-strength bolts 24d and nuts 24e for fixing hanging unit 24 to angle iron 21 must firmly fix angle iron 24a to angle iron 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, high-strength bolts 24d, which simultaneously restrict rotation around the bolt axis, are used to fix angle iron 24a to angle iron 21.

[0048] When attaching the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 to the ceiling of a building, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is lifted up near the ceiling with the high-strength bolts 24d and nuts 24e loosened, and the hanging bolt K is inserted into the insertion hole 24b of the hanging part 24. Then, a nut is screwed onto the lower end of the hanging bolt K. The hanging portion 24 is fixed to the hanging bolt K by tightening the high-strength bolt 24d and the nut 24e, and the hanging portion 24 is fixed to the angle iron 21. When the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 is raised near the ceiling and the hanging bolt K is inserted into the insertion hole 24b, if the positional accuracy of the hanging bolt K is too low to insert the hanging bolt K into the insertion hole 24b, the position of the hole in the angle iron 21 through which the high-strength bolt 24d is inserted is changed as appropriate.

[0049] Because the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is equipped with the hanging part 24 that allows the position of the insertion hole 24b through which the hanging bolt K is inserted to be freely changed, even a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 assembled in a factory located far from the construction site can be smoothly installed at the construction site. However, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is not limited to a configuration equipped with such a hanging part 24. If the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is applied to a construction site where the positioning precision of the hanging bolt K is high, the hanging part 24 may be omitted and the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 may be installed by inserting the hanging bolt K into a hole provided in the angle iron 21.

[0050] In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned means of providing the hanging portion 24 on the frame 2, the following means can be used to smoothly attach the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 assembled in a factory to the hanging bolt K at the construction site.

[0051] FIG. 12 shows a first example of a gauge for positioning the lower ends of the hanging bolts K. The positions of the lower ends of the hanging bolts K are determined by attaching a steady rest F to the hanging bolts K. Therefore, when installing air conditioning equipment in which the positions of the holes for inserting the hanging bolts K are somewhat determined, such as the hanging portion 24 of the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 of the above embodiment, a gauge 7 is prepared in which positioning holes 72 for determining the relative positions of the lower ends of the hanging bolts K are provided at the four corners of the gauge body 71 made of plate material. By attaching the steady rest F to the hanging bolts K after aligning the lower ends of the hanging bolts K using this gauge 7, the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 can be smoothly assembled to the hanging bolts K. Furthermore, by providing a manhole 73 in the gauge 7, the steady rest F can be easily attached to the hanging bolts K after aligning the lower ends of the hanging bolts K using the gauge 7. Note that the gauge 7 is not limited to being made of plate material. 13 shows a second example of a gauge for positioning the lower end of a hanging bolt K. The gauge 7 may be formed, for example, from a gauge body 71 made by joining four angle bars into a rectangle. The following describes a method for installing a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 using the gauge 7.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method for installing a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 using a gauge 7. Using the gauge 7, the installation work can be performed in the following order. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14(A), with the sway braces F not yet attached to the hanging bolts K, worker M prepares the sway braces F and the gauge 7. Then, using the aerial work platform S, worker M approaches the ceiling T. Next, as shown in FIG. 14(B), worker M inserts the bottom ends of the hanging bolts K into the four positioning holes 72 provided in the gauge 7 and temporarily secures them with nuts or the like. Then, worker M extends his upper body above the gauge 7 through the manhole 73 in the gauge 7 and attaches the sway braces F to the hanging bolts K. Once the sway braces F are attached to the hanging bolts K, the bottom ends of the hanging bolts K are fixed in position by the sway braces F, so the bottom ends of the hanging bolts K remain in position even when the gauge 7 is removed. After the installation of the steady rest F is complete, as shown in Figure 14(C), remove the gauge 7 from the hanging bolt K and instead move the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 closer to the hanging bolt K. Then, attach the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K. This completes the installation of the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 as shown in Figure 14(D).

[0053] When attaching the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K without using the gauge 7, you must actually attach the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K before you can properly attach the lower end of the hanging bolt K to the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. It is not possible to align the suspension bracket F with the hanging portion 24 of the air conditioning unit 1. Therefore, the sway brace F cannot be attached to the hanging bolts K before the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 is attached to the hanging bolts K. Furthermore, when attaching the sway brace F to the hanging bolts K after the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 has been attached to the hanging bolts K, it is impossible to attach the sway brace F to the hanging bolts K by placing the upper half of the body in a position surrounded by the four hanging bolts K, as shown in FIG. 14(B). Therefore, the worker M must attach the sway brace F while gradually moving the aerial work platform S so as to circle around the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 attached to the hanging bolts K. This results in a long work time being required to attach the sway brace F. Furthermore, since the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 needs to be attached to the hanging bolt K whose lower end is not positioned by the gauge 7, when attaching the hanging bolt K to the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, adjustment work is required, such as lifting the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 near the ceiling using the aerial work platform S and then changing the position of the hanging part 24, and attaching the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K is not easy.

[0054] In this regard, the installation method shown in FIG. 14 , in which the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 is attached to the lower end of the hanging bolt K, which is positioned using a gauge 7 and fixed in position by a steady rest F, makes it extremely easy to both attach the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K and to attach the steady rest F to the hanging bolt K. Therefore, for example, at a construction site where multiple identical ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units 1 need to be installed, the steady rest F can be attached to the hanging bolt K in advance, even before the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units 1 arrive at the construction site. Then, once the manufacturing of the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units 1 is completed and they arrive at the construction site from the factory, the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units 1 can be attached to the hanging bolts K one after another. Furthermore, as described above, if the air supply chamber 4 and other components are configured to be commonly applicable at various locations, there is no risk of incorrectly attaching the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning units 1 to the hanging bolts K one after another.

[0055] Note that this type of installation method using the gauge 7 is not limited to installation of a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 in which the air conditioner main body 3, air supply chamber 4, and return air chamber 5 are integrated with the frame 2. This installation method using the gauge 7 can also be applied, for example, to cases in which various air conditioning devices such as the air conditioner main body 3 and air supply chamber 4 are attached individually to the hanging bolt K. The gauge 7 may also have an expandable function to accommodate various positional relationships, or may be provided with positioning holes 72 for multiple models to accommodate various types of ceiling-mounted air conditioning units 1. The gauge may also be used as a gauge when inserting anchor nuts into the ceiling during the fixing work performed to fix the hanging bolt K to the ceiling.

[0056] Incidentally, when adopting a configuration in which the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 manufactured in a factory is transported to a construction site by vehicle V for installation, as in the above embodiment, it is conceivable to transport the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 covered with a protective cover to prevent the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 from being exposed to wind, rain, and the like during transportation. In this case, the cover may be removed from the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 when attaching the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 to the suspension bolts K, but the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 may also be attached to the suspension bolts K with the cover still attached. At the construction site where the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 is to be installed, in addition to air conditioning equipment construction such as installing the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1, there may also be work such as spraying various materials for soundproofing and heat insulation, or scattering of dust due to interior finishing and various machining work. Therefore, in order to protect the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 from such flying debris, it is reasonable to attach the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 covered with a cover as it is to the hanging bolt K. Various types of covers can be considered for covering the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1, but for example, if a vinyl cover is used, the lower end of the hanging bolt K can break through the vinyl cover when attaching the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 to the hanging bolt K, and the cover can also be easily removed and disposed of. is.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, support member 27 was exemplified as a member supporting the air conditioner main body 3 from the side, but other support members may also be provided. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an additional support member. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, support member 28 may be added to the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1. Support member 28 is a substantially L-shaped metal fitting, one end of which is fixed with a bolt to angle member 21 of frame 2, and the other end is positioned so as to face the side of the air conditioner main body 3. If such support member 28 is added, when the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is turned on its side, the side of the air conditioner main body 3 is supported at two points by support members 27 and 28, thereby minimizing damage to the suspended portion.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is attached to the ceiling T, the frame 2 of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 may be dismantled. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the dismantling of the frame 2. After the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 of the above embodiment is fixed to the suspension bolts K, the lower portions (lower frame) of the angle irons 21 and other components that make up the frame 2 and that are not involved in supporting the air conditioner main body 3, supply air chamber 4, or return air chamber 5 may be removed as shown in FIG. 16. This allows the angle irons 21 and other components in the removed portions to be effectively used for other purposes.

[0059] The ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 of the above embodiment may also be modified as follows. Figure 17 shows a first modified example of the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1. In this first modified example of the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1, a duct connection part 101 is provided in place of the connection opening 42 provided in the air supply chamber 4. Also, an auxiliary frame 103 is added to the frame 2 to support a hot and cold water piping connection part 102 attached to the air conditioner main body 3.

[0060] The duct connector 101 barely protrudes from the outer surface of the air supply chamber 4. The chilled / hot water pipe connector 102 is a section for connecting the chilled / hot water pipes that pass through the coils provided inside the air conditioner main body 3. It is composed of a pipe connector coupler that allows one-touch connection without the need for pipes, solenoid valves, or tools. The pipes are appropriately provided with thermal insulation. Because the chilled / hot water pipe connector 102 protrudes from the housing of the air conditioner main body 3, the base of the chilled / hot water pipe connector 102 may be damaged if various external forces, such as the weight of the pipes, are applied to the chilled / hot water pipe connector 102. Therefore, when such a chilled / hot water pipe connector 102 is provided in the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, it is preferable to provide an auxiliary frame 103 on the frame 2 to support the chilled / hot water pipe connector 102. The auxiliary frame 103 is formed from angle irons 104 similar to the angle irons 21 of the frame 2, bolts, nuts, and various other structural members.

[0061] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the process of connecting pipes. As described above, the chilled / hot water pipe connection portion 102 is equipped with a coupler for connecting pipes. Therefore, if the pipe 105 has a coupler (female side) at its end that matches the coupler (male side) provided on the chilled / hot water pipe connection portion 102, the pipe 105 can be connected to the chilled / hot water pipe connection portion 102 by hand without using any tools. This makes it extremely easy to connect the pipe 105 to the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 that is suspended from the ceiling of a building by the suspension bolts K. This allows the work to proceed extremely smoothly even in high places or in narrow spaces.

[0062] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the duct connection work. The duct connection part 101 is not a cylindrical body that protrudes from the outer surface of the air supply chamber 4 like the connection opening 42 exemplified in the above embodiment. In other words, the duct connection part 101 hardly protrudes from the outer surface of the air supply chamber 4, so a dedicated duct is connected to the duct connection part 101. The duct connection part 101 has an opening 101A that forms a ventilation path, and a fitting part 101B and a packing 101C that form the edge of the opening 101A. The fitting part 101B is made of a flexible material that easily engages with the duct 106. The packing 101C is made of a flexible resin that is flexible and airtight, and protrudes further toward the center of the opening than the fitting portion 101B.

[0063] The duct 106 is provided with a heat insulating material 106A that keeps the duct warm, and a fitting portion 106B that forms the end of the duct. The fitting portion 106B is also provided with a rib 106C. The fitting portion 106B is an annular body having an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the opening 101A of the duct connecting portion 101, and can be fitted into the opening 101A. The outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 106B is raised so as to engage with the fitting portion 101B. The rib 106C protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 106B bites into the flexible fitting portion 101B, firmly fixing the duct 106 to the duct connecting portion 101. Furthermore, since the packing 101C for ensuring airtightness protrudes further toward the center of the opening than the fitting portion 101B, the force of the packing 101C adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion 106B also keeps the duct 106 connected to the duct connecting portion 101 fixed.

[0064] Because the air supply chamber 4 is provided with this type of duct connection part 101, it is possible to connect the duct 106 to the duct connection part 101 simply by manually pushing the fitting part 106B into the opening 101A without using any tools. This makes it extremely easy to connect the duct 106 to the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 that is suspended from the ceiling of a building by the suspension bolts K. This means that the work can be carried out extremely smoothly even in high places or in narrow spaces.

[0065] Furthermore, because the air supply chamber 4 is provided with the duct connector 101, the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 can be made smaller than when the connecting opening 42 is provided. Figure 20 compares the external dimensions of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 of the above embodiment and this modified example. Compared to the connecting opening 42, the duct connector 101 hardly protrudes from the outer surface of the air supply chamber 4. Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 20, the external dimensions of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 of the modified example can be made smaller by a distance L1 than the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 of the embodiment. The protrusion of the connecting opening 42 is the length of a typical duct connection (approximately 5 to 15 cm), so the distance L1 roughly corresponds to this length. Therefore, the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 of this modified example, which uses the duct connector 101 instead of the connecting opening 42, facilitates on-site transportation and installation. Furthermore, the risk of damage, such as deformation of the connecting opening 42 due to contact with an object, can be minimized. Therefore, this modified example using the duct connecting portion 101 is extremely easy to install.

[0066] The auxiliary frame 103 can also be used to prevent objects that may hinder maintenance of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 from being accidentally installed around the ceiling where the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is installed. FIG. 21 shows an example of an obstacle prevention means provided on the auxiliary frame 103. For example, the auxiliary frame 103 can be provided with an obstacle prevention means such as a plate-shaped member like an obstacle prevention cover 107 or a box. The obstacle prevention cover 107 may be completely fixed to the auxiliary frame 103 with fixing means such as bolts, or may be movably fixed with fixing means having a movable part such as a hinge, or may be provided in a detachable state. In this case, the obstacle prevention cover 107 corresponds to the "cover" as defined herein, and the integrated unit of the obstacle prevention cover 107 and the fixing means for fixing the obstacle prevention cover 107 to the auxiliary frame 103 corresponds to the "obstacle prevention device" as defined herein. If the obstacle prevention cover 107 is detachable or movable by a hinge or the like, the obstacle prevention cover 107 can be prevented from getting in the way of transporting the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1.

[0067] Usually, the air conditioner main body 3 has a filter to prevent the coils and other components from getting dirty due to floating particles in the air. A filter is built into the air conditioner body 3. The filter requires periodic maintenance, such as replacement. For this reason, the air conditioner body 3 is provided with a filter replacement opening 108 for inserting and removing the filter, as shown in FIG. 21(A), for example. In a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, when the filter replacement opening 108 is provided on the side of the housing of the air conditioner body 3, as in the air conditioner body 3 shown in FIG. 21(A), filter replacement work is usually performed through an inspection hatch provided in the ceiling panel that forms the ceiling of the room. Then, as shown in FIG. 21(B), the filter 109 is pulled out through the filter replacement opening 108. Then, as shown in FIG. 21(C), the filter 109 is removed from the air conditioner body 3. Then, when the replacement work is completed, the inspection opening is closed, and the area around the filter replacement opening 108 is hidden by the ceiling panel.

[0068] In addition to the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1, various other devices, such as lighting fixtures, communication devices, and other equipment, are installed in the ceiling space formed by the ceiling panels and hidden from the occupants of the room. The devices installed in the ceiling space are generally suspended by suspension bolts or the like suspended from the ceiling slab. Therefore, by providing an obstacle prevention means, such as the obstacle prevention cover 107, that prevents interference with the installation of the suspension bolts suspended from the ceiling slab, so as to cover at least from above the vicinity of the filter replacement port 108 and other locations where work space must be secured during maintenance work on the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1, it is possible to prevent such various devices from being installed in locations that will interfere with maintenance work on the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1.

[0069] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of an obstacle. Without the obstacle prevention cover 107, for example, a structure such as the obstacle 110 may be installed near the filter replacement opening 108. A contractor installing various devices in the attic may not be aware that the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 requires a work space for maintenance, and may install the obstacle 110. In this regard, if the obstacle prevention cover 107 is installed near the filter replacement opening 108 to prevent the installation of the obstacle 110, the obstacle prevention cover 107 will prevent the suspension bolt for installing the obstacle 110 from being hung from the ceiling slab, thereby minimizing the possibility of the obstacle 110 being installed erroneously.

[0070] Next, a modified example of the method for transporting the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit 1 will be explained.

[0071] FIG. 23 is the first diagram showing the state of stacking ceiling-mounted air conditioning units 1. As explained using FIG. 16, the lower portion (lower frame) of the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, which is not involved in supporting the air conditioner main body 3, supply air chamber 4, or return air chamber 5, can be removed. Therefore, depending on the transportation method, installation method, and equipment size, it is possible to prepare a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 without the lower frame. If the lower frame is provided, as shown in FIG. 23(A), there is no problem with stacking ceiling-mounted air conditioning units 1. However, if the lower frame is omitted, as shown in FIG. 23(B), stacking ceiling-mounted air conditioning units 1 results in the air conditioner main body 3, supply air chamber 4, and return air chamber 5, which are suspended from the frame 2, resting directly on the lower ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1, which could cause the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 to tilt or damage the air conditioner main body 3, etc.

[0072] Therefore, when the lower frame of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is omitted, for example, by providing the following temporary member, the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 can be stacked. Fig. 24 is a second diagram showing the state of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 stacked on top of each other. When stacking ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 without the lower frame, a temporary joint 111 (an example of the "temporary member" in this application) that can be fixed to the frame 2 is prepared. As shown in Fig. 24(A), the temporary joint 111 is attached to the frame 2 and holds the frame 2 from the bottom. The ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is a generally U-shaped member formed by a support portion 111A supporting the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 from the ceiling, legs 111B extending downward from the support portion 111A, and a bottom portion 111C extending laterally from the lower end of the legs 111B. The support portion 111A is fixed to the frame 2 using bolts and nuts. For example, by attaching such members to the left and right ends of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 as shown in FIG. 24(B), the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 has legs that allow the air conditioner main body 3 and other components to be raised above the floor or other surface on which the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 is placed. Therefore, ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 equipped with temporary joints 111 can be stacked as shown in FIG. 24(C), even if the lower frame is omitted.

[0073] FIG. 25 shows a modified example of dolly D. The ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 can also be transported by a dolly 112 as shown in FIG. 25, for example. The dolly 112 includes a bottom 112A that forms the bottom of the dolly 112, side parts 112B that laterally surround the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1, hinges 112C that connect the side parts 112B to the bottom part 112A so that they can rotate in a lateral direction, and wheels 112D that are provided on the underside of the bottom part 112A. In FIG. 25, the dolly 112 is shown as being made of a plate-shaped member, but it may also be made of a rod-shaped member such as an angle bar. Because the side parts 112B that laterally support the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning unit 1 can rotate in a lateral direction relative to the bottom part 112A, the dolly 112 can be transported in the following manner, for example.

[0074] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing how to use the cart 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 26(A), the cart 112 can carry multiple ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1. The side portions 112B, which support the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 from the sides, can rotate in a direction that allows them to lie sideways relative to the bottom portion 112A. Therefore, for example, at a factory where the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 are manufactured, the cart 112 carrying the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 can be transported to the vicinity of the installation location of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 using a transportation truck or a temporary or permanent elevator at a construction site, and then the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 can be removed from the cart 112 as follows. Specifically, the cart 112 carrying the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 is transported to the vicinity of the installation location of the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1, and then the side portions 112B and the ceiling-suspended air-conditioning units 1 are positioned sideways, as shown in FIG. 26(B). When loading the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 onto the cart 112, if the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 is loaded so that it is positioned correctly up and down when it is laid on its side together with the side 112B, the top surface of the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 will be facing upward in the state shown in Figure 26(B). Therefore, the worker can easily install the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 on the ceiling by simply lifting the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 up to the ceiling and fixing it to the hanging bolts K, or by lifting the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit 1 on the side 112B directly up to the ceiling using an elevator or the like with a fork-shaped lifting section.

[0075] As described above, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 can be modified into various forms as appropriate. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate. Compared to the case where the air conditioner main body 3, the supply air chamber 4, and the return air chamber 5 are carried separately to the construction site and assembled, the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 allows on-site work to be completed in an extremely short time, significantly shortening the construction period at the construction site. Furthermore, because the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1 can be assembled in a factory, efficient assembly can be achieved in an environment suitable for assembling the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 1. Therefore, the overall man-hours can be reduced compared to the case where the air conditioner main body 3, the supply air chamber 4, and the return air chamber 5 are carried separately to the construction site and assembled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] K·· Hanging bolt T··Ceiling F··Steady Rest V··Vehicle S··Aerial Work Platform M··Worker D··Cart 1. Ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit 2 Frames 3. Air conditioner unit 4. Air supply chamber 5. Return air chamber 6. Temporary fastening 7 Gauge 21. Angle iron 22 Rib plate 23 Rib plate 24 Hanging part 24a··Angle iron 24b Insertion hole 24c...adjustment hole 24d high strength bolt 24e··nut 25··Bar screw 26··Hanging bracket 27, 28 Support member 31··Case 32. Auxiliary equipment 33. Auxiliary piping 34··Ceiling mounting part 35 Anti-vibration rubber 41··Case 42... Connection opening 51··Case 61··Top plate 62 Side wall 63 Notch 71 Gauge Body 72 Positioning hole 73·human hole D1··Pedestal D2·Wheel D3 Auxiliary rod 101 Duct connection part 102 Cold and hot water piping connection 103 Auxiliary frame 104··Angle iron 105 Piping 106··Duct 101A...Aperture 101B...Mating part 101C··Packing 106A··Insulation material 106B...Mating part 106C··Rib 107··Obstacle prevention cover 108··Filter replacement port 109··Filter 110 Obstacles 111··Temporary joint 111A...Support part 111B · Legs 111C...Bottom 112··Cart 112A...Bottom 112B··Side 112C··Hinge 112D·Wheel

Claims

1. A ceiling-mounted air conditioner body, A chamber connected to the ceiling-suspended air conditioner body; a ceiling-hanging frame that integrally holds the ceiling-hanging air-conditioning unit body and the chamber; The frame is The ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit has two upper first frame members that extend along the direction in which the ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit body and the chamber are aligned and form portions corresponding to a pair of sides of the upper surface of the rectangular parallelepiped, and an upper second frame member that extends from the upper first frame members in a direction laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the upper first frame members and connects the two upper first frame members together. A method for installing a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit, comprising: In an assembly factory for the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units are stacked by connecting them with temporary members attached to the upper first frame members of each ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit; Transporting the plurality of ceiling-suspended air conditioning units connected by the temporary members in a stacked state to a building at a construction site where the ceiling-suspended air conditioning units are to be installed; At the construction site, the ceiling-suspended air conditioning unit with the temporary members removed from the upper first frame member is attached to a predetermined location in the building. How to install a ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit.

2. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner body and the chamber are each attached to the frame. A method for installing the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit according to claim 1.

3. The ceiling-mounted air conditioner body is attached to the frame via a hanging bracket. A method for installing the ceiling-mounted air conditioning unit according to claim 1 or 2.

Images