air conditioning equipment

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner having a new configuration capable of inhibiting moisture adhered to an indoor heat exchanger from adhering to an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit is disposed at a position different from a lower side in the vertical direction relative to the indoor heat exchanger, and emits ultraviolet rays toward the indoor heat exchanger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, air conditioners are known that irradiate the interior of an indoor unit with ultraviolet rays using an ultraviolet irradiation unit in order to suppress the growth of fungi such as mold in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 198398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of air conditioner, moisture may adhere to the indoor heat exchanger, and it is undesirable for such moisture to adhere to the ultraviolet irradiation unit.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an air conditioner with a novel configuration that can prevent moisture adhering to the indoor heat exchanger from adhering to the ultraviolet irradiation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is The housing and The indoor heat exchanger includes an indoor heat exchanger, an ultraviolet irradiation unit, and a charging unit. The aforementionedThe ultraviolet irradiation unit is provided within a housing. The ultraviolet irradiation unit irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the housing. The charging unit charges dust in the air. In an operation mode including a step of charging the dust contained in the air by the charging unit, the ultraviolet irradiation unit can irradiate ultraviolet rays, and whether or not to irradiate ultraviolet rays in the operation mode can be set by a user. The housing houses the indoor heat exchanger, which has a front heat exchanger and a rear heat exchanger located rearward of the front heat exchanger in the fore-and-aft direction of the housing, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit is positioned vertically above the rear heat exchanger.

[0007] In the air conditioning apparatus, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit At a position different from the vertically lower side of the indoor heat exchanger, The heat exchanger is disposed above and overlaps at least a portion of the indoor heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

[0008] The air conditioning device, for example, The aforementioned The air conditioner includes a housing and a filter. The housing is provided with an air inlet for drawing in air, an air outlet for blowing out the air, and an air passage extending from the air inlet to the air outlet. The filter filters the air from the air inlet. The indoor heat exchanger is disposed in the air passage. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed downstream of the filter in the air passage in the direction of air flow.

[0009] The air conditioning device, for example, The aforementioned The air conditioner includes a housing that houses the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger has a front heat exchanger and a rear heat exchanger that is located rearward of the front heat exchanger in the front-to-rear direction of the housing. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed vertically above the rear heat exchanger.

[0010] the air conditioning device in For example, ,before The charging unit is disposed in front of the front heat exchanger in the housing in the front-rear direction. can .

[0011] In the air conditioner, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed opposite an end of the indoor heat exchanger in the width direction of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0012] In the air conditioner, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed opposite a central portion of the indoor heat exchanger in the width direction of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0013] In the air conditioner, for example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is movable in the width direction of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0014] According to the air conditioner described above, moisture adhering to the indoor heat exchanger can be prevented from adhering to the ultraviolet irradiation unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment, and is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where the vertical air direction vanes are in a closed state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment, and is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where the vertical air direction vanes are in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in an embodiment, and is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a case where a ventilation member is in an open state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative schematic plan view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components according to the embodiment and descriptions of the components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, the components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0017] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. Furthermore, in this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish between parts, members, locations, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic block diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to an embodiment, which is composed of an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The air conditioning apparatus 1 has an operation terminal 94a, an indoor unit 10, and an outdoor unit 100. The indoor unit 10 is placed indoors, and the outdoor unit 100 is placed outdoors. The operation terminal 94a receives operation instructions from a living CR present in the room, and transmits commands to the indoor unit 10 in accordance with the received operation instructions. The living CR is, for example, a human being, a pet, etc. The operation terminal 94a is, for example, a remote controller. The operation terminal 94a may also be a smartphone or the like that runs on a dedicated application.

[0020] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a radar 2, and detects a detection target present in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. In this embodiment, the detection target particularly includes a living body CR, as well as furniture (chairs, sofas, beds, etc.) and walls that can be used by the living body CR. In other words, the radar 2 can also detect the size (room) and volume of the room in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. The living body CR is a human being, a pet, etc. The radar 2 is an example of a living body sensor. Note that the living body sensor is not limited to the radar 2.

[0021] In this embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1 (indoor unit 10) acquires information on living organisms CR among the detection targets detected by the radar 2, and determines a control mode to provide wind (conditioned air) suitable for the living organisms CR present in the room. For example, based on the detection results of the radar 2, the control unit of the indoor unit 10 (the indoor unit control unit 80 described below) can regard (determine) the detection target as a "living organism CR" if the detection target moves. When the detection target enters the room, the indoor unit 10 (radar 2) recognizes the detection target as a living organism CR upon detecting the entry motion, and reflects this in the control of the indoor unit 10. Furthermore, even if the detection target does not move within the room (the detection position does not change), if the detection target moves, for example, if the detection target detects the movement of the detection target or the behavior of part of the detection target, the indoor unit 10 (radar 2) recognizes the detection target as a living organism CR and reflects this in the control of the indoor unit 10. On the other hand, the indoor unit 10 (radar 2) considers objects that remain continuously stationary (for example, furniture, walls, etc.) to be non-living objects, and excludes them from the objects that are reflected in the control of the indoor unit 10. Note that the determination of whether or not a CR is a living object is not limited to this, and the shape or pulsation of the detection object may also be detected. In addition, other sensors, for example, an infrared sensor, may be provided, and the determination of whether or not a CR is a living object may be made based on the detection results of this sensor.

[0022] In addition to the radar 2, the indoor unit 10 has an indoor unit control unit 80, up / down airflow direction vanes 25, left / right airflow direction vanes 29, and a room temperature sensor 3. The room temperature sensor 3 detects, for example, the temperature of the air near the air inlet 32 of the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 80 controls each unit so that the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 3 becomes the set temperature. The indoor unit control unit 80 performs air conditioning processing in response to commands received from the operation terminal 94a, and also performs control in response to the biological CR detected using the radar 2. The indoor unit 10 has a "radar control mode," which is essentially automatic control based on the detection results by the radar 2, and a "normal control mode," in which the user controls (sets) the indoor unit 10 using the operation terminal 94a without using the radar 2.

[0023] In the "radar control mode," the radar 2 continuously or intermittently detects the position of a detection target (living organism CR) indoors under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. The indoor unit control unit 80 tracks the position of the detected living organism CR and controls the up / down air deflectors 25, left / right air deflectors 29, ventilation members 26, etc. to blow air toward the living organism CR or, conversely, toward a position that avoids the living organism CR. The indoor unit control unit 80 controls the direction of the air (conditioned air) blown out from the indoor unit 10 by controlling the operation of the up / down air deflectors 25 and left / right air deflectors 29.

[0024] This allows the way in which conditioned air is blown out from the indoor unit 10 to be dynamically changed according to the movement of the living organism CR present within the detection area, thereby dynamically improving the comfort of the living organism CR present in the room.

[0025] Specifically, the indoor unit 10 performs air conditioning processing on air drawn in from the room through an air inlet, and blows the conditioned air that has undergone the air conditioning processing into the room. Air conditioning processing includes, for example, heat absorption processing (cooling), heating processing (heating), dehumidification processing, humidification processing, air blowing processing, air cleaning processing, etc. The heat absorption processing, heating processing, dehumidification processing, humidification processing, air blowing processing, and air cleaning processing correspond to the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, air blowing processing, and air cleaning operation mode, which are the operation modes (main operation modes) of the air conditioner 1, respectively. In addition, the air conditioner 1 (indoor unit 10) can also perform other operation modes such as cleaning mode (Corresponding to the operation mode in this invention) It has.

[0026] The main operation mode can be combined with the control modes (radar control mode, normal control mode) as appropriate. In the radar control mode, the air conditioning apparatus 1 (indoor unit 10) can be in any of the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, fan operation mode, and air purification operation mode. In the radar control mode, the operation modes that can be combined are not limited to those mentioned above, and other operation modes can also be combined. The same applies to the normal control mode.

[0027] In the air conditioning process, the humidification process may be omitted. In this case, the humidification operation mode may be omitted as an operation mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0028] The indoor unit 10 has an auxiliary operation mode in which, when blowing out conditioned air, winds of two different flow speeds are mixed to generate turbulence that diffuses over a wide area, making the released wind an overall gentle wind flow (so-called windless (registered trademark) wind). The auxiliary operation mode can be combined as appropriate with the control modes (radar control mode, normal control mode), and can also be combined as appropriate with the main operation mode.

[0029] The indoor unit 10 may have an automatic operation mode as an operation mode. The indoor unit 10 detects the temperature of the room and the walls using the room temperature sensor 3. In the automatic operation mode, the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit control unit 80) may operate in the heating operation mode if the detected temperature is higher than the set temperature, and may operate in the heating operation mode if the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature.

[0030] Air purification processes are performed using, for example, an ion emission method that releases ions into the air, an ultraviolet irradiation method that irradiates the interior of the indoor unit 10 with ultraviolet light to sterilize it, and a dust collection method that collects dust when indoor air is drawn into the indoor unit 10. Dust collection methods include, for example, a filter dust collection method and an electrostatic precipitator method. In a filter dust collection method, air is passed through a fine filter such as a HEPA filter to filter out and remove contaminants such as dust from the air. In an electrostatic precipitator method, contaminants such as dust contained in the drawn air are charged by high-voltage discharge and then adsorbed onto a dust collection unit (e.g., a heat exchanger 22 or a filter that is charged to the opposite polarity (or grounded)). The contaminants adsorbed to the heat exchanger 22 can be automatically discharged outdoors, for example, when condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger is discharged.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 10 includes a radar 2, an indoor unit control unit 80, a room temperature sensor 3, an air purification unit 4, a UV unit 5, a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, a filter 24, up / down airflow direction vanes 25, left / right airflow direction vanes 29, ventilation members 26, a receiving device 94, etc. The indoor unit control unit 80 constitutes a control unit 200 together with an outdoor unit control unit 180 of the outdoor unit 100. The indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be integrated. Alternatively, both the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180 may be provided in the indoor unit 10 or the outdoor unit 100.

[0032] The heat exchanger 22 is included in a refrigerant circuit 201 through which a refrigerant flows. The indoor unit 10 also includes a first control circuit 81, a second control circuit 82, a third control circuit 83, a fan motor 84, an up / down airflow direction flap motor 85, a left / right airflow direction flap motor 86, a switching motor 87, and the like, all of which are controlled by an indoor unit control unit 80. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which an air purification unit 4 that performs an electrostatic precipitator method as an air purification process is controlled by the indoor unit control unit 80. The air purification unit 4 is an example of a charging unit. The UV unit 5 is an example of an ultraviolet irradiation unit. The heat exchanger 22 is an example of an indoor heat exchanger. The air purification unit 4 is also called an air purification device or a charging device, and the UV unit 5 is also called an ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0033] The outdoor unit 100 also includes a heat exchanger 122, a fan 123, a four-way valve 124, a compressor 125, an outdoor unit control unit 180, a fourth drive circuit 181, a fifth drive circuit 182, a sixth drive circuit 183, a fan motor 184, a valve switching motor 185, a compressor motor 186, etc.

[0034] In the indoor unit 10, the fan 23 is disposed near the heat exchanger 22. The fan 23 guides air drawn in from the room through the air inlet of the indoor unit 10 to the heat exchanger 22, and also guides the conditioned air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 to the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit control unit 80 drives the fan motor 84 using a first control circuit 81 to rotate the fan 23 around its rotation axis. The indoor unit control unit 80 is capable of changing the rotation speed of the fan 23.

[0035] The heat exchanger 22 has, for example, a flow path connected to a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of fins, and exchanges heat between the air drawn from inside the room and the refrigerant passing through the flow path.

[0036] In the outdoor unit 100, the fan 123 is disposed near the heat exchanger 122. The fan 123 rotates in accordance with control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. As a result, the fan 123 draws in outside air and guides it to the heat exchanger 122, and also discharges the outside air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 122 to the outside of the outdoor unit 100. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the fan motor 184 using a fourth drive circuit 181, causing the fan 123 to rotate around its rotation axis. The indoor unit control unit 80 can change the rotation speed of the fan 123 via the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0037] The heat exchanger 122 has, for example, a flow path connected to a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of fins, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant passing through the flow path and the outside air.

[0038] The four-way valve 124 is included in the refrigerant circuit 201. The four-way valve 124 can switch the refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant circuit 201 between the cooling side and the heating side in accordance with control by the outdoor unit control unit 180. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives a valve switching motor 185 with a fifth drive circuit 182, and can switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side. The indoor unit control unit 80 can switch the four-way valve 124 between the cooling side and the heating side via the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0039] The compressor 125 is included in the refrigerant circuit 201. The compressor 125 compresses and sends out the refrigerant by the outdoor unit control unit 180 under the control of the indoor unit control unit 80. The outdoor unit control unit 180 drives the compressor motor 186 using a sixth drive circuit 183, causing the compressor 125 to perform a cyclic operation of compressing the refrigerant. The indoor unit control unit 80 can change the number of cycles of the compressor 125 (the number of compression cycles performed per unit time) via the outdoor unit control unit 180.

[0040] For example, in the air conditioning apparatus 1, the control unit 200 (the indoor unit control unit 80 and the outdoor unit control unit 180) switches the four-way valve 124 to the cooling side in the cooling operation mode. Then, a heat absorption process is performed in the heat exchanger 22, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air, and the conditioned air with the absorbed heat is blown into the room. Then, a heat release process is performed in the heat exchanger 122, causing the heat absorbed by the refrigerant to be released into the outside air.

[0041] Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 switches the four-way valve 124 to the heating side in the heating operation mode by the control unit 200 (indoor unit control unit 80 and outdoor unit control unit 180). Then, heat exchanger 122 performs a heat absorption process, causing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air. Then, heat exchanger 22 performs a heating process, heating the indoor air with the heat absorbed by the refrigerant, and blowing the heated conditioned air into the room.

[0042] The vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 each set (adjust) the direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. Airflow direction refers to the direction of the wind. In this specification, the indoor unit control unit 80 directly controls the direction of the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29, but the direction of the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 is treated as roughly matching the direction of the wind immediately after it is blown out of the air outlet of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 can set (adjust) the wind direction by their orientation, and the indoor unit control unit 80 can control the wind direction by controlling the orientation of the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29. Note that the orientation of the vertical airflow direction vanes 25 and the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 can each be controlled individually. This allows air to be blown out in one direction from the entire air outlet of the indoor unit 10, and also allows two or more air streams with different directions to be blown out from two or more areas of the air outlet of the indoor unit 10 partitioned by upper and lower air direction vanes 25, left and right air direction vanes 29, etc.

[0043] The vertical air deflectors 25 can be switched between a closed position and an open position. When switched to the closed position, the vertical air deflectors 25 close the air outlet. When switched to the open position, the vertical air deflectors 25 open the air outlet. When the air outlet is opened by the operation of the vertical air deflectors 25, the vertical air deflectors 25 and the left and right air deflectors 29 set (adjust) the direction of the conditioned air blown into the room. The vertical air deflectors 25 set (adjust) the direction of the conditioned air in the vertical direction. The left and right air deflectors 29 set (adjust) the direction of the conditioned air in the left and right direction.

[0044] The structure of the indoor unit 10 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 10.

[0045] As described above, the indoor unit 10 has a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, a filter 24, a plurality of vertical airflow direction vanes 25 (25A, 25B), a plurality of horizontal airflow direction vanes 29 (see FIGS. 1 and 4), a ventilation member 26, etc. inside the housing 21. The vertical airflow direction vanes 25, the horizontal airflow direction vanes 29, and the ventilation member 26 may also be referred to as louvers.

[0046] As shown in each drawing from FIG. 2 onwards, for convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are defined in this specification. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The X-axis is set along the width direction of the indoor unit 10 (housing 21). The Y-axis is set along the front-to-rear direction (depth direction) of the indoor unit 10 (housing 21). The Z-axis is set along the height direction (up-down direction) of the indoor unit 10 (housing 21). The height direction of the indoor unit 10 is set along the vertical direction. In other words, the Z-axis is set along the vertical direction.

[0047] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X axis arrow and the -X direction opposite to the X axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y axis arrow and the -Y direction opposite to the Y axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z axis arrow and the -Z direction opposite to the Z axis arrow. In this embodiment, the +Z direction is the vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertical downward direction.

[0048] The housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the X direction. However, the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 is hung, for example, on a wall of a building (indoors). The housing 21 has an upper surface 21a, a lower surface 21b, and two side surfaces 21e and 21f. The upper surface 21a is provided at or near the upper end of the housing 21 and faces substantially upward. The lower surface 21b is provided at or near the lower end of the housing 21 and faces substantially downward. The housing 21 also has two side walls 21h including the side surfaces 21e and 21f, and a connecting portion 21i spanning the two side walls 21h. The connecting portion 21i includes the upper surface 21a and the lower surface 21b.

[0049] The housing 21 is provided with an air passage 31, an inlet 32, and an outlet 33. The air passage 31 is provided inside the housing 21. The inlet 32 opens, for example, to the upper surface 21a of the housing 21. The inlet 32 draws in air. The outlet 33 opens, for example, to the lower surface 21b of the housing 21. The width direction of the outlet 33 is along the X direction. Furthermore, the width direction of the outlet 33 intersects (is perpendicular to) the flow direction of the air flowing into the outlet 33. The outlet 33 blows out air. The inlet 32 and the outlet 33 may open to other parts of the housing 21.

[0050] The indoor unit 10 can pass wind through the ventilation duct 31. Wind is a flow of gas such as air. The intake port 32 is provided at one end of the ventilation duct 31, and connects the ventilation duct 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. The outlet port 33 is provided at the other end of the ventilation duct 31, and connects the ventilation duct 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 10. In other words, the ventilation duct 31 is provided inside the housing 21, spanning the intake port 32 and the outlet port 33.

[0051] 2, heat exchanger 22 is provided in ventilation duct 31. Heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in ventilation duct 31. As a result, heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through ventilation duct 31 during cooling operation, and heats the air flowing through ventilation duct 31 during heating operation.

[0052] The heat exchanger 22 has a front heat exchanger 22a and a rear heat exchanger 22b, and covers at least a portion of the fan 23. The front heat exchanger 22a is disposed in front of the fan 23, with at least its front end located forward of the fan 23. The rear heat exchanger 22b is disposed behind the fan 23, with at least its rear end located rearward of the fan 23. The front heat exchanger 22a and the rear heat exchanger 22b are connected via a bent portion 22c. The bent portion 22c is located above the fan 23. The front heat exchanger 22a extends from the bent portion 22c in the Y direction, i.e., forward. In other words, the front heat exchanger 22a extends from above the fan 23 to the front side of the fan 23, covering the fan 23. A portion of the front heat exchanger 22a extends downward as it moves forward from the bent portion 22c. In other words, the rear heat exchanger 22b extends from above the fan 23 to the rear side of the fan 23, covering the fan 23. The rear heat exchanger 22b is located rearward of the front heat exchanger 22a in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 21. Note that a configuration in which the front heat exchanger 22a and the rear heat exchanger 22b are not connected to each other may also be employed.

[0053] The fan 23 is provided in the ventilation passage 31. The fan 23 rotates around a rotation axis Axf extending in the X direction, thereby sending air from the air inlet 32 to the air outlet 33 in the ventilation passage 31. As a result, the indoor unit 10 draws indoor air into the ventilation passage 31 through the air inlet 32 and blows out the air (wind) in the ventilation passage 31 from the air outlet 33. For this reason, in this specification, the side of the ventilation passage 31 closer to the air inlet 32 is referred to as the upstream side, and the side closer to the air outlet 33 is referred to as the downstream side.

[0054] Fan 23 is located downstream of heat exchanger 22. Therefore, when fan 23 generates airflow, air drawn in through air inlet 32 passes through the fins of heat exchanger 22. As a result, the air flowing through ventilation path 31 exchanges heat with heat exchanger 22.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , the filter 24 is provided at the air inlet 32 or near the air inlet 32 in the ventilation duct 31. The filter 24 is located upstream of the heat exchanger 22. The filter 24 covers the air inlet 32 from inside the housing 21. The filter 24, for example, filters the air drawn in through the air inlet 32 and captures dust in the air. The filter 24 may have a configuration in which a mesh-like filter body is supported by a support member. Furthermore, as described above, by configuring the filter 24 as a HEPA filter or the like, higher quality air purification can be achieved.

[0056] The vertical airflow direction flare 25 and the horizontal airflow direction flare 29 can be configured as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 shows the state in which the vertical airflow direction flare 25 is in the closed position Pc1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing the state in which the vertical airflow direction flare 25 is in the open position Po1. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration and operation of the indoor unit 10, showing the state in which the vertical airflow direction flare 25 is in the open position and the horizontal airflow direction flare 29 is visible.

[0057] The vertical airflow direction vane 25 may include multiple vertical airflow direction vanes 25A and 25B. The vertical airflow direction vanes 25A and 25B are components that set (adjust) the wind direction of the conditioned air in the vertical direction, and are also called vertical louvers. The vertical airflow direction vane 25A forms a first flow path C1 for the conditioned air, and the vertical airflow direction vane 25B forms a second flow path C2 for the conditioned air. The vertical airflow direction vanes 25A and 25B each have a shaft portion 41 and a plate portion 42. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 are included in the air outlet 33. That is, the air outlet 33 is divided into the first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 by the multiple vertical airflow direction vanes 25A and 25B. In other words, the air outlet 33 has multiple flow paths (the first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2) divided in a plane (the YZ plane) perpendicular to the width direction (the X direction) of the air outlet 33. The vertical airflow direction flare 25A is an example of a first airflow direction flare, and the vertical airflow direction flare 25B is an example of a second airflow direction flare. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 are examples of branch flow paths.

[0058] The shaft portion 41 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The shaft portion 41 is supported by the housing 21 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis Axl extending in the X direction. The vertical airflow direction vanes 25A, 25B each have their own individual rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 protrudes from the shaft portion 41 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis Axl. The plate portion 42 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the X direction.

[0059] The vertical air direction flap 25A is supported by a rotary shaft Axl, and the vertical air direction flap motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the vertical air direction flap 25A can move between a closed position Pc1 shown in Fig. 2 and an open position Po1 shown in Fig. 3. The vertical air direction flap 25B is supported by a rotary shaft Axl, and the vertical air direction flap motor 85 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the vertical air direction flap 25B can move between a closed position Pc1 shown in Fig. 2 and an open position Po1 shown in Fig. 3.

[0060] 2, when the vertical airflow direction flare 25A is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33, which is the outlet of the first flow path C1. When the vertical airflow direction flare 25B is switched to the closed position Pc1, it closes the air outlet 33, which is the outlet of the second flow path C2. The first flow path C1 and the second flow path C2 form the air outlet 33 of the indoor unit 10.

[0061] 3 and 4, the vertical airflow direction flare 25A opens the first flow path C1 when switched to the open position Po1, and the vertical airflow direction flare 25B opens the second flow path C2 when switched to the open position Po1.

[0062] The open position Po1 includes various positions where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B open a portion of the air outlet 33. For example, the open position Po1 includes a position where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B faces substantially horizontally, a position where the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B faces downward, and a plurality of positions between these two positions, as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B can rotate between a position where it faces substantially horizontally and a position where it faces downward.

[0063] The vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B positioned in the open position Po1 sets the vertical direction (+Z direction, -Z direction) of the airflow discharged from the air outlet 33 depending on the orientation of the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B are oriented substantially horizontally, the indoor unit 10 discharges airflow substantially horizontally. On the other hand, when the vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B are oriented downward, the indoor unit 10 discharges airflow downward. The vertical airflow direction flap 25A, 25B can change the airflow direction by swinging around the rotation axis Ax1.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the left and right air deflectors 29 are supported by a rotation axis Ax2 (not shown) extending in the X direction, and the left and right air deflector motor 86 is controlled by the second control circuit 82, so that the left and right air deflectors 29 can move between a rotation position toward the -X end and a rotation position toward the +X end.

[0065] The left and right airflow direction vanes 29 may include a plurality of left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k. The plurality of left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k, 29-(k+1) to 29-2k are members that set (adjust) the wind direction of conditioned air in the left and right directions (-X direction, +X direction), respectively, and are also called left and right louvers. In this embodiment, the -X side left and right airflow direction vanes 29-1 to 29-k and the +X side left and right airflow direction vanes 29-(k+1) to 29-2k are independently driven by separate left and right airflow direction vane motors 86.

[0066] Left and right air deflectors 29-1 to 29-k on the -X side may be connected to a common rotation axis Ax2 (not shown), and left and right air deflectors 29-1 to 29-k may be controlled by second control circuit 82 through a left and right air deflector motor 86, so that they can move together between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end. Left and right air deflectors 29-(k+1) to 29-2k on the +X side may be connected to a common rotation axis Ax2 (not shown), and left and right air deflector motor 86 may be controlled by second control circuit 82, so that they can move together between an open position at the -X side end and an open position at the +X side end.

[0067] The ventilation member 26 shown in FIG. 2 can be switched between a closed position (not shown) and an open position Po2. Specifically, the ventilation member 26 can swing around the rotation axis Axc between the closed position and the open position Po2. The closed position is a position where the ventilation member 26 covers (blocks) at least a portion of the air outlet 33 (first flow path C1) opened by the vertical air direction flap 25A positioned at the open position Po1. The closed position is a position where the ventilation member 26 covers the entire opening in the YZ plane of the air outlet 33 (first flow path C1) opened by the vertical air direction flap 25A positioned at the open position Po1. The open position Po2 is a position where the ventilation member 26 does not cover the portion of the air outlet 33 (first flow path C1) opened by the vertical air direction flap 25A positioned at the open position Po1. In other words, the open position Po2 is a position where the ventilation member 26 opens the air outlet 33 (first flow path C1). Ventilation member 26 has an inner surface facing ventilation passage 31 in the closed position and an outer surface facing the outside in the closed position, and is provided with at least one (for example, multiple) ventilation openings that open to the inner and outer surfaces. In the closed position, ventilation member 26 can form a first outlet flow path (first flow path C1) through which air blown by fan 23 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening, and a second outlet flow path (second flow path C2) adjacent to the first outlet flow path (first flow path C1) through which air is discharged to the outside without passing through the ventilation opening. In other words, when switched to the closed position, ventilation member 26 is inserted into a part of the flow path of conditioned air blown into the room, and changes the opening ratio of a part of the flow path.

[0068] When the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, it is released from a portion of the flow path (for example, retracted from a portion of the flow path), and the opening ratio of the portion of the flow path is returned to the original value.

[0069] In the air conditioning apparatus 1, when the auxiliary operation mode is switched to the windless mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the closed position. With the ventilation member 26 switched to the closed position, it is selectively inserted into the first flow path C1 to change the opening ratio of the first flow path C1. Meanwhile, the opening ratio of the second flow path C2, which is opened and closed by the vertical airflow direction flap 25B where the ventilation member 26 is not present, remains the same. When the auxiliary operation mode is switched to the windless mode, the indoor unit control unit 80 switches the ventilation member 26 to the open position Po2. With the ventilation member 26 switched to the open position Po2, it is retracted from the first flow path C1, and the opening ratio of the first flow path C1 is returned to its original position.

[0070] For example, the ventilation member 26 can be opened and closed between an open position Po2 and a closed position.

[0071] 3, when the ventilation member 26 is switched to the open position Po2, it is housed in a recess 21c of the housing 21 provided near the air outlet 33. The recess 21c is recessed from the inner surface 21d of the housing 21 that forms part of the ventilation passage 31. When the ventilation member 26 is located in the open position Po2, being housed in the recess 21c prevents the ventilation member 26 from obstructing the air flowing through the first flow path C1.

[0072] The ventilation member 26 is supported by a shaft 51, and is movable between a closed position and an open position Po2 by a switching motor 87 controlled by a third control circuit 83. The shaft 51 is supported by the housing 21 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Axc extending in the X direction. That is, the ventilation member 26 is rotatable about the rotation axis Axc.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 1, the radar 2 can detect the position, movement speed, angle, and shape (height from the floor, etc.) of a detection target (e.g., a living organism CR) in a room. The radar 2 is a Doppler radar such as an ultrasonic radar, a millimeter-wave radar, a microwave radar, or a lidar. The radar 2 has a transmitter 2a, a receiver 2b, and a signal processor 2c. The radar 2 generates radio waves such as millimeter waves and microwaves, sound waves, and light in the signal processor 2c and transmits them into the room from the transmitter 2a. The receiver 2b receives reflected waves reflected by a detection target (living organism CR) that may be present in the room and passes them to the signal processor 2c. The radar 2 is provided anywhere on the front surface of the housing 21 of the indoor unit 10, but it is preferable to provide the radar 2 in a position that makes it easy to detect the position of the detection target (living organism CR) in the room. The radar 2 may be embedded in a position near the center in the X direction on the +Y side of the housing 21, as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0074] The air purification unit 4 includes a high-voltage discharge section that electrically charges dust contained in the air drawn in through the air inlet 32. The charged dust is then adsorbed and collected by a dust collection section (for example, a heat exchanger 22 or a filter charged with the opposite polarity). The air purification control section 80f controls the fan motor 84 via the first control circuit 81 to adjust the strength of the fan 23, thereby adjusting the amount of air drawn in through the air inlet 32 and adjusting the air purification efficiency.

[0075] 2, the air purification unit 4 is disposed in the housing 21 forward of the rear end of the front heat exchanger 22a (bent portion 22c of the heat exchanger 22) in the front-rear direction, and disposed diagonally above and forward of the front heat exchanger 22a. The air purification unit 4 is disposed downstream of the filter 24 in the air flow direction in the ventilation passage 31. In other words, the air purification unit 4 is disposed between the front heat exchanger 22a and the filter 24. The position and shape of the air purification unit 4 are not limited to those described above.

[0076] The UV unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward at least a portion of the heat exchanger 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the UV unit 5 is disposed at a position (different position) different from the vertically lower side of the heat exchanger 22. In other words, the UV unit 5 is not disposed vertically lower than the heat exchanger 22. That is, the heat exchanger 22 is not disposed vertically upper than the UV unit 5. Specifically, the UV unit 5 is disposed vertically upper than the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22 and faces the rear heat exchanger 22b. In this embodiment, the UV unit 5 is disposed so as to overlap a portion (rear portion) of the rear heat exchanger 22b when viewed vertically. That is, the UV unit 5 is disposed vertically above and spaced apart from at least a portion of the rear heat exchanger 22b. The UV unit 5 is also disposed downstream of the filter 24 in the air flow direction in the ventilation passage 31. That is, the UV unit 5 is disposed between the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22 and the filter 24. The UV unit 5 is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 22 in the airflow direction of the ventilation passage 31. As shown in FIG. 5 , the UV unit 5 is disposed opposite one end 22m of the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22 in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22. The one end 22m of the rear heat exchanger 22b is also the one end 22m of the heat exchanger 22. The UV unit 5 disposed in this manner can irradiate ultraviolet rays to a portion including at least the one end 22m of the heat exchanger 22. Specifically, the ultraviolet rays are irradiated downward from the UV unit 5. Note that the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet rays is not limited thereto. For example, the ultraviolet rays may be irradiated diagonally downward from the UV unit 5, or the irradiation range may be wider with increasing distance from the UV unit 5. The area irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the UV unit 5 is inhibited from growing fungi such as mold. The one end 22m is an example of an end.

[0077] The UV unit 5 emits ultraviolet rays in, for example, a cleaning mode. The cleaning mode in this embodiment includes a condensation water generation process in which condensation water is generated on the heat exchanger 22, an air purification process in which the air purification unit 4 charges and captures dust contained in the air, and a drying process in which the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 is increased to dry the heat exchanger 22, all of which are executed in this order. The UV unit 5 emits ultraviolet rays in each process in the cleaning mode. A cleaning mechanism for cleaning dust and other particles adhering to the filter 24 may be provided, and the filter cleaning process by the cleaning mechanism may be executed before the condensation water generation process in the cleaning mode. Furthermore, the UV unit 5 emits ultraviolet rays in at least one or more processes in the cleaning mode. In particular, if the UV unit 5 emits ultraviolet rays in the air purification process, the heat exchanger 22 to which dust and other particles are attached can be disinfected. Furthermore, the cleaning mode is not limited to the above example, and may include at least a process in which the UV unit 5 emits ultraviolet rays. Note that ultraviolet light can be emitted by the UV unit 5 even in operation modes such as the operating mode, heating operation mode, and air cleaning mode. In this case, whether or not to emit ultraviolet light can be set by, for example, the operation terminal 94a.

[0078] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes the heat exchanger 22 (indoor heat exchanger) and the UV unit 5 (ultraviolet ray irradiation unit). The UV unit 5 is disposed at a position different from the lower side in the vertical direction with respect to the heat exchanger 22, and irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the heat exchanger 22.

[0079] According to this configuration, the UV unit 5 is disposed at a position different from the vertically lower side of the heat exchanger 22, so that even if moisture adheres to the heat exchanger 22 and falls, the moisture can be prevented from adhering to the UV unit 5. As a result, malfunctions of the UV unit 5 caused by moisture adhesion can be prevented.

[0080] The UV unit 5 is disposed above and overlaps at least a portion of the heat exchanger 22 in the vertical direction.

[0081] This configuration makes effective use of the space inside the air conditioner 1. That is, by overlapping the UV unit 5 with at least a portion of the heat exchanger 22, it is possible to prevent the length of the air conditioner 1 in the front-to-rear direction from becoming too long.

[0082] The air conditioner 1 also includes a housing 21 and a filter 24. The housing 21 is provided with an inlet 32 for drawing in air, an outlet 33 for blowing out air, and an air passage 31 that connects the inlet 32 and the outlet 33. The filter 24 filters the air from the inlet 32. The heat exchanger 22 is disposed in the air passage 31. The UV unit 5 is disposed downstream of the filter 24 in the air flow direction in the air passage 31.

[0083] According to this configuration, the UV unit 5 is disposed downstream of the filter 24 in the air flow direction in the ventilation passage 31, so that adhesion of dust to the UV unit 5 can be suppressed.

[0084] The air conditioning device 1 also includes a housing 21. The housing 21 houses a heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 has a front heat exchanger 22a and a rear heat exchanger 22b located rearward of the front heat exchanger 22a in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 21. The UV unit 5 is disposed vertically above the rear heat exchanger 22b.

[0085] According to this configuration, the UV unit 5 is disposed vertically above the rear heat exchanger 22b, so that the UV unit 5 can efficiently irradiate the rear heat exchanger 22b with ultraviolet light.

[0086] The air conditioner 1 also includes an air purification unit 4. The air purification unit 4 is disposed in front of the front heat exchanger 22a in the front-rear direction inside the housing 21, and charges dust in the air.

[0087] According to this configuration, the air purification unit 4 and the UV unit 5 are disposed relatively far apart, so that adverse effects of the voltage of the air purification unit 4 on the UV unit 5 can be suppressed.

[0088] The UV unit 5 is disposed opposite one end 22m (end) of the heat exchanger 22 in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22.

[0089] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the UV unit 5 from blocking the air flow in the central part in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22, through which a relatively large amount of air passes.

[0090] Here, one end 22m of the heat exchanger 22 is relatively difficult to reach within the housing 21, due to the air (airflow) drawn in from the room. Therefore, during cooling operation, the one end 22m is less likely to be exposed to warm air, and the heat exchanger 22 is less likely to condense compared to other parts of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the one end 22m is difficult to clean with condensation water from the heat exchanger 22, and therefore dirt adhering to the heat exchanger 22 is relatively difficult to remove. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the UV unit 5 is disposed opposite the one end 22m of the heat exchanger 22, and therefore the one end 22m can be sterilized by irradiating the one end 22m of the heat exchanger 22 with ultraviolet light by the UV unit 5. In other words, sterilization of the heat exchanger 22 by ultraviolet light irradiation is more effective.

[0091] Next, a modified example will be described.

[0092] 6 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first modified example of the embodiment. In this modified example, the UV unit 5 is disposed opposite the central portion 22p of the heat exchanger 22 in the width direction (X direction) of the heat exchanger 22. Note that the UV unit 5 is disposed between the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22 and the filter 24, similar to the example in FIG. 2.

[0093] According to this configuration, the UV unit 5 can sterilize the central portion 22p of the heat exchanger 22, which is relatively prone to bacterial adhesion.

[0094] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second modified example of the embodiment. In this modified example, the UV unit 5 is movable in the width direction (X direction) of the heat exchanger 22. Specifically, the UV unit 5 is supported by a plurality of guide rails 90 so as to be movable in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 is supported by the plurality of guide rails 90, thereby preventing the UV unit 5 from rotating. The guide rails 90 extend in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22. Both ends of the guide rails 90 are supported by the housing 21. The UV unit 5 may also be moved in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22 by a drive mechanism including a motor.

[0095] With this configuration, the UV unit 5 can irradiate the entire area of the heat exchanger 22 in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22 with ultraviolet rays.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the description has been given assuming, for example, a residential air conditioning device 1, but the configuration of this embodiment can be similarly applied to various types of air conditioning devices 1. For example, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to a commercial (store, etc.) air conditioning device, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the UV unit 5 is disposed opposite one end 22m of the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22 in the width direction of the heat exchanger 22, but this is not limiting. The UV unit 5 may be disposed opposite another location on the heat exchanger 22, such as the other end opposite to the one end 22m of the rear heat exchanger 22b of the heat exchanger 22.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which one UV unit 5 is provided is shown, but this is not limiting, and a plurality of UV units 5 may be provided.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the air purification unit 4 is disposed in front of the front heat exchanger 22a in the front-rear direction inside the housing 21, but this is not limiting. The air purification unit 4 may be disposed in a location other than the above.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the air purification unit 4 is provided has been shown, but the air purification unit 4 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...air conditioning unit, 4...air purification unit (charging unit), 5...UV unit (ultraviolet irradiation unit), 21...housing, 22...heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger), 22a...front heat exchanger, 22b...rear heat exchanger, 22m...one end (end), 22p...center, 24...filter, 31...ventilation duct, 32...intake port, 33...outlet.

Claims

1. A housing, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the housing; an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the inside of the housing; a charging unit that charges dust in the air; Equipped with In an operation mode including the step of charging the dust contained in the air by the charging unit, the ultraviolet irradiation unit can irradiate the ultraviolet light, The user can set whether or not to irradiate ultraviolet light in the operation mode, the housing accommodates the indoor heat exchanger; the indoor heat exchanger includes a front heat exchanger and a rear heat exchanger located rearward of the front heat exchanger in the front-to-rear direction of the housing, The ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed vertically above the rear heat exchanger. Air conditioning equipment.

2. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed at a position different from a vertically lower side of the indoor heat exchanger and overlaps with at least a portion of the rear heat exchanger in the vertical direction. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Equipped with a filter, The housing is provided with an inlet for drawing in air, an outlet for blowing out the air, and a ventilation path extending from the inlet to the outlet, The filter filters the air from the air inlet; The indoor heat exchanger is disposed in the ventilation duct, The ultraviolet irradiation unit is disposed downstream of the filter in the air flow direction in the ventilation duct. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. the charging unit is disposed in front of the front heat exchanger in the front-rear direction within the housing; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is arranged opposite to an end of the indoor heat exchanger in the width direction of the indoor heat exchanger, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is arranged opposite to a central portion of the indoor heat exchanger in a width direction of the indoor heat exchanger, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The ultraviolet irradiation unit is movable in the width direction of the indoor heat exchanger. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

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