air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner provided with: an indoor unit that is installed indoors and that has a first heat exchanger; an outdoor unit that is installed outdoors and that has a second heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that passes through a through hole in a wall separating the indoors and the outdoors and that connects the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; and a ventilation device that ventilates indoor air. The ventilation device includes: a ventilation pipe that passes through the through hole from the indoors and is drawn out to the outdoors; and a ventilation device body that is fixed to an outdoor wall surface. The ventilation device body includes: a ventilation fan; an exhaust port that opens downward; an intake air passage that connects the ventilation pipe and the ventilation fan; an exhaust air passage that connects the ventilation fan and the exhaust port; a drain port that opens downward and drains water collected inside of the intake air passage; and a fixed surface that faces the wall surface and extends along the wall surface. The exhaust port is disposed farther from the fixed surface than the drain port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, air conditioners that maintain a comfortable temperature environment indoors by heat-exchanging indoor air with a heat exchanger inside an indoor unit and supplying it indoors have become common. Since such an air conditioner only circulates indoor air by the indoor unit and does not ventilate with the outside, if the room is in a sealed state for a long time, the indoor air will become dirty. Therefore, an air conditioner equipped with a ventilation unit that discharges indoor air to the outside has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to ensure indoor quietness, it is preferable to arrange the ventilation fan of the ventilation device outside the room. In this case, for example, when the heating is operated in winter, the air in the ventilation pipe connecting the room and the ventilation fan is cooled by the outside air, causing condensation in the ventilation pipe. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the ventilation device with a downward drain port for draining the condensed water towards the ground outside the room. Further, the ventilation device is provided with an exhaust port for exhausting air. The exhaust port is preferably downward to suppress the intrusion of rainwater. If both the drain port and the exhaust port in the ventilation device are provided downward, there is a risk that the water drained from the drain port will be scattered by the air blown out from the exhaust port.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing the scattering of water drained from the drain port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure comprises an indoor unit installed in a room and having a first heat exchanger, an outdoor unit installed outside and having a second heat exchanger, refrigerant piping connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger through a through-hole in the wall separating the indoor and outdoor areas, and a ventilation device for ventilating the indoor air, wherein the ventilation device comprises ventilation piping drawn out from the indoor area through the through-hole to the outdoor area, and a ventilation device body fixed to the outdoor wall surface, wherein the ventilation device body has a ventilation fan, an exhaust port opening downward, an intake air passage connecting the ventilation piping and the ventilation fan, an exhaust air passage connecting the ventilation fan and the exhaust port, a drain port opening downward for draining water accumulated in the intake air passage, and a fixed surface facing the wall surface and extending along the wall surface, wherein the exhaust port is positioned further away from the fixed surface than the drain port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can suppress the splashing of water discharged from the drain. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioner in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the air conditioner according to the embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the air conditioner according to the embodiment, viewed from an oblique direction. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of the ventilation device body according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the first member of the embodiment, as seen from the front. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the fan box and duct member of the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the duct member along the line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the ventilation device body according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a bottom view of the ventilation device body according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation device body along line XX in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and can be modified at will within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure. Furthermore, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components in each structure may differ from those in the actual structure in order to make the configurations easier to understand.

[0010] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z axes are shown in the drawings as appropriate. The X axis represents one of the horizontal directions. The Y axis represents the other of the horizontal directions. The Z axis represents the vertical direction. In the following explanation, the horizontal direction along the X axis will be called the "forward / backward direction X," the horizontal direction along the Y axis will be called the "left / right direction Y," and the vertical direction will be called the "vertical direction Z." The forward / backward direction X, the left / right direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are all orthogonal to each other. In the following explanation, the side of the vertical direction Z in which the Z-axis arrow points (+Z direction) is considered upward, and the side of the vertical direction Z opposite to the side in which the Z-axis arrow points (-Z direction) is considered downward. Also, the side of the forward / backward direction X in which the X-axis arrow points (+X direction) is considered forward, and the side of the forward / backward direction X opposite to the side in which the X-axis arrow points (-X direction) is considered backward. Furthermore, in the left-right direction Y, the side in which the Y-axis arrow points (+Y direction) is defined as the left, and the side opposite to the direction in which the Y-axis arrow points (-Y direction) is defined as the right.

[0011] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the air conditioner 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 100 comprises an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a circulation path section (refrigerant piping) 18, and a ventilation device 30. The outdoor unit 10 is located outdoors 7. The indoor unit 20 is located indoors 8. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected to each other by a circulation path section 18 through which refrigerant 19 circulates. The ventilation device 30 is located partially indoors 8 and partially outdoors 7. The ventilation device 30 discharges the air from indoors 8, where the indoor unit 20 is located, to outdoors 7.

[0012] The air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature of the air in the room 8 by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant 19 flowing through the circulation path 18 and the air in the room 8 where the indoor unit 20 is located. Examples of the refrigerant 19 include fluorine-based refrigerants or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP).

[0013] The outdoor unit 10 comprises an outdoor unit housing 11, a compressor 12, a heat exchanger 13, a flow control valve 14, a blower 15, a four-way valve 16, and a control unit 17. The compressor 12, heat exchanger 13, flow control valve 14, blower 15, four-way valve 16, and control unit 17 are housed inside the outdoor unit housing 11.

[0014] The compressor 12, heat exchanger 13, flow control valve 14, and four-way valve 16 are located in the part of the circulation path 18 that is inside the outdoor unit housing 11. The compressor 12, heat exchanger 13, flow control valve 14, and four-way valve 16 are connected by the part of the circulation path 18 that is located inside the outdoor unit housing 11.

[0015] The four-way valve 16 is provided at a portion of the circulation path section 18 that is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 12. The four-way valve 16 can reverse the direction of the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path section 18 by switching a part of the path in the circulation path section 18. When the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path indicated by the solid line in the four-way valve 16 of FIG. 1, the refrigerant 19 flows in the circulation path section 18 in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1. On the other hand, when the path connected by the four-way valve 16 is the path indicated by the dashed line in the four-way valve 16 of FIG. 1, the refrigerant 19 flows in the circulation path section 18 in the direction indicated by the dashed line arrow in FIG. 1.

[0016] The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit housing 21, a heat exchanger 22, a blower 23 as a blower, and a control unit 24. The indoor unit housing 21 houses the heat exchanger 22, the blower 23, and the control unit 24 inside. The indoor unit 20 can perform a cooling operation for cooling the air in the room 8 where the indoor unit 20 is disposed and a heating operation for heating the air in the room 8 where the indoor unit 20 is disposed. In FIG. 1, the blower 23 is schematized.

[0017] When the indoor unit 20 is in the cooling operation, the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path section 18 flows in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1. That is, when the indoor unit 20 is in the cooling operation, the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path section 18 circulates through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10, the flow rate adjustment valve 14, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 in this order and returns to the compressor 12. In the cooling operation, the heat exchanger 13 in the outdoor unit 10 functions as a condenser, and the heat exchanger 22 in the indoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator.

[0018] On the other hand, when the indoor unit 20 is in the heating operation, the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path section 18 flows in the direction indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1. That is, when the indoor unit 20 is in the heating operation, the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path section 18 circulates through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, the flow rate adjustment valve 14, and the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 in this order and returns to the compressor 12. In the heating operation, the heat exchanger 13 in the outdoor unit 10 functions as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger 22 in the indoor unit 20 functions as a condenser.

[0019] <Indoor unit> Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the installation state of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 20 is a wall-mounted indoor unit fixed to the upper area of ​​the wall surface 9a of the room 8. The indoor unit 20 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the left-right direction Y.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the blower 23 is housed within the indoor unit housing 21. The blower 23 extends in the left-right direction Y. The blower 23 rotates around its axis of rotation by a fan motor 23a. The heat exchanger 22 is located inside the indoor unit housing 21, between the blower 23 and the indoor unit intake port 20a. The heat exchanger 22 extends in the left-right direction Y.

[0021] The indoor unit housing 21 comprises an outer shell member 21b and an air passage member 21d. The outer shell member 21b is a component that constitutes part of the outer shell of the indoor unit housing 21. The outer shell member 21b improves the aesthetic appearance of the indoor unit 20. The outer shell member 21b is a roughly rectangular box shape that opens towards the wall surface 9a. The opening of the outer shell member 21b on the wall surface 9a side is closed by the air passage member 21d. The air passage member 21d is a component that constitutes part of the air passage through which the air drawn into the indoor unit housing 21 by the blower 23 passes. The air passage member 21d is hooked onto a mounting plate (not shown) that is fixed to the wall surface 9a on the room 8 side. This fixes the indoor unit 20 to the wall surface 9a.

[0022] The indoor unit housing 21 has an indoor unit intake port 20a and an indoor unit outlet port 20b. In this embodiment, the indoor unit intake port 20a and the indoor unit outlet port 20b are formed in the outer shell member 21b. The indoor unit intake port 20a opens upward and extends in the axial direction. A filter (not shown) is placed in the indoor unit intake port 20a. On the other hand, the indoor unit outlet port 20b opens toward the room 8 and extends in the axial direction. A wind direction control vane 25 is placed in the indoor unit outlet port 20b.

[0023] Air from room 8 is drawn into the indoor unit housing 21 through the indoor unit intake port 20a by the drive of the blower 23. The air drawn into the indoor unit housing 21 through the indoor unit intake port 20a passes through the heat exchanger 22 and is blown out into room 8 through the indoor unit outlet port 20b. The air passing through the indoor unit outlet port 20b is directed by the airflow control vane 25 to blow in the vertical Z direction and the left-right Y direction within room 8.

[0024] A control unit 24 is provided inside the indoor unit housing 21. The control unit 24 is located inside the indoor unit housing 21, at one end in the left-right direction Y. The control unit 24 controls the fan motor 23a, the airflow control vane 25, and the heat exchanger 22, etc.

[0025] The indoor unit housing 21 has an external shape that is a rectangular prism extending in the left-right direction Y. The indoor unit housing 21 has an upper surface 21p facing upward and a lower surface 21q facing downward. The indoor unit intake port 20a is provided on the upper surface 21p. The indoor unit outlet port 20b is provided on the lower surface 21q.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the indoor unit 20 is provided with a drain hose 20d. The end of the drain hose 20d extends to the outdoor unit 7. The drain hose 20d discharges the condensed water that forms on the heat exchanger 22 during cooling to the outdoor unit 7.

[0027] <Outdoor unit> The outdoor unit 10 is located outdoors 7. The outdoor unit housing 11 has an outdoor unit intake port 11b and an outdoor unit outlet port 11a. Inside the outdoor unit housing 11, the blower 15 (see Figure 1) sends air from the outdoor unit intake port 11b side, through the heat exchanger 13 (see Figure 1), toward the outdoor unit outlet port 11a, thereby promoting heat exchange in the heat exchanger 13.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by a circulation path section 18 and a first electrical wiring 10e. The circulation path section 18 is configured in a loop between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. Therefore, the circulation path section 18 connects the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 with a pair of pipes. The first electrical wiring 10e includes a power line that supplies power to the outdoor unit 10 via the indoor unit 20, and a signal line for controlling the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 in coordination. The circulation path section 18 and the first electrical wiring 10e pass through a through hole 9h provided in the wall 9 that separates the indoor 8 and the outdoor 7. As a result, the circulation path section 18 and the first electrical wiring 10e are drawn out from the indoor 8 to the outdoor 7.

[0029] <Ventilation system> The ventilation device 30 ventilates the room 8 by expelling the indoor air to the outside 7, thereby keeping the indoor air clean. The ventilation device 30 may be driven in conjunction with the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10, or it may be driven independently of them.

[0030] The ventilation device 30 includes a ventilation intake section 32, ventilation piping 31, and a ventilation device body 50. The ventilation intake section 32 is attached to the indoor unit 20 in the room 8. The ventilation device body 50 is installed on the wall surface 9b of the outdoor 7. The ventilation piping 31 extends across the room 8 and the outdoor 7.

[0031] The ventilation intake section 32 draws in air from the room 8. The ventilation intake section 32 is provided on the surface of the indoor unit housing 21. In this embodiment, the ventilation intake section 32 is located on the lower surface 21q of the indoor unit housing 21.

[0032] The ventilation pipe 31 is a tubular pipe. The ventilation pipe 31 connects the ventilation device body 50 and the ventilation intake section 32. Therefore, one end of the ventilation pipe 31 is located inside the room 8, and the other end is located outside the room 7. The ventilation pipe 31 is routed outside the room 7 through the inside of the indoor unit housing 21 and through a penetration hole 9h in the wall 9.

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the ventilation unit body 50. In the following description of the ventilation device body 50, the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 9b on which the ventilation device body 50 is attached is the front-to-back direction X, the vertical direction Z, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction are the left-to-right direction Y. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction perpendicular to the wall surface 9b that moves away from the wall surface 9b is called the front (+X direction), and the direction that moves towards the wall surface 9b is called the rear (-X direction). Also, in the following description of the ventilation device body 50, left and right are defined based on the posture of the observer facing forward (+X direction). That is, the left side of the observer facing the opposite side of the wall surface 9b (+X direction) is called the left (+Y direction), and the right side is called the right (-Y direction). In this embodiment, the left-right direction Y of the ventilation device body 50 and the left-right direction of the outdoor unit 10 coincide with each other, but these left-right directions Y do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0034] The ventilation device body 50 includes a base 80, a joint member 75, a backflow suppression valve 53, a ventilation fan 51, a duct member 52, and a case 40.

[0035] The case 40 is box-shaped and opens to the rear. The case 40 is supported by the base 80. The case 40 covers the base 80, the joint member 75, the backflow suppression valve 53, the ventilation fan 51, and the duct member 52 of the ventilation device body 50. In this way, the case 40 protects each part of the ventilation device body 50.

[0036] The base 80 is fixed to the wall surface 9b by fixing screws (not shown). The base 80 supports other components of the ventilation device body 50. The ventilation piping 31 (see Figure 3) is connected to the base 80. The base 80 comprises a base body 60, a mounting plate 70, and a drain valve 69.

[0037] The mounting plate 70 is a plate-shaped member made of sheet metal. The mounting plate 70 protects the wall surface 9b. The mounting plate 70 has a plate body 70a and a lower end plate portion 70c. The plate body 70a is positioned along the wall surface 9b. The plate body 70a is positioned between the base body 60 and the wall surface 9b. The upper end of the case 40 is locked to the upper end of the plate body 70a. The plate body 70a has a fixed surface 70f facing the wall surface 9b. The fixed surface 70f is a flat surface. The mounting plate 70 is fixed to the wall surface 9b at the fixed surface 70f. In this embodiment, the case in which the fixed surface 70f is in direct contact with the wall surface 9b will be described. However, a gap may be provided between the fixed surface 70f and the wall surface 9b, for example, by interposing a washer between the fixed surface 70f and the wall surface 9b.

[0038] The lower end plate portion 70c is formed by bending the lower end of the mounting plate 70 forward. The lower end plate portion 70c is connected to the lower end of the plate body 70a. The case 40 is screwed to the lower end plate portion 70c. A notch 70d is provided in the lower end plate portion 70c. The notch 70d extends from the front end of the lower end plate portion 70c toward the rear.

[0039] The base body 60 is fixed to the surface of the mounting plate 70 facing forward (+X direction). An intake air passage F is provided inside the base body 60. The base body 60 has a first member 61 and a second member 62 that are assembled to each other in the front-rear direction X. The intake air passage F is mainly formed between the first member 61 and the second member 62.

[0040] The first member 61 constitutes the rear portion of the base body 60. On the other hand, the second member 62 constitutes the front portion of the base body 60. The second member 62 supports the ventilation fan 51. The second member 62 is provided with an opening 62a that penetrates the second member 62 in the front-rear direction X. The downstream end of the intake air passage F opens forward at the opening 62a. The opening 62a is covered by the ventilation fan 51.

[0041] Figure 5 is a front view of the first member 61 as seen from the front. As shown in Figure 5, the intake air passage F is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction X. The intake air passage F has an inlet 60p, an upstream region 60a, a folded region 60c, a downstream region 60b, a forward bend 60q, and an opening 62a. A ventilation pipe 31 is connected to the inlet 60p. Air flows into the inlet 60p from the ventilation pipe 31. The upstream region 60a extends downward from the inlet 60p. The folded region 60c extends in the left-right direction Y. The folded region 60c connects the lower end of the upstream region 60a and the lower end of the downstream region 60b. The right (-Y direction) end of the folded region 60c is connected to the upstream region 60a. The left (+Y direction) end of the folded region 60c is connected to the downstream region 60b. The downstream region 60b extends upward from the folded region 60c. A forward bend 60q is provided at the upper end of the downstream region 60b. The forward bend 60q bends forward (in the +X direction). An opening 62a is provided in front of the forward bend 60q. The opening 62a opens forward.

[0042] Air flowing into the intake air passage F from the inlet 60p flows downward (-Z direction) in the upstream region 60a. This air changes direction to the left (+Y direction) and upward (+Z direction) in the return region 60c. Furthermore, this air flows upward (+Z direction) in the downstream region 60b. The air that reaches the upper end of the downstream region 60b changes direction to the forward (+X direction) in the forward bend 60q and is blown forward from the opening 62a. A ventilation fan 51 (see Figure 4) is connected to the opening 62a. Thus, the intake air passage F connects the ventilation piping 31 and the ventilation fan 51.

[0043] The base body 60 has a bottom portion 60d located below the intake air passage F. The bottom portion 60d forms the lower wall of the intake air passage F. The bottom portion 60d is provided with a drain hole 61h, a valve housing portion 61k, and a guide hole 61j.

[0044] The drain hole 61h is located below the intake air passage F. The drain hole 61h opens into the bottom surface 61c located below the folded-over region 60c of the wall surrounding the intake air passage F. The drain hole 61h extends downward from the folded-over region 60c, connecting the folded-over region 60c with the valve housing 61k. The valve housing 61k is a space provided below the intake air passage F to house the drain valve 69. The guide hole 61j connects the valve housing 61k with the outside of the base body.

[0045] The drain valve 69 is located inside the valve housing 61k. The drain valve 69 faces the lower end opening of the drain hole 61h in the vertical direction Z. The drain valve 69 closes the drain hole 61h when the ventilation fan 51 is driven and negative pressure is created inside the intake air passage F. The drain valve 69 opens the drain hole 61h when the ventilation fan 51 is stopped. Also, even when the ventilation fan 51 is driven, if water accumulates in the folded area 60c of the intake air passage F, the weight of the water will open the drain valve 69.

[0046] In this embodiment, the ventilation piping 31 and the ventilation device body 50 are located outdoors 7. When the ventilation device 30 is driven while the room is heated by the air conditioner 100 during winter, the heated air from the room 8 passes through the ventilation piping 31 and the ventilation device body 50. This air is cooled by the outside air, causing condensation to form inside the ventilation piping 31 and the ventilation device body 50. The condensed water accumulates at the lower end of the return region 60c in the intake air passage F. The condensed water in the intake air passage F flows into the valve housing 61k through the drain hole 61h. The condensed water in the valve housing 61k then flows downward through the guide hole 61j and is drained from the drain port 46h (see Figure 9), which will be described later.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the ventilation fan 51 is fixed to the base body 60 from the front (+X direction). The ventilation fan 51 is connected to the ventilation piping 31 via the intake air passage F of the base body 60. The ventilation fan 51 may also be directly connected to the ventilation piping 31. Alternatively, the ventilation fan 51 and the ventilation piping 31 may be connected via other components.

[0048] The ventilation fan 51 includes a cylindrical rotor blade 51a centered on a central axis O extending in the front-rear direction X, a fan motor 51b that rotates the rotor blade 51a, a fan box 59 that houses the rotor blade 51a and the fan motor 51b, and a terminal block 51e. The ventilation fan 51 in this embodiment is a so-called sirocco fan. The ventilation fan 51 blows air from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the rotor blade 51a by rotating the rotor blade 51a.

[0049] The fan box 59 is fixed to the front (+X direction) surface of the base body 60. Inside the fan box 59 are the rotor blades 51a and the fan motor 51b. The fan box 59 is provided with a fan intake port 59t (see Figure 6) connected to the opening 62a of the base body 60. The ventilation fan 51 draws air from the intake air passage F of the base body 60 at the fan intake port as the rotor blades 51a rotate. The fan box 59 also has a fan duct section 59d that extends downward. The fan duct section 59d is connected to a duct member 52 at its lower end. The ventilation fan 51 sends air from the fan duct section 59d into the duct member 52.

[0050] The terminal block 51e supports multiple terminal connections (not shown) connected to the fan motor 51b. Terminals of electrical wiring (not shown) extending from the indoor unit 20 or the outdoor unit 10 are connected to these terminal connections.

[0051] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fan box 59, the backflow suppression valve 53, and the duct member 52. As shown in Figure 6, the fan box 59 has a cylindrical portion 59a, a frame portion 59b, an annular plate portion 59c, and a fan duct portion 59d.

[0052] The cylindrical portion 59a is cylindrical in shape with the central axis O of the rotor blade 51a (see Figure 4) as its center. The cylindrical portion 59a surrounds the rotor blade 51a from the radially outer side. The fan duct portion 59d is connected to the cylindrical portion 59a. The connection portion of the cylindrical portion 59a to the fan duct portion 59d is radially open, and the space inside the cylindrical portion 59a connects to the air passage in the fan duct portion 59d.

[0053] The frame portion 59b is box-shaped and opens to the rear (-X direction). The frame portion 59b constitutes the outer shell of the fan box 59. The frame portion 59b closes the front (+X direction) opening of the cylindrical portion 59a. Furthermore, the frame portion 59b is formed in a frame shape when viewed from the front-rear direction X, and surrounds the cylindrical portion 59a from the radially outer side of the central axis O. The frame portion 59b is provided with a plurality of fixing portions 59f for fixing the fan box 59 to the base body 60 (see Figure 4).

[0054] The annular plate portion 59c is plate-shaped and extends radially inward from the rear (-X direction) end of the cylindrical portion 59a toward the central axis O. The annular plate portion 59c is provided with a circular fan intake port 59t centered on the central axis O. A buffer member 59g is adhesively fixed to the rear (-X direction) facing surface of the annular plate portion 59c. The buffer member 59g is an annular shape surrounding the fan intake port 59t. In this embodiment, the buffer member 59g is a sponge-like material. The buffer member 59g is sandwiched and compressed between the fan box 59 and the base body 60. The buffer member 59g suppresses air leakage in the path from the base body 60 to the fan intake port 59t.

[0055] The fan duct section 59d extends vertically in the Z direction. It also extends tangentially to the cylindrical section 59a. The upper end 59j of the fan duct section 59d is connected to the cylindrical section 59a. The lower end 59k of the fan duct section 59d opens downwards.

[0056] The swirling flow formed by the rotor blade 51a (see Figure 4) around the central axis O flows circumferentially along the inner surface of the cylindrical section 59a. The air forming the swirling flow flows into the fan duct section 59d and flows downward within the fan duct section 59d.

[0057] In this specification, the expression "extending in a particular direction" means that the direction in which the object (or space) extends has a component of that particular direction throughout its entire length, and is not to be interpreted restrictively as being parallel to that particular direction throughout its entire length.

[0058] The backflow suppression valve 53 is rotatably supported by a valve support portion 58 provided in the fan duct portion 59d. The backflow suppression valve 53 rotates about a rotation axis J extending in the left-right direction Y. The backflow suppression valve 53 has a plate body 53a that is positioned inside the fan duct portion 59d. As the backflow suppression valve 53 rotates about the rotation axis J, the plate body 53a is displaced while changing the angle of its surface. When the ventilation fan 51 is stopped, the plate body 53a is positioned intersecting the direction in which the fan duct portion 59d extends, closing the air passage within the fan duct portion 59d. When a downward airflow is generated in the air passage due to the operation of the ventilation fan 51, the plate body 53a is pushed downward by the air and rotates, opening the air passage. In this way, the backflow suppression valve 53 opens the air passage when the ventilation fan 51 is running and closes the air passage when the ventilation fan 51 is stopped. The backflow suppression valve 53 prevents wind, rain, or insects from entering the inside of the ventilation fan 51 when the ventilation fan 51 is stopped.

[0059] The duct member 52 is positioned below the fan duct section 59d. The duct member 52 extends in the vertical direction Z. The duct member 52 constitutes the exhaust air passage E between the lower end 59k of the fan duct section 59d and the exhaust port 46a. That is, the fan duct section 59d is provided with an exhaust air passage E connecting the ventilation fan 51 and the exhaust port 46a. The exhaust air passage E extends in the vertical direction Z. The exhaust air passage E guides the air blown out from the ventilation fan 51 to the outside of the ventilation device 30.

[0060] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the duct member 52 along the line VII-VII in Figure 6. The duct member extends vertically in the Z direction as a whole. The duct member 52 has a closing plate 52k and a first duct section 52b, an expansion section 52c, and a second duct section 52d, which are aligned vertically in the Z direction.

[0061] The first duct section 52b, the extension section 52c, and the second duct section 52d are arranged in a vertical direction Z. An exhaust air passage E is provided inside the first duct section 52b, the extension section 52c, and the second duct section 52d. The first duct section 52b opens upward and connects to the fan duct section 59d of the ventilation fan 51. On the other hand, the second duct section 52d opens downward and connects to the exhaust port 46a. The extension section 52c connects the first duct section 52b and the second duct section 52d. The closing plate 52k is arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The closing plate 52k extends rearward (-X direction) from the lower opening edge of the second duct section 52d.

[0062] The flow path cross-sections of the first duct section 52b, the expansion section 52c, and the second duct section 52d are all rectangular in shape, but their cross-sectional lines are different. Here, "flow path cross-section" refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the airflow of the exhaust air passage E, and in the first duct section 52b, the expansion section 52c, and the second duct section 52d, it is the cross-section perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0063] The first duct section 52b, the extension section 52c, and the second duct section 52d each have four side plates that surround the exhaust air passage E from the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y. The first duct section 52b, the extension section 52c, and the second duct section 52d each have a pair of side plates positioned in the front-rear direction X of the exhaust air passage E, and these side plates are positioned perpendicular to the front-rear direction X.

[0064] The first duct section 52b includes a first left-side plate 52f positioned to the left (+Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E, and a first right-side plate 52e positioned to the right (-Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E. The extension section 52c includes an extension left-side plate 52h positioned to the left (+Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E, and an extension right-side plate 52g positioned to the right (-Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E. The second duct section 52d includes a second left-side plate 52j positioned to the left (+Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E, and a second right-side plate 52i positioned to the right (-Y direction) of the exhaust air passage E.

[0065] The first left-side plate 52f, the extended left-side plate 52h, and the second left-side plate 52j are perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and are arranged substantially on the same plane. That is, the first left-side plate 52f, the extended left-side plate 52h, and the second left-side plate 52j extend vertically in the Z direction as a single plate.

[0066] The first right-side plate 52e and the second right-side plate 52i are positioned perpendicular to the left-right direction Y. The second right-side plate 52i is positioned to the right (-Y direction) of the first right-side plate 52e. The extension right-side plate 52g connects the first right-side plate 52e and the second right-side plate 52i. The extension right-side plate 52g tilts to the right (-Y direction) as it extends downwards. As a result, the extension right-side plate 52g gradually separates from the extension left-side plate 52h as it extends downwards.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the expansion section 52c widens the exhaust air passage E in the left-right direction Y as it extends downward. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust air passage E in the second duct section 52d becomes larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust air passage E in the first duct section 52b. The air velocity of the air flowing through the exhaust air passage E gradually decreases as it passes through the expansion section 52c. Therefore, the air velocity of the air passing through the exhaust air passage E in the second duct section 52d is lower than the air velocity of the air passing through the exhaust air passage E in the first duct section 52b.

[0068] Figure 8 is a front view of the ventilation unit body 50. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the ventilation unit body 50. As shown in Figure 9, the case 40 has a bottom plate 46. The bottom plate 46 covers the internal space of the case 40 from below. The bottom plate 46 is positioned perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The bottom plate 46 is provided with an opening 46b that penetrates the bottom plate 46 in the vertical direction Z.

[0069] The opening 46b is rectangular in shape, with the left-right direction Y as its longitudinal direction. An exhaust port 46a is located in the area of ​​the opening 46b that is away from the wall 9. In other words, the case 40 is provided with an exhaust port 46a. The area of ​​the opening 46b that is on the wall 9 side is closed by a closing plate 52k of the duct member 52. The lower surface of the closing plate 52k is exposed downwards from the opening 46b. Labels such as warnings can be attached to the lower surface of the closing plate 52k.

[0070] The exhaust port 46a opens downwards. The exhaust port 46a is connected to an opening located at the lower end of the second duct section 52d of the duct member 52. The air flowing downwards through the exhaust air passage E of the duct member 52 is exhausted to the outside of the ventilation device body 50 through the exhaust port 46a. The exhaust port 46a is covered by a mesh grille G. The grille G is fixed to the lower end of the second duct section 52d. The grille G prevents living organisms or foreign objects from entering the inside of the ventilation device body 50 through the exhaust port 46a.

[0071] The exhaust port 46a is rectangular in shape with the left-right direction Y as its longitudinal direction. The dimension w2 in the left-right direction Y of the exhaust port 46a is larger than the dimension w1 in the front-back direction X. Furthermore, the exhaust port 46a is positioned biased toward the front of the bottom plate 46 of the case 40, away from the fixed surface 70f. According to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure a sufficiently wide opening area of ​​the exhaust port 46a in the left-right direction Y while also separating the exhaust port 46a from the wall surface 9b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt to the wall surface 9b by the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a.

[0072] In this embodiment, the distance d1 between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than the dimension w1 of the exhaust port 46a in the front-rear direction X. The distance d1 between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than half the dimension d2 of the ventilation device body 50 in the front-rear direction X. The distance d1 between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than the diameter D of the ventilation pipe 31. By making the distance d1 between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a sufficiently far from the wall surface 9b in this way, soiling of the wall surface 9b can be effectively suppressed. In this specification, the distance from the fixed surface 70f to the target part means the minimum distance from a point on the virtual plane including the fixed surface 70f to the target part.

[0073] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation device body 50 along line XX in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 10, the base body 60 is positioned along the fixed surface 70f. Therefore, the intake air passage F within the base body 60 also extends along the fixed surface 70f. On the other hand, although the exhaust air passage E extends vertically in the Z direction along the fixed surface 70f, it is positioned further away from the fixed surface 70f than the intake air passage F. The intake air passage F and the exhaust air passage E overlap when viewed from the front-to-back direction X.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the intake air passage F is positioned between the exhaust air passage E and the fixed surface 70f in the front-rear direction X. This makes it easier to route the ventilation piping 31 connected to the intake air passage F along the wall surface 9b, and allows the exhaust air passage E to be positioned away from the wall surface 9b, thus keeping the exhaust port 46a connected to the exhaust air passage E away from the wall surface 9b.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the bottom plate 46 of the case 40 is provided with a pair of screw holes 46c aligned in the left-right direction Y. The pair of screw holes 46c penetrate the bottom plate 46 in the vertical direction Z. The lower end plate portion 70c of the mounting plate 70 overlaps the bottom plate 46. Fixing screws 46f are inserted into the pair of screw holes 46c. The fixing screws 46f fasten the bottom plate 46 to the lower end plate portion 70c.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, with the ventilation device body 50 fixed to the wall surface 9b, the fixing surface 70f of the mounting plate 70 faces the wall surface 9b. The fixing surface 70f also extends along the wall surface 9b. With the ventilation device body 50 fixed to the wall surface 9b, the rear edge 46e of the bottom plate 46 faces the wall surface 9b with a gap in between. As described above, a notch 70d is provided in the lower end plate portion 70c of the mounting plate 70. The opening enclosed by the rear edge 46e of the bottom plate 46 and the notch 70d functions as a drain outlet 46h. In other words, the ventilation device body 50 is provided with a drain outlet 46h that opens downwards.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, a guide hole 61j is provided in the bottom 60d of the base body 60. The guide hole 61j guides the condensation water drained from the intake air passage F to the lower surface 60f of the bottom 60d. The condensation water flows downward along the lower surface 60f of the bottom 60d and the forward-facing surface of the plate body 70a of the mounting plate 70, reaching the drain port 46h and being drained to the outside of the case 40. In this embodiment, the drain port 46h is located at the rear end of the ventilation device body 50 (the end closer to the fixed surface 70f in the front-rear direction X). Therefore, the condensation water drained from the drain port 46h flows downward along the wall surface 9b.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the exhaust port 46a in this embodiment is positioned further away from the fixed surface 70f than the drain port 46h. As a result, even if the exhaust gas blown out from the exhaust port 46a hits the condensation water drained from the drain port 46h, the condensation water is directed towards the wall 9 and flows along the wall 9, making it less likely for the condensation water to scatter into the surrounding area.

[0079] In this case, the comparison of the distances of the exhaust port 46a and the drain port 46h relative to the fixed surface 70f shall be performed by comparing the minimum distances from a point on a virtual surface including the fixed surface 70f to the exhaust port 46a and the drain port 46h.

[0080] In this embodiment, the position of the drain port 46h in the left-right direction Y coincides with the right (-Y direction) end of the exhaust port 46a. In addition, at least a portion of the drain port 46h is positioned offset in the left-right direction Y relative to the exhaust port 46a. The air velocity of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust port 46a is lower at the end in the left-right direction Y than at the center in the left-right direction Y. By positioning the drain port 46h to overlap with the end of the exhaust port 46a, the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a is less likely to come into contact with the condensation water discharged from the drain port 46h.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the exhaust air passage E in this embodiment widens in the left-right direction Y toward the exhaust port 46a. This widens the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 46a in the left-right direction Y, and suppresses the air velocity of the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a. By suppressing the air velocity of the exhaust, the adhesion of dirt to the wall surface 9b is reduced. Furthermore, by widening the exhaust port 46a in the left-right direction Y, the distance between the exhaust port 46a and the wall surface 9b is maintained even if a large opening area is secured. In other words, according to this embodiment, dirt on the wall surface 9b caused by the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a can be suitably suppressed. In addition, by suppressing the air velocity of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust port 46a, the scattering of condensation water discharged from the drain port 46h can also be suitably suppressed.

[0082] <Summary> The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment comprises an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 10, a circulation path section (refrigerant piping) 18, and a ventilation device 30. The indoor unit 20 is installed indoors 8 and has a heat exchanger (first heat exchanger) 22. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors 7 and has a heat exchanger (second heat exchanger) 13. The circulation path section 18 connects the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 and the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 by passing through a through-hole 9h in the wall 9 separating indoors 8 and outdoors 7. The ventilation device 30 ventilates the air in indoors 8. The ventilation device 30 comprises ventilation piping 31 and a ventilation device body 50. The ventilation piping 31 is drawn out from indoors 20 through the through-hole 9h to outdoors 7. The ventilation device body 50 is fixed to the wall surface outdoors 7. The ventilation device body 50 includes a ventilation fan 51, an exhaust port 46a, an intake air passage F, an exhaust air passage E, a drain port 46h, and a fixed surface. The exhaust port 46a opens downwards. The intake air passage F connects the ventilation pipe 31 to the ventilation fan 51. The exhaust air passage E connects the ventilation fan 51 to the exhaust port 46a. The drain port 46h opens downwards. The drain port 46h drains water that accumulates in the intake air passage F. The fixed surface 70f faces the wall surface 9b and extends along the wall surface 9b. The exhaust port 46a is positioned further away from the fixed surface 70f than the drain port 46h.

[0083] According to the above configuration, as shown in Figure 3, the ventilation fan 51 is located inside the ventilation device body 50 on the outside 7, so that noise associated with the operation of the ventilation fan 51 is less likely to be transmitted to the room 8, and the quietness of the room 8 can be maintained. On the other hand, by locating the ventilation fan 51 on the outside 7, condensation water is more likely to occur in the intake air passage F (see Figure 5) that guides air to the ventilation fan 51. According to the above configuration, by providing a drain port 46h that opens downwards in the ventilation device body 50, condensation water in the intake air passage F can be drained to the outside of the ventilation device body 50, thereby suppressing abnormal noises and mold growth caused by condensation water in the intake air passage F. According to the above configuration, by opening the exhaust port 46a downwards, it is possible to suppress rain from entering the inside of the ventilation device body 50. According to the above configuration, the exhaust port 46a is located further away from the wall surface 9b than the drain port 46h. This separates the exhaust port 46a from the wall surface 9b, preventing dirt contained in the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a from adhering to the wall surface 9b. With the above configuration, even if the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a comes into contact with the condensation water drained from the drain port 46h, it will be directed towards the wall 9 and run down the wall 9. Therefore, the scattering of condensation water into the surroundings due to the air pressure of the exhaust can be suppressed.

[0084] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the dimension of the exhaust port 46a in the left-right direction Y is larger than the dimension in the front-back direction X. This configuration allows for a wider opening area of ​​the exhaust port 46a while maintaining a sufficient distance between the exhaust port 46a and the wall surface 9b. By widening the opening area of ​​the exhaust port 46a, the air velocity of the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a can be reduced, thereby suppressing the scattering of condensation water caused by the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a. Furthermore, by reducing the air velocity of the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a, dirt contained in the exhaust is less likely to adhere to the wall surface 9b, making it easier to keep the wall surface 9b clean.

[0085] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the distance d1 between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than the dimension w1 of the exhaust port 46a in the front-to-back direction X. With this configuration, the exhaust port 46a can be sufficiently separated from the wall surface 9b, making it less likely for the exhaust to hit the wall surface 9b and thus suppressing soiling of the wall surface 9b.

[0086] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the distance between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than half of the dimension d2 in the front-to-back direction X of the ventilation device body 50. With this configuration, the exhaust port 46a can be positioned on the lower surface of the ventilation device body 50 so as to be offset away from the wall surface 9b, making it less likely for the exhaust to hit the wall surface 9b and thus suppressing soiling of the wall surface 9b.

[0087] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the distance between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust port 46a is greater than the diameter of the ventilation pipe 31. With this configuration, the exhaust port 46a can be positioned further away from the wall surface 9b than the ventilation pipe 31 which runs along the wall surface 9b, making it less likely for the exhaust to hit the wall surface 9b and thus suppressing soiling of the wall surface 9b.

[0088] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the exhaust air passage E widens in the left-right direction Y as it extends downwards. With this configuration, the air velocity of the air flowing through the exhaust air passage E can be reduced as it approaches the exhaust port 46a, thereby reducing the air velocity of the exhaust blown out from the exhaust port 46a. This suppresses the scattering of condensation water caused by the exhaust, and also makes it less likely for dirt contained in the exhaust to adhere to the wall surface 9b.

[0089] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the drain port 46h is located at the end of the ventilation unit body 50 closest to the fixed surface 70f in the front-to-back direction X. With this configuration, the drain port 46h can be spaced as far away from the exhaust port 46a as possible in the front-to-back direction X, and the exhaust from the exhaust port 46a can be prevented from hitting the condensation water drained from the drain port 46h. Furthermore, with this configuration, the condensation water drained from the drain port 46h can be easily allowed to run down the wall surface 9b. Therefore, compared to the case where condensation water drips down from the drain port 46h as droplets, the scattering of condensation water caused by exhaust from the drain port 46h can be easily suppressed. In addition, by allowing the condensation water to run down the wall surface 9b, the formation of icicles on the drain port 46h can be suppressed.

[0090] In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, the intake air passage F extends along the fixed surface 70f between the fixed surface 70f and the exhaust air passage E. With this configuration, by having the intake air passage F along the fixed surface 70f, it is possible to easily route the ventilation piping 31 connected to the intake air passage F along the wall surface 9b. In addition, the exhaust air passage E can be positioned further away from the wall surface 9b than the intake air passage F, and the exhaust port 46a connected to the exhaust air passage E can be moved further away from the wall surface 9b. With this configuration, the intake air passage F and the exhaust air passage E are arranged overlapping when viewed from the front-to-back direction X, and the ventilation device body 50 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction Z and the left-to-right direction Y.

[0091] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above. For example, the above-described embodiment described the case where the exhaust port 46a is rectangular. However, the shape of the drain port 46h is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be, for example, elliptical. Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case in which the drain port 46h is composed of the case 40 and the mounting plate 70, the drain port 46h may also be a through-hole provided in the case 40, the mounting plate 70, or other members. In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the exhaust air passage E extends in the vertical direction Z was explained. However, the exhaust air passage E is not limited in its direction of extension as long as the exhaust port 46a at its downstream end faces downward, and may have a portion that extends horizontally, for example. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the ventilation fan 51 is a sirocco fan was explained, but the type of ventilation fan 51 is not limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 7…Outdoor, 8…Indoor, 9…Wall, 9a,9b…Wall surface, 9h…Penetration hole, 10…Outdoor unit, 13…Heat exchanger (second heat exchanger), 18…Circulation path (refrigerant piping), 19…Refrigerant, 20…Indoor unit, 22…Heat exchanger (first heat exchanger), 30…Ventilation device, 31…Ventilation piping, 46a…Exhaust port, 46h…Drain port, 50…Ventilation device body, 51…Ventilation fan, 70f…Fixed surface, 100…Air conditioner, D…Diameter, d1…Distance, d2,w1,w2…Dimensions, E…Exhaust air passage, F…Intake air passage, X…Front-to-back direction, Y…Left-to-right direction, Z…Vertical direction

Claims

1. An indoor unit installed inside the room and having a first heat exchanger, An outdoor unit installed outside and having a second heat exchanger, A refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger passes through a through-hole in the wall separating the interior and exterior of the room, The facility includes a ventilation device for ventilating the air inside the room, The aforementioned ventilation device is A ventilation pipe is drawn out from the room through the through-hole to the outside of the room, The ventilation device comprises a main body fixed to the exterior wall surface, The ventilation device body is, Ventilation fan, An exhaust vent that opens downwards, An intake air passage connecting the ventilation piping and the ventilation fan, An exhaust air passage connecting the ventilation fan and the exhaust port, A drain port that opens downwards to drain water accumulated in the intake air passage, It has a fixed surface that faces the wall surface and extends along the wall surface, The exhaust port is positioned further away from the fixed surface than the drain port. Air conditioner.

2. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned fixed surface is defined as the front-to-back direction. The vertical direction and the direction perpendicular to the aforementioned front-to-back direction are defined as the left-to-right direction. The exhaust port has a dimension in the left-right direction that is greater than the dimension in the front-back direction. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The distance between the fixed surface and the exhaust port is greater than the dimensions of the exhaust port in the front-rear direction. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The distance between the fixed surface and the exhaust port is greater than half the front-to-back dimension of the ventilation device body. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

5. The distance between the fixed surface and the exhaust port is greater than the diameter of the ventilation pipe. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

6. The exhaust air passage widens in the left-right direction as it extends downwards. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

7. The direction perpendicular to the aforementioned fixed surface is defined as the front-to-back direction. The drain port is located at the end of the ventilation device body closest to the fixed surface in the front-rear direction. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

8. The intake air passage extends along the fixed surface between the fixed surface and the exhaust air passage, An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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