air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of applying efficient antibacterial effects to water in a drain pan.SOLUTION: The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, and a drain pan (60) for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger. In part of the surface on the side of receiving the water in the drain pan (60), a plate-like or filmy antibacterial material is arranged. The antibacterial material is arranged on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60). Such an opportunity that the antibacterial material contacts the water in the drain pan (60) can be effectively secured. As a result, antibacterial effects are efficiently applied to the water in the drain pan (60).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, a copper alloy foil is adhesively fixed to the bottom of the drain pan. According to this, the antibacterial effect of copper ions eluted from the copper alloy foil can prevent the generation of slime such as iron bacteria that use nutrients contained in the water in the drain pan as a nutrient source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the flow of water generally has unevenness in the drain pan, when the copper alloy foil is adhesively fixed over the entire bottom of the drain pan, a portion of the copper alloy foil that is located in an area where water does not flow easily or an area where water does not easily accumulate will appear. Since this portion of the copper alloy foil has little opportunity to come into contact with water, the contribution degree to the antibacterial of the water in the drain pan becomes low. As a result, when the copper alloy foil is adhesively fixed over the entire bottom of the drain pan, a portion with a low contribution degree to the antibacterial of water will appear, so that a large amount of copper alloy foil will be used unnecessarily, and the antibacterial efficiency of the water in the drain pan will decrease.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to efficiently antibacterialize the water in the drain pan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first aspect is a heat exchanger (40), and a drain pan (60) that receives the water generated in the heat exchanger (40) Equipped with, A plate-shaped or film-shaped antibacterial material (80C) is placed on a portion of the water-receiving surface of the drain pan (60). The antibacterial material (80C) is an air conditioner that is positioned on one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In the first embodiment, the water channel within the drain pan (60) is formed so that the water in the drain pan (60) flows toward one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction, thereby effectively ensuring that the antibacterial material (80C) has opportunities to come into contact with the water in the drain pan (60). As a result, the water in the drain pan (60) can be efficiently antibacterialized.

[0008] A second aspect is, in the first aspect, The aforementioned antibacterial material (80C) is a metal.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the service life of the antibacterial material (80C) can be extended, and the maintainability of the antibacterial material (80C) can be improved.

[0010] A third aspect is, in the second aspect, The aforementioned metals include silver, copper, stainless steel, zinc, or aluminum.

[0011] In a third embodiment, the water in the drain pan (60) can be disinfected with an antimicrobial agent (80C) containing silver, copper, stainless steel, zinc, or aluminum.

[0012] The fourth aspect is one of the first to third aspects, The antibacterial material (80C) is placed on the bottom surface (61) of the drain pan (60) and on the convex portion (66) that is convex upward from the bottom surface (61).

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, the protrusion (66) is less likely to be submerged in water than the bottom surface (61) of the drain pan (60), so the antibacterial material (80C) can be effectively fixed to the protrusion (66).

[0014] The fifth aspect is as described in the fourth aspect. The antibacterial material (80C) is placed between the protrusion (66) and the heat exchanger (40).

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the position of the antibacterial material (80C) can be fixed using the heat exchanger (40).

[0016] The sixth aspect is as described in the fifth aspect. An insulating material (92) is placed between the antibacterial material (80C) and the heat exchanger (40).

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, even if the metal constituting the antibacterial material (80C) is of a different type from the metal constituting the heat exchanger (40), galvanic corrosion (electrolytic corrosion) can be suppressed.

[0018] The seventh aspect is as described in the sixth aspect. The aforementioned protrusion (66) includes a convex portion (66b) located above the bottom surface (61) and supporting the heat exchanger (40), and a wall portion (66a) located between the bottom surface (61) and the convex portion (66b). The antibacterial material (80C) includes a first portion (81) disposed on the convex portion (66b) and a second portion (82) disposed on the wall portion (66a). The insulating material (92) includes a first insulating portion (921) disposed on the first portion (81) of the antibacterial material (80C) and a second insulating portion (922) disposed on the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80C).

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, the second insulating portion (922) of the insulating material (92) placed on the second portion (82) prevents the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80C) from coming into contact with the heat exchanger (40). As a result, even if the metal is of a different type than the metal constituting the heat exchanger (40), galvanic corrosion can be prevented.

[0020] The eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, the drain pan (60) includes a stepped portion (61d) formed on the bottom surface (61) on the end side where the antibacterial material (80C) is disposed, the antibacterial material (80C) is disposed on the lower surfaces (61b, 61c) of the stepped portion (61d).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, since water easily accumulates on the lower surfaces (61b, 61c) of the stepped portion (61d), the water accumulated on the lower surfaces (61b, 61c) of the stepped portion (61d) can be efficiently antibacterial by the antibacterial material (80C).

[0022] The ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, a drain port (68a, 68b) to which a drain hose (H) is connected is formed in the drain pan (60), the drain port (68a, 68b) is disposed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60).

[0023] In the ninth aspect, even if the water in the drain pan (60) is not discharged from the drain port (68a, 68b) located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction due to the water in the drain pan (60) being stored on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60), the antibacterial material (80C) disposed on one end side in the longitudinal direction is immersed in the water in the drain pan (60), so that the water in the drain pan (60) can be effectively antibacterial.

[0024] The tenth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, the antibacterial materials (80A, 80B) are respectively disposed on one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60).

[0025] In the tenth embodiment, when the air conditioner is positioned such that one of the left-right ends of the drain pan (60) is lower than the other end, water tends to accumulate in the drain pan (60) on the lower end side. However, the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) located on the lower end side can effectively ensure contact with the water in the drain pan (60). As a result, the water in the drain pan (60) can be efficiently disinfected.

[0026] The eleventh aspect is, in the tenth aspect, The drain pan (60) has outlets (68a, 68b) for draining the water inside the drain pan (60). The discharge ports (68a, 68b) are located at one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction and at the other end of the drain pan in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0027] In the eleventh embodiment, if the air conditioner is positioned such that one of the two longitudinal ends of the drain pan (60) is located lower than the other end, water tends to accumulate on the lower end of the drain pan (60), but the water in the drain pan (60) can be discharged from the outlet located on the lower end. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic piping diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the indoor unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drain pan, which is part of the internal structure of the indoor unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the left end of the drain pan. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rightmost part of the drain pan. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a perspective view of the left end of the cut drain pan. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the cross-section of the drain pan. [Figure 9] Figures 9(a) to 9(l) show the relationship between the installation orientation of the indoor unit casing, the location of drain water storage in the drain pan, the outlet to which the drain hose is connected, and the amount of drain water stored. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing a first example of a drain pan provided in a modified air conditioner. Figure 10(b) is a perspective view showing a second example of a drain pan provided in a modified air conditioner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the embodiments, modifications, and other examples described below can be combined or partially replaced to the extent that the present invention is implementable.

[0030] (1) Overall configuration of the air conditioner Figure 1 shows a schematic piping diagram of the air conditioner (10). The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of the air in the target space. The target space is an indoor space. The air conditioner (10) performs both cooling and heating operations. In cooling operation, the air conditioner (10) cools the air in the indoor space. In heating operation, the air conditioner (10) heats the air in the indoor space.

[0031] The air conditioner (10) is equipped with a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a flammable refrigerant. The refrigerant in this embodiment is propane (R290), a highly flammable natural refrigerant. Natural refrigerants have a zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential, and are refrigerants that have a low environmental impact.

[0032] The air conditioner (10) comprises an outdoor unit (20), an indoor unit (30), a first connecting pipe (12), and a second connecting pipe (13). The air conditioner (10) is a paired type including one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30). The air conditioner (10) is a wall-mounted air conditioner (10). A wall-mounted air conditioner (10) indicates that the indoor unit (30) is wall-mounted. The outdoor unit (20) comprises a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25). The indoor unit (30) comprises an indoor heat exchanger (40) and a cross-flow fan (50).

[0033] (1-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit (20) is installed in the outdoor space.

[0034] The compressor (21) compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor. Rotary compressors (21) can be composed of oscillating type, rolling piston type, scroll type, etc.

[0035] The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is of the fin and tube type.

[0036] The outdoor fan (25) transports outdoor air. The air transported by the outdoor fan (25) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

[0037] The expansion valve (23) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (23) is either an electronic or temperature-sensitive expansion valve.

[0038] The four-way directional control valve (24) reverses the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11). The four-way directional control valve (24) switches between a first state, shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and a second state, shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. In the first state, the four-way directional control valve (24) connects the discharge side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (22), and simultaneously connects the suction side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger (40). In the second state, the four-way directional control valve (24) connects the discharge side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger (40), and simultaneously connects the suction side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (22).

[0039] (1-2) Indoor unit The indoor unit (30) is installed in the indoor space.

[0040] The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger (40) is of the fin and tube type.

[0041] The cross-flow fan (50) is an indoor fan that transports indoor air. The air transported by the cross-flow fan (50) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0042] (1-3) First connecting pipe and second connecting pipe The first connecting pipe (12) and the second connecting pipe (13) connect the indoor unit (30) and the outdoor unit (20) to each other. The first connecting pipe (12) is a gas pipe, and the second connecting pipe (13) is a liquid pipe. The first connecting pipe (12) is connected to the gas end of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The second connecting pipe (13) is connected to the liquid end of the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0043] (2) Details of the indoor unit Figure 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit (30) from the front. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the indoor unit (30). In the following description, the terms "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" refer to the direction when the indoor unit (30) is viewed from the front (the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 2).

[0044] The indoor unit (30) is mounted on a wall. The indoor unit (30) comprises a casing (31), an indoor heat exchanger (40), and a drain pan (60).

[0045] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) forms the outer casing of the indoor unit (30). Inside the casing (31), an internal space (39) is formed to house the indoor heat exchanger (40) and the cross-flow fan (50).

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the casing (31) extends laterally. Lateral is in the left-right direction. The casing (31) is formed in a horizontally elongated box shape. The casing (31) includes a front plate (32), a rear plate (33), an upper plate (34), and a lower plate (35).

[0047] The casing (31) includes an intake opening (36). The intake opening (36) is formed in the upper plate portion (34) of the casing (31). The intake opening (36) extends in the left-right direction. The intake opening (36) draws air from the indoor space into the internal space (39) of the casing (31).

[0048] The casing (31) includes a discharge opening (37). The discharge opening (37) is formed in the lower plate portion (35). The discharge opening (37) extends in the left-right direction. The discharge opening (37) blows air that has flowed through the discharge channel (38) into the room space. The discharge opening (37) is provided with two flaps (55). Each flap (55) adjusts the direction of the air blown out from the discharge opening (37).

[0049] Specifically, each flap (55) is fixed to a shaft (56) that extends in the left-right direction. A motor (not shown) is connected to the shaft (56), and the rotation of the shaft (56) by the motor changes the orientation of each flap (55). In this way, by controlling the motor's drive, the flaps (55) can be adjusted to the desired orientation.

[0050] (2-2) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat with air using a refrigerant flowing through heat transfer tubes (27). The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a plurality of fins (F) and a plurality of heat transfer tubes (27). The fins (F) are formed in a thin plate shape. The plurality of fins (F) are arranged at equal intervals along the direction of the axis 0 of the cross-flow fan (50) (left-right direction). The plurality of heat transfer tubes (27) extend in the left-right direction and penetrate the plurality of fins (F). The inside of the heat transfer tubes (27) forms a flow path for the refrigerant. The heat transfer tubes (27) constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit (11).

[0051] The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a front heat exchange section (41) and a rear heat exchange section (42). The indoor heat exchanger (40) further includes a front auxiliary heat exchange section (43) and a rear auxiliary heat exchange section (44). The front heat exchange section (41), the rear heat exchange section (42), the front auxiliary heat exchange section (43), and the rear auxiliary heat exchange section (44) are configured as separate components. The indoor heat exchanger (40) is an example of a heat exchanger (40).

[0052] The front heat exchange section (41) is located in front of the cross-flow fan (50). The rear heat exchange section (42) is located above the cross-flow fan (50). The rear heat exchange section (42) is inclined from above the cross-flow fan (50) toward the rear of the cross-flow fan (50).

[0053] The front auxiliary heat exchanger (43) is positioned in front of the front heat exchanger (41). The front auxiliary heat exchanger (43) is positioned upstream of the airflow in the front heat exchanger (41).

[0054] The rear auxiliary heat exchanger (44) is located behind the rear heat exchanger (42). The rear auxiliary heat exchanger (44) is located upstream of the airflow in the rear heat exchanger (42).

[0055] (2-3) Drain pan As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drain pan (60) is located below the heat exchanger (40). Specifically, the drain pan (60) is located below the heat exchange section (41, 43). The drain pan (60) stores the water generated in the heat exchanger (40) (heat exchange section (41, 43)). Hereafter, the water in the drain pan (60) may be referred to as drain water.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the drain pan (60) is formed in a horizontally elongated box shape extending in the left-right direction. The left-right direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60). The left direction indicates one side of the longitudinal direction, and the right direction indicates the other side of the longitudinal direction. The front-back direction indicates the short-side direction of the drain pan (60). The front direction indicates one side of the short-side direction, and the rear direction indicates the other side of the short-side direction. The longitudinal direction, short-side direction, and up-down direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0057] The drain pan (60) includes a bottom surface (61), a front wall (62), a right side wall (64), a left side wall (65), a protrusion (66), a first outlet (68a), and a second outlet (68b).

[0058] The bottom surface (61) receives water from the drain pan (60). Receiving water from the drain pan (60) indicates that water flows in from the heat exchange section (41, 43). The bottom surface (61) includes a first bottom surface (61a), a second bottom surface (61b), a third bottom surface (61c), and a stepped portion (61d). The first bottom surface (61a) has a rectangular shape. The first bottom surface (61a) is a plane that extends along the left and right sides. The second bottom surface (61b) is a plane that is continuous with the first bottom surface (61a) and is located to the left of the first bottom surface (61a). The third bottom surface (61c) is a plane that is continuous with the first bottom surface (61a) and is located to the right of the first bottom surface (61a). The stepped portion (61d) forms a step in the bottom surface (61). The stepped portion (61d) includes a first stepped portion (61d1) and a second stepped portion (61d2). The first stepped portion (61d1) is located between the first bottom surface (61a) and the second bottom surface (61b), and forms a step on the bottom surface (61) such that the second bottom surface (61b) is lower than the first bottom surface (61a). The second stepped portion (61d2) is located between the first bottom surface (61a) and the third bottom surface (61c), and forms a step on the bottom surface (61) such that the third bottom surface (61c) is lower than the first bottom surface (61a).

[0059] In the following, the space located above the bottom surface (61) inside the drain pan (60) may be referred to as the internal space (70). The bottom surface (61) covers the internal space (70) from below. The internal space (70) includes a first internal space (71), a second internal space (72), and a third internal space (73). The first internal space (71) is the space located above the first bottom surface (61a). The second internal space (72) is the space located above the second bottom surface (61b). The third internal space (73) is the space located above the third bottom surface (61c). The first internal space (71) communicates with the second internal space (72) and the third internal space (73), respectively.

[0060] The front wall (62) is formed to slope forward as it extends upward from the front end of the base (61), covering the interior space (70) from the front. The right side wall (64) is connected to the right end of the base (61) and covers the interior space (70) from the right. The left side wall (65) is connected to the left end of the base (61) and covers the interior space (70) from the left.

[0061] The protrusion (66) is adjacent to the bottom surface (61) and protrudes upward from the bottom surface (61). The protrusion (66) is located at the rear of the bottom surface (61). The protrusion (66) covers the internal space (70) from the rear. An indoor heat exchanger (40) (front heat exchanger (41)) is positioned above the protrusion (66).

[0062] The convex portion (66) includes a wall portion (66a) and a convex portion (66b). The wall portion (66a) is a surface extending upward from the base surface (61) and is located between the base surface (61) and the convex portion (66b). The inclination angle θ1 of the wall portion (66a) with respect to the base surface (61) is greater than the inclination angle θ2 of the convex portion (66b) with respect to the base surface (61) (θ1 > θ2) (see Figure 7). The wall portion (66a) includes a first wall portion (66a1) extending upward from the first base surface (61a), a second wall portion (66a2) extending upward from the second base surface (61b), and a third wall portion (66a3) extending upward from the third base surface (61c). The second wall section (66a2) is located to the left of the first wall section (66a1). The third wall section (66a3) is located to the right of the first wall section (66a1). The first wall section (66a1), the second wall section (66a2), and the third wall section (66a3) are flush with each other. The convex section (66b) is connected to the upper end of the wall section (66a) and is located above the bottom surface (61). The convex section (66b) extends along the left and right sides, parallel to the first bottom surface (61a). The convex section (66b) supports the heat exchanger (40) (front heat exchange section (41)) and supports the heat exchanger (40). The convex portion (66b) includes a first convex portion (66b1) connected to the upper end of the first wall portion (66a1), a second convex portion (66b2) connected to the upper end of the second wall portion (66a2), and a third convex portion (66b3) connected to the upper end of the third wall portion (66a3). The second convex portion (66b2) is located to the left of the first convex portion (66b1). The third convex portion (66b3) is located to the right of the first convex portion (66b1). The first convex portion (66b1), the second convex portion (66b2), and the third convex portion (66b3) are flush with each other.

[0063] The first outlet (68a) and the second outlet (68b) are holes to which a drain hose (H) can be connected. The first outlet (68a) and the second outlet (68b) connect the internal space (70) of the drain pan (60) to the outside. The first outlet (68a) is located at the left end of the drain pan (60) and is to the left of the protrusion (66). The first outlet (68a) connects the second internal space (72) to the outside of the drain pan (60). The second outlet (68b) is located at the right end of the drain pan (60) and is to the right of the protrusion (66). The second outlet (68b) connects the third internal space (73) to the outside of the drain pan (60).

[0064] The drain hose (H) is connected from the outside of the drain pan (60) to either the first outlet (68a) or the second outlet (68b). The drain water is sent to the drain hose (H) through the outlet to which the drain hose (H) is connected, and then discharged to the outside of the drain pan (60). The outlets of the first outlet (68a) and the second outlet (68b) to which the drain hose (H) is not connected are closed by attaching a plug member (not shown). In this embodiment, the drain hose (H) is connected to the second outlet (68b), and the first outlet (68a) is closed.

[0065] (2-4) Antibacterial material As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the air conditioner (10) is equipped with an antibacterial material (80). The antibacterial material (80) exhibits an antibacterial effect on drain water. Antibacterial means that it suppresses the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. The antibacterial material (80) may have a function of sterilization or disinfection against microorganisms such as bacteria, or it may have a function of suppressing the growth of mold. The antibacterial material (80) is a plate-shaped or film-shaped member. Plate-shaped includes sheet-shaped and tape-shaped members. In this embodiment, the antibacterial material (80) is metal. Film-shaped refers to a film formed by painting, sputtering, plating, etc., with a substance having antibacterial properties (metal powder, etc.). Metals include silver, copper, stainless steel, zinc, or aluminum. By making the antibacterial material (80) out of metal, the service life of the antibacterial material (80) can be ensured to be long-term, and the maintainability of the antibacterial material (80) can be improved.

[0066] The metal constituting the antibacterial material (80) has higher antibacterial properties than the metal constituting the heat transfer tubes (27). In this embodiment, the metal constituting the antibacterial material (80) is a different type of metal from the metal constituting the indoor heat exchanger (40) (heat transfer tubes (27)), and the ionization tendencies of the metal constituting the antibacterial material (80) and the metal constituting the indoor heat exchanger (40) are different. In this embodiment, the antibacterial material (80) is a copper metal plate, but a copper alloy metal plate can also be used. In this embodiment, the heat transfer tubes (27) and fins of the indoor heat exchanger (40) are made of aluminum, but an aluminum alloy can also be used.

[0067] The antibacterial material (80) is formed in the form of a plate or a film, so that it conforms flatly to the surface on which the antibacterial material (80) is placed in the drain pan (60). This prevents slime, debris, etc. from getting stuck and accumulating on the antibacterial material (80), and allows the drain water to flow smoothly.

[0068] The antibacterial material (80) is arranged from the protrusion (66) to the bottom surface (61). The antibacterial material (80) is located on a portion of the protrusion (66) and on a portion of the bottom surface (61). The antibacterial material (80) is arranged between the protrusion (66) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) (front heat exchange section (41)).

[0069] The antibacterial material (80) includes a first part (81), a second part (82), and a third part (83). The first part (81) is positioned on the convex surface (66b) of the convex portion (66) and is located on a portion of the area of ​​the convex surface (66b) of the convex portion (66). The first part (81) is sandwiched between the convex surface (66b) of the convex portion (66) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) (front heat exchange portion (41)), and is pressed against the convex surface (66b) by the indoor heat exchanger (40) and fixed to the convex surface (66b). The second part (82) is positioned on the wall surface (66a) and is located on a portion of the area of ​​the wall surface (66a). The third part (83) is positioned on the bottom surface (61) and is located on a portion of the area of ​​the bottom surface (61). The third portion (83) is fixed to the bottom surface (61) by a fixing member. The fixing member may be an adhesive member such as tape (including double-sided tape), a member such as a screw that fastens and fixes the third portion (83) of the antibacterial material (80) to the bottom surface (61), or a member such as a frame member provided on the bottom surface (61) that fits and fixes the third portion (83) of the antibacterial material (80). In this embodiment, double-sided tape is used as the fixing member. This makes it possible to form a flat surface at the fixing point between the third portion (83) of the antibacterial material (80) and the bottom surface (61), thereby preventing slime, dirt, etc. from getting caught and accumulating at the fixing point, and allowing drain water to flow smoothly.

[0070] The antibacterial agent (80) includes a first antibacterial agent (80A) and a second antibacterial agent (80B).

[0071] The first antibacterial material (80A) is positioned on the left end of the drain pan (60). The first antibacterial material (80A) is positioned around the first outlet (68a). The first part (81) of the first antibacterial material (80A) is located on the second convex part (66b2). The second part (82) of the first antibacterial material (80A) is located on the second wall part (66a2). The third part (83) of the first antibacterial material (80A) is located on the second bottom surface (61b). The third part (83) of the first antibacterial material (80A) is fixed to the second bottom surface (61b) by placing double-sided tape (T1) between the third part (83) and the second bottom surface (61b).

[0072] The second antibacterial material (80B) is positioned on the left end of the drain pan (60). The second antibacterial material (80B) is positioned around the second outlet (68b). The first part (81) of the second antibacterial material (80B) is located on the third convex part (66b3). The second part (82) of the second antibacterial material (80B) is located on the third wall part (66a3). The third part (83) of the second antibacterial material (80B) is located on the third bottom surface (61c). The third part (83) of the second antibacterial material (80B) is fixed to the third bottom surface (61c) by placing double-sided tape (T2) between the third part (83) and the third bottom surface (61c).

[0073] (2-5) Sealing material As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the air conditioner (10) is equipped with a sealing material (91). The sealing material (91) is positioned between the protrusion (66) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) (the fins (F) of the front heat exchange section (41)). The sealing material (91) is, for example, a rubber material such as EPT sealer. The sealing material (91) is positioned on the convex surface (66b) of the protrusion (66). The sealing material (91) has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction and is positioned to cover the convex surface (66b) from the left end to the right end.

[0074] (2-6) Insulating material As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the air conditioner (10) includes an insulating material (92). The insulating material (92) is positioned between the protrusion (66) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) (fins (F) of the front heat exchanger (41)). The insulating material (92) is made of an insulating material such as rubber and resin. In this embodiment, the insulating material (92) is made of the same material as the sealing material (91) (for example, a rubber component such as EPT sealer). The insulating material (92) is positioned between the antibacterial material (80) and the indoor heat exchanger (40). The insulating material (92) includes a first insulating portion (921) and a second insulating portion (922). The first insulating portion (921) is positioned on the first portion (81) of the antibacterial material (80) and covers the first portion (81). The first insulating portion (921) of the insulating material (92) is positioned to overlap with a portion of the sealing material (91). The second insulating portion (922) is positioned on the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80) and covers the second portion (82). An indoor heat exchanger (40) is located above the second insulating portion (922).

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, the first portion (81) of the antibacterial material (80) is sandwiched between the indoor heat exchanger (40) and the convex surface (66b) of the protrusion (66) via the insulating material (92). As a result, the first portion (81) of the antibacterial material (80) is fixed to the protrusion (66) of the drain pan (60).

[0076] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the insulating material (92) includes a first insulating material (92A) and a second insulating material (92B).

[0077] The first insulating material (92A) is positioned on the left end of the drain pan (60). The first insulating portion (921) of the first insulating material (92A) is positioned on the first portion (81) of the first antibacterial material (80A) and covers the first portion (81) of the first antibacterial material (80A). The first insulating portion (921) of the first insulating material (92A) is positioned to overlap with the left end of the sealing material (91). The second insulating portion (922) of the first insulating material (92A) is positioned on the second portion (82) of the first antibacterial material (80A) and covers the second portion (82) of the first antibacterial material (80A).

[0078] The second insulating material (92B) is positioned on the right end of the drain pan (60). The first insulating portion (921) of the second insulating material (92B) is positioned on the first portion (81) of the second antibacterial material (80B) and covers the first portion (81) of the second antibacterial material (80B). The first insulating portion (921) of the second insulating material (92B) is positioned to overlap with the right end of the sealing material (91). The second insulating portion (922) of the second insulating material (92B) is positioned on the second portion (82) of the second antibacterial material (80B) and covers the second portion (82) of the second antibacterial material (80B).

[0079] (3) Test results Figures 9(a) to 9(l) show the test results performed by the inventors of the present invention. Figures 9(a) to 9(l) show the relationship between the installation position of the casing (31) of the indoor unit (30), the storage location of the drain water (W) in the drain pan (60), the outlet to which the drain hose (H) is connected, and the amount of drain water (W) stored. In Figures 9(a) to 9(l), the white arrows indicate the outlet to which the drain hose (H) is connected, among the first outlet (68a) and the second outlet (68b). For example, Figure 8(a) shows that when the installation position of the casing (31) is horizontal and the drain hose (H) is connected to the first outlet (68a), 65cc of drain water (W) is stored in the drain pan (60) from the left end to the right end.

[0080] As shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(l), when the installation position of the casing (31) was changed in various ways, it was confirmed that even if the drain water (W) was not completely discharged to the outside of the drain pan (60) through the drain hose (H) and remained stored in the drain pan (60), at least one of the first antibacterial material (80A) and the second antibacterial material (80B) would be in contact with the drain water (W) stored in the drain pan (60). In other words, when drain water (W) was stored in the drain pan (60), it was confirmed that the drain water (W) would be stored in the area where at least the first antibacterial material (80A) was located (the left end of the drain pan (60)) or in the area where the second antibacterial material (80B) was located (the right end of the drain pan (60)). As a result, it was confirmed that by placing antibacterial materials (80A, 80B) on the left and right ends of the drain pan (60), even when drain water (W) accumulates in the drain pan (60), at least one of the first antibacterial material (80A) and the second antibacterial material (80B) comes into contact with the drain water (W) (see Figures 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 9(e), 9(h), 9(i), 9(j), 9(k), and 9(l)), thus effectively antibacterializing the drain water (W). Furthermore, by placing antibacterial material (80A, 80B) on the left and right ends of the drain pan (60), the left and right ends of the drain pan (60) can be effectively disinfected, and it was confirmed that the accumulation of slime around the outlets (68a, 68b) located on the left and right ends of the drain pan (60) is suppressed. As a result, as shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(l), regardless of whether the drain hose (H) is connected to the first outlet (68a) or the second outlet (68b), the accumulation of slime around the outlet to which the drain hose (H) is connected is suppressed, and it was confirmed that the drain water (W) in the drain pan (60) can be effectively discharged to the outside of the drain pan (60) through the drain hose (H).

[0081] (4) Effects As described above, the antibacterial materials (80A, 80B) are positioned on the left and right ends (one end in the longitudinal direction and the other end in the longitudinal direction) of the drain pan (60). This ensures that when the air conditioner (10) is positioned such that one end of the drain pan (60) is lower than the other end, drain water tends to accumulate on the lower end of the drain pan (60). However, the antibacterial materials (80A, 80B) positioned on the lower end have an effective opportunity to come into contact with the drain water. As a result, the drain water can be efficiently disinfected.

[0082] Furthermore, by placing antibacterial material (80A, 80B) on a portion of the surface that receives the drain water, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B), thereby suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner (10).

[0083] Furthermore, because the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is in the form of a plate or film, it can be easily placed. Also, because the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is in the form of a plate or film, it is possible to prevent obstacles such as slime from getting caught on the antibacterial material (80A, 80B).

[0084] Furthermore, an insulating material (92) is placed between the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) and the heat exchanger (40). This prevents galvanic corrosion (electrolytic corrosion) from occurring, even if the metals constituting the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) are of a different type than the metals constituting the heat exchanger (40).

[0085] Furthermore, the second insulating portion (922) of the insulating material (92) is positioned on the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) (see Figure 8). As a result, even if the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) deforms and comes close to the heat exchanger (40), the second insulating portion (922) of the insulating material (92) positioned on the second portion (82) prevents the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) from coming into contact with the heat exchanger (40). Consequently, even if the metals constituting the heat exchanger (40) are of a different type, galvanic corrosion can be prevented.

[0086] (5) Other embodiments The above embodiment may also have the following configuration.

[0087] (5-1) Modified examples of insulating materials and sealing materials As shown in Figures 4 and 8, in the above embodiment, the insulating material (92) is a separate component from the sealing material (91). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The insulating material (92) may be an integral component with the sealing material (91). Furthermore, the sealing material (91) may be shortened so that the left end of the first insulating material (92A) and the sealing material (91) do not overlap, and the right end of the second insulating material (92B) and the sealing material (91) do not overlap. In this case, the sealing material (91) is positioned between the first insulating material (92A) and the second insulating material (92B).

[0088] (5-2) Modified examples of air conditioners As shown in Figure 4, in the above embodiment, the air conditioner (10) includes a first antibacterial agent (80A) and a second antibacterial agent (80B). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the air conditioner (10) includes one of the antibacterial agents (80C) of the first antibacterial agent (80A) and the second antibacterial agent (80B), but does not have to include the other antibacterial agent of the first antibacterial agent (80A) and the second antibacterial agent (80B). That is, the air conditioner (10) may include an antibacterial agent (80C) positioned on one end side in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the drain pan (60). This forms a drain water flow path so that the water in the drain pan (60) flows to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60), thereby effectively ensuring that the antibacterial agent (80C) has opportunities to come into contact with the drain water. As a result, the drain water can be efficiently antibacterialized.

[0089] In a modified version of the air conditioner (10), as shown in Figure 10(a), the antibacterial material (80C) may be placed on the left end of the drain pan (60), and the drain hose (H) may be connected to the second outlet (68b) on the right end of the drain pan (60). That is, the antibacterial material (80C) may be placed on one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction, and the drain hose (H) may be connected to the outlet located on the other end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction, of the first outlet (68a) and the second outlet (68b). As a result, even if the water in the drain pan (60) is stored on one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction and does not discharge from the outlet located on the other end in the longitudinal direction, the antibacterial material (80C) placed on one end in the longitudinal direction will be immersed in the drain water, so the drain water can be effectively antibacterialized.

[0090] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions of the subject matter of this disclosure. The terms “First,” “Second,” etc., used above are used to distinguish the phrases to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases. [Industrial applicability]

[0091] As explained above, this disclosure is useful for air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 40 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 60 Drain pan 61 Bottom 61d Step section 66 Convex part 66a Wall section 66b Convex part 80, 80A, 80B, 80C Antibacterial material 81 Part 1 82 Part 2 92 Insulating material H Drain Hose

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (40) provided in the indoor unit (30) of a wall-mounted air conditioner, A drain pan (60) that receives water generated in the heat exchanger (40) and Equipped with, A plate-shaped or film-shaped antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is placed on a portion of the water-receiving surface of the drain pan (60). The antibacterial materials (80A, 80B) are arranged on one end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction and on the other end of the drain pan in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The drain pan (60) has outlets (68a, 68b) which are holes to which a drain hose (H) can be connected. The aforementioned discharge ports (68a, 68b) are located at one end and the other end of the drain pan (60) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, in an air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is a metal.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the metal includes silver, copper, stainless steel, zinc, or aluminum.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is arranged on the bottom surface (61) of the drain pan (60) and on a protrusion (66) that is convex upward from the bottom surface (61).

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is disposed between the protrusion (66) and the heat exchanger (40).

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein an insulating material (92) is placed between the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) and the heat exchanger (40).

7. The protrusion (66) includes a convex portion (66b) located above the bottom surface (61) and supporting the heat exchanger (40), and a wall portion (66a) located between the bottom surface (61) and the convex portion (66b). The antibacterial material (80A, 80B) includes a first portion (81) placed on the convex portion (66b) and a second portion (82) placed on the wall portion (66a). The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the insulating material (92) includes a first insulating portion (921) disposed on the first portion (81) of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) and a second insulating portion (922) disposed on the second portion (82) of the antibacterial material (80A, 80B).

8. The drain pan (60) includes a stepped portion (61d) formed on the bottom surface (61) of the end side where the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is placed. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial material (80A, 80B) is arranged on the lower surface (61b, 61c) of the stepped portion (61d).

Images