Indoor units and air conditioners

Abstract

One embodiment of an indoor unit according to the present disclosure has a refrigerant sensor unit having a refrigerant sensor that detects vaporized refrigerant and a housing that houses the refrigerant sensor, the housing having a first refrigerant inlet that guides vaporized refrigerant to an accommodating space that houses the refrigerant sensor, and a recess provided on an inner surface surrounding the accommodating space and facing the refrigerant sensor.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioner in which a refrigerant sensor is attached to an indoor unit is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an indoor unit in which a drain pan is disposed below a heat exchanger, and a refrigerant sensor is disposed above the drain pan to detect refrigerant gas leaking from the heat exchanger with the refrigerant sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The refrigerant sensor is housed in a housing to protect the refrigerant sensor from condensed water. Such a housing is provided with an inlet for guiding refrigerant gas into the internal accommodation space. In a conventional indoor unit, there is a problem that the refrigerant sensor has difficulty detecting the refrigerant gas until the refrigerant gas flowing into the housing from the refrigerant inlet fills the inside of the housing, and the responsiveness of the refrigerant sensor is low.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an indoor unit and an air conditioner capable of enhancing the responsiveness of refrigerant detection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the indoor unit according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerant sensor unit having a refrigerant sensor that detects vaporized refrigerant and a housing that houses the refrigerant sensor, the housing having a first refrigerant inlet that guides the vaporized refrigerant to an accommodation space that houses the refrigerant sensor. , a second refrigerant inlet, and a third refrigerant inlet and a recess provided on an inner surface surrounding the accommodation space and facing the refrigerant sensor. The first refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant inlet are located on one side and the other side of the refrigerant sensor in the first direction, respectively. The recess has an upper wall surface facing downward and a side wall surface extending downward from the upper wall surface and facing in a horizontal direction. The third refrigerant inlet opens into the side wall surface. .

[0007] One aspect of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes the indoor unit described above, the refrigerant circuit, and an outdoor unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an indoor unit and an air conditioner that can improve the responsiveness of refrigerant detection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit taken along line VV in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment, showing the flow of refrigerant gas. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment, showing the flow of condensation water by arrows. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerant sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant sensor unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant sensor unit according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerant sensor unit according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be changed as desired within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. In addition, in the following drawings, the scale and number of each structure may be different from the scale and number of the actual structure in order to make each configuration easier to understand.

[0011] In addition, the drawings show the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as appropriate. The X-axis and Y-axis each show one of the horizontal directions. The Z-axis shows the up-down direction. In the following description, the horizontal direction along the X-axis is called the "front-rear direction X", the horizontal direction along the Y-axis is called the "left-right direction Y", and the up-down direction along the Z-axis is called the "up-down direction Z". The front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y, and the up-down direction Z are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the side (+X) of the front-rear direction X where the arrow of the X-axis points is the front side, and the side (-X) opposite to the side of the front-rear direction X where the arrow of the X-axis points is the rear side. In addition, the side (+Y) of the left-right direction where the arrow of the Y-axis points is the right side, and the side (-Y) opposite to the side of the left-right direction Y where the arrow of the Y-axis points is the left side. Furthermore, the side (+Z side) of the vertical direction Z toward which the arrow of the Z axis points is defined as the upper side, and the side (-Z) opposite to the side toward which the arrow of the Z axis points is defined as the lower side. Note that the left-right direction Y, the front-rear direction X, and the vertical direction Z are names simply for explaining the relative positional relationship of each part, and the actual positional relationship may be a positional relationship other than the positional relationship indicated by these names. In the following embodiments, the front-rear direction X corresponds to the "first direction", and the vertical direction Z corresponds to the "second direction".

[0012] <Air conditioner> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of an air conditioner 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, and a refrigerant circuit 30. The indoor unit 10 is disposed indoors. The outdoor unit 20 is disposed outdoors. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected to each other by the refrigerant circuit 30, through which refrigerant 33 circulates. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are heat exchange units that exchange heat with the air.

[0013] The air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature of the air in the room by exchanging heat between the refrigerant 33 flowing in the refrigerant circuit 30 and the air in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is placed. Examples of the refrigerant 33 include fluorine-based refrigerants or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). Examples of the refrigerant 33 include a single refrigerant selected from R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, and R290, a mixed refrigerant of two or more of these, or a mixed refrigerant of any of these with another refrigerant. Examples of the refrigerant 33 include a mixed refrigerant containing R1132(E), or a mixed refrigerant containing R1123. Furthermore, examples of the refrigerant 33 include mixed refrigerants of R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A.

[0014] The outdoor unit 20 has a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a flow rate control valve 24, an outdoor unit blower 25, and a four-way valve 22. The compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the flow rate control valve 24, and the four-way valve 22 are connected by a refrigerant circuit 30.

[0015] The four-way valve 22 is disposed in a portion of the refrigerant circuit 30 that is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21. The four-way valve 22 can reverse the direction of the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 by switching a portion of the paths of the refrigerant circuit 30. When the paths connected by the four-way valve 22 are the paths shown by solid lines in the four-way valve 22 in Fig. 1, the refrigerant 33 flows through the refrigerant circuit 30 in the direction shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 1. On the other hand, when the paths connected by the four-way valve 22 are the paths shown by dashed lines in the four-way valve 22 in Fig. 1, the refrigerant 33 flows through the refrigerant circuit 30 in the direction shown by the dashed arrows in Fig. 1.

[0016] The indoor unit 10 has a blower 15 and a heat exchanger 14 arranged around the blower 15. The indoor unit 10 is capable of a cooling operation for cooling the air in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is arranged, and a heating operation for heating the air in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is arranged.

[0017] When the indoor unit 10 is in cooling operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing in the refrigerant circuit 30 flows in the direction shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 10 is in cooling operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing in the refrigerant circuit 30 circulates through the compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the outdoor unit 20, the flow control valve 24, and the heat exchanger 14 of the indoor unit 10, in that order, before returning to the compressor 21. In cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the outdoor unit 20 functions as a condenser, and the heat exchanger 14 in the indoor unit 10 functions as an evaporator.

[0018] On the other hand, when the indoor unit 10 performs heating operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing in the refrigerant circuit 30 flows in the direction shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 10 performs heating operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing in the refrigerant circuit 30 circulates through the compressor 21, the heat exchanger 14 of the indoor unit 10, the flow control valve 24, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the outdoor unit 20, in that order, before returning to the compressor 21. In heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the outdoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger 14 in the indoor unit 10 functions as a condenser.

[0019] <Indoor unit> Next, the indoor unit 10 of the present embodiment will be described in further detail. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 10 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 10, seen from the front. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 10 taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 10 taken along line VV in Fig. 3.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is fixed to an upper region of a wall surface inside a room. As shown in Fig. 3, the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the above-mentioned housing 11, heat exchanger 14, and blower 15, a drain pan 40, a control unit 50, and a refrigerant sensor unit 60. The housing 11 houses the heat exchanger 14, the blower 15, the drain pan 40, the control unit 50, and the refrigerant sensor unit 60.

[0021] <Case> As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box that is long in the left-right direction Y. The housing 11 has a top panel 11a, a front panel 11b, a bottom panel 11c, a first side panel (side panel) 11d, a second side panel 11e, and a rear panel 11f. The top panel 11a covers the internal space of the housing 11 from above. The front panel 11b covers the internal space of the housing 11 from the front side (+X). The bottom panel 11c covers the internal space of the housing 11 from the bottom. The first side panel 11d covers the internal space of the housing 11 from the right side (+Y). The second side panel 11e covers the internal space of the housing 11 from the left side (-Y). The rear panel 11f covers the internal space of the housing 11 from the rear side (-X).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 11 is provided with an intake port 12 and an exhaust port 13. The intake port 12 is provided in the top panel 11a. The intake port 12 opens on the upper side and extends in the left-right direction Y. A filter 12a for removing dust from the intake air is disposed in the intake port 12. The exhaust port 13 is provided in the front end of the bottom panel 11c and the lower end of the front panel 11b. The exhaust port 13 opens on the front side (+X) and the lower side and extends in the left-right direction Y. The exhaust port 13 is provided with an air direction vane 13a for adjusting the wind direction of the air blown out. When the indoor unit 10 is in a stopped state, the exhaust port 13 is covered by the air direction vane 13a.

[0023] <Blower> As shown in Fig. 3, the blower 15 of this embodiment is a cross-flow fan. The blower 15 has an impeller 15a extending in the left-right direction Y, and a drive motor 15b arranged on the right side (+Y) of the impeller 15a. The impeller 15a is substantially cylindrical and has a plurality of blades (not shown) arranged in the circumferential direction. The impeller 15a and the drive motor 15b rotate the impeller 15a around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction Y.

[0024] <Heat exchanger> The heat exchanger 14 has a heat exchanger body 14d and a pipe connecting portion 14e. The heat exchanger body 14d has a plurality of fin members extending along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and arranged in the left-right direction Y, and a plurality of pipes penetrating the plurality of fin members. The pipe connecting portion 14e is located at the right (+Y) end of the heat exchanger body 14d. The pipe connecting portion 14e is connected to the pipes of the heat exchanger body 14d. The pipe connecting portion 14e has a plurality of hairpin-shaped pipes connecting the plurality of pipes of the heat exchanger body 14d to each other, and a pipe connecting the pipes of the heat exchanger body 14d to external pipes. The pipes of the heat exchanger 14 constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 30 (see FIG. 1), and a refrigerant flows inside. The heat exchanger body 14d exchanges heat between the air in the housing 11 and the refrigerant. As a result, the heat exchanger 14 cools or heats the air sucked into the blower 15.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 14 has a first portion 14a, a second portion 14b, and a third portion 14c. The first portion 14a is located on the front side (+X) of the impeller 15a. The first portion 14a extends in the vertical direction Z when viewed from the left - right direction Y. The second portion 14b and the third portion 14c are located above the impeller 15a. The second portion 14b extends upward (+Z) and obliquely rearward (-X) from the upper end of the first portion 14a when viewed from the left - right direction Y. The third portion 14c is located on the rear side (-X) of the second portion 14b. The third portion 14c extends downward (-Z) and obliquely rearward (-X) from the upper end of the second portion 14b when viewed from the left - right direction Y.

[0026] <Drain pan> As shown in FIG. 3, the drain pan 40 is disposed at the lower part of the internal space of the housing 11. The drain pan 40 extends in the left - right direction Y. The drain pan 40 has a drain pan main body portion 41 and a drain pan side end portion 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the drain pan main body portion 41 is located directly below the first portion 14a of the heat exchanger main body 14d. As shown in FIG. 5, the drain pan side end portion 42 is located directly below the pipe connection portion 14e. The drain pan side end portion 42 is connected to the end portion on the right side (+Y) of the drain pan main body portion 41.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the drain pan main body portion 41 has a storage portion 41p that opens upward. The drain pan main body portion 41 extends in a gutter - like shape in the left - right direction Y. The drain pan main body portion 41 receives the condensed water that condenses and drips on the surface of the heat exchanger main body 14d from below in the storage portion 41p.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the drain pan side end 42 has a storage portion 42p that opens upward. The drain pan side end 42 receives condensed water that condenses on the surface of the pipe connecting portion 14e and drips in the storage portion 42p from below. The storage portion 42p of the drain pan side end 42 is connected to the storage portion 41p of the drain pan main body 41. Therefore, not only the condensed water that drips from the pipe connecting portion 14e but also the condensed water received by the drain pan main body 41 flows into the storage portion 42p of the drain pan side end 42. A drain hose 49 is connected to the drain pan side end 42. The condensed water received by the drain pan 40 is discharged to the outdoors through the drain hose 49. A water absorbing sheet (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the bottom panel 11c of the housing 11. The water absorbent sheet receives and absorbs condensation water dripping from the surface of drain hose 49 and from the connection between drain pan side end 42 and drain hose 49. In this way, the water absorbent sheet prevents condensation water from dripping downward from indoor unit 10.

[0029] The underside of drain pan side end 42 is covered with heat insulating material 48. This makes it possible to prevent condensation water from condensing on the underside of drain pan side end 42. Refrigerant sensor unit 60 is disposed below drain pan side end 42. According to the present embodiment, condensation water is less likely to adhere to the underside of drain pan side end 42, making it possible to prevent condensation water from dripping from drain pan side end 42 onto refrigerant sensor unit 60. This makes it possible to prevent condensation water from affecting the operation of refrigerant sensor unit 60.

[0030] Furthermore, refrigerant sensor unit 60 in this embodiment is located directly below drain pan side end 42. That is, refrigerant sensor unit 60 is positioned offset in left-right direction Y with respect to impeller 15a of blower 15. As a result, even if condensed water is scattered from impeller 15a or from surrounding components receiving the wind from impeller 15a due to the rotation of impeller 15a, it is possible to prevent this condensed water from getting on refrigerant sensor unit 60.

[0031] <Control Unit> 3, the control unit 50 is located to the right (+Y) of the heat exchanger 14 and the blower 15. The control unit 50 controls components necessary for heating and cooling operation of the air conditioner 100. The control unit 50 controls the blower 15, the heat exchanger 14, etc. based on the measurement results of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 and various sensors provided in the heat exchanger 14.

[0032] <Refrigerant sensor unit> As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerant sensor unit 60 is disposed below the drain pan 40. The drain pan 40 is located below the heat exchanger 14. Generally, refrigerant gas is heavier than air. Therefore, the refrigerant leaking from the heat exchanger 14 and vaporizing (hereinafter, referred to as refrigerant gas) accumulates in the storage sections 41p, 42p of the drain pan 40. Furthermore, the refrigerant gas accumulated in the storage sections 41p, 42p of the drain pan 40 flows toward the lower side of the drain pan 40 over the front (+X) and rear (-X) walls of the drain pan 40. The refrigerant sensor unit 60 detects the refrigerant gas flowing into the inside of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 from the front (+X) or rear (-X) below the drain pan 40, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 50.

[0033] Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the refrigerant sensor unit as viewed from different directions. Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the refrigerant sensor unit 60. In Figure 8, the flow of refrigerant gas is indicated by arrows. Also, in Figure 9, the flow of condensed water adhering to the refrigerant sensor unit 60 is indicated by arrows.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, the refrigerant sensor unit 60 has a refrigerant sensor 70, a housing 80, and other functional units 68, 69. The refrigerant sensor unit 60 of this embodiment has not only the function of detecting refrigerant gas, but also other functions. Examples of the other functions include a monitoring function for monitoring the living space in which the indoor unit 10 is placed, and an antenna function for receiving radio waves from a remote controller. The other functional units 68, 69 are responsible for these other functions. A detailed description of the other functional units 68, 69 will be omitted.

[0035] The housing 80 has a base member 81 and a lid member 82. The housing 80 also has an accommodation space A in which the refrigerant sensor 70 and the other functional units 68, 69 are disposed. The base member 81 and the lid member 82 surround the accommodation space A. The base member 81 supports the refrigerant sensor 70 and the other functional units 68, 69. The lid member 82 is located above the base member 81 and is fixed to the base member 81. The lid member 82 covers the refrigerant sensor and the other functional units 68, 69 from above. In this way, the lid member 82 protects the refrigerant sensor and the other functional units 68, 69.

[0036] The base member 81 has a base plate portion 81p, a first wall portion 81a, a second wall portion 81b, and a third wall portion 81c. The base plate portion 81p extends along a horizontal plane (XY plane). The first wall portion 81a, the second wall portion 81b, and the third wall portion 81c protrude upward from the base plate portion 81p. The first wall portion 81a, the second wall portion 81b, and the third wall portion 81c are each plate-shaped extending along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction X. The first wall portion 81a, the second wall portion 81b, and the third wall portion 81c are arranged in this order from the front side (+X) to the rear side (-X).

[0037] A first other functional unit 68 is disposed on the front side (+X) of the first wall unit 81a. A second other functional unit 69 is disposed between the first wall unit 81a and the second wall unit 81b. A refrigerant sensor 70 is disposed between the second wall unit 81b and the third wall unit 81c.

[0038] The second wall portion 81b is provided with a first groove portion 81d. The first groove portion 81d opens to the rear side (-X) and extends in the left-right direction Y. Similarly, the third wall portion 81c is provided with a second groove portion 81e. The second groove portion 81e opens to the front side (+X) and extends in the left-right direction Y. The opening of the first groove portion 81d and the opening of the second groove portion 81e face each other in the front-rear direction X. The groove widths of the first groove portion 81d and the second groove portion 81e are slightly larger than the plate thickness of the sensor substrate 73 of the refrigerant sensor 70 described later. The sensor substrate 73 is inserted into the first groove portion 81d and the second groove portion 81e. Thereby, the base plate portion 81p supports the refrigerant sensor 70. Although not shown, the other functional portions 68 and 69 are fixed to the base plate portion 81p by fixing means such as fixing screws respectively.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lid member 82 has a first upper plate portion 82a, a second upper plate portion 82b, a step portion 82g, a convex portion 84, a front plate portion 82c, a rear plate portion 82d, a side plate portion 82e, and a side case portion 83.

[0040] The first upper plate portion 82a and the second upper plate portion 82b extend along the horizontal plane (XY plane). The first upper plate portion 82a is located above the second upper plate portion 82b. The first upper plate portion 82a is located behind (-X) the second upper plate portion 82b. A step portion 82g is provided between the first upper plate portion 82a and the second upper plate portion 82b. The step portion 82g extends linearly in the left-right direction Y.

[0041] The front plate portion 82c and the rear plate portion 82d extend along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction X. The front plate portion 82c and the rear plate portion 82d are arranged to face each other in the front-rear direction X.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 6, the front plate portion 82c is connected to the front end of the second upper plate portion 82b. A first refrigerant inlet 85 penetrating in the front-rear direction X is provided in the front plate portion 82c. That is, the housing 80 has the first refrigerant inlet 85. The first refrigerant inlet 85 connects the accommodation space A of the housing 80 to an external space of the housing 80. The first refrigerant inlet 85 opens the accommodation space A to the front side (+X). The first refrigerant inlet 85 guides refrigerant gas from the front side (+X) to the accommodation space A that accommodates the refrigerant sensor 70.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 7, the rear plate portion 82d is connected to the rear end of the first upper plate portion 82a. A second refrigerant inlet 86 penetrating in the front-rear direction X is provided in the rear plate portion 82d. That is, the housing 80 has the second refrigerant inlet 86. The second refrigerant inlet 86 connects the accommodation space A of the housing 80 to an external space of the housing 80. The second refrigerant inlet 86 opens the accommodation space A to the rear side (-X). The second refrigerant inlet 86 guides refrigerant gas from the rear side to the accommodation space A that accommodates the refrigerant sensor 70.

[0044] The side plate portion 82e extends along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction Y. The side plate portion 82e is connected to the left (-Y) ends of the first upper plate portion 82a, the second upper plate portion 82b, the front plate portion 82c, and the rear plate portion 82d. The side case portion 83 is connected to the right (+Y) ends of the first upper plate portion 82a, the second upper plate portion 82b, the front plate portion 82c, and the rear plate portion 82d. The side case portion 83 accommodates other functional portions (not shown).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 84 is located at the end of the front side (+X) of the first upper plate portion 82a. The protrusion 84 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first upper plate portion 82a. The cover member 82 is plate-shaped. Therefore, the lower surface of the protrusion 84 is recessed toward the upper side. Here, in the housing 80, the surface that faces the storage space A and surrounds the storage space A is called the inner side surface 80f of the housing 80. The lower surface of the first upper plate portion 82a constitutes a part of the inner side surface 80f of the housing 80. The inner side surface 80f of the housing 80 is provided with a recess 88 located inside the protrusion 84. That is, the housing 80 has the recess 88. The recess 88 expands the storage space A upward.

[0046] The recess 88 opens downward. The recess 88 has an upper wall surface 88a and a side wall surface 88b. The upper wall surface 88a is a surface that extends along the horizontal plane (XY plane) and faces downward. The upper wall surface 88a is located above the upper surface of the first upper plate portion 82a. The side wall surface 88b is connected to the upper wall surface 88a and extends downward from the upper wall surface 88a. The side wall surface 88b is a surface that faces in the horizontal direction. The side wall surface 88b in this embodiment surrounds the internal space of the recess 88 in a frame-like shape from the horizontal direction.

[0047] A third refrigerant inlet 87 is provided in a portion of the side wall surface 88b of the recess 88 facing the front side (+X). That is, the housing 80 has the third refrigerant inlet 87 that opens to the side wall surface 88b. The third refrigerant inlet 87 connects the accommodation space A of the housing 80 to an external space of the housing 80. The third refrigerant inlet 87 opens the accommodation space A (more specifically, the space inside the recess 88) to the rear side (-X). The third refrigerant inlet 87 guides refrigerant gas into the accommodation space A of the housing 80.

[0048] An inclined surface 88t is provided on a portion of the side wall surface 88b of the recess 88 facing the rear side (-X). The inclined surface 88t inclines downward as it approaches the front side (+X). The inclined surface 88t smoothly connects to the inner surface of the step portion 82g. The inclined surface 88t smooths the flow of refrigerant gas that passes under the second upper plate portion 82b and flows into the interior of the recess 88.

[0049] 10 is a perspective view of the refrigerant sensor 70. The refrigerant sensor 70 has a sensor substrate (substrate) 73, a sensor element 71, and an element case 72.

[0050] The sensor substrate 73 extends along a horizontal plane (XY plane). The sensor substrate 73 has a mounting surface 73a on which the sensor element 71 and other elements 78 are mounted. The mounting surface 73a in this embodiment faces upward (+Z).

[0051] The sensor element 71 detects vaporized refrigerant gas. The sensor element 71 is mounted on a mounting surface 73a of a sensor substrate 73. The sensor element 71 is surrounded by an element case 72. Thus, the sensor element 71 is protected by the element case 72.

[0052] The element case 72 is cylindrical and extends upward (+Z) from the mounting surface 73a. The element case 72 has a base end 72a fixed to the mounting surface 73a and a tip end 72b which is the end opposite to the base end 72a. The base end 72a of the element case 72 is fixed to the mounting surface 73a without any gaps by adhesive or the like. A case opening 72h is provided at the tip end 72b of the element case 72 to introduce refrigerant gas into the inside of the element case 72. The case opening 72h opens to the upper side. The sensor element 71 detects refrigerant gas flowing into the inside of the element case 72 from the case opening 72h.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, in the housing 80 of this embodiment, the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 are located on the front side (+X) and rear side (-X) of the refrigerant sensor 70, respectively. As described above, the refrigerant gas accumulated in the drain pan 40 flows downward over the front and rear walls of the drain pan 40, and flows toward the front or rear side below the drain pan 40. According to this embodiment, the first refrigerant inlet 85 guides the refrigerant gas flowing toward the rear side below the drain pan 40 to the storage space A. Similarly, the second refrigerant inlet 86 guides the refrigerant gas flowing toward the front side below the drain pan 40 to the storage space A.

[0054] In addition, as the blower 15 is driven, an air flow in the front-rear direction X is formed around the refrigerant sensor unit 60. According to this embodiment, the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X. Furthermore, the refrigerant sensor 70 is arranged between the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 in the front-rear direction X. According to this embodiment, the refrigerant sensor 70 is arranged in the middle of a path that flows through the storage space A from the first refrigerant inlet 85 to the second refrigerant inlet 86, or in the middle of a path that flows through the storage space A from the second refrigerant inlet 86 to the first refrigerant inlet 85. According to this embodiment, the refrigerant gas riding on the air flow generated by the blower 15 can be guided to the refrigerant sensor 70 inside the storage space A.

[0055] In the storage space A of this embodiment, a gap is provided between the lower surface of the lid member 82 and the first wall portion 81a, the second wall portion 81b of the base member 81, and the other functional portions 68, 69 fixed to the base member 81. The refrigerant gas flowing into the storage space A from the first refrigerant inlet 85 flows toward the rear side (-X) along the lower surface of the lid member 82. When the refrigerant gas reaches the lower side of the recessed portion 88, a part of the refrigerant gas changes its flow direction toward the upper side and enters the inside of the recessed portion 88. Similarly, in the storage space A, a gap is provided between the lower surface of the lid member 82 and the third wall portion 81c of the base member 81. The refrigerant gas flowing into the storage space A from the second refrigerant inlet 86 flows toward the front side (+X) along the lower surface of the lid member 82. When the refrigerant gas reaches the lower side of the recessed portion 88, a part of the refrigerant gas changes its flow direction toward the upper side and enters the inside of the recessed portion 88. The refrigerant gas that is guided from the first refrigerant inlet 85 or the second refrigerant inlet 86 to the storage space A and then flows into the recess 88 swirls along the side wall surface 88b and the upper wall surface 88a of the recess 88. As a result, the flow speed of the refrigerant gas decreases, and eventually the refrigerant gas flows out downward from inside the recess 88.

[0056] In the present embodiment, recess 88 of housing 80 faces refrigerant sensor 70. Therefore, refrigerant gas that flows out from inside recess 88 after being retained in recess 88 is naturally guided to refrigerant sensor 70. The refrigerant gas that flows out of recess 88 has a reduced flow rate within recess 88, making it easier for refrigerant sensor 70 to detect it. According to the present embodiment, refrigerant gas can be detected immediately by refrigerant sensor 70, and the responsiveness of refrigerant gas detection by refrigerant sensor unit 60 can be improved.

[0057] In this embodiment, the direction connecting the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the refrigerant sensor 70 is the front-rear direction X. The recess 88 is recessed in the vertical direction Z, which is perpendicular to the direction connecting the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the refrigerant sensor 70 (the front-rear direction X). According to this embodiment, the refrigerant gas flowing in the front-rear direction X from the first refrigerant inlet 85 toward the refrigerant sensor 70 in the accommodation space A changes its flow direction to the vertical direction Z when it flows out into the recess 88. As a result, the refrigerant gas is guided to the refrigerant sensor 70 in a state where it swirls in the recess 88 and its flow speed is reduced. According to this embodiment, the flow speed of the refrigerant gas can be reduced by the recess 88. As a result, the refrigerant gas is more likely to be retained around the refrigerant sensor 70, making it easier for the refrigerant sensor 70 to immediately detect the refrigerant gas.

[0058] The same effect is achieved with respect to the refrigerant gas flowing into the storage space A from the second refrigerant inlet 86. That is, in this embodiment, the direction in which the recess 88 is recessed (the up-down direction Z) is perpendicular to the direction connecting the second refrigerant inlet 86 and the refrigerant sensor 70 (the front-rear direction X). According to this embodiment, the refrigerant gas that flows into the storage space A from the second refrigerant inlet 86 and further into the recess 88 can be swirled within the recess 88 to reduce the flow rate. As a result, the refrigerant gas is more likely to be trapped around the refrigerant sensor 70, making it easier for the refrigerant sensor 70 to immediately detect the refrigerant gas.

[0059] Particularly in this embodiment, the sensor element 71 of the refrigerant sensor 70 is surrounded by the element case 72. By surrounding the sensor element 71 with the element case 72, the sensor element 71 can be protected while at the same time making it difficult for the refrigerant gas to reach the sensor element 71. According to this embodiment, the case opening 72h faces the recess 88 in the up-down direction Z, which is the direction in which the recess 88 is recessed. Therefore, the refrigerant gas that has its flow velocity reduced by the recess 88 and flows out of the recess 88 can be guided into the inside of the element case 72 through the case opening 72h.

[0060] Furthermore, the recess 88 in this embodiment is recessed toward the upper side and opens downward. Moreover, the case opening 72h of the element case 72 in this embodiment opens upward below the recess 88. According to this embodiment, the fluid whose flow rate is reduced in the recess 88 and which flows downward due to gravity can be guided into the element case 72.

[0061] As described above, the third refrigerant inlet 87 opens into the recess 88. The third refrigerant inlet 87 guides the refrigerant gas flowing along the upper surface of the housing 80 into the accommodating space A. According to this embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit 60 can more easily detect a wider range of refrigerant gas in the surrounding area, and the responsiveness of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 can be improved.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the third refrigerant inlet 87 opens into the interior of the recess 88. Therefore, the refrigerant gas flowing into the accommodation space A from the third refrigerant inlet 87 is smoothly guided to the refrigerant sensor 70 facing the recess 88 and is immediately detected.

[0063] In this embodiment, the third refrigerant inlet 87 opens to a side wall surface 88b of the recess 88. The side wall surface 88b is a surface facing the horizontal direction. According to this embodiment, the third refrigerant inlet 87 is less likely to allow condensed water to enter the storage space A than when the refrigerant inlet opens to the upper wall surface 88a.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the first upper plate portion 82a extends in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane Hp. Therefore, the upper surface of the first upper plate portion 82a is inclined downward toward the rear side (-X). Here, among the upper surface of the housing 80, the upper surface of the first upper plate portion 82a is referred to as an inclined region 82t. The inclined region 82t is connected to the lower end of the third refrigerant inlet 87 at the end on the front side (+X). According to this embodiment, the condensed water adhering to the inclined region 82t can be caused to flow away from the third refrigerant inlet 87 by gravity. This makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of the condensed water into the accommodation space A.

[0065] The inclination angle α of the inclined region 82t with respect to the horizontal plane Hp is preferably set to be equal to or greater than 1° and equal to or less than 10°. Setting the inclination angle α to be 1° or greater can prevent condensation water from flowing toward the third refrigerant inlet 87. Setting the inclination angle α to be 10° or less can make the arrangement space for the refrigerant sensor unit 60 inside the casing 11 compact and can also ensure that the accommodation space A of the housing 80 is sufficiently wide.

[0066] (summary) As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 10 of the present embodiment is an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 100 having a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates. As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor unit 10 has a refrigerant sensor unit 60. As shown in FIG. 8, the refrigerant sensor unit 60 has a refrigerant sensor 70 that detects vaporized refrigerant, and a housing 80 that accommodates the refrigerant sensor 70. The housing 80 has a first refrigerant inlet 85 and a recess 88. The first refrigerant inlet 85 guides the vaporized refrigerant to the storage space A that accommodates the refrigerant sensor 70. The recess 88 is provided on an inner side surface 80f that surrounds the storage space A. The recess 88 faces the refrigerant sensor 70. According to this configuration, the refrigerant gas can be detected by the refrigerant sensor 70 in a state in which the flow rate of the refrigerant gas is reduced by flowing the refrigerant gas into the recess 88 in the storage space A. This enables the refrigerant sensor 70 to detect the refrigerant gas without filling the accommodation space A with the refrigerant gas, thereby improving the responsiveness of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 in detecting the refrigerant gas.

[0067] In this embodiment, the direction connecting the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the refrigerant sensor 70 (front-rear direction X in this embodiment) is defined as the first direction. The direction perpendicular to the first direction (front-rear direction X) (up-down direction Z in this embodiment) is defined as the second direction. The recess 88 is recessed in the second direction (up-down direction Z) facing the refrigerant sensor 70 in the second direction (up-down direction Z). According to this configuration, the refrigerant gas flowing in the first direction (front-rear direction X) from the first refrigerant inlet 85 toward the refrigerant sensor 70 in the accommodation space A changes its flow direction to the second direction (up-down direction Z) and flows into the recess 88. Therefore, the refrigerant gas can be swirled in the recess 88 to reduce the flow rate of the refrigerant gas. As a result, the refrigerant gas with a reduced flow rate can be guided to the refrigerant sensor 70, and the refrigerant gas can be prevented from flowing around the refrigerant sensor 70 without being detected by the refrigerant sensor 70, making it easier for the refrigerant sensor 70 to detect the refrigerant gas. As a result, the responsiveness of the refrigerant gas detection by the refrigerant sensor unit 60 can be improved.

[0068] In this embodiment, the housing 80 has a second refrigerant inlet 86. The second refrigerant inlet 86 guides the vaporized refrigerant to the storage space A that accommodates the refrigerant sensor 70. The first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 are located on one side (front side) and the other side (rear side) of the refrigerant sensor 70 in the first direction (front-rear direction X), respectively. When the blower 15 of the indoor unit 10 is driven, a gentle air flow is also generated around the refrigerant sensor unit 60 that is disposed inside the housing 11 and outside the air passage. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the refrigerant gas can be guided to the storage space A of the housing 80 regardless of whether the air flow formed around the refrigerant sensor unit 60 flows in one direction or the other direction in the front-rear direction X. Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned configuration, the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X. Moreover, the refrigerant sensor 70 is arranged between the first refrigerant inlet 85 and the second refrigerant inlet 86 in the front-rear direction X. Therefore, the refrigerant sensor 70 can be disposed in the middle of the path through the storage space A that flows from the first refrigerant inlet 85 to the second refrigerant inlet 86, or in the path that flows from the second refrigerant inlet 86 to the first refrigerant inlet 85. This makes it easier for the refrigerant gas riding on the air flow generated by the blower 15 to be guided to the refrigerant sensor 70 inside the storage space A, improving the responsiveness of the detection of the refrigerant gas.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the refrigerant sensor 70 includes a sensor substrate 73, a sensor element 71, and a cylindrical element case 72. The sensor substrate 73 has a mounting surface 73a. The sensor element 71 is mounted on the mounting surface 73a. The element case 72 is fixed to the mounting surface 73a, surrounds the sensor element 71, and extends in a direction orthogonal to the mounting surface. At an end of the element case 72 on the side opposite to the mounting surface 73a, a case opening 72h for guiding the vaporized refrigerant inside the element case 72 is provided. The case opening 72h faces the recess 88 in the second direction (vertical direction Z). According to this configuration, the element case 72 can protect the sensor element 71 from moisture, dust, and the like. Also, the flow velocity is reduced inside the recess 88, and the refrigerant gas flowing out from inside the recess 88 can be guided into the element case 72 through the case opening 72h. Thereby, the sensor element 71 inside the element case 72 can immediately detect the refrigerant gas.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the recess 88 is recessed upward. Also, the case opening 72h opens upward below the recess 88. According to this configuration, it is easy to guide the fluid whose flow velocity has decreased in the recess 88 and flows downward by gravity into the element case 72.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the recess 88 has an upper wall surface 88a facing downward and a side wall surface 88b extending downward from the upper wall surface 88a and facing in the horizontal direction. The housing 80 has a third refrigerant inlet 87 that opens in the side wall surface 88b. According to this configuration, the refrigerant flowing on one side (upper side) in the second direction of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 can be guided into the accommodation space A through the third refrigerant inlet 87. Thereby, it becomes easier to detect the refrigerant gas around the refrigerant sensor unit 60 by the refrigerant sensor 70, and the responsiveness of the refrigerant sensor unit 60 can be enhanced. Also, according to the above-described configuration, since the third refrigerant inlet 87 opens in the side wall surface 88b, it is possible to suppress dew condensation water from entering the accommodation space A through the third refrigerant inlet 87.

[0072] In the present embodiment, an inclined region 82t continuing to the lower edge of the third refrigerant inlet 87 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 80. The inclined region 82t inclines downward as it moves away from the third refrigerant inlet 87. As shown in Fig. 9, this configuration prevents condensed water adhering to the inclined region 82t from flowing due to gravity in a direction away from the third refrigerant inlet 87 and from entering the accommodation space A via the third refrigerant inlet 87.

[0073] (Variation 1) 11 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerant sensor unit 160 of modified example 1 that can be used in the above-described embodiment. In the description of this modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment already described are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Refrigerant sensor unit 160 of this modified example is mainly different from the above-described embodiment in that housing 180 does not have third refrigerant inlet 87 (see FIG. 8).

[0074] As in the above embodiment, refrigerant sensor unit 160 of this modification has refrigerant sensor 70 and housing 180 that houses refrigerant sensor 70. Housing 180 also has base member 81 that surrounds storage space A of housing 180, and lid member 182. A recess 88 is provided on the lower surface of lid member 182. Recess 88 is located above refrigerant sensor 70.

[0075] In this modification, no refrigerant inlet is provided on the inner surface of the recess 88. Therefore, the refrigerant gas that flows into the accommodation space A from the first refrigerant inlet 85 or the second refrigerant inlet 86 and further flows into the interior of the recess 88 is less likely to flow out of the refrigerant sensor unit 160. This allows the refrigerant gas that flows into the accommodation space A of the refrigerant sensor unit 160 to be detected more reliably by the refrigerant sensor unit 160. The configuration of this modification can improve the responsiveness of the refrigerant gas sensor detection compared to the above embodiment when the refrigerant gas has difficulty passing above the refrigerant sensor unit 160.

[0076] (Variation 2) 12 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerant sensor unit 260 of Modification 2 that can be used in the above-described embodiment. In the description of this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment already described are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Refrigerant sensor unit 260 of this modification differs from the above-described embodiment mainly in that housing 280 has sensor support member 289 that is detachably attached to base member 281.

[0077] Similar to the embodiment described above, refrigerant sensor unit 260 of this modification has refrigerant sensor 70 and housing 280 that houses refrigerant sensor 70. Refrigerant sensor 70 is disposed in accommodation space A of housing 280. Housing 280 of this modification has a sensor support member 289 in addition to base member 281 and cover member 282.

[0078] The base member 281 supports a sensor support member 289. The base member 281 has a first wall portion 281a and a second wall portion 281b facing each other in the front-rear direction X. The first wall portion 281a is located in front of the second wall portion 281b (+X). The sensor support member 289 is disposed in the gap between the first wall portion 281a and the second wall portion 281b. In the following description, the gap between the first wall portion 281a and the second wall portion 281b is referred to as an arrangement space B. The arrangement space B opens downward (-Z).

[0079] The first wall portion 281a is provided with a first step surface 281c facing upward (+Z). The second wall portion 281b is provided with a second step surface 281d facing upward (+Z). In this modification, the second step surface 281d is located above (+Z) the first step surface 281c. In this modification, the second wall portion 281b is elastically deformable in a direction in which an upper end portion moves in the front-rear direction X.

[0080] The lid member 282 is fixed to the upper side of the base member 281. The lid member 282 covers the arrangement space B from above. The lower surface of the lid member 282 is provided with a recess 288 that recesses upward. The recess 288 is disposed directly above the arrangement space B. Furthermore, a refrigerant inlet 286 is provided at the end of the rear side (-X) of the lid member 282. That is, the housing 280 has the refrigerant inlet 286. The refrigerant inlet 286 introduces refrigerant gas from the rear side (-X) to the accommodation space A.

[0081] The sensor support member 289 is box-shaped. The sensor support member 289 has a support space C that surrounds the refrigerant sensor 70. The support space C constitutes a part of the storage space A. The sensor support member 289 has a top plate portion 289a that covers the support space C from above, a bottom plate portion 289b that covers the support space C from below, a front plate portion 289c that covers the support space C from the front side (+X), and a rear plate portion 289d that covers the support space C from the rear side (-X). Although not shown, the sensor support member 289 of this modified example further has side plate portions that cover the support space C from both sides in the left-right direction Y.

[0082] The top plate portion 289a and the bottom plate portion 289b extend along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and face each other in the vertical direction Z. The bottom plate portion 289b extends along the lower surface of the sensor board 73. The front plate portion 289c and the rear plate portion 289d extend along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and face each other in the front-rear direction X. A first groove portion 289e is provided in the front plate portion 289c. The first groove portion 289e opens to the rear side (-X) and extends in the left-right direction Y. Similarly, a second groove portion 289g is provided in the rear plate portion 289d. The second groove portion 289g opens to the front side (+X) and extends in the left-right direction Y. The opening of the first groove portion 289e and the opening of the second groove portion 289g face each other in the front-rear direction X. The groove width of first groove portion 289e and second groove portion 289g is slightly larger than the plate thickness of sensor board 73. Sensor board 73 is inserted into first groove portion 289e and second groove portion 289g. In this way, sensor support member 289 supports refrigerant sensor 70.

[0083] A first rib 289j protruding to the front side (+X) and extending in the left-right direction Y is provided at the lower end of the front plate portion 289c. The first rib 289j is mounted on a first step surface 281c of the base member 281. A second rib 289k protruding to the rear side (-X) and extending in the left-right direction Y is provided at the upper end of the rear plate portion 289d. The second rib 289k is mounted on a second step surface 281d of the base member 281. In this way, the sensor support member 289 is supported by the base member 281.

[0084] The top plate portion 289a is located above the sensor board 73. A window portion 289w is provided in the top plate portion 289a. The window portion 289w penetrates the top plate portion 289a in the up-down direction Z. A part of the element case 72 is disposed in the window portion 289w. That is, the tip portion of the element case 72 is disposed inside the window portion 289w. As in the above-described embodiment, a case opening portion 72h is provided in the tip portion of the element case 72 to guide the refrigerant gas into the inside of the element case 72. Therefore, in this modified example, the case opening portion 72h is disposed outside the sensor support member 289 and within the accommodation space A. Moreover, the case opening portion 72h opens upward below the recessed portion 288.

[0085] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit 260 of this modified example. In the housing 280 of this modified example, the sensor support member 289 is detachable from the base member 281. The worker first hooks the first rib 289j shown in FIG. 12 onto the first step surface 281c of the base member 281. Next, the worker moves the second rib 289k of the sensor support member 289 to the upper side (+Z). As a result, the worker elastically deforms the second wall portion 281b of the base member 281 to the rear side (-X), and moves the second rib 289k above the second step surface 281d of the base member 281. As a result, the sensor support member 289 is mounted on the first step surface 281c and the second step surface 281d of the base member 281, and the sensor support member 289 is supported by the base member 281.

[0086] Similar to the above embodiment, housing 280 of this modification has refrigerant inlet 286 that guides vaporized refrigerant to storage space A, and recessed portion 288 that faces refrigerant sensor 70. According to this modification, refrigerant gas can be caused to flow into recessed portion 288 in storage space A, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant gas, and the refrigerant gas can be detected by refrigerant sensor 70, thereby improving the responsiveness of refrigerant gas detection by refrigerant sensor unit 260.

[0087] Moreover, the housing 280 of this modification has a base member 281 and a sensor support member 289 that supports the refrigerant sensor 70 and is detachably attached to the base member 281. According to this modification, the refrigerant sensor 70 can be removed from the base member 281 together with the sensor support member 289, facilitating maintenance of the refrigerant sensor 70. Furthermore, in the air conditioner 100, the necessity of the refrigerant sensor 70 varies depending on the amount of circulating refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant sensor 70 is not necessarily necessary when one outdoor unit 20 is connected to one indoor unit 10, but may be necessary when multiple outdoor units 20 are connected. According to this modification, the sensor support member 289 that supports the refrigerant sensor 70 can be attached to the base member 281 depending on the necessity of the refrigerant sensor 70. This makes it possible to provide an indoor unit 10 that can be used with air conditioners 100 of various configurations.

[0088] An outer panel (not shown) that covers the arrangement space B from below is attached to the housing 280. When installing the refrigerant sensor 70, the outer panel is removed to open the arrangement space B downward, as shown in FIG. 13. Next, the connection lead wire L1 that extends from a control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 10 and is housed in the arrangement space B is pulled out. Furthermore, this connection lead wire L1 is connected to a sensor side lead wire L2 that extends from the sensor board 73 and is drawn to the outside of the sensor support member 289, and the sensor support member 289 is further housed in the arrangement space B.

[0089] In this modification, the case where only one refrigerant inlet 286 is provided in the housing 280 has been described, but the housing 280 may have two refrigerant inlets (a first refrigerant inlet and a second refrigerant inlet) located on the front side (+X) and rear side (-X) of the refrigerant sensor 70. Furthermore, the housing 280 may have a third refrigerant inlet that opens into a side wall surface of the recess 288.

[0090] Although the embodiments and their modifications in the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments and their modifications, and the following configurations and methods may also be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations and methods described in this specification may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit is described as being used in a wall-mounted indoor unit, but the refrigerant sensor unit of the embodiment can also be used in other types of indoor units.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, only the case where the recess is recessed upward and opens downward has been described. However, the recessed direction of the recess is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant sensor has a substrate, a sensor element, and an element case, but the configuration of the refrigerant sensor is not limited to the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10...indoor unit, 20...outdoor unit, 30...refrigerant circuit, 33...refrigerant, 60, 160...refrigerant sensor unit, 70...refrigerant sensor, 71...sensor element, 72...element case, 72h...case opening, 73...sensor board (board), 73a...mounting surface, 78...element, 80, 180...housing, 80f...inner surface, 82t...inclined area, 85...first refrigerant inlet, 86...second refrigerant inlet, 87...third refrigerant inlet, 88...recess, 88a...upper wall surface, 88b...side wall surface, 100...air conditioner, A...accommodation space

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, a refrigerant sensor unit having a refrigerant sensor for detecting the vaporized refrigerant and a housing for accommodating the refrigerant sensor; The housing includes: a first refrigerant inlet, a second refrigerant inlet, and a third refrigerant inlet for introducing the vaporized refrigerant into an accommodation space that accommodates the refrigerant sensor; a recess provided on an inner surface surrounding the accommodation space and facing the refrigerant sensor; having a direction connecting the first refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant sensor is defined as a first direction; the first refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant inlet are located on one side and the other side of the refrigerant sensor in the first direction, respectively; the recess is disposed between the first refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant inlet in the first direction, The recessed portion is An upper wall surface facing downward; A side wall surface extending downward from the upper wall surface and facing in a horizontal direction, The third refrigerant inlet opens to the side wall surface. Indoor unit.

2. A direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction, The recessed portion faces the refrigerant sensor in the second direction and is recessed in the second direction. The indoor unit according to claim 1.

3. The refrigerant sensor includes: A substrate having a mounting surface; A sensor element mounted on the mounting surface; a cylindrical element case fixed to the mounting surface, surrounding the sensor element, and extending in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface; a case opening for introducing the vaporized refrigerant into the element case is provided at an end of the element case opposite to the mounting surface, The case opening faces the recess in the second direction. The indoor unit according to claim 2.

4. The recess is recessed upward, The case opening is open upward below the recess. The indoor unit according to claim 3.

5. an inclined region is provided on an upper surface of the housing and is continuous with a lower edge of the third refrigerant inlet; The inclined region is inclined downward as it moves away from the third refrigerant inlet. The indoor unit according to claim 1.

6. The housing includes: A base member; a sensor support member that supports the refrigerant sensor and is detachably attached to the base member; The indoor unit according to claim 1.

7. An indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The refrigerant circuit; An outdoor unit; Air conditioner.