JP2011163733A - Indoor unit of air conditioner and air conditioner having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an indoor unit that is convenient during conveyance as a first object, to provide an indoor unit without deterioration in design even when a handle is provided thereto as a second object in addition to the first object, and to provide an air conditioner with the indoor unit that satisfies the first and second objects. <P>SOLUTION: The indoor unit includes a casing in which at least a heat exchanger is stored. A front face part of the casing includes a projected part 10 projected more than the upper face of the casing, and the handle is provided on the back face of the projected part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner to which a handle for conveyance is attached and an air conditioner including the same.

  An indoor unit of an air conditioner is installed and used in a living space that is an air-conditioning target space. In such an indoor unit, there is a type that is placed on a floor surface in addition to a type that is installed on a wall surface or a ceiling surface. Conventionally, various devices for improving transportability have been applied to indoor units of the type placed on the floor surface.

  As such, “the caster for movement provided at the bottom of the air conditioner body, the footrest provided at the lower part on the back plate side of the air conditioner body, and the upper part on the back plate side of the air conditioner body There is a moving handle provided on the footrest, and it is tilted toward the back plate side by applying a weight to the legrest, for example (Patent Document 1). As a result, when moving the air conditioner body, even if there are irregularities or obstacles on the ground or the like, the air conditioner is tilted by operating the handle on the upper side of the body back plate Therefore, it can be moved smoothly.

  In addition, an intake port provided on one side of the casing of the air conditioner body, an exhaust port, an air passage that communicates the intake port and the exhaust port, and air that is provided in the air passage and is sucked from the intake port An air conditioner characterized in that a handle is provided on the one side surface so as to protrude from the intake port has been reported (for example, Patent Document 2). As a result, when the installed air conditioner is taken out, even if there is not enough space around the air conditioner, the air conditioner can be easily transported because it can be pulled out with a handle. ing.

  In addition, by devising the shape of the air outlet provided in the air conditioner body and making it the shape of the handle, the air conditioner that combines the outlet and the handle for moving the air conditioner body It has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 3). Thereby, when a handle is provided, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that is excellent in compactness and does not impair the design.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-2820 (Fig. 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-240976 (page 2, FIG. 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-222353 (1 page, FIG. 1)

  As described above, in a conventional air conditioner indoor unit, there is a configuration in which a handle is attached to the casing of the indoor unit itself in order to improve transportability, but the indoor unit is damaged during transport. There was a fear. On the other hand, there is a handle structure that avoids damaging the indoor unit during transportation, but this has impaired the design of the indoor unit.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and has as its first object to provide an indoor unit that is highly convenient during transportation. In addition to the first object, a second object is to provide an indoor unit that does not impair the design even when a handle is provided. In addition to the second object, a third object is to provide an air conditioner including an indoor unit that satisfies the first object and the second object.

  An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention has a housing in which at least a heat exchanger is housed, and a front portion of the housing has a protruding portion protruding from an upper surface of the housing, A handle is provided on the back surface of the protrusion.

  According to the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the front portion of the casing of the indoor unit has a protruding portion that protrudes from the upper surface portion, and a handle is provided on the back surface of the protruding portion. Convenience during transportation is good. Moreover, by providing a handle on the back surface of the protruding portion, it is possible to prevent the design of the indoor unit from being damaged.

It is a perspective view of the front side of the whole indoor unit of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the back side of the whole indoor unit of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a peripheral view of the handle part of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the refrigerant circuit structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the entire indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The indoor unit 1 includes at least a heat exchanger and is covered with a housing 2 (details of the configuration and operation of the indoor unit 1 will be described in Embodiment 2). Although the shape of the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the shape of the indoor unit 1 is not limited. However, the first embodiment will be described as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 2 of the indoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes at least a housing front portion 3, a housing right portion 6a, a housing left portion 6b, a housing back portion 7, and a housing top surface. It consists of a portion 8a and a housing bottom surface portion 8b.

  The housing front portion 3 is attached to the front when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front, and constitutes a part of the housing 2. The housing front part 3 has a shape in which a rectangular plate having an arbitrary thickness is curved so as to form, for example, a recess in a substantially horizontal direction. That is, the housing front part 3 has a shape such that when viewed from the front, the center line part in the vertical direction is on the back side with respect to both end parts.

  Further, a front upper panel 3 a, a front center panel 3 b, and a front lower panel 3 c are attached to the housing front portion 3. In addition, although the case front part 3, the front upper panel 3a, the front center panel 3b, and the front lower panel 3c are illustrated as examples, they may be integrated. These are attached to the housing front part 3 and each constitutes the exterior of the indoor unit 1 as a design surface.

  Further, an upper portion of the housing front portion 3 is provided with a protruding portion 10 that protrudes in a substantially vertical direction from the upper surface portion 8a of the housing. The housing front part 3 and the protruding part 10 may be composed of the same member, or may be composed of different members.

  The protrusion 10 is provided with a handle for transporting the indoor unit 1. Therefore, it is assumed that the user's finger protrudes upward from the housing upper surface portion 8a to such an extent that it can be inserted into the protruding portion 10 (for example, about 10 cm). That is, the protrusion 10 is formed with recesses (the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b shown in FIG. 2) on the back side so that the user's fingers can be inserted, and these recesses are hidden by the housing upper surface part 8a. It is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface portion 8a of the housing to the vertical direction side so as not to be damaged.

  Further, a protruding portion reinforcing member 12 that reinforces the protruding portion 10 is attached to the back side of the protruding portion 10. The protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is attached so as to be in contact with the back surface of the protruding portion 10 and the surface of the housing upper surface portion 8a. That is, the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is attached so that one surface (front surface) of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 and the bottom surface of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 are in contact with the back surface of the protruding portion 10 and the upper surface portion 8a of the housing. The protrusion 10 is reinforced.

  The shape of the protrusion reinforcement member 12 will be described. The bottom surface of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is in contact with the entire bottom surface and the surface of the housing upper surface portion 8a. Further, the side surface (side surface on the front side) of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is in contact with the entire side surface and the back surface of the protruding portion 10. Moreover, the upper surface of the protrusion part reinforcement member 12 is a slope. As described above, when viewed from the side of the indoor unit 1, the shape of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 has a substantially triangular prism shape.

A method for fixing the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 and the housing 2 will be described.
On the slope of the protruding portion reinforcing member 12, a hole for inserting the fixing member 13 for fixing the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 to the indoor unit 1 is formed in the vertical direction. The protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is fixed to the housing 2 by inserting the fixing member 13 into the hole.

  The housing right side portion 6 a is attached to the right side when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front, and constitutes a part of the housing 2. The shape of the housing right side portion 6a viewed from the right side surface of the indoor unit 1 is substantially rectangular, and is not specially shaped. That is, the housing right side portion 6a is a flat plate material. However, the shape of the right housing 6a is not limited to the above.

  The housing left side 6b is attached to the left side when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front, and constitutes a part of the housing 2. The shape of the housing left side portion 6b viewed from the left side surface of the indoor unit 1 is substantially rectangular, and is not specially shaped. That is, the housing left side 6b is a flat plate. Moreover, the housing | casing right side part 6a and the housing | casing left side part 6b are attached to the indoor unit 1 so that the surface which mutually faces may become parallel. However, the shape of the housing left side 6b is not limited to the above.

  The housing back surface portion 7 constitutes a part of the housing 2 attached to the back when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front. The shape of the housing back surface portion 7 viewed from the back surface side is substantially rectangular, and is not specially shaped. That is, the housing back surface portion 7 is a flat plate material. However, the shape of the housing back surface portion 7 is not limited to the above.

  The housing upper surface portion 8 a is attached to the upper side when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front, and constitutes a part of the housing 2. The shape of the housing upper surface portion 8a viewed from above the indoor unit 1 is substantially rectangular, and is not specially shaped. That is, the housing upper surface portion 8a is a flat plate material. However, the shape of the housing upper surface portion 8a is not limited to the above.

  The housing bottom surface portion 8b constitutes a part of the housing 2 attached to the bottom of the indoor unit 1 (a portion that comes into contact with the floor surface when placed). The shape of the housing bottom surface portion 8b viewed from the bottom surface side is substantially rectangular, and is not specially shaped. That is, the housing bottom surface portion 8b is a flat plate material. Moreover, the housing | casing upper surface part 8a and the housing | casing bottom face part 8b are attached to the indoor unit 1 so that the surfaces which face each other may become parallel. However, the shape of the housing bottom surface portion 8b is not limited to the above.

Next, the protrusion 10 which is a characteristic part of the first embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the entire indoor unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the handle part right 11 a and the handle part left for inserting and transporting fingers to the position where the protrusion reinforcing member 12 is not attached on the back surface of the protrusion 10. 11b is provided. The handle portion right 11 a and the handle portion left 11 b are integrated with the protruding portion 10. That is, the handle portion right 11 a and the handle portion left 11 b are formed by providing a recess on the back side of the protruding portion 10.

  When the cross section of the handle part right 11a or the handle part left 11b is seen in a plane parallel to the side surface of the indoor unit 1, it is substantially U-shaped. The length in the vertical direction of the handle portion right 11a and the handle portion left 11b may be such that a finger can be inserted (for example, 5 cm in view of the thickness of the finger).

  In addition, the length of the width of the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b (part parallel to the direction from the housing left side part 6b to the housing right side part 6a) is inserted with the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger together. It is good that it is possible (for example, 10 cm in consideration of the total thickness of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger).

  The length (depth) of the handle unit right 11a and the handle unit left 11b in the direction from the front to the back of the indoor unit 1 is such that the indoor unit 1 can be lifted by the inserted finger (for example, the length of the finger). 10 cm).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the handle part right 11 a and the handle part left 11 b that are gripped when the indoor unit 1 is transported are provided so as to be hidden behind the protrusion 10. Therefore, when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front side or the side surface, the handle portion right 11a and the handle portion left 11b are not visible.

  Therefore, the design is impaired by providing a handle in the indoor unit 1, but such a situation can be avoided in the indoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment.

Next, conveyance of the indoor unit 1 in the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a peripheral view of the handle portion of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As described above, the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 serves to reinforce the protruding portion 10 so that the protruding portion 10 is not broken by the force generated when the fingers are put into the handle portion right 11a and the handle portion left 11b and conveyed. Plays.

  Usually, a member having a shape like the protruding portion 10 has a weak strength near the center when a force to pull it upward is applied. Therefore, the protruding portion reinforcing member 12 is attached to a position where the strength is weak (near the center of the protruding portion) in the protruding portion 10, and the indoor unit 1 (particularly, the casing to which the protruding portion 10 and the protruding portion 10 are attached). It is possible to prevent the body front portion 3 and the housing upper surface portion 8a) from being damaged.

  Moreover, since the protrusion part reinforcement member 12 is attached near the center of the protrusion part 10 as described above, since it does not accidentally grab a weak part of the protrusion part 10 as a handle, It is possible to prevent the indoor unit 1 from being damaged.

  Similarly to the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b, the protrusion reinforcement member 12 is also arranged at a position hidden behind the protrusion part. Therefore, when the indoor unit 1 is viewed from the front side of the indoor unit 1, the protruding portion 10 is not seen. Therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that attaching the protrusion part reinforcement member 12 to the indoor unit 1 does not impair the design of the indoor unit 1.

  Moreover, the housing | casing front part 3 is curving in the recessed part shape in the direction which looks at the indoor unit 1 from the front, and goes to a back surface. Therefore, the protruding portion 10 has a concavely curved shape as well. That is, both end portions of the protruding portion 10 have a structure protruding to the front. On the other hand, the vicinity of the center of the protruding portion 10 has a shape recessed from the front direction to the back direction.

For example, a case where the indoor unit 1 is transported alone by standing on the back of the indoor unit 1 will be described. It is natural to insert the left and right fingers into the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b with the back of the hand down.
At that time, the index finger and the middle finger come to be positioned at portions corresponding to the end sides (end side of the protruding portion) of the handle portion right 11a and the handle portion left 11b.
On the other hand, the ring finger and the little finger are inserted at positions corresponding to the center side (the center side of the protruding portion) of the handle portion right 11a and the handle portion left 11b.

  Thereby, when a finger is inserted in the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b with the back of the hand down, the finger is in a natural state. This is because the index and middle fingers are generally longer than the ring and little fingers.

  Further, in the case of the handle structure as described above, when the fingers are inserted and lifted, both elbows open to the outside rather than the inside of the body. Thereby, it becomes easy to grip the handle part right 11a and the handle part left 11b powerfully, and it becomes easy to convey. If the handle is difficult to grasp, the user will be difficult to carry the indoor unit 1. However, the indoor unit 1 can avoid such a situation.

  As described above, the indoor unit 1 according to the first embodiment has the housing front portion 3 attached so as to protrude from the housing upper surface portion 8a, and the transport handle portion right 11a on the back surface of the protruding portion 10. And the handle part left 11b is provided. Thereby, for example, the indoor unit 1 can be transported while avoiding scratching and dents on the indoor unit 1 by using the air outlet of the indoor unit 1 as a handle. Further, by providing the indoor unit 1 with a handle, the design of the indoor unit 1 is not impaired.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
A second embodiment in which the indoor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to an air conditioner 100 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a refrigerant circuit configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on FIG. 4, the example of a structure and operation | movement of an air conditioner is demonstrated. The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 101 and the indoor unit 1 described with reference to FIGS. The indoor unit 1 is provided with at least an indoor unit heat exchanger 102 and an expansion device 103. The outdoor unit includes at least a compressor 104 and an outdoor unit heat exchanger 105.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 100 is configured by sequentially connecting an indoor unit heat exchanger 102, a compressor 104, an outdoor unit heat exchanger 105, and an expansion device 103 through a refrigerant pipe 110. Has been.

  The indoor-unit heat exchanger 102 functions as a condenser during heating operation and as an evaporator during cooling operation, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air conducted through the refrigerant pipe 110 to generate conditioned air.

  The outdoor unit heat exchanger 105 functions as an evaporator during the heating operation and as a condenser during the cooling operation, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant that passes through the refrigerant pipe 110 and the air, and condenses, liquefies, or vaporizes the refrigerant. It is gasified.

  The expansion device 103 decompresses and expands the refrigerant conducted through the refrigerant pipe 110. The throttling device 103 may be composed of, for example, a capillary tube or a solenoid valve.

  Next, the operation of the air conditioner during the cooling operation will be described. When the air conditioner is activated, the compressor first uses a refrigerant in the form of a gas (for example, a single refrigerant, a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture, or a natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide or propane). Compress and raise the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. Next, the refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit heat exchanger to dissipate heat. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases. Next, the pressure of the refrigerant that has been sent to the capillary tube and increased to a high pressure is lowered and liquefied.

  Thus, the liquefied low-temperature refrigerant is sent into the indoor unit 1. Air is blown onto the refrigerant by a fan or the like provided in the indoor unit 1. Thereby the air is cooled and released into the room. As a result, the room can be cooled. On the other hand, the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor unit heat exchanger is vaporized and sent to the compressor again. By performing this cycle continuously, it is possible to send the cooled air into the room, and the room can be cooled.

  Finally, the indoor unit 1 will be briefly described. An intake port and an exhaust port are formed in the housing 2 of the indoor unit 1. In addition, the housing 2 includes at least a blower (fan) and an indoor unit heat exchanger 102. The indoor unit 1 takes air from the air intake into the air conditioner, sends the taken air to the indoor unit heat exchanger 102, heats or cools the air, and releases it from the exhaust port. It is possible to adjust.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indoor unit, 2 housing | casing, 3 housing | casing front part, 3a front upper panel, 3b front center panel, 3c front lower panel, 6a housing | casing right side part, 6b housing | casing left side part, 7 housing | casing back part, 8a housing | casing Upper surface part, 8b Case bottom part, 10 Projection part, 11a Handle part right, 11b Handle part left, 12 Projection part reinforcement member, 13 Fixing member, 100 Air conditioner, 101 Outdoor unit, 102 Heat exchanger for indoor unit, 103 Expansion device, 104 compressor, 105 heat exchanger for outdoor unit, 110 refrigerant piping.

Claims (5)

Having a housing in which at least a heat exchanger is housed;
The front portion of the housing has a protruding portion protruding from the upper surface of the housing,
An air conditioner indoor unit characterized in that a handle is provided on the back surface of the protruding portion. The handle is
It is comprised from the recessed part formed in the back surface of the said protrusion part. The indoor unit of the air conditioner of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. On the back of the protrusion,
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a protrusion reinforcing member that reinforces the protrusion is attached. The protrusion is
The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross-sectional shape is curved so as to protrude to the front side. An air conditioner comprising the indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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