JP7403651B2 - Air conditioner indoor unit - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner equipped with an axial fan.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an indoor unit of an air conditioner in which an axial fan is housed inside a casing has been known. The axial fan of such an indoor unit blows air forward by providing the rotating shaft of the axial fan extending in the front-rear direction of the casing. Patent Document 1 discloses an indoor unit in which an air outlet is formed at a position facing an axial fan on the front surface of a casing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-243081

The indoor unit of the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to blow out air in a concentrated manner in one direction. Therefore, the heat-exchanged air gathers in one place in the room. Therefore, the indoor unit of Patent Document 1 cannot diffuse the heat-exchanged air throughout the room.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an indoor unit of an air conditioner that diffuses heat-exchanged air throughout the room.

An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a casing that constitutes an outer shell, an indoor heat exchanger that is provided inside the casing and performs heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing inside and air, and an interior of the casing. a plurality of axial fans arranged in a vertical direction to send air forward; a first plate connecting opposing inner surfaces of the casing; and a second plate connecting opposing inner surfaces of the casing. , a fan casing that stores a plurality of axial fans, and a plate-shaped internal damper whose rear part is supported by the fan casing and extends to the side of the casing, and the casing is formed at the rear of the indoor heat exchanger. a first air outlet formed at the lower part of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans, and a first outlet for blowing out the air, and one side of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans. a second outlet for blowing out air formed in the casing; a third outlet for blowing out air formed on the other side in front of the plurality of axial fans of the casing; The second plate is provided above the first plate and is spaced apart from the top of the first plate, and the internal damper has The front portion pivots between the top of the first plate and the bottom of the second plate.

According to the present disclosure, the first outlet, the second outlet, the third outlet, and the fourth outlet are formed in the casing on the upper, lower, left, and right sides, respectively. Therefore, the indoor unit disperses the heat-exchanged air in all directions and blows it out. Therefore, the indoor unit can diffuse the heat-exchanged air throughout the room.

1 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 3 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 103 according to a second embodiment. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 103A according to a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 103B according to a second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing an indoor unit 203 according to Embodiment 3. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 203 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 203A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 403 according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 403A according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG.

Embodiment 1.
Hereinafter, the indoor unit 3 of the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 3, and a refrigerant pipe 4. Note that although one indoor unit 3 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of indoor units 3 may be two or more.

The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 5, a flow path switching valve 6, an outdoor heat exchanger 7, an outdoor blower 8, and an expansion valve 9. The indoor unit 3 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned, such as indoors. The indoor unit 3 includes an indoor heat exchanger 10 and an axial fan 11. The refrigerant pipe 4 is a pipe that connects the compressor 5, the flow path switching valve 6, the outdoor heat exchanger 7, the expansion valve 9, and the indoor heat exchanger 10, and through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant pipe 4 and each device connected to the refrigerant pipe 4 constitute a refrigerant circuit.

The compressor 5 takes in refrigerant at a low temperature and low pressure, compresses the sucked refrigerant, and discharges the refrigerant at a high temperature and high pressure. The flow path switching valve 6 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, and is, for example, a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air, and is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 7 acts as a condenser during cooling operation, and acts as an evaporator during heating operation. The outdoor blower 8 is a device that sends outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 7. The expansion valve 9 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and expands it, and is, for example, an electronic expansion valve.

The indoor heat exchanger 10 performs heat exchange between indoor air and a refrigerant flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger 10. Indoor heat exchanger 10 is provided inside casing 12. The indoor heat exchanger 10 has an inlet 21 and an outlet 22 formed therein. A refrigerant pipe 4 through which refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 10 is connected to the inlet 21 . A refrigerant pipe 4 through which refrigerant flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 10 is connected to the outlet 22 . The indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as an evaporator during cooling operation, and acts as a condenser during heating operation. The axial fan 11 sends air to the indoor heat exchanger 10.

(Cooling operation)
Here, the operation of the air conditioner 1 will be explained. First, the cooling operation will be explained. The air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation by switching the flow path switching valve 6 so that the discharge side of the compressor 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 7 are connected. In the cooling operation, the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 5 is compressed by the compressor 5 and discharged in a high temperature and high pressure gas state. The high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 5 passes through the flow path switching valve 6 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 7 which acts as a condenser. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor blower 8, condenses, and liquefies. The liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve 9, is depressurized and expanded, and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows into the indoor heat exchanger 10, which acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the rotation of the axial fan 11, evaporates, and gasifies. At that time, the indoor air is cooled to perform indoor cooling. Thereafter, the evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the flow path switching valve 6 and is sucked into the compressor 5.

(Heating operation)
Next, heating operation will be explained. The air conditioner 1 performs heating operation by switching the flow path switching valve 6 so that the discharge side of the compressor 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 10 are connected. In the heating operation, the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 5 is compressed by the compressor 5 and discharged in a high temperature and high pressure gas state. The high temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 5 passes through the flow path switching valve 6 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 10 which acts as a condenser. The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the rotation of the axial fan 11, condenses, and liquefies. At this time, the indoor air is warmed, and the room is heated. The liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve 9, is depressurized and expanded, and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 7, which acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor blower 8, evaporates, and gasifies. Thereafter, the evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the flow path switching valve 6 and is sucked into the compressor 5.

(Configuration of indoor unit 3)
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the axial fan 11 disposed inside the casing 12 in dotted lines for explanation. Further, in FIG. 2, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, solid arrows represent air flows. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the axial fan 11, the fan casing 13, and the lower and rear portions of the casing 12 with dotted lines for explanation. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. That is, FIG. 5 shows a cross section taken in the vertical direction through the center of the indoor unit 3. Further, in FIG. 5, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. The indoor unit 3 is a floor-standing indoor unit. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the indoor unit 3 includes an axial fan 11, a casing 12, and a fan casing 13.

The axial fan 11 is provided inside the casing 12 in front of the indoor heat exchanger 10 and sends air forward. As the axial fan 11 rotates, the inside of the casing 12 becomes under negative pressure. At this time, indoor air is sucked into the inside of the casing 12 through a suction port 40 formed in the casing 12, which will be described later, and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 10.

The casing 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and constitutes an outer shell of the indoor unit 3. Note that the casing 12 may have a shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped. The casing 12 has a bottom panel 31 , a front panel 32 , a first side panel 33 , a second side panel 34 , a rear panel 35 , and a top panel 36 . Moreover, a suction port 40 , a first blowout port 42 , a second blowout port 43 , a third blowout port 44 , and a fourth blowout port 45 are formed in the casing 12 .

The lower panel 31 is a plate-shaped member that forms the lower surface of the casing 12 . The front panel 32 is a plate-shaped member that extends upward from the front end of the lower panel 31 and constitutes the front surface of the casing 12.

(First side panel 33, second side panel 34)
The first side panel 33 is a plate-shaped member that extends upward from one side end of the lower panel 31 and forms one side surface of the casing 12 . The second side panel 34 is a plate-shaped member that extends upward from the other end of the lower panel 31 and forms the other side of the casing 12 . The second side panel 34 faces the first side panel 33.

The rear panel 35 is a plate-shaped member that extends upward from the rear end of the lower panel 31 and forms the rear surface of the casing 12 . The upper surface panel 36 is a plate-shaped member that constitutes the upper surface of the casing 12. The top panel 36 is connected to the upper portions of the front panel 32 , the first side panel 33 , the second side panel 34 , and the rear panel 35 .

The suction port 40 is an opening formed in the rear panel 35 and sucks air sucked into the inside of the casing 12. Note that the suction port 40 may be formed in a location other than the rear panel 35 as long as it is located rearward in the casing 12 than the indoor heat exchanger 10 .

The first air outlet 42 is an opening formed across the lower part of the front panel 32 and the front part of the lower panel 31. The first air outlet 42 blows air downward from the casing 12 . Note that the first air outlet 42 may be formed only in the lower part of the front panel 32 or only in the front part of the lower surface panel 31 as long as it is in front of the casing 12 than the axial fan 11 . Further, the first air outlet 42 may be divided into a plurality of openings.

The second air outlet 43 is an opening formed across one side of the front panel 32 and the front of the first side panel 33. The second air outlet 43 blows air out to one side of the casing 12. Note that the second air outlet 43 may be formed only on one side of the front panel 32 or only on the front of the first side panel 33 as long as it is located ahead of the axial fan 11 in the casing 12 . Further, the second air outlet 43 may be divided into a plurality of openings.

The third air outlet 44 is an opening formed across the other side of the front panel 32 and the front part of the second side panel 34. The second side panel 34 blows air out to the other side of the casing 12. Note that the third outlet 44 may be formed only on the other side of the front panel 32 or only on the front of the second side panel 34 as long as it is in front of the casing 12 than the axial fan 11 . Further, the third air outlet 44 may be divided into a plurality of openings.

The fourth air outlet 45 is an opening formed across the upper part of the front panel 32 and the front part of the upper panel 36. The fourth outlet 45 blows air upward from the casing 12 . Note that the fourth air outlet 45 may be formed only in the upper part of the front panel 32 or only in the front part of the upper surface panel 36 as long as it is in front of the casing 12 than the axial fan 11 . Further, the fourth outlet 45 may be divided into a plurality of openings.

As shown in FIG. 5, the fan casing 13 is a member that houses the axial fan 11. The fan casing 13 is provided at the center of the casing 12 in the front-rear direction, and is connected to the lower panel 31 and the upper panel 36.

According to the first embodiment, the casing 12 is provided with a first outlet 42, a second outlet 43, a third outlet 44, and a fourth outlet 45 on the upper, lower, left, and right sides, respectively. Therefore, the indoor unit 3 disperses the heat-exchanged air in all directions and blows it out. Therefore, the indoor unit 3 can diffuse the heat-exchanged air throughout the room and improve comfort.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 3 is provided with an axial fan 11. Therefore, the power consumption of the indoor unit 3 is reduced compared to a case where other types of blowers such as a cross flow fan are provided.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing the indoor unit 103 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 103 taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 6, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. As shown in FIG. 6, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the front panel 132 includes a rectifying section 151. In Embodiment 2, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

The front panel 132 has a rectifying section 151. The rectifier 151 is a plate-shaped member and is located inside the casing 12. The rectifier 151 is a plate-shaped member that extends along the edges of the first outlet 42 , the second outlet 43 , the third outlet 44 , and the fourth outlet 45 . The rectifying section 151 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

The lower part of the rectifying section 151 is curved so as to bulge toward the lower panel 31. Therefore, the rectifier 151 guides the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 to the first outlet 42 . One side of the rectifier 151 is curved so as to bulge toward the first side panel 33. Therefore, the rectifier 151 guides the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 to the second outlet 43 .

The other side portion of the rectifying portion 151 is curved so as to bulge toward the second side panel 34 . Therefore, the rectifier 151 guides the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 to the third outlet 44 . The upper part of the rectifying part 151 is curved so as to bulge toward the upper surface panel 36. Therefore, the rectifier 151 guides the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 to the fourth outlet 45 . Note that the rectifying section 151 may have a shape such as a hemisphere.

According to the second embodiment, the front panel 132 has the rectifying section 151. The rectifying section 151 has a curved upper part, lower part, one side part, and the other side part. Therefore, when the air sent from the axial fan 11 toward the front panel 132 flows along the rectifier 151, it flows through the first outlet 42, the second outlet 43, the third outlet 44, and the fourth outlet. The air does not stagnate at the outlet 45 and wind speed is not lost. Therefore, the indoor unit 103 can blow air far into the indoor space. Thereby, the diffusion of the heat-exchanged air can be further promoted.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 103A according to a first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 103A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 7, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. As shown in FIG. 7, the rectifier 152 has a square pyramid shape with a widened front part and a rear vertex that protrudes to face the axial fan. The apex of the square pyramid is located on an extension of the rotation axis of the axial fan 11. Note that the apex of the rectifying section 152 does not need to be located on an extension of the rotation axis of the axial fan 11. Further, the rectifying section 152 may have a conical shape.

Air sent toward the front panel 132 from the axial fan 11 flows along the rectifier 152. That is, the air sent from the axial fan 11 does not stay inside the casing 12 and does not lose its wind speed. Therefore, the indoor unit 103A can blow air far into the indoor space.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 103B according to a second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 103B taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 8, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. As shown in FIG. 8, two axial fans 11 are provided in parallel in the vertical direction. Note that three or more axial fans 11 may be provided. The rectifier 153 has a shape in which two square pyramids are vertically lined up. The apex of the cone disposed above is located on an extension of the rotation axis of the axial fan 11 disposed above. Further, the apex of the cone disposed below is located under the extension of the rotation axis of the axial fan 11 disposed below.

In the indoor unit 103B, for example, a control device configured with a CPU individually adjusts the rotation speed of each axial fan 11, thereby adjusting the amount of air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 and the amount of air blown out from the first outlet 42. It is possible to change the air volume and the air volume separately.

Further, in the second modification of the second embodiment, air sent from each axial fan 11 toward the front panel 132 flows along the rectifier 153, similarly to the first modification of the second embodiment. That is, the air sent from each axial fan 11 does not stay inside the casing 12, and the wind speed is not lost. Therefore, the indoor unit 103B can blow air far into the indoor space.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing the indoor unit 203 according to the third embodiment. In addition, in FIG. 9, for the sake of explanation, portions of the axial fan 11 and the partition portion 214 located inside the casing 12 are shown with dotted lines. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 203 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 203 taken along the line AA in FIG. In FIG. 10, arrows indicated by solid lines indicate the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 4 during cooling operation. Further, in FIG. 10, arrows indicated by broken lines indicate the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 4 during heating operation. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the indoor unit 203 has a partition 214. In Embodiment 3, the same parts as Embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 2 will be mainly explained.

The indoor unit 203 has a partition section 214. The partition portion 214 protrudes toward the rear of the casing 12 from a substantially central position in the vertical direction at the rear of the rectifying portion 151 . The partition portion 214 vertically partitions a space in front of the axial fan 11 within the casing 12 .

According to the third embodiment, the indoor unit 203 has a partition section 214. Therefore, the air sent from the axial fan 11 does not interfere in the vertical direction, and the wind speed is not lost. Therefore, the indoor unit 203 of the air conditioner 1 can blow air far into the indoor space.

The inlet 21 of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is formed so as to be located below the partition portion 214 when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser and the indoor unit 203 performs heating. The outlet 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is formed to be located above the partition portion 214 when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser.

During heating operation, a high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant flows near the inlet 21. Therefore, the air passing through the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 10 in which the inlet 21 is formed exchanges heat with the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant, and has a high temperature. Further, near the outlet 22, liquid refrigerant is flowing. Therefore, the air that has passed through the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 10 in which the outlet 22 is formed exchanges heat with the liquid refrigerant, and has a low temperature. That is, the air that has passed through the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 10 has a higher temperature than the air that has passed through the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 10.

Here, since the indoor unit 203 has the partition part 214, the air that has passed through the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the air that has passed through the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 10 are separated from each other by passing through the axial fan 11. After that, it is difficult to communicate. Therefore, the air blown out from the first outlet 42 has a high temperature because it has undergone heat exchange with the high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant. Furthermore, since the air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 has undergone heat exchange with the liquid refrigerant, its temperature is low and the difference from the indoor temperature is small.

According to the third embodiment, the inlet 21 of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is formed to be located below the partition portion 214 when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser. Generally, during heating operation, the air blown out from the indoor unit rises because the temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the density is lower. In addition, the higher the temperature of the air blown out from below the indoor unit, the wider the space it spreads before it rises. Here, in the third embodiment, air having a high temperature is blown out from the first outlet 42 after being heat exchanged with a high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant. Therefore, when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser, the indoor unit 203 sends out high-temperature air to a wider space than when the inlet 21 is formed above the partition part 214. be able to.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the outlet 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is formed to be located above the partition portion 214 when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser. There is. Since the air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 exchanged heat with the liquid refrigerant, the difference in temperature between the air and the indoor air is small. Therefore, the air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 is difficult to rise inside the room. Therefore, when the indoor heat exchanger 10 acts as a condenser, the indoor unit 203 has a larger amount of air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 than in the case where the inlet 21 is formed above the partition part 214. Air can be sent further.

Note that, like the rectifying section 152 of the first modification of the second embodiment, the rectifying section 151 in the third embodiment has a wide front section and a rectifying section having a vertex protruding opposite the axial fan 11 at the rear section. It may be pyramidal.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 203A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 203A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of axial fans 11 are provided in line in the vertical direction. Further, the partition portion 214 is located between each of the axial fans 11 .

According to this modification, the air sent from the axial fan 11 provided above and the air sent from the axial fan 11 provided below do not interfere, and the wind speed is not lost. Therefore, the indoor unit 203A can blow air far into the indoor space.

Note that the rectifying section 151 in the third embodiment may have a shape in which two square pyramids are vertically lined up like the rectifying section 153 in the second modification of the second embodiment.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303 taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 12, the arrows on the arcs shown in practice represent the directions in which the lower damper 316 and the upper damper 317 rotate. As shown in FIG. 12, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a lower damper 316 and an upper damper 317. In Embodiment 4, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

As shown in FIG. 12, the lower and upper parts of the rectifying section 351 of the fourth embodiment are not curved. One side and the other side of the rectifying section 351 may or may not be curved. In addition, also in this Embodiment 4, the lower part and upper part of the rectification|straightening part 351 may be curved.

The indoor unit 303 has a lower damper 316 and an upper damper 317. The lower damper 316 is a plate-shaped member that is connected to the lower part of the fan casing 13 and covers the first air outlet 42 . The lower damper 316 opens and closes using the lower part of the fan casing 13 as a fulcrum. When the lower damper 316 is open, air is blown out from the first air outlet 42. Further, when the lower damper 316 is closed, air is not blown out from the first air outlet 42.

The upper damper 317 is a plate-shaped member that is connected to the upper part of the fan casing 13 and covers the fourth air outlet 45 . The upper damper 317 opens and closes using the upper part of the fan casing 13 as a fulcrum. When the upper damper 317 is open, air is blown out from the fourth outlet 45. Further, when the upper damper 317 is closed, air is not blown out from the fourth outlet 45. In addition, the indoor unit 303 may have a damper that covers each of the second air outlet 43 and the third air outlet 44.

The front panel 32 has a damper receiver 361 and a damper receiver 362. The damper receiver 361 projects toward the rear of the casing 12 and extends to face the lower damper 316. The damper receiver 361 is a member that comes into contact with the lower damper 316 when the lower damper 316 is closed. The damper receiver 362 protrudes toward the rear of the casing 12 and extends to face the upper damper 317. The damper receiver 362 is a member that comes into contact with the upper damper 317 when the upper damper 317 is closed.

The fan casing 13 has a damper receiver 371 and a damper receiver 372. The damper receiver 371 protrudes from the front surface of the fan casing 13 toward the front of the casing 12 and extends to face the lower damper 316. The damper receiver 371 is a member that comes into contact with the lower damper 316 when the lower damper 316 is opened. The damper receiver 372 protrudes from the front surface of the fan casing 13 toward the front of the casing 12 and extends to face the upper damper 317. The damper receiver 372 is a member that comes into contact with the upper damper 317 when the upper damper 317 is open.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303 taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 13, the arrows shown by solid lines represent the air flow during the top-blowing operation. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303 taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 14, the arrows shown by solid lines represent the air flow during the downward blowing operation. For the indoor unit 303, the user sets an air blowing method such as top-blowing operation or bottom-blowing operation. When the top blow operation is set, the control device closes the lower damper 316 and opens the upper damper 317. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the indoor unit 303 does not blow out air from the first air outlet 42 during top blowing operation. Therefore, the amount of air blown out from the second air outlet 43, the third air outlet 44, and the fourth air outlet 45 increases. When the downward blow operation is set, the control device closes the upper damper 317 and opens the lower damper 316. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the indoor unit 303 does not blow out air from the fourth outlet 45 during the downward blowing operation. Therefore, the amount of air blown out from the first air outlet 42, the second air outlet 43, and the third air outlet 44 increases.

In the fourth embodiment, the indoor unit 303 includes a lower damper 316 and an upper damper 317. Therefore, the indoor unit 303 can perform top-blowing operation that increases the amount of air coming out of the fourth air outlet 45 by closing the first air outlet 42 . In addition, the indoor unit 303 can perform a downward blowing operation that increases the amount of air coming out of the first air outlet 42 by closing the fourth air outlet 45 . In this way, the indoor unit 303 can change the position to which air is sent depending on the user's settings. This allows the heat-exchanged air to be sent to the location desired by the user.

Note that, like the rectifier 152 of the first modification of the second embodiment, the rectifier 151 in the fourth embodiment has a wide front part and a four-piece structure having a vertex protruding opposite the axial fan 11 in the rear part. It may be pyramidal.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 15, the arrows on the arc shown in practice represent the directions in which the lower damper 316, the upper damper 317, and the internal damper 320 rotate. As shown in FIG. 15, the indoor unit 303A includes a first plate 318, a second plate 319, and an internal damper 320.

The first plate 318 connects the inner surface of the first side panel 33 and the inner surface of the second side panel 34. That is, the first plate 318 connects the opposing inner surfaces of the casing 12. The first plate 318 faces the axial fan 11 provided below. Further, the first plate 318 has a damper receiver 381 on the upper part. Note that the first plate 318 may include a member corresponding to the rectifying section 152 of the first modification of the second embodiment.

The second plate 319 connects the inner surface of the first side panel 33 and the inner surface of the second side panel 34. That is, the second plate 319 connects the opposing inner surfaces of the casing 12. The second plate 319 faces the axial fan 11 provided above. Further, the second plate 319 is arranged above the first plate 318 with a space therebetween. The second plate 319 has a damper receiver 382 at the bottom. Note that the second plate 319 may include a member corresponding to the rectifying section 152 of the first modification of the second embodiment.

The internal damper 320 is a plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction of the casing 12. The internal damper 320 has a rear part supported by the fan casing 13 and a front part that rotates between the upper part of the first plate 318 and the lower part of the second plate 319. When the front part of the internal damper 320 is located on the lower side of the second plate 319, the amount of air blown out from the fourth outlet 45 increases. When the front portion of the internal damper 320 is located above the first plate 318, the amount of air blown out from the first outlet 42 increases. Note that the front part of the internal damper 320 may be stopped in a state between the upper part of the first plate 318 and the lower part of the second plate 319.

The damper receiver 381 projects upward and extends to face the internal damper 320. When the damper receiver 381 contacts the front portion of the internal damper 320, it restricts the internal damper 320 from rotating downward. The damper receiver 382 projects downward and extends to face the internal damper 320. The damper receiver 382 restricts the internal damper 320 from rotating upward when it comes into contact with the front part of the internal damper 320.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 16, the arrows shown by solid lines represent the air flow during the top-blowing operation. FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 303A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 303A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Moreover, in FIG. 17, the arrow shown by the solid line represents the flow of air during the downward blowing operation. As shown in FIG. 16, the internal damper 320 is in contact with the damper receiver 381 when the indoor unit 303A is performing top-blowing operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the internal damper 320 is in contact with the damper receiver 382 when the indoor unit 303A is performing the downward blowing operation.

As described above, the internal damper 320 is located above the first plate 318 when the indoor unit 303A is performing top-blowing operation. Therefore, when the indoor unit 303A is performing top blowing operation, the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 flows upward along the internal damper 320 and is guided to the fourth outlet 45. Moreover, the internal damper 320 is located on the lower side of the second plate 319 when the indoor unit 303A is performing the downward blowing operation. Therefore, when the indoor unit 303A is performing the downward blowing operation, the air sent forward from the axial fan 11 flows downward along the internal damper 320 and is guided to the first air outlet 42. In this way, the indoor unit 303A can blow out more air in the set blowing direction by rotating the internal damper 320.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 403 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 403 taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 18, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. As shown in FIG. 18, the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the axial fan 11 is tilted upward. In Embodiment 5, the same parts as Embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 2 will be mainly explained.

The axial fan 11 is inclined upward toward the fourth outlet 45 . Note that the axial fan 11 may be inclined toward the first outlet 42 , the second outlet 43 , or the third outlet 44 .

According to the fifth embodiment, the axial fan 11 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the indoor unit 403 can increase the amount of air in the direction in which the axial fan 11 is inclined. Therefore, the indoor unit 403 can send air far in the direction in which the axial fan 11 is inclined.

Note that, like the flow straightening section 152 of the first modification of the second embodiment, the flow straightening section 151 in the fifth embodiment has a wide front section and a four-quarter shape having an apex that protrudes opposite the axial fan 11 at the rear. It may be pyramidal.

(Modification of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram showing an indoor unit 403A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 5. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 403A taken at a position corresponding to the AA cross section in FIG. Further, in FIG. 19, arrows shown by solid lines represent air flows. As shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of axial fans 11 are provided in line in the vertical direction. Further, the axial fan 11 provided above is inclined upward, and the axial fan 11 provided below is inclined downward.

The air sent from the axial fan 11 provided above and the air sent from the axial fan 11 provided below do not interfere and the wind speed is not lost. Therefore, the indoor unit 403A of the air conditioner 1 can blow air far into the indoor space.

Note that the rectifying section 151 in the fifth embodiment may have a shape in which two square pyramids are vertically lined up like the rectifying section 153 in the second modification of the second embodiment.

Further, each axial fan 11 may be provided so as to rotate vertically and laterally. Further, the inclination angle of each axial fan 11 may be arbitrarily adjusted according to the blowing direction set by the user. In these cases as well, the indoor unit 403A can increase the amount of air in the direction in which the axial fan 11 is inclined. Therefore, the indoor unit 403A can send air far in the direction in which the axial fan 11 is inclined.

1 Air conditioner, 2 Outdoor unit, 3 Indoor unit, 4 Refrigerant piping, 5 Compressor, 6 Flow path switching valve, 7 Outdoor heat exchanger, 8 Outdoor blower, 9 Expansion valve, 10 Indoor heat exchanger, 11 Axial flow Fan, 12 Casing, 13 Fan casing, 21 Inflow port, 22 Outflow port, 31 Bottom panel, 32 Front panel, 33 First side panel, 34 Second side panel, 35 Rear panel, 36 Top panel, 40 Suction port, 42 1st air outlet, 43 2nd air outlet, 44 3rd air outlet, 45 4th air outlet, 103 indoor unit, 103A indoor unit, 103B indoor unit, 132 front panel, 151 rectifier, 152 rectifier, 153 rectifier , 203 indoor unit, 203A indoor unit, 214 partition section, 303 indoor unit, 303A indoor unit, 316 lower damper, 317 upper damper, 318 first plate, 319 second plate, 320 internal damper, 351 rectifier, 361 damper receiver , 362 damper receiver, 371 damper receiver, 372 damper receiver, 381 damper receiver, 382 damper receiver, 403 indoor unit, 403A indoor unit.

Claims (7)

a casing that constitutes an outer shell;
an indoor heat exchanger that is provided inside the casing and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air;
a plurality of axial fans arranged vertically inside the casing and sending air forward;
a first plate connecting opposing inner surfaces of the casing;
a second plate connecting opposing inner surfaces of the casing;
a fan casing that houses the plurality of axial fans;
a plate-shaped internal damper whose rear part is supported by the fan casing and extends laterally of the casing;
The casing is
a suction port for sucking air formed behind the indoor heat exchanger;
a first outlet for blowing out air formed in a lower part of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans;
a second outlet for blowing out air, formed on one side of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans;
a third outlet for blowing out air formed on the other side of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans;
a fourth outlet for blowing out air formed in the upper part of the casing in front of the plurality of axial fans;
The second plate is
provided above the first plate and spaced apart from the top of the first plate;
The internal damper is
An indoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein a front part rotates between an upper part of the first plate and a lower part of the second plate. further comprising a front panel constituting a front surface ;
The front panel is
a rectifier located inside the casing and guiding air to the first outlet, the second outlet, the third outlet, and the fourth outlet;
The rectifying section includes:
It has a conical shape with a widened front part and an apex at the rear that protrudes opposite the axial fan, and the apex is located at a location offset from the extension of the rotational axis of the axial fan.
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 1 . The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2 , further comprising a partition portion that projects from the front panel toward the rear of the casing and vertically divides a space in front of the axial fan in the casing. The indoor heat exchanger is
an inlet to which a refrigerant pipe for flowing refrigerant into the indoor heat exchanger is connected when the indoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser;
an outlet to which a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows out from the indoor heat exchanger is connected;
The inlet is
formed below the partition,
The outlet is
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 3 , wherein the indoor unit is formed above the partition portion. a lower damper that covers the first air outlet;
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising an upper damper that covers the second outlet. The axial fan includes:
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the indoor unit is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The axial fan includes:
The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which rotates vertically and laterally.

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