US20170108230A1 - Heat exchange unit and air-conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Heat exchange unit and air-conditioning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20170108230A1
US20170108230A1 US15/127,080 US201415127080A US2017108230A1 US 20170108230 A1 US20170108230 A1 US 20170108230A1 US 201415127080 A US201415127080 A US 201415127080A US 2017108230 A1 US2017108230 A1 US 2017108230A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
drain pan
air
heat exchange
exchange unit
conditioning apparatus
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Abandoned
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US15/127,080
Inventor
Keiichi Yamamoto
Junki Oonishi
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Filing date
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Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OONISHI, Junki, YAMAMOTO, KEIICHI
Publication of US20170108230A1 publication Critical patent/US20170108230A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/36Drip trays for outdoor units
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/46Component arrangements in separate outdoor units
    • F24F1/48Component arrangements in separate outdoor units characterised by air airflow, e.g. inlet or outlet airflow
    • F24F1/50Component arrangements in separate outdoor units characterised by air airflow, e.g. inlet or outlet airflow with outlet air in upward direction
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F13/00Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
    • F24F13/22Means for preventing condensation or evacuating condensate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a heat exchange unit and an air-conditioning apparatus.
  • Patent Literature 1 There have been air-conditioning apparatuses that include on-site connection pipes provided on one end of a heat exchanger for connecting heat transfer pipes to external components (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
  • the air-conditioning apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured to be capable of changing the position for connecting the on-site connection pipes.
  • a body defining an outer shell of an air-conditioning apparatus be capable of being installed in various orientations depending on the structure of the building in which the air-conditioning apparatus is to be installed.
  • the heat exchange unit should be of a structure that is capable of receiving condensation water, which may form in the heat exchanger, even when an installation state of the body is changed.
  • the heat exchange unit should also be of a structure that does not impair maintainability even when the installation state of the body is changed.
  • the heat exchange unit should also be of a structure that can be easily changed even when the installation state of the body is changed.
  • the heat exchange units do not have a flexible structure that accommodates to the different installation states of the body.
  • the present invention has been developed against the above background to provide a heat exchange unit and an air-conditioning apparatus that reduce the possibility of impairing drainage regardless of an installation state thereof.
  • a heat exchange unit of one embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchanger and a drain pan detachable to the heat exchanger, the drain pan including a first drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a first imaginary plane and a second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a second imaginary plane having a different angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein the first drain pan is provided below the heat exchanger.
  • An air-conditioning apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention includes the heat exchange unit of one embodiment of the present invention, an air blower unit, and a body in which the heat exchange unit and the air blower unit are housed.
  • the drain pan includes the first drain pan having a flat shape and installed on the first imaginary plane and the second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on the second imaginary plane having a different angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, and the first drain pan is provided below the heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchange unit is capable of receiving condensation water, which forms in the heat exchanger, even when the installation state of the body is changed with the heat exchange unit provided inside the body. The possibility of impairing drainage is accordingly reduced.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a side surface panel 1 a open.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a drain pan 23 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first drain pan 24 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to a body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from a front surface of the body 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from a rear surface of the body 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a partly enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention before the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1 .
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention after the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1 .
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a side surface panel 1 a open.
  • an outer shell of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is composed of a body 1 .
  • the body 1 has a shape, for example, of a hexahedron (rectangular parallelepiped) and is shaped such that an installation surface can be changed according to an installation state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • An example will be described in which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is floor standing.
  • a front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, and a rear surface of the body 1 will collectively be called side surfaces.
  • An inside of the body 1 is divided into a plurality of areas.
  • a first area 10 , a second area 20 , and a third area 30 are formed inside the body 1 in order from the bottom to the top of the body 1 .
  • the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 discussed below.
  • At least one of the side surfaces of the body 1 is configured as the detachable side surface panel 1 a .
  • the side surface panel 1 a is for covering an outlet (not shown) provided on the body 1 .
  • a first vent 1 A is provided on a lower surface of the body 1 and a second vent 1 B is provided on an upper surface of the body 1 . That is, opposed surfaces of the body 1 are open.
  • the first vent 1 A and the second vent 1 B are openings for allowing air in a room or air inside the body 1 to pass therethrough.
  • the side surface panel 1 a may define only one of the side surfaces of the body 1 or may define a plurality of the side surfaces of the body 1 . Maintainability can be improved by the side surface panel 1 a defining a plurality of the side surfaces of the body 1 .
  • the first vent 1 A is the opening for directing the air in the room into the body 1 .
  • the second vent 1 B is the opening for directing the air directed into the body 1 out of the body 1 .
  • the body 1 is installed in an air-conditioned space such that a bottom surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and an upward flow structure is achieved in which the air flows from the first vent 1 A toward the second vent 1 B.
  • an air blower unit 11 is provided in the first area 10
  • a heat exchange unit 21 is provided in the second area 20
  • a control box 31 is provided in the third area 30 .
  • the members in the first area 10 , second area 20 , and third area 30 can be taken out from inside the body 1 by removing the side surface panel 1 a from the body 1 . Maintainability can thus be ensured.
  • the air blower unit 11 is an air blower unit that is provided to direct the air in the room sequentially to the heat exchange unit 21 and the control box 31 .
  • the heat exchange unit 21 will be discussed later.
  • the control box 31 is, for example, a member for housing a control board (not shown) that controls the air blower unit 11 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the heat exchange unit 21 includes a heat exchanger 22 , a drain pan 23 , and an arm portion 26 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 is a heat exchanger having heat exchangers 22 a , 22 b and serves as an evaporator during cooling operations and serves as a condenser during heating operations.
  • the heat exchanger 22 is, for example, substantially V-shaped with the heat exchangers 22 a , 22 b abutting on each other at upper ends thereof and configured to become more away from each other downwardly from the upper ends at the same tilt angle.
  • the drain pan 23 is a member for receiving condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 and is configured, for example, in an L-shape.
  • the drain pan 23 is detachable to the heat exchanger 22 and is used, for example, by being attached to the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the drain pan 23 has a first drain pan 24 and a second drain pan 25 .
  • the arm portion 26 is for attaching the heat exchanger 22 to the drain pan 23 .
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the drain pan 23 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the first drain pan 24 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4 .
  • the drain pan 23 has the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 .
  • the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 are provided, for example, so that they are at right angles to each other. Assuming that a surface on which the first drain pan 24 is installed is a first imaginary plane and that a surface on which the second drain pan 25 is installed is a second imaginary plane, the first imaginary plane extends at an angle with respect to the second imaginary plane.
  • the first drain pan 24 is provided below the heat exchanger 22 and is a substantially rectangular flat member having an opening 24 A and a receiving portion 24 B.
  • the first drain pan 24 is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of an imaginary reference line L 11 extending in a longitudinal direction of the first drain pan 24 and passing through a lateral center of the first drain pan 24 and an imaginary reference line L 12 extending in a longitudinal direction of the first drain pan 24 and passing through a longitudinal center of the first drain pan 24 .
  • the opening 24 A is an opening for directing the air in the room that has been directed into the body 1 to the second area 20 , and is, for example, substantially rectangular.
  • the receiving portion 24 B is, for example, a portion that receives the condensation water formed by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 and is, for example, provided on both sides of the opening 24 A.
  • One of the receiving portions 24 B receives the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 a and the other of the receiving portions 24 B receives the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 b.
  • the second drain pan 25 is provided on a side of the heat exchanger 22 and is a substantially rectangular flat member having a receiving portion 25 A and a rising part 25 B.
  • the second drain pan 25 is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of an imaginary reference line L 21 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second drain pan 25 and passing through a lateral center of the second drain pan 25 and an imaginary reference line L 22 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second drain pan 25 and passing through a longitudinal center of the second drain pan 25 .
  • the receiving portion 25 A is provided with projections 25 a 1 , 25 a 2 .
  • the projections 25 a 1 , 25 a 2 project in a direction perpendicular to a direction of air flow.
  • the rising part 25 B is, for example, a portion that rises perpendicular to the receiving portion 25 A from a perimeter of the receiving portion 25 A.
  • the heat exchange unit 21 is provided such that the opening 24 A of the first drain pan 24 is parallel with the opening of the first vent 1 A and the opening of the second vent 1 B. Additionally, the heat exchange unit 21 is provided such that an outer surface of the receiving portion 25 A opposes any one of the side surfaces of the body 1 .
  • the side surface panel 1 a thus defines the side surface of the body 1 other than the side surface opposing the outer surface of the receiving portion 25 A, to facilitate the ease with which the heat exchange unit 21 may be removed.
  • a lower surface of the first drain pan 24 is provided, for example, with a heat insulating material 24 a , an expanded polystyrene foam 24 b , and recesses 24 c .
  • the heat insulating material 24 a is positioned on an inner side of the first drain pan 24 because the heat insulating material 24 a may be ripped off or become scratched by contact with a metal plate 35 (described below) that is provided below the first drain pan 24 .
  • the recesses 24 c are provided at adjacent corners of the four corners of the first drain pan 24 to recess inward.
  • the second drain pan 25 is attached to the first drain pan 24 by protrusions (not shown) that are provided on the second drain pan 25 engaging with the recesses 24 c.
  • a plurality of the projections 25 a 1 which are for positioning the first drain pan 24 , are provided.
  • the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 are connected to each other at respective one ends by the projections 25 a 1 to position the first drain pan 24 .
  • the projections 25 a 2 function in a similar manner to the projections 25 a 1 .
  • the projections 25 a 1 limit an upward movement of the first drain pan 24 .
  • Air flow and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will now be described.
  • the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • the air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11 , the heat exchange unit 21 , and the control box 31 , and is directed into the room.
  • heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger 22 .
  • refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the air that passes through the heat exchanger 22 , whereby the refrigerant is heated and the temperature of the refrigerant is increased.
  • the air that passes through the heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that flows through the heat exchanger 22 , whereby the air is cooled and the temperature of the air is reduced.
  • This can cause condensation water to form on a surface of the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the first drain pan 24 and is collected in the receiving portions 24 B.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from the front surface of the body 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from the rear surface of the body 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a partly enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 8 .
  • the heat exchange unit 21 is provided with the metal plate 35 and a fixing metal plate 40 on a front and rear side.
  • the metal plate 35 is a member that divides the first area 10 and the second area 20 and supports the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • the fixing metal plate 40 is a member that serves as a fixing unit for fixing the heat exchange unit 21 to the metal plate 35 . Fixing the heat exchange unit 21 to the metal plate 35 using the fixing metal plate 40 prevents the heat exchange unit 21 from moving inside the body 1 when vibrations occur during transportation of the body 1 with the heat exchange unit 21 provided therein. The air directed into the body 1 can also be prevented from flowing out from inside the body 1 without passing through the second vent 1 B. Thus, reduction in heat exchange performance and formation of condensation water can be suppressed.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the heat exchanger 22 and the drain pan 23 detachable to the heat exchanger 22 , the drain pan 23 including the first drain pan 24 having a flat shape and installed on the first imaginary plane and the second drain pan 25 having a flat shape and installed on the second imaginary plane having an angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein the first drain pan 24 is provided below the heat exchanger 22 .
  • the heat exchange unit 21 can receive the condensation water, which forms in the heat exchanger 22 , even when the installation state of the body 1 is changed with the heat exchange unit 21 provided inside the body 1 . The possibility of impairing drainage can thus be reduced.
  • the third area 30 in which the control box 31 is provided is positioned downstream in the airflow of the second area 20 in which the heat exchange unit 21 is provided.
  • the refrigerant that flows through the heat exchanger 22 provided in the second area 20 receives heat, whereby the air directed into the body 1 is cooled, and the cooled air can cool the control box 31 provided in the third area 30 .
  • Embodiment 1 an example has been described, without limitation thereto, in which the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 are formed in order from the bottom to the top of the body 1 .
  • the second area 20 , the first area 10 , and the third area 30 may be sequentially formed from the bottom to the top of the body 1 .
  • Embodiment 1 an example has also been described, without limitation thereto, in which only the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 are formed inside the body 1 .
  • areas in which other members necessary to operate the air-conditioning apparatus 100 are disposed may be additionally provided inside the body 1 .
  • Embodiment 1 an example has also been described, without limitation thereto, in which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is operated with the second drain pan 25 attached to the first drain pan 24 .
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 may be operated with the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 separated. In this case, for example, it is only required that the first drain pan 24 is attached to the heat exchanger 22 and the second drain pan 25 is attached to the heat exchanger 22 .
  • Embodiment 2 unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that a top surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a downward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1 A to the second vent 1 B.
  • items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the top of the page to the bottom of page.
  • the heat exchange unit 21 is taken out from the second area 20 of the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with an upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 , and the body 1 is turned upside down. After the body 1 is turned upside down, the heat exchange unit 21 is provided in the second area 20 of the body 1 . As a result, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 has the downward flow structure. Thus, changing the installation state of the body 1 requires no change in the shape or other characteristics of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • the air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11 , the heat exchange unit 21 , and the control box 31 , and is directed into the room.
  • condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the first drain pan 24 and is collected in the receiving portions 24 B.
  • Embodiment 3 unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that the right side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a rightward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1 A to the second vent 1 B.
  • items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the left of the page to the right of page.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is turned on its right side so that the rightward flow structure as shown in FIG. 11 is achieved.
  • gravity does not act on the heat exchange unit 21 and the metal plate 35 to fill the gap therebetween.
  • the gap between the heat exchange unit 21 and the metal plate 35 can be filled further by using the fixing metal plate 40 .
  • the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • the air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11 , the heat exchange unit 21 , and the control box 31 , and is directed into the room.
  • condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the second drain pan 25 and is collected in the receiving portion 25 A.
  • Embodiment 4 unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that the left side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a leftward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1 A to the second vent 1 B.
  • items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention before the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1 .
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention after the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1 .
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third variation of the heat exchange unit 21 .
  • the first area 10 , the second area 20 , and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the right of the page to the left of page.
  • the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is rearranged. Specifically, with the second drain pan 25 provided on the right side of the first drain pan 24 on the page as shown in FIG. 13 , the second drain pan 25 is removed from the first drain pan 24 , and the second drain pan 25 is provided on the left side of the first drain pan 24 on the page as shown in FIG. 14 .
  • the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is then turned on its left side to install the body 1 such that the left side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface.
  • the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • the air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11 , the heat exchange unit 21 , and the control box 31 , and is directed into the room.
  • condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the second drain pan 25 and is collected in the receiving portion 25 A.
  • the heat exchange unit 21 can receive the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 whether the installation state of the body 1 has an upward flow, downward flow, rightward flow, or leftward flow.
  • heat exchanger 22 forming the heat exchanger 22 , the first drain pan 24 , and the second drain pan 25 as one heat exchange unit 21 enables the heat exchange unit 21 to be taken out easily when changing the installation state of the body 1 or when performing maintenance of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 .
  • an opening 24 A being provided on the first drain pan 24 has been described without limitation thereto. For instance, it is only required that an opening is provided on at least one of the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 is provided inside the body 1 in a state as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 may be configured only with either the heat exchanger 22 a or 22 b .
  • the heat exchanger 22 may be attached to the inside of the body 1 by being turned upside down from the state shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the heat exchanger 22 can be attached to the drain pan 23 without providing the arm portion 26 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Blowing Cold Air, Devices For Blowing Warm Air, And Means For Preventing Water Condensation In Air Conditioning Units (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger and a drain pan detachable to the heat exchanger, the drain pan including a first drain pan having a flat shape installed on a first imaginary plane, and a second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a second imaginary plane having a different angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein the first drain pan is provided below the heat exchanger.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application is a U.S. national stage application of PCT/JP2014/063627 filed on May 22, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a heat exchange unit and an air-conditioning apparatus.
  • BACKGROUND
  • There have been air-conditioning apparatuses that include on-site connection pipes provided on one end of a heat exchanger for connecting heat transfer pipes to external components (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The air-conditioning apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured to be capable of changing the position for connecting the on-site connection pipes.
  • PATENT LITERATURE
    • Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-238329 (p. 6, p. 7, FIG. 1, FIG. 2)
  • In general, it is desirable that a body defining an outer shell of an air-conditioning apparatus be capable of being installed in various orientations depending on the structure of the building in which the air-conditioning apparatus is to be installed. This requires the heat exchanger, drain pan, and other members (hereinafter, “heat exchange unit”) provided inside the body to have a flexible structure to accommodate to different installation states of the body. That is, the heat exchange unit should be of a structure that is capable of receiving condensation water, which may form in the heat exchanger, even when an installation state of the body is changed. The heat exchange unit should also be of a structure that does not impair maintainability even when the installation state of the body is changed. The heat exchange unit should also be of a structure that can be easily changed even when the installation state of the body is changed. However, there is a problem in that the heat exchange units do not have a flexible structure that accommodates to the different installation states of the body.
  • SUMMARY
  • The present invention has been developed against the above background to provide a heat exchange unit and an air-conditioning apparatus that reduce the possibility of impairing drainage regardless of an installation state thereof.
  • A heat exchange unit of one embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchanger and a drain pan detachable to the heat exchanger, the drain pan including a first drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a first imaginary plane and a second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a second imaginary plane having a different angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein the first drain pan is provided below the heat exchanger.
  • An air-conditioning apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention includes the heat exchange unit of one embodiment of the present invention, an air blower unit, and a body in which the heat exchange unit and the air blower unit are housed.
  • According to the present invention, the drain pan includes the first drain pan having a flat shape and installed on the first imaginary plane and the second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on the second imaginary plane having a different angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, and the first drain pan is provided below the heat exchanger. Thus, the heat exchange unit is capable of receiving condensation water, which forms in the heat exchanger, even when the installation state of the body is changed with the heat exchange unit provided inside the body. The possibility of impairing drainage is accordingly reduced.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a side surface panel 1 a open.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a drain pan 23 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first drain pan 24 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to a body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from a front surface of the body 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from a rear surface of the body 1.
  • FIG. 9 is a partly enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention before the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention after the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first variation of the heat exchange unit 21.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second variation of the heat exchange unit 21.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third variation of the heat exchange unit 21.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • An air-conditioning apparatus 100 (indoor unit) of one embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensional relationships between each of the components may be different from actual relationships. Additionally, in the drawings and throughout the entire specification, similar reference characters are used to refer to the same or equivalent parts. Further, the form of the components presented throughout this entire specification is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting.
  • Embodiment 1
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention with a side surface panel 1 a open.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, an outer shell of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is composed of a body 1. The body 1 has a shape, for example, of a hexahedron (rectangular parallelepiped) and is shaped such that an installation surface can be changed according to an installation state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100. An example will be described in which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is floor standing. In the description that follows, a front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, and a rear surface of the body 1 will collectively be called side surfaces.
  • An inside of the body 1 is divided into a plurality of areas. For example, a first area 10, a second area 20, and a third area 30 are formed inside the body 1 in order from the bottom to the top of the body 1. The first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 discussed below.
  • At least one of the side surfaces of the body 1 is configured as the detachable side surface panel 1 a. The side surface panel 1 a is for covering an outlet (not shown) provided on the body 1. A first vent 1A is provided on a lower surface of the body 1 and a second vent 1B is provided on an upper surface of the body 1. That is, opposed surfaces of the body 1 are open. The first vent 1A and the second vent 1B are openings for allowing air in a room or air inside the body 1 to pass therethrough. The side surface panel 1 a may define only one of the side surfaces of the body 1 or may define a plurality of the side surfaces of the body 1. Maintainability can be improved by the side surface panel 1 a defining a plurality of the side surfaces of the body 1.
  • The first vent 1A is the opening for directing the air in the room into the body 1. The second vent 1B is the opening for directing the air directed into the body 1 out of the body 1. In Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed in an air-conditioned space such that a bottom surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and an upward flow structure is achieved in which the air flows from the first vent 1A toward the second vent 1B.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, an air blower unit 11 is provided in the first area 10, a heat exchange unit 21 is provided in the second area 20, and a control box 31 is provided in the third area 30. The members in the first area 10, second area 20, and third area 30 can be taken out from inside the body 1 by removing the side surface panel 1 a from the body 1. Maintainability can thus be ensured.
  • The air blower unit 11 is an air blower unit that is provided to direct the air in the room sequentially to the heat exchange unit 21 and the control box 31. The heat exchange unit 21 will be discussed later. The control box 31 is, for example, a member for housing a control board (not shown) that controls the air blower unit 11.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchange unit 21 includes a heat exchanger 22, a drain pan 23, and an arm portion 26.
  • The heat exchanger 22 is a heat exchanger having heat exchangers 22 a, 22 b and serves as an evaporator during cooling operations and serves as a condenser during heating operations. The heat exchanger 22 is, for example, substantially V-shaped with the heat exchangers 22 a, 22 b abutting on each other at upper ends thereof and configured to become more away from each other downwardly from the upper ends at the same tilt angle.
  • The drain pan 23 is a member for receiving condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 and is configured, for example, in an L-shape. The drain pan 23 is detachable to the heat exchanger 22 and is used, for example, by being attached to the heat exchanger 22. The drain pan 23 has a first drain pan 24 and a second drain pan 25. The arm portion 26 is for attaching the heat exchanger 22 to the drain pan 23.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the drain pan 23 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the first drain pan 24 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, the drain pan 23 has the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25. The first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 are provided, for example, so that they are at right angles to each other. Assuming that a surface on which the first drain pan 24 is installed is a first imaginary plane and that a surface on which the second drain pan 25 is installed is a second imaginary plane, the first imaginary plane extends at an angle with respect to the second imaginary plane.
  • The first drain pan 24 is provided below the heat exchanger 22 and is a substantially rectangular flat member having an opening 24A and a receiving portion 24B. The first drain pan 24 is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of an imaginary reference line L11 extending in a longitudinal direction of the first drain pan 24 and passing through a lateral center of the first drain pan 24 and an imaginary reference line L12 extending in a longitudinal direction of the first drain pan 24 and passing through a longitudinal center of the first drain pan 24. The opening 24A is an opening for directing the air in the room that has been directed into the body 1 to the second area 20, and is, for example, substantially rectangular. The receiving portion 24B is, for example, a portion that receives the condensation water formed by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 and is, for example, provided on both sides of the opening 24A. One of the receiving portions 24B receives the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 a and the other of the receiving portions 24B receives the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 b.
  • The second drain pan 25 is provided on a side of the heat exchanger 22 and is a substantially rectangular flat member having a receiving portion 25A and a rising part 25B. The second drain pan 25 is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of an imaginary reference line L21 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second drain pan 25 and passing through a lateral center of the second drain pan 25 and an imaginary reference line L22 extending in a longitudinal direction of the second drain pan 25 and passing through a longitudinal center of the second drain pan 25. The receiving portion 25A is provided with projections 25 a 1, 25 a 2. The projections 25 a 1, 25 a 2 project in a direction perpendicular to a direction of air flow. The rising part 25B is, for example, a portion that rises perpendicular to the receiving portion 25A from a perimeter of the receiving portion 25A.
  • The heat exchange unit 21 is provided such that the opening 24A of the first drain pan 24 is parallel with the opening of the first vent 1A and the opening of the second vent 1B. Additionally, the heat exchange unit 21 is provided such that an outer surface of the receiving portion 25A opposes any one of the side surfaces of the body 1. The side surface panel 1 a thus defines the side surface of the body 1 other than the side surface opposing the outer surface of the receiving portion 25A, to facilitate the ease with which the heat exchange unit 21 may be removed.
  • As shown in FIG. 5, a lower surface of the first drain pan 24 is provided, for example, with a heat insulating material 24 a, an expanded polystyrene foam 24 b, and recesses 24 c. The heat insulating material 24 a is positioned on an inner side of the first drain pan 24 because the heat insulating material 24 a may be ripped off or become scratched by contact with a metal plate 35 (described below) that is provided below the first drain pan 24. The recesses 24 c are provided at adjacent corners of the four corners of the first drain pan 24 to recess inward. The second drain pan 25 is attached to the first drain pan 24 by protrusions (not shown) that are provided on the second drain pan 25 engaging with the recesses 24 c.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of the projections 25 a 1, which are for positioning the first drain pan 24, are provided. The first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 are connected to each other at respective one ends by the projections 25 a 1 to position the first drain pan 24. The projections 25 a 2 function in a similar manner to the projections 25 a 1. In Embodiment 1, the projections 25 a 1 limit an upward movement of the first drain pan 24.
  • Air flow and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 will now be described.
  • When the air blower unit 11 rotates, the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11, the heat exchange unit 21, and the control box 31, and is directed into the room. While the air blower unit 11 is rotating, heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger 22. Specifically, for example, in a cooling operation, refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the air that passes through the heat exchanger 22, whereby the refrigerant is heated and the temperature of the refrigerant is increased. That is, in the cooling operation, the air that passes through the heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that flows through the heat exchanger 22, whereby the air is cooled and the temperature of the air is reduced. This can cause condensation water to form on a surface of the heat exchanger 22. The condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the first drain pan 24 and is collected in the receiving portions 24B.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from the front surface of the body 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 attached to the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention viewed from the rear surface of the body 1. FIG. 9 is a partly enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 8.
  • As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the heat exchange unit 21 is provided with the metal plate 35 and a fixing metal plate 40 on a front and rear side. The metal plate 35 is a member that divides the first area 10 and the second area 20 and supports the heat exchange unit 21. The fixing metal plate 40 is a member that serves as a fixing unit for fixing the heat exchange unit 21 to the metal plate 35. Fixing the heat exchange unit 21 to the metal plate 35 using the fixing metal plate 40 prevents the heat exchange unit 21 from moving inside the body 1 when vibrations occur during transportation of the body 1 with the heat exchange unit 21 provided therein. The air directed into the body 1 can also be prevented from flowing out from inside the body 1 without passing through the second vent 1B. Thus, reduction in heat exchange performance and formation of condensation water can be suppressed.
  • As described above, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes the heat exchanger 22 and the drain pan 23 detachable to the heat exchanger 22, the drain pan 23 including the first drain pan 24 having a flat shape and installed on the first imaginary plane and the second drain pan 25 having a flat shape and installed on the second imaginary plane having an angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, wherein the first drain pan 24 is provided below the heat exchanger 22.
  • Consequently, the heat exchange unit 21 can receive the condensation water, which forms in the heat exchanger 22, even when the installation state of the body 1 is changed with the heat exchange unit 21 provided inside the body 1. The possibility of impairing drainage can thus be reduced.
  • The third area 30 in which the control box 31 is provided is positioned downstream in the airflow of the second area 20 in which the heat exchange unit 21 is provided. Thus, in the cooling operation, the refrigerant that flows through the heat exchanger 22 provided in the second area 20 receives heat, whereby the air directed into the body 1 is cooled, and the cooled air can cool the control box 31 provided in the third area 30.
  • In Embodiment 1, an example has been described, without limitation thereto, in which the first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 are formed in order from the bottom to the top of the body 1. For instance, the second area 20, the first area 10, and the third area 30 may be sequentially formed from the bottom to the top of the body 1.
  • In Embodiment 1, an example has also been described, without limitation thereto, in which only the first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 are formed inside the body 1. For instance, areas in which other members necessary to operate the air-conditioning apparatus 100 are disposed may be additionally provided inside the body 1.
  • In Embodiment 1, an example has also been described, without limitation thereto, in which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is operated with the second drain pan 25 attached to the first drain pan 24. For instance, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 may be operated with the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25 separated. In this case, for example, it is only required that the first drain pan 24 is attached to the heat exchanger 22 and the second drain pan 25 is attached to the heat exchanger 22.
  • Embodiment 2
  • In Embodiment 2, unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that a top surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a downward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1A to the second vent 1B. In Embodiment 2, items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 10, the first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the top of the page to the bottom of page.
  • For the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2, for example, the heat exchange unit 21 is taken out from the second area 20 of the body 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with an upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2, and the body 1 is turned upside down. After the body 1 is turned upside down, the heat exchange unit 21 is provided in the second area 20 of the body 1. As a result, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 has the downward flow structure. Thus, changing the installation state of the body 1 requires no change in the shape or other characteristics of the heat exchange unit 21.
  • The air flow and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 will now be described.
  • When the air blower unit 11 rotates, the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11, the heat exchange unit 21, and the control box 31, and is directed into the room. As described above, when condensation water forms on the surface of the heat exchanger 22, the condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the first drain pan 24 and is collected in the receiving portions 24B.
  • Embodiment 3
  • In Embodiment 3, unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that the right side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a rightward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1A to the second vent 1B. In Embodiment 3, items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 11, the first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the left of the page to the right of page.
  • For the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3, for example, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is turned on its right side so that the rightward flow structure as shown in FIG. 11 is achieved. In the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the rightward flow structure, unlike the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure, gravity does not act on the heat exchange unit 21 and the metal plate 35 to fill the gap therebetween. Thus, in Embodiment 3, the gap between the heat exchange unit 21 and the metal plate 35 can be filled further by using the fixing metal plate 40.
  • The air flow and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 will now be described.
  • When the air blower unit 11 rotates, the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11, the heat exchange unit 21, and the control box 31, and is directed into the room. As described above, when condensation water forms on the surface of the heat exchanger 22, the condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the second drain pan 25 and is collected in the receiving portion 25A.
  • Embodiment 4
  • In Embodiment 4, unlike Embodiment 1, the body 1 is installed such that the left side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface, and a leftward flow structure is achieved in which air flows from the first vent 1A to the second vent 1B. In Embodiment 4, items that are not described in particular are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and the same reference characters are used to refer to the same functions and configurations.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention before the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention after the heat exchange unit 21 is provided inside the body 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first variation of the heat exchange unit 21. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second variation of the heat exchange unit 21. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third variation of the heat exchange unit 21.
  • As shown in FIG. 12, the first area 10, the second area 20, and the third area 30 are sequentially formed inside the body 1 from the right of the page to the left of page.
  • An assembly procedure of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 will now be described.
  • First, the heat exchange unit 21 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is rearranged. Specifically, with the second drain pan 25 provided on the right side of the first drain pan 24 on the page as shown in FIG. 13, the second drain pan 25 is removed from the first drain pan 24, and the second drain pan 25 is provided on the left side of the first drain pan 24 on the page as shown in FIG. 14. The air-conditioning apparatus 100 with the upward flow structure as shown in FIG. 2 is then turned on its left side to install the body 1 such that the left side surface of the body 1 is the installation surface.
  • The air flow and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 4 will now be described.
  • When the air blower unit 11 rotates, the air in the room is directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The air directed into the air-conditioning apparatus 100 sequentially passes through the air blower unit 11, the heat exchange unit 21, and the control box 31, and is directed into the room. As described above, when condensation water forms on the surface of the heat exchanger 22, the condensation water formed on the surface of the heat exchanger 22 drops onto the second drain pan 25 and is collected in the receiving portion 25A.
  • As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 100 of Embodiments 1 to 4, the heat exchange unit 21 can receive the condensation water formed in the heat exchanger 22 whether the installation state of the body 1 has an upward flow, downward flow, rightward flow, or leftward flow.
  • In addition, forming the heat exchanger 22, the first drain pan 24, and the second drain pan 25 as one heat exchange unit 21 enables the heat exchange unit 21 to be taken out easily when changing the installation state of the body 1 or when performing maintenance of the air-conditioning apparatus 100.
  • An example of an opening 24A being provided on the first drain pan 24 has been described without limitation thereto. For instance, it is only required that an opening is provided on at least one of the first drain pan 24 and the second drain pan 25.
  • In the description above, an example has been described, without limitation thereto, in which the heat exchanger 22 is provided inside the body 1 in a state as shown in FIG. 3. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the heat exchanger 22 may be configured only with either the heat exchanger 22 a or 22 b. Alternatively, for instance, as shown in FIG. 17, the heat exchanger 22 may be attached to the inside of the body 1 by being turned upside down from the state shown in FIG. 3. In particular, as shown in FIG. 15, when the heat exchanger 22 is configured only with the heat exchanger 22 a, the heat exchanger 22 can be attached to the drain pan 23 without providing the arm portion 26.

Claims (12)

1. A heat exchange unit comprising:
a heat exchanger; and
a drain pan detachable to the heat exchanger,
the drain pan including
a first drain pan being a member having a rectangular flat shape and installed on a first imaginary plane, and
a second drain pan having a flat shape and installed on a second imaginary plane extending at an angle with respect to the first imaginary plane,
the first drain pan
being provided below the heat exchanger, and
having inwardly depressed recesses at adjacent two corners of the first drain pan,
the second drain pan being provided with protrusions for engaging with the recesses.
2. The heat exchange unit of claim 1, wherein the first imaginary plane is substantially perpendicular to the second imaginary plane.
3. The heat exchange unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first drain pan and the second drain pan includes an opening for flowing air.
4. The heat exchange unit of claim 1, wherein the first drain pan and the second drain pan are connected to each other at respective one ends, and the second drain pan is provided with a projection for positioning the first drain pan.
5. (canceled)
6. The heat exchange unit of claim 1, wherein the first drain pan is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of
an imaginary reference line extending in a longitudinal direction of the first drain pan and passing through a lateral center of the first drain pan, and
an imaginary reference line extending in a lateral direction of the first drain pan and passing through a longitudinal center of the first drain pan.
7. The heat exchange unit of claim 1, wherein the second drain pan is symmetrically shaped relative to at least either of
an imaginary reference line extending in a longitudinal direction of the second drain pan and passing through a lateral center of the second drain pan, and
an imaginary reference line extending in a lateral direction of the second drain pan and passing through a longitudinal center of the second drain pan.
8. An air-conditioning apparatus comprising:
the heat exchange unit of claim 1,
an air blower unit, and
a body housing the heat exchange unit and the air blower unit.
9. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 8, wherein
at least one of the first drain pan and the second drain pan includes an opening for flowing air, one of opposite surfaces of the body is provided with a first vent and an other of the opposite surfaces of the body is provided with a second vent, and the heat exchange unit is provided such that the opening is opposed to an opening of the first vent and an opening of the second vent.
10. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 8, wherein an outer surface of a receiving portion of the second drain pan is provided to be opposed to one of side surfaces of the body.
11. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one surface of the side surfaces of the body not opposing the outer surface of the receiving portion of the second drain pan is configured as a detachable side surface panel.
12. The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a fixing unit for fixing the drain pan to the body.
US15/127,080 2014-05-22 2014-05-22 Heat exchange unit and air-conditioning apparatus Abandoned US20170108230A1 (en)

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JP6104467B2 (en) 2017-03-29
WO2015177913A1 (en) 2015-11-26

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