WO2016006267A1 - Air conditioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioning device having a refrigeration cycle (40), an outdoor unit (2), and an indoor unit (1). The refrigerant has a density greater than that of the air under atmospheric pressure. The indoor unit (1) is provided with: an upper space (115b) in which an indoor heat exchanger (7) is disposed; a lower space (115a) provided lower than the upper space (115b); a partition part (20) that partitions the upper space (115b) and the lower space (115a); an indoor blower fan (7f) disposed in the lower space (115a); and a fan casing (108) in which a blow-out opening part(108a) and a suction opening part(108b) are formed. An air passage opening part (20a) that serves as an air passage between the upper space (115b) and the lower space (115a) is formed in the partitioning part (20). The blow-out opening part (108a) is connected to the air passage opening part (20a).

Description

Air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Conventionally, a non-flammable HFC refrigerant such as R410A has been used as a refrigerant used in an air conditioner. Unlike the conventional HCFC refrigerant like R22, this R410A does not destroy the ozone layer because the ozone layer depletion coefficient (hereinafter referred to as “ODP”) is zero. However, R410A has a property of having a high global warming potential (hereinafter referred to as “GWP”). Therefore, as part of the prevention of global warming, studies are underway to change from an HFC refrigerant with a high GWP such as R410A to a refrigerant with a low GWP.

As such low GWP refrigerant candidates, there are HC refrigerants such as R290 (C ₃ H ₈ ; propane) and R 1270 (C ₃ H ₆ ; propylene), which are natural refrigerants. However, unlike R410A, which is nonflammable, R290 and R1270 have flammability (strong flammability) at a high flammability level. Therefore, when R290 or R1270 is used as a refrigerant, attention must be paid to refrigerant leakage.

Moreover, as a refrigerant candidate of low GWP, there is an HFC refrigerant having no carbon double bond in the composition, for example, R32 (CH ₂ F ₂ ; difluoromethane) having a lower GWP than R410A.

Similar refrigerant candidates include halogenated hydrocarbons which are a kind of HFC refrigerant as in R32 and have a carbon double bond in the composition. Examples of such a halogenated hydrocarbon include HFO-1234yf (CF ₃ CF═CH ₂ ; tetrafluoropropene) and HFO-1234ze (CF ₃ —CH═CHF). In order to distinguish HFC refrigerants having a carbon double bond in the composition from HFC refrigerants having no carbon double bond in the composition such as R32, an olefin (unsaturated with carbon double bond) is used. Often expressed as "HFO" using "O" in hydrocarbons called olefins.

Such low GWP HFC refrigerants (including HFO refrigerants) are not as flammable as HC refrigerants such as natural refrigerant R290, but unlike R410A, which is nonflammable, flammability at a slightly flammable level ( Slightly flammable). Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to refrigerant leakage as in the case of R290. Henceforth, the refrigerant | coolant which has flammability more than a slight fuel level (for example, 2L or more by the classification | category of ASHRAE34) is called "flammable refrigerant | coolant."

When the flammable refrigerant leaks into the indoor space, the refrigerant concentration in the room rises and a flammable concentration area may be formed.

Patent Document 1 discloses that an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant is provided with a gas sensor for detecting a flammable refrigerant gas on the outer surface of an indoor unit, the indoor unit is a floor type, and the gas sensor is an indoor unit. The air conditioner provided in the lower part of the is described. If the sensor detection voltage of the gas sensor is equal to or higher than the reference value, the control unit of the air conditioner determines that the flammable refrigerant has leaked and immediately issues an alarm by the alarm device. Thereby, the user can know that the flammable refrigerant has leaked, and can take measures such as ventilating the room or calling a service person for repair. Further, when the control unit determines that the flammable refrigerant has leaked, the control unit immediately performs control to stop the operation of the refrigerant circuit. Thereby, even if this air conditioning apparatus is in operation, the refrigerant circuit can be immediately shut off by the valve existing on the refrigerant circuit, and a large amount of flammable refrigerant can be prevented from leaking.

Japanese Patent No. 4639451

However, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 requires a gas sensor for detecting a flammable refrigerant gas, and thus has a first problem that the manufacturing cost becomes high. In addition, a user who knows that a flammable refrigerant has leaked through an alarm can take measures such as ventilating the room or calling a service person for repairs. In a room that is a closed space, there is a second problem that the combustible refrigerant leaked may form a combustible concentration range. In addition, since the control unit that determines that the flammable refrigerant has leaked performs control to immediately stop the operation of the refrigerant circuit, it can suppress a large amount of flammable refrigerant from leaking, but a certain amount of flammable refrigerant leaks. It cannot be avoided. For this reason, there is a third problem that the leaked combustible refrigerant may form a combustible concentration region in a room that is generally a closed space.

Here, during the operation of the air conditioner, air is blown into the room by the operation of the fan of the indoor unit. For this reason, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks into the room, the leaked flammable refrigerant diffuses in the room by the air blown out, so that no flammable concentration area is formed in the room. However, since the fan of the indoor unit is also stopped while the air conditioner is stopped, the second or third problem is likely to occur.

The present invention has been made to solve at least one of the above-described problems, and even if the refrigerant leaks, the indoor refrigerant concentration is suppressed from becoming locally high. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can reduce the manufacturing cost.

An air conditioner according to the present invention includes a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe, an outdoor unit that houses at least a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger of the refrigeration cycle, and an indoor heat exchanger of at least the refrigeration cycle. And an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via an extension pipe that is a part of the refrigerant pipe, wherein the refrigerant has a density greater than that of air under atmospheric pressure. The indoor unit is provided in a housing, an upper space in which the indoor heat exchanger is disposed in the housing, and a lower portion in the housing than the upper space. A lower part, a partition part for partitioning the upper part and the lower part, a fan arranged in the lower part, and a fan part arranged in the lower part, covering the fan and forming a blowout opening and a suction opening An air passage opening formed as an air passage between the upper space and the lower space, and the blowout opening or the suction opening. One of the parts is connected to the air passage opening.

According to the present invention, even if the refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the leaked refrigerant can be diffused and discharged into the room, so that the indoor refrigerant concentration can be suppressed from becoming locally high. . In addition, according to the present invention, a sensor for detecting the leakage of the refrigerant becomes unnecessary, so that the manufacturing cost of the air conditioner can be suppressed.

It is a refrigerant circuit diagram which shows schematic structure of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the structure of the indoor heat exchanger 7 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and its peripheral component. It is a front view which shows typically the structure of the suction inlet 112 of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a VII-VII cross section of FIG. 6. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 1st modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 1st modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 2nd modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 2nd modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 3rd modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 which concerns on the 3rd modification of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the opening hole in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of a structure of the opening hole in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of a structure of the opening hole in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a front view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
An air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the following drawings including FIG. 1, the dimensional relationship and shape of each component may differ from the actual ones.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner has a refrigeration cycle 40 for circulating a refrigerant. In the refrigeration cycle 40, the compressor 3, the refrigerant flow switching device 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5 (heat source side heat exchanger), the decompression device 6, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 (load side heat exchanger) are connected to the refrigerant piping. Through the ring. Moreover, the air conditioner has, for example, an indoor unit 1 installed indoors and an outdoor unit 2 installed outdoor, for example. The indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are connected via extension pipes 10a and 10b that are part of the refrigerant pipe.

As the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 40, for example, a slightly flammable refrigerant such as R32, HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, or a strong flammable refrigerant such as R290, R1270 is used. These refrigerants may be used as a single refrigerant, or may be used as a mixed refrigerant in which two or more kinds are mixed.

The compressor 3 is a fluid machine that compresses sucked low-pressure refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant flow switching device 4 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle 40 between the cooling operation and the heating operation. For example, a four-way valve is used as the refrigerant flow switching device 4. The outdoor heat exchanger 5 is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser during cooling operation and functions as an evaporator during heating operation. In the outdoor heat exchanger 5, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and air (outside air) blown by an outdoor blower fan 5f described later. The decompression device 6 decompresses the high-pressure refrigerant into a low-pressure refrigerant. As the decompression device 6, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted is used. The indoor heat exchanger 7 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and functions as a condenser during heating operation. In the indoor heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and air blown by an indoor blower fan 7f described later. Here, the cooling operation is an operation for supplying a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 7, and the heating operation is an operation for supplying a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 7. .

The outdoor unit 2 accommodates a compressor 3, a refrigerant flow switching device 4, an outdoor heat exchanger 5, and a decompression device 6. In addition, the outdoor unit 2 accommodates an outdoor air blowing fan 5 f that supplies outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 5. The outdoor fan 5f is installed to face the outdoor heat exchanger 5. By rotating the outdoor fan 5f, an air flow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is generated. For example, a propeller fan is used as the outdoor blower fan 5f. The outdoor blowing fan 5f is arranged, for example, on the downstream side of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 in the air flow generated by the outdoor blowing fan 5f.

In the outdoor unit 2, as a refrigerant pipe, a refrigerant pipe connecting the extension pipe connection valve 13 a on the gas side (during cooling operation) and the refrigerant flow switching device 4, and a suction pipe 11 connected to the suction side of the compressor 3. A discharge pipe 12 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 3, a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant flow switching device 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 5, a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the decompression device 6, and A refrigerant pipe connecting the decompression device 6 and the liquid side (cooling operation) extension pipe connection valve 13b is disposed. The extension pipe connection valve 13a is a two-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and a flare joint is attached to one end thereof. The extension pipe connection valve 13b is composed of a three-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and is a service that is used when evacuating one end of the valve (before the refrigerant is charged into the refrigeration cycle 40). A mouth 14a is attached, and a flare joint is attached to the other end.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 flows through the discharge pipe 12 during both the cooling operation and the heating operation. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant (gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant) that has undergone an evaporating action flows through the suction pipe 11 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. A service port 14b with a low-pressure side flare joint is connected to the suction pipe 11, and a service port 14c with a flare joint on the high-pressure side is connected to the discharge pipe 12. The service ports 14b and 14c are used for measuring an operating pressure by connecting a pressure gauge at the time of installation or repair of the air conditioner.

The indoor unit 1 accommodates an indoor heat exchanger 7. The indoor unit 1 is also provided with an indoor fan 7f that supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger 7. By rotating the indoor fan 7f, an air flow passing through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is generated. As the indoor fan 7f, a centrifugal fan (for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, etc.), a cross flow fan, a diagonal fan, an axial fan (for example, a propeller fan), or the like is used depending on the form of the indoor unit 1. The indoor blower fan 7f of this example is arranged on the upstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 7 in the air flow generated by the indoor blower fan 7f, but may be arranged on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 7. .

The indoor unit 1 also detects an intake air temperature sensor 91 that detects the temperature of the indoor air sucked from the room, and detects the refrigerant temperature at the inlet portion of the indoor heat exchanger 7 during the cooling operation (the outlet portion during the heating operation). There are provided a heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor 92, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 93 for detecting the refrigerant temperature (evaporation temperature or condensation temperature) of the two-phase part of the indoor heat exchanger 7, and the like. These sensors are configured to output detection signals to a control unit (not shown) that controls the indoor unit 1 or the entire air conditioner.

In the indoor piping 9a on the gas side of the refrigerant piping of the indoor unit 1, a joint portion 15a (for example, a flare joint) for connecting the extension piping 10a is provided at a connection portion with the extension piping 10a on the gas side. Yes. In addition, in the liquid side indoor pipe 9b among the refrigerant pipes of the indoor unit 1, a joint part 15b (for example, a flare joint) for connecting the extension pipe 10b is provided in the connection part with the liquid side extension pipe 10b. It has been.

Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle 40 of the air conditioner will be described. First, the operation during the cooling operation will be described. In FIG. 1, a solid line arrow indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant during the cooling operation. In the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching device 4 switches the refrigerant flow path as indicated by a solid line, and the refrigerant circuit is configured so that the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger 7.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 first flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 5 via the refrigerant flow switching device 4. In the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 5 functions as a condenser. That is, in the outdoor heat exchanger 5, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and the air (outside air) blown by the outdoor blower fan 5f, and the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is radiated to the blown air. Thereby, the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is condensed and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the decompression device 6 and is decompressed to become a low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 of the indoor unit 1 via the extension pipe 10b. In the cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 7 functions as an evaporator. That is, in the indoor heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and the air (indoor air) blown by the indoor blower fan 7f, and the evaporation heat of the refrigerant is absorbed from the blown air. Thereby, the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 7 evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant or a two-phase refrigerant. Further, the air blown by the indoor blower fan 7f is cooled by the endothermic action of the refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 7 is sucked into the compressor 3 via the extension pipe 10a and the refrigerant flow switching device 4. The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 3 is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. In the cooling operation, the above cycle is repeated.

Next, the operation during heating operation will be described. In FIG. 1, the dotted line arrows indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant during the heating operation. In the heating operation, the refrigerant flow path switching device 4 switches the refrigerant flow paths as indicated by dotted lines, and the refrigerant circuit is configured so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger 7. During the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that during the cooling operation, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser. That is, in the indoor heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating inside and the air blown by the indoor blower fan 7f, and the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is radiated to the blown air. Thereby, the air blown by the indoor fan 7f is heated by the heat radiation action of the refrigerant.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an external configuration of the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 (with the front panel removed). FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. The left side in FIG. 4 shows the front side (indoor side) of the indoor unit 1. In the present embodiment, as the indoor unit 1, a floor-standing indoor unit 1 installed on the floor surface of the room that is the air-conditioning target space is illustrated. In addition, the positional relationship (for example, vertical relationship etc.) between each structural member in the following description is a thing when installing the indoor unit 1 in the state which can be used in principle.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the indoor unit 1 includes a casing 111 having a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape. A suction port 112 (an example of a lower opening) that sucks indoor air is formed in the lower front portion of the housing 111. The suction port 112 of this example is provided below the center portion in the vertical direction of the casing 111 and at a position near the floor surface. An air outlet 113 (an example of an upper opening) that blows air sucked from the air inlet 112 into the room is formed in the upper front portion of the housing 111, that is, at a position higher than the air inlet 112. The air outlet 113 of this example is provided above the center part in the up-down direction of the housing 111. An operation unit 26 is provided on the front surface of the casing 111 above the suction port 112 and below the air outlet 113. In the operation unit 26, an operation start operation, an operation end operation, an operation mode switching, a set temperature, a set air volume, and the like of the indoor unit 1 (air conditioner) are performed by a user operation.

The housing 111 is a hollow box, and a front opening is formed on the front surface of the housing 111. The casing 111 includes a first front panel 114a, a second front panel 114b, and a third front panel 114c that are detachably attached to the front opening. The first front panel 114a, the second front panel 114b, and the third front panel 114c all have a substantially rectangular flat plate-like outer shape. The first front panel 114a is detachably attached to the lower portion of the front opening of the casing 111. The suction port 112 is formed in the first front panel 114a. The second front panel 114b is disposed adjacent to and above the first front panel 114a, and is detachably attached to the central portion of the front opening of the housing 111 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 26 is provided on the second front panel 114b. The third front panel 114c is disposed adjacent to and above the second front panel 114b, and is detachably attached to the upper portion of the front opening of the housing 111. The above-described air outlet 113 is formed in the third front panel 114c.

The internal space of the housing 111 is roughly divided into a lower space 115a that serves as a blower section and an upper space 115b that is located above the lower space 115a and serves as a heat exchange section. The lower space 115a and the upper space 115b are partitioned by the partition portion 20. The partition part 20 has a flat plate shape, for example, and is arranged substantially horizontally. The partition portion 20 is formed with at least an air passage opening 20a serving as an air passage between the lower space 115a and the upper space 115b. The lower space 115a is exposed to the front surface side by removing the first front panel 114a from the housing 111, and the upper space 115b is configured such that the second front panel 114b and the third front panel 114c are removed from the housing 111. By removing it, it is exposed to the front side. That is, the height at which the partition portion 20 is installed substantially matches the height of the upper end of the first front panel 114a (or the lower end of the second front panel 114b). Here, the partition portion 20 may be formed integrally with a fan casing 108 described later, or may be formed integrally with a drain pan described later, or as a separate body from the fan casing 108 and the drain pan. It may be formed.

In the lower space 115a, an indoor blower fan 7f that generates an air flow from the inlet 112 to the outlet 113 is disposed. The indoor blower fan 7f of this example is a sirocco fan that includes a motor (not shown) and an impeller 107 that is connected to an output shaft of the motor and has a plurality of blades arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotating shaft of the impeller 107 (motor output shaft) is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the depth direction of the casing 111. The impeller 107 is covered with a spiral fan casing 108. A suction opening 108 b provided near the spiral center of the fan casing 108 is disposed so as to face the suction port 112. Further, the blowout opening 108 a of the fan casing 108 is arranged so as to face upward, and is directly connected to the air passage opening 20 a of the partition part 20, for example. At least the inside of the fan casing 108 in the lower space 115 a constitutes a part of the air passage space 81. Here, the air passage space 81 is an internal space of the casing 111, which is a space serving as an air passage for the air from the suction port 112 toward the air outlet 113, or a space communicating with the space.

Further, in the lower space 115a, for example, an electrical component box 25 is provided in which a microcomputer, various electrical components, a substrate, and the like that configure the control unit of the indoor unit 1 are accommodated.

The upper space 115b is located downstream of the lower space 115a in the air flow generated by the indoor blower fan 7f. The indoor heat exchanger 7 is disposed in the air passage space 81 in the upper space 115b. A drain pan (not shown) that receives condensed water condensed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 7 is provided below the indoor heat exchanger 7. The drain pan may be formed as a part of the partition part 20, or may be formed separately from the partition part 20 and disposed on the partition part 20.

FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 7 and its peripheral components. As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor heat exchanger 7 of this example has a plurality of fins 70 arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, and a plurality of fins 70 that pass through the refrigerant. It is a plate fin tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes 71. The heat transfer tube 71 includes a plurality of hairpin tubes 72 each having a long straight tube portion that penetrates the plurality of fins 70 and a plurality of U vent tubes 73 that allow the plurality of hairpin tubes 72 to communicate with each other. The hairpin tube 72 and the U vent tube 73 are joined by a brazed portion W (an example of a joined portion). In FIG. 5, the brazed portion W is indicated by a black circle. Note that the number of the heat transfer tubes 71 may be one or plural. Moreover, the number of the hairpin tubes 72 constituting one heat transfer tube 71 may be one or plural.

A cylindrical header main pipe 61 is connected to the indoor pipe 9a on the gas side. A plurality of header branch pipes 62 are branched and connected to the header main pipe 61. One end 71 a of the heat transfer tube 71 is connected to each of the plurality of header branch tubes 62. A plurality of indoor refrigerant branch pipes 63 are branched and connected to the liquid side indoor pipe 9b. The other end 71 b of the heat transfer pipe 71 is connected to each of the plurality of indoor refrigerant branch pipes 63. Between these indoor pipes 9a and the header main pipe 61, between the header main pipe 61 and the header branch pipe 62, between the header branch pipe 62 and the heat transfer pipe 71, between the indoor pipe 9b and the indoor refrigerant branch pipe 63, The indoor refrigerant branch pipe 63 and the heat transfer pipe 71 are joined by a brazing portion W.

Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the brazed portion W of the indoor heat exchanger 7 (here, the indoor pipe 9a, the header main pipe 61, the header branch pipe 62, the indoor refrigerant branch pipe 63, and the indoor pipe 9b). (Including the brazing portion W of peripheral parts such as) is disposed in the air passage space 81 in the upper space 115b. Similarly, the joint portion 15a connecting the indoor pipe 9a and the extension pipe 10a and the joint portion 15b connecting the indoor pipe 9b and the extension pipe 10b are also formed in the air passage space 81 in the upper space 115b. Has been placed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a flammable refrigerant such as R32, HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, R290, R1270, or the like is used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle 40. For this reason, in the unlikely event that refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 1, the indoor refrigerant concentration may increase and a combustible concentration region may be formed. In particular, when the air conditioner is stopped, the indoor blower fan 7f is also stopped, so that it is difficult to diffuse the leaked refrigerant by the blown air.

These combustible refrigerants have a density higher than that of air at atmospheric pressure (for example, the temperature is room temperature (25 ° C.)). Therefore, if the refrigerant leaks at a position where the height from the indoor floor is relatively high, the leaked refrigerant diffuses while descending, and the refrigerant concentration becomes uniform in the indoor space. It is hard to get high. On the other hand, when the refrigerant leaks at a position where the height from the indoor floor surface is low, the leaked refrigerant stays at a low position near the floor surface, so the refrigerant concentration tends to increase locally. Thereby, possibility that a combustible concentration range will be formed will increase relatively.

In the indoor unit 1, there is a possibility that refrigerant leakage may occur in the brazed portion W (including the brazed portion W of peripheral parts here) and the joint portions 15 a and 15 b of the indoor heat exchanger 7. In the present embodiment, at least the brazing portion W is located above the air passage space 81 in the upper space 115b, that is, the impeller 107 (blade) of the indoor fan 7f disposed in the lower space 115a. It is arranged in the space 81. In the present embodiment, in addition to the brazing portion W, the joint portions 15a and 15b are also disposed in the air passage space 81 in the upper space 115b. Further, the blowout opening 108 a of the fan casing 108 is connected to the air passage opening 20 a of the partition part 20. For this reason, if the leakage of the refrigerant occurs in the brazing portion W or the joint portions 15a and 15b while the air conditioner is stopped (that is, the indoor blower fan 7f is stopped), almost all of the refrigerant leaked into the upper space 115b. The entire amount flows down into the fan casing 108 via the air passage opening 20a and the blowout opening 108a without detouring to another path inside the casing 111. Since the fan casing 108 is provided with an impeller 107 having a plurality of blades, the refrigerant flowing into the fan casing 108 collides with the surfaces of the plurality of blades and is partitioned by the plurality of blades. It flows downward while diverting to a plurality of flow paths. Therefore, in the fan casing 108, the refrigerant is diffused into the air. The refrigerant diffused in the fan casing 108 flows out into the room through the suction opening 108 b and the suction port 112 of the fan casing 108. Since the refrigerant is diffused when it flows out into the room, the refrigerant concentration can be prevented from becoming locally high. Thereby, even if a combustible refrigerant | coolant leaks with the indoor unit 1, it can suppress that a combustible density | concentration area | region will be formed indoors. Particularly, in the case of the floor-mounted indoor unit 1, the position where the refrigerant leaks into the room tends to be a low position near the floor surface, and the leaked refrigerant tends to stay at a low position near the floor surface, which is particularly effective. .

Further, in the present embodiment, since a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage is not necessary, the manufacturing cost of the indoor unit 1 and the air conditioner including the indoor unit 1 can be suppressed.

FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the suction port 112 of the indoor unit 1 according to the modification of the present embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a VII-VII cross section of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a suction grill 120 (an example of a diffusion mechanism) is provided in the suction port 112 (lower opening) of the present modification. The suction grill 120 has a shape that spreads radially from the inside of the housing 111 toward the outside. A filter 121 (an example of a diffusion mechanism) is provided inside the suction grill 120 (inside the housing 111). The filter 121 is composed of a nonwoven fabric or a mesh.

According to the present modification, the suction grill 120 is provided at the suction port 112, so that the leaked refrigerant flowing out from the suction port 112 into the room can be diffused in a wider range. Therefore, it can suppress more reliably that a combustible concentration area | region will be formed in a room | chamber interior. In addition, since the filter 121 is provided in the suction port 112, the flow of the leaked refrigerant flowing out from the suction port 112 into the room can be disturbed, and as a result, the leaked refrigerant can be further diffused and flowed out into the room. . Therefore, it can suppress more reliably that a combustible concentration area | region will be formed in a room | chamber interior.

Instead of the suction grill 120, a suction grill having a shape that extends in the left-right direction from the inside of the housing 111 to the outside may be used, or a shape that extends in the vertical direction from the inside of the housing 111 to the outside. The two types of suction grills may be stacked in the flow direction of air or leakage refrigerant.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
An air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. In addition, about the component which has the function and effect | action same as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a part of the partition portion 20 near the indoor pipes 9a and 9b and the extension pipes 10a and 10b has a container shape in which the upper space 115b side is concave and the lower space 115a side is convex. The recess 130 is formed. The space in the recess 130 is a part of the upper space 115b, but is lower than the height of the upper end of the first front panel 114a (the lower end of the second front panel 114b). An opening is formed on the front side of the recess 130, and a lid 131 that can be attached and detached using a screw or the like is provided in the opening. When the lid 131 is removed, the space in the recess 130 is exposed to the front side through the opening. On the other hand, when the lid 131 is attached, the front side of the recess 130 is sealed.

The joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed in a space in the recess 130. That is, the joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed below the upper end of the first front panel 114a. Thereby, the joint parts 15a and 15b can be exposed to the front side by removing the first front panel 114a and further removing the lid 131.

In a general floor-standing indoor unit, the joint portions 15a and 15b are arranged in the lower space 115a together with the electrical component box 25 and the like. For this reason, in the case of a general floor-standing indoor unit, by removing only the first front panel 114a from the casing 111, the electrical component box 25 and the joint portions 15a and 15b can be exposed to the front side. Can be performed (for example, connection and removal of electrical wiring and refrigerant piping).

On the other hand, in the configuration of the indoor unit 1 in Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the joint portions 15a and 15b are arranged in the upper space 115b. For this reason, connection and removal of refrigerant piping ( indoor piping 9a, 9b and extension piping 10a, 10b) cannot be performed only by removing the 1st front panel 114a. Therefore, when connecting or removing the electrical wiring and the refrigerant pipe, it is necessary to remove not only the first front panel 114a but also the second front panel 114b.

In the present embodiment, since the joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed below the upper end of the first front panel 114a in the upper space 115b, the front surface is removed by removing the first front panel 114a and the lid 131. It is designed to be exposed to the side. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the electrical wiring and the refrigerant pipe can be connected and removed without removing the second front panel 114b, the indoor unit 1 can be easily installed, repaired, or removed. be able to. Further, in a normal use state where the lid 131 is attached to the recess 130, the front side of the recess 130 is sealed. For this reason, when leakage of the refrigerant occurs in the joint portions 15a and 15b, the air passage opening 20a and the blowout opening are made without diverting substantially the entire amount of the leaked refrigerant to other paths inside the casing 111. It can flow into the fan casing 108 through 108a. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in this modification, the shape of the partition 20 is a flat plate as in the first embodiment. In the present modification, a bulging portion 132 bulged so as to include a part of the refrigerant pipe ( indoor pipes 9a, 9b and extension pipes 10a, 10b) in a part of the side wall of the blowout opening 108a of the fan casing 108. Is formed. An opening is formed on the front side of the bulging portion 132, and a lid 133 that can be attached and detached using screws or the like is provided in the opening. When the lid 133 is removed, the space in the bulging portion 132 is exposed to the front side through the opening. On the other hand, when the lid 133 is attached, the front side of the bulging portion 132 is sealed. The bulging portion 132 is located in the lower space 115a, like the other portions of the fan casing 108.

The joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed in a space in the bulging portion 132. That is, the joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed below the upper end of the first front panel 114a. Thereby, the joint parts 15a and 15b can be exposed to the front side by removing the first front panel 114a and further removing the lid 133. The joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed above the impeller 107 (blade). Therefore, also by this modification, the same effect as the structure shown in FIG.8 and FIG.9 can be acquired.

It should be noted that the configuration of the indoor unit 1 in the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. For example, in the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like, the height (vertical direction length) of the second front panel 114b is increased while the height (vertical length) of the first front panel 114a is enlarged. The upper end of the first front panel 114a (the lower end of the second front panel 114b) may be disposed above the joint portions 15a and 15b in the upper space 115b. According to this configuration, similarly to the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the electrical wiring and the refrigerant pipe can be connected and disconnected without removing the second front panel 114b.

Moreover, the shape of the recessed part 130 which is a part of the partition part 20 is not restricted to the container shape (bottomed cylindrical shape) as shown in FIG.8 and FIG.9. FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 according to the second modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. The recessed part 130 shown in FIG.12 and FIG.13 has the shape of a bowl provided with the trunk | drum 130a and the opening part 130b formed thinly with respect to the trunk | drum 130a. The space in the trunk portion 130a communicates with the upper space 115b (the space in which the indoor heat exchanger 7 is installed) through the mouth portion 130b. That is, the space in the trunk portion 130a becomes a part of the upper space 115b. Joint portions 15a and 15b are accommodated in the space in the trunk portion 130a. Also according to this modification, the space in which the joint portions 15a and 15b are accommodated becomes a part of the upper space 115b, so that the same effect as the configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be obtained. As described above, the recess 130 can have various shapes as long as the space in which the joint portions 15a and 15b are accommodated and the upper space 115b (the space in which the indoor heat exchanger 7 is installed) can communicate with each other. .

Further, the shape of the bulging portion 132 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 according to the third modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. The bulging part 132 shown in FIG.14 and FIG.15 has the shape of the horizontal ridge shape provided with the trunk | drum 132a and the opening | mouth part 132b formed thinly with respect to the trunk | drum 132a. The space in the trunk portion 132a communicates with the blowout opening portion 108a through the mouth portion 132b. Joint portions 15a and 15b are accommodated in the space in the trunk portion 132a. Also in this modified example, the space in which the joint portions 15a and 15b are accommodated communicates with the blowout opening portion 108a, and the joint portions 15a and 15b are disposed above the indoor blower fan 7f. And the effect similar to the structure shown in FIG. 11 can be acquired. Thus, the bulging part 132 can have various shapes as long as the space in which the joint parts 15a and 15b are accommodated can communicate with the outlet opening part 108a.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
An air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In the first or second embodiment, the casing 111, the partition 20 (including the recess 130), the bulging portion 132, and the like are provided with opening holes that allow the extension pipes 10a and 10b to pass therethrough. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the extension pipes 10 a and 10 b pass through an opening hole provided in the partition portion 20 and an opening hole provided in the casing 111, thereby allowing the extension pipes 10 a and 10 b to pass through the casing 111. It is taken out of the body 111 and connected to the outdoor unit 2.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of the opening hole in the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment. The opening holes 30a and 30b shown in FIG. 16 are a two-hole type which allows each of the extension pipes 10a and 10b to pass through individually. As shown in FIG. 16, heat insulating materials 18a and 18b formed of a foamed urethane material or the like are wound around the outer circumferences of the extension pipes 10a and 10b, respectively. The inner diameters of the opening holes 30a and 30b are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameters of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b. For this reason, the processing dimensions of the on-site handling (including bending and length adjustment) of the extension pipes 10a and 10b are sufficient at a general permissible level as before. That is, the local workability is improved.

Between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30a and 30b, gap filling materials 19a and 19b are filled, respectively. The gap fillers 19a and 19b are formed using a foam material with closed cells. By filling the gap filling materials 19a and 19b, the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the opening holes 30a and 30b are hermetically sealed in the tube axis direction of the extension pipes 10a and 10b. For this reason, the circulation of the gas fluid (for example, leaked refrigerant) through the gap between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30a and 30b is minimized.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a first modification of the configuration of the opening hole. The opening hole 30 shown in FIG. 17 is a one-hole type that allows the extension pipes 10a and 10b to pass through together. As shown in FIG. 17, a gap filler 19 is filled between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18 a and 18 b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 30. The gap filling material 19 is formed using a closed cell foam material. By filling the gap filling material 19, the space between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 30 is hermetically sealed in the tube axis direction of the extension pipes 10a and 10b. For this reason, the circulation of the gas fluid through the gap between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 30 is minimized.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a second modification of the configuration of the opening hole. The opening hole 31 shown in FIG. 18 is a notch type notched from the edge part of a plate-shaped member. As shown in FIG. 18, a gap filler 19 is filled between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18 a and 18 b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 31. By filling the gap filling material 19, the space between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 30 is hermetically sealed in the tube axis direction of the extension pipes 10a and 10b. For this reason, the circulation of the gas fluid through the gap between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening hole 30 is minimized.

For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the openings formed in the partition portion 20 are configured as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, so that the coolant can be used in the brazed portion W or the joint portions 15a and 15b in the upper space 115b. When leakage occurs, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from leaking into the lower space 115a (outside of the fan casing 108) through the gap of the opening hole. For this reason, the fan casing is bypassed through the air passage opening 20a and the blowout opening 108a without diverting the entire amount of the refrigerant leaked at the brazing portion W or the joint portions 15a and 15b to other paths inside the casing 111. 108 can flow into. Accordingly, since the entire amount of the leaked refrigerant can be diffused in the fan casing 108 and then flowed out into the room, it is possible to suppress the formation of a combustible concentration region in the room.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
An air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a side view schematically showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 1. In addition, about the component which has the function and effect | action same as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the indoor unit 1 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, opening holes 30 a and 30 b that penetrate the extension pipes 10 a and 10 b are provided on the top or top surface (top surface in this example) of the casing 111. The extension pipes 10a and 10b are taken out from the upper space 115b in the housing 111 through the opening holes 30a and 30b, respectively. Here, the upper part of the casing 111 is above the partition part 20 in the casing 111. The opening holes 30a and 30b are desirably provided at a position as high as possible (for example, above the indoor heat exchanger 7 and the joint portions 15a and 15b).

The opening holes 30a and 30b have the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, for example. That is, the gap filler 19 is filled between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b wound around the extension pipes 10a and 10b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30a and 30b. By filling the gap filling material 19, the space between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30a and 30b is hermetically sealed in the tube axis direction of the extension pipes 10a and 10b. For this reason, it can suppress that the refrigerant | coolant which leaked in the upper space 115b leaks outside the housing | casing 111 through the clearance gap between the outer periphery of heat insulating material 18a, 18b and the inner periphery of opening hole 30a, 30b.

However, when the accuracy of the installation operation of the indoor unit 1 is low, the gap filler 19 is displaced, and a minute gap is formed between the outer periphery of the heat insulating materials 18a and 18b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30a and 30b. It can happen. When the refrigerant leaks in the upper space 115b, the refrigerant leaking from the upper space 115b to the outside of the casing 111 through the gap of the gap filler 19 flows out into the room without passing through the fan casing 108. . Therefore, when the accuracy of the installation work of the indoor unit 1 is low, when the refrigerant leaks in the upper space 115b, a part of the leaked refrigerant that is not sufficiently diffused in the fan casing 108 leaks directly into the room. There is a fear.

However, in the present embodiment, a refrigerant having a density higher than that of air under atmospheric pressure is used, and the opening holes 30a and 30b are provided on the top or top surface of the casing 111. For this reason, even if there is a gap in the gap filler 19, the leaked refrigerant is difficult to flow out of the housing 111 through the gap of the gap filler 19. Even if the leaked refrigerant in the upper space 115b flows out of the casing 111 through the gap of the gap filler 19, the opening holes 30a and 30b are provided at positions where the height from the floor surface is high. The refrigerant leaked into the room diffuses while descending, and the refrigerant concentration becomes uniform. Therefore, according to this Embodiment, it can prevent more reliably that a combustible density | concentration area | region will be formed in a room | chamber interior by the indoor refrigerant | coolant density | concentration becoming high locally.

As described above, the air-conditioning apparatus according to the above embodiment includes the refrigeration cycle 40 that circulates the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe, and the outdoor unit that houses at least the compressor 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 of the refrigeration cycle 40. 2 and an indoor unit 1 that houses at least the indoor heat exchanger 7 of the refrigeration cycle 40 and is connected to the outdoor unit 2 via extension pipes 10a and 10b that are part of the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant has a density higher than that of air under atmospheric pressure, and the indoor unit 1 includes a housing 111 and an upper space 115b in which the indoor heat exchanger 7 is disposed inside the housing 111. The lower space 115a provided below the upper space 115b in the interior of the casing 111, the partition 20 that partitions the upper space 115b and the lower space 115a, and the lower space 115a. An internal blower fan 7f, and a fan casing 108 which is disposed in the lower space 115a and covers the indoor blower fan 7f and has a blow-off opening 108a and a suction opening 108b formed therein. An air passage opening 20a serving as an air passage between the space 115b and the lower space 115a is formed, and one of the blowing opening 108a or the suction opening 108b (in this example, the blowing opening 108a) is an air passage. It is connected to the opening 20a.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment, between the indoor heat exchanger 7 and extension piping 10a, 10b is connected via joint part 15a, 15b, and joint part 15a, 15b is upper part. It may be arranged in the space 115b.

In the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 7 and the extension pipes 10a and 10b are connected via joint portions 15a and 15b, and the joint portions 15a and 15b You may arrange | position above the ventilation fan 7f (for example, impeller 107 (blade)).

Further, in the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment, a front opening is formed on the front surface of the housing 111, and the housing 111 is detachably attached to at least a lower portion of the front opening. 1 front panel 114a and a second front panel 114b that is detachably attached to a portion of the front opening above the lower part, and the joint portions 15a and 15b are provided with the first front panel 114a. It may be provided below the upper end of.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 7 may have a joint part (for example, a brazing part W) between the pipes that is a part of the refrigerant flow path.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the casing 111 is disposed above the lower opening (in this example, the suction inlet 112) serving as one of the suction port or the air outlet and the lower opening. And an upper opening (in this example, the air outlet 113) serving as the other of the suction port or the air outlet, and a gas flowing out from the inside of the housing 111 is diffused into the lower opening. A diffusion mechanism may be provided.

Further, in the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment, the diffusion mechanism may include a grille (in this example, the suction grill 120) having a shape that spreads radially from the inside of the housing 111 toward the outside.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus according to the above embodiment, the diffusion mechanism may include a filter 121 made of a nonwoven fabric or a mesh.

In the air conditioner according to the above embodiment, the indoor blower fan 7f may be an axial fan or a diagonal fan.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the indoor blower fan 7f may be rotatably stopped while the indoor unit 1 is stopped.

In the air conditioner according to the above-described embodiment, at least one of the partition portion 20 (including the recessed portion 130), the bulging portion 132, and the housing 111 has an opening hole 30 that allows the extension pipes 10a and 10b to pass through. 30a, 30b, 31 are formed, and the gap filling formed between the outer periphery of the extension pipes 10a, 10b and the inner periphery of the opening holes 30, 30a, 30b, 31 using a closed cell foam material The materials 19, 19a, 19b may be filled.

Further, in the air conditioner according to the above embodiment, the casing 111 is formed with opening holes 30, 30a, 30b, 31 through which the extension pipes 10a, 10b pass, and the opening holes 30, 30a, 30b, 31 may be provided on the top or top surface of the casing 111.

In the air conditioner according to the above embodiment, the upper space 115b may be located on the downstream side of the lower space 115a in the air flow generated by the indoor blower fan 7f.

Moreover, in the air conditioning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, the indoor unit 1 may be a floor-standing type installed on the floor surface of the room.

In the air conditioner according to the above embodiment, the refrigerant may be a combustible refrigerant.

Other embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above embodiment, a sirocco fan is used as an example of the indoor blower fan 7f. It can also be used. For example, when an axial fan is used as the indoor fan 7f, a cylindrical fan casing is used. The axial end of the fan casing may be formed in a bell mouth shape. Further, for example, when an axial fan or a mixed flow fan is used as the indoor blower fan 7f, the indoor blower fan 7f is configured to freely rotate (unlocked) while the indoor unit 1 is stopped. It is desirable to do. When an axial flow fan or a mixed flow fan is used as the indoor blower fan 7f, the rotational direction during operation of the stopped indoor blower fan 7f due to the density difference between the leakage refrigerant flowing from the upper space 115b to the lower space 115a and the air It can be rotated in the opposite direction. By rotating the indoor blower fan 7f in the reverse direction, a flow of a mixed gas of the leaked refrigerant and air can be generated in the direction from the suction port 112 toward the room. Therefore, since the leaked refrigerant flowing out into the room can be further diffused into the air, it is possible to more reliably suppress the formation of a combustible concentration region in the room.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the suction inlet 112 was formed in the lower part of the housing | casing 111 and the blower outlet 113 was formed upwards as an example, the up-and-down relationship of the suction inlet 112 and the blower outlet 113 was mentioned. May be reversed. In other words, the air outlet 113 (an example of a lower opening) may be formed in the lower portion of the casing 111, and the suction port 112 (an example of an upper opening) may be formed above the air outlet 113. In this case, the upper space 115b is located upstream of the lower space 115a in the air flow generated by the indoor blower fan 7f.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the air passage space 81 does not have a concave portion (a concave portion with an upper opening) serving as a stagnant portion of the leaked refrigerant. Moreover, when such a recessed part exists, the one where the volume of a recessed part is smaller is desirable.

In the above embodiment, a flammable refrigerant is used as an example of the refrigerant. However, as long as the refrigerant has a density higher than that of air under atmospheric pressure, the refrigerant does not depend on the flammability of the refrigerant. The leaked refrigerant can be diffused and discharged into the room. Therefore, even when a refrigerant other than the flammable refrigerant is used, the indoor refrigerant concentration can be suppressed from becoming locally high. Moreover, since the sensor which detects the leakage of a refrigerant | coolant can be made unnecessary, the manufacturing cost of the indoor unit 1 and the air conditioning apparatus containing it can be suppressed.

Also, the above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in combination with each other.

1 indoor unit, 2 outdoor unit, 3 compressor, 4 refrigerant flow switching device, 5 outdoor heat exchanger, 5f outdoor fan, 6 decompressor, 7 indoor heat exchanger, 7f indoor fan, 9a, 9b indoor piping 10a, 10b extension pipe, 11 suction pipe, 12 discharge pipe, 13a, 13b extension pipe connection valve, 14a, 14b, 14c service port, 15a, 15b joint part, 18a, 18b heat insulating material, 19, 19a, 19b gap filling Material, 20 partition part, 20a air passage opening part, 25 electrical component box, 26 operation part, 30, 30a, 30b, 31 opening hole, 40 refrigeration cycle, 61 header main pipe, 62 header branch pipe, 63 indoor refrigerant branch pipe, 70 fins, 71 heat transfer tubes, 71a, 71b ends, 72 hairpin tubes, 73 U vent tubes, 81 air passages 91, intake air temperature sensor, 92 heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor, 93 heat exchanger temperature sensor, 107 impeller, 108 fan casing, 108a outlet opening, 108b inlet opening, 111 housing, 112 inlet, 113 outlet Exit, 114a first front panel, 114b second front panel, 114c third front panel, 115a lower space, 115b upper space, 120 suction grille, 121 filter, 130 recess, 130a body, 130b mouth, 131, 133 lid 132, bulging part, 132a body part, 132b mouth part, W brazing part.

Claims (17)

1. A refrigeration cycle for circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe;
   An outdoor unit that houses at least the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger of the refrigeration cycle;
   An air conditioner having at least an indoor heat exchanger of the refrigeration cycle and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via an extension pipe that is a part of the refrigerant pipe,
   The refrigerant has a density greater than air at atmospheric pressure;
   The indoor unit is
   A housing,
   An upper space in which the indoor heat exchanger is disposed inside the housing;
   A lower space provided below the upper space inside the housing; and
   A partition for partitioning the upper space and the lower space;
   A fan disposed in the lower space;
   A fan casing disposed in the lower space and covering the fan and having a blowout opening and a suction opening;
   With
   The partition portion is formed with an air passage opening serving as an air passage between the upper space and the lower space,
   One of the blowing opening or the suction opening is an air conditioner connected to the air passage opening.
2. The indoor heat exchanger and the extension pipe are connected via a joint part,
   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the joint portion is disposed in the upper space.
3. The indoor heat exchanger and the extension pipe are connected via a joint part,
   The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint portion is disposed above the fan.
4. A front opening is formed on the front surface of the housing,
   The housing is detachably attached to at least a first front panel that is detachably attached to a lower portion of the front opening, and a second that is detachably attached to a portion above the lower portion of the front opening. A front panel, and
   The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the joint portion is provided below an upper end of the first front panel.
5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the indoor heat exchanger has a joint portion between tubes that is a part of a flow path of the refrigerant.
6. The casing is provided with a lower opening serving as one of a suction port or a blower outlet, and an upper opening disposed above the lower opening and serving as the other of the suction port or the blower outlet. And
   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a diffusion mechanism for diffusing a gas flowing out from the inside of the housing to the outside is provided in the lower opening.
7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the diffusion mechanism includes a grille having a shape that spreads radially from the inside of the housing toward the outside.
8. The air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the diffusion mechanism includes a filter made of a nonwoven fabric or a mesh.
9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fan is an axial flow fan or a mixed flow fan.
10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the fan is rotatably stopped while the indoor unit is stopped.
11. At least one of the partition part and the housing is formed with an opening through which the extension pipe passes.
    The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a gap filler is filled between an outer periphery of the extension pipe and an inner periphery of the opening hole.
12. 12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, wherein the gap filler is formed using a closed cell foam material.
13. The casing is formed with an opening through which the extension pipe passes.
    The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the opening hole is provided in an upper portion or a top surface of the casing.
14. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper space is located downstream of the lower space in the air flow generated by the fan.
15. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper space is located upstream of the lower space in the air flow generated by the fan.
16. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the indoor unit is a floor-standing type installed on a floor surface of a room.
17. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the refrigerant is a combustible refrigerant.

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