INDOOR UNIT OF AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus.

[Background Art]

[0002] An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus has been known in which a connection portion of refrigerant piping and a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage are arranged in a closed space in the indoor unit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Accordingly, for example, in a case where refrigerant leaks from the connection portion of the refrigerant piping, refrigerant leakage may precisely be detected even if a refrigerant leakage amount is small, and discharge of the leaked refrigerant into a room may also be inhibited.

[0004] From Patent Document 2, an air conditioner is known, using a combustible refrigerant. A refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and a pressure reducing device, connected by refrigerant pipes and housed in an outdoor unit. An indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan are accommodated in an indoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger is provided with a cover. The cover comprises a slit-shaped vent hole in its upper region and a substantially tubular flow passage at a lower region. A combustible gas sensor and a blower for discharging refrigerant leaked into the cover to the outside of the indoor unit are provided inside the tubular flow passage.

[Prior Art Documents]

[Patent Documents]

[0005] 

[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2016-84946

[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-292066

[Summary of Invention]

[Problems to be Solved by Invention]

[0006] However, in a case where a connection portion of refrigerant piping is installed in a closed space, it is anticipated that when a flammable refrigerant is used and refrigerant leakage occurs from a section in which the refrigerant possibly leaks, the refrigerant in the closed space will reach a flammability limit concentration or higher in short time in the closed space, and there is room for improvement about this point.

[0007] An object of the present invention, which has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstance, is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus that may detect refrigerant leakage and may inhibit refrigerant in a closed space from becoming a flammability limit concentration or higher in short time when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[Means for Solving Problems]

[0008] To achieve the above object, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus of the present invention includes: a housing; a heat exchanger arranged in the housing; first refrigerant piping arranged in the housing and passing in the heat exchanger; a connection portion connecting the first refrigerant piping with second refrigerant piping routed from an exterior of the housing; and a retainment portion serving as a space accommodating the connection portion, the indoor unit including: a suction port sucking unconditioned air, a refrigerant leakage detection flow path; and refrigerant leakage detection means detecting refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant leakage detection flow path, wherein an entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the retainment portion, and an exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the suction port.

[Effects of Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in an interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to a negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0010] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0011] 

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an indoor unit main body as seen from a conditioned room;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the indoor unit main body as seen from a ceiling side;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the indoor unit main body as seen from the conditioned room;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the indoor unit main body as seen from an interior of the indoor unit;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' indicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' indicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cross-section taken along line B-B' indicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' indicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one corner portion of an indoor unit main body according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from an interior of an indoor unit;

FIG. 11 is a diagram that illustrates a recess portion in which refrigerant leakage detection means is embedded, the recess portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a diagram that illustrates a cover portion that covers a refrigerant leakage detection means, the cover portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Modes for Carrying Out Invention]

[0012] An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a first aspect of the present invention, as defined above, includes: a housing; a heat exchanger arranged in the housing; first refrigerant piping arranged in the housing and passing in the heat exchanger; a connection portion connecting the first refrigerant piping with second refrigerant piping routed from an exterior of the housing; and a retainment portion serving as a space accommodating the connection portion, the indoor unit including: a suction port sucking unconditioned air, a refrigerant leakage detection flow path; and refrigerant leakage detection means detecting refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant leakage detection flow path.

[0013] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in an interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0014] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0015] As for the indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus as defined above, an entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the retainment portion, and an exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the suction port.

[0016] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in the interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to the suction port as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0017] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0018] The exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is provided on a side of the suction port, and the refrigerant leakage detection means is thereby arranged in a position in which the refrigerant leakage detection means can be serviced relatively easily from a conditioned room.

[0019] Consequently, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in an operation of the indoor unit, an interior of the housing may be kept to a flammability limit or lower, leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed, and maintainability of the refrigerant leakage detection means may be improved.

[0020] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the indoor unit further includes a drain pan installed below the heat exchanger and receiving drain water produced by the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is formed in the drain pan.

[0021] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in the interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion at a high pressure to the suction port as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path provided in the existing drain pan and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0022] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while efficiently using the existing drain pan and inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0023] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, a height of the entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is in a higher position than a height of an upper end of the drain pan.

[0024] In a case where the drain water is retained in the drain pan, the concentration of the leaked refrigerant may be lowered due to the drain water. The entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is provided above the upper end of the drain pan, an influence of lowering of the concentration of the leaked refrigerant due to the drain water may thereby be inhibited, and precision of leakage detection may be improved even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in a cooling operation that produces the drain water.

[0025] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, a recess portion is provided in a vicinity of the entrance or in a vicinity of the exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path, and the refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed to be embedded in the recess portion.

[0026] Accordingly, the refrigerant leakage detection means is provided in the recess portion, and the refrigerant leakage detection means thereby becomes off the route of a flow of air by a blowing port or the suction port.

[0027] Consequently, the refrigerant leakage detection means is not likely to be influenced by stirring due to circulation of the indoor air by an air blower, and excessive concentration lowering of the leaked refrigerant due to stirring may be inhibited.

[0028] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit with a relatively large air amount, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

[0029] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the indoor unit further includes a cover member covering the refrigerant leakage detection means, the cover member is formed of: an upper portion covering a portion above the refrigerant leakage detection means; a lower portion covering a portion below the refrigerant leakage detection means; and a lateral portion covering a lateral side portion of the refrigerant leakage detection means, and at least any one portion of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the lateral portion is open.

[0030] The cover member is provided, and the leaked refrigerant flowing via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is thereby temporarily retained in an interior of the cover member.

[0031] Consequently, the refrigerant concentration is increased compared to a case where no cover member is present.

[0032] Accordingly, even in a case where a refrigerant leakage amount is small, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

[0033]  As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, an entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the retainment portion, and an exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with a blowing port blowing conditioned air.

[0034] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in the interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to the blowing port as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0035] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0036] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the heat exchanger is bent into a generally rectangular shape, an opening portion is provided between one end portion and another end portion of the heat exchanger, a heat insulation member is provided on an outside of the heat exchanger, the heat insulation member includes: a peripheral wall provided along an inside of the housing; and a partition wall partitioning the blowing port from the retainment portion by partitioning a portion from the peripheral wall to the one end portion of the heat exchanger, and a communication portion is provided in the partition wall to form the refrigerant leakage detection flow path.

[0037] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion or the like in the interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to the blowing port as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path provided to the existing heat insulation member and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0038] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while efficiently using the existing heat insulation member and inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0039] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, a recess portion is provided in a vicinity of the entrance or in a vicinity of the exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path, and the refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed to be embedded in the recess portion.

[0040] Accordingly, the refrigerant leakage detection means is provided in the recess portion, and the refrigerant leakage detection means thereby becomes off the route of a flow of air by the blowing port or the suction port.

[0041] Consequently, the refrigerant leakage detection means is not likely to be influenced by stirring due to circulation of the indoor air by the air blower, and excessive concentration lowering of the leaked refrigerant due to stirring may be inhibited.

[0042] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit with a relatively large air amount, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

[0043] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the indoor unit further includes a cover member covering the refrigerant leakage detection means, the cover member is formed of: an upper portion covering a portion above the refrigerant leakage detection means; a lower portion covering a portion below the refrigerant leakage detection means; and a lateral portion covering a lateral side portion of the refrigerant leakage detection means, and at least any one portion of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the lateral portion is open.

[0044] The cover member is provided, and the leaked refrigerant flowing via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is thereby temporarily retained in the interior of the cover member.

[0045] Consequently, the refrigerant concentration is increased compared to a case where no cover member is present.

[0046] Accordingly, even in a case where a refrigerant leakage amount is small, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

[0047] As for the indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus in a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the indoor unit further includes: a liquid distributor; and a gas distributor, the indoor unit further includes: a liquid distributor connection portion as a portion in which the liquid distributor is connected with the refrigerant piping; and a gas distributor connection portion as a portion in which the gas distributor is connected with the refrigerant piping, and the liquid distributor connection portion and the gas distributor connection portion are arranged in the retainment portion.

[0048] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the liquid distributor connection portion, the gas distributor connection portion, or the like in the interior of the retainment portion, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion flows from the retainment portion to the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means.

[0049] Consequently, an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion when refrigerant leakage occurs.

<First Embodiment>

[0050] One embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, interior and exterior will be defined based on a state where the indoor unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is attached to a ceiling, as a reference. A space in which conditioned air is blown will be denoted as conditioned room.

[0052] The indoor unit 10 is installed in a ceiling space 13 between a ceiling 11 of a building and a ceiling plate 12 installed below the ceiling 11. The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor unit main body 14 and a decorative panel 30 that covers a lower opening of the indoor unit main body 14.

[0053] The indoor unit main body 14 includes a housing 15 in a general box shape in which a generally whole lower surface is open. The indoor unit main body 14 includes, in an interior of the housing 15, a heat insulation member 16 formed of foamed polystyrene, a heat exchanger 17, an air blower 18, a drain pan 19 that receives drain water from the heat exchanger 17, and a bell mouth 20 that rectifies air sucked by the air blower 18.

[0054] A suspension metal fitting 21 is attached to a corner edge of an outside surface of the housing 15. The suspension metal fittings 21 are coupled with suspension bolts 22 hung down from the ceiling 11, and the indoor unit main body 14 is thereby installed in a state of being suspended down from the ceiling 11.

[0055] The decorative panel 30 is formed into a generally rectangular plate shape in a planar view so as to cover the opening in the lower surface of the indoor unit main body 14.

[0056] A suction port 31 that communicates with the bell mouth 20 is formed in a central portion of the decorative panel 30. A filter 33 for removing dust and so forth in air is provided in a portion of the suction port 31 on the indoor unit main body 14 side.

[0057]  Blowing ports 34 that deliver conditioned air to the conditioned room are respectively formed in positions along sides of an outer peripheral portion of the decorative panel 30 on the outside of the suction port 31. It is possible to blow air in four directions from the blowing ports 34.

[0058] The drain pan 19 is arranged on a lower side of the heat exchanger 17 so as to correspond to a lower surface of the heat exchanger 17. The drain pan 19 is arranged below the heat exchanger 17 such that drain water produced by the heat exchanger 17 can be received. The drain pan 19 is formed of foamed polystyrene.

[0059] The drain pan 19 is formed into a generally rectangular plate shape so as to block the generally whole opening in the lower surface of the housing 15.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the indoor unit main body 14 as seen from the conditioned room. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the indoor unit main body 14 as seen from a ceiling side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the indoor unit main body 14 as seen from the conditioned room. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the indoor unit main body 14 as seen from an interior of the indoor unit 10. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' indicated in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' indicated in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cross-section taken along line B-B' indicated in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' indicated in FIG. 3.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the indoor unit main body 14 constructed in a generally rectangular shape in a planar view includes the heat insulation member 16 provided on the inside of a side plate of the housing 15 and the heat exchanger 17 provided on the inside of the heat insulation member 16 and bent into a generally rectangular shape.

[0062] The indoor unit main body 14 includes a piping lead-out portion 50 recessed into a generally rectangular shape in one corner portion of the indoor unit main body 14. Inclined surfaces 51 are provided to corner portions of the indoor unit main body 14 other than the piping lead-out portion 50. The suspension metal fitting 21 is provided to the inclined surface 51.

[0063] The heat exchanger 17 is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 17 is constructed of first refrigerant piping 70 (refrigerant piping) passing through a group of plural fins arranged in parallel. The first refrigerant piping 70 is refrigerant piping that is arranged in the housing 15 and passes in the heat exchanger 17.

[0064] The heat exchanger 17 is bent into a generally rectangular shape. An opening portion 55 is provided between one end portion 52 and the other end portion 53 of the heat exchanger 17. The heat exchanger 17 is arranged in a position in which the opening portion 55 is arranged in the vicinity of the piping lead-out portion 50.

[0065] On the outside of the heat exchanger 17, a gap S2 is provided between the heat insulation member 16 and the heat exchanger 17. The heat insulation member 16 is integrally formed with the drain pan 19.

[0066] The heat insulation member 16 includes a peripheral wall 16A provided along the inside of the housing 15. The heat insulation member 16 is partitioned from the heat exchanger 17 in a portion from the peripheral wall 16A to the one end portion 52 and thereby includes a partition wall 16B that partitions the blowing port 34 from a retainment portion 68. The partition wall 16B extends generally vertically from the peripheral wall 16A toward the heat exchanger 17. The position of the partition wall 16B may arbitrarily be changed in accordance with the position in which the one end 52 of the heat exchanger 17 is arranged.

[0067] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the retainment portion 68 in a generally rectangular shape which is laterally long and thin in a planar view is formed in a corner portion of the housing 15 on the piping lead-out portion 50 side. As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the retainment portion 68 is a space whose periphery is surrounded by the peripheral wall 16A, the partition wall 16B, and an extended line (a dotted line T in FIG. 5) in the width direction of heat exchanging fins of the heat exchanger 17 and whose bottom surface is surrounded by the drain pan 19, and whose upper surface is surrounded by an upper surface of the housing 15. The retainment portion 68 is demarcated from the gap S2 by the partition wall 16B and communicates with the suction port 31 via the opening portion 55.

[0068] In an air conditioning operation, the air sucked through the suction port 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 reaches the heat exchanger 17 and passes in the heat exchanger 17, and conditioned air passes in the gap S2 and is delivered from the blowing port 34 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the conditioned room.

[0069] In this case, the air that does not reach the heat exchanger 17 reaches the retainment portion 68 through the opening portion 55. The retainment portion 68 is arranged in the corner portion of the housing 15, a periphery of the retainment portion 68 other than the opening portion 55 is surrounded by the peripheral wall 16A and the partition wall 16B, and the air in the retainment portion 68 is thus retained.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an electric equipment box 69 is provided on a back surface of the drain pan 19. The electric equipment box 69 is arranged generally in parallel with one side of the heat exchanger 17. An exit 82 of a refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is formed on the inside of the electric equipment box 69 and in an end portion close to the electric equipment box 69.

[0071] Refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is provided in the vicinity of the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. The refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is a leakage sensor capable of detecting the refrigerant passing in the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 in a case where the refrigerant leaks in the connection portion 75 or the like by any chance.

[0072] The vicinity of the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 may be a position in which the refrigerant passing in the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 may be detected.

[0073] The refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is provided on a back surface of a first bottom portion 19A (an opposite side to a side for receiving the drain water). The refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is provided on the inside of the electric equipment box 69 and in the vicinity of the suction port. Accordingly, the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is positioned in a negative pressure space into which air is sucked by the air blower 18 in a case where the air blower 18 rotates. In addition, the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is installed on the back surface of the first bottom portion 19A, and maintenance of the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 may thereby be performed without detaching the housing.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is arranged in a position opposed to the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. Accordingly, it becomes easy to detect the refrigerant that passes in the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80.

[0075] Note that the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 may be provided in an interior of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80.

[0076] The refrigerant leakage detection means 58 may be provided in the vicinity of an entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. The vicinity of the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 may be a position in which the refrigerant reaching the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 may be detected.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first refrigerant piping 70 arranged to pass through the heat exchanger 17 is connected with second refrigerant piping 71 (refrigerant piping) arranged on the outside of the heat exchanger 17 in an exit-entrance portion of the one end portion 52 of the heat exchanger 17. The second refrigerant piping 71 is refrigerant piping that is routed from an exterior of the housing 15 and is connected with the first refrigerant piping 70. The first refrigerant piping 70 and the second refrigerant piping 71 are connected together by welding in the connection portion 75 (the connection portion of the refrigerant piping).

[0078] The connection portion 75 is arranged in an interior of the retainment portion 68.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a portion of the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is positioned in the interior of the retainment portion 68. Accordingly, when the refrigerant heavier than air leaks in the retainment portion from the connection portion 75, the leaked refrigerant is easily led to the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. Because the retainment portion 68 is not likely to be influenced by a main current that flows from the suction port 31 to the heat exchanger 17, a portion of the entrance 81 is positioned in the retainment portion 68, and it thereby becomes easy to lead the air in the retainment portion 68 to the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80.

[0080] The entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is preferably provided in the interior of the retainment portion 68 and in a position directly below the connection portion 75. Accordingly, when the refrigerant heavier than air leaks in the retainment portion from the connection portion 75, the leaked refrigerant is easily led to the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80.

[0081] Note that the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 may be provided in the vicinity of the retainment portion.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the second refrigerant piping 71 (refrigerant piping) is connected with a gas distributor 85. The gas distributor 85 and the second refrigerant piping 71 are connected together by welding in a gas distributor connection portion 86.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the gas distributor connection portion 86 is arranged in the interior of the retainment portion 68.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second refrigerant piping 71 (refrigerant piping) is connected with a liquid distributor 87. The liquid distributor 87 and the second refrigerant piping 71 are connected together by welding in a liquid distributor connection portion 88.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid distributor connection portion 88 is arranged in the interior of the retainment portion 68.

[0086] In this embodiment, in a case where the refrigerant leaks from any portion such as the connection portion 75 (the connection portion of the refrigerant piping), the gas distributor connection portion 86, and the liquid distributor connection portion 88 by any chance, the refrigerant leaking in the retainment portion 68 flows from the entrance 81 of the retainment portion 68 at a high pressure in the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80, leaks out from the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80, the exit 82 provided on a side of the suction port 31 at a lower pressure than the retainment portion 68, and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the drain pan 19 includes the first bottom portion 19A in which the heat exchanger 17 is arranged and a second bottom portion 19B which is continuous with the first bottom portion 19A and has a lower height than the first bottom portion 19A. The electric equipment box 69 illustrated 4 is arranged on the back surface of the first bottom portion 19A (the opposite side to the side for receiving the drain water). Thus, the first bottom portion 19A is formed to have a higher height than the second bottom portion 19B.

[0088] The drain water reaching the first bottom portion 19A from the heat exchanger 17 flows to the second bottom portion 19B. A drain pump (not illustrated) is arranged on the second bottom portion 19B. The drain pump discharges the drain water retained in the second bottom portion 19B from the indoor unit main body 14.

[0089] The first bottom portion 19A includes a protrusion portion 19D that has a height higher than a height of an upper end 19C of the drain pan 19.

[0090] The drain pan 19 includes the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. As illustrated in FIG. 5, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 has the entrance 81 in the drain pan 19 as a bottom portion of the retainment portion 68 and communicates with a negative pressure space on the outside of the retainment portion 68. Here, a negative pressure space denotes a space whose air pressure is lower than the retainment portion 68. In this embodiment, the negative pressure space is a space in the vicinity of the suction port 31. More specifically, the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided on an upper surface of the protrusion portion 19D. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided on a back surface of the drain pan 19 (the opposite side to the side for receiving the drain water) on a side of the suction port 31. Because the suction port 31 is at a negative pressure when the air blower 18 rotates, the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 opens to the negative pressure space.

[0091] The entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided on the upper surface of the protrusion portion 19D having a higher height than the height of the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19, the concentration of the refrigerant may be inhibited from lowering due to the drain water even in a case where the drain water is retained in the drain pan 19. This is because: the drain water is unlikely to be retained in the first bottom portion 19A because the drain water reaching the first bottom portion 19A flows to the second bottom portion 19B; and the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 has a higher height than the height of the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19 and is thus formed in a shape that may inhibit the drain water from reaching the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 even in a case where by any chance the first bottom portion 19A is filled with the retained drain water.

[0092] Accordingly, even in a case where leakage of the refrigerant occurs in a cooling operation that produces the drain water, precision of leakage detection may be improved.

[0093] Note that the protrusion portion 19D may have a height almost the same as the height of the first bottom portion 19A.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the drain pan 19 includes a drain hole 28 for the drain water. The drain hole 28 is formed by hollowing the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19.

[0095] By forming the drain hole 28, the drain water is unlikely to be retained in a portion above the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19 even in a case where the retained drain water reaches the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19 such as a case of failure of the drain pump, for example. Thus, the drain water may further be inhibited from reaching the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 provided to the protrusion portion 19D having a higher height than the height of the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19, and the precision of the leakage detection may further be improved.

[0096] As described above, this embodiment provides the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus that includes the housing 15, the heat exchanger 17 arranged in the housing 15, the first refrigerant piping 70 that is arranged in the housing 15 and passes in the heat exchanger 17, the connection portion 75 that connects the first refrigerant piping 70 with the second refrigerant piping 71 routed from the exterior of the housing 15, and the retainment portion 68 as a space for accommodating the connection portion 75. The indoor unit 10 includes the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 that causes the retainment portion 68 to communicate with the negative pressure space and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 that detects the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80. The refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is configured such that the entrance 81 communicates with the retainment portion 68 and the exit 82 communicates with the suction port 31 that sucks the air which is not yet conditioned.

[0097] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion 75 or the like, the refrigerant that leaks from the connection portion 75 or the like flows from the retainment portion 68 to a peripheral region of the suction port 31 as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0098] Consequently, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion 68 when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0099] The exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided on the side of the suction port 31, and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is thereby arranged in a position in which the refrigerant leakage detection means can be serviced relatively easily from the conditioned room.

[0100] Consequently, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in an operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to a flammability limit or lower, the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed, and maintainability of the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 may be improved.

[0101] This embodiment provides the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus that includes the housing 15, the heat exchanger 17 arranged in the housing 15, the first refrigerant piping 70 (refrigerant piping) which passes in the heat exchanger 17 and is arranged in the housing 15, the connection portion 75 (the connection portion of the refrigerant piping) provided to the first refrigerant piping 70. The retainment portion 68 in which the air sucked from the suction port 31 into the housing 15 is retained is provided in the housing 15, and the connection portion 75 is arranged in the retainment portion 68. The indoor unit 10 includes the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 that has the entrance 81 in the drain pan 19 (a wall surrounding the retainment portion) and that communicates with the exterior of the retainment portion 68 and includes the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 that is capable of detecting leakage of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80.

[0102] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion 75 or the like in the interior of the retainment portion 68, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion 68 reaches the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 from the retainment portion 68 via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0103] Consequently, the leaked refrigerant may be inhibited from being retained in the retainment portion 68. Even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to the flammability limit or lower, and the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed.

[0104] In this embodiment, the drain pan 19 is provided which is installed below the heat exchanger 17 and is for receiving the drain water produced by the heat exchanger 17, and the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 communicates with the drain pan 19 such that the side of the suction port 31 becomes the exit 82.

[0105] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion 75 or the like in the interior of the retainment portion 68, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion 68 reaches the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80, the exit 82 provided on the side of the suction port 31 at a lower pressure than the retainment portion 68, from the retainment portion 68 at a higher pressure via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58. The exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided on the side of the suction port 31, and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is thereby arranged in a position in which the refrigerant leakage detection means can be serviced relatively easily from the conditioned room.

[0106] Consequently, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to the flammability limit or lower, the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed, and the maintainability of the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 may be improved.

[0107] In this embodiment, the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided above the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19.

[0108] In a case where the drain water is retained in the drain pan 19, the concentration of the leaked refrigerant may be lowered due to the drain water. The entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided above the upper end 19C of the drain pan 19, an influence of lowering of the concentration of the leaked refrigerant due to the drain water may thereby be inhibited, and the precision of the leakage detection may be improved even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the cooling operation that produces the drain water.

[0109] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 10 includes the liquid distributor 87 and the gas distributor 85 and includes the liquid distributor connection portion 88 as the portion in which the liquid distributor 87 is connected with the second refrigerant piping 71 (refrigerant piping) and the gas distributor connection portion 86 as the portion in which the gas distributor 85 is connected with the second refrigerant piping 71, and the liquid distributor connection portion 88 and the gas distributor connection portion 86 are arranged in the retainment portion 68.

[0110] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the liquid distributor connection portion 88, the gas distributor connection portion 86, or the like in the interior of the retainment portion 68, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion 68 reaches the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 from the retainment portion 68 via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0111] Consequently, the leaked refrigerant may be inhibited from being retained in the retainment portion 68. Even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to the flammability limit or lower, and the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed.

[0112] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 10 includes the housing 15, the heat exchanger 17 having plural pieces of refrigerant piping arranged in the housing 15, the liquid distributor 87 and the gas distributor 85 that are connected with the plural pieces refrigerant piping, the retainment portion 68 as a space in which the liquid distributor 87, the gas distributor 85, and the liquid distributor connection portion 88 and the gas distributor connection portion 86 as the respective connection portions between the liquid distributor 87 and the gas distributor 85 and the refrigerant piping of the heat exchanger 17 are arranged, the air blower 18 circulating indoor air through the heat exchanger 17, the suction port 31 sucking the indoor air into the air blower 18, the blowing port 34 blowing the indoor air circulated through the heat exchanger 17 to the exterior of the housing 15, an air path of the indoor air by the air blower 18, the air path including the suction port 31 and the blowing port 34 but not including the retainment portion 68, the heat insulation member 16 provided so as to cover a portion around and an upper portion of the heat exchanger 17, the drain pan 19 that is installed below the heat exchanger 17 and is for receiving the drain water produced by the heat exchanger 17, the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80, and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58. The retainment portion 68 partially communicates with the air path, the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is formed by providing a communication portion in either one of the heat insulation member 16 (partition wall 16B) or the drain pan 19, the entrance 81 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is disposed on the retainment portion 68 side, the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is disposed on the air path side, and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is provided in the vicinity of the exit 82.

[0113] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion 75 or the like in the interior of the retainment portion 68, the refrigerant that leaks in the retainment portion 68 reaches the exit 82 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80, the exit 82 provided on the side of the suction port 31 or the side of the blowing port 34 at a lower pressure than the retainment portion 68, from the retainment portion 68 at a higher pressure via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0114] Consequently, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to the flammability limit or lower, and the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed.

<Second Embodiment>

[0115] In the above-described first embodiment, the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided in the drain pan 19 as the wall surrounding the retainment portion 68; however, in a second embodiment, a description will be made about an embodiment in which the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 is provided in the partition wall 16B as a wall surrounding the retainment portion 68. Note that in the second embodiment, the same reference characters will be given to similar configurations to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will not be made.

[0116]  FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one corner portion of the indoor unit main body 14 as seen from an interior of the indoor unit 10.

[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the partition wall 16B joining the peripheral wall 16A to the one end portion 52 of the heat exchanger 17 includes a refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180. An entrance 181 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 is provided in a portion of the partition wall 16B on the side of the retainment portion 68. An exit 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 is provided in a portion of the partition wall 16B on the side of the blowing port 34.

[0118] Refrigerant leakage detection means 158 is provided in the vicinity of the exit 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180.

[0119] The vicinity of the exit 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 may be a position in which the refrigerant passing in the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 may be detected.

[0120] Note that the refrigerant leakage detection means 158 may be provided in an interior of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180.

[0121] The refrigerant leakage detection means 158 may be provided in the vicinity of the entrance 181 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180. The vicinity of the entrance 181 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 may be a position in which the refrigerant reaching the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 may be detected.

[0122] In this embodiment, the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 causes the retainment portion 68 to communicate with the blowing port 34 that is a negative pressure space and blows conditioned air.

[0123] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs from the connection portion 75 or the like, the refrigerant that leaks from the connection portion 75 or the like flows from the retainment portion 68 to the blowing port 34 as the negative pressure space via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 158.

[0124] Consequently, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus may be provided which may quickly detect a leaked refrigerant while inhibiting an excessive concentration rise of the leaked refrigerant in the retainment portion 68 when refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0125] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 17 is bent into a generally rectangular shape. The opening portion 55 is provided between the one end portion 52 and the other end portion 53 of the heat exchanger 17. On the outside of the heat exchanger 17, the heat insulation member 16 is provided. The peripheral wall 16A provided along the inside of the housing 15 is partitioned from the heat exchanger 17 in a portion from the peripheral wall 16A to the one end portion 52, and the heat insulation member 16 thereby includes the partition wall 16B that partitions the blowing port 34 blowing conditioned air from the retainment portion 68. A communication portion is provided in the partition wall 16B to form the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180.

[0126] Accordingly, in a case where the refrigerant leaks from any portion such as the connection portion 75 (the connection portion of the refrigerant piping), the gas distributor connection portion 86, and the liquid distributor connection portion 88 by any chance, the refrigerant leaking in the retainment portion 68 reaches the exit 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180, the exit provided on the side of the blowing port 34 at a lower pressure than the retainment portion 68, from the retainment portion 68 at a higher pressure via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 180 and is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means 158.

[0127] Accordingly, the leaked refrigerant may be inhibited from being retained in the retainment portion 68. Even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10, the interior of the housing 15 may be kept to the flammability limit or lower, and the leakage detection of the refrigerant may precisely be performed.

<Third Embodiment>

[0128] In the third embodiment, differently from the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment, a description will be made about an embodiment that includes a recess portion 90 in which the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is embedded. Note that in the third embodiment, the same reference characters will be given to similar configurations to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and descriptions thereof will not be made.

[0129] FIG. 11 is a diagram that illustrates the recess portion 90 in which the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is embedded.

[0130] In the third embodiment, in a case where the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance 81 or 181 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 or 180, the recess portion 90 in which the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is embedded is provided in the vicinity of the entrance 81 or 181 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 or 180. In a case where the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is arranged in the vicinity of the exit 82 or 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 or 180, the recess portion 90 in which the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 or 158 is embedded is provided in the vicinity of the exit 82 or 182 of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 or 180.

[0131] The refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is embedded in an interior of the recess portion 90.

[0132] In this embodiment, the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 is provided in the recess portion 90, and the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 or 158 thereby becomes off the route of an arrow A that indicates the flow of air by the blowing port 34 or the suction port 31.

[0133] Consequently, the refrigerant leakage detection means 58 or 158 is not likely to be influenced by stirring due to circulation of the indoor air by the air blower 18, and excessive concentration lowering of the leaked refrigerant due to stirring may be inhibited.

[0134] Accordingly, even in a case where refrigerant leakage occurs in the operation of the indoor unit 10 with a relatively large air amount, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

<Fourth Embodiment>

[0135] In a fourth embodiment, differently from the above-described first embodiment, second embodiment, and third embodiment, a description will be made about an embodiment that includes a cover member 95 which covers the refrigerant leakage detection means 58. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the same reference characters will be given to similar configurations to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and descriptions thereof will not be made.

[0136] FIG. 12 is a diagram that illustrates the cover member 95 which covers the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0137] In the fourth embodiment, the indoor unit 10 includes the cover member 95 which covers the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0138] In a case where an installation surface of the cover member 95 is set as a lower side and the opposite side to the installation surface of the cover member 95 is set as an upper side, the cover member 95 is formed of an upper portion 96 that covers a portion above the refrigerant leakage detection means 58, a lower portion 98 that covers a portion below the refrigerant leakage detection means 58, and a lateral portion 97 that covers a lateral side portion of the refrigerant leakage detection means 58.

[0139] An opening 99 is formed in one side surface of the lateral portion 97. The opening 99 may be formed in the upper portion 96 or the lower portion 98.

[0140] In this embodiment, the cover member 95 is provided, and the leaked refrigerant flowing via the refrigerant leakage detection flow path 80 or 180 is thereby temporarily retained in an interior of the cover member 95.

[0141] Consequently, the refrigerant concentration is increased compared to a case where no cover member 95 is present.

[0142] Accordingly, even in a case where a refrigerant leakage amount is small, the precision of the leakage detection may be improved.

[0143] In the foregoing, the present invention is described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments. The embodiments merely represent modes for carrying out the present invention as examples, and any modification and application are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims.

[0144] The embodiments are described by using the ceiling-embedded four-way cassette indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning apparatus but are not necessarily limited to this.

[0145] For example, it is matter of course that application is possible for other indoor units such as a ceiling-embedded one-way cassette indoor unit and a two-way cassette indoor unit.

[Description of Reference Signs]

[0146] 

10

indoor unit

14

indoor unit main body

15

housing

16

heat insulation member

16A

peripheral wall

16B

partition wall

17

heat exchanger

18

air blower

19

drain pan

19A

first bottom portion

19B

second bottom portion

19C

upper end

19D

protrusion portion

31

suction port

34

blowing port

50

piping lead-out portion

52

one end portion

53

other end portion

55

opening portion

58,

158 refrigerant leakage detection means

68

retainment portion

70

first refrigerant piping (refrigerant piping)

71

second refrigerant piping (refrigerant piping)

75

connection portion (connection portion of refrigerant piping)

80, 180

refrigerant leakage detection flow path

81, 181

entrance

82, 182

exit

85

gas distributor

86

gas distributor connection portion

87

liquid distributor

88

liquid distributor connection portion

90

recess portion

95

cover member

99

opening

S2

gap

Claims

1. An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus, the indoor unit comprising:

a housing (15);

a heat exchanger (17) arranged in the housing;

first refrigerant piping (70) arranged in the housing (15) and passing in the heat exchanger (17);

a connection portion (75) for connecting the first refrigerant piping (70) with a second refrigerant piping (71) routed from an exterior of the housing (15); and

a retainment portion (68) serving as a space accommodating the connection portion (75);

a suction port (31) sucking unconditioned air;

a refrigerant leakage detection flow path (80 or 180); and

refrigerant leakage detection means (58 or 158) detecting refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant leakage detection flow path (80 or 180),

characterized in that

an entrance (81 or 181) of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path (80 or 180) communicates with the retainment portion (68), and

an exit (82 or 182) of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path (80 or 180) communicates with the suction port (31).

2. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising

a drain pan (19) installed below the heat exchanger and receiving drain water produced by the heat exchanger,

wherein the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is formed in the drain pan.

3. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a height of the entrance of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path is in a higher position than a height of an upper end (19C) of the drain pan.

4. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a recess portion (90) is provided in a vicinity of the entrance or in a vicinity of the exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path, and the refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed to be embedded in the recess portion.

5. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cover member (95) covering the refrigerant leakage detection means, wherein the cover member is formed of: an upper portion (96) covering a portion above the refrigerant leakage detection means; a lower portion (98) covering a portion below the refrigerant leakage detection means; and a lateral portion (97) covering a lateral side portion of the refrigerant leakage detection means, and at least any one portion of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the lateral portion is open.

6. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an entrance (81 or 181) of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with the retainment portion and an exit (82 or 182) of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path communicates with a blowing port (34) blowing conditioned air.

7. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the heat exchanger is bent into a generally rectangular shape, an opening portion (55) is provided between one end portion (52) and another end portion (53) of the heat exchanger, a heat insulation member (16) is provided on an outside of the heat exchanger, the heat insulation member includes: a peripheral wall (16A) provided along an inside of the housing; and a partition wall (16B) partitioning the blowing port from the retainment portion by partitioning a portion from the peripheral wall to the one end portion of the heat exchanger, and a communication portion is provided in the partition wall to form the refrigerant leakage detection flow path.

8. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a recess portion (90) is provided in a vicinity of the entrance or in a vicinity of the exit of the refrigerant leakage detection flow path, and the refrigerant leakage detection means is disposed to be embedded in the recess portion.

9. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a cover member (95) covering the refrigerant leakage detection means, wherein the cover member is formed of: an upper portion (96) covering a portion above the refrigerant leakage detection means; a lower portion (98) covering a portion below the refrigerant leakage detection means; and a lateral portion (97) covering a lateral side portion of the refrigerant leakage detection means, and at least any one portion of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the lateral portion is open.

10. The indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a liquid distributor (87); and a gas distributor (85), the indoor unit further comprising: a liquid distributor connection portion (88) as a portion in which the liquid distributor is connected with the refrigerant piping; and a gas distributor connection portion (86) as a portion in which the gas distributor is connected with the refrigerant piping, wherein the liquid distributor connection portion and the gas distributor connection portion are arranged in the retainment portion.

Ansprüche

1. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung, wobei die Innenraumeinheit umfasst:

ein Gehäuse (15);

einen Wärmetauscher (17), der in dem Gehäuse angeordnet ist;

eine erste Kältemittelrohrleitung (70), die in dem Gehäuse (15) angeordnet ist und in dem Wärmetauscher (17) verläuft;

einen Verbindungsabschnitt (75) zum Verbinden der ersten Kältemittelrohrleitung (70) mit einer zweiten Kältemittelrohrleitung (71), die von einer Außenseite des Gehäuses (15) geleitet wird; und

einen Halteabschnitt (68), der als Raum zur Aufnahme des Verbindungsabschnitts (75) dient;

eine Ansaugöffnung (31), die nicht klimatisierte Luft ansaugt;

einen Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungsweg (80 oder 180); und

Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel (58 oder 158), die Kältemittel erkennen, das durch den Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungsweg (80 oder 180) fließt,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

ein Eingang (81 oder 181) des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs (80 oder 180) mit dem Halteabschnitt (68) in Verbindung steht, und

ein Ausgang (82 oder 182) des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs (80 oder 180) mit der Ansaugöffnung (31) in Verbindung steht.

2. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend

eine Ablaufwanne (19), die unterhalb des Wärmetauschers installiert ist und vom Wärmetauscher erzeugtes Abflusswasser aufnimmt,

wobei der Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungsweg in der Ablaufwanne ausgebildet ist.

3. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2,
wobei eine Höhe des Eingangs des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs in einer höheren Position als eine Höhe eines oberen Endes (19C) der Ablaufwanne ist.

4. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei ein Vertiefungsabschnitt (90) in einer Nähe des Eingangs oder in einer Nähe des Ausgangs des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs vorgesehen ist und die Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel derart angeordnet sind, dass sie in den Vertiefungsabschnitt eingebettet sind.

5. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, ferner umfassend ein Abdeckelement (95), das die Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel abdeckt, wobei das Abdeckelement gebildet ist aus: einem oberen Abschnitt (96), der einen Abschnitt über den Kältemittelleckerkennungsmitteln abdeckt; einem unteren Abschnitt (98), der einen Abschnitt unter den Kältemittelleckerkennungsmitteln abdeckt; und einem lateralen Abschnitt (97), der einen lateralen Seitenabschnitt der Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel abdeckt, und wobei mindestens ein Abschnitt des oberen Abschnitts, des unteren Abschnitts und des lateralen Abschnitts offen ist.

6. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein Eingang (81 oder 181) des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs mit dem Halteabschnitt in Verbindung steht und ein Ausgang (82 oder 182) des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs mit einer Ausblasöffnung (34) in Verbindung steht, die klimatisierte Luft ausbläst.

7. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Wärmetauscher in eine im Allgemeinen rechteckige Form gebogen ist, ein Öffnungsabschnitt (55) zwischen einem Endabschnitt (52) und einem anderen Endabschnitt (53) des Wärmetauschers vorgesehen ist, ein Wärmeisolationselement (16) auf einer Außenseite des Wärmetauschers vorgesehen ist, wobei das Wärmeisolationselement umfasst: eine Umfangswand (16A), die entlang einer Innenseite des Gehäuses vorgesehen ist; und eine Trennwand (168), die die Ausblasöffnung von dem Halteabschnitt trennt, indem sie einen Abschnitt von der Umfangswand zu dem einen Endabschnitt des Wärmetauschers unterteilt, und wobei ein Kommunikationsabschnitt in der Trennwand vorgesehen ist, um den Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungsweg auszubilden.

8. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei ein Vertiefungsabschnitt (90) in einer Nähe des Eingangs oder in einer Nähe des Ausgangs des Kältemittelleckerkennung-Strömungswegs vorgesehen ist und die Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel derart angeordnet sind, dass sie in den Vertiefungsabschnitt eingebettet sind.

9. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, ferner umfassend ein Abdeckelement (95), das die Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel abdeckt, wobei das Abdeckelement gebildet ist aus: einem oberen Abschnitt (96), der einen Abschnitt über den Kältemittelleckerkennungsmitteln abdeckt; einem unteren Abschnitt (98), der einen Abschnitt unter den Kältemittelleckerkennungsmitteln abdeckt; und einem lateralen Abschnitt (97), der einen lateralen Seitenabschnitt der Kältemittelleckerkennungsmittel abdeckt, und wobei mindestens ein Abschnitt des oberen Abschnitts, des unteren Abschnitts und des lateralen Abschnitts offen ist.

10. Innenraumeinheit einer Klimatisierungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, ferner umfassend: einen Flüssigkeitsverteiler (87); und einen Gasverteiler (85), wobei die Innenraumeinheit ferner umfasst: einen Flüssigkeitsverteilerverbindungsabschnitt (88) als einen Abschnitt, in dem der Flüssigkeitsverteiler mit der Kältemittelrohrleitung verbunden ist; und einen Gasverteilerverbindungsabschnitt (86) als einen Abschnitt, in dem der Gasverteiler mit der Kältemittelrohrleitung verbunden ist, wobei der Flüssigkeitsverteilerverbindungsabschnitt und der Gasverteilerverbindungsabschnitt in dem Halteabschnitt angeordnet sind.

Revendications

1. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur, l'unité intérieure comprenant :

un bâti (15) ;

un échangeur de chaleur (17) disposé dans le bâti ;

une première tuyauterie de réfrigérant (70) disposée dans le bâti (15) et passant dans l'échangeur de chaleur (17) ;

une partie de raccordement (75) pour raccorder la première tuyauterie de réfrigérant (70) à une deuxième tuyauterie de réfrigérant (71) acheminée au départ de l'extérieur du bâti (15) ; et

une partie de retenue (68) faisant office d'espace logeant la partie de raccordement (75) ;

un orifice d'aspiration (31) aspirant l'air non climatisé ;

une voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant (80 ou 180) ; et

un moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant (58 ou 158) détectant le réfrigérant qui s'écoule à travers la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant (80 ou 180),

caractérisée en ce que

une entrée (81 ou 181) de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant (80 ou 180) communique avec la partie de retenue (68), et

une sortie (82 ou 182) de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant (80 ou 180) communique avec l'orifice d'aspiration (31).

2. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre

un bac de récupération (19) installé sous l'échangeur de chaleur et recevant l'eau de drainage produite par l'échangeur de chaleur,

dans laquelle la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant est formée dans le bac de récupération.

3. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon la revendication 2,
dans laquelle une hauteur de l'entrée de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant se trouve dans une position plus élevée qu'une hauteur d'une extrémité supérieure (19C) du bac de récupération.

4. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle une partie évidée (90) est prévue à proximité de l'entrée ou à proximité de la sortie de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et le moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant est disposé afin d'être intégré à la partie évidée.

5. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant en outre un élément de recouvrement (95) couvrant le moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant, dans laquelle l'élément de couverture est formé : d'une partie supérieure (96) couvrant une partie au-dessus du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant ; d'une partie inférieure (98) couvrant une partie en dessous du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et d'une partie latérale (97) couvrant une partie de côté latéral du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et au moins une quelconque partie de la partie supérieure, de la partie inférieure et de la partie latérale est ouverte.

6. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle une entrée (81 ou 181) de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant communique avec la partie de retenue et une sortie (82 ou 182) de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant communique avec un orifice de soufflage (34) soufflant de l'air climatisé.

7. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle l'échangeur de chaleur est plié selon une forme généralement rectangulaire, une partie d'ouverture (55) est prévue entre une partie terminale (52) et une autre partie terminale (53) de l'échangeur de chaleur, un élément isolant thermique (16) est prévu sur l'extérieur de l'échangeur de chaleur, l'élément isolant thermique comprenant : une paroi périphérique (16A) prévue le long de l'intérieur du bâti ; et une paroi de séparation (16B) séparant l'orifice de soufflage de la partie de retenue en séparant une partie de la paroi périphérique par rapport à la partie terminale de l'échangeur de chaleur, et une partie de communication est prévue dans la paroi de séparation pour former la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant.

8. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans laquelle une partie évidée (90) est prévue à proximité de l'entrée ou à proximité de la sortie de la voie de passage de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et le moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant est disposé afin d'être intégré à la partie évidée.

9. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, comprenant en outre un élément de recouvrement (95) couvrant le moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant, dans laquelle l'élément de couverture est formé : d'une partie supérieure (96) couvrant une partie au-dessus du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant ; d'une partie inférieure (98) couvrant une partie en dessous du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et d'une partie latérale (97) couvrant une partie de côté latéral du moyen de détection de fuite de réfrigérant et au moins une quelconque partie de la partie supérieure, de la partie inférieure et de la partie latérale est ouverte.

10. Unité intérieure d'un climatiseur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, comprenant en outre : un distributeur de liquide (87) et un distributeur de gaz (85), l'unité intérieure comprenant en outre : une partie de raccordement de distributeur de liquide (88) sous la forme d'une partie dans laquelle le distributeur de liquide est raccordé à la tuyauterie de réfrigérant et une partie de raccordement de distributeur de gaz (86) sous la forme d'une partie dans laquelle le distributeur de gaz est raccordé à la tuyauterie de réfrigérant, dans laquelle la partie de raccordement de distributeur de liquide et la partie de raccordement de distributeur de gaz sont disposées dans la partie de retenue.

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