JP7785207B2 - Indoor units and air conditioners - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an indoor unit and an air conditioner.

Air conditioners that use flammable refrigerants and have a refrigerant sensor unit attached to the indoor unit have been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The refrigerant sensor unit detects refrigerant leakage from the heat exchanger.

JP 2016-90108 A

The refrigerant sensor unit is preferably placed near the heat exchanger through which the refrigerant circulates. Because condensation is likely to occur around the heat exchanger, there is a need to develop a refrigerant sensor unit with improved waterproofing.

In consideration of the above circumstances, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide an indoor unit and an air conditioner that have a refrigerant sensor unit with improved waterproofing performance.

One aspect of an indoor unit according to the present disclosure is an indoor unit for an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, and includes a base portion, a refrigerant sensor unit assembled to the base portion from one side in an assembly direction, and a fastener for fastening the refrigerant sensor unit to the base portion. The refrigerant sensor unit has a sensor main body that detects the vaporized refrigerant, and a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the sensor main body. The housing includes a housing main body, a lid body that is assembled to the housing main body from the assembly direction and that, together with the housing main body, encloses the accommodation space, and a fastener between the housing main body and the lid body. the housing main body has a first sealing surface facing one side in the assembly direction and contacting the sealing member, and a first opposing surface facing the other side in the assembly direction; the lid body has a second sealing surface facing the other side in the assembly direction and contacting the sealing member, and a second opposing surface facing one side in the assembly direction; the base portion has a first pressing surface facing one side in the assembly direction and contacting the first opposing surface; the fixing device has a second pressing surface contacting the second opposing surface and a fixing portion fixed to the base portion, and the housing is sandwiched between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface.

One aspect of the air conditioner disclosed herein comprises the above-mentioned indoor unit, the refrigerant circuit, and an outdoor unit.

This disclosure provides an indoor unit and an air conditioner having a refrigerant sensor unit with improved waterproofing performance.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the indoor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the refrigerant sensor unit according to an embodiment is removed from an indoor heat exchanger. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base portion according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant sensor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerant sensor unit and a fixture according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first procedure of a preliminary step in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second procedure of the preliminary step in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first procedure of an assembly process in the embodiment, as viewed from one side in the assembly direction. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first procedure of an assembly process in the embodiment, as viewed from the other side in the assembly direction. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second procedure of the assembly process in the embodiment, as viewed from the other side in the assembly direction.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings appropriately show a Z-axis indicating the up-down direction. The side of the up-down direction toward which the arrow on the Z-axis points (+Z side) is upward, and the opposite side of the up-down direction toward which the arrow on the Z-axis points (-Z side) is downward. Note that the orientation of the indoor unit 10 relative to the up-down direction described in this embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the assembly orientation of the indoor unit 10.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an air conditioner 100 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 100 comprises an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, and a refrigerant circuit 30. The indoor unit 10 is located indoors. The outdoor unit 20 is located outdoors. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected to each other by the refrigerant circuit 30, through which refrigerant 33 circulates. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are heat exchange units that exchange heat with the air.

The air conditioner 100 can adjust the temperature of the indoor air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 and the air in the room where the indoor unit 10 is located. Examples of the refrigerant 33 include fluorine-based refrigerants or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). Examples of the refrigerant 33 include a single refrigerant such as R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, or R290, a mixture of two or more of these, or a mixture of any of these with other refrigerants. Examples of the refrigerant 33 include a mixture of R1132(E) or R1123. Examples of the refrigerant 33 include a mixed refrigerant of R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A.

The outdoor unit 20 has a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, a flow control valve 24, a blower 25, and a four-way valve 22. The compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the flow control valve 24, and the four-way valve 22 are connected by a refrigerant circuit 30.

The four-way valve 22 is disposed in a portion of the refrigerant circuit 30 that is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21. The four-way valve 22 can reverse the direction of the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 by switching a portion of the path of the refrigerant circuit 30. When the path connected by the four-way valve 22 is the path shown by the solid line on the four-way valve 22 in Figure 1, the refrigerant 33 flows through the refrigerant circuit 30 in the direction shown by the solid arrow in Figure 1. On the other hand, when the path connected by the four-way valve 22 is the path shown by the dashed line on the four-way valve 22 in Figure 1, the refrigerant 33 flows through the refrigerant circuit 30 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1.

The indoor unit 10 has a centrifugal blower 40 and an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 14 arranged around the centrifugal blower 40. The indoor unit 10 is capable of cooling operation to cool the air in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is located, and heating operation to warm the air in the room in which the indoor unit 10 is located.

When the indoor unit 10 is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 flows in the direction indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 10 is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 circulates through the compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the outdoor unit 20, the flow control valve 24, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 of the indoor unit 10, in that order, before returning to the compressor 21. During cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the outdoor unit 20 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 in the indoor unit 10 functions as an evaporator.

On the other hand, when the indoor unit 10 is in heating operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 flows in the direction shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. In other words, when the indoor unit 10 is in heating operation, the refrigerant 33 flowing through the refrigerant circuit 30 circulates through the compressor 21, the indoor heat exchanger 14 of the indoor unit 10, the flow control valve 24, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of the outdoor unit 20, in that order, before returning to the compressor 21. During heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the outdoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 in the indoor unit 10 functions as a condenser.

Next, the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment will be described in further detail.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit 10. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the indoor unit 10. Note that in Figs. 2 and 3, the decorative panel covering the underside of the indoor unit 10 is omitted from the illustration.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the indoor unit 10 has a centrifugal blower 40 centered on the rotation axis R. In this embodiment, the direction in which the rotation axis R extends is the up-down direction. In the following description, the axial direction of the rotation axis R, i.e., the direction parallel to the Z-axis, may be simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the rotation axis R may be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis R may be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." Furthermore, in the following description, "radially outer" means the side in the radial direction that is away from the rotation axis R, and "radially inner" means the side in the radial direction that is opposite the radially outer side and closer to the rotation axis R.

The indoor unit 10 of this embodiment is a ceiling-mounted indoor unit that is installed by being embedded in the ceiling. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the centrifugal blower 40 and indoor heat exchanger 14 described above, the indoor unit 10 includes a housing 11, a refrigerant sensor unit 50, a drain pan 41, a bell mouth 42, a control unit 43, and a decorative panel (not shown).

The housing 11 covers the centrifugal blower 40 and the indoor heat exchanger 14 from above and the sides. The housing 11 is fixed to the ceiling of the building in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. The fan motor of the centrifugal blower 40, the indoor heat exchanger 14, and the drain pan 41 are fixed to the housing 11. The drain pan 41 covers the indoor heat exchanger 14 from below. The drain pan 41 has a rectangular frame when viewed axially. An air outlet 41a is provided in the drain pan 41. The drain pan 41 collects condensation water that occurs as a result of heat exchange by the indoor heat exchanger 14. A bell mouth 42 is fixed to the drain pan 41. The bell mouth 42 is positioned below the centrifugal blower 40. An intake port 42a is provided in the bell mouth 42. The intake port 42a is circular and centered on the rotation axis R. The control unit 43 is fixed to the underside of the bell mouth 42. The control unit 43 has a control board (not shown) that controls each part of the indoor unit 10. The control unit 43 controls the components necessary for heating and cooling operation of the air conditioner 100. In addition, wiring extending from the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is connected to the control unit 43, and the presence or absence of a refrigerant leak is determined based on the detection result of the refrigerant gas by the refrigerant sensor unit 50.

The centrifugal blower 40 has an impeller 40a and a fan motor (not shown) that rotates the impeller 40a. The impeller 40a covers the fan motor from below. The impeller 40a rotates around the rotation axis R. The centrifugal blower 40 draws in indoor air through the suction port 42a and sends the air radially outward. The indoor heat exchanger 14 is positioned radially outward of the centrifugal blower 40.

The indoor heat exchanger 14 has a heat exchanger body 14b that is rectangular when viewed axially, and a piping connection portion 14a that connects to piping extending from the heat exchanger body 14b. The heat exchanger body 14b surrounds the centrifugal blower 40 from the radial outside. Refrigerant flows inside the heat exchanger body 14b. The heat exchanger body 14b exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air sent from the centrifugal blower 40. A refrigerant sensor unit 50 is attached to the radial inside of the heat exchanger body 14b.

The refrigerant sensor unit 50 is positioned radially inward of the pipe connection portion 14a of the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant sensor unit 50 is positioned between the centrifugal blower 40 and the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant sensor unit 50 is also positioned above the drain pan 41. When refrigerant leaks from the indoor heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant vaporizes and becomes refrigerant gas. Because refrigerant gas is heavier than air, it flows downward and accumulates above the drain pan 41. The refrigerant sensor unit 50 detects the refrigerant gas that accumulates above the drain pan 41. Generally, the pipe connection portion 14a of the indoor heat exchanger 14 is more susceptible to refrigerant leakage than other locations. According to this embodiment, by positioning the refrigerant sensor unit 50 radially outward of the pipe connection portion 14a, refrigerant gas leaking from the pipe connection portion 14a can be easily detected immediately by the refrigerant sensor unit 50.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the refrigerant sensor unit 50 removed from the indoor heat exchanger 14. As shown in FIG.
4, the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 14 via a base 90. That is, the indoor unit 10 has the base 90. The base 90 is fixed to an inner surface of the indoor heat exchanger 14 that faces radially inward.

In the following description, the direction in which the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is assembled to the base portion 90 is referred to as the assembly direction D3. In the drawings, the assembly direction D3 is shown as an arrow where appropriate. In the following description, the direction in which the tip of the arrow of the assembly direction D3 in each drawing points is referred to as the other assembly direction side (+D3), and the opposite direction is referred to as one assembly direction side (-D3). In this embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is assembled to the base portion 90 from one assembly direction side (-D3). In this embodiment, the assembly direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and coincides with the radial direction of the rotation axis R.

Figure 5 is an oblique view of the base portion 90. The base portion 90 has a main plate portion 90a, a pair of side plate portions 90b and 90c, and an accessory plate 95. In this embodiment, the main plate portion 90a and the pair of side plate portions 90b and 90c are composed of a single plate member. Meanwhile, the accessory plate 95 is fixed to one surface (engagement surface 90e) of the main plate portion 90a by a joining means such as welding.

The main plate portion 90a is a flat plate arranged perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. The side plate portions 90b and 90c are connected to the ends of the main plate portion 90a on one and the other circumferential sides, respectively. The side plate portions 90b and 90c are bent radially relative to the main plate portion 90a. The side plate portions 90b and 90c are each fixed to the inner surface of the indoor heat exchanger 14 facing radially inward.

The main plate portion 90a has a first pressing surface 90d facing one side in the assembly direction (-D3) and a locking surface 90e facing the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). In other words, the first pressing surface 90d and the locking surface 90e are surfaces of the main plate portion 90a facing in opposite directions. The main plate portion 90a also has a mounting hole 91 and an insertion hole 92 that penetrate the main plate portion 90a in the assembly direction D3. The mounting hole 91 and the insertion hole 92 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

The mounting hole 91 has a first hole portion 91a and a second hole portion 91b that connects to the upper edge of the first hole portion 91a. The first hole portion 91a and the second hole portion 91b are each rectangular. The vertical dimension of the second hole portion 91b is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first hole portion 91a. The left-right dimension of the second hole portion 91b is smaller than the left-right dimension of the first hole portion 91a. The second hole portion 91b is located approximately in the left-right center of the first hole portion 91a.

The insertion hole 92 is located below the mounting hole 91. The insertion hole 92 is rectangular. The vertical dimension of the insertion hole 92 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first hole portion 91a. The left-right dimension of the insertion hole 92 is smaller than the left-right dimension of the first hole portion 91a.

The accessory plate 95 has a fixed plate portion 95a and a bent plate portion 95b. The fixed plate portion 95a is fixed to the locking surface 90e of the main plate portion 90a. The fixed plate portion 95a extends in the left-right direction. The fixed plate portion 95a is arranged between the mounting hole 91 and the insertion hole 92. The bent plate portion 95b is formed by bending the fixed plate portion 95a from its lower edge toward the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. The bent plate portion 95b is located above the insertion hole 92. The bent plate portion 95b extends from the upper edge of the insertion hole 92 toward the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. The bent plate portion 95b is arranged perpendicular to the up-down direction. The bent plate portion 95b has a through-hole 95h that passes through the bent plate portion 95b in the up-down direction. A nut portion 99 with a screw hole 99h is provided on the upper surface of the bent plate portion 95b. The center line of the screw hole 99h coincides with the center line of the through hole 95h. The diameter of the through hole 95h is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the screw hole 99h.

In this embodiment, the nut portion 99 is a separate nut member fixed to the upper surface of the bent plate portion 95b. However, the nut portion 99 may also be formed by forming a female thread on the inner surface of a through hole formed in the bent plate portion 95b by burring. In this embodiment, the bent plate portion 95b is part of the accessory plate 95 fixed to the main plate portion 90a. However, the bent plate portion 95b may also be formed by bending a portion of the main plate portion 90a.

Figure 6 is an oblique view of the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Figure 7 is an exploded oblique view of the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Note that Figure 7 also shows the fastener 80 that secures the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90.

As shown in Figure 6, the refrigerant sensor unit 50 has a sensor main body 70 and a housing 60. The housing 60 is provided with an accommodation space A that accommodates the sensor main body 70, a refrigerant inlet 60a that introduces refrigerant gas into the accommodation space A, and an outlet hole 60h through which wiring 79 is passed from the accommodation space A to the outside. The wiring 79 that is drawn out from the outlet hole 60h to the outside is connected to the control unit 43 (see Figure 3).

As shown in FIG. 7 , the sensor main body 70 has a substrate 73, a sensor element 71, an element case 72, and wiring 79. The substrate 73 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 60. The substrate 73 extends in the vertical direction. Multiple elements, including the sensor element 71, are mounted on the substrate 73. The sensor element 71 detects vaporized refrigerant gas. The sensor element 71 is surrounded and protected by the element case 72. A tubular member 75 is attached to the element case 72. The tubular member 75 is a sponge-like member made of a resin material. The tubular member 75 is cylindrical and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the element case 72. The outer shape of the tubular member 75 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The tubular member 75 contacts the inner surface of the housing 60. The tubular member 75 forms a path for the refrigerant gas to reach the sensor element 71 in the storage space A.

The housing 60 comprises a housing body 61, a lid body 62, and a sealing member 69. The housing body 61 and the lid body 62 are assembled together in an assembly direction D3. The housing body 61 and the lid body 62 enclose the storage space A.

The housing main body 61 has a first box-shaped portion 61b, a first flange portion 61c, a guide rib 61e, a guide protrusion 61p, a pair of protrusions 61d, and a first hook 64. The first box-shaped portion 61b has a bottom surface 61g that is arranged perpendicular to the assembly direction D3 and has a refrigerant inlet 60a. The first box-shaped portion 61b also has a first opening 61a that opens to one side (-D3) in the assembly direction.

The first flange portion 61c is connected to the outer edge of the first opening 61a. The first flange portion 61c protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction D3, away from the first opening 61a. The first flange portion 61c surrounds the first opening 61a when viewed from the assembly direction D3. The first flange portion 61c has a first sealing surface 61f facing one side in the assembly direction (-D3). The first sealing surface 61f is a flat surface perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. A guide protrusion 61p protruding toward one side in the assembly direction (-D3) is provided on the outer edge of the first sealing surface 61f.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of first ribs 61h, 61k are provided on the surface of the first flange portion 61c facing the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). That is, the housing main body 61 has a plurality of first ribs 61h, 61k. The multiple first ribs 61h, 61k protrude toward the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The multiple first ribs 61h, 61k include one frame-shaped rib 61h and multiple bridge ribs 61k. The frame-shaped rib 61h extends in a frame shape along the outer edge of the first flange portion 61c. The frame-shaped rib 61h surrounds the outer surface of the first box-shaped portion 61b when viewed from the assembly direction D3. The bridge rib 61k connects the inner surface of the frame-shaped rib 61h, the outer surface of the first box-shaped portion 61b, and the first flange portion 61c. The bridge ribs 61k are arranged side by side in the direction in which the first flange portion 61c extends.

The base portion 90 is disposed on the other side (+D3) of the housing main body 61 in the assembly direction. The first box-shaped portion 61b is fitted into the first hole portion 91a of the base portion 90. As a result, the tip surfaces of the first ribs 61h, 61k face and contact the base portion 90. Here, the tip surfaces of the first ribs 61h, 61k are referred to as the first opposing surfaces 61i. In other words, the housing main body 61 has the first opposing surface 61i facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. The first opposing surface 61i is the surface facing opposite the first sealing surface 61f.

As shown in Figure 7, the guide rib 61e extends along the inner edge of the first sealing surface 61f on the first opening 61a side. The guide rib 61e surrounds the first opening 61a when viewed from the assembly direction D3. The guide rib 61e protrudes from the first sealing surface 61f to one side in the assembly direction (-D3).

The pair of protrusions 61d are provided on the side surfaces of the first flange portion 61c, facing opposite each other. The pair of protrusions 61d are arranged on either side of the first opening 61a, sandwiching the first opening 61a. The pair of protrusions 61d each protrude in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction D3, away from the first opening 61a. The tip surface 61t of the protrusion 61d is inclined in the assembly direction D3 so that the protrusion height increases as it moves away from the lid body 62.

The first hook 64 is provided at the lower end of the housing main body 61 and protrudes downward. The first hook 64 is provided on the side of the first flange portion 61c. The first hook 64 has a first pillar portion 64a and a first claw portion 64b. The first pillar portion 64a is pillar-shaped and extends perpendicular to the assembly direction D3 and away from the storage space A. The first claw portion 64b is located at the tip of the first pillar portion 64a and protrudes to the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The first claw portion 64b is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the direction in which the first pillar portion 64a extends. The surface of the first claw portion 64b facing one side in the assembly direction (-D3) and the surface of the first pillar portion 64a facing one side in the assembly direction (-D3) are surfaces that are continuous with the first sealing surface 61f.

In the following description, the direction in which the first column portion 64a extends is referred to as the first direction D1. Furthermore, the assembly direction D3 and the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 are referred to as the second direction D2. In the drawings, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are depicted as arrows where appropriate. In the following description, the direction in which the tip of the arrow in the first direction D1 in each drawing points is referred to as the other side of the first direction (+D1), and the opposite direction is referred to as the one side of the first direction (-D1). Similarly, the direction in which the tip of the arrow in the second direction D2 in each drawing points is referred to as the other side of the second direction (+D2), and the opposite direction is referred to as the one side of the second direction (-D2). In this embodiment, the first column portion 64a extends from the side surface of the first flange portion 61c toward the other side of the first direction (+D1). Furthermore, the first claw portion 64b is provided at the end of the first column portion 64a on the other side of the first direction (+D1). In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the up-down direction, and the second direction D2 is the circumferential direction of the rotation axis R.

The lid body 62 has a second box-shaped portion 62b, a second flange portion 62c, a pair of arms 62d, a second hook 65, and a locking hook 63. The second box-shaped portion 62b has a second opening 62a that opens to the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The second opening 62a faces the first opening 61a. When the lid body 62 is assembled to the housing main body 61, the first opening 61a and the second opening 62a overlap each other. This connects the internal spaces of the first box-shaped portion 61b and the second box-shaped portion 62b to form storage space A.

The second flange portion 62c is connected to the outer edge of the second opening 62a. The second flange portion 62c protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction D3, away from the second opening 62a. The second flange portion 62c surrounds the second opening 62a when viewed from the assembly direction D3. The second flange portion 62c has a second sealing surface 62f facing the other side of the assembly direction (+D3). The second sealing surface 62f is a flat surface perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. The second sealing surface 62f faces the first sealing surface 61f in the assembly direction D3. A sealing member 69 is arranged between the first sealing surface 61f and the second sealing surface 62f.

A recessed portion 62p is provided on the outer edge of the second sealing surface 62f. In this embodiment, the recessed portion 62p is a notch recessed upward from the lower end of the second flange portion 62c. A guide protrusion 61p provided on the first sealing surface 61f is inserted into the recessed portion 62p. The guide protrusion 61p and the recessed portion 62p serve as markers for checking the up-down orientation of the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62. Furthermore, the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62 cannot be assembled to each other unless the guide protrusion 61p is inserted into the recessed portion 62p. According to this embodiment, the provision of the guide protrusion 61p and the recessed portion 62p on the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62, respectively, prevents the lid body 62 from being assembled upside down relative to the housing main body 61. This prevents incorrect assembly during the assembly process, improving the reliability of the assembly process. In the present embodiment, the case where the guide protrusion 61p is provided on the first sealing surface 61f and the recessed portion 62p is provided on the second sealing surface 62f has been described. However, the guide protrusion 61p may be provided on the second sealing surface 62f and the recessed portion 62p may be provided on the first sealing surface 61f. That is, it is sufficient that the guide protrusion 61p is provided on the outer edge of one of the first sealing surface 61f or the second sealing surface 62f and the recessed portion 62p is provided on the outer edge of the other of the first sealing surface 61f or the second sealing surface 62f.

A plurality of second ribs 62k are provided on the surface of the second flange portion 62c facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. That is, the cover body 62 has a plurality of second ribs 62k. The plurality of second ribs 62k protrude to one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. The plurality of second ribs 62k are arranged at the lower end of the cover body 62 and extend in the vertical direction. The plurality of second ribs 62k are arranged side by side in a direction along the lower edge of the second flange portion 62c. The second ribs 62k connect the second flange portion 62c and the second box-shaped portion 62b.

The pressing portion 81 of the fixing device 80, described below, is positioned on one side (-D3) of the lid body 62 in the assembly direction. As a result, the tip surface of the second rib 62k faces and comes into contact with the pressing portion 81. Here, the tip surface of the second rib 62k is referred to as the second opposing surface 62i. In other words, the lid body 62 has a second opposing surface 62i that faces one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. The second opposing surface 62i is the surface that faces opposite the second sealing surface 62f.

The pair of arms 62d are connected to the second flange portion 62c. The pair of arms 62d are arranged on either side of the second opening 62a. Each arm 62d has a pair of connecting pieces 62m extending from the second flange portion 62c toward the other side in the assembly direction (+D3), and a locking piece 62j connecting the tips of the pair of connecting pieces 62m.

When the lid 62 is assembled to the housing main body 61, the protrusions 61d of the housing main body 61 are inserted into the area surrounded by the pair of connecting pieces 62m, the locking pieces 62j, and the outer edge of the second flange portion 62c. The pair of protrusions 61d are engaged with the pair of locking pieces 62j, thereby securing the lid 62 to the housing main body 61. Furthermore, because the tip surfaces 61t of the protrusions 61d are inclined, when the lid 62 is assembled to the housing main body 61, the locking pieces 62j slide along the tip surfaces 61t of the protrusions 61d, elastically deforming the pair of arms 62d. This allows the operator to easily engage the arms 62d with the protrusions 61d.

In this embodiment, a case has been described in which a pair of arms 62d is provided on the lid 62 and a pair of protrusions 61d is provided on the housing main body 61. However, a pair of arms 62d may be provided on the housing main body 61 and a pair of protrusions 61d may be provided on the lid 62. In other words, it is sufficient that either the housing main body 61 or the lid 62 has a pair of protrusions 61d, and the other of the housing main body 61 or the lid 62 has a pair of arms 62d that engage with the pair of protrusions 61d.

In the assembly process for the refrigerant sensor unit 50 of this embodiment, a worker assembles the sensor main body 70 into the first opening 61a of the housing main body 61 with the first opening 61a facing upward. If an arm were provided on the housing main body 61, the arm would protrude upward relative to the first opening 61a, which could reduce the worker's work efficiency. For this reason, when using an assembly process in which the sensor main body 70 is assembled into the housing main body 61 as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the arm 62d on the lid 62.

As shown in Figure 6, the locking hook 63 is provided on the upper end of the lid body 62 and extends upward and toward the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The locking hook 63 is provided on the side of the second flange portion 62c. The locking hook 63 has a first protrusion 63a, a second protrusion 63b, and a locking plate portion 63c arranged in a crank shape. The first protrusion 63a extends upward from the upper surface of the second flange portion 62c. The second protrusion 63b extends from the upper end of the first protrusion 63a toward the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The locking plate portion 63c extends upward from the tip of the second protrusion 63b on the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The locking plate portion 63c is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. When the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is attached to the base 90, the surface of the locking plate 63c facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction faces and contacts the base 90. Here, the surface of the locking plate 63c facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction is referred to as the third opposing surface 63f. That is, the locking hook 63 has the third opposing surface 63f facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second hook 65 is provided at the lower end of the lid body 62 and protrudes downward. The second hook 65 is provided on the side of the second flange portion 62c. The second hook 65 has a second pillar portion 65a and a second claw portion 65b. The second pillar portion 65a is pillar-shaped and extends in the first direction D1. The second claw portion 65b is located at the tip of the second pillar portion 65a and protrudes to one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. The second claw portion 65b is plate-shaped and perpendicular to the first direction D1. The surface of the second claw portion 65b facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction and the surface of the second pillar portion 65a facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction are surfaces that are continuous with the second sealing surface 62f.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion 90, the fixture 80, and the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Figure 9 is an oblique view of the fixture 80 and the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Note that the sensor main body 70 placed in the storage space A is not shown in Figure 8.

As shown in Figure 9, when the lid body 62 is assembled to the housing main body 61, the first hook 64 and the second hook 65 are aligned in the assembly direction D3. The first hook 64 and the second hook 65 are combined with each other to form the connecting hook 66. In other words, the connecting hook 66 is divided into the first hook 64 and the second hook 65 at the boundary between the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62.

As shown in FIG. 8, the connecting hook 66 has a connecting post portion 66a and a connecting claw portion 66b. The connecting post portion 66a is configured by arranging a first post portion 64a and a second post portion 65a side by side in the assembly direction D3. Similarly, the connecting claw portion 66b is configured by arranging a first claw portion 64b and a second claw portion 65b side by side in the assembly direction D3. The connecting post portion 66a is columnar and extends from the lower end of the housing 60 in the first direction D1. The connecting claw portion 66b is located at the tip of the connecting post portion 66a. The connecting post portion 66a protrudes from the connecting post portion 66a on one side in the assembly direction (-D3) and the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). A fixing device 80, described below, is attached to the connecting hook 66.

The sealing member 69 is made of a sponge-like elastic material. It is sandwiched between the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62. It contacts the first sealing surface 61f of the housing 60 and the second sealing surface 62f of the lid body 62. The sealing member 69 is compressed in the assembly direction D3 between the first sealing surface 61f and the second sealing surface 62f. As a result, the sealing member 69 closes the gap between the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62, sealing the storage space A from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the sealing member 69 is frame-shaped when viewed from the assembly direction D3. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 69 is rectangular. The sealing member 69 is positioned to surround the guide rib 61e of the housing main body 61. By positioning the sealing member 69 so that it fits around the outer periphery of the guide rib 61e, the worker performing the assembly process can sandwich the sealing member 69 between the housing main body 61 and the lid 62 while preventing the sealing member 69 from shifting relative to the housing main body 61. Furthermore, by inserting the guide rib 61e into the second opening 62a of the lid 62, the worker can easily assemble the housing main body 61 and the lid 62, with the guide rib 61e acting as a guide. As a result, the assembly process is simplified and twisting and detachment of the sealing member 69 during the assembly process are prevented.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the fixture 80 is a plate material. The fixture 80 is made of a metal material such as steel or an aluminum alloy and is formed by pressing. The fixture 80 has a holding plate 82 and a pressing portion 81. The holding plate 82 is plate-shaped and disposed perpendicular to the first direction D1. On the other hand, the pressing portion 81 is plate-shaped and disposed perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. The holding plate 82 and the pressing portion 81 are formed by bending a flat plate into an L-shape. The pressing portion 81 is connected to an end of the holding plate 82 on one side (−D3) in the assembly direction. The pressing portion 81 has a second pressing surface 81a facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. The second pressing surface 81a is a flat surface perpendicular to the third direction D3.

The holding plate 82 has a holding portion 82a and a fixing portion 82b. The holding portion 82a is provided on one side (-D3) of the holding plate 82 in the assembly direction. On the other hand, the fixing portion 82b is provided on the other side (+D3) of the holding plate 82 in the assembly direction. The fixing portion 82b is connected to the end of the holding portion 82a on the other side (+D3) of the assembly direction. A slit 83 is provided in the holding portion 82a. On the other hand, a screw insertion hole 84 is provided in the fixing portion 82b. That is, the holding plate 82 is provided with the screw insertion hole 84 and the slit 83. The screw insertion hole 84 and the slit 83 penetrate the holding plate 82 in the thickness direction.

The slit 83 extends in the second direction D2. The slit 83 has a first region 83a and a second region 83b aligned in the second direction D2. The first region 83a is located on one side (-D2) in the second direction relative to the second region 83b. The first region 83a extends in the second direction D2 with a constant width w1. Similarly, the second region 83b extends in the second direction D2 with a constant width w2. Note that the width of each region of the slit 83 refers to the width dimension of each region in a direction (assembly direction D3) perpendicular to the direction in which the slit 83 extends (second direction D2).

The width w1 of the first region 83a is wider than the width w2 of the second region 83b. The width w1 of the first region 83a is wider than the dimension e2 of the connecting claw portion 66b and the connecting pillar portion 66a in the assembly direction D3. The length dimension of the first region 83a in the second direction D2 is greater than the length dimension of the connecting claw portion 66b in the second direction D2. The width w2 of the second region 83b is narrower than the dimension e2 of the connecting claw portion 66b in the assembly direction D3. Furthermore, the width w2 of the second region 83b is slightly narrower than the dimension e1 of the connecting pillar portion 66a in the assembly direction D3 before the fixing device 80 is assembled.

Next, we will explain the assembly process for assembling the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90. Prior to the assembly process, an assembly process for assembling the refrigerant sensor unit 50 and a preliminary process for attaching the fixing device 80 to the refrigerant sensor unit 50 are performed.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is assembled by inserting the sensor main body 70 into the first opening 61a of the housing main body 61 and then assembling the lid body 62 to the housing main body 61. During this assembly process, a sealing member 69 is positioned between the first sealing surface 61f of the housing main body 61 and the second sealing surface 62f of the lid body 62. By assembling the lid body 62 to the housing main body 61, the pair of arms 62d of the lid body 62 are engaged with the pair of protrusions 61d of the housing main body 61. This prevents the lid body 62 from coming off the housing main body 61 in the refrigerant sensor unit 50. It is preferable that the sealing member 69 be slightly compressed between the first sealing surface 61f and the second sealing surface 62f with the pair of arms 62d engaged with the pair of protrusions 61d. In this case, the repulsive force of the sealing member 69 can prevent the lid body 62 from coming off the housing main body 61.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the first step of the preliminary process.
As shown in FIG. 10 , the first step of the preliminary process is to insert the connecting hook 66 into the first region 83a of the slit 83 of the fastener 80. In this embodiment, the connecting hook 66 is smaller than the first region 83a in both dimensions in the first direction and the assembly direction D3. This allows the worker to smoothly insert the connecting hook 66 into the first region 83a. Furthermore, in the first step, the worker positions the connecting post 66a inside the first region 83a.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the second step of the preliminary process.
As shown in Figure 11, the second step of the preliminary process involves sliding the fixture 80 toward one side (-D2) in the second direction relative to the refrigerant sensor unit 50. In this second step, the worker positions the connecting post 66a of the connecting hook 66 in the second region 83b of the slit 83. Note that a tapered portion is provided at the boundary between the first region 83a and the second region 83b, gradually narrowing the width from the first region 83a to the second region 83b. This allows the worker to smoothly move the connecting post 66a from the first region 83a to the second region 83b.

The dimension of the connecting claw 66b in the assembly direction D3 is greater than the width w2 of the second region 83b. By positioning the connecting pillar 66a within the second region 83b, the fastener 80 is engaged with the connecting claw 66b in the first direction D1. Furthermore, by positioning the connecting pillar 66a within the second region 83b, the connecting pillar 66a is sandwiched between the edges of the second region 83b that face each other in the assembly direction D3. This brings the first pillar 64a and the second pillar 65a of the connecting pillar 66a closer to each other in the assembly direction D3, compressing the sealing member 69 between the housing main body 61 and the lid 62. As a result, the repulsive force of the sealing member 69 can hold the fastener 80 to the connecting pillar 66a. In other words, according to this embodiment, the repulsive force of the sealing member 69 can be used to easily hold the fastener 80 to the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Therefore, in the subsequent assembly process, the worker does not need to separately hold the fixing tool 80, which improves the workability of the assembly process.

12, 13, and 14 are views showing the assembly process of assembling the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90. Figures 12 and 13 are views showing the first step of the assembly process from different directions.
13 , in the first step of the assembly process, the worker inserts the locking hook 63 of the refrigerant sensor unit 50 into the second hole 91b of the mounting hole 91 of the base 90. Furthermore, the third opposing surface 63f of the locking hook 63 is opposed to the locking surface 90e of the base 90. This causes the locking hook 63 to lock onto the locking surface 90e. In this embodiment, the dimension of the second hole 91b in the second direction D2 is slightly larger than the dimension of the locking hook 63 in the second direction D2. By inserting the locking hook 63 into the second hole 91b, the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is easily positioned in the second direction D2 relative to the base 90.

By engaging the locking hook 63 with the second hole 91b, the first box-shaped portion 61b of the housing main body 61 faces the first hole 91a of the base portion 90. The worker inserts the first box-shaped portion 61b into the first hole 91a while maintaining the locking hook 63 engaged. Furthermore, by engaging the locking hook 63 with the second hole 91b, as shown in FIG. 12, the fixing portion 82b of the fixing device 80 faces the insertion hole 92 provided in the base portion 90. When the worker inserts the first box-shaped portion 61b into the first hole 91a, the fixing portion 82b is inserted into the insertion hole 92.

As shown in FIG. 12, the dimension of the insertion hole 92 in the second direction D2 is slightly larger than the dimension of the fixing portion 82b in the second direction D2. The fixing device 80 is attached to the refrigerant sensor unit 50 by sliding the fixing device 80 in the second direction D2 relative to the refrigerant sensor unit 50. According to this embodiment, if the sliding movement of the fixing device 80 relative to the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is insufficient, the fixing device 80 cannot be inserted into the insertion hole 92. In other words, by going through the first step of the assembly process, it is possible to confirm that the fixing device 80 is properly attached to the refrigerant sensor unit 50.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the second procedure of the assembly process.
14 , in the second step of the assembly process, the worker screws the fixing portion 82b of the fixing device 80 into the nut portion 99. By performing the first step described above, the fixing portion 82b is inserted into the insertion hole 92. This places the refrigerant sensor unit 50 in a state where it is temporarily held in the base portion 90 (hereinafter referred to as the temporarily held state). In the temporarily held state, the fixing device 80 is supported on the inner edge of the insertion hole 92, and the locking hook 63 is locked on the inner edge of the mounting hole 91. According to this embodiment, by performing the first step, even if the worker releases his or her hands from the refrigerant sensor unit 50, the support of the refrigerant sensor unit 50 by the base portion 90 is maintained. This allows the worker to use both hands to perform the second step.

When the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is temporarily held in place, each portion of the retaining plate 82 of the fixing device 80 is positioned on either side of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction. More specifically, the retaining portion 82a, in which the slit 83 is provided, is positioned on one side (-D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction, and the fixing portion 82b, in which the screw insertion hole 84 is provided, is positioned on the other side (+D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction. The fixing portions 82b are also opposed to each other above and below the bent plate portion 95b of the base portion 90. The screw insertion hole 84 of the fixing portion 82b is positioned directly below the through hole 95h.

In the second step, the worker passes the fixing screw 9 through the screw insertion hole 84 and through hole 95h from below, and tightens the fixing screw 9 into the screw hole 99h of the nut portion 99. This fixes the fixing device 80 to the base portion 90, and positions the fixing device 80 relative to the base portion 90 with the center line of the screw insertion hole 84 aligned with the center line of the screw hole 99h.

As shown in Figure 8, when the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is fixed to the base portion 90, the first pressing surface 90d of the base portion 90 contacts the first opposing surface 61i of the housing main body 61. Furthermore, the second pressing surface 81a of the fixing device 80 contacts the second opposing surface 62i of the lid body 62. As a result, the housing 60 is sandwiched between the first pressing surface 90d of the base portion 90 and the second pressing surface 81a of the fixing device 80.

The pressing portion 81 of the fixing device 80 presses the lid body 62 toward the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction, which is the housing main body 61 side. Meanwhile, the base portion 90 supports the housing main body 61 from the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. This compresses the sealing member 69 disposed between the lid body 62 and the housing main body 61. According to this embodiment, the sealing performance of the sealing member 69 can be improved by increasing the compression rate of the sealing member 69 during the assembly process. In other words, the assembly process of this embodiment not only fixes the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90, but also improves the waterproof performance of the refrigerant sensor unit 50.

In this embodiment, the second pressing surface 81a is one surface of the plate-shaped pressing portion 81 of the fixing device 80 that is perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. This allows the area of the second pressing surface 81a to be large. However, the configuration of the second pressing surface 81a is not limited to this embodiment, as long as it faces the other side of the assembly direction (+D3) and contacts the first opposing surface 61i. For example, the inner surface of the slit 83 provided in the fixing device 80 may be used as the second pressing surface.

As shown in FIG. 8, the distance between the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a when the refrigerant sensor unit 50 is fixed to the base portion 90 is defined as the first distance dimension H1. As shown in FIG. 7, the distance in the assembly direction D3 from the first sealing surface 61f to the first opposing surface 61i of the housing main body 61 is defined as the first dimension d1. The distance in the assembly direction D3 from the second sealing surface 62f to the second opposing surface 62i of the lid body 62 is defined as the second dimension d2. The thickness in the assembly direction D3 of the sealing member 69 before assembly is defined as the third dimension d3. The sum of the first dimension d1, the second dimension d2, and the third dimension d3 is greater than the first distance dimension H1 (d1 + d2 + d3 > H1). According to this embodiment, the sealing member 69 can be compressed between the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a by the difference between the above sum (d1+d2+d3) and the first distance dimension H1.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the distance between the second sealing surface 62f and the third opposing surface 63f of the lid 62 in the assembly direction D3 is defined as the second distance dimension H2. The sum of the first dimension d1 and the third dimension d3 is greater than the second distance dimension H2 (d1 + d3 > H2). According to this embodiment, the sealing member 69 can be compressed by the locking hook 63 by the difference between the sum (d1 + d3) and the second distance dimension H2. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper end of the sealing member 69 is compressed by the locking hook 63, and the lower end of the sealing member 69 is compressed by the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a. This allows the entire sealing member 69 to be compressed more uniformly, improving the sealing performance of the sealing member 69.

<Summary>
The indoor unit 10 of this embodiment is an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 100 having a refrigerant circuit 30 through which a refrigerant circulates. The indoor unit 10 includes a base 90, a refrigerant sensor unit 50, and a fixing device 80. The refrigerant sensor unit 50 is attached to the base 90 from one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. The fixing device 80 secures the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base 90. The refrigerant sensor unit 50 includes a sensor main body 70 that detects vaporized refrigerant and a housing 60 that defines an accommodation space A for accommodating the sensor main body 70. The housing 60 includes a housing main body 61, a lid 62, and a sealing member 69. The lid 62 is attached to the housing main body 61 from one side (-D3) in the assembly direction and, together with the housing main body 61, encloses the accommodation space A. The sealing member 69 is sandwiched between the housing main body 61 and the lid 62. The housing main body 61 has a first sealing surface 61f facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction and in contact with the sealing member 69, and a first opposing surface 61i facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. The lid 62 has a second sealing surface 62f facing the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction and in contact with the sealing member 69, and a second opposing surface 62i facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. The base portion 90 has a first pressing surface 90d facing one side (-D3) in the assembly direction and in contact with the first opposing surface 61i. The fixing device 80 has a second pressing surface 81a contacting the second opposing surface 62i and a fixing portion 82b fixed to the base portion 90. The housing 60 is sandwiched between the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a.

With the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 8 , the housing 60 is sandwiched between the first pressing surface 90d of the base portion 90 and the second pressing surface 81a of the fixing device 80. Therefore, the second pressing surface 81a of the fixing device 80 presses the lid body 62 toward the housing main body 61, and the base portion 90 supports the housing main body 61 from the rear (the other side in the assembly direction (+D3)). This allows the sealing member 69 to be compressed between the lid body 62 and the housing main body 61, improving the sealing performance of the sealing member 69. Furthermore, because the fixing device 80 is fixed to the base portion 90 and the fixing device 80 and the base portion 90 sandwich and hold the housing 60, the refrigerant sensor unit 50 can be firmly fixed to the base portion 90. In other words, the assembly process of this embodiment not only secures the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90, but also improves the waterproof performance of the refrigerant sensor unit 50.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance from the first sealing surface 61f to the first opposing surface 61i in the assembly direction D3 is defined as the first dimension d1. The distance from the second sealing surface 62f to the second opposing surface 62i in the assembly direction D3 is defined as the second dimension d2. The thickness of the sealing member 69 in the assembly direction D3 before assembly is defined as the third dimension d3. The sum of the first dimension d1, the second dimension d2, and the third dimension d3 is greater than the first distance dimension H1 between the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a shown in FIG. 8 (d1 + d2 + d3 > H1). With the above-described configuration, the sealing member 69 can be compressed between the first pressing surface 90d and the second pressing surface 81a by the difference between the sum (d1 + d2 + d3) and the first distance dimension H1. In other words, sufficient compression margin for the sealing member 69 can be secured, improving the reliability of sealing provided by the sealing member 69.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the base portion 90 has a locking surface 90e facing the other side in the assembly direction (+D3) and a mounting hole 91 penetrating the base portion 90 in the assembly direction D3. The lid body 62 has a locking hook 63 extending toward the other side in the assembly direction (+D3). The locking hook 63 is inserted into the mounting hole 91 and locked to the locking surface 90e. With this configuration, the lid body 62 is locked to the locking surface 90e of the base portion 90 across the housing main body 61, so the locking hook 63 presses the lid body 62 toward the base portion 90, thereby compressing the sealing member 69. Furthermore, with this configuration, by pressing the portions of the lid body 62 other than the second opposing surface 62i toward the housing main body 61 with the locking hook 63, the sealing member 69 can be uniformly compressed, thereby uniformly improving the sealing performance of the sealing member 69. Furthermore, in the assembly process of assembling the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90, the worker can temporarily hold the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90 by engaging the locking hook 63 with the base portion 90. This eliminates the need for the worker to hold the refrigerant sensor unit 50 while fastening the fastener 80 to the base portion 90, allowing the worker to use both hands for the work. As a result, the assembly process can be simplified and safety and reliability can be improved.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the housing main body 61 has multiple first ribs 61h, 61k that protrude toward the other side (+D3) in the assembly direction. At least a portion of the first opposing surface 61i is the tip surface of the multiple first ribs 61h, 61k. With this configuration, the housing main body 61 is provided with the first ribs 61h, 61k that protrude in the assembly direction D3, thereby increasing the rigidity against forces from the assembly direction D3. Because the tip surfaces of the first ribs 61h, 61k receive force from the first pressing surface 90d, deformation and damage to the housing main body 61 are suppressed even when a large force is applied from the first pressing surface 90d.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the cover 62 has multiple second ribs 62k that protrude toward one side (-D3) in the assembly direction. At least a portion of the second opposing surface 62i is the tip surface of the multiple second ribs 62k. With this configuration, the cover 62 is provided with second ribs 62k that protrude in the assembly direction D3, thereby increasing its rigidity against forces from the assembly direction D3. The cover 62 receives force from the second pressing surface 81a at the tip surfaces of the second ribs 62k, thereby suppressing deformation and damage to the cover 62 even when a large force is applied from the second pressing surface 81a.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the base portion 90 is provided with a screw hole 99h extending in the vertical direction. The fixing portion 82b is screwed into the screw hole 99h from below. This configuration allows the fixing device 80 and the base portion 90 to be fixed by fastening the fixing screw 9, simplifying the assembly process of the refrigerant sensor unit 50. This configuration allows the worker to tighten the fixing screw 9 into the screw hole 99h from below. This simplifies the worker's work in indoor units 10 that require the worker to assemble the refrigerant sensor unit 50 from below, such as ceiling-mounted indoor units 10.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the housing main body 61 has a first pillar portion 64a extending in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the assembly direction D3, and a first claw portion 64b located at the tip of the first pillar portion 64a and protruding toward the other side (+D3) of the assembly direction. The cover body 62 has a second pillar portion 65a extending in the first direction D1, and a second claw portion 65b located at the tip of the second pillar portion 65a and protruding toward one side (-D3) of the assembly direction. The first pillar portion 64a and the second pillar portion 65a are arranged side by side in the assembly direction D3 to form the connecting pillar portion 66a. The first claw portion 64b and the second claw portion 65b are arranged side by side in the assembly direction D3 to form the connecting claw portion 66b. The fixing device 80 has a retaining plate 82 arranged perpendicular to the first direction D1. The retaining plate 82 has a slit 83 extending in a second direction D2 perpendicular to both the assembly direction D3 and the first direction D1. The slit 83 has a first region 83a having a width w1 wider than the dimension e2 of the connecting claw 66b in the assembly direction D3, and a second region 83b having a width w2 narrower than the dimension e2 of the connecting claw 66b in the assembly direction D3 and into which the connecting post 66a is inserted. With this configuration, the connecting post 66a can be positioned in the second region 83b of the slit 83 by inserting the connecting post 66a into the first region 83a of the slit 83 of the fastener 80 and sliding the fastener 80 in the second direction D2. This allows the connecting claw 66b to engage with the fastener 80, and the fastener 80 to be attached to the refrigerant sensor unit 50. Furthermore, the sealing member 69 sandwiched between the housing body 61 and the lid 62 generates a repulsive force when compressed, separating the first pillar portion 64a and the second pillar portion 65a in the opposite direction of the assembly direction D3. This presses the first pillar portion 64a and the second pillar portion 65a against the opposite edge portions of the second region 83b, making it difficult for the connecting pillar portion 66a to move within the second region 83b. As a result, the fixing device 80 can be held by the connecting pillar portion 66a.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, the base portion 90 is provided with an insertion hole 92 that penetrates the base portion 90 in the assembly direction D3 and into which the fastener 80 is inserted. The slit 83 is located on one side (-D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction. The fastener 82b is located on the other side (+D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction. With this configuration, the fastener 80 is fixed to the refrigerant sensor unit 50 and the base portion 90 on one side (-D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction and the other side (+D3) of the insertion hole 92 in the assembly direction, respectively. This makes it difficult for the fastener 80 to come off the base portion 90. Furthermore, with this configuration, the fastener 80 can be supported on the inner edge of the insertion hole 92 during the assembly process, temporarily holding the refrigerant sensor unit 50 to the base portion 90. The worker does not need to hold the refrigerant sensor unit 50 while fastening the fastener 80 to the base portion 90, allowing them to use both hands for the job. As a result, the assembly process can be simplified and safety and reliability can be improved. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 12 , the fastener 80 can be inserted into the insertion hole 92 only when the position of the fastener 80 in the second direction D2 is correct. Furthermore, if the position of the fastener 80 is misaligned in the second direction D2, the fastener 80 cannot be inserted into the insertion hole 92. That is, by appropriately setting the dimension of the insertion hole 92 in the second direction D2, a structure can be achieved in which the fastener 80 cannot be assembled to the base portion 90 if the sliding amount of the fastener 80 is insufficient. Therefore, when inserting the fastener 80 into the insertion hole 92, the worker inevitably needs to check the sliding position of the fastener 80 in the second direction D2, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly process.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, a guide protrusion 61p protruding in the assembly direction D3 is provided on the outer edge of one of the first sealing surface 61f or the second sealing surface 62f. A recess 62p into which the guide protrusion 61p is inserted is provided on the other outer edge of the first sealing surface 61f or the second sealing surface 62f. With this configuration, the guide protrusion 61p and the recess 62p serve as markers for checking the up-down orientation of the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62. Furthermore, the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62 cannot be assembled unless the guide protrusion 61p is inserted into the recess 62p. Therefore, providing the guide protrusion 61p and the recess 62p on the housing main body 61 and the lid body 62, respectively, prevents the lid body 62 from being assembled upside down relative to the housing main body 61. This reduces incorrect assembly and improves the reliability of the assembly process.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, one of the housing body 61 or the lid body 62 has a pair of protrusions 61d that protrude away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction D3. The other of the housing body 61 or the lid body 62 has a pair of arms 62d that engage with the pair of protrusions 61d. With this configuration, the housing body 61 and the lid body 62 can be temporarily fixed together by engaging the pair of arms 62d with the pair of protrusions 61d.

The above describes the embodiments of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and the following configurations and methods may also be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations and methods described in this specification may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually inconsistent.

For example, in the above embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit is described as being used in a ceiling-mounted indoor unit. However, the refrigerant sensor unit of the embodiment can also be used in other types of indoor units, and can be widely used in various devices equipped with a blower other than air conditioners.
In the above-described embodiment, the fixing screws for fastening the fixture to the base portion are fastened from below. However, the fastening direction of the fixing screws is one example, and they may be horizontal. In the above-described embodiment, the fixing screws are fastened in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, but the fastening direction of the fixing screws may coincide with the assembly direction.

10...indoor unit, 20...outdoor unit, 30...refrigerant circuit, 50...refrigerant sensor unit, 60...housing, 61...housing main body, 61d...protrusion, 61f...first sealing surface, 61h, 61k...first rib, 61i...first opposing surface, 61p...guide protrusion, 62...lid body, 62d...arm portion, 62f...second sealing surface, 62i...second opposing surface, 62k...second rib, 62p...recessed portion, 63...locking hook, 64a...first pillar portion, 64b...first claw portion, 65a...second pillar portion, 65b...second claw portion, 66a...connecting pillar portion, 66b...connecting claw portion, 69...sealing Member, 70...sensor body, 80...fixing tool, 81a...second pressing surface, 82...holding plate, 82b...fixing portion, 83...slit, 83a...first region, 83b...second region, 90...base portion, 90d...first pressing surface, 90e...locking surface, 91...mounting hole, 92...insertion hole, 99...nut portion, 99h...screw hole, 100...air conditioner, A...accommodation space, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, D3...assembly direction, d1...first dimension, d2...second dimension, d3...third dimension, e1, e2...dimensions, H1...first distance dimension (distance dimension), w1, w2...width

Claims (11)

An indoor unit of an air conditioner having a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates,
A base portion;
a refrigerant sensor unit that is attached to the base portion from one side in an assembly direction;
a fixing device that fixes the refrigerant sensor unit to the base portion,
The refrigerant sensor unit includes:
a sensor body for detecting the vaporized refrigerant;
a housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the sensor main body;
The housing includes:
A housing body;
a cover body that is assembled to the housing body from one side in the assembly direction and that surrounds the storage space together with the housing body;
a sealing member sandwiched between the housing body and the lid,
The housing body includes:
a first sealing surface facing one side in the assembly direction and in contact with the sealing member;
a first opposing surface facing the other side in the assembly direction,
The lid body is
a second sealing surface facing the other side in the assembly direction and in contact with the sealing member;
a second opposing surface facing one side in the assembly direction,
the base portion has a first pressing surface that faces one side in the assembly direction and contacts the first opposing surface,
The fixture is
a second pressing surface that contacts the second opposing surface;
a fixing portion fixed to the base portion,
The housing is sandwiched between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface.
Indoor unit. a distance from the first sealing surface to the first opposing surface in the assembly direction is defined as a first dimension;
a second dimension representing a distance from the second sealing surface to the second opposing surface in the assembly direction;
a thickness of the sealing member in the assembly direction before assembly is defined as a third dimension;
a sum of the first dimension, the second dimension, and the third dimension is greater than a distance dimension between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface;
The indoor unit according to claim 1. The base portion is
a locking surface facing the other side in the assembly direction;
a mounting hole that penetrates the base portion in the assembly direction,
The lid body has a locking hook extending to the other side in the assembly direction,
The locking hook is inserted into the mounting hole and locked to the locking surface.
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . the housing main body has a plurality of first ribs protruding toward the other side in the assembly direction,
At least a portion of the first opposing surface is a tip surface of the plurality of first ribs.
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . the cover has a plurality of second ribs protruding toward one side in the assembly direction,
At least a portion of the second opposing surface is a tip surface of the plurality of second ribs.
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . The base portion is provided with a screw hole extending in the vertical direction,
The fixing portion is screwed into the screw hole from below.
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . The housing body includes:
a first pillar portion extending in a first direction perpendicular to the assembly direction;
a first claw portion located at a tip end of the first pillar portion and protruding toward the other side in the assembly direction,
The lid body is
a second pillar portion extending in the first direction;
a second claw portion located at a tip of the second pillar portion and protruding toward one side in the assembly direction,
the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion are arranged side by side in the assembly direction to form a connecting pillar portion,
the first claw portion and the second claw portion are arranged side by side in the assembling direction to form a connecting claw portion,
the fixture has a holding plate disposed perpendicular to the first direction,
The holding plate is provided with a slit extending in a second direction perpendicular to both the assembly direction and the first direction,
The slit is
a first region having a width greater than the dimension of the connecting claw portion in the assembly direction;
a second region having a width narrower than the dimension of the connecting claw portion in the assembly direction and into which the connecting post portion is inserted,
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . The base portion is provided with an insertion hole that penetrates the base portion in the assembly direction and into which the fixing device is inserted,
the slit is disposed on one side of the insertion hole in the assembly direction,
The fixing portion is disposed on the other side of the insertion hole in the assembly direction.
The indoor unit according to claim 7. a guide protrusion protruding in the assembly direction is provided on an outer edge of one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface;
a recessed portion into which the guide protrusion is inserted is provided on an outer edge of the other of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface;
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . one of the housing body and the cover body has a pair of protrusions that protrude in directions away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction,
The other of the housing body and the lid body has a pair of arms that are engaged with the pair of protrusions.
The indoor unit according to claim 1 . An indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
the refrigerant circuit;
An outdoor unit;
Air conditioner.