U.S. patent application number 11/794916 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for air conditioner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Daikin Industries, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Haruo Nakata, Akihiko Sakashita, Tsunehisa Sanagi, Makio Takeuchi.
Application Number | 20080053134 11/794916 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36677632 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080053134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakashita; Akihiko ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Air Conditioner
Abstract
In the vicinity of a suction port of a drain pump in a drain pan
of an air conditioner, an antibacterial agent unit having an
antibacterial agent capable of being brought into contact with
drain water is disposed so that the antibacterial agent unit
disposed in the vicinity of the suction port of the drain pump at
the lowest portion in the drain pan is reliably immersed into the
drain water when the drain pump is operating and not operating.
Inventors: |
Sakashita; Akihiko; (Osaka,
JP) ; Takeuchi; Makio; (Osaka, JP) ; Nakata;
Haruo; (Osaka, JP) ; Sanagi; Tsunehisa;
(Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Umeda Center Bldg., 4-12, Nakazaki-nishi 2-chome,
Kita-ku
Osaka
JP
530-8323
|
Family ID: |
36677632 |
Appl. No.: |
11/794916 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
January 11, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/300197 |
371 Date: |
July 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2006/006 20130101;
F24F 8/20 20210101; F24F 13/222 20130101; C02F 2303/04 20130101;
F24F 2013/228 20130101; F04D 29/703 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/291 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 12, 2005 |
JP |
2005-005198 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
JP |
2005-005201 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
JP |
2005-005208 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
JP |
2005-005209 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger; a drain pan
configured to receive drain water from the heat exchanger; a drain
pump configured to pump out the drain water disposed in the drain
pan; and an antibacterial agent unit having antibacterial agents
capable of being brought into contact with the drain water and
disposed in a vicinity of a suction port of the drain pump in the
drain pan.
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1 wherein the
antibacterial agent unit is attached to the drain pump.
3. An air conditioner comprising: a heat exchanger; a drain pan
configured to receive drain water from the heat exchangers; a drain
pump configured to pump out the drain water disposed in the drain
pan; and a member constituting a portion of the drain pump and
capable of being brought into contact with the drain water is
formed by an antibacterial material into which antibacterial agents
are kneaded.
4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the member
formed by the antibacterial material includes a scroll member.
5. The air conditioner according to claim 3 4, wherein the member
formed by the antibacterial material includes an impeller.
6. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the member
formed by the antibacterial material includes a scroll member and
an impeller.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an air conditioner
capable of providing a maximum level of bacteriostasis (in other
words, anti-bacterial effect) in a drain pan and a drain line on
the downstream side of drain pump.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A general air conditioner includes a heat exchanger, a fan,
and a drain pan provided below the heat exchanger and configured to
receive drain water. Bacteria often multiply in the drain water in
the drain pan.
[0003] Multiplication of bacteria in the drain water causes
production of slimes, which causes problems such as foul smell and
a clog in a drain line.
[0004] As a countermeasure against the above described problems, an
antibacterial agent is placed in a drain pan and the antibacterial
agent is immersed in the drain water so as to prevent the growth of
bacteria (see Patent Document 1).
[0005] As another countermeasure, an antibacterial agent is kneaded
into a drain pan sheet affixed to the inner surface of the drain
pan so as to bring the antibacterial agent to come into contact
with the drain water, and thereby the growth of bacteria is
prevented (see Patent Document 2).
[0006] <Patent Document 1>
[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-74409
[0008] <Patent Document 2>
[0009] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-205591
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
<Object to be Achieved by the Invention>
[0010] However, as disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document
1, when the antibacterial agent is placed in the drain pan, there
will be a need for an adequate support member for positioning such
an antibacterial agent, which may consequently complicate the
structure and incur an increase in costs. In addition, as disclosed
in the aforementioned Patent Document 2, when an antibacterial
agent is kneaded into the drain pan sheet, since the drain pan
sheet is formed from a thin member, an absolute amount of
antibacterial agent tends to be insufficient. Accordingly, such an
antibacterial agent cannot be used over a long time and must be
replaced from time to time.
[0011] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to
provide a simple and low-cost attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent having a significant bacteriostasis.
<Means to Achieve the Object>
[0012] According to the present invention, as a first means to
solve the above described problems, in an air conditioner including
a heat exchanger 6, a drain pan 8 configured to collect drain water
D from the heat exchanger 6, and a drain pump 16 provided to the
drain pan 8 and configured to pump out the drain water D, the air
conditioner includes an antibacterial agent unit K provided in the
vicinity of a suction port 23 of the drain pump 16 in the drain pan
8, which has antibacterial agents 19, 19--capable of being brought
into contact with the drain water D.
[0013] Because of the configuration described above, a portion in
the vicinity of the suction port 23 of the drain pump 16 is the
lowest portion in the drain pan 8, thus the antibacterial agent
unit K disposed in the vicinity of this lowest portion is reliably
immersed into the drain water D when the drain pump 16 is operating
and not operating. Accordingly, contact between the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--and the drain water D is maintained at all times,
thus achieving bacteriostasis in the drain water D (in other words,
anti-slime effect). In addition, when the drain pump 16 is
operating, the drain water D that contacted the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--flows to the downstream side of the drain pump 16,
thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of the drain
pump 16.
[0014] According to the present invention, as a second means to
solve the above described problems, an air conditioner having the
first means can be configured such that the antibacterial agent
unit K is attached to the drain pump 16. This type of configuration
can simplify an attachment structure of the antibacterial agent
unit K and also facilitate positioning and replacement of the
antibacterial agent unit K.
[0015] According to the present invention, as a third means to
solve the above described problems, in an air conditioner including
a heat exchanger 6, a drain pan 8 configured to receive drain water
D from the heat exchanger 6, and a drain pump 16 provided to the
drain pan 8 and configured to pump out the drain water D, a member
which constitutes the drain pump 16 and which is capable of being
brought into contact with the drain water D is formed from an
antibacterial material into which antibacterial agents 19, 19--are
kneaded.
[0016] Because of the configuration described above, the drain
water D that contacted the antibacterial agents 19, 19--flows to
the downstream side of the drain pump 16 when the drain pump 16 is
operating, thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of
the drain pump 16. In addition, since the return drain water D
during the time when the drain pump 16 is not operating will always
contact the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, it is possible to wash
the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, thus achieving
bacteriostasis.
[0017] According to the present invention, further, as a fourth
means to solve the above described problems, an air conditioner
having the third means can be configured such that the member
formed from the antibacterial material is a scroll member. This
type of configuration can ensure contact between the drain water D
and the antibacterial agents 19, 19--not only when the drain pump
16 is operating but also when the drain pump 16 is not operating,
thus enhancing bacteriostasis.
[0018] According to the present invention, further, as a fifth
means to solve the above described problems, an air conditioner
having the third means or the fourth means can be configured such
that the member formed from the antibacterial material is an
impeller 26. This type of configuration increases contact rate
between the antibacterial agents 19, 19--and the drain water D
since the impeller 26 is a member that is rotationally driven when
the drain pump is operating, thus enhancing bacteriostasis.
[0019] <Effect of the Invention>
[0020] According to the first means of the present invention, in
the air conditioner including the heat exchanger 6, the drain pan 8
configured to receive the drain water D from the heat exchanger 6,
and the drain pump 16 provided to the drain pan 8 and configured to
pump out the drain water D, the antibacterial agent unit K having
the antibacterial agents 19, 19--capable of being brought into
contact with the drain water D is provided in the vicinity of the
suction port 23 of the drain pump 16 in the drain pan 8. The
antibacterial agent unit K disposed in the vicinity of the suction
port 23 of the drain pump 16 that is the lowest portion in the
drain pan 8 is configured so as to be reliably immersed into the
drain water D when the drain pump 16 is operating and not
operating. Accordingly, contact between the antibacterial agents
19, 19--and the drain water D is maintained at all times, providing
an effect of achieving bacteriostasis in the drain water D (in
other words, anti-slime effect). In addition, when the drain pump
16 is operating, the drain water D that contacted the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--flows to the downstream side of the drain pump 16,
thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of the drain
pump 16.
[0021] As in the second means of the present invention, an air
conditioner having the first means as described above can be
configured such that the antibacterial agent unit K is attached to
the drain pump 16. This type of configuration can simplify an
attachment structure of the antibacterial agent unit K and also
facilitate positioning and replacement of the antibacterial agent
unit K.
[0022] According to the third means of the present invention, in an
air conditioner including the heat exchanger 6, the drain pan 8
configured to receive the drain water D from the heat exchanger 6,
and the drain pump 16 provided to the drain pan 8 and configured to
pump out the drain water D, a member which constitutes the drain
pump 16 and which is capable of being brought into contact with the
drain water D is formed from an antibacterial material into which
the antibacterial agents 19, 19--are kneaded. Accordingly, when the
drain pump 16 is operating, the drain water D that contacted the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--flows to the downstream side of the
drain pump 16, thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side
of the drain pump 16. In addition, since the return drain water D
during the time when the drain pump 16 is not operating will always
contact the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, it is possible to wash
the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, thus achieving
bacteriostasis.
[0023] As in the fourth means of the present invention, an air
conditioner having the third means as described above can be
configured such that the member formed from the antibacterial
material is the scroll member 24. This type of configuration can
ensure contact between the drain water D and the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--not only when the drain pump 16 is operating but
also when the drain pump 16 is not operating, thus enhancing
bacteriostasis.
[0024] As in the fifth means of the present invention, an air
conditioner having the third means or the fourth means as described
above can be configured such that the member formed from the
antibacterial material is the impeller 26. This type of
configuration increases contact rate between the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--and the drain water D since the impeller 26 is a
member that is rotationally driven when the drain pump is
operating, thus enhancing bacteriostasis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an air
conditioner (indoor unit) according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an attachment structure
for attaching an antibacterial agent in an air conditioner
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3(a) is an elevation view of the antibacterial agent in
Example I, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same.
[0028] FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of the antibacterial agent in
Example I, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same.
[0029] FIG. 5(a) is an elevation view of the antibacterial agent in
Example II, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same.
[0030] FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the antibacterial agent in
Example II, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same.
[0031] FIG. 7(a) is an elevation view of the antibacterial agent in
Example III, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 7(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same.
[0032] FIG. 8(a) is a plan view of a an antibacterial agent in
Example III, which is used in the air conditioner (indoor unit)
according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
8(b) is an enlarged view of the inside of the same; and FIG. 8(c)
is an enlarged view of the inside of an alternative example.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an attachment structure
for attaching an antibacterial agent in an air conditioner
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an attachment
structure for attaching an antibacterial agent in an air
conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view of an attachment
structure for attaching an antibacterial agent in an air
conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion of an air conditioner (indoor unit) according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion showing attachment of an antibacterial agent unit in the
air conditioner (indoor unit) according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion of a drain discharge device in an air conditioner according
to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion showing removal of a drain cock of the drain discharge
device in the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion of a drain discharge device in an air conditioner according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion showing removal of a drain cock of the drain discharge
device in the air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment
of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an air
conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion of the air conditioner according to the eighth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view of an essential
portion showing removal of an antibacterial agent unit in the air
conditioner according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an air
conditioner according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross sectional view of an essential
portion of the air conditioner according to the ninth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing an area in which the
antibacterial agent unit can be disposed in a drain pan according
to the eighth embodiment and the ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
6 heat exchanger
8 drain pan
16 drain pump
19 antibacterial agent
23 suction port
26 impeller
D drain water
K antibacterial agent unit
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0048] Some preferred embodiments will be now described with
reference to the attached drawings.
First Embodiment
[0049] An air conditioner according to this embodiment is a ceiling
embedded air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 1, this air conditioner
includes an air conditioner main body 3 which is located above a
rectangular-shaped opening 1 formed in a ceiling F and which is
suspended from and supported by a ridge beam (not shown) inside the
ceiling via suspension bolts 2, 2, and a decorative panel 4
configured to cover the opening 1.
[0050] The air conditioner main body 3 has a heat exchanger 6 and a
fan 7 provided inside a casing 5 in a generally rectangular
parallelepiped shape. The air conditioner main body 3 also has a
drain pan 8 below the heat exchanger 6, which is configured to
receive drain water D that drops from the heat exchanger 6.
Reference numeral 9 indicates a bellmouth, and reference numeral 10
indicates an air passage.
[0051] The decorative panel 4 has a rectangular shape with a size
that is sufficient to cover the opening 1. The decorative panel 4
has an air inlet port 11 formed at the center thereof, and four air
outlet ports 13 each of which communicate with the air passage 10
are formed around the air inlet port 11.
[0052] The heat exchanger 6 has a generally annular shape with an
open portion. The heat exchanger 6 is, for example, a cross fin
coil type heat exchanger.
[0053] The drain pan 8 has a generally annular shape with an open
portion so as to correspond to the shape of the heat exchanger 6,
and the drain pan 8 has a U shape in cross section. In addition, a
drain pump 16 configured to pump up the drain water D is installed
at one side of the drain pan 8. Reference numeral 17 is a discharge
line of the drain pump 16, and reference numeral 18 is a drain line
installed onsite.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in the air conditioner according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] In this case, in the vicinity of a suction port 23 of the
drain pump 16 in the drain pan 8, an antibacterial agent unit K
having antibacterial agents 19, 19--capable of being brought into
contact with the drain water D is disposed. The antibacterial agent
unit K is attached to a scroll member 24 of the drain pump 16 via a
support member 25. Typically, the suction port 23 of the drain pump
16 is disposed at a drain collection tank 8a, which is the lowest
portion in the drain pan 8. This type of configuration can ensure
that the drain pump 16 pumps up the drain water D.
[0056] This type of configuration allows the antibacterial agent
unit K disposed in the vicinity of the suction port 23 of the drain
pump 16 at a lowest portion 8a in the drain pan 8 to be reliably
immersed into the drain water D when the drain pump 16 is operating
and not operating. Accordingly, contact between the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--and the drain water D is maintained at all times,
thus achieving bacteriostasis in the drain water D (in other words,
anti-slime effect). In addition, when the drain pump 16 is
operating, the drain water D that contacted the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--flows to the downstream side of the drain pump 16,
thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of the drain
pump 16. Further, the antibacterial agent unit K is attached to the
scroll member 24 of the drain pump 16 via the support member 25.
This type of configuration can simplify an attachment structure of
the antibacterial agent unit K and also facilitate positioning and
replacement of the antibacterial agent unit K.
[0057] Incidentally, for example, the antibacterial agent unit K
may be configured such that a container holder 20 in a cylindrical
shape having a number of pore portions 21, 21, houses the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--in a granular shape or a pellet shape,
as shown in elevation view in FIG. 3(a), enlarged view of the
inside in FIG. 3(b), plan view in FIG. 4(a), and enlarged view of
the inside in FIG. 4(b). Also, for example, the antibacterial agent
unit K may be configured such that the holder 20 in a sheet shape
having a number of pore portions 21, 21, houses the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--in a granular shape or a pellet shape, as shown in
elevation view in FIG. 5(a), enlarged view of the inside in FIG.
5(b), plan view in FIG. 6(a), and enlarged view of the inside in
FIG. 6(b). Note that as shown in enlarged view of the inside in
FIG. 6(c), the holder 20 may be configured with a net-like member
in which peripheral portions thereof are welded to each other. In
these cases, the size of each pore portion 21 is made smaller than
the particle diameter or the pellet diameter of each antibacterial
agent 19. Note that the shape of the container holder 20 may be
different than the above described shapes (for example, it may be a
polygonal cylindrical shape or an elliptic cylindrical shape). The
wall surface thereof may be made of any material such as net,
highly-porous member, nonwoven fabric, punching plate, etc., as
long as the pore portion is formed in the wall surface (the pore
portion does not has to be a definite opening as long as water can
flow in and flow out therethrough). In addition, the shape of the
pore portion can be any shape. In addition, the material of the
container holder 20 may be anything such as metal, synthetic resin,
fabric, and the like, as long as the material is generally
insoluble in water. Further, the container holder 20 may be self
standing (in other words, it can maintain its shape on its own) or
may not be self standing (in other words, it cannot maintain its
shape on its own, like a bag). In addition, in some cases, the
antibacterial agent unit K may be configured with the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--kneaded into a holding member 22 formed by a
synthetic resin, as shown in plan view in FIG. 7(a), enlarged view
of the inside in FIG. 7(b), plan view in FIG. 8(a), and enlarged
view of the inside in FIG. 8(b). In this case, the shape of the
holding member 22 may be any of the following shapes: cylindrical
column shape, polygonal column shape, elliptic column shape,
sheet-like shape, and the like.
[0058] As the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, examples of the
conventionally known agents include: alcohol compound such as
ethanol, propanol; phenol compound such as phenol, OPP, thymol,
parachlorometaxylenol, 2,5-dichloro-4-bromophenol; aldehyde
compound such as formalin, BCA; carboxylic compound such as zinc
undecylenate, benzoic acid, propionic acid; ester compounds such as
fatty acid monoglyceride, paraben; ether compound such as
triclosan; nitrile compound such as TPN; peroxide such as hydrogen
peroxide, potassium permanganate; epoxy compound such as ethylene
oxide; halogen compound such as povidone-iodine, chloronaphthalene;
haloalkyl compound such as
N-(fluorodichloromethylthio)-phthalimide, N, N-dimethyl
N'-phenyl-N'-(fluorodichloromethylthio) sulphamid; pyridine,
quinoline compound such as oxine, zinc omadine; triazine compound
such as hexamine; isothiazoline compound such as KEISON (registered
trademark); imidazole, thiazole compound such as TBZ,
methyl-2-benzimidazole carbide; anilide compound such as
trichlorocarbanilide; biguanide compound such as gluconic acid
chlorhexidine; disulfide compound such as TMTD; thiocarbamate
compound such as carbam; surface active agent such as benzalkonium
chloride, alkyl glycine hydrochloride; organometallic compound such
as vinyzene, oxine copper; inorganic antibacterial agent composed
mainly of inorganic compound such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc
(Zn), tin (Sn), etc,; mercuric compound such as mercuric chloride,
mercuric oxycyanide; silver compound such as silver nitrate;
chlorine compound such as sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide;
iodine compound such as iodine, iodoform; boric acid compound such
as boric acid; lime compound such as calciuim oxide; zeolitic
antibacterial agent such as ZEOMIC (registered trademark),
BACTEKILLER (registered trademark); silica gel antibacterial agent
such as AMENITOP (registered trademark), SILWELL (registered
trademark); silicate glass antibacterial agent such as IONPURE
(registered trademark); hydroxyapatite antibacterial agent such as
ANTIBACTERIAL CERAMICS (registered trademark), APACIDER A
(registered trademark); calcium phosphate antibacterial agent such
as NARUKURIN (registered trademark); insoluble phosphoric acid salt
antibacterial agent such as RASAP AN (registered trademark);
phosphoric zirconium antibacterial agent such as NOVARON
(registered trademark); silicate salt antibacterial agent such as
AIS (registered trademark), RENTOBA (registered trademark);
titanium oxide antibacterial agent such as ATOMYBALL (registered
trademark); whisker antibacterial agent such as AMTECLEAN Z
(registered trademark); HOLONKILLER (registered trademark); AM15
(registered trademark). In this embodiment, in view of influence on
human body and environment, it is preferable to use chemicals such
as ethanol, parachlorometaxylenol, 2,5-dichloro-4-bromophenol,
hydrogen peroxide, N-(fluorodichloromethylthio)-phthalimide, N,
N-dimethyl-N'-phenyl-N'-(fluorodichloromethylthio)-sulphamide,
vinyzene, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, ZEOMIC (registered
trademark), BACTEKILLER (registered trademark), AMENITOP
(registered trademark), SILWELL (registered trademark), IONPURE
(registered trademark), ANTIBACTERIAL CERAMICS (registered
trademark), APACIDER A (registered trademark), RASAP AN (registered
trademark), NOVARON (registered trademark), AIS (registered
trademark), RENTOBA (registered trademark), ATOMYBALL (registered
trademark), AMTECLEAN Z (registered trademark), HOLONKILLER, AM15
(registered trademark), etc. However, a different antibacterial
agent may be preferably used as long as it can detoxify or trap the
agent before the drain water is discharged to the outside. In
addition, when an inorganic antibacterial agent is used, such an
antibacterial agent may be supported by, for example, calcium
carbonate, zeolite, kaolin clay, diatom earth, talc, bentonite,
ceramics, activated carbon, apatite, etc. An inorganic
antibacterial agent supported by ceramics, activated carbon,
apatite, etc. has advantages in that it is significantly
antibacterial, nonvolatile, and easy to knead with a resin.
Further, like a water soluble glass that supports an inorganic
antibacterial agent, there is an inorganic antibacterial agent
having a granular shape or a pellet shape which exerts its
bactericidal effect by being dissolved by water.
[0059] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner is described, however, the present invention is of
course applicable to an air conditioner of a different type.
Second Embodiment
[0060] FIG. 9 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in an air conditioner according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. Note that, here, the schematic
view of the air conditioner main body is the same as that of the
air conditioner main body 3 according to the first embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0061] In this case, the antibacterial agent unit K is directly
attached to a lower outer surface (including a peripheral portion
of the suction port 23) of the scroll member 24 of the drain pump
16. When configured in this manner, the antibacterial agent unit K
arranged at the outer surface of the scroll member 24 of the drain
pump 16 disposed at the drain collection tank 8a, which is the
lowest portion in the drain pan 8, will be reliably immersed into
the drain water D when the drain pump 16 is operating and not
operating. Accordingly, contact between the antibacterial agents
19, 19--and the drain water D is maintained at all times, thus
achieving bacteriostasis in the drain water D (in other words,
anti-slime effect). In addition, when the drain pump 16 is
operating, the drain water D that contacted the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--flows to the downstream side of the drain pump 16,
thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of the drain
pump 16. Further, the antibacterial agent unit K is directly
attached to the outer surface of the scroll member 24 of the drain
pump 16, thus it is possible to simplify an attachment structure of
the antibacterial agent unit K and also facilitate positioning and
replacement of the antibacterial agent unit K. Note that the
antibacterial agent unit K according to this embodiment is the same
as the antibacterial agent unit according to the first
embodiment.
[0062] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner is described, however, the present invention is of
course applicable to an air conditioner of a different type.
Third Embodiment
[0063] FIG. 10 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in an air conditioner according to a third
embodiment of the present invention. Note that, here, the schematic
view of the air conditioner main body 3 is the same as that of the
air conditioner main body according to the first embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0064] In this case, a member which constitutes the drain pump 16
and which is capable of being brought into contact with the drain
water D is formed from an antibacterial material into which
antibacterial agents 19, 19--are kneaded. In this embodiment,
specifically, a tray 27 and auxiliary vanes 28, 28--which
constitute the inside and outside peripheral surface of the scroll
member 24 of the drain pump 16 and an impeller 26 are formed by
antibacterial materials into which the antibacterial agents 19,
19--are kneaded. Reference numeral 29 indicates a main vane,
reference numeral 30 indicates a rotation shaft, and reference
numeral 31 indicates a discharge port.
[0065] This type of configuration allows the drain water D that
contacted the antibacterial agents 19, 19--to flow to the
downstream side of the drain pump 16 when the drain pump 16 is
operating, thus enhancing bacteriostasis on the downstream side of
the drain pump 16. In addition, since the return drain water D
during the time when the drain pump 16 is not operating will always
contact the antibacterial agents 19, 19--, it is possible to wash
the antibacterial agents 19, 19--and achieve bacteriostasis.
Further, this type of configuration ensures contact between the
drain water D and the antibacterial agents 19, 19--not only when
the drain pump 16 is operating but also when the drain pump 16 is
not operating, which consequently enhances bacteriostasis. In
addition, since the impeller 26 is a member that is rotationally
driven when the drain pump is operating, contact rate between the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--and the drain water D increases,
further enhancing bacteriostasis. Note that the antibacterial agent
unit K according to this embodiment is the same as the
antibacterial agent unit according to the first embodiment.
[0066] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner is described, however, the present invention is of
course applicable to an air conditioner of a different type.
Fourth Embodiment
[0067] FIG. 11 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in an air conditioner according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention. Note that, here, the schematic
view of the air conditioner main body 3 is the same as that of the
air conditioner main body according to the first embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0068] In this case, the main vane 29 that constitutes the impeller
26 is formed by an antibacterial material into which the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--are kneaded. Note that the
antibacterial agent unit K according to this embodiment is the same
as the antibacterial agent unit according to the first embodiment.
When configured in this manner, since the impeller 26 is a member
that is rotationally driven when the drain pump is operating,
contact rate between the antibacterial agents 19, 19--and the drain
water D increases, further enhancing bacteriostasis. Other
structures and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in
the third embodiment, thus explanations thereof are omitted.
[0069] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner is described, however, the present invention is of
course applicable to an air conditioner of a different type.
Fifth Embodiment
[0070] FIG. 12 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in an air conditioner according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention. Note that, here, the schematic
view of the air conditioner main body 3 is the same as that of the
air conditioner main body according to the first embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0071] In the air conditioner as configured above, as shown in FIG.
12, a drain line L is located on the downstream side of the
discharge port 118 of the drain pump 16, at a position higher than
a discharge port 118. This drain line L has the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--, which are capable of being brought into contact
with the drain water D. Here, the drain line L includes a discharge
line 123 of the drain pump 16, a pipe connection portion 125
configured to connect the discharge line 123 located inside the air
conditioner main body 3 to a drain hose 124 located outside the air
conditioner main body 3, the drain hose 124 installed onsite, and
elbows 126, 127 provided at curved portions of the drain hose 124.
Reference numeral 128 indicates a motor as a driving source of the
drain pump 16.
[0072] In this case, the antibacterial agents 19, 19--may be
kneaded into the inner peripheral surfaces of all members (for
example, the discharge line 123, the pipe connection portion 125,
the drain hose 124, and the elbows 126, 127) that constitute the
drain line L or into the inner peripheral surfaces of some members
(for example, the pipe connection portion 125, the drain hose 124,
and the elbows 126, 127) located outside of the air conditioner
main body (i.e. indoor unit) 3.
[0073] In particular, as FIG. 13, when the antibacterial agent unit
K (see FIGS. 3 to 8) used in the first embodiment is disposed
inside the pipe connection portion 125, the contact area between
the drain water D and the antibacterial agents 19, 19--can be
increased, enabling to maintain bacteriostasis for a long period of
time. In addition, since the pipe connection portion 125 is
removably configured, it is easy to perform maintenance and
replacement of the antibacterial agent unit K. Reference numeral
129 indicates a support string configured to support the
antibacterial agent unit K.
[0074] This type of configuration allows the drain water D that
flows through the drain line L to contact the antibacterial agents
19, 19--when the drain pump 16 is operating, which consequently
enhances bacteriostasis on the downstream side of the drain pump 16
(preventing the growth of slimes). On the other hand, when the
drain pump 16 is not operating, the return water containing
highly-concentrated antibacterial agents remaining in the drain
line L will flow back into the drain pan 8, enhancing
bacteriostasis in the drain pan 8 (preventing the growth of
slimes). Accordingly, the growth of slimes in the drain line L and
the drain pan 8 can be effectively prevented.
[0075] Note that an antibacterial agent used in this embodiment
includes the antibacterial agent used in the first embodiment and
the like.
Sixth Embodiment
[0076] FIGS. 14 and 15 both show an essential portion of a drain
discharge device according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention. Note that, in this embodiment, the drain discharge
device includes the drain pan 8 and the drain pump 16. In addition,
here, the schematic view of the air conditioner main body 3 is the
same as that of the air conditioner main body according to the
first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, a drain hole 14 for
draining the drain water D in the drain pan 8 is formed at a
deepest portion 108a of the drain pan 8, and the drain hole 14 has
a drain cock 15 that is freely removably disposed. Reference
numeral 117 indicates a suction port of the drain pump 16, and
reference numeral 128 indicates a motor as a driving source of the
drain pump 16.
[0078] The antibacterial agent unit K having the antibacterial
agents 19, 19--which provide bacteriostasis in the drain water D is
disposed above the drain cock 15 in the drain pan 8. Note that the
antibacterial agent unit K according to this embodiment is the same
as the antibacterial agent unit according to the first embodiment.
In this case, the antibacterial agent unit K is removably attached
to the drain pump 16 via a support member 223. In this case, the
diameter d.sub.1 of the antibacterial agent unit K is smaller than
the diameter d.sub.2 of the drain hole 14 (see FIG. 15). Here,
disposing the antibacterial agent unit K above the drain cock 15
indicates a state in which the drain water D is present between the
drain cock 15 and the antibacterial agent unit K.
[0079] This type of configuration can inhibit the growth of
bacteria in the drain water D by bacteriostasis of the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--contained in the antibacterial agent
unit K disposed above the drain cock 15 (in other words, disposed
at the deepest portion 108a in the drain pan 8) when the drain
water D is present in the drain pan 8. Thus, the growth of slimes
in the drain pan 8 can be prevented.
[0080] On the other hand, when the drain cock 15 is removed in
order to drain the drain water D in the drain pan 8, it will be
possible to remove the antibacterial agent unit K and thus it will
be possible to easily perform maintenance operation on the
antibacterial agent unit K (see FIG. 15).
[0081] Note that, in this embodiment, the drain discharge device of
the air conditioner is described, however, the present invention is
of course applicable to a drain up kit and the like, which is
disposed in a midway of the drain line extending from the air
conditioner.
Seventh Embodiment
[0082] FIGS. 16 and 17 both show an essential portion of a drain
discharge device according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention. Note that, here, the schematic view of the air
conditioner main body 3 is the same as that of the air conditioner
main body according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.
1.
[0083] In this case, inside the drain pan 8 is provided with the
antibacterial agent unit K which is connected to the drain cock 15
via a connecting member 224 and which has the antibacterial agents
19, 19--which provide bacteriostasis in the drain water D. Note
that the antibacterial agent unit K according to this embodiment is
the same as the antibacterial agent unit according to the first
embodiment.
[0084] This type of configuration can inhibit the growth of
bacteria in the drain water D by bacteriostasis of the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--contained in the antibacterial agent
unit K connected to the drain cock 15 via the connecting member 224
(in other words, disposed at the deepest portion 108a in the drain
pan 8) when the drain water D is present in the drain pan 8. Thus,
the growth of slimes in the drain pan 8 can be prevented.
[0085] On the other hand, when the drain cock 15 is removed in
order to drain the drain water D in the drain pan 8, it will be
possible to remove the antibacterial agent unit K together with the
drain cock 15 and thus it will be possible to easily perform
maintenance operation on the antibacterial agent unit K.
[0086] Other structures and effects in this embodiment is the same
as those in the sixth embodiment, thus explanations thereof are
omitted.
[0087] Note that, in this embodiment, the drain discharge device of
the air conditioner is described, however, the present invention is
of course applicable to a drain up kit and the like, which is
disposed in a midway of a drain line extending from the air
conditioner.
Eighth Embodiment
[0088] FIG. 18 shows an attachment structure for attaching an
antibacterial agent in an air conditioner according to an eighth
embodiment of the present.
[0089] An air conditioner according to this embodiment is a ceiling
embedded air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 18, this air conditioner
includes an air conditioner main body 303 which is located above a
rectangular-shaped opening 301 formed in a ceiling F and which is
suspended from and supported by a ridge beam (not shown) inside the
ceiling via suspension bolts (not shown), and a decorative panel
304 configured to cover the opening 301.
[0090] The air conditioner main body 303 has a generally annular
heat exchanger 306 in a casing 305 having a generally rectangular
parallelepiped shape, and a fan 307 located in the heat exchanger
306. The air conditioner main body 303 also has a drain pan 308
which is located below the heat exchanger 306 and configured to
receive drain water D that drops from the heat exchanger 306.
Reference numeral 309 indicates a bellmouth, and reference numeral
310 indicates an air passage.
[0091] The decorative panel 304 has a rectangular shape with a size
that is sufficient to cover the opening 301. The decorative panel
304 has an air inlet port 311 formed at the center thereof, and
four air outlet ports 313, each of which communicates with the air
passage 310, are formed around the air inlet port 311.
[0092] The heat exchanger 306 has a generally annular shape with an
open portion. The heat exchanger 306 is, for example, a cross fin
coil type heat exchanger.
[0093] The drain pan 308 has a generally annular shape with an open
portion so as to correspond to the shape of the heat exchanger 306,
and the drain pan 308 has a U shape in cross section.
[0094] FIGS. 19 and 20 both show an essential portion of an air
conditioner according to an eighth embodiment of the present.
[0095] In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, inside the drain pan 308
is provided with the antibacterial agent unit K having the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--which provide bacteriostasis in the
drain water D in a space between the heat exchanger 306 and an
inner peripheral wall (in other words, the suction port side
peripheral wall) 308a, and a support member 314 of the
antibacterial agent unit K extends in the direction of the
bellmouth 309 through above the inner peripheral wall (in other
words, suction port side peripheral wall) 308a of the drain pan
308. An inner end portion 314a of the support member 314 is
removably attached to a rim 309a formed at the inner peripheral
upper end of the bellmouth 309 by a screw 315 (in this embodiment,
the area in which the antibacterial agent unit K may be disposed is
a portion shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 23, that is, the area in
the vicinity of the inner peripheral wall 308a and an outer
peripheral wall 308b of the drain pan 8). A working opening 316 is
formed between the bellmouth 309 and the drain pan 308, and the
working opening 316 is covered by a cover plate 317 that is freely
removable. Note that the antibacterial agent unit K according to
this embodiment is the same as the antibacterial agent unit
according to the first embodiment.
[0096] This type of configuration can inhibit the growth of
bacteria in the drain water D by bacteriostasis of the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--contained in the antibacterial agent
unit K when the drain water D is present in the drain pan 308.
Thus, the growth of slimes in the drain pan 308 can be
prevented.
[0097] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, when the cover plate
317 is removed in a state in which the decorative panel 304 is
removed, it will be possible to remove the screw 315 from the
working opening 316 (in other words, the air inlet port 311 side).
As a result, by removing the support member 314 of the
antibacterial agent unit K from the working opening 316, it will be
possible to easily perform replacement or installation of
additional antibacterial agent unit K (in other words, maintenance
operation on the antibacterial agent unit K), without the need to
remove the drain pan 308.
[0098] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner of four-direction airflow type is described, however,
the present invention is of course applicable to a ceiling embedded
air conditioner of two-direction airflow or one-direction airflow
type.
Ninth Embodiment
[0099] FIGS. 21 and 22 both show an essential portion of an air
conditioner according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0100] In this case, inside the drain pan 308 is provided with the
antibacterial agent unit K at a position between the outer
peripheral wall (in other words, the discharge port side peripheral
wall) 308b and the heat exchanger 306. The support member 314 of
the antibacterial agent unit K has a generally inverted L shape and
is held by the outer peripheral wall (in other words, the discharge
port side peripheral wall) 308b of the drain pan 308 (in this
embodiment, the area in which the antibacterial agent unit K may be
disposed is a portion shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 23, that is,
the area in the vicinity of the inner peripheral wall 308a and an
outer peripheral wall 308b of the drain pan 8). In other words, an
outer end portion 414a of the support member 314 is configured so
as to be removable from the air outlet port 313. Note that the
antibacterial agent unit K according to this embodiment is the same
as the antibacterial agent unit according to the first
embodiment.
[0101] This type of configuration can inhibit the growth of
bacteria in the drain water D by bacteriostasis of the
antibacterial agents 19, 19--contained in the antibacterial agent
unit K when the drain water D is present in the drain pan 308.
Thus, the growth of slimes in the drain pan 308 can be
prevented.
[0102] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 22, by removing the
support member 314 of the antibacterial agent unit K from the air
outlet port 313 of the decorative panel 304, it will be possible to
easily perform replacement or installation of additional
antibacterial agent unit K (in other words, maintenance operation
on the antibacterial agent unit K), without the need to removal the
drain pan 308.
[0103] Other structures and effects in this embodiment are the same
as those in the eighth embodiment, thus explanations thereof are
omitted.
[0104] Note that, in this embodiment, the ceiling embedded air
conditioner of four-direction airflow type is described, however,
the present invention is of course applicable to a ceiling embedded
air conditioner of two-direction airflow or one-direction airflow
type.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0105] The air conditioner according to the present invention has
characteristics capable of simplifying the attachment structure of
the antibacterial agent unit K and also facilitating positioning
and replacement of the antibacterial agent unit K. The air
conditioner according to the present invention is useful as an air
conditioner for home and hospital use.
* * * * *