AU2014379851B2

AU2014379851B2 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: AU2014379851B2
Application number: AU2014379851A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tatsuya DEGAWA; Kenji Gajina; Tsuyoshi Kubota; Nobusato Yoshitake
Original assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corp
Priority date: 2014-01-24
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2018-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-07
Also published as: CN105829808A; JPWO2015111281A1; WO2015111281A1; JP6195391B2; AU2014379851A1; CN105829808B

Abstract

An air conditioner (1) is provided with: a main body (1a); a decorative panel (2) that is mounted to a lower end of the main body (1a), exposed to the interior of a room from the ceiling, and provided with an elongated air outlet (7); and a flat-shaped flap (8) that is provided at the air outlet (7) and has an elongated shape matching the air outlet (7). The flap (8) includes a decorative surface (8a) that is exposed to the interior of the room, a back surface (8b) that is located on the back of the decorative surface (8a), and a reinforcing portion (11) that is provided at a longitudinally intermediate portion of the back surface (8b). The reinforcing portion (11) has a reinforcing plate (11a) that faces the back surface (8b), and is provided with an air path (12) that allows the passage of air blown between the reinforcing plate (11a) and the back surface (8b) from the air outlet (7) and throttles the air.

Description

DESCRIPTION AIR CONDITIONER Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, and particularly to a flap structure for guiding the flow of cool or warm air discharged from the discharge port of a facing panel.

Background Art

The ceiling-embedded air conditioner comprises a main unit installed inside the ceiling. The main unit has an intake port formed in the lower surface thereof. The intake port is covered with a facing panel. The facing panel is exposed through the ceiling to the inside of- a room.

The facing panel of a standard air conditioner has an intake grille. The intake grille is formed in the shape of a square having four sides, and faces the intake port of the above-mentioned main unit. Further, the facing panel comprises four discharge ports along the periphery of the intake grille. The discharge ports have a slender shape extending along the respective sides of the intake grille, and are configured to discharge cool or warm air in four directions .

The four discharge ports of the facing panel are provided with respective flaps. The flaps horizontally guide, during a cooling operation, cool air discharged from the discharge ports, and guide downward, during a heating operation, warm air discharged from the discharge ports.

In conventional air conditioners, the flaps have an arcuate cross section that curves downward, in order to enhance the directivity of the cool air horizontally guided from the discharge port during the cooling operation. Further, the flaps each have a first end and a second end that are separate from each other along the length of the discharge port. At the first and second ends, the flap is cut by a constant width, whereby the width of the first and second ends is made narrower than the central portion of the flap.

Therefore, also during the cooling operation, cool air is discharged obliquely downward from the first and second ends of each flap, thereby suppressing smudging in which dust in the air soils the ceiling.

As described above, in the conventional air conditioner, the flap width is narrower at the first and second ends than at the central portion. This structure involves a problem in design that the interior of the discharge ports is seen through the first and second ends of each flap even when the air conditioner stops an air-conditioning operation and the flaps close the discharge ports.

In order to solve this problem, in an air conditioner disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the shapes of the sidewalls of discharge ports are defined so that the heat-exchanged air discharged from the central portion of each discharge port will be directed horizontally, and the air discharged from the opposite ends of each discharge port will be directed obliquely downward.

Furthermore, a flap provided at each discharge port is divided into three portions, namely, one central portion and a pair of side portions. The central portion of each flap is an element for horizontally guiding cool air discharged from a corresponding discharge port, and is curved such that its downstream end is horizontally directed. The side portions of each flap are elements for guiding obliquely downward cool air discharged from the discharge port, and are curved such that the downstream ends of the side portions are directed further downward than the downstream end of the central portion.

Moreover, a pair of slits extending along the width of each flap are formed between the central portion and the side portions of each flap, thereby partitioning the central portion from the respective side portions. More specifically, each flap is formed of a single slender plate material. This plate material is divided into three areas by a pair of slits extending widthwise from an elongated edge of the plate, whereby the central area is curved with a great curvature, and the other two areas located on both sides of the central area are curved with a curvature smaller than that of the central area.

Thus, the central area of the plate constitutes the central portion of the flap, and the two areas located on both sides of the central portion constitute the side portions of the flap.

Citation List

Patent Literature 1 JP 2010-281539 A

Summary of Invention

According to the conventional air conditioner, the slits of the flap are cut from the downstream edge of the flap toward the upstream edge of the flap, and the ends of the slits are positioned immediately before the upstream edges of the flap. Thus, the central portion and side portions of the flap are connected only by a slight portion that continuously extends from the upstream edge of the flap, and greater parts of the central and side portions of the flap are separated by the slits.

This structure makes it difficult to hold the shapes of the central and side portions of the flap, and to keep reliable strength of the flap.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide an air conditioner in which the discharge ports and the flaps have simple structures, and the flaps have a sufficient strength.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an air conditioner comprising: a main unit installed inside a ceiling; a facing panel attached to a lower end of the main unit, exposed to a room through the ceiling, and provided with a slender discharge port configured to discharge air into the room; a tabular flap provided at the discharge port, and having a slender shape corresponding to the discharge port, the flap including a first end portion located at one lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, a second end portion located at another lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, and an intermediate portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion inside the discharge port, and configured to change a discharge direction of air discharged from the discharge port when rotated within the discharge port, wherein the flap includes a facing side exposed to an inside of the room, a backside opposite to the facing side, and a reinforcing portion provided at the backside for reinforcing the flap at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and the reinforcing portion includes a reinforcing plate facing the backside of the flap at the position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and an air passage provided between the reinforcing plate and the backside for permitting air discharged from the discharge port to pass therethrough and for restricting the volume of the air, and an airflow guide standing from the backside of the flap, the airflow guide provided on a downstream side edge of the flap in a direction in which air discharged from the discharge port flows, wherein the airflow guide includes a central portion corresponding to a position of the reinforcing portion, a first side portion corresponding to a position of the first end portion, and a second side portion corresponding to a position of the second end portion, the first and second side portions of the airflow guide having a height less than a height of the central portion of the airflow guide.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an air conditioner comprising: a main unit installed inside a ceiling; a facing panel attached to a lower end of the main unit, exposed to a room through the ceiling, and provided with a slender discharge port configured to discharge air into the room; a tabular flap provided at the discharge port, and having a slender shape corresponding to the discharge port, the flap including a first end portion located at one lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, a second end portion located at another lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, and an intermediate portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion inside the discharge port, and configured to change a discharge direction of air discharged from the discharge port when rotated within the discharge port, wherein the flap includes a facing side exposed to an inside of the room, a backside opposite to the facing side, and a reinforcing portion provided at the backside for reinforcing the flap at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and the reinforcing portion includes a reinforcing plate facing the backside of the flap at the position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and an air passage provided between the reinforcing plate and the backside for permitting air discharged from the discharge port to pass therethrough and for restricting a volume of the air, an airflow guide standing from the backside of the flap, the airflow guide provided on a downstream side edge of the flap in a direction in which air discharged from the discharge port flows, wherein the airflow guide is provided only in an area of the side edge of the flap corresponding to the reinforcing portion.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ceiling-embedded air conditioner of the first embodiment, viewed from a facing panel thereof. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a flap provided at a discharge port. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 3 indicated by F4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioner, showing the discharge direction of cool air guided by a flap. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a flap according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a flap according to modification 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a flap according to modification 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a flap according to modification 3 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment, showing the discharge direction of cool air discharged from a discharge port. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment, showing the discharge direction of cool air discharged from a discharge port. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment, viewed from a facing panel thereof. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the facing panel, a discharge port and a flap in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the route of cool air discharged from the discharge port of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioner according to a reference example associated with the present invention. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a flap used in the reference example. FIG. 17 is a side view of the flap used in the reference example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [First Embodiment]

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ceiling-embedded air conditioner viewed from a facing panel thereof.

The air conditioner 1 comprises, as main elements, a main unit la installed within a ceiling, and a facing panel 2 attached to the lower end of the main unit la. As shown in FIG. 5, the main unit la is inserted in an opening Al formed in a ceiling panel A, and is hung from a beam of the ceiling via a plurality of hanging bolts .

As shown in FIG. 1, the main unit la comprises a casing 3 formed of a sheet metal. The casing 3 is a downward opening box-shaped element, and includes a top plate portion 3a and side plate portions 3b that are obtained by working a metal plate. The inner peripheral surface of the casing 3 is entirely covered with an adiabatic material, such as styrene foam. That is, the main unit la has a heat insulation structure. A blower is provided in the substantially central area in the main unit la. As the blower, a so-called turbo fan for introducing air in an axial direction and discharging the air circumferentially is used.

Further, a intake port 6 having such a shape as a bell mouth is formed in the lower end of the main unit la. The intake port 6 is located at the intake end of the blower . A heat exchanger as the discharge side of the blower is arranged around the blower. The heat exchanger is in a substantially square shape and surrounds the periphery of the blower. A drain pan is provided along the lower portion of the heat exchanger. The drain pan receives drain water produced by heat exchange of the heat exchanger when the air conditioner 1 is operated in a cooling mode. The drain water collected in the drain pan is drained by a drain pump to the outside of the air conditioner 1.

The facing panel 2 covers the lower end of the casing 3 from below. The facing panel 2 is made to look good, using, for example, a synthetic tree material. The facing panel 2 is exposed to the room through the lower surface of the ceiling panel A, covering the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the main unit la and the opening A1 of the ceiling panel A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the facing panel 2 comprises an intake grille 4 and a panel main body 5. The intake grille 4 is provided in a substantially center portion of the facing panel 2. The intake grille 4 is formed in the shape of, for example, a square, and is removably supported by the casing 3 via a vertically movable mechanism or a rotatable mechanism. The panel main body 5 is in the shape of a square frame having four pieces, and is coupled to the casing 3. The panel main body 5 surrounds the intake grille 4 circumferentially continuously.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the intake grille 4 projects slightly downward relative to the panel main body 5. This enables a step, which may easily occur between the intake grille 4 and the panel main body 5, to be inconspicuous when these elements are positioned in substantially the same plane.

As shown in FIG. 2, the intake grille 4 comprises a peripheral portion formed in the shape of a square frame, and a grille portion 4a surrounded by the peripheral portion. Four pieces that define the peripheral portion are formed of slender flat plates having a predetermined width. The grille portion 4a is located at the center of the intake grille 4. A filter (not shown) is removably supported on the backside of the grille portion 4a. The grille portion 4a faces the intake port 6 of the main unit 1.

At the time of maintenance of the filter, the intake grille 4 is pulled down or rotated downward. As a result, the intake port 6 of the main unit 1 is opened, whereby the filter can be removed from the intake grille 4 and can be cleaned on a floor.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the panel main body 5 of the facing panel 2 has four discharge ports 7. The discharge ports 7 are elements for discharging, in four directions, air already subjected to heat exchange by the heat exchanger, and are provided in the four pieces of the panel main body 5.

Specifically, the panel main body 5 comprises four corner covers 4c located at the four corners of the panel main body 5, and four panel pieces 4b each located between a corresponding pair of adjacent corner covers 4c. The panel pieces 4b extend along the periphery of the intake grille 4 outside the intake grille 4. Thus, the areas surrounded by the periphery of the intake grille 4, the panel pieces 4b, and the adjacent corner covers 4c constitute the above-mentioned discharge ports 7. The discharge ports 7 adjacent along the periphery of the intake grille 4 are maintained in such a positional relationship that they intersect each other at right angles, with the corner covers 4c interposed therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge port 7 is in a slender shape extending along a corresponding side of the intake grille 4. More specifically, the discharge port 7 has a first dimension LI along the length thereof, and a second dimension L2 along the width thereof, the second dimension LI being much shorter than the first dimension LI. Further, the discharge port 7 has a pair of ends d separate from each other along the length. The ends d are defined by the corner covers 4c of the panel main body 5. Each end d extends along the width of the discharge port 7, and projects perpendicularly.

As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge port 7 has an inner wall 7a and an outer wall 7b. The inner wall 7a provides the inner surface of the discharge port 7 that extends continuously along the length. Similarly, the outer wall 7b provides the outer surface of the discharge port 7 that extends continuously along the length. The inner wall 7a and the outer wall 7b face each other along the width of the discharge port 7, downward incline toward the outer peripheral portion of the panel main body 5.

Flaps 8 are provided at the respective four discharge ports 7 of the panel main body 5. The flaps 8 are elements for changing the direction of air discharged from the discharge ports 7 into the room.

The structure of each flap 8 will hereafter be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the flap 8, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of FIG. 3 indicated by F4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, showing the attitude of the flap 8 assumed when the air conditioner 1 is operated in a cooling mode.

The flap 8 is formed of the same material as the intake grille 4 and the panel main body 5. It is desirable to make the flap 8 in the same color as the intake grille 4 and the panel main body 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the flap 8 is a slender flat plate corresponding to the shape of the discharge port 7, and has a size that enables the flap 8 to be fitted in the discharge port 7. However, the flap 8 is formed slightly smaller than the discharge port 7 so as not to raise trouble when opening and closing the discharge port 7. Further, it is desirable to set the size of the flap 8 so as not to form a conspicuous gap between the peripheral edge of the discharge port 7 and the outer periphery of the flap 8.

The flap 8 comprises a facing side 8a exposed to the inside of the room, a backside 8b opposite to the facing side 8a, and a first side edge a and a second side edge b extending along the length of the flap 8. The facing side 8a and the backside 8b are formed flat. The first side edge a is located upstream of the widthwise central portion of the flap 8 along the flow of the air discharged from the discharge port 7. The second side edge b is located downstream of the widthwise central portion of the flap 8 along the flow of the air discharged from the discharge port 7.

The flap 8 also comprises a first end portion 8c, a second end portion 8d, and an intermediate portion 8e. The first end portion 8c is located at one end of the flap 8 along the length of the same. The second end portion 8d is located at the other end of the flap 8 along the length of the same. The intermediate portion 8e is located between the first and second end portions 8c and 8d.

Support wall 9a is formed on the first end portion 8c of the flap 8. Similarly, support wall 9b is formed on the second end portion 8d of the flap 8. Support walls 9a and 9b are separate from each other along the length of the flap 8, and stand from the backside 8b of the flap 8. Support shafts 10a and 10b are provided on the outer surfaces of respective support walls 9a and 9b. Support shafts 10a and 10b are arranged coaxially along the length of the flap 8.

Support shafts 10a and 10b are supported by a rotary mechanism (not shown) provided inside the discharge port 7. Thus, in this embodiment, the flap 8 is rotatable about support shafts 10a and 10b between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the flap 8 is positioned horizontally in the discharge port 7 to close the discharge port 7. In the second position, the flap 8 is positioned vertically in the discharge port 7 to open the discharge port 7.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a reinforcing portion 11 is formed integral with the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8. The reinforcing portion 11 has a flat reinforcing plate 11a. The reinforcing plate 11a extends along the first side edge a of the flap 8.

Right-angled stand portions lib and 11c are formed at the lengthwise opposite ends of the reinforcing plate 11a. Stand portions lib and 11c extend along the width of the flap 8, and have their tips fixed to the backside 8b of the flap 8. Thus, the reinforcing plate 11a is arranged parallel to the backside 8b of the flap 8 .

Between the reinforcing plate 11a and the backside 8b of the flap 8, a gap c corresponding to the height of stand portions lib and 11c is formed. The gap c defines a narrow air passage 12 above the flap 8.

In the embodiment, one of the stand portions (i.e., stand portion lib) is separate from support wall 9a on the backside 8b of the flap 8. The other stand portion 11c is separate from support wall 9b on the backside 8b of the flap 8. Further, the reinforcing plate 11a is distant from the second side edge b of the flap 8. Accordingly, the backside 8b of the flap 8 has an area projecting, relative to the reinforcing plate 11a, on the downstream side of the air discharged from the discharge port 7.

As shown in FIG. 3, a coupling rib 13 is formed integral with the lengthwise central portion of the reinforcing plate 11a. The coupling rib 13 extends along the width of the flap 8, and couples the reinforcing plate 11a to the backside 8b of the flap 8 in the air passage 12. In other words, the coupling . rib 13 supports the intermediate portion of the reinforcing plate 11a to thereby prevent deformation of the intermediate portion.

There are no particular limitations in the number of coupling ribs 13 and the position thereof. The greater the number of coupling ribs 13, the stronger the reinforcing plate 11a. In this case, however, the resistance of the air passing through the air passage 12 increases.

In the embodiment, the thickness of the flap 8 is made constant, except for the portion facing the reinforcing plate 11a. Specifically, in the portion of the flap 8 facing the reinforcing plate 11a, the thickness is continuously reduced from the second side edge b to the first side edge a.

Thus, the portion of the flap 8 facing the reinforcing plate 11a is gradually reduced toward the upstream of the air discharged from the discharge port 7, thereby suppressing, as much as possible, the resistance of the air discharged from the discharge port 7.

It is not always necessary to delicately change the thickness of the flap 8 in a position corresponding to the reinforcing plate 11a, as is mentioned above.

For instance, the thickness of the flap 8 may be made uniform over the entire flap.

In the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment, the flap 8 provided in the discharge port 7 is formed of a slender flat plate corresponding to the shape of the discharge port 7, and the facing side 8a exposed to the inside of the room is formed flat.

Therefore, if the flap 8 is rotated to the first position when the air conditioner 1 is stopped, the flap 8 becomes horizontal and closes the discharge port 7 completely. Where the flap 8 closes the discharge port 7, it is located in the same plane as the panel pieces 4b and corner covers 4c of the panel main body 5, and the panel main body 5 appears just like one construction.

This means that when the air conditioner 1 stops operation, the inside of the main unit la cannot be seen through the discharge port 7, and the appearance of the air conditioner 1 looks good.

Furthermore, in the flap 8 of the embodiment, the intake grille 4 and the panel main body 5 are formed of the same material, and the facing side 8a and the backside 8b are painted in the same color. Therefore, the flap 8, the intake grille 4 and the panel main body 5 exhibit an enhanced sense of unity, which prevents a sense of unattractiveness from occurring when the facing panel 2 is viewed from below in the room. Thus, the attractiveness of the facing panel 2 is enhanced, and the facing panel 2 exhibits a simple and beautiful appearance that can suit with any type of ceiling.

When the air conditioner 1 starts operation in the cooling mode, the flap 8 is rotated through a desired angle set by, for example, a remote controller, as is shown in FIG. 5, and the first side edge a is directed downward. At the same time, the blower is driven to thereby draw air from the room into the main unit la through the intake grille 4 and the intake port 6.

The air drawn from the room into the main unit la is subjected to heat exchange while passing through the heat exchanger. The air cooled by the heat exchange is discharged as cool air into the room through the discharge port 7, thereby cooling the room.

The flap 8 provided in the discharge port 7 changes the direction of flow of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7. More specifically, the flap 8, which has the reinforcing portion 11 at the backside 8b of the intermediate portion 8e, separates the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into component XI flowing along the facing side 8a of the flap 8, component X2 passing through the narrow air passage 12 of the reinforcing portion 11, component X3 flowing along the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 11a of the reinforcing portion 11, and component X4 flowing along the backside 8b of the flap 8 outside the reinforcing portion 11, as is indicated by arrows in FIGS. 3 to 5.

Since the air passage 12 of the reinforcing portion 11 is defined by the gap c corresponding to the height of stand portions lib and 11c of the reinforcing plate 11a, the air passage area is restricted within the discharge port 7. Therefore, component X2 of the cool air is restricted while passing through the air passage 12, whereby the flow rate of the cool air passing through the air passage 12 becomes greater than that of the cool air passing along the backside 8b of the flap 8 outside the reinforcing portion 11.

In other words, at the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8, the flow rate of the cool air guided by the flap 8 becomes greater, while at the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8, the flow rate of the cool air guided by the flap 8 becomes less than at the intermediate portion 8e.

Thus, the flow rate of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 and guided along the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8 is high, whereby this cool air exhibits a higher directivity as indicated by arrows X2 in FIG. 3, and becomes a horizontal airflow that can reach a far point. In contrast, the flow rate of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 and guided along the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8 is low, whereby this cool air exhibits a lower directivity than the cool air guided by the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8, as is indicated by arrows X4 in FIG. 3.

Accordingly, the cool air guided along the first and second end portions 8c and 8d becomes an airflow that cannot reach a far point and is directed obliquely downward. The airflow directed obliquely downward means an airflow directed at a further acute angle than the slope of the flap 8, or an airflow directed further downward than aimed by the flap 8.

As described above, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 can be guided by a single flap 8 in two directions, i.e., horizontally and obliquely downward.

In addition, in the embodiment, the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8 outside the reinforcing portion 11 adjoin the corner covers 4c. Since the cool air guided by the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d has a low directivity as described above, it diffuses around the discharge ports 7.

For this reason, the flap 8 of the embodiment can secure the flow of cool air directed obliquely downward from the discharge ports 7, also on the extensions of the diagonal lines e of the facing panel 2 passing through the corner covers 4c, compared to the conventional flap having its opposite ends cut by a predetermined width along the length of the flap.

Therefore, the occurrence of smudging, in which dust in the room is adhered to the lower surface of the ceiling panel A, can be avoided.

By the way, if the flap 8 for changing the direction of the flow of cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 is formed in the shape of a flat slender plate, it is necessary to relatively thicken the flap 8 or to curve the same widthwise. Otherwise, the flap 8 lacks strength and may be deformed.

However, since the first embodiment employs the reinforcing portion 11 on the backside 8b of the flat flap 8, it is not necessary to widthwise curve the flap 8 in order to secure the strength thereof, even if it is formed relatively thin.

Thus, the flap 8 can be prevented from curving along its length, and the facing side 8a of the flap 8 can be formed flat. As a result, the flap 8 exhibits a simple shape, which contributes to improvement in the appearance of the facing panel 2.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of a flap 8A of the air conditioner. Since the flap 8A has substantially the same structure as the first embodiment, elements thereof similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by corresponding reference numbers, and no detailed description will be given thereof.

As shown in FIG. 6, an airflow guide 15 is formed integral with the second side edge b of the flap 8A as one body. The airflow guide 15 is a rib-shaped element used to change the direction of the flow of air along the backside 8b of the flap 8A, and is located downstream of the flap 8A along the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge port 7.

Furthermore, the airflow guide 15 extends along the entire length of the flap 8A, and stands from the backside 8b at the side edge b of the flap 8A.

In the second embodiment, the airflow guide 15 has a central portion 15a corresponding to the position of the reinforcing portion 11, a first side portion 15b corresponding to the position of the first end portion 8c of the flap 8A, and a second side portion 15c corresponding to the position of the second end portion 8d of the flap 8A.

The height HI of the first and second side portions 15b and 15c of the airflow guide 15 is set lower than the height H2 of the central portion 15a.

As a result, respective steps S are formed along the height of the airflow guide 15 at the boundary between the central portion 15a and the first side portion 15b, and the boundary between the central portion 15a and the second side portion 15c.

In the second embodiment, when cool air X2 guided by the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8A, and cool air·X4 guided by the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8A, reach the second edge b of the flap 8A as a downstream edge, they collide with the airflow guide 15 standing from the second side edge b.

When having collided with the airflow guide 15, the discharge angle of the cool air guided obliquely downward from the discharge port 7 along the slope of the flap 8A is changed to be horizontal. Thus, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into the room can be guided substantially horizontally along the lower surface of the ceiling panel A, with its volume sufficiently secured by increasing the degree of opening of the flap 8A. As a result, the feeling of drafts can be suppressed.

Further, in the airflow guide 15 of the flap 8A, the height HI of the first and second side portions 15b and 15c is less than the height H2 of the central portion 15a. For this reason, cool air X4 guided by the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8A is discharged at an angle slightly closer to the horizontal than the obliquely downward discharge direction along the slope of the flap 8A. This is advantageous in suppressing the feeling of drafts while preventing occurrence of smudging.

[Modification 1 of second embodiment] FIG. 7 shows modification 1 associated with the second embodiment. A flap 8B shown in FIG. 7 has substantially the same structure as the flap 8A of the second embodiment. Therefore, in modification 1, elements similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by corresponding reference numbers, and no detailed description will be given thereof.

In the flap 8B disclosed in modification 1, the height H of the airflow guide 15 is constant over the entire length of the flap 8B. The other structures are the same as those of the flap 8A of the second embodiment.

In modification 1, when cool air X2 guided by the intermediate portion 8e of the flap 8B, and cool air X4 guided by the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8B, reach the second side edge b of the flap 8B as the downstream end, they collide with the airflow guide 15.

Thus,, the cool air obliquely downward guided from the discharge port 7 along the slope of the flap 8B collides with the airflow guide 15, whereby the discharge angle of the cool air is changed to be horizontal. This means that the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into the room can be guided substantially horizontally along the lower surface of the ceiling panel A, with its volume sufficiently secured by increasing the degree of opening of the flap 8B. As a result, the feeling of drafts can be suppressed.

[Modification 2 of second embodiment] FIG. 8 shows modification 2 associated with the second embodiment.

In a flap 8C disclosed in modification 2, the airflow guide 15 is provided only in an area of the second side edge b of the flap 8C that faces the downstream side of the reinforcing portion 11. Accordingly, areas of the backside 8b of the flap 8C corresponding to the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8C are formed flat.

In modification 2, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 is divided into a mainstream portion discharged from the lengthwise central portion of the discharge port 7, and sidestream portions discharged from the lengthwise opposite ends of the discharge port 7. The mainstream of the cool air flows higher than the sidestream portions, and has its discharge angle changed to be horizontal when it collides with the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 11a of the flap 8C inclined within the discharge port 7. At the same time, the mainstream of the cool air is restricted during passing through the air passage 12 of the reinforcing portion 11, whereby its flow rate further increases.

The mainstream of the cool air having collided with the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 11a, and the mainstream of the cool air having passed through the air passage 12, collide with the airflow guide 15 at the downstream end of the flap 8C. When the mainstream of the cool air guided obliquely downward from the discharge port 7 along the slope of the flap 8C has collided with the airflow guide 15, its discharge angle is changed to be horizontal.

As described above, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into the room can be guided substantially horizontally along the lower surface of the ceiling panel A, with its volume sufficiently secured by increasing the degree of opening of the flap 8C. As a result, the feeling of drafts can be suppressed.

In contrast, the sidestreams of the cool air having a lower flow rate than the mainstream flow along the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8C. Since the airflow guide 15 does not exist at the downstream ends of the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8C, the sidestreams of the cool air flow, spreading further downward than the inclination angle of the flap 8C or than the direction aimed by the flap 8C.

Therefore, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 can be guided both horizontally and obliquely downward, using the single flat flap 8C.

Thus, the cool air can be guided from the ceiling to a wide area in the room.

Furthermore, in modification 2, the cool air guided by the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and end 8d spreads obliquely downward with respect to the discharge port 7 as mentioned above. Accordingly, even at extensions of the two diagonal lines of the facing panel 2, the cool air directed obliquely downward from the discharge port 7 can be secured.

Therefore, occurrence of smudging where dust in the room adheres to the lower surface of the ceiling panel A can be prevented.

[Modification 3 of second embodiment] FIG. 9 discloses modification 3 associated with the second embodiment. A flap 8D shown in FIG. 9 has substantially the same structure as the flap 8A of the second embodiment. Therefore, in modification 3, elements similar to those of the second embodiment are denoted by corresponding reference numbers, and no detailed description will be given thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, adiabatic members 20 are attached to respective areas of the backside 8b of the flap 8D corresponding to the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8D. As the adiabatic members 20, tabular foaming urethane material can be used, for example.

In modification 3, the sidestreams of the cool air having a low flow rate flow along the backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8D, as described above in modification 2.

Under these circumstances, if the volume of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 is extremely small, this cool air is also guided to the facing side 8a of the flap 8D. If the preset temperature of the cool air is low, condensation may occur in areas corresponding to the first and second end portions 8c and 8d of the flap 8D.

In the flap 8D of modification 3, the adiabatic members 20 are attached to the respective backside portions 8b of the first and second end portions 8c and 8d. This structure prevents occurrence, on the facing side 8a, of condensation based on a temperature difference, thereby preventing condensation from trickling indoors.

The adiabatic members 20 according to modification 3 are also applicable to the flap 8 of the first embodiment, the flap 8A of the second embodiment, the flap 8B of modification 1, and the flap 8C of modification 2.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the discharge port 7 of the facing panel 2. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, elements similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by corresponding reference numbers, and no detailed description will be given thereof.

As shown in FIG. 10, a vertical portion 30 is formed on the outer wall 7b that provides the outer surface of the discharge port 7. The vertical portion 30 has a vertical surface 30a located at the intermediate portion of the outer wall 7b along the height thereof. The vertical surface 30a is provided in a position in which it is exposed to the discharge port 7, and just faces the reinforcing plate 11a of the flap 8 when the flap 8 is rotated obliquely downward.

Accordingly, where the flap 8 is rotated obliquely downward, the downstream portion of the backside 8b of the flap 8, which continuously extends from the second side edge b, is positioned just below the vertical surface 30a.

In the third embodiment, the mainstream of the cool air, which is included in the cool circuit discharged from the discharge port 7 and is discharged from the lengthwise central portion of the discharge port 7, collides with the vertical surface 30a of the outer wall 7b, whereby it is directed vertically downward, as is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10.

Just below the vertical surface 30a, the downstream portion of the backside 8b of the flap 8, which continuously extends from the second side edge b, is positioned. By virtue of this structure, the mainstream of the cool air, which is guided by the vertical surface 30a to be directed vertically below the discharge port 7, collides with the downstream portion of the backside 8b of the flap 8, and is guided obliquely downward along the slope of the flap 8.

Thus, the mainstream of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into the room can be positively guided to the backside 8b of the flap 8, thereby reliably controlling the discharge direction of the cool air, using the flap 8.

[The 4th embodiment] FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the former employs the flap 8B instead of the flap 8 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7. The structure of the discharge port 7 with the flap 8B is the same as that of the third embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the flap 8B comprises an airflow guide 15 standing from the second side edge b. When reaching the second side edge b as the downstream end of the flap 8B, cool air flowing along the backside 8b of the inclined flap 8B collides with the airflow guide 15.

When the cool air guided obliquely downward from the discharge port 7 along the slope of the flap 8B collides with the airflow guide 15, the discharge angle of the cool air is changed to be horizontal. Thus, also where the volume of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 into the room is sufficiently secured by increasing the degree of opening of the flap 8, the cool air can be guided substantially horizontally along the lower surface of the ceiling panel A.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the discharge direction of the cool air can be reliably controlled, which is advantageous in suppressing the feeling of drafts, as in the third embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIGS. 12 to 14 show a fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the internal structure of the discharge port 7, and is substantially similar to the latter in the other structures. Although the fifth embodiment employs the flap 8A shown in FIG. 6, the flap 8 shown in FIG. 3, the flap 8B shown in FIG. 7, the flap 8C shown in FIG. 8, or the flap 8D shown in FIG. 9 may be used instead. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the flap. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a facing panel according to the fifth embodiment. From this figure, the flap is omitted. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the facing panel and the flap, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the route of cool air discharged from the vicinity of the end face of the discharge port.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, block members 40 are provided at the lengthwise opposite ends of each discharge port 7. The block members 40 are provided adjacent to the ends d of the respective discharge ports 7 and extend along the respective widths of the discharge ports 7. A recess 41 for avoiding the flap 8A is formed in the central portion of each block member 40. This structure enables the block members 40 to be prevented from interfering with the flaps 8A, whereby the rotation of the flaps 8A is not interrupted.

Further, the block members 40 are recessed within the respective discharge ports 7, without projecting from the lower surface of the panel main body 5. The lower surface 40a of each block member 40 is a flat surface perpendicular to the ends d.

In the fifth embodiment, since the inner wall 7a and the outer wall 7b of the discharge port 7 downward incline toward the outer periphery of the facing panel 2, the discharge direction of cool air is obliquely downward. In contrast, the ends d of the discharge port 7 are arranged vertically, and hence part of the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7 is guided along the ends d to reach positions directly below the discharge port 7.

Since the ends d of the discharge port 7 are defined by the corner covers 4c of the panel main body 5, it is difficult for the cool air guided along the ends d to positions just below the discharge port 7 to diffuse along the lower surfaces of the corner covers 4c. In other words, the lower surfaces of the corner covers 4c are hard to expose to cool air. Depending upon the operation conditions of the air conditioner 1, condensation may occur on the lower surfaces of the corner covers 4c.

In the fifth embodiment, the block members 40 are provided adjacent to the ends d of each discharge port 7. Accordingly, as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 13 and 14, part of the cool air discharged from the vicinity of the ends d of each discharge port 7 collides with the block members 40, whereby the discharge direction of the part of the cool air is changed to flow substantially horizontally along the lower surfaces 40a of the block members 40.

Thus, the cool air flows to the corner covers 4c by way of the block members 40, thereby preventing occurrence of condensation on the corner covers 4c.

[Reference Example] FIGS. 15 to 17 show a reference example associated with the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an air conditioner, showing a state in which a discharge port thereof is enlarged. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a flap. FIG. 17 is a side view of the flap.

As indicated by outline arrows in FIG. 15, cool air resulting from heat exchange by a heat exchanger N of the main unit la is made to be a cool airflow by a fan and guided to the discharge port 7. Since as described above, the inner wall 7a and outer wall 7b of the discharge port 7 downward incline toward the outer periphery of the facing panel 2, the cool air is guided along the outer and inner walls 7a and 7b and discharged from the discharge port 7 obliquely downward. A flap 8E provided in the discharge port 7 is configured to guide, in two directions, the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7. More specifically, the flap 8E has an extremely narrow width relative to its length, and the facing side 8a thereof exposed to the room has an entirely flat shape without significant unevenness. Regarding this point, the flap 8E is the same as the flap 8 of the first embodiment.

In the flap 8E as the reference example, a pair of support shafts 10a and 10b are provided coaxially at opposite extensions of the first side edge a of the flap 8E. Further, the widthwise central portion of the facing side 8a of the flap 8E is slightly curved downward.

Further, a first airflow guide 51, a second airflow guide 52 and a third airflow guide 53 are provided on the backside 8b of the flap 8E. The first airflow guide 51 is located at the lengthwise central portion 8e of the flap 8E. The first airflow guide 51 has a flat first guide surface 51a.

The second airflow guide 52 is located at the first end portion 8c of the flap 8E. The second airflow guide 52 has a second guide surface 52a for receiving the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7. The third airflow guide 53 is located at the second end portion 8d of the flap 8E. The third airflow guide 53 has a third guide surface 53a for receiving the cool air discharged from the discharge port 7. The second and third guide surfaces 52a and 53a are arcuately curved along the facing side 8a.

Furthermore, the first airflow guide 51 is formed thicker than the second and third airflow guides 52 and 53. Therefore, a step 54a is formed along the thickness of the flap 8E between the first and second airflow guides 51 and 52, and a step 54b is formed along the thickness of the flap 8E between the first and third airflow guides 51 and 53.

Where the flap 8E is inclined to guide the cool air obliquely downward with respect to the discharge port 7, the first guide surface 51a of the first airflow guide 51 is positioned above the second guide surface 52a of the second airflow guide 52 and the third guide surface 53a of the third airflow guide 53, as is shown in FIG. 15.

In this case, the cool air guided along the first guide surface 51a of the first airflow guide 51 serves as a mainstream, and the cool air guided along the second guide surface 52a of the second airflow guide 52 and the third guide surface 53a of the third airflow guide 53 serve as sidestreams directed further downward than the mainstream.

That is, the volume of the mainstream of the cool air guided substantially horizontally from the discharge port 7 is secured by guiding the mainstream of the cool air discharged from the lengthwise central portion of the discharge port 7, using the first guide surface 51a of the flap 8E, thereby eliminating the feeling of drafts.

Moreover, the sidestreams of the cool air discharged from the lengthwise opposite ends of the discharge port 7 can be diffused into the room by guiding the sidestreams using the second and third guide surfaces 52a and 53a. As a result, smudging that may easily occur on the extensions of the diagonal lines e of the facing panel 2 can be suppressed.

If the length of the second airflow guide 52 and the third airflow guide 53 is f, it is desirable to set, to L > 1.5 x f, the length L between the lengthwise center g of the first airflow guide 51 and the end of the second airflow guide 52 (or the end of the third airflow guide 53).

From various types of experimental data, it has been detected that a sufficient volume of cool air can be guided substantially horizontally by the first airflow guide 51 of the flap 8E, if the lengths f and L are set as mentioned above. In this case, the volume of cool air guided obliquely downward by the second and third airflow guides 52 and 53 of the flap 8E can be minimized.

As shown in FIG. 17, it is desirable to raise the first guide surface 51a of the first airflow guide 51 by 5° with respect to the second guide surface 52a of the second airflow guide 52.

From various types of experimental data, it has been detected that a sufficient volume of cool air can be guided substantially horizontally by the first guide surface 51a of the first airflow guide 51, if the first guide surface 51a is raised by 5° with respect to the second guide surface 52a.

At the same time, deviation of airflow direction between the cool air guided by the first guide surface 51a and the cool air guided by the second and third guide surfaces 52a and 53a can be minimized.

In the first embodiment, when the discharge port 7 is completely closed by the flap 8, the facing side 8a of the flap 8 is level with the lower surface of the panel main body 5. In contrast, in the flap 8E as the reference example, the support shafts 10a and 10b, about which the flap 8E rotates, are provided coaxially at extensions of the first side edge a of the flap 8E. Accordingly, when the flap 8E completely closes the discharge port 7, substantially the widthwise half area of the facing side 8a of the flap 8E from the first side edge a is level with the lower surface of the panel main body 5, and the remaining half of the facing side 8a is not level with the lower surface of the panel main body 5 and positioned within the discharge port 7.

In this case, if support walls 9a and 9b are formed on the first and second end portions 8c and 8d, and support shafts 10a and 10b are attached to the outer surfaces of support walls 9a and 9b, the flap 8E can be shaped as a slender flat plate instead of the curved flap, as in the flap 8 of the first embodiment.

In this case, when the flap 8E completely closes the discharge port 7, the facing side 8a of the flap 8E is level with the lower surface of the panel main body 5.

The above-described embodiments are presented just as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope. For instance, various omissions, replacements, changes, etc., may be made. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the inventions recited in the claims and the equivalents of the inventions.

Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components. A reference herein to a patent document or any other matter identified as prior art, is not to be taken as an admission that the document or other matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Reference Signs List 1---Air conditioner, la---Main unit, 2---Facing panel, 7---Discharge ports, 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E---Flap, 8a---Facing side, 8b---Backside, ll---Reinforcing portion, 1 la·-Reinforcing plate, 12---Air passage, 15---Airflow guide .

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a main unit installed inside a ceiling; a facing panel attached to a lower end of the main unit, exposed to a room through the ceiling, and provided with a slender discharge port configured to discharge air into the room; a tabular flap provided at the discharge port, and having a slender shape corresponding to the discharge port, the flap including a first end portion located at one lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, a second end portion located at another lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, and an intermediate portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion inside the discharge port, and configured to change a discharge direction of air discharged from the discharge port when rotated within the discharge port, wherein the flap includes a facing side exposed to an inside of the room, a backside opposite to the facing side, and a reinforcing portion provided at the backside for reinforcing the flap at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and the reinforcing portion includes a reinforcing plate facing the backside of the flap at the position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and an air passage provided between the reinforcing plate and the backside for permitting air discharged from the discharge port to pass therethrough and for restricting a volume of the air; and an airflow guide standing from the backside of the flap, the airflow guide provided on a downstream side edge of the flap in a direction in which air discharged from the discharge port flows, wherein the airflow guide includes a central portion corresponding to a position of the reinforcing portion, a first side portion corresponding to a position of the first end portion, and a second side portion corresponding to a position of the second end portion, the first and second side portions of the airflow guide having a height less than a height of the central portion of the airflow guide.

2. An air conditioner comprising: a main unit installed inside a ceiling; a facing panel attached to a lower end of the main unit, exposed to a room through the ceiling, and provided with a slender discharge port configured to discharge air into the room; a tabular flap provided at the discharge port, and having a slender shape corresponding to the discharge port, the flap including a first end portion located at one lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, a second end portion located at an other lengthwise end of the flap inside the discharge port, and an intermediate portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion inside the discharge port, and configured to change a discharge direction of air discharged from the discharge port when rotated within the discharge port, wherein the flap includes a facing side exposed to an inside of the room, a backside opposite to the facing side, and a reinforcing portion provided at the backside for reinforcing the flap at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and the reinforcing portion includes a reinforcing plate facing the backside of the flap at the position corresponding to the intermediate portion of the flap, and an air passage provided between the reinforcing plate and the backside for permitting air discharged from the discharge port to pass therethrough and for restricting a volume of the air; and an airflow guide standing from the backside of the flap, the airflow guide provided on a downstream side edge of the flap in a direction in which air discharged from the discharge port flows, wherein the airflow guide is provided only in an area of the side edge of the flap corresponding to the reinforcing portion.

3. The air conditioner of Claim 1 or 2, further comprising adiabatic members provided on areas of the backside of the flap corresponding to the first and second end portions.