JP2004020047A

JP2004020047A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: JP2004020047A
Application number: JP2002175479A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masamitsu Kondo; 近藤　正満; Noriyuki Komeno; 米野　範幸
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-17
Filing date: 2002-06-17
Publication date: 2004-01-22

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner which has constitution making the area generating radiation on the indoor side variable, can separate a heat exchange unit and a blower unit, is small and lightweight, and generates radiation and convection. <P>SOLUTION: This air conditioner is provided with a heat exchange unit 18 consisting of a heating medium pipe 11 for running a heating medium, a fin 13 which is penetrated by the heating medium pipe 11 and is integration of the pipe 11, a suction port 25 of which the surface 15 is formed on the indoor side by bending one end 14 of the fin 13 and the other end 16 of the fin 13 exits in a blowing passage 17 and which is arranged on a casing upper part 19B, a separable blower unit 20 arranged in the casing lower part 19A, a blowing means 24 arranged in the blower unit 20, a flow outlet 21, a louver 22 changing the blowing direction of air up/down, and a moving means 23 moving the louver 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は熱媒を循環させて室内の空気調和を行う空気調和装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の空気調和装置としては、例えば、特開昭６３−２３８３３９号公報に記載されているようなものがあった。図３は、前記公報に記載された従来の空気調和装置を示すものである。
【０００３】
図１０に示すように、フィン１に熱伝導性の良好なパネル２を貼り付け、送風機３を設けた構成となっていた。高温の熱媒は熱媒管４に流入し、熱媒管４を加熱し、フィン１に伝わってフィン１周りの空気を加熱する。送風手段３によって空気が吸入され、強制対流によって温風が室内に吹出すとともに、パネル２から輻射エネルギーが放射する構成となっていた。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら上記従来の空気調和装置では、フィン１に熱伝導性の良いパネル２を貼り付けただけの構成であるため、熱媒の熱をパネル２へ効率よく伝導することができずパネル２の温度は上昇しにくく、パネル２表面から十分な輻射エネルギーが放射できなという課題があった。さらに、輻射量を制御する工夫と、パネル２表面に輻射率を向上させる工夫がない。すなわち輻射量を十分確保するには、パネル２を大きくする必要があり、装置が大型化、重量増加するという課題があった。
【０００５】
本発明は上記課題を解決するため、室内側に輻射を発生させる面積を可変する構成を有し、熱交換ユニットと送風ユニットを分離でき、小型・軽量で輻射と対流を発生する空気調和装置の提供を目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記従来の課題を解決するために、本発明の空気調和装置は、熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在する熱交換ユニットと、筐体に設けた分離可能な送風手段を備えた送風ユニットと、吹出口と、吹出し方向を変更するルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段からなる吹出口ユニットと、前記吹出口と熱交換ユニットを介した相対位置に設けた吸込口からなる。
【０００７】
これによって、熱媒の熱が熱媒管とフィンを加熱し、送風手段により吸い込まれた室内空気をフィンで加熱して温風として吹出口から吹き出すとともに、フィンの一端が室内側に面し効率よく輻射エネルギーを発生させ室内に遠赤外線等を放射する。そして、送風ユニットを必要に応じて分離する。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
請求項１に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在する熱交換ユニットと、筐体に設けた分離可能な送風手段を備えた送風ユニットと、吹出口と、吹出し方向を変更するルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段からなる吹出口ユニットと、前記吹出口と熱交換ユニットを介した相対位置に設けた吸込口からなる。
【０００９】
そして、熱媒の熱が熱媒管とフィンを加熱し、送風手段により吸い込まれた室内空気をフィンで加熱して温風として吹出口から吹き出すとともに、フィンの一端が室内側に面し効率よく輻射エネルギーを発生させ室内に遠赤外線等を放射する。そして、送風ユニットを必要に応じて分離する。
【００１０】
よって、必要に応じて強制対流暖房と輻射暖房とに使用形態が変更可能となり、送風ユニットを取りはずすことで装置の大きさ調整も可能となる。送風手段とルーバーにより強制循環流を任意方向に制御できるため、放熱能力と風向を制御することが可能となる。
【００１１】
請求項２に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在し筐体上部に設けた吸込口とからなる熱交換ユニットと、前記筐体下部に設けた分離可能な送風ユニットと、前記送風ユニットに設けた送風手段と、吹出口と、空気の吹出方向を上下に変えるルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段を設けた。
【００１２】
そして、筐体下部より送風ユニットを、または筐体上部のみをとりはずし、必要な場所へ運ぶ。筐体上部に設けた吸込口より吸込んだ空気を下部よりルーバーにて任意方向へ温風を吹き出す。
【００１３】
よって、送風ユニットは、そこに設けられた送風手段のために重量が大きくなるが、装置全体における位置が下部となることで、装置全体の設置時の安定がよくなる。また、必要に応じて送風ユニットを取り外し、機動性のよい筐体上部のみを移動することもできる。下部より温風を吹き出す構成で、足元暖房の性能がよくなる。
【００１４】
請求項３に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在し筐体上部に設けた吹出口と、空気の吹出方向を上下に変えるルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段とからなる熱交換ユニットと、前記筐体下部に設けた分離可能な送風ユニットと、前記送風ユニットに設けた送風手段と、吹出口とを設けた。
【００１５】
そして、筐体下部より送風ユニットを、または筐体上部のみをとりはずし、必要な場所へ運ぶ。筐体下部に設けた吸込口より吸込んだ空気を上部よりルーバーにより任意の方向へ温風を吹き出す。
【００１６】
よって、送風ユニットは、そこに設けられた送風手段のために重量が大きくなるが、装置全体における位置が下部となることで、装置全体の設置時の安定性がよくなる。また、また、必要に応じて送風ユニットを取り外し、機動性のよい筐体上部のみを移動することもできる。温風吹き出しが上部で、室内の強制対流暖房により、快適な暖房が可能となる。
【００１７】
請求項４に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在し筐体下部に設けた吹出口と、空気の吹出方向を上下に変えるルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段とからなる熱交換ユニットと、前記筐体上部に設けた分離可能な送風ユニットと、前記送風ユニットに設けた送風手段と、吸込口とを設けた。
【００１８】
そして、装置全体から送風ユニットを取り外す際は、筐体の上部のみをとりはずす。筐体下部より温風を吹き出す。
【００１９】
よって、筐体の上部にあるので送風ユニットの取り外しが、使用者にとって容易にできる。また、温風吹き出しが下部なので、足元暖房の性能がよくなる。
【００２０】
請求項５に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記フィンの他端までが送風路に存在し筐体下部に設けた吸込口とからなる熱交換ユニットと、前記筐体上部に設けた分離可能な送風ユニットと、前記送風ユニットに設けた送風手段と、吹出口と、空気の吹出方向を上下に変えるルーバーと、前記ルーバーを可動する可動手段を設けた。
【００２１】
そして、装置全体から送風ユニットを取り外す際は、筐体の上部のみをとりはずす。筐体上部より温風を吹き出す。
【００２２】
よって、筐体の上部にあるので送風ユニットの取り外しが、使用者にとって容易にできる。また、温風吹き出しが上部で、室内の強制対流暖房により、快適な暖房が可能となる。
【００２３】
請求項６に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記熱媒管を流れる熱媒の流れを前記フィンの上下方向に切り換える切り換え弁と、筐体上部に設けた吸込口と、風を送る送風手段と、吹出口を設けた。
【００２４】
そして、切り換え弁で熱媒の流れる流路を上下に切り換え室内側に面したフィンの一端の温度上昇を制御する。
【００２５】
よって、輻射面を上下部分で切り替えて輻射暖房の調節が可能となる。
【００２６】
請求項７に記載の発明は熱媒管を流れる熱媒の流れをフィンの左右方向に切り換える切り換え弁を設けた。
【００２７】
そして、切り換え弁で熱媒の流れる流路を左右に切り換え室内側に面したフィンの一端の温度上昇を制御する。
【００２８】
よって、輻射面を左右部分で切り替えて輻射暖房の調節が可能となる。
することができる。
【００２９】
請求項８に記載の発明は熱媒を流す熱媒管と、前記熱媒管が貫通し一体となったフィンと、前記フィンの一端が折り曲げられ室内側に面を構成し、前記熱媒管と前記フィン部で形成されるパネル部の面積を可変できるスライドパネルと、筐体上部に設けた吸込口と、風を送る送風手段と、吹出口を設けた。
【００３０】
そして、スライドパネルによって、輻射面の面積を変更する。
【００３１】
よって、必要に応じてスライドパネル部をスライドして輻射暖房面積の調節が可能となる。
【００３２】
請求項９に記載の発明は熱媒管とフィン部で形成されるパネル部の面積を可変できる折りたたみパネルを設けた。
【００３３】
そして、パネル部を折りたたむことで、輻射面積を自在に変更できる。
【００３４】
よって、必要に応じて、パネル部を折りたたみ、輻射暖房の調節が可能となる。
【００３５】
【実施例】
以下本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００３６】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明実施例１の空気調和装置の斜視図であり、図２は側部断面図である。図１、２において、ボイラー等から送られた温水等の高温の熱媒は流入口１０から熱媒管１１に送られ流出口１２を通ってボイラー等に戻される。フィン１３の一端１４が折り曲げられ室内側に面１５を構成し輻射率を向上させている。一方、複数枚のフィン１３の他端１６までを送風路１７に設け、熱媒管１１を拡管することでフィン１３と伝熱関係を持つように取り付けられ熱交換ユニット１８を構成している。また熱交換ユニット１８を覆う筐体１９はフィン１３の一端１４が室内に面するように構成し、筐体下部１９Ａに設けた送風ユニット２０には吹出口２１と吹出方向を変えるルーバー２２と可動手段であるモーター２３と送風手段２４が設置されている。また筐体上部１９Ｂには吸込口２５が設けられ、吸込口２５と送風ユニット２０の間に送風路１９が設けられ、フィン１３が存在する。そして送風手段２４によって室内空気はフィン１３と強制対流熱交換し、吹出口２１から温風を吹き出す構成となっている。
【００３７】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、熱媒管１１はフィン１３を複数段貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端１４に伝熱し、折り曲げられ室内に面したフィン１３の温度を上昇させる。送風手段２１により吸込口２５から送風路１７に入った室内空気はフィン１３により加熱され温風とし吹出口２１から吹き出すとともに、ルーバー２２とルーバー２２を動かすモーター２３により風向を制御できる。
【００３８】
また、フィン１３の枚数を増やすことにより、大能力を確保しつつ装置を小型化することができる。このとき、熱媒管１１を通る熱媒は流入口１０から流入し流出口１２から流出する。送風手段２４によって吸込口２５から室内空気が流入し熱媒管１１の段方向パスと対向するように熱交換し吹出口２１から室内側へ温風が吹き出す。すなわち、空気の流れと水の流れを対向流とすることで強制循環による熱交換能力を向上するとともに、送風手段２４の送風量を制御し放熱能力を任意制御することで室内負荷に応じた暖房が可能となる。さらに、吹出口２１から吹き出す温風が下から吹き出すため、温度ムラの少ない立ち上がりを実現できる。
【００３９】
（実施例２）
図３は本発明実施例２における空気調和装置の側部断面図である。図において、実施例１の構成と異なるところは、筐体下部１９Ａに設けた送風ユニット２０に吸込口２５を設け、筐体上部１９Ｂにルーバー２２とモーター２３と吹出口を設けた点である。
【００４０】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。熱媒管１１はフィン１３を貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端１４に伝熱する。このとき、フィン１３の一端１４は折り曲げられているため、室内に面したフィンの表面温度は均一かつ高温な輻射面となり室内側に大きな輻射エネルギーを発生させる。このとき、熱媒管１１を通る熱媒は流入口１０から流入し流出口１２から流出する。筐体下部１９Ａに設けた送風手段２４によって吸込口２５から室内空気が流入し熱媒管１１と熱交換し筐体上部１９Ｂに設けた吹出口２１から室内側へ温風が吹き出す。送風手段２４の送風量を制御し放熱能力を任意制御することで室内負荷に応じた暖房が可能となる。さらに、吹出口２１から吹き出す温風はルーバー２２により制御できるため立ち上がり時には下向きにルーバー２２の角度を変化させ足下から暖め、定常時にはルーバー２２の角度を上向き変化させ天井方向へ吹き出し循環流暖房を実現し温度ムラの少ない快適暖房を実現できる。
【００４１】
（実施例３）
図４は本発明実施例３における空気調和装置の側部断面図である。図４において、実施例１の構成と異なるところは、筐体上部１９Ｂに送風ユニット２０を設け、送風ユニット２０に吸込口２５を設け、筐体下部１９Ａに吹出口２１とルーバー２２とモーター２３を設けた点である。
【００４２】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。熱媒管１１はフィン１３を貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端１４に伝熱する。このとき、フィン１３の一端１４は折り曲げられているため、室内に面したフィンの表面温度は均一かつ高温な輻射面となり室内側に大きな輻射エネルギーを発生させる。このとき、熱媒管１１を通る熱媒は流入口１０から流入し流出口１２から流出する。筐体上部１９Ｂに設けた送風手段２４によって吸込口２５から室内空気が流入し熱媒管１１と熱交換し筐体下部１９Ａに設けた吹出口２１から室内側へ温風が吹き出す。送風手段２４の送風量を制御し放熱能力を任意制御することで室内負荷に応じた暖房が可能となる。さらに、吹出口２１から吹き出す温風はルーバー２２により制御できるため立ち上がり時には水平方向にルーバー２２の角度を変化させ足下から暖め、定常時にはルーバー２２の角度を上向き変化させ天井方向へ吹き出し循環流暖房を実現し温度ムラの少ない快適暖房を実現できる。
【００４３】
（実施例４）
図５は本発明実施例４の空気調和装置の側部断面図である。図５において、実施例１の構成と異なるところは、筐体上部１９Ｂに設けた送風ユニット２０にルーバー２２とモーター２３と吹出口２１を設け、筐体下部１９Ａに吸込口２５を設けた点である。
【００４４】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。熱媒管１１はフィン１３を貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端１４に伝熱する。このとき、フィン１３の一端１４は折り曲げられているため、室内に面したフィンの表面温度は均一かつ高温な輻射面となり室内側に大きな輻射エネルギーを発生させる。このとき、熱媒管１１を通る熱媒は流入口１０から流入し流出口１２から流出する。筐体上部１９Ｂに設けた送風手段２４によって筐体下部１９Ａの吸込口２５から室内空気が流入し熱媒管１１と熱交換し吹出口２１から室内側へ温風が吹き出す。送風手段２４の送風量を制御し放熱能力を任意制御することで室内負荷に応じた暖房が可能となる。さらに、吹出口２１から吹き出す温風はルーバー２２により制御できるため立ち上がり時には下向きにルーバー２２の角度を変化させ足下から暖め、定常時にはルーバー２２の角度を上向き変化させ天井方向へ吹き出し循環流暖房を実現し温度ムラの少ない快適暖房を実現できる。
【００４５】
（実施例５）
図６は本発明実施例５の空気調和装置の熱交換ユニットである熱交換器１８の斜視図である。図６において、実施例１の構成と異なる点は、熱交換器１８の熱媒管１１流路を切り換える切り換え弁である三方弁２６とヘッダー２７と分岐管を設けた点である。
【００４６】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。輻射面を最大化する際には、熱交換器１８へ流入する熱媒を三方弁２６で再下段の熱媒管１１へ流入させる。この時、分岐管２８へ熱媒は流れない。従って全ての熱媒管１１に熱媒が通過することで輻射面積を最大にできる。輻射面を少なくする際には、三方弁２６を切り換え分岐管２８へ熱媒を通すことでヘッダー２７へ直接熱媒が流入し熱媒管１１の中段から上部へ流れるため、輻射発生面積上半分と小さくなり輻射量を減少できる。下側のみ輻射を発生させることで、室温が高くなり輻射量があまり必要ない場合に効果を発揮するとともに、床が輻射熱により暖まりやすくなり頭寒足熱の快適空間を実現できる。
【００４７】
（実施例６）
図７は本発明実施例６における空気調和装置の熱交換ユニットである熱交換器１８の斜視図である。図７において、実施例１の構成と異なる点は、熱媒管１１を垂直方向に配列し、熱交換器１８の熱媒管１１の流路を切り換える切り換え弁である三方弁２６とヘッダー２７と分岐管２８を設けた点である。
【００４８】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。輻射面を最大化する際には、熱交換器１８へ流入する熱媒を三方弁２６で再下段の熱媒管１１へ流入させる。この時、分岐管２８へ熱媒は流れない。従って全ての熱媒管１１に熱媒が通過することで輻射面積を最大にできる。輻射面を少なくする際には、三方弁２６を切り換え分岐管２８へ熱媒を通すことでヘッダー２７へ直接熱媒が流入し熱媒管１１の中央近傍から左側へ流れるため、輻射発生面積左半分と小さくなり輻射量を減少できる。設置条件により空気調和装置の片側直前に加熱したくない物がある場合に、片側の輻射発生を停止することができる。
【００４９】
（実施例７）
図８は本発明実施例７における空気調和装置の熱交換ユニットである熱交換器１８の斜視図である。図８において、実施例１で示した空気調和装置と同様であり、熱交換ユニットである熱交換器１８の異なる点は、熱交換器１８の面積を左右に可変できるように固定した主パネル部２９と、主パネル２９の前面で左右にスライドするの二枚のスライドパネル３０Ａと３０Ｂを設けて構成される。各パネルには熱媒管１１が設けられておりそれぞれのパネルから輻射を発生できる。
【００５０】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、主パネル２９および二枚のスライドパネル３０Ａ、３０Ｂの熱媒管１１はフィン１３を複数段貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端１４に伝熱し、折り曲げられ室内に面したフィンの温度を上昇させる。通常主パネル２９とスライドパネル３０Ａ、３０Ｂは前後に重なる構成をとるが、主パネル２９からスライドパネル３０Ａ、３０Ｂをずらし輻射面積を拡大することで、輻射量を増加させることができる。すなわち必要に応じて輻射量を増減できるため快適な温熱環境を実現できるものである。
【００５１】
（実施例８）
図９は本発明実施例８における空気調和装置の熱交換器１８の斜視図である。図９において、実施例７の構成と異なるとこは、パネル部の面積を変化させる二枚の折りたたみパネル３１Ａ、３１Ｂを設け、主パネル２９と折りたたみパネル３１Ａ、３１Ｂは蝶番等で開閉できる構成とした点である。
【００５２】
以上のように構成した空気調和装置において、以下その動作、作用を説明する。主パネル２９および二枚の折りたたみパネル３１Ａ、３１Ｂの熱媒管１１はフィン１３を複数段貫通し拡管により密着されるため良好な伝熱関係を保持できる。これにより、８０℃に加熱された熱媒の熱が熱媒管１１からフィン１３の一端に伝熱し、折り曲げられ室内に面したフィン１３の温度を上昇させる。通常主パネル２９を折りたたみパネル３１Ａ、３１Ｂが覆う構成をとるが、主パネル２９から折りたたみパネル３１Ａ、３１Ｂを開き輻射面積を拡大することで、輻射量を増加させることができる。すなわち必要に応じて輻射量を増減できるため快適な温熱環境を実現できるものである。
【００５３】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明によれば、室内側に輻射を発生させる面積を可変する構成を有し、熱交換ユニットと送風ユニットを分離でき、必要に応じて、暖房能力を調節可能で、また、装置の大きさも可変として、使い勝手のよい空気調和装置を実現することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１における空気調和装置の斜視図
【図２】同空気調和装置の側部断面図
【図３】本発明の実施例２における同空気調和装置の側部断面図
【図４】本発明の実施例３における同空気調和装置の側部断面図
【図５】本発明の実施例４における同空気調和装置の側部断面図断面図
【図６】本発明の実施例５における熱交換器の斜視図
【図７】本発明の実施例６における熱交換器の斜視図
【図８】本発明の実施例７における熱交換器の斜視図
【図９】本発明の実施例８における熱交換器の斜視図
【図１０】従来の暖房装置の構成図
【符号の説明】
１１　熱媒管
１３　フィン
１４　一端
１５　面
１６　他端
１７　送風路
１８　熱交換ユニット
１９　筐体
１９Ａ　筐体下部
１９Ｂ　筐体上部
２０　送風ユニット
２１　吹出口
２２　ルーバー
２３　可動手段
２４　送風手段
２５　吸込口
２６　切り換え弁
３０　スライドパネル
３１　折りたたみパネル[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air conditioner that circulates a heat medium to perform indoor air conditioning.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of air conditioner, there has been one described in, for example, JP-A-63-238339. FIG. 3 shows a conventional air conditioner described in the above publication.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 10, a panel 2 having good thermal conductivity was attached to a fin 1 and a blower 3 was provided. The high-temperature heat medium flows into the heat medium pipe 4, heats the heat medium pipe 4, and is transmitted to the fins 1 to heat the air around the fins 1. Air is sucked in by the blowing means 3, hot air is blown into the room by forced convection, and radiant energy is radiated from the panel 2.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional air conditioner has a configuration in which the panel 2 having good heat conductivity is merely attached to the fin 1, and thus the heat of the heat medium cannot be efficiently transmitted to the panel 2, and the temperature of the panel 2 cannot be increased. Is difficult to rise, and there is a problem that sufficient radiant energy cannot be emitted from the surface of the panel 2. Furthermore, there is no contrivance for controlling the amount of radiation and no contrivance for improving the emissivity on the surface of the panel 2. That is, in order to secure a sufficient amount of radiation, it is necessary to increase the size of the panel 2, and there has been a problem that the size and weight of the device are increased.
[0005]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has a configuration in which the area for generating radiation on the indoor side is variable, a heat exchange unit and a blower unit can be separated, and a small and lightweight air conditioner that generates radiation and convection is provided. For the purpose of providing.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, an air conditioner of the present invention has a heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, A heat exchange unit having a surface up to the other end of the fin in the air passage, a blower unit provided with a separable blower provided in the housing, an outlet, and a louver for changing the blowout direction. And an air outlet unit comprising movable means for moving the louver, and an air inlet provided at a relative position via the air outlet and a heat exchange unit.
[0007]
As a result, the heat of the heat medium heats the heat medium tubes and the fins, and the indoor air sucked by the air blowing means is heated by the fins and blown out from the outlet as warm air, and one end of the fin faces the indoor side, and the efficiency increases. It often generates radiant energy and emits far-infrared rays etc. into the room. Then, the blowing unit is separated as necessary.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 is a heating medium pipe through which a heating medium flows, a fin through which the heating medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the fin is provided with a fin. From the heat exchange unit whose end is present in the ventilation path, a ventilation unit provided with a separable ventilation means provided in the housing, an outlet, a louver for changing the blowing direction, and a movable means for moving the louver And a suction port provided at a relative position with respect to the air outlet and the heat exchange unit.
[0009]
Then, the heat of the heat medium heats the heat medium pipe and the fins, and the room air sucked by the air blowing means is heated by the fins and blown out from the outlet as warm air, and one end of the fin faces the indoor side with high efficiency. Generates radiant energy and emits far-infrared rays etc. into the room. Then, the blowing unit is separated as necessary.
[0010]
Therefore, the mode of use can be changed between forced convection heating and radiant heating as needed, and the size of the device can be adjusted by removing the blower unit. Since the forced circulation flow can be controlled in an arbitrary direction by the blowing means and the louver, it is possible to control the heat radiation capability and the wind direction.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 2 is a heating medium pipe through which a heating medium flows, a fin through which the heating medium pipe penetrates and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the fin is provided with a fin. A heat exchanging unit comprising an air inlet provided at an upper portion of the housing, the air exchanging unit being provided at an upper portion of the housing, a separable air blowing unit provided at a lower portion of the housing, a blowing unit provided at the air blowing unit, and an air outlet. And a louver for changing the air blowing direction up and down, and movable means for moving the louver.
[0012]
Then, the blower unit or only the upper part of the housing is removed from the lower part of the housing and transported to a required place. Warm air is blown in any direction from the lower part by a louver from the air sucked from the inlet provided in the upper part of the housing.
[0013]
Therefore, the weight of the blower unit is increased due to the blower provided therein, but since the position in the entire apparatus is lower, the stability of the entire apparatus at the time of installation is improved. In addition, the blower unit can be removed as necessary, and only the upper part of the housing with good mobility can be moved. The configuration that blows warm air from the lower part improves the performance of foot heating.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 3 is a heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the fin has another surface. A heat exchange unit including an outlet located at the upper end of the airflow passage and provided at the upper part of the housing, a louver for changing the air blowing direction up and down, and a movable means for moving the louver, and provided at the lower part of the housing. And a blower unit that can be separated, a blower provided in the blower unit, and an outlet.
[0015]
Then, the blower unit or only the upper part of the housing is removed from the lower part of the housing and transported to a required place. Warm air is blown in any direction from the upper part by a louver from the air sucked from the inlet provided in the lower part of the housing.
[0016]
Therefore, although the weight of the air blowing unit is increased due to the air blowing means provided therein, the stability of the entire apparatus at the time of installation is improved because the position in the entire apparatus is at the bottom. In addition, it is also possible to remove the blower unit as needed and move only the upper portion of the housing with good mobility. The hot air blowout is at the top and comfortable convection heating in the room enables comfortable heating.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 4 is a heating medium pipe through which a heating medium flows, a fin through which the heating medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side; A heat exchange unit including an outlet that is present in the air passage at the end and provided at the lower part of the housing, a louver that changes the air blowing direction up and down, and a movable unit that moves the louver, and is provided at the upper part of the housing. And a blower unit that can be separated, a blower provided in the blower unit, and a suction port.
[0018]
When removing the blower unit from the entire apparatus, only the upper part of the housing is removed. Blow warm air from the lower part of the housing.
[0019]
Therefore, the blower unit can be easily removed by the user because the blower unit is located at the upper part of the housing. In addition, since the hot air blowout is at the bottom, the performance of step heating is improved.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 5 is a heating medium pipe through which a heating medium flows, a fin through which the heating medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the fin is provided with another part. A heat exchange unit comprising an air inlet provided at the lower portion of the housing at an end to the air passage, a separable air blowing unit provided at the upper portion of the housing, an air blowing means provided at the air blowing unit, and an air outlet And a louver for changing the air blowing direction up and down, and movable means for moving the louver.
[0021]
When removing the blower unit from the entire apparatus, only the upper part of the housing is removed. Blow warm air from the upper part of the housing.
[0022]
Therefore, the blower unit can be easily removed by the user because the blower unit is located at the upper part of the housing. Moreover, comfortable heating is possible by the forced convection heating in the room with the hot air blowout at the top.
[0023]
7. The heat medium pipe according to claim 6, wherein the heat medium pipe through which the heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates and one end of the fin are bent to form a surface on the indoor side. A switching valve for switching the flow of the heat medium flowing in the vertical direction of the fins, a suction port provided in the upper part of the housing, a blowing means for sending air, and an air outlet.
[0024]
Then, the flow path through which the heat medium flows is switched up and down by the switching valve, and the temperature rise at one end of the fin facing the indoor side is controlled.
[0025]
Therefore, the radiation heating can be adjusted by switching the radiation surface between the upper and lower portions.
[0026]
The invention according to claim 7 is provided with a switching valve for switching the flow of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium pipe in the left-right direction of the fin.
[0027]
Then, the flow path through which the heat medium flows is switched left and right by the switching valve, and the temperature rise at one end of the fin facing the indoor side is controlled.
[0028]
Therefore, the radiation heating can be adjusted by switching the radiation surface between the left and right portions.
can do.
[0029]
The invention according to claim 8, wherein the heat medium pipe through which the heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates and one end of the fin are bent to form a surface on the indoor side, And a slide panel that can change the area of the panel formed by the fins, a suction port provided in the upper part of the housing, a blowing means for sending air, and an air outlet.
[0030]
Then, the area of the radiation surface is changed by the slide panel.
[0031]
Thus, the radiant heating area can be adjusted by sliding the slide panel as needed.
[0032]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a folding panel capable of changing an area of a panel portion formed by a heat medium pipe and a fin portion.
[0033]
The radiation area can be freely changed by folding the panel.
[0034]
Therefore, if necessary, the panel portion can be folded and the radiant heating can be adjusted.
[0035]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0036]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view. 1 and 2, a high-temperature heat medium such as hot water sent from a boiler or the like is sent from an inflow port 10 to a heat medium pipe 11, passed through an outflow port 12, and returned to the boiler or the like. One end 14 of the fin 13 is bent to form a surface 15 on the indoor side to improve the emissivity. On the other hand, a plurality of fins 13 are provided up to the other end 16 in the air passage 17, and the heat medium pipe 11 is expanded so that the fins 13 are attached to have a heat transfer relationship with the fins 13 to form a heat exchange unit 18. The housing 19 that covers the heat exchange unit 18 is configured such that one end 14 of the fin 13 faces the inside of the room, and the blower unit 20 provided at the lower part 19A of the housing has a louver 22 that changes the blowout direction and a blowout direction. A motor 23 and a blower 24 as means are provided. In addition, a suction port 25 is provided in the upper part 19B of the housing, a ventilation path 19 is provided between the suction port 25 and the ventilation unit 20, and the fins 13 are present. Then, the indoor air is forcibly convectedly exchanged heat with the fins 13 by the blowing means 24, and the hot air is blown out from the outlet 21.
[0037]
In the air conditioner configured as described above, the heat medium pipe 11 penetrates through the fins 13 in a plurality of stages and is brought into close contact with the expanded pipe, so that a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. Thereby, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end 14 of the fin 13, and the temperature of the bent fin 13 facing the room is increased. The room air that has entered the air passage 17 from the inlet 25 by the air blowing means 21 is heated by the fins 13 and is blown out from the outlet 21 as hot air, and the wind direction can be controlled by the louver 22 and the motor 23 that moves the louver 22.
[0038]
In addition, by increasing the number of fins 13, it is possible to reduce the size of the device while securing a large capacity. At this time, the heat medium passing through the heat medium pipe 11 flows in from the inlet 10 and flows out from the outlet 12. The room air flows in from the suction port 25 by the blowing means 24, exchanges heat so as to face the stepwise path of the heat medium pipe 11, and the warm air blows out from the blowout port 21 to the room side. That is, the heat exchange ability by the forced circulation is improved by making the flow of the air and the flow of the water counter flow, and the heating amount according to the indoor load is controlled by controlling the blowing amount of the blowing means 24 and arbitrarily controlling the heat radiation ability. Becomes possible. Furthermore, since the warm air blown out from the outlet 21 blows out from below, it is possible to realize a rising with less temperature unevenness.
[0039]
(Example 2)
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the drawing, the difference from the configuration of the first embodiment is that the air inlet 25 is provided in the blower unit 20 provided in the lower portion 19A of the housing, and the louver 22, the motor 23 and the outlet are provided in the upper portion 19B of the housing.
[0040]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. Since the heat medium pipe 11 penetrates the fins 13 and is closely attached by expansion, a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. Thereby, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end 14 of the fin 13. At this time, since the one end 14 of the fin 13 is bent, the surface temperature of the fin facing the room becomes a uniform and high-temperature radiation surface, and large radiant energy is generated on the room side. At this time, the heat medium passing through the heat medium pipe 11 flows in from the inlet 10 and flows out from the outlet 12. Room air flows in from the inlet 25 by the air blowing means 24 provided in the lower part 19A of the housing, exchanges heat with the heat medium pipe 11, and blows warm air toward the room side from the outlet 21 provided in the upper part 19B of the housing. By controlling the amount of air blown by the air blowing means 24 and arbitrarily controlling the heat radiation capability, heating according to the indoor load can be performed. Furthermore, since the warm air blown out from the outlet 21 can be controlled by the louver 22, the angle of the louver 22 is changed downward at the time of rising to warm from below, and the angle of the louver 22 is changed upward at the time of steady state to blow out toward the ceiling to achieve circulating flow heating. Comfortable heating with less temperature unevenness can be realized.
[0041]
(Example 3)
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 4 differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that a blower unit 20 is provided in an upper part 19B of the housing, a suction port 25 is provided in the blower unit 20, and an outlet 21, a louver 22 and a motor 23 are provided in a lower part 19A of the housing. This is the point provided.
[0042]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. Since the heat medium pipe 11 penetrates the fins 13 and is closely attached by expansion, a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. Thereby, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end 14 of the fin 13. At this time, since the one end 14 of the fin 13 is bent, the surface temperature of the fin facing the room becomes a uniform and high-temperature radiation surface, and large radiant energy is generated on the room side. At this time, the heat medium passing through the heat medium pipe 11 flows in from the inlet 10 and flows out from the outlet 12. The room air flows in from the inlet 25 by the air blowing means 24 provided in the upper part 19B of the housing, exchanges heat with the heat medium pipe 11, and the warm air blows out to the room side from the outlet 21 provided in the lower part 19A of the housing. By controlling the amount of air blown by the air blowing means 24 and arbitrarily controlling the heat radiation capability, heating according to the indoor load can be performed. Furthermore, since the warm air blown out from the outlet 21 can be controlled by the louver 22, the angle of the louver 22 is changed in the horizontal direction at the time of rising and the louver 22 is warmed from under the feet. Realizes comfortable heating with less temperature unevenness.
[0043]
(Example 4)
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. 5 differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that a louver 22, a motor 23 and an air outlet 21 are provided in a blower unit 20 provided in an upper portion 19B of the housing, and a suction port 25 is provided in a lower portion 19A of the housing. is there.
[0044]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. Since the heat medium pipe 11 penetrates the fins 13 and is closely attached by expansion, a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. Thereby, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end 14 of the fin 13. At this time, since the one end 14 of the fin 13 is bent, the surface temperature of the fin facing the room becomes a uniform and high-temperature radiation surface, and large radiant energy is generated on the room side. At this time, the heat medium passing through the heat medium pipe 11 flows in from the inlet 10 and flows out from the outlet 12. The room air flows in from the suction port 25 of the housing lower part 19A by the blowing means 24 provided in the housing upper part 19B, exchanges heat with the heat medium pipe 11, and the warm air blows out from the outlet 21 to the room side. By controlling the amount of air blown by the air blowing means 24 and arbitrarily controlling the heat radiation capability, heating according to the indoor load can be performed. Furthermore, since the warm air blown out from the outlet 21 can be controlled by the louver 22, the angle of the louver 22 is changed downward at the time of rising to warm from below, and the angle of the louver 22 is changed upward at the time of steady state to blow out toward the ceiling to achieve circulating flow heating. Comfortable heating with less temperature unevenness can be realized.
[0045]
(Example 5)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 18 which is a heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 6 differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that a three-way valve 26, which is a switching valve for switching the flow path of the heat medium pipe 11 of the heat exchanger 18, a header 27, and a branch pipe are provided.
[0046]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. When maximizing the radiation surface, the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 18 is caused to flow into the lower heat medium pipe 11 by the three-way valve 26. At this time, the heat medium does not flow to the branch pipe 28. Therefore, the radiation area can be maximized when the heat medium passes through all the heat medium tubes 11. When reducing the radiation surface, the three-way valve 26 is switched to allow the heat medium to flow through the branch pipe 28, so that the heat medium directly flows into the header 27 and flows from the middle stage of the heat medium pipe 11 to the upper part. And the radiation amount can be reduced. By generating radiation only on the lower side, it is effective when the room temperature is high and the amount of radiation is not so much required, and the floor is easily heated by the radiant heat, so that a comfortable space for head and foot heat can be realized.
[0047]
(Example 6)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 18 which is a heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. 7 differs from the configuration of the first embodiment in that the heat medium pipes 11 are arranged vertically and the three-way valve 26 and the header 27 are switching valves for switching the flow path of the heat medium pipes 11 of the heat exchanger 18. The point is that a branch pipe 28 is provided.
[0048]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. When maximizing the radiation surface, the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 18 is caused to flow into the lower heat medium pipe 11 by the three-way valve 26. At this time, the heat medium does not flow to the branch pipe 28. Therefore, the radiation area can be maximized when the heat medium passes through all the heat medium tubes 11. When reducing the radiation surface, the three-way valve 26 is switched to allow the heat medium to flow through the branch pipe 28, so that the heat medium flows directly into the header 27 and flows from the vicinity of the center of the heat medium pipe 11 to the left side. Radiation can be reduced by half. When there is an object that the user does not want to heat immediately before one side of the air conditioner due to the installation conditions, the radiation generation on one side can be stopped.
[0049]
(Example 7)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 18 which is a heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 18 is the same as the air conditioner described in the first embodiment, and a different point of the heat exchanger 18 is that the main panel portion is fixed so that the area of the heat exchanger 18 can be changed right and left. 29, and two slide panels 30A and 30B that slide left and right on the front surface of the main panel 29. Each of the panels is provided with a heat medium tube 11 and can generate radiation from each panel.
[0050]
In the air conditioner configured as described above, the heat transfer pipes 11 of the main panel 29 and the two slide panels 30A and 30B penetrate the fins 13 in a plurality of stages and are closely adhered by expanding, so that a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. . Thereby, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end 14 of the fin 13, and the temperature of the bent fin facing the room is increased. Normally, the main panel 29 and the slide panels 30A, 30B are configured to overlap in the front-back direction, but the radiation amount can be increased by shifting the slide panels 30A, 30B from the main panel 29 to enlarge the radiation area. That is, since the amount of radiation can be increased or decreased as necessary, a comfortable thermal environment can be realized.
[0051]
(Example 8)
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 18 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the difference from the configuration of the seventh embodiment is that two folding panels 31A and 31B for changing the area of the panel portion are provided, and the main panel 29 and the folding panels 31A and 31B can be opened and closed by hinges or the like. Is a point.
[0052]
The operation and action of the air conditioner configured as described above will be described below. The heat transfer tubes 11 of the main panel 29 and the two folding panels 31A and 31B penetrate through the fins 13 in a plurality of stages and are closely adhered by expanding the tubes, so that a good heat transfer relationship can be maintained. As a result, the heat of the heat medium heated to 80 ° C. is transferred from the heat medium pipe 11 to one end of the fins 13 to increase the temperature of the bent fins 13 facing the room. Usually, the main panel 29 is covered with the folding panels 31A and 31B. However, the radiation amount can be increased by opening the folding panels 31A and 31B from the main panel 29 and expanding the radiation area. That is, since the amount of radiation can be increased or decreased as necessary, a comfortable thermal environment can be realized.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the configuration in which the area for generating radiation on the indoor side is varied, the heat exchange unit and the blower unit can be separated, and if necessary, the heating capacity can be adjusted, In addition, the size of the device is also variable, so that a user-friendly air conditioner can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the air conditioner. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view sectional view of the air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in Example 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a conventional heating device.
Reference Signs List 11 Heat medium tube 13 Fin 14 One end 15 Surface 16 Other end 17 Ventilation path 18 Heat exchange unit 19 Housing 19A Housing lower part 19B Housing upper part 20 Ventilation unit 21 Blow-out port 22 Louver 23 Movable means 24 Blowing means 25 Suction port 26 Switching Valve 30 Slide panel 31 Folding panel

Claims

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin are bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and up to the other end of the fin is present in an air passage. A heat exchange unit, a blower unit provided with a separable blower provided in a housing, a blower outlet, a louver for changing a blowout direction, a blower outlet unit including movable means for moving the louver, and the blower. An air conditioner comprising an inlet and an inlet provided at a relative position via a heat exchange unit.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the other end of the fin is present in the air passage. A heat exchange unit comprising an inlet provided at the upper part of the housing, a separable blower unit provided at the lower part of the housing, a blowing means provided at the blower unit, an outlet, An air conditioner provided with a louver for changing the louver and movable means for moving the louver.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin into which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the other end of the fin is present in an air passage. An air outlet provided in the upper part of the housing, a louver for changing the air blowing direction up and down, a heat exchange unit including movable means for moving the louver, and a separable blowing unit provided in the lower part of the housing, An air conditioner including a blower provided in the blower unit and an outlet.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin into which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the other end of the fin is present in an air passage. An air outlet provided in the lower part of the housing, a louver for changing the air blowing direction up and down, a heat exchange unit including movable means for moving the louver, and a separable blower unit provided in the upper part of the housing, An air conditioner including a blowing unit provided in the blowing unit and a suction port.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin into which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the other end of the fin is present in an air passage. A heat exchange unit including a suction port provided at a lower portion of the housing, a separable blower unit provided at an upper portion of the housing, a blower provided at the blower unit, an air outlet, and an air blowing direction. An air conditioner provided with a louver for changing the louver and a movable means for moving the louver.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin into which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin is bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and the flow of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium pipe is An air conditioner provided with a switching valve for switching the fins in a vertical direction, a suction port provided in an upper part of a housing, a blowing means for sending wind, and an air outlet.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, further comprising a switching valve for switching a flow of the heat medium flowing through the heat medium pipe in the left-right direction of the fin.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin are bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and are formed by the heat medium pipe and the fin portion. An air conditioner provided with a slide panel having a variable panel area, a suction port provided at an upper portion of a housing, a blowing means for sending air, and an air outlet.

A heat medium pipe through which a heat medium flows, a fin through which the heat medium pipe penetrates, and one end of the fin are bent to form a surface on the indoor side, and are formed by the heat medium pipe and the fin portion. An air conditioner provided with a folding panel capable of changing the area of a panel portion, a suction port provided in an upper part of a housing, a blowing means for sending air, and an air outlet.