JP2020118411A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of contributing to shortening of an air flow passage extending from a track of an outer edge of a centrifugal fan to a blowout port.SOLUTION: The air conditioner includes: a structure 28 having a first blowout port 31 partitioned at a bottom plate 28a, and for storing a heat exchanger in a passage of an airflow going from a first suction port to the first blowout port 31; a pair of blower housings 37 arranged on both sides of the first blowout port 31 so as to change the posture relatively with respect to the structure 28, separated from the passage of the structure 28, and for storing a blower in a circulation passage of room temperature air going from a second suction port 43 opening in a space outside of the structure 28 to a second blowout port 38 arranged side by side with the bottom plate 28a at a non-actuation position and opening downward; and a side louver 39 mounted on the blower housing 37 and for determining the blowout direction of the airflow blowing out from the second blowout port 38. At the blower housing 37, an outer wall 44 is provided arranged side by side with the bottom plate 28a and spreading in front of the second blowout port 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention has a heat exchanger, a first outlet defined by a bottom plate, and a structure that houses the heat exchanger in a passage of an airflow from a first inlet to the first outlet, A chamber that is arranged on at least one side of the first outlet so that the posture of the structure can be changed relative to the structure, is separated from the passage, and extends from the second inlet opening to the space outside the structure to the second outlet. And an air blower housing that accommodates the air blower in a flow path of room temperature air that flows without temperature adjustment.

In Patent Document 1, a side louver that is rotatably held by a shaft is provided at a second outlet of a blower housing. A link case that holds a shaft member of a side louver (wind direction plate) is disclosed. A drive motor is supported by the link case along with the side louvers. An eccentric shaft is fixed to the shaft of the side louver parallel to the shaft center of the shaft. An eccentric shaft is fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor in parallel with the axis of the drive shaft. The eccentric shaft of the side louver and the eccentric shaft of the drive motor are connected by a link member. The link member overlaps the upper surface of the link case. The drive motor is arranged in a space sandwiched between the side louver and the blower of the blower housing.

JP, 2014-163559, A

The air conditioner includes a front panel that forms the front appearance. The side louvers are spread over the entire front surface of the blower housing to visually ensure continuity with the front panel. Further, the upper surface of the blower housing is formed so as to be visually continuous with the upper surface of the structure. Therefore, the drive motor cannot project upward from the shaft of the side louver. The drive motor is fixed to the downward surface of the link case. Since the drive shaft of the drive motor is moved away from the side louver shaft body, interference between the side louver and the drive motor is avoided. As a result, the link case becomes large. When the link case becomes large in this way, a long air passage is required for the scroll casing reaching the auxiliary air outlet (second air outlet) of the blower (centrifugal fan) provided in the air blower casing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that can contribute to shortening of a ventilation path that extends from an outer edge track of a centrifugal fan to a blowout port.

One form of the present invention includes a heat exchanger and a structure that accommodates the heat exchanger, wherein the structure has a first outlet that is divided into a bottom plate that is a lower portion of the structure, and the first outlet. A first air outlet is provided above the first air outlet and has a passage for an air flow from the first air outlet to the first air outlet, and the posture of the air flow is changeable relative to the structure at least on one side of the first air outlet. A room temperature air passage from a second inlet that is arranged and separated from the passage and that opens to the space outside the structure to a second outlet that opens downward in line with the bottom plate in the inoperative position. A blower housing for accommodating a blower therein, a side louver attached to the blower housing for determining a blowing direction of an air flow blown out from the second outlet, and a drive motor for driving the side louver, An air conditioner in which an outer wall that extends in parallel with the second outlet in front of the second outlet is provided in the blower housing, and the drive motor is disposed on the blower side of the outer wall. Regarding

By providing an outer wall that extends in front of the second outlet in line with the bottom plate, a space can be secured on the extension of the shaft body of the side louver. The drive motor can be arranged in the secured space in the axial direction of the shaft body of the side louver. Since the drive motor is prevented from being arranged in the space between the side louver and the blower, the air passage from the scroll casing of the centrifugal fan to the auxiliary outlet (second outlet) can be shortened. .. Shortening the air duct can create a variety of air conditioner designs.

The air conditioner is fixed inside the outer wall, receives the shaft body of the side louver from the first surface, and rotatably supports the shaft body of the side louver, and a support member on the back side of the first surface. A drive motor having a drive shaft supported by the support member on the second surface and coupled to the shaft body by a gear may be provided.

Since the side louver and the drive motor are connected by a gear, the driving force can be transmitted from the drive motor to the side louver by a simple rotation operation. The possibility of malfunction is reduced by simplifying the driving force transmission structure. Manufacturing cost can be reduced by adopting general-purpose components such as gears.

The side louver may block the second outlet when not operating and may be visually continuous with the outer wall of the blower casing. The appearance of the air conditioner is improved. The aesthetics of the room can be enhanced.

The air conditioner may include a front panel that is attached to the structure, covers the structure from the front, and is formed into a curved surface that forms an arc around the axis of rotation of the blower housing. At this time, the front surface of the blower casing may be formed as a curved surface that continuously forms an arc around the axis of rotation of the blower casing in line with the left and right ends of the front panel from the outer wall. Since the front panel and the air blower casing have a shape that is visually in harmony, the air blower casing can cooperate with the front panel to greatly contribute to improving the appearance.

As described above, according to the disclosed air conditioner, it is possible to contribute to the shortening of the air passage extending from the outer peripheral track of the centrifugal fan to the air outlet.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows roughly the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing roughly the appearance of the indoor unit concerning one embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a structure roughly. It is a vertical cross-sectional view of the indoor unit schematically showing the passage of the airflow in the structure. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the structure of a structure and an auxiliary structure schematically. It is an exploded perspective view of a fan unit. It is a perspective view of the air-blowing path unit which shows roughly a rack and a drive gear. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the structure of the drive unit of a side louver. FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a room temperature air flow passage in a blower casing. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a blower housing located at a reference position. It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the ventilation housing located in a 1st ventilation position. It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the ventilation housing located in a 2nd ventilation position. It is a conceptual diagram which shows schematically the flow of the air in a room in the initial stage of cooling operation. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the flow of air after a room reaches preset temperature. It is a conceptual diagram which shows schematically the flow of the air in the room in the initial stage of heating operation. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the flow of air after a room reaches preset temperature.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of an air conditioner 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 11 includes an indoor unit 12 and an outdoor unit 13. The indoor unit 12 is installed in, for example, an indoor space inside a building. In addition, the indoor unit 12 may be installed in an environmental space corresponding to the indoor space. An indoor heat exchanger 14 is incorporated in the indoor unit 12. A compressor 15, an outdoor heat exchanger 16, an expansion valve 17 and a four-way valve 18 are incorporated in the outdoor unit 13. The indoor heat exchanger 14, the compressor 15, the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17 and the four-way valve 18 form a refrigeration circuit 19.

The refrigeration circuit 19 includes a first circulation path 21. The first circulation path 21 connects the first port 18a and the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18 to each other. The compressor 15 is incorporated in the first circulation path 21. The suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15 is connected to the first port 18a of the four-way valve 18 via a refrigerant pipe. The gas refrigerant is supplied to the suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15 from the first port 18a. The compressor 15 compresses the low pressure gas refrigerant to a predetermined pressure. The discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 is connected to the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18 via a refrigerant pipe. The gas refrigerant is supplied from the discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 to the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18. The first circulation path 21 is formed of a refrigerant pipe such as a copper pipe.

The refrigeration circuit 19 further includes a second circulation path 22. The second circulation path 22 connects the third port 18c and the fourth port 18d of the four-way valve 18 to each other. The outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17, and the indoor heat exchanger 14 are incorporated in the second circulation path 22 in order from the third port 18c side. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 realizes heat exchange between the passing refrigerant and the ambient air. The indoor heat exchanger 14 realizes heat exchange between the passing refrigerant and the ambient air. The second circulation path 22 may be formed of a refrigerant pipe such as a copper pipe.

A blower fan 23 is incorporated in the outdoor unit 13. The blower fan 23 ventilates the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The blower fan 23 generates an airflow according to the rotation of the impeller, for example. The airflow passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the impeller per minute. In the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the air is adjusted according to the amount of heat exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 14.

The indoor unit 12 includes a main body unit 25 and a pair of fan units 26. The indoor heat exchanger 14 and the blower fan 27 are incorporated in the main body unit 25. The blower fan 27 ventilates the indoor heat exchanger 14. The blower fan 27 generates an airflow according to the rotation of the impeller. The air in the room is sucked into the main body unit 25 by the function of the blower fan 27. The indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The heat-exchanged cold or warm airflow is blown out from the main body unit 25. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the impeller per minute. The temperature of the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 14 can be adjusted according to the flow rate of the air flow. The fan unit 26 draws in indoor air and blows room temperature air. Room temperature air is blown out at room temperature without heat exchange in the fan unit 26.

When the cooling operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the third port 18c to each other and the first port 18a and the fourth port 18d to each other. Therefore, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 16 from the discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15. The refrigerant sequentially flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17, and the indoor heat exchanger 14. In the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the refrigerant radiates heat to the outside air. The expansion valve 17 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to a low pressure. The decompressed refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air in the indoor heat exchanger 14. Cold air is produced. The cool air is blown into the indoor space by the function of the blower fan 27.

When heating operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the fourth port 18d to each other and connects the first port 18a and the third port 18c to each other. The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 15 to the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant sequentially flows through the indoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 17, and the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The indoor heat exchanger 14 radiates heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air. Warm air is generated. The warm air is blown into the indoor space by the function of the blower fan 27. The expansion valve 17 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to a low pressure. The depressurized refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient air in the outdoor heat exchanger 16. After that, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 15.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the appearance of the indoor unit 12 according to the embodiment. The main body unit 25 of the indoor unit 12 includes a structure body 28. A front panel 29 that covers the structure 28 is attached to the structure 28 from the front. The structure 28 can be fixed to a wall surface in the room, for example. The structure 28 has a first outlet 31 defined by a bottom plate 28a. The bottom plate 28a has a plate surface facing the floor surface. The first outlet 31 opens downward. The first outlet 31 faces the floor and spreads along a horizontal plane. The wall surface may be a vertical flat surface, and the floor surface may be a flat surface extending in the horizontal direction which is perpendicular to the wall surface.

A vertical wind direction plate 32 is arranged at the first outlet 31. The vertical airflow direction plate 32 can rotate around a longitudinal axis 33 that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first outlet 31. The vertical airflow direction plate 32 can open and close the first outlet 31 according to the rotation. Although the rotary shaft is provided at the rear end of the vertical airflow direction plate 32 in the present embodiment, the rotary shaft may be provided at other positions.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first suction port 34 is formed in the structure 28. The first suction port 34 opens on the front surface and the upper surface of the structure 28. The front panel 29 can cover the first suction port 34 in front of the structure 28. The first suction port 34 introduces indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger 14.

The fan unit 26 of the indoor unit 12 may be attached to the structure 28 from at least one side in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first outlet 31. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the fan unit 26 of the indoor unit 12 includes an auxiliary structure 35 attached to the structure 28 from both left and right sides in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first outlet 31. Will be disclosed. The auxiliary structure 35 supports a blower housing 37 rotatably around an axis 36 parallel to the longitudinal axis 33. The blower casing 37 is formed with a second blowout port 38 which is arranged side by side with the bottom plate 28a of the structure 28 and opens downward. A side louver 39 that opens and closes the second outlet 38 is attached to the blower casing 37. The side louver 39 rotates around the vertical axis 41 to determine the blowing direction of the airflow blown from the second outlet 38. The fan units 26 are attached to the left and right sides of the indoor unit 12, and have a symmetrical operation and structure.

The blower case 37 includes an outer cover 37b that is removably attached to the case body 37a and is provided with a plurality of openings 43 formed in the wall 42. The wall body 42 covers a second suction port (described later) that opens to the space outside the structure 28, and a blower (described later) is housed in the blower housing 37. An outer wall 44 that extends in front of the second outlet 38 is provided on the housing main body 37 a of the blower housing 37 along with the bottom plate 28 a of the structure 28.

The front panel 29 is formed in a curved surface that draws an arc around the axis 36 of the blower casing 37. The front surface of the blower housing 37 is formed in a shape that matches the left and right ends of the front panel 29. That is, the front surface of the blower casing 37 is formed into a curved surface that draws an arc around the axis 36. The front surface of the blower housing 37 forms a step surface that is retracted rearward from the front panel 29. The side louver 39 has a shape that blocks the second outlet 38 and is visually continuous with the outer wall 44 of the blower casing 37.

As shown in FIG. 4, a blower fan 27 is rotatably supported in the structure 28. For the blower fan 27, for example, a cross flow fan can be used. The blower fan 27 can rotate around a fan axis 45 that is parallel to the axis 36. The fan axis 45 of the blower fan 27 extends parallel to the floor surface during installation. In this way, the blower fan 27 is arranged parallel to the first outlet 31.

A blower fan drive source 46 is fixed to the structure 28. An electric motor can be used for the blower fan drive source 46, for example. The drive shaft of the blower fan drive source 46 rotates around its axis. The drive shaft may be arranged coaxially with the fan axis 45 of the blower fan 27. The drive shaft of the blower fan driving source 46 may be coupled to the rotation shaft of the blower fan 27. In this way, the driving force of the blower fan drive source 46 is transmitted to the blower fan 27. Here, the blower fan drive source 46 or the fan drive source 57 and the case drive source 68 described later may be controlled by a control unit (not shown).

In the structure 28, a passage 47 extending from the first suction port 34 to the first outlet 31 is defined between the left and right auxiliary structures 35. The indoor heat exchanger 14 is housed in the passage 47. The indoor heat exchanger 14 is arranged between the first suction port 34 and the blower fan 27. When the blower fan driving source 46 drives the blower fan 27, an airflow from the first suction port 34 to the first blowout port 31 is generated in the passage 47 according to the rotation of the blower fan 27. The airflow passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14. As a result, a cold or warm air stream is generated. The cold or warm airflow is blown out from the first outlet 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary structure 35 includes a side panel 48 formed of a flat plate orthogonal to the fan axis 45. The side panels 48 partition the air passages 47 partitioned in the structure 28 from the left and right in the horizontal direction. The side panel 48 is coupled to the structure 28 with, for example, screws.

The fan unit 26 includes a housing wall 51 that is integrally formed with the side panel 48 and defines a space occupied by the blower casing 37 from the rear side. Like the front surface, the rear surface of the blower housing 37 is formed into a curved surface that draws an arc around the axis 36.

The housing wall 51 is recessed into a curved surface that draws an arc around the axis 36 in accordance with the rear surface of the blower casing 37. In this way, the housing wall 51 is fitted to the contour of the blower casing 37. The housing wall 51 is visually continuous with the wall body 42 of the blower casing 37.

The upper surface of the blower casing 37 expands as an extension of the top plate 52 of the auxiliary structure 35. In this way, the upper surface of the blower casing 37 is visually continuous with the top plate 52 of the auxiliary structure 35. The blower housing 37 is integrated with the design of the indoor unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 6, each fan unit 26 includes a first decorative case 53a and a second decorative case 53b. The case main body 37a has a first decorative case 53a and a second decorative case 53b. The outer cover 37b is attached to the first decorative housing 53a. The 1st makeup case 53a and the 2nd makeup case 53b are mutually connected, and the 2nd blow-off mouth 38 is formed. A circular opening 59 coaxial with the axis 36 is defined in the second decorative case 53b. An air passage unit 54, a centrifugal fan 55, a mounting plate 56, a fan drive source 57, and a protection member 58 are housed in the internal space defined by the first decorative case 53a and the second decorative case 53b.

The fan unit 26 includes a blower path unit 54. The air passage unit 54 has a first member 54a and a second member 54b. Between the first member 54a and the second member 54b, the flow from the second suction port 64, which is separated from the passage 47 in the structure 28 and opens to the space outside the structure 28, to the second outlet 38. A road (described later) is divided. The second member 54b of the air passage unit 54 is joined to the second decorative body 53b. In this way, the air flow path unit 54 is integrated with the air flow housing.

The first member 54a of the air passage unit 54 has a plate piece 62 that is orthogonal to the axis 36, and a road wall 63 that rises from the inside of the plate piece 62 toward the second decorative housing 53b. A second suction port 64 covered by the outer cover 37b is defined in the plate piece 62. The second suction port 64 is an opening formed by a plurality of punching holes corresponding to the opening 43 of the wall body 42.

The fan unit 26 includes a centrifugal fan 55. The centrifugal fan 55 is housed in the air passage unit 54. The centrifugal fan 55 is arranged in the flow passage extending from the second suction port 64 to the second outlet 38.

The rotation axis of the centrifugal fan 55 intersects the outer wall surface of the side panel 48 (the surface on the fan unit 26 side). Here, the rotation axis of the centrifugal fan 55 is orthogonal to the outer wall surface. The rotation axis of the centrifugal fan 55 can overlap the axis 36 of the blower casing 37. When the centrifugal fan 55 rotates, the indoor air is taken in through the second suction port 64 along the axis of the centrifugal fan 55. The centrifugal fan 55 pushes room temperature air in the centrifugal direction over the entire circumference. The room temperature air thus pushed out is blown out from the second outlet 38 along the flow passage.

The fan unit 26 includes a mounting plate 56. The mounting plate 56 is connected to the second member 54b of the air passage unit 54, as will be described later. The mounting plate 56 is superposed on the outer wall surface of the side panel 48. The mounting plate 56 is screwed to the side panel 48, for example. Each screw may have an axis parallel to the axis 36. The mounting plate 56 has a circular outer edge, and the outer edge is fitted into the circular opening 59 of the second decorative case 53b. The outer edge of the mounting plate 56 rotates along the circular opening 59.

The fan unit 26 includes a fan drive source 57. The fan drive source 57 is supported by the mounting plate 56. The fan drive source 57 can be composed of, for example, an electric motor. A centrifugal fan 55 as a second blower fan is fixed to the drive shaft 57a of the fan drive source 57.

The fan unit 26 includes a protection member 58. The protective member 58 is coupled to the mounting plate 56. The protection member 58 is formed in a dome shape that covers the centrifugal fan drive source 57. The drive shaft 57a of the fan drive source 57 penetrates the protective member 58 and the second member 54b of the air passage unit 54 and enters the space inside the air passage unit 54. The fan drive source 57 and the centrifugal fan 55 form a blower.

As shown in FIG. 7, a rack 66 is formed on the second member 54b of the air passage unit 54. The rack 66 is arranged along a cylindrical surface coaxial with the axis 36. A drive gear 67 meshes with the rack 66. The rotation axis of the drive gear 67 is set parallel to the axis line 36. The air passage unit 54 can rotate with respect to the mounting plate 56 around the axis 36 according to the rotation of the drive gear 67. The rack 66 and the drive gear 67 constitute power transmission means.

A case drive source 68 is attached to the attachment plate 56. The housing drive source 68 is, for example, a stepping motor that drives the drive shaft around the axis according to the supply of pulsed power. The drive shaft of the case drive source 68 is connected to the drive gear 67. The axis of the drive shaft overlaps the rotation axis of the drive gear 67. Thus, the rotation of the drive gear 67 is caused by the power of the housing drive source 68. The housing drive source 68 generates a driving force that causes the blower housing 37 to rotate. The housing drive source 68 is screwed to the inner wall surface of the side panel 48. The drive shaft of the housing drive source 68 penetrates the side panel 48. The screws used for fixing the housing drive source 68 may be screwed into the mounting plate 56 from the inner wall surface (back side of the outer wall surface) of the side panel 48 through the side panel 48. The mounting plate 56 can be more firmly fixed according to such co-fastening. The rotational position of the blower casing 37 can be controlled according to the number of pulses of the pulse power.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fan unit 26 includes a drive unit 69 for the side louver 39. The drive unit 69 includes a support member 72 that rotatably supports the shaft body 71 of the side louver 39. The shaft 71 is received by the support member 72 from one surface of the support member 72. The shaft body 71 is inserted into the blade body 39a of the side louver 39 and coupled thereto. The shaft center of the shaft body 71 overlaps the vertical axis 41. The support member 72 is fixed to the first member 54a of the air passage unit 54, and rotatably supports the blade body 39a of the side louver 39 together with the first member 54a.

A gear cover 73 is attached to the surface of the support member 72 to which the shaft 71 is attached. The gear cover 73 accommodates the drive gear 74 and the driven gear 75 between itself and the support member 72. The drive gear 74 is rotatably mounted on a support column 76 protruding from one surface of the support member 72. The rotation axis of the drive gear 74 is set parallel to the vertical axis 41. The driven gear 75 meshes with the drive gear 74. The driven gear 75 is fixed to the shaft body 71 connected to the side louver 39.

A louver drive source (drive motor) 77 is attached to the gear cover 73. Therefore, the louver drive source 77 is supported by the support member 72 via the gear cover 73. The louver drive source 77 is, for example, a stepping motor that drives the drive shaft 77a around the axis according to the supply of pulse power. The axis of the drive shaft 77a is set parallel to the vertical axis 41. The drive shaft 77a is inserted into and coupled to the drive gear 74. In this way, the drive shaft 77a is connected to the shaft body 71 connected to the side louver 39 via the drive gear 74 and the driven gear 75. The driving force of the drive shaft 77 a is transmitted to the side louver 39 via the drive gear 74 and the driven gear 75. The open position of the side louver 39 can be controlled according to the number of pulses of the pulse power.

As shown in FIG. 9, the air passage unit 54 faces the air guide wall 79 and the air guide wall 79 extending in the rotation direction DR of the centrifugal fan 55 while gradually moving away from the outer peripheral track 78 of the centrifugal fan 55. The centrifugal fan 55 is provided with a guide wall 82 that extends from the track 78 of the outer edge toward the outer wall 44 and that divides the air passage 81 with the air guide wall 79. The wind guide wall 79 extends in the circumferential direction around the centrifugal fan 55 from the front end 38a side of the second outlet 38 and reaches the rear end 38b side of the second outlet 38. The drive unit 69 is arranged radially outside the air guide wall 79 and inside the outer wall 44.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second member 54b of the air passage unit 54 is provided with a stopper 83 that radially projects from the outer edge of the air blow housing 37. The stopper 83 is formed with a stopper surface 83a that extends from an outer end that is separated from the axis 36 by a first distance D1 to an inner end that is separated by a second distance D2 that is smaller than the first distance D1. The stopper surface 83a may be an angle that can restrict the movement of the blower casing 37 that rotates around the axis 36.

The housing wall 51 of the auxiliary structure 35 includes a facing wall 84 located outside the track of the outer end of the stopper 83. The facing wall 84 is opposed to the outer edge of the blower casing 37 by a curved surface that draws an arc coaxial with the axis 36. At the upper end of the opposing wall 84, a restricting body 85 protruding from the curved surface of the opposing wall 84 toward the axis 36 is formed. The restricting body 85 is formed with a contact surface 85a that receives the stopper surface 83a of the blower casing 37. The restraining body 83 of the blower housing 37 can be displaced around the axis 36 along the path extending in the forward direction FD (clockwise in FIG. 10) inside the facing wall 84 with respect to the regulating body 85 of the facing wall 84. .. The restricting body 85 of the facing wall 84 restricts the displacement of the stopper 83 in the reverse direction RD (counterclockwise in FIG. 10) opposite to the forward direction FD. The stop body 83 of the blower housing 37 moves along a circular arc in a path extending in the forward direction FD with respect to the restriction body 85.

When the stopper surface 83a of the blower housing 37 contacts the contact surface 85a of the regulation body 85, the blower housing 37 is positioned at the reference position. At the reference position, the second outlet 38 is opened downwards side by side with the bottom plate 28a. The outer wall 44 and the side louver 39 in the closed position are arranged side by side with the bottom plate 28a of the structure 28 and are visually continuous. The upper surface of the blower housing 37 is arranged side by side with the top plate 52 of the auxiliary structure 35 and is visually continuous. The reference position of the blower casing 37 corresponds to a non-operating position established when the fan unit 26 stops operating.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the blower casing 37 rotates about the axis 36 in the forward direction FD at the specified first angle α, the blower casing 37 is located at the first blow position. At the first air blowing position, the second outlet 38 is a position that is open above the reference position, and is open forward and downward of the structure 28. The blower casing 37 projects slightly below the bottom plate 28a of the structure 28 and slightly above the top plate 52 of the auxiliary structure 35. Since the front surface of the blower casing 37 is formed as a curved surface whose distance from the axis line 36 of the blower casing does not change significantly, even if the blower casing 37 rotates, the blower casing 37 is blown from the upper and lower surfaces of the structure 28. It is possible to suppress the protrusion of 37 to a large extent.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the blower casing 37 rotates about the axis 36 at a second angle β (here, 90 degrees) larger than the first angle α, the blower casing 37 is located at the second blow position. .. At the second blowing position, the second outlet 38 opens horizontally in the front direction (forward direction). The blower casing 37 projects a curved surface on the rear surface slightly below the bottom plate 28a of the structure 28 and projects a curved surface on the front surface slightly above the top plate 52 of the auxiliary structure 35. The position where the blower housing 37 is rotated in the forward direction FD with respect to the reference position is included in the operating position established when the fan unit 26 operates.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner 11 will be described. For example, when the cooling operation is set, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the third port 18c to each other and connects the first port 18a and the fourth port 18d to each other. Refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration circuit 19 according to the operation of the compressor 15. As a result, cool air is generated in the indoor heat exchanger 14. The temperature of the cool air is lower than at least the temperature of the air in the room sucked through the first suction port 34.

The pair of blower casings 37 are positioned at the initial position of the cooling operation. The initial position of the cooling operation corresponds to the first blowing position. The blower housing 37 is driven in the forward direction FD around the axis 36 from the reference position. When positioning the blower casing 37, pulse power is supplied to the casing drive source 68.

Prior to driving the blower casing 37, the blower casing 37 is driven in the opposite direction around the axis 36. The stop body 83 of the blower path unit 54 corresponds to the restriction body 85 of the auxiliary structure body 35. The reference position of the blower casing 37 is established according to the contact between the stopper surface 83a and the contact surface 85a. The rotation angle is controlled according to the number of pulses of pulse power from the reference position.

The side louver 39 opens the second outlet 38. Upon opening, the louver drive source 77 is supplied with pulse power. The louver drive source 77 drives the side louver 39 around the vertical axis 41 according to the number of pulses.

When the blower fan 27 rotates, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the airflow 86 of the cool air blows forward in the horizontal direction from the first outlet 31. The vertical wind direction plate 32 is held in a posture substantially parallel to the floor surface.

When the centrifugal fan 55 rotates, the air in the room of the fan unit 26 flows into the air passage unit 54 from the second suction port 64. The fan unit 26 blows out an airflow 87 of room temperature air downward from the second outlet 38. A gentle airflow 87 of room temperature air is generated below the airflow 86 of cold air. Cold air descends from a high position toward the floor. Cold air gradually accumulates in the room. The fan unit 26 functions as a substitute for a so-called fan during cooling operation. The occupant M can obtain a comfortable cool feeling. Here, the direction of the second outlet 38 may be set according to the attitude of the vertical wind direction plate 32. For example, when the user sets the vertical wind direction plate 32 downward, the direction of the second outlet 38 may be the same as the reference position.

When the room temperature approaches the set temperature, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the pair of blower casings 37 is driven around the axis 36 from the first blower position to the second blower position. When positioning the blower casing 37, pulse power is supplied to the casing drive source 68. The fan unit 26 blows out an airflow 88 of room temperature air horizontally from the second outlet 38. Room temperature air mixes with cold air and reaches the occupant M softly.

For example, when the heating operation is set, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the fourth port 18d to each other and connects the first port 18a and the third port 18c to each other. Refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration circuit 19 according to the operation of the compressor 15. As a result, warm air is generated in the indoor heat exchanger 14. The temperature of warm air is at least higher than the temperature of indoor air.

The pair of blower casings 37 are positioned at the initial position of heating operation. The initial position of the heating operation corresponds to the first blowing position. The blower housing 37 is driven in the forward direction FD around the axis 36 from the reference position, as described above. The side louver 39 opens the second outlet 38.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the heating operation, the warm airflow 89 blows downward from the first outlet 31 toward the floor surface in response to the rotation of the blower fan 27. The attitude of the vertical wind direction plate 32 is set to face downward.

Room temperature air is blown out from the second outlet 38 according to the rotation of the centrifugal fan 55. An airflow 91 of room temperature air is generated above the airflow 89 of warm air. Since the warm airflow 89 is suppressed by room temperature air having a low temperature, the rising of warm air is suppressed. In this way, the room is warmed from the feet of the occupant M.

For example, when the floor surface becomes warm, the vertical wind direction plate 32 changes to a posture substantially parallel to the floor surface, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. The warm airflow 92 is generated from the first outlet 31 in parallel with the floor surface. The pair of ventilation housings 37 are driven around the axis 36 from the first ventilation position to the second ventilation position. An airflow 93 of room temperature air is generated from the second outlet 38 parallel to the floor surface. The room temperature air mixes with the warm air and does not directly hit the person M in the room and agitates the room air.

As described above, in the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 11 according to the present embodiment, the outer wall that extends in front of the second outlet 38 on the extension of the second outlet 38 along with the bottom plate 28a of the structure 28. The blower housing 37 is provided with 44. Since the outer wall 44 extends along the bottom plate 28a toward the front end 38a side of the second outlet 38, the outer wall 44 secures a space 49 on the extension of the shaft 71 of the side louver 39. Therefore, the louver drive source 77 is arranged in the axial direction of the shaft 71 of the side louver 39. Since the space for disposing the louver drive source 77 is not provided between the side louver 39 and the outer peripheral track 78 of the centrifugal fan 55, the drive unit 69 of the side louver 39 can be downsized. When the drive unit 69 is downsized, the air passage 81 can be shortened from the outer peripheral track 78 of the centrifugal fan 55 to the second outlet 38. The shortening of the air passage 81 can create a variety of designs of the indoor unit 12.

In the indoor unit 12 according to the present embodiment, the blower housing 37 extends in the circumferential direction around the centrifugal fan 55 while gradually moving away from the track 78 of the outer edge of the centrifugal fan 55, starting from the front end 38a side of the second outlet 38. While facing the wind guide wall 79 and the air guide wall 79 extending to the rear end 38b side of the second outlet 38, the centrifugal fan 55 extends from the track 78 of the outer edge toward the outer wall 44, and between the air guide wall 79 and A guide wall 82 that partitions the air passage 81 is provided. As described above, since the louver drive source 77 is not arranged between the side louver 39 and the outer edge track 78 of the centrifugal fan 55, the second outlet 38 can be as close to the outer edge of the centrifugal fan 55 as possible. Therefore, the guide wall 82 is shortened. In this way, the air passage 81 is shortened.

The indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 11 is fixed inside the outer wall 44, receives the shaft body 71 of the side louver 39 from the first surface, and supports the shaft body 71 of the side louver 39 rotatably. A louver drive source 77 having a drive shaft 77a supported by a support member 72 on the second surface on the back side of the first surface and connected to the shaft body 71 by a drive gear 74 and a driven gear 75. Since the side louver 39 and the louver drive source 77 are connected by the drive gear 74 and the driven gear 75, the driving force is transmitted from the louver drive source 77 to the side louver 39 by a simple rotation operation. The possibility of malfunction is reduced by simplifying the driving force transmission structure. By adopting general-purpose parts such as gears, manufacturing costs are reduced.

The side louver 39 closes the second outlet 38 when not in operation and is visually continuous with the outer wall 44 of the blower casing 37. In this way, the appearance of the indoor unit 12 is improved. The aesthetics of the room can be enhanced.

In the present embodiment, the front surface of the blower housing 37 is formed into a curved surface which is continuous with the outer wall 44 and which draws an arc around the axis 36 in alignment with the left and right ends of the front panel 29. Since the front panel 29 and the blower casing 37 have a visually harmonious shape, the blower casing 37 cooperates with the front panel 29 and greatly contributes to improving the aesthetic appearance. Moreover, since the front surface of the blower casing 37 is formed as a curved surface that continuously draws an arc around the axis 36 from the outer wall 44, a large space 49 is ensured in the extension of the shaft body 71 of the side louver 39. You can

12... Air conditioner (indoor unit), 14... Heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger), 28... Structure, 28a... Bottom plate, 29... Front panel, 31... First blowout port, 34... First suction port, 36... Rotation axis (of blower housing), 37... Blower housing, 38... Second outlet, 39... Side louver, 44... (Downward) outer wall, 47... Airflow passage, 55... Part of blower ( Centrifugal fan), 57... Part of blower (fan drive source), 64... Second suction port, 71... (Side louver) shaft member, 72... Support member, 74... Gear (driving gear), 75... Gear ( Driven via), 77... drive motor (louver drive source), 77a... drive shaft, 78... (centrifugal fan) orbit, 79... air guide wall, 81... air passage, 82... guide wall.

Claims (4)

A heat exchanger,
A structure containing the heat exchanger,
The structure has a first outlet defined by a bottom plate that is a lower part of the structure, and a passage for airflow from a first inlet provided above the first outlet to the first outlet. Have,
The second suction port is disposed on at least one side of the first outlet so that the posture of the structure can be changed relative to the structure, is separated from the passage, and is inoperative from the second suction port opening to the space outside the structure. A blower housing that accommodates a blower in a room temperature air flow passage that extends downward to a second outlet that is aligned with the bottom plate at a position;
A side louver attached to the blower casing for determining a blowing direction of an air flow blown out from the second outlet, and a drive motor for driving the side louver,
An outer wall that extends in parallel with the second outlet in front of the second outlet is provided in the blower casing, and the drive motor is disposed on the blower side of the outer wall. A characteristic air conditioner. The air conditioner according to claim 1,
A support member that is fixed inside the outer wall, receives the shaft body of the side louver from the first surface, and rotatably supports the shaft body of the side louver;
An air conditioner, comprising: a drive motor supported by the support member on the second surface on the back side of the first surface and having a drive shaft connected to the shaft body by a gear. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side louver blocks the second outlet port when not in operation and is visually continuous with the outer wall of the blower casing. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A front panel attached to the structure, covering the structure from the front, and having a curved surface that forms an arc around the rotation axis of the blower casing,
The air conditioner, wherein a front surface of the blower casing is formed into a curved surface which is continuous with the outer wall and which forms an arc around a rotation axis in alignment with left and right ends of the front panel.