JP2022154304A - Cover structure of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cover structure which covers an indoor unit of a radiation air conditioner.SOLUTION: A cover structure has a structure which covers an air conditioner attached to a wall surface and includes: a front panel which covers a front surface of the air conditioner; a bottom panel which covers a bottom surface of the air conditioner; and side panels each of which covers a front portion and a lower portion of a side surface of the air conditioner. In the cover structure, a lower edge of the front panel and a front edge of the bottom panel are connected, and side edges of the front panel and the bottom panel and front edges and lower edges of the side panels are connected. The front panel, the bottom panel, and the side panels are provided separated from the air conditioner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a cover structure for covering an indoor unit of a radiant air conditioner.

2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioner (generally called an air conditioner) installed in a living room or the like of a home blows out cooled (or warmed) air from an air outlet to adjust the indoor temperature. On the other hand, there is known a radiant air conditioner that adjusts the room temperature with a radiant panel cooled (or heated) by water or air (see Patent Document 1).

In the radiant air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner and a hollow case having a flat shape are attached to the ceiling surface. A hollow case with a flat shape was composed of a moisture-permeable radiant panel and a heat-insulating panel facing each other with a gap, and an air passage was formed in the gap between the two panels to cool from an air conditioner ( (or warmed) has a structure in which air is blown.

JP-A-2016-217630

A system in which an air conditioner is installed on the ceiling, such as the radiant air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, can be applied to new buildings, but is not suitable for installation in existing buildings. Therefore, it is conceivable to attach the air conditioner to the wall like a general air conditioner. In that case, since the air conditioner of the radiant air conditioning system needs to blow air toward the ceiling, there is a problem that the arrangement of the air suction port and the air blow port is reversed from that of the general air conditioner.

Household air conditioners have an air intake port on the top of the indoor unit and a blower port on the lower front, and are designed to combine functional beauty with an emphasis on interior design. On the other hand, the indoor unit of the radiant air conditioner has an air intake port on the front side, and the air intake port occupies a relatively large area, which greatly affects the appearance. It is difficult to reduce the area occupied by the air inlet not only to ensure the function of sucking in air, but also to minimize wind noise. There is also the problem of not being able to

In view of such problems, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a cover structure that covers an indoor unit of a radiant air conditioner.

A cover structure according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure for covering an air conditioner mounted on a wall surface, and includes a front panel covering the front surface of the air conditioner, a bottom panel covering the bottom surface of the air conditioner, and a cover structure covering the air conditioner. and side panels covering the front and lower portions of the sides. The cover structure has a lower edge of the front panel and a front edge of the bottom panel, and a side edge of the front and bottom panels and a front and bottom edge of the side panels. The panel is provided separately from the air conditioner.

The air conditioner has an air intake in the front, and the cover structure is provided such that the front panel, the bottom panel and the side panels cover the air intake. The cover structure is installed such that the front panel, the bottom panel, and the side panels are spaced apart from the air conditioner, and the space that is spaced apart forms a flow path for air flowing to the air intake. Preferably, the cover structure has a front panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel separated from the air conditioner by 40 mm or more.

The front panel or the side panel may have a bent portion at the upper end thereof bent toward the air conditioner, and may have a structure in which the bent portion overlaps with the mounting fixture protruding from the air conditioner. Further, the cover structure may be provided with a mounting plate on the side panel for bridging to the air conditioner. The cover structure may be integrally molded with a front panel, a bottom panel and side panels.

At least one or more of a lighting fixture, a speaker, and a projector may be provided on the cover structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover structure is installed so as to cover the air conditioner of the radiant air conditioner, so that the air inlet can be hidden from the outside, and is separated from the air conditioner. By arranging at the same position, it is possible to form an air flow path to the air inlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the structure of the radiant air conditioner which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the perspective view seen from the upper direction, (B) shows the perspective view seen from the downward direction. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a cover structure according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cover structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows a front view, (B) shows a side view. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cover structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows a top view, (B) shows a rear view. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cover structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the structure to which the lighting fixture was added, and (B) shows the structure to which the decorative plate was further provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cover structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (A) shows the structure to which the lighting fixture was added, (B) shows the structure to which the projector was added. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cover structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) shows a configuration to which a flat panel speaker is added, and (B) shows an example in which the cover structure is configured with a flat panel speaker; .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different aspects and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. In order to make the description clearer, the drawings may schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but this is only an example and limits the interpretation of the present invention. not a thing In addition, in this specification and each figure, the same reference numerals may be given to the same elements as those described above with respect to the existing figures, and detailed description thereof may be omitted as appropriate. Further, the letters "first" and "second" for each element are convenient labels used to distinguish each element and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified.

1. Overall Configuration of Radiation Cooling Device FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the configuration of a radiant air conditioning device 100. FIG. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the radiant air conditioner 100 as seen from above, and FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the radiant air conditioner 100 as seen from below. Since the radiant air conditioner 100 is installed on the wall surface and the ceiling surface, the structure shown in FIG. 1A is not directly visible.

Radiant air conditioner 100 includes air conditioner 102 , cover structure 104 , insulation panel 106 and radiant panel 108 . The air conditioner 102 is attached to the wall surface of the room. The air conditioner 102 is provided with an air inlet (not shown) on the front surface, and an air outlet 114 on the upper surface (ceiling side). Most of the air conditioner 102 is covered with a cover structure 104 so that the air inlet 112 is not directly visible.

The heat insulating panel 106 is provided from a portion overlapping the air conditioner 102 to the front. The heat insulating panel 106 is made of, for example, resin, gypsum, urethane, glass wool, rock wool, or the like. The insulation panel 106 is attached to the ceiling surface by fasteners 110 attached to the ceiling surface.

The insulation panel 106 may be divided into multiple pieces before being attached to the ceiling. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the air conditioner 102 is divided into three parts: a first heat insulation panel 106a on the upper side, a second heat insulation panel 106b in front thereof, and a third heat insulation panel 106c in front thereof. may The first heat insulating panel 106a is provided to be inserted between the air conditioner 102 and the ceiling surface. A second heat insulating panel 106b is provided on the basis of the position of the first heat insulating panel 106a, and a third heat insulating panel 106c is further provided.

The first heat insulation panel 106a is formed with a groove extending over the entire surface so as not to block the air outlet 114 of the air conditioner 102, and the second heat insulation panel 106b and the third heat insulation panel 106c are also formed with grooves. there is A radiation panel 108 is provided to cover the entire second and third insulation panels 106b and 106c. The radiating panel 108 is made of cloth, for example, and has a structure stretched over a frame so as to spread out like a flat plate. Such a radiation panel 108 is detachably attached to the ceiling surface.

Between the grooves provided in the second heat insulating panel 106b and the third heat insulating panel 106c and the radiating panel 108, a flow path for air blown from the air blowing port 114 is formed. The concave groove is open at the tip of the third heat insulating panel 106c, and the air that has flowed through this flow path is directly discharged into the room. The radiant air conditioner 100 air-conditions the room by radiative cooling or heat radiation by causing cooled or warmed air blown from the air conditioner 102 to flow through this flow path. The radiant air conditioner 100 not only directly adjusts the room temperature with cooled or warmed air, but also performs air conditioning with the radiant panel 108, so even if the air volume blown from the air conditioner 102 is small, it is sufficient. Air conditioning effect can be exhibited. That is, even if the cover structure 104 is provided on the front surface of the air conditioner 102, it is possible not to affect the operation.

2. Configuration of Cover Structure FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the cover structure 104 attached to the air conditioner 102 of the radiant air conditioner 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 3A is a front view of the cover structure 104, FIG. 3B is a side view of the cover structure 104, FIG. 4A is a plan view of the cover structure 104, and FIG. B) shows a rear view of the cover structure 104 . The following description refers to these drawings.

The air conditioner 102 is provided with an air inlet 112 on the front surface and an air outlet 114 on the upper surface (ceiling side). The cover structure 104 has a structure that covers at least part of the front surface, bottom surface, and side surfaces of the air conditioner 102 . Specifically, the cover structure 104 includes a front panel 104a covering the front of the air conditioner 102, a bottom panel 104b covering the bottom, and a side panel 104c covering the sides. The side panels 104c are preferably provided on both left and right sides of the air conditioner 102 .

The air conditioner 102 is installed at a relatively high position indoors. In other words, the air conditioner 102 is installed at a position close to the ceiling of the room. The front panel 104a has such a size and shape that the air inlet is not visible when the air conditioner 102 is viewed from the front and obliquely from below. In addition, the bottom panel 104b has a size and shape such that the air inlet is not visible when viewed from below the air conditioner 102 . Also, the side panel 104c is provided so that the air inlet is not visible when the air conditioner 102 is viewed from the side.

As will be described later, the cover structure 104 is provided to cover the air conditioner 102 and, as another function, to form an intake path. In order to realize the function of forming an air intake path, it is preferable to have a shape that covers a part of the side surface of the air conditioner 102 installed on the wall rather than covering the entire side surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it preferably has an L-shape and a shape covering the front portion to the lower portion. Also, although not shown, the side panel 104c may have a triangular shape that widens from the top end to the bottom end.

In this embodiment, the cover structure 104 is divided into a front panel 104a, a bottom panel 104b, and a side panel 104c. In other words, the front panel 104a, bottom panel 104b, and side panel 104c are preferably integrated. For example, cover structure 104 may be integrally molded.

The cover structure 104 can be designed to give an aesthetic appearance by connecting the front panel 104a, the bottom panel 104b, and the side panel 104c. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it can be formed into a gently curved shape from below the front panel 104a to the front of the bottom panel 104b. Also, although not shown, the front panel 104a to the side panel 104c and the bottom panel 104b to the side panel 104c can also be curved.

Moreover, the cover structure 104 may be colored, or may have a pattern, a figure, or an abstract picture drawn on it. That is, the cover structure 104 may be used as part of the interior, and may be designed to harmonize the interior of the room where it is installed.

The cover structure 104 is preferably made of a material that is shape-stable (can retain its shape) and lightweight. The cover structure 104 is preferably made of, for example, plastic, metal, non-woven fabric, or the like. Moreover, the cover structure 104 may be formed of a fine mesh member. Furthermore, the cover structure 104 may be formed with a thin wooden frame covered with Japanese paper.

The cover structure 104 is spaced apart from the front, bottom, and sides of the air conditioner 102 rather than being closely attached to the air conditioner 102 . A space is formed between the cover structure 104 and the air conditioner 102 to form a flow path for air flowing to the air inlet 112 . If the flow path is narrow, the air conditioner 102 will be overloaded and will have to increase its rotational speed in order to blow out a predetermined amount of air to the radiant panel 108 . On the other hand, if the space is expanded more than necessary, it is not preferable because the cover structure 104 is enlarged.

Like a general air conditioner (air conditioner), it blows out cool or warm air to adjust the room temperature. Since the radiant air conditioner 100 only needs to be able to control the temperature of the radiant panel 108, it does not require an air volume unlike a general air conditioner (air conditioner). Therefore, the space between the cover structure 104 and the air conditioner 102 can be relatively small. For example, the distance between the cover structure 104 and the air conditioner 102 can be 10 mm or more and 300 mm or less, such as 30 mm or more and 300 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or more and 300 mm or less. For example, it is preferable that the cover structure 104 is spaced from the air conditioner 102 by about 40 mm. The cover structure 104 covers the air conditioner 102 with such a gap, thereby forming a flow path for the air flowing through the air inlet 112 and hiding the air inlet 112 from the outside, giving an uncomfortable feeling to the viewer. can be of any size.

The cover structure 104 is attached to the air conditioner 102 at multiple points. For example, it is preferable that the mounting members are provided at four locations on the left, right, upper and lower sides of the air conditioner 102 . By attaching the cover structure 104 to the air conditioner 102 at a plurality of positions in this manner, the air conditioner can be installed in a stable state.

The cover structure 104 is attached to the air conditioner 102 by attachment members. The structure and shape of the mounting member are appropriately selected. Since the cover structure 104 is spaced apart from the air conditioner 102, a mounting plate 116 bridging the side panel 104c and the air conditioner 102 may be used. The mounting plate 116 has flat surfaces at both ends, and may have a structure in which these portions are in contact with the side panel 104c and the air conditioner 102 and fastened with fasteners such as screws.

Further, the front panel 104a or the side panel 104c may be provided with a bent portion 105 in which the upper end is bent toward the air conditioner 102 side. The bent portion 105 may be arranged so as to overlap with a fitting 115 projecting from the air conditioner 102, and fastened with a fastener such as a screw at this portion. Note that the attachment structure of the cover structure 104 illustrated here is an example, and may have another structure.

Thus, the cover structure 104 according to one embodiment of the present invention covers the outer surface of the air conditioner 102 that constitutes the radiant air conditioner 100, and is installed at a predetermined distance from the air conditioner 102. By doing so, the air inlet 112 can be made invisible, and a flow path for the air flowing to the air inlet 112 can be formed. Accordingly, even when the air conditioner 102 of the radiant air conditioner 100 is installed on the wall surface of the room, it is possible to maintain the function of the air conditioner and not impair the aesthetic appearance.

3. Cover structure with additional functions The cover structure 104 has two functions of covering the air intake port 112 to improve its appearance and forming an air flow path, and in addition, it has a new function of attaching another member. be able to. An example is shown below.

FIG. 5A shows an example in which a lighting fixture is installed on the cover structure 104. FIG. The lighting fixtures 118 can be installed, for example, on the front panel 104a. The luminaire 118 can be used for indirect lighting by directing the light towards the radiant panel 108 . By using an LED as the light source of the lighting device 118, it is possible to reduce the size and weight. Also, the lighting device 118 may have color rendering properties by changing the color tone of the light source.

When the radiant air conditioner 100 is installed in the bedroom, the radiant panel 108 is installed above the bed. Since the radiant panel 108 is made of fabric as described above, the light from the lighting fixtures 118 can render the interior of the bedroom. As shown in FIG. 5B, a decorative plate 120 may be provided on the cover structure 104 so that the lighting device 118 cannot be directly viewed from below. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape of the lighting device 118 and the number of light sources can be selected as appropriate.

FIG. 6A shows an example in which lighting fixtures 118 are installed on the bottom panel 104b. In this example, a highly directional lighting fixture 118 can be used to directly illuminate a small area and can be used, for example, as a reading light. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIG. 6A, by installing the lighting equipment 118 on the cover structure 104, the air conditioner 102 can be used for lighting without impairing its function. be able to.

FIG. 6B shows an example in which the projector 122 is attached to the cover structure 104. FIG. A radiation panel 108 is provided obliquely above the cover structure 104 . Since the radiation panel 108 is flat, it can be used as a screen for projecting images. If the projector 122 is thin, it can be installed inside the cover structure 104 to project an image from the projection hole of the front panel 104a.

FIG. 7A shows an example in which the speaker 124 is installed on the cover structure 104. FIG. The speaker 124 may be a cone-shaped speaker, but if it is a flat speaker, it can be installed on the surface of the cover structure 104 as it is. Although FIG. 7A shows an example in which the speaker 124 is installed on the front panel 104a, the speaker 124 may be installed on the left and right side panels 104c. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the entire cover structure 104 may be composed of a flat speaker. When the radiant air conditioner 100 is installed in a bedroom, a better sleeping environment can be provided by playing environmental music from the speaker 124 provided on the cover structure 104 .

Multiple functions can also be added to the cover structure 104 . For example, the lighting device 118 and the speaker 124 can be combined to produce an indoor environment according to the purpose (sleep, wake-up, rest, etc.) by combining the color rendition of the lighting and the sound effect. Also, the projector 122 and the speaker 124 can be combined to form an audio/visual system.

As described above, according to the cover structure 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible not only to cover the air conditioner 102 and form an air inflow path, but also to add different functions by attaching a separate member. can. Since the air conditioner 102 is installed at a relatively high position on the wall, there is an advantage that even if a new function is added to the cover structure 104, it does not affect the living space.

100: radiant air conditioner, 102: air conditioner, 104: cover structure, 104a: front panel, 104b: bottom panel, 104c: side panel, 105: bent portion, 106: heat insulation panel, 106a: first heat insulation panel, 106b: second heat insulation panel, 106c: third heat insulation panel, 108: radiation panel, 110: fixture, 112: air inlet, 114: air outlet, 115: fixture, 116: mounting plate, 118: lighting equipment, 120: Veneer, 122: Projector, 124: Speaker

Claims (8)

A cover structure covering an air conditioner mounted on a wall surface,
The cover structure is
a front panel covering the front surface of the air conditioner;
a bottom panel covering the bottom of the air conditioner;
a side panel covering a front portion and a lower portion of a side surface of the air conditioner;
including
The lower edge of the front panel and the front edge of the bottom panel are connected, the side edges of the front panel and the bottom panel are connected to the front edge and the bottom edge of the side panel,
The cover structure, wherein the front panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel are provided apart from the air conditioner. 2. The cover structure according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner has an air intake in the front, and the front panel, the bottom panel and the side panels cover the air intake. 3. The cover structure according to claim 2, wherein the space in which the front panel, the bottom panel, and the side panels are separated from the air conditioner forms a flow path for air flowing to the air intake. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the front panel or the side panel has a bent portion at the upper end thereof bent toward the air conditioner, and the bent portion overlaps with a mounting tool protruding from the air conditioner. A cover structure according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. A cover structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the side panel is provided with a mounting plate bridging to the air conditioner. 6. The cover structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front panel, the bottom panel and the side panels are arranged at a distance of 40 mm or more from the air conditioner. 7. A cover structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the front panel, the bottom panel and the side panels are integrally molded. 8. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the front panel, the bottom panel and the side panels are provided with at least one of lighting fixtures, speakers and projectors. Structure.

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