JP6408305B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner having an improved vertical wind direction plate.

  Air conditioners are widely used as air conditioners, and various attempts have been made to make them more comfortable and easier to use. One of them is the shape of the vertical wind direction plate. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a case where an up-and-down wind direction plate is divided into three in the left-right direction.

  The movement of the up-and-down wind direction plate of the air conditioner can be clearly grasped visually by a person in the room during operation. For this reason, when changing the wind direction with a curved wind direction plate according to the outer shape when the air conditioner is stopped, when the wind direction plate is viewed with eyes, whether the wind is blowing out from the tip of the wind direction plate in the tangential direction of the curved surface There is a risk of giving such an impression. For this reason, when using a curved wind direction plate to match the outer shape when the air conditioner is stopped, the wind direction impression given by the tip of the curved vertical wind direction plate is the expected wind direction during heating operation or cooling operation. There is a risk that it will not fit.

JP 2001-50579 A

  By the way, when the vertical wind direction plate divided into a plurality of parts in the left-right direction is adopted, when the divided vertical wind direction plates are controlled in the same direction, the tip of the vertical wind direction plate moves even slightly or deviates. This may give an unnatural impression to people in the room. For this reason, the subject of the design viewpoint which the attitude | position (shift | offset | difference of a front-end | tip) of the up-and-down wind direction board divided | segmented into plurality is especially important. On the other hand, if the deviation is to be eliminated, there is a problem that high accuracy is required at the time of manufacturing, assembling, and controlling the parts, resulting in high costs.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, it is described that the up-and-down wind direction plate is divided into three, but it is not specified how to arrange the drive unit of the divided up-and-down wind direction plate. The problem is how to drive the divided vertical wind direction plates without obstructing the airflow.

  This invention is invention for solving the said subject, Comprising: It aims at providing the air conditioner which can drive the upper and lower wind direction board divided | segmented into plurality, without disturbing airflow reliably.

In order to achieve the object, the air conditioner of the present invention is divided into at least three in the left-right direction, and is composed of at least one central blade and two left and right blades, and controls the airflow direction in the vertical direction. A first support column that is located between a plate (for example, the upper vertical wind direction plate 170), a central blade (for example, the central blade 170b), and a left blade (for example, the left and right blades 170a) and connected to one side of each blade (E.g., left strut 191), a second strut (e.g., right strut 192) that is located between the center blade and right blade (e.g., left and right blades 170c) and connected to one side of each blade, located in at least one of the first strut end and a second strut end, the drive mechanism for driving the central wing in the vertical direction (e.g., blade drive mechanism 10) possess a driving mechanism in the first post-side Located and the first Has a drive shaft gear located within the pillar, a driving shaft connected to the drive shaft gear, and a driven shaft located on the second strut side, the central vane is supported by the drive shaft and the driven shaft It is characterized by that. Other aspects of the present invention will be described in the embodiments described later.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably drive the up-and-down wind direction plate divided into a plurality without disturbing the air flow.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance structure of the air conditioner which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows that the rotating shaft of a center blade | wing and the rotating shaft of a right-and-left blade | wing are on a non-collinear line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the periphery of the axis | shaft of the blade | wing of an upper up-down wind direction board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a center blade | wing and a left-right blade | wing. It is the side view which shows the state at the time of the operation stop of an indoor unit, and the perspective view of an air blowing outlet. It is the side view which shows the state at the time of air_conditionaing | cooling operation of an indoor unit, and the perspective view of an air blowing outlet. It is a side view which shows the state at the time of the heating operation of an indoor unit, and a perspective view of an air outlet. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure by the side of the drive part of a center blade | wing. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure by the side of the non-driving part of a center blade | wing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the blade | wing drive mechanism of a center blade | wing. It is a perspective view which shows the case where a blade | wing drive mechanism is attached to a housing | casing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the gear train except the container of the blade | wing drive mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the control system of an air conditioner. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting angle of the up-down wind direction board at the time of a driving | operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an air conditioner according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing that the rotation axis of the central blade and the rotation shafts of the left and right blades are on a non-collinear line (shifted).

  The air conditioner A connects the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 with a connection pipe, and air-conditions the room. In the indoor unit 100, a heat exchanger 102 is placed at the center of a housing base 101 (see FIG. 2), a blower fan 103 is placed under the heat exchanger 102, and a drain pan 99 (dew pan, housing) is installed. These are attached, covered with a decorative frame 101c, and a front panel 106 is attached to the front surface of the decorative frame 101c.

  The blown airflow from the blower fan 103 is passed through a blowout air passage 109a having a width substantially equal to the length of the blower fan 103, and the left and right airflow direction plates 160 disposed in the middle of the blowout air passage 109a deflect the left and right directions of the airflow. Furthermore, the upper and lower airflow direction plates 170 (upper and lower airflow direction plates) and the lower upper and lower airflow direction plates 180 (upper and lower airflow direction plates) disposed in the air outlet 109b can deflect the airflow in the vertical direction and blow it out indoors. ing.

  The upper vertical wind direction plate 170 is roughly divided into three in the left-right direction, and includes right and left blades 170a (left blades), a central blade 170b, and left and right blades 170c (right blades). The lower up-down wind direction plate 180 is not divided in the left-right direction, and is composed of a single blade.

  Basic internal structures such as the blower fan 103, the filter 108, the heat exchanger 102, the drain pan 99, the left and right wind direction plates 160, the upper vertical wind direction plate 170, and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are attached to the housing base 101. . These basic internal structures are included in a casing made up of a casing base 101, a decorative frame 101c, and a front panel 106 to constitute the indoor unit 100. Further, on the lower side of the front panel 106, there is a display unit for displaying the operation status, a sensor unit, and a light receiving unit Q for receiving infrared operation signals from a separate remote controller 40 (remote controller, air conditioning control terminal). Has been placed.

  The indoor unit 100 includes an imaging unit 110 that images a room and a temperature detection unit 130 as sensor units. A temperature detection unit 130 that detects the indoor temperature is disposed on one side of the imaging unit 110. With such an arrangement, it is possible to reduce detection errors in the distance and angle between the imaging unit 110 and the temperature detection unit 130 to be detected. A near-infrared light source 120 is disposed on the other side of the imaging unit 110. With such an arrangement, the difference between the detection range and angle of the imaging unit 110 and the irradiation range and angle of the near-infrared light source 120 can be reduced. That is, it is desirable to arrange the temperature detection unit 130 and the near-infrared light source 120 on both sides of the imaging unit 110. In addition, the near-infrared light source 120 is turned on before photographing and the near-infrared light is irradiated indoors, so that the imaging unit 110 can clearly capture the near-infrared reflected light.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a foot monitor 140 is disposed beside the imaging unit 110 or the temperature detection unit 130. When the foot is detected by the imaging unit 110 or the temperature detection unit 130 or when the foot is estimated, the foot monitor 140 is turned on, and the user can confirm that the foot has been detected. The foot monitor 140 may be disposed not only on the indoor unit 100 but also on the remote controller 40.

  The front panel 106 is rotated by a drive motor with a rotation shaft provided at the lower part as a fulcrum, and is configured to open the air suction port 107a when the air conditioner A is operated. Thus, during operation, room air is sucked into the indoor unit 100 from the front air suction port 107a in addition to the upper air suction port 107.

  An air outlet 109b formed on the lower surface of the decorative frame 101c communicates with the rear outlet air passage 109a. The upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are configured to have a large curved surface that is substantially concealed from the air outlet 109b and is continuous with the bottom surface of the indoor unit 100 in the closed state.

  The lower up-and-down air direction plate 180 is rotated at the time of operation of the air conditioner by the drive motor in response to an instruction from the remote controller 40 with the rotation shafts provided at both ends as a fulcrum to open the air outlet 109b. , Hold in that state.

  Further, the left and right blades 170a, 170c and the central blade 170b of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 are rotated at the time of operation of the air conditioner by a drive motor provided at one end with the rotation shafts provided at both ends as fulcrums, The air outlet 109b is opened and held in that state. Details will be described later. The three upper blades of the upper and lower airflow direction plates 170 and the lower blades of the upper and lower airflow direction plate 180 are controlled by a drive motor for each blade so that they can be controlled independently.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the air conditioner. The indoor unit 100 includes a control unit 60 inside, and the control unit 60 is provided with a microcomputer. The microcomputer receives information from the remote controller 40 via the transmission / reception unit 47 and information from the sensor unit 50 such as the indoor temperature sensor, the indoor humidity sensor, the imaging unit 110, and the temperature detection unit 130. Based on these signals, the microcomputer controls the blower fan 103, the drive motor for the front panel 106, the up / down wind direction plate drive motor, the left / right wind direction plate drive motor, and the like, and controls communication with the outdoor unit 200. Control 100.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the left and right wind direction plates 160 (see FIG. 2) are divided into two parts and are controlled by independent drive motors for the left side and the right side. The three blades of the left blade (left and right blades 170a), the central blade 170b, and the right blade (left and right blades 170c) of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 are independently controlled by a drive motor. The blades of the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are controlled by two drive motors.

  Returning to FIG. 2, when the operation of the air conditioner A is stopped, the front panel 106 closes the air suction port 107a, and the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 close the air blowing port 109b. Be controlled.

  The left and right wind direction plates 160 are rotated by a drive motor with a rotation shaft provided at the lower end portion as a fulcrum, and are rotated in accordance with an instruction from the remote controller 40 and held in that state. As a result, the blown air is blown out in the left and right desired directions. By instructing from the remote control 40, the left and right wind direction plates 160, the upper and lower wind direction plates 170 and the lower upper and lower wind direction plates 180 are periodically swung during the operation of the air conditioner, and are periodically blown out over a wide range in the room. Air can also be sent.

  The drain pan 99 is disposed below the lower ends of the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger 102 and is provided to receive condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 102 during cooling operation and dehumidifying operation. The collected condensed water is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe.

  In the outdoor unit 200, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor fan are mounted on a base, covered with an outer box, and a connection pipe from the indoor unit 100 is connected to a pipe connection valve.

  The outer box of the outdoor unit 200 is composed of a front plate, a top plate, a side plate, etc., and an outdoor air suction portion is provided on the outer surface facing the outdoor heat exchanger, and air can freely flow through the front plate facing the outdoor fan. A fan cover is provided. The outdoor fan is rotationally driven so that the outdoor heat exchanger is on the upstream side and the fan cover is on the downstream side, and distributes outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger as described above.

  When this air conditioner is operated, it is connected to a power source and the remote controller 40 is operated to perform desired operations such as heating, dehumidification, and cooling. In the case of driving such as heating, when a driving operation signal is given from the remote controller 40, the microcomputer operates the heating mode or the like based on the operation signal from the remote controller 40 or information from various sensors if automatic driving is set. To decide.

  Next, the control unit of the outdoor unit 200 is instructed to operate according to the determined operation mode, and the blower fan 103 is driven according to the determined operation mode, and the indoor air is supplied to the heat exchanger 102 from the air suction ports 107 and 107a. Circulate. The control unit of the outdoor unit 200 controls a compressor, a blower motor, a control valve, and the like according to an instruction from the indoor unit 100 to circulate refrigerant from the compressor to the refrigeration cycle, and from the outdoor air suction unit to the outdoor heat exchanger Allow outdoor air to flow through. Thus, operations such as heating are performed.

  Next, the rotational axis shifting structure (non-collinear structure), which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state after the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are rotated during the heating operation. FIG. 3B shows an enlarged view of the A portion, and FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the B portion.

  The central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a and 170c of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 enhance the dynamic and static aesthetics (designability) of the three blades by deliberately shifting the rotation shafts of the blades.

  Here, as a comparative example, it is considered that the rotating shafts of three blades are arranged on the same straight line and control is performed so that the blade tips are aligned. In general, a rotating shaft (rotating shaft) that rotates the blades and a stepping motor. Some drive shafts are connected via gears. Even a stepping motor with a small number of steps can obtain a desired rotation angle by selecting a gear ratio. Alternatively, the rotary shaft that rotates the blades and the drive shaft of the stepping motor can be connected by a link to convert the rotary motion into a swing motion.

  When the drive shaft is connected by the above-described gear or link, an error may occur in the rotational position accuracy due to gear backlash or link “play”. For this reason, it is desirable to prevent an error in the rotation angle due to “play” in the rotation direction of the blade. However, if an attempt is made to prevent an error, the tolerance must be narrowed, resulting in high costs. Further, an adjustment amount for absorbing “play” may be obtained in advance, and the adjustment may be performed when the rotation direction is reversed, but it may be difficult to completely adjust in consideration of secular change. . In this case, the three blade tips often do not coincide even when controlled to the same rotational position. If the movement of the three blades deviates even a little, the user may feel that it is out of order or that the movement is strange.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation axes of the three blades are not arranged on the same straight line from the beginning, but the centers of the rotation axes of the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a and 170c are shifted. Further, the left and right blades 170a and the left and right blades 170c are spaced apart from the central blade 170b, and therefore, even if a slight error occurs in the rotational position accuracy, it is presumed that they are misaligned. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that does not disturb the interior atmosphere even during a dynamic state or a static state during air conditioning operation. In addition, as will be described later, there is no deviation when it is closed, and a certain movement that occurs when it is opened is performed from the beginning. There is nothing.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the axial center 171a of the left and right blades 170a is shifted from the axial center 171b of the central blade 170b. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, the axial center 171b of the central blade 170b and the axial center 171c of the left and right blades 170c are similarly shifted. Specifically, the axial center 171b of the central blade 170b is about 8 mm forward (downward in the horizontal direction) on the front panel 106 side, lower than the axial center 171c of the left and right blades 170c or the axial center 171a of the left and right blades 170a. It is shifted by about 4 mm in the vertical direction (lower side). This will be further described with reference to FIG. Other symbols will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the periphery of the blade axis of the upper vertical wind direction plate. Reference is made to FIG. 2 as appropriate. In FIG. 4, the left and right blades 170a and 170c are not shown. A left column 191 (first column) and a right column 192 (second column) supported by the drain pan 99 are disposed on both sides of the central blade 170 b of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170.

  The left column 191 includes a shaft portion 194a of the drive shaft of the central blade 170b and a shaft portion 193b of the non-drive shaft (driven shaft) of the left and right blades 170a (not shown). An enlarged view is shown in FIG.

  The right column 192 includes a shaft portion 194b of the non-drive shaft (driven shaft) of the central blade 170b and a shaft portion 195a of the non-drive shaft of the left and right blades 170c (not shown). An enlarged view is shown in FIG.

  Moreover, the shaft part 193a of the drive shaft inserted in the through-hole provided in the side wall 109d of the air blowing air path 109a is at one end of the left and right blades 170a of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170. Similarly, at one end of the left and right blades 170c of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170, there is a shaft portion 195b of the drive shaft inserted through a through hole provided in the side wall 109e of the air blowing air passage 109a.

  A shaft support arm portion 174a having a shaft coupling portion 174c and a shaft support arm portion 174b having a sliding bearing portion 174d are provided at both ends of the central blade 170b. The connecting portion 174c of the shaft support arm portion 174a is inserted and fixed to the shaft portion 194a which is a driving portion. The sliding bearing portion 174d of the shaft support arm portion 174b is inserted into the shaft portion 194b and slidably holds the central blade 170b.

  A shaft support arm portion 173a having a shaft coupling portion 173c and a shaft support arm portion 173b having a sliding bearing portion 173d are provided at both ends of the left and right blades 170a. The connecting portion 173c of the shaft support arm portion 173a is inserted and fixed to the shaft portion 193a which is a drive portion. The sliding bearing portion 173d of the shaft support arm portion 173b is inserted into the shaft portion 193b and slidably holds the left and right blades 170a.

  A shaft support arm portion 175a having a sliding bearing portion 175c and a shaft support arm portion 175b having a shaft connection portion 175d are provided at both ends of the left and right blades 170c. The connecting portion 175d of the shaft support arm portion 175b is inserted and fixed to the shaft portion 195b which is a drive portion. The sliding bearing portion 175c of the shaft support arm portion 175a is inserted into the shaft portion 195a, and the left and right blades 170c are slidably held.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the central blade and the left and right blades. 5A is a view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the shaft center 171b of the central blade 170b is arranged to be shifted leftward and downward in the drawing with respect to the shaft center 171a of the left and right blades 170a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the shaft center 171b of the central blade 170b is shifted rightward and downward in the drawing with respect to the shaft center 171c of the left and right blades 170c corresponding to the shift from the shaft center 171a. Are arranged. Moreover, as shown in FIG.5 (b), the positional relationship when the center blade | wing 170b is fully closed is described as the center blade | wing 170b (two-dot chain line) and the right-and-left blade | wing 170c. In addition, although mentioned later, the left support | pillar 191 (1st support | pillar) is shown as a support | pillar which incorporates the gear which rotatably supports the center blade | wing 170b.

  The relationship between the shaft center and the blade will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5A. The center blade 170b is supported by the shaft support arm portion 174b with respect to the shaft center 171b. Similarly, the left and right blades 170a are supported by the shaft support arm portion 173b with respect to the shaft center 171a. The turning radius of the blade varies depending on the radius of the shaft support arm portions 173b and 174b. In the present embodiment, the shortest distance Rb between the shaft center 171b and the central blade 170b is set shorter than the shortest distance Ra between the shaft center 171a and the left and right blades 170a. Thereby, the turning radii of the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a are made different. Further, coupled with shifting the center blades 170b and the shaft centers 171b and 171a of the left and right blades 170a, when opened as shown in FIG. 15 (to be rotated downward), the left and right blades 170a and the center blades 170b The side deviation of the left and right blades 170a and the central blade 170b becomes zero when closed.

  In the present embodiment, the left and right blades 170a and 170c are provided with the angle adjustment protrusions 177 of the turning angle so that the allowable turning angle is substantially the same between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a and 170c. Yes. However, by changing the size of the angle adjustment protrusion 177, the turning angle of the left and right blades 170a may be increased to reduce the gap between the left and right blades 170a and the drain pan 99. Thereby, the airflow passing through the gap between the left and right blades 170a and the drain pan 99 can be narrowed down.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a set angle of the vertical wind direction plate during operation. The angle between the left and right blades 170a and the vertical line VL is β1, the angle between the central blade 170b and the vertical line VL is β2, and the angle between the left and right blades 170c and the vertical line VL is β3. In FIG. 15, the state due to the difference in the opening degree of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 is referred to as state C1 (see the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 in FIG. 6), state C2 (see the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 in FIG. 7), state C3, C4 (upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and lower vertical wind direction plate 180 in FIG. 8). State C1 is a state in which the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 is closed, and the blade positions of the left and right blades 170a, 170c and the central blade 170b are the same. Further, as the opening degree of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 increases (the angles β1, β2, and β3 become smaller), the state C2, C3, and C4 are entered, and the step d between the left and right blades 170a and 170c and the central blade 170b (FIG. 8). See) is increasing. The movable range is from state C1 to state C4.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged view showing the structure on the drive unit side of the central blade. A first gear 11 (see FIG. 11) is provided in the left column 191. The shaft portion 194a of the drive shaft is joined to the first gear 11 and inserted into the connecting portion 174c of the shaft support arm portion 174a. Further, the left column 191 has a shaft portion 193b and is inserted into the sliding bearing portion 173d of the shaft support arm portion 173b.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the structure of the central blade on the non-drive portion side. The right column 192 has a shaft portion 194b and is inserted into the sliding bearing portion 174d of the shaft support arm portion 174b. The right column 192 has a shaft portion 195a and is inserted into the sliding bearing portion 175c of the shaft support arm portion 175a.

The features around the shaft of the central blade are as follows.
(1) The shaft portion 194a which is a drive shaft is outside the drain pan 99 (housing). As a comparative example, when the shaft portion 194a is in the drain pan 99, the shaft support arm portions 174a and 174b of the central blade 170b become long, and the flow of airflow from the air outlet 109b is obstructed. In the present embodiment, the shaft portion 194a is outside the drain pan 99, the shaft support arm portions 174a and 174b of the central blade 170b can be set short, and the flow of airflow from the air outlet 109b is reduced. be able to.
(2) The left column 191 and the right column 192 are included in the locus of the movable range of the central blade 170b. Thereby, obstruction of the flow of the airflow from the air outlet 109b can be reduced.
(3) The gear box 21 (FIG. 11) does not jump out into the airflow path from the air outlet 109b.
(4) The column width w1 of the left column 191 and the column width w2 of the right column 192 are different. In order to reduce as much as possible the part that obstructs the airflow passage from the air outlet 109b, the column width of the right column 192 of the non-driving unit is made as small as possible. Thereby, compared with the left support | pillar 191, the wind path resistance with respect to the right support | pillar 192 can be reduced.
(5) A shaft portion is provided on the column (left column 191 and right column 192) side. That is, the bearing portion is provided on the blade side. Thereby, attachment of a blade | wing can be made easier compared with the case where it has a shaft part in the blade | wing side. Moreover, the non-coaxial two axial part is provided in the support | pillar. Specifically, the left column 191 has shafts 193b and 194a, and the right column 192 has shafts 194b and 195a.

Next, the arrangement relationship of the up and down wind direction plates in each operation state is shown.
6A and 6B are a side view and a perspective view of the air outlet when the operation of the indoor unit is stopped. FIG. 6A is a side view of the indoor unit, and FIG. FIG. Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 4 as appropriate.

  When the operation is stopped without using the air conditioner A, the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are controlled by the control unit 60 so as to close the air outlet 109b as shown in FIG. As a result, the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 is pivoted and stored at a position in front of the blower air passage 109a, shields the blower air passage upper surface 109c, and cooperates with the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 to form the air blowout port. 109b is closed.

  At this time, the left and right blades 170a and 170c and the central blade 170b of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170, and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 form the outer shape from the front surface to the bottom surface of the indoor unit 100 continuously and smoothly on the outer wind direction surface. be able to. For this reason, when not using the air conditioner A, it becomes a soft and calm appearance without unnecessary unevenness, and does not disturb the indoor atmosphere.

  As described above, in the indoor unit 100 according to the embodiment, when the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 divided into a plurality of horizontal directions is closed, the outer shape from the bottom surface of the indoor unit 100 to the front panel 106 is the lower surface during the cooling operation of the vertical wind direction plate. It is smoothly formed with the wind direction.

  Thereby, when the air conditioner A is stopped, the outer shape becomes a smooth shape that continues from the front panel 106 to the lower portion, and a clean design without extra unevenness is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that does not disturb the interior atmosphere even when operation is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the horizontal length Lb of the central blade 170b is approximately 10% longer than the horizontal length La of the left and right blades 170a and the horizontal length Lc of the left and right blades 170c. This is because when the lengths La, Lb, and Lc are set to the same length, the length of the central blade 170b is prevented from appearing short. Moreover, it is for increasing the air volume which can be controlled with the center blade | wing 170b.

  FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state of the indoor unit during cooling operation and a perspective view of the air outlet, (a) is a side view of the indoor unit, and (b) is a view of the indoor unit from a diagonally lower side. FIG. Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 4 as appropriate.

  When the air conditioner A is in a cooling operation, the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 (left and right blades 170a, 170c, central blade 170b) and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 are set in a posture that is substantially parallel to or horizontally oriented with the blowing air channel upper surface 109c. used. Since the cold air blown directly hits the occupants (users), discomfort occurs, and thus the direction of the vertical wind direction plate is appropriately adjusted so that the cold air blown does not directly hit the occupants. Is changed with the remote control 40 to keep the room at a comfortable temperature and humidity.

  At this time, when the indoor unit 100 is viewed, since the indoor unit 100 is installed at a high position on the wall of the room, the wind direction surfaces that are the lower surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c and the central blade 170b (the wind direction that is the outer surface when closed) If the surface is in the eyes and the tips of the blades are not aligned, the user may feel uncomfortable, such as an error in rotational position accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, since the center blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c are controlled to the pivot positions shifted from the beginning in the vertical direction, they are accepted without any discomfort to the user. For example, in FIG. 7A, the tip position of the central blade 170b protrudes about 3 mm in the left direction of the drawing with respect to the tip positions of the left and right blades 170a and 170c (see the position of the state C2 in FIG. 15 described above). It is possible to match the impression of the wind direction when the user looks at the wind direction plate with the expected wind direction without feeling uncomfortable during the cooling operation.

  In general, since the vertical wind direction plate is held in a substantially horizontal posture, deformation due to its own weight becomes large. In the indoor unit 100, since the area near the air outlet 109b is likely to attract attention, the material and shape of the vertical wind direction plate are considered so that the deformation of the vertical wind direction plate is not excessively large. In the present embodiment, since the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 is formed of three wind direction plates, the weight is dispersed and the deformation due to its own weight is small.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state of the indoor unit during heating operation and a perspective view of the air outlet, (a) is a side view of the indoor unit, and (b) is a view of the indoor unit from an obliquely lower side. FIG. Reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 4 as appropriate.

  When the air conditioner A is in a heating operation, the upper vertical wind direction plates 170 (the left and right blades 170a and 170c and the central blade 170b) are used in a posture close to the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Further, the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 is used in a posture having a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical plane. By doing in this way, the warm air flowing through the air blowing air passage 109a blows downward from the indoor unit 100, reaches near the floor, warms the feet, and makes the room a comfortable environment.

  At this time, when the indoor unit 100 is viewed, since the indoor unit 100 is installed at a high position on the wall of the room, the wind direction surfaces that become the upper surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c and the central blade 170b (the wind direction that becomes the inner surface when closed) If the surface is in the eyes and the tips are not aligned, the user may feel uncomfortable, such as an error in the rotational position accuracy.

  In the present embodiment, since the center blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c are controlled to the pivot positions shifted from the beginning in the vertical direction, they are accepted without any discomfort to the user. For example, the step d (gap) between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c is about 13 mm (predetermined distance) when viewed from the side in FIG. It is possible to match the impression of the wind direction when the user looks at the up and down wind direction plate with a sense of incongruity during heating operation. In the case of FIG. 8, the step d between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c is larger than that in FIG. From the relationship of the axial displacement between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c, the blade displacement increases as the opening degree increases.

  In general, the difference between the room temperature during heating and the temperature of the hot air blown out is larger than the difference between the room temperature during cooling and the temperature of the cold air blown out. For this reason, the temperature difference between the front and back wind direction surfaces of the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 becomes large, and the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 is bent due to the difference in thermal expansion. In particular, the phenomenon of bending due to a temperature difference is considered during heating. For this reason, for example, if the lower vertical wind direction plate 180 is made hollow, the hollow portion plays a role of air insulation, and heat transfer between the front and back wind direction surfaces of the vertical wind direction plate is reduced.

  The warm air during heating operation is blown downward, and the room is quickly made comfortable. At this time, warm air hits the wind direction surfaces of the central blade 170b of the upper vertical wind direction plate 170 and the left and right blades 170a, 170c, and the air flow is directed downward. At this time, since there is a level difference d between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a and 170c, the airflow hitting the lower surface of the central blade 170b wraps around the upper surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c. For this reason, the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c is reduced, and the left and right blades 170a and 170c have the effect of reducing the deflection due to the difference in thermal expansion between the front and back surfaces.

  In the cooling operation, it seems that there are few cases where the vertical wind direction plate is directed downward in this way, but also in this case, since there is a step d between the central blade 170b and the left and right blades 170a, 170c, the lower surface of the central blade 170b The airflow that hits the air wraps around the upper surfaces of the left and right blades 170a, 170c. Therefore, the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c is reduced, and there is an effect of suppressing the occurrence of condensation on the upper surfaces of the left and right blades 170a and 170c.

  As described above, it is possible to provide the air conditioner A in which the appearance of the air outlet 109b is well maintained even during operation.

Next, the blade driving mechanism 10 of the central blade 170b will be described in detail.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a blade driving mechanism of the central blade. The blade drive mechanism 10 includes a motor 30, a first gear 11 (a drive shaft gear of the center blade) provided integrally with a shaft portion 194a that is a drive shaft of the center blade 170b, a motor drive shaft 31 of the motor 30, and D A third gear 13 (motor drive shaft gear) provided integrally via a cut surface or the like, and a second gear 12 (intermediate gear) interposed between the first gear 11 and the third gear 13. And a gear train having.

  The first gear 11 serves as a reduction gear with respect to the second gear 12, and the second gear 12 serves as a reduction gear with respect to the third gear 13. Thereby, the rotation speed of the motor 30 is transmitted to the first gear 11 as a slow rotation, and the vertical wind direction control is realized with respect to the central blade 170b.

  The gear train is arranged in a container constituted by a gear box 21 and a gear box lid 22, and the motor 30 is arranged in a container constituted by a motor support portion 23 and a motor lid 24 joined to the gear box lid 22. Placed in. The gear box 21 is also a component of the left column 191 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a case where the blade driving mechanism is attached to the housing, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship of the gear train excluding the container of the blade driving mechanism. As shown in FIG. 12, the left column 191 is arranged so as not to obstruct the airflow that is blown out, and the wind direction surface that becomes the upper surface of the central blade 170 b (the wind direction surface that becomes the inner surface when closed) and the housing 98 Sufficient wind direction passage is secured between the lower surface. Further, since the motor lid 24 and other parts including the motor 30 are in the housing 98, they are arranged so as not to obstruct the airflow.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first gear 11 is arranged in the left column 191, but the second gear 12 and the third gear 13 are in the housing 98 so as not to obstruct the airflow. Is arranged.

  According to the air conditioner of the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably drive the up-and-down wind direction plate divided into a plurality without disturbing the air flow. Moreover, the installation space of the bearing can be reduced by installing the drive shaft gear in the support column.

  The air conditioner A of the present embodiment is divided into three in the left-right direction, and is composed of one central blade and two left and right blades, and an up-and-down air direction plate (for example, an upper up-and-down air direction) that controls the air flow direction in the up-and-down direction. The plate 170) has been described, but is not limited to this. For example, the vertical wind direction plate may be at least three or more. Specifically, the driving mechanism (for example, the blade driving mechanism 10) can be similarly applied to the case of four or more divisions.

  In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism (for example, the blade drive mechanism 10) is located on the first column (for example, the left column 191) side, and the drive shaft gear (for example, the first gear) is positioned in the first column. 11), a drive shaft (for example, a shaft portion 194a) connected to the drive shaft gear, and a driven shaft (for example, the shaft portion 194b) positioned on the second column (for example, the right column 192) side. The center blade 170b has been described as being supported by the drive shaft and the driven shaft, but is not limited thereto. For example, the drive mechanism is located on the second support column side, and includes a drive shaft gear positioned in the second support column, a drive shaft connected to the drive shaft gear, and a driven shaft positioned on the first support column side. And the central blade 170b may be supported by a drive shaft and a driven shaft.

  The drive shaft gear (for example, the first gear 11) of this embodiment is coupled to the drive shaft of the motor via a plurality of gear trains, and the motor is in a housing that does not hinder the flow of the airflow that blows out from the airflow outlet. Although shown to be arranged, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the drive shaft gear may be coupled to the drive shaft of the motor via a plurality of gear trains, and the motor may be disposed above the upper surface of the airflow outlet.

10 Blade drive mechanism (drive mechanism)
11 First gear (center blade drive shaft gear)
12 Second gear (intermediate gear)
13 Third gear (motor drive shaft gear)
21 Gear box 22 Gear box lid 23 Motor support portion 24 Motor lid 30 Motor 31 Motor drive shaft 40 Remote control (air conditioning control terminal)
50 Sensor unit 60 Control unit 99 Drain pan (dew pan, housing)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Indoor unit 101c Decorative frame 103 Blower fan 106 Front panel 107, 107a Air suction port 108, 108a Filter 109a Blowing air path 109b Air blowing port (blowout port)
109c Outlet air path upper surface 109d, 109e Side wall 110 Imaging unit 120 Near-infrared light source 130 Temperature detection unit 140 Foot monitor 160 Left and right wind direction plate 170 Upper vertical wind direction plate (up and down wind direction plate)
170a Left and right blades (left blade)
170b Central blade 170c Left and right blades (right blade)
171a, 171b, 171c Shaft center 173a, 173b, 174a, 174b, 175a, 175b Shaft support arm portion 173c, 174c, 175d Connecting portion 173d, 174d, 175c Sliding bearing portion 180 Lower vertical wind direction plate (vertical wind direction plate)
191 Left column (first column)
192 Right strut (second strut)
193a, 194a, 195b Shaft (drive shaft)
193b, 194b, 195a Shaft (non-drive shaft, driven shaft)
200 Outdoor unit A Air conditioner

Claims (7)

An up-and-down wind direction plate that is divided into at least three in the left-right direction and is composed of at least one central blade and two left and right blades, and controls the air direction of the air flow in the up-down direction;
A first strut located between the central blade and the left blade and connected to one side of each blade;
A second strut located between the central blade and the right blade and connected to one side of each blade;
A drive mechanism that is located on at least one of the first support column side and the second support column side and that drives the central blade in the vertical direction;
The drive mechanism is located on the first column side,
A drive shaft gear located in the first strut;
A drive shaft connected to the drive shaft gear;
A driven shaft located on the second support column side,
Said central blade, air conditioner, characterized in that it is supported by said driven shaft and said drive shaft. An up-and-down wind direction plate that is divided into at least three in the left-right direction and is composed of at least one central blade and two left and right blades, and controls the air direction of the air flow in the up-down direction;
A first strut located between the central blade and the left blade and connected to one side of each blade;
A second strut located between the central blade and the right blade and connected to one side of each blade;
A drive mechanism that is located on at least one of the first support column side and the second support column side and that drives the central blade in the vertical direction;
The drive mechanism is located on the second column side,
A drive shaft gear located in the second strut;
A drive shaft connected to the drive shaft gear;
A driven shaft positioned on the first support column side,
Said central blade, air conditioner, characterized in that it is supported by said driven shaft and said drive shaft. The drive shaft gear is coupled to the drive shaft of the motor via a plurality of gear trains;
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the motor is disposed in a housing that does not obstruct a flow of an air flow blown from an air outlet. The drive shaft gear is coupled to the drive shaft of the motor via a plurality of gear trains;
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the motor is disposed above an upper surface of an air outlet. A shaft support arm portion having a connecting portion inserted into and fixed to the drive shaft at both ends of the central blade, and a shaft support arm portion having a sliding bearing portion inserted into the driven shaft and held slidably. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized by comprising: The shaft center of the drive shaft and the driven shaft, the air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that located in the wind path of the air outlet of the air flow. The rotation shaft that rotatably supports the central blade and the rotation shaft that rotatably supports the left blade or the right blade are arranged so as to be shifted from each other. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 .

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