WO2013088679A1

WO2013088679A1 - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2013088679A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/007817
Authority: WO
Inventors: 杉本　智弘; 廣和加守田; 利光弘田
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2011-12-14
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: CN103597293B; KR20140101286A; JP2013124805A; BR112013030537A2; CN103597293A

Abstract

According to an air conditioner of the present invention, a vertical airflow direction switch blade, which vertically switches the direction of air coming out of an air outlet of an indoor unit, comprises a first blade and a second blade which are disposed in a rotatable manner in the vicinity of the air outlet. A rotation shaft of the first blade is fixed in place. A rotation shaft of the second blade is configured so as to approach or withdraw from the first blade through the driving of a spacing adjustment driving source. The first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate about the rotation shaft of each by driving an angle adjustment driving source. The driving order between the angle adjustment driving source and the spacing adjustment driving source is determined according to which side a target position of the first blade and the second blade is between an open direction and a closed direction with respect to a current position thereof.

Description

Air conditioner

The present invention relates to an air conditioner in which an indoor unit is provided with a wind direction changing blade that changes the direction of air blown from an air outlet, and performs air conditioning operation by controlling the air direction changing blade. It is related with the structure of the up-and-down wind direction change blade | wing which changes the direction of the air to be turned up and down.

The conventional air conditioner is provided with a wind direction changing blade that changes the direction of the air blown out from the outlet of the indoor unit. The wind direction changing blade is composed of an up / down air direction changing blade that changes the direction of the air blown from the air outlet up and down and a left / right wind direction changing blade that changes the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet to the left and right.

As a conventional configuration of the up / down airflow direction changing blade, for example, one disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-60223) is known. In Patent Document 1, for the purpose of greatly changing the direction of the air blown from the air outlet of the air conditioner during operation of the air conditioner and making the air conditioner body compact when the air conditioner is stopped, The thing which comprised the up-and-down wind direction change blade | wing with three blade | wings is disclosed. Specifically, the vertical wind direction change blades of Patent Document 1 are positioned on the upstream side in the wind flow direction and on the downstream side in the wind flow direction. It is comprised by the 2nd blade | wing connected with the link, and the 3rd blade | wing attached to the 2nd blade | wing. The first and second blades can move to a position connected in series with each other and a position away from each other in the rotation direction by rotating about a rotation shaft fixed at a fixed position. It is configured. The third blade is provided to prevent wind from passing between the first and second blades when the first and second blades are spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction.

JP 2010-60223 A

However, in the conventional air conditioner, since the rotation axis of the first blade (upper blade) is fixed at a fixed position, the distance between the wall (upper guider) forming the air outlet and the first blade is small. It is almost constant. For this reason, the air volume of the air which passes between the wall which forms a blower outlet, and a 1st blade | wing cannot be adjusted. In addition, the conventional air conditioner creates a comfortable air-conditioning environment according to the usage situation of the user such as when resting (when relaxing) or during activities (for example, when doing housework). There was still room for improvement.

This invention solves such a conventional subject, and it aims at providing the air conditioner which can create a more comfortable air-conditioning environment according to a user's condition.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the air conditioner of the present invention includes an indoor unit provided with an up / down air direction change blade that changes the direction of the air blown from the air outlet up and down, and controls the up / down air direction change blade. An air conditioner that performs air conditioning operation,
The up-and-down wind direction changing blade includes a first blade and a second blade that are rotatably provided in the vicinity of the air outlet,
The rotational axis of the first blade is fixed at a fixed position,
The rotation axis of the second blade is configured to move so as to approach or separate from the first blade by driving an interval adjustment drive source,
The first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate around respective rotation axes by an angle adjusting drive source,
The angle adjusting drive source and the distance are determined depending on whether the target position where the first blade and the second blade move next with respect to the current position is in the opening direction or the closing direction, respectively. The drive order of the adjustment drive source is determined.

According to the air conditioner of the present invention, the air blown from the outlet is directed in two directions by moving the rotation axis of the second blade closer to or away from the first blade. The temperature difference between the upper space and the lower space can be controlled to a desired value. Further, the angle adjusting drive source and the interval adjusting drive source are driven depending on whether the first blade and the second blade are in the opening direction or the closing direction with respect to the current position. Since the order is determined, it is possible to prevent the first blade and the second blade from interfering with each other when moving to the target position. Thereby, the airflow control of the wind at the target position can be performed, and a more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be created according to the situation of the user.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this drawing,
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit included in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the indoor unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the upper blades are located in a parallel position FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the upper blade and the lower blade are rotated by the same angle while maintaining a substantially parallel state from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the upper blade approaches the lower blade from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the upper blade and the lower blade are rotated by the same angle while maintaining a substantially parallel state from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the upper blade further approaches the lower blade from the state illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the upper blade and the lower blade are rotated by the same angle while maintaining a substantially parallel state from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the upper blade is positioned in series with the lower blade, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown from the outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. 9 during cooling, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown from the outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown from the outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the flow of air blown from the outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. 4 during heating, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown out from the air outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. 6 during heating, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of air blown out from the air outlet when the up / down airflow direction changing blade is in the state shown in FIG. 8 during heating, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the current position of the upper blade and the lower blade and the target position, and the driving order of the angle adjustment drive source and the interval adjustment drive source.

The inventors of the present invention have obtained the following knowledge as a result of intensive studies to solve the problems of the prior art.

That is, the present inventors have found that the temperature difference between the indoor upper space and the lower space, which the user feels comfortable, varies depending on the user's situation such as rest or activity. For example, the temperature difference between the indoor upper space and the lower space that the user feels comfortable during heating is about 6 ° C. (for example, the upper space is 24 ° C. and the lower space is 30 ° C.). When the amount of activity is relatively small, such as when eating, the temperature is about 4 ° C. (for example, the upper space is 24 ° C. and the lower space is 28 ° C.), such as when the user is cleaning the room It has been found that when the amount of activity is large, it is about 2 ° C. (for example, the upper space is 24 ° C. and the lower space is 26 ° C.). In addition, the present inventors can adjust the temperature difference between the upper space and the lower space to an optimum value according to the user's situation, by using the air blown from the outlet as in the conventional vertical airflow direction change blade. It was found that it was difficult to configure in only one direction. Furthermore, the present inventors distribute the air blown out from the outlet in two directions (for example, the upper space and the lower space), and adjust the air volume of the distributed air, thereby adjusting the upper space and the lower space. It has been found that the temperature difference in the space can be controlled to a desired value. Based on these findings, the inventors of the present invention have reached the following present invention.

The air conditioner of the present invention is an air conditioner that is provided with an up-and-down air direction change blade that changes the direction of the air blown from the air outlet up and down in the indoor unit, and that controls the up-and-down air direction change blade and performs an air-conditioning operation. There,
The up-and-down wind direction changing blade includes a first blade and a second blade that are rotatably provided in the vicinity of the air outlet,
The rotational axis of the first blade is fixed at a fixed position,
The rotation axis of the second blade is configured to move so as to approach or separate from the first blade by driving an interval adjustment drive source,
The first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate around respective rotation axes by an angle adjusting drive source,
The angle adjusting drive source and the distance are determined depending on whether the target position where the first blade and the second blade move next with respect to the current position is in the opening direction or the closing direction, respectively. The drive order of the adjustment drive source is determined.

According to this configuration, the distance between the second blade and the wall forming the outlet facing the second blade and the distance between the first blade and the second blade can be adjusted. As a result, it is possible to adjust the air volume of air passing between the second blade and the wall and the air volume of air passing between the first blade and the second blade. Thereby, it becomes possible to adjust the temperature difference between the indoor upper space and the lower space to an optimum value, and a more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be created according to the user's situation.

Further, the angle adjusting drive source and the interval adjusting drive source are driven depending on whether the first blade and the second blade are in the opening direction or the closing direction with respect to the current position. Since the order is determined, it is possible to prevent the first blade and the second blade from interfering with each other when moving to the target position. Thereby, the airflow control of the wind at the target position can be performed, and a more comfortable air-conditioning environment can be created according to the situation of the user.

In addition, it is preferable that when either one of the angle adjustment drive source or the interval adjustment drive source is driven, the other starts driving.

Further, after either one of the angle adjusting drive source or the interval adjusting drive source finishes driving, the other may start driving.

Further, when the distance adjusting drive source is driven in the opening direction, the angle adjusting drive source is driven first regardless of whether the angle adjusting drive source is driven in the opening direction or the closing direction. Is preferred.

Further, when the interval adjusting drive source is driven in the closing direction, the interval adjusting drive source is driven first regardless of whether the angle adjusting drive source is driven in the opening direction or the closing direction. Is preferred.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment)
An air conditioner used in a general home is usually composed of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe. FIG. 1 shows an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The indoor unit includes an indoor unit main body 2 and a movable front panel 4 that covers the front opening 2a of the indoor unit main body 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the front panel 4 is provided in close contact with the indoor unit body 2 so as to close the front opening 2a. On the other hand, during the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner, the front panel 4 is provided so as to move in a direction away from the indoor unit body 2 to open the front opening 2a. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front panel 4 closes the front opening 2a.

Inside the indoor unit main body 2, an indoor heat exchanger 6 and an indoor fan 8 for exchanging the indoor air taken in from the front opening 2a and the top opening 2b by the indoor heat exchanger 6 and blowing it out indoors. And an up-and-down air direction changing blade 12 that opens and closes the air outlet 10 that blows out the heat-exchanged air into the room and changes the air blowing direction up and down, and a left and right air direction changing blade 14 that changes the air blowing direction left and right It has been. Further, a filter 16 for removing dust contained in room air taken in from the front opening 2a and the upper surface opening 2b is provided between the front opening 2a and the upper surface opening 2b and the indoor heat exchanger 6. Is provided.

The vertical wind direction changing blade 12 includes a lower blade 18 which is an example of a first blade and an upper blade 20 which is an example of a second blade provided above the lower blade 18. The up-and-down air direction changing blade 12 is configured to control the blowing direction of the air blown out from the outlet 10 by causing the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 to cooperate. Further, the lower blade 18 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 22. The upper blade 20 is provided so that it can freely approach and separate from the lower blade 18 while being kept substantially parallel to the lower blade 18 by

link arms

36a and 36b described later.

The left / right wind direction changing blade 14 is composed of, for example, a pair of blades located on the left side as viewed from the front of the indoor unit and a pair of blades located on the right side. Each set of blades is composed of a plurality of (for example, four) blades. Each set of blades is connected to a separate drive source (for example, drive motor) 26 and controlled independently by the drive source 26.

When the air conditioner starts the air conditioning operation, the up / down air direction changing blade 12 is controlled to be opened and the air outlet 10 is opened. When the indoor fan 8 is driven in this state, indoor air is taken into the indoor unit through the front opening 2a and the upper opening 2b. The taken-in indoor air undergoes heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 6, passes through the indoor fan 8, passes through the ventilation path 28 formed on the downstream side of the indoor fan 8, and is blown out from the blower outlet 10. The

The blowing direction of air from the air outlet 10 is controlled by the up / down air direction changing blade 12 and the left / right air direction changing blade 14. Operations such as the angle adjustment of the up / down air direction changing blade 12 and the left / right air direction changing blade 14 are controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the indoor unit.

The ventilation path 28 located on the upstream side of the outlet 10 includes a rear guider 30 located on the downstream side of the indoor fan 8, a stabilizer 32 located on the downstream side of the indoor fan 8 and facing the rear guider 30, and the indoor unit body 2. It is formed with both side walls (not shown).

The term “stabilizer” described above is located near the downstream of the indoor fan 8, stabilizes the vortex generated near the front of the indoor fan 8, and is located downstream of the stabilizer. Although it can also be divided into wall portions constituting the upper side of the front part of the diffuser that bears pressure recovery of the air conveyed by the above, these are collectively referred to as “stabilizers”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the front panel 4 is provided with a human sensor unit 34 as an example of an activity amount detection device for detecting an activity amount of a person. Here, “activity amount of person” is a concept indicating the degree of movement of a person, and is classified into a plurality of activity amount levels such as “rest”, “high activity amount”, and “small activity amount”, for example. Is. “Resting” refers to a case where there is almost no activity, such as when relaxing on a sofa. “Large amount of activity” refers to a case of frequent activity such as cleaning or ironing. “Small amount of activity” refers to a case where there is some activity such as when eating. The human sensor unit 34 is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known one (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-215764) can be used.

Next, the configuration of the up / down wind direction changing blade 12 will be described in more detail. 3 to 9 are schematic views showing the configuration of the up / down wind direction changing blade 12. 3 to 9, the position of the air outlet 10 is indicated by an imaginary curve connecting the front end portion of the stabilizer 32 and the front end portion of the rear guider 30.

The vertical wind direction changing blade 12 includes the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 as described above. The lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are rotatably provided in the vicinity of the outlet 10. More specifically, the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end portion 10a of the air outlet 10 and is fixed at a fixed position. On the other hand, the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 is not fixed at a fixed position, but is provided to be movable so as to be relatively close to and away from the lower blade 18.

That is, the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are connected so as to maintain a substantially parallel state. In the present embodiment, the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are pivotally connected to the pair of

link arms

36a and 36b, respectively, thereby configuring a four-bar linkage mechanism. One link arm 36a is pivotally connected to the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18 and the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20. The other link arm 36b includes a portion separated from the rotating shaft 22 of the lower blade 18 on the downstream side in the wind flow direction, and a portion separated from the rotating shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 on the downstream side in the wind flow direction. Is pivotally connected to.

The “substantially parallel state” means that the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 include not only a completely parallel state but also a substantially parallel state when viewed macroscopically. This is because, as the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20, not only those having a linear shape and the same thickness but also those that are curved or provided with a stepped portion can be used.

Further, an angle adjusting drive source 38 such as a drive motor for rotating the lower blade 18 is connected to the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18. When the lower blade 18 is rotated about the rotation shaft 22 by the driving force of the drive source 38, the upper blade 20 is substantially parallel to the lower blade 18 linked to the rotation operation of the lower blade 18. It rotates around the rotation shaft 24 while maintaining the above. Thereby, as shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4 or FIG.5 and FIG.6 or FIG.7 and FIG. 8, the angle of both the lower blade | wing 18 and the upper blade | wing 20 is adjusted. More specifically, the lower blade 18 rotates about the rotation shaft 22 in the arrow A1 direction, so that the upper blade 20 rotates about the rotation shaft 24 in the A1 direction. On the other hand, when the lower blade 18 rotates about the rotation shaft 22 in the direction opposite to the arrow A1 direction, the upper blade 20 rotates about the rotation shaft 24 in the direction opposite to the A1 direction. By adjusting the angles of both the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20, the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 10 is adjusted.

Further, a drive source 40 for adjusting the interval such as a drive motor for rotating the link arm 36a is disposed on the same axis as the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18. When the link arm 36a is rotated about the rotation shaft 22 by the driving force of the drive source 40, the link arm 36b is rotated in linkage with the rotation operation of the link arm 36a. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 moves so as to approach or separate from the lower blade 18. More specifically, the link arm 36 a rotates in the direction of the arrow A 2 about the rotation shaft 22, so that the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 moves so as to approach the lower blade 18. On the other hand, the link arm 36a rotates about the rotation shaft 22 in the direction opposite to the arrow A2 direction, so that the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 moves away from the lower blade 18.

When the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 approaches the lower blade 18 from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 5, the interval between the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 becomes narrower, and the upper blade 20 and the stabilizer 32. The interval of. Thereby, the air which blows off from the blower outlet 10 is distributed so that it may go to two directions (for example, upper space and lower space).

Further, when the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 approaches the lower blade 18 from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 is further narrowed. The distance from the stabilizer 32 is further increased. As a result, the amount of air passing between the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 is reduced, and the amount of air passing between the upper blade 20 and the stabilizer 32 is increased.

As described above, the rotational axis 24 of the upper blade 20 moves so as to approach or separate from the lower blade 18, whereby the air volume passing between the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20, and the upper blade The air volume of the air passing between 20 and the stabilizer 32 is adjusted.

Further, when the

link arms

36 a and 36 b are rotated by the driving force of the driving source 40, the upstream end 20 a of the upper blade 20 is upstream or downstream in the wind flow direction with respect to the virtual curve indicating the outlet 10. Move to the side. 3 to 6, the upstream end 20a of the upper blade 20 is located upstream in the wind flow direction with respect to the virtual curve indicating the outlet 10. For example, when the

link arms

36 a and 36 b rotate from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 7, the upstream end 20 a of the upper blade 20 flows in the wind flow direction with respect to the virtual curve indicating the outlet 10. Move from upstream to downstream. At this time, the ratio of the distance from the upstream end 20a of the upper blade 20 to the stabilizer 32 and the lower blade 18 changes, and the amount of air blown substantially parallel to the upper wall surface of the stabilizer 32 according to this ratio, A comfortable air-conditioned space can be realized by freely changing the ratio of the amount of air blown substantially parallel to the upper blade and the lower blade.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the upper blade 20 is configured to be movable to a parallel position B1 positioned in parallel to the lower blade 18 and a serial position B2 connected in series during the air conditioning operation. Has been. The movement of the upper blade 20 between the parallel position B 1 and the serial position B 2 is performed by the link arm 36 a rotating about the rotation shaft 22 by the driving force of the driving source 40.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the upper blade 20 moves to the series position B2, the apparent length of the up / down airflow direction changing blade 12 becomes the maximum. Thereby, the air which blows off from the blower outlet 10 can be supplied further. In the state shown in FIG. 9, the upstream end 20 a of the upper blade 20 is located on the downstream side in the wind flow direction with respect to the virtual curve indicating the air outlet 10.

In addition, when the upper blade | wing 20 moves to the serial position B2, it is preferable that the surface of the lower blade | wing 18 and the surface of the upper blade | wing 20 are flush. Thereby, a rectification effect increases and the flow of the air blown out from the blower outlet 10 is not prevented, and the rectification effect of the air can be improved. Moreover, it is preferable that the back surfaces of the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are also flush. Thereby, while being able to improve design property, the rectification | straightening effect of the said air can be improved slightly. The lower blade 18 is preferably formed with a recess (not shown) that accommodates the pair of

link arms

36a and 36b.

Moreover, it is preferable that the rear end portion of the upper blade 20 and the front end portion of the lower blade 18 overlap each other when the upper blade 20 moves to the series position B2. Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 9, it is more preferable that a step 18 a that receives the rear end of the upper blade 20 is provided at the front end of the lower blade 18. Thereby, it can suppress that the air which blows off from the blower outlet 10 from between the rear-end part of the upper blade | wing 20 and the front-end part of the lower blade | wing 18 leaks, and the rectification effect of the said air falls. In addition, since the rear end portion of the upper blade 20 and the front end portion of the lower blade 18 overlap each other, the upper blade 20 can be accommodated in the same accommodation space even if the upper blade 20 is lengthened. It becomes possible to do.

In the above description, in order to explain that the upper blade 20 moves due to the rotation of the

link arms

36a and 36b, the description has been given focusing on the position of the upstream end portion 20a of the upper blade 20; 20a does not necessarily need to be provided so as to pass through a virtual curve indicating the outlet 10. In this case, the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 may be configured to move upstream or downstream in the wind flow direction with respect to the virtual curve indicating the outlet 10.

Next, the drive order of the angle adjustment drive source 38 and the interval adjustment drive source 40 will be described.

When the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 move from the current position to the target position set as the next moving position by driving the angle adjusting drive source 38 and the interval adjusting drive source 40, the upper blade 20 And the lower blade 18 may interfere with each other. For example, when the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 are moved from the position (current position) shown in FIG. 7 to the position (target position) shown in FIG. The blade 20 may come into contact with the air conditioner main body 2 and hinder the movement of the lower blade 18.

In order to avoid such a problem, in the present embodiment, the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 are driven for angle adjustment depending on whether the target position is in the opening direction or the closing direction with respect to the current position. The drive order of the source 38 and the interval adjustment drive source 40 is determined.

Here, the “opening direction” means a direction in which the outlet 10 is opened by the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 (the direction of the arrow A1 for the lower blade 18 and the direction of the arrow A2 for the upper blade 20: see FIGS. 3 to 9). Say. Further, the “closing direction” means a direction in which the air outlet 10 is closed by the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 as shown in FIG. 1 (the lower blade 18 is opposite to the arrow A1 direction, and the upper blade 20 is the arrow A2 direction. And the reverse direction (see FIGS. 3 to 9).

For example, when the position shown in FIG. 7 is the current position and the position shown in FIG. 9 is the target position, for the upper blade 20, the target position is the open direction (arrow A2 direction: target position> current position). The target position of the lower blade 18 is in the closing direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A1 direction: target position <current position) with respect to the current position. That is, it corresponds to (A) shown in FIG. In this case, after the interval adjustment drive source 40 is driven, the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven.

Further, for example, when the position shown in FIG. 8 is the current position and the position shown in FIG. 3 is the target position, the target position for both the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 is the closing direction (target Position <current position). That is, it corresponds to (A) shown in FIG. In this case, after the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven, the interval adjustment drive source 40 is driven.

For example, when the position shown in FIG. 9 is the current position and the position shown in FIG. 7 is the target position, the target position of the upper blade 20 is the closing direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A2 direction: The target position <current position>, and the lower blade 18 is in the opening direction (arrow A1 direction: target position> current position) with respect to the current position. That is, it corresponds to (c) shown in FIG. In this case, after the interval adjustment drive source 40 is driven, the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven.

Also, for example, when the position shown in FIG. 3 is the current position and the position shown in FIG. 8 is the target position, the target position is the opening direction (target target) with respect to the current position for both the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18. Position> current position). That is, it corresponds to (D) shown in FIG. In this case, after the interval adjustment drive source 40 is driven, the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven.

That is, when driving the distance adjusting drive source 40 in the opening direction (arrow A2 direction), the angle adjusting drive source 38 is either in the opening direction (arrow A1 direction) or in the closing direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A1 direction). Regardless of whether the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven, the angle adjustment drive source 38 is driven first. Thereby, the upper blade | wing 20 and the lower blade | wing 18 can be moved to a target position, without making it interfere.

Further, when the interval adjusting drive source 40 is driven in the closing direction (in the opposite direction to the arrow A2 direction), the angle adjusting drive source 38 is in the opening direction (in the arrow A1 direction) or in the closing direction (in the opposite direction to the arrow A1). Regardless of which one is driven, the interval adjusting drive source 40 is driven first. Thereby, the upper blade | wing 20 and the lower blade | wing 18 can be moved to a target position, without making it interfere.

It should be noted that the drive timing of the angle adjustment drive source 38 and the interval adjustment drive source 40 is preferably such that when one of them is driving, the other starts driving. For example, when the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 are moved from the position shown in FIG. 3 (current position) to the position shown in FIG. 8 (target position), after the driving of the interval adjustment drive source 40 is started, the driving is performed. It is preferable to drive the angle adjusting drive source 38 before the operation is completed. Thereby, the movement time of the upper blade | wing 20 and the lower blade | wing 18 from a present position to a target position can be shortened. Note that the drive timing of the angle adjustment drive source 38 and the interval adjustment drive source 40 may be such that one of the other drives starts after one of the drives finishes.

Next, a preferable control operation of the up / down air direction changing blade 12 during the air conditioning operation will be described.

During cooling, the closer the activity level is to “rest”, the more comfortable it is for the user to keep the temperature of the upper and lower spaces in the room as uniform as possible and avoid direct cooling air to the body. It is thought that there is. (For example, when the activity level is “rest”, the temperature difference between the upper space and the lower space in the room is about 0 ° C., and the wind speed in the upper space and the lower space in the room is a wind speed that does not feel the air current. It is known that the user feels comfortable when the speed is about 0.2 m / s or less.) Therefore, during cooling, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper blade 20 moves to the series position B2. The drive source 38 and the drive source 40 are preferably controlled. Thereby, the apparent length of the up-and-down wind direction changing blade 12 is maximized, and the air rectifying effect is improved. The air cooled in the indoor unit during cooling (cold air) is heavier than warm air and tends to descend from the air outlet 10 toward the floor. However, the apparent length of the up-and-down air direction changing blade 12 is long. Thus, the direction of the air can be changed in a direction along the ceiling surface. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the air (cold air) blown out from the blower outlet 10 can be supplied along the ceiling surface to the wall surface facing the wall surface where the indoor unit is installed, The temperature of the lower space can be made more uniform, and cold air can be prevented from directly hitting the user.

Even during cooling, when the room temperature is high at the beginning of cooling or when the activity level is closer to “high activity level”, the user is more likely to feel hot. It is considered that it is more comfortable for the user to lower the sensible temperature by directly applying to the upper body of the user (for example, when the activity level is “high activity”, the upper space in the room is less than the lower space) The present inventors have found that the user feels comfortable when the temperature difference is set so as to be lowered by about 1 ° C. and the indoor upper space has a wind speed of about 0.5 m / s at which a feeling of moderate airflow is felt. .) For this reason, it is preferable to control the drive source 38 and the drive source 40 so that the upper blade 20 moves to the position shown in FIG. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the air which blows off from the blower outlet 10 can be distributed in two directions, the direction along a ceiling surface, and the direction which goes to a user.

Also, during heating, it is considered that the temperature at the foot of the user is comfortable for the user. For this reason, during heating, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive source 38 and the drive source 40 are controlled so that the upper blade 20 moves to the parallel position B 1 and the angle of the vertical wind direction changing blade is downward. Is preferred. The air (warm air) warmed inside the indoor unit during heating tends to rise upward from the air outlet 10, but the upper blade 20 moves to the parallel position B 1 and the angle of the vertical wind direction changing blade is changed. By making it face down, the direction of most of the air blown out can be changed downward. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13, the air (warm air) which blows off from the blower outlet 10 can be supplied toward a floor surface, and the temperature of a user's step can be made high.

Also, in consideration of energy saving during heating, it is preferable to circulate warm air over the entire wall surface including the ceiling surface and the floor surface to efficiently warm the room. In this case, it is preferable to control the drive source 38 and the drive source 40 so that the upper blade 20 moves to a position shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 at a wide angle and within a wide distance from the lower blade 18. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, the air blown out from the blower outlet 10 can be distributed in two directions, a direction along the ceiling surface and a direction toward the user's feet, and efficiently warms the room. Energy-saving heating can be realized.

Note that the movement of the upper blade 20 to the serial position B2 is not limited to cooling, and may be performed during heating. Further, the movement of the upper blade 20 to the parallel position B1 is not limited to heating, but may be performed during cooling. That is, when the distance from the blower outlet 10 to the target point for supplying air is long, the upper blade 20 is moved to the series position B2, and when the distance from the blower outlet 10 to the target point for supplying air is short, the upper blade 20 May be moved to the parallel position B1.

Also, depending on the user's situation such as rest or activity, the temperature difference between the indoor upper space and the lower space that the user feels comfortable varies. For this reason, it is preferable to adjust the space | interval of the lower blade | wing 18 and the upper blade | wing 20 based on the detection signal of the human sensitive sensor unit 34. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, by adjusting the distance between the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20, the air blown out from the air outlet 10 in two directions (for example, the upper space and the lower space). It is possible to adjust the air volume of the air to be distributed. Thereby, the temperature difference between the upper space and the lower space can be controlled to a desired value.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are connected in series, the length of the vertical wind direction changing blade 12 is maximized. Can be made apparently longer with a smaller number of parts (two). Moreover, since the upper blade | wing 20 is comprised so that a movement in parallel with respect to the lower blade | wing 18, it can avoid that the lower blade | wing 18 and the upper blade | wing 20 contact objects, such as a curtain rail. Therefore, a high air rectification effect can be obtained.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various other modes. For example, in the above embodiment, the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18 is fixed at a fixed position, and the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 is configured to be movable. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 are kept at a predetermined distance, and the

link blades

36a and 36b are fixed without pivoting while the upper blade 20 and the lower blade 18 are kept in a relative position. You may make it rotate centering on the moving shaft 22. FIG.

Further, the rotation shaft 24 of the upper blade 20 may be fixed at a fixed position, and the rotation shaft 22 of the lower blade 18 may be configured to be movable. That is, it is only necessary that one of the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 is fixed at a fixed position and the other of the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 is movable.

In the above embodiment, the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 are connected by the pair of

link arms

36a and 36b so as to maintain a substantially parallel state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower blade 18 and the upper blade 20 may be connected by a member such as a jack.

In the above-described embodiment, the upper blade 20 moves in front of the lower blade 18 and is connected in series with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper blade 20 may move behind the lower blade 18 and be connected in series with each other.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included therein, so long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention according to the appended claims.

As described above, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be used in ordinary households because the length of the up-and-down wind direction changing blade can be apparently increased with a smaller number of parts to obtain a higher air rectification effect. It is useful as various air conditioners including air conditioners.

2 Indoor unit body 2a Front opening 2b Upper surface opening 4 Front panel 6 Indoor heat exchanger 8 Indoor fan 10 Air outlet 12 Vertical airflow direction changing blade 14 Left / right airflow direction changing blade 16 Filter 18 Lower blade 18a Stepped portion 20 Upper blade 22 Rotating Axis 24 Rotating shaft 26 Drive source 28 Ventilation path 30 Rear guider 32 Stabilizer 34

Human sensor unit

36a, 36b Link arm 38 Drive source (drive source for angle adjustment)
40 Drive source (Distance adjustment drive source)

Claims

An indoor unit is provided with an up-and-down air direction change blade that changes the direction of air blown from the air outlet up and down, and an air conditioner that performs air-conditioning operation by controlling the up-and-down air direction change blade,
The up-and-down wind direction changing blade includes a first blade and a second blade that are rotatably provided in the vicinity of the air outlet,
The rotational axis of the first blade is fixed at a fixed position,
The rotation axis of the second blade is configured to move so as to approach or separate from the first blade by driving an interval adjustment drive source,
The first blade and the second blade are configured to rotate around their respective rotation axes by driving an angle adjusting drive source,
The angle adjustment drive source and the distance adjustment are performed depending on whether the target position where the first blade and the second blade move next with respect to the current position is in the opening direction or the closing direction, respectively. An air conditioner that determines the driving order of the driving source for the vehicle.
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when one of the angle adjusting drive source or the interval adjusting drive source is driven, the other starts driving.
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein one of the angle adjusting drive source and the interval adjusting drive source finishes driving, and the other starts driving.
The angle adjustment drive source is driven first regardless of whether the angle adjustment drive source is driven in the opening direction or the closing direction when the interval adjustment drive source is driven in the opening direction. 4. The air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 3.
When the distance adjusting drive source is driven in the closing direction, the interval adjusting drive source is driven first regardless of whether the angle adjusting drive source is driven in the opening direction or the closing direction. 4. The air conditioner according to any one of 1 to 3.