AIR CONDITIONER, CASING, AND DECORATIVE PANEL

This invention inhibits the turbulence of airflow of conditioned air that is blown out from a blowout part and improves the energy efficiency of air conditioning when branching the conditioned air by a mounting structure part of a motor for driving a flap. An air conditioner having: a casing including a suction opening for sucking in indoor air and a blowout part for blowing out conditioned air; and a blower and a heat exchanger housed inside the casing has a flap 303 which is mounted on the blowout part and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air, and a motor 50 which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap 303 and is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part. The motor 50 is provided with a flow-adjusting cover 80 formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an air conditioner that is installed in a ceiling in a room, and to a casing and a decorative panel of such an air conditioner, and in particular relates to the conditioned air blowout structure thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

As a method of improving the indoor temperature irregularity by expanding the airflow distribution of the conditioned air that is blown out by an air conditioner, for example, there is the method of increasing the number of blowout parts for blowing out air conditioner as with the ceiling-embedded air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1. With the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, in addition to the four main blowout parts, since four auxiliary blowout parts are provided between the adjacent main blowout parts, the conditioned air is blown out in eight directions.

Moreover, in addition to increasing the number of blowout parts, it is also possible to improve the indoor temperature irregularity by expanding the airflow distribution of conditioned air as a result of devising the structure of the blowout parts. For example, there is a method of providing a motor to serve as a drive source for oscillating a flap which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air by avoiding the lengthwise ends of the blowout part, rather than at the ends of the blowout part. In the foregoing case, the conditioned air that is blown out of that blowout part will hit the mounting structure part of the motor and be branched by such mounting structure part. Thus, the airflow distribution of the conditioned air will expand, and it is thereby possible to improve the indoor temperature irregularity.

Nevertheless, in the case of branching the conditioned air by the mounting structure part of the motor for driving the flap, there is a problem in that the airflow of the conditioned air that is blown out from the blowout part becomes turbulent, and the energy efficiency of air conditioning will deteriorate.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3700718

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was devised in view of the foregoing conventional problems, and its object is to inhibit the turbulence of the airflow of the conditioned air that is blown out from the blowout part and improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioning when branching the conditioned air by the mounting structure part of the motor for driving the flap.

The air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner having: a casing (10, 11, 14, 16) including a suction opening (101, 111, 141, 161) for sucking in indoor air and a blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162) for blowing out conditioned air; and a blower (40, 41, 44, 46) and a heat exchanger (60, 64, 66) housed inside the casing (10, 11, 14, 16),

  • the air conditioner further having:
  • a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) mounted on the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162) and which adjusts a blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
  • a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363), wherein
  • the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162), and
  • the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162).

The casing of an air conditioner according to another aspect of the present invention is a casing (200, 210, 240, 260) of an air conditioner that is installed in a ceiling in a room,

  • the casing comprising:
  • a suction opening (201, 211, 241, 261) into which indoor air is sucked in by a blower (40, 41, 44, 46) disposed inside the casing (200, 210, 240, 260),
  • a blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) for blowing out conditioned air toward an indoor space;
  • a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) which is mounted on the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) to be capable of being oscillated by rotation based on the drive force of a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
  • a mounting part which is provided at a position avoiding lengthwise ends of the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) and to which the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is mounted, wherein
  • the mounting part is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the mounting part, toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262).

The decorative panel of an air conditioner according to another aspect of the present invention is a decorative panel of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner comprising: a suction opening (301, 311, 341, 361) for sucking in indoor air; and a blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362) for blowing out conditioned air from a ceiling surface toward an indoor space, the decorative panel comprising:

  • a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) which is mounted on the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362) and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
  • a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap, wherein
  • the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362), and
  • the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A shows the overall exterior view, and FIG. 1B shows a state where the decorative panel is removed from the casing body, and the bottom part of the casing body and the inner side of the decorative panel are exposed.

FIG. 2 is a II-II cross section of FIG. 1, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the airflow direction inside the air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of FIG. 2, and a diagram schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap and the motor to serve as the drive source for oscillating the flap.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV of FIG. 3, and a diagram showing the mounted state of the flap in the blowout part and the drive mechanism of the motor for driving the flap.

FIG. 5 is a V-V cross section of FIG. 4, and a diagram showing the mounted state of the flap in the blowout part and the drive mechanism of the flap by the motor, and the airflow of the conditioned air that is branched by the motor mounting part.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, wherein FIG. 6A shows the overall exterior view, and FIG. 6B shows a state where the decorative panel is removed from the casing body, and the bottom part of the casing body and the inner side of the decorative panel are exposed.

FIG. 7 is a cross section schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap and the motor to serve as the drive source for oscillating the flap in Embodiment 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII of FIG. 7, and a diagram showing the mounted state of the flap in the blowout part and the drive mechanism of the motor for driving the flap.

FIG. 9 is a cross section schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap and the motor to serve as the drive source for oscillating the flap in Embodiment 3.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part X of FIG. 9, and a diagram showing the mounted state of the flap in the blowout part and the drive mechanism of the motor for driving the flap.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the blowing direction of the conditioned air that is blown from the blowout part of the air conditioner according to Embodiments 1 and 2, wherein FIG. 11A is a plan view showing the air conditioner of Embodiment 1 from the lower side in a mounted state, and FIG. 11B is a plan view showing the air conditioner of Embodiment 2 from the lower side in a mounted state.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a XIII-XIII cross section of FIG. 12, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air condition according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and the airflow direction inside the air conditioner.

FIG. 14 is a XIV-XIV cross section of FIG. 13, and a diagram schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap and the motor to serve as the drive source for oscillating the flap.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a XVI-XVI cross section of FIG. 15, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and the airflow direction inside the air conditioner.

FIG. 17 is a XVII-XVII cross section of FIG. 16, and a diagram schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap and the motor to serve as the drive source for oscillating the flap.

 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The air conditioner, air conditioner casing and decorative panel according to Embodiments 1 to 5 of the present invention are now explained in detail with reference to the appended drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a perspective showing the outline of an air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the overall external view, and FIG. 1B shows a state where the decorative panel is removed from the casing body, and the bottom part of the casing body and the inner side of the decorative panel are exposed.

The air conditioner 1 is a so-called four-direction blowing type ceiling-embedded air conditioner, and a blower 40, a heat exchanger 60 and the like configuring the air conditioner 1 are covered by a casing 10 (refer to FIG. 2). The casing 10 of the air conditioner 1 is configured from a casing body 200, and a decorative panel 300 that is mounted by covering a bottom part 200a, in its entirety, of the casing body 200. The bottom part 200a of the casing body 200 is formed in a substantial octagon shape, and the decorative panel 300 is slightly larger than the casing body 200 in a planar view and is formed in a substantial square shape having an R at the corners thereof. The air conditioner 1 is fitted into an opening provided in the ceiling not shown in a shape according to the outer shape of a side part 200b extending upward from an outer edge part of the bottom part 200a, and installed so that the front surface of the decorative panel 300 becomes integral with the ceiling surface.

The casing 10 comprises one suction opening 101 and four blowout parts 102 at the bottom part 200a. The suction opening 101 is positioned at the center of the bottom part of the casing 10, and formed as a result of a suction opening 201 provided to the casing body 200 and a suction opening 301 provided to the decorative panel 300 being combined. The four blowout parts 102 are positioned around the suction opening 101 in a manner of surrounding the suction opening 101, extend in a direction along the outer edge part of the bottom part 200a, the ends thereof are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the four blowout parts 102 is formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole. The blowout part 102 is formed by a blowout part 202 provided to the casing body 200 and a blowout part 302 provided to the decorative panel 300 being combined.

The suction opening 201 provided to the casing body 200 is positioned at the center of the bottom part 200a of the casing body 200. The suction opening 201 is formed as a result of hollowing the center of the bottom part 200a while leaving the outer edge part of the bottom part 200a at approximately equal intervals. An opening of the large-diameter side of a bell mouth 70 is fitted into the suction opening 201 (refer to FIG. 2).

The suction opening 301 provided to the decorative panel 300 is positioned at the center of the decorative panel 300, and is formed in a substantial square shape. The outer edge part of the suction opening 301 is substantially parallel to the outer edge part of the decorative panel 300. A suction grill 304 is provided to the suction opening 301. A filter 305 is mounted on the suction grill 304 for eliminating the dust contained in the indoor air that was sucked in from the suction opening 301 by the blower 40 (refer to FIG. 2).

The blowout part 202 provided to the casing body 200 extends in a direction along both outer edge parts between the outer edge part of the bottom part 200a and the suction opening 201 and formed with that direction as the lengthwise direction, and four blowout parts 202 are provided in a manner of surrounding the suction opening 201. Ends of the blowout part 202 have bent parts which bend in a direction of approaching each other, and the four blowout parts 202 taken on a substantial octagon shape on the whole.

The blowout part 302 provided to the decorative panel 300 is formed, in a state where the decorative panel 300 is fitted into the bottom part 200a of the casing body 200, in the decorative panel 300 at four locations in basically the same shape as the blowout part 202 at a position corresponding to the four blowout parts 202 of the bottom part 200a. The four blowout parts 302 respectively comprise a flap 303. The flap 303 is a plate-like member that is positioned at a linear part sandwiched by the bent parts on either end of the blowout part 302, and its planar shape is formed in an elongated, substantially rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the linear part.

FIG. 2 is a II-II cross section of FIG. 1, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air conditioner 1. The casing body 200 internally comprises a blower 40 and a heat exchanger 60. The blower 40 is, for example, a turbo fan that is disposed toward the upper center of the casing body 200, sucks in indoor air from the suction opening 301, and blows out the conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 60 from the blowout part 302. An opening of the small-diameter side of the bell mouth 70 is fitted into the suction side of the blower 40 in order to improve the suction efficiency of the indoor air. The heat exchanger 60 is, for example, a cross fin tube type heat exchanger formed by being bent so as to surround the outer periphery of the blower 40, and is connected to an outdoor unit not shown, which is installed outside, via a refrigerant tube. The heat exchanger 60 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant flowing internally during the cooling operation, and functions a condenser of the refrigerant flowing internally during the heating operation.

The behavior, inside the casing body 200, of the indoor air that is sucked in by the blower 40 from the suction opening 301 and the conditioned air that is blown out by the blower 40 from the blowout part 302 is now explained.

As shown with arrow A1, the indoor that is sucked into the casing body 200 by the blower 40 through the suction opening 301 is guided to the bell mouth 70, and guided to the blower 40 vertically upward in parallel to the rotational axis of the blower 40. As shown with arrow B1, the indoor air that was guided to the blower 40 is blown toward the heat exchanger 60 by the blower 40 in a horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the rotational axis of the blower 40, is subject to heat exchange by the heat exchanger 60 with the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 60, and passes through the heat exchanger 60 as cooled conditioned air during the cooling operation and as heated conditioned air during the heating operation. As shown with arrow C1, the conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 60 descends through a blowout channel 401 formed between the inner surface of the casing body 200 and the heat exchanger 60 and having an end as the blowout part 202, and heads toward the blowout part 202. As shown with arrow D1, the wind direction of the conditioned air that reached the blowout part 202 is changed toward the ceiling surface side by the flap 303 of the blowout part 302 opened in the decorative panel 300 so as to oppose the blowout part 202.

FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 are diagrams schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel, of the flap 303, and motor 50 serving as the drive source for oscillating the flap 303. FIG. 3 is a cross section of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part IV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a V-V cross section of FIG. 4.

A oscillating shaft 3061 and the motor 50 are provided at the upper center part of the flap 303. The motor 50 is supported by a support piece not shown that is protruding from an outer edge-side vertical plane 302a (refer to FIG. 2) of the blowout part 302 toward the inside of the blowout part 302. A oscillating shaft 3062 is provided, respectively, to both ends at the upper part and lengthwise direction of the flap 303. The oscillating shaft 3061 and the oscillating shafts 3062 are disposed coaxially.

The oscillating shaft 3061 extends in the lengthwise direction of the flap 303, and is supported by a support piece 3071a and a support piece 3072a. The support piece 3071a is positioned at either end of the oscillating shaft 3061, and protrudes upward from the flap 303. The support piece 3072a is provided in a protruding manner from the decorative panel 300 so as to be adjacent to the support piece 3071a. The protruding position of the support piece 3072a is the outer edge-side vertical plane 302a (refer to FIG. 2) of the blowout part 302.

The oscillating shaft 3062 extends in the lengthwise direction of the flap 303, and is supported by a support piece 3071b and a support piece 3072b. The support piece 3071b is positioned at one end of the oscillating shaft 3062 facing the inside of the flap 303, and protrudes upward from the flap 303. The support piece 3072b is positioned at the other end of the oscillating shaft 3062 facing the outside of the flap 303, and protrudes from the decorative panel 300. The protruding position of the support piece 3072b is the outer edge-side vertical plane 302a (refer to FIG. 2) of the blowout part 302 as with the support piece 3072a.

The support piece 3072a supports the oscillating shaft 3061 and the support piece 3072b supports the oscillating shaft 3062 rotatably around the shaft. Meanwhile, the oscillating shaft 3061 protrudes from the support piece 3071a and the oscillating shaft 3062 protrudes from the support piece 3071b, respectively, and the support piece 3071a and the oscillating shaft 3061, as well as the support piece 3071b and the oscillating shaft 3062 are respectively coupled in a fixed manner.

The oscillating shaft 3061 comprises a gear 503. The gear 503 is mounted coaxially with and fixedly to the oscillating shaft 3061 near the middle of the oscillating shaft 3061, and rotates pursuant to the rotation of the oscillating shaft 3061. The gear 503 engages with a gear 502 that is mounted coaxially with and fixedly to a rotational axis 501 of the motor 50. The rotative force generated by the motor 50 is transmitted by the gear 502 and the gear 503, and rotates the oscillating shaft 3061. Since the oscillating shaft 3061 and the oscillating shaft 3062 are disposed coaxially, the flap 303 oscillates in conjunction with the rotation of the oscillating shaft 3061.

The motor 50, the gear 502, and the gear 503 are covered by a flow-adjusting cover 80. The outer surface of the flow-adjusting cover 80 is formed as a curved surface with a tapering upper part. Note that the suction opening 302 side (upper side in FIG. 4 and back side of the plane of paper in FIG. 5) of the flow-adjusting cover 80 is formed in a notched shape so that it does not come in contact with the flap 303 during the oscillation of the flap 303.

Since the motor 50, the gear 502, and the gear 503 are positioned on a side that is more upstream than the blowout part 302 and the flap 303 in the blowing direction of the conditioned air, the conditioned air that is blown toward the blowout part 302 is branched toward either end in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 302 as shown with the arrow in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, although the motor 50 is provided to the center of the blowout part 302, the conditioned air that is blown toward the blowout part 302 can be branched toward either end in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 302 by providing to the blowout part 302 the motor 50 at a position that will be more upstream than the blowout part 302 in the blowing direction of the conditioned air by avoiding the lengthwise ends of the blowout part 302.

FIG. 11A is a plan view showing the installed state of the air conditioner I from inside the room, and a diagram schematically showing the airflow direction of the conditioned air that is blown out from the blowout part 302 of the air conditioner 1. As described above, the conditioned air is branched toward either end in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 302 at the center of the respective blowout parts 302. In addition, the ends of the four blowout parts 302 are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts are formed in an octagon shape as a whole. Thus, the branched conditioned air is also blown out from the corner directions of the decorative panel 300. Accordingly, the conditioned air that is blown out from the four blowout parts 302 is blown in eight directions, with a substantially uniform wind volume and in substantially even intervals circumferentially, and will spread throughout the entire air conditioned room.

According to the air conditioner 1 of Embodiment 1, since the motor 50 as well as the gear 502 and the gear 503 are covered by the flow-adjusting cover 80 without being exposed, the airflow of the conditioned air that passed through the blowout channel 401 and is blown out of the blowout part 302 will not become turbulent, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can thereby be improved. Accordingly, since the power consumption is reduced, it is possible to lower the electricity cost and reduce the burden on the environment.

Moreover, according to the air conditioner 1 of Embodiment 1, as a result of disposing the motor 50 at the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 302, the range of airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be widened in comparison to the case of disposing the motor at the end of the blowout part. In addition, unlike the conditioned air that is blown out from an auxiliary blowout part in a conventional air conditioner, the wind speed of the branched conditioned air is the same, respectively. Accordingly, the uniformity of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be improved, and the indoor temperature irregularity can be reduced.

Embodiment 2

An air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is now explained. Note that the explanation of points that are not different from Embodiment 1 is omitted unless necessary. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the outline of the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6A shows the overall view of the air conditioner and FIG. 6B shows a state where the decorative panel is removed from the casing body, and the bottom part of the casing body and the inner side of the decorative panel are exposed. The air conditioner 2 differs from the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1 only with respect to the shape of the blowout part. In other words, a blowout part 112 of the air conditioner 2 is formed in a shape of separating the blowout part 102 of the air conditioner 1 at the center in the lengthwise direction, and in a shape that is consist of two blowing outlets 112a.

As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, as with the air conditioner 1, a casing 11 of the air conditioner 2 is configured from a casing body 210, and a decorative panel 310 that is mounted on a bottom part 210a of the casing body 210. A suction opening 111 is formed by a suction opening 211 provided to the casing body 210 and a suction opening 311 provided to the decorative panel 310 being combined, and a blowout part 112 is formed by a blowout part 212 provided to the casing body 210 and a blowout part 312 provided to the decorative panel 310 being combined. These are also the same as the air conditioner 1.

A flap 313 is provided, respectively, to the respective blowing outlets 312a configuring the blowout part 312 provided to the decorative panel 310. As with the flap 303 of the air conditioner 1, the flap 313 is a plate-like member that is positioned at a linear part of the blowout part 312a, and its planar shape is formed in an elongated, substantially rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the linear part.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel 310, of the flap 313 and the motor 51 serving as the drive source for oscillating the flap 313. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII of FIG. 7.

The motor 51 is disposed on the decorative panel 310 positioned between the blowing outlets 312a at the center of the blowout part 312. In other words, since it is not necessary to provide a support piece or the like for supporting the motor 51, the shape of the blowout part 312 configured from two blowing outlets 312a separated at the center in the lengthwise direction becomes a suitable shape for disposing the motor 51 at the center of the blowout part 312.

A oscillating shaft 3161 is provided to one end on the motor 51 side and a oscillating shaft 3162 is provided to the other end at both ends at the upper part and lengthwise direction of the flap 313. The oscillating shaft 3161 and the oscillating shaft 3162 are disposed coaxially.

The oscillating shaft 3161 is shared by the two flaps 313 of the blowout part 312, extends in the lengthwise direction of the flap 313, and is positioned at the center of the blowout part 312. The oscillating shaft 3161 is supported by a support piece 3171a and a support piece 3172a. The support piece 3171a is positioned at either end of the oscillating shaft 3161 and at one end on the motor 51 side of the flap 313, and protrudes upward from the flap 313. The support piece 3171a and the oscillating shaft 3161 are fixedly coupled. The support piece 3172a is adjacent to the support piece 3171a, and protrudes upward from the decorative panel 310 so as to come in sliding contact with the end of the motor 51 side of the flap 313. The support piece 3172a rotatably supports the oscillating shaft 3161.

As with the oscillating shaft 3062 of the air conditioner 1, the oscillating shaft 3162 is supported by a support piece 3171b and a support piece 3172b. The support piece 3171b corresponds to the support piece 3071b, and the support piece 3172b corresponds to the support piece 3072b, respectively. A gear 512 of a rotational axis 511 of the motor 51 and a gear 513 of a oscillating shaft 3161 are also disposed in a similar manner as the air conditioner 1. Accordingly, the mechanism of oscillating the flap 313 is also the same as the air conditioner 1.

Note that, although not shown, the motor 51, the gear 512, and the gear 513 being covered by a flow-adjusting cover is the same as Embodiment 1. However, unlike Embodiment 1, the suction opening 312 side (upper part in FIG. 8) of the flow-adjusting cover does not need to be formed in a notched shape since the flow-adjusting cover and the flap 313 will not come in contact during the oscillation of the flap 313.

FIG. 11B is a plan view showing the installed state of the air conditioner 2 from inside the room, and a diagram schematically showing the airflow direction of the conditioned air that is blown out from the respective blowing outlets 312a of the air conditioner 2. The conditioned air that is blown out from the eight blowing outlets 312a is blown in eight directions, with a substantially uniform wind speed and in substantially even intervals circumferentially, and will spread throughout the entire air conditioned room as with the air conditioner 1.

According to the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to obtain a configuration that is suitable for disposing the motor 51 at the center of the blowout part 312. The other results are the same as the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

An air conditioner 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention is now explained. Note that the explanation of points that are not different from Embodiments 1 and 2 is omitted unless necessary. With the air conditioner 3, a motor serving as the drive source is provided to the respective flaps in the air conditioner 2. The state of arrangement of a flap 323 and a motor 52 in a decorative panel 320 is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part X of FIG. 9.

The air conditioner 3 comprises two motors 52 on the decorative panel 320 positioned between blowing outlets 322a at the center of a blowout part 322, and differs from the air conditioner 2 in that the respective flaps 322 respectively comprise a oscillating shaft 3261 at one end on the center side of the blowout part 322.

The oscillating shaft 3261 is supported by a support piece 3271a and a support piece 3272a. The support piece 3271a is positioned at one end on the center side of the blowout part 322 of the flap 323, and protrudes upward from the flap 323. The support piece 3271a and the oscillating shaft 3261 are fixedly coupled, and the oscillating shaft 3261 protrudes from the surface on the center side of the blowout part 322 of the support piece 3271a toward the center side of the blowout part 322. The support piece 3272a is adjacent to the support piece 3271a, and protrudes upward from the decorative panel 320 so as to come in sliding contact with the end on the center side of the blowout part 322 of the flap 323. The support piece 3272a rotatably supports the oscillating shaft 3261.

The oscillating shaft 3261 comprises a gear 523 at one end on the center side of the blowout part 322. The gear 523 is mounted coaxially with and fixedly to the oscillating shaft 3261, and rotates pursuant to the rotation of the oscillating shaft 3261. The gear 523 engages with a gear 522 that is mounted coaxially with and fixedly to a rotational axis 521 of the motor 52. The rotative force generated by the motor 52 is transmitted by the gear 522 and the gear 523, and rotates the oscillating shaft 3261. Since the motor 52 is connected to the respective flaps 323 via the gear 522 and the gear 523, the user can independently oscillate the respective flaps 323.

Note that, although not shown, the motor 52, the gear 522, and the gear 523 being covered by a flow-adjusting cover is the same as Embodiment 2.

According to the air conditioner 3 of Embodiment 3, since the user can independently oscillate the respective flaps 323, the user can change the direction of the conditioned air that is blown out from the blowing outlet 322a for each blowing outlet 322a. Accordingly, if the user locally experiences a draft feeling, the user can easily resolve such draft feeling by changing, in a limited way, the blowing direction of the conditioned air. The other results are the same as the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2.

Embodiment 4

An air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is now explained. Note that the explanation of points that are not different from Embodiments 1 to 3 is omitted unless necessary. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the outline of the air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The air conditioner 5 is a so-called single-flow type ceiling-embedded air conditioner. As with the air conditioners 1 to 3, a blower 44, a heat exchanger 64 and the like configuring the air conditioner 5 are covered by a casing 14 (refer to FIG. 13), and the casing 14 is configured from a casing body 240, and a decorative panel 340 that is mounted so as to cover the entire bottom part of the casing body 240.

The shape of the casing 14 differs from the shape of the casings of the air conditioners 1 to 3, and the casing body 240 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape in a planar view, and the decorative panel 340 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the casing body 240 in a planar view. The air conditioner 5 is fitted into an opening provided in the ceiling not shown in a shape according to the outer shape of a side part of the casing body 240 extending upward from an outer edge part of the bottom part, and installed so that the front surface of the decorative panel 340 becomes integral with the ceiling surface. This is the same as the air conditioners 1 to 3.

The casing 14 comprises one suction opening 141 and one blowout part 142 at its bottom part. The suction opening 141 is positioned at one long side of the bottom part by extending in that long-side direction, and is formed by a suction opening 241 provided to the casing body 240 and a suction opening 341 provided to the decorative panel 340 being combined (refer to FIG. 13). As with the air conditioners 1 to 3, the suction opening 341 is provided with a suction grill 344, and a filter not shown is mounted on the suction grill 344. The blowout part 142 is positioned at the other long side of the bottom part by extending in that long-side direction, its ends are formed as bent parts which are bent in a planar view (bent toward the suction opening 341 side in this embodiment), the blowout part 142 is formed in a shape that is consist of two blowing outlets 142a that are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction. The blowout part 142 is formed by a blowout part 242 provided to the casing body 240 and a blowout part 342 provided to the decorative panel 340 being combined (refer to FIG. 13).

A flap 343 is provided, respectively, to the respective blowing outlets 342a configuring the blowout part 342 provided to the decorative panel 340. As with the flaps of the air conditioners 1 to 3, the flap 343 is a plate-like member that is positioned at a linear part of the blowing outlet 342a, and its planar shape is formed in an elongated, substantially rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the linear part.

FIG. 13 is a XIII-XIII cross section of FIG. 12, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air conditioner 5. The casing body 240 internally comprises a blower 44 and a heat exchanger 64. The blower 44 is, for example, a cross flow fan that is disposed above the blowout part 242, sucks in indoor air from the suction opening 241, and blows out the conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 64 from the blowout part 242. A heat exchanger 64 is disposed between the suction opening 241 and the blower 44.

The heat exchanger 64 is, for example, a cross fin tube type heat exchanger, is disposed obliquely from the long side part above the suction opening 241 toward the long side part of the blowout part 242 inside the casing body 240 in order to increase the heat exchange area, and is bent in a convex shape toward the lower side as shown in FIG. 13 so that it will not get too close to the blower 41.

The behavior, inside the casing body 240, of the indoor air that is sucked in by the blower 44 from the suction opening 241 and the conditioned air that is blown out by the blower 44 from the blowout part 242 is now explained.

As shown with arrow A5, the indoor air that is sucked into the casing body 240 by the blower 44 through the suction opening 241 is guided to the heat exchanger 64 vertically upward. As shown with arrow B5, the indoor air that was guided to the heat exchanger 64 is subject to heat exchange by the heat exchanger 64 with the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 64, and passes through the heat exchanger 64 as cooled conditioned air during the cooling operation and as heated conditioned air during the heating operation. As shown with arrow C5, the conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 64 passes through a blowout channel 441 formed between the upper inner wall surface and the latter inner wall surface of the casing body 240 and having an end as the blowout part 242, and heads toward the blowout part 242. As shown with arrow D5, the wind direction of the conditioned air that reached the blowout part 242 is changed toward the ceiling surface side by the flap 343 of the blowout part 342 opened in the decorative panel 340 so as to oppose the casing body 240.

FIG. 14 is a cross section schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel 340, of the flap 343 and the motor 54 serving as the drive source for oscillating the flap 343. As with the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2, the motor 54 is disposed on the decorative panel 340 positioned between the blowing outlets 342a at the center of the blowout part 342. The support mechanism of the flap 343 in the blowout part 342, and the oscillating mechanism of the flap 343 being oscillated as a result of the oscillating shaft 3461 provided to the motor 54 side being rotated by the motor 54 are the same as the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 2. Moreover, the mounting structure part of the motor 54 being covered by a flow-adjusting cover is also the same as the air conditioner 2.

Accordingly, even with the air conditioner 5, the conditioned air that passed through the blowout channel 441 and is blown toward the blowout part 242 will be branched to the two blowing outlets 242a, respectively. In addition, since the ends of the blowout part 342 are formed as bent parts as described above, the branched conditioned air will also be blown out from the corner directions of the decorative panel 340. Specifically, as shown with the arrow of FIG. 14, the conditioned air that is blown out from the two blowing outlets 342a spreads in two directions at a substantially equal air volume, and will also be blown out from the corner directions of the decorative panel 340.

According to the air conditioner 5 of Embodiment 4, since the mounting structure part of the motor 54 is covered by a flow-adjusting cover, it is possible to inhibit the turbulence of the airflow of the conditioned air that passed through the blowout channel 441 and was blown out from the blowout part 342. Accordingly, since the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced, it is possible to lower the electricity cost and reduce the burden on the environment.

Moreover, according to the air conditioner 5 of Embodiment 4, as a result of disposing the motor 54 at the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 342, the range of airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be widened in comparison to the case of disposing the motor at the end of the blowout part. Accordingly, the uniformity of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be improved, and the indoor temperature irregularity can be reduced.

In addition, according to the air conditioner 5 of Embodiment 4, it is possible to obtain a configuration that is suitable for disposing the motor 54 at the center of the blowout part 342.

Embodiment 5

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner 7 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The air conditioner 7 is a so-called double flow type ceiling-embedded air conditioner. As with the air conditioners 1 to 4, a blower 46, a heat exchanger 66 and the like configuring the air conditioner 7 are covered by a casing 16 (refer to FIG. 16), and the casing 16 is configured from a casing body 260, and a decorative panel 360 that is mounted so as to cover the entire bottom part of the casing body 260.

The outer shape of the casing 16 is the same as the air conditioner 5, and the casing body 260 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape in a planar view, and the decorative panel 360 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the casing body 260. The installed state of the air conditioner 7 in the ceiling is also the same as the air conditioner 5.

The casing 16 comprises, in its bottom part, two suction openings 161 provided toward the center of the bottom part, and two blowout parts 162 provided toward the outer edge side of the bottom part. The suction openings 161 are positioned toward the center of the bottom part by extending mutually in parallel in the long-side direction, and are formed by a suction opening 261 provided to the casing body 260 and a suction opening 361 provided to the decorative panel 360 being combined (refer to FIG. 16). The blowout parts 162 are provided between the outer edge part of the bottom part and the suction opening 161, and the two blowout parts 162 face each other upon sandwiching the two suction opening 161. The blowout parts 162 are positioned by extending in the long-side direction of the bottom part, and the ends thereof are formed as bent parts that are bent in a planar view (bent toward the suction opening 361 in this embodiment), and the blowout part 162 is formed in a shape that is consist of two blowing outlets 162a that are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction. The blowout parts 162 are formed by a blowout part 262 provided to the casing body 260 and a blowout part 362 provided to the decorative panel 360 being combined (refer to FIG. 16).

A flap 363 is provided, respectively, to the respective blowing outlets 362a configuring the blowout part 362 provided to the decorative panel 360. As with the flap 343 of the air conditioner 5, the flap 363 is a plate-like member that is positioned at a linear part of the blowing outlet 362a, and its planar shape is formed in an elongated, substantially rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the linear part.

FIG. 16 is a XVI-XVI cross section of FIG. 15B, and a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the air conditioner 7. The casing body 260 internally comprises a blower 46 and a heat exchanger 66.

The blower 46 is, for example, a turbo fan that is disposed toward the center in the width direction inside the casing body 260, sucks in indoor air from the suction opening 361, and blows out conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 66 from the blowout part 362. Note that one or more blowers 46 may be disposed depending on the performance that is required by the air conditioner (two in Embodiment 5), and, in a case where a plurality are provided, they are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the casing body 260. An opening of the small-diameter side of the bell mouth 76 is fitted into the suction side of the blower 46 in order to improve the suction efficiency of the indoor air. The heat exchanger 66 is, for example, a cross fin tube type heat exchanger, and provided so as to surround two blowers 46.

The behavior, inside the casing body 260, of the indoor air that is sucked in by the blower 46 from the suction opening 361 and the conditioned air that is blown out by the blower 46 from the blowout part 362 is now explained.

As shown in arrow A7, the indoor that is sucked into the casing body 260 by the blower 46 through the suction opening 361 is guided to the blower 46 through the guidance of the bell mouth 76. As shown with arrow B7, the indoor air that was guided to the blower 46 is blown toward the heat exchanger 66 by the blower 46 in a horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the rotational axis of the blower 46, is subject to heat exchange by the heat exchanger 66 with the refrigerant flowing inside the heat exchanger 66, and passes through the heat exchanger 66 as cooled conditioned air during the cooling operation and as heated conditioned air during the heating operation. As shown with arrow C7, the conditioned air that passed through the heat exchanger 66 descends through a blowout channel 461 formed between the inner surface of the casing body 260 and the heat exchanger 66 and having an end as the blowout part 262, and heads toward the blowout part 262. As shown with arrow D7, the wind direction of the conditioned air that reached the blowout part 262 is changed toward the ceiling surface side by the flap 363 of the blowout part 362 opened in the decorative panel 360 so as to oppose the blowout part 262.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the state of arrangement, in the decorative panel 360, of the flap 363, and motor 56 serving as the drive source for oscillating the flap 363. As with the air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 4, the motor 56 is disposed on the decorative panel 360 positioned between the blowing outlets 362a at the center of the blowout part 362. The support mechanism of the flap 363 in the blowout part 362, and the oscillating mechanism of the flap 363 being oscillated as a result of the oscillating shaft 3661 provided to the motor 56 side being rotated by the motor 56 are the same as the air conditioner 5 according to Embodiment 4. Moreover, the mounting structure part of the motor 56 being covered by a flow-adjusting cover is also the same as the air conditioner 5.

Accordingly, even with the air conditioner 7, the conditioned air that passed through the blowout channel 461 and is blown toward the blowout part 262 will be branched to the two blowing outlets 262a, respectively. In addition, since the ends of the blowout part 362 are formed as bent parts as described above, the branched conditioned air will also be blown out from the corner directions of the decorative panel 360. Specifically, as shown with the arrow of FIG. 17, the conditioned air that is blown out from the four blowing outlets 362a spreads in four directions at a substantially equal air volume, and will also be blown out from the corner directions of the decorative panel 360.

According to the air conditioner 7 of Embodiment 5, since the mounting structure part of the motor 56 is covered by a flow-adjusting cover, it is possible to inhibit the turbulence of the airflow of the conditioned air that passed through the blowout channel 461 and was blown out from the blowout part 362. Accordingly, since the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced, it is possible to lower the electricity cost and reduce the burden on the environment.

Moreover, according to the air conditioner 7 of Embodiment 5, as a result of disposing the motor 56 at the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part 362, the range of airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be widened in comparison to the case of disposing the motor at the end of the blowout part. Accordingly, the uniformity of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be improved, and the indoor temperature irregularity can be reduced.

In addition, according to the air conditioner 7 of Embodiment 5, it is possible to obtain a configuration that is suitable for disposing the motor 56 at the center of the blowout part 362.

The air conditioner according to Embodiments 1 to 5 of the present invention was explained above, but the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and, for example, can also adopt the following modified examples.

(1) The shape of the ends of the blowout parts was a bent shape in all embodiments 1 to 5, but the blowing direction of the conditioned air can be spread even in cases where the ends of the blowout part are not bent, despite the effect being inferior to the case of bending the ends of the blowout part.

(2) The casing body 200 according to Embodiment 1 and the decorative panel 310 according to Embodiment 2 can be combined.

(3) The support piece which rotatably supports the oscillating shaft protrudes from the decorative panel in Embodiments 1 to 5, but the support piece can also be provided to protrude from the casing body.

(4) Embodiment 4 relates to a so-called single-flow type ceiling-embedded air conditioner, by rotating the state of arrangement of the flap of the blowout part, the oscillating shaft, the support piece and the motor of Embodiment 4 approximately 90° about the axis in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part and causing the support piece which rotatably supports the oscillating shaft to protrude from the casing body, a structure that is similar to the structure of the blowout part of Embodiment 4 can be applied to a single-flow type, ceiling-suspension type air conditioner so as to spread the airflow distribution of the conditioned air. Note that, in the foregoing case, by bending the lengthwise ends of the blowout part in the upstream direction of the blowing direction of the conditioned air; that is, toward the side surfaces that are adjacent to the blowout part, the range of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air can be spread further.

(5) A motor can be provided to each flap in Embodiments 4 and 5, as with Embodiment 3, to realize a configuration which enables each of the flaps to be oscillated independently.

In summary, the air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner comprising: a casing including a suction opening for sucking in indoor air and a blowout part for blowing out conditioned air; and a blower and a heat exchanger housed inside the casing, the air conditioner further comprising: a flap which is mounted on the blowout part and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and a motor which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap, wherein the motor is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part, and wherein the motor is provided with a flow-adjusting cover formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor, toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part.

Moreover, the casing of an air conditioner according to the present invention is a casing of an air conditioner that is installed in a ceiling in a room, the casing comprising: a suction opening into which indoor air is sucked in by a blower disposed inside the casing; a blowout part for blowing out conditioned air toward an indoor space; a flap which is mounted on the blowout part to be capable of being oscillated by rotation based on the drive force of a motor, and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and a mounting part which is provided at a position avoiding lengthwise ends of the blowout part and to which the motor is mounted, wherein the mounting part is provided with a flow-adjusting cover formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the mounting part, toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part.

In addition, the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention is a decorative panel of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner having a suction opening for sucking in indoor air; and a blowout part for blowing out conditioned air from a ceiling surface toward an indoor space, the decorative panel comprising: a flap which is mounted on the blowout part and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and a motor which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap, wherein the motor is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part, and wherein the motor is provided with a flow-adjusting cover formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor, toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part.

According to the foregoing inventions, the conditioned air that was branched by the mounting structure part of the motor is branched toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part by the flow-adjusting cover. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit the turbulence of the airflow of the conditioned air that was blown out from the blowout part at the mounting structure of the motor, and thereby improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioning.

Accordingly, since the power consumption is reduced, it is possible to lower the electricity cost and reduce the burden on the environment.

Moreover, with the air conditioner or the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the motor is provided at a position that is the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part.

According to the foregoing inventions, since the motor is provided at a position that is the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part, the conditioned air that was blown out from the blowout part hits the mounting structure part of the motor, and is thereby branched nearly evenly due to the mounting structure part. Accordingly, the airflow distribution of the conditioned air become even more uniform, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

Moreover, with the air conditioner according to the present invention, the casing includes a bottom part, and a side part which extends upward from the bottom part, and has the suction opening and the blowout part at the bottom part, two blowout parts are provided at mutually opposing positions, and the two blowout parts respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the bottom part and are formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts toward two mutually different directions.

Moreover, with the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, two blowout parts are provided at mutually opposing positions, and these two blowout parts respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the suction opening and are formed with that direction as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts toward two mutually different directions.

According to the foregoing inventions, in a so-called double flow type air conditioner, since the conditioned air that is blown out from two blowout parts provided at position that face each other while sandwiching the suction opening is blown toward two mutually different directions, the branched conditioned air spreads substantially throughout the entire air conditioned room, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

Moreover, with the air conditioner according to the present invention, the casing includes a bottom part, and a side part which extends upward from the bottom part, and has the suction opening and the blowout part at the bottom part, the suction opening is provided at the center of the bottom part, four blowout parts are provided around the suction opening in a manner of surrounding this suction opening, and the four blowout parts respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the bottom part and are formed, with that direction beig as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts toward four mutually different directions.

Moreover, with the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the suction opening is provided at the center, four blowout parts are provided around the suction opening in a manner of surrounding this suction opening, and the four blowout parts respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the suction opening and are formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts toward four mutually different directions.

According to the foregoing inventions, in a so-called four-direction blowing type air conditioner, since the conditioned air that is blown out from the four blowout parts provided around the suction opening in a manner of surrounding the suction opening is blown out in four mutually different directions, the branched conditioned air will spread throughout the air conditioned room even in a broader range in comparison to a so-called double-flow type air conditioner, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved further.

Moreover, with the air conditioner or the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the lengthwise ends of the blowout part is bent in a planar view.

According to the foregoing inventions, the conditioned air is also blown out from the lengthwise ends of the blowout part that are bent in a planar view. Accordingly, since the airflow distribution of the conditioned air that is blown out from the blowout part will spread even further, the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved further.

Moreover, with the air conditioner according to the present invention, the bottom part is formed in a substantial octagon shape in a planar view, the blowout parts are provided along an edge of four sides, which are not adjacent to each other, of the bottom part which is formed in the substantial octagon shape, and ends of the blowout parts are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole.

According to the foregoing invention, since the four blowout parts are provided along an edge of four sides, which are not adjacent to each other, of the bottom part which is formed in the substantial octagon shape, and ends of the blowout parts are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole, the conditioned air that is branched and blown out from the respective blowout parts will be blown out in eight directions, with a substantially uniform wind speed and a substantially uniform air volume, and spread evenly circumferentially even toward the side parts of the substantial octagon shape that do not have a blowout part. Accordingly, in addition to the spread of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air, the uniformity of the airflow distribution can be ensured reliably, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved further.

Moreover, with the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the decorative panel is formed in a substantial square shape in a planar view, and the ends of the blowout parts are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole.

According to the foregoing invention, since four blowout parts are formed along the four side of the square shape, and the ends of the blowout parts are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole, the conditioned air that is branched and blown out from the respective blowout parts will be blown out in eight directions, with a substantially uniform wind speed and a substantially uniform air volume, and spread evenly circumferentially even toward the corners of the square shape. Accordingly, in addition to the spread of the airflow distribution of the conditioned air, the uniformity of the airflow distribution can be ensured reliably, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved further.

Moreover, with the air conditioner or the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, the blowout part includes two blowing outlets which are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction, the motor is disposed between the two blowing outlets of the blowout part, and the flap is mounted on each of the blowing outlets.

According to the foregoing inventions, since the blowout part is formed in a shape that is consist of two blowing outlets which are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction, the motor can be shaped suitable for being disposed at the center in the lengthwise direction.

Moreover, with the air conditioner or the decorative panel of an air conditioner according to the present invention, each of the flaps has the motor, and each of the flaps is independently oscillated based on the drive of the motor.

According to the foregoing inventions, since each of the flaps oscillates independently, the direction of the conditioned air that is blown out from the two blowing outlets can be changed independently. Accordingly, since the blowing direction of the conditioned air can be changed in a limited manner, if the user locally experiences a draft feeling, this configuration is suitable for resolving such draft feeling.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a casing (10, 11, 14, 16) including a suction opening (101, 111, 141, 161) for sucking in indoor air and a blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162) for blowing out conditioned air; and a blower (40, 41, 44, 46) and a heat exchanger (60, 64, 66) housed inside the casing (10, 11, 14, 16),

the air conditioner further comprising:
a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) which is mounted on the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162) and which adjusts a blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363), wherein
the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162), and
the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162).

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position that is the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162).

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein

the casing (16) includes a bottom part, and a side part which extends upward from the bottom part, and has the suction opening (161) and the blowout part (162) at the bottom part,
two blowout parts (162) are provided at mutually opposing positions, and
the two blowout parts (162) respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the bottom part and are formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts (162) toward two mutually different directions.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein

the casing (10, 11) includes a bottom part (200a), and a side part (200b) which extends upward from the bottom part (200a), and has the suction opening (101, 111) and the blowout part (102, 112) at the bottom part (200a),
the suction opening (101, 111) is provided at the center of the bottom part,
four blowout parts (102, 112) are provided around the suction opening (101, 111) in a manner of surrounding this suction opening (101, 111), and
the four blowout parts (102, 112) respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the bottom part and are formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts toward four mutually different directions.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the lengthwise ends of the blowout part (102, 112, 142, 162) is bent in a planar view.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein

the bottom part (200a) is formed in a substantial octagon shape in a planar view,
the blowout parts (102, 112) are provided along an edge of four sides, which are not adjacent to each other, of the bottom part (200a) which is formed in the substantial octagon shape, and
ends of the blowout parts (102, 112) are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts (102, 112) are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein

the blowout part (112, 142, 162) includes two blowing outlets (112a, 142a, 162a) which are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction,
the motor (51, 52, 54, 56) is disposed between the two blowing outlets (112a, 142a, 162a) of the blowout part (112, 142, 162), and
the flap (313, 323, 343, 363) is mounted on each of the blowing outlets (112a, 142a, 162a).

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein each of the flaps (323) has the motor (52), and each of the flaps (323) is independently oscillated based on the drive of the motor (52).

9. A casing (200, 210, 240, 260) of an air conditioner that is installed in a ceiling in a room,

the casing comprising:
a suction opening (201, 211, 241, 261) into which indoor air is sucked in by a blower (40, 41, 44, 46) disposed inside the casing (200, 210, 240, 260),
a blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) for blowing out conditioned air toward an indoor space;
a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) which is mounted on the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) to be capable of being oscillated by rotation based on the drive force of a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
a mounting part which is provided at a position avoiding lengthwise ends of the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262) and to which the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is mounted, wherein
the mounting part is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the mounting part, toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (202, 212, 242, 262).

10. A decorative panel of a ceiling-embedded air conditioner having a suction opening (301, 311, 341, 361) for sucking in indoor air; and a blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362) for blowing out conditioned air from a ceiling surface toward an indoor space,

the decorative panel comprising:
a flap (303, 313, 323, 343, 363) which is mounted on the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362) and which adjusts the blowing direction of the conditioned air; and
a motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) which serves as a drive source for oscillating the flap, wherein
the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position which avoids lengthwise ends of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362),
the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided with a flow-adjusting cover (80) formed in a shape of branching the conditioned air, which flows toward the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56), toward the respective lengthwise ends of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362).

11. The decorative panel according to claim 10, wherein the motor (50, 51, 52, 54, 56) is provided at a position that is the center in the lengthwise direction of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362).

12. The decorative panel according to claim 10, wherein two blowout parts (162) are provided at mutually opposing positions to respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the suction opening (161) and formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts (162) toward two mutually different directions.

13. The decorative panel according to claim 10, wherein

the suction opening (301, 311) is provided at the center,
four blowout parts (302, 312, 322) are provided around the suction opening (301, 311) in a manner of surrounding this suction opening (301, 311), and
the four blowout parts (302, 312, 322) respectively extend in a direction along an outer edge part of the suction opening (301, 311) and are formed, with that direction being as the lengthwise direction, and cause the conditioned air to blow out from the respective blowout parts (302, 312, 322) toward four mutually different directions.

14. The decorative panel according to claim 10, wherein the lengthwise ends of the blowout part (302, 312, 322, 342, 362) are bent in a planar view.

15. The decorative panel according to claim 13, wherein

the decorative panel is formed in a substantial square shape in a planar view, and
the ends of the blowout parts (302, 312, 322) are bent in a direction of approaching each other, and the blowout parts (302, 312, 322) are formed in a substantial octagon shape as a whole.

16. The decorative panel according to claim 10, wherein

the blowout part (112, 142, 162) includes two blowing outlets (112a, 142a, 162a) which are separated at the center in the lengthwise direction,
the motor (51, 52, 54, 56) is disposed between the two blowing outlets (112a, 142a, 162a) of the blowout part (112, 142, 162), and
the flap (313, 323, 343, 363) is mounted on each of the blowing outlets (312a, 322a, 342a, 362a).

17. The decorative panel according to claim 16, wherein each of the flaps (323) has the motor (52), and each of the flaps (323) is independently oscillated based on the drive of the motor (52).

Patent History
Publication number: 20120015599
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 18, 2010
Publication Date: Jan 19, 2012
Inventor: Yoshiteru Nouchi (Osaka)
Application Number: 13/259,036
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Air Pump Means (454/251)
International Classification: F24F 7/007 (20060101);