EP1321724B1 - Air conditioner - Google Patents
Air conditioner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1321724B1 EP1321724B1 EP01986338A EP01986338A EP1321724B1 EP 1321724 B1 EP1321724 B1 EP 1321724B1 EP 01986338 A EP01986338 A EP 01986338A EP 01986338 A EP01986338 A EP 01986338A EP 1321724 B1 EP1321724 B1 EP 1321724B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- air
- discharge port
- central
- vane
- air direction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0011—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by air outlets
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0047—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in the ceiling or at the ceiling
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
- F24F1/0007—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units
- F24F1/0043—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements
- F24F1/0057—Indoor units, e.g. fan coil units characterised by mounting arrangements mounted in or on a wall
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/08—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates
- F24F13/10—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers
- F24F13/14—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
- F24F13/1426—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means
- F24F2013/1473—Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built up of tilting members, e.g. louvre characterised by actuating means with cams or levers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner that has an approximately rectangular discharge port.
- the main casing further includes a top panel, a bottom panel which is disposed opposite the top panel, and plastic ornamentation that serves to cover the front, bottom and both side surfaces thereof.
- the top panel can be hung from the ceiling by means of a metal fixture.
- the ornamentation can be attached to the main casing by means of screws.
- One or more air direction vanes that pivot up and down are provided in the discharge port. Both ends of each air direction vane are supported on the main casing by, for example, bearings that has been bolted thereto, and are freelypivotable thereon. When the discharge port is long in the longitudinal direction, the air direction vanes will also be made long. When the air direction vanes are long, they are not only supported on both ends, but are also supported in the middle by a central support member bolted to the main casing. The central support member also allows the air direction vanes to freely pivot.
- the fan in this type of indoor unit By rotating the fan in this type of indoor unit, air is introduced into the interior of the main casing from the intake port formed therein, heat exchange occurs in the heat exchanger between the air and refrigerant in the heat exchanger such that the temperature of the air is regulated, and the temperature regulated air is then discharged from the discharge port into the indoor space.
- the direction of the air can be changed up or down by pivoting the air direction vanes.
- both the ornamentation on the side panels of the indoor unit and the bearings thereon must be removed in order to dismount the air direction vanes.
- a screwdriver needs to be prepared in order to remove the side panels and the bearings, and the side panels and bearings need to be removed.
- the indoor unit can be placed in only a limited number of locations, and the task of installing and removing the air direction vanes is quite troublesome.
- An air conditioner according to the preambles of claims 1 and 4 is known from EP-A-0 886 111 .
- An air conditioner according to the present invention is a device having the features of claim 1.
- the central support member and the air direction vane are elastic, the central support member and the air direction vane can be flexed without creating problems therewith. Because of this, the installation and removal of the air direction vane does not require tools such as screwdrivers and the like, and the side panels need not be disassembled. Thus, the air direction vane can be easily installed and removed, and the limitations on the locations where the device can be hung can be reduced.
- a receiving member that forms a gap with respect to a second position on the discharge port may be provided on the second end of the central support member.
- the deformation to the device can be limited to that within its range of elasticity even if a load is applied to it during transport.
- the central support member can be easily flexed.
- Brackets that each extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and support shafts that are each extend from the tips of the brackets, are respectively provided on both ends of the air direction vane and the central portion thereof.
- the support shafts on both ends of the air direction vane each project outward in opposite directions, and the support shaft on the central portion thereof projects in one direction along the longitudinal direction. In this situation, the support shafts on both ends of the air direction vane project in different directions, and the support shaft on the central portion of the air direction vane projects in either direction.
- at least one support shaft projects in a direction different from the other support shafts, it will be difficult for the air direction vane to fall out of the discharge port.
- the device in an air conditioner according to claim 4, includes an approximately rectangular discharge port, an air direction vane, and a central support member.
- the air direction vane is elastic, disposed along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port, and is supported by the discharge port on approximately both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction and on the central portion thereof between both ends.
- the central support member supports the central portion of the air direction member, and is movable along the longitudinal direction.
- the central support member when the air direction vane is to be dismounted, the central support member is moved laterally and the central portion of the air direction vane is removed. Then, the air direction vane is flexed, and both ends of the support member are dismounted. Because the central support member is movable along the longitudinal direction, it can be easily moved along the axial direction. In addition, because the air direction vane is elastic, even if it is flexed, problems such as deformation and damage will rarely occur.
- the air direction vane can be flexed and the occurrence of problems will be eliminated. Because of this, the installation and removal of the air direction vane does not require the use of tools such as a screwdriver and the like, and the side panels need not be disassembled. Thus, like with the invention of claim 1, the air direction vane can be easily installed or removed and the limitations on where the unit can be located can be reduced.
- Figs. 1 and 2 show a ceiling hung indoor unit 10 for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional lateral view thereof
- Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view thereof.
- the indoor unit 10 includes a thin and generally rectangular main casing 11.
- Four fans 12, a heat exchanger 13, and a motor 14 for driving the fans 12 are arranged inside the main casing 11.
- the main casing 11 is thin and generally rectangular in shape, and the lower surface of the front portion thereof is formed such that the width of the front portion becomes progressively narrower.
- Intake ports 20 that take in air are provided in a lower surface of the rear portion of the main casing 11, and a discharge port 21 that discharges heat exchanged air into the interior space is provided in a front surface of the main casing 11.
- the main casing 11 further includes a ceiling member 22 that is capable of being hung from the ceiling, a bottom plate 24 that is disposed such that it faces the front portion of the ceiling plate 22, and a grill cover 25 that is disposed such that it faces the rear portion of the ceiling plate 22.
- the ceiling plate 22 is a metal plate member that has been turned such that it has a pair of side surfaces and a rear surface.
- the grill cover 25 is mounted on the ceiling member 22 such that it can be freely opened and closed, and forms the intake ports 20.
- a fan partition 26 is disposed longitudinally along the length of the main casing 11 between the bottom plate 24 of the main casing 11 and the grill cover 25, and serves to mount the fans 12 in the main casing 11.
- the interior space of the main casing 11 is divided into a front space and a rear space by means of the fan partition 26.
- a discharge port 21 that is approximately rectangular in shape is formed along the front portion of the ornamental member 27 covering the front surface of the main casing 11.
- An insulating material 30 such as polystyrene foam is mounted in a forward upper interior space located inside of the discharge port 21, and runs along approximately the entire length thereof.
- a drain pan 31 formed from a material such as polystyrene foam is mounted on the inside of the bottom plate 24.
- the discharge port 21 is formed by the front surface of the main casing 11, an ornamentation member 27, the front portion of the insulating material 30, and the front portion of the drain pan 31.
- a first flap 35 that pivots up and down (one example of an air direction vane), and a plurality of second flaps 36 that pivot from left to right, are provided in the discharge port 21.
- the first flap 35 includes a plastic flap main body 40 that is elastic, a pair of tip members that are fixed on each approximate end of the flap main body 40, and a central member 42 that is fixed to the central portion of the flap main body 40.
- the flap main body 40 is a flatmember which has a slightly convex shape from the front to rear thereof along its length.
- the tip members 41 and the central member 42 are disposed on the lower portion of the flap main body 40, and serve to mount the flap main body 40 to the main casing 11 such that it is freely pivotable around a first axis X1 that extends in the longitudinal direction along the length of the discharge port 21.
- the tip members 41 and the central member 42 include U shaped grasping members 41a, 42a into which the ends of the flap main body 40 are inserted, arm members 41b, 42b that extend downward from the grasping members 41a, 42a, and support shafts 41c, 42c that project out from the ends of the arm members 41b, 42b in the direction of the first axis X1.
- a pair of support shafts 41c each project outward in opposite directions.
- the support shaft 42c projects outward in the same direction as the support shaft 41c on the right side.
- the pair of support shafts 41c are supported by a pair of bearings 45 that are provided on the inner sides of both ends of the main casing 11.
- a pivot drive mechanism 48 is provided on the bearing 45 located on the right side of Fig. 4, and serves to pivot the first flap 35 around the first axis X1.
- the pivot drive mechanism 48 includes a link mechanism that is connected to the tip member 41 located on the right side of Fig. 4, and a motor. The first flap 35 is pivoted by rotating the motor.
- the support shaft 42c is supported by a support bracket 46 (one example of a central support member) that is fixed to the main casing 11 such that is suspended therefrom.
- the support bracket 46 is a elastic plastic member, and is fixed at one end thereof to the discharge port 21 by means of an attachment fitting 47 embedded into the insulating material 30.
- the support bracket 46 includes a fixing member 46a which has a first end thereof screwed to the attachment fitting 47, a leg 46b that extends downward (in Fig. 3) from the fixing member 46a, an arm 46c that extends forward from the leg 46b, and a receiving member 46d that is formed on the lower end (the second end) of the leg 46b.
- the fixing member 46a is a plate member and fixed to the front portion of the insulating material 30 that forms part of the discharge port 21.
- the leg 46b extends backward and downward from the fixing member 46a in a curved manner.
- the arm 46c extends forward from the lower portion of the leg 46b, and has a cylindrical bearing 46e formed in the tip thereof that supports the support shaft 42c.
- the receiving member 46d is a rectangular shaped member that is disposed such that there is a small gap between it and the front portion of the drain pan 31 that forms part of the discharge port 21. More specifically, the receiving member 46d is disposed such that there is a gap between 2 mm and 10 mm in height between it and the front portion of the drain pan 31.
- the gap formed between the receiving member 46d and the front portion of the drain pan 31 serves to allow the leg 46b to be flexed when the first blade 35 is installed or removed.
- the first flap 35 is designed such that it can be easily removed duing maintenance without the use of any tools.
- the tip of the leg 46b of the support bracket 46 i.e., the receiving member 46d
- the support shaft 42c will be removed from the bearing 46e.
- the central portion of the flap main body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and the support shafts 41c on both ends thereof are removed from the bearings 45.
- the first flap 35 can be removed from the main casing 11.
- the support bracket 46 is fixed on only one end thereof, and the first flap 35 and the support bracket 46 are formed from a elastic material, the support bracket 46 and the first flap 35 can be flexed and problems such as the deformation and damage thereof will rarely occur even if they are flexed. Because of this, the first flap 35 can be easily installed and removed without the use of tools.
- the plurality of second flaps 36 are supported by a support fitting (not shown in the figures) that is embedded in the front portion of the drain pan 31, and are freely pivotable around second axes X2 that are disposed to the rear of the first axis X1 and perpendicular thereto.
- the plurality of second flaps 36 are configured such that a group of flaps, three for example, are linked and pivot together independently of the other group.
- the four fans 12 are each multi-vane sirocco fans, and are disposedsuch that they run parallel with the heat exchanger 13 and the discharge port 21.
- Each fan 12 is fixed to the fan partition 26, and each is connected to and driven by the motor 14.
- the fans 12 introduce air taken in from the intake ports 20 in the main casing 11 to the interior of the main casing 11, and are arranged such that they discharge heat exchanged air from the discharge port 21.
- the motor 14 that drive the fans 12 is supported on the fan partition by a fan support mounting 14a.
- a regulating plate 50 is provided below a discharge member 12a on each of the fans 12, more specifically below a tongue member 12b on each fan 12.
- the base portion of each regulating plate 50 is fixed to the fan partition 26, and each tip thereof extends toward the heat exchanger 13.
- Each regulating plate 50 is bend toward the lower portion of the heat exchanger 13 at a midpoint thereof, and extends down to a point that does not contact the heat exchanger 13.
- a space is formed below each regulating plate 50. The air that is discharged from the fans 12 and deflected back from the heat exchanger 13 is directed into these spaces, and is prevented from flowing back into the fans 12. Because of this, the amount of noise produced by the fans can be reduced.
- the heat exchanger 13 is configured such that refrigerant circulates through the interior thereof, and is disposed such that it slants toward the discharge port 21. By disposing the heat exchanger 13 in a slanted position, the heat exchange surface area can be enlarged while reducing the width (from top to bottom) of the indoor unit 10.
- the heat exchanger 13 includes a refrigerant line 13a through which refrigerant passes through, and a plurality of fins 13b that are lined up parallel to each other and through which the refrigerant line passes.
- the refrigerant line 13a is formed from a copper pipe that includes hairpin shaped curves along the length thereof.
- the fins 13b are thin aluminum parallelograms, and tip portions 13c on the tops thereof, i.e., the angled tip portions 13c disposed along the length of the discharge port 21, are disposed on the top of the discharge port 21.
- the refrigerant line 13a is connected to an outdoor unit via an outdoor line (not shown in the figures).
- a cover member 51 is mounted on the tip portions 13c on the fins 13b.
- the cover member 51 runs along the entire length of the heat exchanger 13 and has a protective function.
- the cover member 51 has a peak shaped cross section that is the same shape as the tip portions 13c, and is, for example, formed from extruded aluminum.
- the cover member 51 is arranged such that the tip portions 13c of the fins 13b cannot be seen from the discharge port 21.
- the cover member 51 is attached to the fins 13b by a seal member 52 that is attached to the upper portions of the fins 13b.
- the seal member 52 has a predetermined thickness, and is an adhesive tape in which the adhesive surface thereof is applied to the fins 13b.
- the seal member 52 is provided in order to seal the gap between the insulating material 30 and the heat exchanger 13.
- the heat exchanger 13 cannot been directly seen, even if the heat exchanger 13 is close to the discharge port 21 because of the small horizontal dimensions of the indoor unit 10. Because of this, even if the indoor unit 10 is designed to be small and lightweight, the heat exchanger 13 will not stand out. Moreover, if the cover member 51 is mounted on the tip portions 13c before the heat exchanger 13 is inserted into the main casing 11, the tip portions 13c on the heat exchanger 13 will be protected, and the tip portions 13c will not likely be damaged during installation.
- the fans 12 With an indoor unit 10 constructed in such a manner, the fans 12 will rotate and air from the intake ports 20 will be taken in and discharged from the discharge port 21 into the interior space. While traveling through that route, the air will pass through the heat exchanger 13 and heat exchange will occur between it and the refrigerant. Then, by pivoting the first flap 35 up and down by means of the pivot drive mechanism 48, the direction in which the air is blown into the interior space can be varied, thus making the temperature in the interior space more uniform.
- the tip of the leg 46b on the support bracket 46 is grasped, flexed to the right in Fig. 4, and the support shaft 42c is removed from the bearing 46e.
- the center of the flap main body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and the support shaft 41c on both ends thereof are removed from the bearings 45.
- the first flap 35 can be removed from the main casing 11.
- the center of the flap main body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and the support shafts 41c on both ends thereof are inserted into the bearings 45.
- the tip of the leg 46b on the support bracket 46 is grasped, flexed to the right in Fig. 4, and the support shaft 42c is inserted into the bearing 46e.
- the first flap 35 is mounted in the main casing 11.
- the first flap 35 and the support bracket 46 are elastic, no problems will occur with the support bracket 46 and the first flap 35 and both can be flexed. Because of this, the first flap 35 can be installed or removed without using a screwdriver or other tools and the side panels of the indoor unit 10 do not have to be disassembled. Thus, the first flap 35 can be easily installed or removed, and the limitations on the locations in which the indoor unit 10 can be placed can be reduced.
- the air direction vane and the central support member are elastic, no problems will occur with the central support member and the air direction vane and both can be flexed. Because of this, the air direction vane can be installed or removed without using a screwdriver or other tools and the side panels of the indoor unit do not have to be disassembled. Thus, the air direction vane can be easily installed or removed, and the limitations on the locations in which the unit can be placed can be reduced.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Air-Flow Control Members (AREA)
- Air Filters, Heat-Exchange Apparatuses, And Housings Of Air-Conditioning Units (AREA)
- Air-Conditioning Room Units, And Self-Contained Units In General (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner that has an approximately rectangular discharge port.
- Indoor air conditioning units that are hung from the ceiling are wellknow in the prior art. These types of ceiling hung indoor units are typically provided with a main casing that can be hung from the ceiling and include an approximately rectangular discharge port on the front surface thereof, a multi-van fan that draws in air and discharges it, and a heat exchanger.
- The main casing further includes a top panel, a bottom panel which is disposed opposite the top panel, and plastic ornamentation that serves to cover the front, bottom and both side surfaces thereof. The top panel can be hung from the ceiling by means of a metal fixture. The ornamentation can be attached to the main casing by means of screws.
- One or more air direction vanes that pivot up and down are provided in the discharge port. Both ends of each air direction vane are supported on the main casing by, for example, bearings that has been bolted thereto, and are freelypivotable thereon. When the discharge port is long in the longitudinal direction, the air direction vanes will also be made long. When the air direction vanes are long, they are not only supported on both ends, but are also supported in the middle by a central support member bolted to the main casing. The central support member also allows the air direction vanes to freely pivot.
- By rotating the fan in this type of indoor unit, air is introduced into the interior of the main casing from the intake port formed therein, heat exchange occurs in the heat exchanger between the air and refrigerant in the heat exchanger such that the temperature of the air is regulated, and the temperature regulated air is then discharged from the discharge port into the indoor space. In addition, the direction of the air can be changed up or down by pivoting the air direction vanes.
- With this type of indoor unit, there will be times when the air direction vanes will be dismounted in order to perform maintenance. Conventionally, when the air direction blades are to be dismounted, the screws securing the ornamentation on both side panels will be removed with a screwdriver, the screws securing the bearings will then be removed, and the air direction vanes will then be shifted left or right and dismounted.
- With these types of conventional air conditioners, both the ornamentation on the side panels of the indoor unit and the bearings thereon must be removed in order to dismount the air direction vanes. Thus, in order to remove the screws on the side panels and the bearings, there needs to be space on the sides of the indoor unit that will allow a screwdriver to be used. In addition, a screwdriver needs to be prepared in order to remove the side panels and the bearings, and the side panels and bearings need to be removed. Thus, the indoor unit can be placed in only a limited number of locations, and the task of installing and removing the air direction vanes is quite troublesome.
- An air conditioner according to the preambles of claims 1 and 4 is known from
EP-A-0 886 111 . - Thus, it is an object of the present invention to simplify the installation and removal of the air direction vanes in an air conditioner having a rectangular discharge port, and to reduce to limitations on the places in which the air condition can be hung.
- An air conditioner according to the present invention is a device having the features of claim 1.
- In this device, when the air direction vane is to be removed, a second end of the central support member is flexed, and a central member on the air direction vane is disengaged from the central support member. Then, the air direction vane is flexed, and support members on both ends thereof are dismounted. Because the first end of the central support member is fixed, the second end thereof can be flexed. In addition, because the central support member and the air direction vane are elastic, even if both are flexed, problems such as deformation or damage will rarely occur.
- Here, because the first end of the central support member is fixed, and the central support member and the air direction vane are elastic, the central support member and the air direction vane can be flexed without creating problems therewith. Because of this, the installation and removal of the air direction vane does not require tools such as screwdrivers and the like, and the side panels need not be disassembled. Thus, the air direction vane can be easily installed and removed, and the limitations on the locations where the device can be hung can be reduced.
- A receiving member that forms a gap with respect to a second position on the discharge port may be provided on the second end of the central support member. In this case, even if the device is transported upside down and a load is applied to the discharge port, because the gap between the receiving member and the second position on the discharge port will be eliminated and the receiving member will support the load, the deformation to the device can be limited to that within its range of elasticity even if a load is applied to it during transport. In addition, because a gap is opened between second end of the central support member and the second position along the length of the discharge port, the central support member can be easily flexed.
- Brackets that each extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and support shafts that are each extend from the tips of the brackets, are respectively provided on both ends of the air direction vane and the central portion thereof. The support shafts on both ends of the air direction vane each project outward in opposite directions, and the support shaft on the central portion thereof projects in one direction along the longitudinal direction. In this situation, the support shafts on both ends of the air direction vane project in different directions, and the support shaft on the central portion of the air direction vane projects in either direction. Thus, because at least one support shaft projects in a direction different from the other support shafts, it will be difficult for the air direction vane to fall out of the discharge port.
- In an air conditioner according to claim 4, the device includes an approximately rectangular discharge port, an air direction vane, and a central support member. The air direction vane is elastic, disposed along the longitudinal direction of the discharge port, and is supported by the discharge port on approximately both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction and on the central portion thereof between both ends. The central support member supports the central portion of the air direction member, and is movable along the longitudinal direction.
- In this device, when the air direction vane is to be dismounted, the central support member is moved laterally and the central portion of the air direction vane is removed. Then, the air direction vane is flexed, and both ends of the support member are dismounted. Because the central support member is movable along the longitudinal direction, it can be easily moved along the axial direction. In addition, because the air direction vane is elastic, even if it is flexed, problems such as deformation and damage will rarely occur.
- Here, because the central support member is moveable along the longitudinal direction and the air direction vane is elastic, the air direction vane can be flexed and the occurrence of problems will be eliminated. Because of this, the installation and removal of the air direction vane does not require the use of tools such as a screwdriver and the like, and the side panels need not be disassembled. Thus, like with the invention of claim 1, the air direction vane can be easily installed or removed and the limitations on where the unit can be located can be reduced.
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- Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional lateral view of a ceiling hung indoor unit for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the indoor unit.
- Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the front portion of the indoor unit.
- Fig. 4 is a front view of the installation and removal procedures 6r the first flap.
- Figs. 1 and 2 show a ceiling hung
indoor unit 10 for an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional lateral view thereof, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view thereof. - The
indoor unit 10 includes a thin and generally rectangularmain casing 11. Fourfans 12, aheat exchanger 13, and amotor 14 for driving thefans 12 are arranged inside themain casing 11. - The
main casing 11 is thin and generally rectangular in shape, and the lower surface of the front portion thereof is formed such that the width of the front portion becomes progressively narrower.Intake ports 20 that take in air are provided in a lower surface of the rear portion of themain casing 11, and adischarge port 21 that discharges heat exchanged air into the interior space is provided in a front surface of themain casing 11. - The
main casing 11 further includes aceiling member 22 that is capable of being hung from the ceiling, abottom plate 24 that is disposed such that it faces the front portion of theceiling plate 22, and agrill cover 25 that is disposed such that it faces the rear portion of theceiling plate 22. Theceiling plate 22 is a metal plate member that has been turned such that it has a pair of side surfaces and a rear surface. Thegrill cover 25 is mounted on theceiling member 22 such that it can be freely opened and closed, and forms theintake ports 20. In addition, afan partition 26 is disposed longitudinally along the length of themain casing 11 between thebottom plate 24 of themain casing 11 and thegrill cover 25, and serves to mount thefans 12 in themain casing 11. The interior space of themain casing 11 is divided into a front space and a rear space by means of thefan partition 26. - The front surface, side surfaces and the lower surface of the
main casing 11 are covered by a plurality of plasticornamental members 27. Adischarge port 21 that is approximately rectangular in shape is formed along the front portion of theornamental member 27 covering the front surface of themain casing 11. An insulatingmaterial 30 such as polystyrene foam is mounted in a forward upper interior space located inside of thedischarge port 21, and runs along approximately the entire length thereof. In addition, adrain pan 31 formed from a material such as polystyrene foam is mounted on the inside of thebottom plate 24. Thedischarge port 21 is formed by the front surface of themain casing 11, anornamentation member 27, the front portion of the insulatingmaterial 30, and the front portion of thedrain pan 31. Afirst flap 35 that pivots up and down (one example of an air direction vane), and a plurality ofsecond flaps 36 that pivot from left to right, are provided in thedischarge port 21. - As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the
first flap 35 includes a plastic flapmain body 40 that is elastic, a pair of tip members that are fixed on each approximate end of the flapmain body 40, and acentral member 42 that is fixed to the central portion of the flapmain body 40. The flapmain body 40 is a flatmember which has a slightly convex shape from the front to rear thereof along its length. Thetip members 41 and thecentral member 42 are disposed on the lower portion of the flapmain body 40, and serve to mount the flapmain body 40 to themain casing 11 such that it is freely pivotable around a first axis X1 that extends in the longitudinal direction along the length of thedischarge port 21. Thetip members 41 and thecentral member 42 include U shaped graspingmembers main body 40 are inserted,arm members members support shafts arm members support shafts 41c each project outward in opposite directions. Thesupport shaft 42c projects outward in the same direction as thesupport shaft 41c on the right side. Thus, because the directions in which thesupport shafts first flap 35 cannot fall out of themain casing 11. - The pair of
support shafts 41c are supported by a pair ofbearings 45 that are provided on the inner sides of both ends of themain casing 11. Apivot drive mechanism 48 is provided on thebearing 45 located on the right side of Fig. 4, and serves to pivot thefirst flap 35 around the first axis X1. Thepivot drive mechanism 48 includes a link mechanism that is connected to thetip member 41 located on the right side of Fig. 4, and a motor. Thefirst flap 35 is pivoted by rotating the motor. - The
support shaft 42c is supported by a support bracket 46 (one example of a central support member) that is fixed to themain casing 11 such that is suspended therefrom. Thesupport bracket 46 is a elastic plastic member, and is fixed at one end thereof to thedischarge port 21 by means of an attachment fitting 47 embedded into the insulatingmaterial 30. Thesupport bracket 46 includes a fixingmember 46a which has a first end thereof screwed to the attachment fitting 47, aleg 46b that extends downward (in Fig. 3) from the fixingmember 46a, anarm 46c that extends forward from theleg 46b, and a receivingmember 46d that is formed on the lower end (the second end) of theleg 46b. The fixingmember 46a is a plate member and fixed to the front portion of the insulatingmaterial 30 that forms part of thedischarge port 21. Theleg 46b extends backward and downward from the fixingmember 46a in a curved manner. Thearm 46c extends forward from the lower portion of theleg 46b, and has acylindrical bearing 46e formed in the tip thereof that supports thesupport shaft 42c. The receivingmember 46d is a rectangular shaped member that is disposed such that there is a small gap between it and the front portion of thedrain pan 31 that forms part of thedischarge port 21. More specifically, the receivingmember 46d is disposed such that there is a gap between 2 mm and 10 mm in height between it and the front portion of thedrain pan 31. Here, the gap formed between the receivingmember 46d and the front portion of thedrain pan 31 serves to allow theleg 46b to be flexed when thefirst blade 35 is installed or removed. By forming the receiving member in this manner, even if a load is applied to thedischarge port 21 while theindoor unit 10 is being transported upside down, thedischarge port 21 will not deform and can support the load if the gap formed between it and thesupport bracket 46 disappears. Because of this, theindoor unit 10 is difficult to damage during transport, even though thedischarge port 21 extends along the length thereof. - The
first flap 35 is designed such that it can be easily removed duing maintenance without the use of any tools. In other words, as shown in Fig. 4(b), when thefirst flap 35 is to be removed, the tip of theleg 46b of thesupport bracket 46, i.e., the receivingmember 46d, will be grasped and flexed to the right (in Fig. 4), and thesupport shaft 42c will be removed from thebearing 46e. Then, the central portion of the flapmain body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and thesupport shafts 41c on both ends thereof are removed from thebearings 45. Thus, because all of thesupport shafts first flap 35 can be removed from themain casing 11. Here, because thesupport bracket 46 is fixed on only one end thereof, and thefirst flap 35 and thesupport bracket 46 are formed from a elastic material, thesupport bracket 46 and thefirst flap 35 can be flexed and problems such as the deformation and damage thereof will rarely occur even if they are flexed. Because of this, thefirst flap 35 can be easily installed and removed without the use of tools. - The plurality of
second flaps 36 are supported by a support fitting (not shown in the figures) that is embedded in the front portion of thedrain pan 31, and are freely pivotable around second axes X2 that are disposed to the rear of the first axis X1 and perpendicular thereto. The plurality ofsecond flaps 36 are configured such that a group of flaps, three for example, are linked and pivot together independently of the other group. - The four
fans 12 are each multi-vane sirocco fans, and are disposedsuch that they run parallel with theheat exchanger 13 and thedischarge port 21. Eachfan 12 is fixed to thefan partition 26, and each is connected to and driven by themotor 14. Thefans 12 introduce air taken in from theintake ports 20 in themain casing 11 to the interior of themain casing 11, and are arranged such that they discharge heat exchanged air from thedischarge port 21. Themotor 14 that drive thefans 12 is supported on the fan partition by a fan support mounting 14a. - A regulating
plate 50 is provided below a discharge member 12a on each of thefans 12, more specifically below a tongue member 12b on eachfan 12. The base portion of each regulatingplate 50 is fixed to thefan partition 26, and each tip thereof extends toward theheat exchanger 13. Each regulatingplate 50 is bend toward the lower portion of theheat exchanger 13 at a midpoint thereof, and extends down to a point that does not contact theheat exchanger 13. A space is formed below each regulatingplate 50. The air that is discharged from thefans 12 and deflected back from theheat exchanger 13 is directed into these spaces, and is prevented from flowing back into thefans 12. Because of this, the amount of noise produced by the fans can be reduced. - The
heat exchanger 13 is configured such that refrigerant circulates through the interior thereof, and is disposed such that it slants toward thedischarge port 21. By disposing theheat exchanger 13 in a slanted position, the heat exchange surface area can be enlarged while reducing the width (from top to bottom) of theindoor unit 10. Theheat exchanger 13 includes arefrigerant line 13a through which refrigerant passes through, and a plurality offins 13b that are lined up parallel to each other and through which the refrigerant line passes. Therefrigerant line 13a is formed from a copper pipe that includes hairpin shaped curves along the length thereof. Thefins 13b are thin aluminum parallelograms, andtip portions 13c on the tops thereof, i.e., theangled tip portions 13c disposed along the length of thedischarge port 21, are disposed on the top of thedischarge port 21. Therefrigerant line 13a is connected to an outdoor unit via an outdoor line (not shown in the figures). - A
cover member 51 is mounted on thetip portions 13c on thefins 13b. Thecover member 51 runs along the entire length of theheat exchanger 13 and has a protective function. Thecover member 51 has a peak shaped cross section that is the same shape as thetip portions 13c, and is, for example, formed from extruded aluminum. Thecover member 51 is arranged such that thetip portions 13c of thefins 13b cannot be seen from thedischarge port 21. Thecover member 51 is attached to thefins 13b by aseal member 52 that is attached to the upper portions of thefins 13b. Theseal member 52 has a predetermined thickness, and is an adhesive tape in which the adhesive surface thereof is applied to thefins 13b. Theseal member 52 is provided in order to seal the gap between the insulatingmaterial 30 and theheat exchanger 13. - By covering the
tip portions 13c of thefins 13b with thecover member 51, theheat exchanger 13 cannot been directly seen, even if theheat exchanger 13 is close to thedischarge port 21 because of the small horizontal dimensions of theindoor unit 10. Because of this, even if theindoor unit 10 is designed to be small and lightweight, theheat exchanger 13 will not stand out. Moreover, if thecover member 51 is mounted on thetip portions 13c before theheat exchanger 13 is inserted into themain casing 11, thetip portions 13c on theheat exchanger 13 will be protected, and thetip portions 13c will not likely be damaged during installation. - With an
indoor unit 10 constructed in such a manner, thefans 12 will rotate and air from theintake ports 20 will be taken in and discharged from thedischarge port 21 into the interior space. While traveling through that route, the air will pass through theheat exchanger 13 and heat exchange will occur between it and the refrigerant. Then, by pivoting thefirst flap 35 up and down by means of thepivot drive mechanism 48, the direction in which the air is blown into the interior space can be varied, thus making the temperature in the interior space more uniform. - As noted above, when the first flap is dismounted duringmaintenance, the tip of the
leg 46b on thesupport bracket 46 is grasped, flexed to the right in Fig. 4, and thesupport shaft 42c is removed from thebearing 46e. Then, the center of the flapmain body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and thesupport shaft 41c on both ends thereof are removed from thebearings 45. Thus, because all of thesupport shafts first flap 35 can be removed from themain casing 11. When installation is to occur, the center of the flapmain body 40 is grasped, flexed upward, and thesupport shafts 41c on both ends thereof are inserted into thebearings 45. Then, the tip of theleg 46b on thesupport bracket 46 is grasped, flexed to the right in Fig. 4, and thesupport shaft 42c is inserted into thebearing 46e. Thus, thefirst flap 35 is mounted in themain casing 11. - Here, because only one end of the
support bracket 46 is fixed, and thefirst flap 35 and thesupport bracket 46 are elastic, no problems will occur with thesupport bracket 46 and thefirst flap 35 and both can be flexed. Because of this, thefirst flap 35 can be installed or removed without using a screwdriver or other tools and the side panels of theindoor unit 10 do not have to be disassembled. Thus, thefirst flap 35 can be easily installed or removed, and the limitations on the locations in which theindoor unit 10 can be placed can be reduced. -
- (a) The first embodiment described above was described as a ceiling hung indoor unit. However, the present invention can be applied to all air conditioners having a flap that is supported in the central portion thereof. For example, the present invention can be applied to indoor units that are hung from the wall or are embedded into the ceiling, or to stand alone air conditioners that are installed in windows.
- (b) In the first embodiment described above, the
central member 42 was dismounted by flexing thesupport bracket 46. However, the support bracket may be arranged so that it can move along a length of the discharge port, in such a way that thecentral member 42 can be dismounted therefrom. In this situation, the support bracket is moved laterally when thecentral member 42 is to be dismounted. With this configuration, because the central support member is laterally movable and the air direction vane is elastic, the air direction vane can be flexed and thus problems therewith can be eliminated. In the same manner as noted earlier, the use of tools such as a screwdriver and the like can be eliminated, the side panels do not have to be disassembled, and the air direction vane can be installed and removed. Thus, the air direction vane can be easily installed and removed, and the limitations on where the indoor unit can be placed are reduced. - (c) The first embodiment described above is configured such that a receiving
member 46d is provided which supports a load applied to thedischarge port 21. However, the receivingmember 46d may be eliminated. - In the air conditioner according to the present invention, because only one end of the central support member is fixed, and the air direction vane and the central support member are elastic, no problems will occur with the central support member and the air direction vane and both can be flexed. Because of this, the air direction vane can be installed or removed without using a screwdriver or other tools and the side panels of the indoor unit do not have to be disassembled. Thus, the air direction vane can be easily installed or removed, and the limitations on the locations in which the unit can be placed can be reduced.
Claims (4)
- An air conditioner (10) having an approximately rectangular discharge port (21), the air conditioner (10) comprising:an air direction vane (35) provided along a longitudinal direction of the discharge port (21), the air direction vane (35) having elasticity and supported by the discharge port (21) at approximately both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction and at a central portion thereof in between both ends, anda central support member (46) that supports the central portion of the air direction vane (35), characterized in that the central support member (46) has elasticity and is fixed at a first end thereof to a first location along the length of the discharge port (21), thereby enabling the second end of the central support member to be flexed so that a central member (42) on the air direction vane can be disengaged from the central support member (46).
- The air conditioner (10) according to claim 1, wherein a receiving member (46d) is provided on second end of the central support member (46), the receiving member (46d) forming a gap with respect to a second location on the discharge port (21).
- The air conditioner (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein brackets (41b), (42b) that each extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and support shafts (41c), (42c) that are each disposed on tips of the brackets (41b), (42b) and extend in the longitudinal direction, are provided on both ends of and the central portion of the air direction vane (35), the support shafts (41c) on both ends thereof each projecting outward in opposite directions, and the support shaft (42c) on the central portion thereof projecting in one direction.
- An air conditioner (10) having an approximately rectangular discharge port (21), the air conditioner (10) comprising:an air direction vane (35) provided along a longitudinal direction of the discharge port (21), the air direction vane (35) having elasticity and supported by the discharge port (21) at approximately both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction and at a central portion thereof in between both ends, anda central support member (46) that supports the central portion of the air direction vane (35) characterized in that the central support member (46) is movable along the longitudinal direction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07009184A EP1808647A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000300270A JP3709777B2 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2000-09-29 | Air conditioner |
JP2000300270 | 2000-09-29 | ||
PCT/JP2001/006390 WO2002029334A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07009184A Division EP1808647A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1321724A1 EP1321724A1 (en) | 2003-06-25 |
EP1321724A4 EP1321724A4 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
EP1321724B1 true EP1321724B1 (en) | 2007-11-28 |
Family
ID=18781974
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01986338A Expired - Lifetime EP1321724B1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
EP07009184A Withdrawn EP1808647A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07009184A Withdrawn EP1808647A1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-07-24 | Air conditioner |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP1321724B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3709777B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN1141527C (en) |
AU (1) | AU757784B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60131667T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2294041T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002029334A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100709885B1 (en) | 2003-03-26 | 2007-04-20 | 다이킨 고교 가부시키가이샤 | Indoor unit for air conditioner |
EP1804002A4 (en) * | 2004-09-28 | 2010-05-19 | Advanced Air Conditioning Res | Ceiling-embedded air conditioner |
WO2007012163A1 (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Carrier Corporation | Horizontal louver support bracket for an evaporator unit |
JP4582244B2 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-11-17 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner indoor unit |
JP4544364B1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-09-15 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
JP5690998B2 (en) * | 2011-02-16 | 2015-04-01 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Wind direction change device |
JP6111433B2 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2017-04-12 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Air conditioner |
WO2019180998A1 (en) * | 2018-03-19 | 2019-09-26 | シャープ株式会社 | Louver, air-conditioner, and dehumidifier |
CN114556029B (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2023-11-03 | 伊莱克斯家用电器股份公司 | Detachable shutter for air conditioner |
CN113074455A (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2021-07-06 | 青岛海尔空调电子有限公司 | Air deflector and air conditioner with same |
DE112021007669T5 (en) * | 2021-05-17 | 2024-02-29 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. | AIR CONDITIONER |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH05187708A (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1993-07-27 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Air direction deflecting device for air conditioner |
JPH05203254A (en) * | 1992-01-23 | 1993-08-10 | Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd | Air-direction variable device for air conditioner |
JP3150501B2 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 2001-03-26 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Air conditioner |
KR0126751Y1 (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1998-11-02 | 윤종용 | Wind direction control device |
JPH09178260A (en) * | 1995-12-25 | 1997-07-11 | Toshiba Corp | Louver support structure for air conditioning equipment |
JPH1114134A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1999-01-22 | Fujitsu General Ltd | Indoor machine of air conditioner |
JP3765357B2 (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 2006-04-12 | 株式会社富士通ゼネラル | Air conditioner |
JPH1194345A (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1999-04-09 | Fujitsu General Ltd | Air conditioner |
JPH11270896A (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 1999-10-05 | Toshiba Corp | Air conditioner |
JP3608488B2 (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2005-01-12 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Detachment device for vertical wind direction adjustment plate |
-
2000
- 2000-09-29 JP JP2000300270A patent/JP3709777B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-07-24 EP EP01986338A patent/EP1321724B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-24 ES ES01986338T patent/ES2294041T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-24 DE DE60131667T patent/DE60131667T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-24 AU AU38225/02A patent/AU757784B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-07-24 EP EP07009184A patent/EP1808647A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-07-24 WO PCT/JP2001/006390 patent/WO2002029334A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-09-27 CN CNB011411406A patent/CN1141527C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-09-27 CN CN01234265U patent/CN2505758Y/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60131667D1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
CN1346955A (en) | 2002-05-01 |
ES2294041T3 (en) | 2008-04-01 |
DE60131667T2 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
JP2002106947A (en) | 2002-04-10 |
AU3822502A (en) | 2002-04-15 |
AU757784B2 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
WO2002029334A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 |
CN2505758Y (en) | 2002-08-14 |
EP1321724A1 (en) | 2003-06-25 |
EP1808647A1 (en) | 2007-07-18 |
JP3709777B2 (en) | 2005-10-26 |
EP1321724A4 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
CN1141527C (en) | 2004-03-10 |
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