JP4004395B2

JP4004395B2 - Blower and air conditioner

Info

Publication number: JP4004395B2
Application number: JP2002368165A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 隆之柳生; 一也吉川
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2002-12-19
Filing date: 2002-12-19
Publication date: 2007-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-19
Also published as: JP2004198046A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は，送風装置本体に着脱可能な風向変更装置を備える送風装置に関し，特に容易且つ安全に風向変更装置の着脱が可能な送風装置及び空気調和機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来，この種の着脱可能な風向変更装置を備えた空気調和機としては，例えば特許文献１〜３に記載されたものが知られている。
【０００３】
特許文献には，前記風向変更装置の着脱手段として，空気調和機本体ケース側に２個のスライド可能な係合部材を設けると共に，風向変更装置側に，前記係合部材と係合自在な孔部を設け，ユーザが前記２個のスライド可能な係合部材を両手で摺動させて，係合部材と前記孔部との係合を解除して，風向変更装置を空気調和機本体ケースから取り外すようにしている。風向変更装置を取り付ける場合も同様の操作がなされる。
【０００４】
特許文献２には，空気調和機本体ケースに着脱可能な風向変更装置に複数の係合爪が設けられ，空気調和機本体ケース側には前記係合爪が係合する複数の係合溝が設けられた空気調和機が提案されており，ユーザが前記風向変更装置の上端部に位置する前記係合爪を下方に押し下げることにより，風向変更装置と空気調和機本体ケースの係合解除を容易に行なえるようにしている。
【０００５】
特許文献３は，吹出口に備えられた風向変更手段であるユニット化された縦ルーバの係合爪を，空気調和機本体ケースに設けられた凹部に係合することにより，前記縦ルーバユニットの着脱を容易にし，空気調和機内部の清掃，メンテナンスの作業性を向上しようとするものである。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３２４１６１号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００１−２０１０９０号公報
【特許文献３】
特開平９−４９１６号公報
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら，前記各特許文献記載の風向変更装置の着脱手段は，いずれも係止爪と被係合溝との係合により成り立っており，係合爪が被係合溝に差し込まれて係合が達成されるものであるため，被係合溝に嵌まっている係合爪は見えないので，その係合解除方法が判りにくい構造をしている。しかし，通常，風向変更装置の取り外しは，その清掃時に不慣れなユーザによって行なわれるのであるが，前記着脱手段では，上述のように係止爪の位置が明確でない等の理由により係合解除方法が判りにくいため，風向変更装置の着脱を容易に行うことができず，この場合，ユーザが無理やり風向変更装置を取り外すことによって，その係合部が破損する恐れがあり問題であった。更に，係合部が破損された状態で風向変更装置が取り付けられることによって，風向変更装置が空気調和機から脱落する危険性を伴っていた。
従って，本発明は前記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり，その目的とするところは，一般ユーザが，容易に且つ安全に風向変更装置を着脱することができる風向変更装置を具備する空気調和機を提供することにある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するために本発明は，送風装置本体に着脱可能な風向変更装置と，該風向変更装置を揺動させる揺動モータとを具備し，前記風向変更装置の両端に突出する揺動軸の一端が，前記揺動モータに連結されてなる送風装置において，前記送風装置本体に前記揺動軸の他端を掛止する溝部と，開閉自在であって，閉じることによって前記溝部を覆い，前記溝部に掛止された前記揺動軸を軸支すると共に，開くことによって前記溝部を開放するカバーとが設けられており，前記カバーは，前記送風装置本体に回動可能に軸支された一端部側の回転支持部と，回動端部において前記カバーを回動可能に軸支する他端部側の回転支持部を有するヒンジ部を介して前記送風装置本体の外観を構成する位置に軸支されており，前記カバーと前記ヒンジ部は，前記他端部側の回転支持部近傍に，それぞれ係止爪とカバー係止リブを具備し，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブは互いに離接自在であって，前記カバーが閉状態から開方向に移動するとき，前記ヒンジ部は，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブとの係合により前記カバーと一体に前記一端部側の回転支持部を中心として回動するものであり，前記ヒンジ部と前記送風装置本体は，前記一端部側の回転支持部の近傍に，それぞれ，開用係止リブと開用ストッパー部を具備し，前記開用係止リブは，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブが前記のように係合して前記ヒンジ部と前記カバーが一体として回動した時に，前記開用ストッパー部に当接して前記カバーを前記送風装置本体から突出した状態で支持することが可能であり，更に，前記カバーと前記ヒンジ部は，前記開用係止リブが前記開用ストッパー部に当接した後，前記カバーが更に開方向に移動したとき，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブとの係合が互いに離脱し，前記カバーだけが更に前記他端部側の回転支持部を中心として開方向に回動するように構成されている。
これにより，風向変更装置の着脱方法が判りやすくなるため，風向変更装置の着脱が簡便になる。その結果，風向変更装置の取付部が破損する恐れ，或いは風向変更装置の脱落による危険性がなくなるため，ユーザは容易且つ安全に風向変更装置の着脱及び清掃等の作業を行うことができる。また，前記カバーが前記溝部を覆うことにより，前記風向変更装置及びその揺動軸が外れないように取り付けられるので，別途前記揺動軸の軸受機構等を設ける必要がなくなり，風向変更装置の取付構造が簡素化される。また，係止爪とカバー係止リブとの係合によりカバーとヒンジ部とを一体化した状態で，開用係止リブと開用ストッパー部との当接によりヒンジ部を送風装置本体に固定することによって，作業に最適なカバー開度を保持することが可能である。また，この状態で，ユーザの手等がカバーに接触し，カバーが更に開方向側へと押された場合，カバーの係止爪がヒンジ部のカバー係止リブから離脱して，カバーのみが更に開方向側へと移動する。このようなカバーの移動によっては，カバー，ヒンジ部，送風装置本体に無理な荷重が加わることなく，これらを破損させることがないので，ユーザは，カバーとの接触に注意を払うことなく，揺動軸を取り外す等の作業を行うことができる。
また，カバーが閉状態から開方向へと移動するとき，カバーは，風向変更装置から前方へ突出する位置で，一旦保持されるようになっているので，カバーの回動作が行われたときに，一度にカバーが全開してしまい，揺動軸が外れて風向変更装置が送風装置本体から外れてしまうことによる事故が起こりにくい。一方，ユーザがカバーを開状態として風向変更装置の着脱作業等を行うとき，カバーを，風向変更装置から前方へ突出する位置からユーザと干渉しない位置まで移動させることができるので，ユーザの腕などがカバーに当たるといった不都合がなく，ユーザの作業が楽になる。
また，前記ヒンジ部が，一端部側の回転支持部と他端部側の回転支持部の間で，前記カバーの回動方向に向けて凹んだ凹部を有する略コ字状に形成されており，前記カバーが前記ヒンジ部の前記他端部側の回転支持部から前記一端部側の回転支持部に向けて突出する突出部を有し，前記カバーが前記他端部側の回転支持部を中心として回動するとき，前記カバーの前記突出部が前記ヒンジ部の凹部に収容されることが望ましい。これにより，カバーを開方向へと移動させるとき，カバーの移動がヒンジ部との接触により妨害されることがなく，ユーザの邪魔とならない位置まで，カバーを確実に移動させることができる。
この場合，前記溝部が，前記揺動軸を掛止するようＬ字状若しくは鉤状に形成されたものであることが望ましい。これにより不用意に前記カバーを外したとしても，風向変更装置が脱落する危険がなくなり安全である。
【００１０】
また，前記揺動軸の一端と前記揺動モータとが相互に嵌合する軸継手により連結されており，前記揺動軸の嵌合部の断面が正多角形に形成され，前記揺動軸側の軸継手の嵌合部の断面が，前記揺動軸と嵌合可能な正多角形若しくは該正多角形と同数の頂点を有する星形に形成されたものであれば，前記揺動軸が嵌合部に挿入されやすくなり，風向変更装置が容易に取り付けられるという効果を奏する。また，揺動軸と軸継手が堅固に嵌合されるので，当該嵌合部のガタがなくなり，風向変更装置の作動時の騒音が抑えられる。
更にこの場合，前記揺動軸側の軸継手の嵌合部内面形状が，揺動軸側に向かって末広がり状に形成され，前記嵌合部の端部の内径が前記揺動軸径より大径になるよう形成されたものであれば，前記揺動軸を嵌合するにあたり，ユーザがその嵌合部の位置を正確に把握していない場合であっても，スムーズに揺動軸を挿入して嵌合することができる。
【００１１】
また，前記カバーの開閉を検出するカバー開閉検出手段を更に具備するものであってもよく，前記溝部に掛止される揺動軸の掛止有無を検出する揺動軸掛止検出手段を更に具備するものであってもよい。
このカバー開閉検出手段及び／又は揺動軸掛止検出手段の検出結果に基づいて，例えば前記揺動モータを停止させて風向変更装置を作動させないようにすることで，風向変更装置の着脱，或いは清掃が安全且つ容易になるという効果がある。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下，添付図を参照しながら，本発明の一実施形態について説明し，本発明の理解に供する。尚，以下の実施形態は，本発明を具体化した一例であって，本発明の技術的範囲を限定する性格のものではない。
図１〜図３は本発明の一実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａを示す図である。ここに，図１は本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａの全体斜視図であり，図１（ａ）は風向変更装置２が取り付けられた状態の空気調和機Ａの斜視図，図１（ｂ）はカバー３０が開けられた状態の空気調和機Ａの斜視図，図１（ｃ）は空気調和機Ａから風向変更装置２が取り外された状態を示す斜視図である。図２は本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａの中央部側断面図，図３は本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａのカバー取り付け部の側断面図である。
まず，図１を用いて，本発明の一実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａの外観について説明する。当該空気調和機Ａは，キャビネット６やドレンパン７等から構成される横長の空気調和機本体ケース１と，空気調和機Ａの下部に配置され，空気吹出口を兼ね備えた着脱可能な風向変更装置２と，風向変更装置２の取付保持機構を構成するカバー３０と，揺動モータ２０（図７参照）を収納する揺動モータ収納部２３と，を具備してその外観が構成されている。
前記風向変更装置２は，空気の吹出方向を上下に制御する複数の横方向に長い板状の上下ルーバ２５を具備している。また，図示しないが空気の吹出方向を左右に制御する左右ルーバが設けられていてもよい。前記風向変更装置２を構成するルーバ２５の両端には揺動軸２ａ（カバー３０側）と２ｂ（揺動モータ２０側）とが突出して形成されている。
【００１３】
次に，図２及び図３を用いて，空気調和機Ａの内部構造について説明する。
当該空気調和機Ａには，室内空気を吸い込み，熱交換された空気を室内に送り出す送風機５と，塵埃を除去する不図示のフィルタを備え前記送風機５の回転によって室内空気を取り入れる空気吸込口３と，室内空気を媒体として熱交換を行う熱交換器４と，が設けられており，前記送風機５の回転によって空気吸込口３から吸い込まれた室内空気は，熱交換器４を通ることで熱交換され，前記風向変更装置２の周囲を通って空気吹出口２６から室内に送り出される。この時，前記風向変更装置２は，前記揺動モータ２０により揺動軸２ａ，２ｂを中心にして前記上下ルーバ２５を上下方向に揺動させることにより，空気調和機Ａの内部で熱交換された空気の吹出方向を上下に揺動させる。
更に，前記風向変更装置２の図１における左側側端部には，図３に示されるように，前記風向変更装置２を支持等するカバー３０を空気調和機本体ケース１に取り付けるためのヒンジ４０（ヒンジ部の一例）と，空気調和機Ａのキャビネット６に設けられ該ヒンジ４０を空気調和機本体ケースに取り付けるためのケース側ヒンジ取付軸（第２の回転支持部の一例）６Ｃとが備えられている。カバー３０，ヒンジ４０等の取付状態については後段に詳述する。
尚，図２中の８は前面パネル，９はオープンパネルである。
【００１４】
図４を用いて，カバー３０，ヒンジ４０，及びケース側ヒンジ取付軸６ｃの取付構造について詳述する。図４（ａ）はカバー３０，ヒンジ４０，ケース側ヒンジ取付軸６Ｃの分離状態におけるそれぞれの斜視図であり，図４（ｂ）は，カバー３０がヒンジ４０によってケース側ヒンジ取付軸部６Ｃに軸着して取り付けられている状態を示す斜視図である。
【００１５】
図４において，ヒンジ４０は，前記空気調和機本体ケース１にカバー３０を取り付けるためのものである。本実施形態では略コの字形状のヒンジを採用する。該ヒンジ４０は２つの回転軸受４０ａ，４０ｂを具備しており，その第１の回転軸受（他端側の回転支持部の一例）４０ａは，後述するように前記カバー３０側と係合し，他の第２の回転軸受（一端側の回転支持部の一例）４０ｂは，空気調和機本体ケース１側と係合する。具体的には，第１の回転軸受４０ａが前記カバー側ヒンジ取付軸３０ｄと係合し，第２の回転軸受４０ｂが前記本体ケース１側のヒンジ取付軸部６Ｃと係合する。このように接続されて，前記カバー３０が前記ヒンジ４０によって空気調和機本体ケース１に取り付けられる（図４（ｂ））。
また，ヒンジ４０には，前記第２の回転軸受４０ｂ近傍に，カバー３０が開閉されるときに作用する２つの係止リブ４０ｄ，４０ｅが形成されている。その１つはカバー３０が閉じられるときに，ある一定位置以上ヒンジ４０が閉方向へ回転しないようにする閉用係止リブ４０ｄであって，例えば図５（ａ）に示すように，キャビネット６に形成される閉用ストッパー６ａと当接することにより，ヒンジ４０が前記閉用ストッパー６ａより閉方向へ図５（ａ）の位置以上に回転動作しないように制限している。他の１つはカバー３０が開けられるときに，図５（ｂ）に示すように，ある一定範囲を越えてヒンジ４０が開方向へ回転しないようにする開用係止リブ４０ｅであって，例えばキャビネット６に形成される開用ストッパー６ｂに当接することにより，ヒンジ４０が図５（ｂ）の位置より開方向へ回転動作しないように制限している。即ち，ヒンジ４０は図５の（ａ）の位置から（ｂ）の位置までの間のみ回転動作するものである。
更に，ヒンジ４０には，前記カバー３０に設けられた係止爪３０ｂと図５（ａ−１），（ｂ−１）に明示するように係合するカバー係止リブ４０ｃが設けられている。図５（ａ），（ｂ）に示す位置において，前記係止爪３０ｂが前記カバー係止リブ４０ｃと係合することにより前記カバー３０と前記ヒンジ４０とが一体化される。
【００１６】
図４において示されるカバー３０は，図１（Ｃ）のように開いた状態で開放された溝部７ａを図１（ａ）のように閉じることで覆うと共に，風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ａを軸支するものである。更に，当該カバー３０には，ヒンジ４０側に設けられた前記カバー係止リブ４０ｃと当接することにより係合してカバー３０がヒンジ４０に対して図５（ａ）の状態より時計方向に回転しないようにすると共に，当該カバー３０と前記ヒンジ４０とを一体化する係止爪３０ｂと，キャビネット６に設けられた係合部６ｄと係合して当該カバー３０の閉状態を保持する係止片３０ｃと，が設けられている。また，図中のカバー３０の側部リブに設けられた係止リブ３０ａは，前記溝部７ａと重合することにより，前記揺動軸２ａを軸支するためのものである。かかる構造については後段において詳述する。
【００１７】
また，上述したケース側ヒンジ取付軸６ｃは，空気調和機Ａのキャビネット６に設けられ，該ヒンジ４０の第２の回転軸受と軸着して接続されるものである。本実施形態では，前記ケース側ヒンジ取付軸６ｃはキャビネット６に設けられる形態としたが，これに限られるものではなく，前記ヒンジ４０を空気調和機本体ケース１に取り付けられる箇所に設けられていれば足りる。
【００１８】
次に，図５を用いて，カバー３０及びヒンジ４０の開閉動作について説明する。
図５は空気調和機本体ケース１に取り付けられたカバー３０及びヒンジ４０の開閉動作の状態を示す図であり，図５（ａ）はカバー３０が閉じられた状態を示す側断面図，図５（ｂ）はカバー３０が一定範囲まで開かれたときの状態を示す側断面図，図５（ｃ）は図５（ｂ）の状態から更にカバー３０のみが開方向へ開かれたときの状態を示す側断面図である。
【００１９】
図５（ａ）に示されるカバー３０の閉状態は，係止片３０ｃと係合部６ｄとが係合することによって保持される。この状態は，カバー３０とヒンジ４０は，係止爪３０ｂとカバー係止リブ４０ｃが係合することにより一体化している状態である。図５（ｂ）矢印Ｘのように，カバー３０が開方向へ引かれることによって，前記係止片３０ｃと係合部６ｄとの係合が解除されると，前記カバー３０は前記ヒンジ４０と一体化したまま，ケース側ヒンジ取付軸６ｃを中心に開動作（開方向へ回転動作）を行う。かかる開動作により，カバー３０は図５（ｂ）に示すように，開用係止リブ４０ｅが開用ストッパー６ｂに当たる位置（中間開度位置）まで回転動作し，カバー３０がこの位置まで開かれると一旦その開動作を停止する。
ここで，カバー３０が更に開方向へ押し込まれることにより，係止爪３０ｂとカバー係止リブ４０ｃの係合が解除され，カバー３０だけがカバー側ヒンジ取付軸３０ｄを中心に矢印Ｙで示すように更に開動作を行う（図５（ｃ））。
【００２０】
前記カバー３０を図５（ｃ）の開状態からカバー３０を閉じる場合は，基本的に上に述べた開動作と逆の手順を行う。つまり，カバー３０が押し上げられることにより，ヒンジ４０は，閉用係止リブ４０ｄが閉用ストッパー６ａに当たる位置（閉位置）まで閉動作（閉方向へ回転動作）を行い，その後は，カバー３０のみがカバー側ヒンジ取付軸３０ｄを中心に閉動作をする。かかる閉動作が上述の開動作と異なる点は，前記係止爪３０ｂと前記カバー係止リブ４０ｃとが係合されていない点である。閉動作時においては，前記係止爪３０ｂと前記カバー係止リブ４０ｃとは，前記閉位置で前記ヒンジ４０が停止している状態で，前記カバー３０が更に閉方向へ押し込まれることにより係合される。そして，更に，前記カバー３０が押し込まれることにより，係止爪３０ｃと係合部６ｄとが係合されて，カバー３０が完全に閉じられる。
【００２１】
このように，前記図５（ｂ）に示す中間開度まではケース側ヒンジ取付軸６ｃを中心にして前記カバー３０と前記ヒンジ４０とが一体に開動作を行い，前記中間開度を超える開閉範囲では前記カバー３０のみが開動作を行うという段階的な開閉動作が，即ち２段階開閉手段により実現される。
かかる段階的な開閉動作が行われることにより，空気調和機Ａの下方へ飛び出しているカバー３０が開方向へコンパクトに折りたたまれるため，カバー３０に干渉されない風向変更装置２の着脱が可能となる。
【００２２】
次に図６を用いて，前記風向変更装置２の両端に突出する揺動軸の前記カバー側の揺動軸２ａを，空気調和機Ａの本体ケース１に掛止するための溝部７ａの機構について説明する。図６は，図１（ｃ）に示される矢視Ｐから見た矢視図であり，図６（ａ）はカバー３０が開かれ，溝部７ａから風向開閉装置２が取り外された状態を示す図，図６（ｂ）は，溝部７ａに風向開閉装置２が掛止された後に，カバー３０が閉じられることにより，風向変更装置が軸支される状態を示す図である。ここでは，前記風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ａとは反対側の揺動軸２ｂは前記揺動モータ２０に連結して支持されていることを前提に説明する。
【００２３】
図６に示すように，空気調和機本体ケース１のドレンパン７に前記風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ａを掛止する溝部７ａが形成されている。従って，この場合，前記揺動軸２ａがこの掛止位置７ｃから脱落せずにその位置で掛止して保持されるためには，前記溝部７ａの形状がＬ字状若しくは鉤状に形成されていることが望ましい。このように溝部７ａが形成されることにより，不用意に前記カバー３０を開けたとしても，風向変更装置２が脱落する危険がなくなり安全である。
尚，本実施形態では溝部７ａはドレンパン７に設けられるものとして説明するが，特にこれに限られずに，風向変更装置２が空気調和機Ａに掛止され得る箇所に形成されていれば足りる。
【００２４】
また，風向変更装置２が溝部７ａに掛止された後に図６（ａ）の状態から（ｂ）のように前記カバー３０が閉じられることにより，該カバー３０は前記溝部７ａを覆うと共に前記係止リブ３０ａにより前記揺動軸２ａを軸支する。この係止リブ３０ａは，揺動軸２ａを適度に揺動回転できる程度に軸支するよう，揺動軸２ａの形状に適合した形に形成されている。すなわち，風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ａが前記溝部７ａに掛止された後，前記カバーを閉じるだけで前記風向変更装置２の一端の揺動軸２ａが位置決めと共に軸支される。
このように構成されることで，ユーザは揺動軸２ａを溝部７ａ内に差し込んでカバー３０を閉じるだけで良いから，不慣れなユーザであっても風向変更装置の着脱を簡便に行うことができる。その結果，風向変更装置２の取付部が破損する恐れ，或いは風向変更装置２の脱落による危険性がなくなるため，清掃等の作業が容易になる。また，前記カバー３０が溝部７ａを覆うことで揺動軸２ａの軸受を形成するので，別途軸受等の機構を設ける必要がなくなり，風向変更装置２の取付構造が簡素化される。
【００２５】
ここで，図６を用いて溝部７ａ近傍に設けられたカバー開閉検出手段の一例であるスイッチ３１について説明する。かかるスイッチ３１は，カバー３０が閉じられることにより，スイッチ３１の接点レバー３１ａがカバー３０に設けられた係止リブ３０ａ等で押し付けられて作動するような位置に設けられている（図６（ｂ））。これにより，カバー３０の開閉状態を検出することができる。また，前記スイッチ３１が，風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ａが掛止されることにより，前記接点レバー３１ａが押し付けられて作動するような位置に設けられていてもよい。これにより，前記揺動軸２ａの掛止の有無を検出することができ，即ち風向変更装置２の着脱状態を検出することができる。更に，前記スイッチ３１が２つの接点レバーを有するものであれば，カバー３０の開閉状態と風向変更装置２の着脱状態の双方をそれぞれ検出することが可能となる。
かかるスイッチ３１の検出結果に基づいて，例えば前記揺動モータを停止させて風向変更装置２を作動させないようにすることで，風向変更装置２の着脱，或いは清掃を安全且つ容易に行うことができる。
【００２６】
次に，図７〜図１０を用いて，風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ｂと揺動モータ２０との連結について説明する。かかる連結機構は空気調和機Ａのモータ収納部２３（図１参照）に収納されている。図７は風向変更装置２の駆動部の構成図，図８はモータ側軸継手の嵌合部の断面形状とモータの駆動軸の断面形状を示す図，図９はモータ側揺動軸２ｂの断面形状と軸受側軸継手の断面形状を示す図，図１０は揺動軸２ｂとモータ駆動軸２０ａの軸継手２１の拡大断面図である。
【００２７】
図７に示すように，揺動モータ収納部２３（図１参照）には，風向変更装置２を揺動させる揺動モータ２０と，前記風向変更装置２の揺動軸の一端である揺動軸２ｂと揺動モータ２０とを連結させる軸継手２１と，前面パネル８に形成された軸受８ａとにより構成されている。前記軸継手２１は軸受８ａに挿入され，前記軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ａに嵌め込まれた揺動モータ２０は，ねじ２２により前記前面パネル８に形成されたタップボス８ｂ等により空気調和機本体ケース１にねじ止して固定されている。
ここで，前記軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ａと前記揺動モータ２０の駆動軸２０ａの断面は，それぞれ図８に示すようにＤ形の断面形状をしている。これは，揺動モータ２０の駆動トルクを軸継手２１へ確実に伝達するためである。
【００２８】
前記風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ｂは，前記軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ｂに嵌め込まれることにより揺動モータ２０の駆動軸２０ａと連結される。この嵌合部２１ｂは，その内面形状が，揺動軸２ｂ側に向かって末広がり状に形成され（図１０），前記嵌合部２１ｂの端部の内径が前記揺動軸２ｂの径より大径になるよう形成されている。このように形成されることにより，前記揺動軸２ｂを嵌合するにあたり，ユーザがその嵌合部２１ｂの位置を正確に把握していない場合であっても，スムーズに揺動軸２ｂを挿入して嵌合することができる。また，揺動軸２ｂを自由に傾けることができる。
【００２９】
また，揺動軸２ｂの断面形状は図９（ａ−１）に示すような正方形で形成されており，対する前記軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ｂの断面は図９（ａ−２）に示すように正８角形で形成されている。これにより，揺動軸２ｂが嵌合部２１ｂへ挿入されやすくなり，揺動軸２ｂと軸継手２１の連結が容易となる。この場合，軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ｂの断面形状は図９（ａ−３）に示すように正八角形と同じ頂点を有する星形であってもよい。
また，揺動軸２ｂの断面形状が図９（ｂ−１）に示すような正三角形で形成されており，対する前記軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ｂの断面は図９（ｂ−２）に示すように正６角形で形成されていてもよい。またこの場合，軸継手２１の嵌合部２１ｂの断面形状は図９（ｂ−３）に示すように正６角形と同じ頂点を有する星形であってもよい。尚，これらの断面形状は本実施例に限られるものではない。
図７（ｂ）は風向変更装置２が揺動モータ２０に連結された状態を示す。
【００３０】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように，本発明によれば，空気調和機の風向変更装置の揺動軸の一端が揺動モータに連結支持され，所定のカバーがＬ字状若しくは鉤状の溝部に掛止された他端の揺動軸を覆うと共に，前記揺動軸を軸支する構成を具備するので，風向変更装置の着脱方法が判りやすい。従って，風向変更装置の着脱が簡便に行なわれる。その結果，無理やり風向変更装置を取り外すことによる取付部の破損或いは風向変更装置の脱落による危険性がなくなる。また，カバーとヒンジ部とが一体化した状態で，ヒンジ部を送風装置本体に固定することによって，作業に最適なカバー開度を保持することが可能である。また，この状態で，ユーザの手等がカバーに接触し，カバーが更に開方向側へと押された場合にも，カバーの係止部がヒンジ部の係止部から離脱して，カバーのみが更に開方向側へと移動する。このようなカバーの移動によっては，カバー，ヒンジ部，送風装置本体に無理な荷重が加わることなく，これらを破損させることがないので，ユーザは，カバーとの接触に注意を払うことなく，揺動軸を取り外す等の作業を行うことができ，容易に且つ安心して風向変更装置の着脱及び清掃等の作業を行うことができる。
更に，揺動軸と揺動モータとが容易に連結される構成を具備するので，よりいっそう風向変更装置の着脱の容易性を向上することが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａの全体斜視図。
【図２】本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａの中央部側断面図。
【図３】本発明の実施形態に係る空気調和機Ａのカバー３０の取り付け部の側断面図。
【図４】風向変更装置２の揺動軸２ｂと揺動モータ２０との連結部分の詳細図。
【図５】空気調和機本体ケース１に取り付けられたカバー３０及びヒンジ４０の開閉動作の状態を示す図。
【図６】図１（ｃ）に示される矢視Ｐから見た矢視図。
【図７】風向変更装置の駆動部の構成図。
【図８】モータ側軸継手の嵌合部の断面形状とモータの駆動軸の断面形状を示す図。
【図９】モータ側揺動軸２ｂの断面形状と軸受側軸継手の断面形状を示す図。
【図１０】揺動軸２ｂとモータ駆動軸２０ａの軸継手２１の拡大断面図。
【符号の説明】
１…空気調和機本体ケース
２…風向変更装置
２ａ…揺動軸（カバー側）
２ｂ…揺動軸（モータ側）
３…空気吸込口
４…熱交換器
５…送風機
６…キャビネット
６ａ…閉用ストッパー
６ｂ…開用ストッパー
６ｃ…ケース側ヒンジ取付軸
６ｄ…係合部
７…ドレンパン
７ａ…溝部
７ｂ…揺動軸挿入口
７ｃ…揺動軸掛止位置
８…前面パネル
８ａ…軸受
９…オープンパネル
２０…揺動モータ
２０ａ…揺動モータ駆動軸
２１…軸継手
２２…モータ取付ねじ
２５…上下ルーバ
２６…空気吹出口
３０…カバー
３０ａ…係止リブ
３０ｂ…係止爪
３０ｃ…係止片
３０ｄ…カバー側ヒンジ取付軸
３１…スイッチ
３１ａ…接点レバー
４０…ヒンジ
４０ａ…第１の回転軸受
４０ｂ…第２の回転軸受
４０ｃ…カバー係止リブ
４０ｄ…閉用係止リブ
４０ｅ…開用係止リブ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a blower including a wind direction changing device that can be attached to and detached from a blower main body, and more particularly, to a blower and an air conditioner that can easily and safely attach and detach the wind direction changing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an air conditioner provided with this kind of detachable wind direction changing device, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.
[0003]
In the patent document, two slidable engaging members are provided on the air conditioner main body case side as attachment / detachment means for the wind direction changing device, and a hole freely engageable with the engaging member is provided on the wind direction changing device side. And the user slides the two slidable engaging members with both hands to release the engagement between the engaging member and the hole, and the wind direction changing device is removed from the air conditioner main body case. I try to remove it. The same operation is performed when the wind direction changing device is attached.
[0004]
In Patent Document 2, a plurality of engaging claws are provided in a wind direction changing device that can be attached to and detached from an air conditioner main body case, and a plurality of engaging grooves that engage with the engaging claws are provided on the air conditioner main body case side. An air conditioner provided has been proposed, and the user can easily disengage the wind direction change device from the air conditioner main body case by pressing down the engagement claw located at the upper end of the wind direction change device. It is possible to go to.
[0005]
Patent Document 3 discloses that a unitized vertical louver engaging claw, which is a wind direction changing means provided in a blower outlet, is engaged with a recess provided in an air conditioner body case, thereby It is intended to facilitate attachment and detachment and improve the workability of cleaning and maintenance inside the air conditioner.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-324161 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-201090 A
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-4916
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, each of the attaching / detaching means of the wind direction changing device described in each of the patent documents is formed by the engagement of the engaging claw and the engaged groove, and the engaging claw is inserted into the engaged groove so that the engagement is achieved. Since this is achieved, the engaging claw that fits into the engaged groove cannot be seen, so that the disengagement method is difficult to understand. However, the removal of the wind direction changing device is usually performed by a user who is unfamiliar with the cleaning. However, in the attaching / detaching means, the disengagement method is not suitable because the position of the locking claw is not clear as described above. Since it is difficult to understand, it is not possible to easily attach and detach the wind direction changing device. In this case, if the user forcibly removes the wind direction changing device, the engaging portion may be damaged, which is a problem. Furthermore, there is a risk that the wind direction changing device may fall out of the air conditioner when the wind direction changing device is attached in a state where the engaging portion is broken.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner including a wind direction changing device that allows a general user to easily and safely attach and detach the wind direction changing device. Is to provide.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a wind direction changing device that can be attached to and detached from a blower body, and a swing motor that swings the wind direction changing device, and a swing that projects from both ends of the wind direction changing device. In the air blower in which one end of the shaft is connected to the swing motor, a groove portion that hooks the other end of the swing shaft to the blower main body. And a cover that is openable and closable, covers the groove when closed, supports the pivot shaft hooked on the groove, and opens the groove when opened. The cover includes a rotation support portion on one end portion rotatably supported on the blower body, and the other end portion pivotally supporting the cover at the rotation end portion. The blower body through a hinge portion having a rotation support portion on the side Positions that make up the appearance of The cover and the hinge part are respectively provided near the rotation support part on the other end side, respectively. Locking claw When Cover locking rib Comprising the above Locking claw And said Cover locking rib Are detachable from each other, and when the cover moves in the open direction from the closed state, the hinge portion Locking claw And said Cover locking rib And the cover is rotated around the rotation support part on the one end side integrally with the cover, and the hinge part and the blower body are in the vicinity of the rotation support part on the one end side, Respectively, Opening locking rib When Opening stopper Comprising the above Opening locking rib Said Locking claw And said Cover locking rib Is engaged as described above, and when the hinge part and the cover rotate together, Opening stopper It is possible to support the cover in a state of protruding from the blower body, and the cover and the hinge part are Opening locking rib Said Opening stopper When the cover is further moved in the opening direction after contacting the Locking claw And said Cover locking rib Engagement with each other, and the cover Only Is further configured to rotate in the opening direction around the rotation support portion on the other end side.
This makes it easy to understand how to attach and detach the wind direction changing device, so that it is easy to attach and detach the wind direction changing device. As a result, the mounting portion of the wind direction changing device may be damaged, or the risk of dropping the wind direction changing device is eliminated, so that the user can easily and safely perform operations such as attaching / detaching and cleaning the wind direction changing device. Also, since the cover covers the groove portion, the wind direction changing device and its swing shaft are attached so as not to be detached, so that it is not necessary to separately provide a bearing mechanism for the swing shaft, and the wind direction changing device is attached. The structure is simplified. Also, Locking claw When Cover locking rib With the cover and hinge part integrated by engagement with Opening locking rib When Opening stopper By fixing the hinge part to the blower main body by abutting with the cover, it is possible to maintain the optimum cover opening degree for work. In this state, if the user's hand touches the cover and the cover is pushed further in the opening direction, Locking claw Of the hinge Cover locking rib Then, only the cover moves further in the opening direction. Such a movement of the cover does not apply an excessive load to the cover, the hinge part, and the blower body, and does not damage them. Therefore, the user does not shake the cover without paying attention to the contact with the cover. Operations such as removing the moving shaft can be performed.
In addition, when the cover moves from the closed state to the opening direction, the cover is temporarily held at a position protruding forward from the wind direction changing device, so that when the cover is rotated, , Accidents are less likely to occur when the cover is fully opened at one time and the swing shaft is disengaged and the wind direction changing device is detached from the blower body. On the other hand, when the user opens / closes the wind direction changing device with the cover open, the cover can be moved from a position protruding forward from the wind direction changing device to a position where it does not interfere with the user. There is no inconvenience such as hitting the cover, and the user's work becomes easier.
Further, the hinge portion is formed in a substantially U-shape having a concave portion that is recessed toward the rotation direction of the cover between the rotation support portion on one end side and the rotation support portion on the other end side. The cover has a protrusion protruding from the rotation support portion on the other end side of the hinge portion toward the rotation support portion on the one end portion side, and the cover includes the rotation support portion on the other end side. When rotating about the center, it is preferable that the protruding portion of the cover is accommodated in the concave portion of the hinge portion. Thus, when the cover is moved in the opening direction, the movement of the cover is not hindered by contact with the hinge portion, and the cover can be reliably moved to a position that does not interfere with the user.
In this case, it is preferable that the groove portion is formed in an L shape or a hook shape so as to hook the swing shaft. As a result, even if the cover is removed carelessly, there is no risk of the wind direction changing device dropping off, which is safe.
[0010]
Further, one end of the oscillating shaft and the oscillating motor are connected to each other by a shaft coupling in which the oscillating motor is fitted to each other, and a cross-section of the fitting portion of the oscillating shaft is formed in a regular polygon. If the cross section of the fitting portion of the side shaft coupling is formed into a regular polygon that can be fitted to the swing shaft or a star shape having the same number of vertices as the regular polygon, the swing shaft Can be easily inserted into the fitting portion, and the wind direction changing device can be easily attached. In addition, since the rocking shaft and the shaft coupling are firmly fitted, there is no play in the fitting portion, and noise during operation of the wind direction changing device can be suppressed.
Further, in this case, the inner shape of the fitting portion of the shaft coupling on the rocking shaft side is formed so as to expand toward the rocking shaft side, and the inner diameter of the end portion of the fitting portion is larger than the rocking shaft diameter. If it is formed to have a diameter, even when the user does not accurately grasp the position of the fitting part when fitting the swinging shaft, the swinging shaft is smoothly inserted. And can be fitted.
[0011]
Further, it may further comprise a cover opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover, and further includes a swinging shaft hooking detection means for detecting whether or not the swinging shaft hooked on the groove portion is hooked. It may be provided.
Based on the detection result of the cover opening / closing detection means and / or the swing shaft latching detection means, for example, by stopping the swing motor so as not to operate the wind direction changing device, There is an effect that cleaning becomes safe and easy.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
1-3 is a figure which shows the air conditioner A which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an overall perspective view of the air conditioner A according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the air conditioner A with the wind direction changing device 2 attached thereto. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the air conditioner A with the cover 30 opened, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the air conditioner A with the wind direction changing device 2 removed. FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the central portion of the air conditioner A according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the cover attaching portion of the air conditioner A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, the external appearance of the air conditioner A which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. The air conditioner A is a horizontally long air conditioner main body case 1 composed of a cabinet 6, a drain pan 7 and the like, and a detachable wind direction changing device 2 which is disposed at the lower part of the air conditioner A and has an air outlet. And a cover 30 that constitutes a mounting and holding mechanism of the wind direction changing device 2 and a swing motor storage portion 23 that stores the swing motor 20 (see FIG. 7), and the appearance thereof is configured.
The wind direction changing device 2 includes a plurality of laterally long plate-like upper and lower louvers 25 that control the air blowing direction up and down. Moreover, although not shown in figure, the left-right louver which controls the blowing direction of air to right and left may be provided. Oscillating shafts 2a (cover 30 side) and 2b (oscillating motor 20 side) are formed so as to protrude from both ends of the louver 25 constituting the wind direction changing device 2.
[0013]
Next, the internal structure of the air conditioner A will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
The air conditioner A includes a blower 5 that sucks room air and sends heat-exchanged air to the room, and a filter (not shown) that removes dust, and an air suction port 3 that takes in the room air by the rotation of the blower 5. And a heat exchanger 4 that performs heat exchange using room air as a medium, and the room air sucked from the air suction port 3 by the rotation of the blower 5 passes through the heat exchanger 4 to generate heat. It is exchanged and sent out from the air outlet 26 into the room through the periphery of the wind direction changing device 2. At this time, the air direction changing device 2 exchanges heat inside the air conditioner A by causing the swing motor 20 to swing the upper and lower louvers 25 up and down around the swing shafts 2a and 2b. The air blowing direction is swung up and down.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a hinge 40 for attaching a cover 30 that supports the wind direction changing device 2 to the air conditioner main body case 1 is provided at the left end of the wind direction changing device 2 in FIG. 1. (An example of a hinge part) and a case-side hinge attachment shaft (an example of a second rotation support part) 6C provided in the cabinet 6 of the air conditioner A for attaching the hinge 40 to the air conditioner main body case. It has been. The mounting state of the cover 30 and the hinge 40 will be described in detail later.
In FIG. 2, 8 is a front panel and 9 is an open panel.
[0014]
The mounting structure of the cover 30, the hinge 40, and the case side hinge mounting shaft 6c will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cover 30, the hinge 40, and the case-side hinge mounting shaft 6C in a separated state, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the case where the cover 30 is hinged to the case-side hinge mounting shaft portion 6C. It is a perspective view which shows the state attached to the axis | shaft.
[0015]
In FIG. 4, the hinge 40 is for attaching the cover 30 to the said air conditioner main body case 1. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a substantially U-shaped hinge is employed. The hinge 40 includes two rotary bearings 40a and 40b, and a first rotary bearing (an example of a rotation support portion on the other end side) 40a engages with the cover 30 side as will be described later. Another second rotary bearing (an example of a rotation support portion on one end side) 40b engages with the air conditioner main body case 1 side. Specifically, the first rotary bearing 40a engages with the cover side hinge mounting shaft 30d, and the second rotary bearing 40b engages with the hinge mounting shaft portion 6C on the main body case 1 side. Thus, the cover 30 is attached to the air conditioner body case 1 by the hinge 40 (FIG. 4B).
The hinge 40 is formed with two locking ribs 40d and 40e that act when the cover 30 is opened and closed in the vicinity of the second rotary bearing 40b. One of them is a closing locking rib 40d that prevents the hinge 40 from rotating in a closing direction beyond a certain position when the cover 30 is closed. For example, as shown in FIG. By abutting against the closing stopper 6a formed in the above, the hinge 40 is restricted from rotating more than the position shown in FIG. 5A in the closing direction from the closing stopper 6a. The other one is an opening locking rib 40 that prevents the hinge 40 from rotating in the opening direction beyond a certain range as shown in FIG. 5B when the cover 30 is opened. e For example, an opening stopper 6 formed in the cabinet 6 b By abutting, the hinge 40 is restricted from rotating in the opening direction from the position of FIG. That is, the hinge 40 rotates only from the position (a) to the position (b) in FIG.
Further, the hinge 40 has a locking claw 30 provided on the cover 30. b and Cover locking ribs 40 engaged as clearly shown in FIGS. 5 (a-1) and 5 (b-1). c is Is provided. At the positions shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cover 30 and the hinge 40 are integrated by the engagement of the engagement claw 30b with the cover engagement rib 40c.
[0016]
The cover 30 shown in FIG. 4 covers the groove portion 7a opened in the opened state as shown in FIG. 1C by closing it as shown in FIG. 1A, and the swing shaft 2a of the wind direction changing device 2 is covered. Is supported. Furthermore, the cover 30 is engaged with the cover locking rib 40c provided on the hinge 40 side by contact, and the cover 30 rotates with respect to the hinge 40 in the clockwise direction from the state of FIG. And a latching claw 30b that integrates the cover 30 and the hinge 40, and a latch that engages with an engaging portion 6d provided in the cabinet 6 to keep the cover 30 closed. And a piece 30c. Further, the locking rib 30a provided on the side rib of the cover 30 in the drawing is for supporting the swing shaft 2a by overlapping with the groove 7a. This structure will be described in detail later.
[0017]
Further, the case-side hinge mounting shaft 6c described above is provided in the cabinet 6 of the air conditioner A and is connected to the second rotary bearing of the hinge 40 by being attached thereto. In the present embodiment, the case side hinge mounting shaft 6c is provided in the cabinet 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hinge 40 may be provided in a place where the hinge 40 is attached to the air conditioner body case 1. It's enough.
[0018]
Next, the opening / closing operation | movement of the cover 30 and the hinge 40 is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a state of opening / closing operation of the cover 30 and the hinge 40 attached to the air conditioner main body case 1, and FIG. 5A is a side sectional view showing a state where the cover 30 is closed. FIG. 5B is a side sectional view showing a state when the cover 30 is opened to a certain range, and FIG. 5C is a state when only the cover 30 is further opened in the opening direction from the state of FIG. FIG.
[0019]
The closed state of the cover 30 shown in FIG. 5A is held by the engagement of the locking piece 30c and the engaging portion 6d. This state is a state in which the cover 30 and the hinge 40 are integrated by the engagement of the locking claw 30b and the cover locking rib 40c. When the cover 30 is pulled in the opening direction as shown by an arrow X in FIG. 5B and the engagement between the locking piece 30c and the engaging portion 6d is released, the cover 30 is separated from the hinge 40. While being integrated, an opening operation (rotation operation in the opening direction) is performed around the case side hinge mounting shaft 6c. By this opening operation, the cover 30 is rotated to a position (intermediate opening position) where the opening locking rib 40e hits the opening stopper 6b as shown in FIG. 5B, and the cover 30 is opened to this position. And the opening operation is temporarily stopped.
Here, when the cover 30 is further pushed in the opening direction, the engagement between the locking claws 30b and the cover locking ribs 40c is released, and only the cover 30 is indicated by the arrow Y around the cover side hinge mounting shaft 30d. Further, an opening operation is performed (FIG. 5C).
[0020]
When the cover 30 is closed from the opened state of FIG. 5C, basically the reverse procedure of the opening operation described above is performed. That is, when the cover 30 is pushed up, the hinge 40 is closed (rotated in the closing direction) until the closing locking rib 40d is in contact with the closing stopper 6a (closed position). Closes around the cover side hinge mounting shaft 30d. This closing operation is different from the above opening operation in that the locking claw 30b and the cover locking rib 40c are not engaged. During the closing operation, the locking claw 30b and the cover locking rib 40c are engaged when the cover 30 is further pushed in the closing direction while the hinge 40 is stopped at the closed position. Is done. Further, when the cover 30 is pushed, the locking claw 30c and the engaging portion 6d are engaged, and the cover 30 is completely closed.
[0021]
Thus, until the intermediate opening shown in FIG. 5B, the cover 30 and the hinge 40 are integrally opened around the case side hinge mounting shaft 6c, and the opening and closing exceeding the intermediate opening is performed. In the range, a stepwise opening / closing operation in which only the cover 30 performs an opening operation is realized by the two-step opening / closing means.
By performing such a stepwise opening / closing operation, the cover 30 protruding downward from the air conditioner A is compactly folded in the opening direction, so that the wind direction changing device 2 that is not interfered with the cover 30 can be attached and detached.
[0022]
Next, referring to FIG. 6, the mechanism of the groove portion 7 a for hooking the cover-side swing shaft 2 a of the swing shaft protruding at both ends of the wind direction changing device 2 to the body case 1 of the air conditioner A. Will be described. 6 is an arrow view seen from the arrow P shown in FIG. 1 (c), and FIG. 6 (a) shows a state where the cover 30 is opened and the wind direction opening / closing device 2 is removed from the groove 7a. FIG. 6 and FIG. 6B are views showing a state in which the wind direction changing device is pivotally supported by closing the cover 30 after the wind direction opening / closing device 2 is hooked on the groove 7a. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the rocking shaft 2b opposite to the rocking shaft 2a of the wind direction changing device 2 is connected to and supported by the rocking motor 20.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 6, a groove 7 a is formed on the drain pan 7 of the air conditioner main body case 1 so as to hook the swing shaft 2 a of the wind direction changing device 2. Therefore, in this case, in order for the swing shaft 2a to be latched and held at this position without falling off from the latching position 7c, the groove 7a is formed in an L shape or a bowl shape. It is desirable that By forming the groove portion 7a in this way, even if the cover 30 is inadvertently opened, there is no risk of the wind direction changing device 2 dropping off and it is safe.
In the present embodiment, the groove portion 7a is described as being provided in the drain pan 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the wind direction changing device 2 is formed at a location where the air direction changer 2 can be hooked on the air conditioner A.
[0024]
Further, after the wind direction changing device 2 is hooked on the groove portion 7a, the cover 30 is closed as shown in FIG. 6B from the state of FIG. 6A so that the cover 30 covers the groove portion 7a and the engagement portion. The rocking shaft 2a is supported by the retaining rib 30a. The locking rib 30a is formed in a shape suitable for the shape of the rocking shaft 2a so as to pivotally support the rocking shaft 2a so that the rocking shaft 2a can be rocked and rotated appropriately. That is, after the rocking shaft 2a of the wind direction changing device 2 is hooked on the groove 7a, the rocking shaft 2a at one end of the wind direction changing device 2 is pivoted and supported by simply closing the cover.
With this configuration, the user only has to insert the swing shaft 2a into the groove 7a and close the cover 30, so that even an unfamiliar user can easily attach and detach the wind direction changing device. . As a result, there is no risk of damage to the mounting portion of the wind direction changing device 2, or there is no danger of the wind direction changing device 2 dropping off, so that operations such as cleaning become easy. Further, since the cover 30 covers the groove portion 7a to form the bearing of the swing shaft 2a, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism such as a separate bearing, and the mounting structure of the wind direction changing device 2 is simplified.
[0025]
Here, the switch 31 which is an example of the cover open / close detection means provided near the groove 7a will be described with reference to FIG. The switch 31 is provided at such a position that when the cover 30 is closed, the contact lever 31a of the switch 31 is pressed by a locking rib 30a provided on the cover 30 and the like (FIG. 6B). )). Thereby, the open / closed state of the cover 30 can be detected. In addition, the switch 31 may be provided at a position where the contact lever 31a is pressed and operated when the swing shaft 2a of the wind direction changing device 2 is hooked. As a result, it is possible to detect whether or not the rocking shaft 2a is latched, that is, to detect whether the wind direction changing device 2 is attached or detached. Further, if the switch 31 has two contact levers, both the open / closed state of the cover 30 and the attached / detached state of the wind direction changing device 2 can be detected.
Based on the detection result of the switch 31, for example, by stopping the swing motor so as not to operate the wind direction changing device 2, the wind direction changing device 2 can be attached and detached or cleaned safely and easily. .
[0026]
Next, the connection between the swing shaft 2b of the wind direction changing device 2 and the swing motor 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. Such a coupling mechanism is housed in the motor housing 23 (see FIG. 1) of the air conditioner A. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the drive unit of the wind direction changing device 2, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion of the motor side shaft joint and a cross-sectional shape of the motor drive shaft, and FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shaft joint 21 of the swing shaft 2b and the motor drive shaft 20a.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 7, the swing motor housing 23 (see FIG. 1) includes a swing motor 20 that swings the wind direction changing device 2 and a swing that is one end of the swing shaft of the wind direction changing device 2. The shaft coupling 21 is configured to connect the shaft 2b and the swing motor 20 and a bearing 8a formed on the front panel 8. The shaft coupling 21 is inserted into the bearing 8 a, and the swing motor 20 fitted into the fitting portion 21 a of the shaft coupling 21 is connected to the air conditioner main body case by a tap boss 8 b formed on the front panel 8 with screws 22. 1 is fixed by screwing.
Here, the cross section of the fitting portion 21a of the shaft coupling 21 and the drive shaft 20a of the swing motor 20 has a D-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. This is for reliably transmitting the driving torque of the swing motor 20 to the shaft coupling 21.
[0028]
The swing shaft 2 b of the wind direction changing device 2 is connected to the drive shaft 20 a of the swing motor 20 by being fitted into the fitting portion 21 b of the shaft coupling 21. The inner surface of the fitting portion 21b is formed so as to widen toward the swing shaft 2b (FIG. 10), and the inner diameter of the end of the fit portion 21b is larger than the diameter of the swing shaft 2b. It is formed to have a diameter. By being formed in this way, even when the user does not accurately grasp the position of the fitting portion 21b when fitting the rocking shaft 2b, the rocking shaft 2b can be smoothly inserted. And can be fitted. Further, the swing shaft 2b can be freely tilted.
[0029]
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the swing shaft 2b is formed in a square shape as shown in FIG. 9 (a-1), and the cross-section of the fitting portion 21b of the shaft coupling 21 is shown in FIG. 9 (a-2). Thus, it is formed in a regular octagon. Thereby, the swing shaft 2b is easily inserted into the fitting portion 21b, and the connection between the swing shaft 2b and the shaft coupling 21 is facilitated. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 21b of the shaft coupling 21 may be a star shape having the same apex as the regular octagon as shown in FIG. 9 (a-3).
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the swing shaft 2b is formed as a regular triangle as shown in FIG. 9 (b-1), and the cross-section of the fitting portion 21b of the shaft coupling 21 is shown in FIG. 9 (b-2). As shown, it may be formed in a regular hexagon. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion 21b of the shaft coupling 21 may be a star shape having the same apex as the regular hexagon as shown in FIG. 9 (b-3). These cross-sectional shapes are not limited to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7B shows a state where the wind direction changing device 2 is connected to the swing motor 20.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, one end of the swing shaft of the wind direction changing device of the air conditioner is connected and supported by the swing motor, and the predetermined cover is hooked in the L-shaped or bowl-shaped groove. Since the other end of the oscillating shaft is covered and the oscillating shaft is supported, the method of attaching and detaching the wind direction changing device is easy to understand. Therefore, the wind direction changing device can be easily attached and detached. As a result, there is no risk of damage to the mounting part due to forcibly removing the wind direction changing device or dropping of the wind direction changing device. . In addition, by fixing the hinge portion to the blower main body in a state where the cover and the hinge portion are integrated, it is possible to maintain an optimal cover opening degree for work. In this state, even when the user's hand touches the cover and the cover is pushed further in the opening direction, the cover locking part is detached from the hinge locking part and only the cover is removed. Further moves toward the opening direction. Such a movement of the cover does not apply an excessive load to the cover, the hinge part, and the blower body, and does not damage them. Therefore, the user does not shake the cover without paying attention to the contact with the cover. Such as removing the drive shaft, It is possible to easily and safely perform operations such as attachment / detachment and cleaning of the wind direction changing device.
Further, since the swing shaft and the swing motor are easily connected, it is possible to further improve the ease of attaching and detaching the wind direction changing device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an air conditioner A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a central side sectional view of an air conditioner A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a mounting portion of the cover 30 of the air conditioner A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a detailed view of a connecting portion between the swing shaft 2b of the wind direction changing device 2 and the swing motor 20. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a state of an opening / closing operation of a cover 30 and a hinge 40 attached to the air conditioner main body case 1;
6 is an arrow view seen from the arrow P shown in FIG. 1 (c).
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a drive unit of the wind direction changing device.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross-sectional shape of a fitting portion of a motor side shaft coupling and a cross-sectional shape of a motor drive shaft.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of a motor-side swing shaft 2b and a cross-sectional shape of a bearing-side shaft joint.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shaft coupling 21 of the swing shaft 2b and the motor drive shaft 20a.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Air conditioner body case
2 ... Wind direction change device
2a ... Oscillating shaft (cover side)
2b ... Oscillating shaft (motor side)
3 ... Air inlet
4 ... Heat exchanger
5 ... Blower
6 ... Cabinet
6a: Stopper for closing
6b ... Opening stopper
6c: Case side hinge mounting shaft
6d ... engaging portion
7 ... Drain pan
7a ... Groove
7b ... Oscillating shaft insertion port
7c: Oscillating shaft latching position
8 ... Front panel
8a ... Bearing
9 ... Open panel
20 ... Oscillating motor
20a ... Oscillation motor drive shaft
21 ... Shaft coupling
22 ... Motor mounting screw
25 ... Upper and lower louvers
26 ... Air outlet
30 ... Cover
30a ... Locking rib
30b ... Claw
30c ... locking piece
30d ... Cover side hinge mounting shaft
31 ... Switch
31a ... Contact lever
40 ... Hinge
40a ... first rotary bearing
40b ... Second rotary bearing
40c ... Cover locking rib
40d ... Closure locking rib
40e ... Opening locking rib

Claims

送風装置本体に着脱可能な風向変更装置と，該風向変更装置を揺動させる揺動モータとを具備し，前記風向変更装置の両端に突出する揺動軸の一端が，前記揺動モータに連結されてなる送風装置において，
前記送風装置本体に前記揺動軸の他端を掛止する溝部と，開閉自在であって，閉じることによって前記溝部を覆い，前記溝部に掛止された前記揺動軸を軸支すると共に，開くことによって前記溝部を開放するカバーとが設けられており，前記カバーは，前記送風装置本体に回動可能に軸支された一端部側の回転支持部と，回動端部において前記カバーを回動可能に軸支する他端部側の回転支持部を有するヒンジ部を介して前記送風装置本体の外観を構成する位置に軸支されており，前記カバーと前記ヒンジ部は，前記他端部側の回転支持部近傍に，それぞれ係止爪とカバー係止リブを具備し，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブは互いに離接自在であって，前記カバーが閉状態から開方向に移動するとき，前記ヒンジ部は，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブとの係合により前記カバーと一体に前記一端部側の回転支持部を中心として回動するものであり，前記ヒンジ部と前記送風装置本体は，前記一端部側の回転支持部の近傍に，それぞれ，開用係止リブと開用ストッパー部を具備し，前記開用係止リブは，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブが前記のように係合して前記ヒンジ部と前記カバーが一体として回動した時に，前記開用ストッパー部に当接して前記カバーを前記送風装置本体から突出した状態で支持することが可能であり，更に，前記カバーと前記ヒンジ部は，前記開用係止リブが前記開用ストッパー部に当接した後，前記カバーが更に開方向に移動したとき，前記係止爪と前記カバー係止リブとの係合が互いに離脱し，前記カバーだけが更に前記他端部側の回転支持部を中心として開方向に回動するように構成されてなることを特徴とする送風装置。A wind direction changing device that can be attached to and detached from the blower main body, and a swing motor that swings the wind direction changing device, and one end of a swing shaft that protrudes at both ends of the wind direction changing device is connected to the swing motor. In the blower device,
A groove portion that hooks the other end of the swing shaft on the blower body, and is openable and closable, covers the groove portion by closing, and pivotally supports the swing shaft hooked on the groove portion , A cover that opens the groove portion by being opened , and the cover includes a rotation support portion on one end side rotatably supported by the blower body, and the cover at the rotation end portion. It is pivotally supported at a position constituting the appearance of the blower main body through a hinge portion having a rotation support portion on the other end side that is pivotally supported. The cover and the hinge portion are connected to the other end. the rotation support part near the parts side, respectively provided with a locking pawl and a cover engaging rib, the cover engaging rib and the locking claw is a disjunction freely with each other, in an opening direction said cover from the closed state when moving, the hinge portion, the said locking pawl Ca Is intended to engage by rotation around the rotation supporting portion of the one end side of the cover and integrally with the over locking rib, the blower main body and the hinge unit, the rotation supporting portion of the one end side Each of which includes an opening locking rib and an opening stopper portion , and the opening locking rib engages with the locking claw and the cover locking rib as described above. When the cover and the cover are rotated together, the cover can be supported in contact with the opening stopper , and the cover protrudes from the blower main body. When the cover is further moved in the opening direction after the opening locking rib comes into contact with the opening stopper portion , the engagement between the locking claw and the cover locking rib is released from each other, and the cover rotating support only further the other end of the Blower apparatus characterized by comprising configured to rotate in the opening direction as heart.

前記ヒンジ部は，一端部側の回転支持部と他端部側の回転支持部の間で，前記カバーの回動方向に向けて凹んだ凹部を有する略コ字状に形成されており，前記カバーが前記ヒンジ部の前記他端部側の回転支持部から前記一端部側の回転支持部に向けて突出する突出部を有し，前記カバーが前記他端部側の回転支持部を中心として回動するとき，前記カバーの前記突出部が前記ヒンジ部の凹部に収容されてなる請求項１に記載の送風装置。 The hinge portion is formed in a substantially U-shape having a recess recessed in the rotation direction of the cover between the rotation support portion on one end side and the rotation support portion on the other end side, The cover has a protruding portion that protrudes from the rotation support portion on the other end side of the hinge portion toward the rotation support portion on the one end portion side, and the cover is centered on the rotation support portion on the other end side. The blower according to claim 1, wherein, when rotating, the protruding portion of the cover is accommodated in a concave portion of the hinge portion.

前記溝部が，前記揺動軸を掛止するようＬ字状若しくは鉤状に形成されたものである請求項１または２に記載の送風装置。 The air blower according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove is formed in an L shape or a hook shape so as to hook the swing shaft.

前記揺動軸の一端と前記揺動モータとが相互に嵌合する軸継手により連結されており，
前記揺動軸の嵌合部の断面が正多角形に形成され，前記揺動軸側の軸継手の嵌合部の断面が，前記揺動軸と嵌合可能な正多角形若しくは該正多角形と同数の頂点を有する星形に形成されたものである請求項１〜３のいずれかに記載の送風装置。One end of the oscillating shaft and the oscillating motor are connected to each other by a shaft coupling that fits together,
The cross section of the fitting portion of the swing shaft is formed into a regular polygon, and the cross section of the fitting portion of the shaft coupling on the swing shaft side is a regular polygon that can be fitted to the swing shaft or the regular poly The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blower is formed in a star shape having the same number of vertices as a square.

前記揺動軸側の軸継手の嵌合部内面形状が，揺動軸側に向かって末広がり状に形成され，前記嵌合部の端部の内径が前記揺動軸径より大径になるよう形成されたものである請求項１〜４のいずれかに記載の送風装置。 The shape of the inner surface of the fitting portion of the shaft coupling on the swing shaft side is formed so as to widen toward the swing shaft side so that the inner diameter of the end of the fitting portion is larger than the diameter of the swing shaft. The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blower is formed.

前記カバーの開閉を検出するカバー開閉検出手段を更に具備するものである請求項１〜５のいずれかに記載の送風装置。 The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cover open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the cover.

前記溝部に掛止される揺動軸の掛止有無を検出する揺動軸掛止検出手段を更に具備するものである請求項１〜６のいずれかに記載の送風装置。 The blower according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising rocking shaft latching detecting means for detecting whether or not the rocking shaft latched in the groove is latched.

前記カバー開閉検出手段及び／又は前記揺動軸掛止検出手段の検出結果に基づいて，前記揺動モータの駆動を制御するモータ制御手段を更に具備するものである，請求項１〜７のいずれかに記載の送風装置。 The motor control means for controlling the drive of the swing motor based on the detection result of the cover open / close detection means and / or the swing shaft latching detection means. A blower according to the above.

請求項１〜８のいずれかに記載の送風装置を具備してなることを特徴とする空気調和機。 An air conditioner comprising the air blower according to any one of claims 1 to 8.