U.S. patent application number 12/297412 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-16 for air conditioning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Tomohiro Yabu.
Application Number | 20090098820 12/297412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38625001 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090098820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yabu; Tomohiro |
April 16, 2009 |
AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Abstract
An air conditioning apparatus includes a casing and a dividing
cosmetic panel. The casing has a suction port and a discharge port.
The dividing cosmetic panel has a plurality of dividing panels and
an opening/closing moveable mechanism for varying the positions of
the dividing panels relative to the suction port. The
opening/closing moveable mechanism switches between a state in
which the dividing panels are disposed in proximity to each other,
thereby blocking air flow through the suction port, and a state in
which the dividing panels are separated from each other to allow
ventilation through the suction port.
Inventors: |
Yabu; Tomohiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
38625001 |
Appl. No.: |
12/297412 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
April 17, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/058310 |
371 Date: |
October 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/333 ;
62/259.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 1/0047 20190201;
F24F 2013/0616 20130101; F24F 1/0011 20130101; F24F 13/072
20130101; F24F 13/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/333 ;
62/259.1 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/10 20060101
F24F013/10; F25D 23/00 20060101 F25D023/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2006 |
JP |
2006-113441 |
Claims
1. An air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, the air conditioning apparatus comprising: a casing
having a first ventilation port, and a second ventilation port
through which air passing through the first ventilation port
passes; and a panel component having a panel including at least a
first panel and a second panel, and a moveable mechanism to vary
the relative position of the first ventilation port and the panel,
the moveable mechanism switching between a first state in which air
flow through the first ventilation port is blocked by having one
end of the first panel and one end of the second panel positioned
in proximity to each other, and a second state in which the one end
of the first panel and the one end of the second panel move away
from each other to positions different from the first state and air
flow through at least part of the first ventilation port is
allowed.
2. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein in
the first state, a surface of the first panel and a surface of the
second panel are disposed in proximity to a surface of the first
ventilation port, and in the second state, the surface of the first
panel and the surface of the second panel are disposed at positions
farther from the surface of the first ventilation port than in the
first state.
3. An air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, the air conditioning apparatus comprising: a casing
having a first ventilation port, and a second ventilation port
through which air passing through the first ventilation port
passes; and a panel component having at least two a first panel
being configured to turn around a first rotating shaft on an end,
and a second panel being configured to turn around a second
rotating shaft on an end, and a moveable mechanism to vary the
relative positions of the first ventilation port and the panel, the
moveable mechanism switching between a first state in which a
surface of the first panel and a surface of the second panel are
oriented in substantially the same direction as the primary
ventilation direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow
through the first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of
the first panel and the surface of the second panel being
positioned in substantially the same plane, and a second state in
which the first panel whose axis is the first rotating shaft and
the second panel whose axis is the second rotating shaft both turn,
allowing air flow through at least part of the first ventilation
port due to the orientation of the surface of the first panel and
the orientation of the surface of the second panel being positioned
so as to overlap each other when viewed from a direction
substantially perpendicular to the primary ventilation direction in
the first ventilation port.
4. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein
the panel component further has a panel frame in which a panel
slide space is provided and in which air flow through the first
ventilation port is blocked with the first panel and the second
panel in the first state, the casing further has a casing support
part to support the panel frame, the first panel further has a
first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the first
rotating shaft and which slides relative to the panel slide spaces,
the first rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to the
casing support part, the second panel further has a second sliding
end which is an end on an opposite side of the second rotating
shaft and which slides relative to the panel slide space, and the
second rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to the casing
support part.
5. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein
the panel component further has a panel support part to support the
casing, and a panel frame to block air flow through the first
ventilation port with the first panel and second panel, the casing
further has a casing slide space, the first panel further has a
first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the first
rotating shaft and which slides relative to the casing slide space,
the first rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to the
panel support part, the second panel further has a second sliding
end which is an end on an opposite side of the second rotating
shaft and which slides relative to the casing slide space, and the
second rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to the panel
support part.
6. An air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, comprising: a casing having a first ventilation port,
and second ventilation port through which the air passing through
the first ventilation port passes; and a panel component having a
first panel, a second panel disposed so that one end thereof
constitutes a first common rotating shaft shared by one end of the
first panel, and a moveable mechanism to vary the relative position
of the first ventilation port and the panel, the moveable mechanism
switches switching between a first state in which a surface of the
first panel and a surface of the second panel are oriented in
substantially the same direction as the primary ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of the first
panel and the surface of the second panel being positioned on
substantially the same plane, and a second state in which the first
panel and second panel both turn around the first common rotating
shaft, and air flow through at least part of the first ventilation
port is allowed due to the orientation of the surface of the first
panel and the orientation of the surface of the second panel being
positioned so as to overlap each other when viewed from a direction
substantially perpendicular to the primary ventilation direction in
the first ventilation port.
7. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein
the panel component further has a third panel, and a fourth panel
disposed so that one end thereof constitutes a second common
rotating shaft shared by an end of the third panel, and the
moveable mechanism is such that, in the first state, the surface of
the first panel, the surface of the second panel, the surface of
the third panel, and the surface of the fourth panel are oriented
in substantially the same direction as the primary ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of the first
panel, the surface of the second panel, the surface of the third
panel, and the surface of the fourth panel being positioned in
substantially the same plane; and, in the second state, the first
panel and second panel assume a substantially overlapping state as
a result of both rotating around the first common rotating shaft,
while the third panel and fourth panel assume a substantially
overlapping state as a result of both rotating around the second
common rotating shaft.
8. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein
the panel component further has a panel frame in which a panel
slide space is provided and in which air flow through the first
ventilation port is blocked with the first panel and the second
panel in the first state, the casing further has a casing support
part to support the panel frame, the first panel further has a
first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the common
rotating shaft and which slides relative to the panel slide spaces,
the second panel further has a second sliding end which is an end
on an opposite side of the common rotating shaft and which slides
relative to the panel slide space, and the common rotating shaft is
rotatably supported relative to the panel support part.
9. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein
the panel component further has a panel support part to support the
casing, and a panel frame to block air flow through the first
ventilation port with the first panel and second panel, the casing
has a casing slide space, the first panel further has a first
sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the common
rotating shaft and which slides relative to the casing slide space,
the second panel further has a second sliding end which is an end
on an opposite side of the common rotating shaft and which slides
relative to the casing slide space, and the common rotating shaft
is rotatably supported relative to the panel support part.
10. An air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, the air conditioning apparatus comprising: a casing
having a first ventilation port, a blocking part provide to the
first ventilation port and partially blocking ventilation, and a
second ventilation port through which air passing through the first
ventilation port passes; and a panel component having panels whose
shapes correspond to the first ventilation port, blocking
corresponding openings whose shapes correspond to the blocking
part, and a moveable mechanism to vary the relative position of the
first ventilation port and the panel, the moveable mechanism
switching between a first state in which peripheral edges of the
panels are disposed so as to correspond with a peripheral edge of
the first ventilation port, peripheral edges of the blocking
corresponding openings are disposed so as to correspond with
peripheral edges of the blocking part, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked, and a second state in which a
positional relationship between the peripheral edges of the panels
and the peripheral edge of the first ventilation port as well as a
positional relationship between the peripheral edges of the
blocking corresponding openings and the peripheral edges of the
blocking part are different from the first state in which air flow
is allowed through at least part of the first ventilation port.
11. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein
the first ventilation port functions as a suction port leading into
the casing, and the second ventilation port functions as a
discharge port leading out of the casing.
12. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein
the moveable mechanism moves the panel and the casing away from
each other in the second state, and widens the second ventilation
port.
13. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein
the moveable mechanism disposes the panel in the second state at a
position where the second ventilation port is covered in a plan
view.
14. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 12, further
comprising an angle adjustment mechanism to vary the angle of
inclination of the panel in relation to the casing, the panel being
in proximity to the second ventilation port in the second
state.
15. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 12, further
comprising a flap to adjust the orientation of air flow passing
through the second ventilation port, the flap being positioned
between the casing and the panel in the second state.
16. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein
the panel has a surface formed in a substantially flat shape, and
covers the first ventilation port in a substantially planar shape
in the first state.
17. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein
the first ventilation port functions as a suction port leading into
the casing, and the second ventilation port functions as a
discharge port leading out of the casing.
18. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein
the first ventilation port functions as a suction port leading into
the casing, and the second ventilation port functions as a
discharge port leading out of the casing.
19. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein
the moveable mechanism moves the panel and the casing away from
each other in the second state, and widens the second ventilation
port.
20. The air conditioning apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein
the first ventilation port functions as a suction port leading into
the casing, and the second ventilation port functions as a
discharge port leading out of the casing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning
apparatus, and particularly to an air conditioning apparatus
installed and used in the vicinity of a ceiling.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An example of a known prior art device is an indoor device
of an air conditioning apparatus for drawing in indoor air and
supplying conditioned air into a room, wherein a flat panel is
installed so that a discharge port and suction port run parallel to
a ceiling surface, as is the case with a ceiling-embedded apparatus
or the like.
[0003] With such indoor devices, efforts are being made to reduce
the thickness of the device to accommodate limited installation
space in the vicinity of the ceiling, and internal air-blowing
resistance tends to increase.
[0004] With the air conditioning apparatus disclosed in Patent
Document 1 shown below, for example, a proposal is made for the use
of a structure in which the flow velocity distribution is made
uniform in the interior of the indoor device, and that the air
conditioning apparatus be made thinner while the air-blowing
resistance is minimized.
[0005] <Patent Document 1>
[0006] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 06-042768
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems the Invention is Intended to Solve
[0007] However, with the aforementioned air conditioning apparatus
disclosed in Patent Document 1, the focus is on reducing the
thickness of the apparatus and reducing air-blowing resistance, and
the design of the discharge port is not taken into account.
Therefore, the discharge port of the air conditioning apparatus is
always visible to a user in the room, and the design is
undesirable.
[0008] With the foregoing aspects in view, it is an object of the
present invention to provide an air conditioning apparatus in which
the design can be improved and ventilation can be ensured.
Means for Solving these Problems
[0009] The air conditioning apparatus according to a first aspect
is an air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, the apparatus comprising a casing and a panel
component. The casing has a first ventilation port, and second
ventilation port through which air passing through the first
ventilation port passes. The panel component has a panel including
at least two panels, which are a first panel and a second panel,
and a moveable mechanism for varying the relative position of the
first ventilation port and the panel. The moveable mechanism
switches between a first state and a second state. The first state
is a state in which air flow through the first ventilation port is
blocked by having one end of the first panel and one end of the
second panel being positioned in proximity to each other. The
second state is a state in which the one end of the first panel and
the one end of the second panel move away from each other to
different positions from the first state and air flow through at
least part of the first ventilation port is allowed. The first
ventilation port and second ventilation ports herein may function
as suction ports or as discharge ports in the air conditioning
apparatus.
[0010] The suction port in a conventional air conditioning
apparatus is always exposed to the exterior in order to ensure
ventilation, and is noticeable from the air conditioned space.
[0011] According to the air conditioning apparatus of the first
aspect, the first ventilation port provided to the casing is
covered and closed off by the panel in the first state. Therefore,
in the first state in which the first ventilation port is covered,
the panel is primarily visible when viewed from the air conditioned
space, and the first ventilation port and other uneven shapes are
therefore inconspicuous. Therefore, the outward appearance is
appealing and the design can be improved. In the second state as
well, the apparatus switches from the first state to the second
state as a result of the moving of not just one, but two or more
panels, including the first panel and the second panel; therefore,
less movement per panel is required in order to ensure ventilation.
Therefore, the panels are made to not be noticeable due to the
panels undergoing large movements, and the design can be improved.
The moveable mechanism varies the relative position of the panels,
thereby switching from the first state, in which air flow through
the first ventilation port is blocked, to the second state, in
which air flow is at least partially allowed, whereby ventilation
can be ensured.
[0012] The design of the air conditioning apparatus can thereby be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0013] The air conditioning apparatus according to the a second
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according the first
aspect, wherein in the first state, a surface of the first panel
and a surface of the second panel are disposed in proximity to a
surface of the first ventilation port. In the second state, the
surface of the first panel and the surface of the second panel are
disposed at position farther from the surface of the first
ventilation port than in the first state.
[0014] In the second state, not only are the first panel and second
panel merely farther from each other than in the first state, but
the first panel and second panel are also farther from the casing.
Therefore, there can be fewer portion in which airflow resistance
is increased by the panel component and the casing being in
proximity to each other.
[0015] Airflow resistance in the suction port is thereby further
reduced, whereby efficient suction can be performed.
[0016] The air conditioning apparatus according to a third aspect
is an air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, the apparatus comprising a casing and a panel
component. The casing has a first ventilation port, and second
ventilation port through which the air passing through the first
ventilation port passes. The panel component has at least two
panels, which are a first panel that turns around a first rotating
shaft on an end and a second panel that turns around a second
rotating shaft on an end, and a moveable mechanism for varying the
relative position of the first ventilation port and the panel.
[0017] The moveable mechanism switches between a first state and a
second state. The first state is a state in which a surface of the
first panel and a surface of the second panel are oriented in
substantially the same direction as the primary ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of the first
panel and the surface of the second panel being positioned on
substantially the same plane. The second state is a state in which
both the first panel, whose axis is the first rotating shaft; and
the second panel, whose axis is the second rotating shaft, turn,
whereby air is allowed to flow through at least part of the first
ventilation port due to the orientation of the surface of the first
panel and the orientation of the surface of the second panel being
positioned so as to overlap each other when viewed from a direction
substantially perpendicular to the primary ventilation direction in
the first ventilation port.
[0018] The suction port in a conventional air conditioning
apparatus is always exposed to the exterior in order to ensure
ventilation and is noticeable from the air conditioned space.
[0019] In the air conditioning apparatus of the third aspect, the
first ventilation port provided to the casing is covered and closed
off by the panel in the first state. Therefore, in the first state
in which the first ventilation port is covered, the panel is
primarily visible when viewed from the air conditioned space, and
the first ventilation port and other uneven shapes are therefore
inconspicuous. Therefore, the outward appearance is appealing and
the design can be improved. In the second state as well, less
movement per panel is required in order to ensure ventilation
because the apparatus switches from the first state to the second
state by having not just one, but two or more panels, including the
first panel and the second panel, rotate around the respective
rotating shafts. Therefore, the panels are made to not be
noticeable due to the panels undergoing large movements, and the
design can be improved. The moveable mechanism switches from the
first state in which air flow through the first ventilation port is
blocked to the second state in which air flow is at least partially
allowed by varying the relative position of the panels. The
directions of the first panel and the second panel are varied so as
to be substantially perpendicular to the ventilation surface of the
first ventilation port, and the ventilation of the first
ventilation port can be ensured because the number of portions of
the panel that create resistance against the ventilation of the
first ventilation port remains low.
[0020] The design of the air conditioning apparatus can thereby be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0021] Since the panel component is configured from not one but a
plurality of panels, dividing the panels into a plurality makes it
possible to make the distance between the panels in the first state
and the second state less than in a case of one panel, and the
design can be improved in this respect as well.
[0022] The air conditioning apparatus according to a fourth aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to the third aspect,
wherein the panel component further has a panel frame in which a
panel slide space is provided and in which air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked with the first panel and the
second panel in the first state. The casing further has a casing
support part for supporting the panel frame. The first panel
further has a first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side
of the first rotating shaft and which slides relative to the panel
slide space. The first rotating shaft is rotatably supported
relative to the casing support part. The second panel further has a
second sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the
second rotating shaft and which slides relative to the panel slide
space. The second rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to
the casing support part.
[0023] According to the present aspect, the first rotating shaft of
the first panel and the second rotating shaft of the second panel
turn in the casing support part provided to the casing. The sliding
ends at the other ends of the panels slide relative to the panel
slide space of the panel frame.
[0024] Switching between the first state and the second state is
thereby readily performed merely by causing one end of each panel
to slide while the rotating shaft is used to cause the other end to
rotate.
[0025] The air conditioning apparatus according to a fifth aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to the third aspect,
wherein the panel component further has a panel support part for
supporting the casing, and a panel frame for blocking air flow
through the first ventilation port with the first panel and second
panel. The casing further has a casing slide space. The first panel
further has a first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side
of the first rotating shaft and which slides relative to the casing
slide space. The first rotating shaft is rotatably supported
relative to the panel support part. The second panel further has a
second sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the
second rotating shaft and which slides relative to the casing slide
space. The second rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to
the panel support part.
[0026] According to the present aspect, the first rotating shaft of
the first panel and the second rotating shaft of the second panel
turn in the casing support part provided to the casing. The sliding
ends at the other ends of the panels slide relative to the casing
slide space of the casing.
[0027] Switching between the first state and the second state is
thereby readily performed merely by causing one end of each panel
to slide while the rotating shaft is used to cause the other end to
rotate.
[0028] The air conditioning apparatus according to a sixth aspect
is an air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, comprising a casing and a panel component. The casing
has a first ventilation port, and second ventilation ports through
which the air passing through the first ventilation port passes.
The panel component has a first panel, a second panel disposed so
that one end thereof constitutes a first common rotating shaft
shared by one end of the first panel, and a moveable mechanism for
varying the relative position of the first ventilation port and the
panel. The moveable mechanism switches between a first state and a
second state. The first state is a state in which a surface of the
first panel and a surface of the second panel are oriented in
substantially the same direction as the primary ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of the first
panel and the surface of the second panel being positioned on
substantially the same plane. The second state is a state in which
the first panel and second panel both turn around the first common
rotating shaft, and air flow through at least part of the first
ventilation port is allowed due to the orientation of the surface
of the first panel and the orientation of the surface of the second
panel being positioned so as to overlap each other when viewed from
a direction substantially perpendicular to the primary ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port.
[0029] The suction port in a conventional air conditioning
apparatus is always exposed to the exterior in order to ensure
ventilation, and is noticeable from the air conditioned space.
[0030] According to the air conditioning apparatus of the sixth
aspect, the first ventilation port provided to the casing is
covered and closed off by the panel in the first state. Therefore,
in the first state in which the first ventilation port is covered,
the panel is primarily visible when viewed from the air conditioned
space, and the first ventilation port and other uneven shapes are
therefore inconspicuous. Therefore, the outward appearance is
appealing and the design can be improved. In the second state as
well, less movement per panel is required in order to ensure
ventilation because the apparatus is switched from the first state
to the second state by the rotation not only of the first panel
around the common rotating shaft but also of the second panel
around the common rotating shaft. The panels are accordingly
prevented from being made conspicuous, which occurs when they make
large movements, and the design can be improved. The moveable
mechanism switches from the first state in which air flow through
the first ventilation port is blocked to the second state in which
air flow is at least partially allowed by varying the relative
position of the panels. The directions of the first panel and the
second panel are varied so as to be substantially perpendicular to
the ventilation surface of the first ventilation port, and the
ventilation of the first ventilation port can be ensured because
the number of portions of the panel that create resistance against
the ventilation of the first ventilation port remains low.
[0031] The design of the air conditioning apparatus can thereby be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0032] The air conditioning apparatus according to a seventh aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth aspect,
wherein the panel component further has a third panel, and a fourth
panel disposed so that one end thereof constitutes a second common
rotating shaft shared by the end of the third panel. The moveable
mechanism is such that, in the first state, the surface of the
first panel, the surface of the second panel, the surface of the
third panel, and the surface of the fourth panel are oriented in
substantially the same direction as the primarily ventilation
direction in the first ventilation port, and air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked due to the surface of the first
panel, the surface of the second panel, the surface of the third
panel, and the surface of the fourth panel being positioned on
substantially the same plane. The moveable mechanism is also such
that, in the second state, the first panel and second panel assume
a substantially overlapping state as a result of both rotating
around the first common rotating shaft, and the third panel and
fourth panel assume a substantially overlapping state as a result
of both rotating around the second common rotating shaft.
[0033] According to the present aspect, the first panel and second
panel join together and overlap, as do the third panel and fourth
panel, and these joined panels are in a substantially perpendicular
positional relationship with respect to the first ventilation port.
Therefore, disposing the first panel, the second panel, the third
panel, and the fourth panel so as to extend downward all together
in this manner makes it possible to suppress airflow resistance
against air taken in through the periphery in the second state, in
comparison with a case in which the first panel, the second panel,
the third panel, and the fourth panel are disposed extending
downward individually.
[0034] Bringing the panels together in this manner allows distance
between one end of panel and the other end of the panel to be
shortened with larger numbers of panels covering the first
ventilation port.
[0035] The air conditioning apparatus according to an eighth aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth aspect,
wherein the panel component further has a panel frame in which a
panel slide space is provided and in which air flow through the
first ventilation port is blocked with the first panel and the
second panel in the first state. The casing further has a casing
support part for supporting the panel frame. The first panel
further has a first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side
of the common rotating shaft and which slides relative to the panel
slide space. The second panel further has a second sliding end
which is an end on an opposite side of the common rotating shaft
and which slides relative to the panel slide space. The common
rotating shaft is rotatably supported relative to the panel support
part.
[0036] According to the present aspect, the common rotating shaft
shared by the first panel and the second panel turns in the casing
support part provided to the casing. The sliding ends at the other
ends of the panels slide relative to the panel slide space of the
panel frame.
[0037] Switching between the first state and the second state is
thereby readily performed merely by causing one end of each panel
to slide while the rotating shaft is used to cause the other end to
rotate.
[0038] The air conditioning apparatus according to a ninth aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth aspect,
wherein the panel component further has a panel support part for
supporting the casing, and a panel frame for blocking air flow
through the first ventilation port with the first panel and second
panel. The casing has a casing slide space. The first panel farther
has a first sliding end which is an end on an opposite side of the
common rotating shaft and which slides relative to the casing slide
space. The second panel further has a second sliding end which is
an end on an opposite side of the common rotating shaft and which
slides relative to the casing slide space. The common rotating
shaft is rotatably supported relative to the panel support
part.
[0039] According to the present aspect, the common rotating shaft
shared by the first panel and the second panel turns in the panel
support part provided to the panel component. The sliding ends at
the other ends of the panels slide relative to the casing slide
space of the casing.
[0040] Switching between the first state and the second state is
thereby readily performed merely by causing one end of each panel
to slide while the rotating shaft is used to cause the other end to
rotate.
[0041] The air conditioning apparatus according to a tenth aspect
is an air conditioning apparatus disposed above a space to be air
conditioned, comprising a casing and a panel component. The casing
has first ventilation port, blocking part provided to the first
ventilation port and partially blocking ventilation, and second
ventilation port through which air passing through the first
ventilation port passes. The panel component has panel whose shapes
correspond to the first ventilation port, blocking corresponding
opening whose shapes correspond to the blocking part, and a
moveable mechanism for varying the relative position of the first
ventilation port and the panel. The moveable mechanism switches
between a first state and a second state. The first state is a
state in which peripheral edge of the panel is disposed so as to
correspond with peripheral edge of the first ventilation port,
peripheral edge of the blocking corresponding opening is disposed
so as to correspond with peripheral edge of the blocking part, and
air flow through the first ventilation port is blocked. The second
state is a state in which a positional relationship between the
peripheral edge of the panel and the peripheral edge of the first
ventilation port as well as a positional relationship between the
peripheral edge of the blocking corresponding opening and the
peripheral edge of the blocking part is different than in the first
state, whereby air flow is allowed through at least part of the
first ventilation port.
[0042] When the moveable mechanism switches to the first state, the
panel fits with the blocking part of the casing, and air flow
through the first ventilation port is blocked. When the moveable
mechanism switches to the second state, the panels separate from
the casing, and air flow passes through the blocking corresponding
opening, bypasses the blocking part, and passes through the first
ventilation port, whereby ventilation is ensured.
[0043] Thus, in the first state, the casing and the panel component
fit together, whereby an appealing appearance can be created and
the design can be improved. Ventilation in the second state is not
ensured through the horizontal gap formed by the distance between
the separated panel component and casing, but through flow channel
created by the misalignment between the positions of the first
ventilation port and the position of the blocking corresponding
opening when the moveable mechanism switches from the first state
to the second state. It is thereby sufficient to cause misalignment
in the positional relationship between the position of the first
ventilation port and the position of the blocking corresponding
opening, and ventilation can be ensured without separating the
panel component from the casing more than is necessary. The extent
by which the panel component is lowered in the second state can
thereby be kept small, and ventilation can be easily ensured.
[0044] The design of the air conditioning apparatus can thereby be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0045] Since the panel component is only lowered by a small amount,
it is possible to prevent a person in the room from feeling that
the ceiling has lowered or otherwise feeling confined as a result
of the panel component descending from the ceiling, and the design
can be improved from this respect as well.
[0046] The air conditioning apparatus according to an eleventh
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to any of the
first through tenth aspects, wherein the first ventilation port
functions as a suction port leading into the casing, and the second
ventilation ports function as discharge ports leading out of the
casing.
[0047] Air flow from the suction port to the discharge ports in the
casing interior can herein be ensured, and the suction port can be
concealed until the panel component moves, which improves the
design. Even in cases in which, e.g., a grill with a filter or
another such component is provided to the first ventilation port as
the suction port, the panel can conceal these components.
[0048] The air conditioning apparatus according to a twelfth aspect
is the air conditioning apparatus according to any of the first
through eleventh aspects, wherein the moveable mechanism moves the
panel and the casing away from each other in the second state and
widens the second ventilation port.
[0049] In the second state, the panel is separated from the casing
by the moveable mechanism, whereby the distance between the panel
and the casing widens, and the second ventilation port is widened.
Therefore, airflow resistance in the peripheries of the second
ventilation port can be reduced.
[0050] Air flow in the second ventilation ports can thereby be more
easily ensured.
[0051] The air conditioning apparatus according to a thirteenth
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to the twelfth
aspect, wherein the moveable mechanism disposes the panel in the
second state at a position where the second ventilation port is
covered in a plan view.
[0052] The panel component in the second state is moved by the
moveable mechanism and is thereby disposed at a position where the
second ventilation port is covered in a plan view. Therefore, the
panel can conceal the second ventilation port in the second
state.
[0053] The second ventilation ports are thereby concealed, whereby
the design in the second state can be improved.
[0054] The air conditioning apparatus according to a fourteenth
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to the twelfth
or thirteenth aspect, further comprising an angle adjustment
mechanism for varying the angle of inclination of the panel to the
casing, the panel being in proximity to the second ventilation port
in the second state.
[0055] The panel itself can be inclined by the angle adjustment
mechanism in relation to the vicinity of the second ventilation
port of the casing. Therefore, the orientation of air flow passing
through the second ventilation port can be adjusted.
[0056] It is thereby possible to adjust the direction of air flow
passing through the second ventilation port.
[0057] In cases in which the discharge direction is adjusted to a
direction parallel to the ceiling surface to achieve a round flow,
the discharged air current does not directly reach the user, and a
drafty sensation can be reduced.
[0058] In cases in which a configuration is used in which air flow
in the proximity of the first ventilation port can be affected by
adjusting the inclination of the panel in the proximity of the
second ventilation port, it is possible, depending on the manner of
inclination of the panel, to further reduce resistance to suction
in the air conditioning apparatus, and to proactively facilitate
suction.
[0059] The air conditioning apparatus according to a fifteenth
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to any of the
twelfth through fourteenth aspects, further comprising a flap for
adjusting the orientation of air flow passing through the second
ventilation ports, the flap being positioned between the casing and
the panel in the second state.
[0060] In the second state in which the panel has moved so as to
open up the first ventilation port, the flap can adjust the
orientation of air flow passing through the second opening.
[0061] It is thereby possible to more acutely adjust the
ventilation direction not only because the direction of air flow
from the second ventilation ports is adjusted by the position where
the panel is located, but also because the inclined state of the
flap can be varied.
[0062] Situations in which the discharged air is blown directly
into the ceiling surface can be avoided and the ceiling surface can
be prevented from being soiled by acutely adjusting the air-blowing
direction using the flap, even in cases in round flow is achieved
using the panel.
[0063] The air conditioning apparatus according to a sixteenth
aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to any of the
first through fifteenth aspects, wherein the panel has a surface
formed in a substantially flat shape, and covers the first
ventilation port in a substantially planar shape in the first
state.
[0064] According to the present aspect, the surface of the panel
has a substantially flat shape, and the first ventilation port is
covered and sealed off in a substantially planar shape in the first
state. Therefore, the design can be improved because the portion
visible to a user in the air conditioned space is flat and can be
made to have an appealing appearance.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0065] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the first
aspect, the design of the air conditioning apparatus can be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0066] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the second
aspect, airflow resistance in the suction port is further reduced,
whereby efficient suction can be performed.
[0067] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the third
aspect, the design of the air conditioning apparatus can be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0068] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fourth
and fifth aspects, switching between the first state and the second
state is readily accomplished merely by causing one end of each
panel to slide while causing the other end to rotate using a
rotating shaft.
[0069] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixth
aspect, the design of the air conditioning apparatus can be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0070] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the seventh
aspect, it is possible to suppress airflow resistance against air
taken in through the periphery in the second state.
[0071] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the eighth
and ninth aspects, switching between the first state and the second
state is readily accomplished merely by causing one end of each
panel to slide while causing the other end to rotate using a
rotating shaft.
[0072] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the tenth
aspect, the design of the air conditioning apparatus can be
improved, and ventilation can be ensured.
[0073] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the eleventh
aspect, air flow from the suction port to the discharge ports can
be ensured, and the suction port can be concealed until the panel
component moves, which improves the design.
[0074] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the twelfth
aspect, air flow in the second ventilation ports can be more
readily ensured.
[0075] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the
thirteenth aspect, the second ventilation ports are concealed,
whereby the design in the second state can be improved.
[0076] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the
fourteenth aspect, the direction of air flow passing through the
second ventilation ports can be adjusted.
[0077] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the fifteenth
aspect, it is possible to more acutely adjust the ventilation
direction because the direction of air flow from the second
ventilation ports is not only adjusted by the position where the
panel is located, but also because the inclined state of the flap
can be varied.
[0078] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the sixteenth
aspect, the design can be improved because the portion visible to a
user in the air conditioned space is flat and can be made to have
an appealing appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0079] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a
ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus according to first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the casing interior
in the air conditioning apparatus.
[0081] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the air
conditioning apparatus in which the top plate has been removed.
[0082] FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view of the dividing cosmetic
panel in the stopped state, and (b) is a perspective view of the
dividing cosmetic panel in the operating state.
[0083] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the casing of
the air conditioning apparatus.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the dividing cosmetic panel in a
stopped state.
[0085] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the dividing cosmetic panel in the
operating state.
[0086] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
casing interior in the stopped state, and (b) is a schematic
cross-sectional side view of the casing interior in the operating
state.
[0087] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the dividing cosmetic
panel in the stopped state of the air conditioning apparatus
according to Modification (A), and (b) is a perspective view of the
dividing cosmetic panel in the operating state of the air
conditioning apparatus according to Modification (A).
[0088] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
air conditioning apparatus according to Modification (B) in the
stopped state, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of
the air conditioning apparatus according to Modification (B) in the
operating state.
[0089] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air
conditioning apparatus according to Modification (C).
[0090] FIG. 12(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
air conditioning apparatus according to Modification (C) in the
stopped state, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of
the air conditioning apparatus according to Modification (C) in the
operating state.
[0091] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air
conditioning apparatus according to Modification (D).
[0092] FIGS. 14(a) to (d) are schematic cross-sectional side views
of the air conditioning apparatus according to Modification
(D).
[0093] FIG. 15(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
air conditioning apparatus according to second embodiment in the
stopped state, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of
the air conditioning apparatus according to second embodiment in
the operating state.
[0094] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the separate stages of
a fixed folding mechanism on the casing side.
[0095] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the separate stages of
a fixed folding mechanism on the panel side in Modification (A) of
the air conditioning apparatus according to second embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 18(a) is an example of Modification (B) of the air
conditioning apparatus of second embodiment, which does not have a
panel frame, and (b) is another example of Modification (B) of the
air conditioning apparatus of second embodiment, which does not
have a panel frame.
[0097] FIG. 19(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
air conditioning apparatus according to third embodiment in the
stopped state, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of
the air conditioning apparatus according to third embodiment in the
operating state.
[0098] FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of the sliding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms of the air conditioning
apparatus according to third embodiment.
[0099] FIG. 21(a) shows Modification (A) of the air conditioning
apparatus according to third embodiment, (b) shows Modification (B)
of the air conditioning apparatus according to third embodiment,
(c) shows Modification (C) of the air conditioning apparatus
according to third embodiment, and (d) shows Modification (D) of
the air conditioning apparatus according to third embodiment.
[0100] FIG. 22(a) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
air conditioning apparatus in another embodiment (A) in the stopped
state, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air
conditioning apparatus in another embodiment (A) in the operating
state.
[0101] FIG. 23 is an air conditioning apparatus according to
another embodiment (B).
[0102] FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view of an air conditioning
apparatus according to another embodiment (B).
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0103] 1 Air conditioning apparatus [0104] 3 Casing [0105] 4
Dividing cosmetic panel (panel component) [0106] 33 Bottom plate
(panel frame) [0107] 34 Suction port (first ventilation port)
[0108] 35 Discharge port (second ventilation port) [0109] 38 Casing
support part [0110] 39 Blocking member (blocking part) [0111] 41
Dividing panel (first through fourth dividing panels) [0112] 43
Opening/closing moveable mechanism (opening/closing moveable
mechanisms) [0113] 44 Angle adjustment mechanism [0114] 45 Flap
(first through fourth flaps) [0115] 48 Panel support part [0116] 49
Blocking corresponding opening (blocking corresponding opening
parts) [0117] 243 Folding opening/closing moveable mechanism
(folding mechanism) [0118] 343 Sliding opening/closing moveable
mechanism (direction-varying mechanism) [0119] 504 Fitted cosmetic
panel [0120] S Slide space
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Summary of the Invention
[0121] The present invention provides an air conditioning apparatus
in which a suction port is exposed due to the movement of a panel.
In the air conditioning apparatus of the present invention, a
structure is used in which a suction port is covered by a
substantially flat panel in a stopped state in which the apparatus
is not being operated. Specifically, in terms of the primary
outward appearance in the state in which the suction port is
covered, the substantially flat panel is visible, and an opening
and irregular portion are not easily visible, which provides an
appealing appearance. The present invention is thereby
characterized in that the design can be improved in an air
conditioning apparatus. The present invention is also characterized
in that the panel including the entire peripheral edge can be moved
by an opening/closing mechanism to expose the suction port and
sufficiently ensure ventilation.
[0122] Embodiments of the ceiling-installed air conditioning
apparatus according to the present invention are described
hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.
FIRST EMBODIMENT
Basic Structure of Ceiling-Installed Air Conditioning Apparatus
[0123] FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view (with the ceiling
omitted) of a ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 1
according to first embodiment of the present invention.
[0124] The air conditioning apparatus 1 is a ceiling-embedded air
conditioning apparatus, and is primarily composed of a casing 3 for
housing various structural devices in the interior, and a dividing
cosmetic panel 4.
[0125] The casing 3 is inserted and placed in an opening formed in
a ceiling U of an air conditioned room, as shown in FIG. 2, which
shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the air conditioning
apparatus 1, for example. Disposed inside the casing 3 are,
primarily, an air-blowing fan 5 for drawing air in the
air-conditioned room into the casing 3 and blowing the air
peripherally outward, and a heat exchanger 6 disposed so as to
enclose the external periphery of the air-blowing fan 5. The letter
O in FIG. 2 indicates the rotational axis or rotational center of
the air-blowing fan 5. The casing 3 is disposed so as to fit in the
opening in the ceiling U in this case.
[0126] The casing 3 has the shape of a box in a plan view, in which
a substantially octagonal bottom surface having long sides and
short sides formed alternately is open, and the casing 3 has a
substantially octagonal top plate 31 having long sides and short
sides formed alternately and continuously, side plates 32 extending
downward from the peripheral edges of the top plate 31, and a
bottom plate 33 extending from the peripheral edges of the side
plates 32 of the casing to form a flat surface, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0127] Formed in the bottom plate 33 are a suction port 34 in the
substantial center thereof for drawing in air in the
air-conditioned room, and a plurality (four in the present
embodiment) of discharge ports 35a to 35d formed so as to enclose
the suction port 34, for blowing air from the casing 3 into the
air-conditioned room, as shown in FIG. 2. In the present
embodiment, the suction port 34 is a substantially rectangular or
substantially circular opening. The discharge ports 35a to 35d are
substantially rectangular openings extending in long, thin shapes
along the peripheral edges of the bottom plate 33. The casing 3 is
also provided with a substantially rectangular suction grill 36
which covers the suction port 34 and which is disposed so as to be
enclosed by the discharge ports 35a to 35d. Furthermore, a filter
37 for collecting dust in the air drawn in through the suction port
34 is provided on the top side of the suction grill 36 of the
suction port 34.
[0128] The dividing cosmetic panel 4 is composed of a plurality
(four in the present embodiment) of dividing panels 41 (a first
dividing panel 41a, a second dividing panel 41b, a third dividing
panel 41c, and a fourth dividing panel 41d) as shown in FIGS. 1, 4,
and other drawings. These four panels constitute a substantially
rectangular plate shape (flat panel) in a plan view when they are
assembled in substantially the same plane, and the panels are
provided so as to block off the suction grill 36 of the suction
port 34. When the air conditioning apparatus 1 is in a stopped
state, the dividing panels converge in the center and cover the
suction port 34, as shown in FIG. 6. When the air conditioning
apparatus 1 is in an operating state, the dividing panels 41a to
41d move so as to expand in a radial manner from the center as
shown in FIG. 7, thus opening the suction port 34. An
opening/closing moveable mechanism 43 of the dividing cosmetic
panel 4 has support members 42a to 42d for supporting the dividing
panels 41a to 41d relative to the casing 3, as shown in FIG. 8. The
operation of the opening/closing moveable mechanism 43 causes the
support members 42 to move the positions of the dividing panels 41
to open and close the suction port 34.
[0129] Each of the dividing panels 41a to 41d is formed in the
shape of a pentagon obtained by cutting away the areas near two of
the vertices of a triangle, and the dividing panels are disposed so
that each of the remaining vertices comes together in a position
corresponding to the center of the suction grill 36. The dividing
panels 41a to 41d open and close the suction port 34 by moving
radially so as to separate from each other.
[0130] The support members 42 are composed of four members, which
are a first support member 42a, a second support member 42b, a
third support member 42c, and a fourth support member 42d, each
corresponding to one of the dividing panels 41a to 41d, as shown in
FIG. 8. In the stopped state, the support members 42 are positioned
inside the casing 3, as shown in FIG. 8(a). In the operating state,
having been moved with the dividing panels 41 by the
opening/closing moveable mechanism 43, the support members 42
extend downward so as to protrude out of the interior of the casing
3, and extend to predetermined positions to support the dividing
panels 41, as shown in FIG. 8(b).
[0131] The opening/closing moveable mechanism 43 is a mechanism for
moving the dividing panels 41 relative to the casing 3 as shown in
FIG. 8, and is composed of four opening/closing moveable mechanisms
43, which are a first opening/closing moveable mechanism 43a, a
second opening/closing moveable mechanism 43b, a third
opening/closing moveable mechanism 43c, and a fourth
opening/closing moveable mechanism 43d, each corresponding to one
of the dividing panels 41a to 41d. The opening/closing moveable
mechanism 43 is a mechanism for moving the dividing panels 41a to
41d via the support members 42a to 42d away from each other in a
radial manner from the center, whereby the dividing panels 41a to
41d are separated from the suction port 34 and lowered (in the
height direction). Thus, by separating the dividing panels 41 from
each other and also from the suction port 34 of the casing 3, the
airflow resistance in the vicinity of the suction port 34 of the
casing 3 is reduced, creating a state in which suction is
possible.
[0132] An angle adjustment mechanism 44 is a mechanism for
adjusting the angles of inclination of the dividing panels 41a to
41d in relation to the discharge ports 35a to 35d, as shown in FIG.
8. The angle adjustment mechanism 44 is composed of four angle
adjustment mechanisms 44, which are a first angle adjustment
mechanism 44a, a second angle adjustment mechanism 44b, a third
angle adjustment mechanism 44c, and a fourth angle adjustment
mechanism 44d, each corresponding to one of the dividing panels 41a
to 41d. The angle adjustment mechanisms 44 are provided as one end
of each support member 42 for supporting the dividing panels 41a to
41d. The angle adjustment mechanisms 44 can incline the dividing
panels 41 in relation to the discharge ports 35 of the casing 3 and
adjust the discharge angles by rotating the dividing panels 41
around the lower ends of the support members 42 as fulcra, when the
angle adjustment mechanisms 44 are in their positions associated
with the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1, as
shown in FIG. 8. After the opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43
move the support members 42 and also move the dividing panels 41a
to 41d, the angle adjustment mechanisms 44 rotate the dividing
panels 41 such that the axial directions of the rotation are the
longitudinal directions of the connecting portions between the
support members 42 and the dividing panels 41.
[0133] A flap 45 has the casing 3 and four flaps, which are a first
flap 45a, a second flap 45b, a third flap 45c, and a fourth flap
45d, each corresponding to one of the dividing panels 41a to 41d,
as shown in FIG. 8. The flaps 45a to 45d are provided so as to be
associated with the dividing panels 41a to 41d, and the flaps 45a
to d move as the dividing panels 41 are moved by the
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43 when the air conditioning
apparatus 1 transitions from the stopped state to the operating
state. Specifically, the flaps 45a to 45d are positioned so as to
be accommodated inside the casing 3 when the air conditioning
apparatus 1 is in the stopped state, and the flaps 45a to 45d move
together with the movement of the dividing panels 41 to be
positioned between the dividing panels 41 and the discharge ports
35a to 35d of the casing 3 when the air conditioning apparatus 1
transitions to the operating state. The direction of air flow
discharged from the discharge ports 35a to 35d is acutely adjusted
by varying the angles in relation to the casing 3, wherein the
axial directions are directions substantially the same as the
longitudinal directions of the angle adjustment mechanisms 44
described above.
[0134] The air-blowing fan 5 draws air in the air-conditioned room
into the casing 3 through the suction port 34 of the casing 3, and
blows the air peripherally outward, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In
the present embodiment, a turbofan is used as the air-blowing fan
5, which has a fan motor 51 provided in the substantial center of
the top plate 31 of the casing 3, and an impeller 52 linked to and
rotatably driven by the fan motor 51. The impeller 52 has a discoid
end plate 53 linked to the fan motor 51, a plurality of blades 54
provided in the external periphery of the bottom surface of the end
plate 53, and a discoid end ring 55 provided on the undersides of
the blades 54 and having an opening in the center. Through the
rotation of the blades 54, the air-blowing fan 5 can draw air into
the interior of the impeller 52 through the opening in the end ring
55, and can blow the air drawn into the impeller 52 to the external
periphery of the impeller 52.
[0135] In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 6 is a
cross-fin tube type heat exchanger panel bent so as to enclose the
external periphery of the air-blowing fan 5, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, and is connected via a refrigerant tube to an outdoor unit
(not shown) installed outside the building or in another such
location. The heat exchanger 6 can function as an evaporator for a
refrigerant flowing through the interior during a cooling
operation, and as a condenser for the refrigerant flowing through
the interior during a heating operation. The heat exchanger 6 can
thereby perform heat exchange with the air drawn into the casing 3
through the suction port 34 by the air-blowing fan 5 to cool the
air during the cooling operation and to heat the air during the
heating operation.
[0136] Disposed on the underside of the heat exchanger 6 is a drain
pan 7 for receiving drain water produced by condensation of the
moisture in the air in the heat exchanger 6, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0137] The drain pan 7 is mounted below the casing 3 as shown in
FIG. 3. The drain pan 7 has a suction hole 71 formed so as to
communicate with the suction port 34 of the casing 3, four
discharge holes 72a to 72d formed so as to communicate with the
discharge ports 35a to 35d of the casing 3, and a drain water
receiving groove 73 formed on the underside of the heat exchanger 6
to receive drain water.
[0138] Disposed in the suction hole 71 is a bell mouth 8 for
guiding air drawn in through the suction port 34 to the impeller 52
of the air-blowing fan 5.
[0139] Formed in the casing 3 are a suction flow channel 2a running
from the suction port 34, to the air-blowing fan 5 through the
suction grill 36, the filter 37, and the bell mouth 8; and
discharge flow channels 2b running from the air-blowing fan 5 to
the discharge ports 35a to 35d through the heat exchanger 6 and the
discharge holes 72a to 72d.
[0140] (Action of the Air Conditioning Operation of the Air
Conditioning Apparatus)
[0141] Next, the action of the air conditioning operation of the
air conditioning apparatus 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0142] The states of the air conditioning apparatus 1 are
classified as two states, which are the stopped state and the
operating state as described above.
[0143] In the operating state, the dividing panels 41a to 41d,
which had been disposed at positions covering the suction port 34
in the stopped state, are moved by the opening/closing moveable
mechanisms 43, and the suction port 34 and discharge ports 35a to
35d are opened. When the dividing panels 41a to 41d are disposed at
their respective operating state positions, the fan motor 51 is
driven and the impeller 52 of the air-blowing fan 5 rotates.
Refrigerant is supplied into the heat exchanger 6 from the outdoor
unit (not shown) as the fan motor 51 is driven. The heat exchanger
6 herein operates as an evaporator during the cooling operation and
as a condenser during the heating operation. The air in the
air-conditioned room is drawn in through the suction port 34 into
the casing 3 via the suction flow channel 2a along with the
rotation of the impeller 52. The air drawn in is blown peripherally
outward by the impeller 52 to the heat exchanger 6, cooled or
heated in the heat exchanger 6, and then blown out into the
air-conditioned room through the discharge ports 35a to 35d via the
discharge flow channels 2b. Cooling or heating in the
air-conditioned room is performed in this manner.
[0144] (Opening/Closing Action of the Opening/Closing Mechanism for
the Dividing Cosmetic Panel)
[0145] --Stopped State--
[0146] In the stopped state of the air conditioning apparatus 1,
the dividing panels 41a to 41d are disposed at positions covering
and blocking off the suction port 34 of the casing 3, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 4, and 8(a). In the stopped state, the dividing panels 41a
to 41d of the dividing cosmetic panel 4 are positioned at
substantially the same height in a plan view, and the entire
structures of the four substantially flat dividing panels 41a to
41d are adjusted so as to be positioned at substantially the same
height. Therefore, when the air conditioning apparatus is viewed
from within the room, the dividing cosmetic panel 4 is primarily
visible. Therefore, since the suction port 34 is in an
inconspicuous flat state in the stopped state, the design is
improved in terms of a user in the room seeing the air conditioning
apparatus 1 as having an appealing appearance. The entire surface
of the ceiling in the room can thereby be made to have an appealing
appearance.
[0147] --Operating State--
[0148] In the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1,
the casing 3 and the first dividing panel 41a, second dividing
panel 41b, third dividing panel 41c, and fourth dividing panel 41d
of the dividing cosmetic panel 4 are disposed separated from each
other, as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8(b). Suction through the
suction port 34 into the casing 3 is thereby made possible, and
discharge through the discharge ports 35a to 35d is also made
possible.
[0149] In the operating state, as well as in the stopped state, the
dividing panels 41a to 41d are kept in a positional relationship of
overlapping the discharge ports 35a to 35d in a plan view. The
design is thereby improved in terms of the discharge ports 35a to
35d not being visible in a plan view, not only in the stopped
state, but also in the operating state.
[0150] In the operating state, the dividing panels 41a to 41d are
inclined by the angle adjustment mechanisms 44 in relation to the
discharge ports 35a to 35d of the casing 3, and a round flow is
achieved in which the discharge direction is adjusted to a
direction parallel to the ceiling surface. In cases in which a
round flow is achieved in this manner, the air current blown out
through the discharge ports 35a to 35d can be prevented from
directly reaching a user in the room, and a drafty sensation can be
reduced.
[0151] As the dividing panels 41a to 41d are inclined in relation
to the casing 3 and a round flow is achieved via the discharge
ports 35a to 35d as shown in FIG. 8(b), the dividing panels 41a to
41d become capable of guiding air so that air is readily drawn into
the suction port 34.
[0152] --Transition from Stopped State to Operating State--
[0153] The transition from the stopped state to the operating state
of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a transition from the
stopped state shown in FIG. 8(a) to the operating state shown in
FIG. 8(b), wherein the opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43 move
the support members 42a to 42d and the dividing panels 41a to 41d
relative to the casing 3. At the same time, the opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 43 move the dividing panels 41a to 41d away
from each other.
[0154] When the dividing panels 41a to 41d move, or while the
dividing panels 41a to 41d move, the angle adjustment mechanisms 44
are functioning, whereby the dividing panels 41a to 41d are
inclined in relation to the casing 3 so that in the stopped state,
the outward side of the direction in which the dividing panels move
is down, and the inward side is up.
[0155] When the dividing panels 41a to 41d move into an inclined
state, the angles of the flaps 45a to 45d are adjusted in order to
control the direction of discharge from the discharge ports 35a to
35d. The flaps 45 located inside the casing 3 in the stopped state
become exposed between the dividing panels 41a to 41d and the
casing 3 when the transition is made to the operating state as the
dividing panels 41a to 41d are moved by the opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 43. The flaps 45 adjust the direction of the
air flow from a area between the dividing panels 41 and the casing
3.
Characteristics of Air Conditioning Apparatus of First
Embodiment
[0156] (1)
[0157] In conventional practice, the suction port of the air
conditioning apparatus installed indoors or in another location is
always exposed in order to ensure that air is taken in through the
suction port, and is visible to a user in the room.
[0158] With the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 1 of
first embodiment, in the stopped state, the dividing panels 41 not
only overlap the discharge ports 35a to 35d in a plan view but also
cover and block off the suction port 34. Therefore, when viewed
from within the room, the dividing cosmetic panel is visible, and
the suction port 34 is inconspicuous. The surface of the dividing
cosmetic panel 4 has a flat shape, and is disposed in the shape of
a substantially flat surface in cases in which the suction port 34
is covered and sealed off in the stopped state. Therefore, the
portion visible to a user in the air conditioned space has a smooth
shape. Consequently, the outward appearance is appealing, and the
design is improved.
[0159] The opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43 move the
positions of the peripheral edges of the dividing panels 41a to
41d, thereby switching from a stopped state in which the suction
port 34 is blocked off to an operating state in which the suction
port 34 is open, and ventilation is ensured. Furthermore, the
dividing cosmetic panel 4 is designed so that in the operating
state, the distances between the dividing panels 41 and the
distances to the discharge ports 35a to 35d are widened by the
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43 in comparison with the
stopped state. Therefore, airflow resistance in the peripheries of
the suction port 34 and the discharge ports 35a to 35d is reduced,
and air suction through the suction port 34 is more effective as is
air discharge through the discharge ports 35a to 35d.
[0160] According to the configuration described above, the design
when the stopped air conditioning apparatus 1 is viewed from within
the room can be improved, and ventilation can be sufficiently
ensured in the operating state.
[0161] The dividing cosmetic panel 4 opens the suction port 34 due
to the moving of the four divided panels, which are the first
through fourth dividing panels 41a to 41d. Therefore, in cases in
which an attempt is made to open the suction port 34 to the same
degree with one panel or with four divided panels, the four divided
panels need only be moved by a smaller amount than would be the
case with one panel. The design is thereby prevented from losing
attractiveness due to the dividing panels 41a to 41d needing to
move in greater amounts, which would compromise the outward
appearance, and ventilation can be effectively ensured.
[0162] The opening/closing moveable mechanisms 43 entirely move the
dividing panels 41a to 41d including the peripheral edges of the
panels, and none of the ends of the dividing panels 41a to 41d are
fixed in relation to the casing 3. Therefore, in the operating
state, airflow resistance in the vicinity of the suction port 34
can be efficiently reduced and a satisfactory suctioning state can
be achieved.
[0163] (2)
[0164] In the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 1 of
first embodiment, in the operating state, the dividing cosmetic
panel 4 is moved by the opening/closing moveable mechanism 43,
whereby the discharge ports 35a to 35d remain covered in a plan
view. Therefore, the dividing cosmetic panel 4 obscures the
discharge ports 35a to 35d in the operating state. The discharge
ports 35a to 35d can thereby be concealed and the design in the
operating state can be improved.
[0165] (3)
[0166] In the operating state, in which the dividing cosmetic panel
4 of the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 1 of first
embodiment has moved to a position opening up the suction port 34
as shown in FIG. 8, the angle of the dividing cosmetic panel 4 in
relation to the discharge ports 35a to 35d of the casing 3 is
adjusted by the angle adjustment mechanism 44, whereby the flow of
air blown out into the room through the discharge ports 35a to 35d
can be adjusted. Furthermore, the dividing panels 41a to 41d of the
dividing cosmetic panel 4 are provided with respective flaps 45a to
45d, and the orientation of the flow of air through the discharge
ports 35a to 35d can also be adjusted by the flaps 45.
[0167] Thereby, not only is the direction of air flowing through
the discharge ports 35a to d adjusted by the position of the
dividing cosmetic panel 4, but the direction of ventilation can be
more acutely adjusted by varying the inclined state of the flaps
45a to 45d. Situations in which the discharged air is blown
directly into the ceiling surface can be avoided and the ceiling
surface can be prevented from being soiled by acutely adjusting the
air-blowing direction by means of the flaps 45a to 45d as shown in
FIG. 8, even in cases in which the discharged air is made to flow
along the ceiling surface by the angle adjustment mechanism 44 to
achieve round flow.
Modification of the Air Conditioning Apparatus of First
Embodiment
[0168] An embodiment of the present invention was described above,
but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and
various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate
from the scope of the invention.
[0169] (A)
[0170] In the air conditioning apparatus 1 of first embodiment, the
dividing cosmetic panel 4 was described as an example of a case in
which the panel is composed of four panels, which are the first
through fourth dividing panels 41a to 41d.
[0171] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and the dividing cosmetic panel 4 may also be composed of
two dividing panels, including a first dividing panel 141a and a
second dividing panel 141b, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. In
this case as well, the suction port 34 is covered and blocked off
in the stopped state as shown in FIG. 9(a), and the suction port 34
is opened up in the operating state as shown in FIG. 9(b) to blow
air out in the two directions of discharge ports 135a, 135b,
thereby ensuring ventilation. The design can thereby be improved
and ventilation can be ensured similar to first embodiment.
[0172] (B)
[0173] In the air conditioning apparatus 1 of first embodiment, the
dividing cosmetic panel 4 has an angle adjustment mechanism 44, and
the direction of the flow of air blown out through the discharge
ports 35a to 35d can be adjusted.
[0174] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and another possibility is a configuration in which the
dividing cosmetic panel 4 particularly does not have the angle
adjustment mechanism 44 referred to in first embodiment, and the
angles of the dividing panels 41 in relation to the casing 3 are
maintained. In this case, the flat shape in the ceiling can be
maintained from the stopped state throughout the operating state,
and the design can therefore be improved in this respect.
[0175] (C)
[0176] In the air conditioning apparatus 1 of first embodiment, and
an example of a configuration was described in which flaps 45 were
included which were located inside the casing 3 in the stopped
state and which were exposed between the dividing panels 41 and the
casing 3 in the operating state.
[0177] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and another possibility is a configuration in which the
flaps 45 referred to in first embodiment are not provided, as shown
in FIG. 11. For example, the directions of the flow of discharged
air from the discharge ports 35a to 35d may be adjusted by the
angle adjustment mechanism 44 alone, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0178] Another additional possibility is to dispose flaps 145a to
145d at positions mostly in contact with the dividing panels 41 in
the stopped state, and to expose the flaps 145a to 145d between the
dividing panels 41 and the casing 3 in the operating state, as
shown in FIG. 12. In this case, unlike in first embodiment, the air
passing through the discharge ports 35a to 35d also passes between
the casing 3 and the flaps 145a to 145d, and the discharge
directions can be adjusted by adjusting the degrees of inclination
of the flaps 145a to 145d.
[0179] (D)
[0180] An example was described of a case in which in the air
conditioning apparatus 1 of first embodiment, heat exchange was
performed between the drawn in air and the refrigerant merely via
the heat exchanger 6 provided in the interior of the casing 3, and
the conditioned air was supplied into the room.
[0181] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and another possibility is a configuration in which there
are a plurality of discharge ports 35a to 35d, and temperatures of
the refrigerant differ according to the air blown through each of
the discharge ports 35a to 35d with which the refrigerant exchanges
heat.
[0182] For example, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing
through a heat exchanger 6a positioned in proximity to a discharge
port 35a may be set low so that the air blown out through the
discharge port 35a becomes colder, and the temperature of the
refrigerant flowing through a heat exchanger 6c positioned in
proximity to another discharge port 35c may be set high so that the
air blown out through the other discharge port 35c is warmer than
the air blown out through the discharge port 35a, as shown in FIG.
13. In this case, when there are a plurality of discharge ports 35a
to 35d, the discharge temperature can be adjusted to suit the
preference of a user standing in the direction in which air is
blown out via the discharge ports 35a to 35d, and air can be
supplied at different desired temperatures preferred by a plurality
of users.
[0183] Another possibility is a configuration in which the
temperature of the flowing refrigerant is adjusted so as to differ
in the different positions of the refrigerant tubes of the heat
exchanger 6, and a drain water guide 66 is also provided for
guiding drain water produced in the periphery of any refrigerant
tube to another refrigerant tube having a different refrigerant
temperature, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) to (d). The placement of the
heat exchanger 6 in this case is not particularly limited, and the
drain water guide 66 can have a structure that can guide the
produced drain water from the portion where the drain water is
produced to the portions having the refrigerant tubes, which can
use the drain water for heat recovery.
[0184] For example, in another possibility as shown in FIG. 14(a),
a heat exchanger 6e disposed directly above the suction port 34 is
also included, heat exchangers 6a to d provided corresponding to
the discharge ports 35a to 35d are included, drain water produced
from the heat exchanger 6c disposed at an incline inside the casing
3 is recovered by the drain water guide 66 and led to the heat
exchanger 6a disposed at an incline inside the casing 3, and heat
is recovered in the heat exchanger 6a.
[0185] Other possibility is a configuration in which the
above-described heat exchanger 6e is not included as shown in FIG.
14(b), a configuration in which the heat exchangers 6 are not
inclined inside the casing 3 as shown in FIG. 14(c), or a
configuration in which the heat exchangers 6a, 6c are disposed at a
distance from each other within the casing 3 and are connected via
the drain water guide 66 as shown in FIG. 14(d). Thus, in cases in
which the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the
refrigerant tubes is changed in order to vary the temperature of
the air discharged via the discharge ports 35a to 35d of the casing
3, a heat recovery operation can be performed by the drain water
guide 66 using the produced drain water, and the heat efficiency of
the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be improved.
SECOND EMBODIMENT
[0186] A ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 200 according
to embodiment 2 of the present invention is described hereinbelow
with reference to FIGS. 15 through 17.
[0187] Aspects of the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus
200 of embodiment 2 that are shared by the air conditioning
apparatus 1 of first embodiment are not described herein.
[0188] The dividing cosmetic panel 4 of the air conditioning
apparatus 200 differs most from that of the air conditioning
apparatus 1 of first embodiment in being provided with first
through fourth dividing panels 241a to 241d disposed below the
suction grill 36, and in that the dividing panels 241a to 241d have
respective folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to
243d.
[0189] The folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d
are disposed so that in the substantially same plane, the folding
axial directions of the folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms
243 are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG. 15(b) and FIGS.
16(a) to (e) (partial enlarged cross-sectional views of the
portions indicated by "P" in FIG. 15(a)).
[0190] The folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d
are provided so as to extend longitudinally in proximity to the
centers of the dividing panels 241a to 241d. The folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d fold the dividing
panels 241a to 241d in a manner in which the longitudinal direction
is the axial direction.
[0191] The folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d
function as fixed ends which can rotate relative to the casing 3
but whose positions are fixed. Both ends of each dividing panel
241a to 241d function as free ends which can freely slide relative
to a panel frame 33 provided with a slide space S, as shown in FIG.
16.
[0192] In the stopped state, the dividing panels 241a to d are not
folded but are housed within the slide space S provided in the
panel frame 33, and are disposed in mutual succession along the
substantially same plane, thereby covering a suction port 234 as
shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 16(a).
[0193] In the operating state, the dividing panels 241a to 241d are
folded by the folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to
243d as shown in FIG. 15(b) and FIGS. 16(b) to (e) (the manner of
folding is shown in separate stages in FIGS. 16(b), (c), (d), and
(e)). The dividing panels 241a to 241d sustain the state in which
the folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d
functioning as fixed ends are supported relative to the casing 3.
Both ends of each dividing panel 241a to 241d functioning as free
ends slide so as to approach each other within the slide space S,
whereby the dividing panels 241a to 241d are folded. At this time,
the panel frame 33 and both ends of each dividing panel 241a to
241d are lowered relative to the casing 3. The suction port 234 is
opened up in this manner.
[0194] The air drawn in through the suction port 234 is blown out
via discharge ports 235a to 235d formed between the casing 3 and
the lowered panel frame 33.
Characteristics of the Air Conditioning Apparatus of Embodiment
2
[0195] In the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 200 of
embodiment 2, the dividing cosmetic panel 4 has the folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d. The folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d fold the dividing
panels 241a to 241d during the transition from the stopped state to
the operating state so as to position the panels perpendicular to
the suction port 34. The portions disposed so as to interfere with
the air flow attempting to pass through the suction port 34 are
thereby fewer than with the stopped state.
[0196] The folded portions extending downward from the suction port
34 can also be reduced in length in comparison with a case in which
the dividing panels 241a to 241d are vertically established without
being folded. The airflow resistance in the periphery of the
suction port 34 is thereby reduced, making it easier for air to be
drawn in through the periphery.
[0197] The folding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d
are provided to each of a divided plurality of dividing panels 241a
to 241d, and the dividing panels 241a to 241d are folded
individually. Therefore, the number of airflow resistances can be
reduced in comparison with a case in which one dividing panel is
folded into two parts.
[0198] Furthermore, the folded portions extending downward from the
suction port 34 can be further reduced in length by folding not one
but each of the plurality of dividing panels 241a to 241d, and the
airflow resistance in the periphery of the suction port 34 is
further reduced, making it even easier for air to be drawn in
through the periphery.
[0199] The transition from the stopped state to the operating state
thereby requires less action from the dividing panels 241a to 241d,
which protrude downward from the suction port 34 to a lesser
degree, and the design is improved.
Modifications of the Air Conditioning Apparatus of Embodiment 2
[0200] An embodiment of the present invention was described above,
but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and
various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate
from the scope of the invention.
[0201] (A)
[0202] A case was described as an example in which in the air
conditioning apparatus 200 of second embodiment, the folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d function as fixed
ends relative to the casing 3, and both ends of each dividing panel
241a to 241d function as free ends which slide relative to the
slide space S of the panel frame 33.
[0203] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and the same effects are obtained with a configuration
such as the one shown in FIG. 17, for example. Specifically, the
configuration may be designed so that the folding opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d function as fixed ends relative to
the panel frame 33, and both ends of each dividing panel 241a to
241d function as free ends which slide relative to a slide space S
provided in the casing 3, as shown in FIGS. 17(a) to (e).
[0204] (B)
[0205] A case was described as an example in which in the air
conditioning apparatus 200 of second embodiment, the panel frame 33
in the operating state lowers while sliding relative to the
dividing panels 241a to 241d.
[0206] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and another possibility is a configuration in which a
panel frame 33 is not provided, as shown in FIG. 18, for
example.
[0207] The configuration may be designed so that the ends of the
dividing panels 241a to 241d each having respective folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d slide relative to
a slide space S provided in the casing 3, and the folding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d are lowered,
thereby opening up the suction port 34 as shown in FIG. 18(a).
[0208] Another possibility is a configuration in which the dividing
panels 241a to 241d each have respective folding opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d, and the folding opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 243a to 243d remain supported relative to
support members 247a to 247d provided in the casing 3, in which the
dividing panels 241a to 241d are folded, thereby opening up the
suction port 34 as shown in FIG. 18(b).
THIRD EMBODIMENT
[0209] A ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 300 according
to a third embodiment of the present invention is described
hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0210] Aspects of the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus
300 of third embodiment that are shared by the air conditioning
apparatus 1 of first embodiment are not described herein.
[0211] The dividing cosmetic panel 4 of the air conditioning
apparatus 300 differs most from the air conditioning apparatuses 1,
200 of the first and second embodiments in being provided with
first through fourth dividing panels 341a to 341f disposed below
the suction grill 36, and also in that the dividing panels 341a to
341f have respective sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms
343a to 343f.
[0212] The sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f
are mechanisms associated with the end portions of the dividing
panels 341a to 341f, the mechanisms having mechanisms which
function as fixed ends for rotatably supporting one set of end
portions of the dividing panels 341a to 341f relative to the casing
3, and mechanisms which function as free ends for sliding the other
set of end portions of the dividing panels 341a to 341f relative to
a slide space S provided in the panel frame 33, as shown in FIGS.
19(a) and (b), and FIG. 20.
[0213] The sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f
are disposed so as to share the same primary sliding direction (a
horizontal sliding direction). The dividing panels 341a to 341c are
disposed so that their ends on the left sides of the drawings
slide, and the dividing panels 341d to 341f are disposed so that
their ends on the right sides of the drawings slide, as shown in
FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0214] In the stopped state, the dividing panels 341a to 341f do
not slide but are accommodated within a slide space S provided in
the panel frame 33, and are disposed in mutual succession along the
substantially same plane, thereby covering a suction port 334 as
shown in FIG. 19(a).
[0215] In the operating state, one set of ends of the dividing
panels 341a to 341f slide relative to the slide space S provided to
the panel frame 33 due to the functioning of the sliding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f, so that the
dividing panels 341a to 341f come to have a perpendicular
positional relationship with respect to the suction port 334, as
shown in FIGS. 19(b) and 20. At this time, the panel frame 33 and
both sets of ends of the dividing panels 341a to 341f are lowered
relative to the casing 3. The suction port 334 is opened up in this
manner.
[0216] The air drawn in through the suction port 334 is blown out
via discharge ports 335a to 335d formed between the casing 3 and
the lowered panel frame 33.
Characteristics of the Air Conditioning Apparatus of Third
Embodiment
[0217] In the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 300 of
third embodiment, in the operating state, the positions of the
dividing panels 341a to 341f are changed by the functioning of the
sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f so as to
face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the suction port
334. Therefore, in comparison with the stopped state, there are
fewer portions of the dividing panels 341a to 341f disposed so as
to interfere with air flows attempting to pass through the suction
port 334.
[0218] The sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f
also function at the respective ends of the divided plurality of
dividing panels 341a to 341f and individually slide the respective
dividing panels 341a to 341f. Therefore, since the plurality of
dividing panels 341a to 341f are slid to open up the suction port
334, airflow resistance can be reduced in comparison with a case in
which one dividing panel is slid to open up the suction port
334.
[0219] Furthermore, the slid portions extending downward from the
suction port 334 can be further reduced in length by individually
sliding not one but each of the plurality of dividing panels 341a
to f, and the airflow resistance in the periphery of the suction
port 334 is further reduced, making it even easier for air to be
drawn in through the periphery.
[0220] The transition from the stopped state to the operating state
thereby requires less action from the dividing panels 341a to 341f,
which protrude downward from the suction port 334 to a lesser
degree, and the design is improved.
[0221] The dividing panels 341a, 341b, and 341c are disposed
parallel to each other, and apart from these panels, the dividing
panels 341d, 341e, and 341f are disposed parallel to each other.
The panels are opened and closed by the sliding opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f while remaining parallel to each
other, whereby a state of reduced airflow resistance in the suction
port 334 can be achieved even while the opening or closing action
is taking place.
Modifications of the Air Conditioning Apparatus of Third
Embodiment
[0222] An embodiment of the present invention was described above,
but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and
various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate
from the scope of the invention.
[0223] (A)
[0224] A case was described as an example in which in the air
conditioning apparatus 300 of third embodiment, the panel frame 33
lowers while sliding in relation to the dividing panels 341a to
341f during the operating state.
[0225] However, the present invention is not limited to this
example, and another possibility is a configuration in which a
panel frame 33 is not provided as shown in FIG. 21(a), for
example.
[0226] (B)
[0227] The dividing panels 341a to 341f having the sliding
opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f which are provided
in the slide space S provided in the panel frame 33, as shown in
FIG. 21(b) need not have portions which function as fixed ends.
[0228] (C)
[0229] The sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f
of the dividing panels 341a to 341f may also be configured so that
one end of each functions as a fixed end in the panel frame 33, and
the other end functions as a free end in the slide space S provided
in the casing 3, as shown in FIG. 21(c).
[0230] (D)
[0231] The sliding opening/closing moveable mechanisms 343a to 343f
of the dividing panels 341a to 341f may be configured so that one
set of ends function as fixed ends in the casing 3 while the other
set of ends function as free ends in a slide space S provided in
the panel frame 33, and the dividing panels 341a to 341f need not
be disposed so as to be parallel to each other, as shown in FIG.
21(d).
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0232] An embodiment of the present invention was described above,
but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and
various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate
from the scope of the invention.
[0233] (A)
[0234] The present invention is not limited to the
ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatuses 1, 200, 300 in the
first through third embodiments described above, and may also be a
ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 400 such as the one
shown in FIG. 22, for example. Aspects of the ceiling-installed air
conditioning apparatus 400 that are shared by the air conditioning
apparatus 1 of first embodiment are not described herein.
[0235] The dividing cosmetic panel 4 of the air conditioning
apparatus 400 has first through fourth dividing panels 441a to 441d
as shown in FIG. 22. The dividing panels 441a to 441d have
respective rotating opening/closing moveable mechanisms 444a to
444d, whose rotating states are adjusted so as to differ between
the stopped state and the operating state of the air conditioning
apparatus 400.
[0236] The air conditioning apparatus 400 is designed so that in
the stopped state, the first through fourth dividing panels 441a to
441d are disposed in a substantially planar manner in a plan view
so as to run along the bottom surface of the casing 3 in the
peripheral edge of the casing 3, which is disposed on the ceiling
surface, as shown in FIG. 22(a).
[0237] The air conditioning apparatus 400 is also designed so that
in the operating state, the first through fourth dividing panels
441a to 441d are rotated by the respective rotating opening/closing
moveable mechanisms 444a to 444d, exposing respective suction ports
434a to 434d in the inner side of the bottom surface of the casing
3. At the same time, respective discharge ports 435a to 435d are
exposed in the outer side of the bottom surface of the casing
3.
[0238] In the operating state, the air-blowing fan 5 is driven,
whereby the indoor air that has been drawn into the casing 3 via
the suction ports 434a to 434d passes through the suction grill 36,
dust is removed by the filter 37, the temperature is adjusted by
heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the heat
exchanger 6, and the air is blown out into the room via the
discharge ports 435a to 435d.
[0239] Thus, in the air conditioning apparatus 400 as well, the
exposure of the suction ports 434a to 434d and the discharge ports
435a to 435d is ensured merely by rotating the dividing panels 441a
to 441d by the rotating opening/closing moveable mechanisms 444a to
444d, and ventilation for air conditioning can therefore easily be
ensured while creating an appealing appearance in the ceiling
surface and improving the design, similar to the air conditioning
apparatus 1, 200, 300 of the first through third embodiments
described above.
[0240] (B)
[0241] The present invention may also be a ceiling-installed air
conditioning apparatus 500 such as the one shown in FIGS. 23 and
24. Aspects of the ceiling-installed air conditioning apparatus 500
that are shared by the air conditioning apparatus 1 of first
embodiment are not described herein.
[0242] In a fitted cosmetic panel 504 of the air conditioning
apparatus 500, the casing 3 is provided with blocking members 39a
to 39f for partially blocking ventilation through a suction port
534, as shown in FIG. 23. The blocking members 39a to 39f are
members extending in parallel to each other so as to partially
block off ventilation through the suction port 534, as shown in
FIG. 23 (the blocking members extend in the depth direction of the
paper surface in FIG. 23). Since the blocking members 39a to 39f
are provided to the suction port 534, during operation, indoor air
bypasses the blocking members 39a to 39f and passes through suction
ports 534a to 534e to be taken into the casing 3. The fitted
cosmetic panel 504 is provided with blocking corresponding openings
49a to 49f which correspond to the blocking members 39a to 39f of
the casing 3, and a plurality of fitting members 541a to 541e
extending in parallel to each other so as to correspond to the
ventilation portions of the suction ports 534a to 534e are provided
between the blocking corresponding openings 49a to 49f, as shown in
FIG. 23.
[0243] When the air conditioning apparatus 500 is in the stopped
state, the fitting members 541a to 541e of the fitted cosmetic
panel 504 are each fitted with the blocking members 39a to 39f of
the casing 3, blocking off ventilation, and a substantially flat
surface is configured by the lower end surfaces of the fitting
members 541a to 541e and the lower end surfaces of the blocking
members 39a to 39f, as shown in FIG. 24(a). The bottom surface of
the air conditioning apparatus 500 thereby has an appealing
appearance during the stopped state when the ceiling surface is
viewed from within the room. When the air conditioning apparatus
500 is in the operating state, the fitting members 541a to 541e of
the fitted cosmetic panel 504 are lowered relative to the casing 3
by the operation of the opening/closing moveable mechanism 543, as
shown in FIG. 24(b). In the operating state, the driving of the
air-blowing fan 5 thereby causes indoor air to pass through the
blocking corresponding openings 49a to 49f, to further pass through
the suction ports 534a to 534e, and to be taken into the casing 3,
as shown in FIG. 24(b). Air thus taken in passes through the
suction grill 36, dust is removed by the filter 37, the temperature
is adjusted by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through
the heat exchanger 6, and the air is blown back out into the room
via discharge ports 535a to 535d.
[0244] Thus, with the air conditioning apparatus 500 as well, the
ceiling surface has an appealing appearance and the design is
improved, similar to the air conditioning apparatuses 1, 200, 300
of the first through third embodiments described above. During the
operating state, indoor air is not taken in via a horizontal gap
formed by a distance separating the fitted cosmetic panel 4 from
the casing 3, but rather via a flow channel formed from a
misalignment in the positional relationship between the positions
of the suction ports 534a to 534e and the positions of the blocking
corresponding openings 49a to 49f when the apparatus transitions
from the stopped state to the operating state. To ensure that
indoor air is taken into the casing 3, it is thereby sufficient if
a misalignment can be ensured in the positional relationship
between the positions of the suction ports 534a to 534e and the
positions of the blocking corresponding openings 49a to 49f, and
the fitted cosmetic panel 504 does not need to be separated from
the casing 3 any more than is necessary. The fitted cosmetic panel
504 thereby only needs to be lowered by a small extent in the
operating state, and ventilation can be easily ensured. Since the
fitted cosmetic panel 504 is lowered by a small extent, it is
possible to prevent a person in the room from feeling that the
ceiling has lowered or otherwise feeling confined as a result of
the fitted cosmetic panel 504 descending from the ceiling, and the
design can be improved from this respect as well.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0245] According to the present invention, since ventilation can be
ensured while the design is improved, it is particularly useful to
apply the present invention to an air conditioning apparatus which
is disposed in a position easily visible to a user and in which
design is a factor.
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