Wiring protection structure and indoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

A wiring protection structure in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment includes a protection member that protects wiring connected between a rotating mechanism that rotates about a predetermined central axis and a non-rotating mechanism that does not change relative to the rotating mechanism, and allows the wiring to pass inside. The protection member includes a wiring portion and a folding portion. The wiring portion defines a wiring space for the wiring set to a diameter larger than the diameter of the wiring. The folding portion folds the wiring portion in such a way that the folding position of the wiring portion can be displaced in the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure (wiring protection structure) for protecting wiring connecting a rotating mechanism and a non-rotating mechanism that does not move relative to the rotating mechanism, and an indoor unit of an air conditioner including the wiring protection structure. Background Art

[0002] In general, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an air inlet, an air outlet, an outlet cover covering the outline of the outlet, a heat exchanger, a fan that generates airflow from the inlet through the heat exchanger to the outlet, and a housing that accommodates the heat exchanger. The outlet is provided with a louver that deflects the airflow (hereinafter referred to as the blown air) that is temperature-controlled by the heat exchanger and blown to the indoor space of the air-conditioned object. In order to make the blown air spread throughout the indoor space and efficiently adjust the indoor temperature, the louver is configured to have a plurality of wind deflectors. These wind deflectors can be rotated and deflected around a rotation axis by a driving mechanism.

[0003] In addition to the deflection of the wind deflector, the wind deflector and its rotation axis are rotated and displaced in the circumferential direction with the central axis of the air outlet as the center, so that the blown air can be spread throughout the indoor space, and the indoor temperature can be further efficiently adjusted. For example, when the rotating unit including the air outlet and the wind deflector is rotatable relative to the housing and the air outlet cover of the indoor unit, the wiring of the driving mechanism connected to the wind deflector is arranged in the space between the rotating unit and the air outlet cover to connect the housing and the rotating unit. The wiring is, for example, the lead wire of the motor, the signal wire or the power wire of the control substrate, and the number of the wires is not limited.

[0004] On the other hand, the rotating unit is a rotating mechanism that can rotate relative to the outlet cover, and the outlet cover is a member that is mounted on the housing and does not move (a structural member of the non-rotating mechanism relative to the rotating mechanism). Therefore, when the rotating unit rotates, the wiring moves between the rotating unit and the outlet cover, and there is a possibility that it will deviate from the original wiring position.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 142026 Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wiring protection structure and an indoor unit of an air conditioner having the wiring protection structure, which can suppress the wiring between a rotating mechanism and a non-rotating mechanism from moving around and protect the wiring connecting these components.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] A wiring protection structure in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment includes a protection member that protects wiring connected between a rotating mechanism that rotates about a predetermined central axis and a non-rotating mechanism that does not change relative to the rotating mechanism, and allows the wiring to pass inside. The protection member includes a wiring portion and a folding portion. The wiring portion defines a wiring space for the wiring set to a diameter larger than the diameter of the wiring. The folding portion folds the wiring portion in such a way that the folding position of the wiring portion can be displaced in the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit along line II-II.

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit along line III-III in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view of the indoor unit with the air outlet cover removed.

[0015] Figure 5 Is magnification Figure 4 A diagram schematically illustrates a portion of a wiring protection structure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a coil spring which is an example of a protection member in the wiring protection structure.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view of a movable-side guide member of the guide member.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a schematic perspective view of a fixed-side guide member of the guide member.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a diagram schematically showing a wiring protection structure according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a schematic perspective view of an element component (link) of a chain which is an example of a protection member in a wiring protection structure.

[0021] Fig.11This is a schematic plan view of an element component (link) of a chain which is an example of a protection member in a wiring protection structure.

[0022] Fig.12 It is a schematic plan view showing a state where a plurality of links are connected to form a chain.

[0023] Fig.13 It is a top view schematically showing a state in which the rotation angle of two connected links is minimum.

[0024] Fig.14 It is a top view schematically showing a state in which the rotation angle of two connected links is maximum. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] [Implementation Method 1]

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a schematic perspective view of an indoor unit 1 according to Embodiment 1. The indoor unit 1 is connected to an outdoor unit including a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and an outdoor heat exchanger, etc., through a refrigerant pipe. An air conditioner having a refrigeration cycle is constituted by the indoor unit 1, the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant pipe, etc. The air conditioner can, for example, switch between cooling operation and heating operation. However, the air conditioner can also perform only cooling operation or heating operation.

[0028] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are defined. These X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are orthogonal to each other. The Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction. In the following description, the Z direction is sometimes referred to as the upper direction, the direction opposite thereto is sometimes referred to as the lower direction, and the Y direction is sometimes referred to as the front direction.

[0029] The indoor unit 1 includes a housing 2 and a blow-out port unit 4 having a blow-out port 3 at the front end. The housing 2 includes a front panel 20, a front cover 21 disposed above the front panel 20, a back panel 22 opposite to the front panel 20 and the front cover 21, a pair of side panels 23 and 24 opposite to each other, a bottom panel 25, and a top panel 26 opposite to the bottom panel 25. The indoor unit 1 may be provided in a single unit, or may be provided in a multi-layer stacked state in the Z direction by connecting the back panel 22 to a frame disposed along a column or a wall of a building, for example. In addition, a plurality of indoor units 1 may be arranged in the X direction, or may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0030] The front panel 20, the front cover 21 and the back panel 22 are parallel to the XZ plane defined by the X direction and the Z direction. The side panels 23 and 24 are parallel to the YZ plane defined by the Y direction and the Z direction. The bottom panel 25 and the top panel 26 are parallel to the XY plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction. Figure 1 In the example shown, the housing 2 is in the shape of a flat rectangular parallelepiped whose width in the Y direction is sufficiently small relative to the widths in the X direction and the Z direction. However, the shape of the housing 2 is not limited to this example.

[0031] The front cover 21 is arranged between the front panel 20 and the top panel 26 in the Z direction. The front cover 21 is mounted to the front panel 20 by screws 211. In addition, for example, a pair of claws are provided on the back of the front cover 21, and these claws are hooked into the mounting holes provided in the side panels 23 and 24. In the above structure, the front cover 21 can be removed relative to the other parts of the housing 2 by removing the screws 211. In addition, the structure for removing the front cover 21 is not limited to the structure exemplified here.

[0032] The blow-out port unit 4 includes a cylindrical cover (hereinafter referred to as a blow-out port cover) 40 whose front end tapers toward the blow-out port 3. The blow-out port cover 40 covers the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 92 and the second cylindrical member 31 described later, protects the structural members of the blow-out port unit 4 including the blow-out port 3 (the rectifying plate 94, the first cylindrical member 92 and the second cylindrical member 31 described later), and improves the design of the appearance. The blow-out port cover 40 is mounted to the front panel 20 at least by screws 41. Thus, the blow-out port cover 40, together with the housing 2, constitutes a non-rotating mechanism that does not change relative to the rotating unit 30 (rotating mechanism) described later. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the outer peripheral surface of the outlet cover 40 is provided with a recess 42, and the screw 41 passes through a through hole provided in the end surface of the recess 42 on the housing 2 side. The outer contour of the outlet cover 40 is in a curved line shape.

[0033] The air outlet unit 4 further includes a louver 5 provided at the air outlet 3 . Figure 1 In the example shown, the louver 5 is composed of three rotatable wind direction plates 51, 52, 53. The number of wind direction plates is not limited to three, and the louver 5 can also be composed of less than two or more than four wind direction plates. The wind direction plates 51, 52, 53 can adjust the inclination of the airflow blown out from the air outlet 3.

[0034] Figures 2 to 4 , a schematic structure of the in-vehicle unit 1 is shown. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line II-II in the figure, Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II I-III. Figure 4It is a schematic perspective view of the indoor unit 1 with the air outlet cover 40 removed.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a heat exchanger 6 is disposed inside the housing 2. The heat exchanger 6 includes a plurality of heat pipes 60 extending along the X direction and a plurality of fins 61 connected to the heat pipes 60. Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of fins 61 have a strip shape in the Z direction and are arranged at intervals in the X direction.

[0036] The back panel 22 is provided with connection ports 62 and 63 for refrigerant pipes connected to the outdoor unit and a suction port 27 facing the heat exchanger 6. For example, the inlet of the flow path formed by each heat transfer tube 60 is connected to the connection port 62, and the outlet of the flow path is connected to the connection port 63.

[0037] A drain pan 64 for receiving condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 6 is disposed below the heat exchanger 6. The condensed water accumulated in the drain pan 64 is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 through a pipe (not shown).

[0038] A mounting plate 70 parallel to the XZ plane is disposed above the heat exchanger 6. The mounting plate 70 is opposite to the front cover 21 and the back panel 22. A partition plate 71 parallel to the XY plane is connected to the lower end of the mounting plate 70. A heat insulating material 65 is disposed between the partition plate 71 and the heat exchanger 6. The mounting plate 70 and the partition plate 71 may be formed as one piece by bending one plate into an L shape, or may be separate plates. The mounting plate 70, the partition plate 71, the front cover 21, and the top panel 26 form a space S1 for accommodating the control unit 8.

[0039] The control unit 8 includes a control substrate 80 and various electronic components 81. The control substrate 80 is mounted on the mounting plate 70. Each electronic component 81 is mounted on one surface of the control substrate 80 opposite to the front cover 21. The control unit 8 is connected to a remote controller provided outside the indoor unit 1, a communication line for communicating with the outdoor unit and other indoor units, and a power line. These communication lines and power lines extend to the outside of the indoor unit 1 through a through-hole provided on the back panel 22, for example.

[0040] The front panel 20 has an opening 29 that overlaps with the heat exchanger 6 in the Y direction. A fan 9 is arranged on the inner side of the outlet cover 40 so as to face the heat exchanger 6 through the opening 29. The fan 9 generates an air flow of air whose temperature is adjusted by heat exchange by the heat exchanger 6. The fan 9 is, for example, an axial flow fan, and includes a fan motor 90 and a plurality of blades 91 that are rotated around an axis AX by the fan motor 90. In the present embodiment, the axis AX is parallel to the Y direction.

[0041] The fan 9 is disposed inside a first cylindrical member 92 coaxial with the axis AX. The first cylindrical member 92 is fixed to the housing 2 and surrounds the opening 29 outside the housing 2 and inside the outlet cover 40. At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 92 is covered with a heat insulating material 93.

[0042] The louver 5 is disposed at an end of the second cylindrical member 31 coaxial with the axis AX. The wind direction plates 51, 52, 53 of the louver 5 are rotated by a drive mechanism (hereinafter referred to as louver drive mechanism) 33 including, for example, a motor 34.

[0043] At least a portion of the outer peripheral surface 31a of the second cylindrical member 31 is covered with a heat insulating material 32. The air outlet 3 corresponds to an opening on the front end side of the second cylindrical member 31. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the center of the air outlet 3 is located on the axis AX (the center axis of the air outlet 3 coincides with the axis AX).

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a louver driving mechanism 33 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 31a of the second cylindrical member 31. The louver driving mechanism 33 includes gears and the like for changing the angles of the wind deflectors 51, 52, 53 by the driving force of the motor 34, so that the wind deflectors 51, 52, 53 rotate at a predetermined inclination. The motor 34 is connected to the control substrate 80 through a predetermined wiring (motor lead wire).

[0045] The shutter 5, the second cylindrical member 31, the heat insulating material 32, the shutter driving mechanism 33 and the motor 34 constitute the rotating unit 30. The rotating unit 30 is held by the holding member 10 so as to be rotatable around the axis AX. In the present embodiment, the axis AX becomes the central axis when the rotating unit 30 rotates. The rotating unit 30 rotates around the axis AX within a range of 180° as a rotatable area. The rotatable area is a state in which the rotating unit 30 is located ( Figure 4 The rotation unit 30 rotates within a range of 180° centered on the axis AX from the reference state (hereinafter referred to as the reference state) so that the rotation axes of the wind deflectors 51, 52, 52 (parallel to the XY plane) are horizontal. That is, the rotation unit 30 rotates within a range of upside down from the reference state. However, the rotatable area is not limited to this range.

[0046] Specifically, the holding member 10 connects the second cylindrical member 31 to the first cylindrical member 92 so that the two can be rotatably connected. The holding member 10 includes a motor 11. The motor 11, for example, meshes a gear provided at the end of the second cylindrical member 31 with a gear of a rotating shaft and transmits it in a circumferential direction centered on the axis AX. Thus, the second cylindrical member 31 rotates relative to the first cylindrical member 92. The second cylindrical member 31 can also be rotated manually. In this case, for example, three gears can be arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction centered on the axis AX and meshed with the gears, thereby supporting the second cylindrical member 31 rotatably relative to the first cylindrical member 92. When the rotating unit 30 is rotated, the protrusion 311 is pinched to rotate the rotating unit 30 circumferentially by a desired amount centered on the axis AX. The protrusion 311 is provided at the periphery of the blow-out port 3 of the second cylindrical member 31 and is an input portion for the force acting on the rotating unit 30, and acts as a handle.

[0047] The first cylindrical member 92 and the second cylindrical member 31 constitute an air duct AD. The air duct AD is a flow path through which the air after heat exchange (temperature adjustment) by the heat exchanger 6 becomes an airflow through the rotation of the fan 9. The central axis of the air duct AD coincides with the axis AX. In the air duct AD, a rectifying plate 94 is arranged between the fan 9 and the louver 5. The rectifying plate 94 is supported by the first cylindrical member 92, and adjusts the turbulent airflow just generated by the fan 9 to be roughly parallel to the axis AX. The rectifying plate 94 has, for example, a honeycomb structure with a plurality of hexagonal openings arranged, but is not limited to this example. The first cylindrical member 92, the second cylindrical member 31 and the rectifying plate 94 are included in the structural components of the blow-out port unit 4.

[0048] When the fan 9 rotates, an airflow is generated that passes through the suction port 27, the heat exchanger 6, the rectifying plate 94, and the blow-out port 3 in sequence. During cooling operation, the heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator, and the air sucked in from the suction port 27 is cooled. During heating operation, the heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser, and the air sucked in from the suction port 27 is heated. The temperature-adjusted airflow is rectified by the rectifying plate 94 and blown out from the blow-out port 3 to the indoor space in a direction corresponding to the angle of the wind direction plates 51, 52, 53 of the louver 5.

[0049] The control unit 8 controls the rotation speed of the fan 9 based on information input from the outside, the suction temperature and the blowing temperature detected by the temperature sensor of the indoor unit 1, etc. In addition, the control unit 8 controls the holding member 10 and the louver 5 based on the setting information of the wind direction input from the outside. The holding member 10 is used to rotate the rotating unit 30, and the angles of the wind direction plates 51, 52, and 53 of the louver 5 are changed, so that air can be sent in various directions.

[0050] Next, a wiring protection structure for protecting the wiring connecting the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10 will be described. In the indoor unit 1, the rotating unit 30 is a rotating mechanism that rotates around the axis AX. The holding member 10 is one of the structural members of the non-rotating mechanism that is fixed to the housing 2 via the first cylindrical member 92 and does not change relative to the rotating unit 30. The lead wire 1a (refer to FIG. 1 ) connecting the motor 34 and the control substrate 80 is Figure 6 ) is a wiring that connects the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10.

[0051] Figure 5 Medium, zoom in Figure 4 1 and 2 schematically shows a wiring protection structure 100. The wiring protection structure 100 includes a protection member 101 through which the lead wire 1a passes, and a guide member 102 that holds the protection member 101.

[0052] The protection member 101 is a member that is continuous from one end to the other end along the wiring path of the lead wire 1 a , and has a wiring portion 1 b and a turned portion 1 c . Figure 6 The protection member 101 is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 6 In the example shown, the protection member 101 is provided as a coil spring 103. The coil spring 103 is formed by winding a wire material, for example, a metal wire 300, and is spirally continuous from one end 103a to the other end 103b, and can be elastically deformed such as bending and stretching. The metal wire 300 has strength (rigidity) and durability that can protect the lead wire 1a wired in the internal space wound in a spiral shape when the rotating unit 30 rotates. As long as it has the above-mentioned strength (rigidity) and durability, the wire material of the coil spring 103 may be made of resin or the like.

[0053] The wiring portion 1b is a portion that defines the space (wiring space) through which the wiring passes in the protective member 101. In the coil spring 103, the portion of the internal space formed by the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape, specifically, the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape corresponds to the wiring portion 1b. The lead 1a is wired through the wiring portion 1b, that is, the internal space (wiring space) defined by the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape. Therefore, if the coil spring 103 is elastically deformed, the lead 1a wired in the wiring portion 1b also changes to the same shape accordingly. Specifically, the folding position of the lead 1a changes.

[0054] The wiring portion 1b defines an internal space with a diameter dimension (for example, an inner diameter) larger than the diameter dimension (for example, an outer diameter) of the lead 1a. In other words, the coil spring 103 has a predetermined gap (clearance) between the lead 1a passing through the wiring portion 1b and the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape corresponding to the wiring portion 1b. Therefore, the lead 1a wired in the wiring space of the wiring portion 1b is in a state where it can be relatively displaced in the wiring space, and is not in close contact with the metal wire 300.

[0055] The folding portion 1c is a portion where the wiring portion 1b is bent and folded in the coil spring 103. The lead wire 1a is folded back at the folding portion 1c and wired in the internal space of the wiring portion 1b. The folding portion 1c folds back the wiring portion 1b in such a manner that the folded position of the wiring portion 1b can be displaced in the rotation direction of the rotating unit 30. The rotation direction of the rotating unit 30 is the direction in which the rotating unit 30 rotates relative to the air outlet cover 40, and is a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction centered on the axis AX (hereinafter referred to as the rotation direction).

[0056] In this embodiment, the folding portion 1c displaces the folding position of the wiring portion 1b in the rotation direction by elastic deformation of the metal wire 300. The folding portion 1c displaces the folding position of the wiring portion 1b between a position in front of one end 103a of the coil spring 103 (specifically, the wiring portion 1b) and a position in front of the other end 103b. In other words, the wiring portion 1b has a length such that at the starting point of the rotation distance (rotatable area) of the rotating unit 30, one end 103a is located in front of the folding portion 1c in the rotation direction, and at the end point of the rotation distance, the other end 103b is located in front of the folding portion 1c in the rotation direction.

[0057] The guide member 102 holds the wiring portion 1b and defines the displacement direction of the folding portion 1c, in other words, the folding position of the wiring portion 1b. That is, the wiring portion 1b maintains its posture within the range where the guide member 102 exists, and defines the folding position. The displacement direction of the folding portion 1c is substantially consistent with the rotation direction. In this embodiment, the guide members 102 are provided in pairs on the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10, respectively.

[0058] like Figure 5As shown, one guide member 102 is a guide member on the rotating side (hereinafter referred to as a movable side guide member 2a) provided in the rotating unit 30. The movable side guide member 2a fixes one end 103a of the wiring portion 1b. In contrast, the other guide member 102 is a guide member on the non-rotating side (hereinafter referred to as a fixed side guide member 2b) provided in the holding member 10 and does not change relative to the movable side guide member 2a. In other words, the fixed side guide member 2b is provided in a part of the holding member 10, and the holding member 10 is also used as the fixed side guide member 2b. The fixed side guide member 2b fixes the other end 103b of the wiring portion 1b.

[0059] Figure 7 , a schematic structure of the movable side guide member 2a is shown. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the movable side guide member 2 a is an arc-shaped member along the rotation direction, and is provided on the outer peripheral side of the heat insulating material 32 covering the outer periphery of the second cylindrical member 31 . Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the movable side guide member 2a is arranged on substantially the entire upper half of the second cylindrical member 31. The movable side guide member 2a holds the wiring portion 1b (specifically, the coil spring 103) along the holding surface 21a and the holding walls 22a and 23a. The holding surface 21a is set as a curved surface that is curved into a concave shape with a curvature that is substantially the same as the curvature of the spiral of the metal wire 300 wound into a spiral shape. The holding wall 22a is erected from the inner peripheral edge of the holding surface 21a, and the holding wall 23a is erected from the outer peripheral edge of the holding surface 21a and is opposite to the holding wall 22a. The peripheral surfaces of the holding walls 22a and 23a are flat surfaces, but can be curved into a concave shape with a curvature that is substantially the same as the curvature of the spiral of the metal wire 300 wound into a spiral shape. In the movable side guide member 2a, the space surrounded by the holding surface 21a and the holding walls 22a and 23a defines the holding space of the wiring portion 1b. A part of the holding space (a portion facing the fixed-side guide member 2b, hereinafter referred to as an open portion 24a) is opened.

[0060] The movable guide member 2a has fixing portions 25a and 26a at both ends thereof with respect to the second cylindrical member 31. The fixing portion 25a fixes one end of the movable guide member 2a to the second cylindrical member 31, and the fixing portion 26a fixes the other end of the movable guide member 2a to the second cylindrical member 31. In addition, the fixing portion 25a fixes one end 103a of the wiring portion 1b. The other end 103b of the wiring portion 1b extends from the opening portion 24a to the outside of the movable guide member 2a.

[0061] The holding surface 21a, the holding walls 22a, and 23a are provided with a plurality of ribs 27a at predetermined intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The ribs 27a are protrusions (strips) that are erected and continuous from the holding surface 21a, the holding walls 22a, and 23a in a direction intersecting the rotation direction. The ribs 27a can engage with the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape. Therefore, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the ribs 27a sequentially engage with the metal wire 300, and play a role in preventing the wiring portion 1b (specifically, the coil spring 103) in the movable side guide member 2a from slipping. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the holding surface 21 a has the opening 28 a , but the opening 28 a may be omitted.

[0062] Figure 8 , a schematic structure of the fixed side guide member 2b is shown. As described above, in this embodiment, the fixed side guide member 2b is provided at a part of the holding member 10, and the holding member 10 also serves as the fixed side guide member 2b. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the holding member 10 is a ring-shaped member along the rotation direction.

[0063] The fixed side guide member 2b is provided on substantially the entire upper half of the front surface side of the holding member 10. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the reference state shown, the fixed side guide member 2b partially overlaps the movable side guide member 2a when viewed from the front. That is, in the rotatable area of ​​the rotating unit 30 in the rotation direction, the fixed side guide member 2b is arranged so that at least a part can face the movable side guide member 2a. Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the fixed-side guide member 2 b is divided into two structures, but may be a single continuous structure or may be divided into three or more structures.

[0064] The fixed side guide member 2b holds the wiring portion 1b (specifically, the coil spring 103) along the holding surface 21b and the holding walls 22b and 23b. The holding surface 21b is a flat surface, but can be set as a curved surface bent into a concave shape with a curvature substantially the same as the curvature of the spiral of the metal wire 300 wound into a spiral shape. The holding wall 22b stands upright from the inner peripheral edge of the holding surface 21b, and the holding wall 23b stands upright from the outer peripheral edge of the holding surface 21b and faces the holding wall 22b. The peripheral surfaces of the holding walls 22b and 23b are flat surfaces, but can be bent into a concave shape with a curvature substantially the same as the curvature of the spiral of the metal wire 300 wound into a spiral shape. In the fixed side guide member 2b, the space surrounded by the holding surface 21b and the holding walls 22b and 23b defines the holding space of the wiring portion 1b. A part of the holding space (the portion opposite to the movable side guide member 2a, hereinafter referred to as the opening portion 24b) is opened.

[0065] The fixed-side guide member 2b has a fixing portion 25b at one end. The fixing portion 25b fixes the other end 103b of the wiring portion 1b. The one end 103a of the wiring portion 1b extends from the opening 24b to the outside of the fixed-side guide member 2b.

[0066] The holding surface 21b, the holding walls 22b, and 23b are provided with a plurality of ribs 26b at predetermined intervals at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The ribs 26b are protrusions (strips) that are erected and continuous from the holding surface 21b, the holding walls 22b, and 23b in a direction intersecting the rotation direction. The ribs 26b can engage with the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape. Therefore, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the ribs 26b engage with the metal wire 300, and play a role in preventing the wiring portion 1b (specifically, the coil spring 103) in the movable side guide member 2a from slipping.

[0067] Thus, according to the present embodiment, one end 103a of the coil spring 103 is fixed to the movable side guide member 2a, and the other end 103b is fixed to the fixed side guide member 2b. Therefore, if the rotating unit 30 rotates, the coil spring 103 is elastically deformed according to the rotation of the rotating unit 30. At this time, the wiring portion 1b is held by the guide member 102 (the movable side guide member 2a and the fixed side guide member 2b), while being freely bent and stretched, and the folded portion 1c is displaced in the rotation direction.

[0068] According to the bending, expansion and contraction of the wiring portion 1b and the displacement of the folded portion 1c, the lead wire 1a also changes to the same shape as the wiring portion 1b and is folded back at the position of the folded portion 1c. That is, even when the rotating unit 30 is rotated, the lead wire 1a is wired in the internal space defined by the wiring portion 1b, that is, the metal wire 300 wound in a spiral shape, and does not escape from the internal space. Therefore, when the rotating unit 30 is rotated, it is possible to prevent the position of the lead wire 1a from becoming unstable between the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10.

[0069] In addition, the lead 1a is folded back at the position of the folded portion 1c displaced in the rotation direction, so the folded position, i.e., the bending position of the lead 1a can be changed sequentially. Therefore, the bending position of the lead 1a is not concentrated at a specific position, and failures such as disconnection of the lead 1a can be suppressed.

[0070] That is, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the lead wires 1a connecting the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10 are prevented from moving around between the two, and the lead wires 1a can be wired in a desired form and within a desired range. Therefore, the lead wires 1a can be appropriately protected.

[0071] In addition, the movable side guide member 2a is provided with a rib 27a, and the fixed side guide member 2b is provided with a rib 26b. Therefore, even when the wiring portion 1b is bent or stretched when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the ribs 27a and 26b can be sequentially engaged with the metal wire 300. As a result, the wiring portion 1b can be prevented from slipping in the guide member 102 (the movable side guide member 2a and the fixed side guide member 2b), and the wiring portion 1b can be reliably held by the guide members 2a and 2b. Therefore, for example, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the coil spring 103 can be prevented from falling off from the guide members 2a and 2b.

[0072] Furthermore, by configuring the wiring protection structure 100 using the coil spring 103 and the guide members 2a and 2b, the wiring protection structure can be made into a simple structure with a small number of parts, and the cost can also be suppressed.

[0073] As described above, in the wiring protection structure 100 of the present embodiment, the protection member 101 is the coil spring 103, but the protection member 101 is not limited to the coil spring 103. Hereinafter, another form of the protection member 101 will be described as Embodiment 2.

[0074] [Implementation Method 2]

[0075] Fig. 9 , a wiring protection structure 200 according to Embodiment 2 is schematically shown. In Embodiment 2, the basic structure of the indoor unit other than the wiring protection structure 200 is the same as that of Embodiment 1 ( Figures 1 to 8Therefore, regarding the same or similar structures as those in Implementation 1, the same reference numerals are given in the drawings and the description thereof is omitted.

[0076] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the wiring protection structure 200 of this embodiment, the protection member 101 is set as a chain 104. The details will be described later, but since the movable area of ​​the chain 104 is limited, the wiring protection structure 200 is omitted from the guide member 102 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 However, the wiring protection structure 200 may include a predetermined member that holds the chain 104 and defines its folding position.

[0077] The chain 104 is composed of a plurality of element components (hereinafter referred to as links) 400 connected together. Fig. 9 In the example shown, the links 400 are formed in the same shape. However, a plurality of links having different shapes may be connected to form a chain. In the present embodiment, the links 400 are made of resin, but may be made of metal or the like. In any case, as described later, the links 400 are formed of a material having strength (rigidity) and durability that can protect the lead wires 1a wired in the internal space (a part of the wiring portion 1b) when the rotating unit 30 rotates.

[0078] Fig.10 and Fig.11 , a schematic structure of a link 400 is shown. Fig.10 It is a stereogram. Fig.11 is a top view. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the link 400 is composed of seven plate-like pieces 401 to 407 .

[0079] The first piece 401 and the second piece 402 define the inner circumferential surface (curved surface) along the rotation direction of the link 400. The first piece 401 and the second piece 402 are provided as curved pieces having a curvature difference corresponding to the wall thickness (the height of the step portions 401a and 402a described later). The third piece 403 and the fourth piece 404 define the outer circumferential surface (curved surface) along the rotation direction of the link 400. The third piece 403 and the fourth piece 404 are provided as curved pieces having a curvature difference corresponding to the wall thickness (the height of the step portions 403a and 404a described later). The curvatures of the third piece 403 and the fourth piece 404 are smaller than those of the first piece 401 and the second piece 402.

[0080] The first sheet 401 and the third sheet 403 are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval. The first sheet 401 has a step portion 401a that narrows the relative interval with the third sheet 403 by the wall thickness. The third sheet 403 has a step portion 403a that narrows the relative interval with the first sheet 401 by the wall thickness. The second sheet 402 and the fourth sheet 404 are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval narrower than the relative interval between the first sheet 401 and the third sheet 403. The second sheet 402 has a step portion 402a that is increased according to the wall thickness and is continuous with the step portion 401a. The fourth sheet 404 has a step portion 404a that is increased according to the wall thickness and is continuous with the step portion 403a. The first sheet 401 and the second sheet 402 are continuous via the step portions 401a and 402a. The third sheet portion 403 and the fourth sheet portion 404 are connected to each other via step portions 403 a and 404 a .

[0081] The fifth piece 405 and the sixth piece 406 define a plane (flat surface) on one side of the Y direction (the extension direction of the axis AX) in the link 400, respectively. The fifth piece 405 is arranged between the first piece 401 and the third piece 403. The sixth piece 406 is arranged between the second piece 402 and the fourth piece 404. The seventh piece 407 defines a plane (flat surface) on the other side of the Y direction in the link 400. The seventh piece 407 is arranged between a continuous portion of the first piece 401 and the second piece 402 and a continuous portion of the third piece 403 and the fourth piece 404. The fifth piece 405 and the sixth piece 406 face the seventh piece 407 with a predetermined interval therebetween.

[0082] The first sheet 401 has a through hole 401b, and the third sheet 403 has a through hole 403b having the same diameter as the through hole 401b. Fig.11 As shown, the through holes 401b and 403b are respectively arranged so that the direct connection L1 connecting the centers passes through the center point C. The center point C is an arbitrary point on the axis AX. The second sheet 402 has an axis 402b, and the fourth sheet 404 has an axis 404b having the same diameter as the axis 402b. Fig.11 As shown, the shafts 402b and 404b are respectively arranged so that the direct connection L2 connecting the centers passes through the center point C. In addition, the shafts 402b and 404b are set to have a slightly smaller shaft diameter than the hole diameter of the through holes 401b and 403b so that they can be inserted into the through holes 401b and 403b and supported rotatably. The length (height) of the shafts 402b and 404b is equivalent to the approximate wall thickness of each piece 402 and 404, and is roughly consistent with the step (height) of the step parts 401a and 403a.

[0083] The first sheet 401 has a curved portion 401c at a corner of the end opposite to the step portion 401a. The third sheet 403 has a curved portion 403c at a corner of the end opposite to the step portion 403a. The curved portions 401c and 403c are curved along the periphery of the through holes 401b and 403b with the same curvature. The second sheet 402 has a curved portion 402c at the end opposite to the step portion 402a. The fourth sheet 404 has a curved portion 404c at the end opposite to the step portion 404a. The curved portions 402c and 404c are curved along the periphery of the shafts 402b and 404b with the same curvature.

[0084] The link 400 having such a structure has the shafts 402b of the adjacent links inserted into the through holes 401b in sequence, and the shafts 404b inserted into the through holes 403b, so that Fig.12 The plurality of links 400 are connected to form a chain 104. For each link constituting the chain 104, the straight lines L1 connecting the centers of the through holes 401b and 403b to each other, and the straight lines L2 connecting the centers of the shafts 402b and 404b to each other all intersect at the center point C. Thus, the chain 104 is formed in an arc shape along the rotation direction from one end 104a to the other end 104b. One end 104a of the chain 104 is fixed to the second cylindrical member 31, and the other end 104b is fixed to the retaining member 10. The fixing method may be any method such as fixing via a screw stopper, a bracket or other fixing means.

[0085] By connecting a plurality of links 400, the internal space defined by the seven pieces 401 to 407 of each link 400 is continuously formed. In the chain 104, the portion of the internal space formed by connecting a plurality of links 400, specifically, the connected plurality of links 400 corresponds to the wiring portion 1b. The lead 1a is wired through the internal space (wiring space) of the wiring portion 1b, that is, the connected plurality of links 400 (in other words, the chain 104).

[0086] Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the connection form of the link 400 is shown. In the example shown, the shaft 404b (402b) of another link 400b is inserted into the through hole 403b (401b) of one link 400a. Thus, the links 400a and 400b rotate relative to each other around the shaft 404b (402b). Fig.13 This is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the rotation angle of two connected links 400a and 400b is minimum. Fig.14Schematically shows a state in which the rotation angle of two connected links 400a and 400b is the largest. As an example, the rotation angle is an angle ( Fig.14 The angle θ shown).

[0087] That is, the two links 400a and 400b are Fig.13 The minimum rotation angle shown is Fig.14 In other words, the rotatable area of ​​the two chain links 400a and 400b is between Fig.13 The minimum rotation angle shown (θ is approximately 0°) to Fig.14 400a (401c) and the second link 400b (402a) are connected to the second link 400a. The second link 400b is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400a is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400b is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400a is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400b is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400a is connected to the second link 400b. The second link 400b is connected to the second link 400b.

[0088] Fig.13 In the illustrated embodiment, the end 403d (401d) of the link 400a interferes with the step 404a (402a) of the link 400b, thereby preventing the further rotation of the links 400a and 400b. The end 403d (401d) is located on the opposite side of the step 403a (401a) of the third piece 403 (first piece 401) and has a bent portion 403c (401a).

[0089] In contrast, Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, the side portion 403e (401e) of the link 400a interferes with the step portion 404a (402a) of the link 400b, thereby preventing the further rotation of the links 400a and 400b. The side portion 403e (401e) is one of the two side portions of the third sheet 403 (first sheet 401) that is continuous with the curved portion 403c (401a).

[0090] That is, the end portion 403d (401d), the side portion 403e (401e), and the step portion 404a (402a) are restricting portions that restrict the relative rotation of the adjacent links 400a and 400b within the rotatable region.

[0091] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the two adjacent links 400a and 400b connected and relatively rotate around the shaft 404b (402b), and therefore, the internal space of the links 400a and 400b (a part of the wiring portion 1b) changes shape within the range of these rotatable regions. That is, in the wiring portion 1b of the chain 104 formed by connecting a plurality of links 400, the shape changes within the range where the rotatable regions of the adjacent links 400 are sequentially continuous. Therefore, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the folding portion 1c of the chain 104 is displaced in the rotation direction. In other words, the folding position of the wiring portion 1b changes in the rotation direction. At this time, corresponding to the folding position of the wiring portion 1b, that is, the displacement of the folding portion 1c, the lead 1a also changes to the same shape as the wiring portion 1b (specifically, the chain 104), and is folded back at the position of the folding portion 1c.

[0092] Therefore, even when the rotating unit 30 is rotated, the lead wire 1a is wired in the internal space of the wiring portion 1b, that is, the plurality of links 400 connected to each other, and thus does not escape from the internal space. Therefore, when the rotating unit 30 is rotated, the position of the lead wire 1a between the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10 can be prevented from becoming unstable.

[0093] At this time, the wiring portion 1b can be deformed within a range where the rotatable regions of the adjacent links 400 are sequentially continuous. Therefore, the deformable region of the wiring portion 1b, more specifically, the chain 104 can be limited within the range involved. As a result, the turbulence (rebound) of the lead 1a can be stopped within the deformable region of the chain 104. That is, when the rotating unit 30 rotates, the turbulence of the lead 1a connecting the rotating unit 30 and the holding member 10 can be suppressed, and the lead 1a can be wired in a desired form within a desired range. Therefore, the protection of the lead 1a can be properly achieved.

[0094] Furthermore, the chain 104 is formed by connecting a plurality of links 400 of the same shape. Therefore, for example, compared with a case where a chain is formed by connecting different types of links, mold costs can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the chain 104 can be suppressed.

[0095] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0096] Description of symbols

[0097] 1 Indoor unit

[0098] 1a Lead

[0099] 1b Wiring section

[0100] 1c Return section

[0101] 2 Housing

[0102] 2a Guide member (movable side guide member)

[0103] 2b Guide member (fixed side guide member)

[0104] 3 Blowing outlet

[0105] 4 Blowing outlet unit

[0106] 5. Venetian Blinds

[0107] 6 Heat exchanger

[0108] 8 Control Unit

[0109] 9 Fan

[0110] 10. Retaining member

[0111] 21a, 21b Holding surface

[0112] 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b retaining wall

[0113] 24a, 24b Opening

[0114] 25a, 25b, 26a Fixed portion

[0115] 26b, 27a Ribs

[0116] 28a Opening

[0117] 30 Rotation unit

[0118] 31 Second cylindrical member

[0119] 32 Insulation Materials

[0120] 33 Shutter drive mechanism

[0121] 34 Electric Motor

[0122] 40 Blow-out cover

[0123] 51, 52, 53 wind vane

[0124] 90 Fan motor

[0125] 91 leaves

[0126] 92 First cylindrical member

[0127] 94 Rectifier

[0128] 100, 200 wiring protection structure

[0129] 101 Protective components

[0130] 102 Guide Components

[0131] 103 Coil spring

[0132] 104 Chain

[0133] 300 Metal Wire

[0134] 400, 400a, 400b links

[0135] AD air duct

[0136] AX axis

[0137] C Center Point

[0138] L1, L2 straight line connecting the centers

[0139] θ is the tilt angle.

Claims

1. A wiring protection structure, comprising: a rotating mechanism that rotates around a predetermined central axis, a non-rotating mechanism that does not change relative to the rotating mechanism, and a protective member that allows wiring connecting the rotating mechanism and the non-rotating mechanism to pass through the inside, wherein the wiring protection structure protects the wiring, and the wiring protection structure is characterized in that: The non-rotating mechanism includes a housing for housing a heat exchanger and a first cylindrical member constituting a flow path through which air that has undergone heat exchange by the heat exchanger passes. The rotating mechanism includes a rotating unit having a blow-out port for blowing the airflow toward the indoor space and a wind deflector for adjusting the inclination of the airflow blown out from the blow-out port, and the rotating unit rotates relative to the housing around the central axis of the blow-out port. The rotating unit has a second cylindrical member that rotates relative to the first cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member and the first cylindrical member constitute a flow path for the airflow to pass through, and the second cylindrical member has the blowing port at the front end side in the direction in which the airflow passes through. Of the first and second cylindrical members, the second cylindrical member is rotatably connected to the first cylindrical member by a retaining member, and the outer peripheral surface side of the first cylindrical member and the outer peripheral surface side of the second cylindrical member are covered by a cylindrical blow-out port cover, The rotating unit rotates relative to the air outlet cover inside the air outlet cover, The protection member comprises: a wiring portion that defines a wiring space for the wiring that is set to a diameter larger than a diameter of the wiring; and a folding portion that folds the wiring portion so that a folding position of the wiring portion can be displaced in the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism, and the protective member protects the wiring connecting the rotating unit and the holding member, The folded portion is configured to bend in a direction intersecting both a circumferential direction and a radial direction with respect to the predetermined central axis.

2. The wiring protection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The rotation mechanism includes a movable side guide member that holds the wiring portion and defines a folding position of the wiring portion. The non-rotating mechanism includes a fixed-side guide member that holds the wiring portion and defines a folding position of the wiring portion. The fixed-side guide member is arranged so that at least a portion thereof can be opposed to the movable-side guide member in a rotatable region of the rotating mechanism.

3. The wiring protection structure according to claim 2, wherein: The wiring portion is continuous from one end to the other end, The movable-side guide member fixes the one end of the wiring portion, The fixed-side guide member fixes the other end of the wiring portion.

4. The wiring protection structure according to claim 3, wherein: The folding portion displaces a folding position of the wiring portion between a position before the one end and a position before the other end of the wiring portion.

5. The wiring protection structure according to claim 2, wherein: The movable-side guide member and the fixed-side guide member each have a protrusion that engages with the wiring portion in the rotation direction.

6. The wiring protection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The protection member is a coil spring in which a wire is continuously spirally formed.

7. The wiring protection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The protection member is formed by connecting a plurality of element components of the same shape along the rotation direction.

8. The wiring protection structure according to claim 7, wherein: The element component is configured to be relatively rotatable with respect to the adjacent element component that is connected thereto, and includes a restricting portion that restricts relative rotation with respect to the adjacent element component within a predetermined range.

9. An indoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that: include: The wiring protection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wiring protection structure protects the wiring. The rotating unit has a driving mechanism for changing the angle of the wind deflector. The housing has a control unit that controls the driving mechanism. The wiring connects the driving mechanism and the control unit.

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