Flap and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a flap and an air conditioner capable of suitably reducing noise.SOLUTION: When the air flow direction is a first air flow direction, a flap 30 includes a first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 disposed on a first surface 31 that receives the air flow, and a second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 disposed on a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 has a first downstream end portion 38 located on a downstream side in the airflow direction in a direction along a center line CL1 passing between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. The second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 has a second downstream end portion 40 located on the downstream side in the airflow direction in the direction along the center line CL1. In the direction along the center line CL1, the second downstream end portion 40 is disposed at a position different from that of the first downstream end portion 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flap and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that in a blower or the like, pressure fluctuations on the surface of the blade can be suppressed by arranging a pressure fluctuation suppressing portion on the blade of the impeller. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses arranging a pressure fluctuation buffer member on the blade. By suppressing the pressure fluctuation on the blade, the noise generated by the rotation of the impeller is reduced.

[0003] It has also been proposed to place pressure fluctuation suppression parts not only on the blades of the impeller but also on the flaps of the air outlet. Patent Document 2 discloses a horizontal louver having a porous body. If the entire flap is formed by the pressure fluctuation suppression part, as in Patent Document 2, there is a risk that the strength of the flap will decrease. Patent Document 3 discloses a louver partially formed by porous metal. In Patent Document 3, the downstream end of the louver is formed by porous metal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-196243 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-57730 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-60850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to suitably suppress pressure fluctuations, there is room for improvement in the arrangement of the pressure fluctuation suppressing portion in the flap. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flap and an air conditioner that can suitably reduce noise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flap of a first aspect that solves this problem is a flap that is configured to switch the airflow direction of an airflow generated by an air blowing equipment between a first airflow direction and a second airflow direction different from the first airflow direction, and includes a first surface that receives the airflow when the airflow direction is the first airflow direction, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first pressure fluctuation suppression portion arranged on the first surface, and a second pressure fluctuation suppression portion arranged on the second surface, wherein the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion has a first downstream end portion located downstream of the airflow direction in a direction along a center line passing between the first surface and the second surface, and the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion has a second downstream end portion located downstream of the airflow direction in the direction along the center line, and the second downstream end portion is arranged at a different position from the first downstream end portion in the direction along the center line.

[0007] With this configuration, the pressure fluctuation suppressing portion can be disposed at different positions between the first surface and the second surface. Even if the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur changes when the airflow direction is switched, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur. Therefore, the flap can suitably reduce noise by the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion.

[0008] In the flap of the second aspect, the second downstream end is disposed downstream of the first downstream end in the direction along the center line of the flap of the first aspect. With this configuration, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion can be disposed downstream of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion, so that when the airflow direction is the first airflow direction, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with a region where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0009] A flap according to a third aspect is the flap according to the first or second aspect, wherein, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the flap, the position of the second downstream end is disposed upstream of a position that is 35% of the flap dimension from the downstream end of the flap, and the flap dimension is defined as the dimension from the downstream end of the flap to the upstream end of the flap. According to this configuration, since the second downstream end is disposed upstream of a position that is 35% of the flap dimension from the downstream end of the flap, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with a region where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0010] A flap according to a fourth aspect is a flap according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion has a first upstream end portion located on the upstream side of the airflow direction in a direction along the center line, and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion has a second upstream end portion located on the upstream side of the airflow direction in a direction along the center line, and the first upstream end portion is disposed at a different position from the second upstream end portion in the direction along the center line. This configuration makes it possible to suitably differentiate the positions at which the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions are disposed between the first surface and the second surface.

[0011] A flap according to a fifth aspect is the flap according to the fourth aspect, wherein the first upstream end is disposed upstream of the second upstream end in a direction along the center line. With this configuration, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion can be disposed upstream of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion, so that when the airflow direction is the second airflow direction, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with a region where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0012] A flap according to a sixth aspect is the flap according to the fourth aspect, wherein the second downstream end is disposed downstream of the first downstream end and the first upstream end is disposed upstream of the second upstream end in a direction along the center line. This configuration makes it possible to suitably differentiate the locations at which the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions are disposed between the first surface and the second surface. Therefore, when the airflow direction is the first airflow direction, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur. Furthermore, when the airflow direction is the second airflow direction, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0013] A flap according to a seventh aspect is the flap according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein, as viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the flap, the position of the first upstream end is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension downstream from the upstream end of the flap, and the flap dimension is defined as the dimension from the downstream end of the flap to the upstream end of the flap. According to this configuration, since the first upstream end is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension downstream from the upstream end of the flap, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0014] A flap according to an eighth aspect is the flap according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the flap, a first dimension of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion in a direction along the center line or a second dimension of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion in a direction along the center line is at least 20% of a flap dimension of the flap, and the flap dimension is defined as a dimension from a downstream end of the flap to an upstream end of the flap. With this configuration, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is likely to overlap favorably with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0015] A flap according to a ninth aspect is the flap according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion includes a porous material. With this configuration, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion can suitably suppress pressure fluctuations by the porous material.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a flap that switches an airflow direction of an airflow generated by a blower facility between a first airflow direction and a second airflow direction different from the first airflow direction, and includes a first surface that receives the airflow when the airflow direction is the first airflow direction, a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, a first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion disposed on the first surface, a second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion disposed on the second surface, and a support portion that supports the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion, and the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is disposed along a center line passing between the first surface and the second surface. the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion has a first downstream end portion located downstream in the airflow direction and a first upstream end portion located upstream in the airflow direction, in a direction along the center line, the second downstream end portion located downstream in the airflow direction and a second upstream end portion located upstream in the airflow direction, and in the direction along the center line, the second downstream end portion is arranged at a different position from the first downstream end portion or the first upstream end portion is arranged at a different position from the second upstream end portion, and the support portion has a downstream support portion arranged at a downstream end of the flap in the direction along the center line.

[0017] According to this configuration, since the support portion is disposed at the downstream end portion of the flap, the position at which the pressure fluctuation suppressing portion is disposed can be differentiated between the first surface and the second surface while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the flap. Therefore, the flap can suitably reduce noise by the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion.

[0018] An air conditioner of an eleventh aspect that solves this problem comprises an indoor unit, the indoor unit having any one of the flaps according to the first to tenth aspects. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that comprises an indoor unit that reduces noise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor unit when air conditioning operation is stopped in the air conditioner of the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor unit during air conditioning operation for the air conditioner of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit in FIG. 2 when the airflow direction is a first airflow direction. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit in FIG. 2 when the airflow direction is a second airflow direction. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flap of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a flap in the indoor unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 11 is a graph showing the volume of airflow noise relative to air volume when the airflow direction is a first airflow direction. [Figure 8] 13 is a graph showing the volume of airflow noise relative to the air volume when the airflow direction is a second airflow direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an airflow formed in the indoor unit of FIG. 3 when the airflow direction is a first airflow direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an airflow formed in the indoor unit of FIG. 4 when the airflow direction is a second airflow direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a flap in the indoor unit of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second modified example. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a flap in the indoor unit of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a front view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing air currents formed around the air outlet in the indoor unit of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a flap in the indoor unit of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a first example of a flap according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a second example of a flap according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a third example of a flap according to the fourth modified example. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of a flap according to the fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] <Embodiment> An air conditioner 1 and a flap 30 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0021] <Air conditioner> The air conditioner 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has, for example, a cooling function for cooling an indoor space, and a heating function for heating an indoor space. The air conditioner 1 may have only one of the cooling function and the heating function. The air conditioner 1 has an indoor unit 10. The indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 1 by a refrigerant piping. The indoor unit 10 of this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor unit that is attached to the wall WL of the room. Fig. 1 shows the indoor unit 10 when air conditioning operation is stopped. Fig. 2 shows the indoor unit 10 when air conditioning operation is in progress.

[0022] The indoor unit 10 has an indoor unit main body case 11. The indoor unit main body case 11 is a case formed in a box shape with the horizontal direction LD of the indoor unit 10 as the longitudinal direction. The indoor unit main body case 11 has an internal space surrounded by a top surface portion 12, a front surface portion 13, a rear surface portion 14, both side surfaces 15, and a bottom surface portion 16. The indoor unit main body case 11 is installed on a wall WL by attaching the rear surface portion 14 to a mounting plate fixed to the wall WL with screws or the like. An intake port 17 is provided on the top surface portion 12. An exhaust port 18 is provided on the bottom surface portion 16. The intake port 17 and the exhaust port 18 are each provided on the indoor unit main body case 11 so that the horizontal direction LD is the longitudinal direction.

[0023] 3 and 4 show a cross section of the indoor unit 10 as viewed from the lateral direction LD. The indoor unit 10 has an air filter 19, an indoor heat exchanger 20, and a cross flow fan 21. The air filter 19, the indoor heat exchanger 20, and the cross flow fan 21 are housed in an indoor unit main body case 11.

[0024] Air filter 19 is detachably attached to indoor unit main body case 11. Air filter 19 collects dust in the indoor air sucked in from suction port 17. When air filter 19 is attached to indoor unit main body case 11, it is located between top surface 12 of indoor unit main body case 11 and indoor heat exchanger 20. Air filter 19 prevents dust in the indoor air from adhering to the surface of indoor heat exchanger 20.

[0025] The indoor heat exchanger 20 has a plurality of fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrating the plurality of fins. The indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes and the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 20. The indoor heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the operating state of the indoor unit 10. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is provided in the internal space of the indoor unit main body case 11 so that both front and rear ends are bent downward when viewed from the lateral direction LD. The indoor heat exchanger 20 is arranged so that at least a part of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is located above the cross flow fan 21.

[0026] The crossflow fan 21 is located approximately at the center inside the indoor unit main body case 11. The crossflow fan 21 has a substantially cylindrical impeller 22 whose longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction LD. A fan case 24 that forms an outlet flow path 23 is provided diagonally below and rearward of the crossflow fan 21. The outlet flow path 23 is composed of a lower wall 23A and an upper wall 23B that is disposed on the lower wall 23A. The lower wall 23A and the upper wall 23B are disposed in the outlet flow path 23 so that the cross-sectional area becomes larger in a divergent manner. The outlet flow path 23 communicates with the air outlet 18. The cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet flow path 23 increases toward the air outlet 18, and thus the outlet flow path 23 functions as a diffuser.

[0027] When the cross-flow fan 21 rotates, the indoor air taken in through the air inlet 17 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 20, and then passes through the cross-flow fan 21. The indoor air that has passed through the cross-flow fan 21 then passes through the air outlet 23 and is blown out from the air outlet 18 into the room.

[0028] <Flap> As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the indoor unit 10 has a flap 30. The flap 30 is provided in an air blowing equipment 10A. The air blowing equipment 10A has a blowing function of forming an airflow AF in an airflow direction AD. In this embodiment, the air blowing equipment 10A includes a cross flow fan 21, an outlet flow path 23, and a flap 30. The flap 30 is disposed at the air outlet 18 of the indoor unit 10. The flap 30 is formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0029] The airflow direction AD is switched between the first airflow direction AD1 and the second airflow direction AD2. The second airflow direction AD2 is an airflow direction AD different from the first airflow direction AD1. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1. The first airflow direction AD1 is horizontal blowing in which an airflow AF is formed in the horizontal direction. The first airflow direction AD1 may be upward blowing in which an airflow AF is formed slightly above the horizontal direction. The first airflow direction AD1 is selected, for example, when the airflow AF is made to reach a location far from the indoor unit 10 indoors. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2. The second airflow direction AD2 is downward blowing in which an airflow AF is formed in the downward direction. The second airflow direction AD2 is selected, for example, when an airflow AF is formed around the indoor unit 10 indoors.

[0030] The flap 30 is provided at the lower edge of the air outlet 18 so as to be rotatable relative to the indoor unit main body case 11. The flap 30 is formed in a flat plate shape with the lateral direction LD as the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the flap 30 is approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the air outlet 18. The flap 30 is configured so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis C1 by a motor.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, when air conditioning operation is stopped, the indoor unit 10 controls the motor so that the flap 30 covers the air outlet 18. When air conditioning operation is stopped, the indoor unit 10 is in a state where the flap 30 does not protrude from the indoor unit main body case 11. As shown in Fig. 2, when air conditioning operation is performed, the indoor unit 10 controls the motor so that the flap 30 opens the air outlet 18. When air conditioning operation is performed, the indoor unit 10 is in a state where the flap 30 protrudes from the indoor unit main body case 11.

[0032] 3 and 4, the flap 30 of this embodiment includes a first flap 30A disposed near the lower wall 23A of the outlet flow path 23, and a second flap 30B disposed near the upper wall 23B of the outlet flow path 23. In this embodiment, when describing the flap 30, the description corresponds to both the first flap 30A and the second flap 30B.

[0033] The flap 30 includes a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 is a surface that receives the airflow AF when the airflow direction AD is a first airflow direction AD1. The second surface 32 is on the opposite side to the first surface 31. The second surface 32 may be a surface that receives the airflow AF when the airflow direction AD is a second airflow direction AD2. The flap 30 of this embodiment has a hollow structure in which a space is provided between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. The flap 30 may have a solid structure in which the space between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 is filled with a resin material or the like.

[0034] The flap 30 is configured to switch the airflow direction AD of the airflow AF generated by the air blowing equipment 10A between a first airflow direction AD1 and a second airflow direction AD2. The flap 30 receives the airflow AF with a first surface 31, thereby switching the airflow direction AD to the first airflow direction AD1. The flap 30 may receive the airflow AF with a second surface 32, thereby switching the airflow direction AD to the second airflow direction AD2.

[0035] The flap 30 rotates around the rotation axis C1 during air conditioning operation of the indoor unit 10, thereby switching the surface that receives the airflow AF between a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. During air conditioning operation, the rotation position of the flap 30 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the rotation position of the flap 30 can be changed based on an instruction from a remote controller. By changing the rotation position of the flap 30, the surface that receives the airflow AF is switched between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32, and therefore the airflow direction AD is switched between a first airflow direction AD1 and a second airflow direction AD2.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 5, the flap 30 has a downstream end 33 located downstream in the airflow direction AD and an upstream end 34 located upstream in the airflow direction AD. A center line CL1 is defined in the flap 30. The center line CL1 passes between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. The center line CL1 is a line connecting the midpoints of the dimension from the first surface 31 to the second surface 32 in the Y-axis direction when the downstream end 33 and the upstream end 34 of the flap 30 are placed on the X-axis. Fig. 5 shows the center line CL1 of the second flap 30B.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows the vicinity of the flap 30 when the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1. As shown in Fig. 6, the flap 30 has a flap dimension FL when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30. The flap dimension FL is defined as the dimension from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30 to the upstream end 34 of the flap 30.

[0038] <First pressure fluctuation suppression section and second pressure fluctuation suppression section> As shown in FIG. 5, the flap 30 includes a first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 and a second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 constitute a part of the surface of the flap 30. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 suppress pressure fluctuations on the surface of the flap 30. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 is disposed on the first surface 31 so as to form a part of the first surface 31. The second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 is disposed on the second surface 32 so as to form a part of the second surface 32. When the first surface 31 is viewed from the front, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 may be disposed discontinuously in the lateral direction LD of the indoor unit 10. When the second surface 32 is viewed from the front, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 may be disposed discontinuously in the lateral direction LD of the indoor unit 10.

[0039] The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 or the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 includes a porous material 37. In this embodiment, both the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 include a porous material 37. The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are formed by the porous material 37. The material of the porous material 37 is not particularly limited. The material of the porous material 37 is, for example, a resin, a ceramic, a metal, or the like. For example, the resin is a foamed resin. For example, the ceramic or the metal is a porous sintered body. The metal may be a net-like body also called a mesh. It is preferable that the material of the porous body is a porous sintered body because it is easy to control the average pore diameter.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 has a first downstream end portion 38 located downstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 has a first upstream end portion 39 located upstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the first dimension L1 of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 in the direction along the center line CL1 is 20% or more of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30. The first dimension L1 is defined as the dimension from the first downstream end portion 38 to the first upstream end portion 39. In one example, the first dimension L1 is 25% or more of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0041] The second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 has a second downstream end 40 located downstream in the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 has a second upstream end 41 located upstream in the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the second dimension L2 of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 in the direction along the center line CL1 is equal to or greater than 20% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30. The second dimension L2 is defined as the dimension from the second downstream end 40 to the second upstream end 41. In one example, the second dimension L2 is equal to or greater than 25% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0042] <Support part> 5, the flap 30 includes a support portion 42. The support portion 42 supports the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36. The support portion 42 is a portion of the flap 30 that is made of a material other than the porous material 37. The support portion 42 forms the first surface 31 together with the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35. The support portion 42 forms the second surface 32 together with the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36.

[0043] 6, the support portion 42 has a downstream support portion 43 that is disposed at the downstream end 33 of the flap 30 in the direction along the center line CL1. The downstream support portion 43 forms the downstream end 33 of the flap 30. The downstream support portion 43 connects the downstream end of the first surface 31 and the downstream end of the second surface 32 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0044] The support portion 42 has an upstream support portion 44 disposed at the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. The upstream support portion 44 forms the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. The upstream support portion 44 connects the upstream end of the first surface 31 and the upstream end of the second surface 32 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0045] In this embodiment, the support part 42 supports the first pressure fluctuation suppression part 35 by joining the downstream support part 43 to the first downstream end part 38 and the upstream support part 44 to the first upstream end part 39. In this embodiment, the support part 42 supports the second pressure fluctuation suppression part 36 by joining the downstream support part 43 to the second downstream end part 40 and the upstream support part 44 to the second upstream end part 41.

[0046] The downstream support portion 43 and the upstream support portion 44 may be continuous in the direction along the center line CL1. For example, the downstream support portion 43 and the upstream support portion 44 may be continuous in the direction along the center line CL1 at both ends of the flap 30 in the horizontal direction LD of the indoor unit 10. When the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35 are discontinuously arranged in the horizontal direction LD, the downstream support portion 43 and the upstream support portion 44 may be continuous between one of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35 and the other one. When the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 36 are discontinuously arranged in the horizontal direction LD, the downstream support portion 43 and the upstream support portion 44 may be continuous between one of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 36 and the other one.

[0047] <Arrangement of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section> 5, the second downstream end 40 is disposed at a different position from the first downstream end 38 in the direction along the center line CL1. "The two ends are disposed at different positions in the direction along the center line CL1" means that different normal lines pass through each of the two ends with respect to the normal line of the center line CL1. The second downstream end 40 is disposed downstream of the first downstream end 38 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0048] In the direction along the center line CL1, the first upstream end 39 is disposed at a position different from the second upstream end 41. In the direction along the center line CL1, the first upstream end 39 is disposed upstream of the second upstream end 41.

[0049] When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the first downstream end 38 is disposed upstream of a position that is 35% of the flap dimension FL from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30. In one example, when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the first downstream end 38 is disposed upstream of a position that is 59% of the flap dimension FL from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the first additional dimension AL1 from the downstream end 33 to the first downstream end 38 is equal to or greater than 35% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0050] When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the first upstream end 39 is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. In one example, when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the first upstream end 39 is disposed downstream of a position that is 7% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the additional second dimension AL2 from the upstream end 34 to the first upstream end 39 is equal to or greater than 5% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0051] When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the second downstream end 40 is disposed upstream of a position upstream from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30 by a length of 35% of the flap dimension FL. In one example, when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the second downstream end 40 is disposed upstream of a position upstream from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30 by a length of 39% of the flap dimension FL. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the additional third dimension AL3 from the downstream end 33 to the second downstream end 40 is equal to or greater than a length of 35% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0052] When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the second upstream end 41 is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. In one example, when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the second upstream end 41 is disposed downstream of a position that is 14% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. When viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, an additional fourth dimension AL4 from the upstream end 34 to the second upstream end 41 is equal to or greater than 5% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30.

[0053] In this embodiment, a part of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is disposed so as to overlap a part of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 in the Y-axis direction defined above, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30. In this embodiment, the first downstream end section 38 is disposed at a position overlapping with the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36, and the second upstream end section 41 is disposed at a position overlapping with the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35, when viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30.

[0054] A first effect of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 show the results of tests conducted by the applicant on the noise reduction effect of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36. In the tests, a flap 30 was used whose dimensions are defined by the first ratio, second ratio, third ratio, and fourth ratio shown in Table 1. The first ratio is the ratio of the additional third dimension AL3 to the flap dimension FL. The second ratio is the ratio of the additional second dimension AL2 to the flap dimension FL. The third ratio is the ratio of the first dimension L1 to the flap dimension FL. The fourth ratio is the ratio of the second dimension L2 to the flap dimension FL.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] FIG. 7 shows the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume when the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1. FIG. 8 shows the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume when the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2. The air volume corresponds to the magnitude of the airflow AF. The blowing noise corresponds to noise caused by pressure fluctuations. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the solid line shows the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in the blowing equipment 10A having the flap 30. The dashed line shows the magnitude of the blowing noise relative to the air volume in the comparative blowing equipment having a comparative flap instead of the flap 30, which has the same shape as the flap 30 and does not have the pressure fluctuation suppressing parts 35, 36. The comparative blowing equipment is configured similarly to the blowing equipment 10A, except that the flap 30 does not have the pressure fluctuation suppressing parts 35, 36.

[0057] When the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1, the loudness of the airflow sound relative to the air volume of the air blowing equipment 10A is about 0.6 dBA smaller than that of the comparative air blowing equipment. When the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2, the loudness of the airflow sound relative to the air volume of the air blowing equipment 10A is about 0.7 dBA smaller than that of the comparative air blowing equipment. It was found that the air blowing equipment 10A having the flap 30 has a smaller airflow sound than the flap 30 not having the pressure fluctuation suppressing parts 35, 36. By arranging the pressure fluctuation suppressing parts 35, 36 as in this embodiment, the flap 30 can suitably suppress pressure fluctuations.

[0058] A second effect of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When the flap 30 rotates around the rotation axis C1, the way in which the airflow AF hits the flap 30 changes. Therefore, by switching the airflow direction AD, the area on the surface of the flap 30 where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur changes. Note that the dashed lines in Figures 9 and 10 indicate the airflow AF that passes through the outlet passage 23 and is blown out from the outlet 18 when the flap 30 is not placed at the outlet 18.

[0059] 9 illustrates an example of an airflow AF when the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1. When the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1, the first surface 31 of the flap 30 receives the airflow AF, thereby scooping up the airflow AF blown out from the air outlet 18. When the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1, separation of the airflow AF occurs at the second surface 32, and a first pressure fluctuation region A1 where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur occurs near the surface of the second surface 32. In the direction along the center line CL1, the first pressure fluctuation region A1 is located slightly downstream of the upstream end 34 of the flap 30.

[0060] 10 illustrates an example of an airflow AF when the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2. When the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2, separation of the airflow AF from the first surface 31 occurs, resulting in a second pressure fluctuation region A2 in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, occurring near the surface of the first surface 31. In the direction along the center line CL1, the second pressure fluctuation region A2 is located near the upstream end 34 of the flap 30.

[0061] The locations where the pressure fluctuation regions A1, A2 occur are different between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. In the flap 30 of this embodiment, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are arranged offset from each other, so that the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is provided in a location on the first surface 31 where the second pressure fluctuation region A2 is likely to occur. In addition, the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 is provided in a location on the second surface 32 where the first pressure fluctuation region A1 is likely to occur.

[0062] A third function of this embodiment will be described. In order to suppress pressure fluctuations, it is also conceivable to configure the flap 30 so that the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 are all pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36. However, the strength of the porous material 37 forming the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 tends to be lower than the strength of the resin material forming the support portion 42. Therefore, the greater the proportion of the porous material 37 in the flap 30, the greater the possibility of the strength of the flap 30 decreasing. In the flap 30, the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 are disposed at positions where the pressure fluctuation regions A1, A2 are likely to occur, so that an increase in the proportion of the porous material 37 in the flap 30 can be suppressed. In addition, in the flap 30 of this embodiment, the support portion 42 forms the downstream end portion 33 and the upstream end portion 34 of the flap 30, so that the porous material 37 can be supported by the resin material from the upper and lower sides in the direction along the center line CL1. Therefore, by arranging the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 in accordance with the positions of the pressure fluctuation regions A1, A2, the flap 30 can appropriately suppress pressure fluctuations while maintaining the necessary strength.

[0063] A fourth effect of this embodiment will be described. Since the flap 30 of this embodiment has a hollow structure, the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 communicate with each other via the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36. Air can pass through the flap 30 from the first surface 31 to the second surface 32, improving the effect of suppressing pressure fluctuations in the pressure fluctuation regions A1 and A2.

[0064] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The flap 30 includes a first surface 31, a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31, a first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 disposed on the first surface 31, and a second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 disposed on the second surface 32. The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 has a first downstream end section 38 located downstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 has a second downstream end section 40 located downstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The second downstream end section 40 is disposed at a different position from the first downstream end section 38 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0065] With this configuration, the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 can be arranged at different positions between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. Even if the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur changes when the airflow direction AD is switched, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 is likely to overlap with the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 is likely to overlap with the area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur. Therefore, the flap 30 can suitably reduce noise by the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36.

[0066] (2) In the direction along the center line CL1, the second downstream end 40 is disposed downstream of the first downstream end 38. When the flap 30 is switched so that the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1, the first surface 31 of the flap 30 receives the airflow AF. At this time, the first pressure fluctuation region A1 in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur on the second surface 32 is formed downstream of the first pressure fluctuation region A1 in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur on the first surface 31 in the direction along the center line CL1. According to this configuration, since the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 can be disposed downstream of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35, when the airflow direction AD is the first airflow direction AD1, the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 is likely to overlap with the region in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0067] (3) When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the second downstream end 40 is disposed upstream of a position that is 35% of the flap dimension FL from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30. With this configuration, since the second downstream end 40 is disposed upstream of a position that is 35% of the flap dimension FL from the downstream end 33 of the flap 30, the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 is likely to overlap with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0068] (4) The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 has a first upstream end 39 located upstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 has a second upstream end 41 located upstream of the airflow direction AD in the direction along the center line CL1. The first upstream end 39 is disposed at a different position from the second upstream end 41 in the direction along the center line CL1. This configuration makes it possible to suitably differentiate the positions of the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35, 36 between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32.

[0069] (5) In the direction along the center line CL1, the first upstream end 39 is disposed upstream of the second upstream end 41. When the flap 30 is switched so that the airflow direction AD becomes the second airflow direction AD2, the second surface 32 of the flap 30 receives the airflow AF. At this time, the second pressure fluctuation region A2 in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur on the first surface 31 is formed upstream of the first pressure fluctuation region A1 in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur on the second surface 32 in the direction along the center line CL1. According to this configuration, since the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 can be disposed upstream of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36, when the airflow direction AD is the second airflow direction AD2, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is likely to overlap with the region in which pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0070] (6) When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the position of the first upstream end 39 is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. With this configuration, since the first upstream end 39 is disposed downstream of a position that is 5% of the flap dimension FL from the upstream end 34 of the flap 30, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 is likely to overlap an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0071] (7) When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C1 of the flap 30, the first dimension L1 of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 or the second dimension L2 of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 is equal to or greater than 20% of the flap dimension FL of the flap 30. With this configuration, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 is likely to overlap favorably with an area where pressure fluctuations are likely to occur.

[0072] (8) The first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 includes a porous material 37. According to this configuration, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing section 35 or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing section 36 can suitably suppress pressure fluctuations by the porous material 37.

[0073] (9) The flap 30 includes a first surface 31, a second surface 32, a first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35, a second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36, and a support portion 42. The first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 has a first downstream end portion 38 and a first upstream end portion 39. The second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 has a second downstream end portion 40 and a second upstream end portion 41. In the direction along the center line CL1, the first downstream end portion 38 is disposed at a position different from the second downstream end portion 40, or the first upstream end portion 39 is disposed at a position different from the second upstream end portion 41. The support portion 42 includes a downstream support portion 43 disposed at the downstream end portion 33 of the flap 30 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0074] According to this configuration, the support portion 42 is disposed at the downstream end portion 33 of the flap 30, so that the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 can be disposed at different positions between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the flap 30. Therefore, the flap 30 can suitably reduce noise by the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36.

[0075] (10) The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 10. The indoor unit 10 has a flap 30. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an air conditioner 1 including an indoor unit 10 that reduces noise.

[0076] <Modification> In addition to the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner and flap of the present disclosure may be configured in the following modified examples, or in a combination of at least two modified examples that are not mutually contradictory.

[0077] <First Modification> A first modified example of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Configurations of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 of this modified example that are common to the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. The indoor unit 10 of this modified example is a ceiling cassette type indoor unit that is embedded in the ceiling CL of the room. The indoor unit main body case 11 is formed in a box shape with a top surface portion 12 and a bottom surface portion 16 that are approximately square.

[0078] 11 and 12 , in this modification, air inlet 17 is disposed on bottom surface portion 16. Four air outlets 18 are disposed on bottom surface portion 16 so as to surround air inlet 17. The four air outlets 18 are disposed along the four sides of bottom surface portion 16.

[0079] 13, the configurations of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of this modification are similar to those of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the embodiment. The configurations of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of this modification are similar to those of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of the embodiment. The configurations of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of this modification are similar to those of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of the embodiment. The flap 30 of this modification achieves the same effects as the embodiment by the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35, 36.

[0080] The flap 30 of this modified example has a solid structure. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are arranged so as to be connected to each other. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are integrally configured. When the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35 and 36 are integrally configured, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is a portion of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 that is closer to the first surface 31 than the center line CL1. When the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35 and 36 are integrally configured, the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 is a portion of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 that is closer to the second surface 32 than the center line CL1.

[0081] In this modification, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are arranged to be connected to each other, so that the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 can communicate with each other. Air can pass through the flap 30 from the first surface 31 to the second surface 32, so the effect of suppressing pressure fluctuations in the pressure fluctuation regions A1 and A2 is improved.

[0082] The first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 of this modified example has a first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 that is joined to the upstream support portion 44 of the support portion 42. The first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 is part of a surface of the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 opposite to a surface that forms part of the first surface 31. The first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 is a surface that extends from the first upstream end portion 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 to the second upstream end portion 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0083] The second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 of this modified example has a second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 that is joined to the downstream support portion 43 of the support portion 42. The second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 is a part of a surface of the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 opposite to a surface that forms a part of the second surface 32. The second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 is a surface from the first downstream end portion 38 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 to the second downstream end portion 40 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0084] In this modification, the upstream support portion 44 of the support portion 42 is joined to the first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51, and the downstream support portion 43 of the support portion 42 is joined to the second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52. Therefore, the joining strength of the support portion 42 to the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36 is improved, so that the support portion 42 can more suitably support the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion 36.

[0085] <Second Modification> A second modified example of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Configurations of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 of this modified example that are common to the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. The indoor unit 10 of this modified example is a ceiling-suspended indoor unit suspended from the ceiling CL in the room. The air inlet 17 is provided in the bottom surface portion 16. The air outlet 18 is provided in the front surface portion 13 of the indoor unit 10.

[0086] 16, the configurations of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of this modification are similar to those of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the embodiment. The configurations of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of this modification are similar to those of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of the embodiment. The configurations of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of this modification are similar to those of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of the embodiment. The flap 30 of this modification achieves the same effects as the embodiment by the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35, 36.

[0087] The flap 30 of this modified example has a solid structure. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are arranged to be connected to each other, thereby achieving the same effects as the first modified example. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are integrally configured. In the direction along the center line CL1, the first upstream end section 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is arranged at the same position as the upstream end section 34 of the flap 30.

[0088] The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of this modified example has a first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 that joins to the upstream support portion 44 of the support portion 42. The second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of this modified example has a second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 that joins to the downstream support portion 43 of the support portion 42. The configurations of the first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 of this modified example are similar to the configurations of the first pressure fluctuation suppression surface 51 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression surface 52 of the first modified example, and therefore provide the same effects as the first modified example.

[0089] <Third Modification> A third modified example of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 19. The configurations of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 of this modified example that are common to the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. The indoor unit 10 of this modified example is a floor-standing indoor unit that is placed on an indoor floor. The air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18 are provided in the front part 13. The indoor unit 10 has three flaps 30. Fig. 18 is a view of the indoor unit 10 of this modified example as seen from both side parts 15. In Fig. 18, the periphery of the air outlet 18 is shown in cross section.

[0090] 19, the configurations of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of this modification are similar to those of the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the embodiment. The configurations of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of this modification are similar to those of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 of the embodiment. The configurations of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of this modification are similar to those of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 of the embodiment. The flap 30 of this modification achieves the same effects as the embodiment by the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35, 36.

[0091] The flap 30 of this modified example has a solid structure. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 are arranged to be connected to each other, so that the same effect as the first modified example is achieved. In this modified example, the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 are integrally formed.

[0092] The first downstream end 38 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second downstream end 40 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are formed as a continuous surface that is inclined from the first surface 31 toward the second surface 32 with respect to the center line CL1. In the direction along the center line CL1, the first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 is disposed at the same position as the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36. The first upstream end 39 of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second upstream end 41 of the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are formed as a continuous surface that is perpendicular to the center line CL1.

[0093] <Fourth modified example> As shown in Figs. 20 to 23, the arrangement of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 on the first surface 31 may be changed as desired as long as it is located at least slightly downstream of the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. The arrangement of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 on the second surface 32 may be changed as desired as long as it is located at least near the upstream end 34 of the flap 30. The first dimension L1 of the first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 35 may be set according to the positions of the first downstream end 38 and the first upstream end 39. The second dimension L2 of the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion 36 may be set according to the positions of the second downstream end 40 and the second upstream end 41. Figs. 20 to 23 show the first to fourth examples using the shape of the flap 30 in the first modified example, but the arrangement of the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35 and 36 can be changed in other embodiments and modified examples as in this modified example. The configurations of the air conditioner 1 and the flap 30 of this modified example that are common to the first modified example are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0094] 20, the first upstream end 39 is disposed at the same position as the second upstream end 41 in the direction along the center line CL1. In the first example, the first upstream end 39 and the second upstream end 41 are disposed at the same position as the upstream end 34 of the flap 30 in the direction along the center line CL1, but may be disposed downstream of the upstream end 34 of the flap 30.

[0095] 21, the second downstream end 40 is disposed at the same position as the first downstream end 38 in the direction along the center line CL1. In the second example, the first downstream end 38 and the second downstream end 40 may be disposed at the same position as the downstream end 33 of the flap 30 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0096] 22, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are configured separately. In the third example, the material of the porous material 37 forming the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 may be different from the material of the porous material 37 forming the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36. In the third example, the structure of the porous material 37 forming the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 may be different from the structure of the porous material 37 forming the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36. The structure of the porous material 37 includes the pore size and porosity of the porous material 37.

[0097] 23, the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 are configured separately and are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the direction along the center line CL1. In the fourth example, the first upstream end 39 is arranged downstream of the second downstream end 40 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0098] <Other Modifications> The air blowing equipment may be equipment other than the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 as long as it has an air blowing function. An example of equipment other than the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is a blower that does not have a cooling function or a heating function.

[0099] As long as the pressure fluctuation suppressing portions 35, 36 can overlap the pressure fluctuation regions A1, A2, the first dimension L1 and the second dimension L2 may be smaller than 20% of the flap dimension FL. Alternatively, one of the first dimension L1 and the second dimension L2 may be smaller than 20% of the flap dimension FL.

[0100] The first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 may not include the porous material 37. Alternatively, one of the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 and the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 may not include the porous material 37. In this modification, the pressure fluctuation suppression sections 35, 36 may be minute through-holes formed in a resin material. The minute through-holes are holes that are so small that they do not impede the function of the flap 30 to switch the airflow direction AD.

[0101] As long as the second pressure fluctuation suppression section 36 can overlap the first pressure fluctuation region A1, the second downstream end 40 may be positioned at the same position as the first downstream end 38 or upstream of the first downstream end 38 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0102] As long as the first pressure fluctuation suppression section 35 can overlap the second pressure fluctuation region A2, the first upstream end 39 may be positioned at the same position as the second upstream end 41 or downstream of the second upstream end 41 in the direction along the center line CL1.

[0103] Although the embodiments of the air conditioner and the flap have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the air conditioner and the flap described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] AD...airflow direction, AD1...first airflow direction, AD2...second airflow direction, AF...airflow, C1...rotation axis, CL1...center line, FL...flap dimension, L1...first dimension, L2...second dimension, 1...air conditioner, 10...indoor unit, 10A...blower equipment, 30...flap, 31...first surface, 32...second surface, 33...downstream end, 34...upstream end, 35...first pressure fluctuation suppression section, 36...second pressure fluctuation suppression section, 37...porous material, 38...first downstream end, 39...first upstream end, 40...second downstream end, 41...second upstream end, 42...support section, 43...downstream support section.

Claims

1. A flap (30) configured to switch an airflow direction (AD) of an airflow (AF) formed by a blower (10A) between a first airflow direction (AD1) and a second airflow direction (AD2) different from the first airflow direction (AD1), a first surface (31) that receives the airflow (AF) when the airflow direction (AD) is the first airflow direction (AD1); a second surface (32) opposite to the first surface (31); A first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion (35) disposed on the first surface (31); a second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36) disposed on the second surface (32), the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion (35) has a first downstream end portion (38) located downstream in the airflow direction (AD) in a direction along a center line (CL1) passing between the first surface (31) and the second surface (32), The second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36) has a second downstream end portion (40) located downstream in the airflow direction (AD) in a direction along the center line (CL1), In a direction along the center line (CL1), the second downstream end (40) is disposed at a position different from that of the first downstream end (38). flap.

2. In the direction along the center line (CL1), the second downstream end (40) is disposed downstream of the first downstream end (38). The flap of claim 1 .

3. When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis (C1) of the flap (30), the position of the second downstream end (40) is disposed upstream of a position upstream from the downstream end (33) of the flap (30) by a length corresponding to 35% of the flap dimension (FL); The flap dimension (FL) is defined as the dimension from the downstream end (33) of the flap (30) to the upstream end (34) of the flap (30). The flap of claim 1 .

4. The first pressure fluctuation suppression portion (35) has a first upstream end portion (39) located upstream in the airflow direction (AD) in a direction along the center line (CL1), The second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36) has a second upstream end portion (41) located upstream in the airflow direction (AD) in a direction along the center line (CL1), In a direction along the center line (CL1), the first upstream end (39) is disposed at a position different from that of the second upstream end (41). The flap of claim 1 .

5. In the direction along the center line (CL1), the first upstream end (39) is disposed upstream of the second upstream end (41). The flap according to claim 4.

6. In a direction along the center line (CL1), the second downstream end (40) is disposed downstream of the first downstream end (38), and the first upstream end (39) is disposed upstream of the second upstream end (41). The flap according to claim 4.

7. When viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis (C1) of the flap (30), the position of the first upstream end (39) is located downstream of a position downstream from the upstream end (34) of the flap (30) by a length of 5% of the flap dimension (FL), The flap dimension (FL) is defined as the dimension from the downstream end (33) of the flap (30) to the upstream end (34) of the flap (30). The flap according to claim 4.

8. when viewed in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (C1) of the flap (30), a first dimension (L1) of the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion (35) in a direction along the center line (CL1) or a second dimension (L2) of the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36) in the direction along the center line (CL1) is equal to or greater than 20% of a flap dimension (FL) of the flap (30), The flap dimension (FL) is defined as the dimension from the downstream end (33) of the flap (30) to the upstream end (34) of the flap (30). The flap of claim 1 .

9. The first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion (35) or the second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion (36) includes a porous material (37). The flap of claim 1 .

10. A flap (30) configured to switch an airflow direction (AD) of an airflow (AF) formed by a blower (10A) between a first airflow direction (AD1) and a second airflow direction (AD2) different from the first airflow direction (AD1), a first surface (31) that receives the airflow (AF) when the airflow direction (AD) is the first airflow direction (AD1); a second surface (32) opposite to the first surface (31); A first pressure fluctuation suppressing portion (35) disposed on the first surface (31); a second pressure fluctuation suppressing portion (36) disposed on the second surface (32); a support portion (42) that supports the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion (35) and the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36), the first pressure fluctuation suppression portion (35) has, in a direction along a center line (CL1) passing between the first surface (31) and the second surface (32), a first downstream end portion (38) located on the downstream side of the airflow direction (AD), and a first upstream end portion (39) located on the upstream side of the airflow direction (AD); the second pressure fluctuation suppression portion (36) has, in a direction along the center line (CL1), a second downstream end portion (40) located downstream in the airflow direction (AD), and a second upstream end portion (41) located upstream in the airflow direction (AD); In a direction along the center line (CL1), the second downstream end (40) is disposed at a position different from the first downstream end (38), or the first upstream end (39) is disposed at a position different from the second upstream end (41), The support portion (42) has a downstream support portion (43) disposed at the downstream end (33) of the flap (30) in a direction along the center line (CL1). flap.

11. The indoor unit (10) is provided. The indoor unit (10) has a flap (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Air conditioner.

Images