Ceiling embedded type indoor unit

Abstract

To provide a ceiling embedded type indoor unit that can suppress drop of a dew condensation water adhering to a side wall of a flap.SOLUTION: A ceiling embedded type indoor unit 10 includes: an indoor unit body 14 including an air outlet 34; a fan installed inside the indoor unit body 14; and a flap 35 supported to the indoor unit body 14 so as to be rotatable to open and close the air outlet 34. A plurality of first irregularity parts 40 is formed in a side wall 36 of the flap 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling-embedded indoor unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner in which a first horizontal flap has an upwind wing portion including a central shaft portion, a left shaft portion, and a right bearing portion of the first horizontal flap, and a downwind wing portion bent slightly upward from the upwind wing portion, and a plurality of grooves having a V-shaped cross section along the longitudinal direction of the first horizontal flap are formed on the lower wing surface of the downwind wing portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a ceiling-embedded indoor unit capable of suppressing dripping of condensed water adhering to the side wall of a flap.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The ceiling-embedded indoor unit in the present disclosure includes an indoor unit main body having an air outlet, a fan provided in the indoor unit main body, and a flap rotatably supported by the indoor unit main body to open and close the air outlet. In the ceiling-embedded indoor unit, a plurality of first uneven portions are formed on the side wall of the flap.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] In the ceiling-embedded indoor unit in the present disclosure, due to the first uneven portion, it is possible to suppress the water droplets of the condensed water adhering to the side wall of the flap from coming into contact with each other and gathering, so that the water droplets of the condensed water are suppressed from growing larger. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the condensed water adhering to the side wall of the flap from dripping off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Knowledge, etc. on which the present disclosure is based) When the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, by providing a plurality of grooves having a V-shaped cross-section along the longitudinal direction on the lower wing surface of the first horizontal flap to form unevenness, even if condensation occurs on the lower wing surface of the first horizontal flap, the unevenness can hold the condensed water and prevent water splashing. There was a technology. However, during the cooling operation, when cold air stays on the side wall of the flap, condensed water may adhere to the side wall portion. However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the inventors found that the condensed water cannot be held and there is a risk of causing dripping of the condensed water. In order to solve this problem, the inventors have come to configure the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a ceiling-embedded indoor unit capable of suppressing the dripping of condensed water adhering to the side wall of the flap.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the indoor unit] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10. In the following description, up and down, inside and outside are described with reference to the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 installed on the ceiling. Also, the space where the air after air conditioning is blown out is defined as the conditioned space.

[0011] The ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 is installed in a ceiling space 13 between a ceiling 11 of a building and a ceiling board 12 installed below the ceiling 11. The ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 includes an indoor unit main body 14 and a decorative panel 30 that covers the lower opening of the indoor unit main body 14. The indoor unit main body 14 includes a substantially box-shaped housing 15 with a substantially entire lower surface open. The indoor unit main body 14 includes, inside the housing 15, a heat insulating member 16 made of styrofoam, an indoor heat exchanger 17, a blower 18, a drain pan 19 that receives the drain water of the indoor heat exchanger 17, and a bell mouth 20 that rectifies the air sucked into the blower 18. At the corners of the outer surface of the housing 15, suspension fittings 21 are attached. The indoor unit main body 14 is installed in a suspended state from the ceiling 11 by connecting the suspension fittings 21 to the suspension bolts 22 hanging down from the ceiling 11.

[0012] The heat insulation member 16 is provided on the inner surfaces of the side plates 15a and the top plate 15b of the housing 15 to prevent condensation from occurring in the housing 15. The blower 18 is configured to include a fan motor 23 and a centrifugal fan 24. The fan motor 23 includes a rotating shaft 23a extending downward, and the centrifugal fan 24 is fixed to the rotating shaft 23a. The centrifugal fan 24 includes a disk-shaped main plate 24a fixed to the rotating shaft 23a, an annular shroud 24b disposed substantially coaxially with the main plate 24a below the main plate 24a, and a plurality of blades 24c connecting the shroud 24b and the main plate 24a. The blades 24c are arranged in a plurality at intervals in the circumferential direction of the main plate 24a.

[0013] The indoor heat exchanger 17 is formed by bending a plate-shaped heat exchanger into a substantially rectangular shape in plan view so as to surround substantially the whole of the blower 18 from the side. The indoor heat exchanger 17 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during the cooling operation and also functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during the heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger 17 is configured to perform heat exchange between the indoor air sucked into the interior of the indoor unit main body 14 and the refrigerant, and can cool the air in the air-conditioned room during the cooling operation and heat the indoor air during the heating operation.

[0014] The drain pan 19 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 17 so as to receive the drain water generated in the indoor heat exchanger 17. The drain pan 19 is made of expanded polystyrene. The drain pan 19 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape so as to close substantially the whole of the opening on the lower surface of the housing 15. The drain pan 19 is provided with a drain pan side suction port 25 (suction passage) through which the air sucked by the blower 18 passes at the central portion in plan view.

[0015] The decorative panel 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view so as to cover the opening on the lower surface of the indoor unit main body 14. In the central portion of the decorative panel 30, a panel-side suction port 31 communicating with the bell mouth 20 is formed. An intake grill 32 covering the panel-side suction port 31 is detachably attached to the decorative panel 30. A filter 33 for removing dust and the like in the air is provided on the indoor unit main body 14 side of the intake grill 32.

[0016] On the outside of the panel-side suction port 31 of the decorative panel 30 and at positions along each side of the outer peripheral portion of the decorative panel 30, air outlets 34 for sending the conditioned air to the conditioned room are respectively formed. That is, the air outlets 34 are provided along each side of the substantially rectangular decorative panel 30 in plan view, and air is blown out in four directions from the air outlets 34. Each of the air outlets 34 is provided with a flap 35 whose blowing direction can be adjusted.

[0017] [1-1-2. Configuration of the uneven portions] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where the flap 35 of the decorative panel 30 is closed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the flap 35 of the decorative panel 30 is open. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing one end portion of the flap 35. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the upper surface wing portion of the flap 35. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing the air outlet 34 portion of the decorative panel 30. In the present embodiment, the flap 35 includes side walls 36 provided at both ends thereof. A support shaft 37 for rotatably supporting the flap 35 protrudes from the side wall 36. First uneven portions 40 are provided on both side walls 36 of the flap 35. The first uneven portions 40 are formed so as to extend in the thickness direction of the flap 35.

[0018] In addition, a plurality of second uneven portions 41 are formed on both side portions of the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35. The second uneven portions 41 are formed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the flap 35. Note that the first concavo-convex portion 40 and the second concavo-convex portion 41 may be formed continuously.

[0019] If the width dimension of the second concavo-convex portion 41 is too short, there is a risk that the condensed water will drip from the edge of the second concavo-convex portion 41. On the other hand, if the width dimension of the second concavo-convex portion 41 is too long, the design on the lower surface side of the flap 35 will be impaired. The width dimension of the second concavo-convex portion 41 is preferably set to a dimension that resolves the trade-off between the condensed water retention function and the design. The width dimension of the second concavo-convex portion 41 needs to be at least longer than the pitch width of the second concavo-convex portion 41. Also, the width dimension of the second concavo-convex portion 41 is preferably about 3 to 6 times the pitch width of the second concavo-convex portion 41. In the embodiment, for example, the length of the second concavo-convex portion 41 is 9 mm and the pitch of the concavo-convex portions is 2 mm.

[0020] In addition, on both sides of the upper wing surface 39 of the flap 35, there are provided side surface step portions 42 formed with a large thickness dimension. At the front end portion of the upper wing surface 39 of the flap 35, a front surface step portion 43 formed with a large thickness dimension is formed. By providing the side surface step portion 42 in this way, the area of the first concavo-convex portion 40 can be increased, and thereby, a large adhesion area of the condensed water by the first concavo-convex portion 40 can be ensured.

[0021] Note that, on the upper surface of the side surface step portion 42, a concavo-convex portion continuous with the first concavo-convex portion 40 may be formed. Thereby, the condensed water adhering to the upper surface of the side surface step portion 42 can be held by the concavo-convex portion. Also, even when the condensed water held by the concavo-convex portion flows to the side wall 36 of the flap 35, the condensed water can be held by the first concavo-convex portion 40.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 7, among the inner wall surfaces 36 of the decorative panel 30, the downstream inner wall surface 50 located on the downstream side (the outer wall surface 38 side of the air outlet 34) of the air blown out from the air outlet 34 is formed in a curved surface shape. On the downstream inner wall surface 50, a third uneven portion 51 is formed. The third uneven portion 51 extends linearly in a bottom view of the decorative panel 30 and is formed to extend in the vertical direction along the downstream inner wall surface 50. Also, the third uneven portions 51 each have the same width and are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, when the flap 35 closes the air outlet 34, the third uneven portion 51 is covered by the flap 35 throughout the entire longitudinal direction of the flap 35. In other words, the third uneven portion 51 is formed only in the range up to the side closer to the center of the ceiling-embedded type indoor unit 10 than the tip of the flap 35 in the state where the flap 35 closes the air outlet 34.

[0024] The decorative panel 30 has an outer wall surface 52 erected outside the air outlet 34, and an outer bottom surface 53 is continuously formed outside the outer wall surface 52. A plurality of fourth uneven portions 54 are formed on the outer wall surface 52. The fourth uneven portions 54 are formed to extend linearly in the vertical direction of the decorative panel 30 along the outer wall surface 52 from the upper end of the outer wall surface 52. Also, the fourth uneven portions 54 each have the same width and are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel. Therefore, a groove extending in the vertical direction of the decorative panel 30 is formed by the plurality of second uneven portions 39 formed on the outer wall surface 52. Furthermore, the upper end portions of the fourth uneven portions 54 are in contact with the outer bottom surface 53.

[0025] The first uneven portion 40, the second uneven portion 41, the third uneven portion 51, and the fourth uneven portion 54 each have a cross-sectional shape formed in a substantially arc shape. The first uneven portion 40, the second uneven portion 41, the third uneven portion 51, and the fourth uneven portion 54 are formed such that the intervals between the uneven portions are such that the contact angle with the dew-condensed water droplets becomes small.

[0026] [1-2. Operation] The operation and action of the ceiling-embedded type indoor unit 10 configured as described above will be described. During the operation of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10, due to the rotation of the blower 18, the air in the conditioned room is sucked in from the panel-side suction port 31 (Fig. 1) and sent to the indoor heat exchanger 17 via the bellows 20. This air exchanges heat when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 17. During the cooling operation of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10, it loses heat and its temperature drops. During the heating operation of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10, it receives heat and its temperature rises. The air after heat exchange is blown into the conditioned room from the air outlet 34. The air passing through the air outlet 34 flows in the direction following the orientation of the flap 35. When the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 stops, the flap 35 is stationary in the direction of closing the air outlet 34.

[0027] When the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10 performs a cooling operation, as described above, the air in the conditioned room is cooled by exchanging heat in the indoor heat exchanger 17, and this air is sent back into the room from the air outlet 34. Therefore, in the indoor heat exchanger 17, the air with a high temperature and a large amount of saturated water vapor is cooled and becomes air with a low temperature and a small amount of saturated water vapor. Thus, drain water is generated in the indoor heat exchanger 17. This drain water is received by the drain pan 19 provided at the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 17, sucked out by a drain pump (not shown), and discharged to the outside.

[0028] During the cooling operation of the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 10, dew condensation occurs on the flap 35 and the decorative panel 30. Particularly, in the vicinity of the air outlet 34 where air colder than the air in the conditioned room is blown out, dew condensation is likely to occur on the side wall 36 of the flap 35, both sides of the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35, the outer wall surface 52 of the air outlet 34, and the downstream inner wall surface 50 on the downstream side of the blown-out air. The water droplets of this dew condensation grow or aggregate, and when they reach a certain size or more, they drip due to their own weight.

[0029] In this embodiment, by providing the first uneven portion 40, water droplets of condensed water adhering to the side wall 36 of the flap 35 are separated by the first uneven portion 40. As a result, the water droplets of condensed water are suppressed from coming into contact with each other horizontally and aggregating. Therefore, the water droplets of condensed water are suppressed from growing larger. Furthermore, since the width of the first uneven portion 40 and the interval between the first uneven portions 40 are set such that the contact angle with the water droplets condensed on the side wall 36 of the flap 35 becomes small, the surface area of the water droplets adhering to the side wall 36 of the flap 35 increases, and the evaporation of the water droplets is promoted.

[0030] Similarly, by providing the second uneven portion 41, the condensed water adhering to both side portions of the flap 35 is suppressed from growing larger by the second uneven portion 41, and by reducing the contact angle with the water droplets of the condensed water, the evaporation of the condensed water can be promoted. Also, by providing the third uneven portion 51 and the fourth uneven portion 54, it is possible to suppress the water droplets of condensed water adhering to the outer wall surface 52 of the air outlet 34 and the downstream inner wall surface 50 on the downstream side of the blown air from growing larger, and to promote the evaporation of the condensed water.

[0031] Also, when the flap 35 is in an intermediate position state between fully open and fully closed, condensed water tends to adhere to the side wall 36 of the flap 35. This condensed water can be prevented from dripping by the first uneven portion 40 and the second uneven portion 41. Furthermore, when the flap 35 is fully open, the first uneven portion 40 is positioned so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction. Thereby, when the air blown out from the air outlet 34 flows near the first uneven portion 40, it is suppressed from obstructing the air flow.

[0032] Also, the third uneven portion 51 is covered by the flap 35 when the flap 35 is fully closed. Therefore, when the flap 35 is fully closed, it is less likely to condensate, but when the flap 35 is fully open, it is more likely to condensate. On the other hand, the fourth uneven portion 54 is likely to condensate when the flap 35 is fully closed. Therefore, by providing the third uneven portion 51 and the fourth uneven portion 54, it is possible to suppress the increase in the water droplets of the condensed water and promote the evaporation of the condensed water both when the flap 35 is fully closed and fully opened. In this way, by forming the first uneven portion 40, the second uneven portion 41, the third uneven portion 51, and the fourth uneven portion 54 at locations where condensed water is likely to adhere according to each rotation position of the flap 35 and at locations that are difficult for the user to visually recognize, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the condensed water while maintaining the design quality.

[0033] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, an indoor unit main body 14 having an air outlet 34, a fan provided in the indoor unit main body 14, and a flap 35 that is rotatably supported by the indoor unit main body 14 and opens and closes the air outlet 34 are provided, and a plurality of first uneven portions 40 are formed on the side wall 36 of the flap 35. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the water droplets of the condensed water adhering to the side wall 36 of the flap 35 from coming into contact with each other and gathering, and it is possible to suppress the increase in the water droplets of the condensed water. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the condensed water adhering to the side wall 36 of the flap 35.

[0034] Further, in the present embodiment, the first uneven portion 40 is formed such that the groove formed by the first uneven portion 40 extends in the thickness direction of the flap 35. Thereby, compared with the case where the first uneven portion 40 extends in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the flap 35, the number of the first uneven portions 40 can be increased, the surface area of the first uneven portion 40 becomes larger, and the effect of suppressing the dripping of the condensed water can be improved.

[0035] Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of second uneven portions 41 are formed on the side portion of the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35, and the second uneven portion 41 is formed such that the groove formed by the second uneven portion 41 extends in the longitudinal direction of the lower wing surface 38. As a result, even when the condensed water adhering to the first uneven portion 40 flows onto the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35, the condensed water can be retained by the second uneven portion 41, and dripping of the condensed water can be suppressed. Further, although the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35 is visible to the user, since the second uneven portion 41 is formed only on the side portion of the lower wing surface 38, the second uneven portion 41 is difficult for the user to see and does not impair the design.

[0036] Further, in the present embodiment, the first uneven portion 40 and the second uneven portion 41 are formed continuously. As a result, by continuously forming the first uneven portion 40 and the second uneven portion 41, the condensed water adhering to the first uneven portion 40 flows to the second uneven portion 41, and the effect of suppressing dripping of the condensed water on the side surface of the flap 35 can be improved.

[0037] Further, in the present embodiment, the indoor unit main body 14 includes a decorative panel 30 disposed on the lower surface side of the indoor unit main body 14. The decorative panel 30 is formed with an air outlet 34, and an inner wall surface facing the air blowing passage leading to the air outlet 34 is provided. A plurality of third uneven portions 51 are formed on at least one surface of the inner wall surface. The third uneven portion 51 is formed such that the groove formed by the third uneven portion 51 extends in the vertical direction of the decorative panel 30. As a result, when the flap 35 is in the fully open state, condensed water easily adheres to the inner wall surface of the air outlet 34. However, by forming the third uneven portion 51, dripping of the condensed water can be suppressed.

[0038] Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative panel 30 includes an outer wall surface 52 standing outside the air outlet 34. A plurality of fourth uneven portions 54 are formed on the outer wall surface 52. The fourth uneven portion 54 is formed such that the groove formed by the fourth uneven portion 54 extends in the vertical direction of the decorative panel 30. As a result, when the flap 35 is in the fully closed state, condensed water easily adheres to the outer wall surface 52. However, by forming the fourth uneven portion 54, dripping of the condensed water can be suppressed.

[0039] (Other embodiments) As described above, as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application, Embodiment 1 has been described. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments with changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0040] In Embodiment 1, the first uneven portion 40 and the second uneven portion 41 are respectively formed on both side walls 36 of the flap 35 and both side portions of the lower wing surface 38. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of fifth uneven portions may be formed at the front end portion of the flap 35, and a sixth uneven portion continuously formed with the fifth uneven portion may be formed at the front end portion of the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35. The fifth uneven portion is formed such that the groove formed by the fifth uneven portion extends in the lateral direction of the front edge portion of the flap 35, and the sixth uneven portion is formed such that the groove formed by the sixth uneven portion extends in the lateral direction of the lower wing surface 38 of the flap 35. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the condensed water adhering to the front edge portion of the flap 35.

[0041] Since the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

Industrial Applicability

[0042] The present disclosure can be used for a ceiling-embedded indoor unit for air conditioning that can suppress the dripping of condensed water when condensed water adheres to a flap or around an air outlet in an air outlet portion of cold air.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0043] 10 Ceiling-embedded indoor unit 14 Indoor unit main body 15 Housing 17 Indoor heat exchanger 18 Blower 19 Drain pan 20 Bell mouse 23 Fan motor 30 Decorative panel 34 Air outlet 35 Flap 36 Side wall 37 Support shaft 38 Lower wing surface 39 Upper wing surface 40 First uneven part 41 Second uneven part 42 Side surface step part 43 Front surface step part 50 Downstream inner wall surface 51 Third uneven part 52 Outer wall surface 53 Outer bottom surface 54 Fourth uneven part

Claims

1. A ceiling-embedded indoor unit including an indoor unit body having an air outlet, a fan provided in the indoor unit body, and a flap rotatably supported on the indoor unit body for opening and closing the air outlet, A plurality of first uneven portions are formed on the side wall of the flap. Ceiling mounted indoor unit.

2. The first uneven portion is formed such that a groove formed by the first uneven portion extends in a thickness direction of the flap. The ceiling embedded type indoor unit according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of second irregularities are formed on the side of the lower wing surface of the flap, The second uneven portion is formed such that a groove formed by the second uneven portion extends in the longitudinal direction of the lower blade surface. The ceiling embedded type indoor unit according to claim 2.

4. The first uneven portion and the second uneven portion are formed continuously. The ceiling embedded type indoor unit according to claim 3.

5. The indoor unit body includes a decorative panel disposed on a lower surface side of the indoor unit body, The decorative panel has an air outlet formed therein and an inner wall surface facing an air outlet path leading to the air outlet, A plurality of third concave-convex portions are formed on at least one surface of the inner wall surface, The third uneven portion is formed such that a groove formed by the third uneven portion extends in the up-down direction of the decorative panel. The ceiling embedded type indoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The decorative panel has an outer wall surface that stands outside the air outlet, A plurality of fourth uneven portions are formed on the outer wall surface, The fourth uneven portion has a groove extending in the up-down direction of the decorative panel. The ceiling embedded type indoor unit according to claim 5.

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