Indoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce the size of a connection part connecting a vertical flap with a motor.SOLUTION: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a vertical flap 16 and a connection part 50. The vertical flap 16 rotates around a first axis CA extending along a horizontal direction to adjust a vertical wind direction of air blown out. The connection part 50 connects the vertical flap 16 with a motor. The connection part 50 has a rack 55 and a pinion 58. The rack 55 is along an arc centered on the first axis CA. The pinion 58 is rotated by the motor. The pinion 58 engages with the rack 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. WO2019 / 030798) discloses an indoor unit of a wall-mounted air conditioner that is installed on the upper part of a side wall inside a room. Such wall-mounted indoor units are usually equipped with flaps for adjusting the upward and downward airflow directions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In indoor units, the rotation axis of the flap is often located near the bottom of the indoor unit. Furthermore, the size of indoor unit flaps has been increasing in recent years. This has resulted in an increase in the force acting on the connection between the flap and the motor, making it necessary to strengthen the connection.

[0004] However, wall-mounted indoor units are often limited in size due to installation requirements, and if the size or thickness of the connection between the flap and motor becomes too large, the indoor unit may not be able to fit within the specified height. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first aspect includes a casing in which an air outlet is formed, a first flap, a first motor, and a connecting part. The first flap rotates around a first axis extending horizontally to adjust the vertical direction of air blown out from the outlet. The first motor drives the first flap. The connecting part connects the first flap and the first motor. The connecting part has a rack and a pinion. The rack follows an arc centered on the first axis of the first flap. The pinion is rotated by the first motor. The pinion meshes with the rack.

[0006] Here, a connecting part having a rack and pinion is employed, and the rack is configured to follow an arc, so the size of the connecting part connecting the first flap and the first motor can be reduced, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in the height dimension of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the first aspect.

[0007] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a second aspect is the indoor unit according to the first aspect, wherein the connection portion further has a plate-shaped member. The plate-shaped member is fixed to the first flap or is formed integrally with the first flap. A rack is fixed to the plate-shaped member, or the plate-shaped member has an arc-shaped outer periphery. If the plate-shaped member has an outer periphery, the rack is formed integrally with the outer periphery.

[0008] Here, instead of using a cylindrical member as the connecting part as in the past, a configuration is adopted in which the rack is fixed to a plate-like member, or the rack is integrally molded on the outer periphery of the plate-like member, which makes it easier to ensure the strength of the connecting part while keeping its size small.

[0009] Specific examples of states in which the plate-shaped member is fixed to the first flap include a state in which the first flap and the plate-shaped member are glued together, a state in which the plate-shaped member is fitted into the first flap, and a state in which the first flap is attached to the plate-shaped member and is held removably relative to the plate-shaped member.

[0010] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a third aspect is the indoor unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the rack is formed with teeth that mesh with the pinion. The teeth of the rack are formed on the inner circumferential surface, which is the surface of the rack on the first shaft side.

[0011] Here, the teeth are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rack rather than the outer circumferential surface, which allows for a smaller connection.

[0012] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fourth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the angle formed by the first line and the second line in a side view is 90° or more and less than 160°. The first line is a line connecting the first axis and a first end, which is one end of the rack along the arc. The second line is a line connecting the first axis and a second end, which is the other end of the rack along the arc.

[0013] Here, the angle between the first and second lines is 90° or more, which ensures a sufficient range for adjusting the airflow direction of the first flap. Also, the angle between the first and second lines is less than 160°, which reduces the size of the connecting portion.

[0014] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a fifth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a second flap. The second flap adjusts the left-right direction of the air blown out from the air outlet. The upper end of the rack is positioned below the upper end of the second flap.

[0015] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rack is positioned inside the left-right ends of the air outlet when viewed from the front.

[0016] Here, the width dimension of the indoor unit in the left-right direction can be reduced.

[0017] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rack is positioned outside the left-right ends of the air outlet when viewed from the front.

[0018] Here, the rack does not obstruct the air blown out from the air outlet, or the rack is unlikely to obstruct the air blown out from the air outlet.

[0019] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the height dimension of the casing is a first length (H1). The first axis is located below a first height position (PH1) and above a second height position (PH2). The first height position (PH1) is a position higher than the bottom surface of the casing by 5% of the first length (H1). The second height position (PH2) is the height position of the bottom surface of the casing.

[0020] Here, because the first axis about which the first flap rotates is located above and near the underside of the casing, if the size of the connection portion connecting the first flap and the first motor were large, there is a risk that the connection portion would protrude below the underside of the casing. However, according to the indoor unit of the first aspect, which is the premise of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the eighth aspect, the size of the connection portion can be reduced and the connection portion can be accommodated above the underside of the casing.

[0021] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a ninth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the rack and pinion are arranged near both ends of the air outlet in the left-right direction.

[0022] Here, the force for rotating the first flap is distributed to the left and right racks and pinions, reducing the force acting on the meshing portions of the racks and pinions, which allows the size of each connection to be reduced.

[0023] An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the casing has a scroll section. The scroll section forms the underside of an air passage extending obliquely rearward from the air outlet. The first axis is located below the height position of the lowest end of the underside of the air passage formed in the scroll section.

[0024] Here, the first axis, which is the center of rotation of the first flap, is provided at a fairly low position, and if the size of the connection portion connecting the first flap and the first motor were large, there is a risk that the connection portion would protrude below the underside of the casing. However, according to the indoor unit of the first aspect, which is the premise of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of the tenth aspect, the size of the connection portion can be reduced, and the connection portion can be accommodated above the underside of the casing.

[0025] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an eleventh aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the casing has a scroll portion. The scroll portion forms the underside of an air passage extending obliquely rearward from the air outlet. When operation is stopped, the first flap is in a closed state that closes the air outlet, and one end of the rack abuts the scroll portion.

[0026] Here, the rack acts as a stopper when the first flap is closed, eliminating the need to use the end of the first flap itself as a stopper.

[0027] An indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect is the indoor unit according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the casing has a side surface portion. The side surface portion forms a side surface of an air passage extending obliquely rearward from the air outlet. A recessed portion is formed in the side surface portion. When operation is stopped, the rack is stored in the recessed portion.

[0028] Here, the recessed portion is formed in the side surface of the casing, so that the rack is prevented from creating resistance to the air flowing through the air passage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the indoor unit according to the present embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a deformed (transformed, distorted) indoor unit seen from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the upper and lower flaps, the first motor, and a connection portion that connects them. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of upper and lower flaps integrally formed with a rack. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the meshing state of the rack and pinion integrally formed with the upper and lower flaps. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of the upper and lower flaps with the rack integrally formed therewith. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a deformed indoor unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the indoor unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the rack and the scroll part of the indoor unit according to Modification 1B. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing partition plates provided at the left and right ends of the air outlet of the indoor unit according to Modification 1C. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the plate-shaped members of the connecting portions to which the main body of the upper and lower flaps of the indoor unit according to Modification 1G is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] (1) Overall structure Figure 1 is an external view of an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner. The indoor unit 10 of this separate-type air conditioner is connected via refrigerant piping to an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outdoors, such as on a balcony, and is attached to a side wall inside the room. The indoor unit 10 is capable of performing indoor cooling and heating operations.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this indoor unit 10 mainly comprises a casing 12, an indoor heat exchanger 13, an indoor fan 14, a filter unit 15, upper and lower flaps 16, left and right flaps 18, and a front panel 19.

[0032] In the following explanation, expressions indicating directions such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" will be used as appropriate, and these represent the directions when the indoor unit 10 is installed on the side wall of the room as shown in Figure 1.

[0033] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Casing The casing 12 supports and houses the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14, and is mainly composed of a first frame 21, a second frame 22, a third frame 23, and a cover 24.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the first frame 21 and the second frame 22 are support structures that are mainly arranged on the back side. The first frame 21, which forms the scroll section 21a that guides the blown air to the air outlet 12b, is attached to a mounting plate 29 installed on a side wall inside the room. The first frame 21 and the second frame 22 also fixedly support the indoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor fan 14.

[0035] 1, the third frame 23 is located above the indoor heat exchanger 13 and extends forward from the first frame 21. The third frame 23 supports the filter unit 15 and the like.

[0036] The cover 24, together with the front panel 19 and the upper and lower flaps 16, constitutes the exterior surface of the indoor unit 10.

[0037] The casing 12, which is composed of the first frame 21, second frame 22, third frame 23, cover 24, etc., forms an upper intake port 12a and a lower outlet port 12b, as shown in FIGS.

[0038] (2-2) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger 13 is composed of a number of fins and a number of heat transfer tubes. The indoor heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator or a condenser depending on the operating state of the indoor unit 10, and exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air (room air) passing outside.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor heat exchanger 13 has a generally inverted V shape in side view, and the indoor fan 14 is located in the space between the front and rear heat exchange sections.

[0040] (2-3) Indoor fan The indoor fan 14 is a cross-flow fan having a generally cylindrical shape and extending long in the W direction (left-right direction) shown in Fig. 1. When the indoor fan 14 rotates, indoor air is drawn in through the air inlet 12a, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 13, and is supplied into the room from the air outlet 12b after heat exchange.

[0041] (2-4) Filter unit 2, filter unit 15 is disposed between upper air inlet 12a and indoor heat exchanger 13, and serves to capture dust in the indoor air. Filter unit 15, which is disposed upstream of indoor heat exchanger 13 in the direction of indoor air flow, is attached to third frame 23.

[0042] (2-5) Front panel 1 and 2, the front panel 19 is a plate-like member that forms the upper part of the front surface of the indoor unit 10. The front panel 19 is located above the upper and lower flaps 16, and serves as a decorative panel.

[0043] (2-6) Top and bottom flaps 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit 10 as seen from below, but the left-right scale has been reduced and the view has been deformed (deformed and distorted) to highlight the features of the upper and lower flaps 16. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the left-right width dimensions of the air outlet 12b and the upper and lower flaps 16 in particular have been compressed.

[0044] (2-6-1) Main body of the upper and lower flaps The upper and lower flaps 16, which cover the air outlet 12b of the indoor unit 10 when the unit is not operating, have plate-shaped bodies 16a that change the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 12b in an up-down direction. When the bodies 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 are positioned vertically, the direction of the air blown out is adjusted downward, and when the bodies 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 are positioned horizontally, the direction of the air blown out is adjusted horizontally. The bodies 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 have an insulated hollow structure to improve air blowing performance.

[0045] The main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 is connected to the rotation shaft of the first motor 96 via a connection part 50 shown in FIG. 4. When the first motor 96 is rotated forward and backward, the upper and lower flaps 16 rotate around a first axis CA (see FIGS. 5, 8, etc.), which is the central axis of rotation. FIG. 2 shows the upper and lower flaps 16 in a closed state. FIG. 3 shows the upper and lower flaps 16 in an open state.

[0046] (2-6-2) Connection part connecting the first motor and the main body of the upper and lower flaps The first motor 96 is an actuator that drives the upper and lower flaps 16 by rotating forward or backward in response to a command from a control unit 90, which will be described later.

[0047] The connection part 50 that connects the first motor 96 and the main body 16a of the upper and lower flap 16 is made up of multiple parts and transmits the rotational force of the rotation shaft of the first motor 96 to the upper and lower flap 16. The connection part 50 mainly has a rack 55 and a pinion 58.

[0048] The rack 55 has a shape that follows an arc centered on the first axis CA, which is the rotation axis of the upper and lower flaps 16 (see FIGS. 4-5, 7-9, etc.). The rack 55 is molded integrally with the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, fan-shaped plate members 53 extend perpendicularly from the main surface of the main body 16a at both left and right ends of the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16. The rack 55 extends outward in the left-right direction from the arc-shaped outer periphery 54 of these plate members 53. A plurality of teeth 56 that mesh with the pinion 58 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 55a of the arc-shaped rack 55. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner peripheral surface 55a of the rack 55 on which the teeth 56 are formed is the surface on the side of the first axis CA. In this way, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16, the plate-shaped members 53 extending from both the left and right ends thereof, and the rack 55 extending from the arc-shaped outer periphery 54 of the plate-shaped member 53 along the direction of the first axis CA are integrally molded from resin.

[0049] 9, the arc-shaped rack 55 of the connecting portion 50 has a central angle AN of approximately 130°. Specifically, when the rack 55 is viewed along the first axis CA, the angle formed by a first line SL1 and a second line SL2 (in a side view) is the central angle AN, which is approximately 130°. The first line SL1 is a line connecting a first end 55b, which is one end of the rack 55, to the first axis CA in a side view. The second line SL2 is a line connecting a second end 55c, which is the other end of the rack 55, to the first axis CA in a side view.

[0050] Although the indoor unit 10 has a central angle AN of approximately 130°, for a typical air conditioner, it is preferable to select the central angle AN from the range of 90° or more and less than 160° depending on the size of the room in which the indoor unit is expected to be installed and the level of vertical airflow direction adjustment capability required of the indoor unit. This ensures a certain degree of vertical airflow direction adjustment capability while also making it possible to reduce the size of the indoor unit (particularly the height dimension).

[0051] 6 is connected to the rotary shaft of the first motor 96 via a gear, and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise as the first motor 96 rotates. Teeth 58a that mesh with the teeth 56 of the rack 55 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pinion 58.

[0052] (2-6-3) Left and right arrangement of racks As shown in FIG. 10, rack 55 is located inside left-right ends 12b1, 12b2 of air outlet 12b in a front view. Air outlet 12b is an opening located at the lower end of air passage FP (see FIGS. 2 and 10) formed in casing 12. Air passage FP is formed below indoor fan 14, and the lower surface (bottom surface) of air passage FP is the upper surface of scroll section 21a of first frame 21 of casing 12. Left and right side surface portions 25, 26 of air passage FP widen left and right near air outlet 12b. Specifically, recessed portions 25a, 26a are formed in portions of side surface portions 25, 26 of air passage FP that extend obliquely rearward from air outlet 12b. Due to the presence of these recessed portions 25a, 26a, the left-right width of air passage FP widens near air outlet 12b. Air passage FP has a width W1 from indoor fan 14 to a certain point, but has a width W2 near air outlet 12b, which is the outlet of air passage FP. Dimension W2 is the width in the left-right direction from left end 12b1 to right end 12b2 of air outlet 12b, and is larger than dimension W1.

[0053] As described above, the left and right racks 55 are located inside the left and right ends 12b1, 12b2 of the air outlet 12b, but are located outside the both side walls of the portion of the air passage FP with width dimension W1 before expansion, as shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, at least a portion of the left rack 55 is located inside the recessed portion 25a during both operation and non-operation, and at least a portion of the right rack 55 is located inside the recessed portion 26a during both operation and non-operation. This prevents the air flowing from the indoor fan 14 toward the air outlet 12b from colliding with the racks 55 and causing resistance.

[0054] (2-6-4) Vertical arrangement of rack and pinion As shown in FIG. 10 , the height dimension of the casing 12 is a first length H1. The height dimension of the casing 12 is equal to the height dimension of the indoor unit 10. A first axis CA, which is the central axis of rotation of the upper and lower flaps 16, is located below a first height position PH1 and above a second height position PH2. The first height position PH1 is a position that is 5% of the first length H1 higher than the lower surface 12c of the casing 12. The second height position PH2 is the height position of the lower surface 12c of the casing 12.

[0055] The rack 55 and the pinion 58 are disposed near both ends 12b1 and 12b2 of the air outlet 12b in the left-right direction.

[0056] As described above, the casing 12 has the scroll portion 21a disposed behind and below the indoor fan 14. As shown in Fig. 2, the scroll portion 21a includes the lowest end 21a1 of the lower surface of the air passage FP. The first axis CA is located below the height position of the lowest end 21a1 of the lower surface of the air passage FP.

[0057] (2-7) Left and right flaps The left and right flaps 18 are arranged in the air passage FP as shown in Fig. 2, and adjust the left and right direction of the air blown out into the room from the air outlet 12b. The left and right flaps 18 are arranged on the left and right halves of the air passage FP (see Figs. 3 and 11).

[0058] The upper end 55d (see FIG. 9) of the rack 55 is located below the upper ends 18a (see FIG. 2) of the left and right flaps 18.

[0059] (2-8) Control unit 11 is housed on the right side of the interior space of the casing 12, and operates each actuator in response to signals from a remote control receiver 92 that receives commands from a remote control (not shown) and a room temperature sensor 93. Control targets of the control unit 90 include a first motor 96 that rotates the upper and lower flaps 16, a second motor 98 and a third motor 99 that drive the left and right flaps 18, and a fourth motor 94 that rotates the indoor fan 14.

[0060] The control unit 90 is realized by a computer. The control unit 90 includes a control and arithmetic unit and a storage device. The control and arithmetic unit can be a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic unit reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic unit can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program.

[0061] (3) Operation of the upper and lower flaps The upper and lower flaps 16 are controlled to maintain a predetermined vertical angle in response to a command from the control unit 90, which receives a blowing angle setting from a remote control, or based on an automatic angle setting linked to cooling or heating operation. Specifically, the control unit 90 sends a drive command to the first motor 96, causing the first motor 96 to rotate. The rotational force is transmitted to the upper and lower flaps 16 via the connection unit 50, causing the upper and lower flaps 16 to rotate about the first axis CA to maintain a predetermined position (angle). When the pinion 58, which is connected to the rotating shaft of the first motor 96 via a gear at the connection unit 50, rotates, the rack 55 meshing with the pinion 58 rotates about the first axis CA, causing the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16, which is integrally molded with the rack 55 and the plate-like member 53, to rotate, changing the angle of the upper and lower flaps 16 (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 7 ).

[0062] (4) Features (4-1) In the indoor unit 10, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 has a heat insulating hollow structure as described above, and therefore the upper and lower flaps 16 are large and heavy blades.

[0063] 10, the first axis CA, which is the center of rotation of the upper and lower flaps 16, is located near the second height position PH2, which is the height position of the underside 12c of the casing 12. For this reason, depending on the size of the connection portion 50 that connects the upper and lower flaps 16 to the first motor 96, the height dimension H1 of the indoor unit 10 may not meet the dimensions required in the market. For example, in Japan, the height dimension of a wall-mounted indoor unit must be 300 mm or less in order to be able to install it in some rooms.

[0064] However, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner according to the above embodiment employs a connection part 50 having a rack 55 and a pinion 58, and the rack 55 is configured to follow an arc, thereby reducing the size of the connection part 50. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the height dimension H1 of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner.

[0065] (4-2) Indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner does not use a cylindrical member as a connection part as in the past, but instead employs a configuration in which rack 55 is integrally molded on outer periphery 54 of plate-like member 53. As a result, indoor unit 10 is able to ensure the strength of connection part 50 while keeping the size of connection part 50 small.

[0066] (4-3) In the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, the teeth 56 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 55a of the rack 55 rather than on the outer peripheral surface, so that the connecting portion 50 can be made even more compact.

[0067] (4-4) In the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, the central angle AN formed by the first line SL1 and the second line SL2 shown in Figure 9 is approximately 130°. Because the central angle AN is 90° or more, it is possible to ensure a sufficient range for adjusting the airflow direction of the upper and lower flaps 16. Furthermore, because the central angle AN is less than 160°, it is possible to reduce the size of the connection part 50.

[0068] (4-5) In the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, the first axis CA, which is the center of rotation of the upper and lower flaps 16, is located above and near the lower surface 12c of the casing 12. For this reason, if the size of the connection portion 50 that connects the upper and lower flaps 16 and the first motor 96 were large, there is a risk that the connection portion 50 would protrude below the lower surface 12c of the casing 12.

[0069] However, as explained in (4-1) above, the size of the connection part 50 in the indoor unit 10 can be reduced, and therefore the connection part 50 can be accommodated above the underside 12c of the casing 12. Specifically, when the upper and lower flaps 16 are in the open state shown in Fig. 3, the rack 55 and the upper and lower flaps 16 protrude below the underside 12c of the casing 12, but when the upper and lower flaps 16 are in the closed state, the connection part 50 including the rack 55 is accommodated in the space above the underside 12c of the casing 12.

[0070] (4-6) In the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, a connection part 50 is disposed on each of the left and right sides of the main body 16a of the upper and lower flap 16. As a result, the force for rotating the upper and lower flap 16 is distributed to the racks 55 and pinions 58 on the left and right, reducing the force acting on the meshing parts of the racks 55 and pinions 58. This is also a factor that enabled the size of each connection part 50 to be reduced.

[0071] Furthermore, since there are fan-shaped plate members 53 on the left and right sides of the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16, as is clear from Figure 3, problems such as the air blown out from the air outlet 12b flowing backwards when the air volume is low are reduced.

[0072] (4-7) In the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, no torque acts on the first axis CA, which is the center of rotation of the upper and lower flaps 16. This allows the structure for pivotally supporting the upper and lower flaps 16 to be simple.

[0073] (4-8) In indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner, recesses 25a, 26a are formed in left and right side surface portions 25, 26 of casing 12 that form the sides of air passage FP extending obliquely rearward from air outlet 12b. When operation is stopped, most of rack 55 is stored in recesses 25a, 26a.

[0074] This prevents the indoor unit 10 from having a problem in which air flowing from the indoor fan 14 toward the air outlet 12b collides with the rack 55 and causes resistance.

[0075] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 1A In the indoor unit 10, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16, the plate-like members 53, and the rack 55 are integrally molded from resin.

[0076] Instead of such a structure, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 and the plate-like member 53 may be prepared as separate parts, and the plate-like member 53 may be fixed to the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 by adhesive or press-fitting.

[0077] Also, the plate-like member 53 and the rack 55 may be prepared as separate components, and then fixed together with an adhesive or by press-fitting.

[0078] (5-2) Variation 1B In order to stabilize the position of the upper and lower flaps 16 of the indoor unit 10 in the closed state, it is preferable to provide a stopper for the upper and lower flaps 16 when they are shifted from the open state to the closed state.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 12, a stopper can be provided by utilizing the rack 55 of the connecting portion 50. Here, when the upper and lower flaps 16 are in the closed state, the first end 55b of the rack 55, which is integral with the upper and lower flaps 16, is configured to abut against the scroll portion 21a of the casing 12, so that the rack 55 and the scroll portion 21a function as stoppers for the upper and lower flaps 16. This eliminates the need to use the ends of the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 as stoppers when the upper and lower flaps 16 are closed.

[0080] (5-3) Variation 1C In the indoor unit 10 described above, as shown in FIG. 10, the left and right racks 55 are positioned inside the left and right ends 12b1, 12b2 of the air outlet 12b.

[0081] Instead of this configuration, as shown in Fig. 13, in order to reduce the resistance of the air flowing from the indoor fan 14 toward the air outlet 12b, plate members 125, 126 that become the left and right walls of the air outlet 12b may be additionally installed, and the left and right width of the air outlet 12b may be set to dimension W3. In the structure shown in Fig. 13, the left and right racks 55 are positioned outside the left and right ends 112b1, 112b2 of the air outlet 12b in a front view.

[0082] (5-4) Variation 1D In the indoor unit 10 described above, the connection parts 50 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the upper and lower flaps 16, but the connection parts 50 may be arranged on only one of the left and right sides.

[0083] (5-5) Variation 1E In the indoor unit 10 described above, the upper and lower flaps 16 and the connecting portion 50 are made of resin, but some of these may be made of metal. Also, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 has a hollow insulating structure, but a solid structure may also be used.

[0084] (5-6) Variation 1F In the indoor unit 10 described above, the teeth 56 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 55 a of the arc-shaped rack 55 , but the teeth may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rack 55 and the pinion 58 may be disposed outside the rack 55 .

[0085] (5-7) Variation 1G In the above indoor unit 10, the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 and the plate-shaped member 53 are integrally molded from resin, and in the above variant 1A, a structure is adopted in which the plate-shaped member 53 is fixed to the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 by adhesive or press-fitting.

[0086] 14, a structure may be employed in which a tip portion 53a is provided on a plate-like member 53, and the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 is attached to the tip portion 53a. For example, a structure may be employed in which the main body 16a of the upper and lower flaps 16 is placed on the tip portion 53a of the plate-like member 53, and the main body 16a is screwed to the tip portion 53a, thereby detachably holding and fixing the main body 16a to the tip portion 53a.

[0087] (5-8) Variation 1H Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. Indoor unit of air conditioner 12 Casing 12b Air outlet 12b1 Left and right ends of the air outlet 12b2 Left and right ends of the air outlet 16 Upper and lower flaps (first flap) 18 Left and right flaps (second flap) 18a Top of left and right flaps (top of second flap) 21 First Frame 21a Scroll section 21a1 The lowest end of the underside of the air passage formed in the scroll section 25 Air passage side portion (side portion of the casing that forms the side of the air passage) 25a Recessed part on the side of the air passage 26 Air passage side portion (side portion of the casing forming the side of the air passage) 26a Recessed part on the side of the air passage 50 Connection 53 Plate-shaped members 54 Outer periphery of plate-shaped member 55 racks 55a Inner surface of rack 55b First end of rack 55c Second end of rack 55d Top of rack 56 rack teeth 58 Pinion 96 First motor 112b1 Left and right ends of the air outlet 112b2 Left and right ends of the air outlet FP wind path CA The first axis is the central axis for rotation of the upper and lower flaps AN: The angle between the first and second lines in a side view SL1 First Straight Line SL2 2nd straight line H1 Casing height (first length) PH1: A position that is 5% of H1 higher than the second height position (first height position) PH2 Height position of the bottom surface of the casing (second height position) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0089] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2019 / 030798

Claims

1. a casing (12) in which an air outlet (12b) is formed; a first flap (16) that rotates around a first axis (CA) extending along a horizontal direction to adjust the vertical direction of the air blown out from the air outlet; a first motor (96) for driving the first flap; a connection portion (50) that connects the first flap and the first motor; Equipped with The connection portion includes a rack (55) along an arc centered on the first axis of the first flap, and a pinion (58) that is rotated by the first motor and meshes with the rack. An indoor unit (10) of an air conditioner.

2. The connection portion further includes a plate-like member (53) fixed to the first flap or formed integrally with the first flap, The plate-like member has an arc-shaped outer periphery (54) to which the rack is fixed or integrally formed. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The rack has teeth (56) formed on an inner peripheral surface (55a) that is the surface on the first shaft side, the teeth (56) engaging with the pinion.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The angle (AN) in a side view formed by a first straight line (SL1) connecting a first end (55b), which is one end of the rack along the arc, and the first axis, and a second straight line (SL2) connecting a second end (55c), which is the other end of the rack along the arc, and the first axis, is: Over 90° and under 160° That is, 3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a second flap (18) for adjusting the left-right direction of the air blown out from the air outlet; Furthermore, The upper end (55d) of the rack is located below the upper end (18a) of the second flap.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The rack is located inside the left and right ends of the air outlet in a front view.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The rack (55) is located outside the left-right ends (12b1, 12b2) of the air outlet (12b) in a front view.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The height dimension of the casing is a first length (H1), The first axis (CA) is located below a first height position (PH1) that is a position higher than the lower surface of the casing by 5% of the first length (H1), and is located above a second height position (PH2) that is a height position of the lower surface of the casing.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The rack and the pinion are disposed near both ends of the air outlet in the left-right direction, 3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The casing (12) has a scroll portion (21 a) that forms a lower surface of an air passage (FP) that extends obliquely rearward from the air outlet (12 b), The first axis (CA) is located below the height position of the lowest end (21a1) of the lower surface of the air passage formed in the scroll portion.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the casing has a scroll portion that forms a lower surface of an air passage that extends obliquely rearward from the air outlet, When the operation is stopped, the first flap is in a closed state to close the air outlet, and one end (55b) of the rack abuts the scroll portion.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the casing (12) has side portions (25, 26) that form side surfaces of an air passage (FP) that extends obliquely rearward from the air outlet (12b); The side surface has recesses (25a, 26a) formed therein, When the operation is stopped, the rack (55) is stored in the recessed portion.

3. An indoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

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