Wind direction adjustment mechanism and air conditioning system

Abstract

To suppress the transmission of overload in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit. [Solution] An embodiment of the present invention provides a wind direction adjustment mechanism comprising a wind direction adjustment unit and a drive unit. The wind direction adjustment unit is provided with a first output bearing and is configured to change the orientation of at least one first wind direction plate in conjunction with the rotation of the first output bearing. The drive unit comprises an input-side transmission shaft member, an output-side transmission shaft member, and an elastic member. The input-side transmission shaft member receives power from a motor. The output-side transmission shaft member transmits rotation around a first rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member to the first output bearing of the wind direction adjustment unit. The elastic member is interposed in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wind direction adjustment mechanism and an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an air conditioner that blows out air conditioned by an indoor unit into a room. The indoor unit of such an air conditioner may be configured to be able to automatically adjust the wind direction by transmitting the power of a motor through a link to drive the wind direction plate of the wind direction adjustment unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, an external force may be applied to the wind direction plate of the wind direction adjustment unit attached to the indoor unit of the air conditioner by a user performing maintenance work, or the wind direction adjustment unit removed from the indoor unit may be attached again. When the wind direction adjustment unit is attached again, initial position adjustment may be performed by rotating the motor beyond the operating range during wind direction adjustment to cause out-of-tune and then performing position adjustment. Therefore, there is a risk that an excessive load may be transmitted in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit.

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to suppress the transmission of an excessive load in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a wind direction adjustment mechanism comprising a wind direction adjustment unit and a drive unit. The wind direction adjustment unit is provided with a first output bearing portion and is configured to change the orientation of at least one first wind direction plate in conjunction with the rotation of the first output bearing portion. The drive unit has an input-side transmission shaft member, an output-side transmission shaft member, and an elastic member. The input-side transmission shaft member receives power from a motor. The output-side transmission shaft member transmits rotation around a first rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member to the first output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit. The elastic member is interposed in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit.

[0007] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a motor that generates power and the above-mentioned wind direction adjustment mechanism provided at an air outlet that blows out airflow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the wind direction adjustment mechanism of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the transmission of overload in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the wind direction adjustment mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the drive unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the output-side transmission shaft member according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the wind direction adjustment mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the wind direction adjustment mechanism according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the wind direction adjustment mechanism and air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components and descriptions of such components may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions used herein. Components may also be identified by names different from those used herein. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those used herein.

[0011] Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and proportions of each element may differ from reality. Also, there may be differences in dimensional relationships and proportions between drawings. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used solely to distinguish parts, components, locations, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority. Additionally, for example, to ensure the readability of the drawings, reference numerals are assigned only to the main components in the description of each drawing, and reference numerals may not be assigned to components that have the same or substantially the same function as those described in previously shown drawings.

[0012] In this disclosure, expressions such as orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, parallel, identical, coincident, and in the same position are not limited to cases where they are strictly orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, parallel, identical, coincident, or in the same position, but also include cases where they can be considered to be orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, parallel, identical, coincident, or in the same position.

[0013] In addition, in the descriptions of this disclosure, components having the same or substantially the same function may be distinguished by adding alphanumeric characters to the end of the reference numeral. Alternatively, if multiple components having the same or substantially the same function are not to be distinguished, they may be described together by omitting the alphanumeric characters at the end of the reference numeral.

[0014] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] The air conditioner 1 includes an operation terminal (not shown) that receives a user's operation instruction and transmits a command to the indoor unit 10 according to the received operation instruction, an indoor unit 10 disposed indoors, and an outdoor unit (not shown) disposed outdoors. The operation terminal may be an electronic device such as a smartphone that operates with a dedicated application.

[0016] The indoor unit 10 has a housing formed by a plurality of members such as a front panel 11, a pair of side panels 12, and a bottom panel 13. The front panel 11 forms the front side (+Y side) of the housing of the indoor unit 10. The pair of side panels 12 forms the side sides (+X side and -X side) of the housing of the indoor unit 10. The bottom panel 13 forms the bottom side (-Z side) of the housing of the indoor unit 10. Below (-Z side) the front panel 11 of the housing, an air outlet 15 is provided. The air outlet 15 is an opening for blowing out the airflow generated in the indoor unit 10 into the room. The air outlet 15 has, for example, an elongated shape along the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10. Also, inside the housing of the indoor unit 10, a blower (not shown) that generates the airflow blown out from the air outlet 15 is provided.

[0017] An air direction adjustment mechanism 3 for adjusting the direction (airflow direction) of the airflow in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction of the indoor unit 10) is provided at the air outlet 15 of the indoor unit 10.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the air direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to the embodiment. Each of FIGS. 3 and 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the air direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 each illustrate the front side (+Y side) of the air direction adjustment mechanism 3. FIG. 4 illustrates the back side (-Y side) of the air direction adjustment mechanism 3.

[0019] The air direction adjustment mechanism 3 has a drive unit 4 and a plurality of air direction adjustment units 5. FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate, as the plurality of air direction adjustment units 5, an air direction adjustment unit 5a disposed on the left side (+X side) and an air direction adjustment unit 5b disposed on the right side (-X side).

[0020] In the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3, the wind direction adjustment unit 5 may be one or a plurality of three or more.

[0021] The drive unit 4 is fixed to the indoor unit 10 at the air outlet 15 of the indoor unit 10. The drive unit 4 supports the wind direction adjustment unit 5. The drive unit 4 drives the wind direction adjustment unit 5. The wind direction adjustment unit 5 is detachably attached to the drive unit 4. FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate the case where the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b are detachably attached to the left and right (+X side and -X side) of the drive unit 4.

[0022] Note that the attachment position of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 with respect to the drive unit 4 is arbitrary and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b may be attached to the up and down (+Z side and -Z side) of the drive unit 4. Also, for example, the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b may be attached to the front and back (+Y side and -Y side) of the drive unit 4. Also, for example, the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b may be attached to one side of the drive unit 4. Also, for example, the attachment positions of the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b with respect to the drive unit 4 may be different in at least one of the left and right direction, up and down direction, and front and back direction.

[0023] Note that one or a plurality of three or more wind direction adjustment units 5 may be attached to one drive unit 4. For example, the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b may be attached to different drive units 4.

[0024] The wind direction adjustment unit 5 has a support plate 51 and a plurality of wind direction plates 53 (louvers). The support plate 51 rotatably supports the wind direction plates 53. FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate, as the plurality of wind direction plates 53, four wind direction plates 53-1 to 53-4 rotatably attached to the support plate 51 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5a and four wind direction plates 53-5 to 53-8 rotatably attached to the support plate 51 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5b.

[0025] Here, the four wind vanes 53-1 to 53-4 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5a are examples of at least one first wind vane. Also, the four wind vanes 53-5 to 53-8 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5b are examples of at least one second wind vane.

[0026] In addition, the number of wind deflectors 53 in each of the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b may be one, two, three, or five or more. Furthermore, the number of wind deflectors 53 may differ between the wind direction adjustment units 5a and 5b.

[0027] Here, the rotation of the wind deflector 53 refers to rotation around an axis (Y axis) perpendicular to the main surface (ZX plane) of the support plate 51. The rotation of the wind deflector 53 changes the projected area of ​​the wind deflector 53 with respect to the plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the main surface of the support plate 51, and adjusts the direction (wind direction) of the airflow blown from the outlet 15 into the room. In the example in Figure 2, when the wind deflector 53 rotates clockwise when viewed from the +Y side in the ZX plane, the end of the wind deflector 53 opposite to the support plate 51 moves to the +X side, and the airflow is deflected (adjusted) to the left (+X side).

[0028] The airflow adjustment unit 5 is supported by the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4 and attached to the indoor unit 10. Specifically, a bearing portion 52 is provided on the rear side (-Y side) of the support plate 51 of the airflow adjustment unit 5.

[0029] Here, the bearing portion 52 provided on the support plate 51 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5a is an example of a first output bearing portion. Also, the bearing portion 52 provided on the support plate 51 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5b is an example of a second output bearing portion.

[0030] A recess 521 is formed in the bearing portion 52. The recess 521 is shaped to fit with the protrusion 4612 of the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4. For example, the recess 521 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is formed as a polygon with hexagons or more. The polygon of the recess 521 includes at least one straight section and at least one corner. The arc length of the corner of the polygon in the circumferential direction is longer than the length of the straight section in the circumferential direction. Thus, the bearing portion 52 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 has a recess 521 formed as the same polygon as the protrusion 4612 of the drive unit 4. In other words, if the protrusion 4612 of the drive unit 4 is hexagonal, the recess 521 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is also hexagonal.

[0031] However, the radius of curvature (R) of the corner of the recess 521 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is less than or equal to the radius of curvature (R) of the corner of the protrusion 4612 of the drive unit 4. In other words, the corner of the protrusion 4612 of the drive unit 4 does not have a larger curvature than the corner of the recess 521 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5, and is closer to a circle.

[0032] The wind direction adjustment unit 5 is configured to change the direction of the wind deflector 53 in conjunction with the rotation of the bearing 52. This rotation of the bearing 52 is the rotation that accompanies the rotation of the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4.

[0033] Specifically, a link 54 is provided on the back side of the support plate 51. The link 54 is a mechanism that transmits the rotation of the bearing portion 52 to the rotating portion 55 of the wind deflector 53. Here, the bearing portion 52 and the rotating portion 55 are the attachment points of the wind deflector 53 to the support plate 51.

[0034] Link 54 has a main section 541 and a transmission section 542. The main section 541 of link 54 extends along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support plate 51. The main section 541 and the transmission section 542 of link 54 are rotatably connected around their connection point. The transmission section 542 of link 54 extends from the outer circumference of the bearing section 52 and rotates together with the bearing section 52 around the axis of rotation of the bearing section 52. The main section 541 of link 54 receives rotational motion of the transmission section 542 around the bearing section 52 due to the rotation of the bearing section 52, and performs linear motion along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support plate 51.

[0035] Furthermore, the main part 541 of the link 54 is rotatably connected to the arm 551 extending from the rotating part 55 of the wind deflector 53, with the arm 551 extending from the rotating part 55 of the wind deflector 53 being the main part 541, with the arm 55 being the main part 541. Therefore, the rotating part 55 of the wind deflector 53 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the bearing part 52 via the link 54. In other words, the wind deflector 53 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 rotates due to the rotation of the bearing part 52 and the rotating part 55, adjusting the direction (wind direction) of the airflow blown from the outlet 15 into the room.

[0036] Furthermore, a range-defining section 511 is provided on the back side of the support plate 51 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5. The range-defining section 511 defines the range of rotation of the transmission section 542 accompanying the rotation of the bearing section 52, and the arm section 551 that rotates the rotating section 55 in accordance with the displacement of the main section 541 of the link 54. The range-defining section 511 is formed in a fan shape that spreads out toward the main section 541 of the link 54, with the bearing section 52 or the rotating section 55 as the center. In addition, a stopper 5111 is formed in the straight section that defines the radius of the fan shape of the range-defining section 511, and its contact limits the range of rotation of the transmission section 542 and the arm section 551. The arc length of the fan shape of the range-defining section 511 can be appropriately determined according to the range in which the transmission section 542 and the arm section 551 rotate, that is, the rotation range of the wind direction plate 53.

[0037] The drive unit 4 has a housing formed from multiple components, including a front cover 41 and a rear cover 42. A motor 40 that generates power is attached to the rear cover 42 of the drive unit 4. Inside the housing of the drive unit 4, there is a drive gear 43, an idler gear 44, a driven gear 45, and a power transmission limiting structure 46.

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the drive unit 4 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the output side transmission shaft member 461 according to the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates the power transmission path from the drive gear 43 via the idler gear 44a, driven gear 45a, and power transmission limiting structure 46a provided on the +X side of the drive unit 4, and the power transmission path from the drive gear 43 via the idler gear 44b, driven gear 45b, and power transmission limiting structure 46b provided on the -X side of the drive unit 4.

[0040] Here, the power transmission path on the +X side of the drive unit 4 is configured to transmit power from the motor 40 to the wind direction adjustment unit 5a. The power transmission path on the -X side of the drive unit 4 is configured to transmit power from the motor 40 to the wind direction adjustment unit 5b.

[0041] In the following explanation, we will primarily describe the power transmission path on the +X side of the drive unit 4, and will omit the explanation of the power transmission path on the -X side of the drive unit 4, which is configured similarly.

[0042] The drive gear 43 is rotatably positioned around the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member 431. The input-side transmission shaft member 431 is an input shaft member (rotation shaft member) that receives power from the motor 40. The input-side transmission shaft member 431 is rotatable around its rotation axis by the power generated by the motor 40. One end of the input-side transmission shaft member 431 is inserted into and supported, for example, a hole 483 provided in the front cover 41. The drive gear 43 meshes with the adjacent idler gear 44 by the tooth profile provided on its outer circumference.

[0043] The drive gear 43 and the input-side transmission shaft member 431 may be formed integrally, or they may be formed separately and fixed together.

[0044] The input-side transmission shaft member 431 and the motor 40 may be connected inside the housing of the drive unit 4, or they may be connected outside the housing. In other words, the drive shaft member that rotates with power from the motor 40 may pass through the rear cover 42, or the input-side transmission shaft member 431 may pass through the rear cover 42. Alternatively, the motor 40 may be located inside the housing of the drive unit 4.

[0045] The idler gear 44 is rotatably positioned around the central axis of the rotating shaft member 441. The idler gear 44 meshes with the adjacent drive gear 43 and driven gear 45, respectively, through the tooth profile provided on its outer circumference.

[0046] The rotating shaft member 441 may be formed as a part of the idler gear 44 or as a member fixed to the idler gear 44, or as a part of the front cover 41 or rear cover 42, or as a member fixed to the front cover 41 or rear cover 42. For example, the rotating shaft member 441 may be formed as a part of the idler gear 44 or as a member fixed to the idler gear 44, and supported by a hole 484 provided in the front cover 41 and a protrusion (not shown) provided in the rear cover 42. In this case, the central axis of the rotating shaft member 441 is the rotating shaft. Alternatively, for example, the rotating shaft member 441 may be formed as a part of the rear cover 42 or as a member fixed to the rear cover 42, and supported by a hole 484 provided in the front cover 41. In this case, the idler gear 44 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a bearing portion on its inner circumference, and its inner circumference portion may be supported by the rotating shaft member 441.

[0047] The driven gear 45 is rotatably positioned around the rotating shaft 451. The driven gear 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bearing portion 452 on its inner circumference. The driven gear 45 meshes with the adjacent idler gear 44 by the tooth profile provided on its outer circumference. In other words, the driven gear 45 meshes with the drive gear 43 via the idler gear 44.

[0048] Here, with respect to the power transmission path on the +X side of the drive unit 4, the driven gear 45a, the rotating shaft 451a, and the bearing portion 452a are examples of the first driven gear, the first rotating shaft, and the first bearing portion, respectively. Also, with respect to the power transmission path on the -X side of the drive unit 4, the driven gear 45b, the rotating shaft 451b, and the bearing portion 452b are examples of the second driven gear, the second rotating shaft, and the second bearing portion, respectively.

[0049] The force transmission limiting structure 46 is a structure that limits the transmission of a force (hereinafter referred to as the upper limit transmission force) that could cause damage to any component in the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 between the motor 40 and the wind direction blade 53, such as when an external force is applied to the wind direction blade 53. In other words, the force transmission limiting structure 46 is an overload protection structure that shuts off and opens the power transmission path between the motor 40 and the wind direction blade 53 when the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is overloaded.

[0050] The transmission force limiting structure 46 includes an output-side transmission shaft member 461 and a spring 47.

[0051] Here, the spring 47 is an example of an elastic member interposed in the power transmission path between the motor 40 and the wind direction adjustment unit 5. With respect to the power transmission path on the +X side of the drive unit 4, the transmission force limiting structure 46a, the output-side transmission shaft member 461a, and the spring 47a are examples of a first transmission force limiting structure, a first shaft member, and a first elastic member, respectively. Furthermore, with respect to the power transmission path on the -X side of the drive unit 4, the transmission force limiting structure 46b, the output-side transmission shaft member 461b, and the spring 47b are examples of a second transmission force limiting structure, a second shaft member, and a second elastic member, respectively.

[0052] The output-side transmission shaft member 461 is a rotating shaft member that is rotatable around the rotating shaft 451 together with the driven gear 45. The output-side transmission shaft member 461 is a shaft member that transmits the rotation of the driven gear 45 around the rotating shaft 451 to the bearing portion 52 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5. The output-side transmission shaft member 461 has a base portion 4611 and a protrusion portion 4612 formed thereon.

[0053] The base portion 4611, which is one end of the output-side transmission shaft member 461, is inserted into the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45. Furthermore, a spring 47, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape, is inserted between the base portion 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45. In other words, the base portion 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45 are connected by the spring 47 in a way that allows power to be transmitted. To put it another way, the base portion 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45 are connected via the spring in a way that allows power to be transmitted, and are not in direct contact.

[0054] When inserted between the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45, the outer circumference of the spring 47 interferes with the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45, thereby biasing the bearing portion 452. Specifically, the spring 47 applies a force to the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45 in a direction away from the rotation axis 451, that is, a force away from the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461. Similarly, when inserted between the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45, the inner circumference of the spring 47 interferes with the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and thereby biasing the base 4611. Specifically, the spring 47 applies a force to the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 in the direction toward the rotation axis 451, that is, a force toward the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45.

[0055] The base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45 are connected in a way that power can be transmitted by frictional force caused by the elastic force (restoring force) of the spring 47. For example, the lower limit of the elastic force of the spring 47 is set so that it can transmit a force sufficient to drive the wind deflector 53 from the motor 40 to the wind deflector 53. On the other hand, the upper limit of the elastic force of the spring 47 is set so that if a force exceeding the upper limit of transmission force is applied to the base 4611 and / or the bearing portion 452, the spring 47 will spin freely, exceeding the frictional force generated between at least one of the base 4611 and the bearing portion 452 and the spring 47.

[0056] As an example, the spring 47 is a coil spring in which one side of either the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 or the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45 starts winding and the other side ends winding. In this case, depending on the winding direction of the spring 47 (for example, clockwise / counterclockwise in Figure 6), it may be possible to distinguish between the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the driven gear 45 when a force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied.

[0057] The spring 47 may be fixed to either the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 or the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45. Alternatively, the spring 47 may be integrally formed with either the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 or the bearing portion 452 of the driven gear 45. For example, a part of the base 4611 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 may be formed as an elastic member.

[0058] Note that the spring 47 is not limited to a coil spring; it may be a leaf spring or other type of spring. Alternatively, other elastic components may be used instead of the spring 47. These elastic components may be elastic due to their material properties or due to their shape.

[0059] The projection 4612, which is the end of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 opposite to the base 4611, protrudes from the housing of the drive unit 4 when it is assembled. Specifically, the projection 4612 protrudes from a hole 485 provided in the front cover 41 when the drive unit 4 is assembled. The projection 4612 protruding from the front cover 41 is inserted into the bearing portion 52 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5.

[0060] The outer periphery of the protrusion 4612 of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 is formed in the shape of a polygon with 6 or more sides. In other words, the outer periphery of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 is a polygon with 6 or more sides on the side of the wind direction adjustment unit 5. Figure 6 illustrates a hexagonal protrusion 4612. The polygon on the outer periphery of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 includes at least one straight section and at least one corner. Furthermore, the arc length L2 in the circumferential direction of the corner of the polygon is longer than the length L1 in the circumferential direction of the straight section.

[0061] Furthermore, the drive unit 4 may have only one of the power transmission paths, either the +X side or the -X side. Also, the drive unit 4 does not need to be provided with an idler gear 44. In other words, the drive gear 43 and the driven gear 45 may mesh directly with each other.

[0062] Furthermore, the presence or number of idler gears 44 may differ between the +X side and -X side power transmission paths of the drive unit 4. In other words, at least one idler gear 44 may be provided in at least one of the +X side and -X side power transmission paths of the drive unit 4. Also, the parity of the number of idler gears 44 may differ between the +X side and -X side power transmission paths of the drive unit 4. Therefore, the rotation direction of the output side transmission shaft member 461 around the rotating shaft 451 may be the same direction or in opposite directions between the +X side and -X side power transmission paths of the drive unit 4.

[0063] Next, the operation of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3, configured as described above, will be explained.

[0064] (Regarding normal operation when adjusting wind direction) The motor 40 rotates the transmission shaft member 431 on the input side of the drive unit 4 at a rotation angle corresponding to the amount of rotation of the air deflector 53, in accordance with the control from the controller (not shown) of the air conditioner 1.

[0065] The drive gear 43 of the drive unit 4 is driven integrally with the input-side transmission shaft member 431 around the axis of rotation of the input-side transmission shaft member 431. The idler gear 44 rotates due to the meshing of its teeth with the drive gear 43, and power is transmitted from the drive gear 43. The driven gear 45 also rotates due to the meshing of its teeth with the idler gear 44, and power is transmitted from the idler gear 44. As a result, the driven gear 45 is driven around a rotation axis 451 that is different from the axis of rotation of the input-side transmission shaft member 431, using the power transmitted from the drive gear 43 via the idler gear 44.

[0066] The output-side transmission shaft member 461 receives power from the driven gear 45 due to the frictional force caused by the elastic force of the spring 47, and is driven together with the driven gear 45 around the rotating shaft 451. The output-side transmission shaft member 461 also transmits the rotation around the rotating shaft 451 to the bearing portion 52 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5.

[0067] In the wind direction adjustment unit 5, the link 54 transmits the rotation of the bearing section 52 to the rotating section 55. The wind direction adjustment unit 5 rotates the rotating section 55 in conjunction with the rotation of the bearing section 52, and rotates the wind deflector 53 connected to the bearing section 52 and the rotating section 55. As a result, the direction of the wind deflector 53 is changed by a rotation angle corresponding to the rotation angle of the motor 40, and the direction of the airflow (wind direction) blown out of the outlet 15 into the room is adjusted.

[0068] (Regarding abnormal operation when adjusting wind direction) Here, we will explain the operation that occurs when abnormal operation occurs during wind direction adjustment. Abnormal operation during wind direction adjustment includes, for example, when the amount of rotation or rotational torque of the input-side transmission shaft member 431 increases abnormally due to a malfunction of the controller or motor 40 of the air conditioner 1, or a blockage (poor rotation) in the bearing part 52 or rotating part 55 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5. In other words, abnormal operation during wind direction adjustment occurs when the upper limit of the transmission force is transmitted in the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 between the motor 40 and the wind deflector 53 in conjunction with wind direction adjustment.

[0069] If an abnormal operation occurs during wind direction adjustment, the power input to the drive unit 4 via the input-side transmission shaft member 431 is transmitted from the drive gear 43 to the driven gear 45 by the meshing of the teeth. On the other hand, the transmission of power from the driven gear 45 to the output-side transmission shaft member 461 is interrupted by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46. At the same time, the forces applied to the motor 40, the input-side transmission shaft member 431, the drive gear 43, the idler gear 44, and the driven gear 45 are released by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46.

[0070] (Regarding the operation of the wind direction adjustment unit when an external force is applied) Here, we will explain the operation when an abnormal external force is applied to the air deflector 53. For example, during maintenance work such as cleaning the air conditioner 1, the user may directly or indirectly touch the air deflector 53. Also, for example, during maintenance work on the air conditioner 1, the user may remove the air direction adjustment unit 5 from the indoor unit 10 and then reattach the air direction adjustment unit 5 to the indoor unit 10. When attaching the air direction adjustment unit 5 to the indoor unit 10, the user may touch the air deflector 53. Furthermore, when attaching the air direction adjustment unit 5 to the indoor unit 10, the user may move the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4 directly or via the air direction adjustment unit 5 in order to fit the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4 with the bearing portion 52 of the air direction adjustment unit 5.

[0071] External forces applied to the wind vane 53 are transmitted from the wind vane 53 to the motor 40 via the link 54, the output-side transmission shaft member 461, the driven gear 45, the idler gear 44, the drive gear 43, and the input-side transmission shaft member 431. Similarly, external forces applied to the output-side transmission shaft member 461 are transmitted to the motor 40 via the driven gear 45, the idler gear 44, the drive gear 43, and the input-side transmission shaft member 431.

[0072] Furthermore, if an abnormal external force is applied to the wind deflector 53 or the output-side transmission shaft member 461, and the transmission limit force is transmitted in the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3, the transmission of power from the output-side transmission shaft member 461 to the driven gear 45 is interrupted by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46. At the same time, the forces applied to the wind deflector 53, link 54, and output-side transmission shaft member 461 are released by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46.

[0073] (Regarding the operation of the wind direction adjustment unit during initial position adjustment) Here, we will explain the operation of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 during initial position adjustment. If the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is removed and then reinstalled on the indoor unit 10, initial position adjustment of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 may be performed to align the direction (angle) of the wind deflector 53. Initial position adjustment of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 may be achieved by rotating the motor 40 at a larger rotation angle than during normal wind direction adjustment operation, causing it to lose step. Therefore, during initial position adjustment of the wind direction adjustment unit 5, there is a risk that components of the power transmission path, such as the motor 40 and the link 54, may be subjected to excessive load.

[0074] During the initial position adjustment of the wind direction adjustment unit 5, power from the motor 40 is transmitted from the input-side transmission shaft member 431 to the rotating part 55 of the wind direction plate 53 via the driven gear 45, the output-side transmission shaft member 461, etc., as described above. On the other hand, when the upper limit of the transmission force is transmitted in the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 during the initial position adjustment, the transmission of power from the driven gear 45 to the output-side transmission shaft member 461 is interrupted by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46. At the same time, the forces applied to the motor 40, the input-side transmission shaft member 431, the drive gear 43, the idler gear 44, and the driven gear 45 are released by the free rotation of the transmission force limiting structure 46.

[0075] As described above, the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to this embodiment has a transmission force limiting structure 46 that transmits power between the driven gear 45 and the output-side transmission shaft member 461 via a spring 47. With this configuration, when the transmission limit force is transmitted in the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 (during overload), the transmission force limiting structure 46 can be made to rotate freely between the driven gear 45 and the spring 47, or between the output-side transmission shaft member 461 and the spring 47.

[0076] Therefore, according to the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 of this embodiment, the force applied to the power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 during overload is released to reduce the load, and overload to subsequent stages can be suppressed. In other words, according to the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 of this embodiment, the transmission of overload in the power transmission path between the motor 40 and the wind direction adjustment unit 5 can be suppressed. As a result, the load on each part of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 is reduced, and the durability of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 can be improved. In addition, since the strength required for each part of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 is reduced, the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 can be made thinner and more compact.

[0077] Furthermore, the transmission force limiting structure 46 according to this embodiment is provided for each wind direction adjustment unit 5, that is, for each power transmission path of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of overload through the common part of two or more power transmission paths.

[0078] Furthermore, in the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to this embodiment, the drive unit 4 does not employ a link mechanism but instead employs gear drive. With this configuration, the wind direction adjustment unit 5 can be attached and detached, thereby improving the maintainability of the air conditioning system 1.

[0079] Furthermore, in the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to this embodiment, the drive unit 4 transmits power via the idler gear 44 in at least one power transmission path. With this configuration, the mounting position of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 relative to the drive unit 4 and the rotation direction of the output-side transmission shaft member 461 that transmits power to the wind direction adjustment unit 5 can be arbitrarily determined, thereby improving the design flexibility of the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3.

[0080] Furthermore, in the wind direction adjustment mechanism 3 according to this embodiment, the shape of the connection portion between the drive unit 4 and the wind direction adjustment unit 5 is a polygon with six or more sides. Also, regarding the shape of the polygon of the connection portion, the arc length in the circumferential direction of the corners is longer than the length in the circumferential direction of the straight section. In addition, in the connection portion, the recess 521 of the bearing portion 52 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 into which the protrusion 4612 of the transmission shaft member 461 on the output side of the drive unit 4 is inserted has a smaller radius of curvature at the corner than the protrusion 4612. This allows the protrusion 4612 of the drive unit 4 to be smoothly inserted into the recess 521 of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 regardless of the position (angle) of the wind deflector 53, and facilitates the attachment of the wind direction adjustment unit 5 to the indoor unit 10.

[0081] (modified version) In the above-described embodiment, a transmission force limiting structure 46 was illustrated that transmits power via a spring 47 between the driven gear 45 of the drive unit 4 and the output-side transmission shaft member 461, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0082] For example, a power transmission limiting structure similar to the power transmission limiting structure 46 may be applied to the input side of the drive unit 4. Specifically, a power transmission limiting structure similar to the power transmission limiting structure 46 may be provided in the power transmission path between the input-side transmission shaft member 431, which receives power from the motor 40, and the drive gear 43. In other words, the input-side transmission shaft member 431 and the drive gear 43 of the drive unit 4 are connected via a spring (not shown) to transmit power and do not have to be in direct contact. In this case, the drive gear 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an input bearing portion on its inner circumference, similar to the driven gear 45 in the above embodiment, and is driven around the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member 431 using the power transmitted from the input-side transmission shaft member 431 via the input bearing portion. Furthermore, the spring inserted between the input-side transmission shaft member 431 of the drive unit 4 and the bearing portion on the inner circumference of the drive gear 43 is configured similarly to the spring 47 in the above embodiment, and is an example of a third elastic member.

[0083] The force limiting structure may be provided on both the input and output sides of the drive unit 4, or on only one of them. For example, if the force limiting structure is provided only on the input side of the drive unit 4, the driven gear 45 of the drive unit 4 and the output side transmission shaft member 461 may be formed integrally, or they may be formed separately and directly fixed without the spring 47.

[0084] The air conditioning system 1 according to the above-described embodiment or modification may be an air conditioning system for residential use or an air conditioning system for commercial use (such as for a store).

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Indoor unit 11 Front Panel 12 Side Panels 13. Bottom panel 15 Air outlet 3 Wind direction adjustment mechanism 4 Drive Unit 40 motors 41 Front cover 42 Back cover 43 Drive gear 431 Input side transmission shaft member 44 Idler Gear 441 Rotating shaft member 45 Driven gear 46 Transmission force limiting structure 461 Output side transmission shaft member 4611 Base 4612 Convex part 47 Spring 483 Hole 484 Hole 485 Hole 5. Wind direction adjustment unit 51 Support plate 511 Range Definition Section 5111 Stopper 52 Bearing section 521 Recess 53 Wind direction board 54 links 541 Main section 542 Transmission section 55 Rotating part 551 Arm

Claims

1. A wind direction adjustment unit is provided with a first output bearing section, and is configured to change the direction of at least one first wind direction plate in conjunction with the rotation of the first output bearing section. The drive unit comprises an input-side transmission shaft member that receives power from a motor, an output-side transmission shaft member that transmits rotation around a first rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member to the first output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit, and an elastic member interposed in the power transmission path between the motor and the wind direction adjustment unit. Wind direction adjustment mechanism.

2. The aforementioned drive unit is A drive gear driven around the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member, It has a cylindrical shape with a first bearing portion on its inner circumference, and a first driven gear which is driven around the first rotation axis using power transmitted from the drive gear, The output-side transmission shaft member includes a first shaft member, the first shaft member having both ends inserted into the first bearing portion and the first output bearing portion, respectively, which transmits the rotation of the first driven gear around the first rotation axis to the first output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit. The elastic member includes a first elastic member inserted between the first shaft member and the first bearing portion of the first driven gear, the outer circumference of which interferes with the first bearing portion and applies a force to the first bearing portion in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and the inner circumference of which interferes with the outer circumference of the first shaft member and applies a force to the first shaft member toward the first rotation axis. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The wind direction adjustment unit is further provided with a second output bearing section configured to change the orientation of at least one second wind direction plate in conjunction with rotation. The drive unit is formed in a cylindrical shape having a second bearing portion on its inner circumference, and further comprises a second driven gear which is driven around a second rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member and the first rotation axis, using power transmitted from the drive gear. The output-side transmission shaft member further includes a second shaft member, the second shaft member having both ends inserted into the second bearing portion and the second output bearing portion, respectively, which transmits the rotation of the second driven gear around the second rotation axis to the second output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit. The elastic member further includes a second elastic member inserted between the second shaft member and the second bearing portion of the second driven gear, the outer circumference of which interferes with the second bearing portion and imparts a force to the second bearing portion in a direction away from the second rotation axis, and the inner circumference of which interferes with the outer circumference of the second shaft member and imparts a force to the second shaft member toward the second rotation axis. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned drive unit is A drive gear formed in a cylindrical shape having an input bearing portion on its inner circumference, which is driven around the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member using power transmitted from the input-side transmission shaft member via the input bearing portion, It has a first driven gear which is driven around the first rotating shaft using power transmitted from the drive gear, The output-side transmission shaft member includes a first shaft member, one end of which is inserted into the first output bearing portion, and which transmits the rotation of the first driven gear around the first rotation axis to the first output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit. The elastic member includes a third elastic member inserted between the input-side transmission shaft member and the input bearing portion of the drive gear, the outer circumference of which interferes with the input bearing portion and applies a force to the input bearing portion in a direction away from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member, and the inner circumference of which interferes with the outer circumference of the input-side transmission shaft member and applies a force to the input-side transmission shaft member toward the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1.

5. The wind direction adjustment unit is further provided with a second output bearing section configured to change the orientation of at least one second wind direction plate in conjunction with rotation. The drive unit is formed in a cylindrical shape having a second bearing portion on its inner circumference, and further comprises a second driven gear which is driven around a second rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the input-side transmission shaft member and the first rotation axis, using power transmitted from the drive gear. The output-side transmission shaft member further includes a second shaft member, the second shaft member having both ends inserted into the second bearing portion and the second output bearing portion, respectively, which transmits the rotation of the second driven gear around the second rotation axis to the second output bearing portion of the wind direction adjustment unit. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 4.

6. The first driven gear and the second driven gear each receive power from the drive gear through the meshing of their teeth with the drive gear. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 3 or claim 5.

7. At least one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear receives power from the drive gear via at least one idler gear. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 3 or claim 5.

8. The first driven gear and the second driven gear receive power from the drive gear via idler gears of different even and odd numbers. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 3 or claim 5.

9. The outer periphery of the first shaft member and the second shaft member, on the side of the wind direction adjustment unit, is a polygon with 6 or more sides. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 3 or claim 5.

10. The polygon includes at least one straight section and at least one corner section. The arc length of the aforementioned corner in the circumferential direction is longer than the length of the aforementioned straight section in the circumferential direction. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 9.

11. Each of the first output bearing portion and the second output bearing portion is a polygonal recess identical to that of the first shaft member and the second shaft member, respectively. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 9.

12. The first elastic member is a coil spring in which one side of either the first shaft member or the first bearing portion begins to be wound and the other side ends to be wound. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 2 or claim 3.

13. The second elastic member is a coil spring in which one side of either the second shaft member or the second bearing portion begins to be wound and the other side ends to be wound. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 3.

14. The third elastic member is a coil spring in which one side of either the input-side transmission shaft member or the input bearing portion begins to be wound, and the other side ends to be wound. The wind direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 4 or claim 5.

15. The motor that generates power, The device comprises an airflow outlet that blows out air, and an airflow direction adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Air conditioning system.

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