Blowout device

Abstract

The present invention provides an air outlet device that is less likely to conduct heat even when in contact with conditioned air, preventing condensation on the surface, while also being lightweight and compact, improving handling during installation. [Solution] Multiple airflow guides are arranged in a line along the length of the rectangular opening of the air outlet body 10 installed in the ceiling, and the conditioned air flowing in from the air guide section 30 is guided to the opening of the air outlet body 10. Each airflow blown out in the direction set for each airflow guide in the opening travels through the room space, thereby allowing the conditioned air to reach a wide area of ​​the room space and enabling efficient air conditioning. In addition, since the air outlet body 10 and the air guide section 30 have an insulating structure, the temperature of the surfaces of the air outlet body 10 and the air guide section 30 is less likely to drop due to the low temperature of the conditioned air, and condensation can be prevented even when there is a temperature difference between the conditioned air, the room air and the air in the ceiling space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an outlet device that is arranged on the ceiling in an indoor space to be air-conditioned and blows conditioned air into the indoor space.

Background Art

[0002] In air conditioning equipment, an outlet device that blows conditioned air sent through a duct into an indoor space to be air-conditioned is often arranged on the ceiling in consideration of the ease of the conditioned air reaching the indoor space. When the ceiling on which such an outlet device is arranged is a so-called system ceiling configured by supporting a ceiling panel, lighting fixture, etc. as a single system with a common support frame, as in an office space in a building, the outlet device is also adopted in a structure that is attached to the support frame and forms a part of the system ceiling. In particular, in recent years, the frequency of use of a grid-type system ceiling that enables more detailed unit layout of various ceiling units including outlet openings on the ceiling has been increasing.

[0003] A conventional grid-type system ceiling is constructed based on a predetermined module (for example, a 3.6 m × 3.6 m module), and a square unit area surrounded by four sides by support frames arranged in a grid (grid) shape is set so that a predetermined number are arranged in the area of one module. Then, a ceiling panel, lighting fixture, etc. are stored in the unit area within the support frame.

[0004] The outlet device is attached to a common support frame in a form stored in a unit area together with other devices such as lighting fixtures and forms a part of the ceiling. As an example of such a conventional outlet device for a system ceiling, there is one disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-310493.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] Conventional air outlet devices for system ceilings are as shown in the aforementioned patent document, and in grid-type system ceilings, one or more units are generally installed for each basic ceiling area consisting of a predetermined number of unit areas corresponding to one module. When the air outlet devices are installed in each unit area, they are arranged in combination with other ceiling-mounted equipment (for example, lighting fixtures) within that unit area.

[0007] In these air outlets, it has been proposed to blow conditioned air at a lower temperature into the room during cooling in order to improve cooling efficiency. In this case, each part of the air outlet device is cooled by direct contact with the conditioned air and by heat conduction with other parts that come into contact with the conditioned air, creating a temperature difference with the room air. If the air outlet device comes into contact with indoor air or ceiling air that has a temperature difference, condensation may occur due to the temperature difference.

[0008] To prevent the temperature difference between the outlet and the indoor air, which causes condensation, it has been proposed to design each part of the outlet device to be such that heat is not easily transferred and it does not cool down easily. For example, a method of improving insulation by attaching insulating material to each part of the outlet device is easy and highly feasible. However, this would increase the cost and weight of the device due to the amount of insulating material attached.

[0009] In recent years, due to labor shortages, it has become difficult to secure workers for tasks requiring manpower, such as installing air vents. To improve this situation, it is essential to improve the working environment, such as reducing the amount of work performed in adverse conditions, including handling heavy objects in cramped ceiling spaces. In particular, there is a demand for lighter and smaller ceiling-mounted equipment such as air vents to reduce the burden on workers. However, the increase in weight of equipment due to improved insulation to prevent condensation is problematic because it goes against the trend towards lighter equipment.

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide an air outlet device that does not easily conduct heat even when in contact with conditioned air, prevents condensation from occurring on the surface, is lightweight and compact, and improves handling during installation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The air outlet device disclosed in the present invention is an air outlet device that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to be air-conditioned and blows conditioned air into the indoor space, comprising: an air outlet body formed as a frame-like body of thermal insulation structure surrounding an opening with an elongated rectangular opening cross section through which conditioned air can pass; a plurality of airflow guides of thermal insulation structure, each of which is installed in a plurality of divided regions obtained by dividing the opening of the air outlet body in the longitudinal direction of the opening and guides the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction; and an air guide section formed as a box-like or bag-like body of thermal insulation structure, which is attached to the air outlet body with its interior communicating with the opening of the air outlet body, and which is connected to a duct in the ceiling to supply conditioned air and directs the conditioned air toward the opening of the air outlet body, wherein the air guide section is formed as a plate or sheet made of thermal insulation resin, or thermal insulation composite material made by combining said resin and other materials, and is provided with a cylindrical neck portion for connecting to the duct.

[0012] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a plurality of airflow guides are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the opening of a rectangular opening in an elongated outlet body installed in the ceiling, and conditioned air flowing in from the air guide is guided to the opening of the outlet body, and each airflow in the opening is guided in a predetermined direction and blown out, and each airflow blown out in multiple directions based on the setting of the guidance direction for each airflow guide proceeds through the room space, thereby allowing conditioned air to reach a wide area of ​​the room space from the outlet position in the ceiling, and enabling efficient air conditioning. Furthermore, because the air outlet body and air guide section have an insulating structure, the temperature of the surfaces of the air outlet body and air guide section is less likely to drop due to the low temperature of the conditioned air, and condensation can be prevented even when there is a temperature difference between the conditioned air, the indoor air, and the air in the ceiling space.

[0013] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, have an air guide section formed by assembling one or more integrally molded resin components in a box shape, with at least the parts other than the neck section being made of a resin that is resistant to deformation.

[0014] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by forming the majority of the air guide section by assembling one or more resin components to obtain a box-shaped form for the air guide section, the air guide section can be easily manufactured and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, if the air guide section is assembled at the installation location on the ceiling, the components can be transported to the installation location in an unassembled state, allowing for compact and non-bulky transport, which reduces the space required for transport and thus reduces transport costs.

[0015] Furthermore, if necessary, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention is integrally molded so that the air guide portion is made of the same material as the neck portion and at least a portion of the other portion.

[0016] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the neck portion of the air guide section can be integrally molded from the same material as the other components, and the connecting structure between the cylindrical neck portion and the other parts of the air guide section can be easily obtained, thereby simplifying the manufacturing of the entire air guide section and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the relatively difficult task of connecting the neck portion and the other parts of the air guide section to obtain sufficient strength during assembly can be omitted, reducing the burden on workers and improving work efficiency.

[0017] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, have one or more components forming the air guide section made of foamed resin.

[0018] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by making the air guide component out of foamed resin, a certain level of strength can be ensured for the air guide component while reducing the weight by the proportion of air bubbles, making it easier to transport to the installation location on the ceiling and to perform installation work, thereby reducing the burden on workers involved in such transport and installation and improving work efficiency.

[0019] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with one or more rib-shaped flow straightening sections on the inner surface facing the neck portion, which protrude toward the other inner surface where the neck portion is disposed and are continuous toward the opening of the air outlet body.

[0020] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a rib-shaped flow straightening section is provided on the inner surface of the air guide section on the side facing the neck section, so that the conditioned air that flows into the air guide section through the neck section travels in a straight line to the inner surface of the air guide section, and then is guided by the inner surface and the flow straightening section toward the opening of the outlet body. This allows the conditioned air to flow smoothly and without obstruction toward the opening of the outlet body within the air guide section, and a state is obtained in which the conditioned air flows smoothly into the airflow guide section and is blown out effortlessly in each guide direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, also serve as a reinforcing rib to suppress deformation of the inner surface of the air guide portion that faces at least the neck portion.

[0022] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the protrusions forming the rectifying section of the air guide section also serve as reinforcing ribs, suppressing deformation of the inner surface where the rectifying section is located and making it easier to maintain the overall shape of the air guide section. This allows the thickness of each surface of the air guide section, including the surface on which the rectifying section is provided, to be kept small enough to ensure sufficient strength. This leads to a reduction in the overall weight of the air guide section and a reduction in the materials required for manufacturing, resulting in improved work efficiency in transportation and installation, as well as reduced manufacturing costs.

[0023] Further, according to the present disclosure of the air outlet device, if necessary, the rectifying portion is connected and / or abutted to the inner surface of the air guiding portion that faces the neck portion arranging site and the other inner surface where the neck portion is arranged, respectively, and is formed in a wall shape for partitioning the inside of the air guiding portion.

[0024] According to the present disclosure in this way, by connecting the rectifying portion of the air guiding portion to two opposing inner surfaces of the air guiding portion respectively, and making it in a wall shape for partitioning the inside of the air guiding portion, the conditioned air flowing into the inside of the air guiding portion proceeds along a certain flow path, so that the flow of the conditioned air is distributed by the appropriately arranged rectifying portion to obtain a state where it does not bias to a part of the air guiding portion, and the conditioned air can be evenly directed to each air flow guiding portion to appropriately guide it into the indoor space. Further, by not changing the positional relationship between the two inner surfaces to which the rectifying portion is respectively connected, the rigidity of the entire air guiding portion can be enhanced, abnormal deformation and damage of the air guiding portion due to external force can be prevented, and the generation of vibration in the air guiding portion when the conditioned air flows in can be suppressed.

[0025] Further, according to the present disclosure of the air outlet device, if necessary, the air guiding portion is formed of a flexible sheet and is foldable.

[0026] According to the present disclosure in this way, since the air guiding portion is formed of a flexible sheet and is foldable, the air guiding portion can be handled in a compact state folded until the air outlet device is installed on the ceiling, the space occupied by the air outlet device can be made as small as possible to perform storage, transportation, etc. more efficiently, and a significant weight reduction can also be achieved, improving the installation workability and suppressing various costs associated with the air outlet installation.

[0027] Further, according to the present disclosure of the air outlet device, if necessary, the air guiding portion has a neck portion made of a metal cylindrical body, the neck portion is arranged to protrude from a predetermined portion of the outer surface, and the inside of the cylindrical space of the neck portion is communicated inside.

[0028] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the neck portion of the air guide section is made of a metal cylindrical body, and when fixing members such as screws are applied when connecting the neck portion to the duct end in the ceiling, the neck portion has sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent it from being easily destroyed as a mating member and to position the fixing member, so that the connection between the neck portion and the duct end can be maintained without the fixing member shifting or loosening. For example, when fixing by screw fastening is used, the fixing screw (tapping screw) can be screwed into a predetermined part of the neck portion as a female thread and maintain a unified state, thereby ensuring sufficient fixing strength between the neck portion and the duct end without difficulty. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the ceiling installation of an air outlet system including an air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of an outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of the outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view of an air outlet system including an air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a ceiling-mounted state. [Figure 6] This is a schematic bottom view of an air outlet system including an air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a ceiling-mounted state. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the suspension state of the outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of an air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged view of section AA in Figure 4. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow progression in the horizontal direction within the indoor space in an outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is a schematic bottom view of a ceiling-mounted configuration of a first example of the outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic bottom view of a second alternative example of the air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in a ceiling-mounted state. [Figure 13] This is a front view of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a bottom view of the outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a front view of the second member of the air guide section in the outlet device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic bottom view of an air outlet system, including an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a ceiling-mounted state. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of an air outlet device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow progression in the horizontal direction within the indoor space in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of an air outlet device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram of the suspension state in another example of the outlet device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the airflow progression in the horizontal direction within the indoor space in a discharge outlet device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] (First embodiment of the present invention) Hereinafter, an air outlet device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on Figures 1 to 10. In this embodiment, an example of an air outlet device installed on a grid-type system ceiling facing the indoor space to be air-conditioned will be described.

[0031] In the figures above, the air outlet device 1 according to this embodiment is formed as a substantially frame-like body surrounding an opening 11 with an elongated rectangular cross-section and comprises an air outlet body 10 disposed on the ceiling 60 of the indoor space 80 to be air-conditioned, a plurality of airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 disposed at the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10 to guide the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction, and an air guide unit 30 attached to the air outlet body 10 to direct the supplied conditioned air toward the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10.

[0032] The ceiling 60 is a so-called grid-type system ceiling constructed based on a predetermined module (for example, a 3.6m x 3.6m module). A predetermined number of square unit areas 63, surrounded on all four sides by support frames 62 arranged in a grid pattern, are arranged within the area of ​​one module. Ceiling construction components (ceiling materials, lighting fixtures, air conditioning fixtures, etc.) are housed within these unit areas 63. For example, if the module is 3.6m x 3.6m, it is common to provide support frames 62 so that 6 x 6 = 36 unit areas 63 are created per module.

[0033] Furthermore, in addition to the air outlet device 1, the ceiling 60 is equipped with an intake device 50 that connects the indoor space 80 and the ceiling space 65, and draws in air from the indoor space 80 and smoke in the event of a fire into the ceiling space 65, in accordance with the adoption of a ceiling chamber system that uses the space above the ceiling 65 as a ventilation and smoke exhaust chamber.

[0034] The ceiling 60 is configured with a basic ceiling area 64 as the smallest unit, consisting of a predetermined number of unit areas 63 corresponding to one module. In each of these basic ceiling areas 64, an air outlet device 1 and an air intake device 50 are arranged in a predetermined configuration. The combination of air outlet devices 1 and air intake devices 50 arranged in each of these basic ceiling areas 64 constitutes the air control system 100.

[0035] In this embodiment, the air outlet device 1 and the air intake device 50 are provided in each basic ceiling area 64 of the ceiling 60, in two separate unit areas 63 located diagonally opposite each other within the rectangular basic ceiling area 64. Each air outlet device 1 diffuses conditioned air into each of the areas that divide the basic ceiling area 64 into two equal parts. Lighting fixtures 70 are also provided in the unit areas 63 where these air outlet devices 1 are installed.

[0036] In this unit area 63, the air outlet device 1 is installed along one of the support frames 62 that surround the unit area 63 from all four sides, with respect to the lighting fixture 70 which is located in the center of the unit area 63, and which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture 70.

[0037] The air outlet body 10 is formed as a rectangular frame-shaped body with an insulating structure that surrounds the opening 11, which has an elongated rectangular cross-section through which conditioned air can pass. More specifically, it is formed as a rectangular frame-shaped body made of flame-retardant or non-combustible resin. The resin that makes up the air outlet body 10 has low thermal conductivity, which makes it difficult for heat to be transferred. Specifically, it has a thermal conductivity that is at least lower than that of metal. By using this as the material for the air outlet body 10, an insulating structure is obtained that makes it difficult for heat to be transferred between the various parts of the air outlet body 10, especially between the inner circumference facing the opening 11 and the outer circumference.

[0038] The air outlet body 10 is installed in a predetermined unit area 63 on the ceiling 60, attached to a support frame 62 that surrounds this unit area 63.

[0039] The opening 11 of the outlet body 10 has a cross-sectional shape that is an elongated rectangle with an aspect ratio of 10:1 or greater. The outlet body 10 is a frame-like body that is also an elongated rectangular shape, similar to the opening, and is positioned along one of the support frames 62 that surround the unit area 63, with the longitudinal direction of the support frame 62 being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11. Three of the four frame sides surrounding the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 are attached to and supported by the support frame 62.

[0040] In detail, the air outlet body 10 is attached to the support frame 62 near each frame side by predetermined mounting fixtures connected to the frame sides (short sides) located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 and the frame side (long side) located at the end in the short direction of the opening 11 that is closer to the support frame 62.

[0041] The air outlet body 10 is made of resin, and its dimensional changes due to temperature changes are greater than those of metal, etc., and the dimensional changes are particularly noticeable in the direction of the long side of the rectangular frame (the longitudinal direction of the opening 11). In contrast, the mounting device connected to the air outlet body 10 can absorb the displacement even if the air outlet body 10 shifts position due to dimensional changes, maintaining both the connection with the air outlet body 10 and the attachment to the support frame 62. This ensures that the support of the air outlet body 10 by the support frame 62 continues without problems, and reliably prevents the air outlet body 10 from falling off the support frame 62.

[0042] By making the outlet body 10 out of resin, the amount of aluminum and steel sheets, which are commonly used as materials in typical outlet devices, can be significantly reduced. Since aluminum and steel sheets generate a relatively large amount of carbon dioxide during production, replacing them with resin will lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and can be said to be an effective measure toward achieving carbon neutrality.

[0043] Furthermore, if the resin constituting the air outlet body 10 is blended with a filler made of a material or recycled material that is at least flame-retardant, it is preferable that it can accommodate interior finishing restrictions on the ceiling and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0044] Although the air outlet body 10 is described as being made of resin, it is not limited to this. Any insulating structure with a thermal conductivity lower than that of metal is required between the various parts of the air outlet body, particularly between the inner circumference facing the opening and the outer circumference. For example, the air outlet body can be formed from a core made of a high-strength material such as metal, to which a sheet-like insulating material is attached to reduce heat conduction.

[0045] Furthermore, the air outlet body 10 has a lattice-shaped decorative grill section 14 in the part that is closer to the interior space 80. The decorative grille section 14 is provided with a plurality of grids 14a arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, and every other grid 14a is configured to overlap with the frame edge portion of the guide frame 21 of each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 that is adjacent to another airflow guide section.

[0046] The grid 14a of this decorative grill section 14 partially covers the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 at the indoor space side end of the air outlet body 10, making the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 inside the opening 11 less noticeable from the indoor side. At the same time, it is formed to be narrow, and the opening ratio of the gaps between the grid 14a is set to be large, so that it does not affect the airflow of conditioned air guided by the guide vanes 28 of the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0047] The decorative grille section 14 can be made in a different color from the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (for example, if the airflow guide sections are black, the decorative grille section can be white) to make the impression of the decorative grille section 14 stand out, thereby making the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 less conspicuous from the interior space side, and giving the air outlet device a simple and clean aesthetic.

[0048] Furthermore, the air outlet body 10 has a shutter 15 that adjusts the flow rate of conditioned air flowing into the opening 11, located near the air guide section 30 of the opening 11, that is, at the distal end of the opening 11 relative to the indoor space 80. This shutter 15 is made of the same resin as the air outlet body 10 and the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0049] The shutter 15 is formed from a member with a mountain-shaped cross-section that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, and consists of a fixed part 15a and a movable part 15b, each having multiple through holes 15c arranged at predetermined intervals on two longitudinally continuous surfaces flanking the top of the mountain shape.

[0050] The shutter 15 is positioned to divide the opening 11 into a portion near the air guide section 30 and a portion near the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, and is installed on the outlet body 10. The fixed section 15a and the movable section 15b of the shutter 15 are superimposed on each other, with the fixed section 15a fixed to the outlet body 10, while the movable section 15b is slidable relative to the fixed section 15a. The two sides of the fixed section 15a and the movable section 15b, which have through holes 15c, are both inclined relative to the outlet body 10.

[0051] The mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of conditioned air by the shutter 15 is similar to that of a known sliding flow rate adjustment shutter, in which the movable part 15b is shifted relative to the fixed part 15a in the direction in which the through holes 15c are aligned, thereby changing the degree of communication between the through holes 15c in the fixed part 15a and the movable part 15b, and thereby changing the size (opening) of the opening through which conditioned air passes, thus enabling adjustment of the flow rate of conditioned air. A detailed explanation is omitted.

[0052] The movable part 15b of the shutter 15 is provided with an operating piece 15d that protrudes from its end toward the interior space 80 (see Figure 8). The user can adjust the opening degree of the shutter 15 by operating the operating piece 15d from the interior space 80 to move the movable part 15b.

[0053] The shutter 15 is a sliding airflow adjustment shutter in which a member with a mountain-shaped cross-section that is continuous in the longitudinal direction is stacked as a fixed part 15a and a movable part 15b, and has two sloping surfaces with through holes 15c provided on the outlet body 10, but is not limited to this configuration. The fixed part and movable part that make up the shutter may both be flat plates with multiple through holes arranged in a row, and the through holes for passing conditioned air may be provided on only one surface. However, even if the fixed part and movable part are flat plates, it is desirable to arrange them so that the surface with the through holes is sloping on the outlet body.

[0054] The airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are arranged in each of the divided regions obtained by dividing the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, and guide the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, five divided regions are set in the opening 11, and five airflow guides corresponding to them are arranged.

[0055] In detail, the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are configured to have a resin guide frame 27 formed as a frame-shaped body with a rectangular opening, and multiple resin guide vanes 28 arranged at predetermined intervals in an opening inside the guide frame 27 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 or inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0056] These airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 of the outlet body 10, at a position closer to the indoor space. The orientation of the guide vanes 28 in each airflow guide 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 determines the direction of airflow guidance by the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0057] In the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, the conditioned air is guided along each guide vane 28, and the conditioned air is also allowed to pass between the guide frame 27 and the guide vane 28, and between each guide vane 28, thereby enabling the conditioned air to be guided horizontally in the airflow direction of each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 within the indoor space.

[0058] After being blown into the room space from each airflow guide unit 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, the conditioned air travels through the room space, drawing in some of the airflow blown from the other airflow guide units.

[0059] In each of the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, which correspond to one or more of the five divided regions, a secondary discharge section 29 is provided at the end opposite to the direction in which the conditioned air is guided by the guide vane 28, and is a hole that allows a portion of the conditioned air to pass into the indoor space.

[0060] In the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, which have the auxiliary discharge section 29, conditioned air is discharged from the auxiliary discharge section 29 at a flow rate that does not disturb the horizontal airflow of conditioned air guided by the guide vanes 28. The conditioned air discharged from this auxiliary discharge section 29 creates a secondary airflow near the guide vanes 28. This secondary airflow travels along the guide vanes 28, drawn in by the main airflow of conditioned air along the ceiling, preventing indoor air from coming into contact with the guide vanes.

[0061] At the opening 11 of the outlet body 10, the airflow guidance direction of each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, that is, the orientation in which the multiple guide vanes 28 in each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are aligned, can be appropriately set for each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 to match the direction in which the conditioned airflow is to be directed within the room.

[0062] In the outlet device 1 according to this embodiment, the direction of guidance of the conditioned air in the five airflow guide sections is set to guide the conditioned air radially outward from the center of the unit region 63 in which the outlet device 1 is located.

[0063] Specifically, of the five airflow guides, the third airflow guide 23, located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, has its guidance direction set perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 and outward relative to the unit region 63. This guidance direction in the third airflow guide 23 is defined as the reference direction (0°).

[0064] Furthermore, the first airflow guide section 21, located at one end of the opening 11 in the longitudinal direction, has its guiding direction set to be inclined approximately 20 to 55° counterclockwise with respect to the reference direction when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) (see Figure 6).

[0065] Furthermore, the second airflow guide section 22, located between the first airflow guide section 21 and the third airflow guide section 23, has its guidance direction set to be tilted approximately 15 to 20° counterclockwise relative to the reference direction when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) (see Figure 6).

[0066] Furthermore, among the airflow guides, the fifth airflow guide 25, located at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, is set to have its guiding direction tilted approximately 20 to 55° clockwise relative to the reference direction when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) (see Figure 6).

[0067] Furthermore, among the airflow guides, the fourth airflow guide 24, located between the third airflow guide 23 and the fifth airflow guide 25, is set to have its guidance direction tilted approximately 15 to 20° clockwise relative to the reference direction when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) (see Figure 6).

[0068] The airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are formed from a low thermal conductivity material, such as resin, which has a thermal conductivity lower than that of metal. The resin constituting these airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 preferably contains a filler made of a material that is at least flame-retardant and recyclable, or a recycled material, similar to the case of the air outlet body 10.

[0069] The air guide unit 30 is formed from a box-shaped body made of heat-insulating foamed resin plates, and is attached to the air outlet body 10 with its interior, which has an insulated structure from the outside, communicating with the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10. The air guide unit 30 is provided with a cylindrical neck portion 31 for duct connection, and the neck portion 31 is connected to the duct 61 within the ceiling 60 to supply conditioned air, which is directed towards the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10.

[0070] The resin forming the air induction section 30 has low thermal conductivity, specifically a thermal conductivity lower than that of metal. By using this material for the air induction section 30 and further using it in a foamed state, a heat-insulating structure is obtained that prevents heat from being transferred between the various parts of the air induction section 30, especially between the inside and outside.

[0071] The air guide section 30 is formed by assembling multiple integrally molded components made of deformation-resistant foamed resin into a box shape, including the neck section 31. Specifically, it consists of two components: one in which the neck section 31 and one side of the neck section 31 are integrated, and another in which the remaining part of the air guide section 30, excluding these two parts, is integrated.

[0072] By assembling multiple foamed resin components to obtain a box-shaped form for the air guide unit 30, the air guide unit 30 can be easily manufactured, reducing manufacturing costs. If the air guide unit 30 is assembled at the installation location on the ceiling 60, the components can be transported to the installation location in their unassembled state, allowing for compact and non-bulky transport, reducing the space required for transport and thus lowering transport costs.

[0073] Furthermore, by integrally molding the side of the air guide section 30 and the neck section 31, and eliminating the need to connect the neck section 31 to the side of the air guide section 30, the burden on workers associated with connection work is eliminated, improving work efficiency, and the overall manufacturing of the air guide section 30 is simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0074] The neck portion 31 of the air guide section 30 is a cylindrical body with a circular opening cross-section and is configured to protrude from one side of the air guide section 30, which is the upper side of the side of the air outlet body 10 that is closer to the support frame 62. In other words, the neck portion 31 is provided so as to protrude outward from the unit area 63 where the air outlet body 10 to which the air guide section 30 is attached is located, without overlapping with it. This prevents problems from arising due to the overlap between the ceiling duct 61 connected to the neck portion 31 and the lighting fixtures 70 or intake devices 50 installed in the unit area 63.

[0075] The neck portion 31, like the other parts of the air guide portion 30, is made of a heat-insulating foamed resin plate and is sized to be inserted inside the end of the cylindrical duct 61. The neck portion 31 is connected by inserting it into the end of the duct 61. The neck portion 31 and the end of the duct 61 are then fixed together by wrapping tape around the outer circumference of the end of the duct 61 that covers the neck portion 31, and the neck portion 31 together with the end of the duct 61 is suspended from above by a device such as a suspension band.

[0076] By supporting the air guide section 30 from above at the neck position, it is possible to avoid excessive concentration of the weight of the duct 61 on the neck section 31, which would put stress on the connection between the neck section 31 and other parts of the air guide section 30. In addition, since the duct end is also supported at the same time, the entire air guide section 30 is not subjected to a force that would cause it to tilt towards the duct side due to the weight of the duct 61.

[0077] In this way, the support provided by the air guide section 30 suppresses the stress applied to the air guide section 30 itself, the connection between the air guide section 30 and the outlet body 10, and the connection between the air guide section 30 and the duct 61. This makes it less likely for malfunctions to occur due to wear and deterioration of the various parts of the air guide section 30, including the neck section 31.

[0078] Furthermore, by supporting the air guide section 30 from above through the suspension support at the neck section 31, the load applied to the outlet body 10 can be reduced, and the strength requirements for supporting the outlet body 10 can be relaxed, thereby reducing costs.

[0079] The neck portion 31 can have a circular opening cross-sectional shape, or a shape corresponding to the end of the duct to be connected. For example, it may have a roughly elliptical opening cross-sectional shape, or more precisely, an oval opening cross-sectional shape with a straight outer edge in the intermediate portion sandwiched between the semicircular portions at the ends along the long axis.

[0080] The foamed resin plates constituting each part of the air guide section 30 are preferably flame-retardant or non-combustible, similar to the outlet body 10 and the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25. The plates forming the air guide section 30 are made of a low-thermal-conductivity material that is flame-retardant or non-combustible and has a certain level of heat insulation. They are not limited to a single material, but may be composite materials such as those formed by laminating thin plates of multiple different materials.

[0081] In addition, the air guide section 30 is provided with a ridge-shaped flow straightening section 32 on the inner surface facing the neck section, which protrudes to the other inner surface where the neck section 31 is located and is continuous toward the opening side of the outlet body 10.

[0082] The rectifier section 32 is made of the same foamed resin as the rest of the air guide section 30 and is integrated with the air guide section 30, protruding from its inner surface. It also serves as a reinforcing rib to suppress deformation of this inner surface. Furthermore, the tip of the rectifier section 32 in the protruding direction abuts against the other inner surface where the neck section 31 is located. In other words, the rectifier section 32 forms a kind of wall that partitions the inside of the air guide section 30.

[0083] The rectifier section 32 flows into the air guide section 30 through the neck section 31, and guides the conditioned air, which travels straight and collides with the inner surface of the air guide section 30, downward together with the inner surface of the air guide section 30, and guides it to the opening 11 of the outlet body 10.

[0084] Through the guidance and direction of the conditioned air by the rectifier section 32, the conditioned air that flows into the air guide section 30 is directed along a specific path, allowing the conditioned air to flow smoothly and evenly into each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 at the opening 11 of the outlet body 10, thereby enabling the conditioned air to be blown out effortlessly in each direction within the room.

[0085] Furthermore, the protrusions forming the rectifying section 32 of the air guide section 30 also serve as reinforcing ribs and are arranged to connect to the two opposing inner surfaces of the air guide section 30. This not only suppresses deformation of the inner surface containing the rectifying section 32 but also prevents changes in the positional relationship between the two inner surfaces flanking the rectifying section 32. This increases the overall rigidity of the air guide section 30, preventing abnormal deformation or damage to the air guide section 30 due to external forces. By increasing the overall rigidity of the air guide section 30 and making it easier to maintain its shape, the thickness of each surface of the air guide section 30, including the surface with the rectifying section 32, can be kept small enough to ensure sufficient strength. This reduces the overall weight of the air guide section 30 and the amount of material required for manufacturing, thereby improving work efficiency in transportation and installation and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0086] In addition, the rectifier section can be provided with numerous through-holes. In this case, while guiding the conditioned air, the energy of sound (noise) that enters the air guide section through the neck section 31 along with the conditioned air is attenuated by resonance between the holes in the rectifier section and the space surrounded by the rectifier section, thereby producing a sound absorption effect. This prevents noise caused by the flow of conditioned air from reaching the indoor space through the opening of the air outlet body from the air guide section.

[0087] The suction port device 50, provided together with the outlet device 1 according to this embodiment, comprises at least one suction port body 51 formed as a substantially frame-shaped body made of flame-retardant or non-combustible resin surrounding an opening with a rectangular opening cross-section having the same shape as the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 of the outlet device 1, and is provided in the same unit area 63 as the outlet device 1, in a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the central part of the unit area 63.

[0088] The intake port device 50, like the outlet port device 1, is provided in each of the two separate unit regions 63 within the basic ceiling region 64, and in each divided region obtained by dividing the basic ceiling region 64 into two equal parts, air from the room space 80 can enter the space above the ceiling 65.

[0089] Next, the conditioned air discharge state in the outlet device based on the above configuration will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that conditioned air is continuously supplied to the outlet device 1 through the duct 61 in the ceiling. The conditioned air supplied from the duct 61 enters the air guide unit 30 through the neck portion 31 on the side of the air guide unit 30.

[0090] The conditioned air flowing into the air guide unit 30 is guided by the flow straightening unit 32, which is located on the side of the air guide unit 30 opposite to the side with the neck unit 31, and in a position that overlaps with the area where the neck unit 31 is installed. The conditioned air changes direction, and the airflow of the conditioned air moves downward along the flow straightening unit 32 and enters the opening 11 of the outlet body 10. Within the outlet body 10, the conditioned air is directed towards the shutter 15, which traverses the interior of the outlet body 10. The conditioned air that then flows towards the shutter 15 inside the outlet body 10 passes through the through-hole 15c of the shutter 15 and heads towards the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.

[0091] Furthermore, the shutter 15 can be adjusted by operating the operating piece 15d from the indoor space 80 side, which moves the movable part 15b relative to the fixed part 15a, thereby adjusting the overlap of the through holes 15c of the fixed part 15a and the movable part 15b (the opening degree of the shutter 15). When the opening degree of the shutter 15 is reduced from the fully open state, the flow rate of conditioned air passing through the through holes 15c of the shutter 15 to the airflow guide parts 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 decreases.

[0092] The conditioned air, having passed through the through-hole 15c of the shutter 15 and reached the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, travels between the guide vanes 28 arranged within the guide frame 27, changes direction guided by the guide vanes 28, and then blows out into the indoor space 80 through the gaps between the grids 14a of the decorative grill section 14.

[0093] At this time, the conditioned air guided to each of the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 is discharged as horizontal airflows that radiate outward from the center of the unit region 63 where the outlet device 1 is located (see Figure 10).

[0094] In detail, the conditioned airflow guided by the third airflow guide 23, located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, travels horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 (which is the reference direction (0°)) and outward relative to the unit area 63, and diffuses into the indoor space 80.

[0095] Furthermore, the conditioned airflow guided by the first airflow guide 21, located at one end of the opening 11 in the longitudinal direction, travels horizontally in a direction tilted approximately 20 to 55° counterclockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction, and diffuses into the indoor space 80.

[0096] Furthermore, the conditioned airflow guided by the second airflow guide 22, which is located between the first airflow guide 21 and the third airflow guide 23, travels horizontally in a direction tilted approximately 15 to 20° counterclockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction, and diffuses into the indoor space 80.

[0097] Furthermore, the conditioned airflow guided by the fifth airflow guide 25, located at the other end of the opening 11 in the longitudinal direction, travels horizontally in a direction tilted approximately 20 to 55° clockwise when viewed from below the indoor space 80 with respect to the reference direction, and diffuses into the indoor space 80.

[0098] Furthermore, the conditioned airflow guided by the fourth airflow guide 24, which is located between the third airflow guide 23 and the fifth airflow guide 25, travels horizontally in a direction tilted approximately 15 to 20° clockwise when viewed from below the indoor space 80 with respect to the reference direction, and diffuses into the indoor space 80. In this way, the harmonized airflow moves in the direction of the airflow guide of each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, and also travels through the indoor space 80 as a horizontal airflow, diffusing into various parts of the indoor space.

[0099] After the conditioned airflow from the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 is discharged, it is attracted to each other by the airflows of conditioned air discharged from adjacent airflow guides, slightly changing the direction of travel. This expands the range of travel and prevents the creation of areas where airflow does not reach between airflows traveling in each direction.

[0100] As described above, in the air outlet device according to this embodiment, a plurality of airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the opening of the elongated rectangular opening 11 of the air outlet body 10 provided in the ceiling 60. The conditioned air flowing in from the air guide unit 30 is guided to the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10, and each airflow guide 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 in the opening guides the air in a predetermined direction and blows it out. Based on the setting of the guidance direction for each airflow guide 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, each airflow blown out in multiple directions travels through the indoor space 80, thereby allowing the conditioned air to reach a wide area of ​​the indoor space from the air outlet position on the ceiling, enabling efficient air conditioning.

[0101] Furthermore, since the air outlet body 10 and the air guide section 30 have an insulating structure, the temperature of the surfaces of the air outlet body 10 and the air guide section 30 is less likely to drop due to the low temperature conditioned air, and condensation can be prevented even when there is a temperature difference between the conditioned air, the indoor air and the air in the ceiling space.

[0102] Furthermore, by making each component of the air guide section 30 from foamed resin, a certain level of strength can be ensured for the air guide section 30 while reducing the weight by the proportion of air bubbles. This makes it easier to transport the components to the installation location on the ceiling 60 and to perform installation work, thereby reducing the burden on workers involved in such transport and installation and improving work efficiency.

[0103] In the above embodiment of the air outlet device, five airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are arranged in the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and an appropriate number of airflow guides can be arranged in accordance with the size of the air outlet device, particularly the size of the opening, which is selected based on the placement of the air outlet in the indoor space and conditions such as the airflow rate and temperature of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet.

[0104] Furthermore, the airflow guide sections 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are configured to guide conditioned air radially around the unit area 63 by setting the direction in which the guide vanes 28 are arranged to be different predetermined directions. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the direction in which the guide vanes 28 are arranged may be appropriately set to correspond to the air conditioning conditions in the indoor space.

[0105] Furthermore, although each airflow guide section 21, 22 is provided in one of five equally sized divided regions formed by dividing the opening 11 in its longitudinal direction, the configuration is not limited to this, and the number of airflow guide sections may be increased or decreased, or the airflow guide sections may be provided in rectangular or square shapes of different sizes.

[0106] In addition, the airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are detachable from the outlet body 10, and their position and orientation in the opening 11 can be rearranged as needed to match changes in the air conditioning conditions in the indoor space, or they can be replaced with other airflow guides that have different airflow guidance direction settings.

[0107] Furthermore, in the outlet device according to the above embodiment, the grid shape of the decorative grille section 14 is configured such that the grids 14a are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 at intervals equal to half the length of the airflow guide section, so that every other grid 14a overlaps exactly with the frame edge portion of the guide frame of each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, while there are also grids 14a that overlap with the guide vanes of the airflow guide section. However, the device is not limited to this configuration. For example, in order to avoid the grids becoming a resistance to the airflow of conditioned air, each grid may be arranged to overlap only with the frame edge of the guide frame of the airflow guide section, or the number of grids may be increased to make the airflow guide section less conspicuous, so that multiple grids overlap with the guide vanes of the airflow guide section.

[0108] Furthermore, in the air diffuser system comprising the outlet device and the intake device according to the above embodiment, the outlet device 1 and the intake device 50 are provided in the same unit area 63, arranged along parallel support frames 62, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the outlet device 1 and the intake device 50 are provided in the same unit area 63, but the outlet device 1 and the intake device 50 are separated from the parallel support frame 62 and arranged in close proximity to the lighting fixture 70 in the center of the unit area 63.

[0109] Furthermore, in the air outlet system comprising the outlet device and the intake device according to the above embodiment, the outlet device 1 and the intake device 50 are provided in the same unit area 63. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the outlet device 1 may be provided in another first unit area 63a adjacent to the unit area 63 where the lighting fixture 70 is located, and the intake device 50 may be provided in another second unit area 63b that is symmetrically arranged with respect to the first unit area 63a where the outlet device 1 is located, with respect to the unit area 63 where the lighting fixture 70 is located, with respect to the unit area 63 where the lighting fixture 70 is located, with respect to the outlet device 1.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment of the air outlet device, the devices are arranged in two separate unit areas 63 within a basic ceiling area 64 corresponding to one module, with the airflow guidance directions being different from each other, but the configuration is not limited to this. Depending on the arrangement of the air outlet devices in the basic ceiling area 64, it is also possible to configure the airflow guidance directions of each air outlet device to be set similarly, while ensuring that the discharge ranges do not overlap.

[0111] Furthermore, in the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the air guide section 30 is composed of foamed resin components, but it is not limited to this, and a box-shaped structure can be used as the air guide section by combining non-foamed resin plate materials. When the air guide section is formed from non-foamed resin components, it may be made from the same resin as the air outlet body and formed integrally with the air outlet body, further simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0112] Furthermore, in the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the neck portion 31 of the air guide portion 30 is formed of foamed resin, similar to the other parts of the air guide portion 30. However, the neck portion is not limited to this, and it is also possible to form the neck portion from a harder material different from the other parts of the air guide portion. In addition, the neck portion 31 is set to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the end of the duct 61 to be connected, and the neck portion 31 is inserted into the end of the duct 61 for connection. However, a locking mechanism may be adopted between the neck portion and the duct end to facilitate connection and separation using the elastic force of a spring or the like. In addition, a cylindrical body made of thin metal sheet can be provided along the inner or outer surface of the neck portion 31, which is a cylindrical body made of foamed resin. In this case, when the neck portion 31 is inserted into the end of the duct 61 and the neck portion 31 and the end of the duct 61 are fixed together by fastening screws (tapping screws) from the outer circumference of the end of the duct 61, the screws will penetrate the metal cylinder and lock into place, thereby further improving the fixing strength.

[0113] Furthermore, in the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the air guide section 30 is maintained in an upright position without tilting toward the duct 61 by suspending the neck section 31, which is inserted into and fixed in a connected state at the end of the duct 61, from above. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and a connection part for a suspension support device can be provided at the top of the air guide section 30, allowing the air guide section 30 to be suspended from above by the suspension support device, thereby maintaining the air guide section 30 in an upright position, similar to the above embodiment.

[0114] Furthermore, in the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the air guide section 30 is formed by assembling a box shape from two parts: a member in which the neck section 31 and one side of the neck section 31 are integrated, and a member in which the remaining part of the air guide section 30, excluding these two parts, is integrated. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and any other assembly structure made of one or more members can be used as long as it is possible to ultimately form a box-shaped body that constitutes the air guide section.

[0115] For example, the structure may be such that a component is formed by combining a component in which the outer shell portion (external part) of the air guide section, including the neck portion, is integrated with a component in which the internal parts of the air guide section, such as the flow straightening section, are integrated. The component that makes up the internal parts of the other air guide section is then inserted and fixed into the outer shell portion, which is initially box-shaped, through an opening in this component for connecting the outlet body, thereby obtaining the completed air guide section.

[0116] (Second embodiment of the present invention) A second embodiment of the present invention, specifically an air outlet device, will be described based on Figures 13 to 18. In the figures above, the outlet device 2 according to this embodiment includes an outlet body, an airflow guide section, and an air guide section, similar to the first embodiment. However, it differs in that the outlet body 10 is a combination structure of multiple divided parts 12 and 13, the airflow guide sections 16, 17 and 18 are integrated with the outlet body 10, and the neck portion 36 of the air guide section 35 is made of metal.

[0117] The structure of the ceiling 60, which is a grid-type system ceiling in which the support frames 62 are arranged in a grid pattern, the ceiling space 65 which serves as a ventilation and smoke exhaust chamber, and the intake port device 50 which connects the indoor space 80 and the ceiling space 65, as well as the fact that the combination of the air outlet device 2 and the intake port device 50, which are arranged in each basic ceiling area 64 of the ceiling 60, constitutes the air control system 100, are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0118] The air outlet body 10 is formed as a rectangular frame-like body made of non-combustible or flame-retardant resin that surrounds the opening 11 with a rectangular opening cross-section, and is configured to be installed near the support frame 62 of the ceiling 60. However, the air outlet body 10 is configured as a combination structure of two divided bodies 12 and 13, the length of the opening being half the length of the entire air outlet body 10, and these two divided bodies 12 and 13 are arranged side by side in the length of the opening near the support frame 62.

[0119] The outlet body 10, with its divided sections 12 and 13 arranged side by side, is positioned along one of the support frames 62 surrounding the unit area 63, such that the longitudinal direction of the support frame 62 and the opening 11 are parallel to this support frame 62.

[0120] The divided parts 12 and 13 that make up the outlet body 10 are supported by being connected to the air guide section 35 at their upper ends. More specifically, the divided parts 12 and 13 are integrally connected to the air guide section 35 by fitting the protrusions 35c of the air guide section 35 into the recesses 12c and 13c provided on two sides parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, and by being sandwiched on both sides by the opposing inner surfaces of the air guide section 35 where the protrusions 35c are located. By fitting the recesses 12c and 13c on the sides of each divided body 12 and 13 that make up the air outlet body 10 with the protrusions 35c of the air guide section 35, the air outlet body 10 and the air guide section 35 are made less likely to shift relative to each other, and the air outlet body 10 can be reliably integrated with the air guide section 35.

[0121] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the outlet body 10 such that some of the recesses 12c and 13c in each divided section 12 and 13 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center and the short-side center of the overall opening 11, together with the corresponding protrusions 35c of the air guide section 35. In this case, even if an attempt is made to connect each divided section 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10 to the air guide section 35 in a position other than the correct one, the recesses 12c and 13c of the divided sections 12 and 13 and the protrusions 35c of the air guide section 35 will not fit together, and a connection will not be achieved. This prevents the divided sections 12 and 13 from being incorrectly connected to the air guide section 35 in a position other than the correct one.

[0122] Furthermore, the outlet body 10 has a resin shutter 19 positioned above each of the divided parts 12 and 13 to cover the opening 11 from above, and each shutter 19 adjusts the flow rate of conditioned air flowing into the opening 11. The shutter 19 has a fixed part 19a that is fixed to the upper side of the divided parts 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10 and is provided with a plurality of through holes 19c through which conditioned air can flow, and a movable part 19b that is provided with a plurality of through holes 19d through which conditioned air can flow, similar to the fixed part 19a, and is slidably disposed on top of the fixed part 19a.

[0123] The fixing portion 19a is formed from a member that has a cross-sectional shape consisting of an elliptical arc-shaped cross-section portion with a valley-shaped depression in the center and elongated, roughly rectangular cross-sectional portions extending downward from both ends of the elliptical arc-shaped cross-section portion, with the cross-section of these portions being continuous in the longitudinal direction. The fixing portion 19a has a configuration in which multiple through holes 19c are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction in an elliptical arc-shaped cross section, and is attached to the upper side of the divided parts 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10, respectively.

[0124] The movable part 19b is formed from a member that has a cross-sectional shape consisting of an elliptical arc-shaped section with a valley-shaped depression in the center and substantially rectangular cross-sectional sections extending laterally from both ends of this elliptical arc-shaped section, with the cross-sectional shape being continuous in the longitudinal direction. The movable part 19b has a configuration in which multiple through holes 19d are provided in the elliptical arc-shaped cross section at the same intervals as the through holes 19c of the fixed part 19a in the longitudinal direction, and is arranged to overlap each fixed part 19a.

[0125] Of the edge portion surrounding the through-hole 19c of the fixed portion 19a, each side on the longitudinal side where the through-holes 19c are lined up (excluding the surface near the boundary position of the through-hole closest to the center side of the outlet body 10, i.e., the boundary position of each divided body 12, 13) is formed to have a sawtooth shape in plan view. Similarly, of the edge portion surrounding the through-hole 19d of the movable portion 19b, each surface on the longitudinal side where the through-holes 19c are lined up is also formed to have a sawtooth shape in plan view. Furthermore, at least the upper corner of the edge surrounding the through-hole 19d in the movable part 19b, which is on the air inflow side, is chamfered. Also, the upper and lower corners of the edge surrounding the through-hole 19c in the fixed part 19a are chamfered. By adopting these sawtooth and chamfered shapes for the edges surrounding the through-holes 19c and 19d in the shutter 19, wind noise when air passes through each through-hole 19c and 19d can be suppressed. The mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of conditioned air by the shutter 19 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and is similar to that of a known sliding flow rate adjustment shutter, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0126] Each of the two shutters 19 is provided with an operating piece 19e that protrudes from the end of each divided body 12, 13 in the air outlet body 10 that is closer to the other divided body in the longitudinal direction of the opening, through the fixed part 19a and projecting towards the interior space 80 (see Figures 14 and 17). By operating each operating piece 19e from the interior space 80 side to move the movable part 19b, the opening degree of each of the two shutters 19 can be adjusted individually.

[0127] Each shutter 19 is arranged symmetrically across the boundary between the divided bodies 12 and 13. The shutter 19 on the upper side of divided body 12 is closed when shifted towards the other divided body 13 end in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the air outlet body 10, and open when shifted towards the other end. Furthermore, the shutter 19 on the upper side of the divided body 13 is closed when shifted towards the other divided body 12 end in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the air outlet body 10, and open when shifted towards the other end.

[0128] By making the opening degree of each of the two shutters 19 adjustable, it is possible to adjust the ratio of the conditioned air flow rate so that it is asymmetrical with respect to the middle of the outlet, such as blowing conditioned air mainly from one side relative to the longitudinal midpoint of the outlet device, as needed, and to flexibly perform air conditioning according to the conditions of the indoor space. The shutter 19 is configured such that, although the size of both the through-hole 19c in the fixed part 19a and the through-hole 19d in the movable part 19b is larger than the closed portion between the holes, allowing for practical adjustment of the airflow rate, it does not become fully closed even when the movable part 19b is shifted as far as possible relative to the fixed part 19a. However, this is not the only configuration; the size of each through-hole and the closed portion between the holes can be appropriately adjusted so that the shutter can be fully closed when the movable part is shifted as far as possible relative to the fixed part.

[0129] Furthermore, in the shutter 19, a region is provided at the end of the fixing portion 19a that is distal to a separate segment from the segment to which the shutter 19 is attached, where no through-hole is provided, thereby making it difficult for air to proceed to the end of the outlet body 10. This is based on the property that, due to the thin, box-shaped structure of the air guide portion 35, air flowing into the air guide portion 35 tends to proceed to the longitudinal end of the air guide portion 35. This prevents excessive airflow from being blown out from the end of the outlet body 10 by allowing a large amount of air that has flowed into the longitudinal end of the air guide portion 35 to proceed directly to the outlet body 10 below. However, this is not the only option. For example, if measures are taken on the air guide section to correct any bias in the air's flow toward the longitudinal end, the shutter end may also be provided with a through-hole that can be opened and closed as needed by a movable part.

[0130] The airflow guides 16, 17, and 18 are provided for each divided region obtained by further dividing each divided body 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10 in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, and guide the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction.

[0131] In detail, in the divided section 12 of the outlet body 10, airflow guides 16 and 17 are provided in each divided region, which is created by dividing the interior of the outlet body 10 into two sections along the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 by a partition wall 17b. Of the airflow guide sections 16 and 17 of the divided body 12, the airflow guide section 16, which is located closer to the other divided body 13, has multiple guide vanes 16c arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11. The other airflow guide section 17 has multiple guide vanes 17c arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11.

[0132] Furthermore, in the divided body 13, airflow guides 16 and 18 are provided in each divided region, which is created by dividing the interior of the body into two sections along the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 by a partition wall 18b. Of the airflow guide sections 16 and 18 of the divided body 13, the airflow guide section 16 located closer to the other divided body 12 has multiple guide vanes 16c arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11. The other airflow guide section 18 has multiple guide vanes 18c arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11.

[0133] In the airflow guide section 16 of the divided body 12, the conditioned air is guided along each guide vane 16c, and the conditioned air is allowed to pass between the divided body 12 and the guide vanes 16c, and between each guide vane 16c, thereby enabling the conditioned air to be guided horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 with respect to the interior space, and outward with respect to the unit area 63 (see Figure 16).

[0134] Similarly, in the airflow guide section 16 of the divided body 13, the conditioned air is guided horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 with respect to the interior space, and outward with respect to the unit area 63, by allowing the conditioned air to pass along each guide vane 16c, and between the divided body 13 and the guide vanes 16c, and between each guide vane 16c. The direction in which the conditioned air is guided by these airflow guides 16 is defined as the reference direction (0°).

[0135] Furthermore, in the other airflow guide section 17 of the divided body 12, the conditioned air is guided along each guide vane 17c, and the conditioned air is allowed to pass between the divided body 12 and the guide vanes 17c, and between each guide vane 17c, so that the direction of guidance of the conditioned air to the indoor space is tilted by approximately 9° counterclockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction, thereby enabling the conditioned air to be guided (see Figure 14).

[0136] Furthermore, in the other airflow guide section 18 of the divided body 13, the conditioned air is guided along each guide vane 18c, and the conditioned air is allowed to pass between the divided body 13 and the guide vanes 18c, and between each guide vane 18c, so that the direction of guidance of the conditioned air to the indoor space is tilted by approximately 9° clockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction, thereby enabling the conditioned air to be guided (see Figure 14).

[0137] The conditioned air is blown into the room space through each of the airflow guides 16, 17, and 18 in the divided parts 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10, and then travels through the room space while drawing in some of the airflow blown out from the other airflow guides.

[0138] The airflow guide sections 16, 17, and 18 are provided with auxiliary outlet sections 16d, 17d, and 18d at the ends opposite to the direction in which the conditioned air is guided by the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c, respectively. These outlet sections have holes that allow a portion of the conditioned air to pass into the indoor space.

[0139] In the airflow guide sections 16, 17, and 18, which have the auxiliary outlets 16d, 17d, and 18d, conditioned air is discharged from the auxiliary outlets 16d, 17d, and 18d at a flow rate that does not disrupt the horizontal airflow of conditioned air guided by the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c. The conditioned air discharged from these auxiliary outlets 16d, 17d, and 18d creates a secondary airflow near the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c. This secondary airflow travels along the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c, drawn in by the main airflow of conditioned air along the ceiling, preventing indoor air from coming into contact with the guide vanes.

[0140] The air guide unit 35 is formed from a box-shaped body made of heat-insulating foamed resin plates, and is connected to the air outlet body 10 by connecting the inside, which has an insulated structure from the outside, to the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10. The air guide unit 35 is provided with a cylindrical neck portion 36 for duct connection, and the neck portion 36 is connected to the duct 61 within the ceiling 60 to supply conditioned air, which is directed towards the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10. The lower inner surface of the air guide section 35 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 35c that fit into the recesses 12c and 13c on the sides of each divided part 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10.

[0141] The resin forming the air induction section 35 has low thermal conductivity, specifically a thermal conductivity lower than that of metal. By using this material for the air induction section 35 and further using it in the form of a foam, a heat-insulating structure is obtained that prevents heat from being transferred between the various parts of the air induction section 35, especially between the inside and outside.

[0142] The air guide section 35 is formed by assembling multiple integrally molded components made of deformation-resistant foamed resin into a box shape, with the exception of the neck section 36. Specifically, it consists of two parts: a first component 35a, which mainly comprises the side surface on which the neck section 36 is provided, and a second component 35b, which is an integral part of the remaining portion of the air guide section 35 excluding the neck section. The air guide section 35 can be assembled into a box shape by overlapping these first component 35a and second component 35b and fastening them together with screws from the outside. Furthermore, the screws (male and female threads) that integrate the first member 35a and the second member 35b, which form the air guide section 35, are arranged to pass through the low thermal conductivity resin foam that makes up the first member 35a and the second member 35b, and are not exposed to the internal space of the air guide section 35. For this reason, the temperature of the conditioned air circulating in the internal space does not affect the screws, and the screws are not cooled in the internal space of the air guide section 35, preventing condensation from forming on the surface of the screws that is exposed to the outside.

[0143] The joint surface between the first member 35a and the second member 35b, which form the air guide section 35, is provided with interlocking protrusions and recesses. For example, the first member 35a is provided with a ridge-shaped projection 35d parallel to the joint surface that is continuous along its outer circumference, while the second member 35b is provided with a groove-shaped recess 35e into which the projection 35d of the first member 35a is interlocked.

[0144] Thus, by creating a structure in which the protrusion 35d and the recess 35e are fitted together at the joint surface of the first member 35a and the second member 35b that form the air guide section 35, the members become less likely to separate, increasing the overall strength of the air guide section 35. Furthermore, no gaps are created between the members at the fitted portion that allow visibility into and out of the air guide section 35, thus preventing air leakage from the inside to the outside of the air guide section 35. Although the configuration described here includes a protrusion 35d on the first member 35a and a recess 35e on the second member 35b, it is not limited to this configuration, and the first member may have a recess and the second member may have a protrusion. Furthermore, the first member may have a protrusion on a part of its joint surface and a recess on another part, thus creating a mixture of protrusions and recesses, while the joint surface of the second member may have recesses in the areas corresponding to the protrusions of the first member and protrusions in the areas corresponding to the recesses of the first member, which can be fitted together.

[0145] By assembling multiple foamed resin components to obtain a box-shaped form for the air guide unit 35, the air guide unit 35 can be easily manufactured, reducing manufacturing costs. If the air guide unit 35 is assembled at the installation location on the ceiling 60, the components can be transported to the installation location in their unassembled state, allowing for compact and non-bulky transport, reducing the space required for transport and thus lowering transport costs.

[0146] The air guide section 35 is supported by being attached to the support frame 62 near each section by predetermined mounting devices 67 and 68 connected to it, at both ends in its longitudinal direction and at two locations near both ends in the longitudinal direction on the side surface where the neck section 36 is located. The mounting fixtures 67 and 68 connected to the air guide section 35 are made of springy metal and can maintain the mounting state of the air guide section 35 to the support frame 62 by elastic force, thereby reliably preventing the air guide section 35 from falling off the support frame 62. To prevent excessive rigidity from hindering elastic deformation, the mounting fixtures 67 and 68 may be configured to have linear notches or holes (slits) that run parallel to the mounting direction to the support frame 62.

[0147] The neck portion 36 of the air guide portion 35 is a metal cylindrical body with a circular opening cross-section, and is configured to protrude from one side of the air guide portion 35, which is located on the upper side of the side of the air outlet body 10 that is closer to the support frame 62.

[0148] In detail, the neck portion 36 is inserted from the inner side into a circular hole provided on the side surface of the first member 35a of the air guide portion 35, and the flange-shaped portion 36a formed at the end of the neck portion 36 is brought into close contact with the inner surface of the first member 35a. Then, the first member 35a and the second member 35b are integrated as the air guide portion 35 by screwing them together. The portion of the second member 35b that protrudes toward the first member 35a (the rectifying portion described later) presses the flange-shaped portion 36a of the neck portion 36 against the first member 35a, thereby enabling the neck portion 36 to be connected and integrated with the side surface of the first member 35a, i.e., the air guide portion 35. Furthermore, the contact portion between the neck portion 36 and the first member 35a may be fixed by adhesive or other means to more firmly connect and integrate the neck portion 36 with the first member 35a.

[0149] The neck portion 36 is sized to be insertable into the inside of the end of the cylindrical duct 61. The neck portion 36 is connected by inserting it into the end of the duct 61. The neck portion 36 and the end of the duct 61 are then secured together by screwing, wrapping tape, or other means from the outer circumference of the end of the duct 61 that covers the neck portion 36.

[0150] In addition to having a circular opening cross-sectional shape, the neck portion 36 can also have a shape corresponding to the end of the duct to be connected. For example, it may have a roughly elliptical opening cross-sectional shape, or more precisely, an oval opening cross-sectional shape with a straight outer edge in the intermediate portion sandwiched between the semicircular portions at the ends along the long axis. Furthermore, the outer surface of the neck portion 36 may be treated with a surface treatment that enhances insulation properties, such as flocking, or covered with insulating material, in order to prevent condensation from occurring due to the temperature difference between the conditioned air circulating inside the neck portion 36 and the air present in the ceiling space 65 outside the neck portion 36.

[0151] On the other hand, the air guide section 35 has a plurality of flow straightening sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e that protrude toward the side of the first member 35a on which the neck section 36 is disposed, and are continuously provided in a rib-like manner in a predetermined direction on the inner surface of the side of the second member 35b that faces the side of the first member 35a on which the neck section 36 is disposed.

[0152] The rectifying sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are formed from the same foamed resin as the rest of the air guide section 35 and are integrated with the air guide section 35, protruding from its inner surface. This configuration also serves as reinforcing ribs to suppress deformation of the inner surface.

[0153] The rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are arranged radially in multiple directions, starting from the portion of the second member 35b located on the front side of the cylindrical center of the neck portion 36. Except for the rectifier 37e which is continuous upward, each of the rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d changes direction and is arranged to continue toward the lower part of the air guide portion 35. These rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e allow conditioned air to flow into the air guide section 35 through the neck section 36, travel straight ahead, and collide with the inner surface of the air guide section 35 on the front side of the neck section 36. The conditioned air is then gradually guided downwards along with the inner surface of the air guide section 35 and directed to the opening 11 of the outlet body 10.

[0154] The rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are provided to have a mountain-shaped contour from the portion located on the front side of the cylindrical center of the neck section 36 to a predetermined surrounding area, with the amount of protrusion toward the neck section 36 rapidly decreasing. Beyond the predetermined area to the portion located on the front side of the cylindrical inner surface of the neck section 36, the amount of protrusion toward the neck section is gradually increased to form an arc-shaped contour.

[0155] On the front side of the neck section 36, the protrusion amounts of the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are made smaller as they move away from the center. This allows the airflow flowing in from the neck section 36 to reach the inner surface on the opposite side of the neck section 36 without resistance, and to proceed along this inner surface into the space that forms the air passage between each rectifier section.

[0156] In other parts, the protruding tips of the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d abut against the inner surface of the side of the first member 35a on which the neck section 36 is located. In other words, the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d form a kind of partition wall that divides the inside of the air guide section 35, except for the area located on the front side of the neck section 36.

[0157] The rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are arranged radially in a continuous manner in multiple directions, specifically five directions, from the starting end located on the front side of the cylindrical center of the neck portion 36, within the range corresponding to the front side of the neck portion 36. However, the angles that the continuous rectifiers make with other continuous rectifiers are not uniform, but differ at each position of the rectifier.

[0158] The angle between these adjacent rectifier sections is determined by which part of the lower part of the air guide section 35 the space between the rectifier sections, which serves as a passage for air flowing from the duct 61 through the neck section 36 into the air guide section 35, leads to. The closer the space between the rectifier sections is to the ends of the lower part of the air guide section 35 where air can easily pass through, the smaller the angle between the rectifier sections becomes. Conversely, the closer the space is to the central part of the lower part of the air guide section 35 where air cannot easily pass through, the larger the angle between the rectifier sections becomes. In other words, the angles between the rectifying sections are set so that the air flowing from the air guide section 35 towards the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 is evenly distributed at each position below the air guide section 35.

[0159] In detail, for example, the angle between the two flow straightening sections 37a and 37b that extend diagonally downward from the starting point of the flow straightening section is set to approximately 90°. In contrast, the angle between these diagonally downward flow straightening sections 37a and 37b and the other flow straightening sections 37c and 37d that extend diagonally upward from the starting point is set to approximately 70°. And the angle between the diagonally upward flow straightening sections 37c and 37d and the flow straightening section 37e that extends upward from the starting point is set to approximately 65°.

[0160] In addition, the width of the air passages between the rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d at the lower part of the air guide section 35 in the longitudinal direction of the air guide section 35, and the width of the air passages between the rectifiers 37c and 37d and the longitudinal ends of the air guide section 35 are also determined based on the positional relationship at the lower part of the air guide section 35. For example, the air passages between the rectifier sections 37c and 37d and the longitudinal ends of the air guide section 35 are located at both ends of the lower part of the air guide section 35 where air easily flows, so the width of these passages is made smaller than that of the other air passages. The air passages between the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d are made wider the closer they are to the center of the lower part of the air guide section 35 where air is less likely to flow.

[0161] In particular, regarding the air passage between the rectifier sections 37c and 37d and the longitudinal end of the air guide section 35, the portion of the longitudinal end of the air guide section 35 that overlaps with the upper end of the outlet body 12 and 13 is made wider on the internal space side, narrowing the air passage, and the ends of the openings 12a and 13a of the outlet body 12 and 13 are blocked from above. As a result, based on the property that air flowing into the air guide section 35 tends to proceed towards the longitudinal end of the air guide section 35 due to the thin box-shaped structure of the air guide section 35, even if a large amount of conditioned air tries to proceed to the outlet body 12 and 13 below via the air passage close to the longitudinal end of the air guide section 35, the air's progress to the ends of the outlet body 12 and 13 blocked by the longitudinal end of the air guide section 35 is suppressed, preventing excessive air discharge from these ends.

[0162] Through the guidance and direction of the conditioned air by these rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e, the conditioned air that flows into the air guide unit 35 is allowed to flow smoothly and evenly into the air guide units 16, 17, and 18 of the divided bodies 12 and 13 that make up the outlet unit 10, resulting in a state where the conditioned air can be blown out effortlessly in each direction of the indoor space.

[0163] Furthermore, the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e also serve as reinforcing ribs and are arranged to connect to two opposing inner surfaces of the air guide section 35. This not only suppresses deformation of the inner surface on the side where the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are provided, but also prevents a change in the positional relationship between the two inner surfaces that sandwich the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e.

[0164] This increases the overall rigidity of the air guide section 35, preventing abnormal deformation or damage to the air guide section 35 due to external forces. Furthermore, by increasing the overall rigidity of the air guide section 35 and making it easier to maintain its shape, the thickness of each surface of the air guide section 35, including the sides where the rectifier sections 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e are provided, can be kept small enough to ensure sufficient strength. This reduces the overall weight of the air guide section 35 and the amount of material required for manufacturing, thereby improving work efficiency in transportation and installation and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0165] In addition, a wire 38 of a predetermined length is provided at the top of the air guide section 35 for temporarily suspending the air guide section 35 from a suspension support device or an already installed duct or other device. Both ends of the wire 38 are fixed to the top of the air guide section 35 with screws. The screws used to fix the ends of the wire 38 may also serve as screws for integrating the first member 35a and the second member 35b that make up the air guide section 35 by screw fastening. This wire 38 can also be used, if necessary, to suspend the air guide unit 35 from above and maintain the air guide unit 35 in an upright position.

[0166] Next, the conditioned air discharge state in the outlet device based on the above configuration will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that conditioned air is continuously supplied to the outlet device 2 through the duct 61 in the ceiling. The conditioned air supplied from the duct 61 enters the air guide section 35 through the neck section 36 on the side of the air guide section 35.

[0167] The conditioned air flowing into the air guide section 35 reaches the side of the air guide section 35 opposite to the side with the neck section 36 (the inner surface of the second member 35b), and guided by the surrounding rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e, the conditioned air changes direction, and the airflow of the conditioned air moves downward along the rectifiers 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, and 37e, heading towards the shutters 19 on the upper sides of each divided part 12, 13 of the outlet body 10. The conditioned air passes through the through holes 19c and 19d of the shutter 19, which is positioned to cover each of the divided parts 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10, and enters the opening 11 of the outlet body 10.

[0168] Furthermore, the shutter 19 can be adjusted by operating the operating piece 19e from the indoor space 80 side, which moves the movable part 19b relative to the fixed part 19a, thereby adjusting the overlap size (opening degree of the shutter 19) between the fixed part 19a and the movable part 19b, respectively. When the opening degree of the shutter 19 is reduced from the fully open state, the flow rate of conditioned air passing through the through holes 19c and 19d of the shutter 19 to the openings 11 of each air outlet body 10 decreases.

[0169] The conditioned air that enters the opening 11 of the outlet body 10 through the through holes 19c and 19d of the shutter 19 reaches the airflow guides 16, 17, and 18, travels between the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c arranged within the respective divided parts 12 and 13 of the outlet body 10, changes direction guided by the guide vanes 16c, 17c, and 18c, and is then blown out into the indoor space 80.

[0170] At this time, the conditioned air guided by each of the airflow guides 16, 17, and 18 is discharged as horizontal airflows that radiate outward from the center of the unit region 63 where the outlet device 2 is located, similar to the first embodiment (see Figure 18).

[0171] In detail, the airflow of conditioned air guided by the airflow guide 16 located closer to the other segment in each segment 12, 13 of the outlet body 10 (in the longitudinal direction of the opening 11) proceeds in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11, which is the reference direction (0°), and outward relative to the unit region 63.

[0172] Furthermore, the airflow of conditioned air guided by the other airflow guide section 17 in the divided body 12 proceeds in a direction tilted approximately 9° counterclockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction. Furthermore, the airflow of conditioned air guided by the other airflow guide 18 in the divided body 13 proceeds in a direction tilted approximately 9° clockwise when viewed from the indoor space 80 (below) with respect to the reference direction.

[0173] In this way, the harmonized airflow becomes a horizontal airflow in the airflow guidance direction of each airflow guide section 16, 17, and 18, and travels through the indoor space 80, diffusing into various parts of the indoor space. The conditioned airflow from the airflow guides 16, 17, and 18, after being blown out, gradually expands its range of travel as it proceeds in each airflow guide direction, thereby preventing the creation of areas between airflows that do not reach the airflow in each direction from the airflow guides.

[0174] As described above, in the air outlet device according to this embodiment, each divided body 12, 13 that make up the air outlet body 10 installed on the ceiling 60 is provided with a plurality of airflow guides 16, 17, 18, and the conditioned air flowing in from the air guide unit 35 is guided to the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10, and then guided in a predetermined direction by each airflow guide 16, 17, 18 and blown out. Based on the setting of the guidance direction for each airflow guide 16, 17, 18, each airflow blown out in multiple directions travels through the indoor space 80, thereby allowing the conditioned air to reach a wide area of ​​the indoor space from the air outlet position on the ceiling, and enabling efficient air conditioning.

[0175] Furthermore, by making the neck portion 36 of the air guide portion 35 a metal cylindrical body, when applying fixing members such as screws to connect the neck portion 36 to the end of the duct 61 in the ceiling, the neck portion 36 has sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent it from being easily destroyed as a mating member and to allow the fixing member to be positioned, so that the connection between the neck portion 36 and the end of the duct 61 can be maintained without the fixing member shifting or loosening. As a result, for example, when fixing by screw fastening is used, the fixing screw (tapping screw) can be screwed into a predetermined part of the neck portion as a female thread and maintain a unified state, thereby ensuring sufficient fixing strength between the neck portion and the end of the duct without difficulty.

[0176] In the air outlet device according to the second embodiment described above, the joint surfaces of the first member 35a and the second member 35b, which form the air guide section 35, are provided with protrusions and recesses to allow them to fit together. However, the device is not limited to this configuration. To obtain the function of suppressing air leakage, for example, a portion of the joint surface of the first member may be made to protrude in a stepped shape to create a step between it and the non-protruding portion, while the portion of the joint surface of the second member corresponding to the non-protruding portion of the first member may be made to protrude in a stepped shape, so that the protruding portion and the non-protruding portion of the joint surface of the first member 35a and the second member 35b interlock with each other. In this case, no gap is created between the members at the joint portion of the first member and the second member that form the air guide section, allowing visibility into and out of the air guide section, thus suppressing air leakage from the inside to the outside of the air guide section.

[0177] (Third embodiment of the present invention) In the air outlet device according to the first embodiment described above, the air guide section 30 is configured as a box-shaped body made of a foamed resin plate material with heat insulation properties that does not easily deform. However, it is not limited to this, and as long as the structure has heat insulation between the inside and outside, as in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 19, the air guide section 40 can be made of a flexible and heat-insulating resin sheet and can be deformed to the extent that it can be folded. Note that the outlet body 10 and airflow guides 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0178] The air guide unit 40 is formed as a box-shaped or bag-shaped body made of a flexible, flame-retardant sheet that is foldable and has an internal and external insulating structure, and is attached to the air outlet body 10 with its interior communicating with the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10. The air guide unit 40 is provided with a cylindrical neck portion 41 for duct connection, and the neck portion 41 is connected to the duct 61 within the ceiling 60 to supply conditioned air, which is directed toward the opening 11 of the air outlet body 10.

[0179] The neck portion 41 of the air guide portion 40 is a cylindrical body with a circular opening cross-section, and, similar to the first embodiment, is configured to protrude from one side of the air guide portion 40, which is the upper side of the side of the air outlet body 10 that is closer to the support frame 62. The neck portion 41, like the other parts of the air guide portion 40, is made of a flexible, flame-retardant sheet and is foldable, allowing the end of a cylindrical duct 61 to be inserted into the inside of the cylinder.

[0180] The end of the duct 61 is inserted into the neck portion 41, and the neck portion 41 and the end of the duct 61 are fixed together by wrapping tape around the outer circumference of the neck portion 41. The neck portion 41 and the end of the duct 61 are then suspended from above by a device such as a suspension band.

[0181] In this way, the air guide section 40 is supported from above at the neck position, allowing the flexible and easily deformable air guide section 40 to always be kept in an upright position, preventing the air guide section 40 from deforming significantly vertically depending on whether or not conditioned air is flowing in. Furthermore, since the end of the duct 61 is also supported at the same time, the air guide section 40 will not be pulled down towards the duct by the weight of the duct 61.

[0182] Furthermore, by supporting the air guide section 40, the stress applied to the air guide section 40 itself, the connection between the air guide section 40 and the outlet body 10, and the connection between the air guide section 40 and the duct 61 can be suppressed, making it less likely for malfunctions to occur due to wear and deterioration of the air guide section.

[0183] The sheet forming the air guide section 40 is made of a low thermal conductivity material that is flexible and flame-retardant or non-combustible, and has a certain level of heat insulation. It is not limited to a single material, but may also be a composite material such as a laminate of multiple sheets of different materials or a reinforced fiber sheet such as glass fiber coated with resin.

[0184] Since the air guide section 40 is made of a flexible sheet and is deformable, even if there is an existing structure in the ceiling space where the air outlet device 1 is located when the air guide section 40 is installed in the ceiling space, the air guide section 40 can be appropriately deformed to avoid the structure. This eliminates the need to relocate the structure, shift the position of the air outlet device, or modify the air outlet device so that it does not overlap with the structure, thus reducing installation costs.

[0185] In addition, the air guide section 40 is provided with a flow straightening section 45 on its inner surface facing the neck section, which extends in a ridge-like manner toward the opening side of the outlet body 10. The rectifying section 45 is formed from a strip of the same sheet material as the air guiding section 40 and is joined to the air guiding section 40 in an upright position from its inner surface.

[0186] The rectifier section 45 flows into the air guide section 40 through the neck section 41, and guides the conditioned air, which travels straight and collides with the inner surface of the air guide section 40, downward together with the inner surface of the air guide section 40, and guides it to the opening 11 of the outlet body 10.

[0187] The rectifier section 45 guides and directs the conditioned air, allowing the conditioned air within the air guide section 40 to flow evenly towards the opening 11 of the outlet body 10. This allows the conditioned air to flow smoothly into each airflow guide section 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25, resulting in a state where the conditioned air can be blown out effortlessly in each guide direction.

[0188] Furthermore, the rectifier section 45, which is made of the same flexible material as the air guide section 40, can absorb and dissipate the vibrational energy of sound (noise) that enters the air guide section through the neck section 41 along with the conditioned air, by slowly deforming. This prevents noise caused by the flow of conditioned air from reaching the indoor space through the opening of the air outlet body from the air guide section.

[0189] In addition, the rectifier section can be provided with numerous through-holes. In this case, as the conditioned air is guided through the rectifier section, it moves in and out of the holes, promoting contact between the conditioned air and various parts of the rectifier section, thereby further improving the sound absorption effect.

[0190] Thus, in the air outlet device according to this embodiment, the air guide section 40 is made of a flexible sheet and is foldable, so that the air guide section 40 can be handled in a compact folded state until the air outlet device 1 is installed on the ceiling. This minimizes the space occupied by the air outlet device 1, making storage and transportation more efficient, and also achieves a significant reduction in weight, improving installation workability and reducing various costs associated with the installation of the air outlet device 1.

[0191] In the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the neck portion 41 of the air guide portion 40 is formed of a flexible sheet, similar to the other parts of the air guide portion 40. However, the device is not limited to this configuration, and the neck portion can also be formed of a rigid cylindrical body that does not easily deform.

[0192] If the neck portion is made of a rigid cylindrical body, the neck portion can be set to a larger diameter than the diameter of the duct end to be connected, and the duct end (joint portion) can be inserted into the neck portion for connection. Conversely, the neck portion can be set to a smaller diameter than the diameter of the duct end, and the neck portion can be inserted into the duct end for connection.

[0193] Furthermore, in the air outlet device according to the above embodiment, the air guide section 40, which is made of a flexible sheet and is easily deformable, is maintained in an upright position by suspending the neck section 41, into which the end of the duct 61 is inserted and fixed, from above. However, the device is not limited to this configuration. As shown in Figure 20, a connection section 48 for a suspension support device can be provided at the upper end of the air guide section 40, and the air guide section 40 can be suspended from above by the suspension support device attached to this connection section 48. In this way, the air guide section 40 can be maintained in an upright position, similar to the above embodiment.

[0194] In addition, the air guide section can be made self-supporting without suspension by providing reinforcing parts to maintain its shape within the range where the air guide section can be folded, for example by adding pleats to the sheet forming the air guide section, or by providing a linearly thickened section on the sheet itself, or by integrally attaching another reinforcing material.

[0195] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) In the air diffuser system comprising an outlet device and an inlet device according to the first embodiment described above, the outlet devices 1 are arranged in two separate unit areas 63 within a basic ceiling area 64 corresponding to one module, thus separating the outlet devices. However, in a fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the two outlet devices 3 can be arranged in the center of the basic ceiling area 64, close together.

[0196] Specifically, the air outlet devices 3 are provided in each basic ceiling area 64, in two adjacent unit areas 63 located in the central part of the basic ceiling area 64, arranged longitudinally along the support frame 62 closest to the center of the basic ceiling area 64. The airflow guide section of each outlet device is configured to guide the conditioned air in such a way that it diffuses and propagates the conditioned air from the center of the basic ceiling area 64 in all directions.

[0197] In this case, the two air outlet devices 3 are located in the center of the basic ceiling area 64, and are arranged side by side along the support frame 62 of the system ceiling. They integrate with the support frame 62 and blend seamlessly into the ceiling 60, resulting in a ceiling design that appears stable.

[0198] Furthermore, the airflow of conditioned air discharged from the outlet device 3 is directed outward from the center of the basic ceiling area 64, allowing the conditioned airflow to be efficiently diffused throughout the indoor space within this basic ceiling area 64.

[0199] The possible forms of the outlet device disclosed in this invention will be noted separately. The air outlet device disclosed in the present invention is an air outlet device that is installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to be air-conditioned and blows conditioned air into the indoor space, comprising: an air outlet body formed as a frame-shaped body of a heat insulating structure surrounding an opening with an elongated rectangular cross-section through which conditioned air can pass; a plurality of airflow guides of a heat insulating structure, each of which is installed in a divided region obtained by dividing the opening of the air outlet body in the longitudinal direction of the opening and guides the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction; and an air guide part formed as a box-shaped or bag-shaped body of a heat insulating structure, which is attached to the air outlet body with its interior communicating with the opening of the air outlet body, and which is connected to a duct in the ceiling to supply conditioned air and directs the conditioned air toward the opening of the air outlet body, wherein the air guide part is formed as a flexible sheet and is foldable, and is provided with a cylindrical neck part for connecting to the duct.

[0200] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a plurality of airflow guides are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the opening of a rectangular opening in an elongated outlet body installed in the ceiling, and conditioned air flowing in from the air guide is guided to the opening of the outlet body, and each airflow in the opening is guided in a predetermined direction and blown out, and each airflow blown out in multiple directions based on the setting of the guidance direction for each airflow guide proceeds through the room space, thereby allowing conditioned air to reach a wide area of ​​the room space from the outlet position in the ceiling, and enabling efficient air conditioning.

[0201] Furthermore, because the air outlet body and air guide section have an insulating structure, the temperature of the surfaces of the air outlet body and air guide section is less likely to drop due to the low temperature of the conditioned air, and condensation can be prevented even when there is a temperature difference between the conditioned air, the indoor air, and the air in the ceiling space. Furthermore, by forming the air guide section from a flexible sheet and making it foldable, the air guide section can be handled in a compact, folded state until the air outlet device is installed on the ceiling, and a significant reduction in weight can be achieved, improving the ease of installation.

[0202] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, have a neck portion of the air guide section made of a flexible sheet so that it can be folded and the end of the duct can be inserted into the inside of the cylinder.

[0203] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the neck portion of the air guide section is also formed from a flexible sheet and is foldable like the other parts of the air guide section. This allows the entire air guide section to be folded down to a size similar to that of the air outlet body until the air outlet device is installed on the ceiling, making the entire device compact. This minimizes the space occupied by the air outlet device until installation, allowing for more efficient storage and transportation, and reducing various costs associated with air outlet installation.

[0204] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, have an air guide portion at its upper end that connects to a suspension support device, and can be suspended from above by the suspension support device.

[0205] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, by connecting a suspension support device to a connection part provided at the upper end of the air guide part, the air guide part can be suspended from above by the suspension support device. This allows the flexible and easily deformable air guide part to be suspended from above and kept in an upright position at all times. As a result, the air guide part will not deform significantly up and down depending on whether or not conditioned air is flowing in, and stress applied to the air guide part itself, the connection part between the air guide part and the outlet body, and the connection part between the air guide part and the duct can be suppressed, making it less likely for problems to occur due to wear and deterioration of the air guide part. Furthermore, by suspending the air guide section with a suspension support device, the load applied to the outlet body can be reduced, and the strength requirements for supporting the outlet body can be relaxed, thereby reducing costs.

[0206] Furthermore, the air outlet device disclosed in the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with one or more rectifying sections on the inner surface of the air guide section facing the neck section, which are continuous in a ridge-like manner toward the opening side of the air outlet body.

[0207] As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a rib-shaped flow straightening section is provided on the inner surface of the air guide section on the side facing the neck section, so that the conditioned air that flows into the air guide section through the neck section travels in a straight line to the inner surface of the air guide section, and then is guided by the inner surface and the flow straightening section toward the opening of the outlet body. This allows the conditioned air to flow smoothly and without obstruction toward the opening of the outlet body within the air guide section, and a state is obtained in which the conditioned air flows smoothly into the airflow guide section and is blown out effortlessly in each guide direction. Furthermore, the flow straightening section, which is made of the same flexible material as the air guide section, can gently deform and absorb and dissipate the vibrational energy of sound (noise) that enters the air guide section through the neck section along with the conditioned air, thus suppressing noise caused by the flow of conditioned air from the air guide section through the opening of the outlet body toward the indoor space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0208] 1, 2, 3 outlet device 10 Air outlet body 11 Opening 12, 13 split field 12c, 13c recess 14 Decorative grill section 14a Lattice 15 Shutter 15a Fixed part 15b Moving part 15c through hole 15d operation piece 16, 17 Airflow guide section 16c, 17c guide vanes 16d, 17d Sub-air outlet 17b, 18b bulkhead 18 Airflow guide section 18c Guide vane 18d Auxiliary outlet 19 Shutter 19a Fixed part 19b Moving part 19c, 19d through hole 19e operation piece 21, 22 Airflow guide section 23, 24 Airflow guide section 25 Airflow guide section 27 Information Slots 28 Guide vanes 30 Air induction section 31 Neck section 32 Rectifier 35 Air induction section 35a First member 35b Second member 35c protrusion 35d convex part 35e recess 36 Neck section 36a Tsuba 37a, 37b Rectifier 37c, 37d rectifier 37e Rectifier 38 wires 40 Air induction section 41 Neck section 45 Rectifier 48 Connection part 50 Suction port device 51 Inlet body 60 Ceiling 61 Duct 62 support frames 63 Unit Areas 64 Basic ceiling area 65 Attic space 67, 68 Mounting fixtures 70 Lighting fixtures 80 Indoor space 100 Air vent system

Claims

1. In an air outlet device installed on the ceiling of an indoor space to be air-conditioned, which blows conditioned air into the indoor space, The air outlet body is formed as a frame-like structure with an insulating structure surrounding an opening with an elongated rectangular cross-section through which conditioned air can pass, The opening of the aforementioned outlet body is divided into multiple sections along the longitudinal direction of the opening, and each section is provided with a plurality of airflow guides with an insulating structure that guide the direction in which the conditioned air is blown out in a predetermined direction. It is formed as a box-shaped or bag-shaped body with an insulating structure, and is attached to the outlet body with its interior communicating with the opening of the outlet body, and is connected to a duct in the ceiling to supply conditioned air, and includes an air guide section that directs the conditioned air toward the opening of the outlet body, The air guide section is formed from a plate or sheet made of a heat-insulating resin, or a heat-insulating composite material made by combining the resin with other materials, and is provided with a cylindrical neck section for connecting to the duct. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

2. In the outlet device according to claim 1, The air guide portion is formed by assembling one or more integrally molded resin members, which are resistant to deformation, into a box shape, with at least the other parts other than the neck portion being formed. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

3. In the outlet device according to claim 2, The air guide portion is integrally molded with the neck portion and at least a portion of the other parts other than the neck portion, using the same material. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

4. In the outlet device according to claim 2, The air guide portion, one or more of the components, is made of foamed resin. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

5. In the outlet device according to claim 2, The air guide portion is provided with one or more rib-shaped flow straightening portions on the inner surface facing the neck portion arrangement area, which protrude toward the other inner surface where the neck portion is arranged and are continuous toward the opening side of the outlet body. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

6. In the outlet device according to claim 5, The rectifying portion also serves as a reinforcing rib that suppresses deformation of at least the inner surface of the air guide portion facing the neck portion. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

7. In the outlet device according to claim 5, The rectifying portion is formed in a wall-like manner that connects to and / or abuts against the inner surface of the air guide portion facing the neck portion arrangement area and the other inner surface where the neck portion is arranged, respectively, thereby partitioning the interior of the air guide portion. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

8. In the outlet device according to claim 1, The aforementioned air guide section is formed from a flexible sheet and is foldable. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

9. In the outlet device according to claim 2, The air guide unit has a metal cylindrical body for the neck portion, and is arranged so that the neck portion protrudes from a predetermined part of the outer surface, and the internal space of the neck portion is connected to the inside. A distinctive feature is the air outlet device.

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