air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioner that simplifies the control of the drive of a front flap that blocks the front end of the air duct in an upright position, extending downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct. [Solution] The indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner includes a housing 26 that houses a blower fan 24 and forms an air passage 37 that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan 24; a bottom flap 41 that extends forward from the bottom plate 34 of the housing 26, receives the airflow descending from the blower fan 24, and forms the front end of the air passage 37 that opens at the front of the housing 26; and a front flap 31 that is displaced between a closed position in which it is in an upright position that extends downward from the upper guide wall 39 of the air passage 37 and closes the front end of the air passage 37, and an open position in which it rotates upward from the closed position and reaches a prone position that extends horizontally while bringing its lower edge closer to the upper guide wall 39 of the air passage 37, thereby opening the front end of the air passage 37.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner including a housing that forms an air passage for guiding an air flow descending from a blower fan, a bottom flap extending forward from a bottom plate of the housing, and a front flap closing a front end of the air passage in a standing posture that spreads downward from an upper guide inner wall of the air passage.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an indoor unit of an air conditioner. The housing of the indoor unit forms an air passage for guiding an air flow descending from a blower fan. When the operation is stopped, the bottom flap extends forward from the bottom surface of the housing. The front end of the air passage is closed by a front flap in a standing posture that spreads downward from an upper guide inner wall of the air passage. When generating an air flow, the front flap rotates downward from the standing posture to open the front end of the air passage.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the front flap rotates downward, the bottom flap is positioned on the front flap's trajectory. If the front flap continues to rotate downward, it will interfere with the bottom flap, hindering the opening of the airflow path. Therefore, the bottom flap must rotate upward before the front flap rotates. Thus, the bottom and front flaps must work together to generate horizontal airflow. This requires complex control. Moreover, since the bottom and front flaps operate sequentially, the time it takes for each flap to reach the horizontal airflow outlet position becomes longer. Because the motors for both the front and bottom flaps operate, the user will hear the noise of two motors. The user will have to listen to unpleasant operating noise while waiting for the airflow to start.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioner that simplifies the control of a front flap that extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct in an upright position and closes the front end of the air duct. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided comprising: a housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan; a bottom flap that extends forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receives the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forms the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing; and a front flap that is displaced between a closed position in which it extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air passage and closes the front end of the air passage, and an open position in which it rotates upward from the closed position and reaches a prone position in which it extends horizontally while bringing its lower edge closer to the upper guide wall of the air passage, thereby opening the front end of the air passage.

[0007] The airflow generated by the blower fan is guided through the air duct to the front of the enclosure. The bottom flap receives the descending airflow from the blower fan and guides it horizontally to the front end of the air duct. When the front end of the air duct is opened, the airflow is blown out horizontally from the front of the enclosure (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal airflow"). Since the front flap rotates upward from an upright position to generate the horizontal airflow, interference between the front flap and the bottom flap can be avoided. The bottom flap can be kept stationary. Interlocking of the front flap and the bottom flap can be avoided. Control is simplified. The horizontal airflow is blown out even if the bottom flap motor is not operating. Power consumption is reduced.

[0008] The bottom flap may be displaced from a prone position extending forward from the bottom plate to an upright position with its trailing edge positioned higher to guide the airflow downward. When the front flap is maintained in the upright position in the closed position, it can block the outflow of horizontal airflow forward from the housing. When the bottom flap is displaced to the upright position, the airflow can be blown downward from the air duct. The front flap can be maintained in the upright position when generating downdraft. The front flap can be kept stationary. Interlocking of the front and bottom flaps can be avoided. Control is simplified. Downdraft is blown out even if the front flap motor is not operating. Power consumption is reduced.

[0009] The front flap may have an inclination such that its upper end is positioned behind its lower end when in the closed, upright position. When the front flap is maintained in the closed, upright position, it can block the outflow of horizontal airflow forward from the housing. When the bottom flap is displaced to the upright position, airflow can be blown downward from the air duct. The front flap can be maintained in the upright position when generating downdraft. In this case, since the front flap has an inclination such that its upper end is positioned behind its lower end, the airflow resistance of the front flap guiding the downward airflow can be reduced. Horizontal airflow impacting the front flap can be effectively converted into downdraft.

[0010] In an air conditioner, when the front flap is in a reclined position, the length of the front flap housed within the housing may be set to be longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing. In generating a horizontal airflow, the front flap changes from a stationary upright position to a reclined position. Since the front flap is housed within the housing, its protrusion from the housing can be reduced. Changes in the air conditioner's appearance can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner, while being a moving machine, can give the observer a static impression. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0011] In an air conditioner, when the bottom flap is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap housed within the housing may be set to be longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing. When generating a downdraft, the bottom flap changes from a stationary, prone position to an upright position. Since the bottom flap is housed within the housing, the protrusion of the bottom flap from the housing can be reduced. Changes in the appearance of the air conditioner can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner can give the observer a static impression, even though it is a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0012] In another embodiment, an air conditioner is provided comprising: a housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan; a bottom flap extending forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receiving the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forming the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing; a front flap that extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air passage in an upright position and closes the front end of the air passage; and a bracket that supports the bottom flap with a first arm positioned above the bottom flap so as to be rotatable upward and backward about a first axis of rotation, and supports the front flap with a second arm positioned behind the front flap so as to be rotatable upward about a second axis of rotation that extends parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0013] The bottom flap rotates upward and backward around the first axis of rotation from a prone position extending forward from the bottom plate of the housing. Since the bottom flap moves away from the second arm, interference between the bottom flap and the bracket can be avoided. The front flap rotates upward around the second axis of rotation from an upright position. Since the front flap moves away from the first arm, interference between the front flap and the bracket can be avoided. The bottom flap and the front flap can be supported by the bracket at an intermediate position between the first and second axes of rotation. Even if the front flap is formed to be long in the axial direction of the second axis of rotation, stable support is established. Good rotational motion is achieved. The front flap can fill the gap between the side panels of the housing without interruption.

[0014] In an air conditioner, when the front flap is in a prone position, extending horizontally while its lower edge approaches the upper guide wall of the air duct, the length of the front flap housed within the housing may be set to be longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing. When generating a horizontal airflow, the front flap changes from a stationary upright position to a prone position. Since the front flap is housed within the housing, the protrusion of the front flap from the housing can be reduced. Changes in the appearance of the air conditioner can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner can give the observer a static impression, even though it is a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0015] In an air conditioner, when the bottom flap is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap housed within the housing may be set to be longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing. When generating a downdraft, the bottom flap changes from a stationary, prone position to an upright position. Since the bottom flap is housed within the housing, the protrusion of the bottom flap from the housing can be reduced. Changes in the appearance of the air conditioner can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner can give the observer a static impression, even though it is a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0016] In another embodiment, the system comprises a housing that blows out a horizontal airflow from a front opening between the left side panel at the left end and the right side panel at the right end; a front flap that displaces between a closed position in which it extends downward from the upper guide wall of the airflow path to close the opening, and an open position in which it rotates upward from the closed position and extends horizontally to a prone position as its lower edge approaches the upper guide wall of the airflow path, thereby opening the opening; and a control unit disposed within the housing between the left side panel and the right side panel to control the operation of the front flap, wherein the control unit may have a relief space that follows the path of the front flap.

[0017] The clearance for the control unit allows for avoidance of interference between the front flap and the control unit. The control unit can be positioned as far forward as possible between the left and right side panels. The space within the enclosure can be used efficiently. Regardless of where the control unit is positioned between the left and right side panels, the front flap can fill the space between the left and right side panels.

[0018] The air conditioner may include a structure that supports the left side panel or the right side panel and forms the relief space. The rigidity of the housing can be reinforced by the structure. The left side panel and the right side panel can be made as thin as possible. The front flap between the left side panel and the right side panel can be emphasized as much as possible.

[0019] The control unit may include an electric motor for driving the front flap and may also include a drive source unit having a recess that conforms to the clearance space. The drive source unit can be positioned as far forward as possible between the left and right side panels. The space within the housing can be used efficiently. Regardless of where the drive source unit is positioned between the left and right side panels, the front flap can fill the space between the left and right side panels.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, an air conditioner is provided comprising: a housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan; a bottom flap that extends forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receives the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forms the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing; and a front flap that extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air passage in an upright position, closing the front end of the air passage, and having a lower edge that is aligned with the front edge of the bottom flap from the front, forming a ridge on the housing.

[0021] Since the lower edge of the front flap and the front edge of the bottom flap are aligned, the front end of the air duct can be effectively blocked by the front and bottom flaps. Even if heated air overflows from inside the enclosure, the heated air descending the air duct can be effectively blocked by the front flap. On the other hand, if the front edge of the bottom flap separates from the lower edge of the front flap, the heated air descending the air duct will flow out through the opening with the same downward momentum. Heated air tends to spread easily inside the room.

[0022] The housing may include a front panel whose lower end is positioned forward of the upper end of the front flap. Since the upper end of the front flap is set back from the lower end of the front panel, the upper end of the front flap can be hidden in the shadow of the front panel. Because the front flap is hidden in the shadow of the front panel, dust accumulation on the front surface of the front flap can be prevented.

[0023] The air conditioner may be equipped with a restricting piece fixed to the housing that engages with the front flap in its upright position and restricts the displacement of the front flap as it approaches the bottom flap. Even if the lower edge of the front flap and the front edge of the bottom flap are aligned, the restricting piece restricts the displacement of the front flap as it approaches the bottom flap, thus preventing collision between the front flap and the bottom flap when the front flap is driven. The bottom flap can maintain its position well.

[0024] The air conditioner may include a regulating piece that is fixed to the housing, engages with the bottom flap in a lying posture that extends forward from the bottom plate, and regulates the displacement of the bottom flap approaching the front flap. Even if the lower edge of the front flap and the front edge of the bottom flap are aligned, the regulating piece regulates the displacement of the bottom flap approaching the front flap, so that a collision between the front flap and the bottom flap can be avoided when the bottom flap is driven. The front flap can maintain a good standing posture.

[0025] In the air conditioner, when the front flap is in a lying posture, the length of the front flap housed in the housing may be set longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing. In generating a flat air flow, the front flap changes from a standing posture in a stationary state to a lying posture. Since the front flap is housed in the housing, the protrusion of the front flap from the housing can be reduced. In the air conditioner, a change in appearance can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner can give an observer a static impression while being a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be produced.

[0026] In the air conditioner, when the bottom flap is in a standing posture, the length of the bottom flap housed in the housing may be set longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing. In generating a downward air flow, the bottom flap changes from a lying posture in a stationary state to a standing posture. Since the bottom flap is housed in the housing, the protrusion of the bottom flap from the housing can be reduced. In the air conditioner, a change in appearance can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner can give an observer a static impression while being a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be produced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner can be provided that can simplify control in driving a front flap that closes the front end of the air duct in a standing posture that spreads downward from the upper inner wall of the air duct.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the indoor unit. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This corresponds to a magnified section of Figure 3 and is a conceptual diagram showing the prone position of the front flap. [Figure 5] This corresponds to a magnified section of Figure 3 and is a conceptual diagram showing the upright position of the bottom flap. [Figure 6] This is a front view of the indoor unit with the front panel removed. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of the indoor unit's structure. [Figure 8] This is a magnified perspective view of the indoor unit with the right side panel removed. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 4, showing the positions of the first and second restricting pieces. [Figure 10] This diagram corresponds to Figure 4 and is a schematic representation of horizontal airflow. [Figure 11] This diagram corresponds to Figure 5 and is a schematic representation of a downdraft. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] (1) Air conditioner configuration Figure 1 schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioner 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 11 comprises an indoor unit 12 and an outdoor unit 13. The indoor unit 12 is installed, for example, in an indoor space within a building. Otherwise, the indoor unit 12 may be installed in any space equivalent to an indoor space. An indoor heat exchanger 14 is incorporated into the indoor unit 12. The outdoor unit 13 incorporates a compressor 15, an outdoor heat exchanger 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way valve 18. The indoor heat exchanger 14, compressor 15, outdoor heat exchanger 16, expansion valve 17, and four-way valve 18 form a refrigeration circuit 19. The outdoor unit 13 may be installed outdoors where heat exchange with the outdoor air is possible.

[0031] The refrigeration circuit 19 includes a first circulation path 21. The first circulation path 21 connects the first port 18a and the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18. A compressor 15 is located in the first circulation path 21. The suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15 is connected to the first port 18a of the four-way valve 18 via refrigerant piping. Gas refrigerant is supplied from the first port 18a to the suction pipe 15a of the compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant to a predetermined pressure. The discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 is connected to the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18 via refrigerant piping. Gas refrigerant is supplied from the discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 to the second port 18b of the four-way valve 18. The refrigerant piping may be made of copper, for example.

[0032] The refrigeration circuit 19 further includes a second circulation path 22. The second circulation path 22 connects the third port 18c and the fourth port 18d of the four-way valve 18. The second circulation path 22 incorporates, in order from the third port 18c side, an outdoor heat exchanger 16, an expansion valve 17, and an indoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges thermal energy between the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the air in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The indoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges thermal energy between the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and the air in contact with the indoor heat exchanger 14.

[0033] An air blower fan 23 is incorporated into the outdoor unit 13. The air blower fan 23 ventilates the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The air blower fan 23 generates airflow, for example, according to the rotation of its impeller. The airflow from the air blower fan 23 passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The airflow that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is blown out from the outdoor unit 13. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the impeller.

[0034] The indoor unit 12 incorporates a blower fan 24. The blower fan 24 provides ventilation to the indoor heat exchanger 14. The blower fan 24 generates airflow according to the rotation of its impeller. The blower fan 24 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 12. The indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. The airflow of cold or warm air generated by the heat exchange is blown out from the indoor unit 12. The flow rate of the airflow passing through is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the impeller.

[0035] When cooling operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the third port 18c to each other, and connects the first port 18a and the fourth port 18d to each other. Therefore, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is supplied from the discharge pipe 15b of the compressor 15 to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 17, and the indoor heat exchanger 14. In the outdoor heat exchanger 16, the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air. In the expansion valve 17, the refrigerant is reduced to a low pressure. The reduced-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the indoor heat exchanger 14. Cold air is generated. The cold air is blown into the indoor space by the action of the blower fan 24.

[0036] When heating operation is performed in the refrigeration circuit 19, the four-way valve 18 connects the second port 18b and the fourth port 18d to each other, and connects the first port 18a and the third port 18c to each other. High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 15 to the indoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the indoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 17, and the outdoor heat exchanger 16. In the indoor heat exchanger 14, the refrigerant releases heat into the surrounding air. Warm air is generated. The warm air is blown into the indoor space by the action of the blower fan 24. In the expansion valve 17, the refrigerant is reduced to a low pressure. The reduced-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the outdoor heat exchanger 16. After that, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 15.

[0037] (2) Indoor unit configuration Figure 2 schematically shows the appearance of an indoor unit 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The indoor unit 12 comprises a housing 26. The housing 26 forms a space (hereinafter referred to as "internal space") that houses the indoor heat exchanger 14 and the blower fan 24. The housing 26 has a left side panel 27 located on the left side as viewed from the observer, and a right side panel 28 located on the right side. The left side panel 27 partitions the internal space at the left end of the housing 26. The right side panel 28 partitions the internal space at the right end of the housing 26. The left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 extend along a vertical plane perpendicular to the wall surface of the room. The room may, for example, have a floor parallel to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and walls perpendicular to the floor surface.

[0038] The enclosure 26 has a front panel 29 that closes the front of the interior space. The front panel 29 extends parallel to the wall surface and fills the space between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 without interruption. A front flap 31 is positioned below the front panel 29. The front flap 31 fills the space between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 without interruption. In this way, the front of the enclosure 26 between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 is formed by the front panel 29 and the front flap 31. A simple exterior with a linear design can be achieved.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the enclosure 26 has a top plate 33 that extends along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the wall surface of the room, and a bottom plate 34 that extends below the top plate 33 along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the wall surface, with an internal space between it and the top plate 33. The top plate 33 and the bottom plate 34 are finished to have an appearance based on a single plane, eliminating steps and curves as much as possible. Therefore, the indoor unit 12 has a simple, linear appearance whether it is observed from above or below.

[0040] An intake port 35 is formed in the top plate 33 of the housing 26. Air flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 14 is taken in through the intake port 35. Multiple air filter assemblies 36 are positioned between the intake port 35 and the indoor heat exchanger 14. The air filter assemblies 36 are detachably attached to the housing 26.

[0041] The housing 26 forms an air passage 37 that guides the airflow sent from the blower fan 24 in a downward direction. In establishing the air passage 37, the housing 26 is formed with a lower guide wall 38 that extends forward while curving so as to bulge outwards from the indoor heat exchanger 14 below the indoor heat exchanger 14, and an upper guide wall 39 that extends forward horizontally, facing the lower guide wall 38. The lower guide wall 38 is connected to the bottom plate 34 at its front end, forming a straight ridge between it and the bottom plate 34. The upper guide wall 39 is connected to the front panel 29 at its front end, forming a straight ridge between it and the front panel 29.

[0042] The indoor unit 12 is equipped with a bottom flap 41 extending forward from the bottom plate 34. The bottom flap 41 extends horizontally along the extension of the bottom plate 34, receives the airflow descending from the blower fan 24, and forms the front end of the air passage 37 that opens at the front of the housing 26. The front flap 31 can be displaced between a closed position in which it extends downward from the upper guide wall 39 in an upright position, blocking the front end of the air passage 37, and an open position, as shown in Figure 4, where it rotates upward from the closed position, bringing its lower edge closer to the upper guide wall 39 and extending horizontally, opening the front end of the air passage 37. In the upright position, the front flap 31 intersects the horizontal plane at an angle greater than 45 degrees. In the prone position, the front flap 31 establishes an angle less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. In the upright position of the closed position, the front flap 31 has an inclination such that its upper end is positioned behind its lower end. The lower end of the front flap 31 is formed by a straight lower edge. In the upright position, the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 is aligned with the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 in the prone position, which will be described later. The front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 is formed by a straight line. The lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 and the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 are arranged parallel to each other in a single horizontal plane. The front flap 31 forms a straight ridge line on the housing 26 at its lower edge 31a. The lower end of the front panel 29 is positioned in front of the upper end of the front flap 31 in the upright position. When the front flap 31 is in the prone position, the length of the front flap 31 housed within the housing 26 is longer than the length of the front flap 31 protruding from the housing 26. Here, the length of the front flap 31 is set in the front-rear direction along the direction of the airflow.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the bottom flap 41 can be displaced from a prone position extending forward from the bottom plate 34 shown in Figure 4 to an upright position with its trailing edge positioned higher to guide the airflow downward. In the prone position, the bottom flap 41 establishes an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. In the upright position, the bottom flap intersects the horizontal plane at an angle greater than 45 degrees. When the bottom flap 41 is in the upright position, the length of the bottom flap 41 housed within the housing 26 is longer than the length of the bottom flap 41 protruding from the housing 26. Here, the length of the bottom flap 41 is set in the front-rear direction along the direction of the airflow.

[0044] Furthermore, when the bottom flap 41 is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap 41 housed within the housing 26 may be set to be shorter than the length of the bottom flap 41 protruding from the housing 26. By deflecting the airflow at a location far from the blower fan 24, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0045] The indoor unit 12 includes a bracket 42 that supports the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41. The bracket 42 has a first arm 42a positioned above the bottom flap 41 and a second arm 42b positioned behind the front flap 31. The first arm 42a supports the bottom flap 41 so as to be rotatable upward and backward around a first axis of rotation 43. To connect the first arm 42a and the bottom flap 41, the bottom flap 41 has a first connecting arm 44 that extends upward from the bottom flap 41 in a prone position. The first connecting arm 44 moves the bottom flap 41 away from the first axis of rotation 43. Therefore, the bottom flap 41 can be displaced significantly in response to rotational movement around the first axis of rotation 43. The first axis of rotation 43 extends horizontally.

[0046] The second arm 42b supports the front flap 31 so as to be rotatable upward about the second rotation axis 45. To connect the second arm 42b and the front flap 31, the front flap 31 has a second connecting arm 46 that extends rearward from the upright front flap 31. The second connecting arm 46 moves the front flap 31 away from the second rotation axis 45. Therefore, the front flap 31 can be displaced significantly in response to rotational movement about the second rotation axis 45. The second rotation axis 45 is set parallel to the first rotation axis 43. As shown in Figure 6, the bracket 42 is positioned at multiple axial positions PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4 of the first rotation axis 43 and the second rotation axis 44.

[0047] Within the interior space of the housing 26, a control unit 48 is positioned between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28. Here, the control unit 48 comprises an electrical box 49 and a drive source unit 51 positioned close to the inside of the right side panel 28, and a structure 52 that supports the electrical box 49 and the drive source unit 51. The control unit 48 controls the operation of the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41. As shown in Figure 7, the structure 52 has a first reinforcing member 52a that supports the left side panel 27 inside the left side panel 27 and ensures the rigidity of the left end of the housing 26, and a second reinforcing member 52b that supports the right side panel 28 inside the right side panel 28 and ensures the rigidity of the right end of the housing 26. The first reinforcing member 52a and the second reinforcing member 52b each have a clearance space 53 that follows the path of the front flap 31. The clearance space 53 helps to avoid interference between the front flap 31 and the control unit 48.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, the drive source unit 51 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 26 between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28. Here, the drive source unit 51 is positioned inside the left side panel 27. The drive source unit 51 is positioned to be out of the way of the front flap 31. A clearance is formed in the drive source unit 51, partially following the clearance space 53. Interference between the front flap 31 and the drive source unit 51 can be avoided.

[0049] The drive source unit 51 includes a first electric motor 51a that drives the bottom flap 41 and a second electric motor 51b that drives the front flap 31. The first electric motor 51a provides driving force to the bottom flap 41 around a first rotation axis 43. The second electric motor 51b provides driving force to the front flap 31 around a second rotation axis 45. Control signals are supplied to the first electric motor 51a or the second electric motor 51b from the control unit 48 when positioning the front flap 31 or the bottom flap 41.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, a first restricting piece 55 and a second restricting piece 56 are fixed to the housing 26. Here, the first restricting piece 55 and the second restricting piece 56 protrude from the inner wall surface of the left side panel and are integrally formed. The first restricting piece 55 engages with the front flap 31 in the upright position and restricts the displacement of the front flap 31 as it approaches the bottom flap 41. The second restricting piece 56 engages with the bottom flap 41 in the prone position that extends forward from the bottom plate 34 and restricts the displacement of the bottom flap 41 as it approaches the front flap 31.

[0051] (3) Operation of the air conditioner When cooling operation is started while the air conditioner 11 is stopped, the airflow generated by the blower fan 24 in the indoor unit 12 is guided into the air passage 37 and reaches the front of the housing 26. As shown in Figure 10, the bottom flap 41 receives the airflow descending from the blower fan 24 and guides the airflow horizontally to the front end of the air passage 37. When the front end of the air passage 37 is opened, the horizontal airflow blows out from the front of the housing 26. Since the front flap 31 rotates upward from an upright position when generating the horizontal airflow, interference between the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41 can be avoided. The bottom flap 41 can be maintained in a stationary position (prone position). Interlocking of the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41 can be avoided. Control is simplified. Power consumption is reduced. When the unit is stopped, the front flap 31 is in the upright position (closed) and the bottom flap 41 is maintained in the prone position.

[0052] When heating operation is started while the air conditioner 11 is stopped, the front flap 31 of the indoor unit 12 is maintained in the closed, upright position, as shown in Figure 11. The front flap 31 can block the horizontal airflow from being blown forward from the housing 26. When the bottom flap 41 is displaced to the upright position, the airflow can be blown downward from the air passage 37. The front flap 31 can be maintained in the upright position when generating a downdraft. The front flap 31 can be kept stationary. Interlocking of the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41 can be avoided. Control is simplified. Power consumption is reduced.

[0053] Here, the front flap 31 has an inclination such that its upper end is positioned behind its lower end when in the closed upright position. When the front flap 31 is maintained in the closed upright position, it can block the horizontal airflow from the housing 26 toward the front. When the bottom flap 41 is displaced to the upright position, the airflow can be blown downward from the air passage 37. The front flap 31 can be maintained in the upright position when generating a downdraft. At this time, since the front flap 31 has an inclination such that its upper end is positioned behind its lower end, the airflow resistance of the front flap 31 that guides the airflow downward can be reduced. The airflow resistance that the downdraft receives from the front flap 31 is reduced, and it can be blown out as a downdraft smoothly.

[0054] When the front flap 31 is in a reclined position, the length of the front flap 31 housed within the housing 26 is longer than the length of the front flap 31 protruding from the housing 26. Since the front flap 31 is housed within the housing 26, the protrusion of the front flap 31 from the housing 26 can be reduced. In the air conditioner 11, changes in appearance when starting cooling operation from a stopped state can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner 11 can give the observer a static impression despite being a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0055] Similarly, when the bottom flap 41 is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap 41 housed within the housing 26 is longer than the length of the bottom flap 41 protruding from the housing 26. Since the bottom flap 41 is housed within the housing 26, the protrusion of the bottom flap 41 from the housing 26 can be reduced. In the air conditioner 11, changes in appearance when starting heating operation from a stopped state can be suppressed. The appearance of the air conditioner 11 can give the observer a static impression despite being a moving machine. The quietness of the machine can be created.

[0056] In this embodiment, the bottom flap 41 rotates upward and backward around the first rotation axis 43 from a prone position extending forward from the bottom plate 34 of the housing 26. Since the bottom flap 41 moves away from the second arm 42b, interference between the bottom flap 41 and the bracket 42 can be avoided. The front flap 31 rotates upward around the second rotation axis 45 from an upright position. Since the front flap 31 moves away from the first arm 42a, interference between the front flap 31 and the bracket 42 can be avoided. The bottom flap 41 and the front flap 31 can be supported by the bracket 42 at an intermediate position PS2 between the first rotation axis 43 and the second rotation axis 45. Even if the front flap 31 is formed to be long in the axial direction of the second rotation axis 45, stable support is established. Good rotational motion is achieved. The front flap 31 can fill the space between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 of the housing 26.

[0057] As described above, the control unit 48 has a clearance space 53 that follows the path of the front flap 31. The clearance space 53 of the control unit 48 can avoid interference between the front flap 31 and the control unit 48. The control unit 48 can be positioned as far forward as possible between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28. The internal space of the housing 26 can be used efficiently. No matter where the control unit 48 is positioned between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28, the front flap 31 can fill the space between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28.

[0058] The control unit 48 according to this embodiment includes a structure 52 that supports the left side panel 27 or the right side panel 28 and forms a relief space 53. The rigidity of the housing 26 can be reinforced by the structure 52. The left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28 can be made as thin as possible. The front flap 31 can be made to appear as seamlessly integrated as possible between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28.

[0059] The drive source unit 51 has clearance in accordance with the clearance space 53. The drive source unit 51 can be positioned as far forward as possible between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28. The space within the housing 26 can be used efficiently. Regardless of where the drive source unit 51 is positioned between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28, the front flap 31 can fill the space between the left side panel 27 and the right side panel 28.

[0060] In the air conditioner 11, a heating and sterilization operation can be performed during the cooling operation period. During the heating and sterilization operation, the indoor heat exchanger 14 is maintained at a high temperature of 55 degrees Celsius or higher. The internal space of the housing 26 is filled with hot and humid air. In the air conditioner 11 according to this embodiment, the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 is aligned with the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 from the front, forming a straight ridge on the housing 26. Since the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 and the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 are aligned, the front end of the air passage 37 can be effectively blocked by the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41. The air heated inside the housing 26 and descending through the air passage 37 can be effectively blocked by the front flap 31. On the other hand, when the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 separates from the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31, the heated air descending through the air passage 37 flows out through the gap with the same momentum as its descent. Heated air spreads easily within a room.

[0061] The housing 26 according to this embodiment includes a front panel 29 whose lower end is positioned in front of the upper end of the front flap 31. Since the upper end of the front flap 31 is set back from the lower end of the front panel 29, the upper end of the front flap 31 can be hidden in the shadow of the front panel 29. Because the front flap 31 is hidden in the shadow of the front panel 29, dust can be prevented from adhering to the front surface of the front flap 31.

[0062] The air conditioner 11 according to this embodiment includes a first restricting piece 55 fixed to the housing 26, which engages with the upright front flap 31 and restricts the displacement of the front flap 31 as it approaches the bottom flap 41. Even if the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 and the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 are aligned, the first restricting piece 55 restricts the displacement of the front flap 31 as it approaches the bottom flap 41, thus preventing collision between the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41 when the front flap 31 is driven. The bottom flap 41 can maintain its position well.

[0063] The air conditioner 11 according to this embodiment includes a second restricting piece 56 fixed to the housing 26, which engages with the inverted bottom flap 41 extending forward from the bottom plate 34 and restricts the displacement of the bottom flap 41 as it approaches the front flap 31. Even if the lower edge 31a of the front flap 31 and the front edge 41a of the bottom flap 41 are aligned, the second restricting piece 56 restricts the displacement of the bottom flap 41 as it approaches the front flap 31, thus preventing collision between the front flap 31 and the bottom flap 41 when the bottom flap 41 is driven. The front flap 31 can maintain an upright position well. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 11...Air conditioner, 24...Blower fan, 26...(Indoor unit) housing, 27...Left side panel, 28...Right side panel, 29...Front panel, 31...Front flap, 31a...Lower edge, 34...Bottom plate, 37...Air passage, 41...Bottom flap, 41a...Front edge, 42...Bracket, 42a...First arm, 42b...Second arm, 43...First rotation axis, 45...Second rotation axis, 48...Control unit, 53...Relief space, 55...First restricting piece, 56...Second restricting piece.

Claims

1. A housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan, A bottom flap extending forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receiving the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forming the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing, A front flap that displaces between a closed position in which it extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct and blocks the front end of the air duct, and an open position in which it rotates upward from the closed position and extends horizontally while its lower edge approaches the upper guide wall of the air duct, thereby opening the front end of the air duct. An air conditioner characterized by having the following features.

2. An air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom flap is displaced from a prone position extending forward from the bottom plate to an upright position with its rear edge positioned high to guide the airflow downward.

3. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front flap has an inclination such that, in the upright position in the closed position, its upper end is positioned behind its lower end.

4. An air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that when the front flap is in a reclined position, the length of the front flap housed within the housing is longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing.

5. An air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that when the bottom flap is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap housed in the housing is longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing.

6. A housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan, A bottom flap extending forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receiving the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forming the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing, A front flap that extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct and blocks the front end of the air duct in an upright position, A bracket comprising: a first arm positioned above the bottom flap supporting the bottom flap so as to be rotatable upward and backward around a first axis of rotation; and a second arm positioned behind the front flap supporting the front flap so as to be rotatable upward around a second axis of rotation extending parallel to the first axis of rotation; An air conditioner characterized by having the following features.

7. An air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that when the front flap is in a prone position, spreading horizontally while bringing its lower edge closer to the upper guide wall of the air passage, the length of the front flap housed in the housing is longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing.

8. An air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that when the bottom flap is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap housed in the housing is longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing.

9. Between the left side panel at the far left and the right side panel at the far right, there is a housing that blows out horizontal airflow from the front opening, A front flap that displaces between a closed position in which it extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct and closes the opening, and an open position in which it rotates upward from the closed position and extends horizontally while its lower edge approaches the upper guide wall of the air duct, thereby opening the opening, The housing includes a control unit positioned between the left side panel and the right side panel, which controls the operation of the front flap. The control unit is characterized in that it has a relief space that follows the path of the front flap.

10. An air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a structure that supports the left side panel or the right side panel and forms the escape space.

11. An air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the control unit includes an electric motor for driving the front flap and is equipped with a drive source unit having a relief that conforms to the relief space.

12. A housing that houses a blower fan and forms an air passage that guides the airflow descending from the blower fan, A bottom flap extending forward from the bottom plate of the housing, receiving the airflow descending from the blower fan, and forming the front end of the air passage that opens at the front of the housing, A front flap that extends downward from the upper guide wall of the air duct in an upright position, blocking the front end of the air duct, and having a lower edge that is aligned with the front edge of the bottom flap from the front, forming a ridge on the housing, An air conditioner characterized by having the following features.

13. An air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing comprises a front panel whose lower end is positioned in front of the upper end of the front flap.

14. An air conditioner according to claim 12, further comprising a restricting piece fixed to the housing, which engages with the front flap in the upright position and restricts the displacement of the front flap as it approaches the bottom flap.

15. An air conditioner according to claim 12, further comprising a restricting piece fixed to the housing and engaging with the bottom flap, which is in a prone position and extends forward from the bottom plate, to restrict the displacement of the bottom flap as it approaches the front flap.

16. An air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that when the front flap is in a reclined position, the length of the front flap housed in the housing is longer than the length of the front flap protruding from the housing.

17. An air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that when the bottom flap is in an upright position, the length of the bottom flap housed in the housing is longer than the length of the bottom flap protruding from the housing.

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